Florida Culture for the Week of February 19, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

Feb 21 beginning at 5:30 pm – Public Reception for ‘Black History Month’ Art Exhibit 
The Downtown Arts District and Bloomingdale's at the Mall at Millenia have joined to present an art exhibit in honor of ‘Black History Month’ featuring artists from Central Florida. The Artists include Arland Simmons, Arlene Vivaldi, Everett Spruill, Jessica King, Joyce Hayes, Kolongi, Mowgli Nameste, Neosoe, Patrick Noze, Pamela Bussey, Toni Taylor, Tr3, and Vanness Johnson. The Public is invited to the February 21 Reception on the 3rd Floor at Bloomingdale's. The exhibit is on display through March 8. Call 407.648.7060 or 407.415.9511. 

Feb 22 at 6:30 pm – The COOP Honors Guest Chef Kathleen Blake 
Add to the list of the “Wonders of Winter Park” the fact that our own Celeb-Chef John Rivers offers a ‘Guest Chef Series’ at his personal ‘chicken’ restaurant, The Coop. These wonderful events are ‘tastings,’ and they are FREE. Coming up on February 22 Chef John welcomes James Beard Foundation-nominated Chef Kathleen Blake, from Downtown Orlando’s ‘Rusty Spoon,’ for a FREE cooking demonstration AND ‘tasting.’ The COOP is at 610 W Morse Blvd in Winter Park. Info at facebook.com/events/1623138204379252

Feb 24 to 26 – GODSPELL Presented by Encore! Cast Performing Arts
“Prepare ye for the tale of love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew.” Godspell was the first major musical offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). Performed by ‘ENCORE Cast Performing Arts,’ a community-minded group of Disney cast singers, dancers and musicians, who donate the proceeds from each performance to a local charity. Who better to bring Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love to life. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Feb 25 at 7 pm – Orlando Ballet: A Tribute to Harriett, Best of Broadway 
The ‘Angel of the Ballet,’ Harriett Lake, will be honored in a one-night only show, featuring her favorite show tunes from Broadway, old and new. The dancers of the Orlando Ballet company will choreograph new works and perform alongside Artistic Director Robert Hill for this ‘Best of Broadway’ dance performance. Call 844.513.2014 or visit orlandoballet.org 

Feb 26 at 7:30 pm – Dr. Phillips Center presents Terry Fator 
“America’s Got Talent” winner Terry Fator recently celebrated his 7th award-winning year at The Mirage in Las Vegas, where he brings a hilarious cast of characters to life. With comedic banter and vocal impressions of musical superstars such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks, "Terry Fator: The VOICE of Entertainment" is a one-of-a-kind experience. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

Feb 27 at 7:30 pm – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at Dr. Phillips Center 
When the world’s most popular modern dance company comes to the Dr. Phillips Center, it is sure to be an event that will inspire. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” has performed for over 23 million people in 48 states and in 71 countries, celebrating the African-American cultural experience. This performance will include the Ailey signature work, Revelations, which continues to move audiences around the world. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 1 to 4 – FOODSTOCK Orlando to Celebrate Florida’s Agriculture and Hospitality 
In a series of restaurant events, exhibits, FOOD and live music, FOODSTOCK Orlando will benefit the Grand Tour Foundation which provides scholarships and grants to hospitality, restaurant and tourism students. The events begin March 1 with “FOODSTOCK at Church Street District;” then on March 2 “FOODSTOCK at I-Drive 360;” then on March 3 “FOODSTOCK at Pointe Orlando;” followed by the fun and final evening on March 4 for “FOODSTOCK Festival at Tinker Field.” For tickets visit, foodstockorlando.com or eventbrite.com

NOW to March 26 – “The Great Gatsby” On-Stage
Taking on another work of the world’s great literature, our Shakespeare Theatre is performing “The Great Gatsby,” drawn from what is arguably America’s greatest novel. Played in movies by Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio, one understands the regard for this book in libraries AND in Hollywood. Exploring themes of love, morality, identity, and the (corruption of) the American Dream, this work is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org 

March 3 at 8 pm – Celtic Woman: Voices of Angels at the Bob Carr Theater 
The musical ensemble known as ‘Celtic Woman’ combines traditional Irish music with spectacular production, staging, and up-lifting music that transcends borders while touching the hearts of a devoted fan base. This show is at the Bob Carr Theater located at 401 W. Livingston Street. PLEASE give extra time for parking due to road construction. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 3 at 8 pm – A Living Legend – Smokey Robinson
With his smooth-as-silk and instantly recognizable voice, the legendary singer/ song-writer/ producer Smokey Robinson’s honey-coated voice is the audio equivalent of comfort food – 
comfort food for the soul…served up with soul – at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 4 at 2 and 8 pm – “Irish Romance” with the Orlando Philharmonic 
Experience a musical immersion into the culture that is Ireland as the Orlando Philharmonic and TRÍ-The New Irish Tenors transport you to this land of landscapes and love stories. Showcasing tunes like "Danny Boy" and "Red is the Rose,” celebrate an early St. Patrick’s Day with Maestro Eric Jacobsen and tenors David O'Leary, Michael Rose and Karl Scully. A pre-concert conversation is FREE to all ticket holders at 1 & 7 pm in the main hall. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

March 5 at 2 pm – Annual Winter Park ST. PATRICK’S Day Parade 
Time for the “wearin’ of the green” as the City of Winter Park and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee present the 39th Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Beginning at the Golf Course and continuing south on Park Ave to Lyman Avenue, over 75 floats and entertainment groups will participate. In addition, Irish music and step-dancing will be presented on the main stage in Central Park. According to a 1,000 year tradition, those who DO NOT wear green on St. Patrick’s Day face ‘the risk of being pinched.’ Visit cityofwinterpark.org or call 386-785-6965

March 5 at 8 pm – TONY BENNETT at the Dr. Phillips Center 
To say he’s a legend doesn’t begin to cover this Icon’s past success and present popularity as one of the most celebrated artists of all time. From 1949, (when he was discovered by Bob Hope), to his 18 Grammy Awards, Emmy-winning TV specials, 24 Top 40 songs, and his duets with singers from Aretha Franklin to Lady Gaga, no one else in American music has recorded for so long and at such a level of excellence as Tony Bennett. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 7 to 12 -- Broadway in Orlando presents Disney's ‘The Little Mermaid’
In a watery kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, her crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; and the handsome Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, dive on in. Life is the bubbles, under the sea – at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators