In a very late entry to this year's Picks, we can't let this flock go without mention. From the delightfully sideways brain of Brendan O'Connor and the sounds-weird-let's-do-it mentality of the Creative City Project comes "Big City Birds," an installation of 16 neon-hued inflatable pigeons perched on various downtown rooftops, presented as part of the Downtown Development Board's DTOLive initiative to "increase community engagement." The birds touched down the same week we went to press on this issue (so mea culpa if an inflatable disaster happens after publication), but earned their spot here by dint of the immediate furious explosion of commentary. Is it an invitation to ponder the resilience and adaptability of urban wildlife? A commentary (or simply a me-too ploy) on the way tourism marketing has been reduced to a series of selfie opportunities? A waste of public money? A nose-tweak to the haters? Whatever the intent — and there are surely multiple at work — it made you look. And it made us smile.
through Oct. 17, downtownorlando.com/dtolive, creativecityproject.com, instagram.com/bkeepz
Filling Will's Pub to capacity on a Monday night is a tall order, eschewing bands and presenting a night of adventurous alt-drag performers is an even harder sell, but La Petite Mort does it with terrifying flair. The bimonthly events gather the spiritual children of the Black Haus drag family for a heady 10-car pileup of horror and glamor. There is a crackle of anxious excitement in the crowded room: Is this drag? Is this punk? Is this performance art? Yes to all of the above, ghouls.
Since local artist Njeri Kinuthia came onto the scene in recent years, it's been love at first sight for Orlando art appreciators. Her bold style melds with her classical compositional training in large, wildly shaped, three-dimensional installations that often include long flowing textiles. Like a favorite draft pick who goes the distance, Kinuthia has gone from triumph to triumph, starting modestly but all building up to winning the People's Choice award at OMA's 2024 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. "It was a night "filled with gratitude and joy," said Kinuthia.
Gov. DeSantis this summer unapologetically gutted $32 million in arts and culture funding across the state. He also took the opportunity to slam what he calls the "sexual" Fringe Festival. Luckily, Orlando (and Tampa) Fringe bit back with a response — "Our festivals are uncensored, not unlawful" — and a level of decorum Ron could stand to take notes on. "We look forward to working with you for the betterment of all Florida citizens," they signed off. We're waiting, Mr. Governor.
Nearly a quarter-century after they first set up shop inside an abandoned storefront on Church Street, SAK Comedy Lab returned to the block this spring. This homecoming isn't a step backwards but a big glow-up, as their new home at 55West boasts a theme park-quality lobby and fully equipped 175-seat theater — a far cry from their hardscrabble beginnings. Remember: Just because there aren't live rats running across the stage anymore, it doesn't mean these improvisers are any less hilarious.
55 W. Church St., sakcomedylab.com
Since its debut a couple of years back, the Enzian's midnight-movie series has become a reliable haven for those who prefer their cinema on the wilder side. The first-Friday events are also a reliable spot to check out outré Florida cinema going back decades. From the Technicolor killer-jellyfish-man romp Sting of Death to the VHS phantasmagoria Video Diary of a Lost Girl, it's worth being a li'l bleary-eyed on Saturday morning to take in these delights.
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, enzian.org
