Florida Culture for the Week of November 18 by Josh Garrick

November 18 and 19 – New Sculptures in Orlando – The ‘City Beautiful’

In the next week the visual image of Orlando, already called ‘the City Beautiful,’ will be enhanced significantly as new public sculptures are ‘unveiled’ throughout the City, and our ‘ART-loving’ Mayor Buddy Dyer will be there to unveil them. Last week Mayor Dyer dedicated the sculpture honoring the Tuskegee Airmen outside the Orlando Science Center and then illuminated the much-upgraded Tower of Light at City Hall.  Today – November 18 – the festivities begin at 5:30 pm for the unveiling of EIGHT, NEW See Art Orlando sculptures starting at Church & Orange with a Lymmo bus to, and entertainment at each of the sculpture locations. Then tomorrow – November 19 at 6 pm is the unveiling of the first work of the Urban Art Museum (outdoor art) at 932 N. Mills Ave. Countless community-minded corporations and individuals are to be thanked for this unprecedented celebration of creativity. For now, let’s celebrate the extraordinary new ART and the beautiful people who continue to inspire us by making the ‘City Beautiful’ ever more deserving of that ‘beautiful’ title.

Now through Nov 24 – Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees

The Holiday Season in Orlando begins with the annual Festival of Trees, running through November 24 as the Council of 101 transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a Holiday Wonderland. Generous Florida businesses, clubs, and designers sponsor trees and decorations to be auctioned off, making this one of the Museum’s biggest fundraisers of the year. This is ‘sculpture’ of a different sort and ‘not-to-be-missed.’ Senior's Day is November 19, and the Reindeer Romp is November 20. Call the Council of 101 Office at 407 896 4231 x254 or e-mail councilof101[at]aol.com

Now through Dec 14 – Crazy for Gershwin at the Winter Park Playhouse

The ‘Creatives’ at the Winter Park Playhouse often ‘create’ a musical based on the work of a great composer or performer. Their newest effort is Crazy for Gershwin – A Tribute to George & Ira Gerswhin. Running through December 14, this ‘Tribute’ to the Gershwins – sung by some of the best voices in Florida – reminds us of the unbelievable number of songs created by this All-American duo including Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, and S’Wonderful! Who could ask for anything more? Call 407.645.0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

November 22 – Beethoven Sonatas to be Performed by Leonidas Lipovetsky

Critically acclaimed since his debut recital at age 12, Leonidas Lipovetsky will perform the third in a series of eight performances of all 32 Beethoven Sonatas on November 22. Presented by the Florida International Piano Competition, Lipovetsky has recorded for the BBC, Radio Moscow, and PBS; he was the first recipient of the Van Cliburn Scholarship and taught at Florida State University. Lipovetsky will perform Sonata #2; Sonata #7; Sonata #19; Sonata #20; and Sonata #23 (the Appassionata) at the Shakespeare Center in Orlando. Call 407.770.1700 or visit floridapiano.org

Nov 22 and 23 – Seussical the Musical, Jr

Children (of all ages) love being transported to the Circus McGurkus, where the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton, the elephant who discovers the tiny people called the Whos. The story tells how the powers of friendship, loyalty, and family are challenged and emerge triumphant! Performed by members of the Children & Youth Arts Program at Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), Seussical the Musical Jr will be presented on November 22 and 23 at 7 pm at the Cornerstone Charter Academy in Belle Isle, FL. Tickets are $10 (children 3 and under free). Visit cfcarts.com.

Nov 27 - Lake Mary/Heathrow 4th Wednesday Art Stroll

Add 4th Wednesday to the days of the month given over to an ‘Art and Wine Walk’ – this one at Colonial Town Center in Lake Mary. In addition to loads of original ART, this family friendly event finds restaurants and businesses offering free wine samples as we Art Stroll.  Presented by the Colonial Townpark Merchant Association and Art for All Spaces, you can begin your stroll at 951 Market Promenade Ave in Lake Mary. Visit facebook.com/events/322832001195022/ or call 407-450-2255.

Nov 28 – THANKSGIVING Day – Golden Corral Hosts 25,000

More than 25,000 meals will be served at the Salvation Army Gymnasium at 440 West Colonial Drive on Thanksgiving Day as Golden Corral offers its 21st annual Helpings from the Heart Thanksgiving Dinner.  For 21 years Eric Holm, President of Metro Corral Partners, has ‘given back to the community,’ returning the favor to The Salvation Army, which provided a Thanksgiving meal to the Holm family when he was a child. “We feel blessed that we can not only share in the experience, but most importantly ensure our Central Florida community is fed,” says Mr. Holm. All are invited, AND over 1000 volunteers are needed to help serve the FREE meals, which begin at 11 am and are served through 5 pm. Please pass this information along to any who need it, and should you wish to volunteer, please call 407.423.8581.

Nov 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm – Home for the Holidays with the Orlando Philharmonic

The Orlando Philharmonic will ‘call out the troops’ for their annual Home for the Holidays concert featuring The Holiday Singers, Florida Opera Children’s Chorus, dancers, bagpipers, aerialist Amanda Cariotto – and the ORCHESTRA! In two performances, on November 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm at the Bob Carr PAC, Home for the Holidays will include seasonal favorites like The Little Drummer Boy, along with classical selections and a special performance of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a food item to help restock the Second Harvest Food Bank. Call 407-770-0071 or visit OrlandoPhil.org

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators