Florida Culture for the Week of December 7, 2015 by Josh Garrick

TONIGHT -- Dec 7 at 7 pm – The Orlando Philharmonic presents Bach’s Brilliance 
In an All-Bach program that literally bursts with brilliance, the talent of the Philharmonic’s new Maestro Eric Jacobsen will join with the Orchestra’s beloved Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois as she takes on Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 2. This concert will be performed at The Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  Call 407.770.0071 or visit Orlandophil.org 

Dec 8 to 13 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – The Musical 
Ask all the Whos in Whoville – He’s a mean one (and as cuddly as a cactus). Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage featuring the hit songs ‘You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Welcome Christmas.’ But the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic as the Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, a cheerful bunch who ‘teach’ the Grinch a thing or two about the holiday spirit. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec 10 & 11 at 7:30 pm – CFCArts presents Christmas in Toyland 
Join the CFCArts Community Choir and Orchestra as they embark on a musical journey into the magic, joy and fantasy of Christmas. Enter the world of Toyland, where Christmas comes to life through the music and songs from your favorite Christmas movies, stories and characters. Christmas in Toyland will be presented at Northland Church at 7:30 pm on December 10 and 11. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 407.949.7170 or visit cfcommunityarts.com

Dec 11 to 22 – Dickens by Candlelight 
Dickens by Candlelight is a unique holiday tradition in Central Florida as this three-person play presents an ‘up-close’ portrayal of A Christmas Carol. Actors John DiDonna, Morgan Russell, and Monica Tamborello portray ALL of the roles, transforming themselves from character to character as Dickens famous holiday story envelops the audience. Guests are seated at tables witnessing visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future while enjoying homemade cookies and a pot of hot tea, ‘involving’ the audience in a most welcoming and timeless way. Call 407-222-7669 or visit dickensbycandlelight.com 

Dec 11 & 12 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter Tour in Florida
Dec 11 at 8 pm – Jacksonville Coliseum
Dec 12 at 3 pm and 8 pm  – Amway Center, Orlando 
Fans of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are legendary, and Floridians will have opportunities in Jacksonville and Orlando to understand the devotion as TSO’s 2015 Winter Tour is based on the multi-platinum DVD and long-time PBS fundraiser, the ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.’ The story of a young runaway who breaks into an abandoned theater seeking shelter from the cold, and the ghostly visions she experiences, ‘Ghosts’ features TSO crowd-pleasers including ‘O’ Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Good King Joy,’ ‘Christmas Canon,’ ‘Music Box Blues,’ and ‘This Christmas Day.’ Visit trans-siberian.com for details 

Dec 12 at 9:30 am – FREE  --  mommy and me making mini masterpieces
Meagan and Jose Henao invite you to the NEW Henao Contemporary Center for an artist-led, kid-powered, ‘mommy and me’ experience. Have fun and meet new people while using stencils to create wonderful artworks. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. Just show up and get messy. Coffee, toast, and bottled water will be served. This event is limited to 10 mommy and me groups, more than 1 child is welcome, and reservations are a must. Please call 407-272-0317 or email [email protected]

Dec 12 from 10 am to 4 pm – Free 4th Annual Holiday Amaryllis Festival 
The special folks who are renovating the home (and legacy) of Florida’s historic gardener-extraordinaire Henry Nehrling will celebrate on December 12 at Palm Cottage Gardens, (the Nehrling Estate), at 2267 Hemple Ave in Gotha. Their annual event features rare amaryllis bulbs for sale as well as blooming amaryllis for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus promise to be there along with live music, vendors, food, and eco-activities for children. Call 407.445.9977 or visit Nehrlinggardens.org 

Dec 12 & 13 – Lakeridge Winery’s Annual Wine & Chocolate Festival
Just what our waistlines need between Thanksgiving and Christmas – is the Lakeridge Winery’s Annual pairing of Wine & Chocolate. Fortunately, along with the W & C, local Artists will display their work while Old Skool and The Nightly Blues Band will be on-hand on Dec 12 from 10 am to 5 pm. Baby Blues & the No Attitude Band AND Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Blues Band will perform on the 13th.  Wine, beer, and food will be available for purchase along with complimentary Winery tours and tastings. A $2 Donation to benefit The Leesburg Regional Medical Center is requested of each car.  Visit lakeridgewinery.com

Dec 12 & 13 – The Nutcracker by the Central Florida Ballet 
Central Florida Ballet’s Nutcracker holds the title of “most entertaining Nutcracker” as featured in ABC Nightline News; named as “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN Headlines News; and – thanks to some on-stage fireworks, it was called “the pyrotechnic Nutcracker” by USA Today. This fusion of the Nutcracker – with a little bit of Cirque and on-stage fireworks – makes this the FUN version of the Holiday Classic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED  In performance at the Orange County Convention Center, call 800.345.9845 or visit centralfloridaballet.com 

Dec 12 & 13 – Silver Bells: Orlando Gay Chorus 25th Anniversary Concert 
“Silver Bells,” featuring holiday music from the past 25 years, will be performed by the Orlando Gay Chorus on Dec 12 at 7:30 pm and Dec 13 at 4:30 pm at The Plaza Live at 325 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. Highlighting variety, offerings will include holiday standards, pop favorites, and OGC’s own arrangement of ‘Little Drummer Boy.’ Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Call407-841-7464 or visit orlandogaychorus.org 

Dec 17 to 20 – The Nutcracker by the Orlando Ballet with the Orlando Philharmonic  
The Orlando Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker at the Dr. Phillips Center brings Christmas to life in this enchanting holiday favorite … accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. When Clara receives a toy nutcracker from her godfather on Christmas Eve, she is transported on a magical dream-like journey complete with the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and a gallant Cavalier. Call 407.426.1739 or visit orlandoballet.org 

Dec 19 at 7:30 pm – An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty
Join Ireland's own Keith and Kristyn Getty for their annual tour, Joy - An Irish Christmas, a lively celebration of the birth of Christ. As seen on Public Television, the Gettys are joined by their band of instrumentalists fusing Celtic, Bluegrass, Americana, and classical music as well as cultural dance and the choral sounds of the holiday. This show is at the Bob Carr Theater. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Dec 19 at 1 pm – TUBACHRISTMAS in Winter Park’s Central Park
Conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher William J. Bell, (who was born on Christmas Day 1902), the first TUBACHRISTMAS was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder (who died on Christmas Eve 1980). From traditional Christmas music, Wilder composed solo and ensemble compositions for tuba and euphonium, many of which will be performed at 1 pm on December 19 in a FREE performance at the Winter Park Band-shell. Gail Robertson will conduct. Call 407-970-2211 or visit TubaChristmas.com

Dec 20 -- The (all-male) String Quartet Well Strung at the Abbey
Receiving rave reviews from the House of Blues in New Orleans to the Leicester Theatre in London, the string quartet Well-Strung will present their brand new holiday show at the Abbey in Orlando on December 20 at 7 pm. The evening will include traditional melodies such as Silent Night to ‘newly-observed’ versions of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. An elf has informed me there will be opportunities for audience participation with Edmund Bagnell (1st violin), Christopher Marchant (2nd violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello), and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) in this unique and engaging experience. Call 407.704.6103 or visit AbbeyOrlando.com 

Dec 20 at 7:30 pm – Bok Tower Carillon & Choral Concert
The extraordinary experience of the Carillon at Bok Tower Gardens is even more wonderful on December 20 when you may enjoy an hour-long carillon concert with a live choir under the stars. Before or after the concert, visit Pinewood Estate for a special night-time tour complete with hot chocolate and cookies. Enjoy a light dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café before the concert for an additional fee. Tickets available at the entrance gate on day of event: Concert only $5/person. Concert & Home Tour: $13/person. Call 863.676.1408 or visit boktowergardens.org 

Dec 20 – Christmas Golf Cart Parade in Winter Garden 
Will & Aly Hawthorne, of the wildly picturesque town of Winter Garden, will host the 4th Annual Christmas Golf Cart Ride on December 20. Beginning at 5 pm, the town’s ‘can-do-spirit’ will dedicate all donations to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch.  Looping and criss-crossing Winter Garden, traffic laws apply to the Golf Carts with Prizes awarded for best decorated cart. Should you wish to help, make checks to Edgewood Children's Ranch.
Visit Christmas Golf Cart Parade on facebook. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators