Florida Culture for the Week of May 18, 2015 by Josh Garrick

Current – Chef’s Gala Raises $300,000 for United Way

Top Chefs from Central Florida’s finest restaurants created another spectacular food and wine pairing on May 15 at Disney’s Epcot World Showplace. Thanks to the generosity of these talented chefs, 95 cents of every dollar raised will benefit United Way, providing services to the 1 in 5 of our neighbors who are in desperate need. The Chef’s Gala raised $300,000 to benefit Central Florida support programs making it United Way’s largest fund-raiser of the year, and YOU can still help. Should you wish to contribute, please visit hfuw.org or call 407.429.2129

NOW to May 26 – Orlando International FRINGE Theatre Festival

There is one more week to experience the weird and wonderful Festival of Plays and Musicals called FRINGE and the 100 performance groups of Fringe 2015. The oldest, non-juried Fringe Fest in the United States, the Orlando International Fringe Festival’s ‘philosophy’ is to be 100% uncensored, 100% non-juried, and 100% accessible. In addition to those uncensored performances, Fringe also offers an outdoor stage, Visual Fringe, and Kids’ Fringe! Tickets are Free to $11. Visit orlandofringe.org for the complete schedule.

May 22 to 24 – 63rd Annual Florida Folk Festival

Since 1953, folk artists have come together for the Florida Folk Festival, a celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From fiddle tunes and kumquat pie to the real Suwannee River, Florida’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of families. Throughout the weekend more than 300 performances give voice to Florida's heritage at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, on the banks of the Suwannee River. Call 850.245.2157 or visit FloridaFolkFestival.com for a complete schedule.

May 22 to 24 – The Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Jazz enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy an impressive line-up of jazz artists at the 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival presented by AARP.  Spyro Gyra, Regina Carter, Peabo Bryson with the Jacksonville Symphony and the Tito Puente Orchestra are headliners for three days packed with performances, seminars, a jazz brunch, ‘Jazz After Dark,’ a piano competition, and youth showcases in a variety of venues in Downtown Jacksonville. Get up close and personal with your favorite jazz artists from May 22 to 24. Call 904.630.3690 or visit jaxjazzfest.com

Jazz Festival Poster Designed by Artist Russ Wilson 

May 22 & 23 – Tampa’s Sunset Music Festival at Raymond James Stadium

Returning for Memorial Day Weekend; join Disco Donnie Presents, Sunset Events, and Committee Entertainment at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium for the Sunset Music Festival. Celebrate the holiday with thousands of electronic dance music fans and headliners Skrillex, Armin Van Buuren, and Tiesto for outrageous sound and visuals as this event continues its growth, literally doubling up on the music from last season. Visit smftampa.com (and use discount code ‘HTG’)

May 22 to June 21 – The tINmAN Charlie Lucas at Gallery on First

Known internationally as ‘The tINmAN,’ Charlie Lucas creates his art from materials that others have discarded. Lucas sees each creation as the result of ‘intense communion’ with his heritage, race, and life-choices. An artist in residence at several schools and universities, Lucas will open an exhibit of his work on May 22 at 6 pm at Jeanine Taylor Folk Art in Sanford and then share his art and story-telling in an Artist’s Talk on May 23 beginning at 10:30 am. The Opening is Free; the talk is $10 per person. Call 407.323.2774 or visit jtfolkart.com     

May 25 – Memorial Day Celebrated

May 26 to 31 – Cole Porter’s ANYTHING GOES at the Dr. Phillips Center

One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s musical comedy Anything Goes will sail into the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando in a production USA Today calls “glorious and exuberant!” When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette is tossed overboard as two sets of lovers prove that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors. Filled with musical theatre’s greatest hits, including I Get A Kick Out Of You, You’re the Top, and Anything Goes, this winner of three 2011 Tony Awards comes with our HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

May 27 – Chefs Night with Kevin Fonzo at Second Harvest Food Bank

As if providing 70,000 meals EACH DAY is not enough, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has created its Chef’s Night Series of fund-raising dinners created by renowned chefs in Second Harvest’s Kitchen. Celebrating great food and raising money for the Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program, the 14-week program provides free kitchen training and employability skills for the formerly unemployed. You can help. The Chef’s Night on May 27 will feature Chef Kevin Fonzo. Purchasing a table – or one seat – can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.  Make your reservations by calling Lanette Jarvis at 407.514.1048.

Chef Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant

May 30 -- Annual HURRICANE Party in Sanford

Sanford’s annual Hurricane Party and Music Festival comes to Downtown Sanford on May 30 with 50 bands on 5 stages. Food trucks and local restaurants support the event along with artists and vendors and featured drink specials to help audiences enjoy the music as everyone pays homage to Mother Nature for a tranquil hurricane season! Presale tickets at $20 can be purchased online at drinkatwestend.com. Day of show tix are $30. Call 407.322.7475 or visit drinkatwestend.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators