Arts and Cultural Events and Updates

Since I have more than one thing to mention, I figure I’ll pile it all into one post. There’s a lot of news to share!

First, Florida Dance Theatre just announced that it will be extending a special offer to its upcoming performance: buy one ticket, get one free! This applies to not only the general admission and children’s tickets, but also to the pre-performance V.I.P. Cocktail Party. The performance will be on April 18 at 7:30pm at Polk Theatre in downtown Lakeland. The V.I.P. Cocktail Party starts at 6:30pm and includes premier seating at the performance. Tickets are $50 for V.I.P., $18 General, and $12 for children under the age of 12. But remember, buy one, get one free! It’s a great deal, and it’s being offered because people are feeling pinched by the economy.

This is really going to be an excellent performance. Not only are the dancers just fantastic anyway, but they’re also joining forces with the Lakeland based Indie band, Joon. For part of the performance, Joon will be playing their music on stage while FDT dances. Sounds exciting to me!

Next, coming up more quickly — as in this weekend — Bok Tower Gardens will host two events. On Saturday at 7:30am, you can join them for a Sunrise Tree Walk & Breakfast.  Nick Baker, their Director of Horticulture, will guide visitors on a tour of the gardens and talk about the history, variety, and special features of the trees. After that, you’ll get to enjoy breakfast indoors and ask questions. On Sunday, April 12, they’ll be hosting their 81st Annual Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00am. Admission is free, and there will be music by the Gardens’ 60-bell carillon and the Lake Wales Choral. An Easter Buffet will be available for a fee.

A new event that hasn’t been publicized much yet is Polk Museum of Art‘s Folk Art Day on Saturday, April 25. A workshop by Lakeland folk artist Jack “Mr. B” Beverland will be offered at 11:00am and will cost $10 per person. Space is limited, so you should call ahead to register (688-7743 x249). Then, from noon until 2:00pm, local folk artists will be selling their artwork in the Museum’s parking lot. The final list of participating artists has not been determined yet, but local folk artist and collector Rodney Hardee is helping to organize this part of the day. The great thing about folk art is that it’s usually fairly inexpensive. You can come away with a nice piece of artwork for well under $100. Admission to the sale is free, and a small reception with light refreshments will take place in the Museum’s lobby at the same time.

There are MANY other great events taking place before the end of the month in Polk County. I didn’t even mention Explorations V‘s Annual Children’s Festival on the 18th, Lakeland Community Theatre‘s performances of Macbeth  starting on the 23rd, or the Imperial Symphony Orchestra‘s Cookie Concert on the 26th! Be sure to pick up a copy of Art-i-Facts magazine at any of the local arts institutions or you can view an online version here.