Florida Culture for the Week of August 19 by Josh Garrick

August 22 – 7:45 to 10:15 am – “From Learning to Working” in Winter Park

In a morning session on August 22, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will explore From Learning to Working in a panel discussion moderated by WKMG's Lauren Rowe. Panelists include: Dr. Barbara Jenkins, Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools; Dr. Sandra Lyn Jewell, Director, Winter Park Tech; Michael O'Donnell, CEO, Ruth's Hospitality Group; and Dr. David S. Richard, Dean of Hamilton Holt School, Rollins College. The event will serve as a collection point for A Gift for Teaching's Back-to-School Drive. RSVP to 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

August 23 – ‘ArtWalk’ in Historic Downtown Sanford

On the 4th Friday of each month, Artists and Galleries in Sanford’s downtown historic district host the Sanford Art Walk, showcasing local talent along with opportunities to meet visiting Artists. The event is free and runs from 6 to 9pm. Venues include Boxelder at Interiors by Lawrence David, Framing 508 Gallery of Art, Gallery on First, Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Hyder Gallery, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, and The Studio on Park. All venues are within walking distance of one another – just blocks from the scenic RiverWalk promenade along the St. Johns River. Call 407.323.2774 or visit sanfordartwalk.com   

photography by Marcie Fry -- Seashell

August 23, 24, 26, 29 & 30 – The End of the World in the Key of E

Another popular musical from last season's Fringe Festival is being reprised for 5 performances at the Venue in Orlando. Created by local music man Andy Matchett, the post-apocalyptic rock musical finds … "Disaffected rocker Ethan has been dreaming of the End of the World, but when a giant flood turns the globe into a watery wasteland, he finds the Apocalypse ain't all it's cracked up to be." Anti-hero Ethan will again be played by Corey Volence (who also wrote the script), and this time round, Matchett, Volence and company will release the show’s soundtrack album. Tickets are $10 advance; $15 at the door. Visit KeyofE.net.

August 24 – Orlando Shakespeare Theater Celebrates Year 25 with Open House

To begin the celebration of its 25th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakes will open its doors for entertainment, building tours, and birthday cake on August 24 from 11 am to 2 pm. Guests will enjoy building tours, music, and theater games, as well as an open rehearsal of Orlando Shakes’ upcoming production of the ‘Wild West inspired’ production of The Taming of the Shrew. The Free music, crafts, and theater games will take place in the Theater lobby, with complimentary birthday cupcakes to all partygoers. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

August 24 – Orlando's Cultural Season Begins

It’s a fund-raiser; it’s an auction; it’s an art show; it’s a gala performance; and it’s the ‘official’ kick-off of Orlando’s Cultural Season.  IT is the Annual Red Chair Affair, and IT happens August 24 at 7 pm (8 pm showtime) at the Bob Carr PAC. This showcase of performing groups and visual artists is your preview ticket to all things ‘cultural’ in the coming season. Patrons will enjoy performances by Phantasmagoria, Orlando Aerial Arts, Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic and more. Proceeds benefit the Red Chair Project, a non-profit working to increase participation in arts and culture throughout Central Florida. For tickets, visit RedChairProject.com

August 24 and August 31 – The Voice of … SISAUNDRA

Orlando’s singing Diva – Sisaundra Lewis was ‘the voice’ of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba for 10 years, performed worldwide tours with Celine Dion, is an Oscar Nominee, co-wrote two #1 Billboard Hits, and has appeared on The Tonight Show and Oprah. I promise you’ll fall in love with Sisaundra (and ‘the voice’) as she tells of growing up in a citrus grove and achieving fame and glamour. She’ll perform two shows – both featuring special guests. August 24 is called Fool For Love and August 31 is Bold & Daring. Tickets are $25 or both shows for $40 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Call 407. 877.4736

August 24 to November 3 –  Raúl Colón’s Tall Tales and Huge Hearts at OMART

The art of Raúl Colón, the award-winning Artist who has illustrated more than 30 books for children, will be showcased in the exhibit Tall Tales and Huge Hearts: Raúl Colón at the Orlando Museum of Art from August 24 to November 3. The exhibit will include interactive gallery activities as well as a reading area filled with books featured in the exhibition. Mr. Colón will be at the Museum to give a free, public presentation on September 28. Call 407 896 4231 or visit omart.org

August 24 and 25 – Hamsters Will Have Their Day (well – 2 Days)!

Hamsters, one of America’s most popular small pets, have the skills to be a top survivor. While hamsters can be as tiny as 2 inches long, they display incredible amounts of strength and stamina. They lift weights (hamsters can carry half their body weight in their cheeks); they can run up to eight miles a day on their hamster wheels; and they can be trained to perform simple tricks. On August 24 and 25, from 1 to 2 pm, families can learn more about this popular little pet at Petco’s free Meet the Critters event to be held at ALL Petco locations throughout Florida. visit petco.com/kids

August 24 – The Sandestin Triathlon at South Walton Beach

Registration is underway for the body-bodies, amateur athletes and professionals who plan to take on the challenge of the 27th Annual Sandestin Triathlon, taking place in South Walton on August 24. The triathlon brings hundreds of athletes to the magnificent beach for a half-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 20-mile bike ride along the coast and a four-mile run through Sandestin's beachside communities. (I’ll be the one holding the sun-tan lotion) Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Hospital. Visit SandestinTriathlon.com

August 25 -- Five-time Grammy Winner Marc Anthony at the Amway

Marc Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida World Tour lands at the Amway Center on August 25. Having sold over 12 million albums worldwide, Anthony is a true ambassador of Latin music. He has been awarded countless gold and platinum certifications including the 2012 ASCAP Founders Award and an induction into the Billboard Hall of Fame. A passionate humanitarian, Anthony leads the Maestro Cares Foundation to assist disadvantaged children in Latin America. Visit amwaycenter.com, Amway Center box office, Ticketmaster, or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000

And looking ahead …

September – Orlando’s Most ‘Magical’ Dining Month

“Foodies – Start your taste-buds!” Orlando’s finest restaurants will offer $33 three-course dinners throughout the month of September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. This ultimate “foodie” event features more than 60 restaurants offering the special price meal with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Find a full list of restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators