Florida Culture for the Week of July 27, 2015 by Josh Garrick

NOW to Sept 27 – Sang Roberson Exhibit at the Mennello Museum 

Sang Roberson's work is greatly influenced by her love of nature and organic forms. Having grown up in the Mississippi Delta surrounded by natural beauty, her goal is to re-create the simple shapes of nature in her terracotta art. Recipient of an NEA fellowship, Roberson has exhibited at the Smithsonian Craft Show and in galleries and museums throughout the US and Europe. Ms. Roberson’s work is on exhibit now through September 27 at the Mennello Museum. Call 407.246.4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

NOW to March 26 – Train Whistles in the Distance at Winter Park History Museum

This Free exhibit features a ‘hands-on’ telegraph office, a Pullman Lounge Car from the 1880s and a film re-creation of the train journey that many Florida settlers took from northern states during the late 19th century. Visitors can view artifacts, model trains, and wall panels that depict 1880s Winter Park, and there is an activity corner for young children, including an interactive train table. Admission is Free at the Winter Park History Museum at 200 West New England Avenue. Call 407-647-2330

July 30 to Aug 2 – Geeky Con and ‘Geek Day’ in Orange County

Thousands of ‘Geeks’ from across the country will unite in Orlando to celebrate their obsessions at the 7th annual GeekyCon, a huge convention for fans of fantasy films, TV and books. In recognition of this ‘gathering,’ Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs has declared July 31 as Geek Day. 75 special guests will make personal appearances at the show, allowing fans to meet their favorite personalities as GeekyCon takes up residence at the Orange County Convention Center from July 30 to Aug 2. Visit GeekyCon.com

July 31 – The Dr. Phillips Center presents Fifth Harmony 

After their sold out Reflection Tour, the award-winning, pop powerhouse Fifth Harmony will visit Orlando as part of their Reflection Summer Tour. Their latest single Worth It is earning Fifth Harmony their highest position on the charts so far following their win as Favorite New Artist at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a performance at the White House. They won the Artist To Watch Moonman at the MTV VMA’s, and they were nominated for six 2014 Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award.  The ladies will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 31 at 7 pm. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Aug 1 – Orlando Shakespeare Holds Free Open House 

Our fantastic Orlando Shakespeare Theater invites the entire community – all ages – to a Free Open House to celebrate their 27th Season. From 10:30 am to 2:30 pm on August 1, events include light & sound demos, ‘Princess story-time,’ an Artistic Panel discussion, a tour of the costume ‘museum,’ crafts for the little ones, meet-and-greet photo opps, and more. Those Shakespeareans know how to throw a party, and this is guaranteed fun for the entire family.  These guys are opening their season with SPAMALOT – how serious could they be?
No tickets required. Visit orlandoshakes.org   

Aug 1 -- ICE CREAM Social for Bags of Hope 

Yes, ICE CREAM is the draw, including sundaes, floats, Italian ice, games, face painting, balloon art, a Cake Walk and photo opportunities for Star Wars Fans on Saturday, August 1 from 1 to 4 pm. The Council of Catholic Women present the ‘Social’ to benefit Bags of Hope, an organization that helps needy and hungry children in our community. At Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, tickets are an affordable $5. Visit Bags of Hope on Facebook or call 407.647.6769 

Aug 1 to 8 – Main Street Restaurant Week’s Special Dining Offer 

Orlando Main Street will hold a week-long event to promote the amazing restaurants that are doing their part to make our city famous – and WE GET the BENEFIT. From August 1 to 8, most Greater Orlando restaurants will offer a menu with price points of $5, $10, $20 and $30. Go back and look at those prices – and let the salivating begin. That includes College Park, Thornton Park, Mills 50, the Church Street District and more. No coupons required. ‘Foodies’ simply dine out at as many restaurants as they like during the week of August 1 to 8.  For participating restaurants, visit mainstreetrestaurantweek.com

Aug 2 – CHAYANNE Brings His National Tour to the Amway Center

Puerto Rican heart-throb, singer, actor and composer, Chayanne has released 21 solo albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. A performer since childhood, he was too young to perform with Menudo, so he joined the group, Los Chicos, beginning a life of producing hit records. 21 solo albums later, Chayanne brings his first solo national tour to the Amway Center in Orlando on August 2. Visit Amwaycenter.com 

August 3 --  Sounds of Summer presents Music of the AMERICAS

The Orlando Philharmonic continues its Sounds of Summer Series at its new home at Plaza Live with Music of the Americas – music from Canada, North America, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Featured composers include Connie Ellisor, Ennio Morricone, Astor Piazzolla, Alberto Ginastera, and a world premiere by Benoit Glazer. Led by Duo Sole – Mauricio Céspedes Rivero, viola and guitar; and Alexander Stevens, violin, the Duo will be joined by Stephen Seifert on the dulcimer. Call 407.896.6700 or visit orlandophil.org

Aug 6 and 7 -- Central Florida Community Arts’ Presents the Brahms Requiem

Joshua Vickery’s remarkable CFCArts will present the beautiful Brahms Requiem with a full chamber orchestra on August 6 and 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland. Having assembled the libretto himself, Brahms ignored the traditional Catholic Mass (sung in Latin), in favor of a text derived from the German Bible. This German Requiem focuses on the living, beginning with the text "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."  This theme, offering hope and encouragement, recurs throughout the work. Tickets are on sale at cfcarts.com for $10 per person with children 12 and under free.

Aug 7 to Sept 6 – Mad Cow Presents the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Clybourne Park

Derived from Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 classic A Raisin in the Sun, Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park is a hard-biting investigation of race relations in America over the last fifty years. Beginning in 1959, Norris presents a white, middle-class neighborhood in shock over the arrival of black residents. Fifty years later, the neighborhood is predominantly black and facing gentrification. Personalities and prejudices collide in this Winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. Presented from August 7 to September 6, call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

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 talent and passion for the 26th annual 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) and Highball and Harvest at Ritz-Carlton Orlando. 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

Current – Orange County Sculptural Art in Place 

Orange County officials joined Artists recently for the unveiling of a new art exhibit of five large sculptures on the lawn of the Orange County Administration Center. The sculptures were selected from 100 submitted sculptures. “Thanks to the hard work of so many arts supporters, today we are experiencing a renaissance of the arts in Central Florida,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “Events like this are truly a collective effort – we’re so proud to support the arts, but without the individual artists and those who believe in the arts, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Photo: (L-R) Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Terry Olson, artist Jonathan Schork, artist Chris Scala, Mayor Teresa Jacobs, artist Jacob Harmeling and artist Dale Wayne celebrate the opening of the inaugural sculpture exhibit at the Orange County Administration Center.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators