Don't Tell Comedy

February 22, 2024

Good morning, Orlando! Apparently, Goat Yoga is a thing, and just popped up on my radar. Anyone ever try it? I’ve linked to it in the Saturday “Weekend Happenings” section for your perusal.

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • “Big Tree” DNA

  • Over four decades of Barnie’s

  • Don’t Tell Comedy

  • + a boat load of weekend recs

If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s roll!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
A 400 Year-Old Live Oak Destined to Spread its Legacy

A 400-year-old live oak known as the “Big Tree" towers over Orlando's “Big Tree” Park, earning acclaim as the city's most celebrated tree. This resilient giant has withstood four dynamic centuries of storms, freezes, wars and urban growth while steadfastly growing. Its 28 billion sets of robust DNA chronicle The Big Tree's astonishing longevity to become a revered citizen of Orlando’s plant kingdom.

Recently, researchers collected cuttings from this magnificent oak, hoping to propagate up to 2,000 “children” through cloning. In five years’ time, cities across the Southeast will welcome these baby Big Trees, grown from the original's genetic bounty, to beautify parks and neighborhoods as enduring symbols of Orlando’s rich history.

Just as Spanish settlers and modern-day pioneers were and are still drawn by the possibilities rooted in Orlando’s soil, The “Big Tree” continues leading them in quiet wisdom.

Despite the upheavals of time and clime, this 400-year-old live oak remains a venerable beauty destined to spread its legacy across the region.

How A Homegrown Coffee Company Brewed Up Four Decades of Success

The scent of freshly roasted coffee beans wafting down Park Avenue in Winter Park signifies more than just another morning rush at Starbucks. This is Barnie's Coffee, pioneer of flavored coffee grounds since 1981 when founder Phil “Barnie” Jones first started infusing exotic flavors into premium beans.

What started as Barnie’s signature café expanded into nationwide locations, pre-dating even coffee giant Starbucks. After closing down mall outlets, Barnie’s took flight again through online sales at BarniesCoffee.com and placements in supermarket chains like Publix.

Staying true to their Central Florida roots, Barnie’s forged local partnerships by doing special blends with UCF, even giving back donations from each bag sold. Not to mention more creative endeavors with the likes of Ten10 Brewery on a special beer, and a brownie with Se7en Bites.

As Barnie’s celebrates over four decades of trendsetting coffee culture with its devoted 13-person roasting team hand-packing flavored brews to be enjoyed near and far, Director of Marketing Shannon Wolfgang attributes their longevity to flavor innovation, pioneering the concept of infused coffee that no one else was doing at the time.

From humble origins on Park Avenue to empowering future generations through quality coffee and community support, Barnie’s stands out for the richness of experience in every cup.

A Brotherhood Sparks Big Hopes

Laughter fills the Boys 2 Men Mentoring center, where 14-year-old Angel Valdez found support three years ago when his family was homeless. Now he mentors other troubled boys. Angel recalled he was getting into fights and struggling in school. Through weekly mentoring sessions, he found support to turn himself around.

Tyrone Jones, a long-time mentor, has seen incredible growth in the over 200 young participants, 70% who lack a father figure. Jones stated that over time, you see the personal, mental and physical growth. He needs these boys as much as they need him.

Angel came to Boys 2 Men drifting as an 11-year-old. Now a level-headed high schooler, his goals crystallized after college tour field trips. Angel declared he wants a football scholarship to Florida A&M University, then hopefully to play for the Baltimore Ravens!

Through grants, the nonprofit reaches its mission to guide boys toward bright futures. Next is fundraising for college tours that inspired Angel’s dreams. Jones said these boys give him hope, inspiration and purpose. That’s what lights me up each time I walk through those doors.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
DON’T TELL COMEDY!


📍Secret Location. Somewhere in Lake Ivanhoe.

🕐 Friday, February 23rd at 8pm

Shrouded in secrecy, an underground comedy experience awaits in the shadows of the city. The date is set for Friday, February 23rd at the bewitching hour of 8PM, SOMEWHERE in Lake Ivanhoe, when the doors will crack open at half past seven to welcome those thirsty for laughter and hungry for surprise.

👉 The precise location is disclosed that morning to ticket holders privy to the details of this thrilling comedy conundrum. Like a prohibition era hideaway, the venue itself is part of the adventure.

Talent is confidential too - between four and seven comedic pranksters take the stage, their identities unrevealed until showtime. Handpicked for diversity and hilarity, surprise performers emerge. From underground favorites, to local legends, and even a nationally touring sensation or two may materialize in the moment.

This is no ordinary comedy club, but intimacy reimagined - a uniquely live experience for those who unravel the clues and find the comedy speakeasy awaiting inside.

So join the DTC community for a night of mystery and mirth you won't soon forget!

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Brahms Third Symphony

📍Dr. Phillips Center – Steinmetz Hall. 425 North Bumby Avenue. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Feb 24th, 2024, 7:30pm & Sunday, Feb 25th, 2024, 3:30pm

Steinmetz Hall will fill with the emotional music of Brahms' Third Symphony. Known as one of his most intimately personal works, it will conclude a night of evocative orchestral works performed by the passionate conductor Mei-Ann Chen.

The journey begins with Emilie Mayer's Faust Overture, its sweeping Romantic textures capturing a seeking, questing soul. This leads into the Florida premiere of James Lee III's newest piano concerto Shades of Unbroken Dreams, radiating themes of resilient hope.

But the pinnacle arrives with Brahms' Third Symphony, often considered a musical self-portrait. Sighing motifs depict yearnings of life, wise reflections gaining hard-won wisdom, and serenity finally found - "a rainbow after a thunderstorm" as biographer Karl Geiringer described.

Come hear this poignant arc spanning the restless longings of youth to the acceptance and inner peace discovered at life's end.

As the final notes fade out, a larger understanding resonates - that sharing in the universal experience of music can awaken our collective spirit across ages.


📍Mills 50. Lake Highland Drive and North Mills Avenue. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, February 25th.

Drums will thunder and dragons dance as Orlando's Asian communities usher in the Lunar New Year at the 10th annual Mills 50 Dragon Parade on Sunday, February 25th.

Festivities kick off at 11AM sharp at Lake Highland Drive and North Mills Avenue. A vibrant procession of floats, dancers, martial artists and musicians will wind through the streets, embodying the spirit of unity and hope that this ancient holiday represents.

The parade route follows Thornton Avenue to Colonial Drive, with the party continuing all afternoon. This year promises to be the biggest and boldest yet, with elaborate floats and rows of dancers snaking over a mile long.

The Dragon Parade has become a beloved ritual, honoring the shared culture and contributions of immigrants from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and beyond.

As the symbolic dragon makes its way through Orlando’s diverse Asian communities, it breathes new energy into the coming year. Orlando lets its inner dragon roar, uniting to celebrate where we’ve been and where we’re heading together.

Winter Garden Music Festival

📍Historic Edgewater Hotel, 99 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, Feb 24th at 11:00am

The sweet sounds of music will fill the streets of historic downtown Winter Garden this Saturday for the city's annual free music festival. Music lovers, prepare your ears for a melodic treat!

From 11am to 10pm, six stages scattered throughout the pedestrian-only streets will come alive with over 30 acts spanning genres from blues to bluegrass to Latin jazz and rock 'n roll.

The variety means there's something for every taste - schedule conflicts welcomed! Strolling performers will also surprise and delight around corners as you explore downtown's charming shops and nationally-recognized dining scene.

So grab a bite to eat at one of the many downtown eateries (reservations recommended!), pick up a craft beer or glass of wine from the onsite vendors, and don't forget to bring a cozy camp chair.

The music takes place rain or shine, so come ready to settle in for 11 glorious hours with good company at the City of Winter Garden's annual gift of song to its community and visitors. Let the music move you!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

76 🌡️ 56 | 🌥️ | Breezy with some sunshine giving way to clouds; a couple of showers in the afternoon

Saturday

🌤️70 🌡️ 59 | 🌧️ | Pleasant with plenty of sun

Sunday

72 🌡️ 50 | 🌧️ | Pleasant with plenty of sun

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THANKS! 🙏

We’ll see you on Monday!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal