Thanks to Yelp, the hubs and I scored free tickets to see the epic Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the American Airlines Arena on Friday night. Although I wasn’t too familiar with their tuneage, I was ready for an all out rock with your cock out experience complete with pyrotechnics, head-banging and extreme effects. Although that’s exactly what we got, we found ourselves a bit bored mid-way throughout the performance. I think this was due to the drawn out “story line” that took place throughout the show, narrated by an over-enthused man. Unfortunately, these narrations would sometimes outwear their welcome by dragging on for sometimes 10 minutes at a time. However, when they rocked, boy did they ever. I just wish there was more of it.
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Grand Opening: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When thinking of the moment I would finally experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I don’t think I could have possibly conjured up a better day than what really occurred on June 18th, 2010. This will be a long and detailed review of not only my personal experiences that day, but also of the park in general as well as attractions and shops. If for some reason you feel as if this will ruin your own eventual experience of the Wizarding World, please do not continue reading.
If this sounds like something you’d like to read, click below!
Harry Potter Bound
Today we’ll be driving up to Orlando to attend The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s grand opening tomorrow. I can’t even describe the feelings I am experiencing. Being such a huge Potter fan, this is a dream come true. I am so excited to be fully immersed in the world of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle – something I could only imagine while reading the books and watching the movies. I know it will probably be a total sensory overload, but I’m ready to take on the challenge! I am especially looking forward to riding on the new attraction housed in Hogwarts Castle: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. I’ve heard it is mind-blowing. Also, I can’t wait to drink Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice (& you know I’ll toast to the boy who lived).
For those of you that follow me on social networks, I’ll be live tweeting my experiences in and around the park and trying my best to upload photos to share with you all on both Twitter and Facebook.
I promise I’ll be back with a full review come next week!
The adventure begins…NOW!
Weekend Highlights: Rock ‘n Roll Road Trip
Friday afternoon we started our road trip to see Muse (& U2) play Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with some of our closest friends. I couldn’t have been more excited – it was my first live Muse experience and although I wish it would have been a headlining show, I was happy just to be in their presence for their 8-song set. They were mind-blowing. Matt Bellamy, if you are out there, I wouldn’t mind having your tiny powerhouse British babies. The set list was as follows:
Uprising
Map of the Problematique
Supermassive Black Hole
Hysteria
Undisclosed Desires
Unnatural Selection
Starlight
Time is Running Out
It was just incredible how much energy and passion they brought to the set despite being openers. They really gave it all they had and although we were one of the only people standing, screaming and dancing in our section, I had to smile when I overheard a few people commenting how “unreal” their performance was while waiting to buy merchandise. They are my beautiful little secret, but it still feels good to know that soon they will get the exposure they deserve. There are rumors that they will be headlining their first American tour sometime in 2010 and I really hope they make it down to South Florida because I plan on being front and center. I can’t tell you what a freaking tease their short set was – I was not ready for it to be over.
And for those non-believers, here is video footage of Map of the Problematique. I filmed their entire set, but this was one of the most steady mostly because I wasn’t the one recording – Elsie was sweet enough to take over for a bit so I could be a total fangirl.
Muse – Map of the Problematique from Melificent on Vimeo.
Oh yeah, U2 also played. They were OK I guess 😉
Gavin Rossdale Concert
So this has been a pretty Gavin-centric week on Melificent, huh? I don’t hear any of you complaining so I’m going to carry on with what I thought about his show at the House of Blues Tuesday night. First off, can I express how much I loathe all Orlando venues? Every time I have gone to see a live act in any of their theme park venues, they do not allow any kind of cameras or video. I understand the video aspect, but cameras? C’mon man. It’s just silly at this point (so please excuse my crappy iPhone shots). Plus, the House of Blues decided to take themselves one more notch douchier by having us all wait in the torrential rain for the doors to open. Thanks for that, guys.
However, the show was outstanding and more than made up for being sopping wet from head to toe. Gavin’s opening act, Nico Vega, was a pleasant surprise. This year, I have managed to experience some of the worst openers ever in the shows I have attended, so I can’t say I was expecting anything better this time around, but I was definitely proven wrong. Nico Vega’s front woman, Aja Volkman, has a voice that could power the entire venue. It’s just amazing. Plus, the small trio packs one hell of a punch when it comes to stage presence. I loved every second of her skirt-whipping and frenzied performance. Check out this neat video of Medicine Man as well as their self-titled album, Nico Vega, on Myspace Records.