Plant Street Pops, West Orange Dream Center, Light Up Winter Garden & more!
Swing into the Season
Plant Street Pops brings world-class vibes to Winter Garden.
In the heart of Winter Garden, something extraordinary is happening. Plant Street Pops, the brainchild of jazz power couple Per and Tamara Danielsson, is not just another concert series—it’s a movement. With its smooth, spontaneous rhythms and laid-back community vibe, this live jazz experience is turning heads and transforming the local scene. The Danielssons, both veteran musicians with careers spanning the globe, are bringing world-class talent to their own backyard, creating a space where the Winter Garden community can come together and lose themselves in the magic of live jazz.
Inspired by the Macon Pops series in Georgia, Plant Street Pops is all about making jazz accessible, fun, and undeniably cool. Partnering with Becky Roper, Per and Tamara launched this vibrant concert series to give Winter Garden a taste of something fresh. “The vibe is just right,” Per says. “We’ve had a couple of concerts, and the response has been amazing.” It’s clear—Plant Street Pops is quickly becoming the place to be, where world-class jazz meets hometown charm, and every note hits just right.
Plant Street Pops is more than just a gig—it’s a celebration. The next shows, set for December 28th and 29th, will feature the Danielssons alongside bass virtuoso Charlie Silva, drummer Walt Hubbard, and some surprise guests for what’s sure to be an epic holiday soundtrack. Expect the unexpected when this quartet takes the stage. No two performances are the same, and that’s the beauty of it.
The Danielssons’ musical journey began at the University of North Texas, one of the country’s premier jazz schools. While Tamara, a saxophonist from Seattle, and Per, a pianist from Sweden, had very different paths to UNT, their shared passion for jazz brought them together. A key figure in their meeting was jazz legend Rich Madison, who mentored both musicians and ultimately played a role in their marriage. After performing at Walt Disney World and playing with various orchestras and jazz ensembles, their careers took them all over the world—from South Africa to Sweden—before they found a home in Central Florida.
For the Danielssons, jazz isn’t just a genre; it’s a way of life. They’ve dedicated their lives to performing, teaching, and, now, through Plant Street Pops, fostering a deeper connection between the music and their community.
“Jazz is ultimate freedom,” Per explains. “The improvisation, the swing—it just hits different. Every time we play, it’s a new conversation with the band and with the audience.”
Tamara, a renowned saxophonist who has performed with legends like Aretha Franklin, echoes this sentiment. “With jazz, you tell a story without words. You communicate with the band, and you communicate with the audience. Every show is unique, and that’s what makes it so special.”
That energy is what’s turning Plant Street Pops into a must-see event in Winter Garden. Whether you’re a jazz head or just someone looking for a good time, these shows are a chance to experience live music that’s as spontaneous as it is soulful. It’s intimate. It’s local. And most importantly, it’s real.
As Plant Street Pops gains momentum, Per and Tamara look forward to more performances and new opportunities to inspire others. With their passion for jazz and their commitment to sharing it, they’re helping ensure that live music remains a vital part of Winter Garden’s cultural fabric.
Plant Street Pops
perform live at the Embassy
The Local/Em Agency team enjoys a mini office concert.
Dream Big
West Orange Dream Center: impacting the community and transforming lives.
In the heart of Historic East Winter Garden, the West Orange Dream Center stands as a pillar of hope and community transformation. Rainey McFadden, the Executive Director, explains, “Our mission is to prevent homelessness and offer what we call poverty protection through education, resources, and comprehensive care.”
Founded by a coalition of local residents and churches, the center operates on five core pillars: Gospel, Care, Partnerships, Education/Vocation, and Outreach/Distribution. Rainey emphasizes, “The Gospel is pivotal to our work. It’s the driving force behind everything we do.” The center collaborates with local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits to deliver essential services and foster meaningful relationships, addressing the multifaceted needs of the community.
The center’s diverse programs cater to all ages, from children’s reading and math classes to senior enrichment activities and job readiness workshops. “The most rewarding part of the Dream Center is witnessing lives transform—that young boy who, five years ago, couldn’t read a book and now excels in school, a lonely senior who finds joy and learning here, a man earning his GED to start a business, a veteran finding understanding and support—all of which inspire me every morning.”
Despite challenges such as limited funding and staffing, the center remains steadfast in its mission. Rainey highlights, “Our success is built on the strength of our community partnerships and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers.”
Looking ahead, the center is focused on expanding its impact and continuing to build a healthier, more interconnected community. “We’re here to build trust and transform lives,” Rainey affirms.
To get involved: wodreamcenter.org
Light Up Winter Garden
After 37 years, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year.
Since its merry debut in 1987 with then-Mayor Bob Barber at the helm, Light Up Winter Garden has become a beloved holiday highlight. This heartwarming event ushers in the Christmas season with joyful caroling, scripture readings, and a dazzling display of lights. Each year, Plant Street transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike. The tradition continued with the enthusiastic support of Mayors Jack Quesinberry and John Rees, sustaining the event’s joyful and spirited celebration year after year. The West Orange Ministerial Association, the driving force behind this celebration, hosts a candlelight service that adds a touch of warmth to the evening. As the giant Christmas tree lights up and carolers fill the air with festive songs, Light Up Winter Garden truly captures the essence of community and holiday cheer.
Light Up Winter Garden
by the Numbers
Each holiday season, Winter Garden’s Plant Street corridor dazzles passersby as the iconic water fountain is transformed into a 38-foot Christmas tree, adorned with 1,100 colorful lights, 1,500 ornaments, and seven festive levels.
Dive into the heartbeat of our community with Vocal Locals, where we turn the spotlight on our neighbors, bringing out the laughter, stories, and unique charm that make our town truly special!
Cyro Baldaci
Empanada & Co.
What makes you smile? God, and knowing what He has done for me.
Hot cocoa or eggnog? Hot cocoa.
Best holiday decoration? Christmas trees.
Carolyn Tate
Artifact Candle Foundry
What makes you smile? My cats, Lottie and Marnie, and my husband.
Hot cocoa or eggnog? Hot cocoa; plus, the candle scent is delectable.
Best holiday decoration? I really love the ambiance of tapered candles.
Here we grow again! Ocoee is gearing up for a sports and sweets extravaganza. The 150-acre Ocoee Regional Sports Complex is on the rise, boasting 17 multi-sport fields and 1,114 hotel rooms.
Meanwhile, dessert lovers, hold onto your spoons! The Peach Cobbler Factory just opened in Ocoee, offering 12 types of cobbler, 12 types of banana pudding, 12 types of shakes, and a cinnamon roll lineup worthy of an Olympic event.
In Winter Garden, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is now blessing Sundays with barbecue.
Korean fried chicken spot Chi-Kin is swooping into Horizon West to take over where BurgerFi left off.
Dash Sports is sprinting to a new location at 12357 Stoneybrook West Parkway, after 18 years of success in Clermont. Come spring, they’ll be lacing up in a spacious 3,500 sq. ft. spot.
Mirchi Indian Street Food, specializing in vegetarian and vegan delights, is moving into the old El Rey De La Papa location.
Meanwhile, Indian Pavilion is prepping to spice things up at the former Tijuana Flats, because who doesn’t love a little curry in the same spot where they used to order tacos?
And if you’re craving sushi but don’t want to leave the house, Tsuri Japanese Street Food is open for pickup and delivery at Stoneybrook Parkway, making it easier than ever to live your best sushi-in-sweatpants life.
Lastly, when you’re tired of sweatplants and need a glow-up, head to AgeRejuvenation, the newly opened medspa in Horizon West.
