Florida Culture for the Week of June 10 by Josh Garrick

June 13 -- Urban Thoughts with Kathy Ramsberger

My ‘regular readers’ know where I stand on the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – it cannot get here soon enough! Now Craig Ustler, who interviews/discusses life and the state of Orlando’s arts and cultural scene in a series called Urban Thought will give us the chance to ‘meet and talk with’ Kathy Ramsberger, President of the currently-being-built Performing Arts Center. The conversation will take place June 13 at Urban ReThink at 625 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. Breakfast and networking begins at 7:45 a.m. with the program starting at 8 am.

June 14 – Lauren Rowe with Sir Terrence Hummel

This year’s ‘fun-raiser’ for the Downtown Arts District features Artist Terry Hummel for its 4th annual In the Artist’s Studio. The event, to be held at the MEZZ on June 14, offers a discussion with the Artist by WKMG’s Lauren Rowe, an art exhibit, silent auction, food and beverages. Hummel, born in Florida, earned his Master of Arts degree at Rollins, and also attended college in Bolivia, Chile, Israel, and Spain. He is a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel and a Counselor at Howard Academy. His volunteer efforts with families in crisis, and services to the Crown have earned him two knighthoods. Tickets are $35. Call 407.648.7060 or visit artiststudio.eventbrite.com

June 14 – Annual Student Art Show at Crealdé

Students are putting final touches on their artwork for Crealdé’s Annual Student Show, which will be on display from June 14 to August 30. This exhibit is always the highlight of Crealdé’s year, as students showcase their finest work to the community, curated and juried by Crealdé’s department directors Rick Lang, Henry Sinn, Vincent Sansone, and Director Peter Schreyer. Including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, and photography, many of the pieces are for sale – and that makes for one great way to add to your Art Collection. The opening is set for June 14 from 7 to 9:30 pm. Call 407.671.1886 or visit crealde.org.

June 14 – Maitland’s Summer Concert Series

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H), in partnership with Performing Arts of Maitland, will present their 2nd Summer Concert Under the Stars on June 14 at 7 pm in the Garden at 231 W. Packwood Avenue. These summer evenings are filled with Southern charm and continue with the Dan Jordan Quartet and vocalist Michelle Mailhot. Jordan has shared the stage with the world’s leading musicians – from Aretha Franklin to Barry Manilow. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, and a bar is available. The Museum’s Main Galleries will be open for guests to view the current exhibit. Admission is $3. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org.

June 15 – World Ballet Competition All Stars of Dance

The World Ballet Competition, held each June in Orlando, brings together an impressive array of international talent, all of which comes together on Saturday, June 15 for a not-to-be-missed Dance Gala called All Stars of Dance. Held at the Bob Carr PAC, the audience is treated to brilliant – often breath-taking – performances from visiting dance stars who share the spotlight with medal-winners from the week-long competition. The All Stars of Dance is a highly recommended, one-night only performance. Call 407.849.4669 or visit worldballetcompetition.com for tickets.

June 15 – Hebni Nutritions’ ‘Sisters: Take Charge’

The nonprofit nutrition group called Hebni Nutrition Consultants is bringing back its most popular event – Sisters: Take Charge on June 15 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Majestic Event Center in Orlando. Sisters: Take Charge presents practical information about nutrition and lifestyle to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension. The seminar also addresses issues concerning stress, relationships, and financial ‘fitness’ – geared toward women. The conference includes lunch, grab bags, door prizes, keynote speaker Michael Baisden, and panels comprised of doctors, dietitians, and relationship experts. Call 407.872.1333 or visit sisterstakecharge.com

June 15 – Lipovetsky Performs Complete Beethoven Sonatas

One of the great cultural ‘gifts’ of Central Florida is the Florida International Piano Competition, an organization which hosts a Piano Series in addition to the competition. The next performance in the series will be a memorable evening in which Leonidas Lipovetsky performs the Complete Beethoven Sonatas. Lipovetsky, known for his very personal interpretation of Beethoven, will perform on June 15 at 7:30 pm at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. In addition to this evening of Beethoven, the FIPC also promises a Sneak Peek at their 2013-14 Season. Call 407-447-1700.

June 15 – Bluegrass LIVE at Bok Tower Gardens

The magnificent gardens, surrounding the Florida landmark the Bok Tower, are a joy to visit at any time of the year, but their annual Summer Concert Series gives us one more reason to head to Lake Wales for the Garden’s 12th season of live entertainment. The evenings kick off with a prepaid dinner available in the Palmetto Café before the entertainment begins in the Visitor Center. June 15 will find the Fort Green Pickin' Society kicking off the summer with this group's eclectic mix of bluegrass, vintage country, acoustic roots and folk. Concert & Dinner is $40; Concert only is $20. Dinner starts at 5:45 pm with the concert at 7:30 pm. Call 863.676.1408 or visit boktowergardens.org

June 15 – Night Hike at the Zoo!

It’s only a little bit scary – (you have to be at least 5 years old) to experience the sights and sounds of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens at night during this ‘nocturnal’ adventure! The Night Hike begins in the Discovery Center with some ‘up-close’ animal encounters – and then – the Zoo’s night life comes to light as we venture into the Zoo for a guided flashlight tour of the Zoo after dark. This is a great program for ‘close family bonding.’ Register online at centralfloridazoo.org or call 407.323.4450 x 123

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators