Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Tonight and Jan. 29 – Art for All Spaces presents ‘Reviving the Ancients’

In a celebration of the enduring relevance of past cultures and ideas, Art for All Spaces invites the public to the opening of “Reviving the Ancients” on Jan. 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at the CityArts Factory in Orlando. Featuring the work of 24 artists, the works explore ways in which the human race has addressed questions of existence through image-making. An additional event is planned for Jan. 29, when artist/scholars will conduct short tours of the exhibit. Call 407-450-2255 or email [email protected]

Now through Feb. 14 – ‘The Rat Pack Lounge’ at Winter Park Playhouse

Frank, Dean and Sammy may be in heaven, but in the Florida premiere of a new musical at the Winter Park Playhouse it would seem they have some unfinished business back on earth and they’ve got one night to make it right. With over 30 hit songs including “My Way” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,” this melodic new musical – “The Rat Pack Lounge” – will transport you back to the days of highballs and high rollers. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now through March 22 – The Art of the Highwaymen at the History Center

In the 1950s and ’60s, a group of self-taught African American artists known as the Highwaymen began selling their Florida landscape paintings from town to town, offering artwork from the trunks of their cars. By the 1990s, articles in magazines brought the Highwaymen new acclaim – and new collectors – making their works highly collectible. On Jan. 15, the Orange County Regional History Center will open an exhibit of 14 paintings by 12 of the original Highwaymen artists. Call 407-836-8500 or visit thehistorycenter.org

Jan. 16 to 18 – The 2015 Scottish Highland Games

From whiskey tasting to highland dancing to archery and axe throwing, the 2015 Scottish Games will return to Central Winds Park in Winter Springs on Jan. 16 to 18. The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida was founded in 1976 to celebrate Scottish traditions here in the U.S., including the annual Scottish Games held on the third weekend in January. The Games have grown into a weekend-long family festival with Scottish-born headliners Albannach scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visit flascot.com for a complete schedule.

Jan. 16 to 19 – Orlando Science Center presents Otronicon

Now in its 10th year, the Orlando Science Center celebrates interactive technology’s role in how we live, work and play during Otronicon from Jan. 16 to 19. Inspiring interest in science and tech careers through video games and interactive technology, visitors will learn to create video games, experience simulators and connect with local tech companies. Rock group ArcAttack will claim the stage with guitars, drums and Tesla coils that produce ‘lightning’ in time with the music. Meet and talk with futurists Jim Brazell and Dan Barstow and Indienomicon creator Kunal Patel between the open play video games throughout the building. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org or otronicon.org

Jan. 16 – Pink Panther 50: Tribute to Henry Mancini

The Dr. Phillips Center will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic film “The Pink Panther” with the music of the 20-time Grammy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini. The Tribute to Henry Mancini features music and film excerpts from Mancini’s many hits, including “Moon River,” “Pink Panther,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and more. Featured performers include Monica Mancini; Tony DeSare; Nicole Henry; composer/saxophonist Tom Scott; Shelly Berg; and the Henry Mancini Orchestra. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 17 – Spencers: Theatre of Illusion at the Dr. Phillips Center

While the Spencers: Theatre of Illusion trucks carry a lot of equipment, a rabbit and top hat are not in the inventory. Kevin and Cindy Spencer have mesmerized millions with performances on five continents. Named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year (six times) and honored with magic’s highest honor – the Merlin Award (in 2009) – the Spencers’ production fuses theatrical elements of Broadway with the energy of a rock concert. The performance begins at 1 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Jan. 17 – Christner’s to raise funds for three charities

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, Central Florida’s premiere steakhouse, will unveil its new cocktail menu at Christner’s Craft Wars on Jan. 17 beginning at 5:30 pm. It’s all about the bar as three Christner bartenders go head-to-head creating craft cocktails with the winner accepting bragging rights and donations for charity. For $20, guests gain access to the event as the bartenders raise money for Central Florida Food and Outreach, Florida Hospital Diabetes Institute and Runway to Hope. Please RVSP to [email protected]

Jan. 17 – London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Daytona Beach

Founded in 1946 by Sir Thomas Beecham, the ensemble was called the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as approved by George VI, and gained immediate fame through recordings in Britain and the U.S. This distinguished ensemble will visit the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. with an extraordinary program including Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture” and the Beethoven Violin Concerto performed by the renowned conductor/violinist Pinchas Zukerman. The Orchestra will conclude the program with Brahms First Symphony. This event comes very highly recommended. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org

Jan. 20 – Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young at Rollins College

The Winter Park Institute brings renowned speakers to Rollins College offering talks that are free and open to the public. The Institute will present “Andrew Young – A Continuing Legacy” on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Former Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Young will share his personal Civil Rights legacy as part of a community series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Call 407-691-1995 or visit winterparkinstitute.org

Jan. 20 – ‘50 Shades! The Musical Parody’ comes to Orlando

The New York Times said, “50 Shades! delivers the goods!" so don’t even try to withstand temptation – submit to “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” when it comes to Plaza Live in Orlando on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. The sexy send-up of the best-selling novel has audiences laughing and dancing in the aisles, and now it’s Orlando’s turn to experience the show that has audiences begging for more. Call 877-435-9849 or visit plazaliveorlando.com

Jan. 21 to March 8 – ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ at Orlando Shakes

This timeless story is told through the eyes of the 6-year-old daughter of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch, caught up with his family in a tug-of-war between justice and racism. Set in the Depression-era South, the play includes racist language and discussions of rape, but the conclusion shows how hatred can be tempered with courage and compassion. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” continues to inspire today. Presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater through March 8, call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Jan. 22 – The 2015 Ovations Awards Ceremony

Each year the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Merchants Association and Winter Park/Maitland Observer celebrate exemplary local businesses and organizations through the Ovations Awards. Community members provide votes and input on the 'best of' dining, shopping, business services, arts, culture and health via an online poll. This year the awards will be presented on Jan. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center at 151 W. Lyman Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-644-8281 or visit winterpark.org

Jan. 22 – Swashbuckle for an evening to benefit USO Central Florida

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, USO Central Florida and Central Florida Rotarians invite us for drinks, dinner and a show. Pirate’s Town will host A Night Out at Treasure Tavern, with proceeds benefiting America's troops and their families through USO services here in Central Florida. For reservations call 407-206-5102 and use offer code USO or visit usocentralflorida.org

Jan. 23 to 25 – ‘Swan Lake’ by the Orlando Ballet

The Orlando Ballet launches its first season at the new Dr. Phillips Center with what many consider to be the greatest of all classical ballets – “Swan Lake.” Set to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music, and based on the Russian folk-tale of a young princess transformed into a swan by a vengeful sorcerer, this shortened production promises a highlights look at the classic romance. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

Jan. 23 to Feb. 22 – ‘The Explorers Club’ at Mad Cow Theatre

Shocking! What is this world coming to? The place is Victorian London (1879), the home of all that is proper in the world, and the venerable Explorers Club faces a crisis. A woman has applied for membership. Harrumph and humbug…. Membership extended to a woman, indeed. Benjamin, bring me the Scotch. This silly business will all be dealt with at the curiously named Mad Cow Theatre from Jan. 23 to Feb. 22. Call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com