Florida Culture for the Week of September 1 By Josh Garrick

SEPTEMBER is Orlando’s Magical DINING Month

Foodie Alert !!! – DO NOT MISS This -- More than 75 restaurants are serving up big savings this September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. With the greatest number of restaurants in the program’s 9-year history, this is your chance to have a magical meal at the restaurant you’ve been ‘hungry for.’ Following 3-course dinners for $33 at some of Orlando’s finest restaurants, savvy diners can turn their evening into a stay-cation with one of several Magical Nights dine-and-stay packages. A full list of restaurants, menus and hotel packages is available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com.

Sept 1 to 6 – The 44th Annual United States DANCE Championships

Over 700 competitors from 30 countries will compete for 27 championships as The United States Dance Championships return to Central Florida. The Championships host the world’s finest ballroom dance superstars for the most prestigious competition of its kind. Dancers will compete for titles including U.S. National Pro/Am, U.S. National Professional, and World Professional titles at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. From September 1 to 6, call 310.544.4636 or visit unitedstatesdancechampionships.com.

Sept 2 to 28 – The Borrowers Opens the Season at the Orlando Rep

The Orlando Rep’s new season kicks off with The Borrowers from September 2 to 28 with a new play by Charles Way based upon the award-winning children’s classic by Mary Norton. Arrietty Clock is a typical ‘tween’ yearning to experience the grown-up world – except that she and her tiny family live on dollhouse furniture under the floorboards. When their home is discovered, Arrietty is pushed into a bigger adventure than she ever could have wished. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Sept 4 & 5 -- CFCArts presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man

The always inventive CFCArts will present Meredith Willson's beloved musical The Music Man on September 4 and 5 – in a concert production. It’s 1912, and con-man ‘Professor Harold Hill’ arrives in River City, Iowa posing as a bandleader in order to sell instruments for a non-existent band that he promises to conduct. Including the Broadway classics Ya Got Trouble and 76 Trombones, The Music Man won 6 Tony Awards and an Academy Award. The cast includes a 100-voice choir and full orchestra at Northland Church in Longwood. Tickets ($10) are available at cfcarts.com/the-music-man

Sept 4 to 26 – FIVE at UCF Art Gallery

Known for his bold abstractions in vivid color, Paul Scarborough is one of the FIVE Artists whose work will be featured at the University of Central Florida Art Gallery from September 4 to 26. The exhibit features large scale abstract paintings from each of the Artists including Cicero Greathouse, Nancy Jay, Jackie Otto Miller, and Chris Robb. A reception, open to the public, will be held at the Gallery in the Visual Arts Building on the UCF campus. Call 407.272.0736

Sept 4 to 7 – Disney On Ice Presents FROZEN

In the first time the Academy-Award-winning tale is presented live, FROZEN captures the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa. Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister (the magical Elsa), who is determined to test the limits of her powers. In the production, Mickey and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the story with appearances by Disney Princesses who come together to prove that love is the greatest power of all. At the Amway Center from September 4 to 7, tickets are available at disneyonIce.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000

Sept 5 – Art for Education at the University Club of Orlando

Art For All Spaces and the University Club of Orlando join forces to host Art for Education, a first of its kind event showcasing the work of both established artists and students from local colleges. Proceeds from art sales support the University Club Scholarship Fund which has donated over $1.6 million in scholarships. Featuring the work of Ken Austin, Megan Stepe, Robin Maria Pedrero, Linda Brant, Judy Batterson, Marsha De Broske, Richard Munster, Doug Powell, Louis Lockheed, Irma Kirveline, Patrica Byron, Natasha Schaidt, Bonnie Sprung, Cathy Hempel, Bricelyn Shafron, Janae Corrado, Paul Scarborough, and works by students of the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Valencia College and Seminole State College, tickets at $20 ($10 for students) are available at ucluborlando.com

Sept 5 – Dancin’ Through the Decades at The Abbey

The Abbey is pulling out the stops to host the BIGGEST party in town as the music plays and the drink specials flow. Autumn at the Abbey will present a variety of renowned talent including a weekly cabaret series, comedy shows, and happy hours – all beginning with Dancin’ Through the Decades on September 5 at 8 pm. A non-stop music video party, with hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s, five HD screens and an amazing sound system, begin YOUR Fall Season with this ‘No Cover’ event. Visit AbbeyOrlando.com

Sept 8 – Photographer Joe Drivas Speaks on Looking vs. Seeing

The Fine Art Group of the Orlando Camera Club will welcome Joe Drivas to speak about Looking vs. Seeing on Monday, September 8 beginning at 5:30 pm. Commercial photographer, digital consultant, and educator Joe Drivas is represented world-wide through Getty Images with work for clients ranging from Apple, IBM, and Microsoft, to Toyota. Joe will show us examples of “how he sees,” enhancing our awareness of all that is around us. At the Marks Senior Center in Orlando, the program is Free WITH RSVP to spelteson[at]gmail.com.

Sept 10 to Oct 12 – Les Miserables at Orlando Shakespeare

In one of the greatest events in the Central Florida Cultural Season, our fearless Shakespeare Theater takes on one of the greatest Broadway blockbusters of all time as they open their season on September 10 with Les Miserables. Featuring Central Florida’s own Broadway Star Davis Gaines, Les Mis is set in 19th-century France where Jean Valjean is on a quest for redemption. Relentlessly hunted by Police Inspector Javert, the two men – along with a host of fantastic characters – are swept up in France’s revolution. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Sept 12 – Neiman Marcus Fashion to Benefit the Zebra Coalition

Event Hosts Jose Cabrera and Cathy McFadden invite us to an Evening of Fashion at Neiman Marcus on September 12 to benefit the Zebra Coalition, whose mission is to foster hope, dignity and self-respect among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBT+) young people.  As we enjoy “sips, lite-bites, and an AMAZING RAFFLE,” 100% of the proceeds will help provide these young people with an opportunity to grow-up in a safe environment. With needs from basic shelter to medical services, our ticket purchase WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. From 6 pm to 8:30 pm at the Mall at Millenia, purchase your tickets at http://conta.cc/1o8NVFv

Current – The Alfond Inn Announces Jesse Martinez as New General Manager

The Alfond Inn, a Preferred Boutique Hotel in Winter Park, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary by introducing its new General Manager – Jesse E. Martinez. Owned by Rollins College, the 112-room hotel marks its first anniversary having been built with a $12 million grant from the Alfond Foundation in order to have net operating income directed to The Alfond Scholars Fund. In a brilliant example of contemporary fund-raising – over the next 25 years, or until the endowment reaches $50 million, the hotel will dedicate its income to the Fund, which in turn supports scholarships for students of Rollins College. Call 407.998.8090.

Current – A Doctor’s Health Tips for World Alzheimer’s Month

Fitness expert and neurosurgeon Dr. Brett Osborn appreciates the growing public interest in health and fitness, but especially in the month of September, he says, “attention needs to extend to arguably our most essential organ – the brain.” September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and Dr. Osborn, author of Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness, offers five tips to help everyone maintain brain health. Learn new skills. Commit to real exercise. You’ll have stress; learn to manage it. Fuel a better body and brain, and ‘feed your head’ with smart drugs. Dr. Osborn is a New York University-trained, Board-Certified neurological surgeon. Visit drbrettosborn.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators