Florida Culture for the Week of January 25, 2016 by Josh Garrick

Current – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Receives National Honor 
Americans for the Arts and The U.S. Conference of Mayors presented the 2016 Public Arts Leadership Awards at the Mayors’ Winter Meeting on January 22. Most deservedly, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer received the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Since 2003, Mayor Dyer’s name has been synonymous with arts leadership, culminating last year when we opened our new $500 million, 330,000-square-foot Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Once again we thank and congratulate Mayor Buddy Dyer for making us all – “Orlando Proud.” Visit AmericansForTheArts.org

NOW to Mar 31 – Reed Nissan’s ‘Project Hope’ 
Reed Nissan recently launched its 2nd Annual “Reed Nissan HOPE Project” to raise funds and awareness for the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida (CHCF). The dealership will donate approximately $50,000 to CHCF through sales and promotional efforts during this year’s HOPE Project. Last year $30,000 was raised to provide over 220,000 nights of shelter and 270,000 meals for the homeless. A portion of sales from each car sold from now to March 31 will be donated to the charity. Please visit friendinreed.com.

NOW to Feb 27 – I Left My Heart: A Salute to Tony Bennett 
This new musical revue features three tenors paying tribute to the man Sinatra called “the greatest singer in the world.” With a score of 40 standards, all recorded by Mr. Bennett, the show includes the hit songs “Stranger in Paradise,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Rags to Riches,” and his best known hit, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Presented by the good folks at the Winter Park Playhouse (who do this kind of thing very well), call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org 

NOW to Feb 21 – ART (a play) at Mad Cow Theatre 
In the play titled ART, Serge has purchased a peculiar painting for an exorbitant sum of money only to have Serge’s acquisition met with confusion and disgust from his longtime friend. The painting is a white canvas with white diagonal lines. How could Serge have been deceived into valuing something so silly?  In this Tony Award-winning comedy, playwright Yasmina Reza digs under the surface of ‘sophistication’ to find the root of our attractions and obsessions.  Call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

NOW to Feb 21 – Oh, Brother! Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing 
In this “real-life-concerns” play, presented by Orlando Rep, Peter has an attention-stealing little brother who makes Peter feel like a fourth-grade nothing. From the story by Judy Blume, adapted for the stage by Bruce Mason, Fudge is a toddler terror who gets away with anything. The way in which Peter deals with his ‘problem’ is presented as a humorous look at family life and the troubles that can only be caused by a younger sibling. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

NOW to April 24 – Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers 
For 125 years, National Geographic has documented the world with stunning photography by a forward-thinking generation of photojournalists as different as the places and the subjects they cover. Curated by Photo Editor Elizabeth Krist, this all-woman exhibit presents the story-telling experience as seen by millions through the insightful use of a camera. From Africa to the Jersey Shore, these stories explore what it means to be human in the 21st Century. At the Orlando Museum of Art, call 407.896.4231 or visit omart.org 

NOW to May 1 – ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Orlando Science Center 
The Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibit is a journey of discovery at the Orlando Science Center. Guests travel from the Farm to the Land of Oz to explore Munchkinland, the Witch’s Castle and the Emerald City before heading back home. Create a tornado in Dorothy’s bedroom, explore Munchkin houses, and enter the Emerald City to create a ‘Horse of a Different Color.’ Climb the mountain to the Castle of the Wicked Witch to capture her broom and finally, click your heels three times remembering ‘There’s no place like home.’ Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org

Jan 27 at 6 pm – First GREEN Bank & Capital Institute Host Florida Economy Panel 
First GREEN Bank and Capital Institute invite civic officials, business owners, students and community members to a FREE panel discussion titled “Let’s Regenerate the Central Florida Economy.” The panel will discuss ways to create a thriving economy while also protecting the native ecosystem. Panelists include Founder First GREEN Bank, Ken LaRoe; Prof. Vincent Stanley, Carol Stanford; and Founder Capital Institute, John Fullerton. Program:  6 pm – Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and networking; 8 pm: Panel at Bush Auditorium, Rollins College in Winter Park.

Jan 28 at 8 pm – Dancing With The Stars: Live!
Dancing with the Stars: Live! - Dance All Night Tour is bringing a one-of-a-kind touring production to 43 cities across America. In this all new production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring you a 90-minute action-packed live show with new choreography along with some of the most memorable numbers from Dancing with the Stars.  And for those obsessive types who can NOT get close enough to the performers, a variety of VIP Packages may be purchased at vipnation.com. 

Jan 29 -- Side by Side: A Celebration to Honor Our Community
It’s time to “stop and smell the roses,” as the community joins together for “Side by Side: A celebration to pause and honor the gifts of our community” as presented by First Congregational Church of Winter Park and Rollins College in partnership with the City of Winter Park and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The celebration begins at 8:30 am inside Knowles Chapel at Rollins College and is followed by refreshments near the College rose garden. Call 407-644-8281 or visit tinyurl.com/wpside to register. 

Jan 30 – 9 am to 2 pm – Bug-A-Palooza at Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens has been invaded by a collection of humongous bug sculptures that kids will love with a “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” kind of role reversal. January 30 offers Family fun TOO BIG to miss when Leu Gardens’ Bug-A-Palooza offers your family a chance to enjoy an insect’s world with hands-on ‘Mad Science’ activities, a free magnifying glass, free photos, a visit from ‘Scout Bee,’ craft projects, and an ‘insect petting zoo.’
A free Insect Hunt Adventure Guide is available to help discover the Big Bugs hiding throughout the gardens. Visit leugardens.org/bug-a-palooza.

Jan 30 at 7:30 pm – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
The original Jersey boy, Frankie Valli is an American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles including ‘Sherry,’ "Walk Like A Man," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What A Night," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," and "Grease."  His songs have been part of iconic movies such as The Deer Hunter and Dirty Dancing while an unprecedented 200 artists have done cover versions of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.’ Cheer on this living legend on January 30 at 7:30 pm by calling 844.513.2014 or visiting drphillipscenter.org for tickets. 

Jan 30 & 31 – 10 am to 5 pm – The Battle of Townsend's Plantation
This fictional civil war battle is re-enacted annually on the grounds of Renninger's Market in Mount Dora. 1000 Union and Confederate soldiers bring history to life through living history exhibits, folk music, weaponry demonstrations, authentic camps, artillery, soldiers in period dress, and a Civil War Dress Ball. Hear the boom of full-scale artillery and thrill to the charge of cavalry soldiers in this educational experience for all ages at 20651 US-441 in Mt Dora. Visit battleoftownsendsplantation.com

Jan 30 & 31 and Feb 5, 6 & 7 -- The 30th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
For two weekends, the Alachua County Fairgrounds is transformed into a medieval market-place where trumpets and a Royal Procession announce the arrival of dancers and singers; 160 artisans selling jewelry, glassware, wood carvings and clothing; nine stages of entertainment; blacksmiths, gypsies, jugglers, magicians; and knights jousting on horseback. Children embark on their own adventures including human-powered push rides, camel and pony rides, a free educational guide, and Art & Essay contests.  In the food court, lords and ladies can be seen feasting on giant turkey legs. Parking is free. Visit hoggetownefaire.com

Feb 1 – 4 pm to 7 pm – Menchie’s FREE Frozen Yogurt
Free is Good, and Completely FREE is Better – especially when Menchie’s decides to celebrate Frozen Yogurt Day by gifting fans a FREE six ounce cup of frozen yogurt on February 1 from 4 pm to 7 pm.  No coupons are necessary for frozen yogurt lovers to enjoy this sweet deal. The world’s largest frozen yogurt brand has over 500 locations throughout the world including Red Bug Village in Winter Springs; The Oaks at Lake Mary; and Winter Park Corners at 1939 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park.  For a complete list of locations visit menchies.com/yogurt-shop-our-locations

Feb 4 to April 2 -- The 10th Annual Central Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition 
Founded in 1998, the CFWS is proud of its heritage of being open to anyone interested in water color, regardless of expertise. The organization’s 10th Annual Members Exhibit will be held at the SoBo Gallery in Winter Garden, featuring recent works by CFWS members. The Opening on Feb 4 at 5:30 pm includes an awards ceremony and is FREE and open to the public. This year’s judge is Janet King, who will conduct a workshop from Feb 1 to 3. Visit centralfloridawatercolor.org

Flora Garden by Dana Daydodge

Feb 5 to Mar 22 – Donna Dowless + Amber Higgins = HeArt & Soul
The Grand Bohemian Gallery, in the Hotel of the same name, will present the 12th annual “HeArt & Soul” exhibition featuring contemporary artist Donna Dowless’s mixed media works and Canadian artist Amber Higgins’ stellar glass jewelry designs. Each year thousands of fans acknowledge the coming of Valentine’s Day with Orlando’s Ambassador of Love – Donna Dowless and her ‘partner Artist’ to celebrate the Art of Love. This year’s Opening is on February 5 from 6 to 9 pm. The Gallery is at 325 S. Orange Ave in Orlando. Call 407.581.4801 or visit heartartist.com 

Feb 5 to 7 – Orlando Ballet: The Firebird & To Familiar Spaces In Dream
A Prince, a Princess, and a Demon Ruler create the enchantment, romance and mystery of ‘The Firebird,’ danced to Igor Stravinsky’s classic score and based on the Russian legend of an exotic bird’s magical feathers. This production, with ‘fresh’ choreography by Robert Hill, will be presented by the Orlando Ballet in three performances from Feb 5 to 7. The program will also include ‘To Familiar Spaces In Dream’ by Jessica Lang, danced to music by Philip Glass, John Cage, and Craig Armstrong.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb 6 at 7:30 pm – The Festival Singers to Perform at Winter Park Presbyterian 
In a concert entitled “Awakening,” the Festival Singers will present a FREE choral concert featuring music by American composers including works by Richard Bjella; Jake Runestad; Ryan Murphy, Assoc Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Joseph Martin, Stephen Paulus; and Stacey Gibb. The Festival Singers, drawn primarily from music educators, are directed by Dr. Kevin Fenton, of Florida State University. W.P. Presbyterian is located at 400 South Lakemont Avenue in Winter Park. Admission is free / donations accepted. Visit fsof.org

Feb 8 at 8 pm – An Evening with 2Cellos
The 2 young Croatian heart-throb cellists, Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, known as 2CELLOS, have achieved international success by taking the cello to a new level with their incredible talent and passion. They have broken down the boundaries between classical and film music to pop and rock, and are equally impressive whether playing Bach and Vivaldi or ‘rocking out’ to AC/DC and Iron Maiden. Up-price VIP packages are available for those who wish to “meet & greet” the 2 performers. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Art Editor for Wandering Educators