Sunny Central Florida » The Lakeland Center

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

Elton John Coming to The Lakeland Center

Kris Keprios — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:32:00 +0000

For the last few weeks, The Lakeland Center has been saying they have a big concert announcement to make and today they made it. Elton John will be coming to The Lakeland Center on November 21 with special guest Leon Russell. Tickets go on sale next Monday, September 27th at 10am and are $47.00, $87.00, $137.00 and will be available online at ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. There will be an 8 ticket limit per customer.

This exciting evening will feature Elton John and Leon Russell performing a night full of hits, and will also include selections from The Union, Elton and Leon‘s highly anticipated album available October 19 in the U.S. on Decca Records. Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, The Union is a unique collaboration of two of the most talented artists in the music business. Recorded live in the studio with Elton and Leon, the album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock.

Elton John’s band includes Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion,Nigel Olsson on drums, and Kim Bullard on keyboards. Leon Russell’s band comprises Jack Wessel on bass, Chris Simmons on guitar, Brandon Holder on drums and Beau Charron on guitar and steel guitar.

This show will definitely sell out fast, so be sure to get your tickets when they go on sale and catch one of the biggest music legends of all time in this great setting at The Lakeland Center.

Cowboys Are Coming to Town

Kris Keprios — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:35:47 +0000

The Americom Pro Rodeo is riding into Lakeland January 29-30 for what could be one of the wildest weekends of the year. The top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) cowboys and cowgirls battle it out for the largest prize purse in the southeast! A new feature this year that will make things interesting is the Bud Light Unrideable Six Pack Challenge featuring six of the top bucking bulls in the nation and will probably have you on the edge of your seat! PRCA Rodeo Clown of the Year Jerry Wayne Olson will also present one of the funniest acts in business. There are ticket specials all weekend, including Friday night when you can get 2 free kids tickets with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket.

The rodeo will also take to the streets of downtown Lakeland once again with a parade that will feature cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle and decorated floats parading through the streets of downtown Lakeland starting at the corner of Bay Street and Tennessee Avenue continuing south on Tennessee to Lemon Street, turning right (west), crossing South Florida Avenue and arriving at rodeo headquarters, The Lakeland Center. Sheriff Grady Judd will be the Grand Marshall. Parade attendees are invited to The Lakeland Center Box Office immediately following the parade for a free Rootin’ Tootin’ Root Beer Festival with refreshments and family fun from 11am-1pm. Ticket purchasers will receive a special Buy One/Get One Free ticket discount from 11am-1pm. The Box Office will be open for ticket purchases from 10:00am-1:00pm.

To find out more about all the rodeo weekend happenings or to get tickets, check out The Lakeland Center website.

See Disney on Ice Make Its World Debut in Lakeland

Kris Keprios — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:06:55 +0000

It may not be Broadway, but your kids will think it is even better! “Disney on Ice Presents Celebrations!” just announced that the show will make its world debut at The Lakeland Center in September. This all-new show visits The Lakeland Center September 4-5 and tickets are on sale now. Audiences are invited to make an ordinary day extraordinary and enjoy some of the world’s most popular festivities, including a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party and more in one action-packed and positively unforgettable celebration. Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! features more than 50 characters from 16 Disney stories live on ice, including Tiana, the newest Disney Princess from Walt Disney Pictures’ The Princess and the Frog. Show times are Friday & Saturday, Sept. 4 & 5 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices: $16, $20, $26, $30 (VIP), $35 (rinkside). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, The Lakeland Center Box Office, FYE at Lakeland Square Mall or by calling 800-745-3000. To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Mickey and Minnie will be there, so what other reason do you need to get your tickets today?

Mother’s Day in Sunny Central Florida

Kris Keprios — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:10:59 +0000

If you are a man reading this post, hopefully it will give you some ideas and keep you out of trouble on Mother’s Day. If you are a mom reading this post, hopefully it will give you some suggestions to pass along to the man in your life who has no idea what to get you or do. Here is a rundown of some special places to go and things to do with mom on this Mother’s Day weekend:

Mid Florida Mayfaire By The Lake -Saturday and Sunday at Lake Morton in Lakeland – This is always a fun event that the whole family can enjoy. It isn’t just for art lovers–plus, you can even pick up a great Mother’s Day present here! Be sure to check out the Mayfaire Saturday night street party at Lake Mirror too. The hours for the Mayfaire by the Lake are 10am-5pm each day. Check out the official website for all the information.

Bok Tower Gardens Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts- Sunday at 1pm and 3pm in Lake Wales – The weather looks good this weekend, so it will be perfect for a stroll through Bok Tower Gardens and you can even sit and listen to the special Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts. Sounds like a great plan for mom’s big day.

Magic Tree House: The Musical- Saturday at 11am and 2pm at The Lakeland Center – This would be a great way to start your Mother’s Day weekend. Take in either the late morning show or the matinee and then take the half mile ride to Lake Morton to see the Mayfaire by the Lake. Based on Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved series of children’s books, this musical transports Jack and Annie’s adventures onto the stage to create a theatrical event for the entire family. For ticket information, go to The Lakeland Center’s website.

Picasso’s Cup Art Cafe- 11am-7pm at Lakeside Village in Lakeland – Bring mom to Picasso’s Cup to paint some pottery. This is always a fun day out and it will make it even better to share with your mom on Mother’s Day. Or, if you are really lazy and put off getting a gift until the actual holiday, you can go to Picasso’s Cup and make something yourself. Moms are treated to a FREE studio session ($6.50 value) and a complimentary beverage from Tea Largo next door.

Well, there yuou go. We are now officially not responsible foryou forgetting to celebrate this holiday with your mom. If you have any other suggestions or know of anything else going on this weekend for Mother’s Day, let us know.

Celebrate National Tourism Week: May 9-17

Kris Keprios — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:38:49 +0000

National Tourism Week begins on Monday and there will be events and celebrations going on around the country. Polk County will celebrate the occasion with our annual National Tourism Week luncheon at The Lakeland Center on Thursday, May 14. Bill Hardman, who is President and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society will be the keynote speaker and Hospitality Service Awards will be handed out. We will celebrate National Tourism Week here at Sunny Central Florida by posting some Tourism facts throughout the week next week, so be on the lookout for that.

Comedy Central

Kris Keprios — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:59:31 +0000

I know that the cable channel already has the name trademarked, but The Lakeland Center is giving the TV station a serious run for its money lately. If you haven’t noticed, The Lakeland Center has really grown to be one of the top venues for live comedy in the area. Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, Carlos Mencia and Craig Ferguson are the most recent comedy superstars to grace the stage at the youkey Theater, but when you add them to the lineup of comics that will be taking that same stage in the next couple months it is pretty impressive.

January 29 – Vicki Lawrence – 2:30pm and 7:30pm

January 31 – Super Saturday Comedy Show with Craig Gass – 8pm and 1opm

March 12 – Jeff Dunham – 7:30pm

March 21 – Ron White (from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour) – 7pm

April 10 – An Evening with Sinbad – 8pm

Tickets for all these shows are available on The Lakeland Center website or by calling 863.834.8111.

“Git R Done” This Weekend And More

Kris Keprios — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:02:47 +0000

By the clever headline, I am sure that you guessed Larry the Cable Guy is in town this weekend. You are correct! The comedian will be performing two shows only on Friday night at The Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theater, one at 7pm and the other at 9:30pm. Believe it or not, there are some tickets ($42.50)still available, so if you want to go, get them now. Larry the Cable Guy’s Friday night appearance will kick off a great weekend around Central Florida.

Here are some other events throughout the weekend:

Friday

Larry the Cable Guy 7pm and 9:30pm Youkey Theater, The Lakeland Center
Live Music: Florida Southern College Band 6:30pm Branscomb Auditorium FSC, Lakeland
Bluegrass and BBQ Festival 6pm-10pm IMC-Agrico Park Bartow
Quilts and Teas Festival 9am-3pm Historic District Davenport
Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 8pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland

Saturday

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival Noon-5pm IMC-Agrico Park Bartow
Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 8pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland
Quilts and Teas Festival 9am-3pm Historic District Davenport
Downtown Farmers Curb Market 8am-2pm Peterson Plaza, Downtown Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show 9am-5pm The Lakeland Center
Kids: Ancestors and Heroes Day 10am Explorations V Children’s Museum Lakeland
Farmers Market 8am-2pm North Blount Park Bartow
Auto Racing: 6pm Auburndale Motor Speedway Auburndale

Sunday

Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 2:30pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 2:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show 9am-4pm The Lakeland Center
Concert: The Coasters and The Drifters 1pm Cypress Gardens Winter Haven

Diana’s Dresses Call Lakeland Home Until December

Kris Keprios — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:12:16 +0000

A historic exhibition that has traveled around the world is now spending three months in Lakeland at The Lakeland Center as “Diana’s Dresses: Dresses for Humanity II” is on display until December 26. The impressive collection of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is already drawing rave reviews from locals and visitors alike who have been to the exhibit which opened up September 15. Here is the information from The Lakeland Center Website:

The exhibits operating hours for the public are Sunday and Monday CLOSED, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-8pm. This exhibit is available for private receptions. Regular ticket prices are $23 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, children under 6 admitted free.

The original museum quality exhibition experience presents over a dozen outfits which have never before toured the United States, including many of the highly visible day suits from the late Princess’s working wardrobe, which she wore during the last year of her life. Dresses for Humanity II at The Lakeland Center presents 18 fashion ensembles including the famed “Pink India Gown”, created for the late Princess’ 1992 India tour.

Out and About:Disney on Ice Comes to The Lakeland Center This Weekend

Kris Keprios — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:51:14 +0000

Many people don’t know this, but Disney on Ice often has their World Premiere debut show at The Lakeland Center every year. This year, Disney’s “Worlds of Fantasy” debuts this weekend in Lakeland. The show will feature Disney favorites from big screen hits “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King” and Tinkerbell, all on ice! Don’t ask me how they are going to pull that off, but leave it to Disney to make it happen. Shows will be at 3:30pm and 7:30pm Friday and Saturday at The Lakeland Center’s Jenkins Arena. Tickets for the show are $27 and $19. Seeing how Disney pulls off the magic of making “Cars” character Lightning McQueen speed around the ice will be worth the price of admission alone!

Here are some more fun things to keep you busy this weekend: