Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Through Nov. 4 – ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

Inspired by the true story of a recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, the story was turned into a Broadway musical. On Dec. 4, 1956, these four musicians were brought together in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. “Million Dollar Quartet” brings that legendary night to life through Nov. 4 with its tale of broken promises, betrayals and No. 1 hit songs. It’s at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 800-448-6322 or visit OrlandoBroadway.com

Nov. 2 to 4 – Playfest at Orlando Shakes

PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays will be held this weekend at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and offers a fast-paced weekend of play readings, panel discussions, parties and networking. PlayFest offers the unique opportunity to meet and talk with artists and view groundbreaking new plays. This season, a Festival Pass ($28) enables us to see all seven Playfest readings. Tony Award winner Jon Jory is the keynote speaker (free) on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. All events take place at the Shakespeare Center in Orlando. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org/tickets

Nov. 2 – ‘Motel Studio Art Exhibits’

The Faith Arts Village (FAVO) gives local artists a unique “studio home” and the opportunity to exhibit. On Nov. 2, FAVO will present “Motel Studio Art Exhibits,” the first time the FAVO artists’ spaces (formerly motel rooms) will be open to the public. Among the featured artists are Alberto Quintero, Robin Pedrero and Berto Ortega. Will Benton, executive director of FAVO, says, “The talent in Orlando is huge. Art will include jewelry, paintings, photography, locally grown nursery plants and gift items to start your holiday gift selection.” This is a free, family-friendly event at 221 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Call 407-222-1231 or visit faithartsvillage.com

Nov. 3 – Neanderthal Ball

Time to go huntin’ for your new Caveman Couture as the Orlando Science Center welcomes you to the sixth annual Neanderthal Ball. As the Science Center’s premier fundraising event, the ball is also the wackiest (and most fun) gala of the season. It may be held in a museum, but there is nothing stuffy about the coolest event this side of the Ice Age! It’s a benefit for children’s programming at the Science Center, and it’s an upscale dining event with gourmet food selections, music and silent auction items. Visit osc.org or contact Kathy at [email protected]

Nov. 8 to Dec. 15 – ‘Steppin’ Out with Irving Berlin’

Ten years ago Winter Park Playhouse Artistic Director Roy Alan created an evening in honor of Fred Astaire that was so successful that it was brought back to the stage a few years later. Now Roy Alan will be joined by mega-talents Chris Leavy and Todd Allen Long to create a show in celebration of the career of Irving Berlin. This new song and dance tribute will feature songs including “Blue Skies,” “Puttin' on the Ritz,” and “Steppin' Out With My Baby” in world premiere performances from Nov. 8 to Dec. 15. The Playhouse is at 711 Orange Ave. in Winter Park. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov. 9 and 11 – Mozart’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’

The Orlando Philharmonic has done an extraordinary job of creating brilliantly sung and staged opera performances with the orchestra on the stage. On Nov. 9 and 11, the Philharmonic will present Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” featuring singers who have performed with the world’s most renowned opera companies. This “perfect” opera – about real people – is filled with seduction, infidelity, love and forgiveness, woven together with some of the most beautiful music ever written. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the opera will be performed at the Bob Carr PAC. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org. Listen to the overture at: http://bit.ly/QS61Kb

Nov. 9 - Greece in Photographs by Josh Garrick

For those of you who only know me as a writer, I invite you to a one-night-only exhibit of my photography on Friday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. I’m honored to begin the new season of Culture & Cocktails at A&H Museums – Maitland with an exhibit called, “From Both Sides Now – Photographs of the Treasures of Ancient Greece.” Recently I was blessed with unprecedented access to the Parthenon and the new Acropolis Museum, and the exhibit pays homage to the greatness of Greece’s heritage while also showing the Athens of today. There will be art, music, food trucks, poetry readings and the unveiling of a new work to enter the permanent collection of A&H. Call 407-522-3906 or visit artandhistory.org/?page_id=146