Cover Story
Six things you should know about the I-4 Ultimate renovation before you’re caught in a jam
“In addition to building a more functional corridor, the Florida Department of Transportation wants to build a signature corridor,” says David Parks, the public information officer for the Florida Department of Transportation’s I-4 Ultimate project. “The DOT wants the drive on I-4 to be just as much of the Florida experience as palm trees, sunshine,…
Competition heats up the Will’s Pub parking lot as Poca’s Hottest hosts their annual cook-off
If you’re into local music and hot sauce, you’re probably already aware of Poca’s Hottest. The brand, which recently opened a storefront in Artgeon, makes several varieties of condi ments inspired by local musicians and artists, like Shak Nasti Cajun Honey Mustard or Kaleigh Baker’s Serenade Marinade. Now some of those artists are paying tribute…
Cobalt Cranes swoop into town to deliver sweet, heavy rock
Tastemaking upstart Lolipop Records has been radiating some of the hottest waves from the L.A. rock underground lately, and Cobalt Cranes is one of the boutique label’s most promising and complete bands. Besides releasing notable acts who’ve been igniting Orlando stages like Broncho, Ex-Cult, Thee Oh Sees, Froth, Peach Kelli Pop and Corners, Lolipop deserves…
Cashmere Cat plays rooms both big and small this week
Don’t twist our words here, but that’s what electronic producer-artist Cashmere Cat is so well-known for. The Norwegian DJ’s remixes of artists like Lana Del Rey and 2 Chainz caught fire in 2012, which led the R&B-leaning up-and-comer to have a hand in everything from Grand Theft Auto’s smash-and-grab soundtrack success to production creds on…
Stroll the Hannibal Square Folk and Urban Art Festival at the Heritage Center this weekend
One week after the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival closes, another art festival sets up in downtown Winter Park. This one, however, is as much a celebration of the process of making art as it is of the art itself. Work from more than 25 artists, many of them artists of color from diverse backgrounds,…
Get juiced on clean transportation at the Winter Park library and find out just ‘What Is the Electric Car?’
If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s gotten to take a ride in a Tesla Model S, you know how exhilarating a ride in an electric vehicle can be. Or maybe you’ve seen the 2010 documentary What Is the Electric Car? and want to check one out for yourself. With the release of a…
The owls are not what they seem: ‘Twin Peaks’ comes to Enzian
While the rest of us log ladies, Laura Palmers and backward-talking weirdos attempt to decipher whether it’s yes or no on Showtime’s Twin Peaks reboot – director David Lynch has all of a sudden become cloudy on the issue – we can all toast a damn good cup of coffee to the fact that the…
Don’t miss your chance to get sloshed with us at the Great Orlando Mixer
If you missed last year’s Great Orlando Mixer, you’ve probably been kicking yourself all year. (Haven’t heard the hype? Visit orlandoweekly.com to check out video of last year’s bacchanal.) Worry not; your chance to experience Orlando Weekly’s fantastic flapper-themed cocktail party has come around again. The Mixer kicks up its heels at downtown’s swanky Cheyenne…
The Scene brings a showcase of Orlando’s best hip-hop to Venue 578
Attention, hip-hop heads, the local scene beckons you for an explosive night featuring all things dope and fresh – on top of live performances and spoken word, you can swap vinyl, marvel at live graffiti artists and ogle the T-shirt and merch expo. Plus, experience the best in local hip-hop videos, as VJ Varras Tower…
Costumed affair: Orlando Vintage styles major motion pictures with authentic vintage for 20 years
While many of Orlando’s newer vintage shops focus on mirroring modern trends with the wearable looks that inspired them, Lisa Smith of Orlando Vintage Clothing and Costumes turns heads worldwide with her stunning collection of authentic vintage that she’s amassed over the past 20 years in the niche vintage business. Her pieces have been seen…
Well worn: Déjà Vu Vintage celebrates 30 years of throwback threads in Orlando
It’s no surprise that the owner of Déjà Vu Vintage Clothing & Accessories is as colorful as the gorgeous array of clothing and costumes she collects, rents and sells in her store. But despite 30 years of helming the store, Robin Krentcil, known affectionately by customers and friends (which are often one and the same)…
Refreshing trend: Retromended brings vintage back to Ivanhoe Village
Some kids hide in clothing racks while their mothers shuffle them from department store to department store. But for Brandy Tezak, owner of Retromended Vintage, she remembers endless car rides lurking curbs with her stepmom, an interior designer known to stop the car not to quiet the kids but instead to refurbish furniture she spied…
VIDEO: DeLand songwriter Mic the Prophet on Off the Avenue
In 2012, DeLand native and Stetson University alumnus Mike Furlong got tired of waiting for the right pieces to fall in place to form an active, touring, recording band. He decided to go solo as Mic the Prophet, trusting his crap van to take his one-man act on Florida’s roads from Tallahassee to Key West.…
DIY venue and art studio the Space Station welcomes outsiders to catch live music and collaborate
The determined inventiveness of the community that inhabits the Space Station – a sprawling workshop, art studio and venue located in a College Park warehouse (2539 Coolidge Ave) – sustains the DIY space through creative labors of love. Local artists Aaron Sarkisian and Maxwell Hartley don’t live at the Space Station, but they might as…
Postmarket Vintage shapes its own identity within the Lovely
While many local shops are scrambling to get online storefronts in place to join the trendy vintage marketplaces on sites like Etsy and eBay, Orlando’s newest vintage store, Postmarket Vintage, is doing things backwards. The shop’s owner, Makenna Whiteside, began selling her carefully handpicked vintage clothes online for around eight years, launching her career first…
Fashioned to last: Etoile Boutique expands and opens a second location
Imagine you’ve just turned 25, you aren’t sure what direction to go with life (because who is?) and you’re idling on Facebook (because who isn’t?) when you get a message that just says, “Hey. Do you know anyone that wants to buy a cute little vintage store?” That’s how Etoile Boutique’s current owner, Falon Quillen,…
Incredible Hulk rollercoaster at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventures stalls, stranding riders
Imagine getting stuck on that thing in the middle of your ride. That’s what happened today at Islands of Adventure, when the Incredible Hulk coaster stalled in its tracks, stranding riders. About a dozen riders were stuck, according to the Orlando Sentinel, but fortunately, they were only about 15 feet off the ground and nobody…
![Can’t stop laughing: Atmospheric re-employment is the climate change safe word in Tallahassee [video]](https://i0.wp.com/www.orlandoweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/koon-800x430-1.webp?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Can’t stop laughing: Atmospheric re-employment is the climate change safe word in Tallahassee [video]
screen-grab image via Raw Story Actually, we’ve been laughing for two days, as have about 150,000 other YouTube users, at this poor, poor Director of Florida Emergency Management Bryan Koon guy forced to stand in front of a Senate budget committee in Tallahassee and mind Gov. Rick Scott’s mentally unstable edict of “don’t say ‘climate…
Minority Report: New study indicates more barriers than you thought to health care access
image via pbs.org We just got off a conference call with representatives from the Florida Institute for Reform and Empowerment and the Alliance for a Just Society – along with several people suffering from the “Barriers ” referenced in the report’s title, “Breaking Barriers to Health Care Access in Florida” – and, well, the news…
Bob Balaban to screen ‘Gosford Park’ at FFF
Veteran character actor Bob Balaban is scheduled to appear at the Florida Film Festival next month in conjunction with a screening of Robert Altman’s Gosford Park, in which Balaban stars. The movie will play at the Enzian Theater in Maitland on April 12 at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A with Balaban.…
FDLE to charge officer for use of excessive force
On August 12, 2014, Robert Liese was drinking at the Underground Public House on Orange Avenue. He racked up a $60 bar tab, but apparently he couldn’t pay it. So the bar called the police. When Officer Peter Delio arrived, Liese allowed himself to be handcuffed but struggled as he was put into the back…
SeaWorld launches new PR campaign the same week that former trainer John Hargrove releases condemning book
This week, SeaWorld launches its new PR campaign to repair its Blackfish-tarnished image. The company is launching a TV and print advertising campaign as well as a website, Ask SeaWorld, on which people can ask trainers questions that’ll be answered by the park’s experts. Below is a video response to a question to the site:…
George Zimmerman is STILL talking. Why is he still talking?
So George Zimmerman did an interview with a legal firm Ayo and Iken Attorneys and Advocates (whose website is www.18884mydivorce.com, by the way), in which he pretty much rehashes a bunch of stuff and says it was God’s plan for things to pan out the way they did the night he shot Trayvon Martin to…
Legislature pushing through tougher insurance regulations on Uber and Lyft
New insurance requirements are heading in the direction of app-connected for-hire drivers. And Uber and Lyft, leaders among the growing transportation-network companies, want to put the brakes on some legislation. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Monday supported a measure (SB 1298) by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, that would create insurance requirements for…
HRNK! Marco Rubio wants to end Medicare as you know it, he writes for FOX
image via redstate.com In a day that is positively percolating with conservative coffee – hey there, Sen. Ted Cruz – now comes the news via a (likely ghostwritten) FOX op-ed that tries to spit on “ObamaCare” as a means of offering his platform for a Presidential campaign. The term “a post-ObamaCare era” is used WAYYYYY…
WHO: Glyphosate “probably” causes cancer. Will people stop using RoundUp now?
Here in Florida, where nature strives mightily to take back your manicured yard and thoughtfully designed pool patios, RoundUp weed killer is something of a religion for homeowners. Grass growing through your pavers? RoundUp. Weeds choking through the fence from your neighbors yard? RoundUp. Too busy to weed whack near the sides of your house…
Swine & Sons Provisions opens its doors April 3
We finally have a date: Swine & Sons Provisions opens its doors to the general public April 3, selling smoked and cured meats, sandwiches made to order, house-made ice cream, biscuits, jams and jellies and other accoutrements built for a Southern palate. Oh, and let’s not forget: They’ll also offer “crowlers” (32-ounce rather than the…
COUNCIL WATCH!: Paying attention city government so you don’t have to
There are many things we adore about Orlando City Council meetings and their requisite agendas, but few can compare to the $1.1 million purchases of odor control mechanisms for lift stations from companies with names like L7 Construction Inc. I MEAN, COME ON! Of course, we don’t really want to smell what happens in the…
Orlando Tech Week is April 13-18
Orlando’s annual Tech Week is already around the corner. From April 13-18, the city’s tech community will sponsor networking events, tours, job fairs and workshops to showcase the work going on in the city’s growing tech sector. “Orlando Tech Week is an opportunity to bridge the gap between established tech companies, startups and the community…
As Ted Cruz announces presidential bid attacking ACA, HHS releases report showing savings of $7.4 billion
image via USA Today Like a secret bit of flatulence that nobody wanted to acknowledge, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Crazytown announced this morning at Liberty University that he would be running for President in 2016 – he’s the first official candidate – and that he would not back down on being mean and awful,…
This Little Underground: Dwarves, The Queers, Richie Ramone (Backbooth)
Of the legendary players at the recent old-school punk show (Mar. 21, Backbooth), Richie Ramone’s set was a bit of big-name mediocrity and the Queers, though lock-tight, were unfortunately still the Queers. More exciting than either of their individual sets was when the Queers brought Richie back up to play “Sheena is a Punk Rocker”…
(UPDATED!) Terri Binion’s “Goin’ to California” video, filmed locally, is an emotional masterpiece about the importance of love and equality
Photo by Darin Back We were going to wait until Monday to debut this, but it’s now out on the YouTubes, so – considering there was already a premiere party this week for “Goin’ to California” – we’re going to put it out there right now. Why? Because singer-songwriter Terri Binion is one of our…
The Hot Eight: Our Great Orlando Mixer finalist bars have been named!
Well, flappers and philosophers, if you’ve been waiting to shake the dust out of your Roaring ’20s costume until you find out who’s going to be pouring your poisons, the moment is here. Mixer Month voting ended Wednesday at midnight, and we have our winners for the Great Orlando Mixer, March 26 – in no particular…
Walt Disney World Monorail car for sale on eBay
Ever wanted to own your own monorail car from Walt Disney World? Now’s you chance. There’s one on eBay that’s parked in somewhere in Watsonville, Calif. The seller says of the item that it’s an original front car and that it’s completely intact. And no worries if you can’t figure out how to get it…
Mayor Buddy Dyer says he wants to try to save the giant oak tree in Constitution Green Park
Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced in his blog today that he intends to do “everything within our legal authority as a City to protect the historic tree at Constitution Green.” The tree, a giant oak estimated to be 175 years old, is threatened by development – the owners of Constitution Green Park, which is…
Environmental group Forecast the Facts demands answers about Gov. Scott’s alleged ban on the word “climate change”
An environmental group wants Florida’s inspector general to check out reports of an unwritten policy prohibiting state agencies from using the terms “climate change” and “global warming.” About a dozen members of the group Forecast the Facts, many appearing with their mouths covered by duct tape emblazoned with the words “climate change,” dropped off about…
Top 8 rides on my Disney bucket list: International Edition
There are only six metropolitan areas on this grand and miraculous Spaceship Earth that are worth living in, besides Orlando and Anaheim. Those cities are Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles, Orlando, Hong Kong and Shanghai. These megalopolises (megalopoles?) have one thing in common: a Disney theme park within an hour’s transport time (Shanghai in 2016). So…
This Little Underground: Audiotourism debuts as a trio (The Falcon)
Since the current common ground between young and old indie rockers is the ‘90s, now is a ripe time to dig into the brawn of Audiotourism. They don’t gig too much so it’s very possible you’ve neither heard them nor heard of this local band. Now that the latter is taken care of, oblige yourself…
‘God of War 3’ gets a sexy, polytheistic remastering!
Time to slap on some white paint and start yelling at things, because God of War 3 is getting the remaster treatment for Playstation 4. Did we ask for it? No. Does this mean we are to expect a God of War 4 announcement in the near future? I wouldn’t dismiss the idea. While I gave…
Theater review: VarieTease ‘Carnies’ at the Abbey
It’s been nearly eight years since VarieTease took us to the Carnivale at the 2007 Orlando Fringe Festival, and I first fell in love with creator/choreographer Blue Star’s blend of edgy dance and immersive performance art. Now, the troupe has returned to the big top with Carnies, which is neither a prequel nor a sequel…
The Copper Rocket is closing its doors forever this weekend
Whether you frequented the Copper Rocket for their awesome trivia nights, you remember slamming beers in a booth and catching memorable bands performing on their intimate stage, or you just appreciated the low-key bar for being one of our town’s best dives, or worse, a combination of all of this and more, it will sadden…
This Little Underground: Maximino and Broken Machine Films at the In-Between Series
A couple months ago, I told you about the new In-Between Series, the monthly music showcase at downtown’s Gallery at Avalon Island that debuted at the top of this year. Only three shows in and it’s probably the most interesting music series going in the city right now. The latest, “Film Speak” (Mar. 16), furthered…
The live-action ‘Attack on Titan’ movie looks insane!
Attack on Titan is one of those anime productions that has captured a wide audience, much like the heavily-celebrated Death Note series. For those unfamiliar with the premise: the last remnants of humanity are held up in cities behind massive walls. Why? Because there are giant, naked, behemoth-like humans wandering the planet who’s only purpose…
Sneak peek: Tastes from the Heart of Florida United Way Chef’s Gala 2015
Heart of Florida United Way hosts its 23rd annual Chef’s Gala May 16 at Epcot World Showplace. It’s United Way’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds going to support education, income, health and basic needs, helping more than 400,000 people in the tri-county area. We got a sneak peek Wednesday into some of the fare that will…
Crazy on you: Scott administration orders employee to get medical evaluation for considering “climate change.” Wow.
Image via Daily Kos Perhaps you’ve been following all of the insane tornado of coverage about Gov. Rick Scott’s climate-change denial, or maybe you’re just too busy drowning in Miami. The gist is that Scott has told various employees of various state agencies that “climate change” is not a thing, nor is “sustainability,” nor is…
Sam Rockwell to screen ‘Moon’ at Florida Film Festival
Actor Sam Rockwell will attend a showing of Moon at this year’s Florida Film Festival. The 2009 science fiction film, directed by Duncan Jones and starring Rockwell and Kevin Spacey, will play at the Enzian Theater in Maitland on April 17, and Rockwell will participate in a Q&A. Only two celebrity events are scheduled this…
SoDo
SoDo – short for south of downtown – is still sort of an amorphous region of town. Technically, it’s the area along Orange Avenue near the intersection of Grant Street, but those who live there know that there’s a thriving and tight-knit community that extends along the Michigan Street and Curry Ford Road corridors, right…
The sharing economy: five Orlando co-working spaces
Small business owners often face an early stumbling block: At a certain point, a table at Starbucks or the corner of the couch just won’t cut it anymore. When you need a desk, a printer/copier/scanner, a conference room – and the absence of distracting TV and pets – it’s time to step up and join…
Thornton Park
The rows of pastel bungalows and wrap-around porches might speak to Key West more than Central Florida, but this “neighborhood for locals” is one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets (and we hope it stays that way). With new brunch spots, art galleries and its own micro-downtown shopping district, Thornton Park has all the walkable charm Orlando…
17 cool attractions worth your tourist dollar
Theme parks? Yeah, we’ve got ’em. But Orlando is also home to a host of other attractions that have an appeal all their own – from escape rooms to indoor go-kart racing to a park dedicated to gators, here are some of the diversions worth checking out when you’re visiting our tourist corridor. 17 MORE…
UCF area
The University of Central Florida’s distinguished reputation does not just stem from the fact that it’s one of the most affordable colleges in the country or that it’s the second-largest university in the nation. It’s also, at least in part, due to the pride the students take in being part of their community. For instance,…
Four Orlando escape rooms worth checking out
Escape room attractions, in which groups of people are locked in a room and must solve puzzles, riddles and challenges in order to get out, are popping up all over Orlando. If you’re the sort who likes your entertaining diversions with a side of brain-teasing mystery, here are four challenging escape rooms you need to…
Winter Park
Winter Park is like Paris. If anything changes too much, the locals throw a hissy. It’s a good thing most of the time; all the great stuff stays put, and all the not-so-great stuff sticks around long enough to see a rebirth. From the corner of Orange and Fairbanks to Aloma and Semoran’s mammoth intersection,…
Listings: Arts and Culture
Here you’ll find all the museums, galleries, theaters and cultural spaces of Orlando that we can fit in one place. Check out our calendar at orlandoweekly.com every day to keep up with your city’s many enlightening, edifying and educational events. GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-6294,…
Eight cool shops in Orlando you need to know about
People often make the mistake of assuming that the best shopping in Orlando happens in the outlets and shopping malls. That’s simply not true. Here are eight local stores that prove that when it comes to shopping in this town, local is lovely. Dear Prudence Shoppe 2912 Corrine Drive, 407-894-4941, dresssweet.com Adorable jewelry, jewelry-making supplies,…
Listings: Theater groups and dance companies
Some vital performing arts groups around town that don’t have a fixed address. Baggy Pants Theater baggypantstheater.com Community theater group with a focus on social outreach. Beth Marshall Presents bethmarshallpresents.wordpress.com The longtime Fringe Festival producer has formed her own company, producing an ambitious slate of plays and events. Center for Contemporary Dance thecenterfordance.org Home to…
Five essential Orlando vintage stores
In a city that’s as mixed-and-matched as a thrifter’s closet, rooting out good vintage stores can be a challenge without a little guidance. From authentic garments dating back to the ’20s to unique bright fashions from the ’80s and ’90s, Orlando’s vintage stores quite literally have your back if you’re looking to stand out in…
Listings: music and nightlife
In the heart of Orlando, those in the know snicker at the fools who believe theme parks are our city’s main draw. With bars, clubs and live music venues that go above and beyond the moment the sun goes down, locals know the truly treasurable Orlando experiences are encountered in more genuinely fun spots –…
Wine walks and pub crawls
Stumble your way through Orlando’s burgeoning bar scene with suds or vino. WINE WALKS Thornton Park 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk Second Thursday of each month, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 712 E. Washington St., $10, thorntonparkdistrict.com Audubon Park “May the Fourth Be With You” Sip & Stroll May 3, 2-5 p.m., 2810 Corrine Drive, $15, audubonparkgardens.com…
Listings: Orlando indie venues 101
Improving your Orlando concert experience only takes a little familiarity and a dash of foresight, so here are some tips to get the most out of seeing shows at five of Orlando’s independent venues. Backbooth 37 W. Pine St., 407-999-2570, backbooth.com Visibility can be an issue at Backbooth if you get stuck by the front…
10 spots to satisfy munchies after midnight
There’s really no reason to sit on the curb outside 7-Eleven with a microwave burrito, or to go home and order Domino’s. Not anymore, anyway – Orlando restaurants serving past midnight, even on weekdays, are slowly but surely on the rise. Beth’s Burger Bar open until 3 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 24 E. Washington St., 407-650-4950, bethsburgerbar.com…
Listings: sports and recreation
Central Florida was made for the sports enthusiasts – during most of the year, the weather is perfect for hiking, running, biking and kayaking, and when it’s not, we have plenty of sports teams you can cheer on as a spectator. Root for your home team: Teams that call Orlando home Orlando City Soccer Club…
Six tips for making the most of your trip to Walt Disney World
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time tourist, at some point everyone in Orlando enters Mickey’s magical mousetrap. The key to emerging alive is to go in with an attack plan, a realistic budget and (our preference) a hidden flask. 1. GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE The best-case scenario is to make friends with…
Annual Orlando events you don’t want to miss
MARCH Great Orlando Mixer The swinging-est party in town, featuring 1920s-themed costumes and music, and drinks from the best mixologists in Orlando. March 26, Cheyenne Saloon, 128 W. Church St., thegreatorlandomixer.com APRIL Florida Film Festival Whether you’re a fan of dramas, comedies, documentaries or shorts, the Florida Film Festival has it all. April 10-19, Enzian…
Six tips for exploring Universal Orlando
Once an also-ran to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando now has the hottest attractions in town, thanks to Harry Potter. A visit to Universal requires less advance planning than a Disney vacation, but a little preparation will help you master Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure like a wizard. 1. INVEST IN AN ANNUAL…
College Park
It was one of the last neighborhoods to resist the call of the developer, but even College Park’s shady streets of tidy bungalows are feeling the incursion of five- and six-story condo buildings. For the time being, however, the small-town feeling remains strong, with local-owned businesses lining Edgewater Drive and kids walking to and from…
Audubon Park
One of Orlando’s most organic neighborhoods has suddenly become one of its hottest. With the arrival of local food hub East End Market, the sleepy little enclave centered at the corner of Corrine Drive and Winter Park Road hit critical mass. Stardust Video and Coffee is the pioneer here – they’ve been holding it down…
Ivanhoe Village
After a few years of unprecedented growth from humble strip mall attractions and antique shops (this particular stretch of North Orange Avenue is colloquially known as Antique Row) into something of a hip, drinky, artsy free-for-all, even more change lies on the horizon for Ivanhoe Village. In the coming years, new mixed-use development is expected…
Six of the best stops if you’re spending a day on International Drive
Long considered just a low-rent alternative to Orlando’s major attractions, International Drive is becoming a destination in its own right. There’s enough to do on I-Drive to occupy you for a full day, provided you can endure the traffic. 1. FIND AN OUTLET FOR YOUR SHOPPING ADDICTION Every tourist town in America has its outlet…
Downtown
Can we just take a moment to give three cheers for the Downtown Orlando Development Board? In the past couple of years, Orlando’s downtown has been transformed from just the place you go to watch fireworks on July Fourth to somewhere people actually want to be, and not just between the hours of 11 p.m.…
Orlando area farmers markets you need to visit
Stock up on fresh produce, bright blooms and local art at O-town’s outdoor farmers markets. Orlando Farmers Market Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., East Central Boulevard and North Eola Drive, orlandofarmersmarket.com Local art and artisans, cheeses, baked goods, produce. Dog-friendly. Beer and wine garden. Winter Park Farmers Market Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., 200 W. New England…
Milk District
The Milk District is deceptive – at first glance, it seems like a sleepy strip of storefronts, but once you spend a little time in the area, you’ll find that the eclectic character of the Robinson Street strip across the street from the T.G. Lee dairy plant is the hub of a wider area of…
Five of our favorite boozy brunches in Orlando
As any occupant of the Facebook hive mind knows, Sunday Funday is the greatest opportunity to boast about last night’s walk of shame, somebody’s endowment, a weird dance, a dark alley or whatever else made Saturday night so memorable – there are always stories to be told the morning after. Here are some places to…
Sanford
Now that you can take the SunRail to Sanford (at least during the week), our northern neighbor and its enticing historic district has become even more attractive as a little Orlando escape – or even as a place to which we wouldn’t mind relocating. The fast-growing strip in downtown Sanford has nabbed some of Orlando’s…
Orlando’s three most walkable neighborhoods
No car? No problem. Not everyone wants life to revolve around the car. We checked out how our local ‘hoods ranked on WalkScore, which rates neighborhoods in terms of walkability and bikeability. Turns out, Orlando may be leaving behind its reputation as a car-centric place where you can’t get anything done on foot or by bike.…
Mills 50
Mills 50 is fast becoming one of Orlando’s most urban, walkable neighborhoods. Within the confines of a couple of miles, you’ll find two grocery stores (a Publix on Colonial Drive and a Fresh Market on Mills, just above Virginia), upscale dining (the Strand), quirky casual (Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa), live music joints (Will’s Pub, Lil…
Meeting people is easy: places to make new friends in Orlando
Whether you’re new in town and need to make friends, or just want some new ones, these meet-ups are just the place to strike up a convo. Orlando Conductor Crawl Speed Dating Monthly, Church Street SunRail Station, $3.25, facebook.com/orlandoconductorcrawl Starting at the Church Street SunRail station and continuing up and down the track, switch cars…
Welcome to Annual Manual 2015
Week to week, headlines are dominated by gripes: Complaints about Congress, healthcare, taxes, questionable decisions made at City Hall meetings, crime. Sometimes, though, we like to remind ourselves that we like our city and we enjoy living in a place where it’s sunny and beautiful nine months out of the year, where arts and culture…
Listen to Shia LeBeouf’s heartbeat online … because reasons.
Talk about getting a heart-on! In collaboration with Luke Turner, Nastja Rönkkö, and Dazed, it looks like the awkwardly self-obsessed Shia LeBeouf will be wearing a heart monitor until March 19th and broadcasting his heartbeat to the online masses. Why? The former Transformers star had this to say: “Like cats have whiskers, we too are…
Project Runway fans: Mondo Guerra is coming to Winter Park
Admittedly, this is not Big News. However, fans of Project Runway (such as myself) may be excited to learn that the show’s most exciting runner-up, Mondo Guerra, is coming to Winter Park on March 21 to introduce his line of eyewear at See. Here are some of specs he’s put his name on: Guerra will…
The NRA wins again, this time with Rene “Coach P” Plasencia’s support
We’re not ones to pile on – ahahahaha – but this whole business with State Rep. Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, R-Orlando, riding his his “A”-rating from the National Rifle Association and absolutely misrepresenting his district (East Orlando, University of Central Florida) on the issue of guns being allowed on college campuses is terrible. Clearly swayed…
We Are Animals: The Vinyl Warhol throws a trippy psych-folk show to benefit Fallin’ Pines Critter Rescue
After seeing so many benefits for the Space lately, it’s nice to see the Space host a benefit for someone else. Local music blog the Vinyl Warhol curates a show featuring four young Orlando bands and Brooklyn psych-smiths Stuyedeyed. A portion of the proceeds from the show go to Fallin’ Pines Critter Rescue, a nonprofit…
Readers at this quarter’s Functionally Literate event bend and stretch the boundaries of reality
“Pat Rushin is out of his fucking mind.” When a notorious whack job like director Terry Gilliam – and we mean “whack job” in the best, most respectful sense – thinks you’re nuts, you’re probably doing something right. That is, if you’re a writer of speculative fiction, or imaginative fiction or weird fiction or whatever…
Gilt Nightclub invites you to end your week with Weezy
Lil Wayne trades “Liv on Sundays” for “Gilt on Sunday” with an opportunity to end your week with Weezy. That’s right, Lil Wayne is performing live at the newly renovated Gilt nightclub (formerly Roxy) this Sunday. An artist with such an illustrious career and legendary stature is sure to bring out a packed crowd, and…
Punk provacateurs the Dwarves stop in at Backbooth for their only Florida date
The Dwarves are one of the most outrageous bands that ever existed, period. Between the guitarist death hoax in 1993 that got them booted from Sub Pop and their website allegedly being hacked by jihadists just last month as reported on Noisey, it’s not always easy telling where the line between truth and mischief lies…
Black Pussy brings stoner rock and a controversial name to Will’s Pub
Yes, Black Pussy is a terrible name for a band made up of long-haired white dudes. There’s been enough uproar over their name to inspire a petition on Change.org calling for them to change it and for venues to cancel their shows. But their inspiration for the name, the original title of the Rolling Stones’…
Talk Yo Shit gets bumpin’ early with Brunch Bounce at Hammered Lamb
The Pizza Posse may be distancing themselves from the delivery man’s specialty (hipsters ruined pizza/everything), but the latest venture from Talk Yo Shit co-organizer Fiona Trapple (aka Mr. 3) is just as carbo-loaded for devoted fans. It’s called Brunch Bounce, and instead of walk-of-shaming to the Social, they’ve relocated the party to the Hammered Lamb…
This Little Underground: Hundred Waters’ dazzling homecoming
The popular music landscape can be a soul-killing place. But here, this was a week boosted by righteous tales of success despite tall odds and acts that serve as proof that there’s some justice in this cruel universe. The Beat Because of their lack of pop convenience, Florida’s Hundred Waters may be one of the…
Gimme Shelter (3/18/15)
This cute little dude is Zi (Animal ID A312904). He’s a 1-year-old friendly cat, who loves to be petted and held. Zi was recently surrendered to the shelter because his previous family could no longer care for him. Zi is so mellow and calm that he’d make the perfect lap kitty. Zi has already been neutered,…
Savage Love (3-18-15)
I’m a straight guy in my 30s dating a woman in her mid-20s. We’ve been together for a year, and I’m crazy about her. In love, even. She’s gorgeous, sweet, kind, loving and very sexual. She’s perfect. In her late teens and early 20s, she had a wild sex life. She attended sex parties, had…
Females are strong as hell: ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ is bulletproof
We suppose it’s possible not to like Kimmy Schmidt, the titular character of the new Netflix series from Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, but you’d have to have a heart of stone – or that of an NBC exec. Originally scheduled as a mid-season replacement series, NBC dropped the show and sold it to Netflix,…
Opening in Orlando: ‘Insurgent,’ ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ ‘Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead’
The Divergent Series: Insurgent: Hey, whaddaya know? One of these Hunger Games wannabes actually made it all the way to a sequel! In Divergent 2: Detergent, our young heroes have to come to terms with their past while fighting for their lives in what remains of Chicago. What desperate measures did their parents take that…
Clyde Butcher’s photographs exalt the Florida Everglades; Michael Covello’s installation deranges the senses
Maitland Art Center sits a little taller, a little prouder, on West Packwood Avenue as a newly named National Historic Landmark, and its galleries have never looked better. Inside them now, Clyde Butcher’s luscious, gigantic photographs of the mysterious jungle that still lurks in parts of Florida fill the eye. Known as “Florida’s Ansel Adams,”…
There’s a lot of killing going on in ‘The Gunman,’ but the gore is exceedingly well done
There’s a lot of killing going on in The Gunman, but the gore is exceedingly well done French filmmaker Pierre Morel only has four feature films under his belt as a director (he’s been the cinematographer on many more) but they’re all rock-solid pieces of entertainment. Following his breakout hit Taken, From Paris With Love…
Theme park news, official and otherwise; puzzle rooms disrupt the norm; and Joe’s NYC Bar offers passionate public debate
Some weeks I struggle to choose between theme parks or theater when selecting column topics, so it’s satisfying when the two converge, allowing me to slay two subjects with one stone. In recent weeks, the social media-driven theme park fan community has seen more drama than Orlando Shakes and Mad Cow combined, thanks largely to…
Operation Florida: The game where no one is in charge
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Tanqueray’s has a lot of metropolitan charm
Tanqueray’s Address/phone/web: 100 S. Orange Ave., 407-649-8540; facebook.com/tanqueraysbar After work or after hours? Both. Beer/wine or liquor too? Full bar. Check all that apply: ☐ fancy cocktails ☒ make ’em strong and keep ’em coming ☐ wine list (5 choices or more) ☒ craft beer ☒ beer: the usual suspects ☐ wide selection of bottles…
Picks This Week: Big Sean, Agnostic Front and more
Agnostic Front Prepare to be a victim in pain at thrashcore legend Agnostic Front’s tempestuous set this week, when you can cheers to the classic album turning 31. 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Backbooth, $13 Slim Walker and His Orchestra Super-fun country boogie band Slim Walker and His Orchestra join a fat lineup that…
Roman pair brings a true slice of the Eternal City to Rome’s Flavours in Winter Park
Credit owners Emilia di Pangrazio Paglialonga and Giuseppe “Pino” Miraglia for massaging a trattoria out of a space that, for many years, had been a mecca for Winter Park froyo enthusiasts. No, Rome’s Flavours may not appear entirely comfortable in its new skin, but there is something undeniably Italian about the restaurant nonetheless. Its interior…
A case for ‘Bare Trees’ as one of Fleetwood Mac’s best records
The Rolling Stone Album Guide says, “There are essentially three Fleetwood Macs.” Being Rolling Stone, this bit of received knowledge has become the baseline for assessment about the band’s 45-year history. And, being Rolling Stone, this bit of received knowledge is superficial and totally wrong. Really, there are nine discrete Fleetwood Macs, both in terms of lineup but also (and more…
The King Khan & BBQ Show conjure ghosts and ride lost rock & roll sound trains
If anyone in the lo-fi garage-rock world can claim legitimate hero status, it’s Montreal natives Arish “King” Khan and Mark “BBQ” Sultan. Their wildly diverse work together, as solo artists and with other like-minded contemporaries such as Bloodshot Bill and the Black Lips, has covered everything from trippy psychedelia to primitive country blues, drugged-out doo-wop…
Former congressman Tom Feeney comes out in support of a privatized healthcare exchange
Quote of the Week: “Market-based health care coverage for the uninsured can save businesses in our state billions of dollars in annual health care costs, help to spur job creation and keep the economic engine of Florida’s businesses, both small and large, running. Conservative Republican Gov. Mike Pence has enacted a similar free-market alternative in…
Gov. Scott seems to think the best way to deal with global warming is to just not talk about it
Last week, Florida once again caused the nation’s eyes to collectively roll when it came to light in a report by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, published by the Miami Herald, that Gov. Rick Scott had allegedly forbidden state staffers from invoking terms that hint at the scientific reality of climate change. “We were…
This Modern World (3/18/15)
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What size olive is your problem? Free Will Astrology, March 18-24
ARIES (March 21-April 19) You’re entering a time and space known as the Adlib Zone. In this territory, fertile chaos and inspirational uncertainty are freely available. Improvised formulas will generate stronger mojo than timeworn maxims. Creativity is de rigueur, and street smarts count for more than book learning. May I offer some mottoes to live…
Raglan Road wants to send you to Ireland, a string of closings, plus more
In celebration of its 10th birthday, Raglan Road is staging a Master Chef competition for amateur cooks. Submit a video of a three-course meal (appetizer, entree, dessert) and if chef Kevin Dundon puts you on the shortlist, you’ll be off on an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland, where you’ll hone your kitchen chops at Dundon’s Dunbrody…
