Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

March 15 through April 14 – Jai Gallery presents a solo exhibit by Barbara Sorensen

The impressive (in size and beauty) new Jai Gallery in downtown Orlando will open a solo exhibit of never-before-exhibited works by Barbara Sorensen on March 15. A retrospective journey through Sorensen’s ‘muses,’ the exhibit exemplifies the classical Greek aesthetic in Sorensen's work, as well as her love for nature's forms. The exhibit will include new works from her “Dwellings” and “Chalices” series, and a new ceramic series: “Flock.” From 6 to 9 p.m. on March 21, the public is invited to a unique story-telling performance, which I will narrate in collaboration with John DiDonna’s Empty Spaces Theatre Co. Call 407-921-0693 or visit jaigallery.net

March 15, 16 and 17 – 54th annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

One of the biggest, oldest and highest rated sidewalk art fairs in the country, the 54th annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will be held March 15 to 17 in Winter Park’s Central Park. Featuring works by national and international artists, this year’s festival prizes will be enhanced by a “purchase award” from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. The $5,000 Art of Philanthropy Award will “recognize one of the talented artists at the Festival and support the arts community that our founder held in such high esteem,” says Foundation President David Odahowski. The festival is free to the public. A Children’s Workshop Village (ages 2 through 12) with hands-on arts activities will be offered on all three days. Call 407-644-7207 or visit wpsaf.com

March 16 – The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

For one night only – March 16 – the Bach Festival will present what many consider to be the greatest chamber orchestra in the world – The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Known for its refined sound, the program will have added brilliance as it features award-winning soloists Alisa Weilerstein on cello, and Inon Barnatan on piano. Formed in 1958, the Academy maintains a partnership with founder Sir Neville Marriner with whom they have made more than 500 recordings; the most recorded pairing of orchestra and conductor in history. The program will be held at Trinity Preparatory School on March 16 at 8 p.m. For tickets, call the box office at 407-646-2182 or visit BachFestivalFlorida.org

March 17 – The Young Composers ‘Composium’ concert

The ninth annual ‘Composium’ is a free concert featuring new orchestral works written by students ages 13 to 18 from around the country. The student composers are winners of the National Young Composers Challenge, a competition that invites students to submit original compositions for judging with the six winning compositions performed at the concert. The student winners receive cash prizes and professional recordings of their work while the audience hears the music of tomorrow. Sponsored in part by the Orlando Philharmonic, the March 17 concert is free and the public is invited. Call 407-770-0071.

March 19 – Amanda Bearse in Speaker Series

After graduating from Winter Park High School, Amanda Bearse went to New York to study acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse. Those ‘lessons’ led to 10 years co-starring on the TV mega-hit “Married with Children.” During those 10 years, Amanda began directing, and she’s now been behind the camera for 22 years, and is currently directing for the Disney Channel. She will talk about her life in show business at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on March 19 as part of the Winter Park History Museum’s Speaker Series. Visit wphistory.org or call 407-647-2330.

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 on March 22 at 7 p.m. Winner of four ECHO Klassik music awards for its recordings, the Orchestra has performed in the world's great concert halls, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The program includes Beethoven’s glorious Piano Concerto No. 4 with Louis Lortie at the piano, and his “most beautiful” Symphony No. 7. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org

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 flooring to cabinets and landscaping, we can learn to save on products and services to refresh and restore our homes. Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s “Man Caves” and “Desperate Landscapes” shares advice on the IKEA Stage while national experts offer home and garden tips throughout the weekend. Enjoy demonstrations and samples by top chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage, and view the innovative interiors of four designer