Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Feb. 7, 8 and 9 – Tables Extra Extraordinaire

Decorators, brides-to-be, wedding planners and interior design professionals need to book a visit to the Holy Trinity Conference Center in Maitland for Tables Extraordinaire. This unique fundraiser showcases 30 lavishly decorated theme tables while offering luncheons or dinners reminiscent of a trip to the Greek isles. The three-day event ends on Saturday evening (Feb. 9) with a Gala Banquet. Stop by the Mediterranean Marketplace for your favorite Greek pastries and coffees. Visit htgocorlando.org or Tables Extraordinaire on Facebook, or call 407-333-3895 or 407-774-2744 for more information.

Feb. 8 to March 10 – Donna Dowless and Audrey Phillips at the Grand Bohemian

The Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando celebrates Valentine’s Day and 10 years of artistic inspiration with the annual Heart and Soul Exhibit from Feb. 8 through March 10 in the hotel’s gallery. The exhibit features abstract paintings by Audrey Phillips and mixed-media works by Orlando’s “Ambassador of Love” Donna Dowless, both of whom create art from the heart. A Meet the Artists Reception – free to the public – will take place at the Gallery on Friday, Feb. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 407-581-4801.

Feb. 9 – My Funny Valentine with the Orlando Philharmonic

Backed by both the Orlando Philharmonic and his own band Swingerhead, Orlando’s most famous entertainer Michael Andrew will sing romantic tunes in celebration of Valentine’s Day in two performances on Feb 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. A former headline singer at the world-famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center in New York City, this consummate entertainer shares his amazing talent and his favorite love-songs with us at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit Orlandophil.org

Feb. 14 to March 24 – ‘Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat’

Our own Orlando Repertory Theatre (the REP) has the honor to present the southeast premiere of a brand-new production of ”Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat” from Feb. 14 to March 24. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss and adapted by Katie Miller for the National Theatre of Great Britain, ‘The Cat in the Hat’ is the perfect friend for a rainy afternoon. But after all the games and mischief, will Sally and her brother be able to explain the mess to mother? Leaping onto the stage with chaotic exuberance, ‘Cat’ will be performed at the Rep in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. Visit orlandorep.com or call 407-896-7365.

Feb. 15 and 16 – ‘Clued In’ at the Ballet

Clue one: Forget the chocolates in the heart-shaped box. If you really want to impress your sweetheart, buy her a card and put tickets to “Hollywood En Pointe” – by the Orlando Ballet – inside. Then, dress up and bring your sweetheart to an evening of dance inspired by Hollywood glamour. Clue two: Be surprised at how much you both enjoy the performance! Choreographed by Robert Hill, ”Hollywood en Pointe” is a world premiere ballet set to memorable music from the movies, and the perfect performance-gift to show that special someone how much you care. Trust me on this one – this is the real deal. Visit orlandoballet.org or call 407-426-1739.

Feb. 15 to March 3 – The 78th annual Bach Festival of Winter Park

One of the oldest and one of the largest, the Bach Festival of Winter Park will present its 78th annual Bach Festival from Feb. 15 to March 3. Celebrating the legacy of its namesake, J.S. Bach, the 2013 Festival will present several works that it has never performed before including J.S. Bach’s Mass in G; Cantatas 52 and 119; the Sinfonia from Cantata 31, and Beethoven’s Mass in C Major. All works will be directed by Dr. John V. Sinclair. The Festival’s special guests include Barrymore Laurence Scherer, critic for The Wall Street Journal; Christopher Houlihan, organist; Mary Wilson, soprano; Margaret Lattimore, mezzo soprano; Robert Bracey, tenor; and Chad Sloan, bass. Performances take place at the Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus. Call 407-646-2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

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.