Garrick: Culture worthy of your calendar

Breaking news – Arts are good for business

Enlightened business leaders have known this to be true for decades, but new research released by American for the Arts confirms that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $264 million in annual economic activity in the seven-county Central Florida region. According to the study, the arts support 8,966 full-time jobs and generate $36 million in local and state government revenues. This is the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted in the United States. “The arts attract and retain high-level businesses and improve the quality of our lives – in short, support for the arts is a terrific investment in the betterment of our community, and this AEPIV research backs that up,” said Flora Maria Garcia, president and CEO of United Arts. The full report is available at AmericansForTheArts.org/EconomicImpact. For information visit UnitedArts.cc, or to give to the arts, visit TheArtsMatter.com

Aug. 10 – Maitland’s Summer Concerts continue with The Dave Capp Project

The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) continues its popular “Summer Concerts in the Garden” on Friday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. as the Dave Capp Project takes the stage for an evening of music and fun. Concerts take place in A&H’s beautiful Main Garden at 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland. The Dave Capp Project promises a great beginning to the summer weekend with their musical combination of old-school and contemporary jazz, blues and ballads. Patrons can also hear literary readings from Maitland Poets & Writers, and stop by A&H’s Main Galleries to view the exhibit: “A Day in the Life of the Research Studio.” A bar is available, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a low-backed chair. Admission is $3. Call 407-539-2181 or visit ArtandHistory.org

Aug. 13 – collide•scope at Urban ReThink

In a series that captures the mission stated in its name, Urban ReThink brings together a group of diverse and interesting minds, “colliding to discuss creative solutions to our community’s unsolved challenges.” collide•scope is a purposefully thought-provoking evening, which begins Monday, Aug. 13, at 6:25 p.m. Even its start time causes one to “think.” This month’s participants are Jeremy Seghers, an actor, director, producer and art curator; James Jessup, a brainy guy from MENSA; Michael Dippy, the founder of iDignity, and city of Orlando’s 2011 Person of the Year; and Bill Segal, a former District 5 county commissioner. One week prior to the event, each was given a challenge to consider and present on Aug. 13. Each challenge addresses a social issue from our area with the dialogue meant to promote a more healthy, vibrant and livable community. Urban ReThink is located at 625 E. Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando. Visit UrbanReThink.com or call 407-704-6895.

Aug. 15 and 29— Natalie Cordone returns to Cabaret Series

Natalie Cordone is simply one of the finest singing actresses, who – fortunately for us – makes her home in Central Florida. This amazing singer will appear in the Winter Park Playhouse Cabaret Series with her new show – “Sentimental Journey” – on Aug. 15 and Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. A heartwarming look at love told through the songs of the 1940s to today, this New York-style cabaret is inspired by personal memories and stories from Winter Park Playhouse’s own patrons. Natalie Cordone is currently performing as Sister Mary Amnesia in “Nunsense,” which runs through Aug. 25 at the Playhouse. Natalie will be joined by Chris Leavy at the piano. Natalie’s credits include Off-Broadway appearances, and performances with the Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic. We are told to watch for possible guest appearances from one or more of her leading men as an added highlight to the cabaret performance. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Aug. 18 and 19 – Lakeridge Winery Harvest Grape Stomp

While Lakeridge Winery offers free winery tours and tastings seven days a week, we are all invited to its 18th annual Harvest Stomp on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day festival features music, grape stomping and award-winning Lakeridge Wines. A $2 donation is accepted at the gate to benefit the Boys & Girls Club, and the first 300 guests to donate each day will receive a special door prize. The musical lineup includes two bands each day including:

Aug. 18 – The Groovemasters from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and The Robert Harris Group from 2 to 5 p.m.

Aug. 19 – The Nightly Blues Band from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Blues Band from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition, a solo performance by Robert Harris will be offered in the Hospitality Cellar from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Wine Shop will offer specials, winery tours and tastings, and children's activities. All guests are invited to test their fortitude in the “sweet-but-slippery” grape stomping competitions throughout the weekend. Lakeridge Winery is at 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com

Planning ahead – Aug. 25 – The 8th Annual Red Chair Affair

It’s known as the kickoff of the Central Florida arts and culture season, and whether you are new to the area or a patron of the arts here in Central Florida, this one evening serves as a not-to-be missed fundraiser and variety performance. Moved along at a brisk pace by Director John DiDonna, the evening is your sampler ticket to this season’s cultural offerings. Performances will be provided by Art & History Museums—Maitland, ArtistsRegistry, Empty Spaces Theatre Collaboration, the Bach Festival, Enzian, Florida Opera Theatre, the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and SAK Comedy Lab, among others. The evening is a fundraiser for the Red Chair Project, a collaborative of more than 360 arts organizations working to promote the arts. The 8th Annual Red Chair Affair will be held at the Bob Carr PAC. VIP and general admission tickets are available. Call 407-872-2382.

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.