Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

September is Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Foodie alert! Do not miss this! More than 75 restaurants are serving up big savings this September during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. With the greatest number of restaurants in the program’s nine-year history, this is your chance to have a magical meal at the restaurant you’ve been hungry for. Following three-course dinners for $33 at some of Orlando’s finest restaurants, savvy diners can turn their evening into a stay-cation with one of several Magical Nights dine-and-stay packages. A full list of restaurants, menus and hotel packages is available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Now through Sept. 28 – ‘The Borrowers’ opens the season at the Orlando Rep

The Orlando Rep’s new season kicks off with “The Borrowers” through Sept. 28 with a new play by Charles Way based upon the award-winning children’s classic by Mary Norton. Arrietty Clock is a typical ‘tween’ yearning to experience the grown-up world – except that she and her tiny family live on dollhouse furniture under the floorboards. When their home is discovered, Arrietty is pushed into a bigger adventure than she ever could have wished. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Sept. 4 and 5 – CFCArts presents Meredith Willson’s ‘The Music Man’

The always inventive CFCArts will present Meredith Willson's beloved musical “The Music Man” on Sept. 4 and 5 – in a concert production. It’s 1912, and con-man “Professor Harold Hill” arrives in River City, Iowa posing as a bandleader in order to sell instruments for a non-existent band that he promises to conduct. Including the Broadway classics “Ya Got Trouble” and “76 Trombones,” “The Music Man” won 6 Tony Awards and an Academy Award. The cast includes a 100-voice choir and full orchestra at Northland Church in Longwood. Tickets ($10) are available at cfcarts.com/the-music-man

Sept. 4 to 26 – ‘Five’ at UCF Art Gallery

Known for his bold abstractions in vivid color, Paul Scarborough is one of the “Five” artists whose work will be featured at the University of Central Florida Art Gallery from Sept. 4 to 26. The exhibit features large-scale abstract paintings from each of the Artists including Cicero Greathouse, Nancy Jay, Jackie Otto Miller and Chris Robb. A reception, open to the public, will be held at the Gallery in the Visual Arts Building on the UCF campus. Call 407-272-0736.

Sept. 4 to 7 – Disney On Ice presents ‘FROZEN’

In the first time the Academy-Award-winning tale is presented live, “FROZEN” captures the dynamic between two royal sisters; Anna and Elsa. Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister (the magical Elsa), who is determined to test the limits of her powers. In the production, Mickey and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the story with appearances by Disney Princesses who come together to prove that love is the greatest power of all. At the Amway Center from Sept. 4 to 7, tickets are available at disneyonIce.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

Sept. 5 – Arts for Education at the University Club of Orlando

Art For All Spaces and the University Club of Orlando join forces to host Arts for Education, a first-of-its-kind event showcasing the work of both established artists and students from local colleges. Proceeds from art sales support the University Club Scholarship Fund which has donated over $1.6 million in scholarships. The show features the work of leading Florida Artists and works by students of the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Valencia College and Seminole State College. Tickets are $20 ($10 for students), available at ucluborlando.com

Sept. 5 – Dancin’ Through the Decades at The Abbey

The Abbey is pulling out the stops to host the biggest party in town as the music plays and the drink specials flow. Autumn at the Abbey includes a variety of renowned talent including a weekly cabaret series, comedy shows, and happy hours – all beginning with Dancin’ Through the Decades on Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. A non-stop music video party, with hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s, five HD screens and an amazing sound system, begin your fall season with this “no cover” event. Visit AbbeyOrlando.com

Sept. 8 – Photographer Joe Drivas speaks on ‘Looking vs. Seeing’

The Fine Art Group of the Orlando Camera Club will welcome Joe Drivas to speak about Looking vs. Seeing on Monday, Sept. 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Commercial photographer, consultant, and educator Joe Drivas is represented world-wide through Getty Images with work for clients ranging from Apple, IBM and Microsoft to Toyota. Joe will show us examples of “how he sees,” enhancing our awareness of all that is around us. At the Marks Senior Center in Orlando, the program is free with RSVP to [email protected]

Sept. 10 to Oct. 12 –‘Les Miserables’ at Orlando Shakespeare

In one of the greatest events in the Central Florida cultural season, our fearless Shakespeare Theater takes on one of the greatest Broadway blockbusters of all time as they open their season on Sept. 10 with “Les Miserables.” Featuring Central Florida’s own Broadway Star Davis Gaines, “Les Mis” is set in 19th-century France where Jean Valjean is on a quest for redemption. Relentlessly hunted by Police Inspector Javert, the two men – along with a host of fantastic characters – are swept up in France’s revolution. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Sept. 12 – Neiman Marcus Fashion to benefit the Zebra Coalition

Event Hosts Jose Cabrera and Cathy McFadden invite us to an Evening of Fashion at Neiman Marcus on Sept. 12 to benefit the Zebra Coalition whose mission is to foster hope, dignity and self-respect among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBT+) young people. As we enjoy “sips, lite-bites, and an amazing raffle,” 100 percent of the proceeds will help provide these young people with an opportunity to grow in a safe environment. With needs from basic shelter to medical services, our ticket purchase will make a difference. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mall at Millenia, purchase tickets at http://conta.cc/1o8NVFv

Current – The Alfond Inn announces Jesse Martinez as new general manager

The Alfond Inn in Winter Park recently celebrated its one-year anniversary by introducing its new General Manager – Jesse E. Martinez. Owned by Rollins College, the 112-room hotel marks its first anniversary having been built with a $12 million grant from the Alfond Foundation in order to have net operating income directed to The Alfond Scholars Fund. In a brilliant example of contemporary fund-raising – over the next 25 years – or until the endowment reaches $50 million, the hotel will dedicate its income to the Fund, which in turn supports scholarships for students of Rollins College. Call 407-998-8090.

Current – A doctor’s health tips for World Alzheimer’s Month

Fitness expert and neurosurgeon Dr. Brett Osborn appreciates the growing public interest in health and fitness, but especially in the month of September he says, “attention needs to extend to arguably our most essential organ – the brain.” September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and Dr. Osborn, author of “Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness,” offers five tips to help everyone maintain brain health. Learn new skills. Commit to real exercise. You’ll have stress; learn to manage it. Fuel a better body and brain, and “feed your head” with smart drugs. Dr. Osborn is a New York University-trained, Board-certified neurological surgeon. Visit drbrettosborn.com