“We look forward to offering our guests an enhanced stay experience while we continue to offer exceptional levels of customer service that has ranked us #1 on TripAdvisor,” said Carlene Baker, the hotel’s Sales & Marketing Director.

 Located on exit 33 off I-4, The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lakeland is conveniently situated within walking distance to restaurants. The hotel offers a fully-equipped meeting space, business center and complimentary wireless internet. Other amenities include an indoor/outdoor pool and a fitness center.

This was the most enjoyable 30 minute break I’ve taken in a long time.  I highly recommend seeing “Blacklight by Al Kriston” before it closes. Find out for yourself, decide what you like and what you think.  You will definitely leave inspired and smiling.

On exhibit through October 28: Blacklight by Al Kriston. Melvin Gallery at Florida Southern College presents Winter Haven resident Al Kriston’s award winning work and impressive display of blacklight sculpture. When College is in session, the Melvin Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Check out the center column of the Polk Arts Website home page for a listing and summaries of what’s on exhibit right now in Polk County.  There is something for everyone.

Bev Hendricks

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.

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>>

View the October events calendar on polkarts.org, or learn more about the inaugural Heart of the Arts Festival in the fall issue of Art-i-facts Magazine available at Polk Outpost 27, Polk Museum of Art, Theatre Winter Haven, Lake Wales Arts Center and numerous arts and cultural venues throughout Polk County.

Polk’s inaugural  Heart of the Arts Festival is sponsored in part by the Polk County Advertising Federation.

Saturday, October 1^st

7pm & 10pm: Le Cabaret de Polk at the Historic Polk Theatre inLakeland. The songs of Johnny Cash performed by some of your favorite local artists: Brian Sutherland, Craig Morby, Sarah Machinia, Kimberly Milton, and Sharon Clark. Directed by Paul Hughes. Musical director Patrick Fleitz.

2:30pm & 7:30pm: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven.  At heart, a musical comedy, this is the most fun you can have when others take their clothes off. In fact, you may laugh so hard you can hardly “bare” it. Katrina Ploof directs the action with Kevin Davis choreographing.

10am – Noon: Lake Wales Arts Council hosts a Meet the Highwaymen and painting demo by Florida Highwayman Robert Lewis.  Highwaymen Al Black and Issac Knight will also be in attendance. Bob Beatty’s Florida’s Highwaymen, Legendary Landscapes books are available at the Arts Center.  This event is the perfect time to purchase a book and have it signed! Paintings by all three Highwaymen will be available for sale. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are always appreciated.

10am – 4pm (bring your own lunch): Beginning Photography – Point & Shoot at Polk Museum of Art with instructor Gregory Mills. Cost: $35 Members, $50 Non-Members (Pre-registration Required)

10:30am – Noon: Family Fun Workshop – Drawing at the Polk Museum of Art. A safe, fun environment for families to participate together in hands-on activities led by an art educator. FREE for everyone.

7:30pm: Ultimate Broadway: Memorable Movement & Musical Moments with Lakeland Community Theatre and Florida Dance Theatre.

Sunday, October 2^nd

2:30pm: The Full Monty at Theatre Winter Haven.  Last chance is Oct 6-9.

2:00pm: Last chance to see Ultimate Broadway: Memorable Movement & Musical Moments with Lakeland Community Theatre and Florida Dance Theatre.

2:00pm: Sunday Classic Film Walk the Line at Historic Polk Theatre.

2:00pm: Auditions for It’s A Wonderful Life at Theatre Winter Haven.

Learn more about what’s going on in Central Florida’s Heart of the Arts by viewing the October events calendar on polkarts.org, picking up the fall issue of Art-i-facts Magazine available at Polk Outpost 27, Polk Museum of Art, Theatre Winter Haven, Lake Wales Arts Center and numerous arts and cultural venues throughout Polk County, or at visitcentralflorida.org.

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 15-18: The Full Monty presented by Theatre Winter Haven at the Chain of Lakes Complex. Thu-Sat, Sept 15-17, 7:30pm; Sun, Sept 18, 2:30pm.  Adults $22/Students $19. Can’t make it this week? You are in luck. The show runs through October 9th. Tickets: 863-294-7469.

Sept 16-18: The Wind in the Willows, a “Theatre for Youth” production of Lakeland Community Theatre at the Lake Mirror Theatre. This weekend only! Fri, Sat 7:30pm and Sat, Sun 2pm. $10 Adults /$8 Children 12 & Under. Tickets: 863-603-7529.

Sept 16-18: The Tale of Snow White, a children’s theatre production of Lake Wales Little Theatre. Fri-Sat, Sept 16-17, 7:30pm; Sun, Sept 18 2:00pm. The show also runs next weekend (Sept 23-25). Adults $10 /18 & Under $7. Call the voice-mail ticket line at 863-679-8587.

Saturday, Sept 17, 2011. Family Day: World on a Plate.  11am to 3pm. Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland’s FREE annual open house and art carnival for the entire family! Information: 863-688-5423.

Saturday, September 17. Opening Reception for Inspirations: The Member’s Exhibition at Ridge Art Association in the Chain of Lake Complex, Winter Haven. 6:30 to 8:30pm.  Check out the FREE exhibition before you go see The Full Monty right across the lobby. Phone 863-291-5661 for more information.

September 18:  Hidden Garden Melodies from noon to 4pm. Guitarist Joe Gavin performs in the East Glade of Bok Tower Gardens. Included with general admission of Adults $10 / Children $3. Phone 863-676-1408 for more information.

Sunday, September 18th from 2-4pm enjoy the Over 55 Show Band in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre at Polk State College. Tickets $8/person. Phone: (863)297-1050.

Sunday, September 18th. Enjoy a Mel Brooks Double Feature for only $5/person at the historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland. Blazing Saddles begins at 2pm. Young Frankenstein begins at 4pm.

View the Polk Arts Alliance event calendar to learn more about these events and other arts and cultural events happening throughout Polk County.

Bok Tower Gardens Remembers at 2 p.m.
Commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 during a time of quiet reflection as we honor the memory of our fallen heroes. Help plant two live oak tree dedicated to world peace during a special ceremony featuring Rob Quam, Lake Wales Care Center director. Included with admission; 863-676-1408; www.boktowergardens.org

10th Anniversary Commemorative Concert at 4 p.m.
The Bach Festival of Central Florida and Florida Southern College present a Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Concert of September 11, 2001 at FSC’s Branscomb Auditorium. The program features choruses, orchestras, bands and other music ensembles of all ages from Central Florida to remember and honor those who lost their lives that tragic morning. The featured soloist is Kimberly Milton. The music will be traditionally American. All are invited. Admission is free.

The program includes quotations from memorial words and searching questions, which were posted on churches, walls and fences surrounding Ground Zero. These were posted in the days and weeks following the smoldering holocaust and remain on the barricades of the entire area to this day.

ROTC Honor Guard Flag ceremonials will open and close the event along with the singing of the National Anthem and patriotic favorites. The intention of the concert is to be a tribute to the fallen heroes of that dreadful day when the whole world stood still.  “Lest We Forget.”

9/11 Memorial Concert at 7 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church presents a “9/11 Memorial Concert” on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in the FPC Sanctuary, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, at 7:00 p.m.  This concert is FREE and open to the public.  All are welcomed to attend and join in this remembrance!

The concert will include the haunting Fauré “Requiem” and Copland’s “Quiet City” as musical tributes to the tragic events that occurred ten years ago on 9/11.  Interspersed with the music and congregational hymns, this Memorial Concert includes poignant stories, poetry, and scripture to evoke recollections of that heartbreaking day in our history.

Lakeland’s Chandler King returns from the American Boychoir in Princeton, NJ to sing Fauré’s beloved “Pie Jesu.”

Explorations V will provide hands-on party activities and three floors of exhibits to explore throughout the day. X5 Buddy, Explorations V’s robot, will also be on hand. All activities are included with admission, which is $7 per person. Senior citizens 65 and older are $3.50. Children under two and museum members are free.

Saturday, August 27th; 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Live at the Gardens: Garrison Doles
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales
Garrison Doles is a true singer and songwriter, often telling stories as he entertains. His style ranges from a subtle folk/blues mixture combined with strong melodies to humorous and upbeat. Audiences will enjoy listening to the lyrics of his original songs. Doles has recently won major songwriting competitions in North Carolina, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts and continues to tour nationally, performing at festivals, coffeehouses and house concerts.

Come early for dinner! Dinner options are Homemade Meat Lasagna with Sauteed Green Beans or Homemade Vegetable Lasagna with Sauteed Green Beans. Each selection includes a vegetable, salad, rolls, iced tea, soda or coffee, and dessert. Dinner will be served from 5:45 – 7 p.m. at the Blue Palmetto Café. Call 863.734.1222 for reservations.

$20. Members receive a 10% discount. Limited seating. Indoor concert. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

The new Downtown Lakeland App is FREE, and available for both Apple and Android mobile devices. More than half of all cell phone users will have smart phones this year, and those that download this app will be available to keep you up to date on all events and activities without having to be at your computer desk.

Mobile media apps are proving to be a strong marketing tool in reaching demographics and this technology is becoming more popular. DLP members can use the app to keep in touch with ther existing customers and reach new ones by posting information about events and activities.

This app is great for visitors also, as “it’s a great way to quickly find out where to eat, shop and what to do,” says Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the DLP.

This FREE Downtown Lakeland app is now available and keyword search is: DLPAPP.