UCF alumnus Margo Evans performs at My Sister’s House, a non-profit venue, during the grand opening toast on Feb. 5.
Orion Boone
The art and music of UCF students and alumni filled a not-for-profit venue on Saturday during its grand opening weekend, which welcomed over 150 people into the new, intimate performing space.
My Sister’s House, a DIY not-for-profit space, celebrated its grand opening Feb. 5-8. The new venue aims to foster community by artists, for artists and for the broader alternative community.
“The goal of having a not-for-profit, community-based project like this is to get to dictate a little bit more the shape of how it looks,” Jimmy Mura, director of My Sister’s House, said. “We can focus entirely on making it about music and the arts.”
The space is covered in murals painted and collaged by local artists. Boot-marked, polished floors, sprinkled with paint from muralists, welcomed visitors through a tucked-away front door marked with a key. Dim lights illuminated keys dangling from the ceiling, some lucky enough to be adorned with the autographs of past performers.
Mari Segovia, a UCF alumna and local artist, was among the few selected to take up space on the walls.
“I’m all about the local arts, the local scene, local music, everything about community is just so up my alley,” Segovia said. “I’ve never been someone to like, say no to a project when it involves community. I’ll work hard to make sure that we have spaces to, you know, just exist.”
Reyna Larrobis, junior psychology major, performed two nights in a row with bands Kitty Kitty Meow Meow and Maisy as a vocalist. She said she grew up alongside her Kitty Kitty Meow Meow bandmates, but the Orlando music scene has introduced her to a much wider community.
Junior psychology major Reyna Larrobis (left) and junior entertainment management major Jack “Leven” Leventhal perform Saturday night with their band Maisy.
“Spaces like these are just a really great way to build community and find your friends,” Larrobis said. “Every show [Kitty Kitty Meow Meow] has, we make a new friend.”
Jack Leventhal, junior entertainment management major, plays guitar alongside Larrobis in the band Maisy.
“I feel very lucky to have such an incredible space for everyone to feel welcome and safe. I feel like that’s hard to find in a space,” Leventhal said.
Leventhal, among many others, has volunteered extensively for a little over a month to prepare the space for the public. His parents attended Saturday night to see him perform.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here watching this place turn into what it is now,” Leventhal said. “I was here when this place was literally just like floors and walls. Nothing on it. It’s really an honor to get to play here for the opening.”
U.S. House Rep. Maxwell Frost made an appearance Saturday night and stressed the importance of creative spaces in Orlando and funding for the arts.
“Arts education is under attack right now,” Frost said. “We fund it in some of the worst ways in this nation, but arts education saves lives.”
My Sister’s House Director Jimmy Mura (right) introduces U.S. House Rep. Maxwell Frost between sets on Saturday.
Orion Boone
Frost is a musician himself who fostered a love of music from a young age thanks to his father, a professional musician. Frost subbed in as the drummer for the band Paperback Romance for a cover of “Still Into You” by Paramore.
“Music has been a huge part of my life literally since I was born,” Frost said. “My dad’s home studio was in the middle of our house. I literally use the skills I learned in band class in Congress all the time.
UCF alumnus Margo Evans, who performs under the name Margo Maybach, was similarly inspired by family to become a musician. Their father taught them guitar starting at 12 years old and was trained in many other instruments starting at 7 years old.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone loves this new venue because it truly is super awesome,” Evans said. “I’m already picturing all the ways this place could build community.”
UCF master’s student Hayden Rupe decided to attend the grand opening show on a whim with her friend Leila Desposito. Rupe said she is new to the robust Orlando music scene, but plans to become more invested after her experience at the show.
“It’s just great energy,” Rupe said. “I feel alive, I feel free, I feel safe. It’s amazing.”