Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Aug. 16 to Sept. 15— Art Exhibit of United Arts Grantees

Third Thursday in downtown Orlando is always one of my favorite events of the month. That is the evening – from 6 to 9 p.m. – when all of our downtown galleries open their new exhibits, and we get to toast new talent. On this Third Thursday, the don’t-miss exhibit is called “Granted!” It’s an exhibit showcasing the works of 44 artists who received grants from United Arts of Central Florida. The opening is free and open to the public, and the exhibit will be on view from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15 at CityArts Factory. From 2009 to 2011, 86 artists received grants in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Now we get to see the art they created. And remember, the Third Thursday Gallery Hop & Art Walk covers downtown Orlando, the new galleries at the Church Street Exchange and neighboring Thornton Park as well. Call 407-648-7060 or visit cityartsfactory.com

Aug. 23 to 26 – Star Wars at the Orlando Convention Center

Billed as “the biggest Star Wars party the planet’s seen yet,” Star Wars Celebration VI touches down at the Orlando Convention Center from Aug. 23 to Aug. 26. The convention promises interviews with cast and crew and activities ranging from a costume pageant to Star Wars speed dating. The weekend kicks off with writer, director and fan-boy Kevin Smith in a conversation about his career, his fandom and how Star Wars intertwines with both. Known for his movies ”Clerks,” ”Mallrats,” ”Chasing Amy,” ”Dogma” and ”Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” Smith has also authored stories for heroes including Spider-Man, Green Arrow, Batman and Green Hornet. Other announced guests include Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine), as well as celebrity fans Seth Green and Chris Hardwick. The evening with Kevin Smith, which officially opens the Convention, begins at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23. Visit starwarscelebration.com

Aug. 24, 25, and 26 – Thriller Theater presents the “Art of Murder”

In an estate on the countryside of Connecticut, Jack Brooks, one of the most-accomplished and eccentric painters of his generation, awaits the arrival of his art dealer – who he intends to kill. Thus begins the “Art of Murder” by the prolific and award-winning Joe DiPietro. Presented by Thriller Theater, the only theater company in Central Florida to focus exclusively on murder and mystery performances, the play will be performed at the Breakthrough Theater of Winter Park on Aug. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 26 at 3 p.m. According to Director Tabitha Rox, “Ticket discounts will be given to anyone dressed as Columbo.” Breakthrough Theater is located at 421 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-920-4034.

Aug. 24 – Electile Dysfunction with The Kinsey Sicks

Billboard calls them, “one act that should not be missed.” The San Francisco Chronicle says, “Their mangling of hit songs hits genius level.” And I call it one of the funniest evenings I’ve ever spent in the theater. This benefit performance for the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival presents “Electile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks for President” in their own (warped) version of a presidential campaign that touches on education, immigration, unemployment, scandal and social networking — all in glorious four-part harmony. Original songs and re-imaginings of classics include numbers such as “Sell the Poor,” “Eliminate the Schools,” and the campaign anthem, “Vote for Me (I’m Not From Kenya).” Electile Dysfunction has already taken the stage in Washington, D.C., New York City, Baltimore, Denver, San Diego and Minneapolis, but their job isn’t done until they deliver their alternative platform in Tampa on Aug. 24 at the Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St. – just blocks from the site of the Republican National Convention. This performance is not appropriate for children. Call 813-274-8981 or visit Ticketmaster.com

Aug. 24 to Nov. 11 – Art in Stitches at Women’s Museum

The Florida Museum for Women Artists will present “Art in Stitches,” an exhibit of textile art featuring the work of nine Florida artists, providing viewers an opportunity to explore the place of textiles in the art world. On display from Aug. 24 through Nov. 11, the artists include Katherine Allen of Fort Lauderdale; Connie Enzmann-Forneris of Gainesville; Jayne Bentley Gaskins of Fernandina Beach; Valerie Goodwin of Tallahassee; Pat Kumicich, of Naples; Eleanor McCain of Shalimar; Maya Schonenberger of Miami; Amy Vigilante of Gainesville; and Barbara Watler of Plantation. A reception will be held on Aug. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Florida Museum of Women Artists is located at 100 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. Call 386-873-2976 or visit FloridaMuseumforWomenArtists.org