Blue Bamboo Fundraiser

I went to Cavanaugh’s Wines for a Blue Bamboo Music Center for the Arts fundraiser back in 2016. Since that time, the venue has changed to Digress Wine (1215 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, Florida 32804.) The evening was a happy hour that featured Robotman plus Chris Cortez and Danny Jordan. Chris and Danny are featured in this sketch.

Blue Bamboo is
part venue, part recording studio, and part art gallery, located at 1905
Kentucky Ave in Winter Park, Fl, just off Fairbanks between Formosa and
Clay. This unique new space offers live performances most evenings,
a state of the art recording studio, and gallery space.  More concert
hall than night club, they are open to all ages and they present all kinds
of music, theater, dance, and spoken word events.  The venue is also available
for private parties.  You can browse the schedule for tickets or call
 407-636-9951 for more information.
 

Seating is limited so they encourage guests to purchase tickets in advance or make reservations. Tickets are also available at the door, based on availability.  Most
shows begin at 8PM and the doors open at 7.  They offer beer and wine,
soft drinks, and light snacks.  Check the schedule at their calendar link.

Robotman performed at the outdoor stage at Fringe.

Robotman is a local jazz band that really got the outdoor tent crowd excited at this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival. I had just heard them perform a week ago in College Park, so I was excited to hear them again. I sat in the front row to soak it all in. The band has a driving beat that caused m to rock and sway as I sketched. The music felt experiments free flowing and spontaneous. Each piece was original, written by different members o the band.

The band members are: Matt McCarthy on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, 
Jeremy Fratti on Saxophone,
Marco Bojorquez
on Acoustic Bass and Electric Bass,
Jeremy Katalenic on the Drum Kit,
and John Krasula on Guitars.

It was a great afternoon of great music. Nothing feels better this letting the music inspire the lines and washes to dance.

RobotMan

The outdoor entertainment tent at this year’s Fringe Festival rocked. Jessica Pawli organized all the bands and she brought in some amazing talent. There were times when I was between shows and I just had to stop, listen, sketch and enjoy. RobotMan had a fun jazzy sound with plenty of energy. Frankie Messina was sitting in the front row and I asked him how long the group had been playing. He said, “Probably not much longer, but I’m glad I am here to catch them”.

I always agonize that I might not have enough time to do a sketch, but I jumped right in anyway. The fast paced music slipper notes helped carry me along. Sometimes faster is better and accuracy can be replaced with spontaneity. The music reflected that thought as did the sketch. What a fun surprise to catch RobotMan in action on the lawn of fabulousness.