Josh Garrick: Culture for Your Calendar

Now through March 27 – Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’

Orlando’s brilliant Shakespeare Theater begins its annual repertory season with Shakespeare’s final and much-loved play, “The Tempest.” Prospero, the Duke of Milan, finds himself stranded on a remote island in this mystical play that defies expectations with its tale of love and monsters, love and spirits, and love and mercy. Arrive early – 30 minutes before each performance – and an Orlando Shakes actor will lead the audience through a discussion of the plot and themes of the production, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Now through March 13 – “Naked Boys Singing” at the Footlight Theatre

With the recent announcement of Tim Evanicki as artistic director at Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre, an ambitious schedule of theatre has begun with the attention-grabbing musical revue, “Naked Boys Singing.” With 16 original songs, eight good-looking guys and no clothes, Evanicki knew what he was doing by opening with a show that may be controversial for Florida but has run in venues from Hollywood to Off-Broadway since 2006. With nothing pornographic about this revue, there is complete nudity. The Leap Year Performance on Feb. 29 is a fundraiser. Visit phouse.ticketleap.com or call 321-299-7464.

Feb. 13 – Paws in the Park fundraiser for Pet Alliance

Paws in the Park is a community fundraiser that helps provide for the more than 8,000 homeless pets who will be cared for by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando this year. The 2016 event, at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, will include a Disney kids and family zone, splash dog zone, doggie activities, canine sports arena, and food trucks. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. with continuous activities until 1 p.m. Call 407-351-7722 or visit petallianceorlando.org

Feb. 13 – Dr. Phillips Center presents Yanni

A legendary composer and performer, Yanni has brought millions of people together through his albums and live concerts. Over 2 billion more have experienced the magic of his music through television in Yanni’s unforgettable performances at the Acropolis in Greece, the Taj Mahal in India, the Forbidden City in China, and El Morro in Puerto Rico. This Greek "modern day composer" creates amazingly pure melodies as witnessed by more than 40 platinum and gold albums worldwide. Join Yanni live at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando at 8 p.m. on Feb. 13. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 13 – Orlando Philharmonic’s ‘Barber to Bolero’ at the Bob Carr

Join the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Associate Conductor Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Stewart Goodyear as they take the Orlando Philharmonic for an adventurous ride, with twists and turns, jazz rhythms, and a charming detour, culminating in a triumphant crescendo. They will perform Barber’s “Overture to The School for Scandal,” Gershwin’s “Concerto in F,” Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite,” and Ravel’s propulsive “Bolero” as part of the Orlando Philharmonic’s Classics Series at the Bob Carr at 8 p.m. Feb. 13. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Feb. 14 – St. Valentine’s Day – A friendly reminder

This is, for the most part, a note to the guys who read my column. Of the two or three dates in the year you want to remember, this is one of them! Tickets to the theater or a live concert could make you a Valentine’s Day hero.

Feb. 14 – The Year of the Monkey Dragon Parade

Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year, and this most important Chinese festival will be celebrated with a real Dragon Parade beginning at 11 a.m. on Feb. 14 at the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Featuring cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, and an assortment of Chinese foods, the event is free, and the public is invited. Call 407-808-0497.

Feb. 17 – Chili for Charity at the Winter Park Farmers Market

It’s year five for the Rotary Club of Winter Park’s Chili for Charity event featuring creative chili dishes by popular restaurants and some unlikely contenders. Favorites including 4Rivers Smokehouse, Francesco’s, and Hamilton’s Kitchen will be there along with competitors from Rollins College to the Title Boxing Club of Winter Park. They compete for the Peoples’ Choice Award as guests enjoy unlimited chili tastings, live music, drinks, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s Foundation. Held at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m., tickets are $25 each. Visit chiliforcharity.org or call 407-702-2014.

Feb. 18 and 19 – Encore Cast performing ‘In the Wee Small Hours’

Exemplifying the unique versatility of our new Performing Arts Center, “In the Wee Small Hours” is a jazzy cabaret event celebrating the Great American Songbook. While transforming the Pugh Theater into a 1940s speakeasy and transporting guests to an after-hours party, ‘club guests’ will dine on assorted hors d'oeuvres and small dessert plates, while a four-piece band and club vocalists perform an assortment of jazz classics. This might just be – ‘Your Momma’s Cabaret Experience.’ Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 20 – Patti LaBelle at the Dr. Phillips Center

The incomparable Patti LaBelle is a soulful songbird whose name is synonymous with grace, style and class. The amazing vocal range that allows her to belt out classic rhythm and blues, pop standards and spirituals has created the unique performance versatility for which Ms. LaBelle is known and revered. Save Feb. 20 for this special evening filled with classic songs, incredible vocals, and inspiring energy beginning at 8 p.m. At the Dr. Phillips Center, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Feb. 20 – Science Night Live at the Orlando Science Center

Live from Orlando, It’s Science Night Live! This evening is reserved for adults to enjoy our Orlando Science Center with grown-up-inspired programming. We get to view stars and planets through the giant refractor telescope, catch the films in the CineDome, experiment in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory, play science trivia, and enjoy food and adult beverages from Hard Rock Café. There’s even a guest speaker – Derek Demeter – who will present “Our Sky, Our Universe” at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission is $15, and OSC members get in free. Call 407-514-2000 or visit osc.org/snl

Feb. 21 – The Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Anna in the Tropics’

“Anna in the Tropics” by Nilo Cruz, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is set in Ybor City, a section of Tampa and the center of the cigar industry at the turn of the 19th century. In the play, a reading of “Anna Karenina,” deeply affects the characters' lives, leading their relationships to spin out of control. In two performances at the Dr. Phillips Center at 2:30 and 7 p.m. on Feb. 21, call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

Feb. 23 to 28 –Broadway in Orlando presents ‘Kinky Boots’

Inspired by true events, the musical “Kinky Boots” tells the story of Charlie Price, who is looking to save the family shoe business. Charlie turns to a fashionable friend — cabaret star Lola — who gives Charlie the idea that could change both of their destinies. Featuring a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein, and Tony-winning choreography and direction by Jerry Mitchell, the story turns out to be about finding friendship and inspiration where you least expect it. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

And looking ahead …

March 2 – An evening with Josh Groban at the Dr. Phillips Center

We’re sharing this news early, because if I waited, there wouldn’t be any tickets left. The Dr. Phillips Center invites you to an evening with the incomparable Josh Groban. This international singing phenomenon has more than 25 million albums sold worldwide, including five multi-platinum albums and huge hit songs such as “You Raise Me Up,” “You Are Loved” and “The Prayer.” Groban’s latest album, “Stages,” quickly reached the top of the charts and features a collection of some of the greatest music theatre songs of all time. Visit drphillipscenter.org or call 844-513-2014.