Florida Culture for the Week of September 26 by Josh Garrick

Save the Date -- Maitland Honors Congressman Mica
For their 13th Annual Benefit Gala, the Maitland Art & History Museums will honor the accomplishments of US Congressman John Mica with a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Scheduled for Sunday, October 16 at 6 pm, the dinner will be held at the Sheraton Orlando North at 600 North Lake Destiny Drive in Maitland. Donations from area businesses and attractions along with original Art will be offered in the live and silent auctions with proceeds benefiting the Museums’ programs for children and adults. “Congressman Mica has done so much for this community and our tribute during dinner will be an opportunity for the community to thank him for his hard work and dedication,” says Executive Director Andrea Bailey Cox. ‘Balancing’ the political tone of the evening, Democratic spokesperson – and tireless worker for children’s causes – Dick Batchelor will be on-hand to serve as Emcee for the Gala Event. “Batchelor is sure to captivate our guests as he shares his passion for philanthropy and helps us honor U.S. Congressman Mica for his accomplishments,” Cox added. Tickets, sponsorships, and a private cocktail reception with Congressman Mica are available. Contact Juliet at 407.539.2181 ext 262 or visit artandhistory.org

It’s a Bug’s World
The Orlando Science Center has opened its doors for a bug invasion as the Museum hosts its brand-new, multi-sensory exhibit called Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! through January 1, 2012. The exhibit surrounds visitors in the world of bugs and combines hands-on, bells and whistles technology with creepy, crawly fun. Developed by Terminix and ‘hosted by Harry, a praying mantis, My Bug World tours the habitats, sights, sounds and social structures of our ecosystem’s smallest contributors. Young guests get an opportunity to explore habitats such as a cropland, forest, swamp and even a house to see how insects impact their surroundings – and human lives. The exhibit is very inter-active with 20 hands-on things to do, along with live insects displayed in their natural surroundings. This is a great experience for both kids and adults. On weekends, the ‘Bug Chef’ will be on-hand with food made from bugs.  Yes, I even tasted a bug before writing this … and I’m here to tell the tale.  Call 407.514.2000 or visit osc.org

Maitland Rotary’s Unique Art Festival
Art Under the Stars in Maitland, the only night-time-art-Festival in the state of Florida, will be held on September 30 and October 1 and 2 with Artists’ booths (as well as food and entertainment) remaining open until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings.  The All-Volunteer Event hosted by the Rotary Club of Maitland invites ‘lookers’ and art-lovers alike to attend this free event.  Help support the work of over 150 artists, enjoy the food and drink and continuous live entertainment, including a concert-on-the-lawn by the Maitland Symphony Orchestra on Saturday October 2. Artists will receive over $20,000 in prize money in the juried show, along with special awards presented to youth artists from local schools. Held at Lake Lily Park in Maitland (corner of 17-92 and Maitland Avenue) Call 407.782.9714 or visit maitlandrotaryartfestival.com

“Sing out, Louise” 
Throughout its long and distinguished history, The Juilliard School (at Lincoln Center in New York City) has maintained a commitment to providing quality education to talented young performing artists from around the world. Founded in 1905 by Dr. Frank Damrosch (godson of Franz Liszt), representatives from Juilliard are coming to Edgewater High School on Sunday, October 2 from 6 to 8 pm with a presentation on how to apply to – and audition for – the Juilliard School. This is the performing arts college’s first such ‘admissions event’ in Central Florida, and it is open to students, parents, and high school teachers. With many successful Juilliard graduates coming from and working in the Central Florida area, this event seeks to “identify and attract the most talented young performing artists from around the world, ensuring that financial considerations are not a deterrent to their enrollment.”  You can even take a “virtual tour” of the campus.  Visit juilliard.edu or call 212.799.5000

Orchestra and Voice Part II
Playing from strength, Maestro Christopher Wilkins of the Orlando Philharmonic, likes to open his seasons with programs of Orchestra and voice as witnessed by the superb Verdi/Puccini evening that opened the Orchestra’s Bob Carr season.  Their more intimate “Focus Series” will also feature orchestra and voice on Monday, October 3, when the OPO presents The Great Arrangers – orchestral arrangements of folk songs, dances, ballet music and more in the first concert of that Series. Featuring the robust vocals of baritone James Brown III, who lends his voice to works by Aaron Copland, Stravinsky, Bartok, Holst, Vaughan Williams, and others, the concert takes place at 7 pm at the Shakespeare Center, 812 E Rollins St, in Orlando. A Central Florida resident, Brown teaches locally at  Jones High School and is an Adjunct Professor at Valencia Community College. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Family Fitness Festival
The whole family is invited to Winter Park Village on Saturday, October 1 for a day of health, fitness and entertainment at Parenting’s Fit Generation 5K Run/Walk and Family Festival. The Festival realizes Parenting magazine’s mission, offering families the knowledge they need to live a healthy, active lifestyle. A fun way for the family to – actively – spend the day together, the Festival offers exercise, education and entertainment, beginning at 8 am with a 5K race for ‘serious’ runners, while those with little ones can participate on the same course at 8:05 am for the un-timed 5K Stroller Roll. Other races (on a special course within Winter Park Village) include a Kids Fun Run and Diaper Dash for toddlers. Post-race festivities include refreshments, music, children’s entertainment, exhibits, games, raffles, awards and more. With the help of NBA/WNBA FIT, children can participate in the Dribble Dish Swish contest, an obstacle course for kids to test basketball skills – and get a free t-shirt. To register for the 5K races, visit bit.ly/poNMbA. For Festival information, visit fitgeneration.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators