Florida Culture for the Week of August 20, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY -- August 20 at 5:30 pm – ‘Divas & Dudes Tribute Show’ for Steinway Society 
The Steinway Society’s fundraiser, ‘Divas and Dudes Tribute Show’ will include performers Jacqueline Jones; Linda Cole, Eric Richardson, Shenina Beaman, Jim Carter, and Cyndi Fraser. Hosted by TV Anchor Bob Frier, the event includes a cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 pm followed by the concert at 6:30 pm. Proceeds support music lessons for disadvantaged children. At the Orlando Museum of Art, tickets are $50 to $75. Call 407.339.3771 or visit steinwaysocietyorlando.com 

NOW to Sept 11 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents “A CHORUS LINE” 
I’ve seen some great productions on the ‘intimate’ stage at the Breakthrough Theatre, and I am still in disbelief as to HOW Breakthrough handles the all-singing, all dancing ‘A CHORUS LINE.’ I’ll keep it simple. ‘A CHORUS LINE’ is among the greatest musicals of all time, and what Wade Hair and company have created is a small miracle. This up-close-and-personal performance is one powerhouse number after another, and the amazing cast gives you every note of the CHORUS LINE experience. As word gets out, this small theater will SELL OUT of tickets at $12 to $20. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

August 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm – Where Will YOU Be for the 2017 Solar Eclipse?
Optimal Viewing in Central Florida 

This is the first total solar eclipse that will be viewable from the west coast to the east coast of the United States in 99 years. Florida residents will be able to view the solar eclipse at 85% totality, which means the moon will almost completely cover the sun. Those seeking the “complete experience” will be at one of these very special and unique locations. 

At the Orlando Science Center 
777 East Princeton St. in Orlando 
Visit the Orlando Science Center for a fun and safe celebration of the eclipse. Their peak viewing time is 2:45 pm. If you RSVP to the event, OSC will offer more information as the eclipse draws near including FREE Orlando Science Center hosted “pop-up viewing locations” around Orlando. Visit osc.org 

At the Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College
100 Weldon Blvd. in Sanford
The Planetarium will hold their “Observation Event” on the sidewalks in front of the Automotive Technology building on the main campus of Seminole State with the point of maximum eclipse occurring at 2:51 pm. This event is created to view the eclipse with Planetarium staff and volunteers from the Central Florida Astronomical Society offering properly-filtered telescopes and binoculars set up for safe viewing. The Planetarium will also offer several short presentations for those interested in learning more about the eclipse and the science behind it. Call 407.708. 2360 or visit seminolestate.edu/planet 

At the Bok Tower Gardens 
1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales
This day in history is the perfect chance to surround yourself with the beautiful Gardens around the Bok Tower (the highest point in Florida). The Gardens’ first 400 visitors will each receive a complimentary pair of CE & ISO certified viewing glasses, and the Nature Guides will have additional information on the eclipse at the ‘Discovery Cart.’ For the adventurous, viewing will be optimal at the Knoll or bring a picnic blanket for a relaxing view on the Great Lawn or Pinewood Estate lawn. Call 863.676.1408 or visit boktowergardens.org 

August 21 – The Orlando Philharmonic Presents “Rimma & Friends” 
Summer Romance is in the air as we travel back to the Romantic Era with the Orlando Philharmonic’s extraordinary concert-master ‘Rimma Bergeron-Langlois & Friends’ for an evening of music charged with emotion. Be part of the Era’s artistic awakening with music from composers Bruch, Dvořák and Schumann. Joining Rimma will be violinist Alexander Stevens, violist Mauricio Céspedes, cellist Grace Gavin, pianist Keiko Andrews and bassoonist Gabriel Bergeron-Langlois. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org  

August 22 at 7:30 pm – Andrew Dice Clay: Live in Concert 
“Proud to be one of America's most controversial comics,” Andrew Dice Clay released his debut album with the parental advisory, “This album is offensive.” Clay became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row and was the only performer ever “Banned For Life from MTV.” Recently, Clay’s career has seen him featured in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, on Entourage, and in Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl. See him now in his Showtime series, Dice, and LIVE at Plaza Live in Orlando. Tickets at plazaliveorlando.org 

August 25 & 26 – “Titanic the Musical: In Concert”
Presented by CFCArts Community Choir and Symphony Orchestra, the Tony Award-winning “Titanic the Musical: In Concert,” follows the powerful and moving stories of the people on-board the legendary ship’s fateful voyage. Featuring a stellar cast of Central Florida actors, a 100-voice choir, a 45 piece orchestra, and the unique staging only Central Florida Community Arts can create, tickets are $50, $25, $15, $10. Call 407.937.1800 or visit cfcommunityarts.com 

