Cypress Gardens " Florida's First Theme Park"

Cypress Gardens, FL – Mixing Latin music with spicy flavor, guests will not want to miss Cypress Gardens’ Latin Fest. The excitement starts Monday, May 5 and continues through Sunday, May 11. Those who love to indulge in Latin food will have the opportunity to try cuisine from different Latin cultures. Each day, park guests can enjoy the festive music of a strolling mariachi band or the sounds of a classical Spanish guitarist. Appearing on stage for the festivities include Carlos Oliva (Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m.), Ismael Miranda (Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.) and Tito Nieves (Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.). A special seven-day pass can be purchased for $49.95 so that guests can enjoy each day of the event.
           Emmy Award winner Carlos Oliva helped put Miami on the map for its hip-shaking Latin Music. In 1961 Oliva formed his own band, Los Sobrinos del Juez (The Judge’s Nephews) that created a unique sound infusing Cuban music, salsa, afro beats, samba, jazz and rock. This melting pot of rhythmic seasonings became known as “The Miami Sound.” Their previous 2004 album named “Crossing Over” which included the classic hits like “Vehicle/Tu carrito” and “Rock the Boat/ Muevete,” helped pave the road to the original concept of the bilingual Miami Sound. Carlos and The Judge’s Nephews album “Caribbean Dance” received a Gold Record Award for selling over 250,000 copies. In 2007 “I’m a Believer” was released and included the songs, “Love the one you’re with/Esa te conviene,” “How deep is your love/Hasta donde llega,” and “Dance with me/ Si tu bailas conmigo.”
           Singer/Song writer, Ismael Miranda, has recorded more than 20 albums and performed with such noted artists as Nicky Marrero, Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela, Renaldo Jorge and Luis ‘Perico’ Ortiz. He composed several songs with Larry Harlow, including “La revolución,” “Guasasa” and “Lamento cubano.” The hits continued for Miranda, with songs like “Borinquen tiene montuno,” “La cama vacía” and “Las cuarentas.” His compositions also met with success with songs like “Señor sereno” and “Pa’ Bravo Yo,” made famous by the Cuban salsero, Justo Betancourt. Miranda prematurely announced his retirement from music in the 90’s and then went on to record three highly popular albums with Andy Montrañez, featuring classic bolero tunes.
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           Tito Nieves, named The Pavarotti of Salsa, returned with a new musical production this past December. Tito Nieves teamed up with six-time Grammy winning producer and composer Sergio George to release the album “En Vivo” on December 4, 2007. “En Vivo” offers a collection of the greatest hits of Tito’s artistic career, such as: “Sonámbulo;” “De Mi Enamórate;” “El Amor Más Bonito;” and from the album “Canciones Clásicas de Marco Antonio Solís,” “Tu Cárcel” and “Más Que Tu Amigo.” Other hits include “Can You Stop the Rain,” “You Bring Me Joy,” “De mí enamórate” and iconic 90's song: “I Like It Like That.” From 2002 to 2007 Tito was nominated for six Grammy awards, which proves that he continues to evolve and appeal to fans.
           Cypress Gardens will also be giving away a free Quinceañera valued at $10,000. The Quinceañera giveaway includes Cypress Gardens’ Magnolia Mansion as the beautiful venue, a special gourmet cake, beautiful flowers, photography package, a DJ, dress rental and catering by the park’s renowned Chef for 100 guests! Guests can register to win at www.cypressgardens.com. Rules and restrictions apply. The winner will be announced on Saturday, May 10 at Cypress Gardens during the Tito Nieves concert.
           Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, Florida four miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Regular admission is $39.95, plus tax for ages 10-59, Children admission is $34.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 and Senior admission is $34.95, plus tax for 60+.  For more event details visit www.cypressgardens.com or call 863-324-2111.