Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with coriander and orange peel.
TASTE RESPONSIBLY ©2016 BLUE MOON BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO
aXismag.com | july 2016 | p5 ORLANDO
@AXISMAGAZINE
17 101 Things to do in Otown
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Summer is a sweaty beast, don’t waste these longer nights & sticky
101 Things to do in Otown: Modest Mouse
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Sugar Ray, Modest Mouse, what is this the summer of 1999?
101 Things to do in Otown: Rocky Horror
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Rocky Horror at The Abbey, where everyone thinks they are part of the show... and are!
101 Things to do in Otown: 311
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Ok, it’s a little bit of a hike, but 311 is worth the staycation in St Augustine.
The City Beautiful introduction
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Welcome to Orlando... The City Beautiful as we like to see it... welcome home.
The City Beautiful introduction
18 14 18 @AXISMAGAZINE
@AXISMAGAZINE
PUBLISHERS: Sean Perry • Rick Wheeler ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: rhweeler@axismag.com • 407.230.1365 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: sperry@axismag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ashley Burns • Jasmine Caldero DESIGN: Evan Comtois CONTENT & PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR: Jasmine Caldero COVER: Courtesy of Chris Martin GrizzleeMartin.com PUBLISHED BY: Mocomm, Inc. dba aXis Magazine P.O. Box 2391 Orlando, Fl 32802 EVENTS: www.aXisproevents.org © 1994-2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of aXis Magazine may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written consent from Mocomm Inc, Orlando, Florida or if you bring us a case of Miller Lite.
19 @AXISORLANDO
We want to thank all the voices that gave their time and perspective to share one of their greatest passions with us all.
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NOISE • VISUALS • BALLS • MOTIVATION Director Robert Cabana will be on hand to share stories about exploring space via shuttle and the last flight of Atlantis. Special events will be held throughout the day in Space Shuttle Atlantis®, open to all visitors. Annual passholders can participate in an exclusive meet and greet event.
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06 OCSC Pre & Post Match Party
WALL ST. PLAZA 26 Wall St.., Orlando Wallstplaza.net Friday, July 8 • Time/ Prices vary We’ll always have $3 Heinekens & Heineken Lights starting at least 2 hours before matches until 2 hours after matches!A re you a Ruckus member? Show your member card when ordering and get access to more exclusive drink specials before and after matches on Wall St. Plaza, including:$2 Coors LighT,$2 Yuengling,$2 Heineken & Heineken Light AND $3 Moonshine – in Hooch & Shine.
07 No H8 Campaign
SHERATON ORLANDO NORTH 600 N. Lake Destiny Rd. Maitland Noh8campaign.com Friday, July 8 • 4-8 p.m./ Prices vary Join the #NOH8Worldwide movement in Orlando, Florida and help us raise funds for Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims Fund!100% OF PROCEEDS FROM EVERY PHOTO WILL BE DONATED!
NO H8 CAMPAIGN @ SHERATON ORLANDO NORTH • FRIDAY, JULY 8 • 4-8 P.M. 01 2016 Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art
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The Orlando Museum of Art 2416 North Mills Ave., Orlando Omart.org May-August• Time / Prices Vary The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an initiative of the Orlando Museum of Art that brings a new level of recognition to the State’s most progressive artists. Now in its third year, the 2016 exhibition will present ten outstanding artists, with one selected to receive the prize.These artists work in a range of media and artistic practices, often in new and unexpected ways.The challenging nature of their work will offer Museum visitors insight into the complex and exciting world of contemporary art in Florida.
03 Backwoods Music Festival
CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Friday, July 8• 7:30 pm / Prices vary
ANIMATION/COMEDY Friday, July 8 For their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.
BACKWOODS MUSIC FESTIVAL @ VENUE 578
04 The Space Times
VENUE 578 578 N. Orange Ave., Orlando Venue578.com Thursday, July 7• 8 pm / Prices vary
08 Orlando City SC VS. Houston Dynamo
09 The Secret Life of Pets
02 Chino y Nach & Guaco
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Thursday, July 7• 8 pm / Prices vary
WHERE: Sheraton Orlando North Hotel
EMIL BUEHLER PLANETARIUM AT SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE 100 Weldon Blvd.Sanford Seminolestate.edu Thursday, July 7• 7-8 pm / Prices vary Join us for the premiere of “The Space Times,” a monthly exploration of breaking news from our Solar System and beyond. We’ll showcase the Universe as only the planetarium can, with our immensely powerful fulldome video system taking center stage.As a public talk, there is no admission fee to “The Space Times” presentation, but due to the size of the planetarium, we are limiting the number of guests to 65. Seating is first-come, first-served, and we will open the doors for the presentation at 6:45 p.m. additionally, we will be live-streaming much of the evening for those who were not able to get a seat, and for those who could not attend.
10 WJRR Presents ‘Under The Covers’ ft. America Idiots(Tribute to Green Day) w/special guests Weeze, Blink, Punk Rock Jason THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Saturday, July 9 • 8pm / Prices vary
05 Celebrating Shuttle: The Legacy Continues
09 THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS • FRIDAY, JULY 8
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX SR 405, Titusville Kennedyspacecenter.com Friday, July 8• 10 am-3 pm / Prices vary Join us as we celebrate NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, and look to the future of crewed spaceflight at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In July 2011, Atlantis flew the final mission, STS-135, after 30 years of space shuttle flight. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Kennedy Space Center
01 FLORIDA PRIZE IN CONTEMPORARY ART
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in otown THAT WILL MELT YOUR FACE NOISE • VISUALS • BALLS • MOTIVATION
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Saturday, July 9• 7 pm / Prices vary
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14 Encore! Cast Performing Arts presents Ragtime The Musical
THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 844.513.2014 Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10• 7:30 pm/ Prices vary
15 Orlando Pride VS Boston Breakers CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Sunday, July 10• 5 pm / Prices vary
16 Lake Nona Concert Series: Danny Jordan Jazz Quintet CRESCENT PARK IN LAUREATE PARK 8374 Upper Perse Circ.. Orlando Lakenona.com Sunday, July 10• 5 pm / Prices vary
17 Food Truck Bazaar
FASHION SQUARE MALL 3505 E. Colonial Drive. Orlando Thedailycity.com Sunday, July 10• 5-8 pm / Prices vary The @foodtruckbazaar visits Orlando once a month on Second Sundays 5-8pm with 20 trucks at Macys (3505 E Colonial Drive). Bring blankets & chairs. All the trucks subject to change without notice.
SATURDAY, JULY 9 • 7 PM
11 Doctor Who Comics Day
GODS & MONSTERS-ARTEGON 5250 International Dr Ste 8. Orlando Godmonsters.com Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10 • 11 am-1 am/ Prices vary We’ve put together a super cool DOCTOR WHO COMICS DAY event for you! There will be sales on all Doctor Who merchandise (excluding commissions), Doctor Who playing on our projection screen, new comics and more! Come in Doctor Who cosplay to score prizes and discounts!
18 World Famous Gospel Brunch
FOOD TRUCK BAZAAR @ FASHION SQUARE
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Sunday, July 10• 10:30 a.m.& 1 p.m. / Prices vary
19 Summerland Tour 2016 ft. Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit, and Sponge HARD ROCK 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407.351.5483 Monday, July 11 • 8 pm / Prices vary
12 VIBE Tsunami Summer Pool Party
20 You Vandal w/ Ghost Cat, Snowbirds, and Expert Timing
SEA VISTA MOTEL & TIKI BAR 1701 A1A S., New Smyrna Beach Nsbfla.com Saturday, July 9• 5-8 pm / Prices vary
13 Modest Mouse and Brand New
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE 4802 N. US Highway 301, Tampa Ticketmaster.com
19 MONDAY, JULY 11 • 8 PM @ HARD ROCK
OLDE 64 64 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Monday, July 11 • 8pm / Prices vary
21 Cult Classics: American Pie ENZIAN 1300 S. Orlando Ave, Maitland Enzian.org Tuesday, July 12 • 9:30pm / Prices vary
22 OCSC Away Game Watch Party
WALL ST. PLAZA-SHINE 26 Wall St.., Orlando Wallstplaza.net Wednesday, July 13 • Time/ Prices vary We’re showing every Orlando City Soccer away game in all of our bars! There’s no better place to show your #PurplePride in Downtown Orlando for away games!Grab a $3 Heineken or Heineken Light during matches! Drink special starts one hour before the match and lasts one hour after the match ends.
23 Who’s Got Next- Indie All Star Tour-Special Edition: Sony Red
12 SATURDAY, JULY 9 • 5-8 PM @ SEA VISTA MOTEL & TIKI BAR
THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Wednesday, July 13 • 7pm / Prices vary
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NOISE • VISUALS • BALLS • MOTIVATION
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31 WJRR Presents ‘Under the Covers’ w/ Appetite for Destruction (Tribute to Guns N’Roses)
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THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Friday, July 15 • 8pm / Prices vary
32 Orlando Pride VS Chicago Red Stars
THORNTON 2ND THURSDAY WINE & ART WALK
24 Central 28 Grilled Cheese Paring
WORLD OF BEER-DOWNTOWN ORLANDO 431 E. Central Blvd., Orlando Worldofbeer.com Wednesday, July 13 • 7pm/ Prices Vary Join us on July 13th in our back room for a tasting with 4 awesome Central 28 Brewing beers paired with grilled cheese! This will be a ticketed event with only 40 spots! Purchase advanced tickets for $23 or day-of tickets for $28 + tax & gratuity.
25 Movies Out Loud- Showgirls
THE ABBEY 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando Abbeyorlando.com Wednesday, July 13 • 8pm/ Prices Vary Watermark Media and Orlando Fringe present Movies Out Loud – Showgirls, hosted by Jeff Jones and Miss Sammy.Join our host for the first Movies Out Loud of the season as she walks us through this 1995 classic. Starring Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi, a young drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer and soon sets about clawing and pushing her way to become the top of the Vegas showgirls.
26 Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING 701 E. Washington St, Orlando Thorntonparkdistrict.com Thursday, July 14• 6:30-9:30 p.m. / Prices vary The 2nd Thursday of every month, the best crowd gathers for the Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine + Art Walk.They come to celebrate the community, art, and partake in an evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping, and some tasty tastings all along the walk!$15 (Cash only) gets you a glass and a map of over 25 businesses that will be offering you a tasty tasting! Along the way we have Live Music, Art Vendor’s, DJ’s and all sorts of fun!
27 Bastille Day Celebration Extravaganza
AUDUBON PARK GARDEN DISTRICT 3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando Audubonparkgardens.com Thursday-Sunday, July 14-17• 8 p.m. / Prices vary We’re pulling out all the stops this year for a four day celebration of food, drink, entertainment and more. We’ll have our Fifth Annual Wine and Cheese Pairing with La Femme du Fromage’s Tonda Corrente, Rouge Rouge our pop up market returns to Redlight Redlight, Maria Antoinette is scheduled for an appearance, and NEW THIS YEAR - the Bastille Day Bubbles Sip and Stroll.With more stuff to be added.
28 Popcorn Flicks: Sabrina
CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Saturday, July 16• 7:30 pm / Prices vary
33 OCSC Away Game Watch Party WALL ST. PLAZA 26 Wall St.., Orlando Wallstplaza.net Saturday, July 16 • Time/ Prices vary
34 The Amazing Race Orlando
GLBT CENTER OF CENTRAL FL Orlando,FL 407-228-8272 Saturday, July 16 • 9 am-12 pm / Prices vary One of Orlando’s most fun...but hair-raising events returns on Saturday, July 16....its the 2nd installment of the Amazing Race Orlando.Just like the race this past September, on the morning of July 16, 18 teams of 2 will leave from a secret location on a journey that will have them running throughout downtown Orlando and doing some very frustrating tasks all in hopes of being crowned the winning team.The winners of the September race won a cruise for two on Holland America Cruise Lines and this time around the prize will be just as big!!
35 Classic Albums Live: The Doors “L.A. Woman”
HARD ROCK 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407.351.5483 Saturday, July 16 • 8 pm / Prices vary
36 The Music of Pink Floyd Laser Show at Woodstock Orlando
WOODSTOCK ORLANDO 500 N. Orange Blossom Trail., Orlando Pinkfloydlasershow.eventbrite.com Saturday, July 16 • 7 pm-2 am / Prices vary Come enjoy the spectacular laser light show of Ed Waldick set to music from the albums Pulse and Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd!Ed Waldick has been working with bands and music since 1969!
37 An Evening with Chris Robinson Brotherhood THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thebeacham.com Saturday, July 16 • 6 pm / Prices vary
38 The Art of Florida Cartoonists
CENTRAL PARK Central Park, Winter Park Enzian.org Thursday, July 14 • 8pm / Free!
GODS & MONSTERS-ARTEGON 5250 International Dr Ste 8. Orlando Godmonsters.com Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17 • 2 pm-12 am/ Prices vary
29 Departure-Tribute to Journey
39 Pearl Jamz
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Friday, July 15• 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary
30 Ghostbusters
COMEDY Friday, July 15 Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today--Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Saturday, July 16• 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary
40 Crazy 80s Pub Crawl
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO Wall. St. Plaza, Orlando Orlandopubcrawl.com Saturday July 16 • 8pm check in/ prices vary It’s been a totally awesome decade since we started the Crazy 80’s Pub
FRIDAY, JULY 15 Crawl!! Over the last 11 years the only thing we know is Orlando loves the 80’s. It’s that time of year again for the Ultimate Pub Crawl that completely takes over downtown. Orlando Pub Crawl and Orlando Sport and Social Club are proud to present The 11th Annual Crazy 80’s Pub Crawl.With your ticket you will receive the following: Admission to one of the largest pub crawls in Orlando ever! ,4 Complimentary Coors Lights, call vodka cocktails or Jager shots ,$2 Coors Lights, $3 call Vodka, $3 Jager,50% off a Pita from Pita Pit. Due to the large number of prepays and safety issues on Orange Ave, we will have ALL crawlers Check in on the STREET at Wall St Plaza.We will have barricades with marked checked in areas for both door sales and prepays.We will start checking people in as early as 7:30pm.Wall St will be check in only at this time so don’t linger and miss the first venues of the crawl!
41 Flight of the Conchords w/ Arj Barker ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 1340 A1a S., St. Augustine Ticketmaster.com Sunday, July 17 • 7pm/ prices vary
42 Blankets & Baskets IV “Jazz & RnB” Festival
L CLAUDIA ALLEN PARK Orlando, FL 32805 Eventbrite.com Sunday, July 17 • 1pm/ prices vary The Summer edition of Blankets & Baskets is back! Save the date and get ready to relax & vibe! Funk Love. T Glover Experience & Thursday Live Vibe Have partnered together to take this Grown & Sophisticated picnic in the park competition to another level! For your listening pleasure, we have added a LIVE band featuring International recording artis CeCe Teneal along with DJ P Funk & DJ 305.We will Vibe to the best in Jazz, Neo-Soul and Smooth RnB to set the mood for the day.This is a sundress & linen affair! Simply bring your lawn chair or pick the perfect spot to set up your picnic area.You can team up with friends or just go solo. 1st 2nd & 3rd place trophies will be awarded for most creative blanket and basket presentation.We will have multiple vendors providing you various products and services, food and sweet treat options for purchase.
43 Kennedy Cove w/Any Day Now, & Drugstore Makeup OLDE 64 64 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org
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53 Ice Age: Collision Course
ANIMATION/KIDS & FAMILY Friday, July 22 Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, travelling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.
54 Oklahoma Stackhouse w/ Sidereal, & The Mellow Relics THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Saturday, July 23 • 8pm / Prices vary
FRIDAY, JULY 22 • 8PM @ THE ABBEY 44 Battle of Pho Hoa: Art Competition
PHO HOA OF ORLANDO 649 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando Wednesday, July 20 • 8-11 p.m/ Prices Vary Join us Wedneday July 20th 2016 for Walls of Pho Hoa’s very first 1 on 1 art battle. Both artists have 48 hours starting Monday July 18th to work on their Salvador Dali themed murals and must be completed ending at 9pm Wednesday night.There is a cash prize on the line plus prizes for the winner - voting must be done IN PERSON.
45 Microcosmos
ENZIAN 1300 S. Orlando Ave, Maitland Enzian.org July 22,Aug 3,Aug.6 • Time/ Free! It may appear tiny to the human eye, but there is no denying that the insect kingdom — as captured by the filmmakers behind this documentary — is as dramatic, action-packed and beautiful as any other. Indeed, using a variety of film techniques and an inspired score, the moving image of a beetle pushing a ball of dung takes on the mythic quality of Sisyphus with his boulder. Meanwhile, endless caterpillar caravans suggest, amazingly, the rhythm of modern highways during rush hour.
46 Rocket Man- Elton John Tribute HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Friday, July 22• 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary
49 The Rocky Horror Picture Show THE ABBEY 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando Abbeyorlando.com Friday, July 22 • 8pm/ Prices Vary
55 4TH Annual Canine Memorial at Lake Baldwin LAKE BALDWIN-HARBOR PARK 4900 New Broad St, Orlando Caninememorialatlakebaldwin.eventbrite.com Saturday, July 23 • 7-9:30 pm / Prices vary
50 Oklahoma Stackhouse w/ Hor!zen, & Sideshow Revival THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Friday, July 22 • 8pm / Prices vary
Come join us at one of the most anticipated events on the year.The Canine Memorial at Lake Baldwin is a one-of-kind event that brings together animal lovers from near and far to celebrate the bond between human and “man’s best friend”. Through the use of music, lantern dedication, and other activities, this memorial helps attendees support one another as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved canine companions.
51 Lights Out
56 Festival Puertorriqueno
HORROR Friday, July 22 When a bloodthirsty supernatural being that lurks in the shadows preys upon a family, a young woman must fight to protect herself, save her little half-brother, and uncover a mystery about her family’s shadowy past.
52 Beres Hammond
HARD ROCK 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407.351.5483 Friday, July 22 • 10 pm / Prices vary
FORT MELLON PARK 601 E. 1st. St. , Sanford Saturday, July 23 • 11 am-8pm / Prices vary
57 Summer Cardboard Boat Regatta HIDDEN TREASURE TIKI BAR & GRILL 5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange Hiddentreasurerestaurants.com Saturday,July 23• 1 pm / Prices vary
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47 The Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along
THE ABBEY 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando Abbeyorlando.com Friday, July 22 • 8pm/ Prices Vary Give yourself over to absolute pleasure and do the time warp again as The Abbey brings The Rocky Horror Picture show to downtown Orlando. There will be a prize for best costume, and advance VIP tickets include a themed bag filled with props; General Admission patrons can purchase prop bags at the door for $5. (Management kindly requests guests refrain from bringing WET props.)
48 The Rocky Horror Picture Show THE ABBEY 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando Abbeyorlando.com Friday, July 22 • 8pm/ Prices Vary
SATURDAY,JULY 23• 1 PM @ HIDDEN TREASURE TIKI BAR & GRILL
7/11 summerland tour with sugar ray, everclear, lit & sponge
7/30 public enemy
COMING SOON 7/5
culture club
7/16
classic albums live
the doors l.a. woman
9/27 wjrr presents slayer & anthrax 10/4
7/22 beres hammond 7/27 bring it! live 8/12 bayside 8/20 roman vs. fousey
arw: anderson, rabin & wakeman
an evening of yes music & more
10/14 celtic thunder 10/15 needtobreathe
with mat kearney
8/24 australian pink floyd
11/2
wjrr presents ghost
8/30 goo goo dolls
11/6
andy grammer & gavin degraw
9/19 james bay
11/13 tracy morgan
& collective soul with joseph
GOT A MOB OF MOUTHS TO FEED? Order pita platters, salads and express lunches online at pitapitusa,com
TICKETS AVAILABLE BY CALLING THE HARD ROCK LIVE BOX OFFICE AT +1-407-351-5483 OR TICKETMASTER AT TICKETMASTER.COM OR +1-407-839-3900 artists, showtimes & prices subject to change. all shows are all ages unless otherwise stated.
ORLANDO | UNIVERSAL CITYWALK® HARDROCK.COM
#THISISHARDROCK
©2016 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.
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game Nerve,Vee decides to sign up for just one dare in what seems like harmless fun. But as she finds herself caught up in the thrill of the adrenaline-fueled competition partnered with a mysterious stranger, the game begins to take a sinister turn with increasingly dangerous acts, leading her into a high stakes finale that will determine her entire future.
67 Todrick Hall Presents: Straight Outta Oz
THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thebeacham.com Thursday, July 28 • 7 pm / Prices vary
TUESDAY, JULY 26 • 6:30 PM @ ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 58 2nd Annual TPD Putt & Crawl
THORNTON PARK DISTRICT 10 N. Summerlin Ave, Orlando Thorntonparkdistrict.com Saturday, July 23• 3-8 p.m. / Prices vary Thornton Park District Putt N’ Crawl is part Pub Crawl, part Miniature Golf and all fun! Nine Thornton Park District Bar sand Restaurants are included in the Thornton Park 1st Annual Putt N’ Crawl. Golfers will be challenged by holes designed and built by each host location while enjoying drink specials, prize giveaways and British Open highlights on TV. After the crawl, golfers and spectators converge on our 10th hole at The Abbey for the official post party complete with live music, food, awards, and costume contest. Participating venues include The Abbey, Sonoma Kitchen, Baoery Asian Gastropub Dexter’s Thornton Park, Graffiti Junktion, Wildside Bbq andgrill, Akuaku Tiki, World of Beer - Downtown Orlando, and Mucho Orlando.
60 Boards and Brews: Skateboard Art and Beer Show
THE HOURGLASS BREWERY 480 S.Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood Thehourglassbrewery.com Saturday, July 23• 4-7 p.m. / Prices vary Brews and Boards is a skateboard art and beer event being held in the taproom of The Hourglass Brewery in Longwood, FL by Hourglass Brewing and Danger Brain. Artists are being hand selected and invited to participate in this charitable art show with the proceeds going towards FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE. Blank skateboard decks are being provided and the artists are free to explore and express their creativity. The boards will be on display as they arrive from the artists with a silent auction to take place on July 23rd.
61 Crab & Seafood Festival
59 Orlando Rocks Country w/ Jill’s Cashbox, Patrick Gibson, Justin Grimes
KENNETH PARKER AMPHITHEATER 1000 City Center Blvd, Port Orange Port-orange.org Saturday, July 23• 2-8 p.m. / Prices vary
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Saturday, July 23• 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary
62 Luvlost w/ The Knick-Knacks, & Taylor James OLDE 64 64 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Monday, July 25 • 8pm / Prices vary
68 4th Thursday Local Art Night
DRIP 8747 International Drive. Suite 102, Orlando Ilovedrip.com Thursday, July 28 • 8-11 pm / Prices vary This is not just another art night! From canvas to ballet shoes and everything in between. DRIP is the host to 4th Thuursday Local Art night on July 28th and will feature local artists who blow fire, wrap gems, and even read your tarot cards! Plan to come all night to watch the performances and stay for the party. Local arists showcase and sell art while performers entertain, all while sipping your favorite drink from our COLOR BAR!$5 cover at the door.All ages welcome, must be 21 to drink
69 Guns N’ Roses W/ The Cult CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Friday, July 29• 8:30 pm / Prices vary
70 Boris performing Pink ft. Earth, Shitstorm THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Friday, July 29 • 8pm / Prices vary
63 311 w/ Matisyahu
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 1340 A1a S., St. Augustine Ticketmaster.com Tuesday, July 26 • 6:30 pm/ prices vary
64 Bring It: LIVE
HARD ROCK 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407.351.5483 Wednesday, July 27 • 7:30 pm / Prices vary
71 Anime Festival Orlando
WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE 8001 International Dr.., Orlando Animefestivalorlando.com Friday-Sunday, July 29-31 •1- 6pm / Prices vary
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65 Fall of Troy w/ ‘68, Illustrations THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Wednesday, July 27 • 7pm / Prices vary
66 Nerve
66 NERVE • WEDNESDAY, JULY 27
MYSTERY & SUSPENSE Wednesday, July 27 Industrious high school senior,Vee Delmonico, has had it with living life on the sidelines.When pressured by friends to join the popular online
CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL • SATURDAY, JULY 23
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Saturday, July 30• 8 pm/ Prices vary Everyone that attends in bed attire, as fairies, or warlocks will receive 20% off their drinks all evening. Come as wild as you want .No costume? No problem, we will have body and face painters here to create a look for you free of cost!$100 cash prize to best costume
80 Orlando Predators VS Philadelphia Soul
AMWAY CENTER 400 W. Church St. #200, Orlando 800.745.3000 Saturday, July 30 • 7:30pm / Prices vary
81 The Dolan Twins
FRIDAY, JULY 29 • 6PM @ UCF RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER 72 Bioluminescence Night Paddle
UCF RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER 4000 Central Fl. Blvd., Orlando Rec.ucf.edu Friday, July 29 • 6pm / Prices vary Experience the wonder of kayaking through the mangroves of the Indian River as the night’s vale falls and the evening’s creatures come out, including the glow of bioluminescent organisms. UCF students can amaze at the sight as every movement in the water produces light, whether it’s your paddle or a manatee swimming by. This phenomenon happens in only a few places in the world, so take the opportunity to come with OA and experience the event! The cost for this trip is $15 which includes transportation and all supplies necessary. Make sure to sign up at the Outdoor Adventure office on the bottom floor of the RWC. Sign ups begin July 1, so don’t delay!
73 Bad Moms
COMEDY Friday, July 29 In this new comedy from the writers of The Hangover, Amy has a seemingly perfect life--a great marriage, over-achieving kids, beautiful home and a career. However she’s over-worked, over-committed and exhausted
THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thebeacham.com Saturday, July 30 • 5 pm / Prices vary
82 Public Enemy
to the point that she’s about to snap. Fed up, she joins forces with two other over-stressed moms on a quest to liberate themselves from conventional responsibilities--going on a wild, un-mom-like binge of long overdue freedom, fun and self-indulgence--putting them on a collision course with PTA Queen Bee Gwendolyn and her clique of devoted perfect moms.
HARD ROCK 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407.351.5483 Saturday, July 30 • 8 pm / Prices vary
74 Orlando Rocks ft. Jonnie Morgan Band, Evan Taylor Jones
83 Orlando City SC VS. New England Revolution
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Saturday, July 30• 7:30 p.m. / Prices vary
75 MVG Presents-Energy
CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Sunday, July 31• 7:30 pm / Prices vary
GODS & MONSTERS-ARTEGON 5250 International Dr Ste 8. Orlando Godmonsters.com Saturday, July 30 • 11 am/ Prices vary Welcome to Energy - A re-ocurring MVG Tournament Series featuring Pot Bonuses, High Octane Players, HD Live-Streams, Food & Drinks, and more....! All with a Creative Twist!
84 OCSC Pre & Post Match Party
76 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 &2 Midnight Book Release Party
85 Eric Andre
UCF BOOKSTORE 101 Aquarius Agora dr., Orlando 407-823-0231 Saturday ,July 30 • 8pm-1am / Prices vary Costume Contest, Wand Making, Potions Class, Scavenger Hunt, Trivia, Coloring station, Themed Food and Beverages, Giveaways, Prizes and much more!
77 Main Streets Restaurant Week
ORLANDO MAIN STREET RESTAURANTS Orlandomainstreets.com Saturday, July 30-Aug.13• times. / Prices vary Orlando Main Streets is hosting its second Main Street Restaurant Week to promote our culinary Main Street members. Restaurant Week encourages restaurant members to offer a select prix fixe menu with established price points of $5, $10, $20 and $30 depending upon lunch or dinner, and the restaurant’s normal price point. No tickets or passes are required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like.
WALL ST. PLAZA 26 Wall St.., Orlando Wallstplaza.net Sunday, July 31 • Time/ Prices vary
BACKBOOTH 37 W. Pine Street, Orlando Backbooth.com Sunday, July 31 • 7:30 p.m/ Prices vary
86 Maxwell w/ Ro James
THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 844.513.2014 Wednesday, August 3• 7:30 pm/ Prices vary
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78 Russian Ballet Orlando presents Swan Lake
THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 844.513.2014 Saturday, July 30• 1&6 pm/ Prices vary
73 FRIDAY, JULY 29
79 Midsummer Nights Dream Party Vol. 2 THE COPPER ROCKET 106 Lake Avenue, Maitland Letsmakeitathing.com
ERIC ANDRE @ BACKBOOTH
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NOISE • VISUALS • BALLS • MOTIVATION
90
This movie is rated PG13. Under 13 years of age requires accompanying parent or adult guardian
93 Lotus Tribe 90s Summer Party
LOTUS FITNESS STUDIO 1000 N. Magnolia Ave.St.A, Orlando Lotusfitnessstudio.com Friday, Aug.5 6-9 p.m / Prices vary Start your Independence Day the right way with a 5k! Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration featuring ice cold watermelon and American pride. All runners receive a festive t-shirt, plentiful refreshments, ice-cold watermelon!
94 Suicide Squad
ACTION & ADVENTURE Friday, Aug.5 Director David Ayer (Fury) takes the helm for this Warner Bros. production adapted from the DC Comics series about a group of super-villains who are given a shot at redemption by embarking on a heroic mission that will most likely mean the death of them all.
95 Everlost US “Live and Let Go” CD Release Show ft. Call to Start, Pathos, Astromaps, Tarek Kasmi
94
THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Saturday, Aug. 6 • 8pm / Prices vary
FRIDAY, AUG 5
87 The Mellow Relics
96 The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddess-Master Quest
TANQUERAYS BAR 100 S.. Orange Avenue, Orlando 407-649-8540 Wednesday, Aug. 3 • 10:30pm / Prices vary
THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 844.513.2014 Saturday, August 6• 8 pm/ Prices vary
88 Punk on the Patio w/ The Western Sons, Raising Cadence, and Scholars & Scoundrels
97 Blink-182 and A Day To Remember
89 David Bazan w/Michael Nau
98 PJs & A Movie: John Waters Night
THE PATIO 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Wednesday, Aug. 3 • 8pm / Prices vary
THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Friday, Aug. 5 • 8pm / Prices vary
90 Wizard World Orlando Comic Con & Gaming
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER 9800 International Dr, Orlando Wizd.me Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7 • 8pm / Prices vary
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE 4802 N. US Highway 301, Tampa Ticketmaster.com Saturday, Aug. 6• 7 pm / Prices vary
THE ABBEY 101 S. Eola Drive, Orlando Abbeyorlando.com Saturday, August 6 • 8pm/ Prices Vary We’re wrapping up our Summer Nights with PJs & A Movie featuring two John Waters favorites – Hairspray & Serial Mom on our 19′ screen! The fun continues with our “Best Pajamas” contest and drink specials that will take you back to Baltimore. Enjoy our complimentary popcorn and candy buffet while taking in these cult classics.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, AUG. 5-7 • 8PM
99 Skaugust!
WEST END TRADING CO. 202 S. Sanford Ave, Sanford Drinkatwestend.com Saturday, August 6 • 6pm-12:30 p.m./ Prices Vary Our annual Skaugust festival at West End Trading Co. is chock full of ska!
100 Rock,Brews & Cruise
ROCK & BREWS OVIEDO. 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd, Oviedo Cruiseincentralflorida.com Saturday, August 6 • 11 a.m.-2 p.m../ Prices Vary FREE for ALL Years, Makes, and Models cars, trucks, and bikes! Come early as parking is first come. Marking the brand’s first east coast location just outside of Orlando, FL, Oviedo’s music and restaurant scene is now home to a dining and entertainment concept that truly rocks: Rock & Brews. Located at 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd., the Oviedo location is the brand’s tenth Rock & Brews restaurant committed to rock and roll, the craft beer culture and its amazing American cuisine, as well as its engaging, family-friendly, neighborhood appeal. Rock & Brews is an energized dining and entertainment concept offering affordable, high quality American comfort food and a broad selection of international and craft brews, while immersing guests in a family-friendly rock ‘n’ roll experience unlike any other.Where the unifying force of rock ‘n’ roll meets the burgeoning craft beer culture, Rock & Brews is born.
101 Star Spangled Summer Concert Series
DAYTONA BEACH BANDSHELL 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach Whog957.com Saturday, August 6 • 7:15 pm../ Prices Vary The Daytona Beach Star Spangled Summer Bandshell Concert brought to you by 95.7 The HOG, the Boardwalk Merchants, the Daytona Beach Hilton Oceanfront Resort, and the Ocean Walk Shoppes is back! Saturday,August 6th features 1984 and Kiss America, the Van Halen and KISS Tribute bands!
101
91 The Little Prince
ANIMATION/SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY Friday, Aug.5 Kung-fu Panda director Mark Osborne teams with producers Aton Soumache and Dimitri Rassam for this animated take on Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved novella about a pilot (voice of Jeff Bridges) who crash lands in the Sahara desert and encounters a mysterious young boy who claims to be an extraterrestrial prince.
92 Date Night Movie The Shop Around the Corner
Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave. Leugardens.org Friday, Aug. 5 • 8:30pm / Prices vary Enjoy an outdoor movie in a beautiful garden. Blankets or chairs are recommended.You may bring a dinner picnic basket. Alcohol is permitted.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 • 7:15 PM @ DAYTONA BEACH BANDSHELL
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NOISE • VISUALS • BALLS • MOTIVATION 01 2016 Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art
The Orlando Museum of Art 2416 North Mills Ave., Orlando Omart.org May-August• Time / Prices Vary The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an initiative of the Orlando Museum of Art that brings a new level of recognition to the State’s most progressive artists. Now in its third year, the 2016 exhibition will present ten outstanding artists, with one selected to receive the prize.These artists work in a range of media and artistic practices, often in new and unexpected ways.The challenging nature of their work will offer Museum visitors insight into the complex and exciting world of contemporary art in Florida.
02 Chino y Nach & Guaco
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Thursday, July 7• 8 pm / Prices vary VENUE 578 578 N. Orange Ave., Orlando Venue578.com Thursday, July 7• 8 pm / Prices vary
SHERATON ORLANDO NORTH 600 N. Lake Destiny Rd. Maitland Noh8campaign.com Friday, July 8 • 4-8 p.m./ Prices vary Join the #NOH8Worldwide movement in Orlando, Florida and help us raise funds for Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims Fund!100% OF PROCEEDS FROM EVERY PHOTO WILL BE DONATED!
08 Orlando City SC VS. Houston Dynamo
EMIL BUEHLER PLANETARIUM AT SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE 100 Weldon Blvd.Sanford Seminolestate.edu Thursday, July 7• 7-8 pm / Prices vary Join us for the premiere of “The Space Times,” a monthly exploration of breaking news from our Solar System and beyond. We’ll showcase the Universe as only the planetarium can, with our immensely powerful fulldome video system taking center stage.As a public talk, there is no admission fee to “The Space Times” presentation, but due to the size of the planetarium, we are limiting the number of guests to 65. Seating is first-come, first-served, and we will open the doors for the presentation at 6:45 p.m. additionally, we will be live-streaming much of the evening for those who were not able to get a seat, and for those who could not attend.
05 Celebrating Shuttle: The Legacy Continues
07 No H8 Campaign
WHERE: Sheraton Orlando North Hotel
03 Backwoods Music Festival
04 The Space Times
WALL ST. PLAZA 26 Wall St.., Orlando Wallstplaza.net Friday, July 8 • Time/ Prices vary We’ll always have $3 Heinekens & Heineken Lights starting at least 2 hours before matches until 2 hours after matches!A re you a Ruckus member? Show your member card when ordering and get access to more exclusive drink specials before and after matches on Wall St. Plaza, including:$2 Coors LighT,$2 Yuengling,$2 Heineken & Heineken Light AND $3 Moonshine – in Hooch & Shine.
CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Friday, July 8• 7:30 pm / Prices vary
09 The Secret Life of Pets
ANIMATION/COMEDY Friday, July 8 For their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.
10 WJRR Presents ‘Under The Covers’ ft. America Idiots(Tribute to Green Day) w/special guests Weeze, Blink, Punk Rock Jason THE SOCIAL 54 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando Thesocial.org Saturday, July 9 • 8pm / Prices vary
12 VIBE Tsunami Summer Pool Party SEA VISTA MOTEL & TIKI BAR 1701 A1A S., New Smyrna Beach Nsbfla.com Saturday, July 9• 5-8 pm / Prices vary
13 Modest Mouse and Brand New
MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE 4802 N. US Highway 301, Tampa Ticketmaster.com Saturday, July 9• 7 pm / Prices vary
14 Encore! Cast Performing Arts presents Ragtime The Musical
THE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 844.513.2014 Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10• 7:30 pm/ Prices vary
15 Orlando Pride VS Boston Breakers CAMPING WORLD STADIUM 1610 W. Church St., Orlando 800.745.3000 Sunday, July 10• 5 pm / Prices vary
16 Lake Nona Concert Series: Danny Jordan Jazz Quintet CRESCENT PARK IN LAUREATE PARK 8374 Upper Perse Circ.. Orlando Lakenona.com Sunday, July 10• 5 pm / Prices vary
17 Food Truck Bazaar
FASHION SQUARE MALL 3505 E. Colonial Drive. Orlando Thedailycity.com Sunday, July 10• 5-8 pm / Prices vary The @foodtruckbazaar visits Orlando once a month on Second Sundays 5-8pm with 20 trucks at Macys (3505 E Colonial Drive). Bring blankets & chairs. All the trucks subject to change without notice.
18 World Famous Gospel Brunch
HOUSE OF BLUES 1490 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista 407.934.2583 Sunday, July 10• 10:30 a.m.& 1 p.m. / Prices vary
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX SR 405, Titusville 11 Doctor Who Comics Day Kennedyspacecenter.com GODS & MONSTERS-ARTEGON Friday, July 8• 10 am-3 pm / Prices vary 5250 International Dr Ste 8. Orlando Join us as we celebrate NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, and look to the Godmonsters.com future of crewed spaceflight at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In 19 Summerland Tour 2016 Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10 • 11 am-1 am/ Prices July 2011,Atlantis flew the final mission, STS-135, after 30 years of space ft. Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit, and Sponge vary shuttle flight. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, We’ve put together a super cool DOCTOR WHO COMICS DAY event HARD ROCK Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Kennedy Space Center Director Rob- for you! There will be sales on all Doctor Who merchandise (excluding 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando ert Cabana will be on hand to share stories about exploring space via commissions), Doctor Who playing on our projection screen, new comics 407.351.5483 shuttle and the last flight of Atlantis. Special events will be held throughout and more! Come in Doctor Who cosplay to score prizes and discounts! Monday, July 11 • 8 pm / Prices vary the day in Space Shuttle Atlantis®, open to all visitors.Annual passholders can par-Welcome to Orlando... our Orlando. If you came here seeking investigative journalism, or an introspective think ticipate piece if you will, then you stumbled onto the wrong pages or digital medium... there is plenty of that to be consumed elsewhere. in an Having published aXis magazine in the City Beautiful for 21 years now, we have hacked away at many a forest and poured gallons 2 0 excluYou s i v eof ink across your bartop, coffee table or dorm room floor in the name of entertainment. We attempt to elicit the sounds, sites and scenes that go to make up that left side of this City’s mind, offering you that little bit of escapism so necessary to balancing meet a n dthe daily grind. We publish, therefore we are. So keeping within that context, we would not feel content just printing a July issue detailing the greet event. concerts, beer fests, theatre productions and soccer matches lighting up the cultural corridor this month... we felt we had to take a snapshot. It is our duty to offer a perspective as well. We breathed in the past few weeks, gathered our thoughts and reached out to the many personalities that channel their respective energies, helping to define the qualities that make each day and night 0 6in this city uniquely special. This isn’t complete, just a slightly comprehensive sample, and we offer their names, but not their titles. With the exception of our Mayor, as he carries that weight of a city, community by community, on his shoulders. If you would like to know more about these people’s job titles, companies, or roles, there are resources for that as well. But in this moment, this time of selfie-absorbed social feeds, we realized all we were seeing around Orlando were a lot of images of large groups. No selfies, just photos of large and small assemblies, congregations, communities. So we wanted to offer this small group’s perspective, and the only title we’ll give each one of them is that of your Neighbor... welcome to Orlando... welcome to our City Beautiful... - Sean Perry
OCSC Pre & Post Match Party
more at @aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Mayor Buddy Dyer
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? As many people, I was attracted to Orlando by the weather, the ease of initial job opportunities with the theme parks after college and it being between Gainesville where I graduated from UF and Miami, my previous hometown.
Carlos Carbonell
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? It’s unique, authentic downtown core neighborhoods and mainstreet districts -Thornton Park, Colonialtown North and South, Audubon Park, Downtown, Church Street, Baldwin Park.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I was born just a few blocks from City Hall at Orange Memorial Hospital (now Orlando Health). Except for a few years away at college, I have always called Central Florida home. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? Downtown is certainly the place we all refer to as “Orlando’s living room.” It is the place we come together as a community to celebrate and more recently a place where our community has come to mourn and comfort each other and a place to find hope and healing. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Our sparkling lakes, beautiful parks and unique neighborhoods that surround our exciting skyline and iconic venues. And then, it’s our diverse community and the unique people of Orlando that really make our City beautiful. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The warmth and hospitality of our people and our combined determination to ensure that we make our City an even better City for future generations. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Unified. Diverse. World-Class.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Again, our downtown core neighborhoods and the people who live there. Our neighborhoods are diverse, quaint, authentic, so different than anyone can imagine, with untouched architecture from true Old Florida mixed with each discernable period of economic surge - plantation, to craftsman, ranch-style, stucco, and modern, all next to each other. There are areas where you can’t deny visual, interesting beauty like Leu Gardens, Lake Eola, Orlando Museum of Art and the Shakespeare Theater lawn and surroundings. The Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. DPC is beautiful and iconic, but even that theater isn’t boastful or ostentatious - it’s lawn now serves as an impromptu memorial for the victims of the Pulse tragedy - it’s our Chicago Millennium Park, in miniature. Mills50 is our amended hipster Brooklyn. Lake Eola is our NY Central Park, but again, just the right size for our city. We don’t need to be sprawling like Miami. We don’t have a big skyline like Atlanta. But we have just as much soul as any of those cities we can compare to, and a lot more love for each other now than any other city on Earth though we don’t yet call ourselves like Philadelphia City of Brotherly Love. We have a democratic City Mayor inside a County with a republican Mayor - and they work together, that’s beautiful. We have a soccer team, a basketball team, and a hockey team - and they all work together, that’s beautiful. We have more Puerto Ricans and Brazilians moving here than anywhere else in the country - that’s beautiful. We don’t have an official Chinatown like San Francisco but in my neighborhood I am walking distance from authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese restaurants and two large asian grocery stores the size of Publix - that’s beautiful. This is a place where no one is from (or very few) but many of us will now and forever be Orlandoans. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
United. Authentic. Diverse.
United. Authentic. World Class. Diverse. Inclusive. Aspiring. Forward. Loving. Creative. Diverse. Hopeful. Resilient. Innovative. Enveloping. Rare. Inviting. Exploratory. Vibrant. Home Sweet Home. Seaira Jeannin
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I was born and raised in St. Cloud, so I am a true native Central Floridian. After going to UCF and securing a job in Downtown Orlando, I moved to the charming Downtown South neighborhood. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? They say “home is where the heart is”, and I believe that’s true. I’ve travelled all over the world, and it is always such a good feeling to get home. Home is my safe dwelling. Home is where my family is. Home is the local restaurants that I frequent with friends. Home is the bars and nightclubs where the staff knows your name. Home is Downtown Orlando and everything in it. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? I think all of our bodies of water and parks are beautiful especially Lake Eola. But, I also think our state of the art Amway Center, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, and the renderings of the new soccer stadium are beautiful as well.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? I went to college for hospitality and events, and the hospitality at our venues in Downtown Orlando is unparalleled. From the moment you walk into the door at the Amway Center, you are greeted with friendly customer service to the moment they bid you a fond farewell at the end of the event. The servers at our local restaurants and bars that I frequent remember me and call me by name. They become your friend. The hospitality in this city has never been more evident after the tragedy that happened at a place I frequented quite often, Pulse nightclub. The city came together to raise money, donate blood, donate supplies, load / off load supplies, create beautiful vigils, and create a human chain to block families from hate. Despite beautiful Florida weather and nature, the hospitality and the people of Orlando really make it The City Beautiful. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
United. Beautiful. Inclusive.
Bao Le-Huu
Patty Sheehan
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I first began thinking of Orlando as home because of all the great people I’d befriended and dated here in high school. But I was also concurrently discovering myself in the city’s very underrated underground culture at the time. Those people and those scenes were absolutely foundational to me. I’ve lived almost all of my most formative years in Orlando. And some of them are happening right now.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
For me personally, it’s wherever the creative community is, wherever they work, play, and display. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? To me, it’s downtown. Yes, of course, because of the hundreds of urban lakes, the thousands of old urban trees, and the convergence of old and new. But I’ve lived downtown since before it was a thing. I’ve seen it grow from practically nothing into a pretty big something from not just the front row seats but inside the action. Downtown - and now, its immediately surrounding zones like the Milk District, Audubon Park, and especially Mills Avenue - is the quintessence of Orlando because it’s the concentration of this city’s soul and the best index of what this city wants to be. That’s beauty to me. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The air inside the city’s best bars, clubs, venues, and DIY spaces. The faces of the people in there performing, working, and engaging. The energy that radiates from all that. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Barbara Hartley
Aspiring. Hungry. Forward.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I grew up in Altamonte Springs and have always loved visiting Downtown Orlando. During my time in media, I met with several businesess throughout the city. Thornton Park Merchants was a client, and I loved helping them with their special events. Around the same time, I experienced my first 12 x 12 art show at Gallery at Avalon Island, which was an exciting event with memorable feelings of “Orlando is becoming a cosmopolitan destination to live in and to visit.” In 2006, I worked for Orlando Magazine in Downtown and then later for Knight (Knight Images). I really wanted to be part of the city’s growth as a volunteer and stakeholder, so I got involved with the Downtown Arts District and later became the executive director.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I don’t spend much time at home, so I would say I’m most at home at arts and cultural events much of what I experience in Downtown including the art walks, performances at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Abbey, Mad Cow Theatre and more. The artists and cultural groups become family. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Lake Eola is the most prominent in my mind and now the See Art Orlando sculptures add to its beauty. The skyline at night and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts are stunning. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The sense of community and the people I meet every day make Orlando beautiful. Orlando is blessed with an abundance of resources and amazing leaders that pave the way to making it a great place to work and live. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Beth McKee
Vibrant. Beautiful. Inclusive.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? In the 1990s, I was living in New Orleans and met Cuban born drummer Juan Perez who had immigrated to Orlando as a teenager. We played together in a band and became a couple. When he returned to Orlando to care for his aging mother and uncle, who didn’t drive or speak english, I came with him. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for twenty years.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I revel in diversity and our little neighborhood, Camellia Gardens off of Oak Ridge road, is a complete melting pot. Mexican, Haitian, Columbian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, African American, Anglo and Cuban households make up our block, alone. When I walk my dogs, I smell Indian spices being roasted and one house has a running dominos table in the front yard, seven days a week. On any given Saturday, music from various cultures wafts across the lawns and occasionally a mariachi band rehearses in the next block over from us. I’ve often said it’s the only spot I could’ve landed post-New Orleans and been happy. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? The abundance of lakes and lush growth are what make Orlando so physically beautiful, to me. I love bodies of water and cypress trees. Cypress Grove Park was one of my first local discoveries and I still enjoy it. Sunsets on my street are pretty spectacular, too. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? Observing every variation of skin tone and blips of other cultures on a daily basis. The LGBTQ community has a tremendously positive impact on the arts in Orlando and in helping elect progressive leadership. Over the years, they’ve demonstrated how to come together as a community and I’m very grateful for that. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Southern. Diverse. Progressive.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? My parents moved to Orlando when I was a child. We relocated in the early 1970s for better job opportunities for my parents in the booming State of Florida. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? I used to call Cleveland my hometown but I don’t any more. Orlando is in my heart and soul. It is the city I represent, the people I work with who have become my friends. Orlando is the great neighborhoods, funky business districts and one of a kind restaurants and bars. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? The City Beautiful to me is Lake Eola’s swans swimming on the lake at sunset. It is the giant oak trees at Constitution Green and Loch Haven Park. It is the gorgeous view of our downtown as you are coming onto South Street from Interstate 4. It is the color changing Lake Eola fountain. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The hugs of hundreds of people after the Pulse tragedy. The way people react and say, “I had no ides,” when they see our beautiful downtown for the first time. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Loving. Beautiful. Creative.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Billy Manes
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? Tennis scholarship to UCF
Brandon Delanois
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? “Home” to me here is our culture - a vibrant mix of diverse thought and passion for progression, whether it be in business or in our community – and it’s amazing what happens when those two are linked! We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Our lakes. And you can’t forget UCF! What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? We are a welcoming city – whether you’re a tourist, new resident or a college student aspiring to make a difference in the world. I always say that Orlando is a “small big city.” Yes we’re a large metropolitan city but we still maintain that old Florida charm that exudes from our neighborhoods like Thornton Park, College Park and the Ivanhoe Village. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Surprising. Diverse. Vibrant. How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
My best friend Taylor Bulloch moved here in 1995. I was having a moment, if you will, and I needed a change. So he welcomed me to his spare room (along with his roommate at the time, Colin Moore) and their extra waterbed (!). I was immediately put in contact with Orlando Weekly, and my life was changed for the good.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
In the past week since the Pulse incident, I have never felt more at home. Home is a concept, really; it’s not a house. There are so many beautiful and caring people circling around me that I can’t think of any other place to be my home. I know, Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, but in these times of trauma, home is where your friends are.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you?
I live in South Orlando, which, let’s be honest, isn’t always beautiful. But I do find Lake Eola and Lake Eola Heights to be beautiful. I think the See Art exhibits surrounding that lake are beautiful, I think the people - the diversity of the people - to be beautiful. Even the madness of Touristan winks its own beauty in some way. We are lucky to have this melting pot.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Well, that thing when people knock on your door to see if your OK. Or when you’re walking by them and they say hello. We’re not as broken as this incident would make us seem.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Resilient. Ridiculous. Smart.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Caitlin Van Voorhis
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? My family moved here just before I started kindergarten. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? Downtown, Lake Eola, College Park. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Dickson Azalea Park, old Winter Park, the lakes and our growing public art collection. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? What could be more beautiful than the love and compassion that our city displayed over the last couple of weeks? In the midst of such pain and horror, we didn’t crumble or turn on each other. We turned towards one another. I have never loved Orlando. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Unique. Hopeful. Loved.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I first came to Orlando in 2001 to go to UCF. I only applied to a handful of schools and honestly the choice was made more out of ease than anything. When I was young I went to Disney with my Grandma and made a comment about wanting to live here. She replied “you never know maybe one day you will”. And here we are.
Chris Nault
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Lake Eola hands down. I see it every day on my walk to and from the office. I visit the farmer’s market almost every week, and have ran the loop around the fountain hundreds if not a thousand times over the years. It’s beautiful. Also, I have a infatuation with Drunken Monkey coffee shop. The murals, the diversity of the customers, the staff. It’s a very “homie” experience.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Besides Lake Eola and all it’s nooks and crannies? Church Street, it’s gorgeous. It’s going through a transition right now and I think it won’t be long until it’s regains it’s glory. The murals all over town; Andrew Spear’s new (and amazing) mural at Hideaway, the retro vintage Orlando sign on Colonial, Sam Flax murals, and the dozens all over. The view of the city from any of the Downtown high rises is also pretty amazing.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
If you asked me a few months ago I am not sure I would have an honest answer. In the wake of recent events I have seen the people of Orlando create something we were missing; love and unity for each other. I am more proud than ever to say I am from Orlando. It’s something that will last forever.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Often Under Rated.
Colleen Flynn
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I moved to Orlando in 1997 from Tallahassee after finishing college. I had been to Yab Yum in downtown Orlando a few times with a band I was helping to book and always thought that it was such a cool place. When I heard that House of Blues was opening I just packed up and moved to Orlando in the hopes of getting hired. When I first arrived from Tallahassee it seemed like such an enormous place but then I ended up taking a temporary job at a record store across the street from UCF and quickly met a ton of the local music community. I decided pretty immediately that I had ended up in an special place.
Cole Nesmith
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? Honestly- it is the people who make Orlando home. I love the fact that I can walk into music venues, shops, restaurants and bars all over town and see faces I recognize. People are sincerely welcoming and supportive and it feels like I am part of a family. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty? My first week living in Orlando I accidently wandered into Winter Park and fell completely in love. I bought a house in the area several years ago and am so proud to call it home. It’s absolutely beautiful with all the oak trees and I drive through the streets every morning on the way to work thinking how thankful I am to live in such a gorgeous place. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The fact that our community is filled with so many interesting, talented and accepting people is what keeps me here year after year. Orlando is a city which constantly strives to develop in such a way as to become better not only for the guests who visit us but also for the residents. We are passionate, inclusive and wholly supportive of each other in times of need. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Home Sweet Home!
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
UCF brought me to Orlando, the people and the growth of the city made me want to stay beyond my collegiate years.
Drew Belani
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Orlando is the biggest “small city” in the world, everyone is connected in some personal way. The closeness of the community itself can make anyone feel at home.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Downtown, Winter Park, the new International Drive/Dr. Phillips. The city and its surrounding communities mix modernity with old Southern Charm.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Easy, the diversity. Orlando is a very open an accepting city tolerant of lifestyles, cultures, and religion or other beliefs.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Pride. Love. United.
Frank Vertolli
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I was born in Orlando, but there was a point in my early twenties when I decided to make that decision my own. I had spent some time in other cities throughout the southeast, and it was enough to know that nothing was quite like our Orlando.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
“Home” is about people. The people of Orlando are unlike any others. We are defined by generosity, creativity, and unity. As part of the arts community and the faith community here in Orlando, I get to see how people come together in some incredible ways.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you?
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Moved here from S Florida to go to UCF and never left. S Florida was/is nice, but I felt Orlando had more options, diverse and a vibrant community.
I love walking around Lake Eola late at night when it’s cool outside. I love the Mills50 District, which is walkable from my house. It has been really wonderful seeing our people get out on foot these last few years.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
My family and friends live here, my business focuses on tourism and hospitality, so Orlando is a great place to be.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Larger broad community with many, many individual areas, each with their own personalities: Downtown proper, College Park, Winter Park, attractions area, Winter Garden, UCF area, Sanford, Lake Mary, etc. Decent transportation with plans to grow biking, rail and public options. Sports teams including the Orlando Magic, Citrus Bowl and all it has, great concert venues from small to large, and more.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
weather - not cold, but do have a mild change of seasons, and I will take heat and humidity over extended cold ice and snow any day (except for a week snowboarding trip). Sub tropical foliage, but also oak tree canopies. Abundant wildlife. Water all around in lakes, and a short drive to the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic ocean. Diverse community representing a broad array of residents and tourists from around the world.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
I think “The City Beautiful” sums it up pretty well.
In 2012, I started the Creative City Project. In the last four years it has grown to an event that has over 1,000 artists and, in 2016, over 20,000 patrons. That’s just not doable most places. It shows the collaborative spirit of our artists and the passion of our residents to discover unexpected arts encounters. When we get out of our houses and share meaningful experiences, it really does display the beauty of our city.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Creative. Innovative. Exploratory.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
George Wallace
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I was blessed to be offered a position at what was then the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce in 1989. I have lived here longer than I have lived anywhere else and Orlando is definitely my hometown.
Frank Billingsley
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
The whole package. I love this City. Downtown and Lake Eola are the heart of Orlando.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Our kind and compassionate people, our mighty oaks dripping in Spanish moss, our beautiful lakes, our unique neighborhoods and our diverse cultural offerings.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Right now, I would say the way that we have come together as a City to care, love and support each other.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Giti Khalsa
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? In 1991 I came to Orlando with friends to spend 3 months. I ended up staying for two years and fell in love with the area. I returned to Boston to finish college and take care of family. In 2002 I moved back to Orlando and haven’t left since. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? There are so many. I think Ivanhoe Village and Loch Haven Park are part of my soul. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? The people. Orlando is a truly diverse melting pot. And there is something magical about Lake Eola. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The outpouring of love. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Resilient. Prideful. Home.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Orlando. Is. Awesome!
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I moved here in 1995 because it was home for Jason (Ross) and Casey (Daniel). We were getting a ton of support from WJRR, and the music scene was bubbling. I bought a house in College Park a few years later – never intending to settle permanently – but in all my travels, nothing compared to Orlando. My bandmates would tease me because every few weeks I had a new favorite city – Austin one week, Nashville the next. Every time we’d come home though, after a couple days of being here, I would realize moving somewhere else would just mean trying to recreate what I love about Orlando. Being able to ride my bike to Publix, a manageable downtown with decent bars and great live music, catching the Magic or now Orlando City Soccer – ten minutes from my front door. And most and best of all, a diverse mix of people.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I’m biased about my neighborhood (College Park), but I love the mix. All the “park” neighborhoods – cultural landmarks like The Enzian and The Social, kickass ethnic food – from Cuban to Thai.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
All the lakes… and easy access to both coasts. Florida is a beautiful state, and Orlando is smack dab in the middle of it all. And of course every month the cover of Axis is a testament to the other aspects of physical beauty that our city has to offer…
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Best Kept Secret.
Gert Garman
I came to Orlando to attend UCF and after graduating did a brief stint in Tampa, but I realized that this was where I belong.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
The people – wherever they gather. Although we have a lot of people who come and go, there is a rich history here with families who have been here for a long time. I also like how diverse our community is – it just adds to the robust nature of our City. It’s awesome!
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you?
Lake Eola is iconic, of course, almost like it’s the heartbeat of the City. And, I think any of the waterfronts are just amazing. I live in College Park and my dog and I take walks down to the lakes where it’s inspiring to see the old trees with moss hanging from them blowing in the breeze. We are called “The City Beautiful” for a reason.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Again, going back to the people. I feel that Orlando is inclusive. You can be yourself and you’ll be accepted by the community. We have some serious characters in O’town (I count myself among that group!) and people just accept and embrace your uniqueness. It’s okay to be quirky and you don’t find that in many places.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Rare. Enveloping. Vibrant.
Joe Quinlivan
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
My family moved to Central Florida when I was a child so I grew up here. I started working downtown when I was 16.
Jason Lambert
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I live in College Park so being part of that neighborhood community and raising my family here defines home to me. I love going to the soccer fields on Saturday mornings and seeing our friends and neighbors as our children play.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
The areas that define the beauty to me are the different communities around the city. I live in College Park and enjoy the numerous events that we have locally but love taking my family downtown and to an Orlando City Soccer Game or to Winter Park for the festivities on Park Ave, or to Lake Eola, or to the theme parks…..etc.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Having worked in the hospitality business and now associated with it while working for Yuengling, I am always amazed at how that community continues to be so generous with money, time, and support for the community. The hospitality industry is such a driving force in this city and it truly is the people involved that make it happen.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Diverse. Welcoming. Evolving.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Johnny Magic
XL 106.7 is what brought me to Orlando. My goal was to stay here about 4 years and move up to bigger markets. When the offers came to move, I realized that I had fallen in love with the city. 26 years later and the love affair is still going strong. The people, the different cultures and access to the beaches are the best
When you think of the true definition of the word ‘home’ what parts of this city really represent that to you?
I have met some amazing friends here. I met my wife here in Orlando. This city shows me so much love that I can’t help but call in home and try to give back even more.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty? What defines the beauty to me is a couple of things. I lived in downtown Orlando for about 10 years and watching it grow has been beautiful to watch. Now that I live in the Dr. Phillips/Windermere area, I love all the restaurants and bars that fits every mood. You can’t help but love it here.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Friendly. Caring. United.
Kyle Isreal
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I was born and raised in East Orlando. My grandfather relocated here in 1963 to work for, a then rapidly growing Martin Marietta (Lockheed Martin). I grew up on Dean road, graduated from University High School, and continued on to play football for and become an alumni of, UCF.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
For me UCF is so close to my heart and had a huge impact on my life. So UCF is number one. I also think of the Conway part of town as both of my sets of grandparents lived in that area for many years and almost all of my aunts and uncles went to Boone, and my father went to Colonial. That part of town was a huge part of my childhood. Downtown Orlando also strongly represents home to me. I lived downtown once I graduated for a number of years in 55 West. I owned my first business in downtown Orlando (Terrace 390) and during my four years of playing professional football in Europe (‘9 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15), I often missed downtown and all that it had to offer, which seems to be expanding by the day.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Rollins College area, Lake Eola, Thornton Park, Butler chain of Lakes, Conway chain of lakes, The entire UCF campus, Mead Gardens.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The massive strong UCF alumni base that is really starting to make Orlando it’s home, and the excitement that you can feel behind that growth. The idea that you can sit outside in almost any part of the city, and see such a broad range of people and ethnicities that have made Orlando their home.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Expansion. Innovation. Underrated.
I moved to Florida in 1992 when I was 22. I wanted to live by the ocean. I first moved to Orlando in 1995 and moved away, then moved back, then moved away again, then finally moved here permanently in 1998. I bought my house in 2001. I’ve lived on both coasts of Florida, but have always ended up back in Orlando. Until recently, I couldn’t really say why, but now I know. Orlando is where I made some of my closest friends and this is where those friends became my family. This is where I met my fiancé and raised three crazy dogs together. This is where I was able to thrive as a small business owner and run some of the best bars and restaurants in town. This is where I learned about the arts and theatre and truly spectacular culture that has sprung up here over the years. Orlando accepted me and embraced me like family. Orlando will always be home.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
The downtown skyline. I remember when it was just the Sun Trust and the Bank of America buildings and it was really a cool little city then, but after living here for 18 years, I’ve seen that skyline change. It’s just like your family; it starts out small and grows over time. There’s parts that frustrate you and excite you, but at the end of the day, it’s still home.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Lake Eola, Ivanhoe Village, Thornton Park, Mills50, College Park, the DPAC, Loch Haven, all the parks and the lakes, this list could go on for days!
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The feeling of acceptance and inclusion. i was lucky enough to have experienced and worked at Yab Yum (Kit Kat, Harold and Maudes, The Go Lounge, The Globe) in my late 20’s in downtown Orlando. Everyone was welcome it didn’t matter the color of your skin, your sexual preference or gender identity, your views on faith and religion, whether you were wearing a new suit or the same clothes from last night. Everyone was accepted. I learned that in downtown Orlando and I try to pass along that belief in to all my businesses and to all my employees, who are a big part of my family.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Full Of Love
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Lisa Cuatt
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I lived in the North and the company here brought me down to interview the second week of December. I didn’t even get out of the airport as I saw Mickey and Minnie and the giant Christmas tree, and I called my wife and said, “We’re moving here.”
Lynn Hoppes
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I think home is the fact that people here smile and converse everywhere. Grocery store. Sporting event. Gyms. Etc. That makes it a home.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Lake Eola. The beaches. I-4.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? Sunshine year round.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Happy. Happy. Happy.
Mel Taylor
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I moved to Orlando from New York 26 years ago with my former Husband who was working on creating sound effects for the Universal Studio rides
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Having owned a business and worked in Downtown Orlando for the past 12 years this is the area next to my actual home that represents “Home” to me. We are such a friendly and welcoming community in Downtown and it’s most likely if you walk more than 2 blocks you will run into someone you know!
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you?
Lake Eola Park, Dr Phiilips Performing Arts Center, Tuan Art Sculpture at The Plaza and the See Art Sculpture Installs, CityArts Factory Art Shows and the Thornton Park District Neighborhood :)
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
If you have ever been downtown on a Orlando City Soccer game day and all of downtown is wearing the color purple in support of the Teams that energy that spirit of pride and commmunity is just beautiful to me!
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Inclusive. Unified. Strong .
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I moved to Orlando in 2001 to help start up a new alternative radio station. This was my 1st BIG long distance move in radio and I knew nothing about Orlando, except the theme parks. After living here for a year, I fell in LOVE with the city and when I bragged about living in Orlando - it def was not all about the theme parks. This city is unbelievable and that’s why I am still here after 15 years, moved half of my family from Texas and have decided to grow my own family here too.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I LOVE Orlando, Thornton Park and the CPK (College Park)!! These are my main stomping grounds from living at the Waverly to settling down with my hubby, 1 and 2 year old kiddos in College Park.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Lake Eola, Downtown Arts District, House of Blues, Downtown Cobblestone Streets, Chain of Lakes, Orlando City Soccer Team, Lake Ivanhoe, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Winnie Palmer Hospital, Hard Rock Live, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts, Lake Jessup & The Gators, Orange Ave., Earthday Birthday, Mills Electric Box Artwork, Dubsdread Golf Course, My IHEART MEDIA workplace & WJRR, 40 minute ride to the Beach, My Charity Mel’s BGC & Volunteers.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Such Great vibes watching a show in the loge @ The House of Blues. Beautiful Sunsets over the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Loud bumpy sounds of the cobblestone streets. Hundreds that show up for an art walk in the middle of the city. The Big Lights & grand feeling when you arrive at Downtown CityWalk. Brunch, Mimosas & a Sunday Stroll to our DT Farmer’s Market. Hitting up I-Drive and living a day as a tourist! Taking the Kiddos to Orlando Science Center & The Park. Home will always be “My City Beautiful.”
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
DJ M-Squared
Art. Love. Community.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved here to Orlando with my family for a better life when I was younger. I grew up here, loved it and decided that Orlando will be my home!
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I’ve had so many great experiences living in this city. So many places in town feel like home for me for different reasons..I really enjoy Downtown Orlando, Mills 50, Winter Park, Apopka, Altamonte, Winter Garden, The tourism/attractions area.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty? Downtown Orlando and Winter Park
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The people, the community, the growth and potential here are all beautiful to me.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Beautiful. Diverse. United.
Sabrina Ambra
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I don’t know if I can necessarily take the credit for making Orlando my home. This city and the incredible experiences I’ve had here played and continue to play a crucial role in who I am and who I will grow into. I guess you could say my home found me.
Scott Maxwell
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
What is amazing about this city is that you can find “home” in so many different places, people, and things. For example: I have my home-home, I have a home at iHeartMedia, you can often find me at my Finnhenry’s home, and I will always have a home whenever my LGBT sisters and brothers are... To name a few. Your turn.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
I don’t know what it is about the lakes here, but they’re f***ing magnificent. Spend a day out on the Conway Chain, Lake Holden, or Lake Jessamine and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The intangible beauty is what happened after the events on June 12th at Pulse Nightclub. This community exudes unconditional and undeniable love and pride, and our resilience continues to be proven everyday to the entire world. We are Orlando strong and it’s the most beautiful thing.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Love. United. Unbreakable. or Really Good Looking.
Scott Evans
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I left New England 20 years ago to find a new adventure and a new place to make my mark. I love New England and will return someday but needed to establish my own sense of place and belonging. Orlando was a young city when compared to Boston and seemed to be just getting its arts legs, I felt like it was the perfect opportunity for me to get in on the ground floor and make a difference.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
No place in particular, it really is about the dear friends I have hear that makes this home.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
I think our lakes are my favorite tangible element that make Orlando beautiful. I love Lake Eola as an example of a beautiful gathering space for our community that helps connect us. I also love the beautiful live oaks that shade our brick streets and the annual blossoms of the Yellow Tabebuia trees.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
Honestly it’s about the friends I have made here that make Orlando home. I really didn’t realize that until the nightmare that occurred on June 12, 2016. Whenever people would ask me I would always say I am from Boston. However, immediately after this event, I had this incredible sense of belonging and connectedness. I realized that Orlando had imprinted itself on me and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. This feeling has been solidified by the amazing response by this entire community. I have never been more proud to be an Orlando resident. The residents, churches, police and fire, our city government and our local support service providers have really been amazing through all of this. In addition, I have been blown away by the outpouring of love and support from the arts and cultural community. So many local artists have helped families through the healing process by sharing their passion for the arts and giving a voice to the pain many are feeling. All of this helps define the City of Orlando’s beauty.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
In 2004 my husband was relocated by his company. We really had no idea what to expect and only knew that we were moving to the Sunshine State. Little did we know that the sunshine was only part of the charm.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Ok just looked up the true definition of the word ‘Home’ and it stated ‘the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household’ . That is interesting because although I have lived in 7 states during my lifetime, I think of Winter Park as my home. It’s as if I’ve never truly lived anywhere else. I don’t know why that is, but I suspect that many other Orlandoans feel the same. I think it’s because we have had everything here...the perfect community, the perfect weather and the perfect place to raise our family.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
I adore the lakes! We have over 100 lakes in Orlando ...in one city! That’s incredible to me.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The real beauty here is in the people. We have always seen that, but the tragic events of the past 2 weeks have shown that to the world. We are a community of open minds and open hearts. That is a beautiful thing.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
One Amazing Place.
The Sentinel called 18 years ago when I was working in North Carolina. They said they needed someone to cover the campaign of a little-known attorney who wanted to be mayor named Mel Martinez. My wife and thought we’d stay here for a couple of years. That was nearly two decades ago.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Audubon Park and the businesses along Corrine Drive and Winter Park Road. Also the cultural cluster at Loch Haven Park (The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center and Mennello Museum of American Folk Art).
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? The parks, from Lake Eola and Leu Gardens, and the lakeside trails around Baldwin, Underhill, Ivanhoe and more.
Artistic. Vibrant. Connected.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Stephanie Christie
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The diversity. The rich array of events – something completely different from one weekend to the next: The Florida Film Festival, Calle Orange, Florida Music Festival, Chinese New Year, OUC half-marathon, VegFest, Fringe Festival, it goes on and on. Another cool thing: Every Thanksgiving I compile a column called “101 Things to Love About Central Florida.” When I ask readers for suggestions, sometimes they offer more than 1,000. That’s pretty impressive.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Inclusive. Welcoming. Diverse.
Graham Jarrett
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I moved to Orlando from Jacksonville Beach in April of 1997 to take a job as the Promotions Manager at at WJRR. I thought I would be here for a couple of years and then off to the next city which is typical in the radio business. I’m now going on 20 years and never been happier to call a place home.
Rick Everett
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? Winter Springs which is where I live now and have for 10 plus years. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? All the trails for hiking and biking, all the lakes and springs for kayaking and getting out on the water, all the options for camping and getting outside and of coursethe beaches although a short drive to the coast What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? Our spring and fall festivals be it music, art or food and drink events, there is something for everyone! The the cool vibes of our music venues like the HOB and Hard Rock Live. Our incredible restaurant optionsneighborhoods like Thornton Park, College Park and the Ivanhoe Village. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be? How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I moved here 12 years ago to work for Orlando Weekly. About all I knew of Orlando was theme parks and Gay Days. As a small town gay from SC, this certainly seemed much more appealing than where I was!
Something for Everyone!
Paul Emery
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? My family moved here when I was just two years old, so I was raised here and lived here until I went off to College, then returned to make a career and life here in The City Beautiful.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you?
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty? Orlando has so much outdoor space, from Lake Eola Park with the iconic Fountain and sculptures surrounding it...to the lively patios of your favorite bar or restaurant during Happy Hour or brunch...to just sitting on your own porch on a cool (but not cold!) night in December.
The community of people I have gotten to know here. I have never known so many people, and such a diverse cross-section of people in my entire life. Artists, politicians, businessowners, theme-park performers, I’m astounded at times at all the people I have some connection to in Orlando. It must be home.
I lived in Delaney Park when I first moved here and used to jog around Lake Cherokee and Lake Davis, admiring the beautiful houses and the skyline above the old oak canopies. I always take people to Thornton Park. No one realizes Orlando is a place of lovely small lakes, parks, brick streets and oak trees.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The people and the spirit... the creativity. When I moved here, it was exciting, but I think Orlando was in this wannabe-Miamiphase. The population and real estate prices were skyrocketing. High-end condos, trendy restaurants and ‘ultra-lounges’ were going up everywhere. We were sure Orlando was going to be the ‘next big thing.’ When the real estate bubble burst, people lost jobs, ‘big money’ pulled out of Orlando, and people got creative. We witnessed a real, organic renaissance, bubbling from the ground up. A new entrepreneurial and creative spirit was born, and it wasn’t manufactured like so many people think Orlando is. It’s real, and it’s continued and grown ever since. Ordinary residents with big ideas are doing really interesting things in art, food, drink and culture. Orlando seems to have stopped wanting to be bigger and more sophisticated than it is, and has become really comfortable in it’s own skin, doing it’s own thing, being the best Orlando we can be, for ourselves and for each other.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Beautiful. Creative. Community.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Home is having the people you care about close by to enjoy your City with you. Home is where we are the locals who know the City inside out. Home is knowing all the tourist spots that your out of town cousins have to check out, plus the out of the way places, and the best kept secrets that only you can show them.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The people and the future. The people that I grew up with in Orlando care about this City as much as anyone in any part of the world and we work to make it better. Our City is still growing and becoming so much more every year. Our City is not stuck in outdated ways of thinking or doing things. Our story in Orlando is still being written. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
The. City. Beautiful!
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Moving to Florida in 1990, I did not start understanding the idea of “home” until I left the surrounding areas and moved to house on Concord in ’96. I fell in love with downtown Orlando right away. In 2002 I opened my first downtown location “Room 3 Nine”. That moment was most likely what planted my feet in Orlando. Getting to know other business owners and community leaders drove me to open more businesses and get involved in the community. Orlando has so many residents that came from other areas of the world. I think that is the common thread for a lot of us. We chose to make this our home and with that we got this amazing diversity.
Todd Ulmer
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Buying a house 17 years ago in Colonialtown North makes that section of Orlando an obvious area that is home to me. It is so great to see the new growth there but the Thornton Park District is definitely my second home. Me and my partner started opening bars and restaurants in TPD very early. It has been exciting to be a part of that area transform.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
There is no question that the fountain at lake Eola and the park represent the City Beautiful. The recent sculptures around downtown and the wall murals that have popped up in the Mills-50 area have been a great addition to our city.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
What I have experienced in Orlando and why I choose to live here is the intangible beauty out weigh the actual parks, neighborhoods or buildings. The sense of community and love that people have for each other here is what makes this city great. I had known this before the recent tragedy and was not surprised at all how the city unified so quickly. It’s who we are.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Diversity. Unity. Growth.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
Terry Olsen
Disney saw the theatre troupe we had started, SAK, and asked us to come for the opening months of EPCOT Center. We figured this was a good place to settle because of the nice weather. What we found is that this cross-roads of the world was full of world-class thinking and creating and that it was open to anyone and full of opportunity.
Allison Walker Torres
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
The arts. The fact that over 60 groups would come together within two weeks to put on a visual and performing arts response to the “Beautiful Together: A Journey toward Hope” event last Tuesday at the Dr. Phillips Center, is because our arts community talks to each other and already have a foundation of trust and collaboration. That really is beautiful!
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
People caring about each other and loving each other – even when its tough. That’s pretty tangible, but as far as “physical” I’d have to say the crepe myrtles and flowering trees and the lakes. Well also some of the architecture. And the sunsets. And the big oaks.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? Feeling like I can participate in the city if I’d like to.
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Innovative. Determined. Fun.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I grew up nearby in Volusia County but came to Orlando to study at UCF.
Alex Fackler
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
To me “Home” is where your closest friends & family gather. Also brings along the responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment. Orlando has so many pockets of sub-communities that fit that build. To me, those in our community who take pride in where they live, work, eat, and play are what represents home.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Some of the beautiful places to me are the jogging path around Lake Underhill, the view from One80 Skytop Lounge (Amway Center) after an Orlando Magic win, Memory Mall at UCF on a gameday and of course Lake Eola on the 4th of July.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
the unity of assisting neighbors after severe weather, diversity of fan support for local teams (every race, age, religion, income level, locals/tourists)
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Contemporary. Diverse. Unified.
Vicki Ababouch
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home?
I moved to Orlando when I was 19. I’ve been fortunate enough to have grown up in a country and family that is accepting and offers a simple and stable life within a community.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I believe the true definition of the word ‘home’ is life. Home is the place you’ve grown and gone through the motions of life. This city has seen the best and worst of my days. I feel a connection to the schools I’ve attended such as UCF to the places that I’ve worked all around town and Downtown Orlando specifically.
We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty?
Tangible areas such as Winter Park exemplify what The City Beautiful means to me, it’s an easy going area with hidden gems that has more to offer than the status quo.
What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you?
The intangibles are simply the experiences, the runs around Lake Eola or Brunch’s at the Red Mug, Avenue Gastrobar and Downtown venues!
If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Stable. Strong. Lovely.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? In TV news, you have to pick up and go if you get “the call,” whether it’s Fargo, ND or Sri Lanka. I was working in New York and craved palm trees, puppies, and rainbows for my next stop. By the grace of God, News 13 liked something about my resume tape, and The City Beautiful has been my home for 9 years. I can’t imagine any “call” that’ll get me to leave. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? “Home” is being able to establish routines; ones that I miss when I’m away. It’s knowing I get to squeeze my husband 6 hours after lunch time. It’s seeing the same ducks on the bank of the lake during my morning run. It’s when owners of a few restaurants become family and almost expect us to show up on certain nights. It’s feeling like we “own” the streets because we know a little too much about the tenants, and the pattern of the traffic lights. “Home” is having pockets of families sprinkled throughout the City – people who may not know each other, but are family-forever to me and my Ted. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? I love blue jays. Seeing one is almost spiritual to me – like a sign of something. Getting to see one around Lake Ivanhoe before the wind angers the water in the morning, or encountering one on our sunset walk to happy hour – is magical. I am also wildly obsessed about the tropical-like, meticulously manicured pathway on the river side of the Hard Rock Hotel. The gardens epitomize Orlando’s ability to spawn lush, healthful, and nourished landscapes – views that actually have a healing property. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? One love. I’d like to challenge any other city in this galaxy to prove a stronger sense of unity, compassion, and selflessness. This city has so many rich forms of interests, art and entertainment – some that are eccentric or nonconventional, and others are more mainstream. Whatever it is, I love watching my neighbors take time out to lend support by trying out a new experience, show, taste, etc. The fact that we all have individual passions and obsessions and feel totally free to express them – just rocks. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
This Is Us.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
Amy Lynch
Craig Ustler
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I’m an Orlando native. Both sides of my family are third-generation Orlando residents. I was born and raised in College Park and have lived in College Park or Thornton Park my entire life. After college, I looked at living other places, but Orlando was home and I felt like I could make a difference here. I could see that Orlando was emerging as a city with a chance to chart its own course and it was exciting to think I could be a part of it.
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
Home is where I live, but also where I work and play. To me, it is Downtown Orlando. I live in Thornton Park and work in the North Quarter. The sports, arts, culture, parks and restaurants of downtown are what make it home. It is really driven by the diversity and independent, unique and local character of things. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? The Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Eola, Lake Adair and Lake Davis. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? Diversity, inclusion, acceptance. Excitement about the future. We are growing up as a city right before eyes. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Promise. Potential. Passion.
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? Thank God my parents had enough sense to bring me to O-town from northern Michigan when I was twelve . I’ve had the honor of watching it grow in to the most beautiful city since arriving over 29 years ago. My husband and I have so much pride in this city, always have and most definitely always will. We are so much more than just theme parks and tourists, we are families and communities with culture, great food and amazing things to do every single day. When tragedy struck, I unfortunately was out of town. All I wanted to do was get HOME, home to ORLANDO, my home, my husband and daughter’s home, my friend’s home. I’ve never experienced such a longing to get back home as I experienced that awful day. When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you? Downtown and the surrounding areas. I currently live in College Park and wouldn’t change it for anything! I love being able to walk and bike everywhere and my favorite sight to stop and pause is at Lake Ivanhoe where you get the most amazing view of the city skyline. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty to you? Our growing skyline at dawn, our beautiful Lake Eola, all the amazing oak trees that line our city streets, Our amazing culture venues from the Dr. Phillips center to Loch Haven Park venues that all promote and welcome creativity from all walks of life What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? The diversity and spirit of the people. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Vibrant. Accepting. Beautiful.
@aXisOrlando • aXismag.com
United. Authentic. World Class. Diverse. Inclusive. Aspiring. Forward. Loving. Creative. Diverse. Hopeful. Resilient. Innovative. Enveloping. Fun. Ashley Burns
How did you come about making and calling Orlando your home? I didn’t know a thing about Orlando before I came here for college, but I fell in love with the downtown life immediately. For almost 20 years I’ve barely thought about leaving. Why go live in a big city with people who don’t want to know each other? Orlando has always had this open door vibe that begins and ends with people who are genuinely nice, real, and tolerant. (We obviously have our bad seeds and d-bags, but the good far outweighs the bad.)
When you think of the true definition of the word home, what aspects of this city really represent that to you?
I love the bond within neighborhoods. I’ve lived in Thornton Park, College Park, Eola Heights, and now Delaney Park, and people care about each other. They look out for each other. And through that we’ve been fortunate to see local businesses open and thrive, especially restaurants that add personality and charm to a city that has been long defined by chains and fast food joints. It’s like a cultural revolution that won’t stop. Have you had the donuts at Valhalla, by the way? They’re basically the greatest thing in Orlando. We are The City Beautiful… what tangible areas of Orlando define that beauty? Becoming a dad has changed me and made me such a corny Norman Rockwell idealist, and so my favorite spot has become Delaney Park. It’s just such a perfect little park that is packed with energy and youth and all that is good about Orlando. Just going to my niece’s tee ball games and seeing how happy and friendly everyone is makes me swell with pride. And then I have a few donuts from Valhalla and my waistline swells, but it’s worth it. What intangibles about Orlando define that beauty to you? I love the fact that even when people make fun of this city or they mock “Florida Man,” we know we are better than that stereotype and we know we are better than those people. And we prove it by making this city better and better. Our resilience is astounding. If you could use three words to describe this city, what would they be?
Heart For Miles.
Thank you for your perspectives... Words provided by: Alex Fackler, Amy Lynch, Bao Le-Huu, Beth McKee, Billy Manes, Brandon Delanois, Caitlin Van Voorhis, Carlos Carbonell, Chris Nault, Cole NeSmith, Colleen Flynn, DJ M-Squared, Drew Belani, Frank Billingsley, Frank Vertolli, George Wallace, Gert Garman, Giti Khalsa, Graham Jarrett, Jason Lambert, Johnny Magic, Joseph Quinlivan, Kyle Isreal, Lisa Cuatt, Lynn Hoppes, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Mel Taylor, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Paul Emery, Sabrina Ambra, Scott Maxwell, Scott T. Evans, Seaira Jeannin, Stephanie Christie, Terry Olsen, Vicki Ababouch, Barbara Hartley, Allison Walker, Craig Ustler, Todd Ulmer, Ashley Burns Images provided by: (Cover: Chris Martin), Jim Leatherman, Liv Jones, Sean Pavone, Christopher Gillyard,
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