“Josh Recommends” in a JULY 4 Week-end Special Edition By Josh Garrick 

Red, Hot & Boom at Cranes Roost Park 
July 3 beginning at 4 pm
FREE and open to the public, the City of Altamonte Springs’ “Red Hot & Boom” is back with a bang! Known for fantastic musical performances, friendly crowds and spectacular fireworks, JULY 3rd is sure to rock your world at Crane’s Roost Park to celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, food for sale on-site, and fun. Artists take the stage at 4 pm. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. And since this is held on the 3rd, it gives “fireworks aficionados” a chance to do the fireworks scene on two nights in a row. Call 407.571.8180 or visit Altamonte.org

MetroWest Music Works
July 4 from 6 to 10 pm 
On the west side of town at 2100 South Hiawassee Road, the MetroWest Golf Club invites everyone to participate in their 4th of July MusicWORKS -- a FREE family-friendly community event that includes LIVE music featuring Will Donato & Absolute Queen, a variety of food vendors and FIREWORKS (the same Pyro-show company that does “Red Hot & Boom” in Altamonte). Call 407.601.5995 

“Fireworks at the Fountain” in Downtown Orlando
July 4 from 4 to 10 pm 
The Great Grand-Daddy of FREE fireworks events in Central Florida is hosted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando on July 4 for the 42nd Annual “Fireworks at the Fountain.” Festivities begin at 4 pm and include a kid’s play area, live music, and food and beverages available for purchase. The evening concludes with a truly spectacular fireworks display featuring the Fountain in Lake Eola Park. Visit cityoforlando.net/fireworks

Independence Day Open House at the Morse Museum in Winter Park 
July 4 from 9:30 am to 4pm 
Celebrate American Art at the Morse Museum’s generously FREE Independence Day Open House, and visit the Museum FREE of charge during the City of Winter Park’s Independence Day festivities. The Museum’s current exhibit is “Earth Into Art,” celebrating art pottery that emerged after the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The Museum Open House is from 9:30 am to 4 pm, and the City event, also FREE, is from 9 am to noon including family activities, patriotic music by the Bach Festival Choir, and picnic favorites including hot dogs and watermelon. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org. 

Party in the Park in Winter Garden 
July 4 – Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm 
Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on the grass for this annual Winter Garden tradition as we keep our “eyes on the sky” for the best firework display in West Orange County. The charm of Winter Garden is always fun for all ages with kid’s activities, food, and there is plenty of parking for the Fireworks display at 9:15 pm. For more, call 407.877.5432.

‘FAVO’ Artist Village Open House 
July 5 from 5 pm to 9 pm 
Let the fun continue as “FAVO” offers a unique destination for those who wish to support Orlando’s Arts community. Director Will Benton says, “You meet artists, see the new pieces they’ve created, and have the opportunity to buy an original work or one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.” Faith Arts Village Orlando is a vibrant arts complex that was once an abandoned motel. At Downtown Orlando’s most popular First-Friday event you tour artists’ studios, vendor stalls, and food trucks, while enjoying live music. FAVO is on Highland Ave. just north of Colonial Drive next to Park Lake Presbyterian Church. Call 407-222-1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

CFCArts presents “Bye-Bye Birdie” 
July 5 to July 28
What could be more “American” than a story from the 1960’s about a hip-swaying rock-star drafted to the US Army? Women love him, teens scream at the sound of his name, and in this tuneful happily-ever-after musical (that made Ann-Margret a star) the famous Rock Star is sent to a small town in Ohio to say goodbye on live TV by planting a kiss on his biggest fan. This show is hilarious, upbeat and rapturously tuneful – “be there or be square” by visiting cfcarts.com or calling 407.937.1800 for tickets. 

“Flashdance: The Musical” at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden 
July 5 to 28 
Continuing our tribute to “Americana” through music, Central Florida’s July 4 Week-end celebrates the music of Robbie Roth as we are asked to “Dance like you’ve never danced before.” The Garden Theatre presents Flashdance: The Musical -- the LIVE stage version of the unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex – welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night. Alex dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but when romance complicates her ambition, she harnesses it to her dreams. Based on the iconic movie, Flashdance boasts a score of pop hits including “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and the title track “Flashdance” Ohhhhhh -- What a Feeling.” Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

Red, White & Blues on the Plaza in Winter Garden 
July 6 from 6 pm to 8 pm 
One more way to extend your 4th of July celebration through the weekend is by enjoying classic blues with the Grimes Alley Blues Band in Winter Garden. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this FREE live music performance with scenic downtown Winter Garden as the backdrop. Location: Centennial Plaza at 101 W. Plant Street inWinter Garden. For more call 407.656.4111 Cost: FREE

… NEW and Continuing 

“Story-Time Sing Along” at Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park 
June 29 at 10 am 
The Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park is starting a new monthly event! One Saturday a month, Wade Hair and Company will host a sing-a-long and story-time hour. This event, aimed at children ages 2-10 (but all ages are welcome), will feature sing-a-longs of your kid’s favorite songs and the reading of 2 books. Each month will have a different theme: this month's theme: BE YOURSELF! Visit breakthroughtheatre/events 

‘ONCE’ at the Mad Cow Theatre 
FINAL WEEK -- NOW to June 30 
Talk about “Highly Recommended,” this emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have won an Oscar, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and a Tony Award! ‘ONCE’ draws you in. From the streets of Dublin, where an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant come together by their love of music, friendship evolves into a powerful love story. Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney, for tickets call 407.297.8788 or visit MadCowTheatre.com 

“Snow White” presented by Orlando Shakes
NOW to July 28
“Snow White,” adapted by the always funny Brandon Roberts, comes to life onstage in a comic re-telling of the classic tale. Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, the wicked queen banishes “Snow” to the woods where “Snow” must rely on her courage and intelligence to outsmart the evil queen. Director of Education Anne Hering says. “This adaptation brings a fun and new take on Snow White while honoring its core message about love and courage.” Join the cast for some interactive pre-show fun called, “Shake Out the Sillies” prior to each performance. Visit orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700 ext. 1 

3rd Annual Florida Festival of New Musicals
NOW to June 23
This four-day festival showcases six brand new, never-before-produced musicals. One act of each musical is read and sung concert-style, without staging, by casts of professional actors and musicians. The 6 new musicals within the festival include: Betwixt and Between, Flaming Volcano Bed and Breakfast, Good Girls Only, No Need for Trojans, The Island of Misfits, and ThreeTimesFast. Tickets at $10 guarantee a seat on first come basis. Call 407 645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.com for complete schedule. 

The Alive Artist’s Group presents “Vision”
NOW to July 13 at City Arts, Gallery B
With the belief that Art-making has the ability to move people along their journey of grief and loss, we are invited to the “2nd annual ALIVE art exhibit,” which highlights the creativity of 49 artists honoring the PULSE tragedy. Creating art inspired by feelings of healing and hope, the exhibit is held in observance of the third anniversary of the Pulse at CITYARTS. Visit “The Alive Artists Group” on facebook. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators