Forget everything you know about Daytona

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I just spent the weekend at Daytona Beach's famed International Festival (www.dbif.com), where the London Symphony Orchestra plays for more than two weeks at various venues, and I have to tell you, the whole thing surprised the heck out of me. Friday's night's classical concert at the Peabody had a mellow vibe to it, but backstage, these surprisingly fun and even quirky musicians were buzzing around checking email and renting cars for their day off (others were just happy to sip cold beers). It was amazing to see some of the world's greatest musicians, having just played some of the most beautiful and famous pieces of music ever composed, asking where they could play golf. The after-party at the Plaza Resort featured Miami salsa band Tiempo Libre. They had the crowd on its feet into the wee hours with their animated stage presence and infectious tunes. Those guys truly embody the spirit of my hometown. I stood on the sidelines (if only someone had asked me to dance). It was the solo performance by violinist Carmine Lauri at Saturday's POPS concert that was by far the most memorable. Speed was the theme that night, with three screens displaying images that coincided perfectly with the ebb and flow of the music, and as FT+L art director Vicky Hodges said, "He literally moved me." Catch the whole lot perform through May 2nd — then do what we did and pop into the bar at the Hilton late at night to get to know them. View more arts & culture in our Daytona Beach Arts gallery.

Tags: arts and culture | Daytona Beach