Florida Culture for the Week of February 29, 2016 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Mar 13 – The 104th ANNUAL Central Florida FAIR
This year the Central Florida Fair runs to March 13, and that includes 3 weekends of ‘fun.’ This old-fashioned family fun-time offers everything from a Rooster Crowing Contest to rides, arts, food arts, livestock shows, demonstrations on quilting, calligraphy, and origami to Stage Concerts included in the admission price. Pop Evil (Mar 4); Jory Boy (Mar 11). The Fair awards over $280,000 in scholarships annually to local students. Call 407.542.2931 or visit centralfloridafair.com  

NOW to March 27 – Shakespearean Repertory with ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Pericles’ 
Orlando’s Shakespeare Theater began its annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final play ‘The Tempest,’ which is now in repertory with a fun-filled production of ‘The Adventures of Pericles,’ a modern verse translation of the play by Ellen McLaughlin. The two plays have curious similarities, and the audience is invited to arrive 30 minutes before each performance – when an actor will lead the audience through a discussion of the plays – and that is time well-spent. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

NOW to April 3 – SkippyJon Jones – The Kitten ‘Chihuahua’
Continuing the Orlando Rep’s series of Children’s Theater (with a message) is a rambunctious Siamese kitten with big ears and an even bigger imagination. When his Mother puts SkippyJon in time-out, his imagination takes him to Mexico, where he pretends he is a ‘swashbuckling’ Chihuahua. With Disney as a Sponsor for the run of this show, this sweet, silly tale celebrates the power and ‘Mucho Fun’ of imagination. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

March 2 at 8 pm – An Evening with Josh Groban at the Dr. Phillips Center 
March 2 is the night of the one-night-only chance to share an evening with the incomparable Josh Groban. This international singing phenomenon has more than 25 million albums sold worldwide, including five multi-platinum albums and huge hit songs such as ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘You Are Loved’ and ‘The Prayer.’ Groban’s latest album – Stages quickly reached the top of the charts. For remaining tickets, visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014

March 3 to 7 at 8 pm – ‘My Dear Watson’ – a New Musical 
This new musical, written in collaboration with the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Estate, follows the exploits of the iconic Sherlock Holmes and his comrade Dr. Watson. Conceived by Jami-Leigh Bartschi while pursuing her Master's Degree at Rollins College, Watson will be played by Kyle Stone and Holmes will be played by John DiDonna in performances dedicated to Broadway veteran and former Rollins Professor Kevin Gray. At the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, call 407.328.9005 or visit Orlandoatplay.com 

March 3 at 6 pm -- 1st Thursday at the Orlando Museum of Art – ‘Viva la Diva’
Before there was Third Thursday (in the Orlando Art Scene) there was First Thursday – ‘Orlando’s original art party,’ at the Orlando Museum of Art. On the First Thursday of each month, Art-Lovers have the opportunity to discover local artists, listen to live music and mingle with other Art-Appreciators. There are cash bars and food offerings from Maxine’s on Shine. The theme for March is ‘Viva la Diva,’ in celebration of WOMEN.  You can even vote for your favorite work of art. Sponsored by Sam Flax, tickets are $10. Visit omart.org 

March 4 to 6 – Orlando Home & Garden Show with Celebrity Appearances 
They promise, “Problems solved,” as this season’s Home and Garden Show features TV personalities Jeff Lewis of Bravo's ‘Flipping Out,’ Food Network’s Chef Emily Ellyn (the Retro Rad Chef), and Tom MacCubbin from ‘Better Lawns & Gardens.’ At the Orange County Convention Center, the Show features 3 days of home and garden experts, kitchen and bathroom contractors, interior designers, and exhibits of everything from entrance décor to gardens, landscapes, and water features; health screenings; an Art, gift and gourmet area; and a Kid Zone. Visit orlandohomeandgardenshow.com for special ticket offers and promotions. 

March 5 at 2 pm & 8 pm – Karen Mason as Judy Garland Circa 1961 
A tribute to one of the most beloved singers of all time, this Orlando Philharmonic concert relives the highlights of Judy Garland’s 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall. Broadway, television and recording star Karen Mason brings to life favorite tunes including ‘Puttin’ on The Ritz,’ ‘After You’ve Gone,’ ‘Come Rain or Come Shine,’ and of course, ‘Over The Rainbow.’ Two Performances, on March 5 at 2 pm and 8 pm, are at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org 

March 5 at 7 pm – Portrait of a Queen: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin taught her listeners how to ‘Think’ and demand ‘Respect’ while riding down the ‘Freeway of LOVE.’ This Broadway-style revue presents award-winning songstress Cece Teneal taking music lovers on a trip through stellar hits from Aretha Franklin’s 50-year entertainment legacy at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 6 at 2 pm – St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Winter Park
The City of Winter Park will present the 37th Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade – the only St. Patrick’s Day Parade in central Florida. Wear some green (it’s like a law) and enjoy the Parade which begins at the Country Club and proceeds down Park Avenue. 75 groups and floats will participate, and in addition, there will be Irish music and step-dancing on Central Park’s main-stage. Visit cityofwinterpark.org/events or call 407.599.3334 

March 6 at 3 pm -- Vox Audio – By Popular Demand 
‘Born’ as ‘Toxic Audio’ at the 1998 Fringe Festival, the concept was to create a fun show where the star was the human voice. An instant hit, the group was hired to perform at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and were soon named ‘Best Pop Group in America’ on Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star. In 2004, Vox Audio opened to rave reviews Off-Broadway followed by national attention on ABC, FOX, and ESPN. Soon Vox Audio was performing for sell-out crowds in Vegas, Asia, South America, and Europe. Welcome them ‘home’ to the Garden Theatre by calling 407.877.4736 or visiting gardentheatre.org 

March 8 at 7:30 pm -- The Moody Blues ‘Fly Me High Tour 2016’
The Moody Blues have distinguished themselves through five decades of performing rock music. Since the 60’s, as a part of the historic ‘British invasion,’ The Moody Blues have lit up the hearts of rock fans around the world with anthems such as ‘Nights in White Satin,’ ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ and ‘I’m Just A Singer in a Rock And Roll Band.’ Decades later the band’s unique style consistently finds airplay on radio stations and in concert arenas around the world. A ‘Meet-the-Artist’ VIP package is available at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 9 at 10 am – Butterflies, Pollinators, and Beneficial Insects in the Garden
Ms. Kelly Greer of the Orange County Extension Service will talk about the very real benefits of how to create and maintain ‘Florida-Friendly Landscaping’ with ‘earth-smart’ practices as she instructs her guests on how to attract and keep butterflies, pollinators, and beneficial insects by nurturing Florida’s best host plants. The talk is FREE, and will be presented at the Mead Botanical Garden at 1300 S. Denning Dr. in Winter Park. Call 407.644.5770 or visit meadgarden.org

March 9 at 8 pm – Tony Bennett Live at the Dr. Phillips Center 
To say Tony Bennett is a legend doesn’t begin to cover this icon’s decades of success along with his present popularity as one of the most celebrated Artists of all time. From 1949, when he was discovered by Bob Hope, to his 18 Grammy Awards, his Emmy award-winning TV specials, his 24 Top 40 songs, and his legendary duets with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Lady Gaga, no one else in popular American music has recorded for so long and at such a level of excellence. This is your opportunity to experience Tony Bennett Live.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 10 at 8 pm – Il Volo at the Dr. Phillips Center 
The magnificent, operatically-trained voices of the Opera Pop trio Il Volo released their 5th studio album – ‘Grande Amore’ last Fall and followed that with a 35-date tour across the U.S.  
Il Volo will bring their impressive talent and youthful charm to the Dr. Phillips Center on March 10 for one-night-only. Join them to experience the group that “defines the Operatic Pop movement.” For the best seats, and more, check out the ‘Grande Amore VIP Meet & Greet Package’ for the ultimate IL VOLO experience. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 12 at 10 am – ‘The BIG (Easter Egg) HUNT in the Big Field’
If you wish to step back to a “simpler time,” you can’t do better than packing the family in the car and accepting the invitation of the Reformation Lutheran Church’s “BIG HUNT in the Big Field.” In addition to the FREE Easter Egg Hunt, the day offers clowns, games, a photo booth, face painting and more.  But what is most impressive is to see how the congregation – led by the Minister – joins in to make this special for the children (ages 1 to 12) who ‘hunt’ for their little treasures. At 800 E. Michigan St. in Orlando, please bring a basket for each child. Call 407.425.7771 or visit Reformation Lutheran Church on Facebook. 

March 12 at 7:30 pm – UnWrapped Live! – A FREE Music Experience 
A FREE music experience fusing R&B, Latin, soul, hip-hop and jazz will be presented by The Dr. Phillips Center with Hidden Beach Experiences. The FREE concert features an all-Star band that ‘re-imagines’ hits made popular by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Tupac, Eminem, Nelly, Drake and more. The roster of renowned artists includes Grammy-nominated percussionist/vocalist Sheila E., composer Roy Ayers, violinist Karen Briggs, Grammy winning producer and bass player Andrew Gouché, Grammy winning drummer Brian Collier, guitarist Yohei Nakamura, keyboardist Chris Turner and turntable legend DJ OG One. To RSVP for your FREE ticket, visit drphillipscenter.org. 

March 15 to 27 – Dixie's (Almost Real) Tupperware Party
When Dixie Longate got her start with Tupperware in 2001 (her parole officer mandated that she get a job), within one year she was among the TOP sellers in the nation. Dixie’s ‘very special’ Tupperware parties were presented Off-Broadway in 2007, for which she garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination, thank you very much. Now listen … Dixie has been known to use ‘Adult Language,’ but she’s a good girl at heart, and since some of her guests even get to purchase ON-STAGE SEATS for her parties … well … be prepared is all. Y’all can call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org for tickets. 

Current – March is National Nutrition Month
For National Nutrition Month 2016, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" by taking time to appreciate the pleasures, flavors and social experiences food adds to our lives. Not only does food nourish our bodies; it provides fuel to help us thrive and fight disease. It is a fact that family meals promote healthier eating and strengthen family relationships, especially when we take the time to appreciate flavors, textures and the ‘eating experience.’ Visit eatright.org 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators