EPCOT

MAY 1, 2011: The British Invasion in the United Kingdom pavilion ended its run April 30, 2011. On May 3, 2011, a new four-piece, high-energy band, The British Airwaves, will replace The British Invasion. Spanning decades of popular British music, every show of this new act will be a chronological journey with random fun facts about songs and artists through the years, from the Dave Clark Five and the Beatles, to the music of Led Zeppelin and The Who.

Matsuriza - Japanese Drums

The live entertainment in Epcot is worth the price of admission alone. First, for those who love the characters, there are plenty to see in Epcot. The Character Connection in Future World is a great place to start. Follow that with various meet and greets in the countries.

Walk through the Epcot turnstiles in the morning and head towards Test Track/ Mission Space or Soarin' and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Your ears will awaken to what might just be the sounds of Trash Cans! That's right, the JAMMitors with their comedic cacophony and percussive artistry are a favorite with kids! During special Epcot events, look for these talented percussionists to assume alter egos: they become the Jammin' Chefs during the Food & Wine Festival, for example.

Over in World Showcase, you can spend your entire day going from country to country and with cultural experiences from around the Globe. Beginning in Mexico, enjoy the beautiful costumes and traditional folk music of the Mariachi Cobre. Look for them in the outside courtyard or inside the shopping area.

In Germany, poke your head inside the Biergarten restaurant to catch a glimpse of Oktoberfest Musikanten, the delightful "oompah" band that treats the audience to singing saws and alpenhorn. There is sometimes seating inside for spectators who aren't dining there (especially in the afternoons).

Is your video camera ready? Be sure to arrive on time for the World Showcase Players, who also performin the United Kingdom. In the United Kingdom, they have adapted Shakespeare into audience participation comedies, not to mention their hilarious version of the search for the Holy Grail! Be on the lookout for the wildly funny, improvisational World Showcase Players.

You may also find the juggler Sergio in Italy and in France, the amazing balancing act, Serveur Amusant!

Also in Italy is an interactive, improvisational act, the Ziti Sisters.

At the American Adventure, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps bring you back to the 1700s with both costume design and sounds. The Voices of Liberty have been entertaining Epcot guests for many, many years. The a capella ensemble has a full repertoire of traditional American folk songs. During the holidays, the Voices fill the atrium of the American Adventure with a collection of traditional song.

There is almost always something going on at the America Gardens Theatre. Located across from the American Adventure, you can rest your feet for a while and be entertained by any variety of song and/or dance companies. At Epcot's springtime Flower and Garden Festival, "Flower Power" acts from the 1960s, like Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits and Arlo Guthrie, perform the hits that made them famous. Summers usually feature a themed concert series. During the fall's Food and Wine Festival, a variety of concerts with the theme "Eat to the Beat" take place. In the summer, the theatre is home to a series of sound-alike, tribute bands, as part of "Sounds Like Summer." And of course during the holidays see the traditional Candlelight Processional, which will feature a celebrity narrator reading the story of the Nativity, accompanied by a full choir.

From clear across the World Showcase lagoon come the sounds of Japanese drummers Matsuriza (pictured at top) and children will love the Japanese Candy Artist, Miyuki (left).

Tired yet? There is a lot more entertainment in store for you! Have an early dinner in Morocco's Restaurant Marrakesh and listen to traditional music and enjoy the belly dancing! Outside you can enjoy the Middle Eastern flavored Mo' Rockin'!

Inside the United Kingdom pub, there's usually a pianist, The Hat Lady, or perhaps some strolling entertainment, too.

Last but certainly far from least you'll arrive in Canada, where you absolutely MUST make time to listen to a set by Celtic rockers Off Kilter! (We love them so much, they warrant their own page!)

Not To Be Missed Epcot Live Entertainment:
JAMMitors (if your ears can take it) Future World
Voices of Liberty in the American Adventure
World Showcase Players
Off Kilter in Canada

Visit the Epcot Live Entertainment Photo Gallery, featuring photos of past and present entertainers.

Not all entertainers perform daily and often there are specified show times. Be sure to pick up an Epcot Times Guide for times and appearances during your visit.

There is often entertainment you won't find listed in the Guide Map, providing a pleasant surprise when you see them.

Some entertainment is seasonal, sometimes it's just a limited engagement (Lord of the Dance), and some folks have become regulars (Off Kilter)!

This is just a small sampling of what is in store for you at Epcot! Remember all acts are subject to change.

For more information on Epcot and WDW Live Entertainment, visit Steve Soares WDW Entertainment Website. Steve updates his site weekly.