/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-wordpress-client-uploads/tbt/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/08090412/tlc1.jpg "TLC. (Photo courtesy of PMK BNC)")
The dream of the '90s is alive at the 2018 Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival.
This year's fest, running March 3 to April 29, is loaded with names who hit it big pre-Y2K, including TLC, Boyz II Men, the Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Bolton, Better than Ezra, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain and Tonic.
There's also a little older-school (Hank Williams Jr., Bret Michaels) and newer-school (Bleachers, Kaleo, Flo Rida) blood on the bill. Rounding out the initial lineup: The Fray, All-American Rejects, Grupo Niche, Natalie Grant, Olga Tanon, Cole Swindell and an intriguing-sounding "Southern Uprising Tour" featuring Travis Tritt, the Outlaws and the Marshall Tucker Band.
The coolest draw on the bill might be TLC, who in September were scheduled to play their first concert in Tampa Bay in about 25 years. When that show was abruptly canceled, it was unclear if we'd ever see T-Boz and Chili back in town. Turns out we didn't have to wait long at all.
While the concerts are a big part of the festival's draw, they're not the only highlight. Guests can nosh on creative fare like fried frog legs with bacon corn fritters or a lobster tart with leeks and Swiss cheese, and check out more than 65 wines and 50 beers.
The concerts are free with park admission, but the food is not — although you can buy VIP upgrades that include food samples and priority concert seating.
Here's a full list of the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival concert lineup by date. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.
March 3: Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain
March 4: Grupo Niche
March 10: The Fray
March 11: Southern Uprising Tour with Travis Tritt, Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws
March 17: Olga Tanon
March 18: Goo Goo Dolls
March 24: Better Than Ezra and Tonic
March 25: Michael Bolton
March 31: Boyz II Men
April 1: Natalie Grant
April 7: Hank Williams Jr.
April 8: TLC
April 14: Bret Michaels
April 15: TBA
April 21: All-American Rejects
April 22: Cole Swindell
April 28: Flo Rida
April 29: Kaleo and Bleachers
Click here for all the details on the 2018 Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival.
— Jay Cridlin
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/95469e01-92f8-4f5c-8400-4e5fe57c701b.png "Jay Cridlin - Economic Development Reporter")
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