Florida Culture for the Week of January 7, 2013 by Josh Garrick

Jan 12, 19, and 26 -- Lakeridge Winery Music Series 

While Lakeridge Winery offers FREE winery tours and tastings seven days a week, we are all invited to their Winter Music Series every Saturday in January including a different band each Saturday afternoon. There is no charge for admission or parking, and guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets for seating. There will be food and beverage vendors serving a variety of items including Lakeridge wines by the glass. The musical line-up includes: Jan 12 – Old School; Jan 19 – Baby Blues; and Jan 26 – Tory Wynter. Visit lakeridgewinery.com

January 13 – Free Family Day at the Mennello Museum

However you define your “family,” we are ALL invited to the Mennello Museum’s FREE FAMILY DAY on Sunday, January 13. A ‘make-and-take’ craft station and mini-tours of the galleries will be available from noon to 3 pm, and this month – in honor of The Big Dog Show, guests may use hand-carved dog stamps to create a dog scene and a paper hat while also following the Big Dog activity card. This wonderful – and kid-friendly exhibit – includes Dale Rogers’ 20 8-foot-tall, 10-foot-long American Dog sculptures scattered throughout the Sculpture Garden. (The ones with red collars have been "adopted" to raise funds for local animal nonprofits) Visit mennellomuseum.com or call 407.246.4278

Jan 15 to 17 – 5000 Years of Chinese Culture at the Bob Carr

For centuries the Arts of China were gifts bestowed on scholars who would sit in meditation to inspire creativity. On January 15, 16, and 17, the world’s premier classical Chinese music and dance company, Shen Yun Performing Arts will perform at the Bob Carr PAC in a celebration of Chinese culture drawn from five millennia of civilization. Shen Yun has performed around the world, presenting classical Chinese dance and folk dances, ancient legends, and modern tales of courage. Accompanied by musicians who combine Western and Chinese instruments, vocalists, bright costumes, and animated backdrops round out the evening. Call 800.745.3000 or visit ticketmaster.com

Jan 16 to March 2 – World Premiere of the D* Word

The prolific creator of the hit MENOPAUSE – The Musical is bringing the World Premiere of her new show, The D* Word – A Musical (*Ditched, Dumped, Divorced and Dating), to The Abbey in downtown Orlando for six weeks starting January 16. The D* Word is a 90-minute musical about the woes and wows of four single-again women who learn the art of “happily EVEN after,” giving voice to those who have experienced the emotions from being D*ateless and D*esperate to D*ynamic and D*azzling. Ms. Linders and her creative team have been so successful that her foundation – the Jeanie C. Linders Fund – has served as a passionate voice for women in countries as diverse as Ghana, Italy, Kenya, the U.S. and more. Tickets can be purchased through TicketWeb.com. Visit TheDWordMusical.com

Jan 18 to April 13 -- Weaving History and Heritage in Our Community

In honor of the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Eatonville, the oldest African-American municipality in the United States, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center is working with seven families to create a series of photographic quilts that tell the story of their relationships. Sewn Together:  Photographic Quilts Reflecting the Historic Family Ties of Eatonville, Maitland and Winter Park will be on exhibit beginning January 18 through April 13 at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park.  An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 pm on January 18. The event is free and open to the public. Call 407.671-1886 or 407.539 2680

January 18 – Grand Opening of the NEW Lake Eustis Museum of Art

It’s not every day that a gem of a Museum RE-OPENS in a new location, but on January 18 – from 6 to 8 pm – the NEW Lake Eustis Museum of Art will welcome friends from throughout the area to join their mission of making visual art accessible to everybody.  With the theme ‘building membership through networking,’ the Museum says, “Bring a new member!  Bring two!  Bring TEN!” Featured for the reception is a members-only exhibit: Members Create through March 3, showcasing the talent in Central Florida. With the amazing Richard Colvin as the Museum’s new Director, the NEW LEMA is located on Lake Eustis in downtown Eustis at 1 West Orange Avenue. Visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org or call 352.483.2900 or 352.308.8176. There is plenty of free parking.

Jan 19 – Jerry Seinfeld at the Bob Carr

Jerry Seinfeld, stand-up comedian, writer, and television and film producer, is best known for playing a semi-fictional version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld that ran throughout the 1990’s. Known for humor based on uncomfortable social situations, Comedy Central ranked Seinfeld as number 12 out of 100 of the greatest comedians of all time. Mr. Seinfeld will bring his angst-filled comedy to Orlando on January 19 at 7 pm at the Bob Carr PAC. Tickets are available at Amway Center box office, charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000 and at Ticketmaster.com.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators