“Josh Recommends” for the Week of September 6, 2019 By Josh Garrick 

Jamieson Thomson Thomas and Richard Colvin at Mills Gallery 
Sept. 6 beginning at 6 pm
In an art exhibition titled “Standoffs and Journeys to Nowhere,” two very special Central Florida Artists – Jamieson Thomson Thomas and Richard Colvin will open their exhibit on September 6. Each has been an important part of the Central Florida art community for decades and both are distinctively original masters of their craft. Do NOT go to this FREE event expecting pretty pictures. Instead you may expect work that constantly evolves as their lives evolve in a world in which ART has always been a central motivation. Mills Gallery is at 1650 Mills Ave in Orlando.

Shin Lim, Sleight of Hand Artist 
September 7 at 2pm and 7 pm
Winner of America’s Got Talent Season 13, Shin Lim is a self-proclaimed "Sleight of Hand Artist,” while admitting that he is NOT a magician and has NO intention of lying to the audience. Instead, he performs carefully choreographed routines that defy the laws of physics. His mind-boggling finger moves are so masterful the audience is left to wonder if what they have seen is even possible. This event is selling so well the 2 pm show is “added.” VIP tickets are available for both shows. 

“LAYERED" A Solo Exhibition by Jeremy Mangerchine
Sept 13 beginning at 6 pm 
Hosted by Axiom Gallery at 268 West New England Ave in Winter Park, “LAYERED” celebrates the artistry of New Orleans based Jeremy Mangerchine. Jeremy draws inspiration from the layers of culture and history of the world as old walls and dumpsters tell stories about the present. Every layer of graffiti and grime amalgamates into a portrait of our social, religious and political environment. Jeremy will be at the Gallery to share his process and passion. Email [email protected], call 407.543.2550, or visit axiomfineart.com.

“Ragtime the Musical” in Winter Garden
NOW to September 15
Based on the novel “Ragtime” by E. L. Doctorow, we find ourselves at the dawn of the new century – 1900 -- where in the ‘melting-pot’ of New York City anything seems possible. An upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a young Harlem musician are brought together by the promise of the future and by interlocking stories of compassion, courage, AND some historical figures – an inspirational ‘portrait’ of America. With some mild violence, and racial slurs, please use your judgment as to your child’s attending. Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

“Desperate Measures” at the Winter Park Playhouse 
Sept 20 to Oct 13 
In a National Premiere, this critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical comedy is set in the 1890s and inspired by Shakespeare's “Measure for Measure.” When the ‘dangerously handsome’ Johnny Blood puts his fate into the hands of a colorful cast of characters (including a wily sheriff, a saloon-girl-gone-good, and a nun out of the habit), will they pull off the greatest caper yet, or will Johnny be left hanging? Winner of 2018 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, for tickets visit winterparkplayhouse.com or call 407.645.0145. 

“Tuck Everlasting” (Young Audiences Edition) at Orlando Rep 
 NOW to Sept 29
Young Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure, but not until she becomes entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she imagined. As the adventure unfolds, Winnie faces the impossible choice of returning to her ‘normal’ life, or continuing with the Tucks on their magical journey. Based on the best-selling novel by Natalie Babbitt, “Tuck Everlasting” has enthralled readers for over 40 years and NOW Orlando Rep presents this classic story with MUSIC! Recommended for ages 9 and above, visit OrlandoRed.com or call 407.896.7365 

Evita at Orlando Shakes ! 
NOW to Oct 6 
If Shakespeare had been able to see into the future, he would have written Evita, the ‘rags-to-riches’ tale of Eva Duarte Peron and her rise from being an illegitimate child from the slums to becoming Argentina’s First Lady and the most powerful woman in the world – before her body (her health) brought her down. This is SUPER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Visit orlandoshakes.com or call 407.447.1700 x1

“Castaneda. Hair. Unfiltered” hosted by Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park
Sept 14 at 8 pm – One Show Only 
In case you haven’t had enough “cerebral” in your theater life lately, Paul Castañeda and Wade Hair, two of Central Florida Theater’s most respected and controversial personalities will sit down in a one-on-one, no-holds-barred, interview. What is particularly exciting about this event is that the two men will interview each other and will not know the questions in advance. They will then take questions from the audience with “no topic off the table.” Tickets are $10 to $12 with reservations at 407.920.4034 or breakthroughtheatre.com

“White Canvas Party” hosted by Mennello Museum of American Art
October 4 beginning at 6 pm 
Presenting the inaugural “White Canvas Party,” the Mennello Museum will present the commissioned work of 30 Artists on their lakefront site in the Marilyn Mennello Sculpture Garden. Celebrating the Museum’s mission, the evening will present the work of the local artists for sale to benefit the museum while supporting the artists. Tickets include valet, food & drinks from partnering restaurants & bars, and more. Tickets at mennellomuseum.org

Winter Park Wine & Dine 
October 9 from 6 pm to 10 pm 
One of our favorite “foodie” events each year is the “Winter Park Wine & Dine” – always held at the perfect time of year for an event that is mostly outside with signature beverages and desserts “inside.” Offering tastings from over 40 food and drink venues plus live music, a percentage of proceeds benefit Caring By Sharing United. Restaurants and Beverage partners include: Seasons 52, Bolay, Dubsdread Catering, Hamilton's Kitchen at The Alfond Inn, Bulla Gastrobar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, and many more. Held at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market at 200 West New England Ave, tickets run from $39 to $69. Visit Eventbrite. 

Alison Krauss at the Dr. Phillips Center
Oct 19 at 8 pm 
Having sold 12 million records to date – and honored with 27 Grammys – Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 21. See this penultimate country singer LIVE at the Dr. Phillips Center on October 19. Call 844.513,2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

The Tony Award Winning Musical Phenomenon, “Les Miserables”
October 22 to 27, 2019
Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune called “Les Miz” one of the greatest musicals ever created,” and I completely agree. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, single tickets are now on sale at the Dr. Phillips Center. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844.513.2014 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators