- March 28, 2024
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Today – Jan. 5 – Josh Garrick’s super sale art exhibit at Bloomingdale’s
Hosted by the Orlando Downtown Arts District and Bloomingdale’s at the Mall of Millenia, the public is invited to the final day of my art exhibit featuring my printed on aluminum artwork. For those who can visit on this final day I will cut all remaining prices in half – and you take it home! Visit the third floor where Bloomingdale’s supports the arts with a percentage of all art sales donated to the Downtown Arts District. Visit this free art exhibit in a department store, where all remaining works will be half off from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thank you, Bloomingdale’s for this enlightened approach to philanthropy.
Now to Feb. 5 – ‘Blackberry Winter’ at Orlando Shakespeare
Years of success and planning have not prepared Vivienne for her mother's slide into dementia. Vivienne’s memories of her mother and the decisions regarding her care are interwoven with a 21st century Alzheimer's creation ‘myth’ about a White Egret who protects forest animals as they lose their memories. Steve Yockey’s new play “Blackberry Winter” is a moving, sometimes humorous, but always deeply human work being presented at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org
Jan. 6 to Feb. 4 – Lillian Verkins’ paints big at Lake Eustis Museum
Large canvas painter Lillian Verkins has received over 20 juried awards, among which are two “best of show” and four “first place” awards. In 2016 Lillian was the first place winner in the prestigious “Genius of Women” exhibit presented by Women in the Arts Inc. Born in Bosnia, Lillian’s family immigrated to the U.S. in 1964. Today, Lillian’s large canvases are filled with big, lush brushstrokes that are both “personal and therapeutic” for the artist. Ms. Verkins will open a new exhibit, entitled “Atmospheres” on Jan. 6 at the Lake Eustis Museum at 1 W. Orange Ave. in Eustis. Visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org or call 352-483-2900.
Jan. 9 – Valencia College art faculty exhibit
A reception for accomplished members of the art faculty at Valencia College will be held at the Orange County Admin Center at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 9. Curated by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, the four-month-long exhibition of artworks in all media includes artists Courtney Canova, David Lee Cumbie, Andrew Downey, Michael Galletta, Rima Jabbur, Nancy Jay, KYLE, Allan Maxwell, Jackie Otto Miller and Dennis Schmalstig. Visit ocfl.net/arts or call 407-836-4450.
Jan. 9 to 14 – ‘Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show’ at Orlando Rep
Award-winning magician and comedian Tony Brent returns to the Orlando Rep with “Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show.” Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied in the cafeteria, the gym, the playground – anywhere there were no adults. Now – using comedy, magic, and lots of costumes – Tony teaches children how to cope with being bullied, how to recognize the signs of bullying, and whether they themselves might be guilty of bullying. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com
Jan. 9 – Orlando Mayor’s City Academy 2017 – registration deadline
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer understands that “citizen involvement is essential to successful local government,” and offers the Mayor’s City Academy as a way to begin your involvement with the City Beautiful. The Academy offers a backstage tour of Orlando, highlighting the city’s services in a 10-week program of road trips and tours that include Orlando’s City Hall, police headquarters, and a busy fire station. The 2017 Mayor’s City Academy begins on March 9 and will be held the following nine Thursdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. The deadline for applications is Jan. 9. Visit cityoforlando.net/mayor/get-involved/
Jan. 11 to 29 – ‘Wicked’ – for three weeks – at the Dr. Phillips Center
Broadway’s “Wicked,” one of the greatest Broadway shows of all time, continues to break box-office records around the world. Winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” tells the story of two girls in the Land of Oz. One, born with green skin is smart and misunderstood; the other is ambitious and popular. How one becomes the “Wicked Witch of the West” and the other becomes “Glinda the Good” makes for one great Broadway musical. In performance for three very highly recommended weeks at the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Jan. 12 to 16 – Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey present ‘Circus XTREME’
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed as the Circus XTREME comes to Orlando’s Amway Center. High-wire wizards, strongmen, trick riders, daredevils, contortionists, a human cannonball, a cast and crew of more than 300, and a full menagerie of amazing animals provide two and a half hours of thrilling entertainment. Circus XTREME features Bengal tigers and camels. The party starts an hour before the show at the All Access Pre-show, which is free with each ticket purchase. Visit Ringling.com, amwaycenter.com, Ticketmaster locations, or charge-by-phone at 800-745-3000.
Jan. 14 – Engelbert Humperdink at the Dr. Phillips Center
Engelbert Humperdink’s unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe. He has recorded everything – ballads, movie themes, disco, rock, and gospel in a career spanning 50 years. Mr. Humperdink has sold over 140 million records, including 64 gold albums, 35 platinum, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His music transcends time, but it’s the man himself who inspires emotions that explain his life-long success. At the Dr. Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m., call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org
Jan. 14 & 15 – The 40th annual Scottish Highland Games
Originating in the Scottish Highlands during the 11th century, Highland Games have long been an audience-favorite spectacle. Experience the history and culture of these centuries old traditions through Highland athletics, archery, dance, piping and drumming, Border Collies, food, whiskey tasting and that very special Gaelic spirit. The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida, founded in 1976, hosts the annual Central Florida Scottish Highland Games at Central Winds Park in Winter Springs. No reservations required. Visit flascot.com
And current …
A new conductor for the LGBT+ Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard
The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band performed its fifth anniversary concert on June 12, 2016, the day of the Pulse massacre. In the weeks and months afterward they performed at vigils, memorial services and remembrances across Florida. The band has announced the appointment of its new conductor – Chris Green, whose impressive resume speaks of over 25 years experience in bands, drum and bugle corps, and pageantry. Mr. Green has served as an adjudicator and clinician for marching, concert, and jazz bands which in turn produced accolades in U.S. Bands, Bands of America, and North Texas Color Guard Association. He won the Dallas Teacher of the Year Award in 2014, and the Farmer's Insurance Teacher of the Year grant to provide $100,000 worth of equipment for his band. In a quick interview, it is obvious that the new conductor intends to “hit the ground running,” and should you wish to volunteer or support his efforts, please visit CFSOF.com. All of us at the Observer welcome Conductor Chris Green to Central Florida!