Muse 2019

Lake County:

arts

in the heart of Florida In the spotlight The brand-new Lake County Museum of Art is open with art inspired by music.

People in the arts Performing arts Artist Audrey Sanders, musician Debra Almy, actress Laura Pratesi, and director Brendon Rogers.

Local theaters will feature an extensive array of plays and entertainment for the upcoming season.

contents T H E

S E C T I O N S

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fine arts

The vast community of fine arts patrons welcomes the opening of the Lake County Museum of Art. As part of the Tavares Waterfront Entertainment District, it will highlight the already busy art scene in Lake County.

Once again, the calendar is filled with festivals and art events for those who appreciate the culture and talent in Central Florida.

9 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Audrey Sanders

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performing arts

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festivals

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music

The local theater season could rival New York City with its variety of upcoming plays and musicals. With everything from “The Haunting of Hill House” to “Breaking Legs” and “Biloxi Blues” to the classic “Dial M for Murder,” there’s a variety of entertainment in every Lake County city and town. There are even a few famous names in the mix, like Tony Danza. Better get those season tickets.

1 3 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Dr. Laura Pratesi

Lake County residents are fortunate to live in an area that appreciates the arts and provides them with art-related festivals. From arts and crafts to juried festivals featuring some of the country’s best talents, you can always find a place to appreciate wonderful art. You can even take a trip back in time to watch jousting and meet a few wenches.

1 7 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Brendon Rogers

Culture in music is easily accessible in this area with the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, national touring bands, and the Lake County Folk Festival. Music is an important part of Lake County life with the array of local venues presenting great musicians every week. Of course, there’s always a good time at the musically themed festivals.

The beat goes on.

2 1 A R T I S T P R O F I L E : Deb Almy S I D E T R A C K S

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Art appreciation is going viral in Lake County, but if you’ve ever wondered why it’s important to support the arts, look here.

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22 calendar

Lake County’s cultural happenings for the upcoming year listed for you in one place.

You’ll always know what’s happening.

Lake’s art scene is thriving

when his or her favorite character took the stage. These moments are what continue to make our community thrive.

Various studies have shown that the presence of arts and culture in a community boosts the overall economic well-being, as well as the social health of the area.

Children who are exposed to arts have improved social and emotional learning and show greater long-term success in their academic performance. Music and he Lake County Arts and Cultural art therapy are also used with Alzheimer’s Alliance is pleased to unveil the patients to help relieve anxiety and help 2019-2020 Arts Season Preview. It them communicate when words fail them. is our belief that a thriving and constantly In the end, the arts in every form are the developing creative sector is essential in lifeblood of each and every community. maintaining a robust and innovative econAs you flip through this book you may omy that will continually attract and retain be surprised by just how many different top companies and an engaged workforce. events, shows, and The impact of arts and galleries are within Lake culture within a comIn the end, the County. I know when I munity is limitless. Lake County prides itself on arts in every form moved here, I was astonby the vast amount its cutting-edge develare the lifeblood ished of culture that lives outside opments in the fields of of each and every of downtown Orlando. health care, sports and Lake County is full of sureducation; however, it is community. prises and they are much the arts that continue to closer than you think. push our commuI want to personally invite you to attend the nity forward. Through various arts many festivals, concerts, and performances and cultural events, we as a comthat fill this book. Whether you take a stroll munity continue to build bridges through the historic streets of downtown that supersede race, gender, and Mount Dora during the annual arts festival, intergenerational divides. lose yourself to the sounds of the Florida I am fortunate to not Lakes Symphony Orchestra, laugh out loud only serve on the to local comics, enjoy a local dance academy Lake County Arts performance, or immerse yourself in one of and Cultural Allithe many art galleries throughout the counance but also to work ty, including Lake County Museum of Art to bring entertainment and the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, Lake to our area through the County has something to offer everyone.

Clermont Performing Please treat this issue of Muse as a roadmap Arts Center. Throughout for your next cultural adventure. What better my years in this role, I way to spend a weekend with friends, famihave seen firsthand the ly, and loved ones? Give the gift of the arts and impact that the arts have create memories that will last a lifetime. on our community. I have We at the Lake County Arts and Cultural watched audiences of all Alliance wish you a season filled with laughs, ages take to the aisles to sing beauty, and wonder. Now take a peek behind and dance along to their favorite the curtain and see what Lake County songs, I have watched generahas to show. tions of a family walk into the theater hand-in-hand, and I have even watched that magi—Chris Dudeck on behalf of Visit Lake and the cal spark glint in a child’s eye Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance

Photo: Anthony Rao

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gallery T H E

support 10 reasons to

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he arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us, fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures. The arts are also a fundamental component of healthy communities, strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.

Here is some information from a 2018 national opinion public survey released by Americans for the Arts:

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Arts improve individual well-being.

Sixty-nine percent of the population believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences,” 73 percent feel the arts give them “pure pleasure to experience and participate in,” and 81 percent say the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world.”

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Arts unify communities.

Seventy-two percent of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity,” and 73 percent agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better”—a perspective observed across all demographic and economic categories.

Arts improve academic performance. Students engaged in arts learning have higher GPAs, standardized test scores, and college attendance rates as well as lower dropout rates. These academic benefits are reaped by students regardless of socioeconomic status.

Yet, the Department of Education reports that access to arts education for students of color is significantly lower than for their white peers. Ninety-one percent of Americans believe that arts are part of a well-rounded K-12 education.

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Arts strengthen the economy. The production of all arts and cultural goods (nonprofit, commercial, education) in the United States added $764 billion to the economy in 2015, including a $21 billion international trade surplus—a larger share of the nation’s economy (4.2 percent) than transportation, tourism, and agriculture (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).

The nonprofit arts industry alone generates $166.3 billion in economic activity annually—spending by organizations and their audiences—which supports 4.6 million jobs and generates $27.5 billion in government revenue.

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Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses.

Attendees at nonprofit arts events spend $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and babysitters— valuable commerce for local businesses.

Thirty-four percent of attendees live outside the county in which the arts event takes place; they average $47.57 in event-related spending. Arts travelers are ideal tourists, staying longer and spending more to seek out authentic cultural experiences.

the arts

in 2019

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM AMERICANSFORTHEARTS.ORG.

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Arts spark creativity and innovation. Creativity is among the top five applied skills sought by business leaders, per the Conference Board’s Ready to Innovate report—with 72 percent saying creativity is of high importance when hiring. Research on creativity shows that Nobel laureates in the sciences are 17 times more likely to be actively engaged in the arts than other scientists.

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Arts drive the creative industries.

The creative industries are arts businesses that include nonprofit museums, symphonies, theaters, and film, architecture, and design companies. A 2017 analysis of Dun & Bradstreet data counts 673,656 businesses in the U.S. involved in the creation or distribution of the arts—4.01 percent of all businesses and 2.04 percent of all employees.

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Arts have social impact.

University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates.

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Arts improve health care.

Nearly one-half of the nation’s health-care institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and staff. Seventy-eight percent deliver these programs because of their healing benefits to patients: shorter hospital stays, better pain management, and less medication.

Arts benefit the health and well-being of our military. The arts heal the mental, physical, and moral injuries of war for military service members and veterans, who rank the creative arts therapies in the top four (out of 40) interventions and treatments. Across the military continuum, the arts promote resilience during pre-deployment, deployment, and the reintegration of military service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers into communities.

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fine arts T H E

Artistic flair Fine arts venues allow artists to showcase their creative talents.

T TAPESTRY, BY LIZ WINCUP. INSPIRED BY CAROL KING'S ALBUM TAPESTRY.

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he fine arts scene is vibrant and thriving in Lake County, and the newest attraction is the Lake County Museum of Art, which celebrated its grand opening June 28 and is located at 213 W. Ruby St. in downtown Tavares, facing beautiful Lake Dora.

“We are ecstatic about our new home on the Tavares Waterfront Entertainment District,” says Lou Buigas, chairwoman of the

museum’s board of directors. “We were fortunate enough to have the Herbert Lehner Foundation partner with us to make it happen and to move to the new location.

Our mission is to promote art, education, and to build culture and enrich our community.”

The LCMA is the rebranding of the former Lake Eustis Museum of Art. Board members chose to relocate to 1,692 square feet of

Photo: Nicole Hamel

Photo: Anthony Rao

LEESBURG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The art museum will continue to feature a time and day for students and young people to come in and meet the exhibiting artists and talk to them about their works. space on the first floor of Key West Resort hotel.

Liz Wincup’s collection entitled “Please Don’t Stop the Music” was selected for the museum’s inaugural show. The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 23, bridges sights and sounds, and all of the artist’s pieces were influenced by the music she was listening to as she painted.

Lou says the art museum will continue to feature a time and day for students and young people to come in and meet the exhibiting artists and talk to them about

their works. Available programs include regularly changing fine art exhibitions and art classes for adults and children.

The museum is free to the public. It is open from noon4pm Thursday through Sunday.

Donations are accepted in lieu of admission fees. LCMA also is funded by membership and sponsorship. It is supported, in part, by United Arts of Central Florida, Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For volunteer opportunities and information about art classes, email info@lakeartmuseum.com.

Mount Dora Center for the Arts, formed in 1984, offers classes in ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, and printmaking. In addition, the organization hosts a Gallery Exhibit Series, allowing local and regional artists to have their artwork showcased throughout the year.

And the Mount Dora Arts Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeastern United States, attracting up to 300,000 artists and spectators. The event is a colorful reminder of Mount Dora’s thriving arts scene and allows visitors to acquire high-quality artwork produced by artists throughout the country.

Leesburg also has a flourishing fine arts scene. The Leesburg

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fine arts T H E

Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that hosts artist network opportunities, art classes, open studios, and gallery.

The Leesburg Art Festival occurs in the spring and includes the Literary Festival, sponsored by the Leesburg Public Library.

Since arts are supposed to unlock the door to learning, many children enroll in Kids’ College, a program hosted

by Lake-Sumter State College. Fine arts courses include 2-D art, 3-D art, ceramics, and doodle ball.

The South Lake Art League, founded in 1966, offers various art classes at its location in down-

town Clermont. Classes include watercolor and water-based oil, photography, colored pencil, and drawing. Throughout the year, the organization hosts a members’ spring art show and fall art show, as well as a photography show. Members meet six times a year at the Montrose Gallery, 776 W. Montrose St. The Artist Registry is a free listing that enables the community and patrons to contact area artists directly to meet their creative needs.

Visit: lakecountyfl.gov/ artist_registry.

Venues Artisans on Fifth 134 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora 352.406.1000 artisansonfifth.com

Modernism Museum 145 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352.385.0034 modernismmuseum.org

Village Framer and Art Gallery 71 E. Seminole Ave., Eustis 352.589.6114 facebook.com/villageframer

Jane Slivka Studio Gallery 110 E. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.812.0546 janeslivkagallery.com

Mount Dora Center for the Arts 138 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora 352.383.0880 mountdoracenterforthearts.org

Visual Arts Association P.O. Box 1655, Lady Lake visualartsassociation.com

Lake County Museum of Art 213 W. Ruby St., Tavares 352.483.2900 lakeartmuseum.com

Painting Outside the Lines Gallery 440 N. Donnelly St., Ste. 105, Mount Dora 240.731.1637 facebook.com/ paintingoutsidethelinesgallery

Leesburg Center for the Arts 429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg 352.365.0232 leesburgarts.com

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NEW ORLEANS LADIES, BY LIZ WINCUP. INSPIRED

BY MUSICIAN TAB BENOIT.

South Lake Art League 776 W. Montrose St., Clermont southlakeartleague.com

Wild Ibis Art Studios and Gallery 133 N. Grove St., Eustis 352.459.3585 facebook.com/wildibis

A R T I S T

P R O F I L E

Audrey Sanders Portrait artist and symphony’s executive director lives and breathes the arts. life-size portrait of Grace Kelly is one of several striking paintings on the walls of Audrey Sanders’ Mount Dora home.

“She never sat in that chair and she never wore that dress,” says Audrey, who painted the late princess of Monaco from a headshot photograph.

Painting portraits has always been Audrey’s livelihood. She studied art in Southern France.

“I like people’s faces and I like to look at their eyes,” she says. “It’s like a mirror of the soul to me. Everything is reflected in people’s eyes.”

The best compliment is when clients are emotionally moved by her work.

“My two passions are doing commissioned works and promoting the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra,” she says.

Audrey and her late husband, international classic concert pianist/ composer Guy Saint-Clair, founded the symphony in 2005. They were married 34 years before Guy’s death in 2010.

“I love professional musicians because I was in love with one; I know the dedication it takes,” says Audrey, who is pleased the symphony will begin its 15th season Nov. 7-8 with “Legends & Heroes.”

“The community has to support the arts,” she adds. “Otherwise, the arts die.”

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performing arts T H E

It’s showtime!

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alented actors and actresses, as well as imaginative directors, reside in Lake County. They are passionate about performing arts and, as a result, deliver stellar productions at the area’s community theaters. Treat yourself to one of the many upcoming shows and be part of the growing excitement and enthusiasm this county has for live theater.

Bay Street Players

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109 N. Bay St., Eustis / 352.357.7777 baystreetplayers.org

historic State Theatre, which was built in 1916. Upcoming productions include:

Eustis-based Bay Street Players officially opened in 1975 with “Hello, Dolly.” One year later, the company opened the Young People’s Theatre to enrich the lives of children through theater arts. The production company stages its shows inside

“Breaking Legs”: Sept. 6-29 “A Christmas Carol”: Nov. 22-Dec. 15 “The Fantasticks”: Jan. 24-Feb. 16, 2020 “Moonlight and Magnolias”: April 10May 3, 2020 “The Robber Bridegroom”: June 19July 12, 2020

STATE THEATRE

"THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD" AT MELON PATCH PLAYERS

AMBER JESSEE PERFORMS AT MOONLIGHT PLAYERS

and musical comedy interpretation.

Upcoming productions include:

“The Haunting of Hill House”: Aug. 9-25 “The Little Mermaid”: Dec. 6-22 “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”: Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020 “A Chorus Line”: March 20-April 5, 2020 “The History Boys”: May 1-17, 2020 SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICEHOUSE

Melon Patch Players 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg / 352.787.3013 melonpatchplayers.org

Melon Patch Players in Leesburg is celebrating its 69th season. In addition to live theater shows, the company also offers an advanced workshop series to introduce students ages 12-17 to script study, character analysis,

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora 352.383.4616 icehousetheatre.com

IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora enjoyed a full house when it opened in February 1949 with “Return Engagement.” The current 270-seat

facility was built in 1957. The company later formed IceHouse Youth Theatre, which allows children to explore their creative side and become involved in productions at a young age. Upcoming productions include:

“Suite Surrender”: Sept. 13-Oct. 6 “The Sound of Music”: Nov. 15-Dec. 15 “Biloxi Blues”: Jan. 17-Feb. 9, 2020 “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”: March 20-April 12, 2020 “One Slight Hitch”: May 15-June 7, 2020

Moonlight Players 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont 352.319.1116 moonlightplayers.com Jan Sheldon and Sara Achor formed the Clermont-based

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performing arts T H E

Moonlight Players in 1994. Jan received a birthday gift from her father and used the money to produce “The Sound of Music.”

The 100th show opened at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season.

Moonlight Players is celebrating its 26th season. Upcoming productions include:

“Dial M for Murder”: Sept. 6-22 “Evil Dead, The Musical”: Oct. 18-Nov. 3 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”: Dec. 6-22 “The Drowsy Chaperone”: Jan. 24Feb. 16, 2020 “Macbeth”: March 13-29, 2020 “Tuck Everlasting, the Musical”: April 24-May 10, 2020 “Overdue Bills”: June 5-21, 2020 “The Importance of Being Earnest”: July 17-Aug. 2, 2020

NDARDS AND “TONY DANZA: STA STORIES”: OCT. 5

Clermont Performing Arts Center

3700 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont 352.394.4800 clermontperformingarts.com This center, which offers a wide range of entertainment, features a 1,200-seat main stage and a 245seat black-box theater. Upcoming productions include:

“Tony Danza: Standards and Stories”: Oct. 5 “Letters Home”: Nov. 9 “The Pirates of Penzance”: Feb. 8, 2020 “Nunsense”: April 18-19, 2020

The Performing Arts Series at LakeSumter State College 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg 352.365.3506 lssc.edu/dept/foundation/performingarts-series

Held inside the Paul P. Williams Auditorium on Lake-Sumter State College’s Leesburg campus, the series consists of six performances with Saturday and Sunday matinee shows and a Saturday evening show.

Upcoming productions include:

“Color Me Jazz”: Oct. 12-13 “Superstar: The Carpenters”: Nov. 2-3 “Celtic Angels Christmas”: Dec. 7-8 “Jukebox Saturday Night”: Jan. 11-12, 2020 “The Quebe Sisters”: Feb. 1-2, 2020 “Golden Dragon Acrobats”: March 2829, 2020

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Mimi’s Community Theater

Montverde Townhall / 17404 6th St., Montverde Established in 2016, Mimi’s Community Theater was originally in Winter Garden and moved to Montverde this year. Here is the colorful and entertaining season ahead:

“Fairy Tale Misfits”: Aug. 2-11 “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Halloween”: Oct. 4-19 “Christmas Belles”: Dec. 13-22 “Lazarus”: March 27 – April 11, 2020 “The Boarding House”: July 31Aug. 9, 2020

Living Drama Theatre

431 Plaza Drive, Eustis / 321.439.0529 livingdramatheatre.com A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held July 9 to introduce this new theatre, which is housed in a remodeled, 500-seat venue. Living Drama Theatre will feature theatrical performances, musical events, and concerts. The theater welcomes other local theater groups that might need space for a larger audience as well as church programs and recitals.

Upcoming productions include:

“The Outsiders”: Sept. 20-22, 27-29

A R T I S T

P R O F I L E

Dr. Laura Pratesi A hearing-impaired audiologist follows her dream in the theater. orn with hearing impairment, Dr. Laura Pratesi remembers the cruel jokes as a kid. Once, inside a noisy cafeteria, she had to repeat the word “What?” to a girl asking her a question.

“She finally said, ‘What’s wrong? Are you slow or something?’” Laura recalls.

As an adult, the Clermont resident has learned that life goes on despite a disability. Or, in her case, the show must go on.

Advances in hearing aid technology allow Laura, an audiologist by day, to spend her spare time as a performing artist. She has worked in eight community theaters throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama playing roles such as Maria von Trapp in “The Sound of Music,” Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz,” and Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun.” In March, she landed her “dream role” as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” at Moonlight Players Theatre in Clermont.

“In that production, I actually had two roles, Belle and Babette,” she says. “It was the first time I had two roles in one show.

I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and help me grow as a performer.”

Laura initially majored in theater and opera at Auburn University before switching to audiology. For her, the decision worked out beautifully.

“When I step out on stage, I want people to see that my hearing impairment hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love,” she says. “Then, as an audiologist, I can help people continue doing what they love.” muse

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festivals Photo: Nicole Hamel

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n 1975, Mount Dora led the charge to promote visual arts in the area when a group of art lovers put together a small event in the historic downtown.

It was beyond anyone’s dreams that more than four decades later the event would be one of the best-loved and largest fine arts festivals in the nation. Mount Dora has become known as “Festival City” with good reason,

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as other municipalities around Lake County began imitating the successful arts festival model. Juried art shows in several communities—as well as arts and crafts fairs—have made Lake County a premier arts festival destination for artists, visitors, and art lovers. No matter where you are in Lake County, there’s bound to be an art show near you.

Photo: Nicole Hamel

Lake County festivals

L A D Y

L A K E

Art in the Park Jan. 18-19, 2020 ladylakechamber.com

The 15th annual Lady Lake Art in the Park is a great weekend full of arts, crafts, and music. Artists and vendors line the area in and around Lady Lake’s picturesque Log Cabin Park.

L E E S B U R G

Leesburg Fine Arts Festival March 2020 leesburgarts.com/art-festival

Photo: Douglas Tyler

The Leesburg Center for the Arts presents its 43rd annual festival next spring in downtown Leesburg. As many as 100 visual and performing artists from around the state and the country will exhibit their work. Special features will include interactive art stations, Kids MAS (Mobile Art Studio), and live music and entertainment.

M O U N T

D O R A

Oct. 26-27, 9am-5pm mountdoracraftfair.com

C L E R M O N T

Arts, Crafts & Gift Show

Nov. 16, 10am-5pm clermontdowntownpartnership.com/art-festival The former Downtown Clermont Art Festival has been revamped to include crafts and gifts with a holiday theme. In addition to an array of artists, the free event will feature Santa, live music, food vendors, and more in the downtown area. Sponsored by the Clermont Downtown Partnership.

E U S T I S

Busker Festival March 28, 2020 eustis.org

“Buskers,” or street performers, from all over the United States will converge for the fifth annual festival. The lineup includes artists, musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, mimes, living statues, acrobats, and more. The free, family-oriented event includes a grand finale in which the top performers compete for prize money.

The 35th annual fair will feature an eclectic mix of arts and crafts, from sculptures to ceramics to paintings to woodworking and more. It’s a great opportunity to find unique holiday gifts. More than 400 talented crafters and artists from all over the country display and sell their finest works to the more than 100,000 visitors who attend this annual two-day event.

Photo: Nicole Hamel

Mount Dora Craft Fair

Florida Highwaymen Art Show Aug. 10-11, 11am-5pm; January 2020 mountdora.com

Scenic renderings of Florida’s landscape expressed in the colorful and classic Highwaymen art style are shown at this twice-yearly event held at the Donnelly Park Pavilion. Several of the original Highwaymen artists participate and sell original pieces as well as prints.

Central Florida Film Festival Sept. 6-8 centralfloridafilmfestival.com

The 14th annual festival will return to Epic Theatres in Mount Dora after relocating to that venue and its Epic XL

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festivals

Photo: Chris Redd

T H E

screens in 2018. The festival continues to expand its lineup of filmmakers and speakers from around the world as well as provide education to aspiring filmmakers and entertainment to the Central Florida community.

Mount Dora Arts Festival Feb. 1-2, 2020 mountdoraartsfestival.org

Ranked as the seventh-best arts festival in the nation, the Mount Dora Arts Festival is the epitome of Lake County art festivals. Heading into its 45th year, the fine arts festival attracts 250,000-plus visitors and about 300 local, national, and international artists who participate in the juried art event. Art lovers, casual fans, and families enjoy this well-organized, two-day event.

ing-well wenches. The Renaissance Faire, staged not far from Lake Idamere Park, spotlights 70 artisans practicing their crafts in many mediums, entertainers on seven stages, shops with special events such as royal weddings, and an “adult section” for fun and games.

African American Heritage Festival February 2020

The 16th annual Tavares African American Heritage Festival and Parade is a free family-friendly event celebrating the cultural contributions of African-Americans in Lake County. In addition to arts and crafts, the free event features live performances, music, food, and more at Wooton Park.

Mount Dora Spring Festival

Photo: Nicole Hamel

March 2020 mountdoraspringshow.com

Downtown streets come alive with crafters and artists displaying their works for show and sale. Formerly known as the Spring Collectibles, Crafts, and Antiques Show, the revitalized Mount Dora Spring Festival’s 23rd annual show will attract thousands of visitors and more than 250 exhibitors to the downtown streets.

T A V A R E S

Nov. 1-3, 9-10 lakerenfaire.com

Take a trip back in time to see characters like jousting knights, musical madams, and wash-

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Photo: Chris Redd

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

A R T I S T

P R O F I L E

Brendon Rogers

Photo: Anthony Rao

Brendon Rogers, Executive Director, Central Florida Film Festival. hough originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Brendon Rogers was a part of the theater scene in Orlando since he moved to Florida in 2000. The award-winning actor, director, and producer has an interesting theater resume from his time in Orlando, performing in everything from “Wait Until Dark” to “Children of a Lesser God” and the delightful “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

He’s known best in this area as the director of the Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO), which he brought to Mount Dora in January 2018. A full-fledged international film festival, CENFLO offers residents of the area a chance to see films they most likely would never see.

This year, CENFLO entered a partnership with Lake-Sumter State College for development of a new Showcase Series.

These films will be showcased outside the festival and have a more narrow criteria. There will also be educational film programs and scholarship drives.

Brendon says there are many challenges to driving a film festival, but he enjoys the work. “It has been a great honor helping up-and-coming filmmakers have an outlet for their work and to help them network with other filmmakers and make valuable industry connections,” Brendon says. “It’s shaping up to be great this year. We already have far more submissions than we had at this point last year.”

Those who attend the 14th annual film festival Sept. 6-8 at Mount Dora’s Epic Theaters can expect some surprises during the weekend, but Brendon says one thing you can count on is great entertainment.

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music T H E

All the right notes Venues big and small host all genres of music in Lake County.

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ake County has venues and events to suit every music lover’s tastes, from Rachmaninoff to rock ’n’ roll.

FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

includes more than 60 musicians from around the world. Concert master and violin soloist Konstantin Dimitrov has anchored the orchestra since 2006.

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FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

featuring six guest conductors, includes “Legends & Heroes,” patriotic poetry in music; “Dream of Angels,” the annual Christmas performance; “Shalom,” a Jewish festival; “Vienna Woods,” a springtime celebration; “Wind, Fire & Ice,” highlighting Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1; and “Cherry Blossoms,” a Japanese teahouse show. The chamber series is yet to be announced.

BUDDY BLUES BAND AT LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS

CLERMONT PERFORMING

offers a little bit of everything on its main stage and, naturally, that includes musical theater and concerts. The theme for 2019-20 is “Impressions in Time,” and includes entertainer Tony Danza and his four-piece band’s hit show, “Standards & Stories”; “Celtic Yuletide” from “Riverdance” tenor Michael Londra; the popular “Nunsense” play performed by the Moonlight Players troupe; “Stars of the Sixties with Herman’s Hermits”; “1964 The Tribute” for Beatles fans; “Hotel California,” the original tribute to the Eagles; and the comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance.”

ARTS CENTER

LAKERIDGE WINERY &

in Clermont hosts an annual free Summer Music Series each Saturday in July. Rock, blues, and pop bands perform on the outdoor stage on the grounds of the winery, and solo acts play at the Wine & Cheese Bar upstairs in the winery. One of the largest outdoor venues in the region also hosts musical acts during other events throughout the year, such as the annual three-day BBQ and Blues Festival set for Oct. 11-13.

The lineup includes Beautiful Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Blues Band, Buddy Blues Band, and Marc Clermont & Blues Train.

V I N E YA R D S

MOUNT DORA COMMUNITY CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Now entering its 15th season, the orchestra stages a concert series of contemporary songs and classics as well as a chamber series at Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church in Eustis, and Family Christian Center in Clermont.

The 2019-20 concert series,

has an intimate 600seat theater that has become a popular venue for rock road warriors and tribute bands. In recent years, the theater has hosted Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Blue Öyster Cult, Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen, True Rumors, which plays Fleetwood Mac songs, and a Quadraphonic Surround Sound multimedia presentation of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin music. Three tribute artists will present “3 Eras of Elvis” on Nov. 15.

BUILDING

Several cities in Lake County devote annual festivals to various musical genres. The Lake County Folk Festival is scheduled for Oct. 5 in downtown Eustis and Ferran Park on Lake Eustis. Started in 1997, the event is the longestrunning free folk festival in the state of Florida. About 50 groups play folk, Americana, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, and gospel music.

Each March, the BBQ, Brews, & Blues festival serves up electrifying blues, as well as all-you-can-eat

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music T H E

ORCHESTRA FUEGO

backyard barbecue and a variety of beers, at Towne Square in Leesburg.

Two inaugural events from 2018 return in September: Boho Fest, hosted by the Leesburg Center for the Arts on Sept. 21, is a “creativity festival” featuring indie bands, artisans, and crafters; and Clermont’s Sips & Salsa Festival revolves around salsa music and dancing during a street party planned for Sept. 14. Mambo LeBron and His Orchestra and Orchestra Fuego top the bill.

For a night out on the town, Lake County has numerous great bars and restaurants for live music. Oasis

Venues

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Saloon in Sorrento is a perfect “dive bar” with authentic rock ’n’ roll bands several nights a week. Fun people, a fun atmosphere, and good music can be found at Magical Meat Boutique British pub in Mount Dora. In Tavares, Ruby Street Grille hosts local acts like Jeff Whitfield and Defenders of Daisies as well as cover bands. JJ’s Lounge and Package in Sorrento caters to a crowd that loves classic rock, classic cars, and motorcycles. Crossroads 44 in Eustis books a mix of rock and country bands. Sip Restaurant & Jazz in downtown Leesburg features live music several nights a week.

Clermont Performing Arts Center 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont 352.394.4800 clermontperformingarts.com

JJ’s Lounge and Package 24433 State Road 46, Sorrento 352.383.1400 facebook.com/jjsloungesorrento

Oasis Saloon 23800 State Road 46, Sorrento 352.383.4047 oasis-saloon.com

Crossroads 44 1996 N. County Road 452, Eustis 407.217.4473 crossroads44.com

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont 1.800.768.WINE (9463) lakeridgewinery.com

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St., Tavares 352.742.RUBY (7829) rubystreetgrille.com

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church, 1724 S. Bay St., Eustis Family Christian Center, 2500 S. Highway 27, Clermont floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

Magical Meat Boutique 112 W. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.729.6911 magicalmeatboutique.com

Sip Restaurant & Jazz 707 W. Main St., Leesburg 352.435.7840 facebook.com/siprestaurantjazzandwinebar

Mount Dora Community Building 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora 352.383.2165 mountdoralive.com

A R T I S T

P R O F I L E

Deb Almy

Photo: Anthony Rao

Flutist enjoys helping people—and animals— through music. eb Almy has a big family—actually, two big families.

Aside from her husband, Tom, six children, and 10 grandchildren, Deb has another “family” with the Riverwind Flute Circle, part of Leesburg Center for the Arts. People of all ages gather to play and enjoy the dulcet music of the Native American-style flute.

“We all get along. We all encourage each other. It’s like my extended family,” says Deb, of Leesburg, who has played the Native American flute since 2011. She initially practiced on her back porch because her dog didn’t like the tones.

“The sound of it will draw you,” Deb says.

“You either love it or hate it. I’ve never found anyone in between.”

Ironically, circle members now play occasionally for dogs and cats at Lake County Animal Shelter.

“It’s very relaxing for the animals,” she says. “It just helps to de-stress them some.”

Flute music has the same soothing effect on people, says Deb, who plays for hospice, nursing home, Alzheimer’s, and dementia patients. “(It’s) rewarding for us as well as for the people we’re playing for,” Deb says.

“They’re just a great crowd of folks that really enjoy the music.”

The flute circle meets from 6-8pm the second Thursday of each month, and hosts an acoustic jam from 10am-1pm and drum circle from 1-3pm the first Saturday monthly at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. The Saturday gathering is open to all musicians and fans. muse

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calendar T H E

2019

Oct. 4-20

“The Haunting of Hill House” melonpatchplayers.org

Aug. 9-25

“Noises Off”

Tony Danza: “Standards and Stories”

Sept. 6-8

Central Florida Film Festival

Florida Philharmonic Orchestra Presents: “Curtain Up!” clermontperformingarts.com

Oct. 5

melonpatchplayers.org

Oct. 19

clermontperformingarts.com

Oct. 26-27

Oct. 5

Lake County Folk Festival

Sept. 6-22

“Dial M for Murder”

lakecountyfolkfest.org

Photo: Chris Redd

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Sept. 6-29

“Breaking Legs” baystreetplayers.org

Sept. 13-Oct. 6

“Suite Surrender” icehousetheatre.com

Sept. 14

Sips & Salsa Festival clermontfl.gov/events

Sept. 21

Boho Fest leesburgarts.com

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A knight on his mighty steed jousting to win the hand of the king's daughter? Maybe not, but fun anyway! lakerenfaire.com

Dec. 6-22

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” moonlightplayers.com

Nov. 1-3, 9-10

melonpatchplayers.org

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire

Dec. 7-8

Nov. 2

lssc.edu

“1964: The Beatles Tribute”

Nov. 1-3, 9-10

baystreetplayers.org

Dec. 6-22

lakerenfaire.com

moonlightplayers.com

“A Christmas Carol”

Mount Dora Craft Fair

mountdoracraftfair.com

centralfloridafilmfestival.com

Nov. 22-Dec. 15

clermontperformingarts.com

Nov. 2-3

“Superstar: The Carpenters”

Celtic Angels Christmas

Dec. 12

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Dream of Angels”

floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

lssc.edu

Nov. 7-8

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Legends & Heroes”

floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

Dec. 13

Wine and Chocolate Festival lakeridgewinery.com

Dec. 21

Michael Londa’s “Celtic Yuletide” clermontperformingarts.com

Nov. 15-Dec. 15

“The Sound of Music”

Oct. 11-13

BBQ and Blues Festival lakeridgewinery.com

Oct. 12-13

Color Me Jazz lssc.edu

Oct. 18-Nov. 3

“Evil Dead, The Musical” moonlightplayers.com

icehousetheatre.com

Nov. 15

“3 Eras of Elvis” mountdoralive.com

Nov. 16

Candy Cane Lane Crafts & Gift Show clermontdowntownpartnership. com/art-festival

Nov. 18

Friday Night at the Black Box: Phil Hogan

clermontperformingarts.com

Dec. 6-22

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid”

This fish tale will win your heart as mermaid Ariel wants to be human to pursue her love for Prince Eric. melonpatchplayers.org

Tribute to the Eagles”

clermontperformingarts.com

March 28

Busker Festival eustis.org

March 28-29

Golden Dragon Acrobats lssu.edu

Feb. 7

Winefest

Enjoy the many flavors of last year's harvest as Lakeridge Winery presents Winefest with music, food, and tours. lakeridgewinery.com

2020 Jan. 9-10

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Shalom, a Jewish Festival”

floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

Jan. 11-12

Jukebox Saturday Night lssc.edu

Jan. 17-Feb. 9

“Biloxi Blues” icehousetheatre.com

Jan. 18-19

Art in the Park ladylakechamber.com

Jan. 24-Feb. 9

“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” melonpatchplayers.org

Jan. 24-Feb. 16

“The Fantasticks” baystreetplayers.org

April 10-May 3

“Moonlight and Magnolias” baystreetplayers.org

April 17 Jan. 24-Feb. 16

“The Drowsy Chaperone” moonlightplayers.com

Jan. 31

“Stars of the ’60s” clermontperformingarts.com

Feb. 1-2

The Quebe Sisters

“Nunsense”

March 13-29

“Macbeth”

moonlightplayers.com

March 19-20

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Wind, Fire & Ice”

floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

Mount Dora Arts Festival

Winefest

March 20

“A Chorus Line” melonpatchplayers.org

March 20-April 12

“The Pirates of Penzance”

Feb. 13-14

March 21-22

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Vienna Woods”

floridalakessymphonyorchestra.com

March 13-14

Leesburg Art Fest

April 24-May 10

May 1-17

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”

clermontperformingarts.com

floridalakesymphonyorchestra.com

lakeridgewinery.com

Wine and Seafood Festival

lakeridgewinery.com

Feb. 8

Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “Cherry Blossoms”

March 20

mountdoraartsfestival.org

Feb. 7

April 23-24

“Tuck Everlasting, The Musical”

lssc.edu

Feb. 1-2

clermontperformingarts.com

icehousetheatre.com

Mount Dora Spring Festival mountdoraspringfest.com

March 21

“Hotel California: The Original

moonlightplayers.com

“The History Boys” melonpatchplayers.org

May 15-June 7

“One Slight Hitch” icehousetheatre.com

June 5-21

“Overdue Bills” moonlightplayers.com

June 19-July 12

“The Robber Bridegroom” baystreetplayers.org

“The Importance of Being Earnest” moonlightplayers.com

leesburgartfest.com

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M U S E P U B L I C AT I O N S P O N S O R E D B Y V I S I T L A K E , A G E N C Y O F E C O N O M I C P R O S P E R I T Y, L A K E C O U N T Y, F L O R I D A .

VisitLakeFl.com and the Facebook page, Lake County Arts and Culture.