Florida Culture for the Week of May 2, 2016 by Josh Garrick

May 3 to 8 -- Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
Before she was Carole King, ‘Superstar,’ she was Carole King, teenage songwriter. No one knew her music would become the soundtrack to a generation, but Carole King fought her way into the record business as a teenager and by the time she reached her twenties, she had the husband of her dreams and she was writing hits for the biggest acts in rock 'n' roll. But her personal life had to crack before she would find her true voice. BEAUTIFUL tells the true story of Carole King’s rise to stardom, becoming one of the most successful solo acts in pop music history. Along the way, she made BEAUTIFUL music. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

NOW to May 15 -- Junie B. Jones – The Musical at Orlando Rep
Its Junie B’s first day of first grade and several things have changed.  Her friend Lucille does not want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie B. has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a ‘Secret Personal Journal’ and you understand the level of first grade excitement. (Production length – 1 hour) Visit orlandorep.com or call 407.896.7365

NOW to May 29 – Singin’ in the Rain – A ‘Splashy Musical’ for the Whole Family 
Directed by the magically talented Rob Winn Anderson, the Garden Theatre’s BIG annual musical has become a MUST-SEE event. The LIVE staging of one of the great movie musicals of all time offers a Tinsel-town starlet, a handsome leading man and a love affair that could change lives while making (or breaking) careers. Taking us back to the time of silent movies, this classic is chock full of unforgettable songs and dancing that changed musicals for all time. At the beautiful Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

May 5 at 7 pm – Maitland Asks “What Would Lincoln Do?”
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for a day to pray for a nation divided by Civil War.  In many ways there is an analogy between the challenges of the divided nation President Lincoln faced and today’s ‘broken’ government. The Venue on the Lake (Maitland Civic Center) and Performing Arts of Maitland (Maitland Stage Band) will join together to present a special concert featuring a rendition of Lincoln by impersonator Dr. Jordan Camenker beginning at 7 pm on May 5. Call 407-647-2111

May 5 – 5 pm to Closing – 4 Rivers Smokehouse and Cinco de Mayo 
On May 5, John Rivers and team are trading in their cowboy hats for sombreros to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a ‘patio party’ at 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park. Guests will ‘Party on’ with music by Scotty Jordan, made-to-order margaritas, and the ‘Playful Chef’s take on traditional Mexican street-fare. In addition, Tamale Co. Food Truck will be on-hand with made-fresh Mexican tamales and beer on-site through the evening.  At 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park, the Cinco Special of 3 mains + 2 sides is an easy $9.99.  

May 6 at 7 pm – The Shoe Maven presents THE ART OF FASHION
THE ART OF FASHION is a Team Fox event benefitting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. It’s a ‘fusion’ evening of Fashion, Art, Food and Caring in a special event showcasing the talents of Orlando's fashion and art communities as Orlando's favorite retailers, designers and stylists display their top looks paired with artwork from Florida's most talented Artists - creating a truly unique visual experience. The event includes an extensive silent auction as Bento Sushi Cafe serves hors d'oeuvres. A dessert bar, wine and champagne will be served at the Orlando Museum of Art. Tickets at theartoffashion2016.eventbrite.com 

May 7 at 9 am -- Commissioner Regina Hill’s Teen Job Fair 
Visit the gym at Jones High for Commissioner Regina Hill and her City of Orlando community Partners for a “Teen Job and Crime Prevention Fair.” The event will be held on May 7th at 9 am, so please be prepared – you could be hired on-site! Dress professionally, bring several resumes and your school I.D. and/or social security number. There will be a seminar on crime prevention presented by the Orlando Police Department as well as employability training. For more call Commissioner Regina Hill at 407-246-2005 or Justin Felton at 407-246-3014. 

May 7 – 11 am to 4 pm – Asian Cultural Festival 2016 
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Asian Americans celebrate their heritage with a May 7 event showcasing the cultures and talents of several ethnic groups. There will be booths for vendors, ethnic cuisine and merchandise from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.  Benefitting the Asian Student Achievers’ Scholastic Awards, for information, please call Selva Kumar at 407-429-1892 or visit aahc-cf.org

May 7 -- Up to Your Elbows in Sand at the 2016 Siesta Sand Sculpture Contest 
The 44th Anniversary of the Siesta Sand Sculpture Contest, an annual must see event that is pure, creative fun on the white sand beaches of Siesta Key, is free and open to all age groups and skill levels from painstakingly sculpted to some castles in the sand at this contest. Registration begins at 8:30 am with Judging at 1 pm and winners announced at 2 pm. One of the Gulf of Mexico’s finest beaches, Siesta Key offers plenty of room on the beach for Sculptors and Spectators. Bring your beach chair and cooler and watch the Artists create their masterpieces in the sand. Call 941-861-5000 or visit escape-to-sarasota.com/siesta-sand-sculpture-contest

May 8 – Magnificent Gardens in Bloom – Free – On Mother’s Day 
The two most beautiful gardens in Central Florida are welcoming Mom on her special day with Free admission at BOTH the Leu Gardens in Orlando and the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.  Leu Gardens offers winding trails of natural beauty AND the largest rose garden in all of Florida while Bok Tower offers the magnificence of gardens created by Frederick Law Olmsted, the gentleman responsible for New York City’s Central Park. The Bok Tower also offers the site’s magical carillon concerts at 1 pm and 3 pm. You won’t even have to pick up a trowel for Mother to remember the special day YOU filled her life with flowers. Visit leugardens.org and/or boktowergardens.org 

May 8 at 4 pm – MAYSfest – the 2016 Season Finale 
The season finale of the Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony (MAYS) on May 8 is the latest milestone in a grassroots musical movement begun nearly thirty years ago by the late conductor Jonathan May. This one-of-a-kind performance brings hundreds of young Florida musicians together to perform some of history’s greatest orchestral compositions with proceeds going to The Jonathan May Foundation to provide scholarships to students in all MAYS programs. Performed at the Bob Carr Theatre, please visit drphillipscenter.org for tickets. 

May 12 to June 11 – The Fantasticks at the Winter Park Playhouse 
This romantic Off-Broadway musical ran for over 50 years in Manhattan, making it the world’s longest running musical. It’s about a boy, a girl, two manipulative fathers, and a love that grows with each season. Awarded Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 1991, it is written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt with a score filled with love songs that made the show so popular. They include “Try to Remember,” “They Were You,” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” You can experience the magic once again by calling 407.645.0145 or visiting winterparkplayhouse.org 

May 14 at 5 pm -- Florida Blue presents Revelation Acappella - Free Outdoor Concert
‘Revelation’ began its ministry in 2001 at the Southside Church of Christ in Orlando, originally formed out of the congregation’s ‘Single and Saved Ministry.’ Changes over the years have led to the current 15 members singing together under the direction of Sister Kelly Neal. ‘Revelation’ “ministers through song” with the mission to "bring the lost to Christ, teach them to be faithful, and equip them to be fruitful..."  This is a FREE performance on the Seneff Plaza outside the Dr. Phillips Center with NO ticket required. Beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks will be available for purchase from Food Trucks. 

May 15 at 7 pm – Catch the Impossible with Charles Peachock & Kostya Kimlat
Performers-With-A-Purpose brings the best and brightest entertainers to the Dr. Phillips Center. Appearing this year is America’s Got Talent Finalist Charles Peachock and master magician Kostya Kimlat. Peachock appeared a record-breaking 6 times on America’s Got Talent while 
Kostya Kimlat actually fooled Penn & Teller on their show ‘Fool Us.’ Now these two powerhouse artists will donate 20% of their ticket proceeds to the non-profit Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts to inspire young artists to pursue their love of the performing arts.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

And looking ahead … 

May 21 at 6.45 pm – The Heart of Florida United Way’s 24th Annual Chef’s Gala
THE pre-eminent ‘foodie’ event of the year, the Heart of Florida United Way’s annual event features 25 of Central Florida’s finest chefs at their most creative preparing gourmet ‘tastings’ (and desserts!!!) EACH paired with a hand-selected wine to complement their creation. The festivities begin May 21 at 6:45 pm as the sparkling wine begins to flow (along with a silent auction) at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. All this wonderfulness provides funds to benefit health and human service programs vital to Central Floridians in need, and – with the purchase of a ticket to the Chef’s Gala – we can help! Call 407.429.2129 or visit hfuw.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators