Janet Friggin Jackson

Good morning, Orlando! About a month ago, it was Lionel Friggin Richie. This time, it’s Janet Friggin Jackson, with $25 tix! Read on.

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

• Parked & perplexed

• Modern Widows Club

• Janet Jackson

• + lots of weekend recs

🛑Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈

Was this email forwarded to you? If so, subscribe here.

On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Parked and Perplexed by Orlando's Short-Lived Garage Policy

Some of you may remember back in May where I covered how the City of Orlando was closing parking garage access at 11pm for safety reasons in “The City Beautiful Hits Nightlife's Snooze Button.”

But this was for one weekend only after sparking alarm among patrons and business owners alike. This sudden measure, shrouded in unclear communication, vanished as quickly as it appeared.

City spokesperson Ashley Papagni later revealed the restriction's fleeting nature, while Police Chief Eric D. Smith called it a short-lived "experiment" ended by public protest.

The parking saga unfolded amid broader nightlife reforms, including an extended moratorium on new clubs.

As the dust settles, Orlando continues its delicate balancing act between vibrant nightlife and urban safety, leaving residents curious about the future of their beloved downtown scene.

The Modern Widows Club's Mission in Central Florida

In Winter Park, the Modern Widows Club is addressing a critical need. With 36,500 widows in Orange County alone, the organization offers support to those navigating life after loss.

Bethany Mikesell, a widow and mother of six, exemplifies this journey. After losing her husband Jon to cancer three years ago, she now juggles six jobs to support her family. Mikesell initially struggled with finances but found help through the Modern Widows Club.

The organization's recent Widows' Health & Wellbeing Day provided resources, including financial advice from Cindy Price, a Certified Financial Planner who understands widowhood firsthand. While Mikesell's future remains uncertain, she's learned valuable coping strategies.

Her story highlights the power of community support (+ resources) and the importance of seeking help during challenging times.

From Pandemic Solution to Urban Evolution: Orlando's Parklet Program May Expand

Orlando's urban landscape is poised for transformation as the City Council prepared to vote on expanding the Parklet Program citywide.

Born from the pandemic in 2020, this initiative initially converted parking spaces into outdoor seating areas. The proposed expansion would extend beyond downtown into the Main Street District, shifting parklet costs to businesses.

The program introduces three categories: Community Parklets for public gathering, Dining Parklets for restaurant extensions, and Micro-mobility Parklet Stations for bike and scooter parking. Existing parklets will remain until December 31, 2024.

This move could redefine city life, blending community engagement with innovative urban design.

The council's July 15 decision may usher in a new era of vibrant, accessible spaces in Orlando, enhancing the city's walkability and social atmosphere.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Janet Friggin Jackson

📍Kia Center. 400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, July 20th, 8 p.m.

Orlando, brace yourself! Janet Jackson and Nelly are set to ignite the Kia Center.

It's been just over a year since their "Together Again" tour, and they're back to dazzle once more. Janet, a true icon, boasts an impressive collection of accolades: 11 American Music Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, five Grammys, eight Guinness World Records, an Oscar nomination, and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This pop queen and hip-hop star are ready to make history again, and you can be part of it for as little as $25.

Get ready for a night of unforgettable music and energy!

🔥BONUS: apparently “Tickets for this event purchased between July 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024 are exempt from sales tax.”

TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
The Drop Party @ The Abbey

📍The Abbey. 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, July 20th, 8 p.m.

Step into a realm where fantasy reigns supreme. Here, adventure lurks around every corner, and imagination knows no bounds.

Prepare to be transported into a world of magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Will you embody a fierce warrior from Throne of Glass, a cunning fae from Crescent City, or a loyal member of the Inner Circle from A Court of Thorns and Roses? The choice is yours in this literary landscape where dreams take flight.

Guests are invited to dress as their favorite characters, shedding their everyday selves to become legends. In this enchanted domain, you're both author and protagonist of your own tale.

The Rich Weirdoes Present The Rocky Horror Picture Show

📍The Orlando Fringe. 54 W Church St, Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, July 19th – Saturday, July 20th, 8pm

For nearly five decades, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has transcended cinema, becoming a living, breathing phenomenon. This isn't just a movie; it's an immersive experience where audiences transform into active participants.

As "Science Fiction/Double Feature" plays, theaters erupt with perfectly timed quips, props, and sight gags. It's a symphony of chaos where every viewer is both conductor and performer.

The longest-running, most interactive film in history, Rocky Horror invites you to shed your everyday skin and embrace your inner misfit. In this parallel universe, the strange is celebrated, and the outrageous is ordinary.

Don't just dream it – live it, breathe it, become it.

Justin Willman Illusionati Tour

📍Steinmetz Hall. 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, July 21st, 7 p.m.

Justin Willman, the cerebral assassin of modern magic, is on a mission to short-circuit your brain and tickle your funny bone.

This Netflix star of "Magic for Humans" and veteran of late-night TV is no ordinary illusionist. From hosting "Baking Impossible" to dazzling at '90s St. Louis birthday parties, Willman's journey is as quirky as his performances.

Now, his "Illusionati Tour" promises a mind-bending spectacle that turns skeptics into believers. Expect a rollercoaster ride for your mind, leaving you questioning reality and chuckling simultaneously.

Prepare for a night that's equal parts hilarious and mystifying—you might lose sleep trying to unravel it all.

National Ice Cream Day @ Kelly’s

📍Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. All over Orlando. See participating locations.

🕐 Sunday, July 21st, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Beat the heat this National Ice Cream Day with Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream's Endless Summer Celebration!

On Sunday, July 21st, from 11 AM to 4 PM, Kelly's is offering a cool 50% off all ice cream. This isn't just a sale; it's your ticket to frozen paradise.

For five hours, indulge in your favorite flavors or explore new ones at half the price. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or daring new combinations, Kelly's is the place to be.

Join Kelly's and make this National Ice Cream Day the sweetest celebration of the season!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁

Friday:

Dauzat St. Marie | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | No cost (more info)

The Corner Gallery Presents: Comedy Olympics! | 7:30 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $10 (more info)

Blame It On The Boogie: A Disco Dance Party | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15 (more info)

Wetflix, Nick and the Izzys, The Troops, Sweater | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $10-$15 (more info)

Broadway Rave | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $17 (more info)

The Moss, Dogpark, Rohna | 8 p.m. | South Eola | $23.50 (more info)

Classic Albums Live: The Lithium Experience | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $18-$32 (more info)

Distant Stations, October, Renee Daze at Barley and Vine! | 8 p.m. | Central | No cost (more info)

One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk | 10 p.m. | Downtown | $19.99-$39.99 (more info)

Saturday:

AdVintage Fair & Flea Market | 8 a.m. | Central | No cost (12 N. Primrose Dr.)

Special Program: M*A*S*H | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (more info)

Music in the Library: Sitar and Tabla Duo | 2 p.m. | Downtown | No cost (more info)

Idobi Summer School Tour | 4:30 p.m. | Downtown | $35 (more info)

Dale Tamale Markets Present: Un Mercado Contigo | 5 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | No cost (more info)

Asia: The Heat Of The Moment Tour | 7 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $55-$99 (more info)

Orlando City SC v New York City FC | 7:30 p.m. | $12-$200 (more info)

Tomb Mold, Horrendous, Pariah, Chaos Relic | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $20-$25 (more info)

United Groove | 9 p.m. | Mills 50 | No cost (more info)

Sunday:

R&B Soul Brunch | 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. | Downtown | $95 (more info)

Hirs Collective and .Gif from God, Hysteresis, Midhouse | Mills 50 | 7 p.m. | $15-$18 (more info)

Jayo | 10 p.m. | Mills 50 | No cost (more info)

👋 Help Me Improve The Orlando Signal

THANKS!

Interested in reaching smart readers like you? Grow with us righthere.

🆕Have an event to promote? Get a premium event listing, right here.

We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal