Top College News Subscribe to the Newsletter

Variety for February 2, 2012

Duel of Fools/fools9.JPG

SAK’s 'Duel of Fools' brings audience participation to another level

The SAK Comedy Lab served its own brand of quirky comedy to a full house Saturday night, for the one and only show at CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando.

1 comment

art market

Art Market boasts original paintings, experience

Offering unique, handmade jewelry and art coupled with more than 100 beer offerings, Blank Space Gallery and Lounge and the Orlando Sunday Art Market once again teamed up in downtown Orlando.

mecum auto auction

Thousands attend 25th annual auto auction

The crowd thinned on the final day of the Mecum Auto Auction, but there was still plenty of excitement.

1 comment

Avicii

Swedish DJ and producer Avicii brings philanthropic house music tour to arena

Spotted in the UCF Arena: A pair of twins decked out in techno tribal masterpieces.

Variety for January 26, 2012

last night of ballyhoo

Play conveys struggle through humor

Theater buffs need not travel to New York City because there is a Broadway show right in our backyard.

Valence Mar Freret

Post-Katrina monotypes tell a story of change

Vernacular architecture destroyed, homes ruined and garbage in the street is what artist Barbara Brainard saw when she returned home after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005.

Variety for January 19, 2012

Improv Uknighted

Improv Uknighted brings laughs to Natura

Hookah smoke and laughter filled the room as UCF's comedy troupe Improv Uknighted performed various improv games Monday night.

Beyond the Vessel

Helaine Schneider’s solo exhibit showcases unusual sculptures in clay

Urns are not something one would expect to see at an art exhibit; but then again, what is normal anymore?

Variety for January 12, 2012

Ralphie May

Comedian Ralphie May enchants Orlando crowd with wise words

Ralphie May, a 39-year-old comedian known for pushing 400 pounds, shared more than his usual vulgar routine with the audience at Orlando Improv on Jan. 7.

SkyWatch

Planets, constellations easily viewed at Orlando Science Center’s SkyWatch

Thanks to the Orlando Science Center, Saturday nights can be more fulfilling than just movies, clubs and frozen yogurt.

tribute to the masters

Casselberry’s Tribute to the Masters highlights local artwork

The Orlando community can treat itself to the works of modern-day Michelangelos at a new exhibit in Casselberry City Hall.

Variety for November 30, 2011

Hillsong

Hillsong brings a night of worship music to UCF Arena

The crowd in the UCF Arena was filled with excitement as Hillsong took the stage and in a matter of moments, thousands of voices were shouting one name: Jesus.

Mandy

Musician adds a little Sugar to her life

In a world where music from the heart can be hard to come by, Mandy Burgan, a UCF junior majoring in radio/television, is taking steps to move her musical pursuits forward and have her voice be heard.

Variety for November 17, 2011

OCStr/Strang_0065.JPG

Inaugural Orlando Calling Festival brings big names

Saturday, the Florida Citrus Bowl was fluttering with concert-goers of all ages to experience the first day of the Orlando Calling Festival.

Variety for November 9, 2011

Supervillians

The Supervillains to play Orlando Calling

One of the biggest music festivals to come to Orlando in years, the Orlando Calling music festival debuts Nov. 12 and is a weekend-long event that will take place at the Citrus Bowl Park.

Kansas Concert Gallery (Jonathan Virgilio)/Picture 3.png

Rock band Kansas' anniversary tour makes a stop at UCF

The lights are dimmed, and the smell of popcorn and bourbon lingered in the air. The older members in the near-capacity crowd waited impatiently.

1 comment

Variety for November 2, 2011

altar boyz

Christian comedy comes to downtown Orlando theater

Bringing laughter to the stage, The Abbey Theater in downtown Orlando is featuring the off-Broadway production of the musical comedy Altar Boyz.

1 comment

Variety for October 26, 2011

band

Student’s one-man band takes flight

Inspiration comes in many forms.

Homecoming Concert Gallery (Jonathan Virgilio)/Picture 7.png

Lupe Fiasco, Panic! at the Disco and Eric Hutchinson excite at Concert Knight

Standing in front of an ominous, red glowing anarchy symbol, renowned rapper Lupe Fiasco, armed with a microphone and an arsenal of lyrics, gave a concert at UCF that could have easily doubled as a political rally.

Variety for October 19, 2011

faculty art gallery

Faculty flaunt artwork at campus gallery

The UCF Art Gallery, located in the Visual Arts Building, is hosting the UCF Annual Faculty Exhibit 2011.

antisparkle

Alumna creates clothing line with sparkle

At six-feet tall, UCF alumna Monique Malcolm has spent most of her life standing out — but not always for her height.

Variety for October 12, 2011

Arctic Monkeys stop to cool down Orlando

Britain invaded Orlando on Friday.

Johnny Crowder

Profile: Johnny Crowder

Among the hundreds of students at UCF studying psychology, there's a student with nothing but metal music on his mind.

Variety for October 5, 2011

robert pierre

Profile: Robert Pierre

He sits beside you in the classroom on the weekdays, he works on promoting his new album when he's not studying and he leads a congregation of 900+ people in worship on the weekends.

Presti Trio

Female professional guitar trio performs at the Rehearsal Hall

On Sept. 29, UCF was privileged to have Presti, the first all-female professional guitar trio in the country, perform at the Rehearsal Hall.

Halloween horror nights

Test your luck at Horror Nights

You are eager, yet terrified and hesitant, biting your nails down to the skin as you walk through an archway into the darkness of a haunted house.

Variety for September 28, 2011

improv

Orlando Improv Festival stirs up laughs

With no props and nothing but an empty stage, the actors dedicated to the skill of improv are forced to create a world of their own.

earth dance

Group bikes 18 miles to get groovy

It was impossible to hear the spokes of their bikes turn in unison on Orlando's busy Colonial Drive, but their statement was loud and clear.

1 comment

cirque

Four elements fuse to create Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Drailon’

From aerial performers and balancing acts to contortionists and gymnasts, there was rarely a pause in action and drama in the UCF Arena Sept. 21.

Variety for September 21, 2011

jazz

UCF jazz ensembles fill the air with smooth melodies and upbeat tempos

Clad in coats and ties, UCF jazz students provided an intimate musical performance for about 60 people at UCF's Rehearsal Hall on Tuesday that featured renditions of songs by some of jazz's most well-known performers.

wind ensemble

Wind ensemble concert is a breeze

The crowd's chatter died down as the singular chaotic note rang throughout the auditorium.

Variety for September 14, 2011

exhibit

Songwriter exhibit comes to UCF

Critic hopes to bring a ‘sense of history’

On Sept. 7, the UCF Library became host to a prestigious traveling exhibit, A Fine Romance, which focuses on aspects detailed in David Lehman's book A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs.

slippery when wet

Bon Jovi tribute band wanted — preferably live

Background music pulsed through the air as random people passed, jumping up and down and screaming along to the music.

Variety for September 7, 2011

book

Book review: Young, Broke and Beautiful

I didn't think to look in a travel guide for the inspiration I needed to start living smarter, but this one's got me rethinking my strategy on the whole living paycheck-to-paycheck business.

Hawthorne

Q&A: Hawthorne Heights drummer Eron Bucciarelli

Dayton, Ohio rock band Hawthorne Heights started their 2011 "You Are Not Alone" tour on Aug. 20, playing old favorites and new songs off their recently released EP "Hate."

Amanda

Q&A: Cirque du Soleil performer Amanda Orozco

Cirque du Soleil started as a traveling act of 20 street performers in the early ‘80s and grew to be an international company with more than 1,300 performers.

Variety for August 31, 2011

no grip

Tattoo artists trade needles for paintbrushes

Art is a universal medium of expression. It can range from an intricately designed tattoo to artwork on the bottom of skateboards, which was the type of artwork showcased at the Chrome Lotus Tattoo and Art Gallery event Sunday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., called "No Grip Allowed!"

vide

Center offers chance to game through history

With the creation of Xbox 360, Wii and PS3, the gaming industry is at its highest, catering to the gamers of the technological generation.

guitar

Orlando exhibit shows the history, science and influence of the guitar

The musical timeline stretches and winds throughout the room in the form of ancient, memorable and modern guitars, dating back all the way to 3,000 B.C. — a tangible and once-in-a-lifetime visual that is not easily forgotten.

Variety for August 24, 2011

art

Valencia hosts intriguing graphic art

The East campus parking lot of Valencia College was half empty the week before school began, a dream compared to the bitter fight for parking spaces occurring a few miles away at UCF

Lauren

Hey freshmen, make sure he’s the exception, and not the rule

All the girls know him — the McDreamy legend. Every campus has one.

essence

Hip-hop/soul group makes their return to the stage

After being silent for a six month hiatus, Orlando's biggest up-and-coming hip-hop/soul group, Essence d'Âme, is back in business.

1 comment

Variety for July 27, 2011

gym

Oviedo gym changes fitness mindset

CrossFit Country is not your average gym. It is a warehouse turned hardcore fitness facility that trains professional athletes, firefighters and anyone else wanting to really put the work in their workout.

Britney

Britney Spears returns to Orlando with a slew of fresh talent

Five powerful female artists, headlined by Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj, brought a mix of hip-hop, pop, rap and techno as the The Femme Fatale tour made its way to Orlando's Amway Center.

Variety for July 20, 2011

Terrace 390

Sigma Chi alumni open spacious downtown bistro

Kyle Israel experienced plenty of success during his four-year tenure as a quarterback for the UCF football team, leading the team to its first conference championship.

James

Making music from Natura to Nashville

The Orlando music scene has missed folk singer and UCF alumnus James Roquemore since he left town in 2010 to find a music career in Nashville, Tenn. Once a local standout and open mic regular, Roquemore is now faced with rebuilding a fan base and gaining recognition in the musical city of Nashville.

Variety for July 13, 2011

Taking Back Sunday

Crowd embraces Taking Back Sunday at the House of Blues

As red strobe lights flashed, Taking Back Sunday lead singer Adam Lazzara walked onto the stage to greet a legion of screaming fans.

With a single scream, the crowd erupted into a mosh pit bent on destruction

Boys Like Girls

Band makes ‘Great Escape’ to Orlando

Despite being without guitarist Paul DiGiovanni on Saturday night, Boys Like Girls didn't miss a beat.

Bar Louie

The happiest hour spent at Bar Louie

Bar Louie is not your average watering hole, according to general manager Timm Dumansky.

Variety for July 6, 2011

Gorillafight

Nursing student rocks hard with local band Gorillafight

At around 6 a.m. on Friday, UCF nursing student Michael Lombardo helped senior citizens eat and provided personal care and comfort to patients at a long-term care center.

Fish Tacos

Fishbowls, food keeps High Tide on the rise

Though it may seem unwise to be located right next to the nationwide seafood chain, Joe's Crab Shack, manager Frank Taromina says the corporate brand is no competition to his 16-year old restaurant, High Tide Harry's.

Songz

Fans wait six hours to hear Songz

Shirtless Songz heats up Orlando

Saturday's crowd at Universal Studios overwhelmed both employees and the artist who preformed that night.

Variety for June 29, 2011

Andy

Keep your pride intact; there’s no shame in being a virgin

I watch shows like Sex and The City and Two and a Half Men as much as anybody.

5 comments

Savi Fernandez

Local band departs for Caribbean tour

With the fresh addition of new talent on bass and drums, The Savi Fernandez Band is prepared to take their good vibes beyond the local music scene, closer to where reggae music first grew its roots in the Caribbean.

Veronica

‘Veronica’s Room’ shocks and awes its audience

The UCF Conservatory Theatre performers gave their audience an entirely new reason never to speak to strangers in their chilling production of Veronica's Room.

Variety for June 22, 2011

FayRoy

Band gets closer even through the distance

Growing up on the shores of Indian Rocks Beach, the five members of the band FayRoy spent years surfing the waves and developing their own sound.

Nelly

Universal Studios got hot while Nelly sang his way through the Central Florida area

A tornado warning and inclement weather couldn't stop dedicated Nelly fans from flocking to Universal Studios on Saturday.

Variety for June 15, 2011

Bellows

Art-inspired rock band defies definition

Scattered with paintings, found art, musical instruments and a medley of recording equipment, the home of the experimental rock duo known as Bellows more closely resembles a rugged art studio than a simple suburban house.

Go Gos

The Go-Go’s have still got the beat

While they may have gotten older since their No. 1 album Beauty and the Beat debuted in 1981, the first all-girl band to top the Billbord 100 by both writing their own songs and playing their own instruments still had it in them to put on a show to remember.

Food Truck

Food Truck Bazaar in Orlando brings more than just street food

The food truck trend that has been sweeping the nation has made a pit stop in the Central Florida area.

Variety for June 8, 2011

Pizza

Pizza lovers cherish Mad Hatters

"Uncommon Pizza, Pasta, Salad and Sandwiches" is the slogan for Mad Hatters restaurant and pizzeria, one of "Oviedo's best-kept secrets" according to long-time Orlando resident and patron Roger Serrano.

Universal

Summer Series welcomes chart-topping artists from rap to rock

For the third consecutive summer, Universal Orlando will combine theme park thrills with live music.

Variety for June 1, 2011

Tim

House music dominating the American pop airwaves

As the American Top 40 shifts and fluctuates from week to week, an undeniable trend can be seen in recent years: house music, a style of electronic dance music developed in the early 1980s, is slowly but surely taking over American radio waves.

Austin's

Coffee shop serves up hot talent

Austin's Coffee in Winter Park offers non-stop nightly entertainment, which is why owner Sean Moore believes the store's name, in honor of the city of Austin, TX, one of the biggest entertainment capitals per square mile in the United States, is a perfect fit.

Variety for May 25, 2011

24 hour film festival

Film Festival puts UCF students to the test

Junior cinema studies major Cesar Rosario could breathe a sigh of relief as he sat in the Enzian Theater on May 21 with his friends and teammates.

Sloppy Taco

Sloppy Taco Palace patrons say yes to the mess

Have you noticed the palace down on Kirkman Road? The Sloppy Taco Palace, that is; a place that is home to a rock-and-roll-fueled American atmosphere with a twist of Mexican eats.

Variety for May 18, 2011

a7x

Avenged Sevenfold returns to UCF

The last time Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) played at the UCF Arena, it was in December of 2008 — a year before founding member and drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan died of acute intoxication and complications due to an enlarged heart.

jessie

Balancing time helps combat stress addiction

How much is on your plate? No, not your dinner plate: your life plate.

Crepe royale

Crêpes go wild on the UCF campus

Alexandria Valme Favors, a UCF alumna, returned to campus with a vision to bring a new, international flavor to the Student Union she once ate in: crêpes.

Variety for April 28, 2011

Elyssa

Veganism not just for hippies — athletes join club

The semester has finally come to an end as finals week is getting the best of us.

7 comments

Cupcake

UCF alumni start a cupcake to-go business

A new business provides students with something new to eat between classes, and it is served from a truck: Cupcakes.

Variety for April 20, 2011

Central Florida Future

I’m in love with a workaholic

There are times in our life when we're not sure whether the problem we have with our significant other is our problem or their problem.

Central Florida Future

Partiers paint the town with Dayglow at UCF

More than 4,000 people clad in all white attire and neon glow sticks crowded the UCF Arena on April 14.

Variety for April 13, 2011

Central Florida Future

Winter Park’s Enzian is a hidden gem for film buffs

As you walk up to the doors of Enzian it is not like any theater you've ever been to before.

Central Florida Future

McVeggies and salads and Fourthmeals — oh my!

Nowadays, pretty much all restaurants and fast-food chains offer salads, which are always an easy out for vegans and vegetarians.

1 comment

Central Florida Future

I’m in love with a workaholic

There are times in our life when we're not sure whether the problem we have with our significant other is our problem or their problem.

Central Florida Future

Brand’s best since ‘Marshall’

Russell Brand is on a dangerous track — he's becoming Vanilla Ice.

Variety for April 6, 2011

Central Florida Future

Laundry piling up? Clean or get rid of it

Spring break is long over and students have arrived back to piles of laundry, winter clothes that need storing and leftovers that have accumulated in the refrigerator.

Central Florida Future

Theater majors try to find successful jobs on stage after college

Stepping on stage as Belle in the Beauty and the Beast —  Live on Stage show at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the first time was one of  Katy McCarty's most memorable experiences by far.

Variety for March 30, 2011

Central Florida Future

Orlando samples the Big Easy at Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen

Shrimp Creole, crawfish etouffee, beer served in goblet-style glasses, and traditional po'boys are all signature dishes of Brian Wheeler's latest restaurant, Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen.

Central Florida Future

Aspiring models take to the digital runway

Orlando is taking the fashion world by storm — through Facebook.

43 comments

Central Florida Future

Five rules to help you break away from your break up

Whether you are a first-timer when it comes to breaking off a relationship or have enough real world experience, breaking up is always hard to do.

1 comment

Variety for March 23, 2011

Central Florida Future

Diplo returns to his old UCF stomping grounds

Excitement pulsed through Deko Lounge on Sunday night in anticipation of former UCF student turned musical success Diplo.

Central Florida Future

Orlando-based charity returns for film

At its core, Renee is love story. Based off a real life boy-meets-girl story, the love that develops isn't rooted in romance.

Central Florida Future

If you want to save the planet, go with a vegan lifestyle

This week, I would  like to introduce the final deciding factor that drove me to become vegan.

3 comments

Central Florida Future

Are affairs the key to perfect relations?

Should cheating be more accepted in the U.S.?

1 comment

Variety for March 16, 2011

Central Florida Future

Cradle of Filth gets seal of approval from headbangers

Sporting black leather costumes and gruesome makeup, the U.K.-based band Cradle of Filth descended upon Firestone Live on Saturday night to the roaring approval of an Orlando metal fan base.

Central Florida Future

The most feared, hated workers on campus

Those who have held a job in the service industry know that being treated like dirt by the occasional customer comes with the territory.

3 comments

Central Florida Future

Passing the mic: A look at UCF’s best karaoke spots

Any college student knows that some of the best plans for a night out include "Sweet Caroline", "Don't Stop Believin' " and "Livin' on a Prayer" (musical talent optional).

Variety for March 2, 2011

Central Florida Future

Universal’s annual Mardi Gras party will bring Skynyrd, Sean Kingston and more to Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort has kicked off another year of beads, bands and the good times of the Big Easy at the 2011 Mardi Gras celebration.

Central Florida Future

Depp’s Western ‘Rango’ not just for kids

It's being packaged as a kids film, but Johnny Depp's Rango provides plenty of laughs for all audiences.

Central Florida Future

Have a very vegan Spring Break vacation

Beach weather has finally approached us and timing couldn't be any better.

Variety for February 23, 2011

Central Florida Future

Being cheated on may be your fault

We have all heard that the number of women in the world is higher than that of men.

Central Florida Future

Have a Meatless Monday with these restaurants and recipes

If you're reading this week then I have succeeded keeping your little hungry mind interested.

1 comment

Central Florida Future

Improv stays alive at SAK Comedy Lab

The entertaining art of Improv is alive and well every night at the SAK Comedy Lab in Downtown Orlando.

Central Florida Future

World of Beer is worlds away from typical college bars

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of beer or just want to unwind with a beer or wine World of Beer is the place for you.

Movies to watch out for: fall semester edition

Hello Knights, I hope the past few weeks have been good and you are settled in for the semester. There are a lot of good movies coming out from now until the end of the year.

Variety for February 16, 2011

Central Florida Future

Same old Sandler, with a side of Decker

The latest film from Adam Sandler deserves some credit because it added something original to his typical formula — boobs.

Central Florida Future

See the Heart and Soul of Grand Bohemian

On a crisp Friday evening in February, the Grand Bohemian Gallery opened its doors to the public to introduce the three artists behind the featured exhibit, Heart and Soul.

Central Florida Future

Flogging Molly wails drunken lullabies

One band had much more than the luck of the Irish going for them on Friday night.

Central Florida Future

Student, model has beauty and brains

Sophomore psychology major and Orlando native Nicole Lucas is among the 14 hopefuls for the 16th cycle of America's Next Top Model.

3 comments

Variety for February 9, 2011

Central Florida Future

Josh Radin concert brings eclectic music, big crowd

Recording artist and songwriter Joshua Radin brought an eclectic performance to the Plaza Theatre in downtown Orlando on Feb. 7, entertaining an eager crowd of college and middle-aged fans.

Central Florida Future

Hit a home run on Valentine’s Day with these tips

There are often times when men strike out with their woman for missing an anniversary, or maybe even a birthday.

1 comment

Variety for February 2, 2011

Central Florida Future

Sushi Pop brings chic, upscale, downtown dining to Oviedo

It's hard not to notice the bright pink neon sign on Oviedo's West Mitchell Hammock Road.

Central Florida Future

Stigma Tattoo Bar inks up downtown

While the downtown lounge does have dancers on the weekends, Stigma Tattoo Bar prides itself on being eclectic.

Variety for January 26, 2010

Central Florida Future

Don’t let ‘the one’ dictate how you like your eggs

I always remember the scene from Runaway Bride (not a classic, but good enough) where Julia Roberts tells Richard Gere that the way she prefers her eggs cooked has always depended on who she is in a relationship with at the time.

Central Florida Future

UCF student races professionally for muscular dystrophy cure funds

A win on the track for one UCF student could help gain in the search for a muscular dystrophy cure.

Central Florida Future

Kermit must not have gone to college: It is easy being green

As college freshmen, we've made a transition (hopefully) from careless high school kids to well-rounded individuals who are globally aware and have the knowledge to touch on topics of religion, politics and the environment.

1 comment

Variety for January 19, 2011

Central Florida Future

Otronicon comes up short on video game hype and demos

The Orlando Science Center hosted its annual interactive technology convention, Otronicon  from Jan. 14 through 17.

Students share ways to stretch dollars

With the economy still in recovery, many students are finding themselves looking at different ways to save money.

Variety for January 12, 2011

Central Florida Future

Sex and relationships

Sex in a laundry basket

 It is no secret that emotional relationships and sex are a big part of college campus life.

2 comments

Central Florida Future

New year resolutions

New year brings new goals for students

With a new year ahead of them, many students are setting their sights on starting anew with their personal goals.

Central Florida Future

The vegan lifestyle

Veggin' Out

Welcome to 2011.

3 comments

Central Florida Future

Freshman life

Starting out fresh after the first-semester mistakes

When I first started college, I expected many things, such as harsh teachers, classes with hundreds of students, a heavy workload, lots of responsibilities, the Freshman fifteen, meeting new people, classes that actually interested me, being part of something greater, and fun clubs and organizations, namely the Chocolate Club, which I will be looking into in the near future.

1 comment

Variety for December 1, 2010

Central Florida Future

With graduation in sight now, don’t panic

The fall semester flew by, and I'm 14 credit hours smarter, 148 down — 17 more to go.

Central Florida Future

Holiday Gift Guide

The best gifts are free, or at least they can be when you make them yourself.

Variety columns

Central Florida Future

Freshman life

Starting out fresh after the first-semester mistakes

When I first started college, I expected many things, such as harsh teachers, classes with hundreds of students, a heavy workload, lots of responsibilities, the Freshman fifteen, meeting new people, classes that actually interested me, being part of something greater, and fun clubs and organizations, namely the Chocolate Club, which I will be looking into in the near future.

1 comment

Central Florida Future

New year resolutions

New year brings new goals for students

With a new year ahead of them, many students are setting their sights on starting anew with their personal goals.

Central Florida Future

The vegan lifestyle

Veggin' Out

Welcome to 2011.

3 comments

Central Florida Future

Sex and relationships

Sex in a laundry basket

 It is no secret that emotional relationships and sex are a big part of college campus life.

2 comments

Matt

Matt's Matinee

Remakes, sequels take backseat to Aronofsky’s original Black Swan

If a film includes the Coen brothers in the credits, the film carries extra expectations.

Central Florida Future

Collegiate Cooking Chronicles

Quick and easy meal with healthy fats

It is often debated whether avocados are healthy or full of fat.