On the scene // the to-do list
January To have an event considered for the Calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 60 days in advance of event to: calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749
EVENTS JANUARY 4
ROCK INTO 2014 Rock into 2014 with the sounds of Big Engine. Music starts at 10a.m. at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg with Shaky Puddin’ Band. Free event t-shirts to the first 100 guests. Play fun games for prizes. CONTACT: 352.787.8050
6p.m. both days. Renaissance foods, garb, and wares will be available for sale. Costumed attendees are encouraged. The event will benefit Buffalo P.R.I.D.E. at the Villages Charter School. Cost: $10, adults; $7 seniors; $5 children ages 4-16. Free for children under 3. CONTACT: 352.750.5411
MUSIC+THEATRE JANUARY 3–5
NASHVILLE HURRICANE From the creators of the smash hit “6 Guitars” comes another multi-character guitar-slinging show. Four characters tell their funny and frank versions of how a legendary guitar prodigy arose from nothing, conquered everything, and then vanished without a trace. Cost: $15. Bay Street Players at the Historic State Theatre. 109 N. Bay St., Eustis CONTACT: 352.357.7777
JANUARY 27
JANUARY 4–5
DADE BATTLEFIELD REENACTMENT Every January under the oaks of Dade Battlefield State Park, history lovers gather to commemorate the battle that started the Second Seminole War. The 80-acre park protects not only a historic battlefield, but also the natural communities as they existed during the war. Event includes battle reenactment at 2p.m., period soldiers, Seminole and civilian camps, trade fair, historic arts and crafts demonstrations, full-scale cannon firing, musket shooting, tomahawk throwing, and primitive archery. From 9a.m. to 5p.m. Fees are $5 per person; children under 6 enter free. Parking is $3 for each vehicle. CONTACT: 352.793.4781
JANUARY 4–5
THE VILLAGES RENAISSANCE FAIRE The Villages polo grounds will transform into the “Village of Hopewell,” where jesters and musicians will stroll the old English town from 10a.m. to
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TASTE OF NORTH LAKE COUNTY Restaurants in Umatilla and the entire North Lake area will offer “tastes” of their favorite menu items as well as new items. From 5 to 8p.m at the Florida Elks Youth Camp pavilion, 24175 S.E. Highway 450, Umatilla. Advance tickets: $15 per person; $25 a couple. Tickets are available at the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce, Olde Mill Stream RV Resort, and United Southern Bank. CONTACT: 352.669.3511
JANUARY 24
THE 2014 TASTE OF WELLNESS A ticket to this third annual event gives attendees the opportunity to win many fun door prizes, as well as enjoy lots of great food, drinks, and entertainment. Visit with many health and wellness vendors. All proceeds benefit World Wellness Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. From 4 to 7p.m. at the Leesburg Community Center, 109 E. Dixie Ave. CONTACT: Jean Sumner at 352.459.1655
I lakeandsumter
.com
JANUARY 26–27
AGRITUNITY This conference and trade show provides opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and people interested in agriculture to learn, network, meet suppliers, and explore the possibilities of starting or changing an agricultural operation. The trade show will include farm suppliers, as well as large equipment and livestock displays. Location: Sumter County Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471, in Webster.
JANUARY 11
SANDY SHUGART IN CONCERT The multi-talented president of Valencia College appears on the Garden Theatre stage once again with his folk-influenced, laid-back sound. Concert begins at 8p.m. at Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. Tickets: $25 ($15 with Valencia ID). CONTACT: 407.877.4736 or www.gardentheatre.org
CONTACT: 352.793.2728 JANUARY 11–12
JANUARY 30
MARDI GRAS KICK OFF The Mardi Gras Mixers are fun-filled evenings as rival contestants vie for your votes to be crowned Mardi Gras King Rex and Queen Divine by showcasing their talents. Full
cash bar, disc jockey, dancing, and great food! All of the mixers are held at the Leesburg Center for the Arts. Open to the public 21 years old and up with a $5 cover charge. CONTACT: www.leesburgmardigras.com
SIMPLY SINATRA “Simply Sinatra” is a walk down memory lane celebrating the music of Old Blue Eyes. Steve Lippia’s youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of classic with today. His show introduces a new generation to this timeless music, while appealing to longtime listeners. The cost is $22 and includes showings at 2 and 7p.m. at Lake-Sumter State
College’s Paul P. Williams Fine Arts Auditorium. CONTACT: 352.365.3506
JANUARY 17—FEBRUARY 9
MAN OF LA MANCHA This musical version of (Don Quixote) is framed by an incident allegedly from the life of its author, Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is the mad, aging nobleman who embarrasses his respectable family by his adventures. Backed by his faithful sidekick Sancho Panza, he duels windmills and defends his perfect lady Dulcinea. Moonlight Players Warehouse Theatre, 732 B W. Montrose St., Clermont. CONTACT: 352.319.1116
JANUARY 17–FEBRUARY 2
SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS This two-character comedy opens as an aging but still formidable woman hires an acerbic dance instructor to give her lessons in St. Petersburg Beach. Antagonism between a gay man and the widow of a Southern Baptist minister gives way to profound compatibility as they share more than dance steps. Melon Patch Theatre is located in Leesburg, 311 N. 13th St. CONTACT: 352.787.3013 or info@melonpatch.org
JANUARY 24–FEBRUARY16
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE A smokin’ musical revue featuring hit songs of the 1950s and 1960s, including “On Broadway,”
