Back again?! You betcha- OCB powered by MetroMix hit up not one, but TWO events this weekend. The Wake Games was our second stop in the month of madness. If you thought we were out covering the night spots only, think again. The Shock Squad put on our bikinis and board shorts and surprised some sexy wakeboarders with a visit.

Sunday's Air Nautique Wake Games provided a more chill vibe after the Saturday sprint through International Beer Festival downtown. It was definitely a welcome change to hang out by the lake and watch some tag teaming wake boarders compete for a cash prize. If you were looking for an easy way to make some money- this ain't it. The pro-boarders paired up with rookies to do some 540s, flips, and other wakeboard tricks I'm still trying to figure out. Then the vets pulled out all the stops to compete for a $10,000 grand prize they'll be racking up points for all season long.

If the trick didn't catch your attention, the rock hard bodies probably did. If you're not on the single scene, there were a ton of vendors selling everything from t-shirts and shorts to flip flops with golf balls in them. The crowd was stoked (dude) to see their friends and family in either their debut competition, or adding another prize for the trophy room. If you're looking for something new and exciting, the Wake Games are definitely fun for all ages. If you missed it this year, check out www.KingofWake.com to see where the next event will be.

And speaking of events..............we are less than ONE WEEK  away from the biggest, baddest block party in Cinco de Mayo history!!! If you can't wait to see the local bands hit the stage, visit our music section at http://orlandocitybeat.metromix.com/music/. I'll see you for some free stuff, flashing, and fun soon Orlando!!

XOXO- Dina

If I ever had any doubts, this weekend proved that Orlando is by far one of the best places to celebrate. Celebrate what, you may ask? In the spirit of upcoming Cinco de Mayo festivities- Cerveza mi amigos. Not only did O-town pull in the locals for Beerfest, some familiar faces drove in specifically for the event. That's right guys, this weekend was the annual Florida International Beer Festival in Heritage Square at Downtown Orlando. Sponsored by O-Rock and yours truly (no, not me personally) Orlando CityBeat, if you missed this one, you missed the usual drunken antics amplified by over 100 kinds of specialty beer and broad daylight.

The International Beer Festival ran a little earlier than most of us even start to think about going out, but that didn't stop the masses from crowding into 10 x 10 tents to educate themselves on the wonders of flavored beer, international beer, and tried and trues like PBR, Miller and Yuengling. The sampler mugs may have been small, but that didn't deter any of the experts from bringing their own creative cups on necklaces, keychains, or free stuff provided by vendors. The bead necklaces with beercans attached were a personal favorite. Speaking of free stuff, the crowd favorite was definitely our own Orlando CityBeat/ MetroMix koozies- stylin little jerseys- which I am so jealous I missed out on. Stop by our tent at the Don Pablo's Cinco de Mayo block party by UCF if you didn't get one- we've got more free stuff and flashing to come.

All in all, the event was quite the crowd pleaser. The young and old (all over 21, of course) came out in support of a great American (and every other culture) tradition- beer. Hello to one of my favorite college professors who was in attendance- also to all the O-Rock DJs, who provided the awesome entertainment for the evening. Orlando CityBeat powered by MetroMix will be teaming up with the O-Rock crew AGAIN this weekend, so don't forget! Don Pablos UCF! Over 20 bands and DJs! 12 Hours of partying!! AND your OCB Shock Squad in full force. I expect to see all beer fest fans there.

XOXO- Dina

I'm a huge fan of any event that begins, middles, and ends with free martinis. Natasha and I stopped by Vintage on Orange Ave to take advantage of Ladies Night. Jared was there too, but unfortunately we "accidentally" lost him in the crowd...I wonder what happened to him...hope he's ok...oh well, back to the main event.

The place was packed with a line out the door by the time the Shock Squad arrived. Free martinis drew in the girls, which in turn, enticed the guys. Entertainment was provided by notorious DNF with special guest Trashy. Vintage has a great laid back lounge area to kick back and enjoy the drinks, but there was also space for the booty bumping and break dancing bunch to break it down.  If you had a chance to see the video from the event, you'll see that nerd mode is still in full effect. If not, go to the main orlandocitybeat page and click on O-Lens.

Of course, with such a fun atmosphere and great music, we had to ask our fellow O-towners about what their favorite bars and local bands were. We got a variety of response on where the real fun was on other nights of the week, but everyone agreed Vintage was the place to be on Thursday nights, even if you were of the male persuasion. Lets face it guys, ladies get there own night(s) for a reason. Special thanks to the management and door crew at Vintage for showing us around. What more could you want? Free drinks, awesome location (did I mention it's right by Gino's) great music, sexy crowd, friendly staff. I think that covers all the bases.

For more information on the mischief and mayhem that is the OCB Shock Squad, go to our main page or visit our myspace site (myspace.com/orlandocitybeat). Vintage also has a myspace page (myspace.com/vintageorlando) to keep you posted on upcoming events like Fame on Tuesdays and Ladies Night Thursdays.

Since this is music month at Orlando CityBeat, you can also check out our favorite DJs, bands and singers on our music channel. Some of my personal faves (Dirty Shannon and Last Winter to name a few) will be at the best Cinco De Mayo party EVER on, you guessed it, May 5th. We'll be there and at Beerfest and the Wake Games, so get your tickets now!! Hurry!!! We'll see you next time at Vintage or one of our next stops.

Adios Orlando
XOXO
Dina 

At the Independent Bar there was a great time to be had.  And if you didnt know that now you do.  So how fanastical of a thing is it that you can get in for free before 1am? You heard me I didnt say 12 am I said 1 am thats right, thats how they do at the I bar on a Friday night.  Not to mention the awesome artist outside on the street corner making creations that you can take home as a memento.  Its one of those nights at the club where next thing you turn around and there are a ton of people there and your like when did this happen exactly.....also lets not forget the great specials on Pabst Blue Ribbon, who can argue with that.  Once we climbed some very high stairs we met up with the owner/DJ for the night to take some pictures of him doing his thing in his handy dandy hide out above the crowd.  The music is not a typical and I liked it for one.  Of course with this comes along a selection of single people like you have never seen before ie single college students in case you werent paying attention at the beginning of the story. The bartenders at Ibar are all super snazzy and great people to get to know.....If you are looking to deviate come create your own fairytale fantastic night at Independent Bar on a Friday....Dont forget check out the music link on Orlando City Beat check the pictures to see if you were flashed and watch the video in case you dont remember what you were doing.  As always we are only the most super friendly crazy people you will meet so look us up and join in the fun....ta ta for now

As a member of the Shock Squad, and a self-proclaimed downtown Orlando bar scene connoisseur, I'm pretty familiar with a standard trip out. Wait in line, enter said bar, dance dance dance, wait in line at bar, dance to the same song they played last week/last bar/last minute, dance anyway, wait in line again, dance- you get the point.  I was pleasantly surprised when our visit to BackBooth to do our late night flashing was not your standard evening.

Natasha, Amelia and I were there for the Midnight Mass event. We heard a great band, Boutros Boutros, and saw some crazy dance moves. No one gets down like the crowd at BackBooth. I didn't think it could get any better (or worse, dance-wise) until Midnight Mass. The main event doesn't get underway until- you guessed it- midnight. DJ B played a mix of pop, rock, indie music, and motown. Yes, oldies at it's greatest- and I'm not talking your typical Bon Jovi close down the bar and kick the drunks out tunes- I'm talking true old school. Normally, I'd be hesitant about any music that isn't headbanging or booty shaking at a bar, but classic mixed with current was a welcome change. The music was fun, the bartenders were friendly, and Orlando CityBeat was there. It couldn't get any better.

Backbooth has some really great events, and Midnight Mass is on every Saturday. If it's not your usual spot, be sure to drop in for some great original music and mixes. You might end up becoming one of their regulars. For more information about Orlando CityBeat, the Shock Squad (you know you're curious about the flashing), BackBooth, or Boutros Boutros, go to www.orlandocitybeat.com and click on Music. Or anywhere else on the main page, for that matter. You can also track us down at www.myspace.com/orlandocitybeat.

XOXO- Dina

PS- We love when random sober or not so sober strangers come hang out with us. As a matter of fact, we think you should do it more often- don't be camera shy (just be careful, we don't take to bumps and bruises well- neither do our cameras)!  Thanks to the Shock Squad crew, as always, for keeping it cool (Dewberry, you rock). If see us out, show us love, be our myspace friends, etc. It's a blast, we live it, we love it.