A recent headline from the Orlando Sentinel posited that the Orlando music scene is in “turmoil” following Cleon Ortille “Uncle Lou” Williams being placed in Orange County jail on an immigration hold over the weekend. It’s a solid piece of writing, but aside from some last-minute shuffling of various concert calendars, we would offer that in point of fact the Orlando music scene is more so united in asking, “How can we help?”
Cleon Ortille Williams, better known as Uncle Lou of the longtime Mills 50 music venue Uncle Lou’s, is still in Orange County jail under an immigration hold for an expired visa with no criminal charges. Williams was booked into Orange County Corrections Facility over the weekend, according to the department.
Orlando Police Department and agents with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco took Williams into custody on Friday over possible alcohol ordinance violations, according to the police department. Local police operate under an intergovernmental services agreement with the federal U.S. Marshals Service that allows ICE — as well as federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA — to detain people in the local jail. However, no criminal charges have been filed as of late Monday.
According to a video posted on social media by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Orlando, Williams is still in the local jail as of Monday evening but now has immigration lawyers (the Arroyo Law Firm, per Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani). Frost, in tandem with Eskamani, says he is in touch with Williams’ family and working to ensure they get the funds raised and other related support. Frost says he has reached out to ICE leadership to vouch for Williams’ importance to the community. He further stated that he believed that Williams does not currently have a deportation order out, which he says is a “really good thing because that means there is more time for his legal representation to sort though this.”
“I regularly visit the jail to meet with detained immigrants. Yesterday, while meeting with multiple constituents, I spoke with Uncle Lou about his case,” Frost told Orlando Weekly. “He wanted people to know he just wants to get back to running Uncle Lou’s and that he appreciates all the support. We are ensuring he receives due process and are in touch with his family.”
“We are committed to doing everything we can get Uncle Lou home and to support everyone impacted by his detainment,” said Eskamani to OW.
Here are some ways you can help …
A GoFundMe went up this weekend that has raised over $34,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, with an end goal of $45,000. The organizers of this GoFundMe are in contact with Williams’ family, as well as Eskamani and Frost, about disbursing funds to them.
Benefit shows on the books:
On Tuesday, May 12, Austin’s Coffee in Winter Park hosts a benefit show at 8 p.m. featuring Pariah, Mitar, Shepherd, Robby Shambles, Carnations and Austin’s Anonymous. There is a $5 cover/donation at the door and all funds raised will go towards Williams’ legal fees.
On Thursday, May 17, the Dirty Laundry space behind Will’s Pub will be the site of a benefit show featuring Thrull, Face Dancer and the Caution Children starting at 5 pm. Bring both earplugs (this one will be loud) and money to donate towards legal expenses.
On May 23 at 7 p.m., Drunken Monkey hosts a show featuring Terradame, Alienobserver and Confessedlover that has become a fundraiser for Williams. Donations are encouraged at the door and everything raised will be donated for legal fees.
On June 6 at 1 p.m., Future Bartenderz, S.M.O.P., Toxic Cats and M.A.C.E. play Will’s Pub for what is now a matinee benefit concert for Williams. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Benefit album:
Orlando cassette label Godless America, run by Orlando music stalwart Jordan Duttinger,, is in the process of putting together a benefit compilation cassette. There is an open call for musicians and bands to submit tracks: “If your band has ever played Lou’s, please consider submitting.” Email single song submissions to UncleLou4EvrComp@gmail.com.
This ready outpouring of time, effort and creative energy on the part of Orlando musicians and artists speaks to the singular importance of Uncle Lou’s as a part of the larger music ecosystem of the city. The Mills 50 venue is a place where countless bands and performers have gotten their start or honed their craft across genre.
“I have played top-notch venues around the globe, and Uncle Lou’s remains my favorite place to play. I played my first show there over 15 years ago. I love the intimacy, the accessibility, and that people are allowed to get rowdy,” emphasizes Sarah Patricia of Antagonizör and Von Nachat (who, incidentally were supposed to play Lou’s over the weekend), to OW.
“If Uncle Lou’s closes down, it will be a huge loss to the Orlando underground music scene. My journey as a musician began at Uncle Lou’s, and I hope I can play another show there one day when the dust settles.”
This is a developing story. We will add more information as/when we are able.
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