Florida Culture for the Week of September 9, 2013 by Josh Garrick

Sept. 10 – Rockaway’s Table Talk … with Free Breakfast

The Rockaway Agency will present its second Table Talk, a series of discussions exploring the culinary industry on Sept. 10, at which the panel will discuss “Raising the Bar: Farm, Food & Spirits” at K Restaurant. Featuring a free “kegs and eggs” breakfast, panelists will discuss how the farm-to-table concept has impacted the beverage industry. The panel includes James Beard-nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo, Kaitlin McGavock, Nathan Clark, and Matt Anderson of Enlightened Grain Spirits. The free breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. at K Restaurant in College Park. RSVP at 407-236-6566, ext. 103.

Sept. 11 to 22 – Bokas’ ART at Bloomingdale’s

Native Floridian Victor Bokas grew up on the Gulf Coast amongst sunbathing tourists, palm trees and tropical images that show up in his colorful, witty, and idiosyncratic paintings. Victor is senior graphic designer for Tupperware and his work appears in private collections, museums and public spaces, including a magnificent 88-foot-long mosaic at the Orlando International Airport. On Sept. 11, Bloomingdale’s invites us to the Mall at Millenia to launch the exhibit and to celebrate this popular artist. Call 407-264-2504 or visit bloomingdales.com

Sept. 11 to Oct. 6 – ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ in the ‘Wild West’

Shakespeare’s most outrageous comedy kicks off the 25th season at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater as Director Jim Helsinger presents a very American version of The Taming of the Shrew set in the “Wild West.” “We’ve never done the play set in the Wild West, and I think it is a perfect setting for a rootin' tootin' trick shot shootin' version of this battle of the sexes,” Helsinger says. Opening Sept. 11, this high-energy battle of the sexes runs through Oct. 6. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Sept 12 – Sip & Stroll in Winter Park

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite us to an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres at 25 participating merchants in downtown Winter Park. The Sip & Stroll events invite attendees to visit local shops and restaurants, each of which offers a preview of their latest fashions, gift ideas and menu items. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience new destinations along Park Avenue and return to long-time favorites. Admission is $25. Each attendee receives a wine glass and passport at check-in. Call 407.644.8281 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Sept. 12 – Polasek Museum’s Mingle at the Museum

We are all cordially invited to an evening of networking, poetry, sculpture and cocktails at the beautiful Polasek Museum. Bring your business cards and garden-friendly-shoes while enjoying complimentary appetizers and live poetry readings by the Orlando Poetry Troupe as you peruse the Polasek’s new exhibit. Follow that with a cocktail in the magnificent sculpture gardens for a sunset stroll overlooking Lake Osceola. Cash bar and limited on-site parking offered with proceeds benefitting the Museum. Tickets are $5. Purchase tickets at polasek.org or by calling 407-647-6294.

Sept 13 to 15 – Disney On Ice – Princesses and Heroes

YOU can be a Hero to your little one by taking them to Disney On Ice, as they present Princesses and Heroes with short versions of the stories of favorite Princesses and their heroes including Snow White, Jasmine and Aladdin, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Ariel and Prince Eric. Tinker Bell and Mickey Mouse show up to present ‘links’ between segments. Beware – the show includes pyrotechnics with a fire-breathing dragon on the ice during the Sleeping Beauty sequence. Playing at the Amway Center from September 13 to15 with 6 performances scheduled.  Call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com

Sept. 13 to Oct. 5 — ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’

Among the most successful musicals presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, one of the most hilarious and most popular is “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Now the second longest-running Off- Broadway show is returning to the Playhouse by popular demand. This musical comedy sings about everything you’ve ever thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit! Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept. 13 — Performing Arts of Maitland Hosts ‘A Havana Night’

Sept. 13 promises to be an evening packed with music and dance – beginning with the Maitland Stage Band featuring the magnificent Miss Jacqueline Jones singing her favorite big band tunes. This wonderfulness will be followed by Nannette's Ballroom Dance, performing and inspiring everyone onto the dance floor in a night recalling romantic “Old Havana.” Hors d'oeuvres from ZaZa’s Cuban Diner complete the Latin theme. Tickets, available online at MaitlandCivicCenter.com, are $20 advance or $25 at the door.

Sept 14 and 15 – Enjoy Jazz, Food and Wine at Lakeridge Winery Festival

Lakeridge Winery, in Clermont, will host Jazz at the Winery, showcasing favorite local bands in an event with live music, food, and award-winning Lakeridge Wines on September 14 from 10 am to 5 pm and September 15 from 11 am to 5 pm. A $2 donation will be accepted at the gate to benefit the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. The music schedule includes Airtight and Tory Wynter on Sept 14 and The Groovemasters and the Robert Harris Group on Sept 15. Free tours and wine tastings will be offered throughout the weekend. Call 352-394-8627 or visit lakeridgewinery.com

And Looking Ahead …

September 20 – CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children

Since 2006, CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children has raised more than one million dollars for youth programs in Orlando’s Parramore community. These funds have helped open doors of opportunity to over 2,000 young people, providing them with tutoring, healthcare, pre-school education, college assistance and more. The outstanding results have helped education achievement rates, while ‘lowering the numbers’ on juvenile crime and teen pregnancy. The evening will include live performances and dinner beginning at 7 pm. For more information, contact Renee Jackson at 407.246.4299 or Renee.Jackson[at]cityfoforlando.net

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators