The Arts Connection

The Holiday Season is a busy one for the arts!

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:30:55 -0500

This holiday season there are plenty of events happening all over Central Florida from The Nutcracker to the various performances of A Christmas Carol and even a few wonderful non-holiday themed events too.

For a calendar of events check out RedChairProject.com

In the mean time The Arts Connection Blog will be taking a break until the new year.

But don't forget to watch our program, The Arts Connection, TONIGHT at 8 featuring the Orlando Ballet's The Nutcracker plus we take a look back at the Central Florida arts scene of 2008.

And if you can't watch it on WMFE-TV tonight you can always check it out online at wmfe.org/arts.

Happy Holidays!

Homegrown for the Holidays

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:22:39 -0500

Saturday December 20th from 11 a.m to 10 p.m. check out Homegrown for the Holidays a Artisan Market and Winter Solstice Celebration.

There will be live music, a community drum circle, belly dancing plus an array of locally made gifts ranging from pottery to jewelry.

Find out more at their website.

Sample the sounds of the seasons with the Orlando Opera

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:17:23 -0500

Tonight, Thursday December 18th at 7:30 p.m. make your way to the Orlando Library in Downtown Orlando for a special performance by the Orlando Opera Studio Artists.

They have a few songs up their sleeves for tonight's performance that are sure to warm your heart.

Click here to find out more.

4th Annual ArtistsRegistry.com Members Juried Exhibit opening reception

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:13:48 -0500

Tonight starting at 6 p.m. the opening reception to the 4th Annual Artists Registry.com Members Juried Exhibit will take place at the Gallery at Avalon Island and Guinevere's in Downtown Orlando.

Refreshments will be served along with the musical entertatinment provided by Joseph Martens.

The Gallery at Avalon Island is located at 39 S. Magnolia Ave. You can fine out more information by visiting galleryatavalonisland.com

Polk Museum of Art celebrates Kwanza

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:09:29 -0500

Saturday December 20th travel out to Lakeland to the Polk Museum of Art for a lesson in the principles of Kwanza.

Starting at 1 p.m.the festivities begin featuring a performance by the energetic Kuumba Dancers and Drummers of Tampa.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 863-688-77433 or visit polkmuseumofart.org

The American Nutcracker

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:05:40 -0500

This weekend The Galmont Ballet presents Frank Galvez's original production of The American Nutcracker.

This performance features the classic music of Tchaikovsky along with the original choreography of Frank Galvez. Plus you'll see over 60 dancers, 100 beautiful costumes and wonderful sets.

This all takes place at the Historic Cocco Villiage Playhouse December 19th through Sunday December 21st.

Visit galmontballet.com for more information.

Swing into the holiday spirit with Michael Andrew

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:56:02 -0500

This weekend, December 19th and 20th, make your way to the Plaza Theatre in Orlando for Michael Andrew's Swingin' Christmas.

This holiday show features the 18 piece Atomic Band and the Park Avenue Dancers.

This is a night that everyone can enjoy, there will be singing, dancing, comedy, and even juggling?! Audiences over the past five years have come to expect the unexpected from this high energy show.

Here are the show times:
Dec. 19th 2 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20th 4 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Get your tickets by visiting www.theplazatheatre.com

Central Florida artwork in the White House

theArtsConnection — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:35:39 -0500

Congratulations to Deltona artist Lloyd Marcus for his work on the district 24 Florida ornament now on display in the White House.

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus attended the White House reception and even entertained the crowd with an impromtu performance of "The Christmas Song" with the help of the White House pianist.

Click here to see the ornament on the White House website.

30th Annual Morse Museum Christmas in the Park

theArtsConnection — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:03:40 -0500

This Thursday night is the 30^th Annual Morse Museum Christmas in the Park. Every year the museum brings light, beauty and cheer to the residents of Central Florida when it lights up the Tiffany Windows in Winter Park’s Central Park.

Ruth Seely Dunning Memorial Window, c. 1897

The free event begins at 6:15 p.m. and includes not only 9 amazing Tiffany windows but also performances by the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble.

Bach Festival Choir

Last year we were able to make it to the event. Click here for a personal tour.

For more information about Christmas in the Park and the Morse Museum visit their website at www.morsemuseum.org.

Christmas in the Park celebrates 30 years of Tiffany windows

theArtsConnection — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:58:45 -0500

This Thursday night is the 30th Annual Morse Museum Christmas in the Park. Every year the museum brings light, beauty and cheer to the residents of Central Florida when it lights up the Tiffany Windows in Winter Park’s Central Park.

Ruth Seely Dunning Memorial Window, c. 1897

The free event begins at 6:15 p.m. and includes not only 9 amazing Tiffany windows but also performances by the Bach Festival Choir, Youth Choir, and Brass Ensemble.

The Bach Festival Choir

Last year we were able to make it to the event. Click here for a personal tour.

For more information about Christmas in the Park and the Morse Museum visit their website at www.morsemuseum.org.

'East of Pouring' book signing at UrbanThink! Bookstore this Sunday

theArtsConnection — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:35:09 -0500

This Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. make your way to UrbanThink! Bookstore for the premiere and book signing of EAST OF POURING, with author William Drew Weinbrenner.

Author William Drew Weinbrenner and friend

EAST OF POURING is a collection of 8 chapbooks (according to Merriam-Webster: a small book containing ballads, poems, tales, or tracts) developed between 1980 and 2007.

This local author from Ormond Beach describes his work (poetry) as a search for love and peace across seven continents during the advent of the 21^st century.

UrbanThink! Bookstore is located at 625 East Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801

And you can find out more information at www.urbanthinkorlando.com

11th Season of the one man presentation of 'A Christmas Carol'

theArtsConnection — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:16:20 -0500

So you know the story of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol right? Well David McElroy of Southern Winds Theatre sure does … every line of it. In fact this is his 11^th year performing the holiday classic.

But this performance is slightly different; Mr. McElroy plays all 37 characters! That’s correct 37 different characters including Tiny Tim, Bob Crachit, Marley, The Three Ghosts and of course Ebenezer Scrooge himself! Talk about memorization!

He may be alone on stage but he has had the help of director Marylin McGinnis for the last nine years helping shape this Charles Dickens classic and choreography of Pam Killiger who was part of the original crew.

This is the second year Southern Winds Theatre has brought the one man Christmas Carol to Seminole Community College.

There are only a few dates to see this production:

December 4 – 6 at 8 p.m.

December 7 at 2 p.m.

The Seminole Community College Fine Arts Theatre is located at:

100 Weldon Blvd.

Sanford, FL 32773

And you can always find out more info by calling the box office at 407-708-2040.

Get to know the Orlando Opera

theArtsConnection — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:57:05 -0500

This Thursday night starting at 6:30 p.m. don’t miss this unique opportunity to get to know the Orlando Opera a little bit better.

The evening will begin with social networking and then lead into a short presentation on opera’s current cultural significance.

Plus there will be a live performance by the Orlando Opera Studio. This all takes place at the Orange County Public Library in Downtown Orlando in the Albertson Room located at 101 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801.

For more information contact the Orlando Opera Company at 407-426-1700 or orlandoopera.org

1st Thursdays this week …

theArtsConnection — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:30:34 -0500

Unbridled Spirit: Wonder by Mindy Z. Colton

Sculpt your Thursday night around music, food and … well, sculptures. The Orlando Museum of Art’s First Thursday event “Sculpture from House to City” is December 4^th from 6 - 9 p.m.

The night will be filled with the jazz and pop sounds of the Marc Clermont Duo. Plus at 7 there will be a lecture given by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Terry Olson titled "Sculptures as Public Art."

And as always 1^st Thursdays is always free to OMA members and just ten dollars otherwise. Parking is free at Orlando Loch Haven Park; overflow parking is available at the Orlando Science Center parking garage. For more information, call 407 896 4231 x260, or visit www.OMArt.org.

Daytona Beach International Festival Tickets on Sale

theArtsConnection — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:30:05 -0500

Need to fill your calendar for 2009?

The Daytona Beach International Festival single person tickets are on sale now! Any ticket purchased through Jan 31^st 2009 are discounted at 15%, with single ticket prices as low as 9 dollars.

With performances from jazz legend Chris Botti, illusionist Mike Super, Irish favorite Celtic Crossroads, and many more, the 2009 season is looking very promising.

Tickets to DBIF events may be purchased, at the discounted prices, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. through December at DBIF365 Live, located at 212 S. Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach, by calling the Box Office (386) 257-7790 or toll-free at (866) 849-0731, or online at www.dbif.com.

Chrome and Leather anyone?

theArtsConnection — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:24:48 -0500

The Museum of Florida Art’s latest exhibition, Chrome and Leather – Art on the Road of Good and Evil, is ready to go full throttle, but first they need the art!

This ‘Call for Artists’ seeks art of all forms: painting, sculpture, photography, film, and mixed media. All styles will be considered as long as there is some connection to motorcycles or the “life on the road.”

Artist: Jacob Cordell

The deadline for art submissions is December 20^th, 2008.

Chrome and Leather will open Friday February 27th 2009, and will be currated by Josh Garrick, in association with famed motorcycle painter Chris Cruz.

Contact Josh Garrick at joshgarrick9@aol.com for more information and your application.

The Lippazaner Stallions ride into Orlando

theArtsConnection — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:21:29 -0500

The famous Lippizzaner Stallions are galloping through Orlando, December 26^th, for their acclaimed “Dancing White Stallion” performance. The Lippizzaner Stallions are world renowned, being viewed by 26 million people over four different continents. Come watch these dazzling horses dance and leap at the Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.

Even with two show times, 3 and 7:30 p.m. the Lippizzaner Stallions are sure to draw a big crowd, so get your tickets now!

Tickets may be purchased at the Silver Spurs Arena box office and all Ticketmaster Offices.

And if you want a sneak peek at their performance click here to check out our story on the performance last year. Kristen Kenney has more ...

Smack Down in the Square

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:11:14 -0500

The Doctors take on The Lawyers in Dexter's 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands this Saturday. Who will prevail? Come find out at the Hannibal Square Street Party, November 15, 4 - 10 p.m.

Crealde Holiday Art Sale

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:59:41 -0500

If you are looking to get your holiday shopping out of the way, then come to Crealde this weekend for the Crealde Holiday Art Sale.

The Crealde faculty will be selling a selection of personal paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, sculpture and more!

The sale begins this weekend, November 15 - 16.

Classic Accordionist Comes to Maitland Art Center

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:44:02 -0500

The Maitland Art Center and the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando are proud to announce the special presentation and free concert of classic accordionist Antonio Barberena.

His music is well known in Mexico City. He has performed with the Opera Orchestra of Bellas Artes and as a soloist with the Classical Orchestra of Mexico.

The free concert is Sunday, November 16, 6 p.m. in the Maitland Art Center's Mayan Courtyard.

For information or directions to the Maitland Art Center call 407.539.2181 or visit this website.

Forget dinner and movie...it's picnic and jazz night!

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:23:12 -0500

Pack your picnic basket and blanket for an evening of music and romance in Orlando’s most beautiful garden.

It's the Leu Gardens' annual Jazz Stroll Satuday, November 15, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Candlelit paths will illuminate under a starry Florida sky to some of Central Florida's best jazz and blues musicians: Dr. Otto Gomez Group, Saxophonist Erly Thornton and Matt "the saxman" with Cornucopia.

Tickets cost $17.00. Purchase tickets by phone 407-246-2620.

Mark Miller Gallery announces New Curator

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:30:32 -0500

Deltona Arts & Historical Center proudly announces the appointment of Kathleen Steinis as curator of their Mark Miller Gallery.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Mrs. Steinis' sculpture was exhibited in Lever House Museum, New York.

One of her achievements as a curator includes bringing an exhibit by internationally renowned Chinese artist “Sophia” to Volusia County, Mark Miller Gallery.

Steinis is also the Children's Art Class Instructor at Deltona Arts & Historical Center.

For more information click HERE

A NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY!

theArtsConnection — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:19:48 -0500

You're cordially invited to join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Nutcracker friends for the 1st annual Sweet Tea Party, Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m at Suntree Country Club.

It will be a delightful way to spend a family-friendly afternoon, complete with an array of tea, sweets, Nutcracker characters, photos with Santa, and a preview performance of Brevard Ballet Theatre's "The American Nutcracker."

Don't be late for this VERY important date!

Tickets cost $20.00 and proceeds benefit Brevard Ballet Theatre, a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 pending.

For tickets call the Brevard Ballet Theatre office at 321-634-5466 or email info@brevardballettheatre.org.

For more information visit www.BrevardBalletTheatre.org.

Artsy Happy Hour tomorrow at Taste in College Park

theArtsConnection — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:40:37 -0500

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida has been sponsoring these "get –togethers" every month and it really is a great way for the arts community to gather and just talk about … well everything!

Autumn Shaeffer, executive director of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida will be there of course; this one is going to be held at the College Park restaurant Taste (717 W. Smith Street) Wednesday November 12^th and the party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with plenty of wine and tapas that are sure to inspire your conversations.

For more information on Taste visit www.tastecp.com or for the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida visit: www.artsandculturalalliance.org

Anti*Pop Music Festival is coming to town ...

theArtsConnection — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:35:47 -0500

This will be the 4^th year that the Anti*Pop Music Festival will celebrate good music in downtown Orlando. It’s a 4-day concert starting Thursday night November 13^th. Indie bands from all over the nation will flood downtown Orlando playing at venues including, The Social, The Plaza Theater, Club Firestone, Will’s Pub, AKA Lounge, and more!

This festival is really getting big and there are too many bands to list so check out the website:

http://www.myspace.com/antipopmusicfest Here you can check out the latest updates, listen to the artists who will be performing, check out music videos and buy your tickets to the festival.

Everything you need to know about the Anti*Pop Music Festival is at: http://www.myspace.com/antipopmusicfest

Artist of the Month

theArtsConnection — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:31:37 -0500

Emily Neale Doyle, a local fine art photographer is The Museum Shop’s Florida Artist of the Month at the Orlando Museum of Art.

What does this mean? Well the Orlando Museum of Art offers this great opportunity to Florida artists to help them with exposure. At each 1^st Thursday the program selects two candidates and after review they are invited to participate in the program where their work is displayed in the Museum Shop with everything available for purchase.

This month’s artist, Emily Neale Doyle, has a lot to say with this collection showing over 20 images inspired from her favorite themes of architectural, travel, and nature photography.

Take a look for yourself!

Abstract Beach

Moon Over Clearwater

Orchid Three

If you want more information on Emily Neale Doyle, visit her website: www.endphotography.com

And you can always find out more about the Orlando Museum of Art at www.omart.org

Gallery at Avalon Island showcases

theArtsConnection — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:11:27 -0500

Gallery at Avalon Island presents “Return to Forever;” paintings and drawings of Edson Campos and Kathleen Brodeur on display until Friday, December 12, 2008.

‘Return to Forever’ will showcase their individual works as collaboration pieces inspired by stained glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The opening reception is Thursday, November 20, from 6-10 p.m.

For more information on the artists, call (407)310-2317 or visit online at

www.GalleryatAvalonIsland.com

www.edsoncampos.com

www.kathleenbrodeurfineart.com

NY TIMES best-selling author takes the stage at Embry-Riddle

theArtsConnection — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:53:23 -0500

The Honors Program Distinguished Speaker Series welcomes prolific author, historian and activist Pete Earley to the podium, Monday, November 10, 7.p.m.

Earley will take you ‘Inside the Mind of a Traitor’ for a look at how espionage threatens the United States today. A former Washington Post reporter and New York Times best-selling author, historian, and activist, Early has spent hundreds of hours interviewing notorious U.S. spies.

Let him take you ‘Inside the Mind of a Traitor’ November 10, 7.p.m. in Embry-Riddle’s Gale Lemerand Auditorium, Willie Miller Instructional Center.

For more information click here

All Nunsense here...

theArtsConnection — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:31:10 -0500

Come One, Come All! If you haven't seen a Nunsense show yet, you will love the hilarious antics these 'sisters' bring to the stage in NUNCRACKERS: A Nunsense Christmas Musical!

Opening night is Friday, November 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center.

Buy One Ticket, Get Another 50% Off!

Call the Box Office Now at 407-321-8111 and have a nothing but Nunsense time!

2008 Orlando Film Festival

theArtsConnection — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:24:53 -0500

The 2008 Orlando Film Festival kicks off tonight Wednesday November 5^th with the VIP preview party. Don’t worry if you weren’t invited to this one there are many more to come that are free and open to the public. For a complete list of all the parties and promotions click here.

But the real point of this festival is the films. The Orlando Film Festival team has worked very hard to provide a totally FREE festival, that’s right all the screenings are free and open to the public. This way you can’t make any excuses to not make it. And there are some really great world/Florida premiers that are going to be right here in Orlando.

Coutring Condi - November 6^th at 7 p.m. in the Gallery at Avalon Island

This Man's Life - November 8^th at 2 p.m. at the City Arts Factory

And don’t forget about all the opportunities to meet the filmmakers. There are plenty of Q & A Sessions after the screenings. Click here for the complete schedule.

If you want to find out more about the Orlando Film Festival, and you do!, visit the website www.orlandofilmfest.com.

And we have to give special congratulations to the local crew of This Man's Life, especially our very own editor Phil Tripoli! Congratulations! If you would like to find out more about the film This Man's Life click here.