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A packed downtown opening cements Snap! Orlando’s reputation as pre-eminent art partiers
Maybe last Thursday night’s brisk, dry weather sent a higher voltage through Orlando’s art crowd, I don’t know. Maybe it was the moon. But Snap! Downtown’s opening night possessed a coolly electric creative tension not felt at most local art openings. Suddenly everyone was an art expert, or at least an art lover, and they…
Band Bingo returns with a new neighborhood and venue this Thursday
Band Bingo, one of the more unique nights of live music in town, returns this week after taking a hiatus and moving away from its Mills 50 origins and into the Milk District. If you’ve missed Band Bingo in the past, the basic concept is that musicians put their names in a hat to be…
Awolnation, Evanescence added to Moonstone Festival lineup
Adding to an already robust lineup that includes KISS and Def Leppard, new additions to Orlando’s Moonstone Music Festival lineup were announced Tuesday, Feb. 2. Moonstone Music Fest lineup now includes Awolnation, Evanescence and Buckcherry, to perform at the two-day festival Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. In addition to popular bands, comedians will also…
Controversial mens’ rights group that supports ‘legal rape’ to host event in Orlando this weekend
Oh, hey – If you’re a dude wandering around Lake Eola Park on Saturday, and some other random dude approaches you and asks, “Do you know where I can find a pet shop?” he’s probably not trying to buy a new puppy. In fact, he’s probably trying to speak to you in a new secret…
Florida Supreme Court blocks execution of inmate
The Florida Supreme Court decided to stay the February execution of Michael Ray Lambrix, who was sentenced to death for the 1983 murders of Clarence Moore and Aleisha Bryant, according to an order filed Tuesday. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month in Hurst v. Florida that the state’s death penalty sentencing system was unconstitutional because…
Former UCF student to cook on Food Network show All-Star Academy
A former University of Central Florida student is heading back to school this month to compete in the culinary classroom of Food Network’s All-Star Academy. Zoe Kelly is one of the nine cooks who will be appearing on the second season of the Food Network show, according to a network press release. The eight-episode competition will…
6 Florida restaurants make list of 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.
Americans: We love our lists. Since Valentine’s Day is approaching (for better or worse), OpenTable, the reservations website, has compiled its list of the Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S., based on more than 20,000 reviews. Six Florida restaurants made the cut, three of them in Central Florida, so if you’re planning a road trip…
Florida gas station clerk punches armed robbery suspect in the face
Brevard County Sheriff’s department recently released a surveillance video showing a gas station clerk disarming a robbery suspect by repeatedly punching him in the face, proving that a good guy with strong right hook can also stop a bad guy with a gun. The video, which was posted to Brevard County Sheriff’s Facebook page, shows the…
Get a preview of festival season when Moon Taxi parks at the Social Wednesday night
Nashville band Moon Taxi caught the country’s eye three years ago with the debut of their second album, Mountains Beaches Cities. Now the five-piece is taking its festival sound on tour again after the release of its third and most relatable album, Daybreaker, late last year. The band has finally found its sound, with songs…
Rollins’ Winter With the Writers kicks off with Chilean novelist and screenwriter Antonio Skármeta this week
Rollins’ annual literary festival, Winter With the Writers, returns this month with a slate of events with prose and poetry masters from around the world. Opening the festival this year is Chilean novelist, screenwriter and diplomat Antonio Skármeta, a recipient of Chile’s National Literature Prize. Skármeta fled Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship, a theme he…
Florida Libertarian Senate candidate publishes LSD journals
Last year, Florida’s Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate, Augustus Sol Invictus, made headlines nationally after the Orlando lawyer said he sacrificed a goat and drank its blood as part of his religion. Now, FloridaPolitics writer Scott Powers reports Invictus has admitted to using LSD and has released his own LSD Journals. “They are both a literary experiment…
35 Years Later: Motörhead & Girlschool – “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” EP
With the recent passing of Lemmy, the vast majority of memories ascribed to the man focused on either his ability to ingest prodigious amounts of mood-altering substances, his honest and open approach to straight talk, and, of course, his single-minded dedication to making Motörhead music. Lemmy was never a dabbler or an experimentalist, nor was…
Orlando Museum of Art offers Groundhog Day membership special
Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this morning, which means two things: spring will come early this year and the Orlando Museum of Art is celebrating by offering a discount on its membership. According to the museum’s website, a student, educator or individual membership for OMA will be reduced to $35 for today only, down $20 from…
Food Network’s ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ returns to Orlando, calls for volunteers
Robert Irvine and his Restaurant: Impossible crew don’t have the absolute best track record in Central Florida … remember when they did over Winter Garden’s Cave Inn BBQ? How about the Soup to Nuts Diner in Tavares? However, the Caffe Positano-to-Tornatore’s Pizzeria transformation seems to be going gangbusters, so they are on an upswing. And they’re back…
Orange County deputies cleared of using excessive force against local college students
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has cleared three deputies of using excessive force in the July arrests of Deidra Reid and Reginald Lane Jr. The Orlando Sentinel reports the students filed complaints against Deputy Richard Nye, Deputy Kristine Helms and Sgt. Brett Parnell after a confrontation at an Orlando apartment complex. Reid was visiting a…
Groundbreaking Walt Disney and Salvador Dali exhibits open in St Petersburg
Florida today is what it is, in part, because of Walt Disney, and a new exhibit in St. Petersburg helps bring a unique and often overlooked part of Walt Disney to life; his friendship with legendary artist Salvador Dali. The two worked together on a long forgotten animated short, Destino, which was uncovered in 1999 after…
Major hotel expansions rumored for SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens
One of the largest recent announcements from SeaWorld Parks (SEAS) CEO Joel Manby was that the partnership with local boutique hotelier Evans Hotels will involve what looks to be a more upscale resort and both Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have been discussed as potential development areas. In January, the Orlando Business Journal reported that SEAS…
Kalashnikov AK-47 factory will relocate to Florida
Florida isn’t just attracting snow birds and retirees anymore. The makers of the original AK-47 will be migrating to Florida, bringing its factory along with it. The Russian-born Kalashnikov will be moving out from Pennsylvania, New York Daily News reports, and into a 40,000-square-foot location in Pompano Beach. The company has already acquired its license to…
Say goodbye to the slime, Nickelodeon Hotel will soon close its doors
The famed Nickelodeon Hotel on 536 near Walt Disney World was touted as the first in a long line of Nick branded hotels. Now, 10 years later, those Nick hotels are finally happening but with a different hotelier, and back here in Orlando, the one that started it all is saying goodbye to the slime.…
Million Dollar Quartet’s Adam Lee brings the American roots up close at Lil Indies
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Chicago’s Adam Lee rolled into town for an up-close and intimate engagement (Lil Indies). The deal on him is that he played Johnny Cash in the Chicago production of Million Dollar Quartet, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about the famous 1956 powerhouse recording session between Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry…
Big Eyes shows the power of rock & roll simplicity by igniting St. Matthew’s
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND The steady climb that New York’s Big Eyes (Jan. 30, St. Matthew’s) has been on in recent years has been notable enough to draw regular notice beyond the young punk circuit, and it’s all on the wings of Kait Eldridge’s fundamental aesthetic. By keeping the scope simple, she and her band leave…
Orlando City to build new training center in Lake Nona
Orlando City Soccer Club announced a partnership with Lake Nona Friday to build a 23-acre training facility expected to open in 2017. The new center will be in the Lake Nona Sports Innovation & Performance District next to the U.S. Tennis Association’s National Campus that’s currently under construction, according to a news release. The privately financed…
Get a taste of the wild, weird and WTF tonight at Uncle Lou’s at the Pre-International Noise Conference show
Every year, noise legend Frank Falestra, best known by his nom de guerre, Rat Bastard, emits a high-pitched whistling tone that attracts noise bands and scene fans from around the country. As they scuttle like vermin toward Miami and their King Rodent, more than 150 bands will stream through the state of Florida on their…
Orlando Eye offers free wedding capsules to 30 couples
For couples who don’t mind if their wedding could be stalled for three hours without air conditioning, the Orlando Eye is offering 30 soon-to-be newlyweds a chance to get married 400 feet in the air for free on Feb. 13. To be considered, couples must upload a 30-second video to YouTube and send the link to…
Bully muscles to the top of the ’90s indie revival class (The Social)
THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND Bully is a Nashville band that made a conspicuous amount of respectable 2015 year-end lists, and it’s pretty plain to see why. Of the entire, rather sizeable new generation of ‘90s indie-rock revivalism, their well-built and accurate blend of heart, melody and scruff is among the crop’s cream, up there with acts…
Media organizations sound the alert on Florida’s attempt to undermine public-records law
Another gem from the 2016 state legislative session, which is fast becoming the most unDemocratic session we’ve witnessed in Tallahassee in years (see: proposal to make legal abortion a felony here, proposal to make open the door to fracking here and proposal to prevent counties from banning polystyrene products here): The state is now considering…
Black Rooster Taqueria ready to crow
OK, Mills 50 taco freaks, the moment is almost here. Black Rooster Taqueria will have a tasting event Friday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. If you received an invite, consider yourself a TACO VIP. On Saturday, Feb. 6, and Sunday, Feb. 7, a soft opening for friends and family takes place, with … DRUM ROLL…
Florida airline offers free flights if Bush or Rubio win Iowa caucus
Silver Airways is still holding out some hope Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio won’t get crushed in the Iowa caucuses by presidential candidate Donald Trump on Feb. 1. The Fort Lauderdale airline is offering free flights in Florida if Bush or Rubio win the caucuses, according to a press release. “You may…
“Project X” by Kappo founders to debut this year
Lordfer Lalicon, Mark Berdin and Jennifer Banagale are headed to Japan Monday for a month. When they get back, they hope to bring with them suitcases of Japanese goodies with which to stock Konbini – their one-stop shop konbini (or convenience store) that will take the place of the highly lauded Kappo at East End Market…
Family claims escaped snake killed grandmother at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
An Alabama family says they plan to sue Disney World after they claim a trip to Animal Kingdom resulted with the death of their grandmother at the hands of an escaped snake. According to CBS, the family’s attorney, Matt Morgan from Morgan & Morgan, says the grandmother saw the snake bite the family’s son, she…
Maxine’s on Shine celebrates its fourth anniversary tonight
The “little restaurant that could” is celebrating four years of epic brunches and live music with … well, exactly that and so much more. Starting tonight at 5 p.m., the restaurant will be featuring plenty of specials from behind the bar and in the kitchen, as well as a lineup of local musicians. Here’s what’s…
Topgolf announces location for new Orlando venue
The mother of all interactive golf courses is making its way to Orlando, bringing a slew of entertainment options along with it. Topgolf, the bowling-golf-arcade-restaurant hybrid will be bringing its 65,000-square-foot self to Convention Way and Universal Boulevard, the company announced January 28 at the PGA show. Construction for the monumental entertainment center, which will…
Tool and Primus tear into the CFE Arena
Nobody puts on a show quite like Tool and Primus. The CFE arena was ablaze last night with the psychedelic musings of two giants, and the spectacle was nothing less than extraordinary. Primus kicked off the night with their trademark breed of insanity. Les Claypool’s talent is ageless, crafting face-melting sonic visuals with his signature…
The Art Gallery at Mills Park opens tonight with work by Martha Lent and Paul Scarborough
Mills Park, the mixed-use development that rose up in the area where the Mills-Nebraska lumberyard used to be, adds its latest amenity tonight when the Art Gallery at Mills Park opens. The two-story gallery at 1650 N. Mills Ave. will pay tribute to the sawmill, which was at the location for 70 years, with wooden…
Eat this now: Nopales salad at Zona Fresca
It’s not often that a salad can make me swoon, but this one, the grilled nopales salad from Zona Fresca in Winter Park, made this soggy Thursday just a little bit brighter. Zona Fresca, the South Florida-based taqueria serving up Baja-style tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican munchies, opened a couple of months ago in…
Trap stars Loudpvck bring their fire to Gilt Saturday night
Kenny Beats and Ryan Marks, the two producers who comprise the genre-jumping duo known as Loudpvck (pronounced “loud pack,” a reference to a bag of weed with a particularly strong scent), had a banner year in 2015, putting out their first EP, Botany, and collaborating with everyone from Zeds Dead to Blink-182’s Travis Barker. The…
New buns, new burgers and new brunch: the latest Orlando restaurant openings and events
King Bao, which we can only hope is a gustatory shrine to our very own Bao Le-Huu, will move into the former Raphsodic Bakery space on Mills Ave. They will also serve steamed buns. Plancha Restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort will serve Sunday brunch beginning March 13. Nine of Disney’s top chefs gather for…
Get to this year’s Vietnamese New Year Festival early for a guided tasting with Tasty Chomps
If you enjoy eating tons of Vietnamese street food with family and friends, you may want to clear your weekend for the annual Vietnamese New Year Festival put on by St. Philip Phan Van Minh Catholic Church. With some cash in hand, you can try a variety of ethnic foods at this celebration, including spring…
Freedumb’s the name of the game when Jim Jefferies stands up at the Plaza on Sunday
It may seem impossible to compare the gun owners of today with the slave owners of yesteryear and still have a whole room of Bostonians laughing, but somehow Australian comedian Jim Jefferies manages to do it. Jefferies has made a big name for himself on the comedy stage with his insightfully profane take on all…
Revisit Sega’s last console, the Dreamcast, for free at Dream Arcade at Spacebar Saturday
How do we only have one pop-up arcade? Is there somebody we can see about this? Either way, Spacebar’s Dream Arcade is going to be a pixel-stuffed blast. Craft beers, classic arcade games and nerdy delights abound as the bar is transformed into a Sega Dreamcast wonderland. That’s right, Sega’s late brainchild will be the only system…
Orlando area has witnessed a 74 percent increase in gun stores, says study
Over the past six years, the Orlando metropolitan area has seen a drastic increase in gun retailers, according to a recent study performed by BuildZoom. Since 2010, Orlando, Sanford and Kissimmee have experienced a 74 percent increase in gun shops, compared to a 47 percent overall increase in the state of Florida. Florida isn’t alone when it…
Hans Zimmer to appear at UCF Celebrates the Arts in April
Hans Zimmer, the man who composed music for some of the biggest blockbusters in the last decade, is bringing his world-famous music to Orlando as a guest composer at the UCF Celebrates the Arts, according to a university press release. The free festival, now in its second year, is open to the public and showcases…
Black drivers in Orlando are 3 times more likely to be pulled over for seatbelt violations
In 2014, black motorists were stopped and ticketed for seatbelt violations 2.8 times more often than white drivers in Orange County, according to a new ACLU report. That number is even higher than the statewide average; across Florida, black drivers were stopped and given tickets for not wearing seatbelts twice as may times as white motorists,…
The Holy Land Experience reminds Orlando that they don’t pay taxes by announcing date for free admission day
To qualify under state law for property-tax exemption as a religious entity, The Holy Land Experience will once again offer free admission to the public. The Holy Land Experience, which is owned by Trinity Broadcasting Network, announced on their Facebook page that the park will be free to the public on Wednesday, February 24. This…
Pig out on Saturday at the Ravenous Pig’s first cookout of 2016
If you were at loose ends for lunch plans on Saturday, your weekend just got better: With this Feb. 6 event, the Ravenous Pig’s monthly pig roasts recommence for the year. The RavPig’s parking-lot pig roasts are always a good time, and with the weather projected to be a balmy 70 degrees this Saturday, there…
“Judgmental Maps” takes on Orlando with hilariously offensive results 😂
So where do you live … “Designer Babies” or “Windermere Wannabe”? “Jesus World” or “Pill Mill”? Yesterday tumblog Judgmental Maps (slogan: “Your city. Judged”) published their take on Orlando, and if you have a sense of humor, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you’re unable laugh at yourself … best avoid, you will def get offended. …
Legislature wants to prohibit local governments from banning polystyrene products
In case you need any more evidence that the state Legislature plans to completely undermine local governments’ attempts to decide what is good for their communities, today the state House approved an amendment to a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill pertaining to a bunch of random things, including pest control, fertilizer sales reports…
Ferg’s Depot is actually, finally opening, and sooner than you think
After our tour through the renovations in process at Ferg’s Depot last July as part of the Downtown Orlando Partnership’s Food Tours, we were blown away by the beauty inside the historic building … but as projected opening date after date passed by, we started to lose hope that we’d ever be able to stroll…
Medical marijuana makes it onto November 2016 ballot
It’s official: The medical marijuana initiative is returning to Florida’s November ballot. Floridians will get to decide on the constitutional amendment that would allow licensed Florida physicians to prescribe marijuana to people with debilitating medical conditions such as HIV, cancer, glaucoma, PTSD and Crohn’s disease, according to a press release from People United for Medical…
New York’s Big Eyes roll into St. Matt’s Saturday night
Since 2010, Big Eyes have been putting out bright, punky rock & roll on both coasts. A four-year stint being based out of Seattle, Washington, ended last year when frontwoman and songwriter Kait Eldridge returned to her home of New York City. Since her return, Big Eyes has played high-profile shows with the likes of…
Pay tribute to Potter and Snape this weekend at Universal
For those who didn’t already receive their invitation by owl, Universal’s annual Harry Potter extravaganza is back. In this event, wizards and witches gather in the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to guzzle Butterbeer, stuff their faces with Chocolate Frogs and, on a more somber note, remember one of the franchise’s greatest stars, Alan…
Bug-A-Palooza kicks off Leu Gardens’ Big Bugs exhibit on Saturday
If you’re that friend who stops everyone from squishing the cockroach that sneaked into your apartment, Bug-A-Palooza might be the event for you. This hands-on celebration of bugs at Leu Gardens features your favorite insects, available to be held at the mini-petting zoo. After you finish immortalizing some creepy crawlers through pottery and sitting in…
Orlando house flippers land new reality show on FYI
A crew of local house flippers will be featured on a reality show airing on FYI this weekend. The new show, Zombie House Flipping, focuses on a familiar issue here in Central Florida, “zombie homes,” which are typically dilapidated sites that are sitting in foreclosure limbo, abandoned by the previous owners, and often ignored by…
Orlando’s Flag World moves across the street to new location
Flag World, the store that specializes in flags and flag-related merchandise, has moved to a new location on Virginia Drive. You can now find Flag World at 805 Virginia Drive. Owner Rocky Ruvola informed Orlando Weekly of the recent move, which is pretty much directly across the street from their old spot. Their previous location, next…
Secret Tako Cheena quietly opens in the most unlikely of places…
And the prize for “Least Likely Place to House a Tako Cheena” goes to … Massey Cadillac of Orlando! Sure, we all know that the second third outpost of the budding Tako Cheena franchise is slated to open in the former Forbidden City space on Mills Avenue, but Tako Cheena No. 2 quietly opened on…
Chief John Mina: Orlando Police ahead of other departments nationwide
At the Orlando Police Department’s year-end review, Chief John Mina says his department is light years ahead of other law enforcement agencies in Florida and across the country in regards to its police practices. President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing released a report earlier in 2015, and Mina says OPD is doing…
Waffle House taking reservations for romantic Valentine’s Day dinners
Some people want nothing more than to be topped in their love relationships; others are looking to get away from being smothered. (If you’re being chunked or diced, we suggest calling an abuse hotline.) This Valentine’s Day you can combine your love with your love of Waffle House hash browns, however you prefer them served…
Zagat releases 2016 dining trends survey
Yesterday, Zagat released its survey of more than 9,000 diners all over the country, and some of the results are pretty interesting regarding the state of American dining. In Orlando, we’ve reported on the changes in the restaurant scene in this town (how many more charcuterie platters can one town stand for?), and it looks…
Gimme Shelter (1/27/16)
This purrfect kitty is looking for a loving home! Meet Meredith, a 1-year-old cat who is very affectionate. Meredith (Animal ID A339071) purrs a lot and loves to be petted. She is curious and likes to play a little, but she mostly just wants to be spoiled with your attention. If you want a mellow…
Savage Love (1/27/16)
Down to business: Christmas came and went, and every present I bought for my extraordinary husband could be opened in front of our children. He deserves better, and I have a particular gift in mind for Valentine’s Day. My husband has expressed an interest in sounding, something we’ve attempted only with my little finger. He…
Selections: Our picks of the week’s best events, Jan. 27-Feb. 2
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 29-31 A Celebration of Harry Potter For those who didn’t already receive their invitation by owl, Universal’s annual Harry Potter extravaganza is back. In this event, wizards and witches gather in the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade to guzzle Butterbeer, stuff their faces with Chocolate Frogs and, on a more somber note,…
Lulu Eightball (1/27/16)
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Wahlburgers has a solid opening date, Gargi’s Lakeside might go Mexican, plus more in our weekly food roundup
We reported back in August that Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar would be moving into the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips. But co-founder Andy Pforzheimer told me that he’s planning to open sister resto Bartaco in the space next to Christini’s instead. Bartaco is a taqueria inspired by beach culture in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and…
Picks This Week: Cradle of Filth, Natural Child, Colin Hay and more
Digital Torque brings in a real drum & bass legend, Ipswich, U.K.’s Digital, a progenitor of the genre whose singles on the Metalheadz and Phantom Audio labels still get plenty of play. 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Sandwich Bar, $10 Natural Child The Nashville rockers may have a bit more twang in their tunes…
Opening in Orlando: Fifty Shades of Black, The Finest Hours and Jane Got a Gun
Fifty Shades of Black The parody film is a noble and often beneficial genre. From Support Your Local Sheriff to Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story to What We Do in the Shadows, there’s something almost heroic about spending an entire movie eviscerating another movie or group of movies. And there’s no market quite as…
This Little Underground: Anniversary salutes to Southern Fried Sunday and Norsekorea
Two important local concert institutions just notched big anniversaries: live series Southern Fried Sunday (10 years) and show promoter Norsekorea (five years). Presenting countless hours of high times and great bands, they’ve worked good and hard to become two of the most respected names in the Orlando music scene, so big salutes to them both…
A Place Gallery is Orlando’s latest venue for performance, video, multimedia and other ephemeral art forms
It’s churlish to kvetch about temperatures in the 40s when the Northeast is being snowed under, but our recent run of chilly weather was the closest thing to winter Orlando has felt in a while. And what better way to ward off the “Florida Cold” than at an art opening? Snap’s new gallery at 420…
Free Will Astrology (1/27/16)
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Do you know Emily Brontë’s novel, Wuthering Heights? At one point, the heroine, Catherine, tells her friend about Edgar, a man she’s interested in. “He wanted all to lie in an ecstasy of peace,” Catherine says, “and I wanted all to sparkle and dance in a glorious jubilee. I said his…
