The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando held the ribbon cutting on January 31st for the grand opening of its new venue known as Judson’s Live.
About the Venue
Judson’s Live is an intimate space for music with an elevated stage and seating area for up to 150 guests. Inspired by venues like New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club, the venue hosts live music in a club atmosphere with a 50-minute performance by the artist inside a 90 minute experience that includes food and drink.
The food is developed by the arts center’s executive chef, Jason Klingensmith, and made in-house, and there will be an extensive beverage menu of craft cocktails, spirits, and wine curated by the in-house sommelier.
The Disney Connection
The venue gets its name from Judson C. Green, who worked for Disney nearly 20 years. He served as president of Walt Disney World, and in 1991 became president of Walt Disney Attractions, which created projects around the globe.
Among the accomplishments during his Disney tenure was the development and opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. He also had been senior vice president and chief financial officer for the resort that became Disneyland Paris.
Green was also an accomplished musician, and would occasionally be found playing piano at the Pleasure Island Jazz Company at Walt Disney World. He passed in 2020.
“This venue will be an incredible place to celebrate jazz and shine a spotlight on renowned artists and other music genres, which was Judson’s dream,” said his wife Joyce Green, Dr. Phillips Center Board Member and Founding Donor of Judson’s Live, along with her husband. “Judson and I were so thrilled to contribute to bringing this highly creative space to reality.”
Joyce Green was on hand to cut the ribbon to the venue, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts chair emeritus Jim Pugh, and Dr. Phillips CEO Kathy Ramsberger.
Now Open
Judson’s Live is set to welcome music performers starting with Twisted Pine on February 6, 2024, followed by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis February 8 & 9, Selwyn Birchwood February 10, and Jane Monheit on February 14th.
To see the full schedule through April 2024, or to purchase tickets, visit DrPhillipsCenter.org.