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Fans pack SeaWorld for Bands, Brew & BBQ despite last-minute changes

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of music fans packed SeaWorld for its Bands, Brew & BBQ event on Sunday, despite last-minute changes to the artist lineup.

SeaWorld officials are expecting thousands of guests to attend Bands, Brew & BBQ over the next few weeks. The event consists of six weekends of musical entertainment and festivities.

The lineup of musical performances changed in the months leading up to Bands, Brew & BBQ. After the release of the documentary "Blackfish", which criticizes SeaWorld's treatment of killer whales in captivity, nine artists and bands canceled their performances.

SeaWorld released ads in several newspapers in December defending the way it cares for whales in captivity. Park officials said the ads were placed in order to correct inaccurate reports.

Many guests told WFTV they came out to see Kid Rock, who was a replacement for the canceled performances.

"I come to SeaWorld a few times a year mostly for the Bands, Brew & BBQ. Kid Rock is an excellent replacement," Orlando resident Mark Bozzacc said.

SeaWorld is not announcing the remaining artists and bands that are scheduled to perform during Bands, Brew & BBQ. Officials said they'll make an announcement each week about the upcoming performances.