The Lakelander - Issue 66 / Music & Culture by The Lakelander

ISSU E 66

Music & Culture NOTA BL E C O NT R I BUT IO NS TO CU LT U R E W I T H I N O U R CI T Y T H AT B R I N G U S TO G E T H E R A ND E NR IC H O UR L I V E S W I T H M E AN I N G F U L S H AR E D E X P E R I E N CE S

Sell now for top $$

Longterm care/get Live an active and pricing Protect my asset healthy lifestyle s

Help with maintenance/housekeeping

Better plan for my future

The Best Is Getting Even

Better

IF YOU’VE BEEN WAITING TO MAKE A MOVE,

Now's the Time!

With homes in such high demand, the time is right to say goodbye to the hassles of homeownership and spring into a lifestyle that offers more than you dreamed of – for less! With full social calendars, the choice and convenience of a wide array of services, amenities and programming, peace of mind with Lifecare and a worry-free lifestyle, you can enjoy true value. Even better? No home maintenance, housekeeping or the uncertainties of rising bills!

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Do You Enjoy All This in Your Home?

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“Our lives are enriched, and yes, we would say even better! We chose The Estates because it had everything we wanted and more. Lifecare gives us security and peace of mind no matter what the future holds, and we wanted to protect our assets. We know why The Estates was voted The Best of Central Florida!” – The Kozaks

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Why Is Now the Perfect Time To Sell? 1 High Demand and Not Enough Houses 2 You Have a Lot of Leverage 3 Selling Now Is a Great Way To Use Home Equity

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Why Do Our Residents Love The Estates? See For Yourself!

“As a whole, the U.S. has the lowest inventory of homes for sale that has ever taken place. Buyers are competing for homes and placing multiple offers, purchasing homes for more than the sellers listed and giving sellers the perfect opportunity to move to The Estates. This will not last!” Debbie Robinson, VP of Senior Relocation Services at Premier Transitions

TELL-ALL RESIDENT PANEL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4 | 11 A.M. We know that residents enjoy each day at The Estates, but don’t take our word for it – hear it for yourselves! Join our resident panel to learn about their experiences from the past year, why they wish they’d made the move sooner rather than later, and more.

Estates

EXECUTIVE PANEL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 | 11 A.M. Want to hear from our team of heroes who made the past year worry-free, engaging and full of peace of mind? Join us for our popular executive panel, where you’ll learn how our community offers a smart plan for the future and a dynamic lifestyle you’ll love.

These events are an exceptional opportunity to see and enjoy our residents' homes. Seats are limited, and reservations are a must. Additional events will be announced soon!

All events will include lunch and a delicious piece of pie to go!

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Retirement Living Independent Living Assisted Living Nursing Home WE’RE HONORED TO BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE.

Call to RSVP or for more information today. Our Lifecare specialists are ready to help you make the best decision of your life! Call now while the market is hot and before our prices increase.

UNCOMPROMISED RETIREMENT LIVING

We're safely welcoming new residents!

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 EstatesAtCarpenters.com

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Was it Mrs. Peacock with the candlestick? Ricky and Danielle Peacock of Home Solution Lenders, Inc. held an exclusive Murder Mystery fund raising event at an undisclosed historic location. Their humble and generous philanthropic visions have a wide reach including historical preservation, schools, nonprofit organizations, and many other community involvement endeavors. Ricky Peacock recently received a classroom dedication at his Alma Mater at the Warrington School of Business at the University of Florida. Danielle Peacock is a proud Co-Founder and the Treasurer of the Florida nonprofit lockersoflove.org. Scan the QR code for more HSL Murder Mystery details

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 66

ON THE COVER Julliard graduate Robert Fleitz hopes to encourage aspiring pianists in Lakeland through his new festival project. Photo by Jordan Randall

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CONTENTS

72 FEATURES

52 • PEOPLE

64 • NEW MUSIC

72 • STYLE

Evan Eliason is Everywhere

Eternally Existential

Florida Raised, American Made

Acclaimed local producer Evan Eliason produces impressive and diverse work for musicians all over the world.

Up-and-coming artist Patricia Kenoly, who musically goes by Noan Partly, creates a self-proclaimed “jazz/indie-folk” sound.

NYC fashion designers Gigi Burris and Evan O’Hara have deep connections to Lakeland, both personally and professionally.

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Relief from Knee Pain Osteoarthritis of the knee can make even the simplest of tasks difficult and painful, making it hard to be as active as you want to be. ROSA®, Polk County’s only Knee Surgery Robot, can help you return to the activities and way of life you love. ROSA Knee System - only offered at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center - provides orthopedic surgeons with a 3D model customized to your knee, allowing for greater precision and a higher standard of care. This means a Total Knee Replacement with a smaller incision and more accurate implant placement, resulting in less pain and a shorter recovery period.

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82 • CULTURE

Inspiring the Next Generation of Emerging Pianists Lakeland native and Julliard graduate Robert Fleitz is the founder of Lakeland’s Swan City Piano Festival.

94 • BUSINESS

Live From Lakeland Everything you need to know about the best seats in town for live music, cocktails, and a good time!

104 • EVENTS

For the Love of Cars

Lakeland Cars and Coffee welcomes all car enthusiasts to its monthly event.

104

DEPARTMENTS

22 • MASTHEAD

26 • CONTRIBUTORS

30 • METRO

24 • EDITOR’S NOTE

28 • LETTERS

40 • GREATER LAKELAND

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114 • HISTORY

When her choice matters most

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Michelle Simanca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

COPY EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sally Ibarra Barceló, Jenna MacFarlane, Jordan Randall, Adam Spafford, Julianne Waller Laura Burke Jenna MacFarlane

Creative DESIGN INTERN PHOTOGRAPHERS

we are here to help

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE

Empowering Women

Erica Ronda Dan Austin, Sally Ibarra Barceló, Nate Chappell, Jon Macapodi, Brea Marie, Jordan Randall, Jason Stephens

GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

with Medical Services, Options and Compassionate Support

Issue 66 The Lakelander is published ten times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. Contact: Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707

YourChoiceLakeland.com

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E DITO R ’ S N OTE

The Power of Culture this issue, we explore some notable cultures within our city that bring us together and offer valuable shared experiences which add to the enjoyment of our lifestyles and evoke a sense of belonging. Admittedly, I’m the person who can’t clap on beat — not even to Sunday morning service from the church pew (fair warning — don’t sit by me). Music is one of those art forms I have a high appreciation for. When visiting a new city, I look for good food and good live music. Remember the last time you connected with someone over a similar taste in music, or your favorite album or song? Perhaps someone was wearing something that reflected the same trend/taste in fashion as you. These shared experiences connect us together. Post COVID-19 pandemic demands for live music events and gatherings are exceeding attendance expectations, report industry leaders. Today more than ever, we’re aware of the importance for in-person experiences and the effects of human energy around us. Culture is what makes a city come alive; it offers the members of its community an enhanced quality of life and a sense of belonging.

Culture is what makes a city come alive; it offers the members of its community an enhanced quality of life and a sense of belonging. In this issue, we highlight music as a big part of our community culture, from careers in music to businesses and entertainment, Lakeland’s music culture continues to grow and connect our community together in special ways. In addition, we take the time to highlight the car and fashion culture within our city, a place where creativity thrives. We hope this issue highlights the art of music in our city and the variety of interests that bring our community together.

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Sally Ibarra Barceló EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

“For the Love of Cars” photographed by Jason Stephens, pg. 104

JENNA MACFARLANE As editorial assistant and staff writer for The Lakelander, Jenna MacFarlane is the newest addition to the team. Hailing from Sarasota, she is a recent grad from Southeastern University and fell in love with Lakeland when she arrived. Jenna just finished her degree in communications and is passionate about her craft; she believes the highest form of art is hope and seeks to communicate it in every piece she writes.

JASON STEPHENS Jason Stephens is a native Florida boy who lives in Lakeland with his beautiful wife, Jess, and children, Isla and Miles. Whether it’s from 500 feet up in a helicopter, on a boat cutting through the water, or locked down on a tripod, Jason loves to be behind the camera capturing the moments that pass in front of his lens. jasonstephensphotography.com

Your high-action, outdoor photography has become a staple in The Lakelander over the years. What draws you to this type of work? I love everything about this type of photography. I enjoy researching my subject or location, thinking through the technicalities, and then the unpredictable elements that nature can throw at you always add to the excitement. The fast pace and need for quick decision-making are a lot of fun as well. Your work has taken you far beyond Lakeland’s city limits. Tell us about a shoot you enjoyed traveling for. My church, Access Church, supports a missionary who works exclusively with the Maasai in Kenya, planting and building churches and training pastors. I have traveled

to Kenya with a few others from Access twice and documented both trips. Both times were completely unique experiences. The Maasai are the most genuinely kind people you would ever want to meet, and their way of life is so beautiful. The remoteness and vastness of the landscape are also incredible. What are your favorite outdoor activities? Surfing is at the top of my list, even though I don’t get over to the coast as often as I would like. I also love fishing and hiking with my wife and kids. From where do you draw inspiration for your photography? I’m a big fan of Jeff Johnson and Ben Moon. I love the authenticity of the moments and expressions they both capture.

