I went into Epcot to do one of my favorite things; to see a concert at the America Gardens Theater which is located right in front of the American Adventure. This time of the year we get to see the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Performing in this series are tribute bands playing songs of some truly great recording artists.
Performing last night (7/25/10) was Beginnings. This is a Chicago tribute band.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Chicago, they are a 70’s and 80’s pop / rock band who not so surprisingly got their start in Chicago. Their unique sound incorporates a strong use of horns in their music and a number of different vocal styles. As the band gained in popularity they produced a number of ballads that were major hits. According to Wikipedia “they have sold over 38 million units in the U.S., with 22 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. Over the course of their career they have charted five No. 1 albums, and have had 21 top ten hits.” Some of Chicago’s hit songs are: Saturday In The Park, Make Me Smile, 25 or 6 to 4, Beginnings, Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is, Old Days, If You Leave Me Now and Colour My World.
Tip: for those of you who don’t always recognize songs by their title (like me) you can go to either YouTube.com and find a video or a website like Amazon.com and look up the greatest hits album. Amazon will allow you to play a few seconds of each song; just enough to help you recognize (or not) the song.
The band, Beginnings, is an excellent Chicago tribute band. I thought that the band was outstanding. The band consisted of two guitarist, drummer, keyboard player and four in the horn section. The vocals were shared by four different members of the band and all four of them really did a great job. As you can imagine, if you want to be a good Chicago tribute band you better have a very good horn section. They did! They were outstanding! My wife and I really enjoyed their performance. This is the first year that this group has performed at the Sounds Like Summer concert series. I really hope that Disney brings them back again next year.
I stayed for all three concerts and each set was different. Very few of the songs were repeated. Beginnings did a great job trying to play as many Chicago hits as possible. I highly recommend that if you get a chance to see Beginnings perform (either in Epcot this week or some other venue) I strongly encourage you to do so. They were extremely good!
Here’s a few pictures from last night’s performance for you to enjoy:
Here’s some videos of last night’s performance:
If you are a fan of the Chicago or of the tribute band Beginnings please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the blog, photos and videos. I know it’s a tough job (me having to attend all these concerts) but someone has got to do it. 🙂 Unfortunately, this is the last band performing in this concert series. My wife and I hate to see these concerts end!
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Well, that’s all for now. As my good friend says “see ya real soon”…DizneyMike
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I was at Disney and got to see the Beginnings show. I thought it was teriffic, fabulous horn section. Was worth the 8:00 stop before Illuminations.
I also got to see the group 2U, a tribute band to U2,which was there the week
before. They were also teriffic, the vocals, and sound was definitely U2.
Epcot has a lot of different things to offer, and people are missing out if they don’t check out the extras they sometimes offer. I was over to Epcot three different times.
DizneyMike replies: Brad, that’s why Epcot is my favorite park. There is so much to do and some really great entertainment. Thanks for the comment…Mike
I live on Long Island and I think that Beginnings is the best!! I always look to see where they are playing and get a front row seat!!!
DizneyMike replies: Patti, lucky you! Unfortunately I have to wait till next year when they return to Disney….Mike
I want to agree with Disney Mike. Beginnings was AWSOME! We saw them on Thursday the 29th. I have been a long time Chicago fan. And they were spot on. My Son (who plays Trombone) and Daughter (who is learning trumpet) were both impressed by the horn line.
DizneyMike replies: Dave, my wife and I were there Thursday night as well. (One of the five nights that we went to see them.) I wish they could have stayed longer than the one week….Mike
I went 3 nights to Epcot to see Beginnings the Chicago tribute band. Their music was awesome. Not only is their sound terrific, but they are also a terrific bunch of guys.. Everyone I know will be emailing Epcot to make sure that they bring hem back next year.
DizneyMike replies: Celia, I sure do hope that a lot of folks do write Disney. Just a great band…Mike
Thanks Mike for the review, pix & videos! Missing their performances while I’m stuck up here in NY! Am looking forward to their return north next month. They are a FAB group who tributes so well!
DizneyMike replies: Beatrice, too bad you couldn’t come down to WDW while there were performing. However, luck for us we got to see how good they are…Mike
We saw Beginnings on Tuesday night and we thought they were great! You’re right, the horn section was excellent. I like them even more because they’re from NY, like me 🙂
DizneyMike replies: Kristen, sorry we never got chance to meet up while you were down here. Would have been nice to see you and Chris again. Anyway, Beginnings is a really fantastic band. My wife and I really, really enjoyed their concerts…Mike
Adam sounded great as always, I posted it on facebook so my friends could enjoy. Thanks Marion
DizneyMike replies: I agree, Adam and the rest of the band sounded fantastic! Great band…Mike
Thanks for the great review, Mike. Yes, Beginnings is one of the best tribute bands in the country. Of course, I’m a little prejudice, since the main singer/bass player is my son–Mason Swearingen.
DizneyMike replies: Emilie, you have every right to be very, very proud! Mason is a great talent and I’ve really enjoyed listening to him and the others in the band perform. Just a really great band…Mike
Hi Mike, Those of us who only get to visit WDW annually appreciate the time and effort you put into your articles. As the “World” grows, it becomes increasingly difficult just to visit our favorites. I enjoy the “closer looks” and hope they will continue. Thanks from RI.
DizneyMike replies: Mike, thanks for the very nice comment. No questions the “world” is a big place with a lot of wonderful stuff going on. I’m glad I have the opportunity to visit often and blog about what I see. Thanks again…Mike
mike thanks so much for the videos. some of these acts are better than the fossils they bring in for flower & garden & food & wine . “ars” comes to mind . my only complaint with some of the “name acts” is they have a tendancy to play a lot of songs other than their own.keep up the good work
DizneyMike replies: Dusty, thanks for the kind words and for being such a loyal reader of my blogs; it’s very much appreciated! I wish Disney would let me pick and choose the bands for all these concerts. The lineup would be considerably different. Thanks again…Mike