Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Nov. 7 to 16 – The John Goring Memorial One-Act Series

Hosted by Chuck Dent and David Strauss, and presented by the Playwright’s Round Table, the fifth annual John Goring Memorial One Act Series will present three new one-act plays at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. The plays, by member playwrights include: “Entree Gold” by John Minigan and directed by Chuck Dent; “From Fear to Eternity” by Tony Pelham; and “Man’s Best Friend” by Rod McFadden. Call 407-761-2683 or email [email protected]

Nov. 8 – Community open house at New Dr. Phillips Center

It’s been 20 years in the making, and now – from noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 8 — the public is invited to take self-guided tours through Orlando’s brand new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, exploring the Della Phillips Grand Lobby, the Walt Disney Theater, the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater and the Seneff Arts Plaza. The tours will include special photo-ops and the opportunity to purchase tickets for upcoming shows and events. Visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov. 8 – Sheryl Crow in free concert celebrating the Seneff Arts Plaza

They call it the “People’s Lawn,” and the new Dr. Phillips Center will present its open space to the public with a free concert by Sheryl Crow on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. Crow has sold more than 35 million albums around the world, has released eight studio albums (seven charting top-10), a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection and a Christmas album. Ms. Crow is coming to Orlando to help us celebrate our new Performing Arts Center, and it’s free! Access to a climate-controlled hospitality area is offered at a ticketed price.

Nov. 8 – The sixth annual Gingerbread Run for Give Kids the World

The Gingerbread 5K Run is set for Nov. 8 at Give Kids the World in Kissimmee. The race invites the public inside the 70-acre story-book resort to meet the families they are helping support, leading participants through a fantasyland into the world’s largest Candy Land game. Last year’s event raised over $165,000 and this year’s goal is to generate $190,000 to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses. For information, visit gingerbreadrun.org or givekidstheworld.org

Nov. 8 – The Orlando Philharmonic presents ‘Midori & Berlioz’

Continuing its search for Orlando’s next music director, the Orlando Philharmonic presents conductor Steven Jarvi in a concert of Romantic favorites. Opening with the heroic Wagner’s “Prelude to Act III” of “Lohengrin,” and featuring internationally renowned violinist Midori performing Schumann’s “Violin Concerto,” both Jarvi and the Orchestra will be tested by Berlioz’s epic “Symphonie Fantastique.” The Orchestra is sharing its search for their next music director with us – the audience – and that is one more reason to give our support back to our super-talented orchestra. The date is Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Nov. 9 – Maitland honors veterans with Maitland Salutes You!

The annual Maitland Salutes Veterans event is set for Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Maitland Civic Center on the Lake. All veterans and their families are invited to join with community partner organizations in Maitland who are working together to make this a special day for area Veterans including a variety of activities and performances. Veterans and their families can RSVP to the Maitland Civic Center by calling 407-647-2111.

Nov. 9 to 12 – Free Family Day at the Mennello Museum

Every second Sunday (Nov. 9 this month) is Free Family Day at the Mennello Museum with age-appropriate activities and free admission. There's a make-and-take craft station and docents available to give mini-tours of the museum for the kids (and parents too). Director/Curator Frank Holt may be justifiably proud of his new exhibit – “The Taos Society of Artists.” Beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12, Mr. Holt will offer the special opportunity to enjoy coffee with the director, after which he will lead a Walk & Talk through this beautiful exhibit. Reservations suggested. Visit mennellomuseum.com or call 407-246-4278.

Nov. 14 to 23 – The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

Each year, the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees kicks off Central Florida’s holiday season by turning the Orlando Museum of Art into a wonderland of holiday elegance with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, and holiday vignettes – all for sale to benefit the museum. The prize drawings and Toyland Town activity area are all part of this popular tradition benefiting OMART’s children’s art education programs. An opening night festival gala called A Tartan Affaire will be held on Nov. 14 beginning at 7 p.m. (black tie optional) including fine culinary creations, cocktails and entertainment. Visit omart.org/programs

Nov. 14 to Jan. 11 – Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink

This holiday season, the city of Winter Park will host its sixth annual Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Central Park from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11. It’s a little bit of winter inside the tent – no matter the temperature outside. Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association as they spread holiday cheer to skaters and spectators. Visit winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.

Nov. 14 to 23 – Classic Irish Theater at Seminole State College

It’s jealousy and murder in Ireland, when young Christy Mahon stumbles into a tavern telling tales of having murdered his own father. Rather than condemn his actions, the townspeople take a morbid interest in Christy’s stories – leading to surprising plot twists. “The Playboy of the Western World” is a classic 1907 drama by John Millington Synge, and it will be performed by the Theater Department at Seminole State College from Nov. 14 to 23. Reservations are recommended. Call 407-708-2040, ext. 3.

Nov. 14 to Dec. 19 – Art exhibit features work by Lillian Verkins

An opening reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 will introduce the art exhibit “FLUX” featuring Lillian Verkins’ acrylics and mixed media paintings at the Rose Gallery in Daytona Beach. Lillian earned her bachelor of arts degree and bachelor of fine arts degree in printmaking and photography from UCF in 1987, and since 2004, the paintbrush has replaced her camera. Lillian says, “It is my meditation place … as I evolve, so should my art in this multi-faceted world.” The reception and exhibit are free to the public. Call 386-736-3039.