Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Jan. 2 – Dancing With the Stars live in Orlando

Dancing With the Stars will bring its ballroom action – including our favorite pros and celebrities – to Orlando’s Bob Carr PAC on Jan. 2 in a 90-minute live show featuring a cast of the show’s most popular competitors. DWTS dancers will choreograph new routines and re-create some of the show’s most memorable moments. Pros Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson, and Valentin Chmerkovsky are part of the tour. Tickets at dwtstour.com

Jan. 5 to Feb. 22 – ‘Art and the Subconscious: Salvador Dali and Andre Smith’

Influenced by the writings of Sigmund Freud, surrealists held beliefs that creativity comes from deep within a person’s subconscious. The next exhibit at the Maitland Art Center tests that premise by pairing founder André Smith with the most prolific surrealist of the 20th century – Salvador Dalí. Pushing the boundaries of the mysterious and irrational, we may visit the exhibit through Feb. 22. Call 407-539-2181 or visit artandhistory.org

Jan. 8 to 11 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey bring Xtreme to Orlando

“The greatest show on earth” continues to amaze as Circus Xtreme turns audiences into adventure-seekers from Jan. 8 to 11 at the Amway Center. An all-female troupe of Mongolian riders, freestyle BMX riders and tumblers, and circus elephants are the headliners at the circus this season. The party begins an hour before the show at the pre-show (free with ticket purchase) as your family gets to meet the performers, get up close to the animals, and even try on circus costumes. Tickets at ringling.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000 or 407-440-7900.

Jan. 10 to 18 – Art exhibit inspired by Winter Park’s historic architecture

The Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum will host an art exhibit in all mediums to celebrate Winter Park's historic architecture and to recognize the importance of historic preservation. Ena Heller, director of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, will judge the works, which evoke a sense of Winter Park’s historic architecture. The artworks will be displayed from Jan. 10 to 18 with a free, open-to-the-public opening reception held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 10. Call 407-628-8196 or visit casafeliz.us

Jan. 10 – The Orlando Philharmonic presents ‘Sheherazade’

In a season in which the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s search for a new music director has chosen five finalists, the Orchestra offers its audience another strategic move as each of the finalists conducts a program during the current season. The most exotic program of the season will be conducted by interpretive dynamo and music director finalist Eric Jacobsen. Beginning at 8 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Bob Carr PAC, the program includes Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun,” Chinese composer Zhao Jiping’s “Concerto for Pipa,” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Sheherazade.” This program is highly recommended. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Jan. 15 to March 22 – The Art of the Highwaymen at the History Center

In the 1950s and ’60s, a group of self-taught African American artists (who became known as the Highwaymen), began selling their Florida landscape paintings from town to town, offering artwork from the trunks of their cars or sitting beside the highway and selling to tourists. By the 1990s, articles in magazines brought the Highwaymen new acclaim – and new collectors – making their works highly collectible. On Jan. 15, the Orange County Regional History Center will open an exhibit of 14 paintings by 12 of the original Highwaymen artists. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Jan. 15 and Jan. 29 – Art For All Spaces presents ‘Reviving the Ancients’

In a celebration of the enduring relevance of past cultures and ideas, Art for All Spaces invites the public to the opening of “Reviving the Ancients” on Jan. 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at the CityArts Factory in Orlando. Featuring the work of 24 artists, the works explore ways in which the human race has addressed questions of existence through image making. An additional event is planned for Jan. 29, when artist/scholars will conduct tours of the exhibit, offering insights from the perspectives of history and psychology. Call 407-450-2255 or email [email protected]

Jan. 15 to Feb. 14 – ‘The Rat Pack Lounge’ at Winter Park Playhouse

Frank, Dean and Sammy may be in heaven, but in the Florida premiere of a new musical at the Winter Park Playhouse it would seem they have some unfinished business back on Earth, and they’ve got one night to make it right. With over 30 hit songs including “My Way” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” this melodic new musical – “The Rat Pack Lounge” – will transport you back to the days of highballs and high rollers. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Jan. 16 – Pink Panther 50: Tribute to Henry Mancini

The Dr. Phillips Center will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film “The Pink Panther” with the music of the 20-time Grammy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini. The Tribute to Henry Mancini features the music and film excerpts from Mancini’s many hits, including “Moon River,” “Pink Panther,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and more. Featured performers include Monica Mancini; Tony DeSare; Nicole Henry; composer and saxophonist Tom Scott; Shelly Berg; and the Henry Mancini Orchestra. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 17 – ‘Spencers: Theatre of Illusion’ at the Dr. Phillips Center

While the “Spencers: Theatre of Illusion” carry a lot of equipment for their performances, a rabbit and top hat are not in the inventory. Kevin and Cindy Spencer have mesmerized millions with performances on five continents. Named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year (six times) and honored with magic’s highest honor – the Merlin Award (in 2009) – the Spencers’ production is a fusion of magic, illusion, humor and mystery that blends the theatrical elements of Broadway with the energy of a rock concert. The show is Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 17 – London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Daytona Beach

Founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, the ensemble was called the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as approved by George VI, and gained immediate fame through recordings in Britain and the U.S. This distinguished ensemble will visit the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. with an extraordinary program including Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture” and the Beethoven Violin Concerto performed by the renowned conductor/violinist Pinchas Zukerman. The Orchestra will conclude the program with Brahms First Symphony. This performance is very highly recommended. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org

Jan. 20 – Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young at Rollins College

The Winter Park Institute brings renowned speakers to Rollins College offering talks that are free and open to the public. The Institute will present “Andrew Young – A Continuing Legacy” on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Former Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Young will share his personal Civil Rights legacy as part of a community series commemorating the Civil Rights Act’s 50th anniversary. Call 407-691-1995 or visit winterparkinstitute.org

Jan. 20 – ‘50 Shades! The Musical Parody’ comes to Orlando

The New York Times said, “50 Shades! delivers the goods!" so don’t even try to restrain yourself – submit to “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” when it comes to Plaza Live in Orlando on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. The sexy send-up of the best-selling novel has audiences laughing and dancing in the aisles, and now it’s Orlando’s turn to experience the show that has audiences begging for more. Call 877-435-9849 or visit plazaliveorlando.com

Jan. 21 to Mar 8 – ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Orlando Shakes

In this timeless story told through the eyes of the 6-year-old daughter of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch, the family is caught up in a suspenseful tug of war between justice and racism. Set in the Great Depression-era South, the play includes racist language and discussions of rape, but the conclusion shows how hatred can be tempered with courage and compassion. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” continues to inspire in the face of inequality. Presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater through March 8, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Jan. 23 to 25 – ‘Swan Lake’ by the Orlando Ballet

The Orlando Ballet launches its first season at the new Dr. Phillips Center with what many consider to be the greatest of all classical ballets – “Swan Lake.” Set to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music, and based on the Russian folk tale of a young princess transformed into a swan by a vengeful sorcerer, this shortened production promises a highlights look at the classic romance. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

Jan. 23 to Feb. 22 – ‘The Explorers Club’ at Mad Cow Theatre

Shocking! What is this world coming to? The place is Victorian London (1879), the home of all that is proper in this world, and the venerable Explorers Club faces a crisis: A woman has applied for membership. Harrumph and Humbug … Membership extended to a woman, indeed. Benjamin, bring me the Scotch. This silly business will all be dealt with at the curiously named Mad Cow Theatre from Jan. 23 to Feb. 22. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Jan. 26 to Feb. 22 – ‘The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg’

2015 is the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the Civil War with organizations across the country offering works that recognize the War’s continuing impact. The REP will host a series of events anchored by the play “The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” from Jan. 26 to Feb. 22. In the play, a 12-year-old boy becomes a hero by saving his older brother at the Battle of Gettysburg. Then he helps lead the Union to victory! It’s true (or mostly true), because Homer will tell any tale to save his brother. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Jan. 27 to Feb. 1 – Disney’s ‘Newsies’ in the new Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips

They delivered the papers, until they made headlines … Direct from Broadway comes “Newsies,” the smash-hit Disney musical that won the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography. Based on true events, “Newsies” tells the story of a band of underdogs who become heroes by standing up to the most powerful men in New York in a tale about fighting for what’s right. “Newsies” will be presented at the Dr. Phillips Center from Jan. 27 to Feb. 1. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 29 to 31 – The 26th annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival

The Zora Neale Hurston Festival, held annually in Eatonville, offers programs in folklore, literature, music, religion, theater, the visual arts – and a giant outdoor fair – to celebrate the cultural contributions of persons of African ancestry. This season’s events include the The Historic Black Towns and Settlements Historic Preservation Conference on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30; Roots to Rap: A Musical Revue on Jan. 30; and the ZORA! STEM Conference Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Maze featuring Frankie Beverly; jazz artist Najee, and much more. Call 407-647-3188 or visit zorafestival.org