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Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival 2023

Celebrating the City’s 120th Anniversary

Saturday, February 11, 2023
11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Historic Downtown Winter Garden

Celebrate your community’s 120th Anniversary at the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in historic downtown. This FREE daylong celebration pays tribute to the City’s historic roots with some old-fashioned family fun. There will be 30+ live music and entertainment acts across six stages, guided history walking tours, a kids’ zone area, historical exhibits and presentations, strolling performers, and more!

Take a trip back in time and learn about a community that came together in 1903 to be known as Winter Garden.

The event is presented by the City of Winter Garden and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, as well as other generous partners.

Please bring a chair to listen to some wonderful music. The Festival will take place rain or shine.

FREE Parking & Shuttle Service

Free Parking & Complimentary Shuttle Service for the Festival can be found at the following downtown locations:

Three-Level Parking Garage, 160 S. Boyd Street
117-space Boyd Parking Lot, 37 N. Boyd Street
City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue (Parking attendants will direct vehicles in the lot.)
Little League Parking Lot, 415 S. Park Avenue
Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot on 801 S. Dillard Street. Shuttle Service provided from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm. Drop-off and Return Pick-Up at Dillard Street and Plant Street. (Parking attendants will direct vehicles in the lot.)
9^th Street and Plant Street Parking Lot. Shuttle from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm. Drop-off and Return Pick-Up at Dillard Street and Plant Street. (Parking attendants will direct vehicles in the lot.)
Woodland Ave/Plant Street Lot (Rainbow Lot)
Smith Street Parking Lot behind Plant Street Market
Joiner Street Parking Lot
Dillard Street Elementary School, 311 N. Dillard Street (no shuttle/walking distance)
Downtown Side Streets, as permitted
Additional Handicap Parking (Handicap tag only) and Golf Cart Parking at Farmers Market Pavilion after approx. 2:00 pm, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Festival Activities

Live Music & Entertainment — 30+ Acts across 6 Stages

Simultaneous and continuous performances will be held at various outdoor stages throughout historic downtown stretching from Central Avenue to Dillard Street. There will be six stages along West Plant Street and accompanying side streets. A total of 30+ entertainment acts of various genres will take to the stages starting at 11:00 am with continuous live performances until the event concludes at 10:00 pm. In addition, strolling performers will take to the streets with fun antics and entertainment.

The downtown streets will be closed for this event making it pedestrian friendly to go from stage-to-stage and to visit the downtown restaurants and shops.

This outdoor concert extravaganza is a free community event. Happy 120th Anniversary, City of Winter Garden!

Guided History Walking Tours

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a great way to learn about the history of downtown’s buildings and landmarks is by taking a walking tour. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host three History Walking Tours of downtown during the Festival. Each tour will go along Plant Street from Woodland Avenue to Lakeview Avenue.

The tours are free and no advance registration required.

Tour Times: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm
Meeting Location: Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Visitors’ Center, 21 E. Plant Street.

For questions, contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 407.656.3244.

Kids’ Zone & Back to the Future Entertainment, courtesy of First Baptist Church of Winter Garden

As part of the Festival, the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden (125 E. Plant Street) is celebrating its 135th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its Old Sanctuary building with a host of “Back to the Future” activities, live entertainment, historical tours and displays, a kids’ zone, and old-fashioned family fun.

Children’s Live Entertainment

Guests will enjoy the nostalgic stage show with Doc, Marty McFly, and a DeLorean, as well as live music and special guest Blippi, a popular children’s entertainer and educator.

Entertainment Schedule at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden:

10:00 am Blippi (National Children Entertainer)

11:00 am Back to the Future Band

12:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

12:30 pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

1:00 pm Back to the Future Band

2:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

2:30pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

Kids’ Zone

Visit the large kids’ zone area full of fun activities and hop on board the children’s train.

Vintage Cars Display

Peruse the fifteen 1920 vintage cars on display.

Historical Tours & Displays

Take a tour of the 100-year-old Old Sanctuary building and view the historical displays.

Food Vendors

Hot dogs, popcorn, cakes, and pretzels will be available at roll back prices.

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant Street

Special Historical Exhibitions & Presentations

West Orange Times & Observer Historical Exhibit Booth

Did you know that our beloved community newspaper has been reporting Winter Garden news for 118 years? Visit the Observer Media Group booth located adjacent to the Clock Tower (south side in front of Three Birds Cafe) to see firsthand the evolution of the newspaper through the decades. Originally called Winter Garden Ricochet when it was first published on September 13, 1905, by City of Winter Garden’s first Mayor A.B. Newton, original pages of social, sports, and news articles over the years will be on display.

Downtown Museums & Art Gallery Exhibits

Downtown’s museums and art gallery have exhibitions, artifacts, and memorabilia depicting Winter Garden and West Orange County’s history. Admission is always FREE.

Below are the special exhibitions and presentations taking place during the Festival on February 11:

Outdoor Heritage Exhibit, Downtown Historic District

The Downtown Historic District’s Architectural Beginnings

Historical architectural images from the archives of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will be displayed along Plant Street and Main Street. The displays will showcase former images of select historical buildings.

11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Winter Garden Heritage Museum

School Bells are Ringing: A History of Lakeview and Drew High Schools

With artifacts and photographs dating back almost a century, the exhibit features the history of Lakeview and Drew High Schools. Established in 1927, Lakeview High School did not admit African American students until 1969 when desegregation changed the educational system in Orange County. Charles R. Drew High School rose on Winter Garden’s east side in the 1950s, ensuring that black students received an education without having to travel to Orlando.

The exhibit features the history of both schools from their inception to the day when all students in Winter Garden could attend classes together.

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

1 N. Main Street

Heller Hall at Winter Garden Heritage Research & Visitors’ Center

Farming & Citrus Culture

Historic farm equipment through the ages will be on display.

11:00 am – 5:00 pm

21 E. Plant Street

Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall

Reflection of Time: Tribute to Local African American Artists.

The exhibition explores the journey of African American artists from the Winter Garden community and surrounding areas. This collective body of work preserves a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle that needs to be told so that the importance can be felt year-round.

The exhibition showcases artwork by local artists of different artistic disciplines, unified under one brushstroke that shares one common denominator—Black excellence. Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art Senior Curator of Exhibitions, curated the exhibit.

9:00 am – 10:00 pm

300 W. Plant Street

Central Florida Railroad Museum

Housed in a former train depot, the museum features an abundance of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, in addition to a working model train set.

Extended Museum Hours for the Festival, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

101 S. Boyd Street

SOBO Art Gallery

The SOBO Art Gallery is housed in a former fire station, a historical landmark, and is home of the Winter Garden Art Association.

History Preserved: New Images of Winter Garden’s Architectural Legacy

Photographs highlighting many of the local architectural treasures documented in a 2021 survey of Winter Garden’s commercial and residential historic districts. The photographs are from the archives of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.

Arts in Motion

This exhibit of 2D and 3D artwork celebrates movement and motion form sports and exercise to concept like energy, fluidity, and mechanics.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

127 S. Boyd Street

Historical Presentation by Central Florida Railroad Museum

Railroads of Winter Garden Presentation

The presentation will provide highlights of the history of railroads that served Winter Garden.

No advance reservation required.

1:00 pm and 2:00 pm

101 S. Boyd Street

Winter Garden Farmers Market

In celebration of the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival, the Winter Garden Farmers Market will be handing out complimentary 120th Anniversary commemorate reusable tote bags to the first 120 market goers that stop by the Information Tent at the Pavilion entrance.

In addition, the Market is hosting a Valentine’s Day Celebration on the same day as the Festival with complimentary Valentine craft making at the KidZone tent at the Parking Garage Plaza (9:00 am – 12:00 pm), as well as live music and family friendly games on the lawn adjacent to the Pavilion.

8:00 am – 1:00 pm (tote bags distribution limited to while supplies last)

Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Rock of Ages – Live Musical at the Garden Theatre

It is only fitting that the historic Garden Theatre live production pays tribute to music during the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival. ROCK OF AGES is a big, energetic tribute to the classic rock of the ‘80s, featuring all of your favorite rock anthems and power ballads, including: “We’re Not Going to Take It,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “The Final Countdown,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

The live show takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos, and sporting even bigger hair! This five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and more.

Two performances will be held during the Festival at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Garden Theatre is a historical site. Originally built in 1935 as a single-screen cinema, the Theatre was the first in Central Florida built for “talkies!”

Rock of Ages Book by Chris D’Arienzo

Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp

Self-Guided Heritage Trees Walking Tour

A self-guided Winter Garden Heritage Trees Walking Tour through historic downtown is available by following the map available here or by picking up a paper copy at City Hall and at the Winter Garden Heritage Visitors’ Center. The two-mile tour highlights 56 trees, many of which have labels with QR codes highlighting historic information. This tour is presented by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society.

Music & Entertainment Schedule

A total of 30+ music and entertainment acts will perform across six stages throughout Downtown. There will be music from a variety of genres starting at 11:00 am and ending at 10:00 pm.

A few of the headliners include Selwyn Birchwood, Michael Andrew & Swingerhead, Spazmatics, Marlow Rasado, and Paint it Black Quartet.

Stage Locations:

Butterfly Sculpture Garden, 240 W. Plant Street
Centennial Plaza Gazebo, 101 W. Plant Street
City Hall Stage, 300 W. Plant Street
Lakeview Stage, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
Loop Stage, 427 W. Plant Street
Main Street Stage, 1 N. Main Street

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden 135th Anniversary Entertainment Schedule

Stage Location: 125 E. Plant Street

10:00 am Blippi (National Children Entertainer)

11:00 am Back to the Future Band

12:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

12:30 pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

1:00 pm Back to the Future Band

2:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

2:30pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

Download Heritage Music Stage Schedule 2023

Featured Artists (alphabetical order):

The Absent Trio

The Absent Trio is a crowd favorite Duo comprised of the vocal/guitar stylings of Allie Sawicki & the Bass/Percussion/Vocals stylings of Noel Kunz. Filled with energy, audience participation, unique presentation and tight harmonies, they are sure to please everyone with their wide repertoire spanning a broad range of genres.

Amanda Breivogel and Steve Peshek

Amanda Breivogel and Steve Peshek are an Orlando based musical duo specializing in making any event memorable with the addition of live music.You can find Amanda performing at Walt Disney World, as an anthem singer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and in theatre productions throughout Orlando. Steve is an instrumentalist with a degree in Music Education and over 15 years of experience as a professional musician.

Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauries

Both on stage and in private life, these two internationally acclaimed artists share incredible chemistry! Their first introduction (lasting only a few seconds) in the crowded lobby of the historic Orpheum Theatre during the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee left a lasting impression on both of them. It was not until a year later, at a recording session during 2019 IBC that their professional acquaintance blossomed into a love affair, culminating in marriage in August of 2019! Since that time, renowned Canadian Blues-Rocker Paul DesLauriers and acclaimed American Soul-Blues singer Annika Chambers have unified their artistic destiny, much to the joy of everyone who’s had the pleasure of hearing and seeing them together!

Houston, Texas native ANNIKA CHAMBERS, like most great American singers, began singing as a child in the Southern Baptist church. Though Gospel music is her mother tongue, it is in the Blues that she found her true voice, and what a voice it is!! She is the 2022 Blues Music Award Winner for Soul-Blues Female Artist of the Year. After winning her first Blues Music Award for Soul-Blues Female Artist of the Year in 2019, she gave us her third release entitled Kiss My Sass on the VizzTone Label Group. It debuted at #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart and won the 2020 Living Blues Award for Best Southern Soul album. Annika performs regularly at top Blues festivals across North and South America as well as Europe including Montana Folk Festival, Gloucester Blues Festival, North Atlantic Blues Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Montréal Jazz Festival, Sierre Blues Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival, Gravitaz Blues Festival, Mississippi Delta Blues Festival and White Mountain Blues Festival.

Deeply rooted in the blues-rock idiom, guitarist-singer Paul DesLauriers is the winner of the Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s national Blues Award program) for Entertainer of the Year (2016, 2017), Electric Act of the Year (2016), Guitarist of the Year (2013, 2019) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2013). In 2016 he took 2nd Place at the 32nd International Blues Challenge held by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennesee. His most recent recording Bounce (Bros/Vizztone) debuted at #1 on Canada’s Roots Music Report and held the top Spot for several weeks. In November 2019, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Joh Lord of Deep Purple fame’s Concerto for Group & Orchestra, the Paul DesLauriers Band were invited perform the piece at Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, Canada along with Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and L’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec under the direction of Paul Mann.Paul DesLauriers’ international touring schedule includes regular performances at top Blues Festivals in North America and Europe including the Montreal International Blues Festival, Ottawa Blues Fest, Edmonton Blues Fest, Calgary Blues Fest, Big Blues Bender Las Vegas NV USA, White Mountain Boogie n’Blues NH USA, Heritage Music Blues Fest Wheeling WV USA, Passion Blues Cognac and Cahors Blues Festivals in France, the Sierre Blues Festival, Switzerland, and Grölsch Blues Festival Shöppingen Germany to name a few.

Big Ron Betts

Winner of the 2021 OCCS Central Florida Blues Challenge. Ron Betts has been performing in and around the central Florida region for over 30 years, under the name ‘Big Ron’. Well regarded in the Orlando music scene and referred to, on at least one occasion, as a ‘local legend’! Big Ron plays a variety of genres to fit any venue, with a heavy blues influence. From small, intimate gatherings to hitting the center stage at Universal Studios Mardi Gras, Big Ron has it covered. The only question you have to ask yourself is ‘Are you ready to Get Big’?!

BleWayle Duo

BleWayle is an American/British duo comprised of two best friends, Dale New (guitar, piano, vox) and Marcus Peeler (drums, cajon, vox). Friends since high-school, these two solo-ing artists come together to play hits from the decades, including top 40’s, rock, classics, new age and requests. By incorporating a looping style with piano, guitar, bass and more with the full sound of a drum kit these 2 singers add the perfect harmonies to produce a full band effect to have you dancing and singing along!

Brown Bag Brass Band

Brown Bag Brass Band is one of Central Florida’s hottest live acts. What started as a pickup band covering a last minute Mardi Gras gig, soon began delivering a horn-driven tour de force, serving the region and beyond. Their music is rooted in their appreciation for New Orleans brass band music, but also includes jazz and other stylings. Since then, the B4 have firmly established themselves as an integral part of the live music scene.

Bryce Mauldin

Hi, my name is Bryce Mauldin, 22 years old from a small town called Webster, FL. I raced amateur motocross my whole life, racing at a nationals level until I got addicted to music. I got involved with music later in my life, in February of 2016 and introduced my voice to social media including my parents, family, and friends on May 2nd of 2016. My first video did well as I continued to post more videos growing a larger audience and fans. After a year of posting, my first cover of “i can love you like that” went viral so far reaching over 9.1 million views and over 230K shares. I have now moved to Nashville, TN where I write almost every day and make new friends.

Lasy year, I released my first single “All the Proof I Need” Independently, and this year I dropped my self-titled EP! I can’t wait to hit the road and play a show near you!

Chris Scalco Duo

The Chris Scalco Duo provides songs reminiscent of the ‘90s with roots in neo-soul, pop and hip-hop. Their high-energy performances blend nostalgia, humor, and tons of audience interaction. Scalco’s songs have amassed over 500,000 streams in the past two years and have landed him a performance on ESPN+ and airplay on several Orlando radio stations. He couples intimate, vulnerable lyrics with production that is reminiscent of the radio-friendly R&B of his childhood coupled with a repertoire of hundreds of songs spanning the last 80 years of popular music.

Dominic Gaudious

Dynamic, Intense and Passionate are just some of the words used to describe the innovative work of instrumental guitarist and composer, Dominic Gaudious.

After successfully recording and touring with an eclectic rock band in the 1980’s, Dominic found his passion in the contemplative world of Classical/World Beat music. Working mainly with six & twelve-string acoustic guitars and incorporating exotic instruments such as the Australian Didgeridoo, Dominic expanded on the theme and created a uniquely intricate playing style which blends the sounds of Classical, Jazz, Flamenco, Rock, and World-Beat.

He has performed at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the Australian Embassy, Montreux Music Festival, National Geographic, opened for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Pat Benatar, Kip Winger, appeared with the well-respected jazz ensemble Acoustic Alchemy, The Rippingtons, and world-renowned guitarists such as Pierre Bensusan, Adrian Legg and Eric Johnson. He also performed at the after show party for John Petrucci, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.

Often compared to Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen and Al DiMeola, Dominic’s appealing sound has become widely sought after for festivals, benefits and concerts such as the Race Unity Festival, Greenpeace, Sound Support for Autism and Citizens for a Better Environment.

Dominic’s music has been featured on Echoes, Hearts of Space, National Public Radio and many local and syndicated stations throughout the world.

Most recently Dominic has performed his solo show at Disney for over 10 years. He was a finalist on FOX TV’s “30 Seconds to Fame,” a finalist and Honor Award Winner in the Great American Song Contest for his song ” Far East Fusion,” nominated as Best Instrumental Artist, Best Performing Artist by campus awards.com and nominated by SSA as National Radio Recording Artist of the Year.

Flight Scene

Performing on both land and sea, Flight Scene is blazing a trail as America’s original Co-ed Country/Pop A Cappella Group. These guys use nothing but the human voice. No tracks; no drum kits; no instruments of any kind. They don’t need them! With engaging choreography, witty dialogue, and incredible harmonies… They turn any event into an unforgettable experience. But you’ve got to see them live to truly experience the magic. Raised on Country Music and trained in Theatre and Pop Music their performance boasts of many musical styles, rather than just one.

Foreigners Journey

This National Touring band is one of the top Tribute shows in the nation. Foreigners Journey, authentically pays tribute to two of Rock & Roll’s most iconic acts. You’ll hear legendary songs such as ‘Feels Like The First Time’, ‘Hot Blooded’, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’, ‘Separate Ways’, ‘Anyway You Want It’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. Foreigners Journey has mounds of raw talent, decades of experience, and frequently repeated performances at Theatres, Epcot, Hard Rocks and festivals for tens of thousands of fans. Relive the glory days of the 80’s with Foreigners Journey!

Garden Music School

Hayfire

HAYFIRE has played all over the great state of Florida. We have been on stage with some of the biggest names in Country Music.

We are known for our superb vocals and upbeat energy that gets any crowd going. Our trio of singers are upfront and blend well together for great harmonies with a modern, southern-tinged sound that is instantly familiar and fun.

HAYFIRE is the HOTTEST country band in Florida, with nearly 100 years combined experience in ALL areas of the entertainment industry. We have one of the most current set lists around, playing hits from artists like Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Sugarland, and Miranda Lambert. Not to worry though, we still play some of the classics! We even play some top 40, Classic Rock and Oldies.

Our approach is simple…to provide a great show, full of great music and good times. We can provide our own state of the art sound and light show as well. For large events, we employ keyboards and/or fiddle by request.

John Beck

John has been a percussionist for over 40 years, a Pan Player for the last 14 years. He has played In Branson MO., Atlanta GA. Nashville, Virginia, South Carolina, and all over Florida. He’s worked with some phenomenal entertainers during his career such as Jerry Reed, the Four Tops, Temptations, Night Ranger, Southern Pacific, Tropical Music International, Bahama Breeze, CPT. Josh, Restless Natives, and many others. And had the opportunity to record with band members for Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Brothers Osborne, and Kenny Chesney, in Nashville. I play and sing Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, and many other styles of music on my beautiful custom-made Double Tenor Steel Drums. Playing the pans brings a warm and beautiful sound of the Islands and fun to every event. So, sit back, relax and enjoy, as my music takes you down to the Islands.

Jose Rojas

Jose is a multi-instrumentalist Keyboard and Sax player. He has hand-picked the highest demanded songs for each era and will perform them for you with both heart and tremendous prowess.

L&G Live Duo

L&G LIVE is an acoustic DUO that is made up of a blend of acoustic guitar and cajon with tight harmonies. This fun-loving DUO is sure to please as they play uproarious pop, soft-rock, punk-rock, and 90s hits. Their rich and resonant vocals, impressive harmonies and top-quality musicianship will inspire you to get out of your seat to dance or simply encourage you to sit back and enjoy the show.

Michael Andrew & Swingerhead

Paul Q-Pek Duo

Paul Q-Pek and Jeremy Birdsall offer a unique acoustic sound with guitar, cello and vocals of the pop/rock genre with an emphasis on classic songs from the 70s and 80s. This impressive duo has opened for national acts like Huey Lewis and the News, Sawyer Brown, Sammy Hagar & more. Jeremy has toured with renowned Christian artist Sandi Patty and is president of Kavode Studios. He has produced numerous recording projects and is an annual judge for NAACP’s National ACT-SO competition as well as a voting member of the recording Academy/Grammy awards and voting member of the GMA/Dove Awards. Paul lived in Nashville for a time where he recorded a solo album as the first signed artist under a label owned by Dez Dickerson (Prince’s guitarist from the 80s) Paul has also written music and produced a number of projects for known artists. During his time in Nashville Paul also arranged for and recorded with Johnny Cash. Paul is one of the founding members of a well-known Christian Band that was nominated for 5 Dove Awards.

Selwyn Birchwood

“A remarkable, contemporary bluesman…a powerhouse young guitarist and soulful vocalist. A major player…highly recommended” –Rolling Stone

“Rising blues star Selwyn Birchwood is the real deal. Birchwood puts his own fresh spin on the blues, taking the tradition and making it into something new.” –Guitar World

“A skilled, energetic and original artist…His songwriting is observant, clever and pointed. His voice is smooth; his singing on target. His guitar fluency generates new licks and rhythmic surprises. Expectations have been high for Mr. Birchwood—and he lives up to them.” –Wall Street Journal

Since the 2014 release of his Alligator Records debut, “Don’t Call No Ambulance,” Birchwood’s meteoric rise from playing small Florida clubs to headlining international festival stages is nothing short of phenomenal. The album received the Blues Music Award and Living Blues Critics’ Award for Best Debut Album Of 2014, and he won the 2015 Blues Blast Rising Star Award. Rave reviews ran in publications from Rolling Stone to The Wall Street Journal, from The Chicago Tribune to The San Francisco Chronicle. He followed in 2016 with Pick Your Poison. DownBeat said, “There’s a deep-seated power about Birchwood’s singing and six string/lap steel guitar work…and there’s an unmistakable emotion and honesty linking him to forebears like Muddy Waters. Thoughtful, persuasive and rugged.”

Birchwood and his band have crisscrossed the U.S. and Europe repeatedly, delivering unforgettable live performances. They have appeared domestically at festivals including The Chicago Blues Festival, Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival, The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, The Tampa Bay Blues Festival, The North Atlantic Blues Festival, The King Biscuit Blues Festival as well as on The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea. Internationally, they have performed at The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Jazz a Vienne in France, the Rawa Blues Festival in Poland, the Moulin Blues Festival in the Netherlands, the Ottawa Blues Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival in Canada, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, as well as playing concerts in Spain, Norway, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Belgium and Mexico.

Shamanic Rootz

It is an undeniable fact that for years, Reggae artists from all over the world have been capturing the hearts of their listeners through creating music that deliberately unifies a feel-good-vibe, with the underlying message of love and connection. Armed with an intention for education and liberation, Orlando based Shamanic Rootz bring to the scene what has been dubbed a new “conscious sound”.

Formed in 2016 by lead vocalist Cacique, Cacique & The Shamanic Rootz utilize the musical platform as a universal tool for spreading awareness and understanding of how the application of Shamanic practices can positively impact the human experience. With an eclectic blend of colorful Reggae tones paired with lyrics that embody messages of global healing through self awareness and mindfulness., .

The self-titled album “Cacique & The Shamanic Rootz” Released in late Dec 2019 is thought provoking and self-empowering. The album features 3 singles and a bonus track “Face It” NOW available for download on all musical platforms such as Spotify, ITunes, Youtube and Amazon music ETC.

Spazmatics

All the awesome sounds, styles, and way cool dance steps from the 1980’s decade. Complete with skinny ties, Brill Creamed hair and horned rimmed glasses, The Spazmatics recapture all the best of the 80’s. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and styles makes for an evening of pure energy and entertainment.

Two-Jay Duo

Joe Morse and Jeremy Birdsall, known as the Two-Jay Duo, combine their powerhouse instrumentals with beautiful harmonies to create a light an airy vibe. Stop by or sit back and relax all evening and listen to your favorite R&B and Jazz with these two.

Heritage Activities

Guided History Walking Tours

The tours are free and no advance registration required.

Tour Times: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm

Meeting Location: Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Visitors’ Center, 21 E. Plant Street.

For questions, contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 407.656.3244.

Special Historical Exhibitions & Presentations

West Orange Times & Observer Historical Exhibit Booth

Downtown Museums & Art Gallery

Downtown’s museums and art gallery have exhibitions, artifacts, and memorabilia depicting Winter Garden and West Orange County’s history. Admission is always FREE.

Below are the special exhibitions and presentations taking place during the Festival on February 11:

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden 135th Anniversary Celebration

125 E. Plant Street

Vintage Cars Display

Peruse the fifteen 1920 vintage cars on display.

Historical Tours & Displays

Take a tour of the 100-year-old Old Sanctuary building and view the historical displays.

Historical Presentation by Central Florida Railroad Museum

Railroads of Winter Garden Presentation

The presentation will provide highlights of the history of railroads that served Winter Garden.

No advance reservation required.

1:00 pm and 2:00 pm

101 S. Boyd Street

Outdoor Heritage Exhibit, Downtown Historic District

The Downtown Historic District’s Architectural Beginnings

11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Winter Garden Heritage Museum

School Bells are Ringing: A History of Lakeview and Drew High Schools

The exhibit features the history of both schools from their inception to the day when all students in Winter Garden could attend classes together.

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

1 N. Main Street

Heller Hall at Winter Garden Heritage Research & Visitors’ Center

Farming & Citrus Culture

Historic farm equipment through the ages will be on display.

11:00 am – 5:00 pm

21 E. Plant Street

Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall

The exhibition explores the journey of African American artists from the Winte

Reflection of Time: Tribute to Local African American Artists

r Garden community and surrounding areas. This collective body of work preserves a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle that needs to be told so that the importance can be felt year-round.

9:00 am – 10:00 pm

300 W. Plant Street

Central Florida Railroad Museum

Housed in a former train depot, the museum features an abundance of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, in addition to a working model train set.

Extended Museum Hours for the Festival, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

101 S. Boyd Street

SOBO Art Gallery

The SOBO Art Gallery is housed in a former fire station, a historical landmark, and is home to the Winter Garden Art Association.

History Preserved: New Images of Winter Garden’s Architectural Legacy

Arts in Motion

This exhibit of 2D and 3D artwork celebrates movement and motion form sports and exercise to concept like energy, fluidity, and mechanics.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

127 S. Boyd Street

Self-Guided Heritage Trees Walking Tour

Children's Activities

Kids’ Zone & Back to the Future Entertainment, courtesy of First Baptist Church of Winter Garden

Children’s Live Entertainment — Back to the Future Stage Show & Special Guest Blippi

Guests will enjoy the nostalgic stage show with Doc, Marty McFly, and a DeLorean, as well as live music and special guest Blippi, a popular children’s entertainer and educator.

Schedule at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden:

10:00 am Blippi (National Children Entertainer)

11:00 am Back to the Future Band

12:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

12:30 pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

1:00 pm Back to the Future Band

2:00 pm DeLorean, Doc & Marty (Back to the Future Nostalgic Stage Show)

2:30pm Foundation Academy’s Steel Drum Band

Kids’ Zone with Children’s Train

Visit the large kids’ zone area full of fun activities and hop on board the children’s train.

Vintage Cars Display

Peruse the fifteen 1920 vintage cars on display.

Food Vendors

Hot dogs, popcorn, cakes, and pretzels will be available at roll back prices.

Winter Garden Farmers Market

The Winter Garden Farmers Market is hosting a Valentine’s Day Celebration on the same day as the Festival with complimentary Valentine craft making at the KidZone tent at the Parking Garage Plaza (9:00 am – 12:00 pm), as well as live music and family friendly games on the lawn adjacent to the Pavilion.

In celebration of the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival, the Winter Garden Farmers Market will be handing out complimentary 120th Anniversary commemorate reusable tote bags to the first 120 market goersthat stop by the Information Tent at the Pavilion entrance.

Valentine’s Day Kids Craft Making: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Market: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (tote bags distribution limited to while supplies last)

Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue