Dear Lovers of the Blue Bamboo’s Music, Environment, Shows, and Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we, the Board of Directors of the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, share the news of the passing of our founder and visionary, Chris Cortez.
Chris’s diagnosis of inoperable glioblastoma came suddenly, with little warning. He entered the hospital on October 3, 2025, having experienced minimal symptoms prior to that date. In a moment that will remain forever etched in our memories, Chris asked to play one final concert on the Blue Bamboo stage on Thursday, October 30, 2025. That night, an overflow crowd of well-wishers, musicians, and music lovers gathered to celebrate him, his music, and his life.
Soon after, Chris and his wife and devoted partner, Melody, relocated to Los Angeles to be near family. On Sunday morning, December 21, 2025, Melody notified us that Chris had passed peacefully.
We grieve deeply—but we also carry forward his dream.
How We Got Here
Chris’s vision for the Blue Bamboo’s new home—the former Winter Park Library at 460 East New England Avenue—opened to a sold-out house on June 22, 2025, with the Orlando Jazz Orchestra. Standing near the sound booth that evening, Chris said quietly, “This is my dream.”
We all knew there was still work ahead—construction to complete, systems to refine, shows to book—but the dream was alive, and we were on our way.
Then came October 3.
When Chris was admitted to the hospital, Melody asked a question that carried enormous weight:
“How can the show tonight go on?”
The Board’s answer was immediate and unanimous:
“It will.”
And it did.
That moment marked an emotional commitment—not only to keep the doors open, but to preserve the spirit and purpose of the Blue Bamboo. With the help of volunteers, talented sound and video technicians, bar staff, and community supporters, the music continued.
Melody, while caring for Chris, worked tirelessly to transfer knowledge to us—introducing systems, sharing processes, and helping us understand the many moving parts that she and Chris had previously managed almost single-handedly. For the Board and volunteers, the learning curve was steep: booking artists, welcoming guests, running the bar, operating complex audio and video systems, working with ADA contractors, and negotiating potential tenants for the upper floors.
Through it all, the doors stayed open.
Preserving What Mattered Most to Chris
One of Chris’s greatest joys was Thursday Night Hang—and we committed to keeping it free and accessible. Chris loved playing with his band, welcoming young musicians to the stage, and mentoring them in real time. To support these free weekly performances, we created sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. A $1,000 sponsorship helps fund the band and includes recognition on our in-house signage and screen above the stage, with additional advertising options available.
The Hang band continues to perform Chris’s original compositions, honoring his legacy each week. What began as a professional house band has organically evolved into a vibrant, multi-generational ensemble—sometimes featuring more walk-in musicians than pros—a testament to the inclusive musical community Chris built.
As a quiet gift to the community, Chris also donated his entire CD collection—his own recordings and music he produced. These CDs are now available near the bar for anyone—educators, musicians, or music lovers—to take home.
The Show Does Go On
The Board has continued booking performances with the same commitment to quality Chris insisted on. At the same time, we are expanding the musical offerings beyond a strictly jazz focus—responding to community interest and welcoming new audiences, while maintaining artistic excellence.
Artist compensation remains central to our mission. Bands are paid through negotiated agreements ranging from fixed fees to revenue splits, depending on factors such as audience draw, career stage, and genre. Filling seats matters—not just for sustainability, but because musicians deserve fair pay.
What Comes Next
A fair question is: Do ticket sales cover operating costs?
The honest answer is no.
This historic building—vacant for nearly six years before we arrived—offers far more space than our former Kentucky Avenue location, but it also brings significantly higher operating costs. Monthly expenses have increased roughly three-fold. While ticket sales, bar revenue, rentals, and donations have all grown substantially, earned income alone cannot sustain a nonprofit arts venue of this scale.
The good news:
- Donations have increased nearly four-fold
- Ticket sales and earned income have tripled
- We are expanding our volunteer base
- Ticket prices will increase modestly (about 10%)
- A new marketing and communications strategy is launching
We are also pleased to welcome a new marketing professional beginning January 2—a Rollins College graduate with a master’s degree in marketing, a professional musician, and someone who understands both art and audience development.
Two Major Efforts Underway
We are currently advancing two parallel efforts:
1. Sustaining Great Programming
Through ticket sales, sponsorships, volunteers, and community engagement.
2. Completing the Building Transformation
Thanks to a $901,000 Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Grant, with $450,000 in matching funds (cash and in-kind). We are more than halfway to meeting our match and need $140,719 to complete it.
Grant funds are being used to:
- Achieve full ADA compliance (including elevator updates, bathrooms, stairs, and doorways)
- Upgrade sound, lighting, and video systems
- Complete the Jazz Garden, Bravo Room, green room, signage, and gallery spaces
- Finish second- and third-floor buildouts for future nonprofit tenants
All grant funds must be allocated by July 2026, and work is moving quickly.
Building a Broader Arts Community
Upper floors will be leased—ideally to other nonprofit arts organizations that complement our mission. We are also launching a curated community art gallery, offering exhibitions, sales, demonstrations, and masterclasses—another way to expand access and engagement.
To keep everyone informed, we are developing clear visual progress tracking for fundraising and construction milestones.
How You Can Help
Since October, we have been learning—fast—how to run what Chris and Melody once carried almost alone. While we may never match Chris’s tireless energy or his gift for words, we are deeply committed to honoring his vision.
If you believe, as we do, in a vibrant, accessible, community-focused arts venue for Winter Park and beyond, we ask for your help:
- Attend performances
- Sponsor events
- Make a donation
- Volunteer your time or expertise
- Spread the word
Ticket sales alone cannot sustain a nonprofit arts center. Community support makes this possible.
Chris believed in a Stage for All. With your help, that stage remains lit—welcoming musicians, artists, audiences, and ideas for generations to come.
Thank you for staying with us.
Thank you for believing.
And thank you for helping us carry the dream forward.
With gratitude,
The Blue Bamboo Board of Directors
We are handicap accessible.
Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Registration #: CH46010. We have 3 primary purposes -
1. Provide affordable, family friendly music, spoken word, and visual arts.
2. Provide an income to artists.
3. Serve our community through the arts.
Florida's Best Music
Sponsored in part by "United Arts of Central Florida", home of United Arts Arts & Culture Calendar and UAArtsEd.com, "State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts", "Orange County Government Florida Arts & Cultural Affairs" and the “City of Winter Park, Florida.” We also proudly team up with Performing Arts Matter for community events and arts education.
"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." REGISTRATION #: CH46010
• 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352)
We are proud to be recognized by Central Florida Foundation. We have updated our profile and have received Reviewed Status in the Foundation’s Nonprofit Search. If you would like to donate to the center, please click on the Donate Button above. All donations are tax deductible.
