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| Taylor at Epcot Center...We're there... | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 1 2009, 11:17 AM (855 Views) | |
| mouser | Nov 2 2009, 07:05 PM Post #11 |
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AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 (-79) DAYS or HOW I SPENT MY DAY AT EPCOT The day began under sizzling hot temperatures and ended with equally sizzling heat, but from something other than the Florida sun. Epcot is a fabulous place to visit; especially, during the Wine and Food Festival. Phineas Fogg had nothing on us , as we made our way from country to country sampling wines and nibbling tidbits ( at a price, of course ) Twelve countries encircle a lovely waterway and each country hosted shops featuring handicrafts displaying their workmanship that I found fascinating. Each country had either bands or demonstrations or some form of entertainment that was indigenous to the area. The timing of these events made it impossible for me to take advantage of them all, but what I did see was well worth the effort. Most people enter the park, passing the huge sphere that dominates the ride and guest interaction area.  This metal globe floats in the water waiting for 9:00 PM when a remarkable fireworks display is the highlight of the evening.  Up first was France:.  The pastries were to die for and I was told by satisfied "noshers" that the food was excellent. Seen in the France pavilion include Serveur Amusant, a comedic waiter who does stunts in the common area of the pavilion; Bubble Nicolas, a mime who moves around in a large plastic bubble; Next stop Morocco: Inside Restaurant Marrakesh, half-hour shows of traditional music and dance, including a bellydancer, are held throughout the afternoon and evening.   Japan: Japan's architectural displays were ornate as one would expect. There was a huge drum that was played by two artists and a small drum accompaniment.   Italy :   I was able to watch the pasta making demonstration. Wish I had been able to eat the finished product. Germany: An entire German village was displayed in miniature.   China:  Outside the China pavilion was a Thai food stand and I was able to sample a most wonderful chicken soup with coconut, ginger, lemongrass and mushrooms�.. there was even a piece of chicken in the soup. Dragon Legends Acrobats — Young Chinese acrobats wow the crowd. Reflections of China — A CircleVision 360 film showcasing the variety of China's geography and cultures South Africa: This was the only country without a pavilion; rather there were small "huts" (as is indigenous to many areas of Africa) that showcased their crafts and native music.  If you are a soft ice cream fan, this is one of the places to be. Norway: Having been to this festival the last 5 years, I was dismayed to find that the Viking ship has been taken away...the masts are still apparent, but grass now grows where hulls and oars use to be. I assume that age caused the ship to be to unsafe for people to come aboard and to keep it there would have been way too tempting for children.  Mexico: This is a huge building with a myriad of stalls displaying the beautifully colored wood carvings and pottery of this country .  Canada:  Canada had one of the most beautifully landscaped displays: lovely water falls and flowers and rocks. There was a circular movie showing all the major cities in Canada as well as showing off their seasons to the delight of the viewers. Spectacular film work was done to make this a truly educational experience. There was a Celtic Rock band, yes you read that correctly:  complete with kilts.  If you have never heard bagpipes play rock music, you are missing some very loud and strange arrangements. I am assuming this is an acquired taste. United Kingdom:  No trip to England would be complete without a trip to a pub and Epcot furnishes one for your drinking pleasure. Kippers and fish and chips to go , anyone?  A little bandstand in the rear was hosting an Irish band set in a lovely garden.  Finally we have the United States of America:  There are two extensions from each side of this center building. Inside is a domed ceiling that makes for wonderful acoustics for the a cappella singing group that entertains with songs about America, by Americans. Many "words of wisdom" are printed on plaques around the circular hall. Two I found to be very apropos for Taylor was one by Ayn Rand  and a second by Althea Gibson  Upstairs is a 1000 seat theatre that would do Taylor proud. Each day a theatrical presentation is given that chronicles the history of our Nation from the lips of Ben Franklin , Mark Twain and many others that carved our path to freedom and enabled us to progress throughout these last two and a quarter centuries. The entire program was inspiring . Leaving the American Pavilion you are directing in front of the AMERICAN GARDEN THEATRE.  The stage sets are the same for all performances throughout the �Eat to the Beat� series.  Taylor�s appearance was nicely displayed�.  .I love seeing his name in print, as shown in this handout given to all attendees to the festival.  THE CONCERTS The 5:15 Show ( FULL TO CAPACITY ) It's about 4:45 PM and I see Taylor whip by me to go to the stage.  ( Yes, that is him in the all gray outfit, hat and all and the temperature was in the 80�s.) The entrance to the theatre had been roped off, so I was unaware of the extensive line forming for the 5:15 PM performance. This line was humongous, so I decided to wait at the head of the line for the next show to ensure a front row seat. The concert was packed, but I could see and hear very well. SetList for the 5:15 Show Rockin� Pneumonia -Hey Pokey Way The Distance I Live on a Battlefield The Runaround -A super duper harp solo Nineteen Seven Mile Breakdown. The 6:30 Show (FULL TO CAPACITY) Having secured my seat for the 6:30 show, I began furiously to take pictures . It was nightfall by now and my camera is one step up from a Brownie Box Camera.  Clay came out to tune Taylor's guitar . Brian Less introduced Taylor and the fun began again.The cast of characters for Epcot were:  Brian Gallagher on sax and John Kulinich on guitar. Leif Bondarenko on drums , Jason Parker on bass  and Brian Less at the keyboard  Set List: The Distance I Live on a Battlefield Can�t You See ( Marshall Tucker) The Deal Nineteen Seven Mile Breakdown -Get Back to Where you once Belonged ( The Beatles)      The 7:45 Show The 7:45 Concert had me in the 3rd row. The place was about 75% full. Gonna Move The Distance The Runaround -Ain�t no Reason Don�t Let Me Down Nineteen Seven Mile Breakdown -Get Back to Where You Once Belonged      Jason Parker is such a cutie ...he looks about 12 years old. I am sure he would be thrilled to hear that, but �tis true. I spoke with the Disney photographer after the shows. He photographs every performer that comes to the park. I asked him what he thought of the band and he said, while he was not familiar with Taylor prior to this, he thought the band was really great. He sounded a bit surprised, but seemed genuinely to like the music. I also witnessed (during the first concert while I was listening but able to hear the passers by comment) several people say: to paraphrase: "Oh, look there is that American Idol guy . He's pretty good." The workers at the venue were bouncing up and down to the music (at least 50% of them were). There were a few (I would guess about 15 people who left early from the first show) Generally, there was a good response from the crowd. This was not a stand on your feet type of concert, but he did get a standing ovation after the last show. GOOD JOB GUYS! THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE:  courtesy of elisaelbaAt Disney's Hollywood Studios a short distance from Epcot, Taylor put in a surprise appearance during their 2 -4 o�clock show. I understand he was there for a very short time and promoted his CD. Outside the hall there is a giant jumbotron (redundant I know, but I use the adjective for emphasis) that has past Idols giving words of wisdom and encouragement to those who might audition for this AI Experience. Here are a few pictures of Taylor on the Jumbotron.     I had a wonderful time and while I do not pine for Taylor when I am not able to physically be at a concert, being there brings back that excitement of what Taylor Hicks is able to do on a stage. He is mesmerizing. As it appears in The Soul Connection: According to a Disney Epcot associate, Taylor’s 6 shows on November 1 & 2 were attended by approximately 12,000park visitors. Of course, they were not necessarily 12,000 DIFFERENT people !!! Edited by mouser, Nov 12 2009, 06:29 AM.
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| san | Nov 2 2009, 08:28 PM Post #12 |
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Thanks, Mouser! That is a wonderful recap with lots of great pictures! It seemed like we were going around the world with you! How lucky you were in the right place to get a snapshot of Taylor rushing in to do the show. The temperature doesn't seem to matter with the cap! I'm glad he got such a nice reception. This is an opportunity for nonfans to see what he does. I'm sure he found some new fans! I especially liked the words of wisdom and the Celtic Canadian rock...I'm trying to "hear" that! There are some great pictures of Taylor. He always looks like he is having fun and his music sounds like it! Did he sell the CD anywhere? I wondered if merchandise would be set up. Great adventure in the land of adventure! Thanks for taking us too! P. S. Hey, everyone, the pictures are loading a little bit slow, so if you see some little red Xs, have patience. They are worth waiting for! :) Edited by san, Nov 2 2009, 08:30 PM.
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| Gr8fulheart | Nov 2 2009, 08:31 PM Post #13 |
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Wow ~ This really is a Big Thing! Loved how you captured all the different country's participation at this event. It sounds like Taylor was well received & even surprised a few who did not know of him, or knew very little about him. Thanx mouser & glad your time there was enjoyable. |
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| tishlp | Nov 2 2009, 08:42 PM Post #14 |
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Great recap and pictures!! |
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| juliegr | Nov 2 2009, 08:49 PM Post #15 |
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Thanks for the recap mouser. I thoroughly enjoy reading about all of Taylor's appearances and shows from the many, many attendees. It is amusing how many people are happy to re-discover the entertainment Taylor Hicks brings to a show. Great pictures for a "brownie box camera" :D |
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| Booklady | Nov 2 2009, 10:16 PM Post #16 |
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Really, really nice recap Mouser. I have never been to Epcot so I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures and descriptions. Thank you for bringing back to us a taste of Taylor's Eat To the Beat concert. Thanks also for including the set list and band member names. |
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| duffin | Nov 2 2009, 10:40 PM Post #17 |
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 Wow!! Thanks so much, mouser, for your colorfulrecap and fabulous photos! Really enjoyed sharing what must have been a wonderful Taylor experience!! Taylor looks great! Love seeing that familiar "Soul Patrol" guitar strap! Taylor never forgets his fans ~ he's such a sweetie!!  Glad you were able to be there for such an enjoyable day, mouser! 
Edited by duffin, Nov 2 2009, 10:47 PM.
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| Oldiebutgoodie | Nov 2 2009, 10:53 PM Post #18 |
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Great job Mouser--Not bad for a 'brownie box"-might invest in one myself- Thanks-for a great recap! |
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| mouser | Nov 3 2009, 06:32 AM Post #19 |
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To answer San's question: NO MERCHANDIZE WAS SOLD AT THIS EVENT. The important thing to remember about DisneyWorld is that they are the TOP BANANA in any venture featured there. They are the host and are SELLING THEMSELVES. Taylor and any other entertainment are but employees' of Disney . Unlike Grease , where Taylor has contractual rights to sell his CD, DisneyWorld is a self promotional machine. It was nice that he got to talk about his CD at the American Idol Experience. I do hope that many of the "newbies" in the crowd went home to their computers and listened to some of Taylor's music from his CD. This is where WATW will come in handy.............Taylor live is like no Taylor I have ever seen or heard. The man comes to life on a stage. |
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| Gr8fulheart | Nov 3 2009, 08:51 AM Post #20 |
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"Taylor live is like no Taylor I have ever seen or heard. The man comes to life on a stage". That he does, mouser: That he Does!  |
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