Florida Culture for the Week of July 7 By Josh Garrick

Tonight – July 7 – The Orlando Philharmonic Sounds of Summer Concert Series

With each concert featuring a different theme of instruments, composers, and musicians, this season’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series is being presented at the Orchestra’s new home at Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave in Orlando. Tonight’s concert is called Prevailing Winds! – Chamber ensembles drawn from the wind and string sections of the Orchestra perform the Beethoven Trio, op. 38, the Poulenc Sextet and more. Visit OrlandoPhil.org or call 407.770.0071

July 8 – moe

In a career that's entered its third decade and produced 17 albums, moe enjoys the double whammy of critical acclaim and an international fan base. Progressive rockers Al Schnier, Chuck Garvey, Rob Derhak, Jim Loughlin, and Vinnie Amico continue to tour the globe, headline music festivals, and/or share the stage with performance legends. Known for the continuing vitality of their music, it’s their live, on-stage showmanship that seals the deal. Join them at PlazaLive July 8 at 8 pm. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

Now to July 20 – Cock at the Mad Cow Theatre

Cock is the ‘adults only’ story of what happens to John and his troubled relationship with his boyfriend as John meets a woman who is more than the best friend a gay man could hope for. Facing a new kind of guilt, John decides to ‘straighten it out’ in this playful look at one man's sexuality and choices that challenge the status quo. Performed at the Mad Cow Theatre through July 20, call 407.297.8788 or visit madcowtheatre.com.

Now to July 19 – SHOUT! The Mod Musical

In one of the funniest musicals ever presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, SHOUT! The Mod Musical returns to the Playhouse through July 19. The hit musical tells the story of five women coming of age in 1960’s London and features an incredible collection of 60’s ‘classics’ by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, LuLu and more. The production features a powerhouse cast and is HIGHLY Recommended. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

clockwise from bottom left: Heather Alexander, Kate Zaloumes, Jill Vanderoef, Sarah-Lee Dobbs, and Natalie Cordone     PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Glore

Now to July 27 – Rapunzel at Orlando Shakespeare

In a playful adaptation by Brandon Roberts from the story by the Brothers Grimm, Orlando Shakespeare offers a summertime tale for the whole family. Shut away in a lonely tower, Rapunzel grows, and so does her hair! Will Rapunzel escape the clutches of her evil captor? Find out in this contemporary adaptation with an Orlando Shakes twist. Arrive early and ‘Shake Out The Sillies’ as members of the cast offer pre-show fun for the whole family. Call 407.447.1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

July 10 to 28 – Ladies of Eola Heights – a Wanzie Comedy

Director Ken Howard takes on this‘re-envisioning’ of Michael Wanzie’s wildly successful comedy with a cast of Central Florida’s favorite actresses including Peg O'Keef, Beth Marshall, Blue Star, and ‘Miss Sammy’ Singhaus. “There is more than steel to these Magnolias” in this story of sisters who come together after years of being apart. Comic references to a community within walking distance of the theater should make for some very funny art-imitating-life moments. In performance from July 10 to 28 at The Abbey, visit abbeyorlando.com for tickets.

July 11 -- Boney James and Brian Culbertson

After 4 gold albums, 3 Grammy nominations and more than 3 million records sold, saxophonist Boney James embodies the phrase ‘horn of plenty.’ April 9 marked the release of his 14th album – a penetrating fusion of R&B, jazz and Latin rhythms. James will be joined by Brian Culbertson, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a recording artist by realizing the dream of making his 14th CD an all-star ‘re-imagining’ of his first 11-song project, Long Night Out. After 13 #1 hits, Another Long Night Out is a personal and professional achievement. They will perform at Plaza 'LIVE' in Orlando on July 11 beginning at 7:30 pm. Visit plazaliveorlando.com

July 11 to July 13 – The Humor Mill Orlando Sketch Comedy Troupe

Maybe it had to do with the longest title in the world, but The Humor Mill Orlando Sketch Comedy Troupe will celebrate its 5th anniversary with Locked out of Fringe!...The 2014 Orlando Fringe Festival show that never was... at the Breakthrough Theatre in Winter Park. The original two-act comedy revue features sketch comedy and musical parodies while poking fun at the annual Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival, where the comedy group had the misfortune to place LAST in the 2014 Fringe Festival Lottery. In three shows only, tickets are available at TheHumorMillOrlando.com.

July 12 – Professional Bull Riders at the Amway Center

Experience the ‘toughest sport on dirt’ when the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2014 Blue DEF Velocity Tour bucks into Orlando’s Amway Center on July 12 at 7 pm. 35 of the best bull-riders in the world face off with foes nearly 10 times their weight during the most thrilling 8 seconds in sports. At the end, the rider with the highest combined score is crowned the champion. Buy tickets at 800.745.3000 or visit amwaycenter.com

 No. 1 ranked rider Guilherme Marchi from Brazil with Bushwhacker

Current – SunTrust Foundation Helps Fight Child Abuse 

Last week the SunTrust Foundation helped the fight against child abuse in Central Florida by providing a $25,000 contribution to Kids House Wayne Densch Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sanford. CAC is a one-stop Center for police and sheriff led-investigation, medical treatment, financial and legal advocacy and mental health counselling for children and families who have endured child abuse. Kids House is now in its 15th year serving as a national model for its all-inclusive (i.e. all aspects from investigation to healing) approach to fighting child abuse. To contribute or volunteer, visit kidshouse.org

July 16 at 1 pm – Sister Sopranos at the University Club

Central Florida’s Sister Sopranos Theresa and Danielle Smith, accompanied by pianist Kathy Slage, will perform at the University Club of Winter Park on July 16 at 1 pm singing a variety of musical forms from arias to contemporary works, including compositions of Aaron Copland, Gilbert & Sullivan, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more. Winners of a variety of awards, the young ladies studied at USF and Rollins and have performed throughout the U.S. and Europe.  The event is Free to the public; refreshments will be served.  Visit uclubwp.org
 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators