Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

April 12 to 14 – ‘Carmina Burana’ by Orlando Ballet and Bach Festival

In a long-awaited collaboration between the Orlando Ballet and the Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra, the brilliant score of “Carmina Burana” will inspire the choreography of Robert Hill with the Orchestra and 150-member Chorus on stage at the Bob Carr PAC. The epic score of ”Carmina Burana” is ripe for Hill’s blend of classical and contemporary ballet choreography. In three performances only – from April 12 to 14 – hundreds of performers will join to bring “Carmina Burana” to life. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

April 12 to April 28 – Central Florida premiere of ‘Frost/Nixon’

The always-inventive DiDonna Productions/Empty Spaces Theatre Co(llaboration) will present the Central Florida premiere of the award winning play “Frost/Nixon” from April 12 to 28. In 1974, Richard Nixon resigned his presidency after the greatest scandal our nation ever endured. This compelling drama examines how a British talk-show host managed what no prosecutor could: to extract a confession from our most notorious former president. The play will show at the Shakespeare Center located in Loch Haven Park. Call 407-328-9005; or for credit cards, visit redchairproject.com

April 12, 13 and 14 – Maitland Spring Festival of the Arts

Celebrating its 25th season, the Spring Festival of the Arts – presented by the Maitland Chamber of Commerce – is held around beautiful Lake Lily. Each year the Chamber adds new artists to the mix featuring an array of art, jewelry, handcrafted wood, photography, glass art, sculpture and mixed media. Combined with live entertainment throughout the weekend and food from Maitland’s finest restaurants, it’s the perfect weekend outing for the whole family. Call 407-644-0741 or visit maitlandchamber.com

April 13 – ‘The Little Mermaid’ – a family ballet

The Prima Ballerina of the Orlando Ballet – Katia Garza – has choreographed a full-company, classical ballet interpretation of “The Little Mermaid” that is a perfect introduction to ballet for you and your children. Presented at the Bob Carr PAC for one performance only, this family friendly, one-hour performance of the beloved fairytale invites us to journey under the sea to the Little Mermaid’s magical world. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

April 14 – Ice Cream Benefit for Ronald McDonald House

An old-fashioned Ice Cream Social is set for April 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Winter Park Civic Center at 1050 W. Morse Blvd as a benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Center will be transformed into a family-friendly place from ‘days gone by’ with ice cream and cake, games, contests, door prizes, a silent auction, and entertainment for the whole family. Stop by and say ‘hello.’ I’ll be one of the ‘Celeb Servers’ scooping up ice cream to raise money for the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are $5 advance or $7 at the door. Call 407-677-1552.

April 15 – Kings Bowl Opens in Orlando

That tourist mecca in Orlando – International Drive – will open its newest hot spot for fun when Kings Bowl Orlando opens April 15. Much more than a bowling alley, Kings Bowl is a 30,000-square-foot dining, bowling and entertainment venue featuring 22 bowling lanes, an upscale restaurant and 60 big screen TVs. Kings’ décor captures a nostalgic feeling with modern twists that include world-class food and cocktails. In addition, Kings offers meeting rooms, billiards tables, shuffleboard, an ice cream shop, disc jockeys, dancing and more. Visit kingsbowlamerica.com

April 16 to 21 – ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’

The first national tour of ”Priscilla Queen of the Desert” finds a trio of friends (who happen to be drag queens) aboard a battered bus searching for love in the Australian outback. With more than 500 Tony Award-winning costumes, “Priscilla” features a hit parade of 20 disco favorites including “It’s Raining Men” and “I Will Survive.” Along with the Tony Award for Best Costume, “Priscilla” received three Best Musical award nominations, and is the most successful Australian musical of all time. With performances from April 16 to 21, tickets may be ordered at OrlandoBroadway.com or by calling 1-800-982-2787.

April 17 – Taste of Winter Park

The Taste of Winter Park is an annual food extravaganza featuring unlimited food and beverage samples from 45 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers and bakers. Set for April 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, this year features cooking with local produce. EdibleOrlando and Eat More Produce will pass out winning recipes, and I’ll be on-hand, along with other dining critics, as one of the “Foodie Judges” of the evening. Tickets may be purchased at the Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

April 17 to 20 – Florida Music Festival

The Florida Music Festival is a huge celebration of up-and-coming musicians, held in downtown Orlando, which invites fans to experience live music, film, and visual arts. The line-up includes a wildly eclectic slate of more than 250 performers from alternative, pop, country, urban, hip-hop and acoustic formats, along with hundreds of filmmakers and visual artists. Admission varies. Visit floridamusicfestival.com for a complete schedule.

April 18 to May 11 – ‘The All Night Strut’

‘Swing’ is the thing in this musical celebration of the 1930s and ‘40s. ”The All Night Strut” is a musical celebration that carries us through the Depression, World War II and the post war boom, filled with jazz, blues, bebop and standards to keep our toes tapping to legendary songwriters Frank Loesser, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Cab Calloway and the Gershwins. From the funk-jive of Harlem to the sophisticated El Morocco, “All Night Strut” is a combination of harmony and unbeatable energy opening at the Winter Park Playhouse on April 18. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

April 18 – An evening with Oliver Stone

He’s a legendary filmmaker, an Academy award-winning director, and a master of controversial subjects. He is Oliver Stone, and he will speak about his life and career at Rollins College on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. His legendary films include “Wall Street,” “Nixon,” “Natural Born Killers,” “JFK,” “The Doors,” and “Platoon” while writing (or co-writing) “Midnight Express,” “Scarface” and “Evita.” Stone has worked as a schoolteacher in Vietnam, a Merchant Marine, taxi driver, messenger, and production assistant. He served in Vietnam in 1967-68, was wounded twice, and decorated with the Bronze Star for Valor. Visit rollins.edu/wpi/events/2012-2013/stone.html