Florida Culture for the Week of February 4 by Josh Garrick

Sending Special Congratulations –

East went west in the beginning of the year when radio listeners throughout Volusia County were united with one voice as the community-minded radio station WSBB AM1230 began simulcasting its 24-hour programming on AM1490 in DeLand. Diegel Communications, known for presenting popular standards, now reaches the communities of DeLand, DeBary, Orange City and Deltona with timeless music, weather updates, the Wall Street Journal Business Report and NBC News. Headquartered in downtown New Smyrna Beach with two AM towers sending their programming both east and west, it is "Clearly the Great Voice of Volusia County."

Feb 6 to March 17 – Sense and Sensibility and Shakespeare

Affairs of the heart take center stage in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility in this new adaption by Jon Jory. Difficult marriage prospects lead the Dashwood sisters to scandal, betrayals, and unexpected twists of fate – all for the sake of ‘true love.’ Sense and Sensibility begins previews February 6.  Visit Orlandoshakes.org or call 407.447.1700.

Feb 7, 8 and 9 – Tables Extra Extraordinaire

Decorators, brides-to-be, wedding planners and interior design professionals ‘need’ to book a visit to the Holy Trinity Conference Center in Maitland for Tables Extraordinaire. This unique fundraiser showcases 30 lavishly decorated theme tables while offering luncheons or dinners reminiscent of a trip to the Greek isles. The 3-day event ends on Saturday evening (Feb 9) with a Gala Banquet. Stop by the Mediterranean Marketplace for your favorite Greek pastries and coffees. Visit htgocorlando.org or Tables Extraordinaire on Facebook or call 407.333.3895 or 407.774.2744.

Feb 8 to March 3 – The ‘World’s Oldest Profession’ at Mad Cow

In the classic George Bernard Shaw play – Mrs. Warren's Profession – the playwright tells the story of Kitty Warren, a mother who makes a terrible sacrifice for her daughter’s independence. The inevitable clash of these strong-willed women ignites the ironic wit in this theatrical classic. Running through March 3 in Mad Cow Theatre’s new space on the 2nd Floor at 54 West Church Street, visit madcowtheatre.org or call 407.297.8788

Feb 8 – Artist Victor Bokas at Culture & Cocktails

Among the influences in the work of Artist Victor Bokas, one immediately sees references to his Greek heritage as well as Florida’s tourists, beaches, flea markets, and pop culture. His paintings will be featured (for sale) at the Art & History Museums – Maitland’s (A&H) Culture & Cocktails event on February 8 from 6 to 9 PM. Call 407.539.2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Feb 8 to March 10 – Donna Dowless and Audrey Phillips at the Grand Bohemian

The Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando celebrates Valentine’s Day AND 10 years of artistic inspiration with the annual Heart and Soul Exhibit from February 8 through March 10 in the Hotel's Gallery. The exhibit features abstract paintings by Audrey Phillips and mixed-media works by Orlando’s “Ambassador of Love” Donna Dowless, both of whom create ‘art from the heart.’ A Meet the Artists Reception – Free to the public – will take place at the Gallery on Friday, February 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Call 407.581.4801

Feb 8 to 24 – Biloxi Blues in Winter Garden

Biloxi Blues is the 2nd play of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy. In this play, young Eugene is an army recruit during World War II learning some comic / some harsh lessons about life and love while stationed at a boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. Produced by Beth Marshall, Biloxi Blues will be presented at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Visit gardentheatre.org or call 407.877.4736.

Feb 9 at 2 pm and 8 pm – My Funny Valentine with the Orlando Philharmonic

Backed by both the Orlando Philharmonic and his own band Swingerhead, Orlando’s most famous entertainer Michael Andrew will sing romantic tunes in celebration of Valentine’s Day in two performances on Feb 9. A former headline singer at the world-famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center in New York City, this consummate entertainer shares his amazing talent and his favorite love-songs with us at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org.

Feb 10 – Michael Andrews’ Valentine to Winter Park

And since there can never be too much Michael Andrew, the Park Avenue Merchants Association will present a FREE afternoon of music and romance with Michael Andrew and Swingerhead in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park. This performance is the perfect PRE-Valentine’s Day event to show that special someone HOW MUCH you care – and it’s free. Bring a picnic basket and spend the afternoon with your sweetheart on February 10 from 4 to 6:30 pm. The Central Park Stage is at 401 S. Park Avenue. Call 407-644-8281 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Feb 13 to 16 – Full Sail’s 4th Annual Hall of Fame Celebration

The award-winning Full Sail University will welcome a star-studded mix of celebrity and industry friends to its annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on February 15, a ceremony that is the highlight of a series of campus-wide events from Feb 13 to 16. The multi-day celebration honors past Hall of Famers, inducts the newest members (comprised of six Full Sail graduates), and provides guest lectures and panel discussions streamed live to the university’s online students. Music events culminate in a free public concert on Feb 14 at 8 pm by singer/songwriter and Vanguard Recording artist, Marc Broussard on-campus at the Full Sail Live venue. Visit halloffame.fullsail.edu

Feb 14 to March 24 – Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat

Our own Orlando Repertory Theatre (the REP) has the honor to present the southeast premiere of a brand-new production of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat from Feb 14 to March 24. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss and adapted by Katie Miller for the National Theatre of Great Britain, The Cat in the Hat is the perfect friend for a rainy afternoon. But after all the games and mischief, will Sally and her brother be able to explain the mess to Mother? Leaping onto the stage with chaotic exuberance, Cat will be performed at the Rep in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Visit orlandorep.com or call 407.896.7365

Feb 15 – The Vienna Boys Choir in Daytona Beach

Originally created as an entertainment for the royal Court of Austria, the legendary Vienna Boys Choir was founded in 1498. Now, six centuries later, they delight the world with their singing. Spending 11 weeks of each year on tour, each choir boy sings 80 performances a year including concerts in Vienna and appearances at the Vienna State Opera. With voices of unforgettable beauty, the Choir will be presented on Feb 15 at 7 pm by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach. Call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

Feb 15 and 16 – ‘Clued In’ at the Ballet

Clue one: Forget the chocolates in the heart-shaped box. If you really want to impress your sweetheart, buy her a card and put tickets to Hollywood En Pointe – by the Orlando Ballet – inside. Then, dress up and bring your sweetheart to an evening of dance inspired by Hollywood glamour. Clue two: Be surprised at how much you BOTH enjoy the performance! Choreographed by Robert Hill, Hollywood en Pointe is a world premiere ballet set to memorable music from the movies, and the perfect performance-gift to show that special someone how much you care.  Trust me on this one – this is the real deal. Visit orlandoballet.org or call 407.426.1739

Feb 15 to March 3 – The 78th Annual Bach Festival of Winter Park

One of the oldest and one of the largest, the Bach Festival of Winter Park will present its 78th Annual Bach Festival from February 15 to March 3. Celebrating the legacy of its namesake, J.S. Bach, the 2013 Festival will present several works that it has never performed before including J.S. Bach’s Mass in G; Cantatas 52 and 119; the Sinfonia from Cantata 31, and Beethoven’s Mass in C Major. All works will be directed by Dr. John V. Sinclair. The Festival’s special guests include Barrymore Laurence Scherer, critic for The Wall Street Journal; Christopher Houlihan, organist; Mary Wilson, soprano; Margaret Lattimore, mezzo soprano; Robert Bracey, tenor; and Chad Sloan, bass. Performances take place at the Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus. Call 407.646.2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators