Dateline Disney: September/October 2011 - Part 5 Eat to the Beat Concerts Series

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns Sept. 30 not only with plenty to tempt the palate but also with a heaping side order of music for the ears. Pop songstress Taylor Dayne opens 2011′s 18-act Eat to the Beat concert series with performances on the first three evenings of the 45-day festival.

The musical menu that follows Dayne in October and November has about as much variety as the festival marketplaces, including classic rock, prog rock, soul, R&B, jazz and funk hit-makers. The lineup includes three Eat to the Beat newcomers: Gin Blossoms, The Pointer Sisters and The Orchestra starring former members of ELO.

Here’s the lineup (entertainment is subject to change without written notice):

Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Taylor Dayne
Oct. 3-5: .38 Special
Oct. 6-7: Jon Secada
Oct. 8-9: Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp)
Oct. 10-12: Billy Ocean
Oct. 13-16: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 17-19: Sugar Ray
Oct. 20-21: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
Oct. 22-23: Howard Jones
Oct. 24-26: Boyz II Men
Oct. 27-28: Gin Blossoms
Oct. 29-30: Sister Hazel
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Hanson
Nov. 2-3: The Pointer Sisters
Nov. 4-6: Night Ranger
Nov. 7-8: Air Supply
Nov. 9-10: Richard Marx
Nov. 11-13: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Performances are at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre and are included with Epcot admission.