Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Aug. 23 – Art Walk in Historic Downtown Sanford

On the fourth Friday of each month, artists and galleries in Sanford’s downtown historic district host the Sanford Art Walk, showcasing local talent along with opportunities to meet visiting artists. The event is free and runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Venues include Boxelder at Interiors by Lawrence David, Framing 508 Gallery of Art, Gallery on First, Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Hyder Gallery, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art, and The Studio on Park. All venues are within walking distance of one another – just blocks from the scenic Riverwalk promenade along the St. Johns River. Call 407-323-2774 or visit sanfordartwalk.com

Aug. 23, 24, 26, 29 & 30 – The end of the world in the ‘Key of E’

Another popular musical from last season's Fringe Festival is being reprised for five performances at the Venue in Orlando. Created by local music man Andy Matchett, the post-apocalyptic rock musical finds, "Disaffected rocker Ethan dreaming of the end of the world, but when a giant flood turns the globe into a watery wasteland, he finds the apocalypse ain't all it's cracked up to be." Anti-hero Ethan will again be played by Corey Volence (who also wrote the script), and this time round, Matchett, Volence and company will release the show’s soundtrack album. Tickets are $10 advance and $15 at the door. Visit KeyofE.net

Aug. 24 – Orlando Shakespeare Theater celebrates 25 years with Open House

To begin the celebration of its 25th anniversary season, Orlando Shakes will open its doors for entertainment, building tours, and birthday cake on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy tours, music, and theater games, as well as an open rehearsal of Orlando Shakes’ upcoming production of the Wild West-inspired production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” The free music, crafts, and theater games will take place in the Theater lobby, with complimentary birthday cupcakes to all ‘partygoers.’ Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Aug. 24 – Orlando's cultural season begins

It’s a fundraiser; it’s an auction; it’s an art show; it’s a gala performance; and it’s the official kick-off of Orlando’s cultural season. It’s the Annual Red Chair Affair, and it happens Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. (with show time at 8 p.m.) at the Bob Carr PAC. This showcase of performing groups and visual artists is your preview ticket to all things cultural in the coming season. Patrons will enjoy performances by Phantasmagoria, Orlando Aerial Arts, Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic and more. Proceeds benefit the Red Chair Project, a non-profit working to increase participation in arts and culture throughout Central Florida. For tickets, visit RedChairProject.com

Aug. 24 and 31 – The Voice of Sisaundra

Orlando’s singing Diva – Sisaundra Lewis was the voice of Cirque du Soleil's “La Nouba” for 10 years, has performed worldwide tours with Celine Dion, is an Oscar nominee, co-wrote two No. 1 Billboard hits, and has appeared on “The Tonight Show” and “Oprah.” I promise you’ll fall in love with Sisaundra (and her voice) as she tells of growing up in a citrus grove and achieving fame. She’ll perform two shows – both featuring special guests. The show on Aug. 24 is called “Fool For Love” and Aug. 31 show is “Bold & Daring.” Tickets are $25 or (both shows for $40) at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. Call 407-877-4736.

Aug. 24 to Nov. 3 – Raúl Colón’s ‘Tall Tales and Huge Hearts’ at OMA

The art of Raúl Colón, the award-winning artist who has illustrated more than 30 books for children, will be showcased in the exhibit “Tall Tales and Huge Hearts: Raúl Colón” at the Orlando Museum of Art from Aug. 24 to Nov. 3. The exhibit will include interactive gallery activities as well as a reading area filled with books featured in the exhibition. Mr. Colón will be at the Museum to give a free, public presentation on Sept. 28. Call 407-896-4231 or visit omart.org

Aug. 24 and 25 – Hamsters Will Have Their Day (well – two days)!

Hamsters, one of America’s most popular small pets, have the skills to be a top survivor. While hamsters can be as tiny as 2-inches long, they display incredible amounts of strength and stamina. They lift weights (hamsters can carry half their body weight in their cheeks); they can run up to eight miles a day on their hamster wheels; and they can be trained to perform simple tricks. On Aug. 24 and 25, from 1 to 2 p.m., families can learn more about this popular little pet at Petco’s free Meet the Critters event to be held at all Petco locations throughout Florida. Visit petco.com/kids

Aug. 25 – Five-time Grammy winner Marc Anthony at the Amway

Marc Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida World Tour lands at the Amway Center on Aug. 25. Having sold more than 12 million albums worldwide, Anthony is a true ambassador of Latin music. He has been awarded countless gold and platinum certifications including the 2012 ASCAP Founders Award and an induction into the Billboard Hall of Fame. A passionate humanitarian, Anthony leads the Maestro Cares Foundation to assist disadvantaged children in Latin America. For tickets visit amwaycenter.com, the Amway Center box office, Ticketmaster, or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.

And looking ahead …

September – Orlando’s Most ‘Magical’ Dining Month

“Foodies – Start your taste-buds!” Orlando’s finest restaurants will offer $33 three-course dinners throughout the month of September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. This ultimate “foodie” event features more than 60 restaurants offering the special price meal with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. Find a full list of restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.