Culture for the Week of Feb 17, 2014 by Josh Garrick
 
Feb 20 to March 30 – Busytown (for Children of All Ages)

Richard Scarry’s stories and characters come to life in Busytown from February 20 to March 30 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Using imaginative music and movement, Huckle Cat takes the audience on a tour of his neighborhood – introducing Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat, Construction Worker, and Fire Chief – all working together to keep Busytown ‘busy.’ For children of all ages, call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Feb 21 to Mar 2 – The Orlando Premiere of Terminus

The Empty Spaces Theatre Co(llaboration) will present Mark O’Rowe’s darkly visceral – and very Irish work – Terminus at the Shakespeare Center from February 21 to March 2.  The often hilarious and always-surprising play finds three individuals – a lonely young woman, a guilt-filled mother, and an awkward young man – living in a world of singing serial killers, avenging angels and lovesick demons. First produced at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2007, call 407.328.9005 for reservations.

Feb 21 and 22 – Concertos by Candlelight: Vivaldi and Bach

The 2014 Concertos by Candlelight presents a playful and passionate program featuring Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concerto and Credo for Choir coupled with violinist Lara St. John performing Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Violin Concerto No 2 with the Bach Festival Orchestra. Performances are set for February 21 and 22 at 7:30 pm at Rollins College.  Call 407.646.2182 or visit bachfestivalflorida.org

Feb 22 – A Tribute to Louis Armstrong

Since 1989, Byron Stripling’s tribute to Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong has been performed before 50 orchestras throughout the United States. As Conductor of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Stripling’s trumpet virtuosity and vocal stylings have brought classics like Sweet Georgia Brown and Minnie the Moocher to audiences at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. In two performances, on February 22 at 2 pm and 8 pm, Stripling will join the Orlando Philharmonic at the Bob Carr PAC to celebrate the musicianship, wit, and showmanship of Louis Armstrong.  Call 407.477.1700 or visit orlandophil.org

Feb 22 – Live from Orlando – It’s Science Night Live!

Us ‘Grown-Ups’ get to take over the Orlando Science Center when it’s reserved strictly for adults at Science Night Live on February 22 at 8 pm. Guests will celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday by witnessing the electrifying High Voltage show; experience the premiere of Flight of the Butterflies in the CineDome; view stars and planets through the giant telescope in the Observatory; conduct lab experiments in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory; delight in food and adult beverages; and engage in science trivia to win prizes. Dress code is casual science nerd. Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org/snl

Feb 22 – Cocina 214’s Margarita Madness Recipe Contest

Frozen, on the rocks or straight up with a salted rim—margaritas are the libation of choice on February 22 at 6:30 pm as Cocina 214 celebrates National Margarita Day with the Margarita Madness Recipe Contest. Contenders submit margarita recipes for a chance to win a $100 gift card and have their recipe featured on the drink menu. The top three contestants will go head-to-head, making their margarita recipes at the celebration with complimentary samples offered from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Cocina 214 is at 151 E. Welbourne Avenue in Winter Park. Visit Cocina214.com or call 407.790.7997.

Feb 22 and 23 – Downtown (Orlando) Food & Wine Fest

The Annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for February 22 (noon to 9 pm) and February 23 (noon to 7 pm) for the thousands of ‘foodies’ and wine-lovers who wish to experience unique cuisine paired with wines from around the globe. Located in Orlando at Lake Eola, the two-day Fest features tastings from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, wine tastings, and live entertainment. New for 2014 are ticket choices that include the Ultimate Fest Experience, the Wine Tasters Club, and the VIP Bottle Service at The Liquid Lounge. Call 407.919.1048 or visit DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com

Feb 23 – Youth Orchestra Presents Celebration of Music Education Concert

In a concert featuring performances from three of the organization’s orchestras, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will honor music educators for the life-changing work they do every day. By celebrating the key role music education plays in the lives of youths, the audience can experience and appreciate the merits of the players and the educators that have inspired them. The Celebration of Music Education Concert will take place on February 23 at 3 pm at the College Park Baptist Church at 1914 Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $8 to $16. Call 407.999.7800.

Feb 25 to March 2 – War Horse on the Broadway Series

War Horse is a World War One drama of courage, loyalty and friendship, playing for one week, on the Orlando Broadway Series. Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and caught up in an extraordinary journey as Albert, too young to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him home. This powerful drama, filled with music and song, packed theaters in London and New York. With the theatricality of life-sized puppets that ‘bring to life’ galloping horses, call 800.448.6322 for your tickets.

Feb 26 – Chili for Charity

The Rotary Club of Winter Park's Chili for Charity event returns with creative chili recipes with a ‘Winter Park attitude.’ Local restaurants, caterers and businesses compete for the coveted Peoples' Choice award while having their dishes evaluated by a panel of judges as live entertainment, drinks, dessert and a live auction round out the evening at the Winter Park Farmers' Market. 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Marlow's Tavern, and The Meat House are three of the more than one dozen competitors in this up-scale chili cook-off set for February 26 beginning at 5:30 pm.

Feb 26 – Wine & Wit: A Roast Celebrating Dick Batchelor

Raise your glasses to toast (and ‘roast’) one of Central Florida’s most respected and admired community leaders - Dick Batchelor, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and current businessman, political analyst, and child advocate. The evening will include live music, a special menu from 4Rivers Smokehouse and The COOP with live cooking demonstration by Chef John Rivers, silent auction and the entertaining ‘roast’ honoring Dick Batchelor. Beginning at 6 pm at Quantum Leap Winery in Orlando, the Roastmaster is Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel
Roasters include Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Congressman Lou Frey, Mark NeJame … and more. Call 407.215.0095 x211 or email mdearth[at]impowerfl.org.

Feb 27 -- Jackson Harris Opens for 5th Harmony at House of Blues

Guitar heartthrob Jackson Harris has garnered comparisons to the likes of Ryan Tedder and John Mayer, especially since his new EP Sharks & Vampires hit on February 11. The video for his first single, Miss Me off of Sharks, features model Monique Blanchard while steaming up your computer. Harris will “open for” 5th Harmony at House of Blues on February 27 – a great place to be for those who want to ‘discover new talent’ while they’re still opening acts.  Visit houseofblues.com or call 407.934.2583.

February 28 at 7 pm -- Don Quixote by the Moscow Festival Ballet

Rich in Spanish tradition (and Russian ballet bravado), Don Quixote (the ballet) brings Cervantes' masterpiece to life in the timeless story of an aging knight and his imaginary adventures. Setting out to rescue the lady of his dreams, Don Quixote leads a charge against invisible rivals, puppets, and windmills. The Moscow Festival Ballet merges the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach for one performance only on February 28. Call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

Looking Ahead with the Generous Chefs of Central Florida …

March 1 – Appetite for the Arches

On March 1, Central Florida’s finest chefs will showcase their creativity for a great cause at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida’s Appetite for the Arches fundraising event. At THIS event, participating chefs from more than a dozen restaurants will use McDonald’s ingredients to create palate-pleasing dishes for guests to sample. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy drinks, live music, a silent and a live auction. Ronald McDonald House provides a home and care to families with children receiving treatment at local hospitals in Orlando. Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org/events.

Mar 6 – Books and Cooks to Benefit the Winter Park Public Library

The Alfond Inn is the setting for an evening of celebrity chefs signing their books to support the Winter Park Public Library. Featuring John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Brandon McGlamery of Prato and Luma on Park, Norman Van Aken of Norman's at the Ritz-Carlton, Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurants, and Hollis Wilder of Sweet By Holly.  The $25 Ticket includes the author’s panel at The Alfond Inn, a bourbon cocktail (recipe by John Rivers) and ‘gourmet snacks’ by Luma on Park and Sweet By Miss Holly. Contact P. Corkum at pcorkum[at]wppl.org or call 407.623.3277.
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators