Florida Culture for the Week of August 6 by Josh Garrick

Breaking News – ARTS Good for Business

Enlightened business leaders have known this to be true for decades, but new research released by American for the Arts confirms that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $264 million in annual economic activity in the seven-county Central Florida region. According to the study, the arts support 8,966 full-time jobs and generate $36 million in local and state government revenues. This is the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. “The arts attract and retain high-level businesses and improve the quality of our lives – in short, support for the arts is a terrific investment in the betterment of our community, and this AEPIV research backs that up,” said Flora Maria Garcia, Pres. & CEO of United Arts. The full report is available at AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact. For information visit UnitedArts.cc, or to give to the arts, visit TheArtsMatter.com

August 10 – Maitland’s Summer Concerts Continue with The Dave Capp Project

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) continues its popular Summer Concerts in the Garden on Friday, August 10 at 7 pm as the Dave Capp Project takes the stage for an evening of music and fun. Concerts take place in the A&H’s beautiful Main Garden at 231 W. Packwood Avenue in Maitland. The Dave Capp Project promises a great beginning to the summer weekend with their musical combination of old-school and contemporary jazz, blues, and ballads. Patrons can also hear literary readings from Maitland Poets & Writers, and stop by the A&H’s Main Galleries to view the exhibit: A Day in the Life of the Research Studio. A bar is available, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a low-backed chair. Admission is $3. Call 407.539.2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

August 11, 18, and 25 – FREE Concert Series at Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Summer Concert Series is in full swing at the Bandshell at 250 N. Atlantic Avenue. With a range of music to please residents and visitors alike, we are all invited to ‘swing’ with the Big Band sound or ‘rock out’ with this family friendly music series known for celebrating diverse musical tastes. All events are FREE, but no coolers or blankets are allowed. Chair rentals and beverages are available for purchase. The August lineup includes:
Saturday, Aug 11 at 7 pm - Moonlighters (Swing/Big Band)   (386) 441-1394
Saturday, Aug 18 at 7 pm -  Nickoloff (Classic Rock)
Saturday, Aug 25 at 7 pm – Madison County (Country)
Following each concert, a fireworks extravaganza is presented from the end of the Daytona Beach Pier.  Call 386-671-3421 or visit Daytonabeach.com

August 11 – Living Healthy through Organics

We all know that ‘organics’ have special benefits that can help our families to healthier lifestyles, but HOW do we use organics in our diets?  On August 11, Dr. Dan Thomas, noted authority on healthy living, will answer these and other questions about the benefits of incorporating organics into our lives. A sampling of energy-providing smoothies (with all natural 100% organic ingredients) will be part of the program. We will also learn about the benefits of regular exercise and have the opportunity to participate in exercise demonstrations with Seminole CROSSFIT as part of this healthy program. The presentation takes place at the Central Florida Zoo at 3755 NW Hwy 17-92 in Sanford. Call 407.323.4450 x100 or visit centralfloridazoo.org

August 13 – collide•scope at Urban ReThink

In a series that captures the mission stated in their NAME, Urban ReThink brings together a group of diverse and interesting minds, “colliding to discuss creative solutions to our community’s unsolved challenges.” collide•scope is a thought-provoking event designed to create discourse among individuals from diverse backgrounds, and the event for Monday, August 13 begins at 6:25 pm. Even their start time causes one to “think.”  This month’s participants are Jeremy Seghers, Actor, Director, Producer and Art Curator; James Jessup, brainy guy from MENSA; Michael Dippy, Founder of iDignity and City of Orlando’s 2011 Person of the Year, and Bill Segal, former District 5 County Commissioner. One week prior to the event, they will be given a challenge to consider and present on the date of the event. Each challenge addresses a social issue from our area with the dialogue meant to promote a more healthy, vibrant and livable community. Urban ReThink is located at 625 East Central Boulevard in downtown Orlando. Visit UrbanReThink.com or call 407.704.6895

August 15 and 29 -- Natalie Cordone Returns to Cabaret Series

Natalie Cordone is simply one of the finest singing actresses, who – fortunately for us – makes her home in Central Florida. This amazing singer will appear in the Winter Park Playhouse Cabaret Series with her new show – Sentimental Journey – on August 15 and 29 at 7:30 pm. A ‘heartwarming look at love’ told through the songs of the 1940s to today, this New York-style cabaret is inspired by personal memories and stories from The Winter Park Playhouse’s own patrons. Natalie Cordone is currently performing as Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense (running through August 25) at the Playhouse. Natalie will be joined by Chris Leavy at the piano. Natalie’s credits include Off-Broadway and performances with the Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic, and we are told to watch for possible guest appearances from one or more of her leading men as an added highlight to the performance. Seating is limited; advance reservations are recommended. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

August 18 and 19 – Lakeridge Winery Harvest Grape Stomp

While Lakeridge Winery offers FREE winery tours and tastings seven days a week, we are all invited to their 18th Annual Harvest Stomp on August 18 from 10 am to 5 pm and August 19 from 11 am to 5 pm. The two-day festival features music, grape stomping, and award-winning Lakeridge Wines. A $2 donation is accepted at the gate to benefit the Boys & Girls Club, AND the first 300 guests to donate each day will receive a special door prize. The musical lineup includes two bands each day including:

August 18 – The Groovemasters from 10 am to 1:30 pm and The Robert Harris Group from 2 pm to 5 pm.

August 19 – the Nightly Blues Band from 11 am to 1:30 pm and Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Blues Band from 2 pm to 5 pm.  In addition a Solo Performance by Robert Harris will be offered in the Hospitality Cellar from 1 pm to 4 pm.

The Wine Shop will offer ‘specials,’ we can take a free winery tour and tasting, and children's activities will be offered. All guests are invited to test their fortitude in the “sweet but slippery” grape stomping competitions throughout the weekend. Lakeridge Winery is at 19239 US 27 N in Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com

Planning Ahead – August 25 – The 8th Annual Red Chair Affair

It’s known as the ‘kick-off’ of the Central Florida arts and culture season, and whether you are new to the area or a Patron of the Arts here in Central Florida, this one evening serves as a not-to-be missed fund-raiser and variety performance. Moved along at a brisk pace by Director John DiDonna, the evening is your ‘sampler ticket’ to this season’s cultural offerings. Performances will be provided by Art & History Museums, Maitland, ArtistsRegistry, Empty Spaces Theatre Collaboration, the Bach Festival, Enzian, Florida Opera Theatre, the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and SAK Comedy Lab among others. The evening is a fund-raiser for the Red Chair Project, a collaborative of more than 360 arts organizations working to promote the arts. The 8th Annual Red Chair Affair will be held at the Bob Carr PAC. VIP and general admission tickets are available. Call 407.872.2382.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators