Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

Now through Oct. 6 – ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ in the Wild West

Shakespeare’s most outrageous comedy kicks off the 25th season at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater as Director Jim Helsinger presents a very American version of “The Taming of the Shrew” set in the Wild West. “We’ve never done the play set in the Wild West, and I think it is a perfect setting for a rootin' tootin' trick-shot shootin' version of this battle of the sexes,” Helsinger says. This high-energy battle of the sexes runs through Oct. 6. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Tonight! – Sip & Stroll in Winter Park

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite us to an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres at 25 participating merchants in downtown Winter Park. The Sip & Stroll events invite attendees to visit local shops and restaurants, each of which offers a preview of their latest fashions, gift ideas and menu items. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience new destinations along Park Avenue and return to long-time favorites. Admission is $25. Each attendee receives a wine glass and passport at check-in. Call 407-644-8281 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Sept. 13 to 15 – Disney On Ice – ‘Princesses and Heroes’

You can be a hero to your little ones by taking them to Disney On Ice, as they present “Princesses and Heroes” with short versions of the stories of favorite princesses and their heroes including Snow White, Jasmine and Aladdin, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Ariel and Prince Eric. Tinker Bell and Mickey Mouse show up to present links between segments. Beware – the show includes pyrotechnics with a fire-breathing dragon on the ice during the “Sleeping Beauty” sequence. It’s playing at the Amway Center from Sept. 13 to 15 with six performances scheduled. Call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com

Sept. 13 to Oct. 5 — ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’

Among the most successful musicals presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, one of the most hilarious and most popular is “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Now the second longest-running Off-Broadway show is returning to the Playhouse by popular demand. This musical comedy sings about everything you’ve ever thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit! Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept. 13 — Performing Arts of Maitland hosts ‘A Havana Night’

Sept. 13 promises to be an evening packed with music and dance – beginning with the Maitland Stage Band featuring the magnificent Miss Jacqueline Jones singing her favorite big band tunes. This wonderfulness will be followed by Nannette's Ballroom Dance, performing and inspiring everyone onto the dance floor in a night recalling romantic “Old Havana.” Hors d'oeuvres from ZaZa’s Cuban Diner complete the Latin theme. Tickets, available online at MaitlandCivicCenter.com, are $20 advance or $25 at the door.

Sept. 14 and 15 – Jazz, Food and Wine at Lakeridge Winery Festival

Lakeridge Winery, in Clermont, will host Jazz at the Winery, showcasing favorite local bands in an event with live music, food and award-winning Lakeridge Wines on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A $2 donation will be accepted at the gate to benefit the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. The music schedule includes Airtight and Tory Wynter on Sept. 14, and The Groovemasters and the Robert Harris Group on Sept 15. Free tours and wine tastings will be offered throughout the weekend. Call 352-394-8627 or visit lakeridgewinery.com

Sept. 20 – CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children

Since 2006, CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children has raised more than $1 million for youth programs in Orlando’s Parramore community. These funds have helped open doors of opportunity for more than 2,000 young people, providing them with tutoring, healthcare, pre-school education, college assistance and more. The outstanding results have helped education achievement rates, while lowering the numbers on juvenile crime. The evening includes live performances and dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Contact Renee Jackson at 407-246-4299 or [email protected]

Sept. 20 to Jan. 11 – Eleven artists present ‘Art from the Heart of Florida’

“Art from the Heart of Florida,” set to open Sept. 20 and run through Jan. 11, is inspired by the diverse visual artists who call Central Florida home. The exhibit presents the work of 11 artists – including sculpture, painting and photography – in two-location venues: Crealdé’s main campus and at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. The opening reception will take place on Sept. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Crealdé campus followed by a continued reception at the Hannibal Square Center from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Call 407-671-1886 or visit crealde.org

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.