American Irish band Solas
Lake Wales, Fla. – Guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola and his Quintet will perform along with the American Irish band Solas during Bok Tower Gardens’ 22nd annual Concert Under the Stars on May 5 at 6 p.m. A favorite Central Florida outdoor gathering, the concert draws thousands of visitors who enjoy a picnic with family and friends as the sun sets over Iron Mountain. Concert tickets include general Gardens’ admission so guests may enter anytime during the day. Call 863-734-1222 or visitwww.boktowergardens.org for tickets and more information.
The New York Times calls Vignola “one of the brightest guitar stars.” Considered by many to be among the top ranked guitarists on the music scene today, the diverse artist and guitar teacher has performed with Madonna, Leon Redbone and Ringo Starr. In addition to Les Paul, Eddie Van Halen and Frank Zappa, Vignola credits Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Thad Jones and Duke Ellington among the musicians who inspire his music. Some of the selections Vignola will perform include “Stardust,” “Sentimental Over You,” “Beethoven’s Fifth,” “Carmen Habanera,” “Mozart 40,” “Swan Lake,” “Les Paul Tribute Medley,” “Walking On the Moon,” “Sound of Silence,” and “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
The Boston Herald calls Solas “the first truly great Irish band to emerge from the United States.” With 10 albums and another on the way, the band has toured all over the world including Europe, Australia, Japan and especially America. The current lineup of the band includes: leader and multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, guitar); Winnie Horan (fiddle); Mick McCauley (accordion); Eamon McElholm (guitar, keyboards); and Deirdre Scanlon (lead vocals).
The popular picnic contest will award prizes for Jazziest, Most Original and Best Irish. Visitors can enter a drawing for a private tour for six of the Singing Tower, a private dinner for eight at Pinewood Estate or a $100 gift certificate from the Tower & Garden Gift Shop. Tickets will be available at the Information Tent near the concert seating area.
Pre-ordered meals are available from the Blue Palmetto Café for $8.95 and $10.95 plus tax and can be picked up the day of the concert by 5:45 p.m. in the Café which will close at 6 p.m. Call 863- 676-1355 for advance meal orders. Food and refreshments including beer and wine will be available for sale at the concert site. The Visitor Center and gift shop will remain open until after the concert.
Underwritten in part by Bunting, Tripp & Ingley with media partners Ledger Media Group, WEDU and WUSF, tickets are $25 for the general public $10 for children. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Day of concert ticket prices are $30 for the general public and $12 for children. Children under 5 admitted free. Group discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased at the Gardens (863-734-1222), and Chambers of Commerce in Bartow, Haines City, Lake Wales, Lakeland and Winter Haven. Visit www.boktowergardens.org to purchase tickets online.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, insect repellent and flashlights. Handicapped parking and shuttle service will be available. Visit www.boktowergardens.org, www.frankvignola.com or www.solasmusic.com for more information.
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About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission is 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visitwww.boktowergardens.org
