Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now open – ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ at the Science Center

Inspired by Scholastic Entertainment’s “Clifford The Big Red Dog” on PBS, the Science Center’s newest exhibit offers “paws-on” adventures that reinforce “Clifford’s Big Ideas” – 10 simple life lessons designed to help children share, be a good friend and help others. Children get to board the Birdwell Island ferry, play drums from around the world (including Clifford’s giant xylo-bone), find “bone”-ifide treasures at T-Bone’s Beach, and slide down the tail of the 9-foot-tall Clifford that is the centerpiece of the exhibit. Parents can browse the Normal Bridwell Art Retrospective of 40 years of stories by the award-winning author of ”Clifford The Big Red Dog.” Visit osc.org

Now through May 19 – ‘Memphis’ to Orlando – Direct from Broadway

It won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Orchestration, and now “Memphis” – the Broadway musical – is here in Orlando. From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn., comes this hot new musical bursting with explosive dancing, songs and a tale of forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, “Memphis” rocks out the Bob Carr through May 19. Tickets are available online at OrlandoBroadway.com or by calling 1-800-982-2787.

Now through May 28 – The Fringe Festival is officially open!

That wacky, often-weird, and always-wonderful festival of plays called the Fringe Festival will present 100 performance groups in Fringe 2013. Fringe’s philosophy is to be 100 percent uncensored, 100 percent non-juried, and 100 percent accessible, while giving 100 percent of money from ticket sales back to the artists. This celebration of the arts is taking place at Loch Haven Park, offering a host of original performances, a lively outdoor stage, Visual Fringe (fine Art), and Kids Fringe! Remembering that Fringe plays are uncensored, you’ll want to check the schedule for plays that are adults only and which ones are (age-appropriate) for kids. Visit orlandofringe.org for a complete schedule.

May 16 and 23 – Carol Stein in ‘I Love a Piano’

Native Floridian Carol Stein returns to The Winter Park Playhouse with her new solo cabaret, ”I Love A Piano” May 16 and 23. Carol’s travels as a musician have spanned the globe including Carnegie Hall in New York, The Oasis Lounge in Hong Kong, and Disney World. She has recorded four solo albums, spontaneously arranges musical pieces during live performances, and currently performs as the ‘Hat Lady Pianist’ at the Rose and Crown Pub at the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

May 17, 18 and 19 – CFC Arts Cabaret Series

The Central Florida Community Arts’ Cabaret Series presents Katy Reinsel Willis in a Mother’s Day-themed show titled ”Mother Knows Best.” Katy has spent the past decade entertaining from theme parks, to theaters in New York, to a three-year stint as a singer on the Disney Cruise Line. Katy took on her most recent (and favorite) role – that of being a mother – when her son Ethan John, the inspiration for her cabaret show, was born. Katy will perform on May 17, 18 and 19 at the Dr. Phillips Building at 1111 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando. Call 407-949-7170 or visit cfcarts.com

May 17 to Jan. 5, 2014 – New Exhibits at the Mennello Museum

The Mennello Museum offers two new exhibits, both of which open May 17. The first, called “Never No More: Storter’s Southwest Florida” showcases the memoirs of Rob Storter (1894-1987), which were published in 2000 as the book “Crackers in the Glade.” This self-taught artist sketched pictures of his rural environment and annotated them with stories, often bemoaning the wilderness that was being lost to development. The second exhibit is “Art and Artifacts of the Seminole: Selections from the Collection of I.S.K. Reeves V and Sara W. Reeves,” which features the history and culture of the Florida Seminoles as seen through their art, jewelry and more. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

May 18 – Orlando Philharmonic honors James Taylor

This year the Orlando Philharmonic’s annual outdoor concert at The Springs (in Longwood) features a tribute to American singer/songwriter James Taylor. “Shower the People” is a presentation of more than two dozen James Taylor classics from “Fire and Rain” to “You’ve Got a Friend.” Featuring the voice and guitar of Neil Donell, the “man of a thousand voices,” Donell’s meticulous performance of Taylor’s songbook appeals to the same wide demographic audience as JT’s music. This family event invites you to pack a picnic, close your eyes, and be amazed at what you hear. The performance is set for May 18 at 8 p.m. Call 407-770-0071 for tickets.

May 18 – Orange County’s Top Talent at Hard Rock Live

One hundred and fifteen acts strutted their stuff for a chance to compete at Orange County’s Top Talent Competition to be held May 18 at Hard Rock Live at Universal. Top Talent is a countywide show featuring singers, dancers, comedians and musicians drawn from Orange County Public Schools’ students and staff. Proceeds support literacy, quality teaching, and OCPS visual and performing arts programs. Eighteen finalists have been chosen to perform at the Hard Rock venue. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Visit foundationforocps.org

May 18 – Flower Power Family Days at Art & History Museums – Maitland

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) invite us to Family Days on May 18 at 1 p.m. to celebrate May Flower Power! Families will learn about traditions including May Day flowers, dance around the May Pole, and create a bouquet of tissue flowers to share. The program is 45 minutes in length, after which families are encouraged to stay and enjoy the A&H museums. Call 407-539-2182 or visit ArtandHistory.org

May 18 and 19 – Orlando Comic Expo

Featuring guest of honor Drake Bell, winner of nine Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, the Orlando Comic Expo welcomes the voice of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the animated series ”Ultimate Spider-Man.” The convention also offers comic books, toys, games, anime, manga, artwork and apparel along with appearances by artists Dennis Calero, Jim Fern, Paul Gulacy, Bob Hall, Rob Hunter, Alex Maleev, Cary Nord, Keith Pollard and Rodney Ramos. Admission is free for children at this family-friendly convention at the DoubleTree Hotel near the Orlando airport. Visit orlandocomicexpo.com

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.