December 2024-January 2025

.-BROADWAYPALM

OFF BROADWAY PALM

NOV 28 - DEC 25

'Twas the night before Christmas...And there's a "burglar" in the house-but his eyes twinkled, and his dimples were merry.A cynical social worker is about to have her humbug attitude turned upside down in this charming musical comedy.

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On The Gulf

Patti Smith Exhibition at at Marie Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is hosting an exhibition, ‘Patti Smith: A Book of Days’, at their Historic Spanish Point campus. The exhibition features photographs taken by the famed poet and musician that offer an intimate view of her life on and off the road. The photographs are taken from Smith’s recently published, New York Times best-selling book, A Book of Days

The exhibition at Selby Gardens features large prints of Smith’s photographs outdoors, bringing them into dialogue with nature, which has been an important source of inspiration for her. Smith’s images take visitors on a journey through time and space, charting both the course of a year and the natural environment of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Smith’s iconic voice can be heard at the Jean Goldstein Welcome Center, where she narrates a visitor orientation video in the Ernie Kretzmer & Family Theater. Smith has been named Selby Gardens’ inaugural Artist-inResidence. Her residency includes an upcoming performance on February 15, during which she’ll combine public activities such as readings and performances with private time drawing creative inspiration from the two bayfront campuses and their world-renowned collections.

It will be her sixth performance since February 2022, when she visited Selby Gardens to tour the exhibition, ‘Flowers, Poetry, and Light’, and performed songs and did readings she selected to complement the exhibition, which featured photographs of flowers by her friend and lover, Robert Mapplethorpe and Smith’s lyrics and poetry about flowers and nature.

‘Patti Smith: A Book of Days’ will be on view thru August 31. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus is located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. The Gardens is open daily 10am-5pm. For information, call 941-366-5741.

ArtFest Celebrates 25 Years

ArtFest Fort Myers, the largest free outdoor fine art festival in Southwest Florida, returns to the riverfront in Fort Myers on Saturday & Sunday, February 1 & 2.There is also an Opening Night party Friday, January 31, where patrons can meet and mingle with artists.

In addition to bringing more than 200 professional artists from 39 states to downtown Fort Myers, ArtFest encourages 300 local high school artists to pursue their artistic dreams, and provides an opportunity for thousands of children and adults to try their hand at creating art.

Works in ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wearable art will be on display and for sale, as well as paintings, drawings and sculpture.

The art festival also features high school artists’ work at the Art Under 20 Exhibit & Competition, students creating large street paintings in the Chalk Block, and the Publix Art Yard & Community Stage. There will be live entertainment and food vendors.

The 25th ArtFest Fort Myers features more than 200 artists from 39 states for a free weekend art fair outdoors in downtown Fort Myers’ riverfront.

Opening night, January 31, features a pops concert by Gulf Coast Symphony from 7-8:15 at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater across from the Luminary Hotel. The concert, ‘Symphony on the Sound’, is free. Seating is limited; chairs and blankets are welcome. Coolers are not allowed.

VIP tickets for ArtFest are available. They include access to a VIP tent during the opening Night Party, reserved parking, free food all weekend, and reserved seats for the opening night concert.

ArtFest Fort Myers is open Sat & Sun, February 1 & 2, 10am5pm. Opening night activities are 6-9pm. Entrance to ArtFest is on Edwards Drive in the Fort Myers Historic River District. Call 768-3602 for information.

Rookery Bay Hosts Festival of Birds

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve & Friends of Rookery Bay are celebrating its 21st Annual Festival of Birds with bird-themed activities and workshops, January 16-20.

The Festival includes guided field trips to wildlife hotspots around Southwest Florida, bird featured activities, watercolor painting classes, and a special keynote presentation and reception featuring Dr. Jerry Jackson, host of With the Wild Things on WGCU public radio. Dr. Jackson is a world-renowned wildlife biologist, ornithologist and Professor Emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Field trips include birding walks, boat trips, kayaking adventures,

Marie Selby Gardens hosts an exhibition by Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith thru August 31.

swamp tromps and swamp buggy excursions to locations such as Six Mile Cypress Slough, Bunche Beach, Clam Pass, Corkscrew Swamp, CREW Marsh Trails, Eagle Lakes Park, Fakahatchee Strand, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Rookery Bay Research Reserve and Tigertail Beach.

Pre-registration required for all field trips, keynote presentation and activities.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, located at 300 Tower Rd. in Naples, is open January 16-20, 9am-4pm for the Birding Festival.

Call 530-5972 for information.

Shell Museum Welcomes Giant Octopus

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has a new, a playful and active Giant Pacific Octopus.

Giant Pacific Octopuses are the largest species of octopus, with eight arms, three hearts, and blue blood. They are extremely intelligent and require extensive daily enrichment to encourage that species’ appropriate behavior.

Museum aquarists worked during the first few weeks of its arrival to establish a relationship with the Giant Pacific Octopus. The transition to its new home at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium has been seamless, even given the disruption of Hurricane Milton. It is healthy, strong, and loves to interact.

During rebuilding following Hurricane Ian, the Museum took the time needed to improve and strengthen aquarium and exhibit conditions before welcoming hundreds of new animals. Several adjustments were made to the Giant Pacific Octopus life support system to ensure ideal water quality, filtration, and temperature.

“The new Giant Pacific Octopus is curious and not at all bashful,’’ said Carly Hulse, National Shell Museum & Aquarium Senior Aquarist. “Much larger than the Two-Spot Octopus and Caribbean TwoSpot Octopus we also have on exhibit in the Living Gallery of Aquariums.“

Exhibits in the Living Gallery illuminate the biology and

behavior of mollusks and features videos, large touchable shells, dioramas, a growth series of Junonia shells, and more.

Other popular species on view include Flamingo Tongue, Strawberry Conchs, Giant Clams, Disco Clam, Queen Conch, Horse Conch, Lined Seahorse, California Sea Hare, Giant Triton, and Red Abalone.

Aquarists conduct daily chats at 11am & 2pm to share fun facts about its octopuses and other marine life.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. on Sanibel, is open Tue-Sat 10am-5pm. For information, call 395-2233.

‘Ding’ Darling Refuge

Hosts

Niki Butcher Photography Exhibition

Originally planned for a year ago, the J. N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island will host Niki Butcher’s ‘Daydreaming’ exhibition in the Visitor & Education Center Auditorium December 14- February 27. The exhibition features about 50 of her original works and prints.

Butcher specializes in hand-painted black-and-white photography celebrating nature’s beauty and Florida’s history. Spouse of worldrenowned wildlife photographer Clyde Butcher, Niki has made a name for herself capturing the splendor and authenticity of special places and people, finding beauty in nature and also in the historical buildings and interesting people who inhabit the landscapes.

Inspired by the hand-painted postcards of the 1930s, Butcher first started painting her blackand-white photographs in the 1980s. Using her own photos,

‘Daydreaming’, an exhibition of Niki Butcher’s photography, is on view December 14-February 27 at ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor & Education Center on Sanibel.

oil paints, Q-tips, and cotton balls, she turned landscapes into dreamscapes and reality into fantasy. Today, Niki uses a similar technique to paint digitally. She first photographs with a digital camera and then paints her images using Photoshop.

“This is Niki’s first traveling exhibit, and we are among the first to show it,” said AnnMarie Wildman, executive director of the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, which supports refuge exhibitions. Butcher’s companion book, Daydreaming , is available in the Refuge Nature Store.

‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Dr. on Sanibel. The Visitor & Education Center is open Sat-Thu 9am-4p. Admission is free. Wildlife Drive is open Sat-Thu dawn-dusk. For information, 472-1100.

Selby Gardens Offers Holiday Lights Show R

anked among the 10 best botanical garden holiday light displays in the country by USA TODAY, ‘Lights in Bloom’ will be on view select nights from December 6-January 1 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown Sarasota campus.

Now in its 21st year, the walkthrough experience features more than 2 million lights and other holiday and botanical decorations along the walkways and throughout gardens of the 15-acre campus. Guests also can enjoy games, kids’ activities

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel has a new and playful Giant Octopus.

like balloon twisting and face painting, and holiday photo opportunities.

‘Lights in Bloom’ is on display December 6-23 & December 26-January 1. Early entry is at 5:30pm and general admission at 6:30pm, with the last entry at 8pm. The Gardens close at 9pm.

On Saturday, December 21, an additional ‘all inclusive’ ticket provides on-site parking, a buffet dinner and open bar in the Gardens’ Event Center, and early access to the grounds.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown campus is at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. Both its Downtown campus and Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey are open daily 9am-5pm. For information, call 941-366-5731.

Selby Gardens’ ‘Lights in Bloom’ features more than 2 million holiday lights.

Patchwork Exhibition at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

The exhibition, ‘Taweekaache: Seminole Patchwork,” a celebration of the Seminole Tribe’s unique and iconic patchwork garments, has recently opened at The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The exhibit will run through June in the East Gallery.

The exhibition, ‘Taweekaache: Seminole Patchwork’ is on dipslay at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston thru June.

It showcases the work of more than 20 Seminole sewing artists from five different Seminole reservations, including Trail and Big Cypress.

‘Taweekaache’ highlights the intricate and culturally significant art of patchwork, a tradition that has been passed down through generations of Seminole artisans. Featuring an array of garments, the exhibit explores the history, evolution, and mastery behind these beautiful creations.

As part of the exhibit, visitors can view exclusive video interviews with renowned Seminole artists, Lenora Roberts and Melissa Osceola DeMayo, who provide insight into the craftsmanship, stories, and cultural importance of Seminole patchwork.

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is located at 34725 W. Boundary Rd. in Clewiston. The museum is open daily 9am-5pm For information, call 675-6162.

WANTED

artists

Alliance for the Arts is inviting artists to submit work for their ‘Nude Nocturne’ exhibition in January. The exhibition theme is ‘Embody.’ Artists are asked to explore and reimagine the body as a living, breathing expression of identity, emotion, and spirit. They are encouraged to interpret and celebrate the human form in all its complexity. They are asked to consider themes such as: Expression (depicting the body as a powerful vessel for individuality and self-expression, Resilience (highlight the strength and adaptability of the human form in facing life’s challenges), and Unity in Diversity (showcase the

beauty found in the uniqueness and diversity of all bodies).

Submission deadline is December 15. Exhibition dates are January 10-February 1. Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd.in Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 for information.

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artists

Pop-Up Museum50 at the Alliance for the Arts is a special juried exhibition celebrating the Alliance’s 50th anniversary, with world-renowned artist, Marcus Jansen as juror. This juried exhibition will feature 50 museum-quality works by contemporary artists from across Southwest Florida and will be held March 1 & 2, at the Alliance for the Arts as a fundraiser.

Artists residing in Southwest Florida, from Tampa to Marco Island, are welcome to submit works in the following categories: painting (oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, mixed media), drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking, or textiles. Only original artwork will be accepted, no giclee.

Accepted artists are also requested to donate a small framed, ready- to-hang artwork to be used for an ‘Off the Walls’ fundraiser for the Alliance for the Arts in the spring.

Submissions must be completed online by January 19. Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd.in Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 for information.

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artists

Naples Botanical Gardens & United Arts Collier are asking artists, amateur and professional, to submit works for their ‘Artist in Bloom’ exhibition, scheduled for July 19-October 26 in the Garden’s Kapnick Hall. Artists are asked to explore and interpret the unique compositions found in the Botanical Garden’s landscapes. Artists must be a member of the Naples Botanical Gardens or United Arts Collier to apply. Deadline for submissions is February 16. 2548242 for information.

Naples Botanical Gardens is located at 4820 Bayshore Dr in Naples.

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performers

Fringe Fort Myers 2025 is an un-juried Performing Arts

Festival where all performers are chosen via a lottery system. Fringe Fort Myers 2025 is dedicated to supporting independent performers and artists while creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience boundary-pushing theatre and live performances at affordable rates.

The deadline for applications to perform at Fringe Fort Myers is December 6. The lottery drawing is December 16. Fringe Fort Myers is scheduled for May 29-June 1. Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 9392787 for information.

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photographers

Deadline for submissions to the 12th annual ‘Ding’ DarlingTheodore Cross High School Photography Contest is January 15.High school students, grades 9-12, in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry Counties are invited to compete for prizes.

Digital image entries can be shot from any outdoor venue in the state of Florida. A writing component to the contest requires entrants to submit a 100-word description of the ‘moment’ captured and how it reflects what nature and wildlife mean to the photographer.

Only digital images are accepted and may be taken with any camera, including smartphones. Photographs must be taken of nature and/ or wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida, which may include parks, refuges, backyards, and other open spaces. Panoramic photos are not allowed. Filters, cropping, enhancements, and borders are permitted. However, adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed.

Images will be judged for technical (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure), creativity, and explanation.

Prizes include a Canon digital SLR camera package, a oneyear subscription to Adobe photography software, and an annual pass to the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

Call the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society at 440-452-9083 for more information.

Three’s a Charm

“THE ‘ART TRIAD’ kind of came about as a ‘Right Place, Right Time’ scenario,” says founder David Acevedo with a laugh. “We originally formed the DAAS Gallery in downtown Fort Myers in 2008 where we helped create the monthly ‘Art Walks’, but we sadly became victims of our own success, as we saw our rent soon skyrocket. So we took a break for a while.”

“When we learned of the second floor in the Edwards Building on the Alliance campus in April 2016, we came here with what morphed into the DAAS Co-op Art Gallery & Gifts. In 2021, I noticed the first floor was vacant and it had everything necessary for a restaurant so Jamie Burnette and I opened the Arts & Eats Café. As more space became available, we formed the Union Artist Studios (UAS), so we ended up with three artist-oriented businesses that became the Art Triad.”

“It all came about organically,” adds Xavier Brignoni, who co-founded the DAAS Co-op and UAS with David. “Other gallery locations did not work out. The first floor was ideal for a restaurant, and when we formed the UAS we consolidated everything under one roof. It’s amazing how everything turned out once we all went on this journey together.”

by Gary Mooney

an artist community all under the same roof,” explains Xavier.

“I recently spoke with a patron from New York City who said that the Art Triad reminded her of a little corner in The Village, and another lady said we were like a ‘taste of Asheville.’ I love those comments because they tell me we are achieving our ultimate goal.”

“Probably the closest Florida city with something similar to the Art Triad is Bradenton,” adds David.

Three in One

DAAS Co-op Art Gallery & Gifts is one of the region’s most-beloved arts locations. The artist-members of the cooperative each manage the space at least twice-a-month, with David and Xavier coordinating the exhibits.

The Union Artist Studios began in May 2021, with local working artists who share the common interest of promoting and supporting the arts in Southwest Florida. It offers everything from commission opportunities and art classes to workshops and more.

“It makes me happy whenever someone discovers us for the first time because the odds are high that they will return.”

“We are less a collection of studio spaces and more like a family, making [us] a house of art.”

In creating the Art Triad, David and Xavier formed a concept that is unique to Southwest Florida. “I travel the area extensively, from Tampa to Naples, and I know of no other place that combines delicious food and coffee with a place that exhibits the works of local artists while having

“We have 21 UAS artists and that is a full house,” reports David. “There is a waiting list that you can be on for months or years before we have an opening. We are less a collection of studio spaces and more like a family, making the UAS a house of art.”

You can savor breakfast, lunch and made-to-order coffee options at the Arts & Eats Café, where they make everything cooked to order, with fresh products purchased weekly. “We buy local whenever possible, such

as eggs from Alva, with the coffee roasted in Lehigh [Acres]”, explains David. “Chicken pesto panini, saucy chicken wrap, chicken salad croissant, and peanut veggie are best-sellers, along with the scrumptious Tony Clark desserts.”

“Diehard coffee drinkers say that we make really good coffee and we are proud of that. Another menu favorite is the ‘Jose Panini,’ named after one of our all-time favorite customers, who sadly passed away in October. Our soups and grilled cheese sandwiches are extraordinarily popular as well.” Their menu is available online at artsandeatscafe.com.

The first Friday of every month, 5:30-9pm, the Art Triad, along with the Alliance for the Arts, opens in conjunction with Fort Myers’ Art Walk.

“Art Walk’ begins at 6pm,” Xavier notes, “so we start ours at 5:30pm, with people often making us their first stop of the evening.

Where Have I been?

“Most people today, especially if they have kids, live really fast,” Xavier philosophizes. “Sometimes they just need a break and the Art Triad is perfect for that. Often, folks will visit us for the first time, enjoy a terrific meal, marvel at the artwork and actually get to speak to a few local artists during the creative process,

then exclaim, ‘Oh my God—where have I been without knowing about you.’”

“It makes me happy whenever someone discovers us for the first time because the odds are high that they will return. The Art Triad proves that you do not need to travel all over the nation and world when there are treasures right in your own neighborhood.”

David offers, “If you are looking for a place that is positive, fun, artsy and cultural, the Art Triad is for you. Visit with the artists right in their actual studios, and purchase artwork, paintings, jewelry and pottery created by local artists from your own community, and enjoy a delicious meal and incredible coffee.”

He adds, “We are not a place where you hurry in and out, but are a destination where you gladly linger, as the Art Triad is not somewhere where you come for a service that you need but for something you like and desire. I always say that we did not start the Art Triad with just the creative community in mind, but for our entire Southwest Florida community. For the Art Triad to succeed, however, we need our greater community to support us and that includes financially.”

Although the Alliance for the Arts is independent of the Art Triad, the separate organizations

“When you surround yourself with a group of like-minded individuals who are supportive of each other and who you can bounce ideas around with, that fosters a sense of excitement.”

share much of the same vision. “We work quite well together,” explains David. “We balance each other out, with excellent communication between one another. We cater some of their

events and they support us by hosting work meetings in the Arts & Eats Café. It is great to be on a campus with like-minded people.” “We work so well together,” agrees Xavier. “The Alliance opens their main gallery during our first Friday of the Month event and they always display great artists.”

Art Makes Everything Better

Xavier believes that the best aspect of the Art Triad is “The opportunity we provide to new local artists to exhibit their work. This is indispensable, as there are not that many places to do so. Everybody needs to start their resume somewhere and we are thrilled to be their first reference.”

He contiunues, “The Art Triad performs an equally important service to our area’s more established artists as well, in that each one in the building has their own private work space that they call their own. Many of us originally had studios in our own homes and life’s distractions constantly interrupt you, but here your creative process can run wild. Plus, by having a public studio where perspective customers can meet you, see your work, and establish a relationship, you get opportunities to capture perspective clients through

your work, because they will not only remember your talent but your name as well. We establish connections between the artist and the public.”

For David, “It is the sense of community, that feeling of being a part of an extended family, established through the creative process, that often only other artists can understand and comprehend. When you surround yourself with a group of like-minded individuals who are supportive of each other and who you can bounce ideas around with, that fosters a sense of excitement. When I am in the Arts & Eats Café and it is full of people, and when I am in the gallery or studios, you can feel the love and support and, to me, that is the real reward of the Art Triad.”

When he reflects on the Art Triad, Xavier concludes, “I hope that we help our citizens to fully embrace culture and the arts. Art improves our society and makes everything better. It gives us a voice and a freedom. David has an even simpler message: “Thank you, Southwest Florida, for this opportunity!” •

The Art Triad — DAAS Co-op Art Gallery, The Union Artists Studio and Arts & Eats Cafe — is located on the Alliance for the Arts campus at 10051 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

“We buy local whenever possible, such as eggs from Alva and the coffee roasted in Lehigh Acres.”

DAAS Co-op, in suite 104, is open Wed-Sun 10am-2pm. For information, call 955-0422. The Union Artists Studio, in suite 202, is open Sat 10am-2pm & by appointment. For information, call call 980-1384.

Arts & Eats Cafe, in suite 101, is open Wed-Sun 10am-2pm. Call 955-0405 for information.

AA Gallery Giving Back

by Cindy Reid

Two years ago, Hurricane Ian brought two feet of water and river muck into the building which destroyed the gallery. They had to close for nine months for repairs. When they reopened in July 2023, they had over 45 artists that wanted to display their artwork and volunteer their time to help bring back the gallery.

RTS FOR ACT GALLERY, located in the historic Arcade Theatre building on First Street in downtown Fort Myers, is a unique community enterprise. It is a fresh and eclectic art gallery that also serves as an ongoing fundraiser for Abuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT), a private not-for-profit agency committed to serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The profits generated by the gallery help pay for the programs that ACT offers free of charge to their participants.

It is a cheerful and bright space, filled with local original art in media ranging from watercolor to giclee. The gallery is charming, quirky and affordable, with seven different rooms to browse. Two of these rooms are a boutique, which consists of donations from businesses and individuals of either new or almost new items such as name brand jewelry, purses, clothing, and shoes.

Not stuffy or intimating, it’s the kind of place you can bring your toddler, teen or grandmother and everyone will find something of interest. And Grandpa can take five on the big comfy sofa situated by the door with a prime view of First Street, perfect for people watching.

The historic building adds to the charm. The floors creak, and the brick sometimes crumbles, and the warren of small rooms leads to unexpected finds. Staffed by volunteers and artists the vibe is warm and welcoming.

The idea of a fundraising art gallery came from Jennifer Benton, CEO of ACT. She formed their Second ACT Thrift Store and the original Arts for ACT Gallery in the Royal Palm Square Mall off Colonial Blvd. as continual fundraisers for ACT. The late Pine Island artist Mel Meo helped open and decorate these

locations, which were known for their appealing displays and high-quality inventory.

Claudia Goode, ACT’s Director of Human Resources, was originally hired as the Administrative Assistant for ACT in 1999. She says, “I was thrilled to find out that there was an art gallery. It was being managed by the thrift store manager and a few artists in residence. I noticed that this delightful gallery could be more prosperous if more art lovers knew about it.”

She went on to assume the job of managing and curating Arts for ACT Gallery in 2000. She says, “We moved around that time to the front part of the Royal Palm Square and enlarged both locations. The gallery was again right by the thrift store, and we thrived there for a few years, mainly with art classes for adults and children. But the gallery struggled selling art.” In 2002 Jennifer and Claudia came up with the idea of moving the gallery to its present location in downtown Fort Myers’ Historic River District.

Although the gallery has always made money, success came slowly at first after the move to downtown. In 2002, Fort Myers’ downtown was struggling and Arts for Act Gallery was the first art gallery to open on First Street. There was not a lot of retail or restaurants to draw in shoppers. And to add to the issues, Claudia says, “The city decided to redo the streets, and we were behind a green fence for about a year. Things were slow, but we survived. Over time more art galleries and restaurants sprung up, until we were around eleven galleries strong.”

To boost downtown’s foot traffic, gallery owners and concerned businesses decided to form a coalition. The coalition created the Fort Myers Art Walk, which is held on the First Friday of every month, 5-9pm, and lines the streets with local and regional artists demonstrating and selling their one-ofa-kind works of art.

Claudia says their collective efforts, and the popular Art Walk, are what make the River District thrive. “The first Friday Fort Myers Art Walk generated the customers that we needed to finally see a sustainable gallery.”

Claudia managed Art Walk for over ten years and the gallery continues to participate in that event as well as the monthly Fort Myers Music Walk, which is held on the third Friday of every month, also from 5-9pm. The gallery tries to have several artists painting on the street during Art Walk and they often have live music in or outside on the sidewalk. The

ACT Gallery runs on the co-op artist model. A co-op member can be a paying artist that pays for their art space, or they can be a volunteer artist that works for their art space.

gallery keeps a busy schedule and is always open when there is an event downtown.

But like the clients they serve, the Arts for ACT Gallery has faced adversity. Two years ago, Hurricane Ian brought two feet of water and river muck into the building which destroyed the gallery. They had to close for nine months for repairs. After adversity, however, was triumph as the artist community showed up enforce. When they reopened in July 2023, they had over 45 artists that wanted to display their artwork and volunteer their time to help bring back the gallery, which is thriving today.

“I have curated the ACT Gallery for over 24 years, and it has been done with a lot of love. ACT Gallery prides itself in being a very eclectic gallery’, says Claudia. The gallery is hung salon style, a stacked format which originated in the 1670s in Paris. The hang creates a crowd of paintings that compliments and juxtaposes one another. She says, “With now over 50 artists, I feel that each artist stands out for the next one. We rehang our gallery space completely every three months.” New art is hung each month and the featured art changes monthly,

ACT Gallery runs on the co-op artist model. A co-op member can be a paying artist that pays

for their art space, or they can be a volunteer artist that works for their art space. Jan Butler is a volunteer artist that handles the scheduling. There are two shifts, 11am-4pm & 4-8pm, and the artists work each shift once a month.

Claudia works two days each month, rearranging the gallery, as well as filling in on days where an artist is not able to work. She says, “All our working volunteer artists, and our scheduler Jan, are valued by me, especially since I am the Human Resources Director at ACT and work there 40 hours per week. They essentially run the gallery for me, while I work at ACT.”

Volunteers that are not artists can also work at the gallery and ACT is always in need of volunteers for administrative, shelter, or fundraising efforts. (Anyone wanting to help can email Claudia at cgoode@actabuse.com)

Always evolving, the gallery holds artist meetings to brainstorm what they can do to generate more selling opportunities. Cognizant of the affordability factor, they try to have items for sale from as low as $3 to upwards of $3000. Starting in December, they will again be implementing ‘Make it – Take it’ art workshops or lessons. Participants have fun painting a wine glass, painting gourds, restyling a piece of clothing, painting classes and more.

The profits generated by Arts for ACT Gallery, after the gallery pays its operating bills, goes into the budget for the programs at ACT. To date, ACT has assisted over 75,000 women, men, and children in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. They house, feed and counsel over 700 women, children, and men each year in their shelter and supply counseling to over 6000 individuals in their outreach program. ACT also helps secure housing or transportation for their participants.

As a private, nonprofit social service agency they are funded by grants and donations. Claudia says, “Grant funding has changed significantly, along with government funding, which has greatly been reduced or eliminated in many areas. So, we are counting on [the community’s] help and generosity. Help that will keep our doors open and the community safe.”

She adds, “ACT Gallery is a progressive co-op gallery made with love that has something for everyone.” •

Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 Fiurst St. in Fort Myers’ Historic River District. The gallery is open Mon-Sat 11:30am-8pm & Sun 12-6pm. Artist receptions are the first Friday of each month, 5-9pm, during Fort Myers Art Walk. Call 337-5050 for information.

SPainting Paradise

by Kara Moyer

I focus on a sunny yellow and sepia-colored pelican. Its long narrow beak is closed and tucked into its chest, and one grayish-blue eye piercingly stares back at me with a palpable sense of tranquility, maybe a slight hint of skepticism.

HAH HADJEBI GREETS me on the sidewalk in front of Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers with a warm, cheerful smile, and a confident yet friendly handshake that makes me instantly feel at ease. He opens the door and extends his arm to invite me inside for our interview. “Shall we?”

Hadjebi, a member artist of the gallery, has an ongoing exhibit of his paintings on the left wall immediately inside the front doors and they are, to put it simply, stunning. His subjects are primarily the endless wildlife and foliage Southwest Florida has to offer. But he also paints portraits of classic and vintage cars, and local (often historic) architecture. His paintings are incredibly detailed and life-like, and yet many have a hint of that ‘old Florida”’ feel to them.

“Do I sense sort of a retro vibe here?” I ask, slightly cringing, knowing I could have phrased that much more gracefully. “Yes,” Hadjebi grins and graciously answers my awkwardly worded question. “You picked up on that. That’s very much on purpose. I wanted a throwback, vintage feeling to many of my paintings.”

I focus on a sunny yellow and sepia-colored pelican. Its long narrow beak is closed and tucked into its chest, and one grayish-blue eye piercingly stares back at me with a palpable sense of tranquility, maybe a slight hint of skepticism. The details are so intricate that it could almost pass for a photograph, except for a red Sanibel Island postage stamp in the upper left background, and small green and blue palm trees with faint cursive writing framing the pelican’s profile.

Shah explains, “The writing is from old letters I researched that I wanted to incorporate somehow into my work. I felt they blend well with many of the birds I paint. I added the Sanibel stamp, well, to hopefully appeal to Sanibel art galleries,” Hadjebi admits, laughing at his own brazen attempt. “And to highlight the local area from where I got the inspiration and subject matter. And it worked.”

Hadjebi’s paintings have been featured in Tower Gallery, on Sanibel, for the last six years.

The red Sanibel stamp appears in numerous paintings, having become somewhat of an iconic trademark of his work. It’s an odd coupling

one wouldn’t typically make, but the transition from the writings and stamp to the pelican is seamless, as it is in his other works that incorporate those details.

The translucent, yet vibrant, watercolor paint is perfect for his subject matter. It just works. These adaptations to present day subjects with pieces of the past are what makes Hadjebi’s work so distinguishable. His themes are conventional, but his interpretations are wonderfully unique. It makes sense, too, since he’s been through his fair share of adaptations in life.

Originally from Massachusetts, from a family of artists, Hadjebi gravitated towards the arts early on, but initially focused his talents on a music career. He played guitar and sang in a band during his years living in New York, which eventually led him to London, England. They toured throughout Europe and gained popularity with promises of a record deal on the horizon back in the United States.

That record deal never came to fruition, and Hadjebi, having returned to Massachusetts, was forced to dedicate his time to something more lucrative. “I had to pay the bills!” he says, “so I became a real estate agent and then property manager, eventually running my own business. It was very successful. But it was draining. For me.”

As is often the case with innate artistic talent, it eventually finds an outlet, one way or another. It was then that Hadjebi took up painting. Entirely self-taught, he “bought a library of books and just started practicing.”

A woman named Erica, who lived in one of the properties he managed, was a watercolor artist and offered to tutor him. They met once a week “for lunch and painting,” mostly still life displays they created.

“Erica was an impressionist painter, and I gravitated more to a realism perspective,” Hadjebi explains. “Eventually, she told me I painted like an architect!” He laughs and clasps his hands together, slightly shaking his head back and forth. “It was wonderful, but we just didn’t see eye to eye. One day we decided maybe it would be best if we just had lunch.”

In 2017, Hadjebi made the decision to leave the northeast and his own business and move to Sanibel to focus

‘My main goal is to bring some presence and mindfulness into this hectic world.”

on painting as a full-time career. He had vacationed in Florida for years and it, especially Sanibel Island, offered the subject matter Hadjebi wanted for his paintings. All of his work is painted from photographs he takes himself, many from countless hours riding his bicycle exploring. He particularly favors endangered animals and birds, but the underlying consistent theme is painting what’s local. “Paint local, and buy local,” he explains. “I paint what’s in my community and it’s so important to support the artists who are in your community.”

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Southwest Florida who wasn’t somehow affected by Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Hadjebi is no exception. His home on Sanibel was severely flooded and damaged. The library of books he self-taught himself from was destroyed. Forced to temporarily relocate after the storm, he eventually moved permanently inland to Fort Myers—a decision that you can feel was not painless. “I loved living in Sanibel. The resiliency of this community is remarkable.”

In addition to nature subjects, Hadjebi’s collection of commissioned portraits of classic, vintage, and antique automobiles is extraordinary. Occasionally, he’ll approach an owner at various car shows in Sanibel or

Naples and ask to paint their car or motorcycle if it particularly strikes him. “No one ever says ‘No’,” he laughs.

And why would you? An avid car lover myself, I lock eyes on a painting of a crisp blue mid-50s Crown Victoria, drenched in chrome, a car tray on the window with a red basket of fried food and a Coca-Cola cup resting on it. Only the driver’s door and a bit of the back side panel are visible, with the eggshell white trunk popped open. The chrome trim is so realistic, with its reflection of green tree limbs and Hadjebi himself photographing the car from a few feet back. I find myself picturing the car lined up in a Saturday afternoon car show on 5th Avenue in Naples or pulling into a fast food

joint some typical Friday night 60 or so years ago with a car hop skating in circles around it. Hadjebi has a way of blending worlds apart, adapting the old to new and vice versa. His paintings evoke a transformative experience when you’re fortunate to see them in person. You could instantly be transported to standing directly under a coconut palm, staring straight up the trunk, or flashing back to what it must have been like waiting outside the Arcade Theatre on a balmy Florida evening before the Vaudeville show began.

As it says in his bio, “My main goal is to bring some presence and mindfulness into this hectic world and to live a life where inner and outer purposes are aligned.” There is a sense of tranquility in all of them, a quiet, albeit sometimes unconventional harmony of then and now. Mindfulness is defined as ‘A state of active and open attention to the moment.’ One can’t help but feel a sense of mindfulness when in the presence of Hadjebi’s work. They convey the present day and somehow also days passed. • Shah Hadjebi’s paintings are currently featured at the Arts for ACT Gallery, Tower Gallery, and Bokeelia Gallery. He is also a participant of Fort Myers Artwalk in the River District. For information, visit watercolorsbyshah.com.

“We’ve gone through a pandemic, a Category 5 hurricane, and no state arts funding. But we have not only survived, we’ve thrived. We’ve grown. And that is totally due to our fabulous board and staff and community.”

Celebrations & Transitions

THE ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS is gearing up for its 50th anniversary in 2025. The organization plans to celebrate all year long, presenting special events and programs.

“We’ve done a lot in 50 years,” says outgoing Alliance Executive Director & CEO, Molly RowanDeckart. “Even in the last four years we’ve done a lot.”

She’s been the impetus behind those new programs, along with a board of directors that she credits with being willing to take risks.

Unfortunately, Rowan-Deckart, who started with the Alliance in January 2021, is leaving her position December 15 and moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she’ll be the CEO of Marquee Arts.

“I’m still in the arts,” she says. “Can’t ever leave it.”

Rowan-Deckart’s departure is a loss to the county and the arts community, as she is an energetic and outspoken advocate for the arts.

“The best thing about Molly was that she was unfettered by people who’d lived here a long time who were frustrated by all the hurdles and roadblocks that arts face,” says Alliance board member Pamela Beckman. “We’re always going one step forward, two steps back, with championing the arts. And she didn’t have that baggage. She had a fresh outlook. She was able to imagine that anything’s possible.

“She was so adept with councilmen and city leaders. She was able to make them listen to her. She didn’t imagine that they wouldn’t listen to her.”

The Alliance, an umbrella organization, is the designated arts agency for Lee County.

“We not only support creatives in the community, but other organizations in the community that are tasked with helping to build the arts and culture sector in Lee County,”

Rowan-Deckart explains. “Even though there’s going to be a shift in leadership, the Alliance remains committed to the role of advocacy. That’s not going to go away just because I am.

”And they’re going to continue with the AEP studies that measure the economic impact of the arts in the county.”

“We’re a top-four industry in the state of Florida,” she adds.

Rowan-Deckart moved to Fort

by Nancy Stetson

Myers from Boise Idaho. “This place has been so good to me,” she says. “I arrived here, in a brand-new town, not knowing a soul. People have been lovely to me.”

“I have to give a shout out to the board of directors. I pushed them on a lot of stuff. They’ve tried new things. They took a risk in hiring someone not from here, doing some of the programming I want to do. I have to give them credit, too, for just being OK with trying new things [with] the risk of failure.”

Like other arts groups, the Alliance has faced numerous obstacles in the past years.

“We’ve gone through a pandemic, a Category 5 hurricane, and no state arts funding. But we have not only survived, we’ve thrived. We’ve grown. And that is totally due to our fabulous board and staff and community.”

The City of Fort Myers recently gave them $75,000 to help with the loss of its state arts funding, she notes.

“That says a lot about where the city is and how far they’ve come,” she says. “They have a vested interest that [the Alliance and our programs] survive. And I’m proud of our city leaders for investing in the arts and culture community like they do.

“It takes everyone. It truly takes everyone.”

New Programs

Under Rowan-Deckart’s leadership, the Alliance has grown and evolved.

“I’m very proud of the fact that we layered our spaces to expand access to different types of art,” she says. “For example, our own board room became

”We really live by the motto that art is for everyone.”

the Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab, which bridges the digital divide that exists in Lee County by providing Internet access [and state of the art equipment and programs.] You can work on a resume, you can pay bills, you can access software that is usually cost prohibitive.”

You can also do something as creative and complex as edit a film or make an animated short.

“You can be a novice or a professional,” she says. “There are some really great programs on there.”

The Alliance retrofitted its traditional performing arts space, the Foulds Theatre. In addition to being the home of Theatre Conspiracy, which puts on cutting-edge shows and has committed to producing the entire August Wilson cycle over 10 years, it now also doubles as an arts house cinema.

“That makes it the first independent cinema within 90 miles,” she says. The Alliance offers a screening series with South Arts, a southern filmmaking circuit.

Each year, it presents six independent documentaries. There is a talk-back after each film, with the filmmaker talking and answering questions after the screening.

“It’s awesome,” she says of the event. “It brings home that film-filmmaker connection that’s so fun.”

The Alliance also partnered with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for Shorts of the Fort, an event where local filmmakers, amateur and professional, created short documentaries about what makes our islands, beaches and neighborhoods unique. They ran from as long as five minutes to as short as 30 seconds.

The Alliance also removed the berm on its campus, making its amphitheater more accessible to the public.

“Now we can do concerts for 3,000 people out there,” Rowan-Deckart says.

Under the leadership of Bill Taylor, founder and artistic director of Theatre Conspiracy, the Alliance began the Fringe Fort Myers Festival two years ago, with off-beat, experimental hourlong programs that feature one-person shows, magic, dance, comedy and burlesque. Acts are randomly chosen from three categories: local acts, state acts, and national/international acts.

The third annual Fringe will be held May 29-June 1.

The monthly Night Market is also a new offering for the community. Held the first Wednesday evening of every month, each one has a specific theme, with local artisans who fit that theme.

“We’ve done Mango Night, Bizarre Bazaar,” lists Rowan-Deckart, adding “the theme for

December is Holiday Shopping Night.” It will be held on December 11, 5-8pm, and is free to the public.

Nude Nocturne, a celebration of the nude body in art, will return Saturday, January 25. This year’s event includes a month-long nude exhibition and a speakeasy. “It was so fun,” Rowan-Deckart says, admitting “It was my favorite event of the year.”

Jet Set State initiated F**k Up Night, an event in which three people from the community share their stories of professional failure “and how their screw-up actually moved them forward. I like to say it’s like an anti-TED talk. It’s

Molly Rowan-Deckart

“Art is what makes us human, and it’s for everyone. The Alliance really lives by that, and I’m proud of that.”

about how failure is important to our human experience, and celebrating it.

“Failure,” adds Rowan-Deckart, “is important to art [as is] having conversations with people and the community that failure should be expected, and is an important piece [of our lives.]”

In the past four years, the Alliance increased its free and accessible programming. Its ArtLab series, which offers hands-on art experiences for families, is now in five locations around the county.

“We’re expected to serve 14,000 individuals this year,” she says. “I love these statistics.

We’ve done so much. We really live by the motto that art is for everyone.

“We’re also committed to fulfilling every single scholarship request. And 36% of our summer camp was on full scholarship this summer. That’s made possible by generous donations.

“It changes people’s lives. All it takes is a spark.”

Celebrating 50 Years

Although Rowan-Deckart is leaving the Alliance in mid-December, she’s worked with the staff and board to plan various events for the organization’s 50th anniversary. “We’re going to be celebrating all year long,” she says.

One of the events is a program called Pop-Up Art Museum 50, a two-day, no-commission show of museum-quality work juried by Marcus Jansen. Rowan-Deckart describes it as “a high-end fun experience with champagne and appetizers.” It will take place March 1 (a ticketed event) and March 2 (free to the public).

“All of your senses will be titillated,” she says. “For example: what’s the sound related to food? [We’ll have foods] where everything crunches. Do you slurp? It’s the smell, touch, taste of all of them, as well as the visual. A feast for your senses.”

The Alliance is also bringing back Jazz on the Green, which will be held outdoors on the lawn on March 29. International jazz artist Alex Cuba, who performed a Tiny Desk concert for NPR, will perform, along with French gypsy jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel, who wrote the soundtrack for A Night in Paris

“We’ll also be doing a light-pole banner campaign,” she says, with original artwork on 2 ft x 4 ft banners that will hang on the campus’s 44 light poles.

“It’s a fund raiser to support Jazz on the Green,” she says. “All of our free events will be supported by this banner campaign.” The banners, which will be displayed for a year, can be sponsored for $1,500 apiece.

Rowan-Deckart’s pleased with all the Alliance has accomplished over her past four years of leadership, and the direction in which its headed as it looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“We do good work,” she says. “We don’t just say it, we actually do it. That’s important to me.

“Art is what makes us human, and it’s for everyone. The Alliance really lives by that, and I’m proud of that.” •

At the time we went to press a new Executuve Director had not been named.

The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. It’s galleries are open Tue-Fri 9am-7pm & Sat 9am-1pm. For information, call 939-2787.

Tommy Emmanuel fingerpickin’ good

Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has had a ridiculously busy 2024 he could easily boast about. Earlier in the year he took home his first Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ the Johnny Cash song Emmanuel performed with The String Revolution. In March, he returned to his native land and hosted his Guitar Camp. After some quality family time in England, he hosted another Guitar Camp in Nashville in early September.

“It’s been a fabulous year,” the affable Emmanuel says just after Labor Day. “I’ve done so much this year. I’ve got some recording coming up this week before I go back on the road for the rest of the year.”

Emmanuel says Guitar Camp USA was a resounding success. Over 150 students from around the world congregated in Nashville with instructors and artists including Emmanuel, Mike Dawes, and Livingston Taylor. As if that wasn’t enough, they also had a special guest.

“Last Friday morning Emmylou Harris came and sang with us and talked about open tunings, how she writes and stuff like that,” he says. “Then Saturday, I had Bryan Sutton come and talk about flat picking and bluegrass music. It

was the most beautiful workshop, it really was.”

Emmanuel further cemented his legacy as a fantastic guitarist with 2023’s Accomplice Two, an album featuring him performing with a who’s who of musicians including Jamey Johnson, Billy Strings, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Michael McDonald, among others. He says the inspiration came from always being open to collaborating.

“I’d been on the Opry with Jamey Johnson,” he says. “Molly Tuttle and I did a lot of shows together. And I was a guest with Little Feat on a few shows, which was great fun. I got the idea that we could do some stuff together, and that’s how it all came together. I chose the songs, put it together, and produced that album.”

Getting such grade-A talent wasn’t the easiest thing in the world logistically, but Emmanuel made it work almost effortlessly.

“It was recorded in dribs and drabs between touring,” he says.

“On the day I recorded Billy Strings, Billy came by the studio, we ran it down, we got it done in about 40 minutes. Then he had to jump on his bus and go on the road. He no sooner left than Molly [Tuttle] arrived. We were all set up for Molly. She came in, put some new strings on her guitar, we got a sound, and away she went. She cut it in one

take. So that’s kind of how it was like. It was very serendipitous.”

The album also features the closing ‘Faraway Places,’ the Sam Cooke classic with Emmanuel and The Mavericks vocalist Raul Malo. The duo previously met on a cruise, performed ‘Moon River’ and realized the chemistry between the two was magical.

“He sent me three songs to choose from, and I chose ‘Faraway Places,’” Emmanuel recalls. “And boy did he nail that vocal. We did one take, and to me it was done. It was beautiful. He listened to it, and he said, ‘I can do that second verse a little better. I think I’m right in the zone now.’ So we went back out there and we did take two and that’s the one we used. He was perfect on it.”

Part of getting such takes so quickly is a testament not only to the musicians involved but also to Emmanuel’s outlook when it comes to recording. In short, you won’t see him fretting over the song’s minutiae and wondering if it can be improved.

“I can’t stand being around people who over-analyze everything,” he says. “I can tell you all the parts I don’t like about what I did. But I refuse to make everything perfect. If I can’t get it in one or two takes, then I’ll leave it and come back to it until I can. It has to be real.”

by Jason MacNeil

Emmanuel has routinely put his imprint on great songs from the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and many others. But in 2022, Emmanuel and fellow musician Mike Dawes had heads turning when they covered Gotye (‘Somebody I Used To Know’) and Nirvana (‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’).

“I got him to play his arrangements to me, and I could tell, ‘Well, if I just be the gnarly singer [Kurt Cobain] on top if it, it would work,” Emmanuel says with a laugh. “That’s how we approached it. I like doing things that are different. Me doing a song like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ with Mike Dawes is the last thing people think I am going to do. And I love surprising people.”

Although Emmanuel has plans down the road for Accomplice Three, his new forthcoming effort is Live At The Sydney Opera House. The two-disc album and a DVD of the concerts were culled from two shows in one day in May, 2023, at the historic venue.

“It came out really well,” he says. “My recording team did a great job. You can close your eyes and almost imagine that you’re five rows back from the stage. I was really pleased with that. It was some of the best playing I’ve ever done.”

Another thing he and his fans should be thrilled about are tentative plans to reissue previous recordings on vinyl, including three albums

Emmanuel cites. This follows his 20th anniversary reissue earlier this year on vinyl of Endless Road with three additional bonus tracks.

“Now that I finally own my original masters,” he says. “It’s taken me nearly ten years to get them all, but I have them all now. So I want to remaster Little By Little (released in 2010), The Mystery (2006) and It’s Never Too Late (2015) and try to get them out on vinyl and remastered so the fans can have the real deal.”

Although not one to look back often, one of Emmanuel’s career highlights was being one of five guitarists given the distinction of ‘Certified Guitar Picker’ by the late great Chet Atkins in 1999. It’s something he still feels amazed by.

“It was very unexpected and a hell of a surprise,” Emmanuel recalls. “But with this generation it doesn’t really mean much to young people because they don’t know who Chet is. It’s my job to show them who he is. On my award, which Chet gave me, it says, ‘For lifetime contribution to the art of finger picking.’ It’s about my contribution to the world of people out there, guitar players, and music in general.

“One of the things that Chet always encouraged me about was my writing. He said, ‘Your writing is important at this time because I want this style to reach out to a new and younger generation, and I can’t write that way. You can.’

He kind of gave me the job to write some new tunes that will catch the ear of the younger generation. And mix the styles. Every now and again, I’ll write a tune where I’ll purposely play the verse part a bit like Merle Travis but the bridge will sound like Billy Joel. So, I’m trying to mix things up.”

Emmanuel, who is writing new material for a new solo studio album, says he’ll be “a force to be reckoned with” when he performs in Fort Myers in December and hopes everyone has a great time. The Florida stop comes after two legs of touring in Europe, which bookended a Canadian trek. But as the adage goes, it’s not work if it’s something you love doing. Emmanuel’s enthusiasm for his vocation is readily apparent.

“I believe I’m doing what I’m born to do,” he says. “I know that when I play people get happy. And that’s a good enough reason for me to drop everything and get to it. I’ve never been really focused on anything else, apart from raising children and writing songs. Other than that, I’m really all about how much better I can play today than I did yesterday And how can I get this music to the world.” •

Tommy Emmanuel performs at the Barbara B.Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers on December 6.

MOST EXCITING EXHIBITIONS OF 2025

Icons & Symbols

of

the Borderland:

Art from the U.S.-Mexico Crossroads thru January 19

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Arts 150 Central Avenue • St. Petersburg 727-892-4200

thejamesmuseum.org

The artists in this exhibition are members of the JUNTOS Art Association (El Paso, Texas), whose art is deeply informed by both their heritage and everyday life near the border. More than 80 works—including large paintings, collage, neon, photography and sculpture—will be on view. This exhibition explores the shared experiences of those who live in one of the nation’s most controversial landscapes. Within the exhibition’s themes of environment, borders, foods, and the sacred and profane, visitors will find repeated icons and symbols spanning the artists’ work. These shared motifs reflect and inform regional consciousness.

Transformational Gifts: Recent Acquisitions (2019–2024) thru February 2

Appleton Museum of Art College of Central Florida 4333 East Silver Springs Boulevard • Ocala 352-291-4455

appletonmuseum.org

More than 99% of the Appleton’s encyclopedic collection consists of gifts, including 6,000 works donated in just the last five years. The collection, now exceeding 24,000 world-class works, spans centuries and continents, featuring an expansive range of art and artifacts from ancient to contemporary. The exhibition features approximately 200 recent additions spanning 5,000 years, including works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Charles Ephraim Burchfield, Ansel Adams, Jim Dine, Louise Nevelson, Joan Miró, and James Rosenquist.

Tiffany Chapel

ongoing

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

445 North Park Avenue • Winter Park 407-645-5311

morsemuseum.org

Created by Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company for their pavilion at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the chapel demonstrated the firm’s artistry and craftsmanship. Its rich, Byzantine-inspired interior was built up from simple classical forms, columns, and arches, which are huge in size relative to the chapel’s intimate space. In 1999, the museum reassembled the chapel, which was open for the first time since 1983. Visitors enter a world of intricate, reflective glass mosaic surfaces and light filtered through the intense colors of stained-glass windows. It includes six ornately carved plaster arches, 16 mosaic columns, a 1,000 lb., 10 ft x 8 ft electrified chandelier in the shape of a cross, a marble and white glass mosaic altar, a dome-shaped baptismal font, and several windows.

French Moderns:

Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950

February 1-June 22

Vero Beach Museum of Art

3001 Riverside Park Drive • Vero Beach 772-231-0707

vbmuseum.org

The internationally touring exhibition showcases 59 artworks from the Brooklyn Museum’s esteemed collection of European art, spanning the era between the Revolution of 1848 and the conclusion of World War II.This era saw the emergence of artistic movements like Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism, which left a lasting impact on the Western artistic tradition. The exhibition highlights the avant-garde movements that shaped modern art in the 19th & 20th centuries, featuring works by renowned artists native to France, as well as those who studied and exhibited there, including works by Pierre Bonnard, Gustave Caillebotte, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Jean-BaptisteCamille Corot, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Auguste Rodin.

Dutch Impressionism:

The Hague School 1860-1930 thru February 23

The AGB

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Florida Southern College 800 East Palmetto Street • Lakeland 863-688-7743 polkmuseumofart.org

While French and American Impressionism have become staples of museum exhibitions, this exclusive show features works from private collections in the Netherlands. It showcases works from Northwestern Europe, revealing the remarkable—and under-sung —history of Dutch Impressionism and the so-called Hague School, whose origins are traced more closely to the French Barbizon painters than to the French Impressionists. The exhibition explores not only late 19th& early 20th-century Netherlandish culture, but also attempts to broaden our understanding of Impressionism in ways most of us never have before.

Radical Clay:

Contemporary Women Artists from Japan thru May 11

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art State Art Museum of Florida Florida State University 5401 Bay Shore Road • Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org

An exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary Japanese artists, all women, showcasing the inventiveness and variety of work that is driving the ceramics movement forward. Artists featured in the show span several generations of women contemporary artists, and while they have been featured in other shows, this is the first major exhibition to position these artists together to highlight their collective achievements and impact. The exhibition showcases works by veterans of the field, such as Tsuji Ky, Mishima Kimiyo (internationally recognized for her hyper-realistic sculptures of trash), Ogawa Machiko, and Tsuboi Asuka, who remain active today, to emerging artists such as Mori Aya, Kawaura Saki, Konno Tomoko, Aoki Katsuyo, and Oishi Sayaka, represented by pieces featuring bodily distortion to fantastical decoration.

Alex

Katz: Theater and Dance thru February 2

The Baker Museum Artis—Naples

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. • Naples 239-597-1900

artisnaples.org/baker-museum

The exhibition is the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s collaborations with choreographers, dancers and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades. In addition to presenting a range of works by innovators across the performing arts and poetry, it spotlights 15 productions Katz produced with Paul Taylor, exploring the creative partnership that generated some of the most significant postmodern dance and art of the 20th century. Artworks are from the comprehensive Alex Katz holdings at the Colby College Museum of Art, home to a collection of nearly 900 works by the artist, and complemented by unpublished, never-before-exhibited sketches from the artist’s collection, major sets and paintings, and rare archival materials from Paul Taylor Dance Company. This broad range of material, together with the insights of many Katz collaborators past and present, provides an innovative retrospective.

The Subversive Eye:

Surrealist & Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection thru May 4

The Dali One Dali Blvd. • St. Petersburg 727-823-3767

thedali.org

In celebration of the centennial of the founding of Surrealism in 1924, this exhibition features more than 100 works by 50 artists, highlighting the movement’s original aims in the medium of photography and its far-reaching influence. It highlights how artists have used photographic techniques to question the nature of seeing itself. Showcasing works by notable artists such as Eileen Agar, Eugène Atget, Joseph Bartuska, Hans Bellmer, Brassaï, Manuel AlvarezBravo, Robert Capa, Georges Hugnet, Lucia Moholy, Osamu Shiihara, Man Ray, and others, the exhibition explores the ties between Surrealism and Eastern European, German & Japanese experimental art, and how surrealist ideas resonated within avant-garde movements around the globe.

Beyond the Surface: Capturing Meaning Through Portraiture

thru May 11

Rollins Museum of Art 1000 Holt Avenue • Winter Park 407-646-2526

rollins.edu/rma

For centuries portraiture has been a fundamental form of art in the western world. From images of kings and queens to allegorical figures that embody moral values and convey symbolic meaning, portraits document social and political structures of times past and they tell stories. This exhibition brings together a selection of paintings and sculptures by European and American artists from the 16th to the early 20th century. The grouping shows the evolution of artistic styles and techniques, and the historical significance of physical attributes to convey status, wealth, faith, and power. Beyond the obvious visual indicators of social position, these artworks played an important role communicating information about the sitter, reinforcing social or moral values, and shaping perspectives about contemporary society.

Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer

thru April 13

Sarasota Museum of Art

Ringling College of Art & Design

1001 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota 941-309-4300

sarasotaartmuseum.org

In 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam hosted a monumental exhibition of Johannes Vermeer, showcasing 28 of the Dutch painter’s 35 masterpieces. Drawing on his own visit to the show, artist Joe Fig created 16 new paintings. In these works, Fig not only pays homage to the 17th-century painter’s mastery of light, color, and verisimilitude, but also reflects on the aesthetic experience in the Rijksmuseum’s galleries. Expanding on his decade-long Contemplation series, he captures his subjects—artworks and their viewers—and their surroundings, exploring how people engage with or contemplate artworks in public spaces. Though Fig’s paintings may resemble snapshots of what he observed, they are meticulously rendered in oil, reflecting his contemplation of the act of looking, both his own and that of others.

Splendor and Passion:

Baroque

Spain

and Its Empire thru March 30

Boca Raton Museum of Art

501 Plaza Real • Boca Raton 561-392-2500

bocamuseum.org

The exhibition showcases a selection of 57 paintings from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library collection of Baroque Art, the most extensive collection of Hispanic art and literature outside of Spain and Latin America. Included are rarely seen masterpieces by some of Spain’s most renowned painters such as El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

CELEBRATION OF LEGACY

Honoring25 Years of Artistic Excellence: Southwest Florida's Premier Art Festival Join the Tradition This Year. Enjoyment For All Ages. FREE ADMISSION & EASY PARKING! Enjoy and purchase some of the

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation 34725 West Boundary Rd. • Clewiston 877-902-1113

ahtahthiki.com

daily 9am-5pm

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Museum is home to more than 200,000 works of art and historic objects. Learn about the Seminole people and experience their rich cultural and historical ties to the Southeast and Florida, as they have made Big Cypress their home since creation.

The Museum is proud to announce the opening of its latest exhibit, Taweekaache, which will run through June 2025. The exhibition highlights the intricate and culturally significant art of patchwork, a tradition that has been passed down through generations of Seminole artisans. exhibitions thru 2025: Taweekaache: Seminole Patchwork

ArtChasers

28360 Old 41 Rd. • suite 2 • Bonita Springs 239-692-1261 artchasers.net by appointment only

A unique art gallery hosting many great street/urban art. Located in Bonita Springs, offering viewings online or by appointment. Featuring artists such as Banksy, Jean-Baptist Basquiat, Pure Evil, Chris DeRubis and many more. They have original works of art as well as sculptures and screenprints. All art is beautifully framed ready to hang with accompanying certificates of authenticity.

Alliance for the Arts

10091 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers 239-939-2787 artinlee.org

tue-Fri 9am-7pm & sat 9am-1pm

Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing creativity and artistic expression in our community. Offering a range of programs—From art classes, to movie nights, youth camps, free galleries, family art projects, live theatre, monthly night markets and concerts —there’s something for everyone!

exhibitions

MAIN GALLERY

Dec 6-Jan 4: Off the Walls

Jan 3-25: Nude Nocturne

Feb 7-22: Pastel Society

Mar 7-29: All Florida

Apr 4-26: Perceptions Florida by Dan Jensen

May 2-31: Lee Arts Educator Association

Jun 6-28: 50th Anniversary Show Call to Artist

Jul 11-26: FSW Student Show

Aug 1-Sep 27: Nancy Richards Farese

Oct 3-25: Horror Theme

Nov 7-29: Alexis Lago

Dec 5-27: Off the Walls THEATRE GALLERY

Jan 3-25: Small Nude Works

Feb 7-22: Paul Firmin

Mar 7-29: In Memoriam Show

Apr 4-26: Julia Patricia Torres/Torreza

May 2-31: Julie Griffin

Jun 6-28: Member Show

Jul 11-26: Summer Camp

Aug 1-Sep 27: Julio Gonzalez Batista

MEMBER GALLERY

Jan 3-25: Figure Drawing Classes Expo

Feb 7-22: Terry Lynn Spry Class

Mar 7-29: Stacey Rousch

Apr 4-26: Marilyn Hedlund Class

May 2-31: Homeschool Rocks

Jun 6-28: Summer Camp

Jul 11-26: Berry Maria Van Boekel

Aug 1-Sep 27: Members Photography

ArtFest Fort Myers

Edwards Drive - Downtown Fort Myers River District 239-768-3602 artfestfortmyers.com

January 31, 6-9pm & February 1 & 2, 10am-5pm

ArtFest Fort Myers features 200 professional artists from across the county, as well as entertainment, food, the largest high school art exhibit and competition in South Florida, and free interactive art experiences for children of all ages.

Arts Bonita

Visual Arts Center

26100 Old 41 Rd. Bonita Springs 239-495-8989

artsbonita.org/exhibitions

mon-sat 9am-5pm

The Visual Arts Center is comprised of multiple fine art galleries and fully equipped art studios, a gift store, and beautiful sculpture gardens. A variety of classes are offered at this center, including painting, drawing, pottery, and sculpture. exhibitions

Dec 9-Jan 15: Kindred Spirits - Arts Bonita Staff & Faculty

Dec 19-Jan 15: Miniature Masterpieces

Jan 23-Mar 6: Anything But Ordinary - Annual Arts Bonita Members

Mar 13-Apr 24: Arts Bonita Atelier & Sculpture Studio Exhibition

Mar 13-Apr 24: Florals and Figures - The Art of Sue Anderson

May 1-8: High School Scholarship Showcase

May 15-22: Reclaiming the Future - A Student Showcase of Recycled Art

Performing Arts Center

10150 Bonita Beach Rd. • Bonita Springs 239-495-8989

artsbonita.org/exhibitions

mon-Fri 9am-5pm & sat 9am-2pm

The Performing Arts Center is home to the 400-seat Hinman Auditorium and the 200-seat Moe Auditorium & Film Center. At this diverse center, patrons can enjoy an ongoing array of live music, theatre, comedy, film, lectures, and youth & adult classes in art, music, theatre, and dance. It is also home to the Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round, which decorates the walls surrounding the Hinman Auditorium with art created by Southwest Florida artists.

exhibitions

Jan 9-Feb 20: Revelation in Rhythm - Art Inspired by Music

Feb 27-Apr 10: Art Council of Southwest FloridaA Collective Art Experience

Apr 17-Jun 5: Culture Shock!

Arts & Eats Cafe

10051 McGregor Bvd • suite 101 • Fort Myers 239-955-0405 artsandeatscafe.com

Wed-sun 9am-2pm

The only art café in town, featuring art by various artist studios and lots of local art produced by the members of The Union Artist Studios. Menu is loaded with great selections for breakfast and lunch, plus a great variety of local products.

Arts for ACT Gallery

2265 First St. • Fort Myers 239-337-5050

artsforactgallery.com

tue- sat 11:30am-8pm • sun & mon 11:30am-5:30pm

Arts for ACT Gallery is a fundraiser that is owned by Abuse Counseling & Treatment, the local domestic violence shelter. The gallery is run by volunteer artists that donate a portion of the sale of their art to ACT.

exhibitions

Dec: Tabby Budde

Jan: Lisbeth Ascanio

Feb: Amanda Zirzow

Mar: John Rizza

Apr: Suzanne Mikulka

May: Jill Lindsay

Jun: Rose Jung, Ann McCarty Rose, and Stephen Hill

Jul: Donna Chase

Aug: Quinn Sedam

Sep: Pam Trent

Oct: October Whispers

Nov: Suzanne Holt

Dec: Shah Hadjebi

BIG ARTS

900 Dunlop Rd. Sanibel 239-395-0900

bigarts.org

mon-Fri 9am-4pm, sat & sun 9am-1pm one hour beFore perFormances

BIG ARTS provides an array of quality entertainment, arts, and education programs that enrich and nurture the lives of Sanibel & Captiva residents and visitors through professionally led arts classes and workshops for students of all ages, stimulating lectures and discussions with renowned national thought leaders, and dynamic visual and performing arts presentations of the highest caliber.

exhibitions

DUNHAM FAMILY GALLER

thru Dec 15: Ghost Horizons - Poetry and PrintmakingChanda Jamieson & Andy Owen

Dec 20-Jan 26: The Color of Air - Sanibel-Captiva Art League

Jan 31-Mar 9: Coming Home - Mally Khorasantchi

Mar 14-Apr 27: Impediments and Byways to Love on the Road to Eternity - Monika Larsen Dennis & Frida Oliv

May 2-Jun 6: Art as Therapy -Hope and Healing Through ArtHope Healthcare’s Art Therapy Program & Lee Health’s Art in Healthcare Program

Jun 13-Jul 25: Florida SouthWestern State College Student Show

MEZZANINE GALLERY

thru Jan 19: Springs - Assemblage in Four Mediums - Peter Page

Jan 24-Apr 18: Life is Alchemy - Maria Paula Suarez

Apr 25-Jun 6: Annual Artists Collective – BIG ARTS Instructors WEST GALLERY

thru Jan 31: Lacy McClary Mural

Feb-Jun: Cypress Lake High School Student Mural

Cape Coral Art Center

4533 Coronado Pkwy. Cape Coral 239-574-0802

facebook.com/CapeCoralArtCenter mon-sat 9am-4pm

Home to two gallery exhibition spaces, the Main Gallery and the Side Gallery, which feature exhibits throughout the year. Admission into both gallery spaces is free and open to the public. Each exhibition features solo, curated, open calls to artists and traveling exhibits.

exhibitions

MAIN GALLERY

Dec 6-26: My Journey

Jan 3-30: Seeds of a Painted Garden

Feb 7-27: Expressions

Mar 7-27: Art Focus

Apr 4-24: Whispers and Screams

May 2-June 26: Surreal Abstraction

Jul 5-Aug 28: Marine Life Like Ours

Sep 5-25: Pictures of Joy SIDE GALLERY

Jan 3-30: Between Worlds

Feb 7-27: Read Between the Lines

Mar 7-27: Inspire

Apr 4-24: Ring of Fire

May 2-29: Kids These Days

Aug 8-Sept 25: Art by Amanda Zirzow

Clyde Butcher Fine Art Photography

Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Ave. S. • Venice 941-486-0811

clydebutcher.com tue-Fri 10am-4:30pm

Internationally renowned photographer

Clyde Butcher celebrates and captures the natural world in heirloom-quality, exquisite black & white photographs. Butcher has traveled extensively across the United States and abroad to capture the diversity, dignity, and beauty of nature on film for more than fifty years. Venice Gallery houses Butcher’s darkroom and offers visitors and collectors the opportunity to experience these powerful images up close.

Big Cypress Gallery

52388 Tamiami Trail • Ochopee 239-695-2824

clydebutcher.com

daily 10am-4:30pm

The gallery is nestled in the lush sub-tropical western Everglades, offering visitors and collectors the opportunity to experience Butcher’s powerful images up close. Gift shop, Swamp Walk tours, and lodging available.

exhibitions

Dec 6-Feb 28: Daydreaming by Niki Butcher (‘ding’ darling WildliFe reFuge, sanibel)

Dec 12-Mar 19, 2025: Lifeworks in Photography (bishop museum oF science & nature, bradenton)

Cape Coral Art League

516 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral 239-772-5657

capecoralartleague.org mon-thu 11am-4pm

The Cape Coral Art League on Cultural Park Blvd. is a non-profit. It is an independent community of local artists who support, encourage, and inspire each other through classes, workshops, exhibits, and open painting sessions.

exhibitions

Dec: Silent auction

Jan: Water Wonderland

Feb: Wild About Wildlife

Mar: Simply Red

Apr: Celebrating Color

May: Florida Life

Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Galleries

901B Apricot Ave. • Sarasota 927 N. Lime Ave • Sarasota 340 Central Ave. • Sarasota 941-799-6634

creativeliberties.net

thu-sat 10am-3pm & sun-Wed by appointment

Locally owned business and voted one of the best places to buy art in Sarasota, featuring works by over 40 independent local artists on display and 21 studio artists working at three locations. They provide affordable working studio spaces, display walls, emerging artist residencies, education opportunities, all inclusive community outreach, and unique events all in close proximity in the Limelight District & Rosemary Art & Design District in the downtown center of Sarasota.

exhibitions

ARCOS GALLERY - 340 Central Ave.

thru Dec 31: Liza Compass & Jane Rubini, artists-in-residence

Jan 1-Feb 28: Mayer Kersun, Thomas Fabian & Jordan Beutel, artists-in-residence

Mar 1-Apr 30: Beck Lane, Artist in Residence

Jul 1-August 31: Artists-in-Residence

Sep 1-Oct 31: Artists-in-Residence

Nov 1-Dec 31: Artists-in-Residence

DAAS Co-op Art Gallery

10051 McGregor Blvd. • suite 104 • Fort Myers

239-955-0422

daascoop.com

Wed-sun 10am-2pm

We are a cooperate gallery incorporating artist studios and featuring monthly individual and group exhibitions. They take pride in being a part of a newly form Art Triad, which includes The Union Artist Studios and Arts & Eats Café — all housed within the Alliance for the Arts campus.

exhibitions

Dec: DAAS Bazaar

Jan: Sonny Romano

Feb: Lisbeth Ascanio

Mar: Sebastien Girard

Apr: Angela Arroyo

May: Arnold Placencia

Fort Myers Beach

Art Association

239-463-3909

fortmyersbeachart.com

Non-profit working artist organization has enriched Fort Myers Beach since 1951 with a continuously changing display of local original art for show and sale at various locations. The mission continues using borrowed space. Please see website for calender events such as shows and classes. There are indoor and outdoor

Painting Groups. Call for information about membership.

exhibitions

thru Jan 2: Dreams to Wings (arts bonita perForming arts center, bonita springs)

Jan 3-30: Between Worlds (Cape Coral Art Center, Cape Coral)

Feb 11-Mar 11: Awakening (First presbyterian church, bonita springs)

May 17-Jul 19: Ripples (tribby art center, shell point, Ft myers)

Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries

Wasmer Gallery • Arts Complex • FGCU Campus 10501 FGCU Blvd S. • Fort Myers 239-590-7199 fgcu.edu/artgalleries

mon-Fri 10am-4pm during exhibitions

FGCU Art Galleries’ mission is to broaden the learning and cultural experiences of students and the community through exhibitions and programming. Exhibitions focus on contemporary art from local, national, and international artists. The Art Galleries offer diverse selections of mediums, content and culture while collaborating with other departments on campus to expand the scope of the visual arts.

exhibitions

Dec 5-Nov 29, 2025: Environmental Art & Language (cohen student union & sugden hall)

Dec 6-13: Senior Projects - Fall

Jan 6-May 3: Sergei Isupov & Selections from the Permanent Collection (bradshaW library art gallery)

Jan 17-Feb 20: Finding Forms - Sue Havens

Mar 21-Apr 3: Student Art Show

Apr 18-May 2: Senior Projects - Spring

Joel Shapses Gallery

6240 Shirley St. • suite 102 • Naples 954-830-3156

joelshapsesstudio.com

thu & sat 1-5pm & by appointment

Contemporary fine art featuring the sculptures of Joel Shapses, who works in Alabaster, Marble, Aluminum and Fused Glass; Richard Dierich: abstract paintings in acrylic and watercolor paintings of Naples architecture in watercolor; Joan Eshkenazi: floral and abstract paintings in watercolor and oils as well as ceramic sculptures. In the Naples Art District.

Laurél Schmid Gallery & Studio

5760 Shirley St • unit 15 • Naples 239-789-3823

laurelschmidart.com

hours vary • by appointment

Contemporary fine art by Laurél Schmid. Coastal inspired paintings blurring the line between abstract and real. Commissions welcomed. Available year round, hours vary. In the Naples Art District. Visit website for current schedule of events.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Downtown Sarasota campus 1534 Mound St. • Sarasota

Historic Spanish Point campus 401 North Tamiami Trail • Osprey 941-366-5731

selby.org

daily 10am-5pm

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history. Established by forward thinking women of their time, Selby Gardens focuses on botany, horticulture, education, historical preservation, and environmental conservation.

exhibitions

thru Aug 31: Patti Smith - A Book of Days (Spanish Point)

Jan 11-24: Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica (Sarasota)

Feb 9-Jun 30: George Harrison - A Gardener’s Life (Sarasota)

Marco Island Center for the Arts

1010 Winterberry Dr • Marco Island 239-394-4221

marcoislandart.org

daily 9am-4pm

Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts.

exhibitions

MAIN

GALLERY

Dec 9-Jan 7: Tropical Holiday Creations - Clay Guild

Jan 13-Feb 25: Transparency

Mar 3-Apr 1: Members Show

Apr 7-29: Adult Student Show

May 5-Jul 1: Miami to Marco

Jul 7-29: Love to Learn - We Love Our Art Center Teachers

Aug 4-Sep 30: Keeping It Cool

LA PETITE GALERIE

Dec 9-Jan 7: Robert Kenedi

Jan 13-28: Art David

Feb 3-25: Tara O’Neill - The Art of Music

Mar 3-Apr 1: JoAnn Sanborn

Apr 7-29: Marco Island Academy

May 5-27: Thomas C Keller

Jun 2-Jul 1: Matt Fazio

Jul 7-29: Marty Simon

Aug 4-Sep 2: Jean Camposano

Sep 8-30: Rae Ann Ross

Naples Art District

more than 100 working artists along Shirley Street and J & C Blvd 239-249-1977

naplesartdistrict.com

open studios: thu & sat 1-5pm individual gallery days & hours vary

The Naples Art District is Southwest Florida’s highest concentration of artists working, exhibiting, and teaching in unique studio spaces. Located just north of Pine Ridge Rd., it is a great resource for original paintings, sculpture, glass, woodworking, furnishings, ceramics, photography, fiber arts, over 50 art classes and workshops offered. Buy or commission directly from the artists. Visit website for events and district map. events

Jan 16-18: Artful Arrangments

Jan 25: En Plein Air Painting (naples botanical gardens)

Feb 15: En Plein Air Painting (naples Zoo)

Feb 20: Palette to Palate

Mar 26: The Arty Party Gala

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

5827 Riverside Dr. • Punta Gorda 941-621-8299 peacerivergardens.org

tue-sun 9-4pm (sep-apr)

tue-sun 9-2pm (may-Jun)

As you wander through two miles of artfully designed trails, you’ll discover where nature’s magnificence and human creativity converge. Witness seasonal blooms, admire world-class sculptures, and find your own moment of peace in this 27-acre waterfront sanctuary. It’s not just a visit; it’s an experience that will touch your soul.

exhibitions

thru Jan 20: Beguiled by the Wild - art of Charley Harper

Feb 8-Apr 20: ZimSculpt Sep-Apr 2025: Origami in the Gardens

Sea Grape Gallery

113 West Marion Ave. • Punta Gorda 941-575-1718 seagrapegallery.com

mon-Fri 10am-5pm & sat 10am-4pm (closed mon may-oct)

A coop(erative fine arts gallery of 20 award-winning local artists. The Gallery offers a variety of unique artisan crafts, wildlife photography as well as paintings in a broad range of styles and mediums.

exhibitions

Jan 7-11: Grand Reopening Celebration

Mar 15 &16: Annual Courtyard Sale Jul 8-12: Christmas in July Nov 20-Dec 26: Holiday Magic

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Environmental Learning Center

Art Gallery

300 Tower Rd. • Naples 239-530-5972

rookerybay.org

tue-sat 9am-4pm

Rookery Bay Reserve’s art gallery hosts several exhibitions each year. A partnership with the United Arts Collier enables annual exhibitions of painting and photography juried by local art experts while other showings feature works by local students, Rookery Bay Reserve friends and family, and occasionally individuals. The exhibit hall is graced by a 120-foot long Continuum of Life watercolor by the late local artist Kathy Spalding. Above the stairs, is a 22-foot tall photograph by renowned photographer Clyde Butcher exhibitions thru Jan 31: The Power of the Portrait

The Union Artists Studio

10051 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-980-1394

theunionstudios.com open studio sat 10am-2pm

The Union Artist Studios was founded in 2012 and has been the only organized studio space for local artists since. Within the space there are seven individual artist production and displaying spaces. The artists welcome the public every Saturday during open studio hours.

Tower Gallery

751 Tarpon Bay Rd. • Sanibel 239-472-4557

towergallery.net

daily 10am-6pm

Tower Gallery is a fine art gallery comprised of hand selected award winning local artists. It is the longest running gallery in all of Southwest Florida. It is an artists’ cooperative of more than 20 artists working in two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, ceramic, jewelry, fiber, wood, glass and metal.

events

Dec 12: Holiday Art Gifts Show

Feb 6: Art ReceptionHistorical Photographs of Charlie McCullough

Mar 13: Art Scavenger Hunt

Venice Art Center

390 Nokomis Ave. S. • Venice 941-485-7136

veniceartcenter.com

mon-Fri 9am-4pm & sat 9am-1pm nov-may

Enroll in over 500 class opportunities for adults and youth. 46 talented instructors teach all levels and interests; ‘Uncorked, Sip & Paint’ classes included. Venice Art Center hosts 12 unique annual exhibits and solo artists’ shows, with receptions. Browse the robust artist’s gift shop.

exhibitions

Nov 8-Dec 5: Mixed Up Crazy, Julie Ann Bakker

Dec 20-Jan 2: Road Less Traveled, Lynn Railsback

Jan 10--Feb 5: Its All In Your Head, Aida Garrity

Feb 7-9 Pop Up

Feb 15 &16: Fine Arts Show

Feb 20-Marc 5: Annual Art Auction

Mar 14-Apr 3: Spring Member’s Show

Apr 11-30: Worldly Wishes by Nancy Rose & Marsha Ouimette, Mary Jo FloryJanski

May 6-15: South Sarasota County School Show

May 23-Jun 19: Evoke & Provoke, Jill Krasner

Jun 27-Jul 17: Point of View, Karen Weihs

Jul 25-Aug 13: Paintings & Stuff

Tribby Arts Center

Shell Point

Retirement Community 17281 On Par Blvd. Fort Myers 239-415-5667

tribbyartscenter.com

tue-sat 10am-3pm

Tribby Arts Center is a world-class hub of creative and cultural activity at Shell Point. This vibrant venue, anchored by a 400-seat auditorium, hosts an array of musical performances and educational programs. Visitors can explore three distinctive art galleries featuring works from residents, as well as celebrated regional and national artists. Serendipity, Tribby’s charming gift shop, offers a unique selection of paintings, pottery, artisan-made jewelry, and more.

exhibitions

Jan 11-Feb 22: At the Table - Juried Works by Shell Point Artists

Jan 11-Feb 22: Glass Creations by Petra Kaiser

Mar 7-May 10: Artworks in Wood by Bill Schmigle & Bart Sharp

Mar 7-May 10: Award-Winning Works by The Arts Council of Southwest Florida

May 17-Jul 19: Works by the Fort Myers Beach Art Association

May 17-Jul 19: Beaded Creations by Tania Begg

Jul 26-Oct 18: Faces in the Sand - Anna Chan & Grace Berge

Jul 26-Oct 18: Textiles Inspired by Summer at the Sea - Shell Point Quilters

Nov 2-Jan 17: Castoffs to Couture Redux - Ding Darling Wildlife Society

Nov 20-Jan 17: In Fabric & Glass - Michael Armstrong & Carol Mann

Visual Arts Center

210 Maud St • Punta Gorda 941-639-8810

visualartcenter.org

mon & Fri | 10am-4pm, tue-thur 10am-7pm, sat 10am-2pm

The Visual Arts Center is a top spot for art creation, offering classes for all skill levels. It

features a 12,000 square-foot facility with three galleries, six classrooms, a pottery studio, a glass studio, an art supply store, and a Gift Gallery showcasing members’ artwork.

exhibitions

Dec 1-28: Holidays in the Hall, Holiday Showcase Under $200

Jan 9-30: Color, Black & White, Afternoon Delight

Feb 7-Apr 3: Dreamings - The Art of Aboriginal Australia

Apr 7-19: Charlotte County Public Middle & High School

Apr 21-May 3: Charlotte County Public Elementary School

May 8-30: A Walk in Nature

DECEMBER JANUARY

What Goes On

Dec

SUNDAY 1

•Naples Big Band: Christmas concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 2p. Free. 777-0416.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•SW-FloridaCon: Comic book & pop culture convention. Celebrities, live entertainment, demos, vendors, cosplay contests, panels, kids’ activities, live wrestling, food. Embassy Suites Hotel, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 949-4222.

•The Nutcracker: Naples Ballet w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7p. 597-1900.

•The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

•Uptown Naples Fine Art Festival: Outdoor art show & sale.800 Laurel Oak Dr, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615.

•Winter’s Glow: Key Chorale concert. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-552-8768.

MONDAY 2

•Dave Koz & Friends Christmas: Concert w Jonathan Butler, Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley, Rebecca Jade. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 3

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Chanticleer Holiday Concert: Male vocal ensemble concert. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra: Joyful & Triumphant concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 4 & 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•Hogs & Dogs: Harley Davidson motorcycles display, hot dogs lunch. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 12a-12a. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Holiday Taste of Opera: Gulfshore Opera concert. Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 6p. rsvp. 529-3925.

WEDNESDAY 4

•Ben Folds: Concert w Naples Phiharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Festival of Trees Preview Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 4-6p. Tree viewing 11a-9p. rsvp. 333-1933.

•Film Screening & Discussion: Independent film - North Putnam, filmmaker Q&A. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. 939-2787.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Sterking Elliot & Janice Carissa: Cello & piano concert. Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 469-333-3231.

THURSDAY 5

•An Evening in Paris Gala: Opera Naples fundraiser – cocktails, dinner, concert, dancing. Royal Poinciana Golf Club, 1600 Solana Rd, Naples. 5:30p. rsvp. 963-9050.

•Art Reception & Talk: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Art Reception: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-365-2032.

•Art Reception: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-8p. Free. 395-0027.

•Brandon Robertson Quartet: Jazz music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Christmas Sale & Auction: Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Festival of Trees Wine & Paint Party Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Tree viewing 10a-10p. rsvp. 333-1933.

•FGCU Piano Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Guided Hike:  CREW Cypress Dome Hiking Trails, 4600

Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 9a. Register. 657-2253.

•Holiday Taste of Opera: Gulfshore Opera concert. The Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples. 6p. rsvp. 529-3925.

•JJ Grey & Mofro: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Matt Matthews: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Sunset Concert: Claire Chase. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 5:30p. 941366-5731.

FRIDAY 6

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Art Walk: Receptions, music, food. Bayshore Arts District, Bayshore Dr, btwn US 41 & Linda Dr, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 293-2932.

•Christmas Gala Fundraiser: Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 6:30p. rsvp. 261-8164.

•Christmas Tree Lighting: Live

music, kids activities, photo ops, vendors. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels & US 41, Center Court. Ft Myers. 6-9p, tree lighting 6:30p. Free. 334-2261.

•Collier County Snow Fest: Family festival, music, kids activities & games, food. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 3-6p. Free. 2524386.

•Comedy Zone: Florida Repertory Theatre. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Community Christmas Party: Art & gifts sale. DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645.

•Festival of Trees Concert & Wreath Lighting: Music by The Nowhere Band. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p, tree lighting 7p, music 7:30p. Free. 333-1933.

•FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts Students Concert: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 4p. Free. 344-7025.

•FGCU Chamber Strings: All is Bright concert. Saniebl Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 4p. Free. 745-4268.

•Guided Forest Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Jingle Bell Bash: Kids activities, treats, photos w Santa. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:30p. 514-0084.

•Lewis Black: Comedy. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•SWFL Concert Band: Bells of Joy concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 666-5970.

•The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys: Bluegrass band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Toadfrog: Play. Ghostbird Theatre production. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd Estero. 7:30p. Free w park admit. 691-4128.

•Tommy Emmanuel: Concert, String Revolution opens. BB Mann

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys perform December 6 at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.

Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Venice Laughs: Comedians

Al Ernst Kathy McSteen, Dan Gierlach, Max McGee. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Zarna Garg: Comedy. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

SATURDAY 7

•Artist Talk: Rafael LozanoHemmer. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 11:30a. 597-1900.

•Bob Lauver’s Comedy Hypnosis Show: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 6p. 323-6570.

•Bromeliad Sale: Experts, plant sale. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops Preregister. 9a-4p. 334-7419.

•Cliff Eberhardt: Americana concert, Louise Mosrie opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Festival of Trees Santa’s Block Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 10a-20p. Tree viewing 10a-10p. 333-1933.

•Festival of Trees Sydney’s Rooftop Santa Party: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p-12a. Free. Tree viewing 11a-6p. 333-1933.

•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville IceMen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Ft Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade: Leaving Salty Sam’s Marina 6p, heading northwest under Matanzas Pass Bridge, past Coast Guard station, past Pink Shell Resort, along Estero Island, across Matanzas Harbor. Live music at Bayside Veterans Park. 6p. Free. 454-7500.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

•Handel’s Messiah: Naples Philharmonic & chorus concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival: Live music - Danielle Nicole Band, Vanessa Collier, Monster Mike Welch, Kat Riggins, Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s, Dylan Triplett, Melody Angel. Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Ter, Lakewood Ranch. 9a-8p.

•Lee Roy Parnell: Texas Flavored Christmas - country music. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Live Band: Charlie Pace Band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.

•Naples Jazzmasters: Concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Noah Mair: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•One Vision of Queen: Marc Martel tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Open House: Holiday treats &. gifts. Estero Historical Society Museum, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 9:30a-12:30pp. Free. 272-1911.

•Panel Discussion: Florida Contemporary. Baker Museum, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 1:30p. 597-1900.

•Reiann Anderson: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven’s Seventh. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941953-3434.

•Tas Cru: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•The Outlaws: Green Brass & Yuletide Jam concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•Toadfrog: Play. Ghostbird Theatre production. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd Estero. 7:30p. Free w park admit. 691-4128.

•Victoria Hyman: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

SUNDAY 8

•Beethoven’s Seranade: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Christmas concert. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 6-7:30p. Free. 405-3320.

•Bromeliad Sale: Experts, plant sale. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops Preregister. 9a-4p. 334-7419.

•Chayanne: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Choral Artists of Sarasota: Concert - Happy Christmukkah. Church of Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. 7p. 941-387-4900.

•Deck the Halls: Gulf Coast Symphony & Ft Myers Mastersingers concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Handel’s Messiah: Naples Philharmonic & chorus concert. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 7p. 597-1900.

•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.

•Maxim Lando: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven’s Seventh. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941953-3434.

•Spirit of the Gulf Chorus: Holiday concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. 360-320-1161.

•Venice Laughs: Comedians Juanita Lolita, Seetha the Comic, Greg Schwartz, Tara Zimmerman. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

MONDAY 9

•Guided Birding Walk: CREW Marsh Hiking Trails, 3980 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 8a. Register. 657-2253.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 9:30p. Register. 275-3435.

•Guided Hike: CREW Marsh Hiking Trails, 3980 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 9a. Register. 657-2253.

•Holiday Pops: SWFL Symphony concert. Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7p. 418-1500.

•Mark Evans: Comedy. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•Turkey Lunch: Estero Historical Society luncheon w speaker Christine Summa. Village of Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek Dr, Estero. 12p. Register. Free. 272-1911.

•Voices of Naples: Christmas Traditions concert. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Dr, Naples. 7p. Free. 455-2582.

TUESDAY 10

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.

•Beethoven’s Seranade: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Holiday Pops: SWFL Symphony concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmelita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 418-1500.

•Holiday Pops: SWFL Symphony concert. Faith Presbyterian

Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 7p. 418-1500.

•Lecture: How the Mid-Century Shaped Christmas. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

•Matthew West: Holiday concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Mac Martin, Bob Patetta, Peter Slota. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

WEDNESDAY 11

•A Christmas Carol: One-man show – Duffy Hudson. Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 2p. Free. Register. 479-4636.

•Allman Betts Family Revival: Rock concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941953-3368.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Holiday Meet & Greet: Clyde & Niki Butcher. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 10a-3p. Free. 695-2428.

•Holiday Shopping Nighty Market: Indoors & outdoors. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 939-2787.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Merry & Bright. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

appearing at the

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

•Sudamerica Latin Groove: Latin music. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•The Nutcracker: N Ft Myers Academy of the Arts. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

THURSDAY 12

•Artist Talk & Book Signing: EA Kahane. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-365-2032.

•Black Flag: Punk rock band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Holiday Art Gifts Show: Holiday art show, demos, sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-7p. Free. 579-0659.

•Holiday Concert: BIG ARTS Community Chorus & Concert Band. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Lindsay Garritson: Piano concert - selections from The Nutcracker. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Piano Talks: Home for the Holidays w Jodie DeSalvo. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Merry & Bright. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Fab Four: Beatles tribute band. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Ugly Sweater Reception & Hurricane Benefit Sale: Ugly sweater contest. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.

FRIDAY 13

•Bret Michaels, Dee Snider, Night Ranger: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Brews for the Birds: Fundraiser - local craft beers, food trucks, DJ & dancing. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-8p 334-7419.

•Caleb Caudie & The Sweet Critters: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Christmas Karaoke: Singing. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 6-8p. Free. 252-8476.

•Comedy Zone: Florida Repertory Theatre. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Holiday Market: Crafts & food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-4p. Free. 863-902-1113.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Classical music. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

Comedian Kevin Hart is

Hertz Arena in Estero on December 17.

What Goes On

•Sarasota Orchestra: Merry & Bright. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Swingin’ Clique: Outdoor swing concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-9p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Tuba Christmas: Live music. Sugden Park Plaza, 4270 Tamiamii Tr E, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Voices of Naples: Christmas Traditions concert. Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples. 7p. free. 455-2582.

•Wine & Wonder Uncorked: Wine tasting fundraiser, live music, holiday market. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. rsvp. 992-2591.

•Winter Serenade: Magic Holiday Memories - jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

SATURDAY 14

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Damon Fowler, Sandy Atkinson. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111.

•Brahms’ Piano Concerto No 1: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Cowboy Christmas: Pictures with Santa. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-2p. Free. 252-2611.

•Family Art Day: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. 9:30a-12p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8 Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258.

•Garden Talk: Staff offers gardening advice. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 334-7419.

•Holiday Market: Crafts & food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-4p. Free. 863-902-1113.

•Live Band: James William Band. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386

•Mean Mary: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Mike Zito: Blues. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Music in the Garden: Kelly Neff Trio. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Classical music. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-363-1724.

•Open Studios: Naples Art

District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Precious Pix: Staff takes your holiday photos - free. Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 12-4p. 261-8164.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Merry & Bright. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

•The Nutcracker: Gulfshore Ballet. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 6:30p. Free. 395-0900.

•Thomas Mac: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Venice Laughs: Comedians Harley Worthit, Mary Ellen DePetrillo, Cliff Hornsby, Ruth Weisberg. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

SUNDAY 15

•Bill Metts & Frank Corso: Bluegrass concert. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Brahms’ Piano Concerto No 1: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 277-1700.

•Ehnes Plays Tchaikovsky: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Elvis - ’68 Comeback Special: Tribute concert. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 2p. 323-5533.

•Florida Philharmonic: Home for the Holiday concert w Florida Phil Chorus & Children’s Choir. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-529-6094.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Holiday concert

- Comfort & Joy. Peace Lutheran Church, 9850 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 5:30p. 288-2535.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor holiday concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Fr270-1221.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Rock the Stage Finals: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2-9p. 985-9839.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Merry & Bright. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

•Venice Laughs: Comedians Mary Ellen DePetrillo, Cliff Hornsby, Ruth Weisberg, Scott Novotny. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

MONDAY 16

•Chuck Gillespie: Storyteller. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

•Classic Carols, Modern Mirth: The Venice Chorale concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-218-3779.

•Michael D’Amore Christmas Show: Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862.

TUESDAY 17

•Kevin Hart: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Zach Bartholomew - A Charlie Brown Christmas: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

WEDNESDAY 18

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Ken Peplowski: All That Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Kenny G: Holiday jazz concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 314-3723.

•Selwyn Birchwood: Blues concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•The Brown Campbell Blues Band:

Concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941485-7136.

THURSDAY 19

•Art Reception: Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 4958989.

•Artist Talk: Ermin Tabakovic. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-3652032.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Brandon Robertson Quartet: Jazz music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Christmas for Kids: Music & storytelling. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30p. 941255-1022.

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic Christmas concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Lecture: The Dauntless Dr Snyder. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Rookery Bay’s Environmental Partners. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 530-5940.

•Matt Fraser: Medium. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Reggae Sunset Jam: Live music.

Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden,

Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Dana Enders. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 11a1p. Free. 322-8593.

•Selwyn Birchwood: Blues concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Zach Bartholomew - A Charlie Brown Christmas: Jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

FRIDAY 20

•A Very Victorian Murder: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers, Interactive mystery. Elks Lodge, 3231 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 867-6098.

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Talk 4p, reception 5-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Comedy Zone: Florida Repertory Theatre. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Family Art Day: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. 9:30a-12p. Free. 941799-6634.

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic Christmas concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Home for the Holidays: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•Hunter McDaniel: Live music.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers presents ‘A Christmas Carol - The Musical’ thru December 25.

Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Mark Sanders: Celebrating Broadway at Christmas - cabaret. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Rave & Rock Circus: ConcertTeahouse, Psychofluid, Ichenen, Alexa Murphy. Dancing, art, food. Davis Art Center back parking lot, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. 333-1933.

•The Betty Fox Band: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Thunder Beach Band: Outdoor 80s rock concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-9p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY 21

•BCR Rockers: Outdoor 70s & 80s pop concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-9p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Compton & Bennett: Home for the Holidays. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2 & 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 612-209-4489.

•Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic Christmas concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Home for the Holidays: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30 & 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•The Nutcracker: Gulf Coast Symphony concert w Gulfshore Ballet. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 2771700.

SUNDAY 22

•Compton & Bennett: Home for the Holidays. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2p. 495-8989.

•Holiday Pops: Naples

Philharmonic Christmas concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2p. 597-1900.

•Home for the Holidays: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30p. 941-218-0658.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven & Brass. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

THURSDAY 26

•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a2p. Free. 642-1440.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Indie Music Night: Live musicband tba. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Sailor Circus: Red Troupe Winter Show - 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

FRIDAY 27

•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a2p. Free. 642-1440.

•Departure: Journey Tribute band. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 314-3723.

•From the Edge: Outdoor country concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-9p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Memphis Lightening: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Sailor Circus: Red Troupe Winter Show - 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

SATURDAY 28

•A Pioneer Christmas: Crafts, games, activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a2p. Free. 642-1440.

•Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Holiday circus show. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 4p. 481-4849.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•One 2 Many: Outdoor rock oldies concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-9p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sailor Circus: Red Troupe Winter Show - 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

SUNDAY 29

•Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Holiday circus show. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 481-4849.

•Sailor Circus: Red Troupe Winter Show - 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

MONDAY 30

•Chris Kattan: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando

Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Straight No Chaser: Jazz concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

TUESDAY 31

•Chris Kattan: New Year’s Eve Dinner ShowOff the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Jim Gaffigan: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•New Year’s Eve Celebration: DJ & live music. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 772-5657.

•New Year’s Eve celebration: DJ, dancing, fireworks. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 9p-1a. rsvp. 333-1933.

•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 275-8487.

•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner, concert, dancing, fireworks. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 7p-1a. rsvp. 941-366-5731.

•Pure Country: New Year’s Eve concert & buffet. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 985-9839.

Jan

WEDNESDAY 1

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

THURSDAY 2

•Art of Blues Band: Concert w Steve Arvey & Bill Buchman. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

FRIDAY 3

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 7784665.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-8p. Free. 395-0027.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Art Walk: Receptions, music, food. Bayshore Arts District, Bayshore Dr, btwn US 41 & Linda Dr, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 293-2932.

•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville IceMen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Live Band: Toby Keith & Tom Petty tribute concert. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 252-4386.

•Mark Sanders: Celebrating Broadway - cabaret. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Open House: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Sandy Atkinson: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

SATURDAY 4

•Celebration in the Sky: Free fireworks show. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 5p. 800-2180007.

•Detroit Doors: Rock concert. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 6p. 323-6570.

•Donna the Buffalo: Americana band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•JP Soars: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Naples New Year’s Art Show:  Outdoor art fair 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Open House: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Reckless Saints: Americana concert, The Bernardis opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

SUNDAY 5

•Andrea Pena & Artists - UAQUE: Dance performance w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Detroit Doors: Rock concert. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7p. 323-6570.

•Naples Big Band: Concert Veterans Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island. 2p. Free. 777-0416.

•Naples New Year’s Art Show:  Outdoor art fair. 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Mozart on the Road. Sarasota Opera House. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

•The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

MONDAY 6

•Los Lobos: Americana concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Movie Mondays: Ft Myers Film Festival screenings. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7p. 333-1933.

•Naples Big Band: Concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7p. Free. 777-0416.

•Uptown: R&B & soul music concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

TUESDAY 7

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Grand Reopening Celebration: Sea Grape Gallery, 113 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941575-1718.

•Schumann’s Piano Quintet: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

The Betty Fox Band performs December 20 at the Buckingham Blues Bar in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

WEDNESDAY 8

•Akhil Reed Amar: Lecture

- Should the Constitution Be Amended for the 21st Century. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073.

•Bacharach & Friends:

Tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Grand Reopening Celebration:

Sea Grape Gallery, 113 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941575-1718.

•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free.

•Martin: Country band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Opera Naples Guild Toasts: Lecture, Q&A, wine. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 4p. rsvp. 963-9050.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY 9

•Art Reception: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.

• Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Bacharach & Friends: Tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

• Broadway & Beyond: Jodi Keogan concert. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 6p. Free. 642-1440.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Grace Morrison & Marc Berado: Americana concert, D/ hruva opens. Calusa Nature Center Planetarium, 3487 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers., 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Grand Reopening Celebration: Sea Grape Gallery, 113 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941575-1718.

•Harlem Globetrotters: Comic basketball. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Clyde & Niki Butcher. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 1-3p. 472-1100.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Carmen & La mer. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Zach Bartholomew & Jeff Ellwood: Jazz concert. Arts

Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 10

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

• Dancing Queen: ABBA tribute band. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Grand Reopening Celebration: Sea Grape Gallery, 113 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941575-1718.

•Jumaane Smith: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Ravel’s Bolero. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

Sports Orchestrated: Venice

•Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

• Styx: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

SATURDAY 11

•A Soldier’s Tale & Dead Elvis: Gulf Coast Symphony members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

• Artist Talk: Keenan Perren. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-365-2032.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Selwyn

Birchwood, Carolyn Wonderland. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111.

•Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Chris Mann: Sings Tony Bennett Songbook concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Dancing Queen: ABBA tribute band. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8 Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258.

•Garden Talk: Staff offers gardening advice. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 334-7419.

•Grand Reopening Celebration: Sea Grape Gallery, 113 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941575-1718.

•It’s Another Funny Year: Comedy. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

•Jay Leno: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Jeff Dunham: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Lecture: Estero Historical Society

- Daughters of the American Revolution. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911.

•Mural Fest: Teams of artists create mini-murals. Live music. All Out Bail Bonds Bldg, 2220 Dr MLK Jr Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-5p.

•Music in the Garden: Hat Trick. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 6437275.

The exhibition, ‘Becky Suss - The Dutch Home’ is on view thru January 5 at The Baker Museum in Naples.

•Naples Jazzmasters: Concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Carmen & La mer. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Ravel’s Bolero. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3434.

•Sports Orchestrated: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30 & 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

SUNDAY 12

•A Soldier’s Tale & Dead Elvis: Gulf Coast Symphony members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 277-1700.

•Artistic Vision of Luciano Pavarotti Foundation: Presented by Opera Naples – Discussion & advice for aspiring opera singers. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 2p. Free. 963-9050.

•Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Florida Philharmonic: Color of Spring concert. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-529-6094.

• In the End: Linkin Park tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•James Giles: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.

• Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Renee Fleming: Voice of NatureThe Anthropocene concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Ravel’s Bolero. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Schumann’s Piano Quintet: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•The Flatlanders: Bluegrass concert. Alliance for the Arts lawn, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Windjammers: Circus music concert & Sailor Circus show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 1:30p. Free. 941355-9805.

MONDAY 13

•Author Lecture & Lunch: Annabelle Tometich. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 12p. 333-1933.

• EnsembleNewSRQ: Visions & Miracles. Classical music concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 772-834-7173.

•Scotch & Chocolate: Sip & learn about scotch, paired with sweets. Naples Historical Society’s Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 4-6p. Register. 261-8164.

TUESDAY 14

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.

•Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849.

•Solomon Eichner: Piano concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Bob Patetta, Ray Cerbone, Chakulia. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

WEDNESDAY 15

• Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Brown Campbell Blues band: Concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941485-7136.

•Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Dr Michael Roth: Lecture - What’s the Future for American Colleges. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Jean-Yves Thibaudet: Piano concert. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161.

•Performances at the Point: Future Joy. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 5:30p. 941-366-5731.

•Sarasota Orchestra: TV Tunes & Treasures. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Sudamerica Latin Groove: Girl Power - latin music. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•The Rocket Man Show: Elton John tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

THURSDAY 16

•Art Reception & Artist Talk: Artist talk in U Tobe Recital

Hall, Music Bldg. 5:30p; reception in Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6:30-8p. Free. 590-7199.

•Art Reception & Awards Ceremony: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Artful Arrangements Special Preview: Japanese tea ceremony & Ikebana floral demos. Naples Art District, Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 2-4p. 249-1977.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Register. 530-5972.

•Jazz at the MACC: Zach Bartholomew Balancing Act w Benny Bennack concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Piano Talks: Dueling Pianos w Jodie DeSalvo & Robert Wells. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Reggae Sunset Jam: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Rick Howard - Mudbone Jam: Blues band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Myra Roberts. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 11a-1p. Free. 322-8593.

•Sarasota Orchestra: TV Tunes & Treasures. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-9533434.

•Young Artists Concert on Tour: Classical concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: TV Tunes & Treasures. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-9533434.

SATURDAY 18

•Allan Harris: Jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Always Loretta: Loretta Lynn tribute concert – Emily Portman & the Coalminers Band. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Artful Arrangements: Naples Art District artists’ works reimagined by floral designers. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. 249-1977.

•Backyard Bluesfest: RB Stone, Mark Cameron. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111.

FRIDAY 17

•Artful Arrangements Opening Night Preview Parties: Naples Art District artists’ works reimagined by floral designers. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 5-7p. 249-1977.

•Comedy Zone: Florida Repertory Theatre. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

• Completely Unchained: Van Halen tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 9859839.

• Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Register. 530-5972.

•Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Beethoven’s 9th w SWFL Symphony. Charlotte Center for Performing Arts, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 288-2535.

•Lecture: Alex Katz & Paul Taylor Dance. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 1p. 597-1900.

•Marlow Rosado: Salsa Meets Disco - latin music. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Ode to Joy: SWFL Symphony concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmelita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 418-1500.

•Paul Taylor Dance Company: w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Rockabillaque Florida KickOff Party:  Free concert – Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones, Shanda & The Howlers, The Surfrajettes, Thwe Bellfuries, Southern Culture on the Skids, Mozzy Dee, Les Greene & The Swayzees, Hillbilly Hellcats. Seminole Casino Hotel Zig Zag Lounge, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 6-11p. Free. 800-218-0007.

•Dennis Regan: Comedy. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 6p. 323-6570.

•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Register. 530-5972.

•Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Beethoven’s 9th w SWFL Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 288-2535.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker - Brenda Spalding. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 612-209-4489.

•Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples Int’l Voice Competition Finals: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 745-4268.

• Nightbird: Stevie Nicks tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Rockabillaque Florida: Free concert – Pokey LaFarge, The Rhythm Shakers, Koffin Kats, The Surfrajettes, CM Wolf & The Backbones, Little Rachel, The Still Nites, Sasquatch & The Sick-a-Billys, The Patina Turners, Slip & The Spinouts, Jeff Vitolo & The Quarter Mile Rebels. Car & motorcycle show, food trucks. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 1-11p. Free. 800218-0007.

•Sarasota Orchestra: TV Tunes & Treasures. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-9533434.

•Shanna in a Dress: Americana concert, The Lost Lakers opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Showtime Benefit: For Venice Theatre rebuild. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7:30p. 941-4881115.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center,

Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

SUNDAY 19

•Bill Barr: Lecture - The Rule of Law Today. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-3:30p. Free. 405-3320.

•Chicago Transit: Chicago tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Festival of Birds: Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Register. 530-5972.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open House & Art Reception: Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

• Russian Masterpeices: Chamber music concert w Naples Philharmonic members. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: TV Tunes & Treasures. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

•SWFL Anime-Fest:  Entertainment, vendors, cosplay contest, celebrities, video game tournament. Embassy Suites Hotel, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Kids free. 9494222.

MONDAY 20

•Festival of Birds:  Presentations, guided field trips, birding walks, buggy rides, boat tours, speakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Register. 530-5972.

•Love Is a Rose: Linda Ronstadt tribute concert. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

• The Hit Men of Country: Country music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 21

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Norm Lewis - Broadway & Beyond concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

• The Hit Men of Country: Country music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY 22

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.  •Lee Greenwood: Country music concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Norm Lewis - Broadway & Beyond concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Rikki Klieman: Lecture - Law & the Media. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Sean Jones: All That Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY 23

•Art Reception & Open House: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. 4958989.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Indie Music Night: Live music - band tba. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Judy Carmichael Trio: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Lecture: Aimee CopelandWellness in Nature. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Breeding

Pokey LaFarge performs at Rockabillique Florida, January 18 at the Seminole Casno Hotel in Immokalee.

Sean Jones performs with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra, January 22 at Artis—Naples.

What Goes On

Homes of our Endangered Shorebirds. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 530-5940.

•Monroe Crossing: Bluegrass band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Norm Lewis - Broadway & Beyond concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Terra Guitarra: Nuevo-flamenco concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•The Four C Notes: Frankie Valli & Four Seasons tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 5971900.

•Trio Boheme: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 469-333-3231.

•Wellness in Nature: Programs, lectures, guided hiking, biking, walks. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

FRIDAY 24

•Comedy Zone: Florida Repertory Theatre. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Davina & the Vagabonds: Blues concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Ekep Nkwelle: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Empire Trio: From Hollywood to Broadway - cabaret. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Norm Lewis - Broadway & Beyond concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Kings of Soul. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3434.

•Trio Boheme: Grand Piano Series concert. Arts—Naples, 5833

Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 469-333-3231.

•Wellness in Nature: Programs, lectures, guided hiking, biking, walks. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

SATURDAY 25

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•En Plein Air Painting Festival: Naples Art District artists. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-2p. 249-1977.

•Family Art Day: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. 9:30a-12p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Kansas: Rock concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•Naples Community Orchestra: Fate & Liberty concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 3p. 676-0077.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Norm Lewis - Broadway & Beyond concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900.

• Nude Nocturne: Burlesque performances, live painting, body painting, art reception.=. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-9p. Free. 939-2787.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Outdoor Art & Craft Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a4p. Free. 394-4221.

•Peter Fogel: Play. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 6p. 323-6570.

•Plein Air Fest: Artists paint throughout gardens. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-2p. 643-7275.

•Ronnie Baker Brooks: Blues band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Kings of Soul. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30 & 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Tommy Z: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

Davina & The Vagabonds perform January 24 at BIG ARTS on

•Wellness in Nature: Programs, lectures, guided hiking, biking, walks. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

SUNDAY 26

•Britain’s Finest: Beatles tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

•Choral Artists of Sarasota: Concert - Gilbert & Sullivan Revue. First Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941387-4900.

•Cleveland Orchestra: Classical music concert. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161.

•House of Hamill: Americana concert, Bob Williams opens. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 691-4069.

• Kristen Chambers & Michael Baron: Soprano & piano concert.

U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Ludwig, Lennon & Les Mis: Voices of Naples concert. Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd, Naples. 4p. Free. 455-2582.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - Stars Over Naples. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. 270-1221.

• Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Open Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Outdoor Art & Craft Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a4p. Free. 394-4221.

• Readers Theatre: New Play Festival. Five one-act play readings. Glass Theatre, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

•Wellness in Nature: Programs, lectures, guided hiking, biking, walks. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

MONDAY 27

•Britain’s Finest: Beatles tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

•Holocaust Remembrance Day: Commemorate victims, special guest speakers. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. 218-0481.

•John Pizzarelli Trio: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

TUESDAY 28

•Art Reception: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 590-7199.

•Champ Jaxon Blues concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.

•Frisson Ensemble: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849.

Grand Piano Series presents Trio Boheme, January 23 at Artis—Naples.

•Storytelling: Carol Birch - Fire & Ice. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

•Taste of Opera: Gulfshore Opera concert. Hideaway Beach Club, 250 S Beach Dr, Marco Island. 6p. rsvp. 529-3925.

WEDNESDAY 29

•A Night in Vienna: Gulfshore Opera w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Music Matinee: Free concert –Sarasota Opera Studio Artsts. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. 2p. 941-966-6161.

•Opera Naples Guild Toasts: Lecture, Q&A, wine. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 4p. rsvp. 963-9050.

•Storytelling: Carol Birch - Stories Old & New. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

•The Music of ABBA: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Vienneses Serenade:  Gulfshore Opera concert. Artis-Naples, 58333 Pelican Bay Blvd. Naples. 7p. 529-3925.

THURSDAY 30

•Chicago: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

• Comedy Hour: Comedian tba. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Everclear: Rock band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Lecture & Book Signing: David Rahahetih - The Spanish Seminole. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Tchaikovsky’s Fate. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos.

Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Heroic Spirit. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Sunset Concert: TBA. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-366-5731.

•The Boy from Block 66: Arts Bonita Actor Theatre. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

• The Weight Band: Americana band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY

•A Salute to the Pops!: Venice Symphony. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•ArtFest Fort Myers Opening Night: Party, live music, food, drinks. Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St & Edwards Dr, Ft Myers Riverfront. 6-9p. Gulf Coast Symphony pops concert 7-8p, Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 1375 Monroe St. Free. 768-3602.

•Circus Arts Conservatory Gala: Benefit circus performance. Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota. Xp. 941-355-9805.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Garden Side Chickee Chat: Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 11a. Register. 261-8164.

•Jerry Seinfeld: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7 7 9:30p. 481-4849.

• John Williams the Great: SWFL Symphony concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmelita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 418-1500.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Tchaikovsky’s Fate. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Heroic Spirit. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Barricade Boys: Concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•The Boy from Block 66: Arts

Sanibel.

Bonita Actor Theatre. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Twisted Pine: Bluegrass concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Venturino’s Comedy Club: Larry Venturino, Sheena Regan, Jander Gray, Caroline Post. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

ongoing Theater

•59th Street Bridge: thru Mar 30. Florida Studio Theatre. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec 18-22. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•A Christmas Carol - the Musical: thru Dec 25. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•A Christmas Carol: Dec 6-22. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•A Christmas Story - the Musical: thru Dec 22. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•A Nice Family Christmas: thru Dec 8. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Admissions: Jan 7-26. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Aesop’s Fables: Jan 4-Feb 2. Florida Studio Theatre Children’s Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-3669000.

•Ain’t Too Proud: Dec 13-15. BB

Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•All Is Calm: Dec 4-22. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Asolo Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Annie: Dec 12-29. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Another Night Before Christmas: thru Dec 25. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.

278-4422.

•Anything Goes: Dec 13-15. Youth Edition. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Beautiful - The Carol King: thru Jan 5. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000.

•Camelot: Jan 29-Feb 8. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.

•Caught in the Net: Jan 14-Feb 23. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Christmas with the Crawfords: Dec 6-22. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Clown Bar 2: Dec 12-22. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9363239.

•Come Back to the 5 & Dime

Jimmy Dean: Jan 31-Feb

16. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Dear Albert Eisnstein: thru May 22 select matinees. Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 3324488.

•Deck the Halls: thru Dec 24. Florida Studio Theatre Children’s

Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-3669000.

•Dial M for Murder: Jan 12-Feb 2. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Don Pasquale: Jan 7-19. Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples Academy. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 9639050.

•Don’t Touch That Dial: Jan 17Feb 9. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Every Brilliant Thing: thru Dec 15. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 S Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 261-7529

•Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some): Dec 4-22. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Fences: Jan 15-Feb 23. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-3661505.

•Four Old Broads: Jan 9-26. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•Fully Committed:  Dec 10Jan 12. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Funny Girl: Jan 14-19. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•Funny Girl: Jan 21-26. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Good Bad People: Jan 24Feb 8. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Grandma’s Murder Club:  Jan 24-Feb 2 Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Greetings: thru Dec 22. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Home for the Holidays: Dec 2022. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888966-3352.

•I Spy’d another Murder: Dec 26-Mar 3: Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Jennifer, Who is Leaving: thru Dec 1. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•Jersey Boys: Jan 7-12. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Lady Molly of Scotland Yard: Jan 17-Feb 8. Mertz Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000.

•Last of the Red Hot Lovers: Jan 8-26. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Little Women - the Musical: Dec 5-15. Sarasota Players. Crossings at Siesta Key, 32501 S Tamiami Tr, # 1130, Sarasota. 941-3652494.

•Marian, Or The True Tale of Robin Hood: Dec 6-8. Theatre Conspiracy Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 939-2787.

•Motown Christmas: thru Jan 5. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505.

•My Fair Lady: Jan 31-Mar 2. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•No Sex Please, It’s Christmas: thru Dec 15. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-2551022.

•Off the Charts!: thru Feb 9. Florida Studio Theatre. Court Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941366-9000.

•Old Ringers: Jan 8-12. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Once: Jan 9-19. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Picaddy: Dec 28-30. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Rudolph Jr: Dec 11-15. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Sailor Circus Fall Show - Zodiac: Dec 26-29. Red Troupe Show –75th Anniversary Jubilee. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

•Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble + Natalie Helm & Bluegrass Band: Jan 16-19. Jane Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-260-8485.

•Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble + The Barker Project: Dec 5-8. Jane Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-2608485.

•Sleeping Indoors: Dec 4-22. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.

•Some Like It Hot: Dec 24 & 2629. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Spaceman: Jan 3-Feb 16. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•The Addams Family: Jan 28 & 29 Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•The Boys from Block 66: Jan 30Feb 2. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•The Buddy Holly Story: Dec 31-Feb 15. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Cancellation of Lauren Fein: Jan 22-Mar 9. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•The Da Vinci Code: Jan 3-19. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•The Elves & the Shoemaker: Dec 3-24, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•The Glass Menagerie: Jan 17-19. Royal Palm Players. Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694.

•The Heart Sellers: Dec 11-Feb 16. Florida Studio Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•The Lehman Trilogy: Jan 26-Mar 2. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•The Murder of Roger Ackroyd: thru Dec 15. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•The Play That Goes Wrong: Jan 15-Feb 16. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Velveteen Rabbit: thru May 27 select matinees. Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory

DECEMBER-JANUARY

Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Tina - the Tina Turner Musical: Dec 13-15. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-9533368.

•Toadfrog: Dec 6 & 7. Ghostbird Theatre. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd Estero. Free w park admit. 691-4128.

•Venice Laughs: Dec 6-15. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-4881115.

•Waitress: thru Dec 29. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-3669000.

•We Have an Opening… For a Reindeer: thru Dec 25: Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•With This Ring: Jan 15-Feb 9. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.

•Wonderland - Illuminate: Featuring Nik Wallenda. Thru Jan 5. Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota. 941355-9805.

Art Galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Thru Dec 7: Autumn Shades of Art. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 312-375-8887.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Dec 11-Jan 5: Water Reflections - Enrique Machado; Jan 8-Feb 16: Sand Cast Glass TueSun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887. •Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Main Gallery— Dec 6-Jan 4: Off the Walls; Jan 3-25: Nude Nocturne. Theatre Gallery— Jan 3-25: Small Nude Works. Member Gallery—Jan 3-25: Figure Drawing Classes Expo. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. 939-2787.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214. •Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Dec 5-18: EA Kahane, Ermin Tabakovic, Keenan Perren, Trompe L’oeil. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sar 12-5p. 941365-2032.

•Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. Open studios Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 646-358-2531.

•Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Thru Jan 2: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc; Jan 9-Feb 20: Arts Inspired by Music. MonFri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-2p. 495-8989.

•Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Dec 19-Jan 15: Arts Bonita Staff & Faculty; Dec 19-Jan 15: Miniature Masterpieces; Jan 23-Mar 6: Arts Bonita Members. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Arts for ACT Gallery: Dec 6-30: Tabby Budde; Jan 3-Feb 3: Lisbeth Ascanio. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Jan 5: Becky Suss - The Dutch House; thru February: Alex Katz - Theater & Dance; thru Jun 29: Florida Contemporary; Dec 7-Jun 15: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Guided tours Tue-Sat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 5971900.

Kristen Chambers performs with Michael Baron, January 26 in U Tobe Recital Hall on the FGCU campus in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

•Bayshore Art Gallery: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Receptions 1st Fri, 5-8p. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. thru Dec 15: Ghost Horizons - Poetry & Printmaking; thru Jan 19: Springs - Assemblage in Four Mediums; Dec 20-Jan 26: Sanibel-Captiva Art League; Jan 24-Apr 18: Life is Alchemy; Jan 31-Mar 9: Mally Khorasantchi. Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat & Sun 9a-1p. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 7: William S Burroughs & Laurie Anderson - Language is a Virus. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a3p. 489-9313.

•Bokeelia Art Gallery: 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. Wed-Sun 10a-5p. 738-5280.

•Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Thru Dec 1: Bigger Than the Dish; thru Dec 1: La Luz; Dec 6-31: Looking Through the Glass; Jan 3-30: Between Worlds - Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Dec 2-19: Silent Auction; Jan 6-26: Water Wonderland. MonThu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. Closed Aug. 7725657.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-4:30p. 6952428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 436-3530.

•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: ARCOS Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. thru Dec 31: Liza Compass & Jane Rubini, artists-in-residence; Jan 1-Feb 28: Mayer Kersun, Thomas Fabian & Jordan Beutel, artists-in-residence. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. ThuSat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. Dec 5-28: Small Works. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sat & Sun by appt. 941-799-6634.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Dec: DAAS Bazaar; Jan: Sonny Romano. 10051 McGregor Blvd, #104, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-2p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 9550422.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.

•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon 3-7p, Tue & Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a-8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283.

•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S McCall Rd, Englewood. Tue & Thu 9a-9p, Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941474-5548.

•Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200

Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p.

•Florida Gulf Coast University

Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–Dec 6-13: Senior Projects; Jan 7-Feb 20: Finding Forms - Sue Havens. Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall— Dec 5-Nov 2025: Environmental Art & Language. Outside Arts Complex— thru Oct 2025: Paul Firmin Public Art Project. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Florida Gulf Coast University

Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501

FGCU Blvd S., 3rd fl, Ft Myers. thru Dec 14: Ann Wolff & Selections from the Permanent Collection; Jan 6-May 3: Sergei Isupov & Selections from Permanent Collection. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Exhibits– thru Jan 2: Dreams to Wings (Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, Bonita Springs); Jan 3-30: Between Worlds (Cape Coral Art Center, Cape Coral). 463-3909.

•Gallerie B: 5311 Shirley St, #3, Naples. Thu & Sat 11a-5p & by appt. 585-301-3601.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: 985 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 1-6p. 6592787.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Thru Dec 2: Shirley Hales, Susan Priess. Receptions 1st Tue 6-8p. Daily 11a-8p. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382

12th Ave S, Naples. Thru Dec 13: Reynier Llanes; Dec 17-Jan 25: Hunt Slonem. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-2637.

•High Tide Studio & Gallery: 995 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 10a4p & by appt. 228-6934.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Dec: Jim Crawford, Stacy Moody, Gerri Zoppa. Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 11a-5p,

Thu 11a-8p, Sun 12-4p. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 263-6640.

•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.

•Joel Shapses Gallery: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. Thu & Sat 1-5p and by appt. 954-830-3156.

•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. FriSun 1-5p. 863-843-2929

•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 103p. 276-0448.

•Laurel Schmid Fine Art Gallery & Studio: 5760 Shirley St, #15, Naples. Tue-Fri 1-5p & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 789-3823.

•Lehigh Acres Art League: River Forest Assoc Clubhouse, 13506 Island Rd, Lehigh Acres. Meets Mon 10a-3p.

•Lovegrove Gallery: 1415 Dean St, #102, Ft Myers. Thu-Mon 9a-4p. 938-5655.

•MARA Art Studio & Gallery: 76 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Thru Dec 20: Still Waters group show. Tue-Fri 11a-4p. 941-914-8110.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: The RitzCarlton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples, By appt. 789-7027 283-3354.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Main Galleries— Dec 9-Jan 7; Tropical Holiday Creations - Clay Guild; Jan 13-Feb 25: Transparency. La Petite Galerie— thru Dec 3: Lynn Nathanson; Dec 9-Jan 7: Robert Kenedi; Jan 13-28: Art David. Dec 3-5: Festival of Trees. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Airport: Dec 16-May 2: Head in the Clouds.160 Aviation Dr N, Naples. Free. 254-8242.

•Naples Art District: Dozens of artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. Open studios Thu & Sat 1-5p. 249-1977.

•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Thru Jan 2: The Guild Hall Collection; Jan 11-Apr 6: Matisse & His Illustrated Works. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517.

January

House of Hamill performs January 26 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

•Naples Art Studios: Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Thru Jan 2: Richard Rosen - Mussel Series Plus. By appt. 821-1061.

•North Fort Myers Art Association: 510-8712.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Exhibits— thru Jan 20: Beguiled by the Wild - Art of Charley Harper. Gardens Aglow: Dec 8-10 & 15-23. Sat 10a-1p. Dogs welcome Tue. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-6218299.

•Pine Island Art: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Exhibits— Best in Show at N Ft Myers Rec Center, 2000 N Recreation Pkwy, N Ft Myers. 10a-4p. 283-4432

•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: Bell

Tower Shops, 13499 Cleveland Ave SW, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. 333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Basch Gallery (Thompson Academic Center, 2363 Bradenton Rd); Cooley Photography Center (Bradenton Rd); Crossley Gallery (Hughes Studio Bldg, 2698 Bradenton Rd); Selby Gallery (2700 N Tamiami Tr); Skylight Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd)— Our People, Our Places; Smith Gallery (2363 Bradenton Rd)— thru Mar 25: Nothing New - Archives of Affection; Stulberg Gallery (2700 N Tamiami Tr)— thru Mar 21: Jack Davis - Legacy of Laughter; Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-359-7563.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Jan 7, 2025: Skyway 2024; thru Jan 5, 2025: Shinique Smith; thru Feb 24: Jess T Dugan; thru Feb 29: Enduring Light; thru May 11: Radical Clay. Circus Museum— ongoing: The Greatest Show on Earth. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Meetings 3rd Thu 1-3p. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 3228593.

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. Thru Dec 18: Embracing Kindness; thru Jan 19: Tammy Nguyen; thru Jan 19: Claire Ashley; thru Apr 13: Larry Fink & Martha Posner; thru Apr 13: Joe Fig - Contemplating Vermeer. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941309-4300.

•Schelkun Studio Arts: Naples Art District, Gallery 206, 5880 Shirley St, #206, Naples. Thu 11a-5p & by appt. 215-837-0251.

•Sea Grape Gallery: 113 Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Grand Reopening Celebration: Jan 7-11. Mar 15 & 16: Courtyard Sale. Thru Dec 26: Holiday Magic. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p. 41-575-1718

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Dec 4-23: Merry Movie Magic - Art

John Pizzarelli performs

27 at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers.

Inspired by Holiday Cinema; Dec 4-23: Panoramica - Soulstice; Jan 3-30: Coffee Paintings & Poetry; Jan 3-30: Panoramica - Curio Dream. Festival of Trees: thru Dec 3. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933.

•smallwalls: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. By appt & 1st Wed 3-7p, 1st Thu 11a-5p, 3rd Sat 11a-5p. 402-201-6160.

•SPAACES Studio: 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota. Thru Dec 14: Ake Arnerdale; Jan: Ruth Avra & Dana Kleinman. Fri & Sat 11a-2p & by appt. 941-374-3492.

•SRQ East Art Studios: 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. Dozen artist studios. Open studios 2nd Sat 5-7p. 941-363-1724.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 852 1st Ave S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 11a-2p. 597-2110.

•Tammra Sigler Studio: 5760 Shirley St, # 11, Naples. By appt. 821-1017.

•Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-4p. 579-0659.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 28: Faces of Water; thru Dec 28: In Fabric & Wood; Jan 11-Feb 22: At the Table - Shell Point Artists; Jan 11-Feb 22: Glass Creations - Petra Kaiser. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394.

•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. Thru Dec 5: Mixed Up Crazy, Julie Ann Bakker; Dec 20-Jan 2: Road Less Traveled, Lynn Railsback; Jan 10-Feb 5: It’s All in Your Head, Aida Garrity. Mon-Fri 9a-4p & Sat 9am-1pm NOV-MAY. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Dec 1-28: Holiday Showcase Under $200, Holidays in the Hall; Jan 9-30: Color Black & White; Jan 9-30: Afternoon Delight. Mon & Fri 10a-4p, Tu-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. 941-639-8810.

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— ongoing: TaweekaacheSeminole Patchwork. Daily 9a-5p (entry to boardwalk closes at 4pm). 877-902-1113.

•America’s Museum of the Military & First Responders: Naples Airport, North Road Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-3p. Free. 614-205-0357.

•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p & Sun 11a-4:30p. 941-364-2199.

•Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium: Great Hall of Shells, Living Gallery of Aquariums. Ongoing photo exhibits— Adorned by the Sea – Shells in fashion. Amy Tripp Photographs of Beach & Marine Life; 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Fri 11a-3p. 395-2233.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p. Guided tours. Plein Air painting workshops: Tue & Thu 9a-1p. 332-4942.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium. Dec 12-Mar 19: Lifeworks in Photography - Clyde Butcher. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a. Register. 337-9505

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guided tours TueSat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Holiday Lights: Dec 6-Jan 5, 6-9:30p. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes select nites 8p. Planetarium shows Mon-Sat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Museum buildings & gardens. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a2p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Thru Jan 4: A Cottage Christmas. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495

Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Guided walks MonSat. Register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Guided boardwalk tours 10-11:30a, register. Daily 8a-3p, visitor center 8a-1p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily. Trails open daily sunrisesunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Exhibit— Dec 6-Feb 28: Niki Butcher - Daydreaming. Jan 23-26: Wellness in Nature. Wildlife drive: Sat-Thu dawn-dusk; Visitor center: Sat-Thu 9a-5p. 472-1100.

•Edison & Ford Winter

Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum. Exhibits— Ongoing: Rebirth & Renewal; ongoing: Fanatics - Edison, Mack & Baseball in Fort Myers. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (pre-register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; Step into History lectures: Tue & Thu 10:30a & 2p.; Piano recitals Wed 1p. Holiday Nights Celebration: thru Jan 5, 5:30-9p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Estero Historic Cottage Museum: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Estero Historical Society: Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd,

The exhibition, ‘The Power of the Portrait’ is on view at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Environmental Learning Center’s art gallery thru January 31.

Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Exhibits— Photography of Martin Graf. Guided tours. Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 1-4p. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Feb 1: Lake Trafford - Ecology & Excursions. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Feb 15: Reflections of South Florida - a 50-Year Art Adventure with Paul Arsenault. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Feb 9-Jun 29: George Harrison - A Gardener’s Life. Dec 6-Jan 1: Lights in Bloom. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Thru Aug 31, 2025: Patti Smith - A Book of Days; Dec 6-Jan 1: Lights in Bloom. Daily 10a-5p. 941-366-5731

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 10a, 12 & 2p; Garden tours Tue & Fri 1p; Untold Stories tours Thu 2p; Free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Wed-Sat 7:30a-6:30p. 765-0865.

•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. Thru Jan 11: Python Hunters. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue, Thu, Sat 11a-3p. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions— Jan 25-May 26: Frame & Flora; Apr 26-Jun 29: Tany Trinkaus Glass; Jul 19-Oct 26, 2025: Artists in Bloom. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jun 22: Nature Journaling. Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden: thru Jan 5, 6-9p. Music in

the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: Temporarily Closed. 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage: Museum & gardens. Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: Tue-Sat 12-4p (register). Christmas at Palm Cottage: Dec 3-31. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-8164.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 2625409.

•Paradise Coast Sports Complex: 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Thru Jan 4: Magic of Lights. Live music Sat nites 5-8p NOV-MAY at The Cove. Free. 252-4386.

•Peace River Wildlife Center: Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda. Exhibit–B thru Jan 20: Beguiled by the Wild. Daily 11a-4p. 941637-3830

•Randell Research Center: 7450

Pineland Rd, Pineland. Calusa Heritage Trail, South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits. Guide Calusa Heritage Trail tours Tue-Sat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Revs Institute: 2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples. Thru 2025: Roaring Twenties Rolling Art - French Automotive Mascots. Tours & workshops. Tue, Thu, Sat 10a-4p. Tix in advance. 687-7387.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— thru Jan 31: The Power of the Portrait. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Tue-Thu 9a-3p. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 472-4648.

•Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Live animal shows, tours. Daily 10a-4p. 941-355-5305

•Shangri-La Springs: 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Organic spa,

garden & dining. Garden tours Tue & Wed 10a. Daily 9a-4p. 949-0749.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Ongoing: 50 Years of Hip Hop, Anderson Avenue Economic Renaissance, MLK Corridor’s Revival. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 3328778.

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Daily 10a-4p. 992-2591.

Parks & Beaches

•Alison Hagerup Beach: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva. Dawn-dusk. Parking fee. 472-2472.

•Alva Park: 21471 N River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-0398.

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. Thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden exhibit. Tue-Fri 9a-3p. Free. 472-1932.

•Bonita Beach Park:  27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444.

•Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008.

•Bowditch Point Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 463-3764.

•Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel. Dawn-dusk. 533-7575.

•Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 3400397.

•Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 237-9306.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta

What Goes On DECEMBER-JANUARY

Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-5755816.

•Collier-Seminole State Park:  US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196.

•Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632.

•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 695-3311.

•Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: 8137 Coastline Dr, Copeland. Hiking & bicycling trails, boardwalk, paddling, historic site. 8a-sunset daily. 695-4593.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 574-0804.

•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8amsunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.

•Hickey Creek Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•John Yarbrough Park: 14608

Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 218-1032.

•Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 992-0311.

•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.

•Lakes Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 7a-dusk. 533-7575.

•Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawndusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lighthouse Beach Park: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345.

•Lovers Key State Park:  8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures Wed 10:30a; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset; seashell walk 1st Fri 10:30a; wildlife hikes 1st Sat 10:30a; beach & estuary walk 3rd Fri 10:30a. 8a-sunset daily. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Beach Park:  950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.

•Matlacha Park: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Community Center. 7a-9p. Free. 771-1078.

•Myakka River State Park:  13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, paddling, hiking & bicycling horseback riding trails, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 8a-sunset daily. 941-361-6511.

•Nalle Grade Park: 8350 Nalle Grade Rd, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.

•North Collier Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.

•North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200

•North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443. .

•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawndusk. Free. 694-2291.

•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843

The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota hosts the exhibition, ‘Radical Clay’, thru May 11.

S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941483-5956.

•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 7711078.

•Rotary Park: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral. Tom Allen Butterfly House, nature trails, environmental center. 8a-4p. Free. 549-4606.

•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.

•San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794.

•Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p.

Guided boardwalk walks daily 9:30a. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7550.

•Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn-9:15p. Free. 478-6998.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7468.

Libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311.

•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4150.

•East County: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200.

•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.

•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.

•Fort Myers: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.

•Fort Myers Beach: Temporarily Closed.. 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 9a-5p. 765-8162.

•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.

•Immokalee: 417 N First St, Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.

•Johann Fust: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941-964-2488

•Lakes: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4000.

•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p,

HERTZ ARENA 11000 Everblades Pkwy Estero 948-7825

Dec 7: vs Jacksonville IceMen *

Dec 11: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 18: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Dec 19: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Dec 20: vs S Carolina Stingrays *

Dec 28: vs Orlando Solar Bears *

Dec 30: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Jan 3: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Jan 15: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Jan 17: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Jan 18: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates *

Jan 31: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 5: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Feb 7: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Feb 8: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits *

Feb 19: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters

Feb 21: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters

Feb 22: vs Tahoe Knight Monsters *

Feb 26: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 28: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Mar 1: vs S Carolina Stingrays *

Mar 12: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mar 14: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mar 26: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Mar 28: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Mar 29: vs Jacksonville IceMen *

Apr 9: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Apr 11: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Apr 12: vs Atlanta Gladiators * Games 7:30pm except *7pm

Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.

•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.

•Northwest: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334700.

•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350.

•Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 533-4370.

•Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri 9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483.

•South: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•South County: 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4400.

•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 533-4780.

•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.

Live Music & Beaches

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069.

•Bone Hook Brewery: 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples. Live music select nites. 631-8522.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p: Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar: 12701 McGregor Blvd,

Ft Myers. Live music select WedSun nites. 482-8565.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Tue nites: jazz & blues jams 7-9:30p; Comedy nites: Fri & select Sat nites 7p; live music select nites 7-10p. Tue. 549-3000.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat 2-5p. Free. 204-9665.

•Downtown Social House: 1406 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Live music— Mon 4-8p: Roy Schneider; Wed 4-8p: Eddie Bartley; Thu 4-8p: PJ Carroll; Fri 4-8p: Rich Lancaster; Sat 5-9p: Countryfied Duo, Sun 3-7p: The Beatless. Free. 337-7646.

•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music select Sat 6-9p. Free. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Winterfest: Dec 14-17. Live music Wed 6-9p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576.

•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat 6-9p. Free. 314-3723.

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 5-9p & Sun 12-4p; last Wed 7-9p Comedy Nite. Free. 463-3838.

•Millennial Brewing: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. Free. 271-2255.

•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sat & select Sun, Tue, Wed nites. 540-7867. •Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Tue: Open jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 540-7867.

•Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music & burlesque select nites. 217-0919.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music— jazz select Thu 7-9p: Brandon Robertson Quartet; Irish music 1st Sun 4-7p: The Rowdy Bards; folk music Sat 1-5p: Jeff Lyons. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz 6:30-9:30p. Wed: Danny Sinoff Trio; Thu: Jazz-Matics; Fri: Tony Boffa & Friends; Sat: Danny Sinoff Quartet; Sun: Ricky Howard. 415-4375.

•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 8845 Founders Square Dr, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat nites. 204-9949.

•Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall: 1901 Crystal Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 344-6147.

•The Cove: Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Live Sat & select Fri nites 5-8p. Free. 2524386

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 985-9839.

•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat 9:30p-1a. 263-6777. •Z’s Music Kitchen: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat 6-9p. 304-9552.