Re-christened Lakeland Symphony Looks to New Season, With Changes

Aug 2, 2021 at 7:05 am

In the wake of the chaos left by the Covid crisis, some nonprofit organizations emerged with new goals, names and plans. Polk County’s only professional orchestra is no exception.

After being known for more than 30 years as the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, it will enter the 2021-2022 season as the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, the name it originally had when it was formed in 1965. But that’s only the start of changes in store. The orchestra will have a different home and day of the week for its major concerts, shorten its programs and hold multiple small concerts around the county. More

A & E/ People

Couple Shares Their Journeys with ‘Spirits’ Gallery at Polk Museum

Jul 23, 2021 at 10:57 am

Dr. Alan “Rico” Rich points to his favorite object in the collection of African and Oceanic art that he and his wife, Linda, acquired over the years. It is an imposing 4-foot tall wooden figure, carved from a single piece of wood, painted and embellished with woven grass and shells, given to him by the chief of the Iatmul people of New Guinea. It represents the ancestors of the tribe, bearing both male and female characteristics, and its face is marked in a distinctive design that displays the tribal or family name. More

A & E/ Business

Bookstore Owners Encouraged Following Covid’s Challenges

Jun 25, 2021 at 10:06 am

The 16 months since COVID-19 struck have been hard for independent bookstores, but the owners of three Lakeland shops specializing in used books say they are are ready for a new chapter, eager to move forward and working hard to make Lakeland a destination for bibliophiles. More

A & E

Lineup Announced for Swan City Piano Festival

Jun 16, 2021 at 7:43 am

The organizers of this weekend’s Swan City Piano Festival have announced the three-day event’s schedule, and piano enthusiasts can expect to hear everything from the classical repertoire to Gershwin to new works likely not heard before in Lakeland. More

A & E/ Activism

LGBTQ-Focused Venues Have Expanded in Central Florida Since Pulse

Jun 12, 2021 at 9:26 am The Orlando Sentinel

An Orlando Sentinel article about expanded LGBTQ-focused venues in Central Florida since the Pulse massacre five years ago opens with a segment about amateur drag competitions at The Parrot in Lakeland. Japonika Work, who performs there regularly, said the Polk community has become more accepting during the last five years. (The article is for subscribers only, but the photo gallery isn’t.)

Neighborhoods/ A & E

Dixieland, Downtown Businesses Sign Up for Murals

Jun 7, 2021 at 8:07 am The Ledger

At least 17 businesses in Dixieland and downtown have signed up for a city program to brighten up the Florida Avenue corridor with large murals, The Ledger reports. Officials with the Community Redevelopment Agency are hoping the Art Infusion program attracts more businesses, but one board member said some owners are concerned about being responsible for long-term maintenance. | Learn more

A & E/ People

An Artist Familiar to Mayfaire Fans Wins Best of Show Again

May 11, 2021 at 4:03 pm

The winner of this year’s Mayfaire-by-the-Lake’s Best of Show is a familiar figure at the fine-arts festival. Ummarid Eitharong has been showing up every year since 1986, and he’s a multiple winner of the top prize. More

A & E/ Events

Your Guide to Mayfaire By-The-Lake 2021

May 6, 2021 at 9:56 am

People have lots of questions before visiting Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, Lakeland’s premiere outdoor art festival: Where should we park? What if I get hungry? (Where are the bathrooms?) Here is a guide, including Covid safety precautions and information about a first-ever virtual Mayfaire. More

A & E

Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend

Apr 22, 2021 at 11:39 am

Musicians performing at local venues this weekend include Shawn Rahn, Harrison Jazz Orchestra, Brett Foster Band, Joe’s Garage, Ryan McVeigh, The Wiley Collective, Paul Wilson, Paul Mazzarella, Skip & Nancy Frye, The Sound Machines and Jim Thomas. Keep scrolling for times and places: More

A & E

Live Music in Lakeland This Weekend

Apr 15, 2021 at 10:32 am

Musicians performing at local venues this weekend include Munn Park Saints, Jamie Floyd, The Petty Experience, Jon Corneal & Masked Compadres, Brett Foster, Ben Prestage, Roger Bartlett Band, TJ Eubanks, Running Reckless, Lubeck, Rick Graham Band, The Sound Machines, and Just Fun Band featuring Nat West. Keep scrolling for times and places. More