Mayor Buddy Dyer Leads Ribbon Cutting at New Fla. Entertainment Venues

Located in the Sanctuary building, downtown Orlando's newest entertainment venues, The Abbey and The MEZZ will be celebrating their official opening at a private dedication event on April 8. The event will be held at The Abbey and will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Buddy Dyer, as well as other partners and sponsors that have played an integral part in the development of the new spaces.

"The Abbey and The MEZZ are great new entertainment additions to our downtown, which is the heart and soul of Orlando. These state-of-the-art spaces add a new dimension to downtown's cultural arts and entertainment renaissance that continues to shape our dynamic City," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Mayor Dyer has played an important role in the successful completion of the new venues, which are part of a joint venture between Florida Theatrical Association, the non-profit presenter of Broadway in Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and TRUE Marketing, a local entertainment marketing firm. "We're so grateful to have the continued support of Mayor Dyer on this project," said Ron Legler, President of Florida Theatrical Association. "These new venues will be an invaluable addition to the arts and entertainment community here in Orlando, and it's great to have the support of such a prominent community leader."

In addition to Mayor Dyer, the dedication event will also include brief remarks from Ron Legler and President of TRUE Marketing, Wendy Connor, followed by tours of both venues and their new offices. "We're elated to see all of our hard work coming to fruition," said Connor. "There is nothing else like The Abbey or The MEZZ in Orlando and the opening of these spaces marks a monumental moment in the evolution of Orlando's entertainment offerings."

The Abbey is the downtown space that will feature an endless array of nightly live entertainment. The venue is designed to accommodate any occasion, from cabaret performances, films and comedians to concerts and full-scale off-broadway productions. With an extensive lighting and sound system designed by Jeff Kenney of Heavier Than Gravity, The Abbey was also designed to be a host to local arts organizations such as the Orlando Philharmonic, the Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Jazz Society. Designed by Ted Maines of Steted Interiors, The Abbey's modern gothic décor provides a chic, stylish ambience that makes it the perfect destination to entertain or be entertained.

The MEZZ is the elegant, multi-functional event space in downtown Orlando which opened for business early this year. The exquisite 7,000 square feet venue is the perfect host to an unlimited number of affairs, from corporate meetings and unique birthday bashes to grand weddings and polished community events. The MEZZ also features a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system developed and designed by Kenney of Heavier Than Gravity. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the picturesque district of Thornton Park, The MEZZ is unlike any event space in downtown Orlando.

Located on the street level of The Sanctuary facing Pine Street at 100 South Eola Drive, The Abbey will be open to the public following the dedication event on April 8 and for select performances at future dates. For more information, visit www.artfulevents.com.

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