Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

March 21 and April 6 – Story telling at an art exhibit

On March 21, Jai Gallery invites the public to a unique story-telling/art event narrated by fine art photographer, columnist and ancient Greek art expert Josh Garrick in collaboration with John DiDonna’s Empty Spaces Theatre Co. The ‘informance’ – based on “The Odyssey” by Homer – will be a 20-minute choreographed dialogue between Barbara Sorensen’s art objects and the myths that inspire them. The audience, narrator and performers will move through the exhibit, recounting stories from Odysseus’ attempt to return home following the Trojan War. Show times are March 21 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., and (a family show) on April 6 at 1 p.m. Jai Gallery is at 101 S. Garland Ave. in downtown Orlando. Call 407-921-0693 or visit jaigallery.net

March 22, 23 and 24 – Central Florida Home & Garden Show

“Get inspired and get started,” is the motto of the 2013 Florida Home Show to be held at the Orlando Convention Center from March 22 to 24. With experts on everything from windows and floors to cabinets and landscaping, we can shop and save on products and services to refresh and restore our homes. Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s ”Man Caves” shares advice on the IKEA Stage; top chefs offer samples on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; and four designer rooms are ready to view. Visit centralflhomeandgardenshow.com or call 877-871-7469.

March 22 – Beethoven – Direct from Germany – in Daytona Beach

Concluding its brilliant season of large orchestras, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society invites us to experience the 106-piece Beethoven Orchestra Bonn. Winner of four ECHO music awards, the Orchestra has performed in the world’s great concert halls, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The program will include Beethoven’s glorious Piano Concerto No. 4 and Beethoven’s “happiest” Symphony No. 7. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org

March 22 to April 14 – ‘Enchanted April’ at Mad Cow

This engaging comedy is about two frustrated London housewives who decide to rent a ‘castle’ in Italy for a holiday away from their bleak marriages. They find themselves forced to share their dream castle with two very different – and somewhat condescending – English women. Seeing themselves anew through these unwanted relationships, each of the women changes, but will it be for the better? Presented at the Mad Cow Theater’s new home through April 14, visit madcowtheatre.org or call 407-297-8788.

March 26 – Artist Critiques evening free to the public

The Art & History Museums - Maitland invites the public to its free Artist Critique Series, a professional development series that offers artists the opportunity to have their works reviewed along with comments from the public. Held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Maitland Art Center, the critiques are led by artist and arts writer Josh Garrick, along with guest panelists Thomas Thorspecken and Camilo Velasquez. Each evening is meant to be both entertaining and informative with audience participation encouraged. Visit Artandhistory.org

March 27 to April 28 – ‘Titus Andronicus’ at Orlando Shakes

Those Elizabethans were a bloody bunch as witnessed by the (at that time) popularity of Shakespeare’s bloodiest blockbuster. Vengeance and madness are the themes of “Titus Andronicus” with each barbarous act begetting brutal acts of retaliation. Gory and horrific, ”Titus Andronicus” was the most popular of Shakespeare’s plays during his lifetime. What does that say about this human race? The play is showing March 27 to April 28 at the Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Special Events

March 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. – Cirque de la Symphonie

The forward-thinking Orlando Philharmonic shows us how “Cirque can meet Symphony” in a thrilling program in which acrobats and contortionists perform amazing feats, and aerialists soar overhead as the Orlando Philharmonic performs. Maestro Christopher Wilkins says, “In the case of Cirque de la Symphonie, the circus performers have chosen the selections. Whether it is the power of the strongmen or the grace of the aerialists, I find myself fascinated by their choices, and loving the connections to my world that they have made.” Visit orlandophil.org or call 407-777-1700.

Coming soon – Wine to celebrate an artist’s 90th birthday

Cellardoor Winery has announced a new wine specially bottled for Central Florida’s legendary artist and mentor – Harold Garde. Sporting a label created by the artist, the winery announced, “For our 2013 Artist Series, we honor Harold Garde, the ever creative, prolific, living legend of American Abstract Expressionism and celebrate the artist’s 90th birthday. ‘Urbane’ beautifully exemplifies Mr. Garde’s unique style, its bold simplicity, and ability to engage every viewer.” Congratulations and happy birthday to a special friend and a brilliant mentor. Call 207-763-4478 or visit Mainewine.com