August 25 to 27 – The Orlando Home & Garden Show 
With thousands of square feet of exhibits, a visit to the Orlando Home & Garden Show offers seminars, designer rooms, a lighting showcase, contractors, a ‘New Products Zone,’ decks, pools, spas, storage, plants, landscaping, and kitchenware. Celebrity guests include Ahmed Hassan from DIY Network's "Yard Crashers” and Skip Bedell of Spike TV's "Catch a Contractor.” There’s no need for a baby-sitter thanks to the Kid's Zone and Pet Zone, and Walgreens will be on-hand to offer flu shots and ‘Healthy Choices.’ Visit orlandohomeandgardenshow.com 

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day 
In 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date commemorated the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Today, Women’s Equality Day calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, and public facilities participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, and video showings. Aretha said it first, “Respect.” This would be a good day to show some. Visit nwhp.org for activities in your area. 

August 26 from 11 am to 5 pm – ‘Big Bang Bazaar’ at the Central Florida Fairgrounds 
The family-friendly ‘Big Bang Bazaar’ aka “Indie Art, Crafts and Vintage Bazaar” will offer FREE admission when it opens in its new indoor venue at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Offering over 200 local Indie artists and crafters, along with a free photo booth, Orlando’s Psycho City Derby Girls, Facial Hair Club and movies playing all day, guests will find a variety of handmade clothing, jewelry, original art, house-wares and more available for purchase – and Parking is also FREE! Call 407.878.7921 or visit bigbangbazaar.net 

August 27 at 2 pm -- “Opera on Park” with Soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer 
Opera Orlando’s ‘Opera on Park’ presents Metropolitan Opera Soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer at the University Club of Winter Park at 841 N. Park Ave. Ms. Harmer is a singer at the summit of her career including performances and broadcasts for the Metropolitan Opera, the Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera and San Francisco Symphony. Ms. Harmer will be joined at the piano by Robin Stamper, Managing Director for Opera Tampa. Tickets are $30. Purchase online at Operaorlando.org/opera-on-park or call 407.512.1900 

August 30 at 4 pm – Winter Park Chamber FREE Business Showcase 2017
Grow your business network while you learn from local experts at ‘Business Lab Sessions’ at the ALL-FREE Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. Meet the leaders from over 50 Winter Park businesses at the Orlando Science Center at 777 East Princeton St. on August 30 where the event is FREE, Parking is FREE, Admission is FREE, and even the Food is FREE. RSVP to Ally Stricker at 407.644.8281 or visit WinterPark.Org 

August 30 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm – “Art Night Out: Abstract Anomalies”
Abstract Art is easy – right? It’s all just shapes and forms. Join instructor Hannah Spector as she takes your paint and cut paper to create your own abstract masterpiece using experienced artist collage techniques. Limited to 20 adults, $30 includes all materials AND an adult beverage with pre-registration required. Call 407.896.4231 x261 or email dmatteson[at]omart.org to reserve your spot at the Orlando Museum of Art. 

Aug 31 to Nov 13 – Epcot International Food & Wine Fest 
The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Fest is bigger than ever with 35 ‘Global Marketplace’ food kiosks; the ‘Eat to the Beat Concert Series’ offering daily LIVE performances; ‘Center Happenings’ with culinary demos, seminars, and book signings from celebrity chefs; beverage seminars and ‘tastings’ taught by expert mixologists; signature breakfasts; and dancing and dining at the “Grand Tasting Events.” With 35 booths around the World Showcase, I asked some “in the know” folks, what is the one ‘foodie-approved’ item not to be missed in 2017? The answer is a resounding ‘something sweet’ at the ‘Chocolate Studio’ where you will find the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel. I believe in starting your meal with dessert, and it’s Chocolate (and caramel) Chances are your family will ALL agree! Visit epcotfoodfestival.com

FINAL WEEK to August 27 -- Mad Cow Theatre presents August Wilson's ‘Fences’
Winner of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Drama Desk Award among many others, ‘Fences’ is August Wilson’s 1950’s chapter in his 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” chronicling the evolving African-American experience through the 20th century. In Mad Cow’s first-ever production of a Wilson play, the universal themes of freedom, family, and the American Dream are front and center in this landmark production. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, visit madcowtheatre.com or call 407-297-8788 x1. 

NOW to Sept 10 – ‘The Amish Project’ Deals with the Inexplicable
The Mad Cow Theater is founded on the belief that “Theatre is a dynamic and powerful means of social understanding.” That belief is tested to the limit in Jessica Dickey’s ‘The Amish Project,’ which begins with the headline, “Man Enters Amish School-house and Opens Fire.” Ms. Dickey conveys the voices and emotions of people unprepared to deal with this unthinkable act and movingly conveys these singularly personal emotions through the voice of a single actress. Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators