Hi friends from the ether(net)! ClickO writer Sam here to bring you a Mad Libs (remember those?) of sorts to round out the week.
“My Week”
This has been a/an (adjective) week where I was (verb ending in “ing”) around (place). I (verb past tense) until (time) and was grateful to hang out with my (adjective), (adjective) friends. We watched (TV show), traveled to see (name of favorite celebrity/play/musical) and even decided to paint a picture of (noun). It was (adjective)!
Weird premise for a newsletter opening aside, sometimes life is a lot and art is often a tried and true coping mechanism when we’re navigating the heights of human emotion.
It finds the words for us in our speechless moments and reflects our most intimate, innermost thoughts. It’s that glint of passion in the darkness and bit of magic that stirs the soul. It opens our eyes to new perspectives and uncovers buried feelings we didn’t know we carried.
So, if you’re in desperate need of some great art to salve the soul, look no further. ⬇️
A Good M(u)ral Compass 🧭
(Delia Miller)
Kids are so damn inspiring.
You’re saying this 19-year-old paints murals depicting important parts of Black history around Central Florida, plays jazz piano, AND is getting her pilot’s license?
I want to be Delia Miller when I grow up.
She’s living proof that kids these days are making a remarkable difference and we could learn a thing or two from them. So often in life, I don’t think us adults listen closely enough to what young people are saying and doing when they are the key to building a better world and often know so much more than we give them credit for.
(Apologies, I used to be a teacher—can ya tell?—so the educator in me is coming out.)
You can find Miller’s murals all over popular parts of Apopka and Orlando and even on a certain soccer stadium. Embark on an art scavenger hunt and find the exact locations here.
Closer Look Q&A: See the Stars ✨
(Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
You know Beyoncé, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, but do you know the woman who inspired them all?
She was the first international Black superstar. A force who fought Nazis as a spy during World War II and segregation as an activist in the U.S. She adopted 12 children and starred in major motion pictures.
She was Josephine Baker.
And Orlando actress Tymisha Harris is bringing her story to life on stage.
Find all the details here.
More Music, Movies and Mayhem Near You 🎶📽️🤯
(Sanford Porchfest)
🪕I hear porches are the new stadiums. At least, that’s the case in Sanford, where the city is holding its annual Porchfest, a free music event featuring over 70 bands, on Saturday. Discover more here.
🍓 How do you like your strawberries? I personally eat mine with a sprinkle of live music in the background ‘cause I’m weird like that. If you’re like me (and if you are, my sincerest condolences), you might enjoy the Florida Strawberry Festival—everyone from Chris Young to Willie Nelson and more will be there. Who’s “and more?” Find out here.
👩🎤 Ain’t it fun? Living in Orlando. This is why: So many cool American rock bands make their way to the Amway Center, including one coming in June. And I’ve been dropping hints so you can decode who it is. Out of guesses? Click here.
🕺🏿 MAC Boys Entertainment puts the MAC in “Mackossa.” These movers and shakers are moving and shaking into the last show of their inaugural season. The production is centered on the evolution of African dance and style. And this is the last weekend to catch it. Find out more here.
End Credits 🎬
Thanks for sticking around to hear about the latest arts endeavors bringing Central Florida to life!
If you have anything you would like to hear more about or if you’re an artist or know an artist that has an upcoming project you want to see shimmer in the spotlight, please email me, Sam Dunne, at [email protected]
Don’t worry, I don’t bite. Only sing and dance.
Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.