Sunny Central Florida » Winter Haven http://sunnycentralflorida.com Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:31:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 November/December Fishing Forecast http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/11/17/novemberdecember-fishing-forecast/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/11/17/novemberdecember-fishing-forecast/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:43:30 +0000 Rebecca Thompson http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1481 Winter Haven

The weather may be cooling off but the bite is red hot. The water level is still a little low but better than its been in a long time. On full day shiner trips we have averaged 30-40 fish with most being around 2-3 lbs. Bigger fish up to 9 lbs are starting to show up more frequently as well. Full day artificial bait trips have been producing 15-30 fish on average. Jerkbaits, rattlebaits, spinnerbaits, and deep diving crankbaits have all been productive.
 Submerged eelgrass or hydrilla beds are holding the highest concentrations of fish but some of the bigger bass are still relating to offshore structure such as ledges or shell beds. In green water lakes try slow rolling white or chartreuse spinnerbaits over and through the grassbeds from 4-8 ft. Ripping a rattlebait through the grass can be deadly also. Deeper cattails, reeds, and kissimmee grass are worth a shot as well with a flippin stick.
 In the clear lakes fish a little deeper. Grassbeds growing from 7-12 ft have been holding good numbers of fish. Work these areas with shad colored jerkbaits or deep diving crankbaits. Also keep an eye out and a rod ready for schooling bass. Junebug, redbug, and watermelon colored soft plastics on Texas/Carolina rigs will produce in these areas too.

Kissimmee Chain

The running water bite has, for the most part, came to a end. There’s still a trickle of current in some of the creeks which has a few bass hanging around the mouths and current breaks. Water has dropped a couple of feet but is still above normal pool. Surface temperature is varying from mid 60’s to low 70’s depending on weather conditions. Overall water clarity is better than it’s been in years throughout the chain due to last month’s heavy rainfall and the vast amount of water filtering hydrilla that is growing in all the lakes. The fishing remains phenomenal.
 With the abundance of water and cover available, bass can be found from shoreline areas all the way out to mid lake areas. They aren’t everywhere but once located you can really load the boat in a hurry. The fish seem to be grouped or schooled up according to size. Where ever you catch one big fish it is likely others are there as well. Full day shiner and artificial trips have been producing 20-40 fish on average up to 8 lbs. Average size has been 2-4 lbs.
 Topwaters, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits have all been producing especially early in the morning in boat trails and along cover edges. Shad or shiner resembling baits have been best. During midday hours try Texas/Carolina rigged soft plastics around deeper or thicker cover. Junebug, watermelon, and black/blue colors are always good color choices. For bigger fish flip thick matted cover such as hyacinth, water lettuce, mud tussocks, and topped out hydrilla with 1-1 1/2 oz weighted Texas rigged craws or creature baits.

Central Florida is where you’ll find beautiful lakes, great bass fishing and Monte Goodman. Monte has made a career of doing what he enjoys and does best as a professional bass guide and successful tournament angler. Guiding and fishing competitively for the past 15 years has given him the experience, skill and knowledge it takes to be a great fisherman. Monte is also a vocal advocate of Florida’s habitat and conservation efforts, supports and practices “catch and release” himself and encourages others to do the same. A member of tournament trails such as FLW, FOMNTT, BFL, and B.A.S.S just to name a few. Credited with well over a hundred local tournament wins, was back to back Angler of the Year in the largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world, and has won numerous Big Bass honors. Monte’s ability to adapt, his versatility and lengthy resume has earned him a reputation anyone would be proud of.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/11/17/novemberdecember-fishing-forecast/feed/ 0 Oct 21-23: This Weekend in Florida’s Heart of the Arts http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/21/oct-21-23-this-weekend-in-floridas-heart-of-the-arts/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/21/oct-21-23-this-weekend-in-floridas-heart-of-the-arts/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:11:30 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1378

October is National Arts & Humanities Month and Polk County is celebrating in a big way with more than 100 arts and cultural activities happening in the Heart of the Arts during the month.

Friday, October 21st

Oct 21 Ghosts of Bartow Walking Tours, 9 to 11 pm at Polk County Historical Museum, Bartow. $25.00 includes a light reception, Polk Proud T-shirt and commemorative photograph. Not recommended for ages 10 & under.Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Museum prior to the day of the event.

Oct 21: Ask a Gardener from 10 to noon.  Get advice from gardening experts. Included with admission to Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. Subject to change pending weather. (General: $12/Ages 5-12: $3)

Oct 21: ISO Fall Pops Concert FREE Orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m. in Munn Park. This concert kicks off the Hispanic Festival with an all Latin program.  Pre-concert activities begin at 6:00pm.

Oct 21: Red, White & the Blues 2011 | 6:30pm – 11pm. The Museum’s 10th annual wine tasting and blues concert featuring veteran bluesman Joe Louis Walker, Tampa Bay blues artist Selwyn Birchwood, great food, wine and craft beers. Tickets: $75 and $30

Oct 21: Florida Dance Dinner Fundraiser. Food served: 5-7pm at Lake Mirror Promenade. Dinner is Hamburger or Hotdog, Baked Beans & Chips, sponsored by Woodmen of the World. Presale tickets at FDT are $4. Tickets are $6 at event. Pics on the Promenade: “Beauty & the Beast” begins at dusk.

Friday & Saturday, October 21 & 22

Oct 21-22: The Sanatorium Haunted House Experience… The Carnival is Back in Town.  Open from 7-11pm. Lakeland Community Theatre at the Lake Mirror Center. Not recommended for children under 12.  Entry: $5

Saturday, October 22

Oct 22: History Highlights Polk Proud 150 at 2pm. Special guided tour on the history of the region at 2pm. Included with general admission to Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. (General: $12/Ages 5-12: $3)

Oct 22: The Winner’s Invitational Opening Reception, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ridge Art Associations Winner’s Invitation Exhibit is open to the public from October 24 to November 14 in the Ridge Art Gallery. FREE!

Oct 22: Arts on the Alley at Arts on the Park. 6:30 until 10:30pm. Live music by Billy Needs a Beard, food and beverages, live and silent auction, attendee art activity. $35 per person.

Oct 22: Jazz in the Park. The Harrison Jazz Band performs in Winter Haven’s Central Park at 7:30pm.  Concert presented for the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. FREE!

Saturday & Sunday, October 22 & 23

Oct 22-23: The Over 55 Show Band performs in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre at Polk State College on Saturday and Sunday, from 2-4pm. Tickets: $8/person.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/21/oct-21-23-this-weekend-in-floridas-heart-of-the-arts/feed/ 1 Oct 7-9: This Weekend in the Heart of the Arts http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/06/oct-3-7-this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/06/oct-3-7-this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:04:19 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1322 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.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/06/oct-3-7-this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/feed/ 0 Oct 3-7 in the Heart of the Arts http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/03/oct-3-7-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/03/oct-3-7-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:15:45 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1315 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>>

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/10/03/oct-3-7-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/feed/ 0 Oct 1-2: This Weekend in the Heart of the Arts http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/30/this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/30/this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:20:05 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1275 October is National Arts and Humanities Month — the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation!  Polk’s arts and cultural organizations are celebrating in a big way, by presenting more than 100 arts and cultural events and activities during a Heart of the Arts Festival celebration throughout the month of October.

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 1st

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 2nd

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.

National Arts & Humanities Month Logo Polk County Advertising Federation

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/30/this-weekend-in-the-heart-of-the-arts/feed/ 0 Arts & Culture this week in Sunny Central Florida http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/19/arts-culture-this-week-in-sunny-central-florida/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/19/arts-culture-this-week-in-sunny-central-florida/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:43:20 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1234 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

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/19/arts-culture-this-week-in-sunny-central-florida/feed/ 0 Theatre is Everywhere This Weekend in Central Florida http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/16/theatre-is-everywhere-this-weekend-in-central-florida/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/16/theatre-is-everywhere-this-weekend-in-central-florida/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:25:35 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1222 There is potential to double up on a couple of events going on this weekend in Central Florida.

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.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/09/16/theatre-is-everywhere-this-weekend-in-central-florida/feed/ 0 Take a Stroll through Central Park http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/04/25/take-a-stroll-through-central-park/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/04/25/take-a-stroll-through-central-park/#comments Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:10:54 +0000 admin http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=1121 The City of Winter Haven hosts the Central Park Stroll in Downtown Winter Haven each year to proudly highlight their new art sculptures for the year.  The sculptures displayed in Downtown Winter Haven represent the winning pieces from the  Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition and are displayed until the following year’s winners are selected.

The Central Park Stroll will take place on Thursday, May 5  from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will coincidently have a “Cinco de Mayo” theme. There will be music by the Marcus Brixa Jazz Trio and free art activities for children. The stroll will be a celebration of the selected art and “stollers” will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sculptures in order for a People’s Choice Award to be given. For more information on the Stroll, click here.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/04/25/take-a-stroll-through-central-park/feed/ 2 Arts & Cultural Events: January 2011 http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/01/02/arts-cultural-events-january-2011/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/01/02/arts-cultural-events-january-2011/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 21:03:50 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=946 There is always something arts and cultural going on in Central Florida’s Polk County.

January 4, 1:30pm and 7:00pm: Opera Overtures: A theatre broadcast preview of Puccini’s La Fancuilla del West (The Girl of the Golden West).  Live in theatres on January 8th at 1:00pm at Cobb Theatres Lakeside Village 18 Cinemas in Lakeland and Cobb Grand 10 Cinemas in Winter Haven. Learn more!

On exhibit through January 7 at the Lake Wales Municipal Building: Municipal Fine Art Show sponsored by Lake Wales Arts Council and City of Lake Wales.  Learn more!

On exhibit through January 8 at Polk Museum of Art – Eye See America: Through the Lens of Joshua Mann Pailet and Visual Unity 2.  Learn more!

January 9, 1:00pm and 3:30pm: Edward Bok Memorial Carillon Concerts. Commemorate the life of Gardens’ founder Edward W. Bok who died January 9, 1930, less than a year after his beloved Singing Tower was dedicated.  Free with admission.  Learn more!

January 13, 7:30pm: Afiara String Quartet, Updike Hall at Lake Wales Arts Center.  Learn more!

January 17, 1:00pm and 3:30pm:  Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Carillon Concerts featuring music of hope, inspiration and peace honoring Dr. King. Learn more!

January 18, 7:30-8:30pm:  Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens.  Learn more!

January 19, 7:30pm: Singer and comedian Mark Lowry performs benefit concert for Southeastern University at The Historic Polk Theatre. Learn more!

January 21, 8:20pm (2020 hours): Pecha Kucha Night Lakeland at 241 S. Kentucky Ave in Lakeland.  The doors open at 7:20pm for this fun and creative event where eight creatives give thought-provoking and entertaining presentations of 20 slides for 20 seconds.  Learn more!

January 21 – April 1: Municipal Fine Art Show at the Lake Wales Municipal Building.  The opening reception and awards ceremony are on January 21 from 5:00-7:00pm.  Learn more!

January 22, 7:00pm: The Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s Night at the Opera takes place in Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College.  This 10th anniversary season celebration includes selections from Madama Butterfly, Carmen, Barber of Seville, La Traviata, Tosca, La Boheme, Lakme, Cavalleria Rusticana, Samson & Delilah, Le Nozze Di Figaro and Lucia Di Lammermoor with a nationally renowned cast, including Stella Zambalis, Mark Thomsen, Thomas Potter, John Thomasson and Christina Sale, led by Artistic Director James Caraher, Indianapolis Opera.  Learn more!

January 23, 4:30pm: Music at Pinewood Concert Series: Duo Turgeon, Piano. Learn more!

On exhibit through January 27 at Lake Wales Arts Center – Ringling College of Art and Design Trustee Scholar Artists.  Learn more!

January 27 – April 21: 12-Week Watercolor Art Classes at Bok Tower Gardens.  Thursdays, except April 14. Beginning/Intermediate: 9:30am-12:30pm, Intermediate/Advanced: 1:30-4:30pm.  Learn more!

January 29, 7:30pm: Leap of Faith – A hand-clapping, toe-tapping evening of gospel music featuring some of the finest voices of church choir members from around the community. Celebrate faith, family and heritage.  This jubilant salute will lift your spirits and restore your soul.  Presented on the Bartow Performing Arts Series at Bartow Elementary Auditorium.  Learn more!

January 30: Sundays @ the Center – Singing Tree, 2:00pm.  Updike Hall at the Lake Wales Arts Center.  A special name for a unique duo. Celtic, folk and traditional music.  Learn more!

January 30, 2pm. One day only – “Thank you for the music – the music of ABBA,” a joint production of Theatre Winter Haven and Lakeland Community Theatre presented at The Historic Polk Theatre.  Tickets available through the Polk Theatre are $25, $20, $15.  Phone: 863.682.7553.  Learn more! Purchase tickets online here!

Learn more about arts events and news by visiting the Polk Arts website.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2011/01/02/arts-cultural-events-january-2011/feed/ 1 Nov 11-15: Arts in Polk – An Extended Weekend http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2010/11/10/nov-11-15-arts-in-polk-an-extended-weekend/ http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2010/11/10/nov-11-15-arts-in-polk-an-extended-weekend/#comments Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:05:59 +0000 Bev Hendricks http://sunnycentralflorida.com/?p=922 Veteran’s Day is Thursday, November 11th and there is so much artful activity going on in Polk.  Some folks look for things to do early on weeknights so they can cherish their sports and outdoor activities on weekends.  Others reserve that special night out for weekends.  Polk County’s arts and cultural organizations offer a variety of weeknight and weekend activities to meet everyone’s needs.  Learn more about arts and cultural activities in Polk County by clicking here.

Nov 11-14: Harrison School of the Arts presents Camelot
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm / Sunday at 2:00pm
Ticket Prices: $10 Adults / $8 Senior Citizens and Students
Purchase tickets online.  The box office will be open 1 hour prior to the performance.  Phone: 863-499-2939.  Harrison Arts Website.

Nov. 12-14: Architecture in Landscape Art Workshop
A three-day workshop for intermediate & advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils with artist Gary Gessford at Bok Tower Gardens in the setting of Pinewood Estate.  Bok Tower Gardens Website.

Nov. 12: View & Review at Polk Museum of Art
Polk Museum of Art hosts another installment of View & Review, an informal art critique for emerging artists. This View and Review is led by Rocky Bridges and Leslie Neumann, two of the artists who have work on display in the exhibition Visual Unity 2. The event starts at 6:00pm. Artists who wish to have their work critiqued by Bridges and Neumann must pre-register, but the event is also open to people who are interested in simply hearing what is said.  Admission is $15 per piece for artists who are presenting artwork, and $5 for the audience.  A cash bar will also be available.  Artists must pre-register by calling 863-688-5423 by November 9.  Polk Museum of Art Website.

Nov 13: Behind the Art of Visual Unity 2
On Saturday, November 13, Polk Museum of Art hosts a roundtable discussion of the Visual Unity 2 exhibition. At least nine artists are confirmed for the event, which delves into the experiences of the artists as they prepared their artwork for the exhibition. The event is from 1:00 – 2:00pm, and is free with regular Museum admission.  The confirmed artists to speak at Behind the Art are: Rocky Bridges (Tarpon Springs), Leslie Neumann (Aripeka), Lucia Taxdal (Winter Haven), Monica Eastman (Plant City), Monica Londono (Sarasota), Theo Wujcik (Tampa), Kirk ke Wang (Tampa), Jill Cannady (Deland), and Robert Stackhouse (St. Petersburg). Other artists may appear if their schedules allow.  Learn more at the Polk Museum of Art Website.

Nov 13: Polk County Art Teacher’s Invitational Reception
A reception for the Polk County Art Teacher’s Invitational takes place at Ridge Art Association Gallery on Saturday, November 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  The exhibition runs in the Gallery from October 26—November 17, 2010.  Visit the Ridge Art Website.

Nov 15: American Festival Pops Concert
The Lakeland Choral Society presents an American Festival Pops Concert at the Ramon Theater in Frostproof on Monday, November 15 at 7:30pm.  Tickets: Adults $10, Students $5.  Tickets are available at the door on the evening of the concert.  Click here to visit Lakeland Choral Society on the web.

Learn more about arts and cultural activities and how you can support the arts by visiting the Polk Arts Alliance Website.

]]> http://sunnycentralflorida.com/2010/11/10/nov-11-15-arts-in-polk-an-extended-weekend/feed/ 0