Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Tonight – Feb. 16 – Dr. Phillips Center presents ‘An Evening with the Piano Guys’

The Piano Guys do things to a piano that would make Mozart sit up and take notice. They’re an Internet sensation thanks to their self-made music videos, but it’s their blend of classical music with pop that brought them to their major label debut album on Sony Music Masterworks in 2012. I can’t wait to see them live. The show starts at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 17 – Happy birthday Morse Museum

The elegantly sophisticated Morse Museum, which opened its doors on the Rollins College campus on Feb. 17, 1942, is generously celebrating its 75th anniversary with free admission throughout February. The Morse, which began as a small museum presenting loaned objects, is today home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by American designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). On Friday, Feb. 17, the Museum’s anniversary date, the public is invited to a free champagne reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Visit morsemuseum.org

Feb. 17 – Erth's Dinosaur Zoo LIVE (from Australia!)

This playdate was 65 million years in the making. “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE” guides your family on a tour through pre-historic Australia where you’ll interact with an eye-popping collection of realistic dinosaurs. This life-like theatrical performance is brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, so you won’t want to miss a minute of this entertaining and educational live show from Sydney, Australia. It starts at 7 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 22 – The COOP honors guest chef Kathleen Blake

Add to the list of the “Wonders of Winter Park” the fact that our own Celeb-Chef John Rivers offers a guest chef series at his personal chicken restaurant, The Coop. These wonderful events are tastings, and they are free. Coming up on Feb. 22, Chef John will welcome James Beard Foundation-nominated Chef Kathleen Blake, from Downtown Orlando’s Rusty Spoon, for a free cooking demonstration. The COOP is at 610 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. Info at bit.ly/GuestChefCOOP

Feb. 24 to 26 – ‘Godspell’ presented by Encore! Cast Performing Arts

Prepare ye for the tale of love based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. “Godspell” was the first major musical offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin”). Performed by Encore Cast Performing Arts, a community-minded group of Disney cast singers, dancers and musicians, who share their passion for music while donating the proceeds from each performance to a local charity. Who better to bring Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love to life? Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 25 – Orlando Ballet: A Tribute to Harriett, Best of Broadway

The angel of the ballet, Harriett Lake, will be honored in a one-night-only show, featuring her favorite show tunes from Broadway, old and new. The dancers of the Orlando Ballet company will be choreographing new works and performing alongside Artistic Director Robert Hill for this “Best of Broadway” dance performance at 7 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit orlandoballet.org

Feb. 26 – Dr. Phillips Center presents Terry Fator 

“America’s Got Talent” winner Terry Fator recently celebrated his seventh award-winning year at The Mirage in Las Vegas, where he brings a hilarious cast of characters to life. With comedic banter and vocal impressions of musical superstars such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks, "Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment" is a one-of-a-kind experience. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 27 – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at Dr. Phillips Center

When the world’s most popular modern dance company comes to the Dr. Phillips Center, it is sure to be an event that will inspire. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” has performed for over 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries, celebrating the African-American cultural experience. This performance at 7:30 p.m. will include the Ailey signature work, “Revelations,” which continues to move audiences around the world. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

And looking ahead …

March 3 – A living legend – Smokey Robinson

With his smooth-as-silk and instantly recognizable voice, the legendary singer/song-writer/ producer Smokey Robinson has a voice that is the audio equivalent of comfort food for the soul … served up with soul at the Dr. Phillips Center at 8 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 24, 25 & 26 – Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ with Gabriel Preisser

Opera Orlando presents Mozart's magnum opus “Don Giovanni” set in a present-day college fraternity. The "big man on campus" metaphor works with Mozart's masterpiece, because the tale of too much power in the wrong hands is both timely and timeless. Robert Neu is stage director and our own Gabriel Preisser takes on the title role of ‘frat-brother-gone-wrong’ with players from the Orlando Philharmonic, dancers from the Orlando Ballet and members of the Opera Orlando chorus all led by Conductor Elaine Rinaldi. Visit operaorlando.org

Current (and important) – Fairwinds Broadway Season 2017-2018 announced

Beginning with the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” the Dr. Phillips Center has announced the roster of Broadway shows for 2017-2018. The second show is “On Your Feet!,” the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Next is “Love Never Dies,” the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Returning by popular demand, “The Book of Mormon” is followed by the “School of Rock,” featuring a kids’ rock band. A four-week run of the celebrated Disney musical “The Lion King” is followed by an original comedy “Something Rotten!,” and the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning “RENT” 20th anniversary tour. In addition, the Orlando premiere of “Hamilton” will arrive in the 2018-2019 Season. Yay! Visit drphillipscenter.org