More Artists Added to Busch Gardens' Concert Lineup

TAMPA, Fla. (June 25, 2014) – Actress, songwriter, singer and performer Bridgit Mendler, salsa superstars El Gran Combo and singer-songwriter ZZ Ward have been added to Busch Gardens Tampa’s brand new Saturday Summer Nights concert series. Mendler, who starred on Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie,” will heat up Gwazi Park stage with hits from her “Hello My Name Is…” album, which debuted Top 30 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #1 on iTunes’ pop album chart.

Bridgit Mendler

El Gran Combo is a 16-piece Puerto Rican salsa-music orchestra. The group’s director, Rafael Ithier, originally founded the group in May 1962, and the group’s awards include a Grammy for Best Tropical Album, the “Calendario de Plata” in Mexico, the “Golden Combo” in Colombia and the “”Paoli Award” in Puerto Rico. Few groups have continued uninterrupted for nearly half a century, surpassing the ravages of artistic industry without altering its rhythmic formula.

El Gran Combo

ZZ Ward burst onto the scene in early 2012 with an eclectic mixtape, “Eleven Roses,” setting the tone for her unique blues-meets-hip-hop artistry. ZZ’s smoky vocals and deliberate, varied arrangements make her one not to miss. Appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, VH1’s Big Morning Buzz Live, Good Morning America, The View and Last Call with Carson Daly have kept her in the public eye, while her current single, “365 Days,” is quickly rising at multiple radio formats.

ZZ Ward

Pop-rock band, Hot Chelle Rae and ZZ Ward kick off the Saturday concerts this weekend on June 28. ZZ Ward takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., followed by Hot Chelle Rae at 8:30 p.m. Bridgit Mendler takes the stage on Saturday, July 5, followed by El Gran Combo on Saturday, July 12; both concerts take place at 8:30 p.m.

All concerts are immediately followed by a grand fireworks finale. Plus, delicious barbeque, craft beers, specialty merchandise and strolling entertainment will line the Gwazi Park field and pathways on Saturday nights, creating a festival atmosphere.

In addition to the headlining concerts, guests at Summer Nights will enjoy extended park hours, special entertainment, high-energy DJs and the thrill of riding world-class coasters in the dark. With the newly-opened, reimagined land Pantopia™ and the return of fan favorites like the energizing acrobatics show Kinetix and fireworks every night, Summer Nights is sure to keep the celebration going all night long.

Stay tuned for more pop, R&B, alternative and Latino music artists who keep the summer celebration going all summer long. Note: concerts will take the place of Kinetix on Saturday nights only.

Park hours for Summer Nights are extended until 9 p.m. from June 28 through Aug. 17. Summer Nights, including concerts, is included with daily admission or any annual pass. Annual passes, which include unlimited admission throughout the year, free parking and no blackout dates, continue to be the best value for Florida residents and start at just $13 per month with EZpay. Or, Busch Gardens’ new “select your day, select your savings” pricing puts consumers in the driver’s seat, allowing them to save more on admission, including saving up to $30 on a single-day ticket.

Event dates, times and details are subject to change. For more information, visit buschgardenstampa.com, or call 1-888-800-5447. You can also be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com. You can also “like” the Busch Gardens Facebook page, and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and on Pinterest.

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