Type of music in the Town Squares

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I'm looking forward to my move to the Villages in a couple of weeks. When I visited the Villages in the past, I always made it a point to listen to the live music on the squares. I think I've been to all three of them at least twice. I was wondering how varied the music and performers get. For instance, is reggae ever featured? How about prog or "art rock" - you know, music like Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc.?

I've noticed the shows seem to find the lowest common denominator. The performers play the biggest smash hits of the '60s and '70s that can't possibly fail to please the majority of the crowd. Either that or R&B/disco that gets people dancing.

I have nothing against any type of music. I love it all (heck, I'll even admit to liking the Carpenters). But I'm curious to hear from the regular attendees if they ever mix up the music...or is it all Brown Eyed Girl and Stand By Me all the time every night at every square? (Exaggerating of course to make the point. :):):))

[ColdNoMore]

I heard a rumor, that coming to the LSL square in the near future...are Jay-Z and Beyoncé.


They're being paid by the new Costco...going up on 44.








:D

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard a rumor, that coming to the LSL square in the near future...are Jay-Z and Beyoncé.


They're being paid by the new Costco...going up on 44.








:D
You bad.:1rotfl:

[Chi-Town]

Some of the groups are repetitious and need new material. It's nice to hear some of the newer groups venture out of the comfort zone with some Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Duran Duran, and The Human League. The fact that bands are doing 80's renditions is a large time leap forward. And It is also nice that there is a mix of groups and genres to choose from.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[ColdNoMore]

You bad.:1rotfl:


:duck:


:D

[John_W]

Best rock band at the squares, the Hooligans from Orlando. All Brit rock from Clash to the Cure.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/82365387_1511094102388450_2632428426866196480_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ohc=4Ln3Djl5iNgAX8_wUzx&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=70d878dd9909f69d09eb61281ac91539&oe=5EA8E040

The same guys, but now they're the Spazmatics. 80's rock from Whip It to Rebel Yell.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/61298571_1133572716825987_343394678403497984_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ohc=tic2OsxpeAoAX8QSkGk&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&_nc_tp=1&oh=d21fb37473f6097c18f04880539bd426&oe=5E94EC61

[ColdNoMore]

Some of the groups are repetitious and need new material. It's nice to hear some of the newer groups venture out of the comfort zone with some Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Duran Duran, and The Human League. The fact that bands are doing 80's renditions is a large time leap forward. And It is also nice that there is a mix of groups and genres to choose from.

That might actually be popular here. :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WZ33w3B8Hw

[John_W]

The best video of FGTH is their appearance in the Brian DiPalma film "Body Double".

FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD - Relax (Body Double Version) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMr351ib2k)

[LiverpoolWalrus]

What?!? A band that does punk and post-punk like the Clash and the Cure playing to Villagers? Wow. Looking back at the audiences I saw when I visited the squares, I just can't wrap my brain around this one. But I'm not complainin'! When I asked about reggae and prog above, I had punk/new wave in the back of my mind, but never ever would have thought it would go over in the Villages. Not yet anyway. The Cure's Disintegration album is my second favorite album of all time (after the Beatles White Album). I will be checking out the Hooligans for sure! Thanks John!

The Cure - "Disintegration" | Live at Sydney Opera House - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQFykrCo6yQ)

[Mmarr]

🤪🤪

[MarkGoldberg]

They are moving more towards 80’s and 90’s music. There is a great Rockabilly band, Sherry and the Rockefellas, that plays often.

[stewiegal]

Get the paper everyday. Find a group you like. Follow them on FB or website. Google raggae bands near The Villages

Best Reggae Bands in The Villages, FL (https://www.thebash.com/search/reggae-band-the-villages-fl)

Check Katie Belles. Many groups or individuals send out emails and some also play outside of the bubble. Check out Orange Blossom Opry in Lake Weir. You'll be so busy and figure it out when you're here. Welcome home.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Now that is funny!!!!!

[gadgetmonster]

I look forward to seeing the music move forward. All types. All good. Mixing the music styles around will not please everybody but will probably please most. Eurythmics, Police, Journey, Duran Duran, INXS, B52's, Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam, Reba McEntire, Bob Marley, Yellowman, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. I'm 62 so I may still be wet behind the ears... but I like late 70's, 80's and 90's as well as some newer dance like Deadmau5. I think mixing it will bring more people out. I know if a band is playing just 50's/60's I am less likely to come out. My 2cents.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The music is mostly the same with a few exceptions here and there. It's mostly about dancing and especially line dancing. Unfortunately we also have a several DJs and professional karaoke singers. Contrary to what you think, this does satisfy the majority of the people. Most people want to dance and, especially the line dancers, could care less about what is being player as long as there is a bass drum pounding out quarter notes. You also have to remembers that the current demographic of The Villages puts their favorite music smack dab in the middle of the sixties. I actually have no problem with that but people like you that want to hear Duran Duran and other such music are going to be disappointed. I believe that the 70's and 80s music will slowly become more popular here over the next twenty years, but right now it's fifites and sixties.

[HelenLCSW]

:MOJE_whot:I heard a rumor, that coming to the LSL square in the near future...are Jay-Z and Beyoncé.


They're being paid by the new Costco...going up on 44.




😂 if only :clap2::clap2::clap2:



:D

[JanetMM]

What?!? A band that does punk and post-punk like the Clash and the Cure playing to Villagers? Wow. Looking back at the audiences I saw when I visited the squares, I just can't wrap my brain around this one. But I'm not complainin'! When I asked about reggae and prog above, I had punk/new wave in the back of my mind, but never ever would have thought it would go over in the Villages. Not yet anyway. The Cure's Disintegration album is my second favorite album of all time (after the Beatles White Album). I will be checking out the Hooligans for sure! Thanks John!

The Cure - "Disintegration" | Live at Sydney Opera House - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQFykrCo6yQ)

I think you will like the Hooligans. I am waiting for a little more alternative but it might come.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

They are moving more towards 80’s and 90’s music. There is a great Rockabilly band, Sherry and the Rockefellas, that plays often.
So grunge is right around the corner?

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Love the Lennon handle, Winston. Like you, my favorite band is also the Beatles. No one else comes close. And I also love music from the middle '60s and am glad it's a "thing" in the Villages. But if there are three shows a day in the squares, every day, I'm just hoping for some variety. (Um, and not Duran Duran covers by the way, but that's just me. I'd prefer Echo and the Bunnymen - also from that Mersey city)

On another note...how do you thank people for their post? Do you just click the thumbs up button? I'm seeing a lot of great posts, here, there and everywhere, as Paul might say. Thanks all.

[John_W]

I think you will like the Hooligans. I am waiting for a little more alternative but it might come.

Hooligans will be at LSL tomorrow (Wednesday the 15th) I've seen them at BW about 5 times and they have huge crowds. It will be different seeing them at LSL, I do have my colorized Hooligans T-shirt, they should be out in full force. The Spazmatics will be at LSL on Saturday the 25th.

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/72595851_2526549397563347_3106209778276237312_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=8sjKt6shYYsAX-5peE0&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=f1ba00dd0ec40dfbf786bae479b60f91&oe=5EA5210A

[stadalberts]

Just thought I would bring it up yet again....Whatever happened to the Polka bands that used to play at the Villages entertainment venues? ANYONE know? Do they only play INSIDE now? We would really like to know.

[John_W]

Just thought I would bring it up yet again....Whatever happened to the Polka bands that used to play at the Villages entertainment venues? ANYONE know? Do they only play INSIDE now? We would really like to know.

As noted before, the music at the squares is becoming younger and more contemporary. Your best shot would be at Orange Blossom Opry off 42. They've got acts there that are better than we have. Check their website:

Orange Blossom Opry Home (https://www.obopry.com/Online/default.asp)

[LiverpoolWalrus]

P.S. To Winston: it goes without saying that every time I visited the Villages, I went to your Friday morning Fab 4 celebration and loved it. Villagers are so lucky to have stuff like that. Thanks for putting it together.

[Joe V.]

I'm looking forward to my move to the Villages in a couple of weeks. When I visited the Villages in the past, I always made it a point to listen to the live music on the squares. I think I've been to all three of them at least twice. I was wondering how varied the music and performers get. For instance, is reggae ever featured? How about prog or "art rock" - you know, music like Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc.?

I've noticed the shows seem to find the lowest common denominator. The performers play the biggest smash hits of the '60s and '70s that can't possibly fail to please the majority of the crowd. Either that or R&B/disco that gets people dancing.

I have nothing against any type of music. I love it all (heck, I'll even admit to liking the Carpenters). But I'm curious to hear from the regular attendees if they ever mix up the music...or is it all Brown Eyed Girl and Stand By Me all the time every night at every square? (Exaggerating of course to make the point. :):):))
Karen Carpenter probably was the best female vocalist in rock/pop history. And she was an accomplished drummer to boot.

[Barefoot]

I heard a rumor, that coming to the LSL square in the near future...are Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
They're being paid by the new Costco...going up on 44.:a20:

[John_W]

Karen Carpenter probably was the best female vocalist in rock/pop history. And she was an accomplished drummer to boot.

Did you see the Karen Carpenter tribute Saturday night at SC? I would of gone since she's my wife's favorite, but NFL Football playoffs, playoffs!! I looked her up on youtube, and she is really good.

https://www.thevillagesentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/TNEW/190622_topoftheworld_detail_1366x500.jpg

[Tall4mom]

I have heard country, recently Caribbean music, oldies and newer songs. More dancers for 60's and 70's music I believe,

[Chi-Town]

Just thought I would bring it up yet again....Whatever happened to the Polka bands that used to play at the Villages entertainment venues? ANYONE know? Do they only play INSIDE now? We would really like to know.Rumor has it that The Happy Wanderers are coming to town.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Dlbonivich]

At Brownwood I have heard Penta, more of a rock group and there is also Paisley Craze something that is more 80’s and 90’s. The Houligans are good too

[kathyspear]

Did you see the Karen Carpenter tribute Saturday night at SC? I would of gone since she's my wife's favorite, but NFL Football playoffs, playoffs!! I looked her up on youtube, and she is really good.

We saw the 5 pm show. Excellent!

kathy

[Chasm1]

Old people......Old music.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Karen Carpenter probably was the best female vocalist in rock/pop history. And she was an accomplished drummer to boot.

My vote goes to Siouxsie Sioux. Second place to Janis Joplin.

[PugMom]

Best rock band at the squares, the Hooligans from Orlando. All Brit rock from Clash to the Cure.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/82365387_1511094102388450_2632428426866196480_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ohc=4Ln3Djl5iNgAX8_wUzx&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=70d878dd9909f69d09eb61281ac91539&oe=5EA8E040

The same guys, but now they're the Spazmatics. 80's rock from Whip It to Rebel Yell.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/61298571_1133572716825987_343394678403497984_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ohc=tic2OsxpeAoAX8QSkGk&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&_nc_tp=1&oh=d21fb37473f6097c18f04880539bd426&oe=5E94EC61YES!!!!!!!! i heard them do some ELP @ one of their last shows. this is the go to band for those of us who grew up with hard rock & Brit bands.

[PugMom]

Old people......Old music.LOL> you may be surprised, we only LOOK old,

[Chi-Town]

Old people......Old music.Speaking of old music The Who sang this line in 1964's My Generation.... "I hope I die before I get old." So hang in there. Two are still alive and performing. You've got hope.

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[Shimpy]

I heard a rumor, that coming to the LSL square in the near future...are Jay-Z and Beyoncé.


They're being paid by the new Costco...going up on 44.








:D
You couldn't say it if it wasn't true

[TomOB]

No matter who plays, you need to learn how to line dance!

[LiverpoolWalrus]

No matter who plays, you need to learn how to line dance!

I can't wait to see line dancing to the Clash!!!

The Clash - White Riot (Official Video) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvG3is7Bm1w)

[Velvet]

I can't wait to see line dancing to the Clash!!!



You lead, and we’ll follow. ;)

[anothersteve]

I can't wait to see line dancing to the Clash!!!

The Clash - White Riot (Official Video) - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvG3is7Bm1w)

If they will dance to Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" they will dance to anything.
Steve

[LiverpoolWalrus]

If they will dance to Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" they will dance to anything.
Steve

This actually gives me some comfort that I'm making the right decision to move to the Villages. Not so much that people dance to Floyd, but that there are actually three town squares offering live music every single night for free, and they play bands like Pink Floyd, the Cure, the Clash and all the music I loved and followed throughout my life.

[tophcfa]

My wife and I were dancing the other night and were told by someone who was not dancing that we had to move because we were in the line dancing space? My wife had to constrain me, line dancing space is reserved? Really?

[anothersteve]

My wife and I were dancing the other night and were told by someone who was not dancing that we had to move because we were in the line dancing space? My wife had to constrain me, line dancing space is reserved? Really?

No. Unless it was roped off or someone in "official" Villages garb told you...tell them to pound sand.
Steve

[cmeinel@verizon.net]

What new Costco?? Where? where? When?

[024engine]

Wonderful variety. Listings on this website

[raney3099]

I'm looking forward to my move to the Villages in a couple of weeks. When I visited the Villages in the past, I always made it a point to listen to the live music on the squares. I think I've been to all three of them at least twice. I was wondering how varied the music and performers get. For instance, is reggae ever featured? How about prog or "art rock" - you know, music like Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, etc.?

I've noticed the shows seem to find the lowest common denominator. The performers play the biggest smash hits of the '60s and '70s that can't possibly fail to please the majority of the crowd. Either that or R&B/disco that gets people dancing.

I have nothing against any type of music. I love it all (heck, I'll even admit to liking the Carpenters). But I'm curious to hear from the regular attendees if they ever mix up the music...or is it all Brown Eyed Girl and Stand By Me all the time every night at every square? (Exaggerating of course to make the point. :):):))

They do have Studio77 which is disco and couple of others that are OK but basically the same every time they come

[cheryl0217]

My husband always jokes that they won't hire a band unless they can play Brickhouse & Mustang Sally :)

[cheryl0217]

Saw the Carpenter Tribute band last year they were really good!

[WinnieB]

There's a band that plays the City Fires and many clubs in the Villages called The Core. Great mix of new and classic - and they're constantly changing their sets to keep things fresh and different. Haven't seen them play the squares yet. I wish they would.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The problem with prog-rock is lack of danceability. Rush, Yes, King Crimson, Tull, Pink Floyd, all known for "other than standard 4/4 or cut-time" rhythms. You have people trying to line dance in octuplets. Can't do that in 7/4 time (Pink Floyd's "Money"). Those of us who embraced prog-rock can dance to it but we were a niche demographic even when Roundabout (Yes) made it to the top 20.

Would be pretty cool to see one of the bands take a GOOD stab at Spirit of Radio though (Rush). That one's danceable, and anyone who tries to line dance to it can justifiably be shamed forever. A win-win!

[LiverpoolWalrus]

So glad to see I'll have prog and alternative brothers and sisters in the Villages! I'm seeing that the Villages isn't as mainstream (or "normal") as I thought! Now just direct me to the nearest Goth dance club. I'm sure there's one in the Villages, right?

[LiverpoolWalrus]

My husband always jokes that they won't hire a band unless they can play Brickhouse & Mustang Sally :)

It's probably not a joke and it's what my original question was all about. But on second thought, maybe there is no truth to it as I'm hearing that there is quite a bit of variety after all.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's probably not a joke and it's what my original question was all about. But on second thought, maybe there is no truth to it as I'm hearing that there is quite a bit of variety after all.

It's a little of both really. Mustang Sally is a good example. First of all - the line dancers do the Electric Slide to it, which makes me want to cartwheel my overweight self into the bunch of them as if they were bowling pins and I was the ball. It's an insult to the song and an insult to the dance.

Second, there's an R&B band that turns the song into this awesome bluesy sultry thing and I absolutely love their arrangement. I don't remember which band it is though.

Third, pretty much EVERY band that plays, includes this one in their nightly repertoire. Why? Because everyone loves it. It is danceable, singable, foot-tappable, and tolerable when you're walking from one end of the square to the other in search of the decent ice cream cone (Kilwin's in Spanish Springs, otherwise just suck it up and take the 20-minute drive to Cold Stone Creamery in Ocala).

Fourth - for every 20 old folks who decide they're too old to hang out at the squares, or stop going because they've "been there done that got the tee shirt" and are just totally over the experience, there are 20 old folks who just moved in, and want to hear Mustang Sally.

I'm okay with the song, but just once I'd like to see a band that normally plays it, decide not to play it.

[Aw Man]

My husband always jokes that they won't hire a band unless they can play Brickhouse & Mustang Sally :)

Exactly as it should be!

[John_W]

I just got back from seeing the Hooligans at LSL, it was refreshing that I didn't see one line dancer, not one. They're usually on the side of the stage at LSL. I looked on webcam a minute ago and they were all at SS and BW. I guess they don't like British Rock. The crowd at LSL was huge, probably 5,000 or more, it was market night and the band was smokin'. Last song I heard was Rock N' Roll by Led Zeppelin, did two Cure Songs, Billy Idol White Wedding & Rebel Yell, Bowie Rebel Rebel, the only surprise was they did the Verve "Bitter Street Symphony" the keyboards were recorded but sounded good.

The Villages Webcams (http://www.stockers.ch/thevillages/)

[LiverpoolWalrus]

What a great choice of Zeppelin song! Probably my fave of theirs. I used to DJ at a post-punk/alternative club in DC in the '80s and I used to sneak Zep's Rock and Roll into the set and it worked perfectly! So glad the Hooligans is well attended in TV. That bodes well for good music in the Town Squares. Fricken Verve at TV! Unbelievable! I gotta see that band!

[Chi-Town]

Was a beautiful night at LSL with a large appreciative crowd but not overcrowded by any means.. The Hooligans never disappoint.

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