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DAN AUSTIN Dan Austin is a Florida native photographer. He specializes in a unique style that combines the spirit of his subject with a detailed attention to lighting. Through this, Dan achieves a unique and wellthought-out aesthetic that can be seen in his images. danaustinphotography.com

See the masthead on pg. 22 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

@fallon_jaques // Instagram

“CONGRATULATIONS @ANDYMCENTIRE ON THIS FEATURE IN @LAKELANDERMAG’S LATEST ISSUE! YOU ARE SUCH A PIONEER OF THE CREATIVE WISDOM AND FOSTER COMMUNITY EVERYWHERE YOU GO, ESPECIALLY IN LKLD. SO GRATEFUL AND INSPIRED BY YOUR LEADERSHIP!” @vbardega // Instagram

“@ANDYMCENTIRE THE MAN THE MYTH !” @dansrivera // Instagram

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W H E R E W O R D S FA I L ,

- HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON

Music possesses a power that transcends words. And, we’re honored to be in the business of sharing music with you. It’s in our joys and sorrows. Our fondest memories and our greatest fears (we’re looking at you, Jaws). Music connects us. And, while music can’t bring us together in the same room right now, it’s still connecting us each day. Stay tuned… We still have a lot to say.

P R E S E N T E D BY

M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

MUSIC IS MANDATORY

Exploring how music continues to be the bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.

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Music is a part of who we are. It’s a universal language, one that doesn’t need words. When you’re left alone with your thoughts, what keeps you company? Music. When you’re in the car with your friends, what do you listen to? Music. When you’re standing in an elevator in a country you’ve never been to before, what’s that coming through the speakers? Music. Music is everywhere — it’s always uniting us, focusing us, and relieving us. To imagine a world without music is to imagine a world in 2-D. Music gives life such a depth. It is able to take us both below the surface for introspection and

carry us above the clouds to escape. Music has been a part of the human experience since the very beginning and continues to accompany us in our respective stories. Think about it: nations have anthems, churches have hymns, and communities have protests. Collectively, music is as important to humanity as the air we breathe — giving life to movements, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Music is the ultimate uniter, grabbing the hands of strangers and able to provide

MUSIC SITS D I R E C T LY I N T H E BALANCE OF WHO W E A R E A N D W H AT WE HOPE TO BE.

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coalition between different values and backgrounds. Music is culture, and culture is in the music. Where would we be without it? The world itself would be off beat, and there would be no rhythm to the chaos. The way that music is able to serve as a connective thread between the mayhem that can often ensue in our lives, along with the beauty that we are capable of feeling, is easy to take for granted. But without it, its absence would be sorely felt. Needless to say, music isn’t just important; it’s mandatory. If the music dies, does the dream die with it? The fight to keep music a part of our schools, our cities, and our communities isn’t one fought in vain. The truth is, music isn’t just a part of being alive; it is a part of staying alive. It is a cathartic release and a version of breathing. Music sits directly in the balance of who we are and what we hope to be. And, with its help, we hope to be headed in the right direction.

METRO

INDIE BOOK BUZZ Josh “Bump” Galletta @bumpgalletta

Where Whimsy Abounds How an artist named Bump and his whimsical creations are inspiring creativity. Written by Jenna MacFarlane

ver the past decade, Josh “Bump” Galletta has filled our city with his intricate, creative illustrations. Galletta’s work is recognizable. His detailed murals adorn businesses across town like Starbucks, Publix GreenWise, and Explorations V Children’s Museum. His embroidered hats and apparel can be found at local markets like Scout &Tag, June Taylor, and Rafa Natural; he’s even been picked up by major retailers at West Elm and Armature Works. Galletta’s art is self-taught. He picked up drawing as a hobby when he was a kid and entered lots of art contests in school (though he never won). As an adult, drawing became more than a hobby for Galletta after a nearly

A new coffee shop/independent bookstore is coming to downtown Lakeland! Pressed is set to open late this summer, and the shop will serve up fresh coffee and baked goods while you read your favorite books and staff-selected titles. pressedlkld.com

fatal bicycle accident in 2010. He spent long days and nights in his hospital room. Creating art became his method of recovery, his lifeline, and his hope. As a part of his recovery, Galletta began leaving his artwork in unsuspecting places around the state — for example, in coffee shops, bookstores, and even at Disney World — along with his Instagram handle and a little note encouraging the finder to share his drawings. As people began doing so, Galletta’s online presence picked up quickly. Now, we see his art all over town. Lately, Galletta’s been busier than ever. He teamed up with Ida Mundell to self-publish Goodnight Lakeland, a cozy children’s book that points readers toward Lakeland’s charm. It sold out in just a few months and is now going into its second printing. Lately he’s been designing promotional work for Love Bird, Mirrorton, and Black Swan Tattoo. This summer, you can catch Galletta at Buena Market along with a brand-new apparel line. Josh “Bump” Galletta has been an instrumental figure in inspiring and refreshing our little town with hope and creativity. Per Goodnight Lakeland, “Our city’s a place where whimsy abounds.” This wouldn’t be so, without Galletta’s artwork all around.

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CORVETTE, CORVETTE The Salvation Army is celebrating 100 years of “Doing the Most Good” this year. To celebrate, they hosted a raffle giving away a new 2021 Corvette. The Salvation Army is also hosting a free community event to kick off the giving season at Lakeside Village on November 19, 2021. salvationarmyusa.org

METRO

LIVE MUSIC WHEREVER YOU GO Lakeland is filled with spots to enjoy live music over a drink and some appetizers to share. We’ve compiled a list of places to visit on your next date night or group hang for a fun twist on a night out.

RED DOOR For a well-rounded culinary experience, Red Door teams up with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra to present classical music events throughout the year. reddoorlakeland.com

1916 IRISH PUB 1916 Irish Pub at the Cleveland Heights Golf Course hosts live music every weekend. Grab some authentic Irish food with friends and take a listen. 1916irishpub.com

POOR PORKER The Poor Porker is an ideal summer spot with a large outdoor area designed for group hangs, beignets, and a stellar live-music lineup.

Lakeland Takes the Stage These local artists show off their vocal chops to the world.

he hit TV show American Idol has been turning musical hopefuls into superstars since 2002. Our city is no stranger to the Idol stage, as two prominent Lakelanders have competed in the show over the past few years. Most recently, Florida Southern student Zach D’Onofrio competed on the show’s 2021 season. At his audition he performed “Golden Slumbers” by the Beatles and “Falling” by Harry Styles, and all three judges unanimously voted to send him to Hollywood. Now, you can find him finishing up his degree at FSC, making TikToks, and releasing music under the name “Zachary.” Stream his latest single, “Don’t Leave,” @zach_donofrio. Last year, Lakeland native Kimmy Gabriela advanced to American Idol ’s top 20. Known for her powerful vocals, she built a large fan base on the show and is working now on a full-length debut album. You can catch sneak peeks of her original music along with covers of famous songs on her Instagram @kimmygabriela__.

ZACH DONOFRIO @zach_donofrio

KIMMY GABRIELA @kimmygabriela___

poorporker.com

DOWNTOWN WINTER HAVEN We recommend paying a visit to Winter Haven’s thriving downtown. While you’re there, stop by Grove Roots Brewing, Union Taproom, or Jessie’s for a drink and some local music.

DID SOMEONE SAY POP-UP GOURMET? Have you tried Bandidas yet? Bandidas is a pop-up restaurant concept from the creators of Casita Verde, Vicky G’s, and Buena Market. Serving up mouthwatering

groveroots.com uniontaproomwh.com jessieslive.com

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seasonal dishes like Spring Veggie Galette and Poached Duck Hash, the minirestaurant should be your first stop at local markets. facebook.com/BandidasLKLD

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METRO

Storyteller, TruthSeeker, and Musician Written by Jenna MacFarlane Photography by Nate Chappell

Local musician Luke Wilmoth’s work reflects the deepest tenets of his musical philosophy: that good music is good storytelling. His band, District Title, strives to honor the many shades of emotion we experience in our daily lives.

usic offers us a unique opportunity to tap into narratives apart from our own. In the listening experience, we become aware of our own emotional state — whether we know it’s happening or not. District Title’s 2019 debut album, Holy Ghost, is an exercise in introspection. In it, frontman Luke Wilmoth lets us in on his admiration for the nuances of life. Free of any distinctly “happy” or “sad” songs, Holy Ghost is a deep dive into Wilmoth’s pensive inner world, in all its complexity. The album communicates both the meaningful and the mundane; the listener finds both tension and release. Wilmoth tells us about the universal

experiences of young adulthood: navigating relationships, looking for your phone in an apartment, and missing someone. When Wilmoth started playing music, he became mesmerized by the power of the craft. He remembers it vividly. “When I was four years old, my parents came home one day with a Rudolph & Wurlitzer upright piano that they got from a family friend. To my four-year-old self, it was this beautiful, refined,

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intimidating machine that I really never got to see up close before. I became obsessed with it.” Shortly after, he picked up guitar, bass, and drums, too. The affection for music that Wilmoth felt at four years old transformed into a stubborn devotion. Music became more than a hobby; it engulfed him, a gut feeling he couldn’t shake. Now 23, he admits it casually. “Music’s just always been my thing. I don’t really know anything else.”

In high school, Wilmoth taught himself to produce his own music and cut his teeth playing live. On weekends and breaks, he toured the Southeast. “We’d drive hours across state lines to play gigs, sometimes to an empty room or just the bartender. It wasn’t easy,” he says. “But it was worth it. I figured out my niche and learned how to carve out my own space onstage.” In 2019, Wilmoth shifted from playing solo to playing under a moniker, District Title. Something of an alter ego, District Title offers a space for Wilmoth to create what he wants on his own time. He values complexity and storytelling in his music. He’s struck by heavy, melancholic lyrics played against a

“BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I FIGURED OUT MY NICHE AND LEARNED HOW TO CARVE OUT MY OWN SPACE ONSTAGE.”

bright, detailed landscape. Wilmoth draws inspiration from the pop-punk world of his childhood and adapts it to suit an audience like himself: those seeking truth in a small town, skeptical but attempting selfreassurance. When Wilmoth gets an idea for a song, it starts out as a seed: one basic, undeveloped phrase that pops into his head during the day. He then takes

Wilmoth was an awardwinning jazz pianist.

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METRO

DISTRICT TITLE @districttitleisnotaband Available on all streaming platforms

“I LIKE TELLING STORIES IN MY MUSIC. LIFE IS NUANCED, AND I’M DRAWN TO CREATE ART THAT REFLECTS THAT.”

that idea home and plants the seed. He layers drum tracks, bass, guitar, keys, and vocals until he’s got some roots. Wilmoth and his bandmates — Noah Hickey and Tanner Ledford of Foxhall, Kevin Sumner, Ian Goodman, Jeff Philips, and his brother, Ben Wilmoth — will head to the Vanguard Room to professionally record what he’s been putting together. A perfectionist, Wilmoth labors over a track until it’s just right. District Title’s most recent EP, Four Stories, is an ode to leaving the

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old behind and stepping into the new. It’s up to listener interpretation, but the EP reaches one point of reckoning when Wilmoth makes a resolution: to tell the truth and try his best. Wilmoth is excited to continue delivering the heavy, well-crafted, and sympathetic music that’s earned him a small but impassioned fanbase. He articulates his craft as one that honors life in all its wholeness and all its complexity. “I like telling stories in my music. Life is nuanced, and I’m drawn to create art that reflects that,” he says. “Sure, it’s a nice escape to make a song about a nice day with a blue sky. But why not create a little tension with a small black cloud in the distance? I believe complexity is how you earn your spot on your audience’s listening rotations — not for weeks, but for years.”

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Greater Lakeland W I N T E R H AV E N

AND BEYOND

HAVEN: A PLACE OF REFUGE Haven Coffee Roasters, Winter Haven’s newest coffee shop and roastery, seeks to educate its visitors on good craft coffee while providing a hospitable space for connecting with one another.

nthusiasts around the world agree that coffee is an art form. From sourcing green coffee beans to brewing a pot at home, a detailed process must be followed in order to produce a great-tasting cup of coffee. Unless we work in the industry, it’s not often that we get to see the roasting process

up-close. At Winter Haven’s newest coffee shop, Haven Coffee Roasters, customers can see the process from start to finish and get a great cup of coffee while they’re at it. Jonathan and Lynsey Lane are the founders of Haven Coffee. The Lanes take the word “handcrafted” seriously; not only is coffee roasted in-house at Haven, but sauces and toppings are homemade, too. Even specialty flavors and syrups — like toasted marshmallow and lavender — are made completely from scratch. The Lanes have been roasting and producing specialty coffee for over a year. The path to opening the shop,

though, has been anything but linear. After attending culinary school, Lane went into real estate, but his passion for craft coffee never left him. He eventually connected with a Columbian coffee producer who owned five farms and began travelling back and forth to Columbia and across the United States to thousands of cafes and roasteries. After learning in-depth about how coffee is grown and sourced, the Lanes became passionate about the power of good coffee to connect people to one another. When the Winter Haven Farmers Market resumed last year, they set up a tent and began selling freshly roasted beans. They

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credit the Farmers Market as a launch pad for the shop and its now-faithful supporters. “We were able to get a customer base there. We were able to make connections with people and form relationships, and they knew about us and were ready for us to open,” Jonathan says. “Their support built anticipation for the shop.” The Lanes also credit Six/ Ten, a real estate development agency in Winter Haven, as a major help in the whole process. “I told them what I want to do, and they said, ‘Yes, we want you.’ They gave us a ton of support, and really set the stage for us,” Jonathan says. Along with Six/Ten, several local businesses have come

REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS

it produces a vibrant bluishpurple color and is a refreshing pick-me-up when paired with lavender syrup. The Lanes believe that events and specials are a great way to engage with customers as they connect with one another and prove the shop is here to stay in the community. Haven follows special themes and events every month, crafting specialty beverages for each one. For example, on May

4th, or “Star Wars Day,” Haven offered themed beverages like “Leia’s Lavender Latte” and “Dark Side” and “Light Side” bean blends. They host yoga on the lawn and roast beans right in the shop twice a week. Jonathan and Lynsey Lane look forward to connecting their community through cups of really good coffee — coffee that is meant to be slowly savored in the company of one another.

Stop by for a pick-me-up at 140 3rd Street SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880 havencoffeeroaster.com

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together to support Haven. Since the Lanes started wholesaling last spring, they’ve expanded their offerings to several local restaurants, like Nutwood and Union Taproom. Local business Home Remedy created a coffee-based body scrub from Haven coffee beans. HTeaO — one of our favorite local shops in Lakeland — created a special “Blue Haven” iced tea. It’s made from jasmine butterfly pea flower, so

Van Plating’s New Music Release

Cypress Gardens Water Ski Show

Singer-songwriter Van Plating recently released a new song “The Way Down”

Enjoy a free ski show by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team every third Saturday of

with plans to release a new album later this year. vanplating.com

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the month through Sept 5th in downtown Winter Haven. cypressgardensskiteam.com

GREATER LAKELAND

STANDING THE TEST OF TIME “N Written by Jenna MacFarlane Photography by Dan Austin

Vintage music allows us to tap into the sound of decades past. At Jimmy’s Vintage Music in Downtown Auburndale, both worldwide stars and locals alike gain a deeper appreciation for the instruments that paved the way for music today.

ew isn’t always better.” This adage rings true in many seasons of life: our interpersonal relationships, consumption habits, and daily lifestyles can all benefit from the ideal that a good thing is worth holding onto. When an item has been tested by time, we prize its quality, complexity, and craftsmanship. Age enhances its value; the years tell us stories about where

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something’s been. We recognize that old things are good things when we taste the complex flavors of aged wine and cheese, feel the comfort of a well-worn pair of jeans, and touch the soft surface of fine leather. Since the 1970s, music enthusiasts have been fascinated by the value of vintage instruments. As most new products sold at chain stores are mass-produced, there is something to be said for the craftsmanship

Boreson encourages a “try before you buy” policy, inviting customers to come in and try an amp or a guitar before they take it home.

of old pieces — specifically, old guitars. When it comes to musical instruments and accessories, “vintage” doesn’t always mean “antique” or “heirloom.” Sometimes, the word just represents a high-quality item made of good material. While it generally represents an item made before 1980, the term fluctuates. Collectors want vintage guitars for a variety of reasons. High sound quality, comfortable weight, and superior hardware provide a sought-after instrument. Not to mention, street cred comes with having a beautiful instrument on the wall or in one’s playing rotation; the vintage guitar community is as loyal as it is tasteful and particular. It takes dedication to understand and appreciate vintage music, let alone appraise it and sell it. James Boreson, owner of Jimmy’s Vintage Music in downtown Auburndale, has been honing the craft for decades. Boreson started collecting

“ O N C E I S TA R T E D [COLLECTING G U I TA R S] , I J U S T WANTED MORE A N D M O R E .”

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guitars at 16 years old. His passion ignited when he started attending guitar shows and witnessing the complexity of the craft. In his words, vintage music transformed from a hobby to a passion. “Once I started [collecting guitars], I just wanted more and more.” He worked in the citrus industry for 36 years here in town while maintaining his hobby until he decided to open the store. Boreson and his wife, Michelle, opened Jimmy’s in 2014. Owning a shop wasn’t a lifelong dream but a solution to a problem: Boreson had too many guitars in his house and needed a space to store them. At the time, big-box stores were taking over a lot of the industry. Boreson felt a sort of responsibility to change the narrative. “It wasn’t personal

THE CULTURE OF KINDNESS Meet Randy and Marlynn. We recently had the pleasure of selling a home for this beautiful couple in SE Winter Haven. It was not a typical residential home sale, though. This property was a home the family used to create a one-of-a-kind experience for kids on the spectrum with special needs. However, they quickly outgrew the space! As our community continues to grow, new needs for our children continue to present themselves. We are so

fortunate to have gems like Randy and Marlynn in our community. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marlynn has been deeply involved and committed to numerous children’s programs in Polk County. She is currently opening a new program with sensory rooms and bio neurofeedback systems for special needs children. Her 20 year relationship in our local foster care programs has helped her prepare for her new position as Director

with the Protect Our Children Project. Both Randy and Marlynn grew up in Polk County and Marlynn is a 6th generation Floridian!! Known as “Mimi and Grandy” to their grandchildren, this couple stays busy, happy, and content. Sometimes we sell a house! Sometimes we meet local heros! This is the culture of kindness that makes Polk County Home!!

Zac Kluytenaar and Cathy “K”

CATHY “K” & Contact Us 863.604.6220 Info@Yourkteam.com yourkteam.com kteamrentals.com 44

Find Us 323 First Street S. Winter Haven, FL 33880

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@yourkteam

Jimmy’s Vintage Music is located at 108 Main Street, Auburndale, FL 33823.

enough, that’s all. It was all just newer stuff coming in. I wanted items that were more vintage, stuff that had more pressure on them,” he says. “You know, stuff that’s been used a lot.” For a few years, he kept his day job while operating Jimmy’s. Now, it’s his full-time gig. Many musicians prefer small, down-home guitar shops like Jimmy’s because they offer personalized service. Chain stores, while they sell a wide variety of new and unused instruments, often lack the attention and knowledge that music enthusiasts are looking for. Boreson doesn’t work too hard to bring in new items but focuses on older, higher-quality guitars

and amps that are difficult to find anywhere else. The vintage industry doesn’t try to compete with chain stores. Vintage shops offer different services. They boast personalized attention and rare items, catering to a niche market. Boreson in particular is passionate about helping every guest find their unique instrument. He’s a matchmaker, of sorts: customers generally have some idea of what they’re looking for, but Boreson helps them find that perfect match. There are a few ways Boreson collects inventory for the store. Sometimes he’ll camp out at guitar

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Ready to

LIVE UNITED

United Way of Central Florida is working to reimagine a more equitable community where everyone can thrive. Are you ready to LIVE UNITED? Visit UWCF.org to learn more. 46

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Boreson is pictured here with guitarist Chris Stapleton, a frequent visitor of Jimmy’s Vintage Music.

shows and pawn shops. Other times, musicians will come in to trade or sell their instruments. He welcomes trades — when customers know they’ve got something good, he wants to see it. Any customer can try before they buy, which helps Jimmy’s maintain an advantage over popular online shops like Reverb and eBay. Boreson’s personal favorite item he has on-hand right now is a 1951 Telecaster. Fender’s first “working-man” guitar, the ’51 Telecaster is a unique instrument — there are only 250 around

the world, and even then, it is an extremely difficult instrument to find in good condition. While Boreson is a man of few words, his eyes lit up at the mention of the Telecaster. His passion for vintage music is palpable. When stars make tour stops in Tampa and Orlando, many seek out a vintage shop around town to browse and add to their collections. Chris Stapleton frequents Jimmy’s, and he returns every time he’s in the area. Stapleton told Boreson that many shops in Nashville and other large cities don’t offer the

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reasonable prices and quality of service that Jimmy’s does. “I know that even a lot of stars don’t have a ton of money to spend,” says Boreson. “I keep my pricing realistic. I keep it realistic for everyone.” Boreson’s expertise allows him to identify value and answer questions about any item that comes through the shop. Whether you’re just getting into vintage guitars or you’re a seasoned collector, you’ll find a top-notch selection at Jimmy’s — one trusted by musicians and music-lovers all over the country.

We’re worth the drive. Every morning, more than 100 students from the Winter Haven area make the trip to Lakeland Christian School for: • • • •

Challenging academics Championship athletics Award-winning fine arts Biblical worldview

Find out more by visiting our website. Then call Julie Rice, Director of Enrollment, for a tour.

1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland 863-688-2771 | lcsonline.org

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Jimmy’s Vintage Music 108 Main St. Auburndale, FL 33823 jimmysvintagemusic.com

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PEOPLE

EVAN ELIASON IS

EVERYWHERE Written by Jenna MacFarlane Photography by Dan Austin

Music production is an intricate art form. It requires a strong attention to detail, mindful creativity, and openness to new ideas. Evan Eliason, acclaimed local producer, produces impressive and diverse work for musicians all over the world.

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EVAN

ELIASON

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IT’S easy to stream our favorite song without giving second thought to how it really came together. We praise the singer and the instrumentalist but often miss out on the detailed process of musical expression. The behind-the-scenes magic of music takes place at the hands of one person: the producer. Music producers are the lifeblood of the craft. They envision, initiate, and construct the flow of a song. They take care of the details from start to finish. Besides a few prominent executives that have made a name for themselves in the industry, producers usually fly under the radar. The secret orchestrators behind the sounds we love, producers take a musician’s broad idea and turn it into something striking and cohesive. Twenty-seven-year-old Evan Eliason is one of them. You can find him tucked away at The Vanguard Room, Dixieland’s own music studio, working with artists from all over the country. Eliason has built a reputation for diverse handiwork; his repertoire spans from L.A. and Nashville to Mexico City. People contact him because of the work he’s done,

“I LIKE CHALLENGES. EVEN IF I’M NOT FAMILIAR WITH WHAT SOMEONE WANTS TO DO, I WANT TO GO FOR IT ANYWAY.” and he’s open-minded to explore any genre or style of music. When artists visit Eliason at The Vanguard Room, they find that he doesn’t take a formal, sit-down approach to production.

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He describes himself as neither a night person nor a morning person: “When I work best, it just fluctuates,” he says. At some point during the day, he arrives in a sort of flow state that he relies on to create the perfect mix for musicians of all backgrounds. The Vanguard Room was founded by Aaron Marsh, of Copeland, and Matt Wilbur. Eliason saw a big shift in his career path when he met Wilbur and started professionally producing. In Eliason’s words, Wilbur took him under his wing. “We’re like a family here,” he says, referring to the dynamic between Wilbur, himself, and the other producers at the studio: Bryce Rivera and Casey Newton. If you don’t know much about production, the first thing to note

Also known around town for being a talented musician, Eliason is recognized for being a great pianist.

is that it is extremely open-ended. It’s different for every musician and for every producer. The process is organic, collaborative, and unique to each individual. An experienced producer ought to be able to work with anyone, think on the fly, and execute ideas in a unique and creative way specific to the musician. They should be able to condense ideas into sound, working closely with the artist to create something with which listeners can resonate. Rather than producing a set style, Eliason prefers to try out new things. He doesn’t like to do the same thing twice — and he’ll tell you that. “I like challenges. Even if I’m not familiar with what someone wants to do, I want to go for it anyway,” he says. “I’d hate to make the same record

“I’D HATE TO MAKE THE SAME RECORD 10 TIMES OVER AGAIN. I DEFINITELY WOULD MUCH RATHER BE DOING SOMETHING THAT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT’S SUPPOSED TO SOUND LIKE AND JUST FIND THE SOUND AS I GO.”

10 times over again. I definitely would much rather be doing something that I have no idea what it’s supposed to sound like and just find the sound as I go.” Rather than working within a specific genre, Eliason prefers a specific work style: one that moves quickly, flows, and where the artist holds an ever-adapting concept of how the song or album might come together. He’s passionate about maintaining the symbiotic relationship between the artist and the producer, developing a trust and openness that is hard to find but priceless when it is. “If the person is excited about it and they’re like, ‘I have a vision for it,’ I’m into it,” Eliason says. He doesn’t fear what he doesn’t know; from indie pop to R&B, he’s experimented with diverse forms of musical expression. Eliason is from Binghamton in upstate New York. He got into music at a young age when his parents put him in piano lessons. “I hated practicing so much,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until I was 12 or 13 that I started enjoying it, when I played with my friends. That was the first time I felt like, ‘This is what I want to do.’” His older brother bought him his

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“I LOVE GOING TO SHOWS, ESPECIALLY LOCAL ONES. WHEN MORE PEOPLE SEE LIVE MUSIC, MORE PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE IT.” first version of Logic, a production software, and he fooled around with it throughout high school. After moving to Lakeland for college in 2012, he began really teaching himself how to mix when he met Matt Wilbur, co-owner of The Vanguard Room. “The moment he started teaching me, I realized I had so much to improve. It was so instantaneous,” Eliason says. “I feel like I just leapt in terms of what I knew. It’s one of those things where you don’t realize what you don’t know until you do.” Music production is a lot more accessible than it was, say, 10 years ago. People have always been making music, and they’ve always been putting money into it — but now, it’s cheaper and easier to get music out there for people to hear. You don’t need a label or an exorbitant amount of money, just the determination to do something independently and the confidence to put it out there. Though Eliason has only really been involved with the Lakeland music scene for the past five years, he’s noticed an influx in the amount of people willing to professionally

Take a listen to everything he’s produced on Spotify by searching “Evan Eliason Works.”

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation presents

Christmas In July

July 1–31 Your donation can give hope to the extraordinary kids at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital by providing ways for them to cope during their hospital stay.

Find out how you can help: StJosephsChristmas.org

21-1567800-0621

“LAKELAND IS MY BIG-CITY DREAM, HONESTLY.”

produce music here. He’s all in to support local music and its growth here. “I love going to shows, especially local ones. When more people see live music, more people want to make it.” Luckily for our local musicians, Eliason doesn’t have any plans to move away to a big city. “Lakeland is my big-city dream, honestly,” he says. “It really is. In terms of opportunity, Lakeland has all the opportunity that I would want. As long as I’m finding fulfillment in creating things with someone, helping someone see their vision through to the end, that’s the most exciting thing for me. So, as long as I keep on doing that, that’s my dream. Lakeland, even though it’s a small city, is still home.”

You can follow Evan’s journey on Instagram @evaneliason.

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CarePlus Community Center You’re invited — at no cost! CarePlus is bringing a Community Center to Colonial Promenade in Winter Haven.

Ave 0 SE 6th St SE

Walmart Supercenter

5th St SE

3rd St SE

1st St S

3rd St SW

You’ll be able to: • Join group activities. • Attend health and wellness classes. • Get help with CarePlus plans. • Get resources to help on your Medicare journey. • Use our computers and internet to access plan-related information.* • Grab a snack or refreshment. • Meet people and learn something new. • AND MUCH MORE!

313 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cypress Gardens Blvd.

*CarePlus members only.

FREE and open to the public — we look forward to safely welcoming you!

Located in Colonial Promenade in Winter Haven.

Call to learn more: 1-800-204-3123 (TTY: 711) South and North Florida, Tampa, Orlando and Daytona areas, and Space Coast. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, or religion in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. Any inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies and/or to file a complaint, also known as a grievance, please contact Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). From October 1 – March 31, we are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 – September 30, we are open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKDMFNPR438G2021_C

MUSIC

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Learn more and book your group’s tour today! www.NoseworthyTravel.com/TheLakelander • 800-929-4684 ext. 208 nt@travelwithus.com • 5725 Imperial Lakes Blvd. • Mulberry, FL 33860

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NEW MUSIC

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Eternally Existential Lakeland native Patricia Kenoly continues to grow as an artist and is thankful for the community in Lakeland which supported her when releasing her first album.

Written by Julianne Waller Photography by Brea Marie Instagram/Facebook @WNDERCo

Upon first listen, it’s difficult to tell if the roots of Patricia Kenoly’s hypnotic music lie in folk or jazz. The local artist, who musically goes by Noan Partly, creates a self-proclaimed “jazz/ indie-folk” sound through soul-searching lyrics, warm vocals, and layered instrumentals. With her clever spin on covers and her genre-defying original music, Kenoly quickly won over the Lakeland community. She has since expanded to perform all over Central Florida but still frequents the Lakeland music scene. Whether you’re listening to Kenoly’s first album,

Arbitration Based, or on a phone call with the artist on a stormy evening, one thing is clear: she was born to be a musician. When I told her this, Kenoly laughed warmly and joked, “Sometimes I wish I had the mind of a scientist, or I wish I was better at math, but this is what I’m drawn to — so I might as well keep on going.” After viewing her album’s page on Bandcamp, it’s safe to say Kenoly is on the right path: underneath the eight tracks listed, she is credited with “lead vocals, backup vocals, guitar, banjo, piano, and ukulele.” Despite her impressively

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broad range of skills, Kenoly is humble and quick to thank those who have helped her musical journey. The artist’s first supporter: her parents. Though Kenoly’s musical career kicked off in Lakeland, she was born in Oklahoma. She fondly recalls, “When I was a toddler, [my dad] bought me a xylophone and a little keyboard and sang songs with me. My mom sang with us in the car, too — Eagles and old classic rock tunes.” Kenoly’s love of singing continued into elementary school, where she joined choir in fifth grade. She continued to join every year

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until college, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in music. In her teenage years, Kenoly took up the guitar and dabbled with songwriting. “They started out Christian songs, and then I would make up stories and use music to tell them.” At the age of 14, Kenoly started using her musical talent to perform. “In high school, there were a few community events I would perform for. Like, when Hurricane Katrina happened,

I performed for a relief fundraiser. But [in general] I didn’t perform very much.” That changed, however, when Kenoly moved back to Lakeland in 2015. After joining a band, Weather for Strangers, she wrote songs with the band and performed at local bars and restaurants. That being said, the artist’s unique, jazz-infused style began to develop farther away from the muggy heat of Florida — Kenoly first fell in love with jazz when

she studied it for two years at Wichita State University. “Though I forgot a lot of the theory, I still remember really getting into the basic jazz formulas, seventh chords, drawing inspiration from improvisation, and really listening to music as more of a conversation.” Kenoly’s background in jazz, combined with an infusion of folk music (emphasized by her impressive banjo playing) creates a unique sound that captivated the Lakeland

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Follow @noanpartly on Instagram, and don't miss her upcoming performances in Lakeland.

“Are feelings like love just chemical drips in the brain? Will humans destroy ourselves, or can we be saved, and how? Existential questions can be asked in so many ways, so I think that’ll be a point of inspiration for me.”

community upon her return. This distinctive sound is featured in the artist’s debut album, Arbitration Based, which Kenoly released in 2019. The friendly openness of conversation with Kenoly contrasts the raw, cerebral nature of the album’s lyrics. In the opening song, “Together,” Kenoly blends dreamy electric guitar, banjo, and a haunting chorus under velvet vocals that fluctuate from gritty anger to longing and melancholy. The lyrics correspond to the changes in tone, from “I wanna kill everything inside us that

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makes us feel pure,” to “I wanna cry for every ghost I have seen.” The creation of this transcendent album began after Kenoly left Wichita State University and travelled to do some soul-searching. “About half of the songs on Arbitration Based were written from this time period,” Kenoly says. “I learned a lot about myself in that time, and that’s when I started to open up to the existential realities that I would be facing every single day from then on. The other half [of the album] was

written while I was here in Florida, creating roots and really digging further into those questions.” Arbitration Based’s eight tracks cover a kaleidoscope of topics. Folksy “Going West” aches with yearning and soul-searching on a backdrop of banjo and violin, while the bouncy sound of “Shit Talk” complements its tongueand-cheek lyrics. The album, Kenoly explains, is largely based on uncertain areas of life that she grapples with. “I mostly find that the songs I’ve written over the past few years deal with existential questions that I struggle with the answers to, or questions that I don’t think I’ll ever

have the answers to. I guess it’s called Arbitration Based because I’m seeing more and more how everything is subjective and everyone is valid in their own truth, and that [the] declaration of truth is arbitrary in its nature.” Kenoly praises the Lakeland community for helping her fund the album. After creating a Kickstarter to fundraise money, the community came together and raised $3,000 to support her music. “I recorded it at the Vanguard Room, and they gave me a great deal as it was, and [then] the community came through and funded the whole thing. My admiration and appreciation for the

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“I learned a lot about myself in that time, and that’s when I started to open up to the existential realities that I would be facing every single day from then on.”

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PATRICIA KENOLY @noanpartly Available anywhere music can be streamed

Lakeland community is forever ongoing,” she says. The artist currently lives in Tampa and works at a nonprofit organization. While she finds her footing in the Tampa music scene, the artist has a specific goal for her performances. “I’ve been trying to focus more on playing original music,” she says. “It’s really easy to get cover gigs, and cover gigs are the ones that pay, but I’d like to focus my musical performance on original material.” Along with working, Kenoly is planning to go back to school to get a master’s in music therapy. “My goal right now is to walk down the more medicinal

“I use [songwriting] as a tool for connectivity but also very heavily as a tool for expression.”

path of music, but I’ll be performing my whole life.” Although she no longer lives in Lakeland, Kenoly still frequents the Lakeland music scene. “I crave growth, and a good way to find growth is to change the setting,” the artist explains. “But I’ll always be grateful for the support and encouragement [the Lakeland community] showed me, so I’ll always come back.” Kenoly also continues to work on original music. In July she’ll release a single called “Uneasy,” in addition to a music video featuring dancer/ choreographer Dominique McDougal. “After that,” Kenoly says, “I’ve got many,

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many more songs I’d like to record.” Since she first started performing, Kenoly has evolved musically and personally. “People have told me quite a few times that from when I began performing six years ago, my vocal posture has changed, and I use different vocal styles. I’ve also noticed how much more confident I am now than I was back then, with performance and also in my day-to-day interactions with the world. I was a little bit meek and shy, but I feel more ready to face challenges than I did back then, and I feel more open to inviting change.”

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STYLE

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F L OR ID A R A ISE D,

American Made Florida-raised husband-and-wife duo Virginia “Gigi” Burris and Evan O’Hara are growing their fashion brands in New York City with deep connections to Lakeland, both personally and professionally. Written by Sally I. Barceló Photography by Jon Macapodi

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In 74

a world of on-demand conveniences and the notion that faster is better, “craftsmanship” evokes the sense of a bygone era — artisans whose rich skills are passed down from one generation to the next. These techniques are the kind that truly stand the test of time, producing quality goods by skilled tradesmen and women who hone their craft by hand via the old-school methods. Craftsmen and women in the fashion industry, such as Gigi Burris, a milliner, and Evan O’Hara, a leatherworker, are inspired by the beauty in specialty materials, outstanding precision, attention to detail, and remarkable finishes all created by complex techniques. Burris and O’Hara met in New York City, where they both studied fashion. She, a sixth-generation Floridian, grew up in Lakeland and graduated from Lakeland High School. He grew up in Sarasota. Vereda — O’Hara’s luxury line of leathers and garments — retail at Bergdorf and Goodman in New York City, in addition to the atelier’s bespoke orders which cater to a private client base, working directly with the client on custom silhouettes and requests. Burris was honored as one of Forbes 30 under 30 Art and Style List in 2013 and was a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist in 2014. She was nominated for a CFDA Accessories award in 2016 and has garnered a rapidly growing celebrity following, including Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kourtney Kardashian, and Madonna, to name just a few.

Vereda garments and accesories are designed by Evan O’Hara and sewn by hand.

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As a student at Lakeland High School, Burris attended a summer program for rising juniors and seniors where she experienced first-hand what it would be like to attend Parsons School of Design and live in New York City. Following high school graduation, Burris attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and studied abroad in Paris.

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Vereda has created a collection of products that can be made to order, with a range of vivid colors and exotic skins from which to choose.

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“We have made the decision to really invest in our local economy. Slow-craft focused production is a core value and something we’re very proud to not have wavered on.” - GIGI BURRIS

Jeanne Panama Hat $355 www.gigiburris.com

During her time in Paris, Burris visited the old-world mercerie (haberdashery) shops which piqued her interest in millinery. “I fell in love with the idea of craft as opposed to the seasonal fashion cycle. I fell in love with the integrity of ‘making’ and how well respected the concept is in Paris, including the beautiful shops that carry these vintage materials. There was just such a reverence for couture quality there,” she says. After returning to New York City, she was inspired to direct her focus toward high-end, handmade items; therefore, she enrolled in a millinery course at Parsons where she studied under couture milliner Leah Chalfen and then apprenticed with

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Chalfen in her personal studio. In her final year at Parsons, upon completing her thesis, Burris was nominated for the Designer of the Year Award. It was 2009 and difficult to find a job, so Burris worked as a freelance stylist and spent time creating for Gigi Burris Millinery on the side. “I had some amazing press placements and works doing private commissions for stylists,” she says. She officially launched Gigi Burris Millinery in 2012, a couture millinery brand using the most luxurious materials sourced worldwide. “Each of my pieces is hand-blocked in New York City with steam and rope; every hair accessory is

“Vereda is one of the only remaining independent alligator skin operations to work vertically and is proud to produce a luxury line of leathers and garments.” – E VA N O ’ H A R A

handcrafted from start to finish in my studio or with a sewer offsite. We have made the decision to really invest in our local economy. Slow-craft focused production is a core value and something we’re very proud to not have wavered on,” says Burris. Since the launch of Gigi Burris Millinery and her collections, Burris has also collaborated with reputable brands such as Oscar de La Renta, Disney, Star Wars, and W Hotels, to name a few. “Growing up in Central Florida, Disney is a big part of your childhood and young adulthood. Collaborating on a high-end partnership with them was very special and exciting,” says Burris. The Gigi Burris Millinery x Disney collections features classic silhouettes with iconic color palettes and a variety of partnerships which include a Minnie Mouse collection, a Star Wars micro capsule luxury collection, and a Disney collection sold at the Orlando Four Seasons Resort’s designer shop.

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F LO R I DA R A I S E D

In 2015, Burris and O’Hara visited Lakeland where O’Hara asked Burris’ father to take him alligator hunting, an activity encouraged in Florida to control the alligator population. O’Hara noticed that the skins of the hunted alligator were going to waste, unused. “I technically started the [Vereda] brand that year, since processing alligator skins takes about one to two years before you can actually dye it and use it as leather. It’s not something that happens quickly,” say O’Hara. “The process is very fragile, from skinning the alligator to salting it in order to preserve it, every step is extremely important and delicate. If anything goes wrong, the skin becomes unusable.” In 2017, O’Hara officially founded Vereda, a brand that produces luxury leathers and garments from alligator skin, entirely made in the United States and hand-dyed in a wide range of colors. Wild

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American alligator skins are highly sought after for their luxurious natural beauty and timeless feel. “Each of our sustainable and humanely harvested wild American alligator skins are harvested in Lakeland by either myself or my hunting partners. Vereda is one of the only remaining independent alligator skin operations to work vertically and is proud to produce a luxury line of leathers and garments,” says O’Hara. Vereda’s mission is to craft the most exquisite product in the most environmentally harmonious manner, utilizing only sustainable wild skins. With over one million alligators inhabiting Florida, each alligator skin procured by Vereda is humanely harvested for its meat, not solely for its hide. In addition, Vereda has recently launched a contracting service for fellow alligator hunters, with tanned or raw leathers ready for customization. From jackets and couture garments for men and women, to decorative pillows, handbags, and furniture pieces, these are all within Vereda’s scope of work, offering a range of custom colors and handpainted patina finishes.

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T H E DY N A M I C D U O

The husband-and-wife team have found success in the fashion industry with core values that anchor both Vereda and Gigi Burris Millinery. Devoted to producing American-made products that are sustainable and maintaining true integrity to craftsmanship; their brands continue to leave a mark in the fashion industry. Today, situated on the fifth floor of a building on Canal Street in New York City’s Chinatown, the creative space — large, light-filled with character — is where the couple shares a design studio to run both their brands. “We love collaborating and working out of the same space, problem solving together,” says Burris. “We’ve also created unique opportunities and products that combine both of our brands and offerings, ”adds O’Hara. From custom alligator leather hats to beautiful, hand-sculpted alligator flowers, opportunities to combine their craft are special and give customers a plethora of options to customize one-of-a-kind pieces they will cherish forever.

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CULTURE

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EMERGING PIANISTS

Written and Photographed by Jordan Randall

Pianist Robert Fleitz showcases the power of music through an immersive festival experience in Lakeland.

ou can say a lot of things about the city of Lakeland but never that it lacks culture. That’s mostly due to artists like Robert Fleitz, a pianist and Lakeland native. Fleitz has studied piano and taken his talent to venues all over the world. He’s seen the magic that music, especially through the piano, can bring into the lives of people of all ages. Now, Fleitz is aiming to bring a bit of that magic back here to Lakeland, through the very first Swan City Piano Festival. In 2011, Fleitz graduated from Harrison School for the Arts and went on to earn both

his bachelor’s and master’s degree from The Juilliard School in New York City. Today, Fleitz has his sights on creating an event that could help inspire other pianists and artists. “It’s a celebration of pianists and piano literature that brings together really aesthetically diverse pianists from all over the country (and hopefully someday beyond) to build on Lakeland’s already vibrant art scene through piano playing.” The festival gives Fleitz a chance to collaborate with other artists he’s both encountered and admired over the years. “I don’t really get to play or collaborate with other pianists too often. So, this is my chance to showcase

some amazing artists who I love and otherwise haven’t gotten the chance to collaborate with artistically. I’m mostly a performer, but I also just love getting to share other people’s work and amplify other performers. Any chance in which I get to do that is an exciting opportunity.” In the middle of our conversation, Fleitz remarked that “Lakeland is an exciting place to start something.” And it’s true. Lakeland is a city that embraces artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers of all ages. There is a potential in this city to do better, be better, and make better. In fact, Fleitz credits his time at Harrison School for the Arts in Lakeland as a big contributor in getting him to where he is today. “I had a really wonderful time at Harrison. I loved being there and have really fond memories of that time. It's so special that we have a place like that in Lakeland, a place that's dedicated to art for high school students. It was

“ I H A D A R E A L LY W O N D E R F U L T I M E AT H A R R I S O N . I L O V E D B E I N G T H E R E A N D H A V E R E A L LY F O N D M E M O R I E S O F T H AT T I M E . I T ’ S S O S P EC I A L T H AT W E H AV E A P L AC E L I K E T H AT I N L A K E L A N D, A P L AC E T H AT ’ S D E DICAT E D TO A RT F O R H I G H S C H O O L S T U D E N T S .”

As a pianist and composer, Robert Fleitz performs, commissions, and writes music to curate evocative experiences for audiences.

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Fleitz has been recognized by industry professionals and received recognition as a “fine soloist” by The New York Times.

because I was a student there that it was possible for me to get where I am today. I had a lot of help and support [at Harrison]. I just remember being so inspired, getting to see dancers and actors and all artists doing their thing. It was really exciting.” After his time at Harrison, Fleitz moved to New York City to study at The Juilliard School, who’s notable alumni include the likes

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of Viola Davis, Robin Williams, and Patti LuPone. The jump from Lakeland to “The City That Never Sleeps” is a pretty big leap, but it’s one Fleitz found both motivating and inspiring. “Moving to New York was really eye opening in very important ways. That juxtaposition of being alone but alone with millions of other people is amazing, and it just has this type of energy that can accelerate an

Fleitz received a 2021 Pro Musicis International Award which includes a concert date on October 18 at Weill Hall, located within the Carnegie Hall complex in New York City.

idea or a path you’ve cultivated for yourself. Of course, sometimes I need to step outside of that rushed pace. But, for me, the distance between the two polarities in the juxtaposition is where I get the most inspiration. When there’s that clash between two impulses, that’s where I’m the most inspired.” All that inspiration for Fleitz comes from not only the city, but from teaching. Before the Swan City Piano Festival, he taught piano for the New York Philharmonic Education Department for several years. “Teaching has been really

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wonderful, interesting, and informative. Especially with my work with the New York Philharmonic, which is in a classroom setting, so I was interacting with a lot of students who otherwise don’t have much musical training. It was interesting to work with them because it reminded me of what was important. I’ve been a part of such a rigorous music program and course study for so many years that having an opportunity to hear what somebody else hears … [ I get to experience] their genuine reactions to music, and it has

“ I T ’ S A C E L E B R AT IO N O F P I A N I S T S A N D P I A N O L I T E R AT U R E T H AT B R I N G S T O G E T H E R R E A L LY A E S T H E T I C A L LY D I V E R S E P I A N I S T S F R O M A L L O V E R T H E C O U N T R Y ( A N D H O P E F U L LY S O M E DAY B E YO N D) TO B U I L D O N L A K E L A N D ’ S A L R E A DY V I B R A N T A R T S C E N E T H R O U G H P I A N O P L A Y I N G .”

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this award propelled the piano festival into reality, but also it has given Fleitz the opportunity to perform in Weill Hall, which is a part of the famous Carnegie Hall, in October 2021. The Swan City Piano Festival is for people of all ages, but nothing compares to getting an early introduction to the arts. When reflecting on what a festival like this would have meant to him as a young kid, Fleitz says, “Getting a chance to see the possibilities of piano would have been so inspiring and exciting. To know that I lived in a place that valued that, would have been so cool.” It’s hard not to get choked up thinking about the impact a festival like this could have on a city like Lakeland. After an isolating year like our last, with so much of the arts shutting down and going idle, just

“ L A K E L A N D I S A N E X C I T I N G P L A C E T O S T A R T S O M E T H I N G .”

provided me with so much information on how classical music exists out there in the world and the kind of legacy it carries.” The legacy of classical music and the power of the piano will continue to be showcased through the Swan City Piano Festival, taking place every year in Lakeland. The festival is made possible due to both Robert and his dad, Patrick Fleitz, who was Robert’s music teacher for nearly 10 years. Robert was also the recipient of the 2021 Pro Musicis International Award. The award is an annual prize that recognizes young artists for both their skillset and their engagement in music education and outreach. Not only has

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to see the lights on in a recital hall is enough to well up some tears. But to be amongst other artists, listening, learning, and drawing inspiration, that is what we’ve been waiting for. To experience art, sure, but to experience it together. “Piano is a very solitary instrument,” says Fleitz. “I’m playing solo most of the time. Especially in the last year with Covid, I’ve been playing a lot more solo recitals and preparing for the future. There’s just been a lot of time alone with my instrument. Which can be good, it’s nice to have that refuge. But it’s especially nice to have this opportunity that’s about bringing other people into the piano community and expanding outward.”

ROBERT FLEITZ | ROBERTFLEITZ.COM

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BUSINESS

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LIVE FROM LAKELAND

Written by

Adam Spafford Photography by

Sally I. Barceló

and Dan Austin

Lakeland’s top live music venues, their offerings, and everything you need to know to snag tickets for the next show!

live music strikes a chord with you, then the steady beat of Lakeland’s new venues is noteworthy. Our city has long been able to boast remarkably talented musicians, some who have toured the world and some who the world still needs to hear. Fortunately, it sounds like Lakeland is on the cusp of a golden age of live music with so many ways to experience — and create it — right in the heart of downtown. It’s not just musicians and music lovers that benefit; a thriving arts community creates inspiration for the whole

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city, bringing people from all walks of life together. And these venues are attracting musical artists from outside of Lakeland, too, allowing broader exposure for both players and listeners. Musical events are simply great places to reconnect with one another as we emerge from a long, strange year. So, whether you love the traditional concert experience of crowd and stage or you prefer to listen while enjoying delicious food truck fare and craft beer, wine, and cocktails, there’s a Lakeland establishment that can set the right tone.

UNION HALL 1023 S. Florida Avenue • www.unionhallevents.com

Union Hall opened in Dixieland in 2019 to attract both local and national artists to Lakeland and provide a cool place to hear them. Its founders include a professional musician, and it’s clear that creating a venue enjoyable to both performer and listener is the top priority. Hang out inside near the stage and bar or relax outside on the patio. Union Hall is also a wonderful place to hold private, corporate, and promotional events; and weddings and receptions.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L H E A R Live music at least three nights a week from blues guitar musicians such as Damon Fowler and Alex Lopez Express to country, as well as Open Mic Nights and themed nights.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L E AT Lakeland’s own Good Thyme, a stone’s throw from Union Hall, provides some of its classic dishes as well as some Union Hall specials like pub burgers, pokey bowls, meatloaf wraps, and there’s always something new and delicious. Be on the lookout for Good Thyme’s brand-new food truck outside Union Hall soon!

W H AT Y O U ’ L L D R I N K Craft beers, wine, full liquor, and nonalcoholic options from the 22-foot long bar and a slushie machine

FOR MUSICIANS Union Hall is equipped with professional sound and lighting systems and a large projector and screen. For music booking inquiries, email bookunionhall@gmail.com.

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T H E YA R D O N M ASS 802 N. Massachusetts Avenue • www.theyardonmass.com

Inspired by a successful craft beer establishment and food truck park in Colorado, The Yard on Mass provides live music, food, drinks, and family-friendly spaces (including the dog!) with a laid-back vibe. The Yard’s founders partnered with Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to identify its location and the result was a beautifully revitalized area. An indoor space holds 85 people while the outside performance space accommodates about 250 listeners.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L H E A R Around 12 musical events per month — both indoors and outdoors — ranging from cover bands on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays to original music once or twice a month. The outdoor space features an elevated platform that creates a natural amphitheater. Tables and chairs are provided but patrons are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L E AT Food from a rotating lineup of great food trucks such as Mary Jane’s Burgers, Rockstar Lobster, Cuban B’s Burgers and Bakes, and many more

W H AT Y O U ’ L L D R I N K Craft beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic options

FOR MUSICIANS Musicians generally supply their own gear, but The Yard can help if needed. One of its co-founders also being a part-time musician means The Yard knows it’s important to make it easy to play, ensure payment without trouble, and to provide a tab. Musicians give great feedback on the natural outdoor space and the reasonable performance hours of 7-10 in the evenings and Sunday afternoons.

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SWAN BREWING 115 W. Pine Street • www.swanbrewing.com

Swan Brewing’s frequent music events augment the incredible beers crafted with the founders’ 40 years of combined brewing experience and the beautiful atmosphere of Lake Wire. This family- and pet-friendly gem is open seven days a week, so you’ll always have a fun place to hang out, eat, drink, and listen. If you can’t make it downtown, be sure to visit Swan Brewing – South at 2972 Lakeland Highlands Road.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L E AT Food truck deliciousness from Smokin’ Chanchos, Breezy Easy Bistro, La Palapa Time, and many more

W H AT Y O U ’ L L D R I N K Swan Brewing can boast 30 taps and two dedicated Nitro lines as it brings its own brews such as Straight Outta Lakeland IPA and Lakeside Citrus Wheat as well as great beers from around the country to thirsty patrons.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L H E A R Live music nearly every night from the likes of Carly Tefft; classic rock from Sixx L Sixx; and the beachy, laid-back sounds of John Frinzi, among many others

FOR MUSICIANS Visit www.swanbrewing.com > Contact Us > Perform Music @ Swan

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Originally created as a video studio for a live audience, LKLDLive is now a non-profit theater with a mission to bring incredible live music and events to downtown Lakeland. Keep up to date with LKLDLive’s events by checking its website calendar and Facebook page, and consider becoming a donor to ensure local artists of all types continue to have this great place to perform.

W H AT Y O U ’ L L H E A R A wide variety of music from high school-aged bands and classically trained professionals to musical tribute bands such as Allman Brothers cover band Steeln’ Peaches and local artists

W H AT Y O U ’ L L D R I N K Beer, wine, basic liquor, and non-alcoholic options

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FOR MUSICIANS: LKLDLive provides a sound system tuned to the room for optimal audio quality, a house sound mixer upstairs on the cat-walk, and a lighting system for the stage and room. Bands usually have such a good time that they play several encore songs, and musicians’ feedback is quite positive. For bookings, check out LKLDLive’s Facebook or Instagram pages or email sales@lkldlive.com.

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EVENTS

FO R THE LOVE O F

CARS

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Car culture has been a part of American culture since the 1950s, and on the first Saturday morning of every month, car enthusiasts gather in Lakeland to keep that tradition alive. Written by Sally I. Barceló Photography by Jason Stephens

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Lamborghini Huracan

an outsider, a car show TO might seem redundant. The automobile is simply a means to an end, a necessary tool to get from point A to point B. To others, a car show is a way to gather, admire other vehicles,

and exchange stories with their owners. They are exhibitions and appreciation of the present, past, and future, while enthusiasts spend hours in conversation and showing off their own vehicle. These events are often celebrations of the camaraderie and stories that owning a vehicle brings.

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Ten years ago, Walt Engle, Gene Conrad, and Steve Hurley got together and decided to create a space for all types of car enthusiasts to gather and enjoy a shared experience around cars. That space is now known as Lakeland Cars and Coffee. The concept of a car show is fairly

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simple, and the execution is streamlined: a group of local car enthusiasts gather in a parking lot with their favorite rides. In this case, they gather the first Saturday morning of every month with coffee in hand. Whether you enjoy the classics like a Cobra — one of America’s top racing hot rods — or rare custom collectibles like an Underground Racing

Lamborghini, enthusiasts of all types of vehicles can stroll and find something to admire at the monthly event Lakeland Cars and Coffee. “Whether you know everything there is to know about the mechanics of a car, you want to show off your own car, or you just admire everything there is about automobiles, then this is the Saturday morning for you. At Lakeland Cars

“At Lakeland Cars and Coffee, all cars are welcome — from classic cars to supercars, modern cars, or just the car that you are personally proud of.”

Walt Engle's 1964 Shelby Cobra 289, selfbuilt replica

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Classic Chevrolet Corvette

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Lakeland Cars and Coffee 1st Saturday of the month | 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. 3900 Don Emerson Drive, Lakeland, FL

and Coffee, all cars are welcome — from classic cars to supercars, modern cars, or just the car that you are personally proud of,” says Engle. Originally, Engle planned to get the event up and running and eventually pass the torch, but now, 10 years later, he is still connecting with old friends and meeting new car enthusiasts every Saturday and sharing with them his own stories and passion for cars. Car show gatherings are a staple in the American culture, and they happen in every city across the nation. Car meetups like these have been taking place since the late 19th century when automobiles first became

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popular in the U.S. Not long after, driving enthusiasts started formal clubs to share their love of cars and advocate for better roads. Then, car clubs really took off in the postwar America of the 1950s and 1960s. For example, car lovers launched the Vintage Sports Car Club of America in 1958 to meet and share their passion for classic vehicles. Throughout the decades, what has made these events

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special is the simple fact that everyone in attendance has a unique love and admiration for different vehicles. And Lakeland’s car culture is ever growing. Families, friends, and young and old couples are welcome to stroll through the parking lot at Lakeland Linder International Airport to take photos, enjoy coffee, and admire one another’s cars the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

2021 LINEUP –

–

Purchase Tickets at unionhallevents.com

NEW MADRID AUGUST 21 • SEXBRUISE? AUGUST 28 • LET’S RIDE SEPTEMBER 17 • STEVIE NIX EXPERIENCE (FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE) SEPTEMBER 25 • BRANDON MILLER OCTOBER 9 • COMPLETELY UNCHAINED (VAN HALEN TRIBUTE) OCTOBER 15 • JB STRAUSS OCTOBER 16 • TL JENTGENS OCTOBER 22 • RUNAWAY GIN (PHISH TRIBUTE) DECEMBER 3 & 4 • JD SIMO & GA-20 DOUBLE FEATURE JANUARY 22

1023 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803 • @unionhallevents Q E I SS U E 6 6

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL/NATURAL GAS | LP/APPLIANCES-PIPING-REPAIRS

Lakeland’s Fire Protection Company. We love Lakeland. We are active in, and supportive of our local community.

863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

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LAKELAND SERVICE SPECIAL Call or Text 863-606-6352 info@boremfire.com • BoremFire.com

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

Marshall Jewelers New Location! 2058 E Edgewood Dr | Lakeland, Fl 33803

863.682.4725

• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

marshalljewelerslakeland.com

Save a Life!

Adopt • Foster • Volunteer • Donate

You can be their hero and make a difference to pets in need. Together, we shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, heal the wounded, and give a voice to those who have none. Visit www.spcaflorida.org to see pets looking for loving families, and get more information on how to help.

www.spcaflorida.org • 863-646-7722 • 5850 Brannen Rd S, Lakeland FL

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HISTORY

Lakeland musician Philip Munafo teaches a class to a group of young, would-be violinists. 1954 Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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TH E L A K E L A N D E R

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Defining the future of your family. A good pediatrician is like a trusted member of your family. Watson Clinic offers appointments with board-certified pediatricians and a compassionate nursing team at four convenient locations. They’re even on staff at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in case your child ever needs hospital care. From regular checkups to the latest advancements in disease prevention, Watson Clinic’s Pediatric department is dedicated to keeping your child active and healthy.

We may be turning 80 this year, but we’re just getting started.

For all your Pediatric needs, call or visit WatsonClinic.com/Pediatrics.

Highlands

2300 E. County Rd. 540A South Lakeland

863-607-3346

North Pediatrics

1430 Lakeland Hills Blvd. North Lakeland

863-680-7337

Plant City

615 E. Alexander Street Plant City

813-719-2500

South

1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. South Lakeland

863-647-8012