The Tampa pianist is a steadfast champion of new work and pursues classical music on the experimental fringe with a verve that merges performance with theory. Go to the symphony orchestra for tradition. But only artists like Ko can give you innovation.
I’ll leave it to you guys to debate who gets the fourth slot, but the triad of Chuck Ragan, Tim Barry and Cory Branan are a pretty airtight case for a folk-punk Mount Rushmore
Gigantic week of festing here in the greater Orlando area for punk and hardcore fans; you’ve got FYA at the Fairgrounds (see below) as well as the resurgent Florida Underground Fest going ham over an appreciable part of downtown Sanford.
The Pitt — The hit medical drama is back for a sophomore season that reportedly takes place over the course of an intense 24-hour shift during Fourth of July weekend. “Our job is not to outdo ourselves. Our job is to do ourselves,” series creator R. Scott Gemmill told Deadline. (HBO Max)
Monster Jam also features Grave Digger, Megalodon and the usual suspects smashing it up in fine fashion, and copious automotive carnage. Start those engines.
The Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts is a jazz cornerstone in the Central Florida music scene, and it’s through the vision, will and leadership of Chris Cortez.
Comedian Sal Vulcano is swapping the hidden cameras and public displays of second-hand embarrassment for a stage and some good old fashioned stand-up this weekend, and Orlando’s getting a front-row seat. Vulcano, co-creator and one of the stars of reality series Impractical Jokers, is bringing his national “Everything’s Fine” tour to Steinmetz Hall.
Singer-songwriter April Hartman of folk-punks Apes of the State is at home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, reflecting on the 10 years since the release of the band’s debut album This City Isn’t Big Enough, and preparing for the band’s anniversary tour marking the milestone. This breakthrough record is rooted in Hartman’s own sobriety journey.
Subtitled “Through the Eyes of Zora: Stories, Research and Reflections,” this free event at the downtown public library will bring Eatonville’s favorite daughter to vivid life through readings of her still-essential texts.
For the 2026 iteration — which marks the fest’s 12th anniversary — FYA brings hardcore heavyweights from all over to the Orlando Warehouse Saturday and Sunday for a weekend’s worth of sweaty music both new(ish) to the scene and decades deep.
& Juliet combines the works of the two immortal bards, Max Martin and William Shakespeare — with a hand from book writer David West Read (of Schitt’s Creek infamy) — for a campy romp through Martin’s pop hits welded to Shakespeare’s texts, all reimagined as a bit of a self-aware rom-com.
Since the beginning of her stay with us, Reba (A582563) has been a model shelter resident. Easy to handle, calm and sweet, she loves affection and treats. Reba pairs easily with other dogs, and since her first day has been a playgroup rock star.
If you harbor any doubts that Jim Henson’s creations remain relevant more than a quarter-century after the celebrated puppeteer’s passing, look no further than the strident social media reactions to every change made to his classic characters. Fans obviously still feel a fierce sense of ownership over their felt friends.
