Josh Garrick: Culture for your Calendar

Tonight – June 23 – Winter Park Playhouse hosts OneOrlando fundraiser

With 25 of the finest voices performing in Central Florida, The Winter Park Playhouse will host a OneOrlando fundraising concert to benefit victims and families of the Pulse tragedy. “In honor of the lives lost, in support of the families and friends of the victims, and in union with our great community, The Winter Park Playhouse stands as one with Orlando – offering our gift of musical theatre.” That’s tonight at 7:30 p.m. for one performance only! Tickets are $25, and all of the proceeds go to the fund. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org.

Open now – Mayor Dyer opens Family Assistance Center for Pulse families

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the city of Orlando, in partnership with federal, state, local and community agencies, has opened the Family Assistance Center (FAC) to address the immediate needs of those families directly affected by the Pulse tragedy. Services include: air travel, child services, consulate services, counseling, crime victim services, funeral services, health care assistance, identification documents, language translation, legal aid, lodging, and senior services. Visit cityoforlando.net/FamilyAssistanceCenter or call 407-246-4357.

Now to June 26 – Final week – ‘Spring Awakening’ at the Dr. Phillips Center

“Spring Awakening” is based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play of the same name. Featuring a pop/rock score by Duncan Sheik, this Broadway musical follows the angst-ridden lives of a group of adolescents as they grow to adulthood in a confusion of morality and sexuality. Winner of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Musical, this play is still controversial in 2016 for its depiction of children and sexuality. Note: this musical contains serious adult themes. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org.

Now to July 11 – ‘The Brothers Size’ at Mad Cow Theatre

The Chicago Tribune calls “The Brothers Size,” "The greatest piece of writing by an American playwright under 30 in a generation or more." Set in Louisiana, big brother Ogun is hard working and independent while younger brother Oshoosi is just out of prison and aimless. Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney crafts symbolism and ritual into a tough/tender drama about the unbreakable bond between brothers and family. Call 407-297-8788, ext. 1, or visit madcowtheatre.com

Now to July 24 – ‘Beauty and the Beast’ for young people at Orlando Shakespeare

Based on the fairy tale, and re-interpreted by children’s playwright Brandon Roberts, the play is set in an enchanted castle where a beautiful young girl is locked away by a terrible Beast. But the young woman’s love and caring for the unsightly Beast becomes a gift of kindness that brings magical results. This new telling of the classic tale is 50 minutes long and is suggested for children age 3 and up and their families. Arrive a little early and ‘Shake Out the Sillies’ by joining cast-members for some interactive pre-show fun. For tickets, call 407-447-1700, ext. 1.

June 24, July 15 & 29, and Aug. 26 – Free MoviEola Film Series

The free outdoor movie series in Orlando’s Lake Eola Park begins each evening at 6 p.m. with activities and music from Mix 105.1. Bring blankets, chairs, snacks and the whole family to enjoy this year’s movies including “Cinderella” on June 24; “Inside Out” on July 15; “Jurassic World” on July 29; and “Minions” on Aug. 26. You’ll want to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy some of the pre-movie activities. Movies begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. Call 407-246-4484 or visit cityoforlando.net/parks/movieola

June 25 – Lucky’s Market Grand Opening Celebrations

Lucky’s Market, a natural, organic, specialty market, founded by two chefs in Boulder, Colo., will open its 18th organic grocery store nationwide on June 25 at the Alafaya Village Shopping Center. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Lucky’s Market will offer a free “Food Sample Tasting Fair” featuring some of Lucky’s favorite vendors with food samples and gift basket giveaways. The new Orlando store will employ 150 people. This event is free and open to the public. Visit luckysmarket.com

June 25 – The St. Augustine (Classical) Music Festival closing night

Now in its 10th year, the St. Augustine Music Festival is the nation’s largest, free, classical music festival. The festival will close its season on June 25 at 7:30 p.m. with a program including Richard Wagner’s “Siegfried Idyll,” a symphonic poem for chamber orchestra; Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” for 13 instruments; Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for String Orchestra,” Op.48; and a world premiere by Bob Moore. The Cathedral Basilica at 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine provides the home where concerts are free. Call 904-347-6260 or visit staugustinemusicfestival.org

June 29 & 30 – Justin Bieber heats up Florida in June

With back-to-back worldwide hit singles and his new album “Purpose” hitting an all-time high, Justin Bieber is in the middle of a 58-date concert tour which concludes on July 18 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. His hit “What Do You Mean?” hit No. 1 on iTunes within 5 minutes of its release, and reached No. 1 on iTunes in more than 90 countries. At 7:30 p.m. on June 29, Bieber will take the stage at the Jacksonville Veterans Arena, and the following evening, Bieber will bring the show to the Amway Center in Orlando. Visit ticketmaster.com/justin-bieber

June 29 at 6:30 pm – Two great chefs in ‘Chef Series’ free event

4 Rivers chef John Rivers and Ravenous Pig chef James Petrakis will team up for the next “Chef Series” cooking demonstration on June 29 on the patio at The Coop. The two award-winning chefs plan a hands-on experience for attendees including Chef Petrakis’ campfire monkfish wrapped in country ham and Chef Rivers’ brisket and grits. Attendees will be invited to sample each dish, take home recipe cards, and participate in a Q&A with the chefs. The event is free and open to all at The Coop at 610 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park.

June 30 – Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen to benefit OneOrlando Fund

In light of the horrific attack at Pulse nightclub, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will present a special live benefit “AC2” show at the Dr. Phillips Center with 100-percent of proceeds raised to benefit the OneOrlando Fund (oneorlando.org). “AC2” is an unscripted and unpredictable night of laughs and conversation with the multi-Emmy Award winning personalities, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen (ac2live.com) both donating their services for the one-night-only benefit. Created by Mayor Buddy Dyer, the OneOrlando Fund will respond to the needs of the Orlando community, now and in the future. Call 844-513-2014 or visit drphillipscenter.org. #OrlandoUnited

July 2 to 4 – Key lime pie to flavor Key West Festival

While tiny Key limes have flavored Florida cuisine since the 1800s, contemporary lime lovers can celebrate the indigenous fruit and the dessert it inspired – the signature Key lime pie – during the Key Lime Festival set for July 2 to 4. Highlights of the weekend include a Key lime pie-eating contest, culinary tasting stroll, and samplings of Key lime rum, beer and cocktails. Events kick off with a tour of the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery at 105 Simonton St. in Key West. Reservations are required. Call 305-741-7443 or visit keylimefestival.com