Entertainment
Mary J. Blige Adds New Dates to ‘The For My Fans Tour’—Including a Stop in Orlando!
Published
10 months agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning icon Mary J. Blige is set to take her highly-anticipated The For My Fans Tour to new heights, adding several fresh dates to her already packed schedule. The tour will now include a stop at Orlando’s Kia Center on Friday, April 25, 2025, bringing her music and energy to the Sunshine State.
**Update 4/20/25: The Mary J. Blige show originally scheduled for Friday, April 25, has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 26**
**All tickets for the original date will be honored for the new date**
This milestone tour celebrates Mary J. Blige’s illustrious career, which spans over three decades, and gives fans a chance to experience her iconic hits like “Be Without You,” “Family Affair,” and “Real Love.” The tour will also feature tracks from her latest album Gratitude, including “Here I Am” and the bold anthem “Don’t F*ck Up,” offering a perfect blend of past classics and fresh material that captures Blige’s growth and journey as an artist. With this tour, Blige celebrates the love and support of her fans, acknowledging that her success has always been intertwined with their unwavering loyalty.
Blige is a true powerhouse in the music industry, boasting eight multi-platinum albums, nine GRAMMY® Awards, an Emmy® Award, two Academy Award nominations, and more. Her recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 cements her status as one of the greatest artists of her generation.
From her debut album What’s the 411? to the critically acclaimed My Life, Blige has redefined R&B with her unique blend of soul, hip-hop, and unfiltered lyrics. Her latest album Good Morning Gorgeous received six GRAMMY® nominations, including Album of the Year, and her unforgettable performance at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show earned her an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
But Blige is more than just a music legend—she’s a trailblazer in the entertainment world. She has starred in acclaimed films like Mudbound, where her performance earned two Academy Award nominations, and is known for her role in Power Book II: Ghost. As a producer, she’s made her mark with projects through her production company, Blue Butterfly, and recently executive produced the Lifetime films Real Love and Strength of a Woman. Fans can also look forward to the premiere of Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair, which aired last month, and more exciting projects on the horizon.
For concertgoers looking to make the most of their experience, Blige’s tour offers various VIP packages that include exclusive access to VIP lounges, premium tickets, limited-edition merchandise, and much more. Whether you’re looking for reserved booths, access to special areas, or a unique memento to take home, these VIP options elevate the concert experience to new heights.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Orlando show can be purchased at the Kia Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.com. All tickets are reserved, with pricing based on market demand. For more details on ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com.
Blige’s For My Fans Tour isn’t just about celebrating her music; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the fans who’ve supported her through every chapter of her career. Don’t miss the chance to experience the energy and excitement of one of music’s most influential stars.
Get ready for an unforgettable night with Mary J. Blige—the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is coming to Orlando!
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
WATCH: FNN News Podcast en Español, Tuesdays at 6:30pm EST
Published
1 month agoon
January 8, 2026By
Willie DavidCentral Florida News
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
Published
3 months agoon
November 6, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ARTS & CULTURE) – Orlando Community Arts, Inc. proudly presents “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker,” an original adaptation of the classic Nutcracker story written by Beverly Page, published author and executive producer. This vibrant holiday production brings the magic of the season to life while celebrating the cultural diversity that defines Central Florida.
Audiences are invited to join Clare on a magical journey through her enchanting dream, traveling alongside the Chocolate Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy around the world — from Africa and Asia to the Caribbean, India, and beyond — before reaching the dazzling Kingdom of Toys.
Described as soulful, bold, colorful, exciting, lively, and delightful, “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” offers an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family — filled with music, dance, and cultural storytelling that capture the heart of the season.
About Steglich Ross and Associates
Steglich Ross and Associates, based in Apopka, Florida, are premier experts in crafting and executing large-scale events that elevate brands and inspire audiences. The firm specializes in festival planning, marketing strategy, brand development, and creative web design, offering personalized solutions that help clients connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
Entertainment
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams: Defying Limits and Redefining Possibility
Published
3 months agoon
November 6, 2025ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – When you hear the word “disability,” it’s easy to imagine limits, restrictions, and barriers. But for Jeffery Lorenzo Williams, those words have no place in his vocabulary. Paralyzed at 13, Williams identifies as a person of determination — a term that reflects strength and capability, not limitation. His life has become a masterclass in turning adversity into empowerment, proving that the most powerful movement begins in the mind.
During an exclusive interview with FNN News, Williams reflected on the event that changed his life and the mindset that carried him forward.
“I never focused on what I couldn’t do,” Williams said. “I focused on what I could and I just kept moving forward.”
That perspective has shaped a career defined by reinvention. Today, Williams is an accomplished New York City real estate broker, motivational author, pilot, and footwear designer. Each title tells part of the same story — one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.
Through his footwear brand JLorenzo’s, Williams designs adaptive sneakers that merge fashion with motivation. His collections feature empowering inscriptions such as “Be somebody nobody thought you could be.” He laughs as he recalls me being his first customer. “Each inscription represents walking not just physically, but walking in purpose,” he said.
His work has not only built a stylish, inclusive brand but has also redefined what representation in fashion can look like. Earlier this year, Williams brought that message to Daniel’s Leather’s Inclusive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2025, joining nearly 40 wheelchair-using models, including Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, Latavia Sturdivant. The event was more than a showcase — it was a celebration of visibility and empowerment. “The energy was incredible,” Williams said. “It wasn’t about being different, it was about being seen.”
Beyond fashion, Williams takes his passion for breaking barriers to the skies. As a licensed pilot, he flies glider planes, something he calls the ultimate expression of freedom.
“Flying gives me freedom,” he said. “It’s proof that even when life grounds you, you can still soar.”
His memoir, “My Feet Are Off the Ground: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph,” chronicles his remarkable journey from paralysis to success. Proceeds from the book fund nursing scholarships, extending his lifelong commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Williams plans to bring his story to new audiences through a documentary and a stage play, with his son, Jeff Jr., potentially portraying him on screen.
When asked if he would change his past, Williams paused thoughtfully before answering.
“Of course, I’d love to walk,” he said. “But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t have been able to touch and change lives the way I have. That’s worth more than anything.”
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams doesn’t just live with determination — he embodies it. Through his work, his story, and his example, he continues to challenge the world’s perception of ability. His life is a vivid reminder that real barriers often exist only where others place them, and that courage, when paired with purpose, can truly move mountain.
In a world quick to define people by their obstacles, Jeffery Lorenzo Williams is a compelling reminder that true limitation exists only where we allow it.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com