Florida Culture for the Week of August 20, 2016 by Josh Garrick

FINAL WEEK -- NOW to August 29 – Breakthrough Theatre presents ‘Godspell’
‘Godspell’ was the first major musical from 3-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children Of Eden). Led by a parade of hit songs, it took the world by storm. Told through a variety of games, story-telling, and tongue-in-cheek comedy, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life in this unique production with two casts: a student cast and an adult cast. Call 407.920.4034 or visit breakthroughtheatre.com

 
Photo by Valerie Sims. Pictured: Joseph Sikkema and Lucas Coura

NOW to Sept 25 – Art Exhibit – Metal Man: New Work by Chris Beck
Alabama Artist Chris Beck describes his work as “making something from nothing.” On August 20 from 6 pm to 9 pm, Jeanine Taylor Folk Art welcomes Chris Beck with a Free-to-the-Public Reception that coincides with Sanford’s monthly Art Walk. Beck transforms old metal (e.g. from tin roofs) into three dimensional wall hangings that resemble clothing and accessories like hats and shoes. You may meet the Artist at the opening at 211 East First Street in Sanford. Call 407-323-2774 or visit jtfolkart.com 

August 21 – Amanda Crider in Recital in Premiere of Series
Praised for her “focused, golden toned voice,” American mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider has been invited to give the first recital in Opera Orlando’s new recital series on August 21. Ms. Crider has sung with opera companies across the US including the New York City Opera and Florida Grand Opera. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2007 and currently serves as Artistic Director of Miami's Vocal Chamber Music series. Pianist Robin Stamper accompanies at the University Club at 841 N. Park Avenue in Winter Park. Visit operaorlando.org/opera-in-the-park

August 22 at 7 pm – Orlando Philharmonic presents ‘Birds of a Feather’ 
Many compositions of the 20th-century composers Francis Poulenc, Eugene Bozza and Jean Francaix are staples in the woodwind repertoire, so Principal Bassoon Diane Bishop gathered some of her friends to perform this irresistible music. The program is called ‘Birds of a Feather’ and will include Brahms Serenade No. 1 in the second half of the program. While the Serenade is most often played by a full orchestra, the ‘Birds of a Feather’ will perform the work in its original form of woodwind and string quintets combined. Ms. Bishop says, “Great friends performing great music together, is the inspiration for this program.” Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Aug 26 – ‘Minions’ is the Final FREE MoviEola Film of the Summer 
The Final FREE outdoor movie in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park begins at 6 pm with activities and music from Mix 105.1. That’s a good thing, because this time you’ll want to arrive early to secure your spot, because EVERYONE LOVES MINIONS. Bring the family, some blankets or chairs, and a banana or two to enjoy pre-show activities with the movie beginning promptly at 8:15 pm. Call 407.246.4484.or visit cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola

August 26 & 27 – CFC ArtsChoir Presents: Sondheim, Gershwin, & Porter - Oh My! 
On August 26 and 27 the CFCArts Community Choir will present some of the most legendary works of America’s greatest Broadway composers. Enjoy "Someone to Watch Over Me” and "Summertime" by George Gershwin; relive the beauty of the classic "Night and Day" by Cole Porter; and experience the melodic complexities of Stephen Sondheim. “Sondheim, Gershwin, & Porter – Oh, My!” will be presented on both evenings at 7:30 pm at Central Christian Church at 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd. in Orlando. Advance tickets are $10. Children age 12 under admitted FREE. Call 407.937.1800 X710 or visit cfcommunityarts.com.

August 26 & 27 – 8 am to 12 pm -- McRae Artists – 18 Years of Art – ON SALE 
Think of it as the biggest “fine art garage sale” ever. After 18 years in Winter Park, McRae Art Studios, Central Florida’s oldest art studio complex, will hold a giant moving sale before relocating to a new home. All of the 22 artists in the group will offer original art, including paintings, photographs, mixed media, jewelry, and ceramics – at REDUCED prices, AND they will also sell art equipment, tools, furniture, art books and music CDs as well. This is a ‘golden opportunity to add an original piece of Art to your collection and help out some local Artists at the same time. Visit mcraeartstudios.com or call 407.599.9956

August 26 to 28 & Sept 2 to 4 – Free ‘Sandtastic Weekends’ at the Swan and Dolphin
It’s a new way to feel the sand beneath your toes as the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts host two ‘Sandtastic Weekends’ with ‘beach activities’ for all ages. The event highlight is 100 tons of intricately sculpted sand designed by world-class sculptors on the Swan and Dolphin’s private beach. Guests may watch the masterpieces being created, ‘learn’ techniques of sand sculpting, and compete in an amateur sculpture contest. The fun includes food, games on the beach, a DJ, a campfire and s’mores! Overnight accommodations and a full ‘Sandtastic’ schedule are available at sandtasticweekends.com or by calling 800.227.1500. The events are Free and open to the Public. 

August 27– Taste of the Nation – Orlando
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 unlimited samplings of extraordinary food, guests sample select wines while enjoying auctions and entertainment. We need to do something about the horrific statistic that one in five children in Central Florida goes to bed HUNGRY. 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. 

August 28 – “The Three Baritones” Perform in Opera Series 
Three Baritones -- Gabriel Preisser, Nathan Stark and Bryan Myer will share the bill at the University Club in Winter Park on August 28. Brian James Myer joins the resident ensemble at Opera San Jose during the 2016-2017 season; Myer is also a published composer. Praised by the Washington Post as having a voice of "unearthly power," bass-baritone Nathan Stark has performed on stages including the Metropolitan, Cincinnati, and Atlanta Operas. Acclaimed by The New York Times and Opera News, Opera Orlando’s own Gabriel Preisser has performed lead roles for Minnesota, San Antonio, Philadelphia and Cincinnati and in a national broadcast on PBS. You’ve seen the “Three Tenors.” Imagine that concept translated for men with DEEP voices. For tickets, please visit operaorlando.org.

August 31 at 1 pm – Baritone Gabriel Preisser (Solo this Time) at University Club
The ultra-busy (see above) lyric baritone/opera star Gabriel Preisser, (he’s also Opera Orlando’s Executive Director) will sing opera arias at the University Club of Winter Park's Classical Music Series, accompanied by pianist and opera baritone Chevalier Lovett. A 2016 League of American Orchestras Emerging Artist, Preisser has been praised by Opera News and The New York Times for a resume that includes more than 40 operatic and musical theater roles, including Danilo in The Merry Widow, Figaro in The Barber of Seville, and Escamillo in Carmen. His performance as Lt. Gordon with Minnestora Opera was broadcast nationally on PBS. Visit operaorlando.org or email Joe[at]rizzolovesmusic.com

Sept 1 to Sept 5 – Allstate and Tom Joyner Celebrate FAMILY During Labor Day Weekend
Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, will return to the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate FAMILY. Families from all over the country will join Joyner and friends for a weekend of stellar concerts and activities featuring Jill Scott and El DeBarge, Masters of Funk Brick, The Bar-Kays, Switch, and Steve Arrington. In addition celebrity sightings; seminars; and activities for all ages will be FREE inside the expo. Concert tickets, from $29 to $69.50, may be purchased at FamilyReunion.BlackAmericaWeb.com 

Sept. 11 – One Voice – Opera’s Response to the Pulse Tragedy in Orlando 
‘One Voice Orlando: A Celebration in Song,’ set for Sept. 11, is the benefit concert from the opera community in response to the Pulse tragedy in Orlando. The performance will take place in Orlando’s magnificent Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “National stars and musicians have joined in this outpouring of support and generosity for the victims, their families and those directly impacted by this horrific shooting,” said Gabriel Preisser, Executive Director of Opera Orlando. “Internationally-renowned David Charles Abell will conduct and legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes will be one of the evening’s hosts.” All performers are donating their services to maximize the funds going to the beneficiaries. Tickets at $25 to $125 are available at operaorlando.org or by calling 844-513-2014. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators