Winter Park's Nightlife is evolving. More creativity, honesty, and community. At the center of this shift are three local artists who each bring something different to the scene: DJ and event curator Rupesh, indie folk singer Dean Batten, and comedian Selena Ubias. While they work in different genres, their impact is the same: real talent, real emotion, and a deeper kind of connection after dark.
Rupesh is a DJ with a background in classical percussion, but it’s his global house sets and community-building events that are catching attention. After falling in love with vinyl DJing in high school, he spent years developing his sound and now co-hosts Daylite Orlando, a dance event that blends underground music and culture. His sets are less about the playlist and more about mood—pulling sounds from his South Asian roots and blending them with house, disco, and funk. He’s helped transform spaces like Qreate Coffee and Iron Cow into welcoming spots for people who want more than a typical night out. “It’s about creating a space where people can be themselves,” he says.
Dean Batten, a singer-songwriter with a literary bent, takes a more introspective approach. A self-taught guitarist and poet, he writes songs that explore mental health, isolation, and hope with sharp clarity. After traveling cross-country by motorcycle and settling in Orlando, Dean began playing local venues like Stardust and Will’s Pub. His lyrics are direct but poetic, and his voice is raw—drawing comparisons to artists like Bright Eyes and Iron & Wine. “Songwriting helps me sort through what’s real,” he says. His upcoming EP focuses on personal transformation and the stories we tell ourselves in private. Dean Batten’s songwriting is deeply personal, often reflecting his journey of self-discovery. His work resonates with anyone grappling with internal struggles or seeking meaning in life’s uncertainties. His authenticity on stage draws listeners in, making them feel seen.
Selena Ubias is a bold new voice in Orlando’s comedy scene, bringing sharp writing and fearless energy to every stage she steps on. After a spontaneous open mic led her into stand-up, Selena doubled down on her craft—and it’s paying off. She credits her father as a major influence on her comedic journey. Growing up, she admired his ability to make everyone laugh effortlessly, inspiring her to pursue comedy. His charisma and quick wit left a lasting impact on her style. Her material is rooted in lived experience, touching on topics like mental health, financial stress, and everyday chaos. She draws from real conversations and bad days, using humor to dig deeper into uncomfortable truths. "Comedy is how I cope,” she explains. A recent appearance on the comedy podcast Kill Tony gave her a boost of confidence and wider recognition. “When someone you respect tells you you’ve got a future in this, it changes things,” she says. Alongside regular live shows, she hosts the Unstable Creatures podcast and is growing her YouTube presence with full stand-up sets.
Together, Rupesh, Dean, and Selena represent what Winter Park nightlife is becoming: more thoughtful, more expressive, and more human.
"I take the ugliest parts of life and make them funny. It’s the one place I can be brutally honest and people actually listen." -Selena Ubias