[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann

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]

Originally Posted by justjim

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Agree with everything you said. Very true.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

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

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

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

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]

Originally Posted by Remembergoldenrule

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

What does Apple know?

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

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]

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

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.