Local nonprofit arts venue the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts is off to a strong start to 2026 and remains on track to move forward with its next phase of renovations to the former Winter Park Library building, according to Board Chairman Jeff Flowers.
(INSTAGRAM.COM/BLUEBAMBOOARTCENTER)
“We’re seeing a lot of new faces due to our expanded lineup from jazz to a larger footprint,” Flowers said, citing over 1,200 patrons in November and December 2025 and nearly 750 through the first half of February. He also attributes growth to a new marketing team.
In the spirit of expanding offerings, the 60-seat Bravo Stage will open this spring, featuring small groups and quartets, as well as magic acts and comedy. Discussions have begun with arts groups and the nonprofit community needing room to work or meet, to utilize the space in the upper floors of the 33,000-square-foot building. The Jazz Garden area has been cleared out, but a lot of work remains to be done, moving the opening until later in the year.
Flowers has been on the Blue Bamboo board since before the previous location opened on Kentucky Avenue in Winter Park in 2016. “The board was Chris and me, and Melody took notes,” he remembered.
Chris Cortez (INSTAGRAM.COM/BLUEBAMBOOARTCENTER)
Chris, as in Chris Cortez, founded the nonprofit along with his wife, Melody Cortez. Blue Bamboo remained in the same location until 2023, when the landlord increased the rent significantly. They held shows in different pop-up locations, such as Casa Feliz and the Women’s Club of Winter Park, while searching for a new location.
In August 2024, the city of Winter Park voted to lease the old library building to Blue Bamboo, choosing the nonprofit over a proposal from Rollins College. “Isn’t it great we’re here,” Cortez was quoted by the Orlando Sentinel on opening night, June 22, 2025, after nearly two years without a permanent location.
His joy was, however, short-lived. Cortez was diagnosed with inoperable glioblastoma, brain cancer, in October 2025 and performed at the Blue Bamboo for the last time on Oct. 30. He passed away on Dec. 21, just six months after the opening of the new location.
At the onset of Cortez’s diagnosis, Flowers stepped into the primary leadership role, calling it “full-time employment from my retirement.” But with the extensive renovation project, the board was very involved in the nonprofit, and members have taken over specific task areas to help spread the workload.
Flowers is grateful for the help of a large group of volunteers, as well as loyal patrons who are still making their way to the new location. “People are still discovering the place, and it’s very gratifying to see their reaction,” he said. “We’re trying to do a good thing for Central Florida, and we’re here to stay. The Blue Bamboo is here to stay.”
Melody’s family has created a GoFundMe account to help her cover the expenses of Chris’ sudden illness and passing. Contributions can be made at GoFund.me/5e6ce73d3.