Florida Culture for the Week of July 28 By Josh Garrick

Final Night – TONIGHT – July 28 – Ladies of Eola Heights

This ‘re-envisioning’ of Michael Wanzie’s wildly successful comedy includes a cast of Central Florida’s favorite actresses – Peg O'Keef, Beth Marshall, Blue Star, and ‘Miss Sammy’ Singhaus. “There is more than steel to these Magnolias” in this story – along with comic references to a community within walking distance of the theatre. Tonight is the FINAL night at The Abbey. Visit abbeyorlando.com.

Let’s Call AUGUST the Party Month

I can only report this phenomenon ONE TIME in our lifetime, so here goes …. When you check your calendar for August 2014, you will find that THIS MONTH – August of 2014 – has...                    
 
5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. Curious you say!?! Yes indeed. This happens only once every 823 years, and aren’t we lucky it’s a month in which many of us take a vacation. Party on, Dude!

Now through August 3 – Crazy for You at The REP

Follies girls, cowboys, and urban socialites, meet up as the Orlando REP’s Youth Academy (grades 7 through 12) presents the Tony-Award winning musical Crazy For You through August 3. A huge hit from the Gershwin brothers, Crazy For You is packed with favorite Gershwin tunes performed by extraordinary young performers. Call 407.896.7365 x 1 or visit orlandorep.com.

Thru Sept 7 – OMART Presents the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

On June 20, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMART) presented The Orlando Museum of Art Florida Prize in Contemporary Art to Agustina Woodgate. Drawn from a particularly striking exhibit of 10 Florida Artists working in diverse mediums, the varied imagery reflects the dynamic – and challenging – nature of art today. That exhibit – highly recommended – remains at the Museum through September 7. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

July 30 to August 3 – Leakycon in Orlando

Special guests from Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and Supernatural along with young adult literature authors will be on-hand for LeakyCon, the Sci-Fi fantasy film, TV, and book convention that comes to the Convention Center in Orlando from July 30 to August 3. Panel discussions, workshops, live performances, music concerts AND a special private event at Universal Studios featuring the soon-to-open Diagon Alley will be offered. Visit LeakyCon.com

August 1 to 23 – Backwards in High Heels – the Life of Ginger Rogers

In a Central Florida premiere, the life of legendary actress Ginger Rogers comes to life onstage at the Winter Park Playhouse. The Playhouse has a well-earned reputation for creating this kind of ‘intimate musical.’ Dancing its way through Ginger Roger’s life with unforgettable music, the story chronicles her journey from hometown to Hollywood. Directed and choreographed by Roy Alan and music directed by Christopher Leavy, call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

August 2 – An Evening for Artist Emily Jones

We are invited to a one-night reception for Emily Jones – an impressionist Artist with the strength to overcome epilepsy. Emily received her arts degree at Santa Clara U. and also studied in Florence, Italy, eventually travelling Europe – studying and painting along the way. Emily's reception begins at 6 pm at the Winter Park Beer Company at 1809 E. Winter Park Road in Orlando. For information, call Boris Garbe at 407.234.7033.

August 2 – Maxwell’s Summer Soulstice Tour Comes to Orlando

Maxwell, the platinum soul-singer known for his impeccable vocals, his connection to the audience, and the physicality of his performances will perform at the Bob Carr PAC on August 2.His Grammy-nominated 'Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite' achieved double platinum status while his 2009 album, the "unapologetically deep" (LA Times) 'BLACK Summers' Night' debuted at No.1, winning him two Grammys and another platinum award. Visit ticketmaster.com/Maxwell

August 4 – The Orlando Philharmonic Sounds of Summer Concert Series

With each concert featuring a different theme of instruments and musicians, this season’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series is performed at the Orchestra’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. The August 4 concert is called Seasons of the Soul as Olga Ferroni, Victor Ferroni, Douglas Pritchard, Doug Mathews, Sergei Kossenko, Jonathan Stilwell, and Sandra del Cid-Davies come together for a cross-genre program of chamber music both old and new. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071

August 5 – National Night Out

Keeping communities SAFE is the theme of National Night Out 2014, and August 5 is Orlando’s night to shine! Crime prevention Block Parties will take place throughout Central Florida with advance planners ready to be ‘judged’ on theme, creativity, neighborhood & local business involvement, and education. Winning parties will receive prizes and a visit from the NNO Caravan with Mayor Buddy Dyer, Police Chief John W. Mina, and Fire Chief John Miller on-board. Call Neighborhood Watch at 407.246.2369.

August 7 – Art in Equality at Orlando Museum of Art 

Currently celebrating its 90th Anniversary, the Orlando Museum of Art will host Art in EQUALITY as its next 1st Thursday event. The Museum is exploring ‘inclusion,’ and the event on August 7 – beginning at 6 pm – will INCLUDE the idea of equality in gender, race and sexual orientation.  Understanding that INCLUSION is paramount to a well-rounded community, Artists will showcase diversity and equality through their art. Entertainment will include Blue Star; Tod Kimbro; Mark Wright; and the Orlando Gay Chorus. Presented in association with Rick Singh, Orange County Property Appraiser, call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

August 8 – Good Morning Winter Park

Good Morning Winter Park is the popular, monthly breakfast gathering where residents and community leaders interact for insights on timely topics and networking. Free and open to the public, the meeting on August 8 begins at 7:45 am with a complimentary continental breakfast. At 8:15 am Denise Weathers will speak to the group about affordable housing, defining the community land trust's role, and historic preservation at the Winter Park Welcome Center. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

August 9 – Taste of the Nation – Orlando

On August 9 at 6:45 pm, Taste of the Nation brings together the area's top chefs who donate their time, talent and passion to END childhood hunger in Central Florida. Along with extraordinary food, guests sample select wines while enjoying auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit tasteofthenation.org/orlando and/or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste.  We can all BUY a ticket and HELP.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators