Florida Culture for the Week of August 12 by Josh Garrick

Now through August 19 -- Breakthrough Theatre’s CABARET

We have one more week to enjoy Justin Scarlat’s incredibly successful directing debut with CABARET at The Breakthrough Theater of Winter Park and the standing-ovation performances by Matty Hixon as the Emcee and Dorothy Massey as Sally Bowles. It’s another not-to-be-missed production by the always resourceful gang of talent at Breakthrough Theater. For reservations call 407-920-4034

August 15 – Third Thursday’s FASHION LOUNGE at Jai Gallery

You’ll LOVE these FREE 3rd Thursday events at Jai Gallery thanks to the warm welcome from Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, who makes you feel part of it all WHILE also enjoying the "insider" feeling of being on the right side of the red velvet rope. This Thursday features TallyReNee giving us ‘express-myself-via-fashion attitude.’ TallyReNee's fun designs are a dynamic mix of vibrant colors, polka dots and 50’s Pin Up imagery with a contemporary twist. At Jai Gallery in the Exchange Building at Church St. Station. Call 407.523.0200 or 407.921.0693 or visit jaigallery.net

August 16 to Oct 6 – A&H Museums – Maitland Celebrates Eatonville

On August 16, the A&H Museums – Maitland opens two exhibits featuring the City of Eatonville. Images of Eatonville: Then & Now will be presented in the A&H’s Center Galleries from August 16 to September 29 while the exhibit Founding of Eatonville may be seen in the A&H’s Historical Museum from August 16 through October 6. The communities of Maitland and Eatonville have a history of strong ties from the formation of Eatonville to the friendship between A&H’s founder André Smith and writer Zora Neale Hurston. Eatonville is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary as the oldest incorporated African American municipality in the United States. Call 407.539.2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Rural Home by André Smith c. 1940

August 16 to Jan 5, 2014 – Eugene Savage: The Seminole Paintings

In 1935 American artist Eugene Savage made the first of many journeys into the Florida Everglades to study the Seminole Indians. Over two decades, he created an extensive series of paintings of the Seminoles in works that reflect his deep concern for the plight of their native culture. Depicting the way in which tourism and land development threatened their traditional way of life, Savage’s paintings will be exhibited at the Mennello Museum from August 16 through January 5. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Scherzo

August 17 and 18 – A Passion for Collecting at the Orlando Museum of Art

The exhibit opening August 17 at the Orlando Museum of Art is the first in decades to present decorative works from outstanding private collections in Florida. A Passion for Collecting presents more than 200 pieces including silver, textiles, furniture and ceramics that showcase craftsmanship from China, Japan, Europe and the United States. The collectors were chosen because each has in-depth knowledge and experience with their subject. Visitors are invited to “sharpen their collector's eye," as they observe the qualities it takes to form an outstanding collection. Visit the Museum on August 18 at 1:30 pm and you may tour the new collection with Associate Curator Jan Clanton followed by an invitation to Tea (Free with paid gallery admission). Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

August 18 – Divas in Concert Fundraiser

Six of Florida’s most celebrated ‘Divas’ will sing Broadway and Jazz on August 18 in one extraordinary concert to support the Steinway Society of Central Florida. Divas In Concert will include Michelle Amato, Laura Hodos, Jacqueline Jones, Michelle Mailhot, Suzy Park, and Carol Stein. The six celebrated performers will sing to provide complimentary piano lessons for children in need and the Society ‘piano bank,’ which awards pianos to talented youngsters who cannot afford to purchase them. The event begins at 6 pm at the Orlando Museum of Art auditorium. Visit steinwayorlando.com or call (407) 339.3771 or (321) 356-4264

August 19 at 7 pm – Rimma and Friends

The final entry in the Philharmonic’s Sounds of Summer Series finds Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois leading two octets: Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat, and Schubert’s Octet in F major. Both are the products of young genius, and both are considered among the greatest of chamber ensemble works for their melodic beauty. This is some beautiful music played by eight very talented performers, and it is highly recommended. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

August 20 – Taverna Opa Orlando’s Journey & Savor Wine Dinner

If you saw my review of Taverna Opa in these pages, you’ll understand why their special evening on August 20 (beginning at 6:30 pm) is showing up in this column. This highly recommended Mediterranean restaurant, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, will present a wine dinner pairing with a portion of proceeds donated to Pet Rescue. Priced at an affordable $40 per person, guests can also learn about the ingredients used to create each of the five courses. As for me – just bring on that incredible food, start the Greek line dancing, and shout OPA! At Pointe Orlando on International Drive in Orlando, call 407-351-8660 or visit opaorlando.com

August 20 – FemCity Orlando presents Business Casual in the Heat

FemCity Orlando will help area professional women with casual looks that are chic, cool and dry at an event scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, August 20 at Continuum in Lake Mary. Founded by Leah Nash, the Orlando chapter of Femfessionals hosts monthly networking events for women to strengthen their business and social circles. “Our friends at the chic boutique Continuum will help us look our best in Florida’s hot and rainy summers,” says Leah Nash. Wine and hors d'oeuvres provided. Call 407.758.5324 or visit femfessionals.com

August 22 – 7:45 to 10:15 am – “From Learning to Working” in Winter Park

In a morning session on August 22, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will explore From Learning to Working in a panel discussion moderated by WKMG's Lauren Rowe. The session will celebrate accomplishments and collaborations between educators and business leaders. Panelists include: Dr. Barbara Jenkins, Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools; Dr. Sandra Lyn Jewell, Director, Winter Park Tech; Michael O'Donnell, CEO, Ruth's Hospitality Group; and Dr. David S. Richard, Dean of Hamilton Holt School, Rollins College. The event will serve as a collection point for A Gift for Teaching's Back-to-School Drive; attendees are encouraged to bring donations of loose leaf paper, #2 pencils, and 24-count crayon boxes. RSVP to 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

August 24 – Orlando's Cultural Season Begins

It’s a fund-raiser; it’s an auction; it’s an art show; it’s a gala performance; and it’s the ‘official’ kick-off of Orlando’s Cultural Season.  IT is the Annual Red Chair Affair, and IT happens August 24 at 7 pm (8 pm showtime) at the Bob Carr PAC. This unique showcase of performing groups and visual artists is your preview ticket to all things ‘cultural’ in the coming season. Patrons will enjoy performances by Phantasmagoria, Orlando Aerial Arts, Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Gay Chorus, Orlando Philharmonic, and more. Proceeds benefit the Red Chair Project, a non-profit working to increase participation in arts and culture throughout Central Florida. For tickets, visit RedChairProject.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators