Sunny Central Florida » Explorations V

Soaking Up the Local Culture

Rebecca Thompson — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:55:56 +0000

This Week:
April 16-22

Runway Fashion Show
Date: Wednesday, April 18; 6:30–8:30pm
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
-Polk Museum of Art proudly presents its annual spring fashion show where Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay will provide the fashions.

Rumors
Dates: Thursday, April 19 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
-This is a Comedy by Neil Simon, America’s best known multi-award winning playwright, at Theatre Winter Haven.

Green Celebration
Date: Friday, April 20; 6–9:30pm
Venue: Lake Mirror Promenade – Lakeland
-Celebrate Earth Day with a free Green Celebration featuring a concert and showcase at Lake Mirror Promenade.

Jazz Victoria Ensemble
Date: Friday, April 20; 7:30–9:30pm
Venue: Lake Wales Arts Center
-Victoria is well-known to local audiences and will assemble a few of her talented friends for an evening of jazz.
-Victoria has had a major career as a jazz pianist and vocalist, having performed at Birdland, Lincoln Center and the Ritz-Carlton New York.

The Hallelujah Girls
Dates: Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Haines City Theater
-A comedy written by the authors of “The Dixie Swim Club”, Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

The Odd Couple
Dates: Friday, April 20 – Sunday, April 22
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-Lakeland Community Theatre presents The Odd Couple, a 1965 Broadway comedy by Neil Simon, followed by a successful film and television series as well as other derivative works and spin offs.

Broadway at the Ritz
Date: Saturday, April 21; 6:30pm–10:30pm
Venue: Ritz on Central – Winter Haven
-This fundraiser for Theatre Winter Haven features music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and other Broadway composers with The Brass Heart Band.

Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon
Date: Saturday, April 21; 7:30am–12:30pm
Venue: Lakeland
-The Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon offers a swim, urban bike loop, and urban run through downtown Lakeland, and is sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club.
-The race is 100% for charity and includes many added benefits like free athlete photos, free pre and post-race stretching, free post-race massages, and more.

Child of the Sun Jazz Festival
Date: Saturday, April 21; 4pm–10pm
Venue: Lake Mirror Amphitheatre – Lakeland
-This is Lakeland’s signature jazz music festival benefitting local charities and featuring legendary jazz musicians, music and an array of food.
-The Jazz Festival is sponsored by sponsored by the Lakeland Rotary Club and partnered with Child of the Sun Urban Triathlon.

Children’s Festival & Picnic in the Park with Explorations V
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10–3pm
Venue: Explorations V Children’s Museum – Lakeland
-A spring celebration, held in support of the nationally recognized “Week of the Young Child.”
-The festival draws attention to the importance of enhancing education through playful, interactive learning adventures using the Museum’s exhibits and will include hands-on activities throughout nearby Munn Park.

Creative Studies: Inspired by Nature
Date: Saturday, April 21; 5–7:30pm
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
-This is an art nature presentation at Polk Museum of Art.
-Learn about the wonders of wilderness from two highly regarded Lakeland conservationists, Andy Quinn and Reinier Munguia.

Good Ol’ Days Festival
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10–2pm
Venue: Homeland Heritage Park – Homeland
-Polk County Parks & Recreation presents the Good Ol’ Days Festival which is great for all ages and designed to provide a look at Homeland Heritage Park and Polk County’s past.

Kids’ Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, April 21; 10am-4:30pm
Venue: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
-A day for the kids at Mulberry Phosphate Museum featuring activity stations, story time, games, prizes and more.

Lotela Gold 50’s and 60’s Show Band
Date: Saturday, April 21; 7pm–9pm
Venue: Ramon Theater – Frostproof
-Lotela Gold is a Show Band featuring 50’s & 60’s tunes that you love to remember, such as “Earth Angel”, “Hang on Sloopy”, “This Magic Moment”, “Midnight Hour” and so many more.
-A portion of the proceeds will benefit Frostproof High School Project Graduation.

Original Lakeland Gun Show
Dates: Saturday, April 21 – Sunday, April 22; 9am– 4pm
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-See hundreds of displays of guns, ammo, gun parts, reloading supplies, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items at discount prices.
-Over 600 vendors will participate.
-The Original Lakeland Gun Show is presented by the Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club.

Central Florida Bridal Showcase
Date: Sunday, April 22; 1–5pm
Venue: Lake Eva Banquet Hall – Haines City
-The 2012 Central Florida Bridal Showcase is a bridal fashion show by Robyn Lynne and will include a drawing for a bridal gown, a grand prize drawing and door prizes.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Platform.5 Youth & Art Saturday, Feb 18, 5-8pm

Bev Hendricks — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:53:22 +0000

It’s a Small World – Youth as the Catalyst for Change

I stopped by to see how set up was going today and to see what I could do to help. The walls are covered with visual art. Rehearsals are happening. The film screening room is prepared. Tables are set up for creating art. Looks like another fantastic Platform.5 Youth & Art event is ready to go. How can you help? Come on out and support kids creating art. This family-friendly event is for all ages!

when || saturday, february 18, 2012 – 5pm to 8pm
where || Oasis Community Church, 3330 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803
what || a family friendly art party created by Lakeland-based arts organization Platform Art. Experience art, film fashion, sound and performance, plus art activities provided by Explorations V Children’s Museum (necklaces), GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Lakeland (sand art) and Tom Monaco of The Fourth Wall Specialty Design & Fabrication Inc (crowns).
tickets || students: FREE (thru grade 12) || adults: $5 suggested donation

Performances:
Lincoln Academy Choir - La Jesusita
Prodigy Theatre / Dance Class - French Folk Dance
Suzuki Strings / Children’s Violin & Guitar - Playful Rondo & It’s a Small World
Wendell Watson Elem. Show Choir - What Can One Little Person Do
Emily Gillian - Desi Girl
Florida Dance Theatre Youth Ensemble - Quiet Now
Emily Jones - Max, I see the Street, Dead Alligator on the Side of the Road
Dance Arts - Paper Speak
Florida Dance Academy Youth Ensemble and Geneva Classical Academy - Small World Project
The Summer Insects Ensemble - Windowsill, Shortest Day of Our Lives

Platform Art is grateful for:

volunteers || GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Lakeland, serving the community since 1928.
sponsors || George W. Jenkins Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, Florida Refuse/Republic Services, City of Lakeland, CSX, Lunz Prebor Fowler.
platform.5 coordinator || Karen Grisham

Oct 7-9: This Weekend in the Heart of the Arts

Bev Hendricks — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:04:19 +0000

It’s National Arts & Humanities Month and we are celebrating in the Heart of the Arts in a big way. There are more than 100 arts and cultural activities taking place during October.

Attend arts activities this month and register for a chance to win awesome “ARTS” prizes! The rules are easy. Look for the Heart of the Arts Logo at participating arts and cultural events in Polk County. Provide your contact information one time at each activity, so we can contact you if you are a winner. The more activities you experience, the more opportunities you have to win. Drawings take place in early November.

This weekend in the Heart of the Arts (Oct 7-9):

Oct 6-9: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven

Oct 7: View & Review – Critiquing Emerging Artists (Photography) at Polk Museum of Art.

Oct 7: Ask a Gardener at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 7: People’s Choice at Arts on the Park

Oct 7: Half Price Admission to Explorations V from 6-8pm

Oct 7: Cracker Storytelling Festival Ghost Stories at Polk County Historical Museum

Oct 7-8: THE EDGE Stage Read Series – “Hot L Baltimore” LCT at Lake Mirror Theatre

Oct 8: Opening Reception for Student Exhibition at Polk Museum of Art

Oct 8: History Highlights Polk Proud 150 at 2pm at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 8: Underground at the Polk at the Historic Polk Theatre

Oct 9: Edward W. Bok Birthday Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens

View the complete EVENT CALENDAR.

Visit our listing with links to Polk’s arts & cultural organizations.

Oct 3-7 in the Heart of the Arts

Bev Hendricks — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:15:45 +0000

It’s National Arts & Humanities Month and we are celebrating in the Heart of the Arts in a big way. There are more than 100 arts and cultural activities taking place during the October.

Attend arts activities in October and register for a chance to win awesome “ARTS” prizes! The rules are easy. Look for the Heart of the Arts Logo at participating arts and cultural events in Polk County. Provide your contact information only one time at each activity, so we can contact you if you are a winner, and you are done. The events are listed in Art-i-facts Magazine and on the Polk Arts website.

The more activities you experience, the more opportunities you have to win. Drawings will take place in early November.

Oct 3: Auditions for “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7pm

Oct 3: After School Art (Ages 5 and up) at Polk Museum of Art, 4:30-5:30pm

Oct 3-7: Explorations V Children’s Daily Sessions

Oct 5: RAW TV at Southeastern University

Oct 6: NOVA – “The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies” at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 6: FSC’s Florida Lecture Series Welcomes Frank Laumer – “Soldiers, Seminoles, and Slavery: Florida and the Second Seminole War”

Oct 6-9: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven

Oct 7: View & Review – Critiquing Emerging Artists (Photography) at Polk Museum of Art

Oct 7: Ask a Gardener at Bok Tower Gardens

Oct 7: People’s Choice at Arts on the Park

Oct 7: Half Price Admission to Explorations V Children’s Museum from 6-8pm

Oct 7: Cracker Storytelling Festival Ghost Stories at Polk County Historical Museum

Oct 7-8: THE EDGE Stage Read Series – “Hot L Baltimore” at Lakeland Community Theatre

View the complete October EVENT CALENDAR>>

Arts & Culture this week in Sunny Central Florida

Bev Hendricks — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:43:20 +0000

The season is in full swing now, with arts and cultural offerings to fit every budget and taste.

Sept 19-23, 10:30am-12:00pm
Daily Sessions at Explorations V Children’s Museum

Magical Monday, Sept 19 Where the Wild Things Are Literacy
Terrific Tuesday, Sept 20 Fall Leaf Match School Readiness
Wacky Wednesday, Sept 21 Cracker Toppers Cup Cooking”
Thrilling Thursday, Sept 22 Traffic Sign Shapes Science/Math
Fun Friday, Sept 23 Sunflower Garden Creative Activities

All sessions are included with admission, which is $7 per person. Senior Citizens age 65 and over and military are $3.50. Children under two are free. Additional information can be obtained by calling 863.687.3869 or via email to info@explorationsv.com. Visit us on the web at www.explorationsv.com.

Sept 20, 5:45-7:00pm
Tea & Symphony: Magic of the Flute
The Lake Hunter Room at The Lakeland Center

The first event of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 Season. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, tea or a glass of wine with other music lovers and learn about the life and music of the composers featured on the upcoming Masterworks Concert on the following Tuesday (Sept 27). These fascinating lecture/demonstrations are facilitated by Music Director Mark Thielen. Admission is $15 at the door. Phone: 863.688.3743.

Sept 21, 7:00pm and 9:00pm
RAW TV: Live Shows in Bolin Studio

Southeastern University’s RAW TV, is a live, student-produced, television talk show that targets young adults. The mission of RAW TV, whose acronym stands for “Real And Willing,” is to openly discuss relevant issues and topics with its guests. In September 2007, the show began appearing nationwide on National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Network via satellite television. Learn more about RAW TV on the Southeastern University website or by phone 863.667.5119.

Sept 22, 10:30am – Noon
Bok Tower Gardens – NOVA: Volcano Above the Clouds

Thursday Films in the Visitor’s Center are included with general admission of $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12. Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8am-6pm with the last admission at 5pm. The Visitor’s Center is open from 9am-5pm. Visit the Bok Tower Gardens website to learn more.

Sept 22, 7:30-9:30pm
Harrison Faculty and Student Showcase

The second annual faculty and student showcase at Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Ticket Prices $7.00. Information: 863.499.2855, Box Office: 863.499.2939

Sept 22-24, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2:30pm/7:30pm
Theatre Winter Haven presents “The Full Monty”

“Honey…do they really take their clothes off??”

Well, it is the full monty, isn’t it? And anything can happen on stage right? But THE FULL MONTYis more the story of family and friends, a feel good celebration of devotion and camaraderie. Based on the wonderful and poignant movie and placed in the American city of Buffalo, New York this popular musical has as the story a kid and his dad at its heart.

Tickets: 863.294.7469 or TheatreWinterHaven.com

Explorations V Children’s Museum Partners with MOSI During Oct & Nov 2010

Bev Hendricks — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:04:43 +0000

As part of a temporary reciprocal membership agreement, Explorations V Children’s Museum will honor MOSI (Tampa, FL) members for free admission from October 1, 2010 through November 30, 2010. Valid & current MOSI membership cards must be presented in order to obtain free admission. In exchange, MOSI will honor valid and current Explorations V membership cards for free general admission to their facility. The agreement does not apply to IMAX or special exhibitions and only applies to individuals who are documented members of each organization.

For additional information contact MOSI at 813 987 6000 or Explorations V Children’s Museum at 863 687 3869.

Explorations V Children’s Museum is located at 109 North Kentucky Avenue in downtown Lakeland. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm. Regular admission price is $5 per person. Senior citizens 65 and older are $2.50 each. Explorations V Children’s Museum members and children under two are free.

September 25th is Museum Day

Bev Hendricks — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:06:01 +0000

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, four of Polk County’s museums and cultural institutions will participate in Smithsonian Magazine’s sixth annual Museum Day, presented by Toyota. Bok Tower Gardens, Explorations V Children’s Museum, Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun and Polk Museum of Art join participating museums and cultural institutions nationwide to open their doors free of charge to visitors who download, print and present the Museum Day Ticket from www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

Museum visitors who present the official Smithsonian pass gain free admission for two people. Free tickets are limited to two persons per pass with one pass per valid email address. Tickets are valid at one location only and must be surrendered at the time of their visit. Museum and cultural institution staff are unable to print out free passes on site.

Regular admission prices per person apply for those not presenting the official free pass from smithsonian.com.

Visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday for additional information and to learn about other participating Museum Day locations.

Top 25 for Downtown Lakeland

Kris Keprios — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:13:37 +0000

I was recently having lunch at a downtown Lakeland restaurant and saw the brand new Downtown Lakeland newsletter. What a great piece for those looking for things to do in Lakeland. One of the things I liked in the newsletter was their list of the Top 25 things to Do in Downtown Lakeland. This is a great list if you are planning a visit to Lakeland. Even if you have lived in Polk County for a long time (like me), there are probably some things on this list you haven’t done yet. So, with thanks to the Downtown Lakeland Partnership for sending this list along, here it is…..

1. Eat yummy ice cream!
2. Visit the museums: Polk Museum of Art, Explorations V Children’s Museum, Arts on the Park.
3. Explore Downtown using the City’s walking tour brochure.
4. Go to a First Friday event.
5. Take a walking tour of the outdoor sculptures and art.
6. Play a game of checkers in front of The General Store.
7. See a movie at the historic Polk Theatre.
8. Visit the Downtown Farmers Curb Market on a Saturday.
9. Explore the antique shops.
10. Surf the Internet using the SurfLakeland wifi.
11. Stroll Lake Mirror Promenade & Hollis Garden.
12. See a show at the Lakeland Center, Lakeland Community Theatre, or Imperial Symphony Orchestra.
13. Find historic Lakeland photos in the shops and restaurants.
14. Read a good book on a blanket in Munn Park.
15. Ride your bike around the lakes.
16. Visit Florida Southern College for the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
17. Fly a kite or play in the water spouts at Barnett Park.
18. Catch up with the local artists at the shops and galleries.
19. See how many different types of birds you can find at Lake Morton.
20. Walk your dog around Lake Mirror.
21. People watch along Kentucky Ave. while dining al fresco.
22. Catch a sports game at the neighborhood bars.
23. Have breakfast on Saturday DOWNTOWN!
24. Sign up for a guided historic walking tour.
25. Take a tour of Polk Theatre.

Every city and community in Polk County certainly has a long list of things to do, so send us yours! Either email your city’s list to kris@centralfloridasports.comor reply to this opostwith soe of your favorite things to do in Sunny Central Florida.

Three Polk County Arts Orgs Nominated for Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Awards

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:10:06 +0000

Once again, Polk County is proving that we’ve got more going for us than orange groves and cow pastures (although, there is something good to be said about both of those things). Three of our arts organizations have been nominated for Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Awards in the Tampa Area: Polk Museum of Art, Explorations V Childrens’ Museum, and Florida Dance Theatre.

Check out my full post at arts.lakelandlocal.com for the whole scoop. Then go vote!

Halloween Event Roundup

Kris Keprios — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:22:10 +0000

As promised, here is a list of all the scary stuff going on for Halloween around Central Florida this weekend:

Thursday

Haunted House: Buckingham Terror Starting at 7pm Camp Fire USA 2600 Buckingham Ave. Lakeland $6 for adults $3 12 and under

Friday

Haunted House: Buckingham Terror Starting at 7pm Camp Fire USA 2600 Buckingham Ave. Lakeland $6 for adults $3 12 and under

Film: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” Midnight Polk Theater Lakeland $10

Attractions: Cypress Gardens Fall Festival Normal Park Hours Winter Haven

Kids: Boo! Bash Explorations V Children’s Museum Lakeland 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm

Live Music/Party: Mad Hatter’s Twisted Halloweeen Event 10pm Brima (Flightline Dr.) Lakeland $10 in advance, $12 at door

Haunted House: St. Anthony’s Haunted Asylum 8pm-midnight 1627 Saint Anthony St. Lakeland (Donations benefit the SPCA)

Family: Family Halloween Party 4pm-6pm Polk Museum of Art Lakeland $5

Music: Symphonic Spooktacular-Imperial Symphony Orchestra Lake Mirror Lakeland 8pm Free

Live Music: Snafu Band and Costume Contest 9pm Holiday Inn Lakeland South $4 (Ages 21+)

Saturday