- March 28, 2024
Loading
Tonight through March 30 – ‘Busytown’ (for children of all ages)
Richard Scarry’s stories and characters come to life in “Busytown” through March 30 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Using imaginative music and movement, Huckle Cat takes the audience on a tour of his neighborhood – introducing Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat, Construction Worker, and Fire Chief – all working together to keep Busytown ‘busy.’ For children of all ages, call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com
Feb. 21 to March 2 – The Orlando Premiere of ‘Terminus’
The Empty Spaces Theatre Co(llaboration) will present Mark O’Rowe’s darkly visceral – and very Irish work – “Terminus” at the Shakespeare Center from Feb. 21 to March 2. The often hilarious and always-surprising play finds three individuals – a lonely young woman, a guilt-filled mother, and an awkward young man – living in a world of singing serial killers, avenging angels and lovesick demons. First produced at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2007, call 407-328-9005 for reservations.
Feb. 21 and 22 – Concertos by Candlelight: Vivaldi and Bach
The 2014 Concertos by Candlelight presents a playful and passionate program featuring Vivaldi’s Bassoon Concerto and Credo for choir coupled with violinist Lara St. John performing Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Violin Concerto No. 2 with the Bach Festival Orchestra. Performances are set for Feb. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Rollins College. Call 407-646-2182 or visit bachfestivalflorida.org
Feb. 22 – A tribute to Louis Armstrong
Since 1989 Byron Stripling’s tribute to Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong has been performed before 50 orchestras throughout the United States. Stripling’s trumpet virtuosity and vocal stylings have brought classics like “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Minnie the Moocher” to audiences at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. In two performances, on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Stripling will join the Orlando Philharmonic at the Bob Carr PAC to celebrate the musicianship, wit and showmanship of Louis Armstrong. Call 407-477-1700 or visit orlandophil.org
Feb. 22 – Live from Orlando – It’s Science Night Live!
Us ‘grown-ups’ get to take over the Orlando Science Center when it’s reserved strictly for adults at Science Night Live on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Guests will celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday by witnessing the electrifying High Voltage show; experience the premiere of “Flight of the Butterflies” in the CineDome; view stars and planets through the giant telescope in the Observatory; conduct lab experiments in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory; delight in food and adult beverages; and engage in science trivia to win prizes. Dress code is casual science nerd. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org/snl
Feb. 22 – Cocina 214’s Margarita Madness Recipe Contest
Frozen, on the rocks or straight up with a salted rim—margaritas are the libation of choice on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. as Cocina 214 celebrates National Margarita Day with the Margarita Madness Recipe Contest. Contenders submit margarita recipes for a chance to win a $100 gift card and have their recipe featured on the drink menu. The top three contestants will go head-to-head, making their margarita recipes at the celebration with complimentary samples offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cocina 214 is at 151 E. Welbourne Ave. in Winter Park. Visit Cocina214.com or call 407-790-7997.
Feb. 22 and 23 – Downtown (Orlando) Food & Wine Fest
The annual Downtown Food & Wine Fest is set for Feb. 22 (noon to 9 p.m.) and Feb. 23 (noon to 7 p.m.) for the thousands of foodies and wine-lovers who wish to experience unique cuisine paired with wines from around the globe. Located in Orlando at Lake Eola, the two-day Fest features tastings from 40 of Orlando’s premier restaurants, wine tastings, and live entertainment. New for 2014 are ticket choices that include the Ultimate Fest Experience, the Wine Tasters Club, and the VIP Bottle Service at The Liquid Lounge. Call 407-919-1048 or visit DowntownFoodAndWineFest.com
Feb. 23 – Youth Orchestra presents Celebration of Music Education Concert
In a concert featuring performances from three of the organization’s orchestras, the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra will honor music educators for the life-changing work they do every day. By celebrating the key role music education plays in the lives of youths, the audience can experience and appreciate the merits of the players and the educators that have inspired them. The Celebration of Music Education Concert will take place on Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. at the College Park Baptist Church at 1914 Edgewater Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $8 to $16. Call 407-999-7800.
Feb. 25 to March 2 – ‘War Horse’ on the Broadway Series
“War Horse” is a World War I drama of courage, loyalty and friendship, playing for one week on the Orlando Broadway Series. Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and caught up in an extraordinary journey as Albert, too young to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him home. This powerful drama, filled with music and song, packed theaters in London and New York. With the theatricality of life-sized puppets that ‘bring to life’ galloping horses, call 800-448-6322 for your tickets.
Feb. 26 – Chili for Charity
The Rotary Club of Winter Park's Chili for Charity event returns with creative chili recipes with a ‘Winter Park attitude.’ Local restaurants, caterers and businesses compete for the coveted Peoples' Choice award while having their dishes evaluated by a panel of judges as live entertainment, drinks, dessert and a live auction round out the evening at the Winter Park Farmers Market. 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Marlow's Tavern, and The Meat House are three of the more than dozen competitors in this up-scale chili cook-off set for Feb. 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Feb 26 – Wine & Wit: A roast celebrating Dick Batchelor
Raise your glasses to toast (and ‘roast’) one of Central Florida’s most respected and admired community leaders – Dick Batchelor, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and current businessman, political analyst, and child advocate. The evening will include live music, a special menu from 4Rivers Smokehouse and The COOP with live cooking demonstration by Chef John Rivers, silent auction and the entertaining ‘roast’ honoring Dick Batchelor. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Quantum Leap Winery in Orlando, the Roastmaster is Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel. Other roasters include Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Congressman Lou Frey, Mark NeJame and more. Call 407-215-0095, ext. 211, or email [email protected]
Feb. 28 – ‘Don Quixote’ by the Moscow Festival Ballet
Rich in Spanish tradition (and Russian ballet bravado), “Don Quixote” (the ballet) brings Cervantes' masterpiece to life in the timeless story of an aging knight and his imaginary adventures. Setting out to rescue the lady of his dreams, Don Quixote leads a charge against invisible rivals, puppets and windmills. The Moscow Festival Ballet merges the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach for one performance only at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28. Call 386-253-2901 or visit dbss.org
Looking ahead with the generous chefs of Central Florida …
March 1 – Appetite for the Arches
On March 1, Central Florida’s finest chefs will showcase their creativity for a great cause at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida’s Appetite for the Arches fundraising event. At this event, participating chefs from more than a dozen restaurants will use McDonald’s ingredients to create palate-pleasing dishes for guests to sample. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy drinks, live music, a silent and a live auction. Ronald McDonald House provides a home and care to families with children receiving treatment at local hospitals in Orlando. Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouseorlando.org/events.
March 6 – Books and Cooks to benefit the Winter Park Public Library
The Alfond Inn is the setting for an evening of celebrity chefs signing their books to support the Winter Park Public Library. Featuring John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Brandon McGlamery of Prato and Luma on Park, Norman Van Aken of Norman's at the Ritz-Carlton, Richard Gonzmart of Columbia Restaurants, and Hollis Wilder of Sweet By Holly. The $25 ticket includes the author’s panel at The Alfond Inn, a bourbon cocktail (recipe by John Rivers), and ‘gourmet snacks’ by Luma on Park and Sweet By Miss Holly. Contact P. Corkum at [email protected] or call 407-623-3277.