6 Guitars

When Chase Padgett takes the stage with his guitar, magic unfolds. In his spellbinding show '6 Guitars...

Welcome to Thursday Morning in Orlando!

Many of us love coffee, right? Did you know Orlando is the city with the 2nd largest amount of independent coffee spots, per capita??

🎉 Happy early birthdays (Sunday)to Christopher Kendall and Ryan Butler!

Now onto today’s Orlando Signal (weekend fun) issue:

  • Beyond Books

  • Main Street ALE-Liance

  • 6 Guitars

  • + a boat load of weekend recs

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Let’s roll!

- Philip

🔥 Didja Hear?

The Orlando Signal - Ivanhoe Village Foodie Tour returns on Sunday, February 16th, just in time for Valentine's weekend.

This three-hour culinary adventure (3-6 p.m.) takes you through one of Orlando's most enchanting neighborhoods, where historic charm meets contemporary cuisine.

🧑‍🍳 Visit six unique foodie spots while your guide weaves tales of the district's rich heritage.

More than just tastings, this immersive experience reveals how Ivanhoe Village blossomed into Orlando's premier dining destination.

Treat yourself to the perfect Sunday "linner" while discovering local secrets.

With just 12 spots offered, don't wait to secure yours! 👇

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Beyond Books: The Library's Money-Smart Mission for Kids

The South Creek branch of Orange County Library System is revolutionizing financial education for kids, joining 300 libraries nationwide in the "Thinking Money for Kids" program.

Branch Manager Zully Escobar is spearheading interactive games like "Pet Cents," teaching children ages 3-12 about real-world money management through pet ownership scenarios.

While Florida mandates high school financial literacy courses, Escobar believes money education should start earlier. The library's creative approach extends to teens with "Brains & Bucks," a zombie apocalypse simulation launching January 31st at the Hiawassee branch.

These free programs are transforming financial literacy from mundane to memorable, one game at a time. You can get a comprehensive list of participating branchers, right here.

(Learn more about this outstanding financial education for kids with Robert Breuer, right here)

Orlando's Battle for Affordable Housing Gains Ground

In a bold move to combat the housing crisis, Orlando leaders are extending their successful affordable housing initiative through 2026. The program, which has invested over $782,000 since 2022, offers builders vital incentives through fee reductions and refunds—resulting in more than 1,000 affordable units.

Projects like Jernigan Gardens showcase the program's impact, with developers receiving substantial rebates to keep rents accessible.

While District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose dreams of 10,000 units, the reality remains stark: over 2.4 million Florida households struggle with housing costs exceeding 30% of their income. For 1.3 million of them, housing consumes more than half their earnings.

(Learn more about this program’s efforts with Randy Rauch, right here)

Growing Bold as Lake Nona's Exciting New Chapter Unfolds

Get ready for something spectacular, Lake Nona, Tavistock is bringing two exciting new developments to the growing community.

Picture this: a dynamic five-warehouse flex space near the USTA National Training Center, spanning 209,800 square feet where innovative businesses might share space with indoor sports courts.

And that's not all – the ambitious Lake Nona South project will transform 132.4 acres into a vibrant mixed-use district, boosting both Medical City and MCO airport operations.

These newcomers join the neighborhood's growing family of amenities, from the fresh Kelson apartments and lively Boxi Park to a future outdoor concert venue.

The cherry on top? By 2026, the community will welcome a beautiful regional park and community center with its own library!

(Learn more about this Lake Nona expansion, right here)

🙋 Trivia Time

⁉️ What historic Orlando site was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Click/Tap your answer below

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Orlando Beer Week Main Street ALE-Liance

📍À La Cart SoDo. 609 Irvington Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, January 25th

Get ready for a craft beer adventure as Orlando's Beer Week Main Street ALE-Liance transforms the city from January 25th to February 2nd.

Kicking off at A La Cart SoDo, this eight-day celebration unites over 50 local businesses across Orlando's Main Street districts, offering exclusive deals and prizes for beer enthusiasts.

Collect stickers at participating venues, discover new favorite brews, and be part of a community celebration that showcases Orlando's thriving craft beer scene.

Your next great pour awaits!

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Sunset at the Zoo

📍Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, Florida 32771. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, January 24th. 4 p.m.

Celebrate Hispanic heritage with at Sunset at the Zoo!

This Friday, January 24, enjoy live flamenco guitar and DJ Darren's beats filling the evening air. Savor local food truck delights, explore community vendor treasures, and let the little ones enjoy storytime adventures.

Tickets to this experience are very affordable, so come experience this unique blend of culture and wildlife!

6 Guitars

📍Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday–Sunday, January 24–26. 8 p.m. (Fri & Sat) & 3 p.m. (Sat & Sun)

From One Guitar, Six Stories Emerge.

When Chase Padgett takes the stage with his guitar, magic unfolds. In his spellbinding show '6 Guitars', he transforms into six distinct musicians - from a weathered blues player to a precision-driven classical virtuoso.

Each character breathes life into their genre, sharing the soul and history behind the music.

Since its sold-out premiere at Orlando's 2010 Fringe Theater Festival, this masterful blend of comedy and musicianship has captivated audiences across North America and Europe.

Orange County Heritage Day

📍Orange County Regional History Center. 65 East Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, January 25th, 10 a.m.

From humble citrus groves to cultural crossroads, Orange County marks its 180th birthday with a spectacular celebration at the Regional History Center.

Join as dancers and storytellers bring to life our journey from 1844 to today, weaving tales of pioneers and dreamers who shaped our community. Experience the rhythm of salsa mixing with country twang, and savor the blend of traditions that make our county extraordinary.

This isn't just a birthday - it's a living tribute to Orange County's vibrant spirit.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Multi-day:

Wicked Afternoon Tea Experience | Fri, Sat, Sun | Downtown | More

Justin Silva | Fri  6 & 9 p.m. and Sat 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. | I-Drive | More

Kurt Elling Celebrates Weather Report | Fri & Sat 7 & 9 p.m. | Downtown | More

Decade Days | Fri, Sat, Sun | Dezerland Park | More

Friday:

Empowering Night of Laughter | 6 p.m. | Downtown | More

Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John | 7:30 p.m. | Lake Buena Vista | More

The Strumbellas | 6:30 p.m. | Downtown | More

Gallery Opening Reception: Future Nature | 6:30 p.m. | Maitland | More

152 Productions Presents: Burn Absolute, Coma Waves, Spirit Leaves, Royal Hearts, Burial Joy, and Sleeptalker | 7 p.m. | Winter Park | More

Gravity Taproom's 1-Year Anniversary | 7 p.m. | Downtown | More

Dr. Alessandro Fonseca | 7:30 p.m. | Wadeview Park | More

Max Fry, Suisside, and Garzi | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

What Do You Want From Us?! | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | More

An Evening with Author John Green | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

Saturday:

Dog Day | 9:00 a.m. | Audubon Park | More

Orange County Heritage Day | 10 a.m. | Downtown | More

Science on Tap | 1 p.m. | Downtown | More

Vitamin String Quartet | 8 p.m. | Downtown | More

Yacht Rock Revue | 7:30 p.m. | Disney Springs | More

Sunday:

The Florida Vintage Market | 12 p.m. | Milk District | More

🎭 Put on events? Submit your event here.

THANKS!

🧠 Interested in reaching smart readers like you? Grow with us right here.

We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal