Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through Sept. 27 – Sang Roberson exhibit at the Mennello Museum

Sang Roberson's work is greatly influenced by her love of nature and organic forms. Having grown up in the Mississippi Delta surrounded by natural beauty, her goal is to recreate the simple shapes of nature in her terracotta art. Recipient of an NEA fellowship, Roberson has exhibited at the Smithsonian Craft Show and in galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and Europe. Roberson’s work is on exhibit now through Sept. 27 at the Mennello Museum. Call 407-246-4278 or visit mennellomuseum.com

Now through March 26 – ‘Train Whistles in the Distance’ at Winter Park History Museum

This free exhibit features a hands-on telegraph office, a Pullman Lounge Car from the 1880s and a film recreation of the train journey that many Florida settlers took from northern states during the late 19th century. Visitors can view artifacts, model trains, and wall panels that depict 1880s Winter Park, and there is also an activity corner for young children, including an interactive train table. Admission is free at the Winter Park History Museum at 200 W. New England Ave. Call 407-647-2330.

July 31 – The Dr. Phillips Center presents Fifth Harmony

After their sold out Reflection Tour, the award-winning, pop powerhouse Fifth Harmony will visit Orlando as part of their Reflection Summer Tour. Their latest single “Worth It” is earning Fifth Harmony their highest position on the charts so far following their win as Favorite New Artist at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and a performance at the White House. They won the Artist To Watch Moonman at the MTV VMAs, and they were nominated for six 2014 Teen Choice Awards and a People’s Choice Award. The ladies will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center on July 31 at 7 p.m. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Aug. 1 – Orlando Shakespeare holds free open house

Our fantastic Orlando Shakespeare Theater invites the entire community – all ages – to a free open house to celebrate its 27th season. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, events include light and sound demos, princess story-time, an artistic panel discussion, a tour of the costume museum, crafts for the little ones, meet-and-greet photo ops, and more. Those Shakespeareans know how to throw a party, and this is guaranteed fun for the entire family. These guys are opening their season with “SPAMALOT” – how serious could they be? No tickets required. Visit orlandoshakes.org

Aug. 1 – Ice cream social for Bags of Hope

Yes, ice cream is the draw, including sundaes, floats, Italian ice, games, face painting, balloon art, a cake walk and photo opportunities for “Star Wars” fans on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Council of Catholic Women present the social to benefit Bags of Hope, an organization that helps needy and hungry children in our community. At Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, tickets are an affordable $5. Visit Bags of Hope on Facebook or call 407-647-6769.

Aug. 1 to 8 – Main Street Restaurant Week’s special dining offer

Orlando Main Street will hold a weeklong event to promote the amazing restaurants that are doing their part to make our city famous – and we get the benefit. From Aug. 1 to 8, most greater Orlando restaurants will offer a menu with price points of $5, $10, $20 and $30. Go back and look at those prices – and let the salivating begin. That includes College Park, Thornton Park, Mills 50, the Church Street District and more. No coupons required. Foodies simply dine out at as many restaurants as they like during the week of Aug. 1 to 8. For participating restaurants, visit mainstreetrestaurantweek.com

Aug 2 – Chayanne brings his national tour to the Amway Center

Puerto Rican heartthrob, singer, actor and composer, Chayanne has released 21 solo albums and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. A performer since childhood, he was too young to perform with Menudo, so he joined the group Los Chicos, beginning a life of producing hit records. More than 20 solo albums later, Chayanne brings his first solo national tour to the Amway Center in Orlando on August 2. Visit Amwaycenter.com

Aug. 3 – Sounds of Summer presents Music of the Americas

The Orlando Philharmonic continues its Sounds of Summer Series at its new home at Plaza Live with Music of the Americas – music from Canada, North America, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Featured composers include Connie Ellisor, Ennio Morricone, Astor Piazzolla, Alberto Ginastera, and a world premiere by Benoit Glazer. Led by Duo Sole – Mauricio Céspedes Rivero on viola and guitar and Alexander Stevenson violin, the Duo will be joined by Stephen Seifert on the dulcimer. Call 407-896-6700 or visit orlandophil.org

Aug. 6 and 7 – Central Florida Community Arts’ presents the ‘Brahms Requiem’

Joshua Vickery’s remarkable CFCArts will present the beautiful “Brahms Requiem” with a full chamber orchestra on Aug. 6 and 7 at the First Presbyterian Church of Maitland. Having assembled the libretto himself, Brahms ignored the traditional Catholic Mass (sung in Latin), in favor of a text derived from the German Bible. This German requiem focuses on the living, beginning with the text "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." This theme, offering hope and encouragement, recurs throughout the work. Tickets are on sale at cfcarts.com for $10 per person with children 12 and under free.

Aug. 7 to Sept. 6 – Mad Cow presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Clybourne Park’

Derived from Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 classic “A Raisin in the Sun,” Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park is a hard-biting investigation of race relations in America over the last 50 years. Beginning in 1959, Norris presents a white, middle-class neighborhood in shock over the arrival of black residents. Fifty years later, the neighborhood is predominantly black and facing gentrification. Personalities and prejudices collide in this winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best Play. Presented from Aug. 7 to Sept. 6, call 407-297-8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com

Aug. 8 – Celebrated chefs support 26th Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry

Central Florida’s most celebrated chefs will gather on Aug. 8 at the Orlando World Center Marriott to donate their talent and passion for the 26th annual Orlando's Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry. Forty-four award-winning chefs will showcase signature dishes, accompanied by fine wines, craft beers and cocktails, to ensure that no child grows up hungry in Orlando. Newcomers include Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge (a personal favorite) and Highball and Harvest at Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Along with extraordinary food, guests will enjoy auctions and entertainment. Please know that every dollar raised fights hunger and homelessness in Central Florida. Tickets are $150. Visit ce.strength.org/Orlando or facebook.com/OrlandoTaste