One Night of Queen

Good morning, Orlando! This morning I came across a “dining in the dark” experience where they blindfold you so you rely on other senses while eating. Weird? Interesting? Or hell no? Feel free to hit reply and let me know.

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

• Pinstripes

• Queen

• Cinco de Mayo

• + 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 ⏲️
A Penny for Progress: Orange County Weighs Sales Tax Renewal for School Construction

Orange County's aging school infrastructure hangs in the balance, pending voter approval of a half-penny sales tax renewal this November. Since 2002, the modest levy has raised over $4 billion for renovating 136 campuses and constructing 65 new schools. With over half its revenues sourced from tourists, the tax spreads the funding burden.

OCPS Board Chair Teresa Jacobs calls it "an investment in our children's future learning environments." If renewed for another decade, officials pledge revenues toward maintaining existing schools, building new ones where needed, enhancing security, and providing technological upgrades.

The County Commissioners must next approve placing the referendum on the November 5th, 2024 ballot. When that day arrives, Orange County voters will determine if quality education for their youth is worth a penny on the dollar.

You can check out the complete resolution, right here.

The Artist's Prescription

In a sterile hospital room, Valerie Kelley, the artist-in-residence at Orlando Health's Cancer Institute, gently interrupted the eerie silence surrounding Nancy, a cancer patient depleted by her battle.

With a warm smile and art supplies cradled like cherished gifts, Valerie embarked on her sacred mission - to heal souls through creativity. Her master's in arts and medicine had taught her that the neural pathways sparked by art block pain.

One brushstroke at a time, she coaxed Nancy's focus away from her diagnosis, transforming her into an artist rediscovering life's vibrant hues.

Backed by clinical studies and donated supplies from Sam Flax Orlando, Valerie was committed to affecting people with love and art across the Institute's eight treatment areas.

On May 16th, over 100 resilient creations by Valerie's students will adorn the CityArts Gallery - a mosaic celebrating the human spirit.

Vineland Pointe Scores Pinstripes' Swanky New Concept

A new entertainment titan has arrived in Orlando with the grand opening of Pinstripes at Vineland Pointe. The renowned 34,000 square-foot venue seamlessly blends upscale Italian-American dining with captivating games and stylish event spaces under one roof.

At its core lies an elegant bistro dishing up scratch-made specialties from celebrity Chef Cesar Gutierrez. But the real draw is the immersive experience featuring 16 bowling lanes, indoor/outdoor bocce courts, and expansive patios with big-screen TVs.

The $11 million project brings 150 new jobs and endless entertainment. Whether craving wood-fired pizzas, a friendly bocce battle, or an unforgettable private bash for 1,000, Pinstripes elevates the local leisure scene.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
One Night of Queen

📍Dr. Phillips Center. 445 South Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, May 4th, 8:00 p.m

For over two decades, Gary Mullen and The Works have captivated audiences worldwide with their electrifying "One Night of Queen" show, an unparalleled tribute to rock royalty.

Gary Mullen's uncanny embodiment of Freddie Mercury, combined with stellar musicianship from David Brockett, Malcolm Gentles, Jon Halliwell, and their phenomenal bassist, conjures the theatrical brilliance of the legendary band.

In 2000, Mullen's jaw-dropping portrayal on "Stars in Their Eyes" garnered a record-shattering 864,838 votes. Spanning over 2,500 performances across 20 countries, they've graced the same hallowed stages as Queen, ushering audiences into a transcendent realm where the magic is resurrected.

If you yearn for a night that ignites the soul of rock 'n' roll, surrender to Gary Mullen & The Works' infectious energy – the show must go on.

TOP 3 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
FORWARD/SLASH Distillery Cinco de Mayo

📍FORWARD/SLASH Distillery. 650 S Capen Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday 12 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Forward/Slash Distillery in Winter Park ignites into a spirited Cinco de Mayo fiesta with the unveiling of their bold new agave spirit, Sin Nombre. This free-admission celebration promises gastronomic delights from popular local food trucks like Gaucha Empanadas, Sundays Pizza, and Fuiyo Mexicana. The highlight?

A collaborative margarita crafted with Forward/Slash's own consommé – an irresistible elixir elevating taco dipping to new heights.

Located behind The Porch, Forward/Slash transforms into a vibrant hub where Mexican flavors mingle with craft spirits, forging an unforgettable Cinco journey.

DON’T TELL (Secret Comedy Show) is Back in Orlando

📍A Secret Location in Orlando

🕐 Friday, May 3rd, 8 p.m.

Back in Orlando: On May 3rd, Orlando beckons you to indulge in an evening cloaked in mystery, where laughter reverberates through the air like a symphony of joy. The precise location remains a guarded secret until the morning of the event, building anticipation for the venue that will host this unforgettable night.

Brace for the unveiling of a finely curated lineup of comedic maestros, seamlessly blending underground talents with beloved fan favorites from cities near and far. The suspense lingers until the moment they take the stage, unveiling a blend of hilarity and diversity.

Embrace this unique live experience, free from the constraints of annoying drink minimums, where good vibes reign supreme.

She’s HILARIOUS. Click/tap below to see the clip 👇

donttellcomedy

View more on Instagram

Always…Patsy Cline

📍Garden Theater. 160 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 pm. Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

In 1961, country icon Patsy Cline sparked an enduring friendship with ardent fan Louise Seger after a chance meeting at a Texas honky-tonk. "Always...Patsy Cline" dramatizes their remarkable real-life bond through Cline's iconic songbook like "Crazy," "Walking After Midnight," and 25 more hits.

With down-home humor and disarming candor, the musical recounts their improbable kinship, strengthened through letters Cline invariably signed "Love ALWAYS..." Even after Cline's tragic death at 30, their connection endured.

More than a tribute act, "Always..." is a quintessentially American tale about the transformative power of music and finding soulmates in unexpected places. Audacious and profoundly moving, it honorably depicts two lives united by an incomparable voice.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Alexz Johnson and More | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $25-$110 (link)

CKY | 7 p.m. | Downtown | $25 (link)

Woolbright, Like Father, Virginity, and Philos | 8 p.m. | Mills 50 | $15-$17 (link)

Kenny G | 8 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $52.50-$400 (link)

David Spade | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $45-$85 (link)

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $39.50-$79.50 (link)

Freaky Fridays: Terminal Usa | 11:59 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (link)

Saturday:

Nathaniel’s Hope 22nd Annual MAKE ’m SMILE Festival | 8 a.m. | Downtown | Free-$5 (link)

Orlando Kite Festival | 10 a.m. | Downtown | Free (link)

15th Folk & Urban Art Festival | 10 a.m. | Winter Park Area | Free (link)

National Theatre Live: Romeo and Juliet | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | $20 (link)

Bonsai and Brews | 11:30 a.m. | Ivanhoe Village | $65 (link)

9th Annual Ford Kissimmee Cuban Sandwich Festival | 12 p.m. | Kissimmee | Free (link)

Fountain Pen Class | 1 p.m. | Mills 50 | Free (link)

May the Fourth Be With You Sip & Stroll | 2 p.m. | Audubon Park | Free (link)

10th Annual Kentucky Derby Soirée | 5 p.m. | Downtown | $100 (link)

Dapper Derby Day | 5 p.m. | I-Drive/Universal | $75 (link)

Waxahatchee | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $30-$50 (link)

Spanish Love Songs w/ Oso Oso, Sydney Sprague, Worry Club | 6 p.m. | South Eola | $24 (link)

Sunday:

Uncomfortable Brunch: Breaking the Waves | 11 a.m. | Winter Park Area | $11 (link)

Orlando Predators vs. West Texas Desert Hawks | 1 p.m. | Downtown | $30-$150 (link)

Dorothy Gillespie: Courage, Independence and Color | 2 p.m. | Downtown | $20 (link)

Cinco De Mayo Street Party | 3 p.m. | Kissimmee | Free (link)

Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville FC | 6 p.m. | Downtown | $7-$73 (link)

Emo Orchestra | 7 p.m. | Milk District | $34.50-$44.50 (link)

The Dollyrots and More | 7 p.m. | Winter Park Area | $15 (link)

Niña Pastori | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown | $31.99-$101.99 (link)

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles | 8 p.m. | Downtown | $30-$75 (link)

THANKS!

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We’ll see you on Monday.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal