BRINK

Event Listing: Mid Florida Bike MS: The Citrus Tour 2012
Join the National MS Society, Mid Florida Chapter for their annual two-day 150 mile Bike MS Citrus Tour. The ride begins April 21 at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and travels through Central Florida to the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. On April 22, the route reverses. Course options include 50, 75 and 100 mile routes. The tour is open to both individual and team participants. Registration is 6 a.m. Ride kicks off at 7 a.m.
Date: Saturday, April 21 - Sunday, April 22, 2012Start Time: 6:00 a.m.Location: Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd. Lake Wales, FL 33853Registration (required or not): YESCost: Fee increases starting Jan. 3 — Individual registration: $45. Team registration is $35. Cyclists required to raise minimum donations of $250Contact Name: Cody YerianContact Email: cody.yerian@nmss.orgURL: http://Bikeflc.nationalmssociety.org

Sun, 15th Apr — 0 notes

Mon, 20th Feb — 1 note

Eat Like A King or Queen? Summer Palace It Is!
It’s always good to hear of new places to try and today we share a fab spot in Florida’s East Orlando and Windermere areas. Summer Palace, established in Windermere in 2005 and the East Orlando location in 2007, offers both exquisite sushi and savory Chinese cuisine. This is the place to indulge in for your next evening out.
As soon as a guest walks in the door they are greeted with warmth and friendliness and immediately you know you’re off to a fantastic start. As manager of the Waterford Lakes location in East Orlando, Vivian Ho puts it, “I used to eat out a lot. A restaurant with good food but bad service never worked for me. I make sure those bad service scenarios won’t happen in my restaurant.”
A restaurant veteran with 15 years of service, Vivian and her staff execute this extremely well. You will feel like you’ve known everyone forever. Once you’ve said your name once, you will be remembered and greeted by name your next visit. With the economy as it is, that says so much. It’s a privilege to go out and many have higher expectations because of this. You will certainly feel pleased with your choice of Summer Palace. Now, the service is fabulous but the food??? Maybe you’d like the number now because you will desire an order immediately…
Whether you choose sushi or Chinese for your lunch or dinner, you will be full, satisfied and anticipating your next meal already! Top quality food and the freshest ingredients combine to bring your taste palette to new levels. I personally alternate between both options and let me tell you, it is a tough decision each time. Some of my all-time favorites are the Golden JB Roll, the Rock n’ Roll and when I’m craving Chinese I go for Chicken with Vegetables in a Sesame sauce or Shrimp and Vegetable Lo Mein. Excuse me, where is my phone? I need to place an order…
Some of the dishes added to the Waterford Lakes menu like the Bang Bang Shrimp, Chicken Lettuce Wrap, Volcano Roll, and Pina Colada Roll are all exceptional choices as well, each showcasing the evolution of their menu. One can only hope this growth transcends into yet another location so even more folks can enjoy both amazing food and over the top service.
Check the menu to try your new favorite and access info for both locations here: http://www.mysummerpalace.com/
- Megan Hyde
Photo via Yelp.com

Mon, 9th Jan — 5 notes

Orange You Glad Music Festival Returns
Four-day Festival in Orlando, Florida, March 8-11
Orlando residents have seen the rise of the “Orange You Glad” music festival over the past couple years. The sweet little festival is garnering more attention and this year seems to be no exception. All the info is below and be sure to check back with BRINK in March for an update on the fest.

The evolving, thoughtful Orange You Glad Music Festival has taken different forms since its inception in 2009, but each incarnation maintained the same unwavering devotion to celebrating what is freshest in Orlando’s music scene. And that meant staging the event on only the city’s culturally richest soils. What event organizers Tierney Tough and Chris Anderson have cultivated for the 2012 Orange You Glad Music Festival represents the greatest expansion of Orlando’s most inspired local event yet.  Each day of the festival will transport concertgoers to a different area of the city, meaning you’re not only sampling the sounds of more than 60 national, and local acts, but you’re also enjoying a taste of each of Orlando’s finest venues, rotating between concert halls, pubs, coffee shops, record stores and more. Featuring music headliner Cults, performing their critically-acclaimed, self-titled debut, comedy headliner Everything Is Terrible!, touring with a new show and full-length film, and notable local and regional acts Jane Jane Pollock, Saskatchewan, and Great Deceivers, Orange You Glad, in its quirky, reverent way, concocts a perfect mash-up of what’s relevant to Orlando show-goers at an affordable price. In addition, vendors, artists and food trucks will populate the parking lots for between-show action and enticements.

BANDS CULTS, EVERYTHING IS TERRIBLE!, GRIMES, MOODRINGS, JANE JANE POLLACK, BORN GOLD,Saskatchewan, Great Deceivers, Go Rydell, How Dare You, Hear Hums, Basements of Florida, Mr. Pussy, The Pauses, Flashlights, Larf, Wet Nurse, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Maximino, Loud Valley, and many more!
VENUES Plaza Live, Backbooth, Will’s Pub, Park Ave CD’s, Wally’s, Stardust Coffee & Video, Peacock Room, Uncle Lou’s, Lil’ Indies, and more TICKETS March 7 Pre-Party with Grimes, Born Gold at Backbooth$8-10 tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/72051/ Festival Passes On Sale Fri 12/16 at 10:00 am EST through Ticketfly.com & Park Ave CD’s

$25 Weekend Pass (valid March 8-11)
Individual Day Passes

Tue, 3rd Jan — 7 notes

Review: Stay-Cation at Rosen Shingle Creek
This past weekend BRINK had the opportunity to check our Rosen Shingle Creek resort for one night and indulge in what the luxurious and sprawling resort has to offer. Having BRINK based out of Orlando has its perks and this complimentary night’s stay was at the top of the list. Here’s a recap of the one night “staycation.” But first, how did this special offer get into our hands? Well listen up locals, because this involves you.
From December 9th until this Friday, December 23rd, Rosen is offering unprecedented rates at its three luxury properties. Here’s the run-down:

The seven Orlando Rosen Hotels are extending a warm welcome with their hottest rates of the year good for travel from Dec. 9 – 23, 2011. An unprecedented $59.99 is available at the three luxury properties — Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Centre and Rosen Plaza. While a $45.99 rate is offered at the four leisure hotels featuring recently completed floor to ceiling/lobby to guest room multi-million dollar refurbishments – Quality Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista.

Rosen Shingle Creek has a vast amount of property and there is plenty to do inside the walls of the resort. From basketball/tennis courts and fitness centers to numerous restaurants and activities, Rosen Shingle Creek had me racing from one end to the other to ensure I could get everything into my “schedule.”
After utilizing valet to park my car, I entered the resort to quite a bit of commotion and activity. Santa Claus had children on his lap whispering their Christmas wishes into his ear, performers were on a nearby stage belting out Christmas songs and hundreds of visitors were mulling about the ginormous lobby area talking, laughing and relaxing in the many places to have a seat. I walked over to reception and checked in without any trouble. It must’ve take three-five minutes and I barely had to say anything besides, “please” and “thank you.”
I walked up to my room on the 14th floor and it was very nice. Normal size for a hotel room, but the quality of everything from the sheets to the toiletries was on higher level. I put my things down and looked over a welcome note addressed to me (nice touch Rosen). The note was appreciative of my attendance and mentioned a few VIP complimentary services (I was VIP!) that would be located in the lounge a few doors down from my room. At the time I arrived there was an “appetizer” hour followed by “dessert” hour later that night and then a light continental breakfast in the morning. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I quickly went to the appetizer hour to check out what was happening.
As I walked in I was greeted by two wonderful staff members. I believe their names were Denise and Elaine. When I asked what the food was (set up buffet style), Denise chimed in and both ladies were nothing short of gracious and pleasant. I devoured some artichoke/cheese bites and mini pizzas and decided that I would be back for dessert a few hours later. I bid adieu to Denise and Elaine and made my way to the exit. I retreated back to my room to grab my map of the hotel so I could explore a bit before dinner.
As I left my room I made my way to the lobby and lower lobby floors. I encountered the game room which was as fun and exciting as you can imagine, fitness and spa which I’d decided I would be at later and made my way to the other end of the hotel. I passed a couple restaurants that looked delightful and I soon stumbled upon the market. The market had everything - truly a min-grocer. There were also “food court” counters for sandwiches, salads and Häagen-Dazs ice creams. I didn’t need anything, so I took a mental inventory in case I needed to come back later and exited through the glass doors to walk around outside for a bit.
There were three beautiful pools and accompanying pool areas and gardens. A few kids were in the pool playing and screaming and having a genuinely good time. There was a small group of 30-somethings at the bar near the “quiet pool” enjoying beer, wine and cocktails. I passed a woman sitting at a table by herself, just enjoying a smoke and the evening on her own terms. I made my way back inside ready to check out one of the restaurants.
There were many choices (more than eight eateries/restaurants), but I chose to go with Banrai Sushi. There were only two people at the sushi bar, but I took a table near the window. My waitress (Marian, I believe), was once again nothing short of pleasant and gracious. I ordered some sashimi and maki and it came very fast. It was de-lic-ious. The sushi was super fresh and quite large. It was a bit expensive ($16.95 for the six piece maki, $7 for the two piece sashimi), but I think we’ve all come to understand that when we’re eating at the hotel we know the price is going to be inflated. I quickly wolfed that down, paid my tab and went about my night.
Back at my room, I decided I was going to give it 45 minutes and head to the fitness center for a run. After making a few phone calls and sending a few emails, I changed and made my way down to the lobby to go to the fitness center.
To get to the fitness center, one must enter through the spa, so that’s exactly what I did and guess what….I was greeted by another wonderful Rosen staff member. I missed her name, but the attractive young lady (brown wavy long hair) had me fill out a waiver and I went downstairs to one of the treadmills.
This fitness center was one of the best I’ve ever been at for a hotel. Actually, it was probably the best. This fitness center was completely up to date, had state of the art equipment, was very clean and just waiting for people to use their machines. Unfortunately for the machines, only three people including myself were using them. Bottled water was available as a courtesy near the stairwell and a fresh rolled up towel was in each treadmills cup holder. I ran my five miles (okay, okay, 1.5 miles) and looked up at the clock. It was 10:00! Dessert hour is ending soon! I hightailed it up to my room, changed back into my day clothes and bolted back to the lounge.
When I entered Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory the lounge there were several different types of individual sized desserts just waiting to be consumed. Red velvet cakes, java mouse cakes, tasty cookies, biscotti and oodles more. I grabbed two desserts about six desserts and ate them…and then went up for three more. Once again, Denise was there and we chatted a bit and she made me feel very comfortable and welcomed – even with nine dessert cups in front of my face. I finished up, grabbed some decaf and Denise said, “thanks for coming by, happy holidays!” and I wished her the same. I walked the few steps to my room and got ready for the night.
I went to bed, rose the next morning and began the checkout process which was quite simple. I checked out via my television, packed my belongings and made my way to valet to pick up my car.
If I only took one memory from this experience, it would be the service at Rosen Shingle Creek. Everyone was friendly, hospitably and personable. I’m at the point in society where I can’t understand the sales members that don’t speak up and are so socially inept and introverted that they just look at you - especially when I’m crying out for their help on my dazed and confused face. This was such a wonderful experience and I hope that as many people that read this can take a night for themselves and stay at Rosen Shingle Creek.

To book a stay, visit http://www.orlandohotels4less.com/gift

- Kyle M Menard

Mon, 19th Dec — 11 notes

Amy LaVere at The Social
Our friends at The Social in Downtown Orlando are happy to welcome Amy LaVere to the stage on December 8th. Here is a coffee break moment to get to know more about this rising independent music artist.
Amy LaVere’s newest album, Stranger Me, is a melodic concoction of blues, a hint of folk and lyrics of a broken heart. While Stranger Me may intrigue you from start to finish, the stories behind the heartache album of the year are just as interesting as the woman singing them.
Amy LaVere has been making music since 2005, while maintaining an acting career. (You may recognize her from Walk the Line and Hustle and Flo). In 2009, it was blow after blow for Amy’s music endeavors when her producer Jim Dickinson died followed by two of her bandmates leaving (one of which was her longtime boyfriend). Despite everything, she used the creative process to make an album that critics are raving about for its raw honesty and portrayal of human emotion.
“The creative process stirs things up and often makes things worse at first. I suppose by looking at things real hard, you can sort them out clearer,” she said.
Even though Amy is busy touring and promoting Stranger Me, she manages to continue to act and collaborate with other artists, like Luther Dickinson, Shannon McNally, Valerie June and Sharde Thomas.
Check out Amy’s Web page for a few songs you can look forward to at The Social on Dec. 8th! Make sure you keep a lookout on BRINK’s Facebook for free tickets to the show!
- Melody Austin

Mon, 5th Dec — 9 notes

Fri, 2nd Dec — 8 notes

Countdown to Orlando Calling: Los Lonely Boys Q&A
Interview with JoJo Garza of Los Lonely Boys
BRINKmagazine: Rockpango is your latest album, and if I researched correctly, the first album self-produced by the band. The tracks are eclectic and show a range of your abilities. How did you approach the work on this album, and how did you pick the tracks on it?
Los Lonely Boys: Well first thank you so much. It is our first album solely produced by LLB, however we were always producing our other records, but I guess for credit purposes or something, the record companies like to have a guy there working for them as their hands-on guy. We always produced our records; we just get the credit for it now. Also, the mind set on this record was to go in and get to work no matter what it took. We were gonna get it done, and we felt it was gonna be one of our best; if not the best. Direction was basically keep the roots wet but also try and expand. I think we achieved that by using old sounds or funk grooves over the top or underneath something we felt had a new taste to it — lots of different things.
B: You’ll start touring in November and have gigs until March of 2012. Will you be working on new music on the road? And are you currently working on a new album?
LLB: We’re always working on new music — on the road, at home, in the bathroom. Nah. But really, its what we do. As far as a new record goes, that probably won’t happen due to the band having a break up [he laughs]. I’m kidding again. When our records come out is never really a set thing. Yes, we like to try and have something new out every year, but things don’t always go as planned. But we hope to have something out by the beginning, middle or end of the year.
B: I visited your website, Twitter page and YouTube channel. You are very involved in social media. How do you think social media has helped create or strengthen a relationship with your fans?
LLB: Well, we can always do more of that to stay in touch with people or fans that want those type of things, but we definitely do stay in touch. It helps get the word out like nothing ever before. So, we utilize it to spread the music and info about us. Everything that everybody is doing can be learned of or found with the touch of a finger and out in the world in a matter of seconds. It’s kinda sick [he laughs]. Bottom line is it’s what’s happenin’. Its another way that helps anyone get their 15 minutes; or maybe with the speed of things today, I should say 5 seconds.
B: Lastly, Orlando is known for its great weather and tourist attractions. Apart from the latter, can you name five things that pop into your mind when you hear Orlando, Florida?
LLB: Orange juice [he laughs]! Nah. A good time in great weather rockin’ out at a Los Lonely Boys concert!

Wed, 9th Nov — 15 notes

Countdown to Orlando Calling
One of the biggest festivals to hit Orlando, if not the biggest, will take place this Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13th respectively. Orlando Calling will host a who’s who of rock and roll and genres in-between on the Citrus Bowl Park. From headliners The Killers and Kid Cudi to fan favorites Michelle Branch and Blues Traveler, Orlando Calling will have the crowds on their feet cheering on their favorite acts.
Orlando Calling is the first of its kind on US soil by the UK production and promotion firm, Festival Republic. The festival marks The Killers return to the stage in more than three years and will have Segar and Kid Rock sharing the bill with their own for the first time.
BRINK will be there alongside Orlando Live filming and capturing the moments. Stay tuned to the BRINK blog and BRINK social media outlets for more information.
www.facebook.com/brinkmag
www.twitter.com/brinkmag
Intagram search: brinkmag
We’re asking our BRINK community, if you could ask any of the below artists a question, what would it be? If the opportunity arises, we will ask them on your behalf.
Saturday November 12th: The Killers, The Raconteurs, Pixies, The Avett Brothers, The Roots, Gogol Bordello, O.A.R., Iron & Wine, Pete Yorn, Jenny and Johnny, Gavin Degraw, Drive By Truckers & more.
Sunday November 13th: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Kid Rock, Blake Shelton, Doobie Brothers, Dwight Yoakam, Buddy Guy, Michelle Branch, Warren Haynes Band, Chris Isaak, Brandi Carlile, Robert Randolph & The Family Band & more.
Keep checking back for more updates!

Tue, 8th Nov — 19 notes

dawnawakened:

BRINK Magazine: Uncapped (by juliaarielle)

Sat, 8th Oct — 25 notes