News: Busch Gardens Europe summer concerts rock the park

Posted at 11:25 AM EDT (1525 GMT)

Jun. 27th, 2006 -- From Motown medleys to honky-tonk, the sound of music from big-name entertainers will be heard at Busch Gardens Europe this summer.  Admission to the concerts is free with park admission.  

“Busch Gardens is pleased to announce the return of our concert series,” said Donnie Mills, executive vice president and general manager of Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA.  “Offering concerts throughout our season is a way to add more value to a park visit for all of our guests,” Mills added.

With six “Vocal Group of the Year” awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, Diamond Rio will bring their unique country style to Williamsburg July 29 and 30.  The six members of Diamond Rio are known for successfully combining bluegrass harmonies with a driving beat along with outstanding instrumental work

August 5 and 6 are the dates to see Tracy Byrd, whose contemporary yet classic country sound has won kudos from fans, critics and peers alike.  A native Texan, Byrd has been a country favorite for more than a decade with hits including, “I’m From the Country” and “The Keeper of the Stars.” 

The sounds of honky-tonk will take center stage when Trick Pony rides into town for shows August 12 and 13.  The trio has made a name for themselves with such as hits as “Pour Me,” and “One in a Row.”  From heartbreak ballads to hard-rocking country, Trick Pony is known as one of the most exciting contemporary country acts around. 

The Platters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters and Beary Hobb’s Drifters will come together August 26 and 27 with the sounds of Motown.  With a mix of some of the groups’ original members and some new, the choreographed dance tunes and audience participation make this show a special treat for all ages.

Frankie Avalon will finish out the park’s 2006 concert series with performances September 2 and 3.  Known as one of the “Golden Boys of Bandstand,” Avalon’s singing and acting talents have brought him scores of fans since the late 1950’s including such hits as “Venus,” “Just Ask Your Heart,” and “Why.”

Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Va. is an Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park.  Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Water Country USA in Williamsburg; Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Sesame Place, a children’s play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine animals. For more information, visit buschgardens.com or call (800) 343-7946.

For more information on this story please visit Busch Gardens Europe.