Tickets on sale for ‘An Evening with the Authors’

The Lee County Library System will offer book-loving fans a chance to meet and mingle with more than 20 Southwest Florida Reading Festival authors at the “An Evening with the Authors” fundraiser, planned for March 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p m at the Edison Restaurant & Event Center in Fort Myers

“This really is an unforgettable opportunity for fans to meet the authors before our big festival,” Melissa Baker, festival coordinator and programming/community outreach manager for the system, said.

“The dinner is a personal gathering with the writers and without the crowds that festival day will bring Our guests have a chance to interact with the authors and quite likely learn fun facts, too ”

Proceeds will benefit the 24th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on

March 4 in Fort Myers It is a free, allages outdoor event where fans may listen to and meet a line-up of bestselling authors, explore the latest in books and technology and participate in crafts and activities In addition, there will be a free book for every child and teen, storytelling programs, youth writing contest awards and food truck vendors Several a u t h o r p r e s e n t a t i o n s w i l l a l s o b e

Fundraiser tickets are $75 per person and are available through Feb 15

For more information or tickets, visit www ReadFest org is at 3583 McGregor Blvd , Fort Myers

BIG ARTS on Sanibel is hosting two exhibitions in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian In the Dunham Family Gallery, “shhh quiet” by Ran Adler is described as a

Collective to per for m Jazz at the MACC

T h e G u l f C o a s t

J a z z C o l l e c t i v e w i l l p r es en t “J azz at th e

M A C C ” w i t h L a i l a Biali on Feb 9 at 7 p m at the Music & A r t s C o m m u n i t y

C e n t e r , a t 1 3 4 1 1

S h i r e L a n e , F o r t

Myers Biali is a multi a w a r d - w i n n i n g

Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist and CBC Music national r a d i o h o s t J a m e s

S u g g s w i l l j o i n o n t r u m p e t T i c k e t s a r e

$ 3 8 - 4 4 F o r m o r e information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/

Exhibits on display at BIG ARTS

b e a u t i f u l , c o m f o r t i n g a n d c o n t e m p l a t i v e e x h i b i t

“Finding Perfection,” from abstract artist and photographer Lynda Fay Braun, is called a stunning exhibit and located in the Mezzanine Gallery For more information, visit https://bigarts org/ or call 239-395-0900 BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Master Singers to join chamber orchestra

The Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra and Fort Myers Master Singers will present “Vivaldi Gloria” on Feb 11 at 7:30 p m at the Music & Arts Community Center, at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Vivaldi's “Gloria” is one of sacred music's most uplifting choral works a piece of high drama and hidden joy Also on the program is Mozart’s final “Symphony No 41 in C Major ” Tickets range from $35-41. For more information and tickets, visit https://gulfcoastsymphony org/