Generally speaking, which Village Square is the busiest?

[DaddyD]

Last Friday I drove to Tampa, and on the way back on a lark decided to visit all three Village Squares (this was probably from 5-7pm). Brownwood was pretty busy, Sumpter less so, and Spanish Springs was decidedly the least busy of the three.

Presumably Brownwood could have been busier that particular night because it had the best band playing--and likewise Spanish Springs the least busy because the band playing that night was not very popular--but I'm guessing the Square w/ the youngest population living around it (i.e., Brownwood) is typically the busiest.

Yes / No / all depends on which band is playing where??

[LeRoySmith]

Last Friday I drove to Tampa, and on the way back on a lark decided to visit all three Village Squares (this was probably from 5-7pm). Brownwood was pretty busy, Sumpter less so, and Spanish Springs was decidedly the least busy of the three.

Presumably Brownwood could have been busier that particular night because it had the best band playing--and likewise Spanish Springs the least busy because the band playing that night was not very popular--but I'm guessing the Square w/ the youngest population living around it (i.e., Brownwood) is typically the busiest.

Yes / No / all depends on which band is playing where??

In my experience it's about the band. A few weeks ago Relic was at Sawgrass and you couldn't get near the place. Some of the other big bands like Uncle Bob's it's a similar situation.

[Randall55]

In my experience it's about the band. A few weeks ago Relic was at Sawgrass and you couldn't get near the place. Some of the other big bands like Uncle Bob's it's a similar situation.Newcomers frequent the squares more often than old-timers. It is all new to them. Those of us that have been here for several years have heard the bands hundreds of times. Some of the bands have been playing the same songs for 20+ years. Most of us are not interested in hearing the same music, over and over. The restaurants in each of the squares seem to have an equal amount of patrons, night after night. Brownwood, Sawgrass, and Eastport will always be busier because of the amount of newcomers arriving monthly. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs is too far for them to travel.

[Bogie Shooter]

The bands are the draw…..

[justjim]

The bands are the draw…..

Spot on. The band makes the difference. Up until the last couple of years, on average, it was Sumter Landing. Now probably Brownwood.

[npwalters]

I agree the bands are the draw. Additionally, Brownwood is closest of the three main venues to all the homes south of 466A. I don't know the numbers but I suspect there are many more homes using that square.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'd say it's a combination of the bands, events, and to some degree, the weather. I don't know if there were any events at any of the other squares last night. There was no event at Spanish Springs. But we went to dinner near Spanish Springs last night and at around 6:30 when we finished dinner, it looked like it was about to rain. We ended up not going to enjoy the band, and went right home instead.

Crazy thing about the Villages, is it's so LONG from north to south, that it could be torrential downpours for three hours at one end, and a bright beautiful sunshine day at the other end, with just clouds and sporadic showers in the middle.

But if the weather's nice, it'll be busier where there's an event than where there is no event. If there's no event anywhere, then it'll be busier wherever the more popular band is playing.

The Car Show attracts a LOT of people, no matter who's playing that night.

[tophcfa]

Generally speaking, Brownwood. Simple logic, the other two squares are fairly close to each other and Brownwood is currently the only relatively close town square option for a large portion of the Villages. That being said, on any given evening the popularity of the bands playing or a special event dictates which square will be most crowded. Spanish Springs rocks on the monthly Cruise Inn night or a special event like St. Patrick’s day, LSL during things like the Madi Gras celebration, and Brownwood during the Strawberry Festival.

[Furrydogmom]

Which are the best bands to check out? I’m new in town and it seems clear that everyone knows which bands are best….except me! Who do you recommend?

[Southwest737]

Why do so many people add a P to Sumter?

[Sandy and Ed]

Why do so many people add a P to Sumter?
I doan no

[jimdecastro]

Brownwood has many more people that can call it their closest Square (not including Sawgrass) - probably 60% of The Villages. But the band IS important. The snowbirds being away and the heat are other factors. I bet whatever you saw was nowhere near what these Squares have had. This past Tuesday, Sawgrass and Brownwood were EMPTY (the band at Brownwood was excellent, too).

[bowlingal]

Daddyd....it's SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER NO P repeat after me....SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER

[dewilson58]

The bands are the draw…..

Artists are a draw too.

:duck:

[MandoMan]

Newcomers frequent the squares more often than old-timers. It is all new to them. Those of us that have been here for several years have heard the bands hundreds of times. Some of the bands have been playing the same songs for 20+ years. Most of us are not interested in hearing the same music, over and over. The restaurants in each of the squares seem to have an equal amount of patrons, night after night. Brownwood, Sawgrass, and Eastport will always be busier because of the amount of newcomers arriving monthly. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs is too far for them to travel.

I’m interested in hearing the same songs over and over! I never tire of hearing, say, Rolling Stones covers, or the Eagles, or Steely Dan. I do tire of hearing most of the songs over and over, as I never liked them to begin with. I never tire of hearing songs from the thirties and forties, but I know most people don’t like them. I’d love to hear good bluegrass bands, or Gypsy Jazz, or Brazilian Choro, but I know that isn’t going to happen.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Why do so many people add a P to Sumter?

Because auto spell does it on Apple phones and they don’t catch it before hitting submit.

[dougawhite]

Daddyd....it's SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER NO P repeat after me....SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER

Sumter County was named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the Revolutionary War. This is fitting because the county has been the primary site for two other wars, the first of which helped make the reputation of another war hero, General Andrew Jackson, and propelled him to the presidency.

[44Apple]

During the day, Sumter has the most walkers and traffic. Brownwood is often a ghost town during those hours, Spanish is in-between the two.

[Kelevision]

The bands definitely factor into why some nights are busier than others but overall Brownwood is always busy even when bands aren’t playing.

[SusanStCatherine]

The bands are ranked according to how much revenue they bring in. There is a list. I am still waiting for a copy of it from a friend LOL.

[BostonRich]

The bands of course are a big factor, but the nearest to me is Spanish Springs and arguably it is sadly becoming a ghost town as far as things to do and places to go. The theater is gone, Margarita Republic is gone, World of Beer is gone, Kathy Belle's is long gone. The new restaurants may be good but they are expensive and you just can't go as often as we used to. A friend and I recently went out for our birthdays and we both felt we had to go to Sumter Landing in order to spend a few hours and bar hop since it has the most variety of restaurants and bars.

[Marathon Man]

Daddyd....it's SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER NO P repeat after me....SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER

Such a small thing to get so upset about.

[GoRedSox!]

Sumter County was named for General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the Revolutionary War. This is fitting because the county has been the primary site for two other wars, the first of which helped make the reputation of another war hero, General Andrew Jackson, and propelled him to the presidency.It's interesting that the county was named after Sumter, as I don't think he had any real connection to Florida. And Florida was loyal to Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.

Of course, I don't know the back story, there could be much more that explains this.

He is also known for Fort Sumter being named after him, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

[GoRedSox!]

I think Brownwood is the most popular square, and I think that the stadium-style seating is very popular and that helps. That being said, I know that Sawgrass Grove is not officially a town square, but every time I have gone down there in the evenings, it is bustling and seems to be packed.

[mraines]

Last Friday I drove to Tampa, and on the way back on a lark decided to visit all three Village Squares (this was probably from 5-7pm). Brownwood was pretty busy, Sumpter less so, and Spanish Springs was decidedly the least busy of the three.

Presumably Brownwood could have been busier that particular night because it had the best band playing--and likewise Spanish Springs the least busy because the band playing that night was not very popular--but I'm guessing the Square w/ the youngest population living around it (i.e., Brownwood) is typically the busiest.

Yes / No / all depends on which band is playing where??

I would say it does depend on who is playing at the square. FYI, there is no P in Sumter.

[mraines]

Which are the best bands to check out? I’m new in town and it seems clear that everyone knows which bands are best….except me! Who do you recommend?

Depends on your tastes. My favorites are Blue Stone Circle, Blonde Ambition and Johnny Wild. Clark Barrios and Rocky and the Rollers are pretty well worn but play good dance music and it's always a good time.

[nn0wheremann]

Newcomers frequent the squares more often than old-timers. It is all new to them. Those of us that have been here for several years have heard the bands hundreds of times. Some of the bands have been playing the same songs for 20+ years. Most of us are not interested in hearing the same music, over and over. The restaurants in each of the squares seem to have an equal amount of patrons, night after night. Brownwood, Sawgrass, and Eastport will always be busier because of the amount of newcomers arriving monthly. Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs is too far for them to travel.
Too bad the Villages does not have other genres of music in the squares, like a once a month jazz or classical or folk or country/ bluegrass night rotated on different nights at each square…not the “same old rock & roll”. Given the number of participants in the various different musical lifestyle groups, they must know there is a market for such a change. Something different to dance or listen to.

[Velvet]

Why do so many people add a P to Sumter?

Because we have words like “sump pump” and “summer” but zero, ie. no words that start with “sumt” at all.

[sowtime444]

Uncle Bob's Rock Shop is my favorite so far, especially enjoyed the Pink Floyd part of the set. There is a group of younger folks that will always go to the Hooligans shows.

[tedquick]

That's funny. Thanks for the smile.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Too bad the Villages does not have other genres of music in the squares, like a once a month jazz or classical or folk or country/ bluegrass night rotated on different nights at each square…not the “same old rock & roll”. Given the number of participants in the various different musical lifestyle groups, they must know there is a market for such a change. Something different to dance or listen to.

They do have country/bluegrass. I don't remember the name of the band but they played in Spanish Springs earlier this month. Really awesome. If I see them again here I'll try and remember to repost.

[coffeebean]

Spot on. The band makes the difference. Up until the last couple of years, on average, it was Sumter Landing. Now probably Brownwood.

Lake Sumter Landing remains my favorite square and not because it is the closest square to where we live. The ability to sit on all four sides of the band stand is one reason I prefer it better to Brownwood. Spanish Springs is my second favorite square, again, for the ability to sit on all four sides of the band stand but it lacks that gorgeous lake that LSL has.

As for the OP query.......it's all about the bands who bring the big crowds to the squares. There are times when there will be two squares with equally popular bands and they will both be very busy.

[coffeebean]

I'd say it's a combination of the bands, events, and to some degree, the weather. I don't know if there were any events at any of the other squares last night. There was no event at Spanish Springs. But we went to dinner near Spanish Springs last night and at around 6:30 when we finished dinner, it looked like it was about to rain. We ended up not going to enjoy the band, and went right home instead.

Crazy thing about the Villages, is it's so LONG from north to south, that it could be torrential downpours for three hours at one end, and a bright beautiful sunshine day at the other end, with just clouds and sporadic showers in the middle.

But if the weather's nice, it'll be busier where there's an event than where there is no event. If there's no event anywhere, then it'll be busier wherever the more popular band is playing.

The Car Show attracts a LOT of people, no matter who's playing that night.
Agree with everything you said. Very true.

[coffeebean]

Which are the best bands to check out? I’m new in town and it seems clear that everyone knows which bands are best….except me! Who do you recommend?

Johnny Wild and the Delights are my favorites. Great Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, among many other great musicians.

[coffeebean]

Daddyd....it's SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER NO P repeat after me....SUMTER SUMTER SUMTER

But........I have to pee.

[coffeebean]

I’m interested in hearing the same songs over and over! I never tire of hearing, say, Rolling Stones covers, or the Eagles, or Steely Dan. I do tire of hearing most of the songs over and over, as I never liked them to begin with. I never tire of hearing songs from the thirties and forties, but I know most people don’t like them. I’d love to hear good bluegrass bands, or Gypsy Jazz, or Brazilian Choro, but I know that isn’t going to happen.

From my parents, when I was growing up, I became a HUGE Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman fan of big band music. I will never tire of listening to that music but, alas, will never hear that at any square. Sad face.

[coffeebean]

Because auto spell does it on Apple phones and they don’t catch it before hitting submit.

What does Apple know?

[LeRoySmith]

Johnny Wild and the Delights are my favorites. Great Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, among many other great musicians.

We like them as Fancy Reagan a little better than Johnny Wild, I can't wait till they start playing as Daisy Fever on a regular basis.

[coffeebean]

Too bad the Villages does not have other genres of music in the squares, like a once a month jazz or classical or folk or country/ bluegrass night rotated on different nights at each square…not the “same old rock & roll”. Given the number of participants in the various different musical lifestyle groups, they must know there is a market for such a change. Something different to dance or listen to.

The Valerie Gillespie Jazz Band is excellent. They play the squares every once in a while. Not to be missed if you enjoy jazz.

[LucyP]

Which band playing for most people to decide which square.

[Sandancer]

My favorite bands are Blue Stone Circle, Blonde Ambition, Un cle Bobs Rock Shop, The Rundown Band {Rafeall-lead singer} does a fantastic version of "Africa"-he sounds like TOTO...And new band my friends & I like> The Zee-R Band {lead singer is from Brazil & has a great voice} And Rocky/Rollers is always fun & interacts with the fans....He has a new lead singer-Steve-Wow, his voice is great! Try them all once & you will find your favorites too!

[MrChip72]

I've watched the same bands a few times on roughly the same night of the week a couple weeks apart at LSL and Brownwood. Both busy during "primetime" 6-8pm. Brownwood definitely busier after 8pm. Older crowd in LSL, and much better seating in Brownwood are probably big contributors. I still don't get why LSL hasn't added some bleacher seating.

[Kelevision]

During the day, Sumter has the most walkers and traffic. Brownwood is often a ghost town during those hours, Spanish is in-between the two.

I have never once gone to see a band play at a square but I do go for lunch or during the day quite often and one thing I’m always amazed at is how busy it is on any given day. I only go to Brownwood.

[MrFlorida]

It's the bands.... no P in Sumter.

[DaddyD]

They do have country/bluegrass. I don't remember the name of the band but they played in Spanish Springs earlier this month. Really awesome. If I see them again here I'll try and remember to repost.

Would be interested to learn the name of the band you're referring to if you can dig it up. I'm a big music fan & not infrequently drive to Deland/Sanford/St.Pete/St. Augustine to attend concerts & see live music. Love me some alt-country & bluegrass & REALLY wish there was a good bar / live music venue in TV. Unfortunately I'm not much of a fan of the free music in the Squares.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Would be interested to learn the name of the band you're referring to if you can dig it up. I'm a big music fan & not infrequently drive to Deland/Sanford/St.Pete/St. Augustine to attend concerts & see live music. Love me some alt-country & bluegrass & REALLY wish there was a good bar / live music venue in TV. Unfortunately I'm not much of a fan of the free music in the Squares.

First - for those who might be interested:

The Brown Bag Brass Band will be playing at Spanish Springs on July 7. They do New Orleans brass band music and jazz.

I found the band that does the bluegrass! It's Slickwood. They do jamgrass, folk rock, and roots music. The banjo player is really terrific. They're playing at Spanish Springs on July 23. They know of Bela Fleck and love his music, but they don't perform any. I suggested that they maybe try Sinister Minister, if they're interested in adding one of the Flecktones tunes to their setlist. I'll be asking them to play Willin' by Little Feat, when I see them again (if they don't already play it that night).

[Eg_cruz]

Why do so many people add a P to Sumter?
Good question