Florida Culture for the Week of March 16 by Josh Garrick
 
March 19 – A Conversation with Eric Spiegel at Rollins College

Siemens USA is responsible for $25 billion in global sales and 53,000 employees in the U.S. As President and CEO of Siemens, Eric Spiegel will share his views on affordable healthcare, the nation's infrastructure, and clean sources of energy in ‘A Conversation’ at the Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College on March 19 beginning at 7 pm. The event is part of the Rollins Winter Park Institute, which hosts a series of lectures ALL of which are FREE and open to the public. Visit WinterParkInstitute.org or call 407.691.1995.

Mar 19 to April 26 – James and the Giant Peach

Based on the children’s’ classic by Roald Dahl, a young orphan named James runs away from his conniving aunts only to find himself in the center of a giant peach?!? Surrounded by human-sized insects, James is joined by a wise Grasshopper and a pessimistic Earthworm on his wild adventure. Arrive early to join Shakes cast-members for interactive pre-show activities that help young audiences to Shake Out The Sillies. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Mar 20 to April 4 – Boeing Boeing on the Runway in Winter Garden

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier. He has a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But a life like that gets bumpy when a speedy new Boeing jet throws off his careful planning. This ‘slightly naughty’ farce has enjoyed hit revivals in London and New York, so lift your tray tables and fasten your seat belts – Boeing Boeing is ready for take-off on the Garden Theatre stage. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

Mar 20 to April 19 – The Philadelphia Story at Mad Cow

When main-line Philadelphia’s Tracy Lord decides to get married (again), her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter turn up just before the ceremony in this classic satire of ‘Society meets tabloid journalism.’ The romantic comedy was written in 1939 by Philip Barry only to become a film classic starring Cary Grant and Kathryn Hepburn in 1940. As timely today as when it was first written, call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Mar 20 – Party (in Maitland) Like It’s 1965

Be there or be square, Dude. Bring your ‘Steady’ to the Fab and Funky Dance Party with Gary Blalock and the Maitland Stage Band opening for Ricky Silva and The Buzzcatz on March 20 beginning at 7 pm at the ‘Venue On The Lake’ at 641 South Maitland Ave – in Maitland. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash wine and beer bar will be included with the $19.65 admission. Call 407.647.2111 or visit VenueOnTheLake.com 

Mar 20, 21 & 22 – The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

One of the nation’s oldest and largest juried outdoor Art Festivals, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival currently features 225 Artists creating in categories including Clay, Digital Art, Drawing and Pastels, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media - 2D and 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Watercolor and Wood. The Artists compete for 63 awards totaling over $72,000 in prize money. The Festival – with Free admission – runs from 9 am to 6 pm on March 20, 21, and 22.  Visit wpsaf.org

March 20 to 22 – The 4th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival

Historic Ybor City, Florida will host the National Cuban Sandwich Festival, celebrating the sandwich with a Free festival and contest to find the BEST Cuban Sandwich in the Nation. Over 100 food, art, and cultural exhibitors will be joined by live music and dance performances opening March 20 with a VIP/Opening Night Reception. March 21 offers the creation of the ‘Biggest Cuban Sandwich in the world’ with Sunday, March 22 as Smack-Down Day at Centennial Park where 30 Restaurants from around the U.S. compete for the title of Best Cuban Sandwich in the World. Visit www.thecubansandwichfestival.com

March 21 at 8 pm– Rimma Plays Sibelius with the Orlando Philharmonic

The 5th Music Director Finalist Leslie Dunner will conduct the Orlando Philharmonic with music from the World Wars on March 21. Written in 1942, Barber’s Essay brings out the conflict of war, but also the overwhelming beauty of life. Orlando’s brilliant Concert-master Rimma Bergeron-Langlois will perform music of Scandinavia with the Sibelius Violin Concerto, followed by Nielsen’s Symphony No. 4, a combative masterpiece featuring dueling timpani. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Mar 21 and 22 – Fort Christmas FREE Bluegrass Festival

Construction of Fort Christmas began on December 25, 1837. During the Historical Park's Bluegrass Festival, guests are invited to visit the full-size replica of Fort Christmas and seven restored historic homes that exemplify Florida pioneer life. On March 21 and 22 from 10 am to 4 pm, the Park’s FREE Bluegrass Festival will feature Moonlite Express, Seminole Ridge, Pine Creek, and the Gary Mackey Band (You’ll want to bring chairs) at the Park in Christmas, Florida. Call 407-254-9312 or visit parks[at]ocfl.net

Mar 25 to 28 – Real Ropin’ & Ridin’ Rodeo … in Central Florida

The cowboy heritage is a way of life in Kissimmee (just south of Orlando) where cattle ranching is big business, and tourists may find a real ropin’, ridin,’ rodeo at the 70-year-old Silver Spurs Rodeo, the oldest rodeo east of the Mississippi. At the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Cowboys compete in bareback riding, barrel racing, team roping and more. It’s March 25 to 28 as regional champs compete for the National Championship Title and over $1 million in prizes. Visit RNCFR.com

Mar 26 & 27 – Roger McGuinn – He’s a Byrd

In two appearances at Rollins College, Roger McGuinn will give a Free public lecture on March 26 at 7 pm, which will be followed with Questions and Answers on March 27 at 11 am. McGuinn, leader of the influential 60’s group The Byrds combined the genres of folk and rock with Gene Clark and David Crosby and founded The Byrds in 1964. His presentations offer a retrospective of his remarkable career, reflecting the history of the era when his music received international acclaim. Call 407.691.1995 or visit wpi[at]rollins.edu

March 27 – Rock & Roll Stars of the 1960’s Visit the Peabody Auditorium

Pop, Rock & Doo Wopp Live!, at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on March 27, features the artists who recorded the biggest hits of the 60’s.  Jay and the Americans (This Magic Moment) will headline with their five Top 10 records. Lush harmonies, precision choreography and lyrics from a simpler time will be the highlights of the Drifters (Under the Boardwalk); the Belmonts (Runaround Sue); the Chiffons (One Fine Day); the Tokens (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) and more. Visit PopRockDooWopp.com or call 386-671-3462.

March 27 & 29 – Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at New Dr. Phillips Center

Florida Opera Theatre is about to have the honor of presenting the first Opera to be performed in the NEW Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts when it presents Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte on March 27 and 29. In this story of a man who bets two suitors that their girlfriends will not remain faithful, Shannon Jennings and Sarah Limper Nordin play the squabbling sisters. The production is fully staged; Robin Stamper is Music Director and Frank McClain directs. Ask about the fund-raiser set for March 28 when you call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org for tickets.

Illustration credit Thomas Thorspecken

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators