A one-man solOrkestra

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

• JEFRË's Masterpiece

• AWOL

• “solOrkestra”

• + 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. 🐈

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On with it!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
JEFRË's Masterpiece Adorns AdventHealth Campus

Amidst Orlando's cityscape, a remarkable artistic collaboration unfolds as AdventHealth's new Innovation Tower parking garage is transformed into a canvas for renowned artist JEFRË's extraordinary installation.

The visionary will adorn the facade with larger-than-life aluminum sculptures, origami-like forms representing folded prayers, well-wishes, and inspirational words for patients and healthcare heroes.

These intricate shapes will envelop the northern side, serving as canvases for projected lighted well-wishes, harmonizing with the campus' lighting.

A special ceremony will celebrate this fusion of art and compassion, JEFRË's masterpiece standing as a testament to hope, resilience, and the dedication of those who heal and comfort others, reminding us of art's profound impact on the healing process.

Check out this cool structure, right here.

East End Market Hosts Flavorful Fusion of Cultures

In the heart of Audubon Park, East End Market is set to transform into a culinary paradise with the East Meets West Night Market on May 17th and 18th.

Sponsored by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, this two-day extravaganza celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a tantalizing array of dishes from 25 local Asian food vendors.

Beyond the flavors, local art, beer, wine, and cocktails will delight attendees. For the mixology enthusiasts, intimate cocktail classes ($65 per person) at The Neighbors promise to elevate your craft.

Located at 3201 Corrine Drive, East End Market invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas as the East Meets West Night Market pays homage to Asian culture through the universal language of food.

The City Beautiful Hits Nightlife's Snooze Button

Orlando's neon nightlife is dimming as the city clamps down on its urban party scene.

In a stealth move on May 10th, officials enacted parking garage closures at 11pm weekends, blindsiding clubs and bargoers. It's part of recasting downtown as family-friendly, extending a moratorium on new bars through September 2024.

Stringent curfews and permitting await - cafes must close at midnight, bars designate queuing zones, and adult venues separate by 300 feet minimum. The crackdown even extends beyond downtown - any new bar within 600 feet of residential zoning needs a special permit.

According to the city, it aims to "prevent a similar [nightlife] problem" in outlying neighborhoods. The once vibrant nocturnal creatures have been warned - party too late, and soon there may be nowhere left to go.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
AWOL: 2 Old Men Escape From a Care Home and Go To a Metal Festival

📍Silver Venue - 1001 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, May 18th, 2:15 p.m., Sunday May 19th, 9:35 p.m.

In a world where age often breeds complacency, two octogenarian rebels, Cyril and Neville (Insta), defied societal norms.

Cyril, harboring a disdain for the perceived frailties of old age, was ignited when learning his estranged granddaughter, Lily, secured her big break as the lead vocalist of the thrash metal band, Abscess. Fueled by adventure and a desire to bridge the generational divide, they audaciously fled their care home to attend Lily's raucous metal festival.

Undeterred by skeptical glances, they immersed themselves in the pulsating rhythms, their bodies swaying in defiant celebration. As Lily's searing vocals echoed, the boundaries between generations dissolved, forging a profound connection through music's power to transcend age.

From the ingenious minds behind critically acclaimed masterpieces, comes a story challenging preconceptions and celebrating the indomitable spirit of those who dare defy expectations.

TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
Apopka Spring Craft and Food Fest

📍Kit Land Nelson Park. 10 S Forest Ave, Apopka, FL 32703, United States Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, May 18th from 11 AM - 4 PM

Embrace the vibrant renewal of spring at the Spring Craft and Food Fest!

This free family-friendly event in Kit Land Nelson Park bursts with over 90 vendor booths showcasing brilliant artisans' creations. From woodcrafts to jewelry, discover one-of-a-kind treasures embodying the season's rebirth.

Tempting aromas from gourmet food trucks entice you to savor sweet and savory delicacies while basking in the warm sun. Zesty tacos, wood-fired pizza, decadent desserts - have your cravings sated! Delight also in free activities like music, games, and interactive crafting sessions.

Immerse yourself fully in spring's splendor through art, gastronomy, and merriment in this lush oasis.

Beer 'Merica

📍Gaston Edwards Park at Lake Ivanhoe. 1236 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804. Map to this location.

🕐 Satuday, May 18th, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Raise your glass! On May 18th, Gaston Edwards Park transforms into a liquid liberty celebration - Beer 'Merica.

Don your finest red, white, and blue ensemble for a chance to win $500 and a year's supply of beer.

Sip and savor over 100 American craft brews, seltzers, and wines as live music serenades. Indulge in local food truck fare and revel in camaraderie. VIP tickets grant early 2pm entry, exclusive culinary offerings, a VIP zone, and commemorative apparel.

Rain or shine, this frothy revelry persists, welcoming even leashed canine companions. Secure tickets now and let the effervescent odyssey of taste commence!

Luca Ciarla’s solOrkestra

📍Timucua. 2000 S Summerlin Ave. Orlando, FL 32806. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, May 19th, 2:30 p.m.

A modern-day musical voyager is embarking on an auditory trip across the Mediterranean's fabled shores.

His name is Luca Ciarla, an Italian violinist whose soulful melodies echo his homeland's soil. But Ciarla is no ordinary virtuoso - he's a one-man "solOrkestra," an improvisational wizard wielding just a violin, voice, loop pedal, and toy instruments.

Taking the Timucua stage alone, Ciarla conjures an ever-evolving sonic tapestry. His violin becomes a guitar, cello, and percussion as his impassioned tenor voice soars, whistling lyrics rooted in ancestral folk traditions.

Original compositions interweave with unusual arrangements of traditional Mediterranean tunes in a seamless blend of ancient and modern.

Sweet Corn Festival at Amber Brooke Farms

📍Amber Brooke Farms. 36111 County Rd 44A, Eustis, FL 32736. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday and Sunday, May 18 -19 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

👉 Let’s call this one, “Orlando adjacent,” but it sounds like a fun outing nonetheless.

It's sweet corn season and there's no better way to celebrate than at the grand Sweet Corn Festival. Imagine strolling through endless fields, plucking sun-ripened ears straight from the stalks. Indulge in all-you-can-eat sweet corn from 11am-5pm, either piping hot or tangy street-style.

Get in on the fun with 25+ activities like corn eating contests, cornhole, and photos with the iconic mascot. Immerse yourself in generations-old recipes that highlight corn's sweet essence, from hot cornbread to fritters.

A can't-miss summer experience for making kernel-tastic memories with loved ones.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Lake Nona Town Center Architectural Walking Tour | 6:30 p.m. | Lake Nona | $25 (more info)

Lake Eola Parking Lot Party | 6 p.m. | Downtown | Free (more info)

The Polish Ambassador | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $10-$35 (more info)

Kathy Griffin | 7 p.m. | Milk District | $39.50-$59.50 (more info)

Emo Cover Night w/ Live Band (Deserted Will) | 8 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $10 (more info)

‘Most Wanted Tour' Official Afterparty Ft Dj Orma | 10 p.m. | Downtown | $30-$75 (more info)

Saturday:

Orlando Book Festival | 10 a.m. | Downtown | Free (more info)

Meet the Filmmaker: The Cat Has Nine Lives | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | $12.50 (more info)

The Orlando House Music Party Vol. 18 | Downtown | 4 p.m. | (more info)

Michael Carbonaro | Milk District | 6:30 p.m. | $29.50 (more info)

The Coop presents: Opposition Dolls, Gravess, Memento, Withpaperwings, Flowers For Emily | 7 p.m. | $15 (more info)

Sarah & The Safe Word with If I’m Lucky and Endless Mike and The Beagle Club | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | 8 p.m. | (more info)

Jeff Dye: On Tour | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $33.50-$48.50 (more info)

The Cure vs. Depeche Mode vs. New Order vs. Duran Duran – A New Wave Dance Party w/ DJ Craig Boarman | 9 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $12 (more info)

United Groove | 9 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

Orlando Girls Rock Camp: Youth Open Mic | 2 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (more info)

Sunday:

Matt Dillahunty: "Can You Hang Up on Family?" | 2 p.m. | Winter Park Area | Free (more info)

Hey Ladies! Orlando - Spring 2024 | 2 p.m. | Ivanhoe Village | Free (more info)

67th Season Classical Finale Concert | 3 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $25 (more info)

Cheekface | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $20 (more info)

Youth Fountain with Action/Adventure and Like Roses at The Abbey | 6 p.m. | South Eola | $18 (more info)

408 | 7 p.m. | Mills 50 | $18-$45 (more info)

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My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal