Florida Culture for the Week of June 9 By Josh Garrick

June 11, 18, and 25 – Wiggin’ Out Wednesdays aka 80’s Video Night

Dude, if you’re ‘jonesin’ for that magical time when MTV actually showed the videos of your favorite rock Artists, each Wednesday night you can get your dose of MTV as The Abbey plays those ‘totally tubular’ videos you know and love from the awesome 80’s. Drink specials, giveaways and special performances by local artists will make Wiggin’ Out Wednesdays the place to be this summer. The Abbey is at 100 S Eola Drive in Orlando. Call 407.704.6103

June 12 – Sip, Shop & Stroll on Park Avenue 

Experience the special charm of Winter Park’s Park Avenue at the Sip, Shop & Stroll, where you spend the evening exploring the Avenue’s shops and restaurants. Discover new shops, check out the fashions, gift ideas and menu items as you enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres along the way. Check-in at the corner of Park Avenue and Morse Blvd on June 12 beginning at 5 pm. Attendees receive a wine glass and passport at check-in. Call 407-644-8281 or email visit winterpark.org

June 13 – Good Morning Winter Park

Good Morning Winter Park is the popular monthly breakfast gathering where Winter Park residents and community leaders interact for insights on timely topics and networking. Free and open to the public, the meeting on June 13 will begin at 7:45 am with a complimentary continental breakfast. At 8:15 am Orange County Florida Property Appraiser Rick Singh will speak to the group on The State of Orange County's Real Estate:What is to Come in 2014 at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407.644.8281 or visit winterpark.org

June 13, 14, & 15 – Tim Mooney’s Shakespeare's Histories

Tim Mooney presents all ten of Shakespeare’s Histories in one epic, one-man performance, capturing the history of England from 1066 to 1533 – in just one hour. Including the most brilliant speeches of Shakespeare’s plays, Shakespeare’s Histories reveals the genius of Shakespeare’s historical vision. Histories will be performed at Breakthrough Theatre on June 13 and 14 at 7 pm, and June 15 at 3 pm. Call 407-920-4034 for reservations.

June 13 to 29 – Elton John's AIDA

Following the story line of Verdi’s famous opera, Elton John and Tim Rice took the timeless love story from Egypt and created a rock musical that won both Tony and Grammy Awards on Broadway. Now Director Derek Critzer is creating a new production about the enslaved princess to be presented at The Venue at 511 Virginia Drive in Orlando from June 13 to 29.  Featuring LaDawn Taylor and Tony Flaherty, this is a special opportunity to see a Broadway musical with extraordinary local talent. Tickets at clandestineorlando.com (including an Industry Night Special on June 16.)

June 13 & 21 -- GREASE Sing-A-Long

But, oh-oh-oh-oh … those Summer Nights. Those crazy time-travelers at The Abbey invite us to embrace our inner T-Bird or Pink Lady at the phenomenon that is the GREASE Sing-A-Long. Part Rocky Horror Picture Show (costumes encouraged and interactive goodie-bags provided) – and part mob karaoke, this promises to be a watch, rinse and repeat sing-along. The only rule – apart from the fact that it begins around 9 pm – is “there are no freakin rules,” so break out those leather jackets, poodle skirts, and Sing-A-Long. Call 407.704.6103.

June 14 – Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard

With the goal to “unite, serve and educate through music, entertainment and the arts,” the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard will present their summer concert – ¡Celebracíon! The Music of Spain and Latin America – on June 14 at 3 pm at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. The diverse program includes orchestral works, dance performances by the Color Guard and guest Flamenco artists Alborea Dances, and the Orlando Gay Chorus. Admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation accepted. Visit centralfloridasoundsoffreedom.com

June 14 – The All Stars of Dance Gala

The World Ballet Competition – founded here in Central Florida – is held in Orlando each June, bringing together an impressive array of international talent, all of which comes together on June 14 at 7:30 pm for a not-to-be-missed All Stars of Dance Gala. Held at the Bob Carr PAC, the audience is treated to brilliant performances from visiting dance stars who share the spotlight with medal-winners from the week-long competition. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. For Gala tickets, call 407.849.4669 or visit worldballetcompetition.com.

June 14 and 15 – Disney’s Car Masters Weekend

Enjoy an event dedicated to all things CAR – as only Disney can do it – including a car show culminating in an awards ceremony, as you and the family hit the road to Downtown Disney. Rev your engine to activities including Disney Character Meet ‘n’ Greets, a show of classic and exotic cars, appearances (and autographs) from celebrities, and the Exotic Driving Experience when you get behind the wheel at Walt Disney World Speedway. On June 14 and 15, the fun doesn’t stop till a best-of-show winner is crowned. Call 407.939.5277.

June 15 – Harp Music at the Casa

With the beautiful backdrop of the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, harpist Christine MacPhail will present a concert on June 15 beginning at noon. A professional harpist for over 20 years, Christine has provided the special music of the harp for thousands of social and corporate events from weddings to events at Disney. Performing every style of music, Christine performs works by artists as varied as Bruno Mars to Frank Sinatra, mixed with classical selections by Mozart and Beethoven. Casa Feliz is at 656 Park Ave North in Winter Park. Call 407.628.8200 or visit casafeliz.us

June 15 – The Happy Together Tour Comes to Daytona

Legendary Rockers team up this summer for the Happy Together Tour in Daytona Beach as the 30th Anniversary Tour celebrates hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s on June 15th at 7:30 pm at the Peabody Auditorium. Audiences will hear from The Turtles, Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Gary Lewis & The Playboys and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels as multi–media highlights swirl overhead. Tickets by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at TicketMaster.com

June 16 to July 19 – Art Is Dead Exhibit by Parker Sketch

Recent works by Artist Parker Sketch will be at The Peacock Room with an Opening on June 16 beginning at 8 pm. Running through July 19, the exhibit is entitled Art is Dead, referencing the idea that everything (in Art) has been done. Drawing heavily on Pop Art, Dada, and ‘Action Painting,’ Parker also references Expressionism and Minimalism. The result is a playful look at art history with traditional painting, found objects, collage, and spray paint represented. Visit thepeacockroom.com or parkersketch.com or call 407.228.0048

June 18 – Recital by Lyric Soprano Lindsay Renee Cash

We are all invited to savor songs of the Romantic era by lyric soprano Lindsay Renee Cash at the University Club of Winter Park's Classical Music meeting on June 18 at 1 pm. The recital will include songs in six languages by composers Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, Britten, and more. Ms. Cash has performed with the Orlando Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, the Bach Festival and Rollins College orchestras. The free concert experience will be accompanied by refreshments. Call 407.629.2125 or visit uclubwp.org

June 19 to July 27 – Rapunzel at Orlando Shakespeare

In a playful adaptation by Brandon Roberts from the story by the Brothers Grimm, Orlando Shakespeare offers up a summertime tale for the whole family. Shut away in a lonely tower, Rapunzel grows, and so does her hair! Will Rapunzel escape the clutches of her evil captor? Find out in this very contemporary adaptation with an Orlando Shakes twist! Arrive early and Shake Out The Sillies as members of the cast offer pre-show fun for the whole family. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators