Florida Culture for the Week of July 15 by Josh Garrick

July 18 to July 22 – Violin(ce) – A Fusion of Combat/Dance/Spoken Word

The Empty Spaces Theatre Co. celebrates their fusion of dance, movement, and the spoken word with an ‘exploration’ called Violin(ce). With forms as diverse as hand to hand, sexual, rapier, knife, aerial and others, fight director Bill Warriner joins with John DiDonna and the Ensemble to bring Violin(ce) to the stage at the Shakespeare Center for a 7-show engagement. If John DiDonna’s involved – and he is – we know it’s going to be unique, fast-paced, and hot. For reservations call 407.328.9005; for credit card pre-orders, visit redchairproject.com

July 18 from 7 to 11 pm -- FASHION LOUNGE at Jai Gallery

As soon as you walk through the doors of Jai Gallery for their inventive fusion of Art and Fashion called FASHION LOUNGE ORLANDO, you feel as if the velvet ropes have parted and you’ve entered THE Art Party of the month. Led by Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, whose very presence makes any evening an event, this month Jai Gallery premieres Miami designer Tiger Valentine's latest designs for his brand: Val St Clair. His mix of colors, rich oriental silks and laces, and contemporary ethnic designs for both male and female promises a dazzling evening of glamour, art, and music. Visit jaigallery.net or call 407-921-0693

July 18 to August 10 -- More than 50 inventive Central Florida cultural organizations and business partners have transformed Red IKEA children’s chairs into whimsical works of art that will be on display at CityArts Factory. Part of the Downtown Arts District's 3rd Thursday ‘gallery-crawl,’ the chairs are unique, multi-media ‘interpretations’ of each group’s activity and you can bid on them. The groups begin with the same red chair, and the artistic craziness goes on from there. Don’t miss Arts Hub Florida’s chair made of fused GLASS on display through August 10. The Red Chair Affair will take place on August 24 (more on that later). Visit RedChairProject.com

July 19 to August 4 – The 7th Annual REP Family Theatre Festival

The Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) invites families to its’ wonderfully varied theatrical performances at the 7th Annual Family Theatre Festival, sponsored by Target from July 19 to August 4. This ‘family-friendly’ festival offers The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful, Bari Koral Family Rock Band, Magician Max Darwin in The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things, and the Youth Academy production of Shrek the Musical. Many of the shows are FREE or priced affordably for the family. A special Festival Party in the Park will be held July 27 and 28, with face painting, performances, balloon artists, sample Youth Academy classes, ‘costume dress up,’ and backstage tours. The Party in the Park is free. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com

July 19 and 20 – 4th Annual Juried Exhibit at Museum for Women Artists

The Florida Museum for Women Artists – in downtown Deland – is the only venue in the state of Florida to present Art created exclusively by women artists. The Museum’s 4th Annual Juried Exhibit will celebrate with a ‘Preview Reception’ on July 19 from 5:30 to 8 pm and will open on July 20 with a group show of 26 Artists. Curator Margaret Hodge has selected works including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, photography, clay and wood sculptures, fiber and mixed media art. The exhibit will continue through September 28. Call 386.873.2976 or visit FloridaMuseumforWomenArtists.org

July 20 and 27 – Lakeridge Winery Summer Music Series

Throughout July, Lakeridge Winery hosts a Summer Music Series held outdoors each Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm. The musical line-up features a different band each Saturday, and there is no charge for admission or parking. (Guests should bring chairs or blankets) A variety of food and beverages are available for purchase, including wines by the glass with wine tours and tastings throughout the day. The music includes Ruth King on July 20 and The Robert Harris Group on July 27. Call 352.394.8627 or visit lakeridgewinery.com

July 20 and 21 – The Nautical Flea Market and Seafood Festival …

will take place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on July 20 and 21. More than 200 vendors will be there offering everything from a ‘New and Used Boat Showcase,’ fishing supplies, nautical antiques and even Marine Art. For those of us who don’t want to wait for the fish to tug on our line, a variety of very fresh seafood will be offered. Adults $7, children under 12 free. Call 954.205.7813 or visit flnauticalfleamarket.com.

July 21 – The 5th Annual Southern Fried Sunday Benefit

No one knows how to throw a party-with-a-purpose like Frankie Messina, and this Sunday – July 21 – he’ll host the 5th Annual Southern Fried Music Fest. In the past, hundreds of bands have raised thousands of dollars for good causes, and this year Frankie’s non-profit benefits the family of 16-year-old Nick Pollock who is fighting malignant brain cancer. The very full list of festivities (from 5pm to 2am) includes ALL your favorite bands, comedy, Funday Kid’s Camp, The Apartment E Art Camp, food trucks and a ‘kissing booth’ spread around venues in the Mills 50 district including Bart, WillsPub, The Peacock Room, and The Orange Studio. Tickets $12 advance and $15 day of. Visit heartstringsmusic.org

July 24 and 25 --Roy Alan Celebrates His Life in the Theatre

The incomparable Roy Alan will entertain with his veteran song and dance style in his solo cabaret act called A Life in the Theatre at The Winter Park Playhouse on July 24 and 25. With (almost) 50 years of professional experience, Roy Alan is the consummate "triple threat” with a singing, acting, and dancing career that started growing up with Patrick Swayze to his days on the Broadway stage with greats like Kevin Kline, Anthony Newley, and Tommy Tune. Celebrate with Roy as he sings and dances in his classic Broadway style. Call 407.645.0145 for tickets or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators