Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

The magical month of May

Those of us who live here know that timing is key when it comes to having family and friends visit Orlando. May is one of the best months for travelers to get more out of their time here, because May means short lines for rides at the attractions, more time to relax, and some great weather. In addition, the Orlando Magicard, a free savings card offered by Visit Orlando, offers discounts on everything from theme parks to savings on cultural venues such as the Orlando Museum of Art. For details, click on VisitOrlando.com

May 3 through June 30 – Paintings by Ellie Diez-Massaro

Ellie Diez-Massaro takes ordinary landscapes and turns them into magical dreamscapes in her new exhibit “COLOR and LIGHT: Ellie Diez-Massaro” at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA). The artist hand paints black-and-white infrared photographic prints, creating stunning evocations of color and mood. LEMA director Richard Colvin says, “Ellie’s photographs are beautifully colored in both bright and subtle shades that take the artist’s original infrared photographs and elevate them into a new realm of fantasy.” The public is invited to the opening reception on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. with the exhibit continuing through June 30. LEMA is located in downtown Eustis at 1 W. Orange Ave. Call 352-483-2900 or visit lakeeustisartmuseum.org

May 4 – United Way’s 21st annual Chef’s Gala

There are some big food and wine events in Central Florida, but none are as truly fabulous as the annual Chef’s Gala that benefits Heart of Florida United Way. Festivities begin May 4 at 6:45 p.m. as the sparkling wine begins to flow (along with a silent auction) at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Twenty-five of Central Florida’s top restaurants provide food for the event, which benefits health and human service programs vital to Central Floridians in need, and – with the contribution/purchase of a ticket to the Chef’s Gala – we can help. Call 407-429-2129 or visit hfuw.org

May 8 – Historical Honors for Rita Bornstein

The nationally honored Rita Bornstein, president emeritus of Rollins College, will receive the Historical Society of Central Florida’s highest honor at the annual John Young History Maker Celebration on May 8. The award is given each year to a Floridian whose achievement has made an historic impact on the community. The History Maker Celebration is the Society’s largest fundraiser of the year with funds raised from the event supporting educational programs that served more than 136,000 children last year alone. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 407-836-8370.

May 9 and 10 – ‘When You Wish…’ A concert of Disney favorites

The 250-voice Central Florida Community Choir invites the public to “When You Wish…” a concert filled with Disney favorites including songs from “Beauty & The Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies,” “The Lion King,” and other childhood favorites. Directed by CFCArts Founder Joshua Vickery, and backed by a full orchestra, “When You Wish…” is the perfect family concert. Tickets are affordably priced at $10 with age 3 and younger admitted for free. Concerts are May 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the 3,100-seat Northland Church at 530 Dog Track Road in Longwood. Call Sarah Mattingly at 407-949-7170.

May 10 – Maitland’s Summer Concert Series begins

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H), in partnership with Performing Arts of Maitland, will present the first of their summer concerts on May 10 at 7 p.m. in the A&H’s Garden at 231 W. Packwood Ave. These summer evenings under the stars kick off with The Hindu Cowboys, whose sound has been described as “rich with folk, traditional string band and organic corn-fed roots music.” Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, and a bar is available. A&H’s Summer Concert Series takes place the second Friday of each month, and admission is $3. The season includes: Dan Jordan Quartet on June 14; Daniel Heitz & the Revelators on July 12; The Loria Brothers on Aug. 9; and The Master Blasters on Sept. 13. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

May 11 – ‘How to Succeed’ with the Orlando Philharmonic

Fresh from a huge success with their production of the opera “Madama Butterfly,” the Orlando Philharmonic will take on the classic Broadway show “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Christopher Wilkins will conduct and Frank McClain will direct the musical in which ambitious window-washer J. Pierrepont Finch scratches his way to the top at the World Wide Wicket Company. This Frank Loesser musical won both the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize in 1962. Presented in two (highly recommended) performances at the Bob Carr PAC at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 11, reserve your tickets by calling 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

May 11 – The Science of Wine at the Orlando Science Center

The largest collection of wines of any Orlando event comes to the Orlando Science Center on May 11 beginning at 7 p.m. The Science of Wine is much more than a simple wine tasting; it’s an ‘oenological odyssey’ with presentations on multiple aspects of wine as well as the opportunity to sample more than 100 fine wines from the world’s great wine regions. This fundraiser for the Science Center, presented by Akerman Southern Wine & Spirits, will offer gourmet foods to accompany the wine selections; wine educator Luis Torres will present Life Beyond the ‘Wine and Cheese’ Cocktail Party; and Tim’s Wine Market will offer wine education stations. Call 407-514-2233 or visit osc.org/wine

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.