I brought my mom along for our new cultural adventure, with the intent of buying dinner after the show.  I estimated the drive from Lakeland to be about 45 minutes to an hour depending upon traffic.  We left South Lakeland at about 5:40pm and we were in Frostproof by 6:15pm.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a lovely mural by Lake Wales artist, Tom Freeman on the northeast corner of Scenic Highway and Wall Street.  We drove around the corner and parked in front of the Frostproof Art League & Gallery, directly across the street from the Ramon Theater and looked in the windows of the Gallery until the doors opened for the show at 6:30pm.

We were greeted with enthusiasm by Tina and Frostproof Mayor, Kay Hutzelman.  I was not surprised to see Marilyn and Jerry Fuller, a couple I know through their affiliation with the Frostproof Art League and participation in the Cultural Arts Council of the Polk Arts Alliance.  My mother and I sat with Marilyn and Jerry in the front row of the Theater.  We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly the venue filled up.  Ramon Theater seats about 200 and since only a few seats were open, I would guess that about 190 people were in attendance.  I’ll estimate that about one-half to two-thirds of the guests were winter residents (snowbirds).  The show started at 7:00pm.

I had no idea who Laurie Miller was until I learned more through a series of short videos that were presented during her show between her quick costume changes.  Laurie was one of the original members of a popular late-1980′s vocal group “Exposé” that I was exposed to during my years of disc jockeying in Germany for U.S. Military teen and pre-teen dances while serving in the U.S. Army in Augsburg, Germany.  Here is their first hit “Point of No Return” (YouTube).  I also discovered that Laurie performed on Princess Cruise Lines for 17 years.  I may have seen her perform without knowing it on one of my previous cruises.

Laurie’s show was fantastic.  She presented a variety of entertainment that included song and dance, mostly geared to the generation that was in the Theater.  Her set list for the night was easily recognizable to everyone in the room and many enjoyed singing along.  I’m certain that my 31-year old daughter and four-year old granddaughter would also have thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  Laurie’s medley of favorite animated Disney movie tunes from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Lion King brought back wonderful memories.  She also presented quick change impersonations and songs of Cher, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Streisand that were excellent.

After the show, Marilyn and Jerry took us into the Frostproof Art League & Gallery to see the photography exhibit that is on display during the month of February.  Then, my mom and I walked about 50 yards to “Roscoe’s,” a new internet cafe and restaurant in Frostproof that has been open about a month. The was converted from an old-style gas station.  The garage bays were turned into indoor seating complete with a computer bar for those who may want to log in and check email, surf the net or conduct business.

We sat in the outdoor area, where the gas pumps would have been in the past.  It was decorated nicely with large pots and troughs filled with plants enclosing the entire area.

My mother had a chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato and I had the “Caprese” sandwich of tomatoes, thick sliced mozzarella and basil.  Both sandwiches were served on fresh French baguettes.  My mom had a Ginger-Caramel Latte and I had coffee.  A variety of espresso and coffee drinks, lattes, frappes and shakes are available.  The menu has selections of sandwiches, salads and pastries.  I did manage to pick up the check first.

We had a nice chat with Tina, Laurie and a friend at Roscoe’s, and on the brief walk back to our cars.

Discover lovely Frostproof this year during one of the upcoming performances on the 2012 Ramon Theater Music Series.  Next up on February 11th are “The Repeatles,” a unique 60s tribute band based in Stockholm, Sweden who love, understand and honour the bands of this era.  Elvis fans will love Dwight Icenhower’s “Elvis Tribute” on March 3rd.  Both performances begin at 7:00pm. Also at the Ramon, is a Murder Mystery Dinner on March 17th. The Murder Mystery Dinners seat about 140 people.  Order your tickets early, because both performances and the dinner are certain to sell out.  Call the Ramon Theater at 863-635-7222 and get your tickets today.

Learn more about events and happenings in Frostproof on the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce website, including the upcoming Frostproof Orange Blossom Festival from 9am-5pm on February 18th, the Ramon Theater’s 2012 Music Series, Murder Mystery Dinners and more.

Learn more about arts and cultural events, exhibitions and news, including those at the Frostproof Art League & Gallery and the Ramon Theater on the Polk Arts Alliance website by visiting www.polkarts.org.

Hope to see you soon.

Bev

If you missed it last weekend, Frostproof  will have a “Last Chance Viewing” of the Festival of Trees, in the Ramon Theater this weekend on Sunday, December 13th between 2pm and 4pm.  If you haven’t had a chance to see these spectacularly decorated trees or if you know someone that hasn’t viewed the trees be sure to attend this last viewing.  Also, Frostproof will welcome the big, jolly man himself as they have Pictures with Santa this Saturday, December 12th in the Ramon Theater.  Kids pictures will be between 10am and noon and Pet pictures will be between 2pm and 4pm.  Cost of a 5X7 picture is $5. 

The Ramon Theater will also serve as the backdrop for a great way to spend New Years Eve. This New Years Eve there will be a murder mystery – “Murder Plays A Sour Note” – and you can reserve your tickets now.  Finally, don’t forget to get your music series tickets, cost is $60 for all 6 shows. Come on, where else can you see this kind of a line up for $10 a show.  These tickets would make a great Christmas present for someone, so reserve your tickets now!

For additional information or ticket reservations contact Tina or Eddie at (863) 635-9112 or (863) 635-7222 or email them at info@frostproofchamber.com or info@ramontheater.com.

So, the next time you are driving on Highway 27 around Lake Wales, make the turn east and go until you see Wall Street. That’s where your adventure begins in Frostproof. To give you even more reason to stop in, here is a list of upcoming events, starting with a big Labor Day celebration this weekend.

• Old Fashioned Labor Day: 9am-9pm – There will be a softball tournament in the morning, games, inflatables, a Thomas the Train appearance, food and drinks. The highlight of the day will be the parade, “Little Miss Frostproof Pageant” and the street dance at 7pm on (you guessed it) Wall Street.
• Coming in January of 2010, Frostproof will begin the “Night at the Ramon” music series. You won’t want to miss these great concerts in the unique setting of the Ramon Theater. Passes for the entire series are available now and can be purchased by calling the Ramon Theater office at 863-635-7222. We will have more information here as it gets closer, but here is a list of the performers:
  • January 9th, 2010 – Donald Gandy: Tickets will be $15 at the door or $12.50 prior to January 9th, 2010.
  • January 16th, 2010 – Mustang Sally and the Hamjo’s: Tickets will be $20 at the door or $15 prior to January 16th, 2010.
  • February 6th, 2010 – Steven Sternberg: Tickets will be $20 at the door or $15 prior to February 6th, 2010.
  • February 20th, 2010 – The Repeatles & Elvis: Tickets will be $20 at the door or $15 prior to February 20th, 2010.
  • February 27th, 2010 – Cory Greenway: Tickets will be $15 at the door or $12.50 prior to February 27th, 2010.
  • March 6th, 2010 – Glen Clark: Tickets will be $15 at the door or $12.50 prior to March 6th, 2010.

Cypress Gardens: (All Weekend) Fireworks, night ski show and live music on the lakeside.

Bartow: July 4th Extravaganza – At Bartow’s IMC Park; Thursday, July 3: Community bbq with special guest US Congressman Adam Putnam – 5:30pm-7pm; Friday, July 4: 2:30pm-9:30pm – Patriotic music, Police K-9 demonstrations, Military tributes, gospel music and fireworks.

Lakeland: Thursday, July 3 – Central Florida Eurocars presents: Red, White & Kaboom! – Free fireworks and live music for the whole family. 6-9:30pm at Lake Mirror Promenade. Live music by Lee Sabler and CitiHeat.

Lakeland: Friday, July 4: Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle – 5pm – Fireworks following the game.

Haines City: Friday, July 4 – Noon-10pm at Lake Eva Park: “Thunder on the Ridge” – One of Polk County’s largest fireworks displays and a concert by Aaron Tippin starting at 7:30pm. Also: Watermelon eating contests, shopping, food vendors and more.

Winter Haven: Thursday, July 3 – 7pm at Lake Silver: “Rock N’ Freedom Fest” – live bands, fun and games for children and fireworks at 9:30pm.

Lake Alfred: Friday, July 4 – Lions Park in Lake Alfred – The day includes a fishing tournament, live performances, activities for children, food and fireworks.

Bok Tower:Friday, July 4 – Bok Tower Gardens hosts “Independence Day Carillon Concerts” with shows at 1pm and 3pm. The concerts are included in park admission; all military (active and retired) admitted free with military ID.

Lake Wales: Saturday, July 5 – “Fourth of July on the Fifth!” – Lake Wales Park: 10am-9pm – The event features a DJ, food and fireworks that begin at 9pm.

Frostproof: Friday, July 4 – “Wall Street Park Celebration” – All day event includes a parade, live entertainment, food and fireworks at 9pm.

Auburndale: Friday, July 4 – Fireworks at 9:15 over Lake Ariana

Dundee: Friday, July 4 – “Light up the Shores of Lake Marie” – 5:30pm – Fireworks at 9:30pm – Also includes food vendors, and children’s activities.

No matter where you go or how you celebrate, have a safe and fun Fourth of July.