Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now at the Orange County History Center

A historic feud came to a peaceful end as Susan Arline Williams, a descendant of pioneer Mose Barber, gave a donation to the Orange County History Center. Sheriff David Mizell was shot and killed in 1870, starting a feud that led to nine deaths with the feud between the Barbers and Mizells lasting into the 20th century. But on Feb. 24, the rifle that “shot the Sheriff” was donated to the History Center in a ceremony of reconciliation at the Pine Castle United Methodist Church. Visit thehistorycenter.org or call 407-836-8500 for more information.

Now through May 19 – the 20th annual Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Disney ‘Imagineers’ have created a bumper crop of new surprises to celebrate the 20th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. New topiaries include Mickey and friends, Mike and Sully of “Monsters, Inc.,” Lightning McQueen and others, many of which light up at night. An important part of the Festival is the Flower Power Concert Series featuring peace, love and tunes from the ‘50s through the ‘90s in weekend performances now through May 19. Artists include Chubby Checker, The Guess Who, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Village People and more. Visit disneyworld.com or call 407-939-7211.

Now through April 6 – Florida premiere of musical comedy

The Winter Park Playhouse continues its mid-Florida ‘tradition’ of premiering musical comedies with “The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What?” This musical takes a look at a Baby Boomer’s ‘attempt’ to age gracefully through issues including AARP, dating, divorce, plastic surgery and more. Roy Alan directs as The Playhouse Trio lends their musicianship to this humorous score with Musical Director Christopher Leavy on piano. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

March 8 to April 28 – ‘HE SHE WE’ the exhibition

Sculptor Doug Hays and abstract expressionist painter Brenda Heim will present “HE SHE WE” at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA) from March 8 to April 28 with an opening on March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. “HE SHE WE” is the visual story of two artists, their work, their unique partnership, and the manner in which they integrate patrons into public art commissions. The exhibit will present both individual and collaborative works. Call 352-483-2900 or visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org

March 9 – Family Fun Day at Crealdé

Local families are invited to “come out and play” at the annual Crealdé Family Festival on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children (and parents) can join in a day of free fun, art, play and exploration at Crealdé’s lakeside campus. All art studios will be open, and the talented artist/faculty will share their creativity with hands-on workshops in painting, photography and clay. The festival will include a bounce house, pony rides, face painting, and healthy snacks and drinks. Call 407-671-1886 or visit crealde.org

March 9 – The 19th annual Taste of Oviedo

The Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce will celebrate east Orlando businesses and city traditions at the 19th annual Taste of Oviedo on March 9 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food items will be offered along with the Citrus and Celery Cook-Off, which promotes local agriculture. Children’s activities and entertainment will include the 17/70 Band, Left Over Biscuits, and School of Rock. Held at the Oviedo Mall, admission is free with a minimal charge for food samplings, and the festivities culminate at 7 p.m. with fireworks! Call 407-278-4871 or visit TasteofOviedo.org

March 12 – The Yale Spizzwinks(?) visit Brevard

Formed in 1914, The Yale Spizzwinks(?) are America’s oldest underclassman a cappella group. The choir (with the question-marked name) will present two free performances on March 12 at 11 a.m. at Courtenay Springs Village (1200 S. Courtenay Parkway), and again at 7 p.m. at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach (3400 N. Atlantic Ave.). With one eye on their history and the other toward the future, these young men fuse fun, tradition and innovation to bring audiences a unique a cappella vocal concert experience. Call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org

March 14 – Eustis Museum’s Wine-A-Fare

The Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA), which recently moved to its new location inside Ferran Park on Lake Eustis, will host the latest incarnation of its annual fundraiser – the Wine-A-Fare – on March 14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. A delightful combination of fine wine, refreshments, and a silent auction of art and related items – the benefit helps the Museum fill the need for art education programs in Lake County. The Museum is at 1 W. Orange Ave. in Eustis. For tickets ($25 / $30 at the door), call Caroline Breuché at 352-589-9235 or LEMA at 352-483-2900.

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.