Mardi Gras 2009 Date

Universal Orlando is unleashing the biggest Mardi Gras celebration this side of the bayou with the most powerful and diverse concert series in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards, this year’s Mardi Gras line-up features 13 of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop and more.

Guests will experience a Mardi Gras concert series like no other, with performances by Billboard Chart-topper Ne-Yo, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, country music-duo Montgomery Gentry and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly. Other headliners include the hit artists behind classics such as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Too Legit to Quit,” and “Y.M.C.A.” – Pat Benatar, MC Hammer and The Village People, respectively. “This year’s Mardi Gras will be our best party ever,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. Guests will experience the most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of The Big Easy when the event kicks off on February 7 and runs every Saturday night through April 18, with additional dates on Sunday February 15 and Friday, March 27. Guests will enjoy hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, Cajun cuisine and an elaborate parade featuring floats designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc, who designs floats for the New Orleans parade.

This year’s parade theme is “Stories,” giving guests a glimpse into the world of literature. Themed floats featuring iconic characters and settings from the pages of the most popular and beloved books featuring genres such as Mystery, Romance and Horror will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout the event.
Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MARDI GRAS 2009 CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, February 7 KC and the Sunshine Band Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers
Saturday, February 14 Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Sunday, February 15 The Village People Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Saturday, February 21 Ne-Yo Daddy Mac Blues Band
Saturday, February 28 Pat Benatar(featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar) Chris Klein and the Boulevards
Saturday, March 7 Barenaked Ladies Rockin Jake
Saturday, March 14 Montgomery Gentry Mem Shannon and The Membership
Saturday, March 21 Collective Soul The Honey Islands Swamp Band
Friday, March 27 Boys Like Girls Jumpin Johnny Sansone
Saturday, March 28 Kelly Clarkson Jumpin Johnny Sansone
Saturday, April 4 MC Hammer Soul Project
Saturday, April 11 Trace Adkins Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers
Saturday, April 18 Nelly Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers

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