Pat Greene is Bungalower Media’s first sponsored Resident Reporter. Greene has joined our team as our Arts and Culture Correspondent, supported by the efforts of Interstruct Design + Build, an award-winning Orlando-based design and build firm.
Chris and Melody Cortez own and run the performance space, Blue Bamboo. The space has become an essential part of our community. They are moving into the building that once housed the Winter Park Library. It is currently being remodeled and is scheduled to open to the public on June 22.
Chris is also a very talented guitarist, composer, and producer.
How did Blue Bamboo come about?
As a musician, I enjoy playing in a concert setting. I’m not famous, but I just prefer it. When I came back to my hometown in 2015, I wanted to create a place that would be a recording studio, where an audience could attend. That’s the perfect atmosphere for my preferences, but it turns out that’s what most of us want. There are always going to be cover bands, and places that cater to that, but I wanted to serve the folks who have something of their own to say.
Has your original vision for Blue Bamboo remained consistent with what it has become?
Yes, except that I have a greater sense of community than I expected at the beginning. My record label began as shameless self-promotion and evolved into a roster of talent. The same thing kind of happened here. Over the last eight years, I started to realize that my own artistic goals are profoundly connected to the many other musicians we serve. They inform my work as an artist, and now the two things are intertwined.
Has anything happened along the way to change your mind about what you want Blue Bamboo to be?
Not to change my mind, but to reinforce the idea. When we started, people told me ticketed events wouldn’t work. Now, 5 or 6 places are doing that. That’s a trend I am proud to be a part of.
I know that you are a trained musician. Is it challenging to maintain a balance as both a facilitator and an artist?
Yes, I am jealous of my friends who can focus only on the music. I somehow find time to practice and grow.
Tell me about the new space. The former Winter Park Public Library is undergoing a remodel. I understand there will be an outdoor space. How many performance spaces will be inside the building? What is the layout?
We’re building it in stages. The 1st floor has two indoor spaces and an outdoor space. We will have a tenant on the 2nd floor, and the 3rd floor has enough room for a 4th venue and a recording studio.
Parking restrictions will require careful management of the spaces. They can’t all be in use at once, but the options are going to be amazing. It will take about two years to complete the project.
What other differences will there be between the old space and the new?
The size gives us the ability to do several different kinds of things we just couldn’t do in the former location. I’m excited to have room for arts education, arts in healthcare, and to offer affordable access to numerous other non-profits.
When do you anticipate Blue Bamboo opening? What are your plans for the new building?
Opening day is June 22. 1st seating is sold out. There are still tickets available for the 7 PM show on our website, featuring the Orlando Jazz Orchestra.
Concerts on a regular basis, groups in development, health care programs (that’s a whole other interview), rehearsal space.
What are your thoughts on the current momentum and the future of Blue Bamboo?
The location opens up worlds of opportunity for us. It’s a long-term lease. Onward and upward.
