THE TO-DO LIST

NOVemBER

To have an event considered for the Calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

EVENTS

NOVEMBER 1,2,7,8 AND 9

THE LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE The Faire features over 100 performers and over 60 artisans working in mediums such as pottery, leatherwork, blacksmithing, sculpture and candle making. All proceeds benefit the Educational Foundation of Lake County. $15 adult, $10 child. In Tavares at State Road 19 and County Road 448. CONTACT: 352.326.1265

NOVEMBER 8

35TH ANNUAL MONTVERDE DAY Will feature 140 food, craft and art vendors, free parking, raffles throughout the day, train and pony rides, chalk art contest and live entertainment. Carnival provided by Sunshine Amusements for a day of fun for the whole family. From 8a.m.–6p.m. at Kirk Park, 17436 Division St., Montverde. CONTACT: 407.469.2681

NOVEMEBER 8

MOUNT DORA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL Highland athletics, Scottish music, dance, border collies demo, Scottish heritage tents, Scottish vendors, food and beverages. From 10a.m.–5p.m. at Gilbert Park, 310 S. Tremain St., in Mount Dora. Free. CONTACT: 352.735.7183

NOVEMBER 8–9

LEADER OF THE LAKE REGATTA The inaugural Leader of the Lake Regatta headrace hosted by the Lake County Rowing Association. Includes a 5K headrace for youth on Saturday and masters (adults) on Sunday. View for free at beautiful Waterfront Park in Clermont. Activities and food available. From 7:15 to 11:30a.m. CONTACT: 407.497.1035

NOVEMEBER 15

FRANK THOMAS FOLK HERITAGE FESTIVAL Come learn about Florida’s unique past as you visit with historical reenactors, folk artists, and demonstrators. Or explore your creative side by entering our photo contest as well as youth writing and storytelling competitions. From 9a.m. to 5p.m. at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell. CONTACT: crackerheritagefestival. weebly.com

NOVEMEBER 21

CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Stroll through Venetian Gardens in Leesburg and sample a wide variety of craft beers and select wines from around the world. Event will feature live music. 6–10 p.m. $25 in advance; $35 at gate. CONTACT: 352.365.0053

NOVEMBER 7

FIRST FRIDAY STREET PARTY In downtown Eustis/Ferran Park. Live entertainment and vendors. 6p.m.–10p.m. CONTACT: hoonr@eustis.or g

NOVEMBER 8

HOLIDAY MARKET Find items for an old-fashioned Christmas and a little something for everyone on your gift list. 9a.m.-2p.m.at Faith Lutheran Church, Eustis, fellowship hall, 2727 S. Grove St. Benefits Women’s Guild, which raises funds for mission and humanitarian projects. CONTACT: 352.483.3822

NOVEMEBER 8

THE NOT-SO-WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW While at the Leesburg Saturday Morning Market, enjoy The Not-SoWestminster Dog Show. Medals will be awarded for prize winners. Enjoy live music from Tommy Treadway. 8a.m.–1p.m. at Towne Square in downtown Leesburg. Free. CONTACT: 352.365.0053

NOVEMBER 8 ART OF THE DEAL

Art of the Deal offers catered cuisine, an open bar with wine and top-shelf liquor, dancing, live and silent auctions, gaming tables and entertainment. Money supports various programs offered by the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. 6p.m. at the Donnelly Building, Mount Dora. Cost: $85.

CONTACT: 352.383.0880

NOVEMBER 9

PAWS FOR MOUNT DORA Get stamped at different monthly pet-friendly locations and return at 2p.m. with your stamp card to be entered to win prizes. 11a.m.–2p.m. 125 Edgerton Ct. Cost: $1. CONTACT: janet.gamache@g mail.com

NOVEMBER 15

FOOTSTEPS OF THE FIRST FLORIDIANS Learn about Native Americans and other early residents of Lake County. There is a short presentation in the parking area, followed by a slow-paced hike of about 2 miles on uneven, hilly terrain. 9-11a.m., 19220 County Road 455, Ferndale. Make a reservation. CONTACT: parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov

NOVEMBER 15

INAUGURAL GOBBLE WOBBLE 5K WHMS Windy Hill Middle School students hope to raise funds to support local needy children in their school district through food and gifts during the upcoming holidays. There are two races: the 5K is at 8:30a.m. and a mile dash at 9:30a.m. 5K is $25 and mile dash is $10. From 8:30 to 11a.m. at Windy Hill Middle School, 3575 Hancock Road, Clermont. CONTACT: 352.394.2123

NOVEMBER 15

NEW BEGINNINGS A gala evening to celebrate Lake County and support local children and families in need. Clermont Arts and Recreation Center. 3700 S. U.S. Hwy. 27, 6p.m. CONTACT: southlakechamber-fl. com/events/eventdetail. aspx?EventID=1277

NOVEMBER 16

MOUNT DORA VILLAGE MARKET The Village Market will be in Simpson’s Cove until July to allow for construction in Elizabeth Evans Park. Sundays, shop for fresh produce alongside herbs, crafts, goat cheese, honey, breads, butterflies and more. 9a.m.–2p.m. On South Tremain Street adjacent to the Mount Dora Marina and Gilbert Park. CONTACT: janet.gamache@g mail.com

NOVEMBER 21

PADDLING ADVENTURE Join Lake County park rangers and staff from Lake County Water Authority on a trip to Blackwater Creek through the Lake Norris Conservation Area. All experience levels welcome and may use one of their kayaks. 9a.m.–1p.m. Lake Norris Conservation Area, Lake Norris Road, Eustis. CONTACT: gailg@lcwa.org

NOVEMBER 23

BICYCLING TOUR Bring your own bicycle and join park rangers for a guided tour of the paved South Lake Trail in Clermont. All ages and skill levels welcome. 1-3p.m., South Lake Trail, Minneola Trailhead, 315 Madison St., Minneola. Make a reservation. CONTACT: parksandtrails@ lakecountyfl.gov

DECEMBER 6

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND PARADE Parade starts 5p.m. Festivities in the park 4-9:30p.m. Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby Street, Tavares. CONTACT: 352.742.6319.

ART/HISTORY ART/HISTORY EXHIBITS EXHIBITS

NOVEMBER 8, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28

PLEIN AIR EXHIBIT AND PAINT OUT Mount Dora Center for the Arts. 138 E. Fifth Ave. 10a.m.–4p.m. $25. CONTACT: beth@ mountdoracenterforthearts.org

NOVEMBER 13

SOCIAL ARTWORKING SERIES: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Sip a little, paint a little and get ready to enjoy the relaxing experience of canvas painting with the cast of Melon Patch Players’ “The Sound of Music.” Even if you have never painted, you’ll come away with a piece of art you will be proud of. From 6 to 9p.m. at Leesburg Center for the Arts, 429 W. Magnolia St. Cost: $30. CONTACT: 352.365.0232

MUSIC+THEATRE MUSIC+THEATRE

NOVEMBER 9

‘AMERICA & MUSIC‘ The city of Mount Dora and Just Us Orlando Productions present a fresh two-act presentation of sassy and inspiring music, voice and dance from a melting pot of American music of the past and present, with reflections of war that will have you experiencing a range of emotions. 3p.m. CONTACT: 352.735.7183

NOVEMBER 15–16

THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Still swinging after nearly 80 years, the Glenn Miller Orchestra will surely get you “in the mood” when it takes the audience on a journey to a time when big bands were king and music was swing. Cost: $27. At 2p.m. at Lake-Sumter State College, Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, in Leesburg. CONTACT: 352.365.3506

NOVEMBER 15

BLUEGRASS MUSIC IN CASSIA Enjoy a relaxing evening of live bluegrass music — inside or out — and drain the stress from your life and connect with friends old and new. Free. Donations of nonperishable food items for the food pantry appreciated. Food and drinks benefit Cassia Community Club. 6:30p.m.–10:30pm. 29245 E. State Road 44, Eustis. CONTACT: 352.589.8008

EP EDITOR’S

PICK

NOVEMBER 29

ARTIST SHOWCASE

The Villages Art League’s 17th annual event celebrates 25 years of art in The Villages. Works include oils, watercolors, acrylics and other mediums by more than 70 artists. Savannah Center, 9a.m.–3p.m.

CONTACT: 352.751.1033.

NOVEMBER 15

LAKE EUSTUS FOLK MUSIC Bring a dish for the pot luck dinner at 7p.m.; concert starts around 7:45. Possible song circle afterward around 9:15. Donation of $5 requested. 50/50 raffle. 7–8p.m. 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. CONTACT: trou tlakenature.org

NOVEMBER 21–DECEMBER 14

‘ANNIE GET YOUR GUN’ “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” as Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show presents the love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. The score includes “Anything You Can Do,” “The Girl That I Marry,” “They Say It’s Wonderful,” and “I Got the Sun in the Mornin’”. Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. INFORMATION: icehousetheatre. com/2014-2015-season

DECEMBER 2

HOLIDAY MUSIC SERIES Concerts at the Cooper Memorial Library, on the main floor for everyone’s enjoyment. 4–6p.m., 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont. CONTACT: 352.536.2275

DECEMBER 6-7

‘TIS THE SEASON A heartwarming homage to everybody’s favorite holiday music. Mac Frampton plays all the favorites and holiday classics. 2p.m. Lake-Sumter State College, Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. $27. CONTACT: LewinE@LSSC.edu

NOVEMEBR 6 TASTE OF SOUTH LAKE & BUSINESS EXPO

Presented by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, this community event highlights local businesses and restaurants along with entertainment. 5–8:30p.m at Clermont Waterfront Park, 100 Third St. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

CONTACT: TASTEOFSOUTHLAKE.COM

LOCAL TALENT PROFILE

NOT-BY-THE-BOOK BROOKE

STORY: GARY CORSAIR

Rita Brooke taught herself to play the organ at 4, picked up guitar at 13 and was writing songs and singing in talent shows by 14.

But she didn’t realize she was a musical prodigy.

That dawned on her in college, when what she thought she should do collided head-on with what she’s supposed to do.

“After moving to Florida to fi nish my business studies at the University of South Florida, I began playing at local open-mic nights and was approached to play at a private party,” Brooke says. “From there, I decided to start doing more gigs, professionally, so I began to play at local restaurants, coffee shops and bars.”

Tampa couldn’t seem to get enough of the talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a musical family just outside Houston.

“It was soon after when I decided that, despite the fact I was going to school for business, music was still my No. 1 love,” Brooke says. “I tried to go a different path, but it brought me right back home to my guitar and my microphone.”

Her epiphany came on stage when she realized she was singing to herself.

“A line from one of my original songs says, ‘Can’t change destiny, it will always be a part of me,’” she says. “That’s how I feel about music.”

The part of Brooke that’s defi ned by music is made up of many parts. Her rock/country/Texas blues style is infl uenced by Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Steve Ray Vaughn, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Led Zeppelin and Willie Nelson.

“I wouldn’t know how to compare myself because I’m just a product of all the great musicians and singers who have gone before me,” Brooke says. “I am often told I have a unique voice. It’s crazy but when people ask me who I sound like, I often don’t know how to respond. I am just me. That’s probably the best answer.”

And a product of a unique family.

“I was raised in a very music-oriented family where everything centered around that next song coming through the speakers,” she says. “My dad and my brothers played instruments. It was pretty standard that every Friday and Saturday night my parents and all of our extended family got together. Much like the rest of the week those gatherings centered around music. I guess I got my appreciation for music from them.”

Today, Brooke is getting appreciation from fans throughout Central Florida, Texas and Nashville.

She recently joined the Nashville Songwriters Association, which brings her one step closer to her dream of a recording contract and national tours.

“I have a lot of drive and won’t stop until I play on the big stage, that being the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Austin City Limits, Amway Center, and the Grand Ole Opry,” she says. “I probably won’t really stop after that because truly that is just the beginning of my dream and my goals.”

While plotting stardom, Brooke is fronting an Orlando band with plans to tour next year.

“Things are defi nitely happening,” Brooke says, “and that is very exciting for a girl like me.”

Follow Brooke at ritabrooke.com

Bands subject to change … Email Gary@akersmediagroup.com to submit an event for In Concert. Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: June 9 for July issue).

INCONCERT

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC

DATE TIME ARTIST VENUE

11/7 9p.m. Keeper (rock)

Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/8 5:30p.m. The Rockin’ Relics Band (oldies) Evans Prairie Country Club, The Villages 11/8 7p.m. Griffi n Vittone (acoustic rock) World of Beer, Wildwood 11/8 8p.m. Da Boys (acoustic) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/9 1:30p.m. Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/12 11:30a.m. Roy Baker (easy listening) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis 11/12 7:30p.m. Jeff Whitfi eld (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/12 8p.m. The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Margarita Republic, The Villages 11/13 7:30p.m. Bobby France (acoustic) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

11/14 7p.m. Alan Darcy (jazz saxophone) Pisces Rising, Mount Dora

11/14 8p.m. Brewery Boys (’60s/’70s/’80s) Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora 11/14 9p.m. Double Shot (Rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg 11/15 1p.m. Double Shot (rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg 11/15 2p.m. Baby Blues & the No Attitude Band (rock/blues) Lakeridge Winery, Clermont 11/15 8p.m. David Oliver Willis (folk/soul/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/15 9p.m. Confl ict of Interest (rock) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/15 9p.m. Stava Mala (eclectic acoustic) The Lost Parrot, Mount Dora

11/15 9p.m. Staggard Straight (country) Frank’s Place, Leesburg

11/16 11a.m. The Selwyn Birchwood Band (blues) Lakeridge Winery, Clermont 11/16 1:30p.m. Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/19 7:30p.m. Jeff Whitfi eld (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/19 8p.m. The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Margarita Republic, The Villages

11/20 7:30p.m. “Dangerous” Dave Merrill (Rock/blues/contemporary) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/21 6p.m. RosyThorn (country) VFW Post 8087, Mount Dora 11/21 8p.m. Andrew Williams Band (blues/rock) Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora 11/21 8p.m. The Accuzed (dance) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/21 9p.m. That Lousy Band (rock) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/21 9p.m. Evil Monkey (rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg 11/22 8a.m. The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages 11/22 7p.m. Grant Peeples (folk/Americana/roots) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis 11/22 8p.m. Roy Baker Band (vintage rock) Rocking Rabbit Brewing, Mount Dora 11/22 9p.m. That Lousy Band (rock) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/22 9p.m. Maiden Voyage Band (Southern rock/blues) JJ’s Lounge, Sorrento 11/23 1:30p.m. Bobby France (acoustic) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/26 7:30p.m. Jeff Whitfi eld (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/26 8p.m. The Band 4Play (rock/country/pop) Margarita Republic, The Villages 11/27 7p.m. DownBeat (rock & roll) Merrill’s Market, Mount Dora 11/28 8p.m. Alan Darcy (jazz saxophone) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/28 9p.m. Staggard Straight (country) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/28 9:30p.m. 3 Ring Circus (rock/modern country) Oasis Saloon, Sorrento 11/28 9p.m. Social Fatigue (Southern rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg 11/29 8a.m. The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages 11/29 8p.m. Kings Country (party rock) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 11/29 8p.m. 3 For The Road (classic rock) City Fire at Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages 11/29 9p.m. Staggard Straight (country) Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg 11/29 9p.m. Keeper (rock) Frank’s Place, Leesburg 11/30 1:30p.m. Kelly Jarrard (acoustic/soul/jazz) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

12/03 7:30p.m. Jeff Whitfi eld (adult alternative/blues) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares

12/04 7:30p.m. “Dangerous” Dave Merrill Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 12/05 7p.m. The Paul Stott Group (blues) Pisces Rising, Mount Dora 12/06 8a.m. The Music Mixx (jazz/pop/contemporary) Hacienda Hills Country Club, The Villages 12/06 7p.m. Carly Bak (singer-songwriter/indie) Olivia’s Coffeehouse, Eustis 12/06 8p.m. Kings Country (party rock) Ruby Street Grille, Tavares