Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through July 19 – ‘SHOUT! The Mod Musical’

In one of the funniest musicals ever presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, “SHOUT! The Mod Musical” returns to the Playhouse through July 19. The hit musical tells the story of five women coming of age in 1960s London and features an incredible collection of ’60s classics by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, LuLu and more. The production features a powerhouse cast and is highly recommended. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Now through July 27 – ‘Rapunzel’ at Orlando Shakespeare

In a playful adaptation by Brandon Roberts from the story by the Brothers Grimm, Orlando Shakespeare offers a summertime tale for the whole family. Shut away in a lonely tower, Rapunzel grows, and so does her hair! Will Rapunzel escape the clutches of her evil captor? Find out in this contemporary adaptation with an Orlando Shakes twist. Arrive early and ‘Shake Out The Sillies’ as members of the cast offer pre-show fun for the whole family. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through July 28 – ‘Ladies of Eola Heights’ – a Wanzie Comedy

Director Ken Howard takes on this ‘re-envisioning’ of Michael Wanzie’s wildly successful comedy with a cast of Central Florida’s favorite actresses, including Peg O'Keef, Beth Marshall, Blue Star and ‘Miss Sammy’ Singhaus. “There is more than steel to these Magnolias” in this story of sisters who come together after years of being apart. Comic references to a community within walking distance of the theater make for some very funny art-imitating-life moments. In performance from July 10 to 28 at The Abbey, visit abbeyorlando.com for tickets.

Through July 30 – UCF Thesis Exhibition at Southeast Museum of Photography

Featuring outstanding photography from graduates of the University of Central Florida (Daytona Beach campus), the UCF Thesis Exhibition showcases portfolios by young photographers drawn from the joint partnership between Daytona State College and the University of Central Florida. The exhibit is at the Southeast Museum of Photography at 1200 International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona. Admission is free. Visit smponline.org or call 386-506-4475.

Through Aug. 10 – Maitland exhibits recognize 70th anniversary of D-Day

The Art & History Museums – Maitland has devoted its museums to exhibits related to war and conflict in a manner unique to each museum’s core experience. Highlights include:

• “Battlefield” at Maitland Art Center: This thought-provoking exhibit brings together works by J. André Smith and his experience as an artist sent to the front lines, in contrast to a broad range of artworks by contemporary artists.

• “Veterans Remembered” at Maitland History Museum: Remembering local Maitland veterans, this exhibit features letters, photos and oral histories.

• “Signal Corps Phones” at Telephone Museum: Signal Corps phones are vital to troops during major conflicts, and this exhibit shows how this technology has saved lives.

• “Waterhouse at War” at Waterhouse Residence Museum: Five generations of the Waterhouse family lived in this home before it became a museum. Guests discover these early inhabitants’ service and sacrifices for their country. Visit artandhistory.org or call 407-539-2181.

Through Aug. 31 – The Allure of Ancient Rome

Showcasing prints, drawings, and an illustrated book from the Cornell Museum’s permanent collection, the Cornell’s new exhibit highlights the significance of Roman antiquities in Europe and the role played by printed images in sharing knowledge about those antiquities. This exhibit coincides with the loan of a Roman sarcophagus to the Cornell with the print-works dating from 1540 to 1750. Admission is free. Call 407-646-2526 or visit Rollins.edu/cfam

Through Sept. 7 – ‘Curious George’ live at the Orlando Science Center

The insatiable curiosity of Curious George – the little monkey who has captured the hearts of millions of children for 65 years – is at the Orlando Science Center in the exhibit, “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!” Leading young visitors on a fun math-science-and-engineering-based adventure, the exhibit is on display through Sept. 7. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org

July 21 – The Orlando Philharmonic Sounds of Summer Concert Series

With each concert featuring a different theme of instruments, composers and musicians, this season’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series will be performed at the Orchestra’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando. On July 21 its “There’s Nothing Like A Dame!” In an evening of music composed by women and performed by women, Joni Hanze Bjella, Olga Ferroni, Karen Peters, and Maureen May perform piano and string music by Jennifer Higdon, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach, and Cecile Chaminade, along with the songs of Barbra Streisand and Carole King. Visit OrlandoPhil.org, twitter.com/OrlandoPhilOrch or call 407-770-0071.

July 11 – Boney James and Brian Culbertson

After four gold albums, three Grammy nominations and more than three million records sold, saxophonist Boney James embodies the phrase ‘horn of plenty.’ April 9 marked the release of his 14th album – a penetrating fusion of R&B, jazz and Latin rhythms. James will be joined by Brian Culbertson, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a recording artist by realizing the dream of making his 14th CD an all-star re-imagining of his first 11-song project, “Long Night Out.” After 13 No. 1 hits, “Another Long Night Out” is a personal and professional achievement. The pair will perform at The Plaza Live in Orlando on July 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

July 11 to 13 – The Humor Mill Orlando Sketch Comedy Troupe

Maybe it had to do with the longest title in the world, but The Humor Mill Orlando Sketch Comedy troupe will celebrate its fifth anniversary with “Locked out of Fringe!...The 2014 Orlando Fringe Festival show that never was...” at the Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park. The original two-act comedy revue features sketch comedy and musical parodies while poking fun at the annual Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival, where the comedy group had the misfortune to place last in the 2014 Fringe Festival Lottery. In three shows only, tickets are available at TheHumorMillOrlando.com

July 12 – Professional Bull Riders at the Amway Center

Experience the toughest sport on dirt when the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2014 Blue DEF Velocity Tour bucks into Orlando’s Amway Center on July 12 at 7 p.m. Thirty-five of the best bull riders in the world face off with foes nearly 10 times their weight during the most thrilling 8 seconds in sports. At the end, the rider with the highest combined score is crowned the champion. Buy tickets at 800-745-3000 or visit amwaycenter.com

July 19 – Jazz Jams Uptown (in Altamonte Springs)

WLOQ and the city of Altamonte Springs bring an impressive array of music to Crane’s Roost Park including a free concert at 7 p.m. on July 19 by bass player Gerald Veasley. With a resume including tours with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald also shares his talent as a teacher and artist-in-residence while building the audience for his own band in Europe and the States. Visit jazzjamsuptown.com

July 31 to Aug. 23 – ‘Backwards in High Heels – the Life of Ginger Rogers’

In a Central Florida premiere, the life of legendary actress Ginger Rogers comes to life onstage at the Winter Park Playhouse. The Playhouse has a well-earned reputation for creating this kind of “intimate musical.” Dancing its way through Ginger Roger’s life with unforgettable music and show-stopping numbers, the story chronicles her journey from hometown to Hollywood. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Aug. 9 – Taste of the Nation – Orlando

On Aug. 9 at 6:45 p.m., Taste of the Nation brings together the area's top chefs who donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in Central Florida. Along with extraordinary food, guests sample select wines while enjoying auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit tasteofthenation.org/orlando and/or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste. We can all buy a ticket and help.

Aug. 23 – Give Kids the World’s first-ever MacDown Competition

Another “foodie” event of a very different sort is the first-ever MacDown (mac & cheese) Competition created to benefit Give Kids the World – the 70-acre resort for children with life-threatening illnesses. The competition is open to everyone — from professional chefs to home cooks — on Aug. 23 at the Orange County Convention Center. There will be lots of fun prizes, but the best prize is knowing your efforts will help a tragically sick child achieve a dream. To participate or attend the event, visit otownmacdown.org

Current – SunTrust Foundation helps fight child abuse

Last week the SunTrust Foundation helped the fight against child abuse in Central Florida by providing a $25,000 contribution to Kids House Wayne Densch Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sanford. CAC is a one-stop center for police and sheriff led-investigation, medical treatment, financial and legal advocacy, and mental health counselling for children and families who have endured child abuse. Kids House is now in its 15th year serving as a national model for its all-inclusive (i.e. all aspects from investigation to healing) approach to fighting child abuse. To contribute or volunteer, visit kidshouse.org