Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Current – New Sculptures in Orlando – The ‘City Beautiful’

In the past week the visual image of Orlando, already called ‘the City Beautiful,’ was significantly enhanced as new public sculptures were unveiled throughout the city. Last week Mayor Buddy Dyer dedicated a sculpture honoring the Tuskegee Airmen outside the Orlando Science Center and then illuminated the much-upgraded Tower of Light at City Hall. This week, the festivities included the unveiling of eight new See Art Orlando sculptures around downtown Orlando. Then Nov. 19 saw the unveiling of the first work of the Urban Art Museum on Mills Avenue. Countless community-minded corporations and individuals are to be thanked for this unprecedented unveiling of creativity. For now, let’s celebrate the extraordinary new art and the people who inspire us by making the ‘City Beautiful’ ever more deserving of that ‘beautiful’ title.

Now through Nov. 24 – Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees

The holiday season in Orlando begins with the annual Festival of Trees, running through Nov. 24 as the Council of 101 transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a holiday wonderland. Generous Florida businesses, clubs, and designers sponsor trees and decorations to be auctioned off, making this one of the Museum’s biggest fundraisers of the year. This is sculpture of a different sort and not-to-be-missed. Call 407-896-4231, ext. 254, or email [email protected]

Now through Dec. 14 – ‘Crazy for Gershwin’ at the Winter Park Playhouse

The creatives at the Winter Park Playhouse often create a musical based on the work of a great composer or performer. Their newest effort is “Crazy for Gershwin – A Tribute to George & Ira Gershwin.” Running through Dec. 14, this tribute to the Gershwins – sung by some of the best voices in Florida – reminds us of the unbelievable number of songs created by this all-American duo including “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “S’Wonderful!” Who could ask for anything more? Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Nov. 22 – Beethoven Sonatas to be performed by Leonidas Lipovetsky

Critically acclaimed since his debut recital at age 12, Leonidas Lipovetsky will perform the third in a series of eight performances of all 32 Beethoven Sonatas on Nov. 22. Presented by the Florida International Piano Competition, Lipovetsky has recorded for the BBC, Radio Moscow, and PBS; he was the first recipient of the Van Cliburn Scholarship; and he taught at Florida State University. Lipovetsky will perform Sonata No. 2; Sonata No. 7; Sonata No. 19; Sonata No. 20; and Sonata No. 23 (the “Appassionata”) at the Shakespeare Center in Orlando. Call 407-770-1700 or visit floridapiano.org

Nov. 22 and 23 – ‘Seussical the Musical, Jr.’

Children (of all ages) love being transported to the Circus McGurkus, where the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton, the elephant who discovers the tiny people called the ‘Whos.’ The story tells how the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family are challenged and emerge triumphant! Performed by members of the Children & Youth Arts Program at Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), “Seussical the Musical Jr.” will be presented on Nov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Cornerstone Charter Academy in Belle Isle. Tickets are $10 (children age 3 and younger are free). Visit cfcarts.com

Nov. 27 - Lake Mary/Heathrow 4th Wednesday Art Stroll

Add 4th Wednesday to the days of the month given over to an art and wine walk – this one at Colonial Town Center in Lake Mary. In addition to loads of original art, this family friendly event finds restaurants and businesses offering free wine samples as we Art Stroll. Presented by the Colonial Townpark Merchant Association and Art for All Spaces, you can begin your stroll at 951 Market Promenade Ave. in Lake Mary. Visit facebook.com/events/322832001195022/ or call 407-450-2255.

Nov. 28 – Thanksgiving Day – Golden Corral hosts 25,000

More than 25,000 meals will be served at the Salvation Army Gymnasium at 440 W. Colonial Drive on Thanksgiving Day as Golden Corral offers its 21st annual Helpings from the Heart Thanksgiving Dinner. For 21 years Eric Holm, president of Metro Corral Partners, has given back to the community, returning the favor to The Salvation Army, which provided a Thanksgiving meal to the Holm family when he was a child. “We feel blessed that we can not only share in the experience, but most importantly ensure our Central Florida community is fed,” Holm said. All are invited, and more than 1,000 volunteers are needed to help serve the free meals, which begin at 11 a.m. and are served through 5 p.m. Please pass this information along to any who needs it, and should you wish to volunteer, please call 407-423-8581.

Nov. 30 – Home for the Holidays with the Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic will call out the troops for their annual Home for the Holidays concert featuring The Holiday Singers, Florida Opera Children’s Chorus, dancers, bagpipers, aerialist Amanda Cariotto – and the Orchestra! In two performances, on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Bob Carr PAC, Home for the Holidays will include seasonal favorites such as “The Little Drummer Boy,” along with classical selections and a special performance of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a food item to help restock the Second Harvest Food Bank. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org