Florida Culture for the Week of June 12, 2016 by Josh Garrick

TODAY -- June 12 at 3 pm – Sounds of Freedom 5th Anniversary Concert
Promoting acceptance, equality and visibility through music, entertainment and visual arts, the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard, Orlando’s only LGBTQ+ band, will celebrate their 5th Anniversary with a concert entitled “Looking Back, Marching Forward” at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. The concert will recall favorite music from five years of concerts – from Classical to Broadway and Hollywood to Jazz. Tickets are $10 online at CFSOF.com or call 407.619.5036. Children 12 and under Free. 

NOW to June 20 – Breakthrough Theatre Presents ‘The Dream of the Burning Boy’
In the David West Read drama, ‘The Dream of the Burning Boy,’ the sudden death of the favorite student of a high-school teacher has caused the teacher to fall asleep at his desk … and dream. As the teacher's dreams intensify, a shocking secret is revealed that changes everything. Directed by BeeJay Aubertin-Clinton, the teacher is played by Gary Norris. The Breakthrough Theatre is at 419A W. Fairbanks Ave in Winter Park. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

Pictured: Gary Norris, Alex Bridgeman, Allie Novell

NOW to July 11 – The Brothers Size at Mad Cow Theatre 
The Chicago Tribune calls ‘The Brothers Size,’ "The greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more."  Set in Louisiana, big brother Ogun is hard-working and independent while younger brother Oshoosi is just out of prison and aimless. Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney crafts symbolism and ritual into a tough/tender drama about the unbreakable bond between brothers and family. Call 407-297-8788 x1 or visit madcowtheatre.com

June 13 & 19 – Cupcake Lover’s Day & Dad’s Day (Deliciously Close Together) 
You’re gonna love this!!  National Cupcake Lover’s Day is June 13, and in honor of cupcake lovers everywhere, Sprinkles will kick off two weeks of off-the-menu flavors. Beginning June 13, check Sprinkles’ facebook page – facebook.com/sprinkles – to see the special flavor of the day.  Then, on Father’s Day, June 19 Sprinkles will offer Dads and Kids who visit the bakery together on Father’s Day, a FREE cupcake, cookie, scoop, sundae or shake with the purchase of any one of these items. Call 407.560.9192

June 16 to July 24 – ‘Beauty and the Beast’ for Young People at Orlando Shakespeare
Based on the traditional fairy tale, and ‘re-interpreted’ by children’s playwright Brandon Roberts, the play is set in an enchanted castle in a far away land.  ‘Beauty and the Beast’ tells of a young Beauty locked away by a terrible Beast. The young woman’s honest love and caring for the unsightly Beast becomes a gift of kindness that brings magical results. This new telling of the classic tale is 50 minutes in length and is suggested for children age 3+ and their families. 
We suggest you come a little early and ‘Shake Out the Sillies’ by joining cast-members for some inter-active pre-show fun.  For tickets, including group tickets, call 407.447.1700 x 1. 

June 16 to 25 – The St. Augustine (Classical) Music Festival
Now in its 10th year, the St. Augustine Music Festival (SAMF) is the nation’s largest, FREE classical music festival. SAMF was founded in 2007 by Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra members Jorge A. Peña (viola) and Jin Kim-Peña (cello) to “entertain, educate and elevate through Music.” With opening night featuring Bach and Mozart, find all of the season’s programming on the website listed below. The historic Cathedral Basilica at 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine provides excellent acoustics and the backdrop for the festival where concerts are Free and no tickets are required. Call 904-347-6260 or visit staugustinemusicfestival.org

June 17 & 18 – The Mascot Games at the Amway Center 
The Mascot Games feature more than 30 mascots from sports teams across the country competing in games that are fun for the whole family. They promise ‘the thrill of pulse-pounding competition,’ as mascots from MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and the Arena Football League battle through gladiator-themed games to support ‘New Hope for Kids,’ an organization that provides support to children and families grieving the death of a loved one and to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida. Visit newhopeforkids.org

June 18 at 7:30 pm – The WORLD BALLET COMPETITION GALA in Orlando 
ONE-PERFORMANCE-ONLY – If I had to recommend only ONE performance this year, it would be the World Ballet Competition 10th Anniversary Performance GALA (WBC) – the ‘Olympics of Ballet’ – which concludes on June 18 with a Gala Performance to showcase Guest Artist Dancers from around the world in their ‘Star-Turn’ performances. Unique to this season, Orlando’s own beloved Ballet Stars Katia Garza and Israel Rodriguez will – for the first time ever -- perform the Spartacus Love pas de deux. The performance is at the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. For Tickets, visit worldballetcompetition.com

June 18 to July 17 – A “Gumbo” of Three Artists at Jeanine Taylor Folk Art 
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art will experience the flavor of Louisiana for the exhibit entitled “Gumbo,” which includes a ‘roux’ of talented folk artists whose work reflects the attitude of life from The Big Easy to the Bayou. Lois Simbach will present hand sewn Ju-Ju dolls; Artists Pat Juneau and son Andre work in sheet metal and aluminum, cutting, welding, and painting colorful tableaus; and Lorraine Gendron paints standing wooden figures that reflect her love of Louisiana culture. A free opening reception will coincide with Sanford’s monthly Art Walk on June 18 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art is at 211 E. 1st Street in Sanford. Call 407-323-2774 or visit jtfolkart.com

June 19 to 26 – Spring Awakening at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Spring Awakening is based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play of the same name. Featuring a pop/rock score by Duncan Sheik, and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, this Broadway ‘musical’ follows the angst-ridden lives of a group of adolescents as they grow from adolescence to adulthood in a confusion of morality and sexuality. Winner of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Musical, this play is still controversial in 2016 as it redefines “What is musical theatre in the 21st Century?”  Note:  Adult themes.  Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

June 19 – 9 am to 5 pm – Father’s Day Free Admission at Harry P. Leu Gardens
The beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical oasis just north of downtown Orlando. Among the natural beauty, each garden is designed to promote the awareness and understanding of plants. While the Gardens offer a wide array of classes and events for horticulture and landscaping, on Father’s Day Dads with children OR children with Dads are invited to experience the Gardens for Free. The Gardens are located at 1920 N. Forest Avenue in Orlando. Call 407-246-2620. No rsvp required. 

June 22 at 8 pm – Maks and Val Live on Tour – ‘Dancing Our Way’ 
Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, the super-hot stars of ABC’s hit show ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ bring to life the smash hit dance event they’ve dreamed about by combining a narrative of their life story with dancing and passion. Working with the greatest choreographers in the business and supported by a cast of professionals, this show surprises and delights with its fusion of Old-World elegance and steamy seduction. Maksim says, “We want to connect with our audience; there will be no holding back.” VIP packages may be purchased at vipnation.com. For tickets, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

June 23 at 6 pm – Chef’s Night at Second Harvest Food Bank
Where can we dine where the menu not only tastes good but also DOES good? The answer is Chef's Night at Second Harvest Food Bank where celebrated Chefs work with ‘students’ in 2nd Harvest’s Community Kitchen Culinary Training Program. That special program helps men and women become self-sufficient through culinary training and higher paying jobs with a record of 125 graduates and 100% job placement. One lucky guest will win a Table Top Grill, compliments of the Chefs of Longhorn Steak House.  Call 407 514 1048.  Your enjoyment of a gourmet meal can mean a life-changing experience for those who need it most.  

June 24, July 15 & 29 & Aug 26 – FREE MoviEola Film Series 
The FREE outdoor movie series in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park has returned for 2016, beginning each evening at 6 pm with activities and music from Mix 105.1. Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and the whole family to enjoy this year’s movies including May 27: Goosebumps; June 24: Cinderella; July 15: Inside Out; July 29: Jurassic World; and August 26: Minions. You’ll want to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy some of the pre-movie activities. The movie begins promptly at 8:15 pm. Call 407.246.4484.or visit cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators