Indie After Dark Wednesday, July 17 with the Getbye, Ill Bones, Pickens Ivey, Knox McRae, Midnight Satire 7 p.m. Backbooth, 37 W. Pine St. 407-999-2570 backbooth.com $5-$7 Looks like there’s a new indie night downtown that acknowledges how much the genre has broadened its definition to include a wider range of sounds. Put together by the folks at Booked Promotions, the night has a packed lineup, featuring standout indie-minded Florida bands like gypsy rockers the Getbye, who just released three new songs you may not have had a chance to hear live yet. Perhaps the truest on the lineup to classic indie pop stylings is Tampa’s Midnight Satire. But it’s not just the bouncy side of indie rock being rep’d once the sun sets. Ocala’s III Bones brings the psychedelia-tinged blues into the picture, and Mount Dora’s Pickens Ivey colors in with elements of folk, along with Titusville’s bluegrass-leaning Knox McRae. Personally, we also like a little Malkmus in the morning, but, yeah, a moonlit serenade that runs the gamut of indie influences sounds good to us too. – Ashley Belanger
Florida Overtures, Undertones and Subplots Thursday, July 18 opening 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 14 The Gallery at Avalon Island, 39 S. Magnolia Ave. 407-913-1426 avalongallery.org free We’re guessing the Cure’s Robert Smith hadn’t known about the Downtown Art District’s Third Thursday Gallery Hop after we heard how jazzed he was about Friday. Let’s just say we have every reason to love Thursdays because the third one of every month comes complete with sidewalk performers and local artists peppering the walkways between Orlando’s downtown galleries, boutiques and cafes, all of which display works from local up-and-comers, along with practiced, internationally acclaimed artists. At this Thursday’s hop, the Gallery at Avalon Island unveils its newest show, Florida Overtures, Undertones and Subplots, a multimedia collection that examines the state’s intricacies and idiosyncrasies through the eyes of 13 artists. The opening features live music from Chris Aycrigg’s quintet and libations, all nestled inside an Orlando architectural gem, the Rogers Building. But you won’t want to stay inside very long with all the hullabaloo going on in the streets. It’s Thursday; we’re in love. – Lauren Killer
Marilyn Manson Thursday, July 18 with Picture Me Broken 8 p.m. Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd. 407-351-5483 hardrock.com $37.50-$65 As folks who cover music news, we understand why Marilyn Manson became disenchanted with the music world as a former journalist, then sought to lead by example, shocking the music scene as the scare show he transformed into. And after all these years, he’s still entertaining audiences, although he’s remained just as hyper-aware to the demands of the world around him, which is why his new show, he says – nay, guarantees! – will be more chaotic than jarring, to reflect his opinion that it’s impossible these days to shock anybody. But … you can still confuse them. And if you were one of those confused by what many called his comeback album, 2012’s Born Villain, rest assured that Marilyn Manson’s dark arts on stage supersede any criticism of his new music, and you know damn well, beautiful people, that he’s going to give you some of the hits that let him creep into your life initially. – Ashley Belanger
The Red Chair Visual Art Exhibit Thursday, July 18 through Aug. 10 opening 6-9 p.m. CityArts Factory, 29 S. Orange Ave. 407-648-7060 artsandculturalalliance.org free More than 50 local organizations and businesses create works of art out of red IKEA children’s chairs.
St. Arnoldus Day Thursday, July 18 4 p.m. Oblivion Taproom, 5101 E. Colonial Drive 407-802-4800 obliviontaproom.com free We have no idea how he pulled the wool over Roman Catholic eyes for this one, but somehow Arnold of Soissons joined sainthood in the name of beer. It’s true: After ditching the hermit life, Arnold became a priest and started brewing beer in the abbey where he gave sermons on the importance of drinking beer instead of water because of its health benefits. To this day we agree an ice-cold beer can save lives (or at least a bad day), and in honor of St. Arnoldus, the patron saint of Belgian beer, on July 18 each year, bars all over the world knock back a few brews. In Brussels, they even have a “Day of Beer” parade for ol’ Arnie. Orlando follows suit this week – sans the parade – as one of our favorite local craft-beer joints, Oblivion Taproom, marks the holiday with a lineup of Belgian beers on tap – St. Feuillen, Kwak, Tripel Karmeliet and Omer. In the name of the hops, the suds and the sacred brewski. – Aimee Vitek
A Slow Ride Friday-Monday, July 19-22 7 p.m. Downtown Credo, 706 W. Smith St. strikingly.com/aslowride $12-$15 To twist a sentence of Tolstoy’s, all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family bickers, snaps and snarls in its own unique way. Considering local playwright/event producer/restaurant critic Joseph Reed Hayes’ facility with language, the three women at the heart of his new play, A Slow Ride, are sure to quarrel with style. “Tension, humor, affection and near-demented discord” suffuse the hour-long one-act comedy, which Hayes stages live at College Park’s Downtown Credo as the eighth event in his “13 in 13” initiative – 13 artistic projects produced in 2013. The play has a brief run of just four performances, but one (Sunday night) will be live-streamed if you absolutely can’t make it out of the house. Get all the details at Hayes’ website, jazzonedge.com/13in13. — Jessica Bryce Young
Confessions, a Cabaret Friday, July 19 9 p.m. The Venue, 511 Virginia Drive 407-412-6895 thevenueorlando.com $15 Quirky song and dance performance by Zachary Hines.
Cedric the Entertainer Saturday, July 20 8 p.m. Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston St. 407-849-2020 orlandovenues.net $33-$63 He may be one of the Original Kings of Comedy, but after being in the business for nearly 15 years, Cedric the Entertainer knows how to keep up with the other budding princes and princesses of comedy – a group of comics, he says, “with their own brand,” the likes of Kevin Hart and Russell Peters. He’s done so by staying busy, appearing both on TV (The Steve Harvey Show, The Soul Man) and on the big screen (Barbershop, Johnson Family Vacation). He also understands and readily embraces the demand for growth, which is part of why he’ll be replacing Meredith Vieira as game show host of the 12th season of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire this fall. As host, Cedric tells us he brings “humor, charm, extreme good looks … and a sense of familiarity” to the show. Word is more dramatic roles might be in the works for Cedric, but for this week’s show in Orlando, he’ll stick to the usual funny stuff. He’ll probably show up in typical hat-and-suit Cedric fashion, and with all of his voice-over experience, we could bet he’ll bring along a celebrity impersonation or two. – Aimee Vitek
5th Annual Southern Fried Sunday Music Festival Fundraiser Sunday, July 21 5 p.m. various venues on Mills Avenue heartstringsmusic.org $12-$15 The Orlando music community has a proud tradition of philanthropy, and the latest event teams up culture-based nonprofit Heart Strings Music with the rootsy Southern Fried Sunday. Even without a cause, this would be huge. The four-venue happening will take over Mills Avenue with live music from Southern legends Drivin’ ’n’ Cryin’, top local acts (like the Red Fox Lounge’s Lorna & Alphie, Kaleigh Baker, Steve Bury’s Battle Sigh, Hindu Cowboys, Gerry Williams Band, the JC’s Trio and many more) and DJs (Jeffee, Tommy Mot). In addition, there will be comedy, burlesque, kids’ camp, kissing booths, a pinup girl contest, food trucks and swank catering by Luma on Park and Prato. But all this fun is going to help the family of local boy Nick Pollock, who is fighting malignant brain cancer. And because encouraging words and a warm touch can mean as much as financial support, take note that the Pollock family plan to visit the event at 5 p.m. Stay strong, Nick! – Bao Le-Huu
Kidfest Monday, July 22 through Aug. 4 Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-629-0054 enzian.org tuition for camp: $475-$500, kids summer movie series: free Feel like your kid is a Steven Spielberg in the making? How about a miniature Quentin Tarantino or even an old-soul Alfred Hitchcock? Well then, “lights, camera, action!,” because it’s time to put them to the test at the Enzian Theater’s Kidfest, a two-week summer camp for young filmmakers. Kids get to study cinematic techniques, learn about the history of filmmaking and dive right into the production of their own independent film. After yelling “cut!” on the final scene, they will get the opportunity to see their works projected on the big screen in front of family and friends. If registration is full, don’t worry: You and the kiddies can still catch the Kidfest Summer Movie Series, which offers fans of all ages the opportunity to watch some truly epic, family-friendly movies for free. “From unique, side-splitting silent comedy classics to popular and unusual retro favorites,” we all enjoy a fun-loving story that reminds us of being kids – especially when you pick up on all the innuendo that you didn’t catch before. – Kelly Chambers