Florida Culture for the Week of July 30, 2017 By Josh Garrick 

TODAY – July 30 – United Nations’ International Friendship Day
The International Day of Friendship is recognized by the United Nations for the “importance of friendship as a noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings around the world.” To mark the Day, the UN encourages governments, organizations and civic groups to hold events and activities that promote a dialogue among civilizations for mutual understanding and reconciliation. 

Photo: Boys practice ‘parkour,’ athletic maneuvers around obstacles, in Gaza. ©UNICEF/NYHQ2014-2063/Romenzi

TODAY – July 30 at 5 pm – ‘La Bayadere’ by the Russian Ballet Orlando 
In this climax to their Summer Intensive training, the Russian Ballet Orlando presents a full production of ‘La Bayadere.’ Set in India, ‘La Bayadere’ tells the story of the doomed love between Solor, a warrior, and the temple dancer Nikiya, who is murdered by a jealous rival. In one of the most beautiful of all ballet scenes, Solor's grief brings him to the heavenly ‘Kingdom of the Shades’ where he and Nikiya are joined “beyond the reach of man.” This ballet classic will be presented with all new costumes and guest artists from the Ukraine. Call 407.896.0309 or visit russianballetorlando.org 

August 3 – National WATERMELON Day 
August in Florida! Do you NEED a reason to celebrate this sweet, juicy fruit? Begin with the fact that each slice is 92% water and chock full of vitamins A, B6, and C. First cultivated for its ability to hold water in a desert landscape, SEEDS found in tombs of Pharaohs exemplify the value of the sweet and tender fruit we enjoy today. Visit watermelon.org

August 4 to 27 -- Mad Cow Theatre presents August Wilson's award-winning ‘Fences’
Winner of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Drama Desk Award among many others, ‘Fences’ is August Wilson’s 1950’s chapter in his 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” chronicling the evolving African-American experience through the 20th century. In Mad Cow’s first-ever production of a Wilson play, the universally relevant themes of freedom, family, and the American Dream are conveyed in this landmark production. Tickets online at madcowtheatre.com or by calling 407-297-8788 x1 

August 5 at 7 pm – Sabrina Carpenter at the Dr. Phillips Center 
In 2015, singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter, unveiled her debut album ‘Eyes Wide Open,’ reflecting Carpenter’s rise to fame playing Maya Hart on the Disney Channel. ‘EVOLution,’ encompassed more growth. “I’m living in an adult world,” notes Carpenter, who is now 17. “I put all my feelings and all these stories into the songs I’ve made.” VIP tickets are available for this performance at the Dr. Phillips Center. Call 844.513.2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org 

August 6, 13 & 27 at 2 pm -- “Opera on Park” -- Opera Orlando’s Summer Concert Series
Opera Orlando’s 2nd season of “Opera on Park” features world-class Artists up-close-and-personal at the University Club of Winter Park at 841 N. Park Ave. The performers include multi-award-winning Juilliard Grad Soprano Kenneithia Mitchell on August 6; Grammy Award winning Baritone Daniel Belcher on August 13; and Metropolitan Opera Soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer on August 27. Each of the singers enjoys a critically acclaimed career and “the generosity of spirit that only great performers can embody.” Tickets are $30 per recital or $75 for the Series online at Operaorlando.org/opera-on-park or call 407.512.1900

August 6 from 10 am to 4 pm – Maitland Civic Center Coin Show 
Offering FREE admission and Door Prizes, the ‘Coin and Currency Show’ at the Maitland Civic Center at 641 S. Maitland Avenue will be busy with 25 ‘coin dealers’ and vendors buying and selling historical and / or foreign coins. This family-friendly event will find several dealers offering FREE coins to children 12 and under, while other vendors offer FREE appraisals. Call 407.730.3116 or visit orlandocoinexchange.com

August 8 at 6:30 pm – “Solar Eclipse 101” by Derek Demeter 
The Orange County Library at 101 E Central Blvd in Downtown Orlando will present “Solar Eclipse 101,” a FREE presentation by Buehler Planetarium Director Derek Demeter. Offering “all you need to know” about the rare August 21 Solar Eclipse, Demeter will discuss the science behind eclipses, where the best place to view the eclipse will be, and how to look at it safely. Visit calendar.ocls.info/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=322848

Aug 10 to 13 – Pass the Drawn Butter! It’s Key West Lobsterfest Time
Lobster lovers are invited to sample the savory Florida crustacean as festivities kick off on August 10 at the Sunset Tiki Bar & Grille. Known as ‘spiny’ lobsters, the crustaceans may be steamed, baked, stuffed, or served in a creamy bisque or cold salad. Dishes of all sorts are offered at the Street Fair on August 12 along with a free outdoor concert, and art and crafts for sale. Other events include a catamaran sail, a Pub Crawl and a lobster brunch on August 13. Visit keywestlobsterfest.com

NOW to Aug 6 – Seussical the Musical at OsceolaArts
“Oh the thinks you can think when you think about Seuss!” Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust; Jojo, who "doesn't Think normal Thinks," finds his place in society; as Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love. With some help from the ‘Cat in the Hat,’ these characters come to realize they are not ‘alone in the universe.’ Call 407.846.6257 or visit osceolaarts.org 

NOW to August 27 – ‘The Music of Pixar’ – LIVE at Disney 
Celebrate over 20 years of music that made cinematic history. Woody, Buzz and the gang are back at ‘The Theater of the Stars’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a LIVE orchestral retrospective of the most memorable music from Disney•Pixar films. This all-new, nightly concert showcases unforgettable soundtracks from Cars, Finding Nemo, Toy Story and more, performed by a LIVE orchestra, all while giant screens feature movie montages and out-takes. Performances are nightly with valid theme park admission. 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators