Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

This is the week of the always-touching Junior Achievement Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame in which three laureates are inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with the Spirit of Achievement award winner. Each laureate is a person who has been successful in business, and also given back to the community in some significant way. This year’s laureates include Toni Jennings, the first female lieutenant governor of Florida – and the finest public servant ever to serve that office; Joe Lee, former CEO of Darden Restaurants; and Leonard Williams, CEO of Wayne Densch Inc. Each honoree was introduced by a poised and confident young person whose life has been inspired by the lessons learned through Junior Achievement. In addition, former Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, chairman of Latin America for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and chairman of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, received this year’s Spirit of Achievement award. Sincere congratulations to each honoree. This year’s event was held Nov. 14 at the Rosen Centre. Visit jacentralfl.org/volunteers to volunteer for this most worthwhile organization.

Nov. 15 to Dec. 23 – ‘Junior Claus’ at Orlando Rep

“Junior Claus” is a joyful new musical for young audiences by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond to be presented by the Orlando Repertory Theater from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23. In the musical, Junior is Santa’s only son, and he must save the day when a depleted Christmas belief-o-meter puts the jolly old man into a deep sleep. In grand musical form – and with the help of an elf, a penguin and a youngster who fully believes in the Christmas spirit, Junior manages to save Christmas. The Rep is at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Loch Haven Park. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Nov. 16 to March 17 – The Big Dog Show

Visitors to the Mennello Museum are familiar with Red Dog by sculptor Dale Rogers, a sculpture that resides in the Museum’s Sculpture Garden. On Nov. 16, Rogers returns to the museum with a pack (herd) (team) (bunch) of 20 8-foot-tall sculptures of dogs made of steel. Rogers’ work brings art, the public and animal welfare together for a good cause. He says, “American Dog is very much a ‘muttigree,’ but it strikes a strong emotional pull with many clients.” The Big Dog Show premiered in 2009 and continues to tour in conjunction with humane societies around the country. The museum is at 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Nov. 17 – Bronfman, Beethoven and the Philharmonic

On the evening of Nov. 17 at 8 p.m., a legendary pianist will perform Beethoven’s majestic “Emperor” concerto as the guest of the Orlando Philharmonic. Two musical tributes will sustain the heroic mood: Stella Sung’s “World Premiere” salute to the Philharmonic’s own heroes and Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” a masterpiece written to honor his close friends. This brilliant program will close with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (the “Emperor’”) where Yefim Bronfman will be the guest pianist. “Mr. Bronfman gave a brilliant and triumphant performance,” wrote the The New York Times. And brilliance is what is needed for Beethoven’s most renowned – and majestic – piano concerto. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org/Opera for more information about the performance, which will be at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

Nov. 17 and 18 – The 2012 Osceola Fall Art Festival

Fall means art festivals, and the 2012 Osceola Art Festival will take place on Nov. 17 and 18 on Broadway in historic downtown Kissimmee from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. Featuring 75 professional artists from across the country, live entertainment and children’s art activities, this is family-friendly cultural entertainment. Categories include oils and acrylics, watercolor and pastels, graphics and drawing, photography, sculpture, clay and metal, jewelry, glass, wood and mixed media, with all artwork available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. Call 407-846-6257 or visit ocfta.com

And Planning Ahead… “Wicked” returns

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster – and a favorite cultural phenomenon to the millions who have seen this unique and record-breaking show – “Wicked” will return to the Bob Carr PAC from Feb. 20 to March 10. “Wicked,” winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz, and it’s very highly recommended. Tickets go on sale Nov. 30 and can be purchased at the Fairwinds Broadway Across America Box Office, Amway Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. To charge by phone, call 1-800-982-2787.