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.