The Board Room

March 21, 2024

Good morning, Orlando! I have a confession to make, but not today. You’ll have to wait for Monday’s issue. It will be worth the wait while I put finishing touches on it.

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

  • Youth art supply rally

  • “The Board Room”

  • Wine wars

  • + 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, OR, just hit reply to this email and tell us.

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

On with it!

- Philip

P.S. Happy birthday to Doug Abbott 🎉

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
Sparking Creativity: Central Florida's Youth Art Supply Rally

Through March 31st, Central Florida celebrates National Youth Art Month with the United Arts Art Supply Drive – a call to nurture the boundless creativity of our region's young artists. As the local art agency, United Arts witnesses the pressing need for resources within our community's schools. This drive empowers children to ignite their passion for the arts, both in classrooms and beyond.

Donations will support students across Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County Public Schools, providing vital supplies like watercolors, acrylic paints, colored pencils, markers, crayons, drawing paper, and heavyweight paper. 🎂Each contribution addresses the identified needs of aspiring artists, enabling them to discover their artistic selves.

Rally behind this movement by consulting the Amazon registry or visiting participating local drop-off sites in the link below. In nurturing our youth's creativity today, we shape a more vibrant, beautiful world tomorrow.

Board Room Opens, Bringing Melodies to Nona Nights

Orlando's Lake Nona community is buzzing with the grand opening of "The Board Room" - an intimate indoor venue rapidly becoming the neighborhood's newest live music gem. This fresh addition to Nona Adventure Park flung open its doors on March 8th, immediately transporting guests into an immersive sonic experience.

With a cozy 112 person capacity, The Board Room has already set the stage for Nona's beloved "Songs at Sunset" Friday night concert series featuring stellar live acts.

But music isn't the only new rhythm - the park also unveiled a permanent "Jungle Gym" play structure in Tot Town for children seven and under. General Manager Samantha Tutor expressed her team's excitement to spark a lifelong love of outdoor recreation through this interactive new addition.

As joyous laughter rings out, Lake Nona has struck a resonant chord, inviting all to experience its vibrant symphony of music, nature, and adventure leaving an indelible mark.

The Great Southern Food Hall: New Life for Old Bones

A 1930s warehouse in Orlando's Packing District is undergoing a remarkable renaissance as the highly anticipated 22,400-square-foot Great Southern Box Food Hall. Dr. Phillips Charities president Ken Robinson is eagerly awaiting the May opening and three-day grand celebration for this crown jewel adapted by dap design.

The century-old building's industrial bones have been honored, retaining original features like the barrel-vaulted roof and concrete floors, while introducing modern amenities like skylights and glass garage doors opening onto an event lawn.

One wing houses Orange County Brewers crafting a signature citrus brew. The opposite end boasts a sophisticated 4,000-square-foot event space for 250 guests with green rooms and a private patio.

Restaurateur Akhtar Nawab's Hospitality HQ curated the 13,140-square-foot food hall centerpiece, showcasing 11 diverse local chefs and immigrant cuisines.

Early vendors include acclaimed Cuban-fusion A Lo Cubano Kitchen, traditional Jamaican dishes from Kayos Jamaican Grill, and Hawaiian poke bowls by Pokefin. As the revitalized Packing District blooms around it, this historic gem is poised to become a modern culinary crown.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
Wine Wars


📍Lake Eola Park - Farmer's Market Area. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, March 23rd, 5-9 p.m.

Embark on a tantalizing journey at Wine Wars, an extraordinary festival in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola.

Immerse yourself in fierce competition as teams battle for the ultimate prize: 150 bottles of exquisite wine. But Wine Wars is more than just a celebration; it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Proudly supporting Key Haven Foster Homes, a portion of the proceeds will benefit this local 501c3 organization dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for children in need. Indulge in gourmet delicacies, engage in lively conversations, and forge new friendships.

Wine Wars is an unforgettable experience that combines the love of wine, the spirit of competition, and the power of giving. Gather your friends, form your team, and prepare for an epic evening where taste, camaraderie, and philanthropy converge.

Raise your glass, embrace the excitement, and let the battles begin!

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
11th Annual Uptown Art Expo

📍Cranes Roost Park. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Map to this location.

🕐 March 22nd-24th

Prepare for an artistic extravaganza as this free celebration showcases 140 talented artisans unveiling masterpieces in glass, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, and more.

But the true showstoppers are the professional chalk artists and high school students transforming sidewalks into spellbinding chalk murals. Vote for your favorite with an Uptown Art Expo gold coin from VyStar Credit Union for a chance to award cash prizes.

Indulge your senses with delectable fares from craft beers, food trucks like Asian Grill & Rice, Grandma's BBQ, Real Maine Lobster, and sweet treats galore.

Stroll the one-mile walkway, adorned with benches, amid cobblestone paths, ionic columns, and themed lighting in this 45-acre European-style oasis. Whether an art collector or inspired newcomer, let this vibrant festival ignite your passion for creativity.

Luau at Boxi Beach


📍Boxi Park Lake Nona. 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. Map to this location.

🕐 Friday, March 22nd from 6-11 p.m.

Let the tropical rhythms sweep you away to an island paradise at Boxi Beach's enchanting Aloha Luau. Guests will be transported to the Pacific as they sink into velvet sands, sipping refreshing cocktails amidst mesmerizing hula dances.

The night air dances with primal Tahitian drumbeats and strumming ukuleles before daring fire knife performers ignite the sky.

VIP ticket holders gain exclusive access to Boxi's beachfront oasis, welcomed with a fresh lei and cocktail. Indulge in succulent flavors from the traditional pig roast or explore diverse bites from the eclectic Boxi Park food containers.

Join this 21+ tropical celebration. Advance tickets are $15, or $25 at the door. The entertainment lineup features DJ BJ from 6-11pm, with authentic Polynesian performances from 7-10pm including guitar, ukulele, Tahitian drums, hula, and fire dancing.

While the enchanting Luau unfolds in the sand volleyball area, other Boxi Park spaces remain open to the public.

Escape to this island paradise!

City of Edgewood's 100th Birthday Music Festival

📍Waters Edge Shopping Plaza, 4401 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, March 23rd, 5-10 p.m.

Mark your calendars as the town of Edgewood commemorates its centennial with a free Birthday Music Fest at the Waters Edge Shopping Plaza (4401 S Orange Ave). This vibrant carnival of sights, sounds, and flavors will transform the parking lot into a whirlwind of revelry.

Musical acts will set the night alight, with eclectic openers Skin Deep and Are Friends Electric preceding the electrifying headline performance by America's Got Talent's Golden Buzzer finalists Chapel Hart. A sumptuous smorgasbord awaits, from Charlie's Bakery's confections to Dio Santo's street pizzas, Uncle Tony's BBQ, shaved ice, and a bevy of other savory and sweet delicacies.

Thirsty revelers can indulge in craft brews, wines, and refreshing beverages from the plentiful tents. Prepare for an evening etched in Edgewood's history by grabbing chairs and blankets for this free, festival-style concert celebration under the stars!

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal