July 4, 2009

Saturday 9:00pm

Detail:

Universal Orlando is kicking off its first-ever Summer Concert Series with performances by some of music’s biggest talent – live at its new outdoor Music Plaza.  Beginning Saturday, June 13 and running Saturday nights through July 4, the new concert series will give guests the chance to top off their day in the park with a nighttime mega-concert.

The concert line-up features four of the biggest names in pop, hip-hop and R&B – all of whom are chart-topping, multi-platinum, Grammy Award nominees and winners.

First up is “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, whose self-titled album has sold more than a million copies.  Sparks will be followed by hip-hop icon LL Cool J, with more than 15 million records sold and 20 singles on the Billboard charts.  Then comes British songstress Natasha Bedingfield, with album sales of more than 10 million – and Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, The O’Jays.

SLIDESHOW: Summer Concert Series Performers Lineup

The concert series spotlights Universal Orlando’s new home for hit music – the Music Plaza.  Located in the heart of the Universal Studios theme park, the Music Plaza debuted during Universal’s Mardi Gras event earlier this year.  It is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue designed in the spirit of one of the most famous outdoor concert venues of all-time, The Hollywood Bowl: home to landmark performances by everyone from the Beatles to Elton John and more.  The Music Plaza features a 2,400-square-foot performance stage, a 15,000-square-foot viewing lawn and two 20-foot-tall projection screens so that everyone can see the show.

“Our Music Plaza has quickly become Orlando’s perfect place to enjoy great music outdoors,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort.  “Our Summer Concert Series will continue that tradition – and be an amazing experience for everyone from dedicated music fans to families wanting a great way to end their day in the parks.”

The new concert series is free with theme park admission.  But Florida residents can also take advantage of special value-driven offers designed just for them.  The 2-Park Annual Power Pass gives guests an entire year of thrills at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for less than $14 a month.  And for $69 per-person, per-night, the Florida Resident 2-Night Vacation Package gives guests a 2-day/2-park unlimited theme park admission ticket and two nights of accommodations at a hotel near Universal.  Guests can also upgrade to one of Universal’s on-site hotels and get complimentary, front-of-line, Universal Express ride access.  More information about Universal Orlando’s summer entertainment and Florida resident offers is available at www.universalorlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park destination that places you and your family in the heart of pop culture’s most incredible and timeless stories – making you the superstar in a world-class adventure story and allowing you to discover your own inner hero.  Guests experience two exciting theme parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre restaurant, shopping and nighttime entertainment complex; and three magnificently themed on-site hotels – the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  Flagship experiences featured in the theme parks include “The Simpsons Ride,” “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride,” “The Incredible Hulk Coaster” and “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.”