I have some news to share.
But before you ask “Who the heck are you and how did you get into my inbox?!” Don’t worry it’s just me, ClickO author Sam DunneHarbinger of local arts and entertainment updates and TV show bingers from (recently) The Bear and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Okay, now that we’ve met again…
I’m leaving News 6.
But wait! I can explain (I just had to rip off the patch first).
Although it was a bittersweet decision to leave the job that in so many ways has taught and given me so much – and an absolute PLEASURE to share my love of art with you all and to cover the concerts, plays and exhibitions in Central Florida – I recently got the opportunity to become a Part this world.
I’ll be leaving in July to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which is…confusing to me in the best way. I wouldn’t say it’s a big breakthrough deal, but there is potential for something more.
Because although news is a great passion of mine, it’s not my first love. That means writing and performing… and tackling a stifling, demanding and never-ending cycle of hourly service jobs in a frantic pursuit of realizing that wild dream (I hope not, but… Let’s be honest, shall we? While we’re at it Here I would be remiss if I did not say: Support your authors!)
And to be the best people we can — for ourselves and for others — I think we need to try to honor what’s in our hearts.
That being said, I will miss that (very very much), hence my love letter to you. If you had told me that I would get thousands of you amazing entertainment lovers to read my newsletter every two weeks, I would have bet you a million dollars, that’s not true. And you could have become a millionaire. Sympathy.
We’re going to have one last installment of Setting the Stage after this one, so I better make it memorable and stop talking, what would be unforgettable because that would be a first for me (I just have a lot to say, okay?).
*SparkNotes version: I’m going, but the Central Florida art scene isn’t. Let’s see what’s up.
He’s not a fool 🎤
Legendary stand-up comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will take the Melbourne stage for the first time later this year.
Well, I’m not all that familiar with his work, but he’s received enough awards in his career to convince me that he knows what he’s doing, unlike the oafs he shares the stage with.
To find out when you can catch his Still Not Canceled tour and how to get tickets, Click here.
Rock the boat 🤘
Don’t overturn the boat as it is about to embark on the seven rocky seas.
The five-day, five-night Monsters of Rock cruise departs from the Port of Miami and sails to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas with performances by over 30 rock ‘n’ roll artists.
And you can hang out with the musicians, play karaoke, cook meals and paint together.
Find out when it starts and which rockers will be on board Here.
Questions and answers for a closer look: See the stars ✨
Live music is one of the best things in the world. I know… I’m beating the drum again.
But this time I’m not alone. I have a whole orchestra behind me. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to be exact. And it just celebrated its 30th anniversary!
News 6 Riff on This presenter Samara Cokinos sat down with founding board member and horn player Mark Fischer and second clarinetist Seok Hee Jang to discuss how the musical ensemble has evolved over the years and take a look at its future throw (Note: It may be a kind of “carnival of the animals”.… If you know, you know.) The speech also follows that Manager resigns.
Would you like to know what to expect from the orchestra this season and next? Then watch the interview Here.
More music, movies and mayhem near you 🎶📽️🤯
🎹 I’m a bit of a screamer, but this video might even move a mountain. A security manager at a Melbourne hospital was filmed on camera playing the piano for a dying patient. The patient’s family, who had donated this exact piano to the hospital years ago, wanted to say a warm goodbye to them. And Health First employee Wilson Soto more as obliged. Experience the beautiful moment yourself.
🎨 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love seeing how art can make the world a better place. It’s so incredible that something as simple as painting can help heal trauma or connect a community. It proves that creativity is more than just a hobby. It can be a ointment. read all about it how a local veteran uses cast painting to help his fellow veterans.
🎭 Up here it’s all about getting creative. Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy, a group known for nurturing and highlighting local black talent, is hosting an exhibit at the new Fringe ArtSpace in downtown Orlando. The Kuumba Talent Showcase will feature black artists from across the Central Florida community. But what does Kuumba mean and what can I expect? I’m so glad you asked. You will find all the answers you are looking for Here.
Credits 🎬
Thank you for staying here to learn about the latest artistic projects bringing Central Florida to life!
If you have something you would like to learn more about, or if you are or know an artist who has an upcoming project that you would like to shine the spotlight on, please email me, Sam Dunne, at sdunne@wkmg.com.
Don’t worry, I don’t bite. Just sing and dance.
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