Cover Story
The traditional Christmas cakes of the South layer together love and history
Holiday Food and Entertaining
Orange County commissioners approve grant to Mad Cow Theatre
Orange County commissioners approved a $75,000 grant to Mad Cow Theatre after the debt-ridden company agreed to meet several conditions, including paying money it owes to artists, staff and technical support. In October, the board had deferred the grant from the county’s arts and cultural affairs advisory council after allegations from several artists on social…
Two Florida men file lawsuits alleging injuries from e-cigarette explosions
Two Florida men are suing several e-cigarette manufacturers and retailers after alleging that in separate incidents, the devices exploded and caused them severe injuries. The first lawsuit filed by Mike Morgan of the Orlando firm Morgan & Morgan is on behalf of James Dardini, who says he bought a KangerTech Subox Mini at a Deltona store called…
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals announce Orlando show in 2017
Soul-rockers Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals have today announced an Orlando date as part of their “Call It What It Is” Spring 2017 tour. The band is still touring behind their latest album, Call It What It Is, released on Stax Records. Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals are set to play the Hard…
Full Sail students release song to benefit Pulse victims
Students at Full Sail University wrote a new song benefiting the victims of the Pulse shooting. According to Yahoo, Full Sail students Tim Asunmo, Sophia Pun, Nadif Cadet, and Josh Davis were all in a songwriting club and penned “Together We’re Strong” to help express how they were feeling after the deadliest mass shooting in…
NASA will give SpaceX $112 million contract after September’s infamous rocket explosion
In a deal worth $112 million, NASA will be conducting the first ever survey of Earth’s surface water with the help of a SpaceX rocket. Approved last week, the deal will award the California-based private space contractor, SpaceX, with federal dollars in exchange for use of one of its Falcon 9 Full Thrust rockets. The…
Vlogger Social Repose goes live at Backbooth tonight
Vlogger-turned-synth-pop-star Social Repose (holy shit, what a time to be alive) brings a visually flamboyant but pop friendly sound to Backbooth tonight. Social Repose opens for SayWeCanFly and Johnnie Gilbert at 7 p.m. at Backbooth. Tickets are still available for $15. Related Stories
After Trump’s election, 37 hate incidents were reported in Florida
In the 10 days after Donald Trump secured the presidency, people across the country reported 867 hate incidents, including 37 instances of harassment and intimidation in Florida, according to a report released Tuesday by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The most common type of motivation behind these hate incidents was anti-immigrant sentiment, with about 280 incidents…
Universal Orlando will get Nintendo-themed land
Instead of just playing Mario from your couch, you’ll soon be able to step into the world of Nintendo at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal announced on their blog a few more details regarding their partnership with Nintendo, including the fact that all three parks (Hollywood, Japan, and Orlando) will be getting Nintendo-themed areas. Although the…
Florida Supreme Court candidates make their final pitches to replace Justice Perry
Pledging judicial restraint, 11 Florida Supreme Court hopefuls made their final pitches yesterday to a panel poised to send Gov. Rick Scott a short list of potential replacements for retiring Justice James E.C. Perry. The face-to-face interviews at Orlando’s GrayRobinson law firm allowed the nine-member Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to query the candidates about…
Florida court backs notifying minor’s parents before abortion
With one judge pointing to a lack of “sufficient maturity to make this critical decision,” a state appeals court Monday rejected a minor’s attempt to get an abortion without her parents being notified. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld an Escambia County circuit judge’s decision to refuse to grant a…
Enchanting Extras Collection is now a one-stop shop for spending extra money at Disney World
Over the past few years, Disney World has begun offering a seemingly endless supply of dessert parties, VIP tours, and other upcharge events. This continuously evolving collection has created confusion over what is offered where. Now Disney has a new way to help navigate through all of the options. The Enchanting Extras Collection is now…
New restaurant and pool area coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Back in June 2015, Disney filed permits for new timeshare bungalows at the Wilderness Lodge on Bay Lake. The preexisting wing converted to timeshares is to be known as the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, while the new bungalows will be known as the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. Now, Disney has confirmed…
Someone’s giving away this creepy haunted doll on Orlando’s Craigslist
Just in time for Cyber Monday, a doll someone is claiming is possessed by the spirit of a deceased little boy is up for grabs on Orlando’s Craigslist. Simply titled “Free Vesil Doll,” the listing was posted yesterday to Craigslist’s “Free” section. The post reads: Have a vesil doll with a spirit of a little…
Two titans of children’s entertainment duke it out this week at ‘Sesame Street Live’ and ‘Octonauts Live’
It’s a great week to be a kid in Orlando this week, though maybe an expensive one to be a parent. In addition to the parade of presents and candy that officially kicked off with last week’s Thanksgiving feast, two popular kids shows are breaking out of the television and headed to local stages. Sesame…
Theatrical metal act September Mourning plays Haven Lounge tonight
Sensory overload and multimedia symphonic metal act September Mourning will be making an appearance in Orlando this evening at Winter Park’s Haven Lounge. The band, centered around singer and conceptualist September Mourning, creates over the top metal and looks like a comic book or anime come to life, which is actually intentional. September Mourning begin…
First commercial flight from U.S. to Cuba in over 50 years lands in Havana
Just days after the death of former leader Fidel Castro, the first commercial flight in over 50 years landed in Havana, Cuba today. With 145 passengers onboard, the American Airlines flight took off shortly after 7:30 a.m. from Miami International Airport, reports the Miami Herald. It’s worth noting that several airlines began routes to other…
Raising Cadence, Henrietta, Run Raquel, Set Off Sailing, Hoverounds ALL to play Will’s Pub tonight
Tonight at Will’s Pub, a phalanx of local talent representing indie rock, ska, pop rock, and folk will be hitting the stage for one very diverse show. Locals Raising Cadence, Run Raquel, Sett Off Sailing, and Henrietta (doing an acoustic set), will be joined by the Hoverounds from Deland Mixed local bills are a blessing…
Norwegian airline will soon launch direct flights from Orlando to Paris
Norwegian airline plans on having weekly nonstop routes from Orlando to Paris starting July 31, 2017 according to Travel Agent Central. The Orlando-Paris service will start at $229 one way including taxes. The airline is also planning on increasing plane travel frequencies in other cities. New York City and Paris will operate daily, Los Angeles…
Flavortown is about to arrive as Planet Hollywood begins taking reservations, readies to reopen
As part of the major overhaul that transformed Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, Planet Hollywood is getting a major facelift renovating into the Planet Hollywood Observatory. The new Observatory will have an entirely new look, inside and out, and a new brand new menu. The flagship Planet Hollywood is getting a major update that will…
Three Cyber Monday deals from local restaurants and food delivery services
You fought the crowds on Black Friday, supported your local shops on Small Business Saturday, and now you’re spending the day surfing Amazon for the best Cyber Monday deals (it’s cool, your boss is, too). But some of Orlando’s restaurants and meal-delivery services are also hosting some pretty great Cyber Monday deals. Click on these…
Orlando City Stadium installs Pulse tribute seats
Over the past Thanksgiving weekend, the Orlando City Stadium installed a section of colorful seats creating a rainbow flag as a tribute to the Pulse tragedy. Philip Rawlins, founder and president of the Orlando City Soccer Club, tweeted a picture of the newly installed seats. The downtown stadium will be home to Orlando City and…
Downtown South is now officially called the SoDo District
Formerly known as Downtown South, the Main Street District located south of downtown has officially rebranded and changed its name to the SoDo District. Thanks to the Target-anchored Sodo shopping center, an early stakeholder in the area’s revitalization that pre-dated the formation of the Main Street District association, the area has been unofficially known as…
Band of the Week: Luscious Lisa
Welcome to Orlando Weekly’s “Band of the Week.” Every week, we highlight one of our favorite local bands. This week, we’re pleased to bring you Luscious Lisa. Luscious Lisa is playing Will’s Pub on Saturday, Dec. 3, the second night of the two-night “1996 – a two night event celebrating music & culture from the…
Shania Pain play Trash Glam Showcase at Spacebar tonight
Improvised industrial-style synthscapes and reverb-soaked vocals from Shania Pain, a local duo who are the spiritual children of Alan Vega and Martin Rev. Shania Pain play the Spacebar tonight at 9:30 p.m. as part of Brandon Alexander’s Trash Glam Showcase, along with DJs and rumored musical surprises. Cover is $3. Related Stories
Florida’s new House speaker calls teacher’s union lawsuit ‘downright evil’
New House Speaker Richard Corcoran began his two years as the leader of the chamber Tuesday with a round of rhetorical bombardments, lacerating Florida’s main teachers union for an “evil” lawsuit while laying down an unyielding stance on budget negotiations. In a speech during the House’s organization session and remarks later to reporters, Corcoran displayed…
Head to Gaylord Palms for their annual Christmas celebration
Instead of driving around random neighborhoods to see house decorations, head to the Gaylord Palms for lavish displays. Christmas at Gaylord Palms includes 2 million twinkling Christmas lights and acres of larger-than-life decorations. A Charlie Brown christmas will be featured in the popular ICE! attraction, Cirque Dreams UnWrapped live stage show will play and there…
Florida Supreme Court hopefuls pitch conservative credentials
The 11 candidates hoping to join the Florida Supreme Court present a stark contrast to Justice James E.C. Perry, who is stepping down after seven years on the court due to a constitutionally mandated retirement. The exit of Perry —- one of five jurists who make up a liberal-leaning majority —- gives Gov. Rick Scott…
Man or machine? Orlando synth-pop project Moondragon plays Spacebar tonight
Top-shelf retro synth-pop majesty from Orlando’s Moondragon; unafraid of echoing the big pop moves of a Jan Hammer or Tangerine Dream. This rare live outing is part of a stacked bill with Tiger Fawn, Savannah’s Quelliott and Shania Pain. This Vinyl Warhol-produced show starts tonight at 9 p.m. at the Spacebar. Cover is $5. Miramar…
Skanksgiving returns to West End Trading Co.
Skanksgiving, the annual holiday ska party hosted by the West End Trading Co., will be gracing us with its presence once again this year. Worry not, the Saturday night event has made sure that you don’t have to skip a Thursday evening of thinly-veiled political insults hurled across a turkey laying spread-eagle. You also don’t…
‘Spanksgiving’ wants you to be thankful for rhythm this holiday season
If the holiday tunes and grandpa’s repeated stories aren’t quite doing it for you this Thanksgiving, Lil Indies’ Saturday “Spanksgiving” promises to remind you that you still have your youth. Described as a “cornucopia of rhythm,” the free event will feature the spunky tunes of Orlando hip-hop/nerdcore fixtures EyeQ and Quartz Relic. If anything, think of…
Snow comes down at annual Light Up UCF attraction
Snow doesn’t normally fall in Florida but thanks to Light Up UCF, locals get a little slice of a white christmas. The holiday attraction provides Central Florida families and residents with a family-friendly winter wonderland featuring ice skating to bust your ass in and rides. There’s also a light show synchronized with classic christmas tunes…
Shop local today at Mills 50’s Small Business Market & Bazaar
Save some room on that credit card and head over to The District at Mills 50 to support your local small business for Small Business Saturday Market & Bazaar. The event will feature local businesses with vintage, antique and handmade goods as well as pop-up shops, music and drinks. Food trucks, La Empanada and Dixieland diner will…
Orlando Philharmonic to host post-Thanksgiving “Home for the Holidays” concert
Just in time for the looming Christmas season, the Orlando Philharmonic will join forces with other local groups for a “Home for the Holidays” concert at the Bob Carr Theater on Saturday. As part of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pops Series at the Bob Carr Theater, the group will perform both an afternoon and an…
New Zealand’s Gin Wigmore brings a new rush to the Social tonight
Gutsy New Zealand belter Gin Wigmore has a helluva résumé — playing the Warped tour, acting in a latter-day James Bond film, recording with Ryan Adams’ Cardinals — and this is your chance to see a breakout artist in an intimate venue. Gin Wigmore holds court at the Social downtown at 8 p.m. tonight. Tickets…
Spacebar presents Friendsgiving after actual Turkey Day
Sometimes going back home for the holidays makes you feel like shit. You wish you could just hang out with your friends to make you feel better and Spacebar is doing just that for you this holiday season. This free event will let you drink your problems away with your best buds as you dance…
State, parents seek to end lawsuit against tax credit scholarships
Attorneys for the state and a group of parents asked the Florida Supreme Court this week to reject a lawsuit challenging a program that helps pay for tens of thousands of children to attend private schools. The filings came amid ratcheted-up debate about the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. On Tuesday, House Speaker Richard Corcoran,…
Locals Mellow Relics kick out the jams on Thanksgiving night
Get out of the house but for god’s sake don’t go torment hapless mall employees; head downtown to soak in the tech-jam grooves of local quintet Mellow Relics. The Mellow Relics fight against the tryptophan blues at 10:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving night at Tanqueray’s. Show is free. Related Stories
Pulse angel wings find sanctuary at The Center
The angel wings constructed of PVC pipe and white fabric that have made recurring appearances in Orlando since the Pulse massacre will get a new home next Tuesday. The Orlando Shakespeare Theater will be relocating the “Angel Action Wings for Orlando” to the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida on Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m., according to a…
Disney releases details on Pandora: The World of Avatar, confirms it’s opening next summer
After nearly six years of confirmations and announcements, Disney finally gave us an opening date for Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, well, kind of. They’ve now confirmed that it will be opening Summer 2017 but no specifics have been released regarding the opening date. Disney has released some incredible details on…
Take an art break during the Thanksgiving long weekend
After the turkey and the travel and the annual dance of the Tupperware is all over, treat yourself to some self-care. Go look at great art. It may soothe a jangled mind, it may reinvigorate a troubled soul, or it may just get you away from the couch scrolling through social media – no matter…
Bill Nelson wants federal investigation into how Florida uses driver’s license records
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is asking U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch for an investigation into what Florida is doing with licensed drivers’ records. The Associated Press reports Nelson asked for a federal probe after WTVT-TV reported the state DHSMV sells driver records in bulk to 75 companies without making sure how the information will be used,…
Salsa legends Grupo Niche to break hearts at Hard Rock Live tonight
Que romantico! A night of for-lovers-only ballads and uptempo grooves from Colombian salsa stalwarts Grupo Niche, who’ve melted hearts since the late ’70s, at our own Hard Rock Live. Grupo Niche’s dance party starts tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets will set you back a mere $30-$40. Related Stories
St. Pete will be the first city in Florida to use 100 percent renewable energy
St. Petersburg will become the first city in Florida to rid themselves of using fossil fuels. The city council unanimously voted to use $800,000 of $1 million they received from a settlement with BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 to move toward having the city completely running with renewable energy. The Integrated…
11 free concerts happening in Orlando this week
Wednesday, Nov. 23 Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints Of Truth 10 pm at Lil Indies, 1036 N. Mills Ave. Reggae Night with Hor!zen and DJ Red I 10 pm at the Caboose, 1827 N. Orange Ave. The Imperial’s Acoustic Soundcheck With Alex Stamper 8 pm at The Imperial at Washburn Imports, 1800 N. Orange Ave2. Thursday, Nov.…
Florida artist decorates dog poop with Donald Trump quotes
Like the combination of fine wine and cheese, a Florida artist is pairing some of the most vile quotes from President-elect Donald Trump with stray dog turds. South Beach artist Allan Adler, who doesn’t own a dog, runs the Facebook account Pieces of Trump, which essentially brings awareness to some of the more memorable crap…
A massive fireball shot across the Florida sky Monday night
Multiple reports of an extremely bright flash, believed to be a fireball, were reported from Georgia all the way down to the Florida Keys Monday night. The American Meteor Society received more than 150 reports of the bright flash, which occurred at around 11 p.m. Monday night. A fireball is a brighter than normal meteor.…
Shantell’s Cafe returns to Sanford in April, 12 new restaurants, plus more in our food news roundup
The much-missed Shantell’s Café will reopen at 501 Sanford Ave. in Sanford this April. Shantell’s will serve two supper seatings, at 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The new space will feature a rooftop cigar lounge with full bar. DoveCote’s Late Harvest Table-to-the-Farm Dinner Saturday, Dec. 3, will bus guests to Clear Creek…
Selections: Our picks of the week’s best events, Nov. 23-29
Wednesday, 23 AAHZ Reunion MUSIC Our sense of history may be a little blunted here in Central Florida. A common criticism of the area is that we’re all a little too eager to tear down the old to make way for the new. Blame our reliance on tourism, blame a populace whose roots largely only…
Warren Beatty’s ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ is one of the funniest films of the year
It’s been 18 years since Warren Beatty made a movie. The wait was worth it. In Rules Don’t Apply, the legendary actor-producer-director has given us his first feature since 1998’s Bulworth, and like all his previous films, this one is tough to categorize. Part Howard Hughes biopic, part romance, part drama and several parts farce,…
If you’re stuck in Touristan and need a reprieve, Tin Roof is a solid option
Tin Roof 8371 International Drive, 407-270-7926, tinrooforlando.com Essay question: Located in the shadow of the Orlando Eye, this chain bar offers a simulacrum of a legit live music venue. There’s a great bar staff, a decent drinks selection and good food, so if you’re stuck in Touristan and need a reprieve, Tin Roof is a…
Literature is the weapon of choice in ‘Nocturnal Animals’
Written revenge
Opening in Orlando: Allied, Bad Santa 2, Moana and more
Allied Sometimes it seems like the entire universe exists only to make Debbie Reynolds look like a chump. Last year, Reynolds observed that Brad Pitt’s marriage-ending affair with Angelina Jolie was more than a bit reminiscent of her own humiliation at the hands of Eddie Fisher and Liz Taylor. Almost as soon as Reynolds was…
Savage Love (11/23/16)
I’m a very sex-positive girl and I finally convinced my boyfriend to open up about his fetishes. I could tell he was ashamed and torn about sharing them with me, but I’ve been with my fair share of guys and surfed the net for years, and I was convinced nothing would shock me. Well, it…
Gimme Shelter (11/23/16)
Are you looking for a new furry friend? Meet Kimberly! Kimberly (A363427) is a 12-year-old kitty who was surrendered because her owner could no longer keep her. She is a mellow cat, and she loves to be petted. Kimberly is very sweet and affectionate! She also really enjoys eating kitty treats. She has been sterilized,…
Ted Leo, Torres and Tegan and Sara provide the perfect antidote for this year’s political hangover
So, how did you spend your first week of a new Trump reality? I spent mine watching a leftist intellectual firebrand and a culture-changing lesbian pop act rock the fuck out. Also, TLU is on break next week, but it’s to make room for our grand Local Music Issue! THE BEAT A truth about music…
Picks This Week: Grupo Niche, Moondragon, Gin Wigmore and more
Grupo Niche Que romantico! A night of for-lovers-only ballads from Colombian salsa stalwarts who’ve melted hearts since the late ’70s. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Hard Rock Live, $30-$40 Mellow Relics Get out of the house but for god’s sake don’t go torment hapless mall employees; head downtown to soak in the tech-jam grooves…
Two notable punk shows offer an escape route from holiday doldrums
The winter of our discontent
ICYMI: Rick Scott visits Trump Tower, a possible Gov. John Morgan, the purchase of Pulse and other things you may have missed this week
Scott says he wants to help Trump overhaul Obamacare: Florida Gov. Rick Scott visited president-elect Donald Trump in what will probably become the new gold-plated seat of power in this country, Trump Tower. After taking a selfie, Scott went on Fox News to tell host Neil Cavuto that while he definitely won’t take a position…
Remembering the Orlando 49: Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernández
Every week between now and the one-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shootings, Orlando Weekly will profile a person killed on June 12, 2016. This week: Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernández Simon Carrillo Fernández came looking for the American Dream and found it in Kissimmee. The 31-year-old, originally from Venezuela, moved to Florida in 2006 as…
