Florida Culture for the Week of March 11 by Josh Garrick

March 15 through April 14 – Jai Gallery presents Solo Exhibit by Barbara Sorensen

The impressive (in size and beauty) new Jai Gallery in Downtown Orlando will open a solo exhibit of never-before-exhibited works by Barbara Sorensen on March 15. A retrospective journey through Sorensen’s ‘muses,’ the exhibit exemplifies the classical Greek aesthetic in Sorensen's work, as well as her love for nature's forms. The exhibit will include new works from her Dwellings and Chalices series, and a new ceramic series: Flock. From 6 to 9 pm on March 21, the public is invited to a unique story-telling performance, which I will narrate in collaboration with John DiDonna’s Empty Spaces Theatre Co. Call 407-921-0693 or visit jaigallery.net

March 15, 16, and 17 – 54th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Fest

One of the biggest, oldest and ‘highest rated’ Sidewalk Art Fairs in the country, the 54th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Fest will be held March 15 to 17 in Central Park in Winter Park. Featuring works by national and international artists, this year’s Festival prizes will be enhanced by a “purchase award” from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. The $5,000 Art of Philanthropy Award will “recognize one of the talented artists at the Festival and support the arts community that our founder held in such high esteem,” says Foundation President David Odahowski. The Festival is FREE to the Public. A Children’s Workshop Village (ages 2 through 12) with hands-on arts activities, will be offered on all 3 days. Call 407.644.7207 or visit wpsaf.com

March 15, 16, and 17 – Jordan Tyler Squires Cabaret

He’s the tenor voice from CFCArts' stage-shows, singing hits such as Bring Him Home and The Grinch, while doing double-duty as Dance Captain of their shows. Now this singer, with an incredible range, will perform in CFCArts' Monthly Cabaret on March 15, 16 and 17. Jordan Tyler Squires has performed on cruise ships, on Disney stages, and at the White House. Recently Jordan joined Next Generation Kids, where he teaches voice, dance and acting. Live in Living Color: My Life in Cabaret will take place at The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Building at 1111 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando. Visit cfcarts.com or call 407.937.1800

March 16 -- The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

For one night only – March 16 – the Bach Festival will present what many consider to be the greatest chamber orchestra in the world – The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.  Known for its refined sound, the program will have added brilliance as it features award-winning soloists Alisa Weilerstein, cello, and Inon Barnatan, piano. Formed in 1958, the Academy maintains a partnership with founder Sir Neville Marriner, with whom they have made over 500 recordings; the most recorded pairing of orchestra and conductor in history. The program will be held at Trinity Preparatory School on March 16 at 8 pm. Call the Box Office at 407.646.2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

March 17 – The Young Composers ‘COMPOSIUM’ Concert

The 9th annual ‘Composium’ is a FREE concert featuring new orchestral works written by students ages 13 to 18 from around the country. The student composers are winners of the National Young Composers Challenge, a competition that invites students to submit original compositions for judging with six winning compositions (three orchestral and three ensemble) performed at the Concert. The student winners receive cash prizes and professional recordings of their work while the audience hears the music of tomorrow – TODAY. Sponsored in part by the Orlando Philharmonic, the March 17 concert is free and the public is invited. Call 407.770.0071

March 19 – Amanda Bearse in Speaker Series

After graduating from Winter Park High School, Amanda Bearse went to New York City to study acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse. Those ‘lessons’ led to ten years co-starring on the TV mega-hit Married...With Children. During those ten years, Amanda began a second career directing situation comedy; she’s now been behind the camera for 22 years, currently directing for the Disney Channel.  She will talk about her life in ‘show business’ at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Avenue in Winter Park from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm on March 19 as part of the Winter Park History Museum’s Speaker Series. Visit wphistory.org or call 407.647.2330

Mar 22 – Beethoven – Direct from Germany – in Daytona Beach

Concluding its brilliant season of LARGE orchestras, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society invites us to experience the 106-piece Beethoven Orchestra Bonn on March 22 at 7 pm. Winner of four ECHO Klassik music awards for its recordings, the Orchestra has performed in the world's great concert halls, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The program includes Beethoven’s glorious Piano Concerto #4 with Louis Lortie at the piano and his “most beautiful” Symphony #7.  Call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

March 22 – Small Business Education Series Begins

Designed for small business owners, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will present the Small Business Education Series to help provide resources for growing and sustaining a profitable business in the Winter Park community. The monthly series will feature speakers and experts from the Small Business Resource Network.  The first program will feature Kyle Taylor from Thriving Interactive on the topic of Internet marketing on March 22 at 8 am at the Winter Park Welcome Center. Future programs will be held the third Friday of each month. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

March 22, 23, and 24 – Central Florida Home & Garden Show

“Get inspired, and get started,” is the motto of the 2013 Florida Home Show to be held at the Orlando Convention Center from March 22 to 24. With experts from windows and flooring to cabinets and landscaping, we can learn to save on products and services to refresh and restore our homes. Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares advice on the IKEA Stage while national experts offer home and garden tips throughout the weekend. Enjoy demonstrations and samples by top chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage and view the innovative interiors of four designer rooms. Visit OrlandoHomeShow.com or call 877-871-7469.

March 22, 23, and 24 – Lakeridge Winery Wine & Seafood Festival

The Lakeridge Winery invites family and friends to their 5th Annual Wine & Seafood Festival on March 22, 23 and 24. The outdoor festival features a variety of food vendors, live music, 100 arts and craft vendors, and award-winning Lakeridge Wines. The live musical lineup includes Airtight and Blues Train (Mar 22); The Selwyn Birchwood Band and The Nightly Blues Band (Mar 23); and The Groove Masters and Tory Wynter (Mar 24). Bring chairs and blankets. The Wine Shop will offer ‘specials’ along with free winery and tasting tours every 20 minutes until 4 pm. Lakeridge Winery is at 19239 US 27 in Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com or call 352.394.8627

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators