Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through May 31 – Long Way to the Top: Hard Rock in Orlando 1977 to 1985

The Orange County History Center in downtown Orlando has opened “Long Way to the Top: Hard Rock in Orlando, 1977-1985,” an exhibit from the time when great names in rock and heavy metal came to the City Beautiful to record and perform. Recording studios, concert halls, and radio stations of that time recorded albums for Judas Priest, Blackfoot, Pat Travers and Krokus while concerts like Van Halen opening for the Rolling Stones (1981) took place. See the recording equipment, photographs and tickets from legendary concerts. Call 407-836-7010 or visit thehistorycenter.org

April 10, 11 and 12 – The Tampa Bay Blues Festival

Set in beautiful Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival is one of our country’s preeminent music events with the biggest names in blues performing for enthusiasts who gather on the waterfront. Gates open at noon and music goes on until 10 p.m. The 2015 headliners include Tower of Power, Tab Benoit, Boz Scaggs and Southern Hospitality with additional after-shows at the Palladium. Food, beverage and arts and crafts vendors are available throughout the festival grounds. Single day tickets are $35 and three-day passes are $90 with VIP packages available. Visit tampabaybluesfest.com for a full schedule.

April 10 – Bacchus Bash to benefit CFHLA Foundation

This charitable bash has grown to become Orlando's Biggest Street Party, featuring over 70 food and beverage booths and hosting 25,000-plus attendees annually. The eating, drinking, and entertainment benefit education with the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation having awarded $1 million to hospitality students of Central Florida over the years. Beginning at 5 p.m. on April 10, Bash vendors are all over the Orlando Premium Outlets (most of which stay open with special sales). Admission is free. Register at bacchusbash.eventbrite.com

April 10 – Public sing-along of Handel's ‘Messiah’

If you’ve never sung along to Handel’s majestic “Messiah” – but wanted to – the Messiah Choral Society invites you to join them for a free public sing-along on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Presented at the First Congregational Church in Winter Park, chorus master Karen Lecky-Springer will lead all assembled through selections from the famous oratorio. No ticket required. Visit messiahchoralsociety.org or call 321-285-6382.

April 11 – Wine Women and Shoes to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank

Proving that giving never goes out of style, hundreds of women will be treated to food accompanied by wines from Napa Valley as the Wine Women and Shoes event, on April 11, dedicates 100 percent of ticket proceeds to eradicating hunger in Central Florida. Participants enjoy shopping from national boutiques, live and silent auctions, a fashion show and a chance to win the Key to the Closet raffle. MIX 105.1’s CJ Robinson will emcee as Wine Women and Shoes helps the Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food to those who need it most. Visit WineWomenAndShoes.com/Orlando

April 11 – The Barbra Streisand Songbook

Join the Orlando Philharmonic for a musical tribute to one of the most celebrated singers of our time as Platinum award-winning singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway lends her voice and her orchestrations to the program. Ms. Callaway’s songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s CDs. Ms. Callaway will perform hits including “The Way We Were,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “Cry Me a River” as Albert George Schram conducts two performances at 2 and 8 p.m. on April 11 at the Bob Carr Theatre. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

April 11 and 12 – The 2015 Florida Blueberry Festival

Every day brings us another healthy reason to eat blueberries – and they taste great. On April 11 and 12, the annual Blueberry Festival, held in Brooksville, Fla., will offer fresh from Florida blueberries, food concessions, and delectable edibles. The historic streets will offer the Monster Transmission Car Show, live music including The 70's Band, The Black Honkeys, The Wiggles, and the Boogie Brothers, and visitors can also check out the Iron Man Motorcycle and the Bat Bike. Over 80 artists will sell their creations alongside 120 retail exhibitors. Visit floridablueberryfestival.org

April 12 – Lisa Ferrigno: Free music concert at Casa

Violinist Lisa Ferrigno will perform a free concert on the Casa Feliz Music Series on April 12 beginning at noon. Ms. Ferrigno has been concertmaster of the Brevard Symphony since 1999, and received her musical training at the New England Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, and Florida State University. Lisa has helped brides orchestrate their dream weddings for Disney’s Fairytale Weddings since 1995 and has appeared on “Disney’s Weddings of a Lifetime” on TV. No ticket required. Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum is at 656 N. Park Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-628-8200.

April 12 – ‘Eden’ a dance reflection on the story of Eve

With choreography by Dawn Branch, Dawhone Perry, Sand Q Perry, and Genia McNeal, “Eden” is a modern retelling of the story of Eve as she leaves the Garden of Eden. With a cast of performers aged 8 to adult, Ms. Branch sees the work as “evangelism through the arts.” Ms. Branch is a native New Yorker who has worked with Michael Peters, Ben Vereen and Diana Ross. She currently directs Dawn Branch Works, a contemporary dance company that will present “Eden” at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 12 at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Call 407-695-8366 or visit thecenterfordance.org

April 12 – An Ice Cream Social for Ronald McDonald House

Ya gotta love this! It’s a day full of sweets (and more) to benefit the children and families who depend on Ronald McDonald House. Now in its fifth year at the Winter Park Civic Center, bring the whole family to an old-fashioned ice cream social. In addition to (unlimited!) ice cream, guests will enjoy live entertainment, face painting, a cakewalk, silent auction, prizes and more – for a great cause! Say hello. I’ll be there to scoop your ice cream for you. The cost is $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Call 407-677-1552.

April 15 – 30th annual Taste of Winter Park

With over 45 of Winter Park’s top chefs, caterers and confectioners participating, the 30th annual Taste of Winter Park will tempt palettes with restaurants as diverse as 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Hamilton’s Kitchen, and Cocina 214, and desserts and beverages from Barefoot Wine, Carmel Kitchen, Javatino, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, The Wine Barn, and Umi. Competing for bragging rights in seven categories including best entrée, healthy dish, beverage, and dessert, this foodie event is set for April 15 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Winter Park Farmers Market. Tickets are $40 in advance. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

April 16 to May 9 – ‘Putting It Together’ with Stephen Sondheim

This not-to-be-missed musical revue mixes the famous Sondheim wit, word play and sophistication to celebrate Stephen Sondheim's incomparable career in musical theatre. Set in a chic Manhattan cocktail party, the musical features 30 of Sondheim’s most-loved songs including numbers from “Into the Woods,” “Company,” “Follies,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and much more. Presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

April 17 – A Night In Rio with Sergio Mendes and Eliane Elias

Grammy award-winner and undisputed master of Brazilian jazz pop, Sergio Mendes brings his unique musical blend to the Dr. Phillips Center. Mendes’s fusion of Brazilian roots with American jazz and R&B combine to create an all-new sound. Mendes will be joined by Grammy-nominated pianist, singer and composer Eliane Elias, who blends her Brazilian roots and sultry vocals with her impressive instrumental piano jazz. The performance will be April 17 at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

April 17 to 25 – ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Rollins College

Frank Loesser’s Tony Award-winning musical “Guys and Dolls” introduces audiences to the most gentlemanly mobsters you’ll ever meet, but players like Sky Masterson and Nathan Detroit are no match for the dolls who hold their hearts. With songs like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” this all-American musical will be performed by talented students at the jewel-box Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College from April 17 to 25. Call 407-646-2145 or visit Rollins.edu/annierussell

April 18 – Free Outdoor Family Concert at Loch Haven Park

Join the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for Music of the Movies, its third annual free outdoor family concert in Loch Haven Park. The event will include food trucks, an instrument petting zoo, pre-concert entertainment by Mr. Richard at 4 p.m., the REP Power Chords at 5 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. concert of movie themed music. Conducted by Chad Shoopman, the concert will offer themes from “Jurassic Park,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Star Wars” and “The Incredibles,” as well as classical music popularized by movies. No ticket required. Visit orlandophil.org