Florida Culture for Your New YEAR … 2017 By Josh Garrick 

NOW to January 5 -- Josh Garrick’s ‘A VERY Classical Holiday’ at Bloomingdale’s 
Hosted by the Orlando Downtown Arts District and Bloomingdale’s at the Mall of Millenia, the Public is invited to my Art Exhibit ‘A VERY Classical Holiday,’ featuring my ‘printed on aluminum’ artwork. Visit the 3rd floor where Bloomingdale’s supports the arts by allowing viewers to imagine the Artists' work in their homes with a percentage of all art sales donated to the Downtown Arts District. Return the ‘ugly sweater’ some other day, and visit this Free ‘classic’ art exhibit in a department store. Open as long as Bloomingdale’s is. Thank you, Bloomingdale’s for this enlightened approach to philanthropy. 

January 4 to February 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare 
Years of success and planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia. Vivienne’s memories of her mother and the decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century Alzheimer's creation ‘myth’ about a White Egret who protects forest animals as they lose their memories. Steve Yockey’s new play ‘Blackberry Winter’ is a moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human work being presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

January 6 to Feb 4 – Lillian Verkins’ Paints BIG at Lake Eustis Museum 
Large-Canvas-Painter Lillian Verkins has received over 20 juried awards, among which are two “Best of Show” and four “1st Place” awards. In 2016 Lillian was the First Place winner in the prestigious ‘Genius of Women’ exhibit presented by Women in the Arts Inc. Born in Bosnia, Lillian’s family immigrated to the US in 1964. Today, Lillian’s large canvases are filled with big, lush brushstrokes that are both “personal and therapeutic” for the Artist. Ms. Verkins will open a new exhibit, entitled “Atmospheres” on January 6 at the Lake Eustis Museum at 1 West Orange Ave in Eustis, Florida. Visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org or call 352.483.2900.

January 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm – Valencia College Art Faculty Exhibit 
A reception for accomplished members of the art faculty at Valencia College will be held at the Orange County Admin Center at 201 S. Rosalind Ave in Orlando on January 9. Curated by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, the four-month-long exhibition of artworks in all media includes artists Courtney Canova, David Lee Cumbie, Andrew Downey, Michael Galletta, Rima Jabbur, Nancy Jay, KYLE, Allan Maxwell, Jackie Otto Miller and Dennis Schmalstig. Visit ocfl.net/arts or call 407.836.4450.
Image Credit: KYLE, Untitled #11, from Fighting, Floating and Falling Series, oil on canvas, 48 by 36 inches.

January 9 to 14 – Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show at Orlando Rep 
Award-winning magician and comedian Tony Brent returns to the Orlando Rep with ‘Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show.’ Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied in the cafeteria, the gym, the playground – anywhere there were no adults. NOW – using comedy, magic, and lots of costumes, Tony teaches children how to cope with being bullied, how to recognize the signs of bullying, and whether they themselves might be guilty of bullying. Call 407.896.7365 or visit orlandorep.com 

January 9 – Orlando Mayor’s City Academy 2017 – Registration Deadline 
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer understands that “Citizen involvement is essential to successful local government,” and offers the ‘Mayor’s City Academy’ as a way to begin your involvement with “the City Beautiful.” The Academy offers a ‘backstage tour’ of Orlando, highlighting the city’s services in a 10-week program of road trips and tours that include Orlando’s City Hall, police headquarters, and a busy fire station. The 2017 Mayor’s City Academy begins on March 9 and will be held the following nine Thursdays beginning at 5:30 pm. Deadline for applications is January 9. Visit cityoforlando.net/mayor/get-involved/ 

January 11 to 29 – WICKED – For Three Weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Broadway’s WICKED, one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time, continues to break box office records around the world. Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED tells the story of two girls in the Land of Oz. One, born with green skin is smart and misunderstood; the other is ambitious and popular. How one becomes the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ and the other becomes ‘Glinda the Good’ makes for one great Broadway musical. In performance for three VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED weeks at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

January 12 to 16 – Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Present “Circus XTREME” 
Ladieeeeeeeeeees & Gentlemen -- Prepare to be amazed by artists who redefine the word extreme as the Circus XTREME comes to Orlando’s Amway Center. High-wire wizards, strongmen, trick riders, daredevils, contortionists, a human cannonball, bungee skydiving, a cast and crew of more than 300, and a full menagerie of amazing animals provide two and a half hours of thrilling entertainment. Circus XTREME features Bengal tigers and camels ridden by brave Mongolian women. The party starts an hour before the show at the All Access Pre-show, which is FREE with each ticket purchase. Visit Ringling.com, amwaycenter.com, Ticketmaster locations, or charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000. 

January 14 at 7:30 pm – Engelbert Humperdink at the Dr. Phillips Center 
Engelbert Humperdink’s unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe. He has recorded everything – ballads, movie themes, disco, rock, and gospel in a career spanning 50 years. Mr. Humperkink has sold over 140 million records, including 64 gold albums, 35 platinum, 4 Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His music transcends time, but it’s the man himself who inspires emotions that explain his life-long success. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Jan 14 & 15 – The 40th Annual Scottish Highland Games 
Originating in the Scottish Highlands during the 11th Century, Highland Games have long been an audience-favorite spectacle. Experience the history and culture of these centuries old traditions through Highland athletics, archery, Highland dance, Piping & Drumming, Border Collies, food, Whiskey tasting and a Gaelic spirit. The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida, founded in 1976, hosts the annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games held on the third weekend in January. Visit flascot.com 

And current … 

A New Conductor for the LGBT+ ‘Sounds of Freedom Band’ and Color Guard 
The Central Florida ‘Sounds of Freedom Band’ performed its 5th anniversary concert on June 12, 2016, the day of the Pulse massacre. In the weeks and months afterward they performed at vigils, memorial services and remembrances across Florida. The Band has announced the appointment of its new conductor – Chris Green, whose impressive resume speaks of over 25 years experience in bands, drum and bugle corps, and pageantry. Mr. Green has served as an adjudicator and clinician for marching, concert, and jazz bands which in turn produced accolades in US Bands, Bands of America, and North Texas Color Guard Association. He won the Dallas Teacher of the Year in 2014, and the Farmer's Insurance Teacher of the Year grant to provide $100,000 worth of equipment for the Band. All of us at the Observer WELCOME Conductor Chris Green to the ‘Sounds of Music” Visit CFSOF.com

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators