Florida Culture for the Week of May 30, 2016 by Josh Garrick

TODAY -- May 30 – MEMORIAL DAY – Remember them ALL 
To repeat the words -- courage, sacrifice, and selfless devotion – is not enough. Americans who died in combat did so because ‘they knew’ they were making America a safer place for all of us. To truly honor them, WE need to do our part to ‘create’ the America they defended. Offer time and skills to a local charity, tutor a child or adult with reading comprehension, donate blood, help or advise a veteran to find a job, coach a sport, or serve dinner at a shelter. Words are not enough; it is our actions that honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

TODAY – May 30 at 1 pm and 3 pm – Bok Tower Memorial Day Carillon Concerts
Memorial Day at the magnificent Bok Tower Gardens offer a musical salute of gratitude to our nation's veterans and current members of America's armed forces. FREE admission is offered to active, retired and disabled veterans of all military branches with valid ID for the special Patriotic Carillon Concerts at 1 pm and 3 pm.  The Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark offering the peace and beauty of Nature along with the site’s unique Carillon Concerts at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales.  Call 863.676.1408 or visit boktowergardens.org

June 1 to July 3 – Avenue Q – Think Muppets with Potty Mouths 
In 2003, a gang of wayward puppets created a worldwide phenomenon known as Avenue Q. Taking on the lessons of LIFE, these colorful characters advise their new friend on everything from getting a job to internet porn. With songs including “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” “If You Were Gay,” and “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” the puppets of Avenue Q will have you thinking, “I said that once (or at least thought it).” Presented by the Mad Cow Theatre in their Downtown Orlando complex through July 3, call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

June 2 at 10 am – ‘Training Kits’ for CPR and AED Awareness Week 
To ensure Orlando has the highest cardiac save rate in America, Mayor Buddy Dyer will join with Orlando City Commissioners, Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams and community partners to kick off CPR and AED Awareness Week. The event will introduce the City’s new ‘CPR Training Anytime Kits’ as part of the City’s Take Heart Orlando initiative.  The eventual goal is to train every Orlando resident in hands-only CPR.  At the Orlando City Hall Rotunda. 

June 4 from 9 am to 1 pm – Orange County Hurricane Expo 2016
Orange County, encouraging residents to be prepared for hurricane season, offers the 2016 Hurricane Expo on June 4 at the Renaissance Senior Center at South Econ Community Park at 3800 South Econlockhatchee Trail. This Free event offers information and Free items, including weather radios and first aid kits, while supplies last. Attendees will learn to survive and deal with floods, high wind damage, and property loss. Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends November 30.  Call 407.836.9140 or visit ocoem[at]ocfl.net

June 4 at 7 pm – ‘Dream Catchers’ – Lillian Verkins & Fay Samimi Art Exhibit  
Multiple Award-Winning Artists and friends Lillian VERKINS, painter and Fay SAMIMI, ceramic sculptor, will ‘share’ the Henao Contemporary Center’s Main Gallery Space with their new exhibit entitled ‘Dream Catchers.’  This luxuriously sophisticated exhibit will open June 4 beginning at 7 pm with the exhibit running through July 17. The Public is invited; please join these ladies at the Henao Contemporary Center at 5601 N. Edgewater Drive in Orlando for their Opening Night or during the run of the exhibit. Visit henaocenter.com 

              
June 4, 6 & 8 -- Copa America Centenario Soccer Tournament Held in Orlando, U.S.A. 
For the first time in its 100-year history, the Copa America Centenario, the oldest international soccer tournament in the world, will be staged outside of South America in 10 U.S. venues from June 3 to 26. This once-in-a-lifetime event features the top stars in the world in this 16-nation championship. The thrill of the biggest tournament in the Western Hemisphere will take place in Orlando featuring Costa Rica vs. Paraguay on June 4; Bolivia vs. Panama on June 6; and Brazil vs. Haiti on June 8. Visit CA2016.com or OrlandoCitySC.com

June 5 -- The Dr. Phillips Center School of the Arts 2016 Applause Awards
The Applause Awards, a program created by the Dr. Phillips Center School of the Arts, supports high schools that have their theater productions reviewed by a team of adjudicators. In June, following the model of Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Dr. Phillips Center hosts the ‘Applause Awards’ to recognize the performances that demonstrate outstanding talent. From Dr. Phillips High School’s “Mary Poppins” to Boone High’s “The Addams Family” over 30 Schools participated in this year’s judging. For tickets call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

June 5 at 7:30 pm – Maitland Symphony’s Spring Concert “The Magic of Youth”
Under batons held by Eric Mendez and Dale Burket, “The Magic of Youth” is Maitland Symphony Orchestra’s spring concert with MicheLee Puppet’s ‘Gussie’ as the Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Lori Lovell singing Mahler’s poignant “Kindertotenlieder No. 4, and Maitland Middle School’s ‘Musicale’ joining the Orchestra. Alyssa Orantes Romanova is the guest violinist on Kabalevsky’s Violin Concerto, and the whole family will enjoy “Carnival of the Animals,” “West Side Story” and “Star Wars” at this FREE concert at Maitland Presbyterian Church at 341 N. Orlando Ave. Donations appreciated. Call 321-303-1404 or visit PAMaitland.org 

June 9 at 8 pm – CYNDI LAUPER at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Iconic performer and musical chameleon Cyndi Lauper will tour in support of her recently-released studio album, DETOUR, on a 19-city tour with a performance in Orlando’s new Dr. Phillips Center on June 9 and concluding June 12 in St. Augustine. Ms. Lauper’s musical journey takes a seriously “Southern turn” on her 11th studio album, which finds the Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning singer-songwriter putting her signature on a dozen classic country songs. DETOUR showcases Lauper’s unique voice on country classics from the ‘40s through the ‘60s and features guest turns from country music royalty. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

June 9 at 5 pm – Winter Park’s Summertime Sip, Shop & Stroll
Park Avenue in Winter Park is the place to be as the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite you to sip, stroll and experience the charm of Park Avenue on a unique ‘Wine Walk’ to your favorite shops and restaurants. While checking out the latest fashions, gifts and menus, you’ll enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at participating locations. Tickets are $25 each with Online Registration closing on June 9. Check-in on June 9 beginning at 5 pm to receive your wine glass and passport. Contact Kristen Quinones at 407.644.8281 

June 9 & 10 at 8 pm – ‘Decades Rewind’ – A Musical Memory Lane
Take a trip down melody lane with ‘Decades Rewind,’ featuring over 60 songs blended into unique medleys from the most prominent decades in music history. This fully LIVE concert experience features an 8-piece band and 6 vocalists surrounded by rock and roll stage lighting, videos of American culture, and over 100 costume changes. From Abba to Zeppelin, ‘Decades Rewind’ will have you dancing in your seats during this magical rock extravaganza. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

June 10 & 11 – CFCArts’ Symphony Orchestra Presents Symphonic Cinema
It’s an epic finale concert for the Central Florida Community Arts’ Symphony Orchestra as they invite you to be swept away by the most beautiful film scores ever composed. Featuring iconic music from unforgettable films such as Back to the Future, The Magnificent Seven, Titanic, and many more, this concert offers your favorite music from your favorite movies performed LIVE by Central Florida’s largest Symphony Orchestra. Symphonic Cinema will be performed on June 10 and 11 at 8 pm at Calvary Orlando at 1199 Clay St. in Winter Park. Tickets are $10 and $15 each. Call 407.937.1800 x 710 or boxoffice[at]cfcommunityarts.com

June 10 to July 11 – The Brothers Size at Mad Cow Theatre 
The Chicago Tribune calls ‘The Brothers Size,’ "The greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more."  Living in Louisiana, big brother Ogun is hard-working and independent while younger brother Oshoosi is just out of prison and aimless. Elegba, Oshoosi's old prison-mate, is a mysterious complication. Tarell Alvin McCraney crafts symbolism and ritual into a tough/tender drama about the unbreakable bond between brothers. Call 407-297-8788 x 1 or visit madcowtheatre.com 

June 10 – Mako the Shark Roller Coaster to Open at SeaWorld 
Seaworld is calling Mako the longest, tallest and fastest coaster in Orlando. With a track 4,760 feet long and the first lift hill topping out at 200 feet, Mako will reach speeds up to 73 mph. Theme-park guests will be able to board the shark-inspired super-coaster on June 10. Constructed near the Park’s famous Shark Encounter, with the ride in and around an area that was ‘backstage,’ we are told the ride will have a ‘near-pass’ experience with the Park's ‘Kraken’ coaster. Visit seaworld.com/mako and enjoy the test ride experience:

June 11 at 8 pm – Chris Botti & Joshua Bell with Members of the Orlando Philharmonic 
Grammy Award-winning musicians Chris Botti and Joshua Bell will create a night that crosses all musical boundaries including classical, rhythm & blues and jazz. After his sold-out concert at the Dr. Phillips Center last year, Chris Botti returns, bringing with him one of the greatest violinists in the world, Joshua Bell. Their one-night only concert is sure to be a highlight of the season. Chris Botti is the largest-selling American instrumentalist while Joshua Bell is considered “the greatest American violinist active today” (The Boston Herald). Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

June 18 at 7:30 pm – The World Ballet Competition 10th Anniversary GALA Performance
In a Not-to-be-Missed performance, ORLANDO will host the 10th Anniversary of the World Ballet Competition (WBC), the ‘Olympics of Ballet.’ Concluding with a Gala Performance showcasing an extraordinary evening of talent, the 1st half of the evening consists of the WINNERS, ages 9 to 24, from the week of competition. The 2nd half of the Gala presents Guest Artists from around the World including Orlando’s own beloved Ballet Stars Katia Garza and Israel Rodriguez– for the first time ever -- performing the Spartacus Love pas de deux. The performance is at the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. For Tickets, please visit worldballetcompetition.com or call 407.849.4669. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators