Culture worthy of your calendar

The return of the Classic Rock Laser Light Show

There was a time — a few decades ago — when science observatories were turned into "trippy" light shows and a curious woodsy aroma would permeate those halls of science. Now the Orlando Science Center is bringing back that "Old Time Rock and Roll" as they once again merge sight and sound for an unforgettable laser light show experience. Featuring a lineup of rock's legendary hits, backed by 28,000 watts of stereo sound and laser effects, the shows can be experienced at the Science Center's Dr. Phillips CineDome every Saturday night until Aug. 21. The lineup includes an 80s mix of hits by Guns N Roses, U2 and Michael Jackson and a classic rock compilation with songs by Bob Seger, Queen and The Doors. The schedule is rounded out by a Beatles laser show and the return of perennial favorite Pink Floyd with the iconic "Dark Side of the Moon". Tickets get you into one of the four shows (80s Flashback at 7 p.m., classic rock at 8 p.m., The Beatles at 9 p.m., or Pink Floyd at 10 p.m.) There is also a family-friendly laser show at 6 p.m. Laser show admission includes access to all the Science Center exhibits. Call 407-514-2000 or visit www.osc.org.

Free piano concert

The Festival of Orchestras has found a unique way to announce its 2010-2011 Season. As the Festival's entire concert season will take place at the new Northland Performing Arts Center (in Longwood), the Festival will hold a free piano concert and tour of the facilities on Thursday, June 24 at 6 p.m. Beginning with refreshments, there will be time for patrons to explore the concert hall and find their potential seats of choice. Northland's Marc McMurrin and Festival of Orchestras Executive Director Susan Carey will be on-hand to answer questions. At 6:30, the free performance by pianist Sergei Kossenko will take place, immediately followed by a performance by an ensemble from the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. After the performance, Festival of Orchestras staff will be in attendance to answer questions. Northland's 3,100-seat performing arts center is just two years old and is well-equipped to host performances by the great orchestras this organization brings to our community. "It's an amazing facility that will be a perfect venue for our visiting orchestras," Carey said. Call 407.539.0245 or visit www.festivaloforchestras.org

ABBA — Bjorn Again!

The continuing love for the music of ABBA is celebrated with true musicality, out-and-out fun, and some tongue-in-cheek satire in the group Bjorn Again — a group that does not want to be called a "cover band" for ABBA. OK, so I won't call them a cover band, but they look, act and sing like that unforgettable group, and on Thursday, June 24 at 8 p.m., Bjorn Again and ABBA's Greatest Hits will return to the wonderful Plaza Theatre in downtown Orlando. Founded in 1988 in Australia, Bjorn Again rapidly achieved cult status, eventually giving 4,000 performances in 50 countries over two decades. And most importantly, Bjorn Again is still performing and is popular all over the world. They gave a signature performance of their 20th Anniversary Tour for Vladmir Putin in Russia before taking the group to Switzerland and the UK. Founder Rod Stephen says, "I'm in my 33rd year in the music industry and still get a buzz when I see the audience having such a great time." If there was a time when you were a fan of ABBA, you'll have a great time at Bjorn Again. The Plaza Theatre is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. For tickets, call 407-228-1220.