Culture Worthy of your Calendar

I seldom use the word important when it comes to an art exhibit, but when one of Florida’s finest photography curators decides to take on the subject of three African-American communities in Florida prior to desegregation and the Civil Rights Era, it’s important. Picturing a time of strict segregation, the exhibit, “Mid-Century: A Photographic View of Three African-American Communities,” will be held at both the Crealdé School’s main campus and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center. Curated by Crealdé Director Peter Schreyer, the exhibit opens Friday, Sept. 9, and runs through Dec. 30 at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center from 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. For more information, call the Crealdé School of Art at 407-671-1886 or visit hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org

‘Satchmo’ world premiere

Bringing us the real Louis Armstrong, the drama “Satchmo at the Waldorf” will have its world premiere at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre opening on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Dennis Neal stars in this one-man theatrical tour-de-force about the most famous jazzman of all time. Neal will portray both Armstrong and Joe Glaser, the trumpeter’s controversial manager, as their actual words present the complex relationship between the genius from New Orleans and the tough-talking ex-gangster who made him an international icon. Running through Oct. 2, “Satchmo” is created by playwright Terry Teachout, drama critic of The Wall Street Journal, director Rus Blackwell and Neal, a familiar face in film and television who brings his special insights to both roles. “Satchmo” will be performed at the Shakespeare Center at 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando. Call 407-405-8091.

Third Thursday’s art exhibits

There are always good reasons to attend the series of gallery openings that take place in downtown Orlando on the third Thursday of each month, but this month offers two shows at two different galleries, which offer works from many of Florida’s finest artists.

On Sept. 15, the Gallery at Avalon Island presents “Dresses: Objects of Art” in a reception from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Running through Oct. 14, the exhibit, produced by Donna Dowless, features painting, sculpture, fabric, mixed media and folk art created in celebration of women and their choices.

The Gallery at Avalon Island is at the corner of Pine and Magnolia Avenues in downtown Orlando. Call 407-312-0708.

Also opening on Sept. 15 is another group show — this one curated by artist Chad Pollpeter — called “Twelve.” Pollpeter, working in his hauntingly expressionist-surrealist mode, has put together a group of 12 talented artists at The City Arts Factory at 29 S. Orange Ave.

“Twelve” will be exhibited through Oct. 15. Call 407-648-7060.

Yes — They can dance!

As we watched them split, turn, jete and lift each other, the Top 10 dancers from the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” introduced us to new choreography and new styles of dance over the past several months. Now those Top 10 dancers are set to visit Orlando as their first stop on a national tour that brings their amazing moves to the Amway Center on Saturday, Sept. 17. The group is the strongest troupe of dancers in the show’s history. The level of talent is breathtaking, with moves that are both artistic and acrobatic. Now the competition is over, and they can perform together as the super-talented group we’ve come to know. The performance at the Amway will include several favorite pieces of choreography from the TV competition along with some surprises thrown in. If there’s some choreography you don’t care for, most of the pieces are short and there will be something spectacular coming up within minutes. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.