Florida Culture for the Week of November 3 By Josh Garrick
 
Nov 6 to 21 – Harriett Lake Sells 70 Years of Fashion for Charity

Legendary philanthropist and fashion diva Harriett Lake will offer more than 5,000 pieces from her private clothing collection to benefit the Orlando Ballet and other local charities. Harriett’s collection includes furs, gowns, suits, handbags, hats and much more in a collection that ranges from Chanel and Yves St. Laurent to Costco and Target. Harriett’s Sale kicks off November 6 from 5 to 9 pm with a VIP ticketed event (tickets at eventbrite.com) and continues through November 21 at 902 Waterway Place in Longwood. Call or text 407.474.5448

Nov 7 to Nov 16 – The John Goring Memorial One-Act Series

Hosted by Chuck Dent and David Strauss, and presented by the Playwright’s Round Table, the 5th Annual John Goring Memorial One Act Series will present three new One-Act plays at the Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. The plays, by member playwrights include: ENTREE GOLD by John Minigan and directed by Chuck Dent; FROM FEAR TO ETERNITY by Tony Pelham; and MAN'S BEST FRIEND by Rod McFadden. Call 407.761.2683 or email info[at]theprt.com.

Nov 8 – Community Open House at NEW Dr. Phillips Center

It’s been 20 years in the making, and NOW – from noon to 6 pm on November 8, the Public is invited to take self-guided tours through Orlando’s brand NEW Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center exploring the Della Phillips Grand Lobby, the Walt Disney Theater, the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the Seneff Arts Plaza. The tours will include special ‘photo-ops’ and the opportunity to purchase tickets for upcoming shows and events. Visit drphillipscenter.org

Nov 8 – Sheryl Crow in Free Concert Celebrating the Seneff Arts Plaza

They call it the ‘People’s Lawn,’ and the NEW Dr. Phillips Center will present their Open Space to the Public with a Free Concert by Sheryl Crow on November 8 at 8 pm. Crow has sold more than 35 million albums around the world, has released eight studio albums (seven charting Top 10), a quadruple-platinum greatest hits collection and a Christmas album. Ms. Crow is coming to Orlando to help us celebrate our new Performing Arts Center, and it’s Free! Access to a climate-controlled hospitality area is offered at a ticketed price. 

Nov 8 – The 6th Annual Gingerbread Run for Give Kids the World

The Gingerbread 5k Run is set for November 8 at Give Kids the World (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida. The race invites the public inside the 70-acre story-book resort to meet the families they are helping support, leading participants through a fantasyland into the world’s largest Candy Land game. Last year’s event raised over $165,000 and this year’s goal is to generate $190,000 to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses. For information, visit gingerbreadrun.org or givekidstheworld.org

Nov 8 – The Orlando Philharmonic presents Midori & Berlioz

Continuing its search for Orlando’s next Music Director, the Orlando Philharmonic presents Conductor Steven Jarvi in a concert of Romantic favorites. Opening with the heroic Wagner’s Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin, and featuring internationally renowned violinist Midori performing Schumann’s Violin Concerto, both Jarvi and the Orchestra will be ‘tested’ by Berlioz’s epic Symphonie Fantastique. The Orchestra is sharing its search for their next Music Director with us – the audience, and that is one more reason to give our support BACK to our super-talented orchestra. The date is November 8 at 8 pm at the Bob Carr PAC.  Call 407.770.0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Nov 9 – Maitland Honors Veterans with Maitland Salutes You!

The annual Maitland Salutes Veterans Event is set for November 9 at 4 pm at the Maitland Civic Center on the Lake. All Veterans and their Families are invited to join with Community Partner Organizations in Maitland who are working together to make this a special day for area Veterans including a variety of activities and performances. An RSVP to the Maitland Civic Center will serve to pre-register Veterans and their families.  Call 407-647-2111

Nov 9 and Nov 12 – Free Family Day at the Mennello Museum

Every 2nd Sunday (Nov 9 this month) is Free Family Day at the Mennello Museum with age-appropriate activities and FREE admission. There's a ‘make-and-take’ craft station and docents available to give mini-tours of the Museum for the kids (and parents too). Director/Curator Frank Holt may be justifiably proud of his new exhibit – The Taos Society of Artists. Beginning at 9 am on November 12, Mr. Holt will offer the special opportunity to enjoy Coffee with the Director after which he will lead a ‘Walk & Talk’ through this beautiful exhibit.  Reservations suggested. Visit mennellomuseum.com or call 407.246.4278

Nov 14 to 23 – The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

Each year, the Council of 101’s Festival of Trees kicks off Central Florida’s holiday season by turning the Orlando Museum of Art into a ‘wonderland of holiday elegance’ with decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, and holiday vignettes – all for sale to benefit the Museum. The prize drawings and Toyland Town activity area are all part of this popular tradition benefiting OMART’s childrens’ art education programs. An Opening Night Festival Gala called A Tartan Affaire will be held on November 14 beginning at 7 pm (Black Tie Optional) including fine culinary creations, cocktails, and entertainment. Visit omart.org/programs

Nov 14 to Jan 11 – Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink 

This holiday season, the City of Winter Park will host its 6th annual Winter in the Park Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Central Park from November 14 to January 11. It’s a little bit of Winter inside the tent – no matter the temperature outside. Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce & Park Avenue Merchants Association as they spread holiday cheer to skaters and spectators. Visit winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.

Nov 14 to 23 – Classic Irish Theater at Seminole State College

It’s jealousy and murder in Ireland, when young Christy Mahon stumbles into a tavern telling tales of having murdered his own father. Rather than condemn his actions, the towns-people take a morbid interest in Christy’s stories – leading to surprising plot twists. The Playboy of the Western World is a classic 1907 drama by John Millington Synge, and it will be performed by the Theater Department at Seminole State College from November 14 to 23.  Reservations are recommended. Call 407.708.2040 x3.

Nov 14 to Dec 19 -- Art Exhibit Features Work by Lillian Verkins

An Opening Reception beginning at 5:30 pm on November14 will introduce the art exhibit FLUX featuring Lillian Verkins’ acrylics and mixed media paintings at the Rose Gallery in Daytona Beach. Lillian earned her BA and BFA in printmaking and photography from UCF in 1987, and since 2004, the paintbrush has replaced her camera. Lillian says, “It is my meditation place …as I evolve, so should my art in this multi-faceted world.” The reception and exhibit are free to the public. Call 386-736-3039.

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators