These free, educational and engaging sessions give audiences the opportunity to learn more about each concert repertoire, the history behind the pieces and composers, and participate in an informal Q&A with Maestro Matt Wardell.

Season Preview with Matt Wardell
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – 10:00 AM

Subscription Concert 1: Fate, Goblins, and the Mothership Preview with Matt Wardell
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, October 9, 2024 – 10:00 AM

Messiah Community Sing-Along Preview with Matt Wardell & Joshua Mazur
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 10:00 AM

Subscription 3: Vive la France! Preview with Matt Wardell & Raymond Chobaz
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – 10:00 AM

Subscription 4: Sound and Fury Preview with Matt Wardell
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:00 AM

Subscription 5: Youth, Tricksters, and Metamorphosis Preview with Matt Wardell
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, February 26, 2025 – 10:00 AM

Ode to Joy: Beethoven’s 9th Preview with Matt Wardell & Joshua Mazur
Coffee at the Marion Theatre- Wednesday March 19, 2025 – 10:00 AM

Subscription 6: The West meets Scheherazade Preview with Matt Wardell & Raymond Chobaz
Coffee at the Marion Theatre – Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 10:00 AM

You can RSVP to these free events HERE 

$1000 grand finale prize
6-Week Comedy Showdown at Muddy Lotus Tea
 January 7 – February 18, 2026
 Doors open at 4 PM | Sign-ups close at 7:30 PM | Show 8–10 PM
 Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ocala FL
18+ Event | One Drink Minimum
 Hosted by Samantha Bender & DJ Shawn
Think you’ve got the guts to grab the mic and make a crowd lose it?
Join us for Drop the Mic: Comedy Edition, a six-week stand-up comedy competition where local comics go head-to-head for laughs, glory, and $1,000 cash in the grand finale!

Every Wednesday night, comedians take the stage for two different 5–7 minute sets — giving them the chance to show range, creativity, and pure comedic presence.

Each week’s winner moves on to the Finale on February 18, 2026, where the five champions will battle for the title of Muddy Lotus Tea’s 2026 Comedy Winner and a $1,000 cash prize.

 HOW IT WORKS
• Weekly competitions run January 7 through February 11.
• Each comic performs two 5–7 minute sets (different material encouraged).
• Judges and audience votes decide the weekly winner.
• Weekly winners automatically advance to the finale and open the following week’s show.
• If a winner can’t make it, the runner-up steps in.
• The Finale on February 18 features all five weekly winners competing for $1,000 cash and the Drop the Mic Comedy Champion title!

JUDGING CRITERIA

Comics are scored on:
1. Stage Presence – confidence, comfort, connection
2. Originality – fresh, authentic, creative material
3. Delivery & Timing – flow, rhythm, punchline control
4. Audience Reaction – laughter, energy, engagement
5. Overall Impact – the complete impression from both sets

 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Every show features The Lotus Challenge — an improv round where the crowd gets to throw fun, everyday topics at the comedians (“first dates,” “bad drivers,” “Florida rain,” “coffee addiction,” etc.) and watch them turn it into comedy on the spot.

Ground rules:

Keep it light, kind, and clever — no politics, no hate, no cheap shots.
Muddy Lotus is about creativity, connection, and good energy.

 PRACTICE NIGHT

Comics can workshop or test material Tuesday nights with Christy House at Act Out, starting at 7 PM.
It’s an open and supportive space to prepare before showtime at Muddy Lotus.

SIGN-UP DETAILS
• Sign-ups open at 7 PM and close at 7:30 PM sharp each Wednesday.
• Performers must be 18+.
• Each performer gets two 5–7 minute sets.
• All material must be original.
• No hate speech, slurs, or political targeting.
• If your name is called and you’re not present, your slot is forfeited.
• One drink minimum for all attendees.

 PRIZES
• Weekly Winners: Advance to finals + open the next show
• Grand Finale Winner (Feb 18): $1,000 Cash Prize
• Fan Favorite: Determined by audience cheers each week

Bring your best material, your boldest energy, and your sense of humor because once the mic drops, it’s all on you.

Get ready to be entertained! Actor and stand-up comedian Marc Price, best known as Skippy from the beloved ‘80s sitcom Family Ties, takes the Civic stage for one night only.

Witty and charming, this multi-talented performer has shared the stage with comedy legends like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. He’s starred in movies alongside rock icons Ozzy Osbourne and Gene Simmons. He’s hosted late-night talk shows, TV game shows, and his own radio show. And he’s written and produced for major networks like E!, TBS, and the Disney Channel.

You loved Marc back in the day as the bumbling neighbor and friend of Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) on Family Ties – now come see him in his “awkward adult years”! It’s a night of pure joy, laughter, and entertainment as you meet him all over again. You’ll have a blast!

“Refreshingly bright” – Los Angeles Times

“Wickedly funny” – Boston Globe

$1000 grand finale prize
6-Week Comedy Showdown at Muddy Lotus Tea
 January 7 – February 18, 2026
 Doors open at 4 PM | Sign-ups close at 7:30 PM | Show 8–10 PM
 Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ocala FL
18+ Event | One Drink Minimum
 Hosted by Samantha Bender & DJ Shawn
Think you’ve got the guts to grab the mic and make a crowd lose it?
Join us for Drop the Mic: Comedy Edition, a six-week stand-up comedy competition where local comics go head-to-head for laughs, glory, and $1,000 cash in the grand finale!

Every Wednesday night, comedians take the stage for two different 5–7 minute sets — giving them the chance to show range, creativity, and pure comedic presence.

Each week’s winner moves on to the Finale on February 18, 2026, where the five champions will battle for the title of Muddy Lotus Tea’s 2026 Comedy Winner and a $1,000 cash prize.

 HOW IT WORKS
• Weekly competitions run January 7 through February 11.
• Each comic performs two 5–7 minute sets (different material encouraged).
• Judges and audience votes decide the weekly winner.
• Weekly winners automatically advance to the finale and open the following week’s show.
• If a winner can’t make it, the runner-up steps in.
• The Finale on February 18 features all five weekly winners competing for $1,000 cash and the Drop the Mic Comedy Champion title!

JUDGING CRITERIA

Comics are scored on:
1. Stage Presence – confidence, comfort, connection
2. Originality – fresh, authentic, creative material
3. Delivery & Timing – flow, rhythm, punchline control
4. Audience Reaction – laughter, energy, engagement
5. Overall Impact – the complete impression from both sets

 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Every show features The Lotus Challenge — an improv round where the crowd gets to throw fun, everyday topics at the comedians (“first dates,” “bad drivers,” “Florida rain,” “coffee addiction,” etc.) and watch them turn it into comedy on the spot.

Ground rules:

Keep it light, kind, and clever — no politics, no hate, no cheap shots.
Muddy Lotus is about creativity, connection, and good energy.

 PRACTICE NIGHT

Comics can workshop or test material Tuesday nights with Christy House at Act Out, starting at 7 PM.
It’s an open and supportive space to prepare before showtime at Muddy Lotus.

SIGN-UP DETAILS
• Sign-ups open at 7 PM and close at 7:30 PM sharp each Wednesday.
• Performers must be 18+.
• Each performer gets two 5–7 minute sets.
• All material must be original.
• No hate speech, slurs, or political targeting.
• If your name is called and you’re not present, your slot is forfeited.
• One drink minimum for all attendees.

 PRIZES
• Weekly Winners: Advance to finals + open the next show
• Grand Finale Winner (Feb 18): $1,000 Cash Prize
• Fan Favorite: Determined by audience cheers each week

Bring your best material, your boldest energy, and your sense of humor because once the mic drops, it’s all on you.