Florida Culture for the Week of January 28 by Josh Garrick

A Cultural Treasure – I’ve just returned from the performance by the China National Symphony in their American Debut Tour as presented by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society. I wrote about it for two weeks prior – saying ahead of time that I knew it would be a great performance, and I am writing now to TELL YOU that it was one of the great orchestral performances I’ve ever experienced.  Add that to the American debut performance of the Cuban National Symphony just a few months ago and you understand WHY I am taking this time to congratulate and thank the Daytona Beach Symphony Society for bringing greatness to Central Florida and for making all of our lives better.  PLEASE take note of their remaining season.  They present performances that will live with you forever. I know; I was there.

January 31 to Feb 2 – The Starlite Film Festival

Beginning January 31 with a Kickoff Reception, the 3-day StarLite Film Festival will feature hand-selected micro-budget, feature-length films that have been produced, shot, and completed for a total budget of less than $200,000.  The movies include presentations from Canada, California, Mexico, and Florida. FREE workshops will include Social Media Marketing, Equipment, and How to Shoot a Million Dollar Movie for $200,000. For movie tickets, All-Access Passes, and the complete festival schedule, visit starlitefilmfest.com or call 407-877-4736.

Feb 1 – FAVO Gallery’s Grand Opening

Faith Arts Village (FAVO) celebrates local artists with unique opportunities to exhibit – and sell – their work. On February 1, FAVO’s artist spaces – in former motel rooms – will be open to the public featuring artists Henry Sinn, Pedro Brull, Robin Pedrero, and Berto Ortega, along with other Artists providing an eclectic mix of paintings and sculptures. Also featured will be the FAVO Gallery Grand Opening, a Gallery currently presenting donated Art from local artists with proceeds going to the renovations of the FAVO Property. This FREE event is family-friendly. Visit faithartsvillage.com

Robin Pedrero, Tapestry of Love

Feb 1 and Feb 3 thru April 28 – The Mennello Museum’s Black History Month

The Mennello Museum (in Orlando) is one of only 7 venues chosen to host the new African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and Beyond exhibition from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The exhibit is a priceless collection of 100 paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs by 43 Black artists who explored the African-American experience. The exhibit opens February 1 with a FREE Open House on February 3 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Visitors may visit mennellomuseum.com to print a free admission coupon throughout the month of February. Call 407-246-4278

Benny Andrews, "Portrait of Black Madonna," 1987, oil and collage on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Andrews Humphrey Family Foundation, © Estate of Benny Andrews/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Hip Hop, 1993, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum © 1993

Feb 2 to April 28 – American Paintings from the Phillips Collection

Beginning February 2, the Tampa Museum of Art will present 107 important American paintings from The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. The Phillips Collection, founded in 1921 as America’s first museum of modern art, is renowned for its collection of masterpieces. Selected works from the 1850s through the 1960s feature American painters Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Grandma Moses, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. To See as Artists See: American Art from The Phillips Collection makes its final stop at the Tampa Museum of Art after exhibiting in Madrid, Tokyo and Italy. Visit tampamuseum.org

Feb 6 to March 17 – Sense and Sensibility and Shakespeare

Affairs of the heart take center stage in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility in this new adaption by Jon Jory. A lack of luck leads to difficult marriage prospects, which, in turn leads the Dashwood sisters to scandalous secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists of fate – all for the sake of ‘true love.’ Directed by Mark Routhier, Sense and Sensibility begins previews February 6.  Visit Orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700.

Feb 7 to Feb 28 – Writers at Rollins

Rollins College brings contemporary literature to the community as the 2013 Winter With the Writers Festival of the Literary Arts features three-time National Book Award-winner Peter Matthiessen (Feb 7); Azar Nafisi, (Feb 28) author of Reading Lolita in Tehran; Pulitzer Prize-nominee Karen Russell (Feb 14); and African-Puerto Rican author Mayra Santos-Febres and Cuban-American poet Ricardo Pau-Llosa (Feb 21). Afternoon master classes and evening readings will take place on the campus of Rollins College for four Thursdays beginning February 7. The events are free to the public. Visit rollins.edu/winterwiththewriters

Feb 7 – 1st Thursday at the Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando’s ‘original art party’ is the award-winning 1st Thursdays presented by OMA’s committed volunteer group. From 6 to 9 pm on the first Thursday of each month, OMA showcases ‘themed’ Art by local artists, live music, cash bars and café offerings from area restaurants. On February 7, the theme is Impressions: The Printmaker’s Art.  Entrance includes access to the OMA's featured exhibition Contemporary Glass. Call 407 896 4231 x260 or visit omart.org

Feb 7, 8 and 9 – Tables Extra Extraordinaire

Decorators, brides-to-be, wedding planners, and interior design professionals ‘need’ to book a visit to the Holy Trinity Conference Center in Maitland for Tables Extraordinaire. This fun, inspiring, and unique fundraiser showcases 30 lavishly decorated theme tables. From tours of the Tablescapes to a luncheon or dinner reminiscent of a trip to the Greek isles, the 3-day event ends on Saturday evening (Feb 9) with a Gala Banquet prepared by Chef George Paterakis and his Team Culinaire. Stop by the Mediterranean Marketplace for your favorite Greek pastries and coffees -- this year, offering take-out for lunch and dinners. Visit htgocorlando.org or visit Tables Extraordinaire on Facebook or call 407.333.3895 or 407.774.2744.

Feb 8 to March 3 – The ‘World’s Oldest Profession’ at Mad Cow

In the classic George Bernard Shaw play – Mrs. Warren's Profession – the irascible playwright tells the story of Kitty Warren, a mother who makes a terrible sacrifice for her daughter’s independence. Daughter Vivie is an optimistic young lady working toward a successful career when she makes the discovery that her comfortable upbringing and expensive education were bankrolled by her mother Kitty's unorthodox profession. The clash of these two strong-willed women ignites the ironic wit in one of Shaw’s greatest plays. Running Feb 8 to March 3 in Mad Cow Theatre’s new space on the 2nd Floor at 54 West Church Street, visit madcowtheatre.org or call 407.297.8788

Feb 8 – Artist Victor Bokas at Culture & Cocktails

Among the influences in the work of Artist Victor Bokas, one immediately sees references to his Greek heritage as well as Florida’s tourists, beaches, flea markets, and pop culture. His paintings will be featured at the Art & History Museums – Maitland’s (A&H) Culture & Cocktails event on February 8 from 6 to 9 PM.  A native Floridian, Bokas grew up among palm trees, fish and other tropical images. In addition to the art, guests will enjoy music by Gypsy Bluez, literary readings and food truck fare. Guests are also invited to the Opening Reception for a new exhibition titled Anna Tomczak: Animalia. Call 407.539.2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Feb 8 to 24 – Biloxi Blues (Complete with Laughs) in Winter Garden

Biloxi Blues is the 2nd play of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy which began with Brighton Beach Memoirs. In Biloxi Blues we again meet Eugene Jerome, fresh from his adolescence in 1930's Brooklyn. In this play Eugene is a young army recruit, during World War II, suddenly learning some comic / some harsh lessons about life and love while stationed at a boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. Produced by Beth Marshall and recommended for ages 12+, Biloxi Blues will be presented at the Garden Theatre at 160 West Plant Street in Winter Garden. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736.

Feb 9 – Glass-Making with Duncan McClellan

The Orlando Museum of Art’s beautiful exhibit of Contemporary Glass Sculpture celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Studio Glass while featuring 60 glass sculptures. On Feb 9 at 1 pm, the brilliant Tampa-based glass Artist Duncan McClellan will lead a Fused Glass Jewelry Workshop in which participants create a unique piece of art-glass jewelry. The Workshop cost is $50 to OMA members and $60 to non-members. The OMA is located in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Parking is free. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

Feb 9 at 2 pm and 8 pm – My Funny Valentine with the Orlando Philharmonic

Backed by both the Orlando Philharmonic and his own band Swingerhead, Orlando’s most famous entertainer Michael Andrew will sing romantic tunes in celebration of Valentine’s Day in two performances on Feb 9. For two years, Michael Andrew was the headline singer at the world famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center in New York City. Now residing happily in Orlando, this consummate entertainer shares his amazing talent and his favorite love-songs with us at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators