DRIP on I-Drive: Industrial dive bar + underground rock concert + alternative art

Tourism and attractions are a major part of what makes Orlando the thriving and active city it is. There’s always something to do, and new things are opening up all the time for locals and vacationers to experience. One new establishment that is of particular note is a place on International Drive called DRIP. They opened in November and bring a whole new genre of entertainment and nightlife to the I-Drive stretch.

You may be asking yourself, what is DRIP? In a nutshell DRIP is an alternative arts entertainment company. It sounds avant garde and modern, yes, but DRIP is much more than that. Dancers, actors and musicians at DRIP combine visual, aural and performing arts together to create a full-on sensory show that ignites audiences. Performances at DRIP involve improv dancers and performers moving to the solid sounds of the house rock band with music composed by David Traver, a music director for the Blue Man Group. They use paint, water, sand and other materials as part of their shows, and you never know what they’re going to do with it! The space is intimate — only 100 people maximum per show — and audience members are encouraged to move around as the performers interact, connect and tell stories through motion.

Concept designer and CEO of DRIP, Jessica Mariko, says the idea got started some years ago when she decided to do a dance performance that experimented with dripping water and paint as part of the dance. Mariko loved the connection the materials made with her dancing, and she began to conceptualize DRIP. She says it took her and her staff and many volunteers quite a while to get the space now known as DRIP up to code and ready for audiences. “It was a combined effort with everyone working really hard to get this place going,” Mariko said. “The people here believe in this and are excited to be a part of this kind of performance and experience.”

My personal experience at DRIP was one that went through phases. Before I got there I did not know what to expect, and I thought the idea of the place was a bit absurd and possibly a little too far out of my comfort zone. Once the show began I soon realized that was the point of DRIP. It is meant to pull us from our norms and toss us into a new mix of vibrant self-expression. What audience members experience at DRIP is an entirely individual thing, but it is supposed to make you want to step outside of the box, and step out I did. From start to finish the talented performers at DRIP set up scenes, situations and dance numbers that rocked the house and definitely gave me a new approach to live performance. I found myself thoroughly enthralled with the performance, the atmosphere and the performers themselves. It was a new experience I’m very glad I was able to have.

DRIP is definitely for the open-minded. You might get wet. You might get sandy. There is a definite possibility that paint will be flung in your general direction. If this sounds like a blast to you or even if it sounds like something you might like to try then I suggest spending a well-worth-it evening at DRIP Orlando. It’s an industrial dive bar meets underground rock concert meets alternative performance and so much more. It is the kind of place you either totally enjoy and love and want to go back many times to or it is something you try and don’t do again. Extremes are the norm at DRIP and you definitely won’t forget a single minute of your visit. So dress down and rock out at DRIP!

DRIP Orlando is located in the heart of I-Drive in the same building as Senor Frogs (see my review of Senor Frogs). Go around the side of the building where Denny’s is, follow the parking lot straight back and you’ll find DRIP. If you’re planning a visit bear in mind that the shows use loud music and strobe lights. Persons with visual and aural sensitivities as well as those prone to seizures and fainting should NOT attend. You must be 21 and older with a valid ID to enter. A beer and wine bar (cash or credit) is available for your enjoyment. The shows average about 50 minutes in length and tickets are $35 at the door, $29 if purchased early online. For more information, events and show times visit http://www.ilovedrip.com. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Map to Senor Frog’s (next to DRIP)

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