Florida Culture for the Week of January 12, 2015 by Josh Garrick

Jan 13 – The Orlando Ballet is ‘Uncorked at the Abbey’

A popular evening of ‘insider ballet’ offers wine and “a little dance” at The Abbey as Uncorked! presents The Art of the Swan on January 13 beginning at 7 pm. It’s the black swan versus the white swan as the Orlando Ballet dancers’ work and motivations are demonstrated and explained. Followed by a Q&A session, advance reservations are recommended. Visit orlandoballet.org or call 407-426-1739.

Jan 15 to Mar 22 – The Art of the Highwaymen at the History Center

In the 1950’s and 60’s, a group of self-taught African American Artists known as the Highwaymen began selling their Florida landscape paintings from town to town, offering artwork from the trunks of their cars. By the 1990’s, articles in magazines brought the Highwaymen new acclaim – and new collectors – making their works highly collectible. On January 15, the Orange County Regional History Center will open an exhibit of 14 paintings by 12 of the original Highwaymen Artists. Call 407.836.8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Jan 15 & Jan 29 – Art for All Spaces Presents Reviving the Ancients

In a celebration of the enduring relevance of past cultures and ideas, Art for All Spaces invites the Public to the Opening of Reviving the Ancients on January 15 beginning at 6 pm at the CityArts Factory in Orlando. Featuring the work of 24 Artists, the works explore ways in which the human race has addressed questions of existence through image-making. An additional event is planned for January 29, when Artist/Scholars will conduct short tours of the exhibit. Call 407.450.2255 or e-mail artforallspaces[at]gmail.com

Jan 15 to Feb 14 – The Rat Pack Lounge at Winter Park Playhouse

Frank, Dean, and Sammy may be in heaven, but in the Florida Premiere of a new musical at the Winter Park Playhouse it would seem they have some unfinished business back on earth and they’ve got one night to make it right. With over 30 hit songs including My Way and Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, this melodic new musical – The Rat Pack Lounge – will transport you back to the days of highballs and high rollers. Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

Jan 16 to 18 – The 2015 Scottish Highland Games

From whiskey tasting to highland dancing to archery and axe throwing, the 2015 Scottish Games will return to Central Winds Park in Winter Springs January 16 to 18. The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida was founded in 1976 to celebrate Scottish traditions here in the U.S., including the annual Scottish Games held on the 3rd weekend in January. The Games have grown into a weekend-long family festival with Scottish-born headliners Albannach scheduled for 4 pm on Saturday. Visit flascot.com for a complete schedule.

Jan 16 to 19 -- Orlando Science Center presents OTRONICON

Now in its 10th year, the Orlando Science Center celebrates interactive technology’s role in how we live, work and play during OTRONICON from January 16 to 19. Inspiring interest in science and tech careers through video games and interactive technology, visitors will learn to create video games, experience simulators and connect with local tech companies. Rock group ArcAttack will claim the stage with guitars, drums and Tesla coils that produce ‘lightning’ in time with the music. Meet and talk with futurists Jim Brazell and Dan Barstow and Indienomicon creator Kunal Patel between the ‘open play’ video games throughout the building. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org or otronicon.org

Jan 16 – Pink Panther 50: Tribute to Henry Mancini

The Dr. Phillips Center will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic film The Pink Panther with the music of the 20-time Grammy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini. The Tribute to Henry Mancini features music and film excerpts from Mancini’s many hits, including Moon River, Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and more. Featured performers include Monica Mancini; Tony DeSare; Nicole Henry; composer / saxophonist Tom Scott; Shelly Berg, and the Henry Mancini Orchestra. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan 17 at 1 pm -- Spencers: Theatre of Illusion at the Dr. Phillips Center

While the Spencers: Theatre of Illusion trucks carry a lot of equipment for their performances, a rabbit and top hat are not in the inventory. Kevin and Cindy Spencer have mesmerized millions with performances on 5 continents. Named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year (6 times) and honored with magic’s highest honor -- the Merlin Award (in 2009), the Spencers’ production fuses theatrical elements of Broadway with the energy of a rock concert. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

Jan 17 – Christner’s to Raise Funds for Three Charities

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, Central Florida’s premiere steakhouse, will unveil its new cocktail menu at Christner’s Craft Wars on January 17 beginning at 5:30 pm. ‘It’s all about the Bar’ as 3 Christner bartenders go head-to-head creating ‘craft’ cocktails with the winner accepting bragging rights and donations for charity. For $20, guests gain access to the event as the bartenders raise $ for Central Florida Food and Outreach, Florida Hospital Diabetes Institute and Runway to Hope. Please RVSP to Christners[at]rockawaypr.com.

Jan 17 – London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Daytona Beach

Founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, the ensemble was called the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as approved by George VI, and gained immediate fame through recordings in Britain and the US. This distinguished ensemble will visit the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on January 17 at 7 pm with an extraordinary program including Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and the Beethoven Violin Concerto performed by the renowned conductor/violinist Pinchas Zukerman. The Orchestra will conclude the program with Brahms First Symphony. VERY highly recommended. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org

Jan 20 – Former US Ambassador Andrew Young at Rollins College

The Winter Park Institute brings renowned speakers to Rollins College offering talks that are free and open to the Public. The Institute will present ‘Andrew Young – A Continuing Legacy’ on January 20 at 7:30 pm in the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Former Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Young will share his personal Civil Rights legacy as part of a community series commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Call 407.691.1995 or visit winterparkinstitute.org

Jan 20 -- 50 Shades! The Musical Parody Comes to Orlando

The New York Times said, “50 Shades! delivers the goods!" so don’t even try to withstand temptation – SUBMIT to 50 Shades! The Musical Parody when it comes to Plaza Live in Orlando on January 20 at 8 pm. The sexy send-up of the best-selling novel has audiences laughing and dancing in the aisles, and now it’s Orlando’s turn to experience the show that has audiences ‘begging for more.’ Call 877.435.9849 or visit plazaliveorlando.com.

Jan 21 to Mar 8 – To Kill a Mockingbird at Orlando Shakes

This timeless story is told through the eyes of the six-year-old daughter of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch, caught up with his family in a tug of war between justice and racism. Set in the Depression-era South, the play includes racist language and discussions of rape, but the conclusion shows how hatred can be tempered with courage and compassion. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird continues to inspire today. Presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater through March 8, call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org   

Jan 22 – The 2015 Ovations Awards Ceremony

Each year the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Merchants Association and Winter Park/Maitland Observer celebrate local businesses and organizations that make our community exceptional through the Ovations Awards. Community members provide votes and input on the 'best of' dining, shopping, business services, arts, culture and health via an online poll. This year the awards will be presented on January 22 beginning at 5:30 pm at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 West Lyman Avenue in Winter Park. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

Jan 22 – Swashbuckle for an Evening to Benefit USO Central Florida

Beginning at 6 pm on January 22, USO Central Florida and Central Florida Rotarians invite us for drinks, dinner and a show. Pirate’s Town will host A Night Out at Treasure Tavern, with proceeds benefiting America's troops and their families through USO services here in Central Florida. For reservations call 407-206-5102 and use offer code USO or visit usocentralflorida.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators