Florida Culture for the Week of July 13, 2015 by Josh Garrick

July 13 & 14 -- An Historic Literary Event from Harper Lee 

July 14 is the publication date of a newly discovered novel, the earliest known work from Harper Lee, the bestselling author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Written in the 1950s, Go Set a Watchman was assumed lost, but the manuscript was re-discovered in 2014 and features many of the characters from Mockingbird – 20 years later – exploring how those characters adjust to the events of mid-1950s America. On July 13, all Barnes & Nobles stores nationwide will read To Kill a Mockingbird from start to finish with the read-a-thon featuring the Orlando Rep, guest readers and local celebrities. On July 14, Go Set a Watchman will go on sale. Visit barnesandnoble.com

July 15 & 16 -- Encore! Performing Arts presents Elton John's Aida in Concert

Created in 2002 by a handful of Disney Cast Members, Encore! Cast Performing Arts has a history of presenting concerts that benefit local charities and has raised over $225,000 for local charities. Based on the iconic opera, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida is a timeless love story with an award-winning pop/rock score that brings the ill-fated lovers into a new era. Aida will be performed in concert version on July 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

July 16 & 17 -- Grand Opening of Smoothie King Winter Park also a Fundraiser 

The grand opening of the new Smoothie King in Winter Park on July 16th will also be a fundraiser for the local Crosby YMCA. All smoothie sales up to $1,500 will go to the YMCA. In addition, on July 17th, Smoothie King will give away free t-shirts to the first 100 guests and offer all guests the chance to win a $250 ‘Smoothies for Summer’ gift card.  The new Smoothie King is at 2254 Aloma Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.335.4907

July 17 to August 2 – Mary Poppins, the Musical, at Orlando Rep 

Mary Poppins, based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film, will be performed by the Orlando Rep’s Youth Academy from July 17 to August 2. These talented youngsters had the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious opportunity to have their production staged with the help of BROADWAY’S ORIGINAL MARY POPPINS, Ashley Brown. I guess it proves we can ALL learn a lesson or two from the Nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.”  You can “make it happen” for your family by calling 407.896.7365 or visiting Orlandorep.com 

July 17 – Free Villain Con Event with the Minions 

“Bello!” (That’s how Minions say, “Hello!”) Everyone I know is a Minions fan, and now fans (of all ages) may sign up for a Minions Fun event set for July 17 at 7 pm at your local Barnes & Nobles store. Become a ‘Certified Minion’ and attend Villain-Con as you search for the most despicable villain to follow. Activities and giveaways round out the fun. Contact your local Barnes & Noble to sign up.

July 18 – How to Butterfly Garden at Leu Gardens  

Keri Byrum, Asst Director of Leu Gardens, will teach us how to start our own butterfly garden from the ground up on July 18 beginning at 10 am. She will cover: how to identify and attract local butterflies, learn about the plants suited to our area, and specific host plants for butterflies in Florida.  Ms. Byrum has worked for Orange County as well as the SeaWorld theme parks where she developed her knowledge of landscape maintenance, plant selection, and adding color to Florida landscapes. Call 407.246.2620 or visit leugardens.org

July 18 – The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses - Master Quest 

Gamers who celebrate the beloved 28-year-old Legend of Zelda franchise will love this unique orchestral concert as they experience the beautiful four-movement symphonic work that chronicles favorite moments from Zelda's rich and storied history. Expertly timed with a full-stage video presentation at the Dr. Phillips Center, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses will be performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for one-night-only on July 18 at 8 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

July 18 & 19 – Handmade is the ‘Word’ at the Buckler’s Crafts Fair

Handmade arts and crafts are the featured attraction offered by the professional Craftspeople who exhibit and sell country, folk art, and/or primitive furniture, wood items, toys, dolls, clothing, jewelry, food, Christmas items and much more at the twice annual Buckler’s Crafts Fairs in Lakeland.  Opening at 10 am on July 18 & 19, the Fair will take place at the Lakeland Center at 701 Lime Street in Lakeland.  Admission is $6 with the offer of $2 off by visiting bucklercraftfair.com

July 19 – POP NATION Tour at Plaza Live 

They’re young, they’re talented, and they’re hungry for success. Welcome to POP NATION, the new musical experience that puts you behind the scenes as ‘boy bands’ and ‘bubblegum divas’ get a jump-start to the heights of pop royalty. POP NATION is a new rock concert experience set in the 90’s music scene that explores what it’s like to rise, fall, and rise again in a world more concerned with the sight (as opposed to the sound) of its newest superstars. The show begins at 7 pm. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

July 21 – Snooty, the Manatee, has a Birthday Party 

Manatee County's most famous resident (and the oldest known manatee in the world), Snooty, will turn 67 on July 21.  Weighing in at over 1000 pounds, Snooty resides at the Parker Manatee Aquarium in 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. A second facility provides a temporary home for manatees that will be released back into the wild after having received treatment from an acute care hospital. The Aquarium has housed 28 manatees with Snooty as part of the rehabilitation program. Visit Southfloridamuseum.org 

July 24, 25, & 26 – PHANTASMAGORIA Wicked Little Tales in Limited Engagement 

Three (3) not-to-be-missed performances by the acclaimed Victorian Horror Troupe PHANTASMAGORIA will premiere the company’s new touring show – Wicked Little Tales on July 24, 25, and 26. Shown in Orlando before its first Atlanta engagement, ‘Tales’ will include the troupe’s special blend of horror, ‘Phantastical dance, live music, stage combat, large-scale-puppetry and storytelling in the troupe’s first ever ‘Best Of’ performances. Orlando performances are at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. For credit card orders, visit orlandoatplay.com and visit PhantasmagoriaOrlando.com

July 24 to Aug 22 – Winter Park Playhouse Presents Tap Dance Musical Dames At Sea 

It’s the BEST Tap-Dancing-Theater in Florida, so it’s no surprise that the Winter Park Playhouse will present Dames At Sea as their first production of the 2015-2016 Season. Set in New York City, this quintessential American musical features the hottest tap dancing this side of 42nd Street. The story of a small-town-girl who comes to the BIG City to make it on Broadway, the show offers tap dancing, songs, and boatloads of laughs. The fantastic Michael Edwards returns to The Playhouse to direct, Roy Alan will choreograph, and Christopher Leavy will music direct this stellar production. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

July 25 – … and Maitland Has a Birthday Too

Maitland's (very family-friendly) 130th Birthday Celebration will begin at 6 pm on July 25 at Lake Lily Park. The Celebration will feature a Touch-A-Truck exhibit with vehicles from the City's fleet including a fire truck and a police cruiser. Live music will be provided by the Maitland Stage Band and Licorice Sticks. Learn about Maitland's history and art while hair braiders, balloon artists, face painters, and carnival games entertain the kids. Food trucks will have summer foods available for purchase, and a fireworks show will cap off the evening at 8:45 p.m. Visit itsmymaitland.com 

July 25 – Give Hope Foundation Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament & Gala

This fun and classy fund-raiser brings Las Vegas to Orlando in an evening of professionally-managed Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Craps, Blackjack and Roulette. The date is July 25 beginning at 6 pm at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 Intl Drive in Orlando.  Along with Poker, the evening offers food, a silent & live auction, entertainment, and raffle giveaways – all for a great cause. There is even a special $99 room rate at Rosen Centre Hotel with purchase of a ticket.  Visit www.givehopefoundation.org

July 25 – Broadway Superstar Idina Menzel at the Dr. Phillips Center 

Tony-Award-Winning Leading Lady Idina Menzel, praised for her powerhouse voice and emotional performances, was recently called ‘The Streisand of her generation’ by the Denver Post. In March, Menzel released a CD and DVD entitled Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, a live concert with an orchestra led by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch. Garnering huge critical acclaim, Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony Award-winning performance in Wicked. This season, Menzel reprised her role on Fox’s hit TV series, Glee. Ms. Menzel will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 25 at 8 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.com

And looking ahead … 

August 8 – Celebrated Chefs Support 26th Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry 

Central Florida’s most celebrated chefs will gather on August 8 at the Orlando World Center Marriott to donate their time, talent, and passion for the 26th installment of Orlando's Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry. 44 award-winning chefs will showcase signature dishes, accompanied by fine wines, craft beers and cocktails, to ensure that no child grows up hungry in Orlando. ‘Newcomers’ include Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge (a personal favorite), Highball and Harvest at Ritz-Carlton Orlando, and Yak & Yeti at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Along with extraordinary food, guests will enjoy auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit ce.strength.org/Orlando or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators