Florida Culture for the Week of Feb 26, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

Feb 27 at 7:30 pm – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at Dr. Phillips Center 
The 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. Their one-night-only performance at the Dr. Phillips Center will include the celebrated Ailey signature work, Revelations, and is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 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 the Broken Caldron Brewery on West Church Street. For tickets visit, foodstockorlando.com or eventbrite.com 

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. With 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 presents 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 … under the sea at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

March 8 at 8 pm – Norah Jones at the Bob Carr 
Norah Jones has come full circle with her new album ‘Day Breaks,’ that finds her returning to her jazz roots while also weaving together country, folk, rock, soul, and jazz. ‘Day Breaks’ is the work of a mature artist and features jazz luminaries Wayne Shorter, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and drummer Brian Blade. Ms. Jones will introduce her new album at the Bob Carr Theater at 401 W. Livingston Street in Orlando. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 12 at 6 pm – “Race for Space” Focus of FREE Orlando Philharmonic Concert 
Conductor Dean Whiteside and Orlando’s own singing star Natalie Cordone will lead the Orlando Philharmonic in a program called “Race for Space,” featuring space-themed music by John Williams and others. Including music from E.T. and Star Wars along with Star Trek and more, this FREE concert will take place ‘under the stars’ in Winter Park’s beautiful Central Park (bring blankets and chairs). While Ms. Cordone lives in Orlando, she has traveled the globe performing in cities from Heidelberg, Germany, to Las Vegas. Visit cityofwinterpark.org

March 16 – ‘Brain Candy Live! With Adam Savage’ & Michael Stevens 
If you’re as intelligent as you think you are, THIS show is for your MIND. Adam Savage has joined forces with Michael Stevens, and they are bringing three TONS of toys and tools for a ‘minds-on’ theatrical experience at the Dr. Phillips Center. Like an adult play-date with Walt Disney and Albert Einstein, Adam and Mike answer questions and question answers. Got a bored teen? Bring IT to the show. VIP package available. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 18 at 8 pm – Dr. Phillips Center Presents ‘Pilobolus: Shadowland’
Created by the world-famous dance company Pilobolus, ‘Shadowland’ combines dance with fast-paced multimedia, projected images and moving screens. The story involves a teenage girl who sleeps, dreams, wakes, spins, is swallowed by ‘darkness,’ and THAT is the beginning. This signature work uses Pilobolus’ amazing acrobatic dance and the heart of a love story to celebrate the power of the ‘Dark.’ Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org

March 18 at 8 pm – Rimma Plays Tchaikovsky at the Bob Carr Theater
The New Jersey Symphony Conductor Gemma New will lead the Orlando Philharmonic in an all-Russian program, featuring our own (brilliant) Concertmaster Rimma Bergeron-Langlois performing Tchaikovsky’s wondrous Violin Concerto. Shostakovich’s response to Stalin’s condemnation of his artistic style, (written under fear of arrest and death) is here in his Symphony No. 5, along with a world premiere by the young Russian composer and violinist Lev Zhurbin. Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

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 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators