Orlando is always getting some of the best DJs, rock bands, hip hop acts, and pop stars on a regular basis. There are a number of reasons as to why that is. We’re a global destination with an international melting pot of visitors on par with the likes of New York City and Los Angeles. If you’re a musician, what better way to get your songs out there than come to the tourist Mecca that is the Mouse. Parents taking their families to all of the resorts and their kids too cool to be dragged around the Magic Kingdom by mom and dad.

 

The Beacham is the marquee destination for performers and revelers alike. The entrance is located under the massive marquee on 46 N. Orange Ave, two doors down from The Social. They have already showcased acts that have redefined the expectations for live music in downtown Orlando. They have drawn some of the hottest acts and that isn’t stopping this fall. Even if there isn’t a show going on, it’s a must to hit while barhopping downtown on a Friday or Saturday night. This Thursday is a must attend event, MASS. Some great local DJs will be there to get your asses into gear. Amongst the DJs putting their spin on things, will be Bingo Balls, a local favorite with a fervent fan base.

The Social and The Beacham share their event calendar and have a lot of upcoming shows that are going to be great. The Social will have hip hop stalwarts Dead Prez on August 17th. Their career defining track, ‘Hip-Hop,’ is amazing and a must own. A personal favorite from Kansas, The Appleseed Cast, will be there on August 24th. A couple other Social notables coming up are the Mates of State on October 7th and incredibly kinetic M83 on November 2nd.

The Beacham has Minnesota’s finest in rapper Atmosphere. Never quite broke mainstream, but definitely one of the most talented out there. One of his opening acts is Detroit’s on Blueprint. Get wrapped around ‘Radio-Inactive’ or ‘Clouds,’ by him—off the chain! They are coming on September 18th. We’re also getting indie’s hottest new band, Foster The People, on September 20th. Electronic dance duo, Chromeo, will set us off on September 21st. Coming November 3rd is the highly anticipated rap collective Odd Future (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All). Spearheaded by production maestro and premier rapper in his own right, Tyler the Creator, their talent level cannot be denied, nor can the fact that they are a lightning rod for controversy. We’ll definitely be getting into them more in the coming weeks and months.

Welcoming all visitors to downtown Orlando is Club Firestone. A can’t miss venue located 578 N. Orange Ave, Club Firestone has booked some of the best in a mixed range of genres. It’s a unique venue with a large, open floor area with the stage elevated about 5 feet. You can get right up next to the stage’s brink façade. One of your favorite artists has more than likely played here if they’ve ever been to Orlando.

Every Wednesday Firestone Live presents, ‘The Tastes and Sounds of Downtown.’ This is a local, FREE event showcasing local music and art. A personal favorite of Whats2Hot will be the food trucks on site. A varied mix of eats, free music, and artwork to check out—from 6 pm to midnight every Wednesday in August. Get down there and show your support for this great event, so maybe we can make it a regular event.

Firestone is at a constant flux of live shows. Some of the ones I’m looking forward to are Buckethead on September 20th. Buckethead was the lead guitarist for Guns and Roses when Axel revamped it a couple years ago. And, like Axel so often does with his lead guitarists, he alienates them and then kicks them out of the band. Buckethead’s talent is amazing, a must-see show. A couple of DJ’s coming are Zed’s Dead on September 29th and indie-electronic trio Das Racist on October 7th. Also, indie favorites, Stars, will be performing on October 15th.

Tags: music, nightlife, orlando, whats2hot, jerry e, back booth, firestone, the beacham, the social, downtown, events