Florida Culture for the Week of March 18 by Josh Garrick

March 21 and April 6 – Story-Telling at an Art Exhibit

On March 21 at 7 pm and again at 8 pm, Jai Gallery invites the public to a unique story-telling performance art event: Myths and Muses, narrated by fine art photographer, Wandering Educators columnist and Ancient Greek art expert Josh Garrick in collaboration with John DiDonna’s Empty Spaces Theatre Co.  The ‘informance’ – based on The Odyssey by Homer – will be a 20-minute journey allowing for a ‘choreographed dialogue’ between Barbara Sorensen’s art objects and the myths that inspire them. The participatory event will invite Jai Gallery visitors to follow the Narrator and performers as they move through the exhibit, recounting stories from Odysseus’ attempt to return home following the Trojan War. Show times are March 21 at 7 pm and repeated at 8 pm and a (Family Show) on April 6 at 1 pm. Jai Gallery is at 101 S. Garland Ave in Downtown Orlando. Call 407-921-0693 or visit jaigallery.net

March 22, 23, and 24 – Central Florida Home & Garden Show

“Get inspired and get started,” is the motto of the 2013 Florida Home Show to be held at the Orlando Convention Center from March 22 to 24. With experts from windows and floors to cabinets and landscaping, we can shop and save on products and services to refresh and restore our homes. Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares advice on the IKEA Stage while local and national experts offer home and garden tips throughout the weekend. Enjoy demonstrations and samples by top chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage and view the innovate interiors of four designer rooms. Visit centralflhomeandgardenshow.com or call 877-871-7469.

Mar 22 – Beethoven – Direct from Germany – in Daytona Beach

Concluding its brilliant season of LARGE orchestras, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society invites us to experience the 106-piece Beethoven Orchestra Bonn. Winner of four ECHO Klassik music awards for its recordings, the Orchestra has performed in the world's great concert halls, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The program will include Beethoven’s glorious Piano Concerto #4 with Sir Louis Lortie at the piano and Beethoven’s “most beautiful” Symphony #7.  Call 386.253.2901 or visit dbss.org

Mar 22 to Apr 14 – Enchanted April at Mad Cow

This engaging, romantic comedy is about two frustrated London housewives who decide to rent a ‘castle’ in Italy for a holiday away from their bleak marriages. They find themselves, however, forced to share their dream castle with two very different – and somewhat condescending – English women. Seeing themselves anew through these unwanted relationships, each of the women changes, but will it be for the better?  Presented at the Mad Cow Theater’s beautiful new home through April 14, visit madcowtheatre.org or call 407.297.8788

March 26 – Artist Critiques Evening FREE to the Public

The Art & History Museums - Maitland invites the Public to its FREE Artist Critique & Conversation series, a professional development series that offers artists the opportunity to have their work reviewed. Held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6 pm at the Maitland Art Center, the critiques are led by artist and arts writer Josh Garrick, along with guest panelists Thomas Thorspecken and Camilo Velasquez. Each evening is meant to be both entertaining and informative with audience participation encouraged.  After her critique, Artist Renée Wilson said, “Tonight’s critique was immensely informative and enjoyable; Excellent panelists, interesting discussion, and a wide variety of work. Kudos!” Visit Artandhistory.org

Mar 27 to April 28 – Titus Andronicus at Orlando Shakes

Those Elizabethans were a bloody bunch as ‘witnessed’ by the (at that time) popularity of Shakespeare's bloodiest blockbuster. Vengeance and madness are the themes of Titus Andronicus with each barbarous act begetting even more brutal acts of retaliation. “Titus Andronicus is what a summer blockbuster would be if it were written by the world's great genius of language and theater.” Gory and horrific, Titus Andronicus was the most popular of Shakespeare's plays during his lifetime. What does that say about this ‘human race?’ March 27 to April 28 at the Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Special Events

Mar 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm – Cirque de la Symphonie

Once again re-inventing the concept of symphonic music presentation, the forward-thinking Orlando Philharmonic shows us how ‘Cirque can meet Symphony’ in a thrilling program featuring music by Bizet, Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, and others. In this program, acrobats, contortionists, and jugglers perform amazing feats, and aerialists soar overhead as the Orlando Philharmonic performs. Maestro Christopher Wilkins says, “The connection between music and movement is always intriguing. In the case of Cirque de la Symphonie, the circus performers have chosen the selections. Whether it is the power of the strongmen, the tension of the acrobats, or the grace of the aerialists, I find myself fascinated by their choices, and loving the connections to my world that they have made.” Visit orlandophil.org or call 407.777.1700

Coming Soon – Wine to Celebrate an Artist’s 90th Birthday

Cellardoor Winery has announced a new wine specially bottled for Central Florida’s legendary Artist and Mentor – Harold Garde. Sporting a label designed by the Artist, the Winery announced, “For our 2013 Artist Series, we honor Harold Garde, the ever creative, prolific, living legend of American Abstract Expressionism and celebrate the Artist’s 90th Birthday. Urbane beautifully exemplifies Mr. Garde’s unique style, its bold simplicity, and ability to engage every viewer. Urbane is presented in partnership with Harbor Square Gallery.” Congratulations and Happy Birthday to a special friend and a brilliant Mentor. Call 207.763.4478 or visit Mainewine.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators