February-March 2024 by Ft.Myers magazine

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News & Previews – News & Previews ..... 8 Wonder Gardens ............................. 19 Mound House.................................. 25 theater – Sam Sherwood ................... 3 1 Sanibel Music Festival.................... 34 Billy Gibbons.................................. 36 Sarasota Jazz Festival .................... 42 books – George Harrison .................. 45 Guide – Attractions .......................... 49 Calendar – What Goes On ...................57 © Copyright February 2024 by Ft.Myers magazine. All rights reserved. Ft.Myers magazine is published five times annually by And Pat llc.

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Bria Skonberg performs with Benny Benack III, March 9 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. on the Cover: ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons

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Andrew Elias : Director-Designer Pat Simms-Elias : Editor Contributors: Jason MacNeil, Gary Mooney, Kara Moyer, Paula Wagoner, Caylee Weintraub

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On The Gulf

ArtFest Returns to the Riverfront ArtFest Fort Myers, Southwest Florida’s premier art festival,

returns to Centennial Park on Fort Myers’ Historic River District waterfront, February 2-34, with works by more than 200 artists on display and for sale, as well as a variety of children’s activities, live entertainment and food trucks. The free art fair is open 10am5pm on Saturday, February 3 and 10am-4pm on Sunday, February 4, with an opening night, Friday, 6-9pm. Gulf Coast Symphony performs a free concert, Symphony on the Sound, at 7pm at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater across the street from the Luminary Hotel. Seats are limited. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. Guest can also meet some of the artists Friday night in a VIP tent, with food and drinks available. Publix Art Yard and Art for All offer hands-on activities of young children, where they can create their own art and enter a Hula Hoop competition. Art Under 20 is an art exhibition and competition for high school students. Chalk Block showcases art by high school students and professional chalk artists. Although entrance to ArtFest and all of its events and activities are free, paid VIP memberships are available. Memberships include reserved seats for the Symphony on the Sound concert, free food and drinks at the

NEWS & PREVIEWS

The Bello Sisters perform an acrobatic balancing act in Circus Sarasota, February 16-March 10 in the Ulla Searing Big Top in Sarasota. Opening Night party, reserved parking, free food, wine and beer all weekend, and shaded rest area on the Caloosa Sound Convention Center terraces overlooking the festival. The entrance to ArtFest is at Centennial Park at 1375 Monroe St. Parking is free on city streets Friday after 5pm and all weekend. Parking garages are located nearby. The LeeTran Downtown Trolley will be running from parking garages on Saturday. For information, call 768-3602.

ArtFest Fort Myers, February 2-4, showcases the work of more than 200 artists from across the country.

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Circus Sarasota Features New Acts Circus Arts Conservatory presents an all new Circus

Sarasota, February 16-March 10 on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. International acts ranging from contortion, diabolo (juggling) and clowning to the flying trapeze and the Double Wheel of Destiny, perform in a one-ring traditional circus setting. The lineup for this year’s Circus Sarasota includes: Joseph Bauer Jr. (ringmaster): 15th generation member of one of Switzerland’s oldest circus families. The Bello Sisters (acrobatic hand balancing): One of the most requested halftime-show performers for the NBA and NCAA Basketball, they made it into the Top 10 on America’s Got Talent. Caleb Carinci (horseback riding): Featured in The Big Apple Circus and had a role in the film, The Greatest Showman. Duo Minasov (quick change artistry): Married couple Elena and Victor Minasov combine stunning costume changes with dance, illusion and magic. Elan España (diabolo Juggling): Has traveled the world juggling up to four diabolos (two-headed top caught with a string stretched between two sticks or

batons at one time, including a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Noe España & Marcos Ponce Lopez (Double Wheel of Destiny): Has performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s U.S. and Japan tours. Noemi España (contortion and hand balancing): Has performed her hula hoop act in Spain, Australia, Italy, Panama, Canada and the U.S, and can shoot a bow and arrow with her feet. Flying Tabares (flying trapeze): Elite group of aerialists recently won the Silver Medal win at the International Circus Festival of Italy. Jimmy Folco (clown): With more than 30 years of experience, his work has been influenced by the artistry and physical comedy of Buster Keaton. Anton Monastyrsky (hula hoop artistry): Featuring difficult tricks and stylish choreography, he has performed in many of the top circuses in the world, from Cirque du Soleil to Circus Krone. Caleb Carinci, the Flying Tabares and Anton Monastyrsky are making their Circus Sarasota debuts. Showtimes are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 & 7pm, Fridays at 7pm, and Sundays at 1 & 5pm. Performances take place at the Ulla Searing Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, located at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota. Call 941-355-9335 for information.

The New York Times best-selling author, Susan Penner will be appearing at the SWFL Reading Festival, March 2, on the campus of the Fort Myers Regional Library in the Historic River District.

Reading Festival Brings Authors to the River District The Lee County Library System’s 25th annual Southwest Florida

Reading Festival will host 30 bestselling authors for all ages on March 2 at the Fort Myers Regional Library in the downtown Historic River District. The free outdoor celebration gives fans the opportunity to meet bestselling authors, get books signed, and discover the latest books and digital resources offered by the library. In addition, there will be readings, storytelling, a book giveaway for children and teens, youth writing award presentations, crafts activities for children, and food trucks. Scheduled to appear at the Reading Festival are The New York Times best-selling authors Mary Kay Andrew, Cara Black, Ben Coes, Jeffrey Deaver, Heather Graham, Sarah Penner, Joe Posnanski, and Charles Todd, among others. There will be a local authors marketplace, with representatives from the Florida Writers Association, Gulf Coast Writers Association and Southwest Florida Fiction Writers. There will also be crafts activities for children as well as a variety of food trucks. The Reading Festival is also hosting An Evening with the Authors on Friday, March 1, 5:30-8pm. This fundraising event gives attendees time to mingle with the authors while enjoying cocktails and dinner at the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens, located at 2505 First St. on the Caloosahatchee River in the Historic River District. Other Meet the Author events associated with the SWFL Readings Festival include: • February 9, 2pm: Jeffrey Blount & Susan Zurenda (Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd. Fort Myers) • February 10, 2pm: Shelley Shepard Gray (Cape Coral - Lee County Library, 921 SW 39th St., Cape Coral) • February 22, 2pm: M.A. McLaughlin (Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd. Fort Myers) • March 1, 11am: Sarah Penner (South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero) • March 1, 2pm: Jane Cleland F t . M yers magazine

(Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs) Registration is required for all Meet the Author events. The Reading Festival will be held rain or shine. Fort Myers Regional Library is located at 2450 First St. in Fort Myers’ Historic River District. Parking along downtown streets is free during weekends and the City of Fort Myers main parking garage will have a special rate the day of the festival. The Southwest Florida Reading Festival is free and communitysupported through donations, sponsorships and grants. For information, call 533-4832.

be a day of fun for the Seminole Tribal communities, it now attracts thousands of visitors to celebrate Seminole traditions and culture. The Brighton Field Day Festival & Rodeo will be held February 16-18, 9a-8pm at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, located at 17400 Sports Complex Rd. NE, in Okeechobee. Call 863-467-6039 for information.

Seminole Tribe Hosts Field Day Festival & Rodeo The Seminole Tribe of Florida is hosting their 85th Annual

May Pang Photography Show in Naples F ew people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang

Brighton Field Day Festival & Rodeo on February 16-18. ‘Kid’s Day’ is scheduled for Friday, February 16th, with free admission to all schools. Dustin Lynch performs in concert on February 17, at 6pm. In addition to a rodeo, the Brighton Field Day will feature American Indian arts, crafts, music, dancers, authentic Seminole cuisine, alligator wresting, and cultural village. The weekend offers a hands-on and immersive experience that showcases rich Seminole culture and heritage. Brighton Field Day, started in 1938, is one of the longestrunning Native festivals in the United States. Initially meant to

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The Seminole Brighton Field Day Festival & Rodeo is being held February 16-18 at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena in Okeechobee.

was Lennon’s lover during the infamous ‘Lost Weekend’ which lasted 18 months during late 1973-1975. During this highly creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment. A collection of these private photographs will be on display and available for purchase at HW Gallery in Naples, February 22-25. Admission is free. May Pang will be in attendance at HW Gallery, meeting customers and telling stories behind these amazing limitededition photographs for sale of John Lennon. During the ‘Lost Weekend,’ Lennon recorded the albums Mind Games, Walls and Bridges, and Rock and Roll, as well as collaborated with Elton John,

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David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger, and Ringo. It was during this time that Pang rented a house in Santa Monica and moved in with Lennon, Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and Harry Nilsson. Several photos from this time appear in the exhibition. Other highlights of the exhibition include the only photograph that exists of John Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles as well as one of the last known photographs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney together (March 29, 1974). Both photographs have never been available to the public until now. The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang exhibition will be on display during an opening reception, February 22, 5-7pm; February 23, 10am-6pm; February 24 & 25, 10am-5pm. HW Gallery is located at 462 9th St. N, in Naples. Call 2636640 for information.

Patti Smith Returns to Marie Selby Gardens P atti Smith, Marie Selby Garden’s Artist-in-Residence,

returns to Sarasota February 15 for a special encore performance, An Encore with Patti Smith Dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe. The performance commemorates Selby Gardens’ 2024 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe, on view February 11- June 30. This is Smith’s fourth visit to

FEB 23: vs Northeastern U Huskies FEB 25: vs Minnesota Twins FEB 26: vs Philadelphia Phillies FEB 29: vs Detroit Tigers MAR 2: vs Washington Nationals MAR 3: vs Toronto Blue Jays MAR 5: vs Tampa Bay Rays MAR 7: vs Atlanta Braves MAR 11: vs Pittsburgh Pirates MAR 12: vs St. Louis Cardinals MAR 15: vs Minnesota Twins MAR 17: vs New York Yankees MAR 19: vs Tampa Bay Rays MAR 21: vs Baltimore Orioles * MAR 23: vs Minnesota Twins * all games start at 1 pm except * 6 pm

May Pang’s photographs of John Lennon are on view and for sale at HW Gallery in Naples, February 22-25. Patti Smith performs February 15 at Marie Selby Botanical a Gardens in Sarasota.

Selby Gardens. Her visits have combined public activities such as readings and performances with private time drawing creative inspiration from the organization’s two bayfront campuses and world-renowned collections. In addition, Smith’s iconic voice can be heard at the new Welcome Center, where she narrates a visitor orientation video in the new Theater. Smith’s relationship with Selby Gardens stems from the Gardens’ 2022 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry, and Light. Smith first visited Selby Gardens in February 2022 to F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

FEB 23: vs U of Minnesota Golden Gophers * FEB 24: vs Pittsburgh Pirates FEB 27: vs Philadelphia Phillies FEB 28: vs Baltimore Orioles MAR 1: vs Boston Red Sox MAR 3: vs Tampa Bay Rays MAR 4: vs Atlanta Braves MAR 6: vs Boston Red Sox MAR 9: vs New York Yankees MAR 10: vs Washington Nationals MAR 13: vs St Louis Cardinals MAR 14: vs Toronto Blue Jays MAR 16: vs Tampa Bay Rays MAR 18: vs Boston Red Sox MAR 20: vs Detroit Tigers MAR 22: vs Atlanta Braves MAR 24: vs Baltimore Orioles MAR 26: vs Atlanta Braves all games start at 1 pm except *6 pm

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tour the exhibition and perform songs and readings she selected to complement the exhibition. Smith returned in April 2022 for a second live performance, at

Lee County Sports Complex HAMMOND STADIUM 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. FORT MYERS 800-338-9467

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which the new residency was announced. In November 2023, Smith returned with An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe, as a prelude

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to the Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe. Smith’s performance on February 15 starts at 7pm Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown Sarasota Campus is located at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. For information, call 941-366-5731.

Jewish Film Festival at Bell Tower Cinemas Celebrating its 28th year, the Jewish Film Festival of Southwest

Florida presents a diverse selection of outstanding Jewish films from several countries that examine Jewish history, heritage, and culture. Eleven films will be screened on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 & 7pm, throughout February. screening schedule

February 1: Dead Sea Guardian. Documentary about the lowest place on earth. 7pm. February 4: Remembering Gene Wilder. Documentary of legendary actor and comedian. 3pm. February 6: Children of Nobody. Drama, in Hebrew with subtitles. True story of troubled boys uniting to protect a shelter for at-risk youth. 7pm. February 8: The Jews & The Blues. Documentary explores blues influences in various Israeli cultures. 7pm. February 13: Lost Transport. Historical drama with subtitles. Story of unexpected friendships as train deporting Jewish prisoners is stranded in small German village occupied by the Red Army. 7pm. February 15: Israel Swings for Gold. Story of Israeli’s baseball team competing in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. 7pm. February 20: Matchmaking. Romantic comedy gives twist on Romeo and Juliet. In Hebrew. 7pm. February 22: Farewell Mr Haffmann. French with subtitles. Drama about a Jewish tailor forging identities and documents to help others escape Nazioccupied France. 7pm. February 25: Imordecai. Comedy-drama about Holocaust survivor adapting to the modern world and an iPhone. 3pm.

solar array that will make Selby Gardens the first net-positive energy botanical garden complex in the world. • State-of-the-art Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center, which secures irreplaceable scientific resources in a hurricane-resilient structure and provides a window into once behind-the-scenes world-class research. The facility contains the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Herbarium & Laboratory as well as a research library, spirit laboratory, conference rooms, administrative offices, as well as a rooftop garden and solar array. • Open-air Jean Goldstein Welcome Center • Publicly accessible multi-use recreational trail • New garden and water features with more open space, including a Lily Pond Garden, Glades Garden, and the restoration of historic Palm Avenue as a pedestrian-only promenade. • New restaurant, The Green Orchid, the world’s first net positive energy restaurant entirely utilizing solar power, and featuring a rooftop edible garden A timeline for the second and third phases of the Master Plan will be announced soon. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries including a 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and

The Southwest Florida Jewish Film Festival presents Remembering Gene Wilder on February 4 at the Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters in Fort Myers. February 27: The Shadow of the Day. Italian and French with subtitles. Story of Fascistabiding restaurateur and girl with dangerous secret who starts working for him. 7pm. February 29: The Catskills. Documentary explores the storied mountain bungalow getaway north of New York City and its vibrant Jewish life. 3p. The Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida screenings are at the Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, located at 13499 Bell Tower Dr. in Fort Myers. Call 481-4449 for information.

Selby Gardens Opens Phase One of Master Plan M arie Selby Botanical Gardens celebrating its 50th anniversary,

Phase One of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Master Plan features a new welcome center and Lily Pond Garden.

also celebrated the grandopening of Phase One of its three-phase Master Plan for its Downtown Sarasota campus in January. The project adds 188,030 square feet of new facilities and amenities to Selby Gardens’ iconic campus on Sarasota Bay. Phase One features the following components: • Cutting-edge Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility, which houses parking, a garden-to-plate restaurant, a new gift shop, vertical gardens, and a nearly 50,000 square-foot F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

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30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in the Osprey area of Sarasota County, Florida. The Downtown campus on Sarasota Bay is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants. The Historic Spanish Point campus, located less than 10 miles south along Little Sarasota Bay, is one of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants and open to the public. Marie Selby Downtown Sarasota Campus is located at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. The Historic Spanish Point Campus is located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. Both campuses are open 10am-5pm daily. For information, call 941366-5731.

Hubcaps as Art at Tribby Arts Center Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point hosts the exhibition, On the

Road Again: The Hubcap as Art, presenting the work of 270 artists from across the United States and 35 other countries. The exhibition showcases works from the collection of the Pennsylvania-based Landfillart Project, which began in 2008 when Ken Marquis, owner of picture-framing shops and galleries in northeastern Pennsylvania, acquired a supply of 1,041 discarded hubcaps and asked artists to re-purpose them as art. He first approached artists

On The Gu l f in the region, then across the nation, and finally around the world. The environmental message captured artists’ attentions, and in six years, all hubcaps had been transformed into artworks. Tribby Arts Center Curator Marge Lee explains, “Artists could use the hubcap they received from the Landfillart Project in any way they wished to create art.” The largest object on display, The Raven, by Pattie Young of Idaho, is nearly eight feet high and weighs more than 600 pounds. Some artworks are kinetic, feature illumination, or are interactive. Among the latter are a kaleidoscope made of bottle caps and a three-foot wheel which, when turned, makes the sound of pelting rain. Many of the artists represented in the exhibition have distinguished careers. On the Road Again also incorporates hubcap artworks made by children participating in the art programs of the Heights Center of Fort Myers. On the Road Again: The

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On the Road Again: Hubcaps as Art is on display thru March 30 at Tribby Arts Center in Fort Myers

Weekend of Wonder in Bonita Springs Wonder Garden’s annual fundraising event, Weekend

Hubcap as Art is on display Tuesday-Saturday thru March 30, 10am-3pm. Admission is free. Tribby Arts Center is located at 17281 On Par Blvd. within the Coastal Commons neighborhood of Shell Point. For more information, call 415-5667.

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of Wonder, offers two events to raise funds to support the nonprofit. Evening of Wonderment is February 3, 6-9pm. The event will be held in a tent reminiscent of a fairytale and

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include special garden lighting, cocktail party with wine and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a selection of food stations featuring four international cuisines, and a Wonder Gardens presentation followed by a live auction. Entertainment includes a 70’s & 80’s tribute band, steel drums, and a Tarot card reader. Guest can take photos with some of Wonder Gardens’ exotic birds. On February 4, 1-4:30pm., guests at Splash of Jazz can enjoy an intimate concert by Brandon Robertson and student jazz groups from Florida Gulf Coast University, a cash bar and a garden stroll. There is a presentation about the future of Wonder Gardens at intermission. Wonder Gardens will be closed February 3 & 4 to visitors. “As we continue to envision improvements to the historic Wonder Gardens, we want to offer many opportunities for the community to support our vision,” said Neil Anderson, Wonder Gardens executive director. “We continue to create enhancements that

On The Gu l f showcase the Wonder Gardens as an oasis of Old Florida, while developing new exciting exhibits, continuing top-notch guest experiences and achieving zoological accreditation, all with the goal of keeping it as an asset to the community.” Wonder Gardens does not receive taxpayer funding. Improvements, maintenance, staff and animal care are paid for by admissions, memberships, giftshop sales, fundraisers and donations. The Wonder Gardens is located at 27180 Old 41 Rd. in downtown Bonita Springs. For information, call 992-2591.

Clyde Butcher’s New Book A fter a year of dedication and hard work, Clyde Butcher’s muchanticipated book, LifeWorks in Photography has been completed and sent off to the printer. “The journey of creating this book has been nothing short of incredible—a labor of

NEWS & PREVIEWS love, a spiritual exploration, and a therapeutic experience. Capturing my father’s life through the lens of his photography has been a privilege, and we are eager to bring this masterpiece to you,” explains his daughter. LifeWorks in Photography is a comprehensive reflection of Butcher’s remarkable journey spanning the last 60 years of his prolific career. Divided into six captivating chapters, each section unveils a unique aspect of his life, accompanied by stunning photographs that chronicle his adventures across the United States — from state parks to national parks, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of our nation. Additionally, the book takes you on an international journey, exploring captivating scenes from Cuba, Spain, and the Czech Republic. LifeWorks in Photography is not just a collection of photographs; it’s a testament to a life dedicated to the art of photography. Call 941-486-0811 for information.

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Clyde Butcher’s long-awaited book, LifeWorks in Photography to be published soon. Clyde & Niki Butcher have two galleries: Venice Gallery & Studio, located at 237 Warfield Ave. S and Big Cypress Gallery, located at 52388 Tamiami Trail in Ochopee.

Benefit Concert for Shy Wolf Sanctuary S hy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center is hosting

its 5th Annual WolfStock Brewfest & Concert on Saturday,

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February 3. The fundraising event will feature an evening of food, local craft beers, auctions, and entertainment, along with some of Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s ambassador animals. Local bands Rock Republic and Rockadelic will perform. General admission tickets are available, as are VIP Experience passes, which include stagefront seating, catered food, a commemorative t-shirt and mug, a photo opportunity with Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s Ambassador Animals and a post-event visit to the Sanctuary on Sunday, February 4. Proceeds will directly support Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s educational programs, therapeutic animal encounters, and rescue efforts. In addition, funds will also be used to support the ongoing capital campaign for the expansion of the sanctuary’s facilities. WolfStock Brewfest & Concert is 4-8pm at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, located at 3940 City Gate Blvd. N. in Naples. For information, call 855-749-9653.

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A Hidden Wonderland by Kara Moyer

Stepping into the gardens from the welcome center and gift shop feels like teleporting back to that ‘old Florida’ we now mostly see in history books and museums.

T’S EASY TO BREEZE right past the unassuming, albeit historic Wonder Gardens Welcome Center along Old U.S. 41 Rd. in Bonita Springs. Its low-pitched roof and narrow, one-way parking lot is nestled between a strip of restaurants and a bridge over a sliver of the Imperial River. If you spot the retro-painted ‘Everglades Wonder Gardens’ billboard while cruising along, you’ve likely already missed the entrance. But if you’ve never toured The Wonder Gardens, this is your billboard sign, your public service announcement of sorts, to slow down, put on your turn signal, and go experience it for yourself. The welcome center sustained significant wind and flood damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, taking on over three feet of storm surge from the nearby river, and is still missing its roof-top sign, which is partially why it’s tough to spot. Because of its historic registration and significance, restoration was slow and extremely detailed to ensure all new additions aligned with historic preservation guidelines. But the lack of a welcome center and offices didn’t deter the organization from reopening, and just two weeks after the devastating storm, The Wonder Gardens staff and volunteers rallied. They set up folding tables and tents in the parking lot, farmers’ market-style, to welcome guests back with open arms. The building was deemed structurally sound, and the interior was completed and reopened in July 2023. Sarah Williamson, Retail and Communications Manager of The Wonder Gardens, is especially proud of the renovated center. “It’s been a labor of love thanks to our dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers all over the state, and we’re excited to offer such a wide array of gifts and educational tools to our guests.” It is now a shopper’s paradise for Florida-themed and kid-friendly objects, from stuffed turtles and flamingos to beautifully illustrated books about animal eggs and bird migrations. The vast representation of local artists’ work ranges from handmade jewelry to locally harvested honey and soap. You’d be hardpressed not to find a memento to take home.

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Stepping into the gardens from the welcome center and gift shop feels like teleporting back to that ‘old Florida’ we now mostly see in history books and museums. Despite significant wind damage from Hurricane Ian, the canopy of trees in the gardens is still remarkably substantial and multi-stories tall. It’s shady and breezy, even on the sunniest days, and the temperature feels instantly cooler than out on the parking lot. As you meander deeper into the gardens, it’s easy to forget that not one hundred feet away is a bustling downtown, and the humming street traffic fades away. The entire tour, which is self-guided, takes about an hour at a leisurely stroll’s pace. Upon stepping into the gardens, a handful of vibrantly colored, rescued parrots, macaws, a n d va r i o u s p a ra s o l s rest on intricately handmade wooden perches. Some squawk and shriek beneath the equally vibrant umbrellas while others bury their beaks in their feathers, unphased by the onlookers. A handful of the animals are born and raised on the grounds, but the majority are rescued

a n d n ow c o n s i d e r e d non-releasable, and this is their ‘forever home.’ All the parrots and parasols were once pets that were surrendered to the organization when they could no longer be adequately cared for by private owners. The Wonder Gardens zookeepers are all professionally trained to ensure the utmost

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Despite significant wind damage from Hurricane Ian, the canopy of trees in the gardens is still remarkably substantial and multi-stories tall.

RECRE ATION care of the ‘animal residents,’ as Williamson refers to them. Williamson’s reference to ‘residents’ echoes the immense and obvious respect the organization has for all living beings on the property. The various animal enclosures are immaculately maintained and expansive. To say the plant life is thriving is an understatement. Gravel and paved walkways are perfectly raked, and the handful of seating areas throughout the property are inviting and peaceful. They somehow manage to make a wooden backless bench look cozy. Standing at the edge of the flamingo pond, peppered with lily pads and neon pink lotus flowers, feels like stepping into a Monet painting. There are numerous signs reminding guests to ‘look, but please don’t touch,’ ensuring a safe environment and an experience like no other for patrons that has spanned a dramatic, almost 90-year, evolution into what it is today. A brief and extremely abridged history to appreciate the sheer wonder that the gardens

LIVING

Florida’s west coast), and as accessibility became easier, buzz began about the small tropical town with citrus farms, immeasurable vacant acres for sale, and a fisherman’s paradise with miles of riverbanks and beaches. In 1936, bootlegger brothers Bill and Lester Piper had also heard about the buzz of Bonita Springs and headed south from Michigan, away from the thick of Prohibition, to introduce their roadside attraction brainstorm: the ‘Everglades Reptile Gardens.’ The brothers housed and rehabilitated injured wildlife, and captured their own as well, including alligators and crocodiles, pythons, sea otters, even bears. This roadside attraction was rough around the edges, to put it lightly, but it f lourished well into the 21st centur y, with an eventual rebranding as the ‘Everglades Wonder Gardens,’ and then simply to today’s name, ‘The Wonder Gardens.’ In 2013, the Piper family, in its third generation of ownership, made the difficult decision to close after declining attendance, family health issues, and inadequate resources. The animals that lived there were donated to various zoos and refuges around the country, and some sold to private owners. Artifacts, ornamental décor, even taxidermized animals were auctioned off. The doors closed after 77 years. But John Brady, a Florida-based landscape and nature photographer, realized the potential and temporarily leased the land from the Piper family in 2015, re-establishing The Wonder Gardens Inc. and turning it into a non-profit organization. The Bonita Springs City Council also recognized its potential, as well as its historical and cultural significance, and loaned the

A small bridge leads to a ‘looking pavilion,’ which is just enough of an elevation to feel out of an alligator’s grasp, but close enough to count the teeth.

still exists: in the 1920s, a small town called ‘Survey,’ barely accessible by land, became a new stop on Barron Collier’s Atlantic Coast Railway and was shortly after rebranded as Bonita Springs. Not too far behind the Railway was the construction of the Tamiami Trail (now commonly referred to as U.S. Highway 41 on

non-profit $3.5 million to officially purchase the land from the Piper family, thereby protecting The Wonder Gardens from ever being demolished for commercial use. Soon after, the City of Bonita Springs purchased the land, making it a public-private partnership. Today’s The Wonder Gardens operates with a paid staff of just over 20 employees, and a volunteer list well over 100, with a budget funded mutually by the city of Bonita Springs and generous donations and sponsorships. In a perfect nod to the original roadside attraction, and not more than twenty steps from the parrots and parasols, lies a very secure yet sprawling swamp with more alligator heads poking out of the murky brown water than you can count on both hands. A small bridge leads to a ‘looking pavilion,’ which is just enough of an elevation to feel out of an alligator’s grasp, but close enough to count the teeth.

Standing at the edge of the flamingo pond, peppered with lily pads and neon pink lotus flowers, feels like stepping into a Monet painting.

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Strolling further, ornately designed screen and glass-enclosed pavilions reminiscent of antique music boxes are nestled beneath the Banyan trees. Many are homes to various bird species and have been generously donated from long-time supporters of The Wonder Gardens. Through the succulent garden and around another corner, African-spurred tortoises mosey across their dry dirt pens, munching cacti chunks from an arm’s length away. The beauty of the grounds is evident from every angle, but remnants of destruction from Hurricane Ian remain. In addition to extensive tree canopy damage and flooding the welcome

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RECRE ATION center, the animal care kitchen and tool shed were destroyed by both wind and rain. All the animals were re-located to safe houses two days prior to the storm, except the alligators, who remained in their habitat. Plans had already been drafted for a new state-of-the-art Animal Care Center prior to Ian, and, as Williamson explains, “the care center is needed now more than ever.” In efforts to bring those plans to life, The Wonder Gardens has overhauled their annual fundraiser for a full weekend of events and entertainmen, ‘Weekend of Wonder,’ February 3 & 4. On Saturday evening, guests can enjoy African-spurred tortoise

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drinks and appetizers under a tent in the middle of the gardens, followed by live entertainment and a live auction. Sunday’s events include jazz performances by internationally acclaimed bassist, Brandon Robertson, and Florida Gulf Coast University’s jazz ensembles. When asked what the future holds for The Wonder Gardens, Williamson lights up with excitement. In addition to the care center, a sea otter exhibit is on the horizon, which would be the first mammal group introduced to the gardens in decades. Another major focus is to achieve Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation within the next few years. “This would mean our operations

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would be considered ‘the gold standard’ for animal care, welfare, education, and guest experience,” she explains. In terms of guest experience, The Wonder Gardens is already at the gold standard. If you’re looking for an immediate reason to visit, The Orchid Plaza, generously donated by Judith & James McGregor, is currently in full bloom, but only for a limited time. Regardless of when, experiencing the true, abundant wonder of The Wonder Gardens must be checked off your to-do list. • The Wonder Gardens, located at 21180 Old 41 Rd. in Bonita Sperings, is open daily, 9am-3pm. For information, call 992-2591.

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R E CR EATION

LI VI NG

Mound House Rebounds by Gary Mooney

“T

HE MOUND HOUSE is an ancient historic site on Fort Myers Beach that tells the story of three different cultures who all lived on this same 3-acre property,” explains Mound House Museum Manager Adam Knight. “The Calusa Indians built up the shell mound upon which the Mound House sits, layer after layer. Next came the Spaniards and Latino settlers who used the shell mound for their fishing rancho. Finally came the Anglo-American settlers who farmed the property and built the initial house. Today, the Museum contains numerous and varied exhibits that tell the tale of the Mound House throughout Fort Myers Beach’s long history.” The Town of Fort Myers Beach purchased the Mound House in 2000 to preserve it from residential development. “The original home dates back to 1906,” Adam offers. “The Tudor-style structure came about in several sections, just like the construction of its mound, with the last major expansion in 1921. The Town selected that year to restore the Mound House appearance.” The Calusa built the shell mound up to roughly 13 feet for their village because they experienced hurricanes and storm surges just like Fort Myers Beach today, Adam says, as evidence by the devastation Hurricane Ian wrought on September 28, 2022.

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“Coastal Southwest Florida was an abundant but risky environment to the Calusa, just like for our current residents, so they elevated their village infrastructure layer by layer, generation after generation.” Adam says that there are misconceptions about Calusa mound building. “The first is that this is some kind of Indian burial ground made up of human bones and that is absolutely not true, as their mounds are shells, animal bones and broken pottery. The second is that these are ancient landfills or garbage dumps where the Calusa haphazardly threw their old broken pottery and animal shells and bones, but they engineered these mounds by reworking and reshaping them over and again.” He explains,”Their mounds are terrific examples of designated resource management, as the Calusa were the ultimate ancient recyclers, including scavenging shells from other mounds and bringing them here! Building materials like stone were hard to come by in Florida, so these were the preferred mound construction materials.”

The Story Beneath Our Feet Of all the Mound House exhibits and attractions, it is the underground exhibit area that most intrigues Museum visitors, reports Adam. “It is ‘The Story

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“We are one of the few places where people can learn the history of the Spanish, Seminoles, and Latinos who were here before the United States came into existence and whose descendants still live in the area.”

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“It sustained minor damage to its roof, but, thankfully, the mound worked just as well in 2022 as it did over the last 1000 years and that is a testament to Calusa engineering.”

who were here before the United States came into existence and whose descendants still live in the area.”

The Magic of The Mound Beneath Our Feet’ that is approximately 30 feet by 20 feet by 13 feet, and when you enter you literally walk into the shell mound!” He explains, “The Mound House’s last private owner installed an in-ground swimming pool directly into the mound that the Town removed when it purchased the site. That left a gaping hole in the mound that exposed its numerous construction layers, so instead of filling it in the underground exhibit was born! Experiencing it is amazing, as most excavation sites are rarely larger than 4 x 4 x 4, so our cross section is huge.” He believes that it is essential that Southwest Floridians know more about the Calusa. “Most current residents did not live here even ten or twenty years ago, so if you call an area home, you should know its shared collective history and here that starts with the Calusa. They interacted with an unstable climate, like we do today, and not only survived but thrived. Like Fort Myers Beach now, after Ian, the Calusa made amazing recoveries from hurricanes and storm surge events, as their story of ingenuity and resilience on a barrier island is the

foundation of the rich history of the place we call home.” While the Calusa culture no longer exists, Adam emphasizes that “they live on in local indigenous peoples, most notably the Seminole, in the same way the Roman Empire no longer exists but there are Roman culture descendants.” While the Calusa period goes back over a millennium and its Anglo period began more than a century ago, Adam finds the Mound House’s Spanish and Latino rancho era from the late 1700s to the early 1800s its most intriguing. “It is by far the least studied period,” he notes. “Spanish and Indian fishers established small villages along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, though some were permanent, and they basically became the first commercial fisheries. So much of the people, general history and lifestyle from this time remains clouded in uncertainty, so it is exciting that we preserved our rancho. We are one of the few places where people can learn the history of the Spanish, Seminoles, and Latinos F EB RUA RY-M A RCH 2024

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“The Mound House weathered Hurricane Ian extremely well; much better than most of Estero Island,” Adam relates. “It sustained minor damage to its roof, but, thankfully, the mound worked just as well in 2022 as it did over the last 1000 years and that is a testament to Calusa engineering.” He notes, “We did not lose any artifacts to the storm surge and that is amazing because just 50 feet away, our kayak shed had over 7 feet of water. That is the magic of the mound. The mound’s flood mitigation combined with natural resources like our abundant mangroves stopped not only the storm surge, but all the debris it carried, like trailers and large roofing sections that would have severely damage the Museum. When people ask what we can learn from the Mound House, its flood mitigation engineering alone is priceless.” Another Mound House lesson relevant to current Fort Myers Beach residents, Adam reports, “is that it is not just how high you build but the resiliency, courage and tenacity it takes to rebuild after multiple hurricanes over hundreds of years, as the Calusa just kept

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RECRE ATION coming back, never quitting! They constantly rebuilt to new and better standards of sustainability in a climate that was never safe nor reliable. That attitude carried over into all aspects of their lives, like diet, as they did not over-fish nor overwork the land and used native landscaping like mangroves to their best possible extent. The Calusa respected the environment and that sustainable lifestyle allowed them to call this home for over a thousand years.”

See It With Your Own Eyes If you have yet to visit the Mound House, Adam provides several reasons why you should. He offers, “Experience over 1,000 years of human history all in one museum, while discovering the peaceful oasis of the Mound House grounds. Discover how Fort Myers Beach previously looked and how people lived over the generations on this island. Learn skills like kayaking and get out into the wild just a few minutes away from your home or hotel. Walk the grounds, enjoy a picnic lunch or fish off our pier.” “The Mound House offers guided walking tours as well as guided kayak tours of the neighboring Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve,” Adams continues. “It hosts a monthly lecture series

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with speakers ranging from history and archaeology to the environment.” Mound House members receive multiple benefits, like free admission and reduced admission to adventures like kayak tours, Adam emphasizes. “To entice more people to join, we are offering a special coffee-chat program on Saturday, February 10, 10am-12pm. Visitors can enjoy coffee and treats while getting a behind-the-scenes look at never-before-exhibited artifacts from our collection, from early Calusa archaeology to Spanish Colonial musket balls to the first deed filed on Fort Myers Beach. Space is limited so advance registration is recommended.“ For Adam, the best part of the Mound House is that “It is just one of two places in Florida where you can actually walk right inside an archaeological site, The Calusa constructed this mound over the course of a thousand years and at the Mound House you experience it with your own eyes!” • The Mound House is located at 451 Connecticut St. in Fort Myers Beach. The museum is open

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Wed-Sat, 9am-4pm. The grounds are free to explore and enjoy daily, 7:30am-6pm. For information, call 765-0865.

“The Calusa respected the environment and that sustainable lifestyle allowed them to call this home for over a thousand years.”

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T H EATER

ARTS

Happy Being Hank by Jason MacNeil

Sherwood says his biggest challenge is in capturing the darkness that enveloped most of Williams’ short but stellar career.

UDGING BY HIS myriad of performances over the years on theatre stages across the U.S., actor Sam Sherwood is a man of many hats and many instruments. Sam has portrayed a who’s who of classic rock and country icons ranging from John Denver to John Lennon to Johnny Cash. Now Sherwood is slated to be the lead in Florida Rep’s production of Hank Williams: Lost Highway, a play written by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik. “I’m not sure what age I first heard him, but I always heard him,” Sherwood says. “I knew a few of his songs growing up because they were very much part of our culture. Probably around the time I started picking up the guitar was the time I dug a little deeper into his music.” The play is familiar to Sherwood as he played a smaller role in a 2017 production which ran in Vero Beach. But this is his first time playing Hank Williams, something he’s eager to sink his theatrical teeth into. “He is just such an interesting character,” Sherwood says. “He lived such a hard life. He grew up in poverty and experienced a lot of adversity with his health. He had a condition called spina bifida, which caused him to be in extreme pain from a very young age. Because of that, he struggled with addictions to alcohol and painkillers to get through the pain he was in. “Even though he had so much working against him, he was able to write these really incredible songs and express himself through songs. His music is just so wonderful, so to get to play him and his songs is a cool thing.” Sherwood, who has been quite prolific with stage work over the years, says he grew up in the theatre since childhood. “My parents were involved at that time in theatre so I spent a lot of time backstage around

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theatre people,” he says. “It was always a very comfortable place. I’m not sure I decided to do theatre until sometime later, but when I did it was an easy decision to make. It was a very familiar place for me.” Over several years and a bevy of roles, Sherwood managed to fuse his musical abilities with his acting work. He says he doesn’t see himself as a musician who happens to act, but rather vice versa. “I really do think of myself as both, but the number one thing that I pursue in my career is acting and theatre,” he says. “My abilities as a musician — particularly as somebody who can play instruments in addition to being a singer — that’s something that’s helped me quite a lot with certain types of theatre. And Hank Williams: Lost Highway is one of those things. It’s a story about a musician, so of course you want to see somebody really playing. So that’s been a niche I’ve discovered in my career.” It’s that niche which has seen him portray several musical icons over the years such as Denver, Lennon, and Cash, as well as Buddy Holly and Carl Perkins. Sherwood says while there are obvious differences between the five there is a common characteristic each share. “I’ve gotten to play all these people whose music I really admire,” he says. “I think each one is different, but I think each one of these people had expressed themselves really through their music and had a unique and important voice that influenced everyone who came after them. Hank Williams in particular is just hugely important for every bit of music that came after him. So many p e o p l e h ave t r i e d to emulate what he did. H i s s o u n d , b u t m o re importantly his songwriting was so unique, from the heart and real.” Sherwood, who cites ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could

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He says he doesn’t see himself as a musician who happens to act, but rather vice versa.

THEATER Cry’ as his favorite Hank Williams tune, says his biggest challenge is in capturing the darkness that enveloped most of his short but stellar career. “He had to overcome so much and lived a really tragic life,” he says. “He died at age 29 in the back seat of a car being driven to his next show. He had a very poor upbringing, health problems, addictions and he had some volatile people in his life. I think it’s important to capture that darkness because it’s such an important part of why he was able to write such beautiful and tragic songs.” Sherwood also says the play, which will also feature Sherwood’s wife portraying Hank’s wife, Audrey Williams, has resonated for decades due to the songs Williams recorded long ago. “His music has transcended time and generations,” he says. “I think the music is certainly one reason. We all still know so many of his songs, even people who don’t necessarily know where they came from. And it’s a wonderful, very well written play.” As for preparation, the actor says the cast should have close to three weeks for rehearsals which will be largely “getting the songs in really good shape” to put into the play. Also all the music heard will be performed by actors on stage.”

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Sherwood’s wife is portraying Hank’s wife, Audrey Williams. He also says that chemistry, or synergy, when a cast is put together before the opening curtain often comes together fairly quickly. “We’re really spending so much time together as a group of people in rehearsal,” Sherwood says. “And often times outside of rehearsal as well because most if not all of us are coming in from out of town. So they bring us in and have housing for us there. So in hyper-speed you get to know anybody that you don’t know already. In my experience it’s pretty amazing how quickly the chemistry can come about because of the setting we’re in.” In addition to his stage credits, Sherwood keeps quite busy with other creative avenues. In mid-October he released a new single entitled ‘Trucker’s Halloween’ and also is a member of a bluegrass-tinged outfit called The Playbillies. On top of that Sherwood also appeared on the small screen recently with a role in one episode of the Amazon Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. “I was actually playing a musician in the

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band in the club. It was really cool,” he says. “It was my first job after Covid, in the early part of 2021. As a matter of fact, Matt Cusack, who is the music director of Hank Williams: Lost Highway, was in the same scene with me in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. They hired my band to portray this fictional band in the show.” Perhaps the one bittersweet event in Sherwood’s career recently was starring in Escape To Margaritaville, which featured the songs of the late Jimmy Buffett. The production ran in Long Island and closed a mere two days after Buffett’s death. “I got to do that show twice, once in Miami and then out on Long Island,” he says. “Of course we didn’t know how bad his health was at that time. “He was known to visit productions of that show. Part of me was wondering and hoping that maybe one of these times I could get to meet him. But unfortunately I never got to meet him. But he was another character that created wonderful songs and reached so many people.” • Florida Repertory Theatre presents Hank Williams: Lost Highway at the Historic Arcade Theatre, March 19-April 28. For information, call 332-4488.

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Sanibel Mus 5 9 12 MARCH performances 7:30 pm

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

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Peace Lutheran Church 15840 McGregor Blvd.

Fort Myers 344-7025

Manhattan Chamber Players

Boston Trio

The New York Chamber Music Collective

Avery Gagliano

New York-based musicians from the tradition of great music making, such as the Marlboro Music Festival, Steans Institute at Ravinia, Perlman Music Program, and the Chautauqua Institution. Founding artistic director and violist Luke Fleming is joined by Francesca DePasquale (violin), Katie Hyan (violin), Michael Katz (cello), Adam Golka (piano), and Mark Dover (clarinet), all acclaimed award-winning musicians, former students of the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Yale School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Peabody Institute.

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National Chopin Piano Competition Winner Gagliano returns to Sanibel Music Festival after a stunning all-Chopin performance in 2020, earning a standing ovation and multiple curtain calls. She rose to international acclaim as the First Prize and Best Concerto Prize winner of the 2020 National Chopin Piano Competition and went on to be the only American semifinalist at the 18th International Chopin Competition in 2021. Gagliano made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2020.

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Irina Muresanu Heng Jin Park Johan Ellsworth Pianist Heng-Jin Park, founding member of the Boston Trio, made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at the age of 15 and is the new artistic director of Halcyon Music Festival. Violinist, Irina Muresanu is the winner of numerous prizes and awards including the Montreal International, Queen Elisabeth International, UNISA International String, Washington International, the Schadt String Competition, the University of Maryland Creative & Performing Arts Award, a Pro Musicis International Award, the Presser Music Award, and the Arthur Foote Award from the Harvard Musical Association. Cellist Johan Ellsworth has won critical acclaim for solo performances with the Boston Symphony, Akron Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, and New Bedford Symphony.

usic Festival 16 19 23 2 APRIL

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Viano String Quartet Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Bowers Program The quartet will be in residence at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Bowers Program until 2027. They was named the inaugural June Goldsmith Quartet-in-Residence for the Music in the Morning series in Vancouver until 2025. The quartet has also held residencies at the Curtis Institute, Colburn Conservatory, Northern Michigan University, and Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. Since winning First Prize at the 2019 Banff International String Quartet Competition, they have captivated audiences in New York, London, Berlin, Vancouver, Paris, Beijing, Toronto, Lucerne, and Los Angeles.

Opera Theater of Connecticut

David Finckel & Wu Han

Singing Gilbert and Sullivan

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han are the recipients of Musical America’s Musicians of the Year Award. They perform the standard repertoire for cello and piano, commissioned works by living composers, and virtually the entire chamber music literature for their instruments. Artistic Directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 2004, they will become the longest serving artistic directors in the Society’s history. Ms. Han currently serves as Artistic Advisor for Wolf Trap’s Chamber Music at the Barns series and for Palm Beach’s Society of the Four Arts, and was named Artistic Director of La Musica in Sarasota, Florida. Mr. Finckel was cellist of the Emerson String Quartet, which, during his 34-season tenure, garnered nine Grammy Awards and the Avery Fisher Prize. F t . M yers magazine

Opera Theater of Connecticut returns to Sanibel Music Festival by popular demand with the delightful music of Gilbert and Sullivan, punctuated by Artistic Director Alan Mann’s knowledgeable commentary. The concert will feature hits from well-known comic operas such as The Mikado, H.M.S Pinafore, and The Pirates of Penzance. Artistic Director, Alan Mann serves as Executive Director of the Hartford Chorale. Music Director, Eric Trudel is resident pianist for the Wall Street Chamber Players, associated with the New Haven Symphony. Faculty appointments include the Banff Centre for the performing Arts, Conservatoire de Musique du Quebec, Montreal Opera, Universite du Quebec, and Yale University’s School of Music.

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Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music & the Arts

Chamber Strings Sanibel Music Festival Emerging Artists Under the direction of Dr. Kyle Szabo, students will be performing trios and quartets by Schubert, Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ravel, and Piazzolla.

ith each passing year, bands and artists from the classic rock era begin to wind things down. The “farewell tours,” often instant sell-out affairs that extend to almost ridiculous lengths, are finally becoming indeed goodbyes for the likes of Elton John, Eagles, Aerosmith and KISS. Meanwhile other artists such as Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones still have gigs slated well into 2024, pushing that envelope as far as they possibly can. And then there is ZZ Top, a little old band from Texas who continue to press on. In 2024 the trio will be celebrating 55 years as a rock and roll heavyweight. Whether it’s the earlier work with signatures like ‘La Grange,’ ‘Tush’ or ‘Cheap Sunglasses,’ or their infectious riffs and iconic music videos in the ‘80s for ‘Legs,’ ‘Sharp Dressed Man,’ and ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’,’ the group led by guitarist Billy Gibbons keeps going. Gibbons, known for his long beard, s h a d e s a n d s i g n a t u r e g u i t a r wo r k , i s by Jason M ac Neil

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“ To put it in the modern way: ZZ Top sins‚ wins and ZZ ToP transcends.” extremely elusive to track down for a phone interview according to his longtime publicist. But send him a batch of questions via e-mail and he’s more than willing to reply thoughtfully and quickly. As for the band’s secret to longevity and perseverance, the musician says he’s not exactly sure. “Near impossible to say, however, we’ve maintained an attempt to stay one step ahead of the hounds!” Gibbons says. “Seriously, it’s remaining willing and able to express improbable visions while we keep with a groove and a grind. To put it in

the modern way: ZZ Top sins, wins and ZZ Top transcends.” The group, who spent a good chunk of 2023 on The Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour co-headlining with Lynyrd Skynyrd, are extending that trek into 2024 with a March 9 stop at Estero’s Hertz Arena. Gibbons is no stranger to Fort Myers having performed in this neck of the woods several times. This will mark the first time the band will perform in the Fort Myers area since 2019, when they co-headlined a trek with Cheap Trick.

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It will also mark the band’s first show in the area with new bassist Elwood Francis. Francis, the band’s longtime guitar tech, replaced original bassist Dusty Hill who passed away in July, 2021. Hill, who played with ZZ Top just days before his death, insisted the band carry on without him, similar to the wishes the late drummer Charlie Watts had for the Rolling Stones. They did just that, performing with Francis on July 30, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Gibbons says Francis hit the ground

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“ The real deal remains: gettin ’ out there running with the band. In fact, he hasn’t missed a step since. “Elwood is Elwood and holds down ‘the bottom of the Top’ with his ever-so-present ‘the show must go on’ stance,” Gibbons says of the bassist. “A gifted player.” Besides the touring and 50th anniversary celebrations a few years ago, ZZ Top were also the subject of an insightful documentary entitled That Little Ol’ Band from Texas. The documentary was directed by Sam Dunn, a noted Canadian filmmaker who received praise for previous documentaries on Rush (Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage) and Iron Maiden (Iron Maiden: Flight 666) and the heavy metal genre. The documentary, which was later released on Netflix, showed the highs and lows the band and its members survived over 50 years. Gibbons was pleased with the finished product. “Delightful documentary, tiz,” Gibbons says. “It’s a kind of slice of history. On first look, we thought, ‘Did we really do all that?’ Filmmaker Sam Dunn did a splendid job.” In addition to the film, Gibbons says there is nothing concrete in terms of a new studio album. But that doesn’t mean new material isn’t being created. The band have 15 studio albums to their credit, the last being La Futura, released in 2012. “Work-in-progress with much-too-much of the former and too, too much of the latter,” Gibbons says of the creative process. “Once a break appears with a detour from the touring trail, we’ll whip up the good stuff in fine order.” Although the band has remained his baby throughout his career, Gibbons has also dabbled in a lot of collaborative pies over the years. His credits include working with Nickelback, Kid Rock, and Brooks & Dunn to former Guns n’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, The Raconteurs, Everlast, and Queens of the Stone Age. The collaborations all have one common thread regardless of genre or style. “The thing we hold onto is open-minded simpleness,” he says. “We’re intrigued with how other players operate in the process. When an opportunity comes along with

as a treacherous trio of stand-up guys turning it up and bashing it out comes as the greatest privilege one could deal with.”

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someone unforeseen we consider how to go about jumping in, and/or, jumping out... way out! Seems it’s the roundabout proposition drawing a future close enough to touch.” With multiple gold and platinum-selling albums from the Recording Industry Association of America, as well as achieving diamond status for 1983’s Eliminator, ZZ Top aren’t taking anything for granted. Despite being longer in the tooth than when their debut album, ZZ Top’s First Album came out in 1971, Gibbons has always loved the band and everything that goes with keeping this rock beast alive. “The real deal remains: gettin’ out there as a treacherous trio of stand-up guys turning it up and bashing it out comes as the greatest privilege one could deal with,” he says. “Getting to do what we get to do now rolling into five decades.” Gibbons is looking forward to returning this coming March and hopes to have a feast for himself at a certain establishment. “We always enjoy the scene, and of course, we call attention once again to Jonesez BBQ,” he says. “We’ll be able to work in a rack of ribs when we’re back.” As for the future, besides a possible new studio album, Gibbons says they will continue to perform as long as they can. Of course, given technological advances, ZZ Top could be performing as holograms given the success of ABBA’s Voyage virtual concert residency. This after both the estates of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison launched rather successful North American tours in recent years using hologram technology. Gibbons addresses the issue in a somewhat humorous manner. “Coincidentally, our hologram connection admitted we’ve been making the scene several places at once with our hologram selves, which is an admission that the ZZ image has been seen entering the Hubble telescope transmissions,” Gibbons says. “It allows getting way out there and catching up with many of our associates also out there. Way out there. Just sayin’...” • Jonesez BBQ is located at 13438 Palm Beach Blvd. in Fort Myers.

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SA JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Sarasota Jazz Festival is produced by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 1980. The main stage events are produced in partnership with Circus Arts Conservatory. Music Director: Terell Stafford VIP Experience Includes • Discounted tickets • All 4 Main Stage performances with priority seating and free parking • Jazz in the Park concert • Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl • Entry to all Jazz Films and Late Night Tower Jam Sessions • A special VIP Reception Free parking for most events at the Van Wezel parking lot. • Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is located at 801 N. Tamiami Trail • Burns Court Cinema is located at 506 Burns Court • The Civic Green at The Bay Park is located at 801 N. Tamiami Trail • Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is located at 777 N. Tamiami Trail • Art Ovation Hotel is located at 1255 N. Palm Ave. • The Jazz Club of Sarasota is located at 330 S. Pineapple Ave.

941-260-9951

Sunday MARCH

Jazz in the Park

Wednesday MARCH

12-4pm: Civic Green at The Bay Park Leading Sarasota High School Jazz Band, two Suncoast Jazz combos. Free outdoor concert, rain or shine.

Monday MARCH

VIP Reception

5-6:30pm: Art Ovation Hotel

Tuesday MARCH

Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl

5:30-9:30pm: Ten bands at ten venues in downtown Sarasota 5:30-6:30pm: Trolleys depart Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

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Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet Terell Stafford

6-9:30pm Sarasota Municpal Auditorium

ARASOTA Z L Thursday MARCH

Friday

MARCH

film screening

Saturday MARCH

‘The Girls in the Band’ with Valerie Gillespie

9am: Burns Court Cinema

Wycliffe Gordon Quintet Grace Kelly Quartet

Jeff Hamilton Trio with Akiko Tsuruga & Steve Kovalcheck Valerie Gillespie

Chucho Valdés Quartet Houston Person Quintet

and the ‘Ladies of Jazz’

6-9:30pm Sarasota Municpal Auditorium

Late Night Open Jam

9:30pm-12am: location tba

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MUSIC

ARTS

The Reluctant Beatle an interview with Philip Norman by Andrew Elias

“George compared the All Things Must Pass sessions to recovery from ‘a six-year dose of constipation.’”

VEN AT THE PEAK of The Beatles’ global success and notoriety, George Harrison maintained a mysterious persona. Sometimes it seemed as if he was relegated to a ‘lesser among equals’ in the band, yet he was responsible for much of their growth, musically and personally. Allowed only one or two songs per album, they often stood out as the more interesting compositions. And after The Beatles split, as John & Yoko and Paul & Linda became media darlings, George retreated to a more private life and embarked on his spiritual quest. Philip Norman has written a new biography, George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle (Scribner), a detailed account of his life as a talented but conflicted musician and man of many contradictions, personally and professionally. Having written Shout! The Beatles in Their Generation, John Lennon: The Life, Paul McCartney: The Biography, Slowhand: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton, and Wild Thing: The Short, Spellbinding Life of Jimi Hendrix, Norman brings his incredible research prowess and well-earned access to the stars, their associates and families, to help us in understanding of one of rock & roll’s greatest and most-revered artists. I was able to ask Norman about George.

or two literally dangling from his neck. The constant media intrusion was equally repugnant to him. No more private person can ever have led a life more mercilessly public. You provide incredible details about events throughout his life, from his teenage years through to his passing. What kind of research went into writing this book and how long did it take to complete? I could draw on a mass of information in my previous Beatles books back to Shout! in 1981: not only the biographies of John and Paul but also that of George’s best friend, Eric Clapton. I’d been able to interview many people close to George but now deceased, such as the Beatles’ record-producer, George Martin (who felt lasting remorse for not having paid more attention to George in the studio) and their trusted roadie Neil Aspinall (with whom I was the sole exception to his strict ‘no comment’ policy). But the biography is far more than a trawl through my archives, with new and revealing testimony from the likes of George’s first wife, Pattie Boyd, and his close friend from the Monty Python comedy team, Sir Michael Palin. The book is filled with wonderful anecdotes. What two stories reveal a lot about George? George was a mass of self-contradictions—the so-called ‘quiet Beatle’ who, those who knew him recall, never stopped talking. He railed against ‘the Material World’, yet wrote the first pop song complaining about income tax. He spent years and a fortune restoring his huge Gothic stately home, Friar Park, yet mortgaged it in a heartbeat to rescue Palin and company’s film Monty Python’s Life of Brian after its corporate backers had (rightly) decided it was ‘sacrilegious’ and pulled the plug. Pattie Boyd recalls how sweet and charming he was until he learned to meditate, after which he became moody, prickly and paranoid. On one long haul flight while he was chanting under his breath, an unsuspecting flight attendant asked if she could serve his lunch. ‘Fuck off,’ George snapped. ‘Can’t you see I’m meditating?’ Rubber Soul has been referred to as ’the pot album.’ What

•

Andrew: You call George ‘The Reluctant Beatle’. What about being a Beatle was he most reluctant to embrace? PHILIP NORMAN: George certainly wasn’t a reluctant musician. He taught himself to play the guitar by listening to rock ‘n’ roll songs on the radio — not just chords, but the licks and solos that older boys couldn’t decipher —and by the age of 14, was good enough to get into The Quarrymen, the precursor to The Beatles, led by two-years-senior art student John Lennon and including George’s schoolmate Paul McCartney. What he hated was the onset of ‘Beatlemania’ in the UK in the early 1960s, the mindless screaming that obliterated his carefully-crafted guitar-picking. And when the Beatles graduated to big arenas in the US, they had virtually no onstage security. Often George would have to play with a hysterical young woman

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George Martin felt lasting remorse for not having paid more attention to George in the studio.

MUSIC changes did George and The Beatles experience between writing and recording the songs for Help! and the songs on Rubber Soul? The Beatles’ shorthand term for Rubber Soul was ‘the pot album,’ but in reality it was made when both John and George were getting into ‘mind-expanding’ LSD after being unsuspectingly dosed with it at a dinner-party hosted by their dentist, John Riley. The album saw an expansion of their musical mind, most spectacularly in John’s ‘Norwegian Wood,’ a veiled admission of marital infidelity as vivid yet enigmatic as a miniature play by Harold Pinter or Samuel Beckett. George’s solo was played not on a guitar but a sitar, an instrument he’d first noticed while filming Help! whose cartoonish (and in hindsight offensive) plot revolved round an Indian murder cult. For Norwegian Wood, he simply found the same notes on the sitar as on a guitar. But it was enough to start a new trend in British music known as ‘raga rock’. What inspired George to explore Indian music with Ravi Shankar and the Hindu religion with Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi? How did these journeys affect him as a musician and in his personal life? That first experiment led George to learn to play the sitar properly, initially with expatriate Indians in London, then with the instrument’s greatest living virtuoso, Ravi Shankar. Under the influence of this “most impressive person I’d ever met,” he went on to study the religion, culture and mythology attached to it with a concentration that would have astonished his schoolteachers back in Liverpool. This new dimension also gave him leverage in the recording-studio, where John and Paul had always been the dominant presence. On the Beatles’ greatest album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, George interrupted its prevailing whimsy and nostalgia with a perfect facsimile of Indian classical music, ‘Within You Without You,’ bringing in his own Indian musicians to provide the backing. But, ever self-contradictory, this quest to become a ‘spiritual’ being didn’t stop him chain-smoking cigarettes, drinking, gormandizing drugs, and womanizing like a modern day Krishna. During the Beatles’ expedition to Rishikesh, in India, to study Transcendental Meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, he seemed to become as disillusioned as the others, even helping John lampoon the Maharishi as ‘Sexy Sadie.’ But although other gurus came into his life, he

ARTS

always regarded TM as an important step on his spiritual journey. Throughout the years, George would swing between times of feeling under-appreciated in the band to times of losing confidence in his contributions. From the outside George was envied as one of the 20th century’s four most blessed beings, but on the inside, overshadowed by the phenomenal creative dynamo of John and Paul, he faced continual snubs and slights even from their producer, George Martin—otherwise a thorough gentleman—who would later tell me, with huge regret, ‘I was always rather beastly to George.’ While Lennon & McCartney could spark off each other, he had to learn songwriting all by himself and for years was allowed only one or two compositions per Beatles album. Yet by sheer dogged persistence he achieved songs equaling the best of theirs, if never the huge quantity. You describe the recording sessions for his first solo album, All Things Must Pass as being very different for George than his experiences recording with The Beatles. How so? In his earthy fashion, George compared the All Things Must Pass sessions to recovery from ‘a six-year dose of constipation.’ For it allowed him to use many of the songs which hadn’t made it onto Beatles albums in that time and, in the case of ‘My Sweet Lord,’ score a global hit single. Now, in place of his ever-inhibiting fellow Beatles, he had a highly ad-hoc band led by his best friend, Eric Clapton. All Things Must Pass outsold both John’s and Paul’s debut solo albums and has done so ever since; in my book I call it ‘an unextinguishable last laugh.’ George and Eric Clapton had a famously odd relationship, with Clapton in awe of him but in love with his wife, and George envious of Clapton’s creative freedom yet somewhat competitive. George could be a supportive and close friend at times and other times he could be distant and almost cruel. What is the most surprising story about them? George, his first wife Pattie Boyd, and Clapton constituted a love-triangle epitomizing the unchallenged sexism of old-school rock stars. Clapton began by being infatuated with Pattie but, balking at the seduction of his best friend’s wife, could admit his feelings only in code, via the song ‘Layla.’ Pattie truly loved F EB RUA RY-M A RCH 2024

Ft . Mye rs magazine

George, but his infidelities (even with Ringo’s then wife, Maureen) finally drove her to leave him for Clapton. Then, having won Pattie’s love, Clapton almost immediately lost interest in her and the two guitar gods became even closer than before, leaving Pattie on the sidelines. As unhappy as he could be in The Beatles he seemed to be much happier as a member of The Traveling Wilbury’s with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. What about The Wilburys did he like? The Traveling Wilburys brought George everything he’d missed in the Beatles. The five superstars were a true democracy, sharing songwriting credits and album-time equally— yet always subtly deferring to George, even to the extent of sharing his un-rock’n’roll passion for the ukulele. The very fact that they all adopted pseudonyms as Wilbury ‘brothers’ fulfilled his yearning to be considered a musician rather than a superstar. Initially, George was friendly with Paul, but their relationship strained as the band stopped touring and concentrated exclusively on recording. George remained friendly with John and Ringo after The Beatles split, contributing to both of their solo albums, but he and Paul only reconciled as George grew gravely ill. How did that last happen? George was originally closest to Paul since they attended the same school when John was already in the rarified climes of Liverpool Art College. The huge success of Lennon & McCartney’s songwriting was the main reason why George increasingly felt undervalued and sidelined. He also deeply resented what he called Paul’s ‘bossiness’ in the recording studio, telling him exactly what to play—sometimes even playing it in his place. “Paul McCartney ruined me as a guitarist,” he later complained, though one has to say that it never showed. The two weren’t reconciled until the tragic final chapters of George’s life when he was suffering from cancer and had to leave his beloved Friar Park and become a nomad in search for a cure that ultimately proved fruitless. Paul lent him a house in Los Angeles where he could be close to palliative care, safe from ghoulish media spying and able to pass away in greater privacy and peace than he’d ever found in life. You’ve written biographies of John, Paul and now George. Fess up. Who was your favorite Beatle back in the 1960s? I was always a ‘John’ person for his wit and honesty, although over time I’ve come to appreciate the magnitude of Paul’s talents and that behind that smiley, showbizzy exterior is an essentially decent human being. Even after having written George’s biography, he remains an enigma to me. •

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Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum 34725 W. Boundary Rd. • Clewiston 877-902-1113

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

ahtahthiki.com

1380 Colonial Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-278-4422

daily 9am-5pm

Ne stl ed i n the hear t of t he Everglades on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki 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.

broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm has been Florida’s Premier Dinner Theatre for more than 30 years. The theatre entertains over 170,000 guests annually by combining an impressive array of Broadway musicals and an award-winning buffet. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes, and a live orchestra.

Arts Bonita 239-495-8989

artcenterbonita.org

Performing Arts Center 10150 Bonita Beach Rd. SE. • Bonita Springs 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 and adult classes in art, music, theatre, and dance.

Visual Arts Center 26100 Old 41 Rd. • Bonita Springs 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.

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Cape Coral Museum of History

Charlotte Players

1182 Market Circle • Port Charlotte 941-255-1022

544 Cultural Park Blvd.• Cape Coral 239-772-7037

charlotteplayers.org

capecoralmuseum.org

box office: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm

Wed-Fri 11am-4pm & Sat 10am-2pm Since 1987, the Cape Coral Museum of History has sought to discover, preserve, and share the history of Cape Coral and Southwest Florida through its archives, museum exhibits and public programs. The Museum serves as a public resource for all sectors of the community, as well as tourists.

& one hour before performances Charlotte Players is one of Charlotte County’s oldest performing arts organizations. They have been presenting live theater since 1961. The Community Theater provides a theatrical series in their Langdon Playhouse (in Murdock) and an additional entertainment series at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center (in Punta Gorda).

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Circus Arts Conservatory

1495 Smith Preserve Way • Naples 239-262-0304

2075 Bahia Vista St. • Sarasota 941-355-9335

circusarts.org

conservancy.org

office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Tue-Sat 9:30am-4pm The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a local environmental conservation nonprofit. Through wildlife rehab, science research, policy, and education this organization has worked to preserve SWFL’s ecosystems for 60 years. Learn more about their mission work by visiting their Nature Center.

The Circus Arts Conservatory is a nonprofit organization that combines world-class professional circus performances, the nation’s longest-running youth circus training program— the Sailor Circus Academy, and arts integrated STEAM education and Circus Arts in Healthcare programming that educates, inspires and enriches lives of area youths and seniors throughout the community.

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Collier County Museums colliermuseums.com all museums open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm

Collier Museum at Government Center

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

3331 Tamiami Trail E. • Naples 239-252-8476 Collier Museum at Government Center showcases the full panorama of Collier County’s history. Meet the people who shaped Collier County, from Calusa Indians to Spanish Conquistadors to brave pioneers. Stalk prehistoric mastodons. Explore unique artifacts like a steam engine, a swamp buggy, restored cottages, and more.

1215 Roberts Ave. W. • Immokalee 239-252-2611 Step back in time at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch and imagine what it was like to live and work on an early 1900s Southwest Florida pioneer homestead. With 15 carefully preserved original buildings and numerous exhibits, you’ll learn how ranchers and their families overcame this unforgiving wilderness.

Marco Island Historical Museum

Museum of the Everglades

180 S. Heathwood Dr. Marco Island 239-252-1440

Tou r the M arco Islan d Historical Museum to discover the Calusa Indians, a vanished civilization whose cultural sophistication is on display in a recreated village scene. See many of the remarkable artifacts that have helped define the archaeological importance of Southwest Florida, including the renowned Key Marco Cat.

105 W. Broadway Ave. Everglades City 239-252-5026 Visit Museum of the Everglades to learn about the growth of Everglades City and the entire Chokoloskee Bay region. Learn how this once remote trading town in ‘Florida’s Last Frontier’ played a critical role in the creation of the Tamiami Trail—today Highway 41 — the first road across the Everglades.

Naples Depot Museum 1051 Fifth Ave. S. • Naples 239-252-8419

Temporarily Closed for Hurricane Recovery Transport yourself to the past at the Naples Depot Museum. Located inside a restored railway passenger station, you’ll learn how various means of transportation — including dugout canoes, mule wagons, swamp buggies, and mostimportantly, the railroad— helped turn this once sleepy village into today’s popular Gulf Coast resort town.

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Audubon’s

J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge

375 Sanctuary Rd. W. • Naples 239-348-9151

1 Wildlife Dr. • Sanibel 239-472-1100 dingdarlingsociety.org

daily at 8am-3pm (May-Oct 8am-1pm)

wildlife drive: Sat-Thu sunrise-sunset

Located about 20 minutes from Bonita Springs, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to alligators, otters, wading birds, songbirds, and more. Guided experiences and a 2.25mile boardwalk immerse visitors in the natural wonders of an ancient, bald cypress forest and serve as a gateway to the Western Everglades environment.

Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is world-famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations. Visit the free Visitor & Education Center, then bike, hike, drive, or kayak to Find Your Wild at ‘Ding.’

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary corkscrew.audubon.org

visitor center: Sat-Thur 9am-4pm

Florida Everblades Hockey Club

Hertz Arena

Florida Repertory Theatre

11000 Everblades Pkwy. • Estero 239-948-7825

2267 First St. & 2268 Bay St. Fort Myers 239-332-4488

floridarep.org

floridaeverblades.com hertzarena.com

box office Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

plus 2 hours before performances

Hertz Arena is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue located in Estero, Florida. Home to the Florida Everblades, the arena offers a wide range of events, including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. The Florida Everblades are a professional minor league ice hockey team affiliated with the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers and American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers.

Founded in 1998, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional, live theatre in the Fort Myers River District performing in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry. Visit their website to see what’s on stage now.

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Holocaust Museum

& Cohen Education Center

Gulf Coast Symphony

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples 239-263-9200 hmcec.org

Fort Myers 239-277-1700

gulfcoastsymphony.org

Tue-Sun 1-4pm (reservations requested) The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center was inspired by a local middle school class studying the Holocaust and its lessons. Newly expanded with updated displays, new galleries, and exhibits. Multi-year ‘Best of the Gulfshore’ Museum category finalist.

Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra, and the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective offer over 100 performances and events, presenting the best in classical music, jazz, dance, opera, and musical theater at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the Music & Arts Community Center.

Music & Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers 239-277-1700

Gulfshore Playhouse

macctickets.org box office open hour

performances at Norris Center 755 8th Ave. S. • Naples 239-261-7529

before performances

The Music & Arts Community Center (MACC) is Fort Myer’s newest professional live music venue. This year over 100 events will present the best in classical music, jazz, dance, and musical theater. The MACC is located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers.

gulfshoreplayhouse.org Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people. Their work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of our common humanity.

IMAG History & Science Center 2000 Cranford Ave. Fort Myers 239-234-0043

theimag.org

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 12-5pm Bringing inspiration to life, the IMAG History & Science Center is a family-friendly destination featuring interactive exhibits, activities, aquariums, touch tanks, animal encounters, history displays, live science and animal shows, 3D movies, and other attractions for guests to discover and explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, history, humanities, and the arts.

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Naples Art District Shirley St. and J&C Blvd. • Naples 239-249-1977

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

naplesartdistrict.com

941-366-5731

selby.org

Thu 1-5pm; 2nd Sat of month 1-5pm The Naples Art District features 100 working artists with free Thursday afternoon Open Studios, Second Saturdays, and other special events in season. The District offers studio tours and over 50 art education classes. The Naples Art District is a premier visual arts destination to discover, buy, and commission original artwork. See website for special events times.

Downtown Sarasota Campus 1534 Mound St. • Sarasota

Historic Spanish Point Campus 401 N. Tamiami Trail • Osprey daily 10am-5pm

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries via two distinct campuses 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.

Marco Island Center for the Arts 1010 Winterberry Dr. Marco Island 239-394-4221

The Naples Players

marcoislandart.org Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

701 5th Av.e S. • Naples 239-263 - 7990

Marco Island Center for the Arts’

naplesplayers.org box office open daily

Arts Center Theatre

Voted ‘Favorite Local Theatre’ by Broadway World, The Naples Players is your hometown theatre and cultural hub building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre, and leading the shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities.

1089 N. Collier Blvd. • #432 • Marco Island 239-394-4221

marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre Marco Island Center for the Arts brings a wide variety of arts to its community through art exhibitions, engaging educational programs for adults and children and a diverse assortment of events. The Art Center serves as a professional and financial driver for visual and performing artists and educators through exhibition, performance and teaching opportunities while being a catalyst that fuels economic development, an understanding of cultural diversity and community cohesion.

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Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

Environmental Learning Center

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

300 Tower Rd. • Naples 239-530-5972

Oct-May Tue-Sun 9-4pm • Jun-Sep Tue-Sun 9-2pm Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens provides a natural setting along the Peace River showcasing world-class sculptures and spectacular botanicals to inspire creativity throughout the community. Daily admission and annual membership passes are available.

Tue-Sat 9am-4pm The two-story nature center features aquariums, touch tank, interactive exhibits, nature trails, picnic areas, butterfly garden, art gallery, gift shop, adult and youth education programs, volunteer opportunities and special events. The provider of their boat and kayak eco-tours was voted #1 in the country twice recently by USA Today. Only 15 minutes from downtown Naples and Marco Island.

rookerybay.org

peacerivergardens.org

Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St. Immokalee 239-658-1313

Sanibel Music Festival

moreinparadise.com Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The casino offers 1,400 slots, 39 live table games including craps & roulette, 3 restaurants, nightlife in the Zig Zag lounge, “where the party never ends” and the best in live concerts in the Seminole Center.

March 5-23 2024 Venue

Peace Lutheran Church 15840 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-344-7025

sanibelmusicfestival.org

Classical concerts of the highest standard featuring preeminent global concert artists David Finkle and Wu Han, cello and piano; the Boston Trio with Irina Muresanu-violin, Heng-Jin Park-piano, and Jonah Ellsworth-cello; Opera Theater of Connecticut singing Gilbert & Sullivan; and more.

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Shy Wolf Sanctuary

Education & Experience Center

Wonder Gardens

1161 27 St. SW. • Naples 855-749-9653

27180 Old 41 Rd. • Bonita Springs 239-992-2591

shywolfsanctuary.org

wondergardens.org

by appointment only

Shy Wolf Sanctuary rescues wolves, wolf dogs, and other captive-bred exotic animals, offering a permanent home for over 60 resident animals in Naples. Through community presentations and collaborations, they educate on wildlife coexistence. Their Healing Hearts program shares tales with those who’ve faced neglect and suffering by offering hope.

daily 9am-3pm

The Wonder Gardens is a nonprofit botanical garden with rescued & non-releasable animals. Established in 1936, the gardens are an oasis of Old Florida with a modern mission to educate and inspire visitors by nature! Explore the Wonder they have to offer!

Venice Art Center

Visual Arts Center

390 Nokomis Ave. S Venice 941-485-7136

veniceartcenter.com Mon-Fri 9am-4pm & Sat 9am-1pm Enjoy art and all that art has to offer! The Venice Art Center is worth the trip, from classes, workshops, and uncorked fun to monthly exhibitions with free opening receptions. Visit VeniceArtCenter. com for the listing of concerts, the Fine Arts Show, the Annual Art Auction, and other fabulous events.

of Punta Gorda 210 Maud St. • Punta Gorda 941-639-8810

visualartcenter.org

Mon & Fri 10am-4pm, Tue-Thu 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-2pm The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda is home to the prestigious 14th Biennial National Art Exhibition, on display through April 12, featuring fine art from all over the world. Also, three galleries, classrooms, gift gallery and art supply store. Exhibits are free to the public and wheelchair accessible.

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THURSDAY

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Charleston White: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Claudia Cespedes Calderon: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Elvis Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 6:30p. 642-1440. •Free Outdoor Concert: The Freecoasters, food trucks. Cultural Park, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 772-5657. •Lecture & Book Signing: James Currie - When Eagles Roar. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100. •Mick Fury: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Symphony of Illusions concert w Michael Grandinetti. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Piano Talks: DeSalvo Family Favorites concert w Jodie DeSalvo. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900. •Reno Collier: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Ricky Howard: Rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Sarasota Orchestra: Revolutionary Music concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Bone Hook Brewing, 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 631-8522. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Dead Sea Guardian screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •Tom Papa: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

FRIDAY

•Adam Carolla: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Anthony Picone: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787. •Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050. •Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802. •Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, in Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933. •Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 7784665. •Art Talk & Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Talk 4p, reception 5-7p. Free. 395-0900. •Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •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 concert 7-8p, Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 1375 Monroe St. Free. 768-3602. •Beach & Estuary Walk: Guided 1 hr walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588. •Cassie & Maggie: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Circus Arts Gala: Dinner, sailor Circus performance, special guests. Ulla Searing Big Top, Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota. 6p. rsvp. 941-3559805. •Comedy Nite: Al Ernst, Greg Schwartz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Diamond Rio: Country music concert, Pure Country opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Elsten Torres: Latin music concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989. •Kelly Neff Band: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden,

Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933. •Meet Clyde & Niki Butcher: Open house. Exhibit, presentation, book signing. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 4p. Free. Free. 695-2428. •Mike Rivera: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Symphony of Illusions concert w Michael Grandinetti. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Reno Collier: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233. •Sarasota Orchestra: Revolutionary Music concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 220-5918. •Symphony on the Sound: Gulf Coast Symphony concert 7-8p, Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 1375 Monroe St. Free. 768-3602. •Tanya Tucker: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •The Brit Pack: 60s British bands tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •The Lalas Burlesque Show: Rock review. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007. •Thunder Beach Band: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY

•Adam Carolla: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt

F t . M yers magazine

What Goes On

Feb

Americana Community Music Association presents Jim Lauderdale, March 21 at All Faiths Congregation in Fort Myers.

Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Always Olivia: Olivia NewtonJohn tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Antique Car Show: Over 100 classic cars. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. 334-7419. •Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517. •ArtFest Fort Myers: Outdoor art fair, entertainment, food, activities. 1375 Monroe St, Edwards Dr btwn Monroe & Hendry St, Ft Myers Riverfront. 10a-5p. Free. 7683602. •Backyard Bluesfest: Chris O’Leary, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, RB Stone. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111. •Beach Cleanup: With park ranger. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Free, register. 463-4588. •Beginner Swamp Walk: 3 hour guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151. •Carlos Esquilin: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Cheyenne Lewisn: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 78p. Free. 745-4268. •Comedy Diner: Larry Venturino & friends. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 6p. 941-255-1022. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Comedy Nite: Scott Novotny, Shirley Lovely. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Evening of Wonderment: Fundraiser w Light show, live music, animal demos, food, wine, auction. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-9:30p. rsvp. 992-2591. •Guided Forest Bathing Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151. •Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972. •History & Heritage Days: Seafood festival, celebrating region’s history & seafood. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008. •Jay Allen: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Katelyn & Jules: Jazz concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •Music in the Garden: Havy Rodriguez & the Miami Splash Band. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275. •Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band: Free indoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-3273835. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Symphony of Illusions concert w Michael Grandinetti. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900. •Nicole Henry: Jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

FEBRUARY MARCH

What Goes On •Reno Collier: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •Sam Robbins: Americana concert, Bob Williams opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Sarasota Orchestra: Revolutionary Music concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sing Out! - SWFL Choral Festival Workshop: Kol Tikvah - The Voice of Hope. Sponsored by Choral Artistry. New Hope Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Ft. Myers. 10a-11p. Register. 560-5695. •Slim Gillian: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Susan Werner: Americana concert. Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •SWFL Symphony: From Darkness to Light. Masterworks concert w Alexanda Carlson, piano. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. Lecture 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 418-1500. •Twisted Pine: Americana concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900. •WolfStock Brewfest & Concert: Live music, craft beers, food, fundraiser for Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City gate Blvd, Naples. 4-8p. 290-9867. •World Wetlands Day: 70th Anniversary celebration, meet authors, guided tours, demos, activities. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8:30a-5p. 348-9151.

SUNDAY

•ArtFest Fort Myers: Outdoor art fair, entertainment, food, activities. 1375 Monroe St, Edwards Dr btwn Monroe & Hendry St, Ft Myers Riverfront. 10a-5p. Free. 7683602. •Buffet’s Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffet tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422. •Gulf Coast Symphony: Jerome Kern Tribute. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Gumbo Fest: Music & food festival fundraiser. Live zydeco. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. 11a-6p. Free. 995-2141. •History & Heritage Days: Seafood festival, celebrating region’s history & seafood. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 9a-2p. Free. 695-0008. •Jazz on the Lawn: Outdoor live music benefit concert – YaYa Diamond & The Dream Chasers, Decyo McDuffie. Great lawn, Paradise Coast Sports Complex Great Lawn, 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Bring lawn chairs. 4-7p. 508-930-5726. •Kinga Augustyn & Michael Baron: Violin & piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268. •Lisa Marie: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 4p. 389-6901. •Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221. •Night in Italy: Gulfshore Opera

concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 7p. 529-3925. •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: Revolutionary Music concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941953-3434. •Sing Out! - SWFL Choral Festival Free Concert: Kol Tikvah - The Voice of Hope. Choral Artistry. New Hope Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Ft. Myers. 4p. 560-5695. •Splash of Jazz: Live music w Brandon Robertson & FGCU student jazz groups. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 1-4:30p. rsvp. 992-2591. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Remembering Gene Wilder screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 3p. 481-4449. •The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535. •Twisted Pine: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469. •Young Concert Artists on Tour: Chamber music concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 3:30p. 395-0900.

MONDAY

•Anthony Mrocka: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Buffet’s Margaritaville: Concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422. •Great Voices from Opera to Broadway: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849. •Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323. •Jane Monheit: Jazz concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

TUESDAY

•1969 Band: Classic rock concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Anthony Mrocka: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789. •Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute: Tribute band. The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 6p, concert 7p. 410-1999. •David Pedraza: Viola concert. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. 4p. Register.252-7542.

•Essence of Motown Tribute Concert: Tribute concert. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Lecture: Wildlife Post Ian. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Miami City Ballet 1: With Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Steve Arvey & Bill Buchman: Blues concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136. •Steve Solomon: From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Children of Nobody screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Simon & Garfunkel Story: Tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.

WEDNESDAY

•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 4-8p. Free. 249-1977. •Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073. •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. •Bob Lauver: Hypnosis & comedy. Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576. •Brittany Btave & Carlos Hernandez: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Chris Botti: Jazz concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Florida Everblades vs Adirondack Thunder: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Go Wild for ‘Ding’ Into the Night: Fundraiser. Dinner, entertainment, auction. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way. Sanibel. Benefits ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge. 5p. rsvp. 4721100. •Grand Piano Quartet: Chamber music concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999. •Josue Otero: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Kenny Wayne Shepard: Concert, Eric Gales opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849. •Lecture: Georgia O’Keeffe. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center,

F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 12p. Register. 495-8989. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Steve Solomon: From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Thomas Edison’s Birthday Celebration: Live music, car show, food trucks, tours. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-2p. 334-7419. •Willie Nelson & Family: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

THURSDAY

•Aaron Lewis: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble: Chamber music concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 3950900. •Art Reception & Open House: Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989. •Art Reception: Annual painting exhibition & awards ceremony. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30-7p. Free. 530-5977. •Art Reception: Contrast & Duality. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-8p. Free. 579-0659. •Art Reception: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0027. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657. •Clayton Stephenson: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 469-333-3231. •Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •Jamie Lissow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Jimmy Shubert: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Blues concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3368. •Lecture: Origins of Golf on Marco Island. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 2p. Free. 642-1440. •MJ Live: Michael Jackson tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Sarasota Orchestra: Smoke & Fire concert. Neel Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida, 5840 26 St W, Bradenton, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: The Jews & The Blues screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435. •Vienna Boys Choir: Classical music concert. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Wendell Ray: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

FRIDAY

•10th Anniversary Celebration: Gulfshore Opera concert w Michael Fabiano. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 7p. 529-3925. •Andy Morellion: Live music.

Nicole Henry performs February 3 at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.

Ft . Mye rs magazine

FEBRUARY-MARCH Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Authors Presentation: Susan Beckham Zurenda & Jeffrey Blount. Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 479-4636. •Comedy Nite: Jimmy Keys. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •EG Knight: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Florida Everblades vs Adirondack Thunder: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Gunhild Carling: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Hot Buttered Nuggets: Swing jazz music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933. •House of Hamill: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Ian Munsick: Concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 9859839. •Jamie Lissow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Jane Monheit: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Jimmy Shubert: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233. •Meet the Author: Jeffrey Blount & Susan Zurena. SWFL Reading Festival event. Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. Register. 533-4832 •Sarasota Orchestra: Smoke & Fire concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live music. Riptide Brewing, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs. 6-9p. Free. 949-9945. •The Lettermen: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •The LineUp: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435. •Tower of Power: Jazz concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

SATURDAY

•A Celebration of Spirituals: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Crafts on the River: Edison Festival of Light event. Caloosa

Twisted Pine performs February 3 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers riverfront. 10a-5p. Free. 321-7524. •Edison Festival of Light Junior Parade: Edison Festival of Light event. Floats, marching bands, dancers, clowns, street performers, etc. Downtown Ft Myers Historic River District. Parade 1:30-3:30p; Coronation & Awards 2:30-3:30p, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Free. 321-7524. •Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258. •Florida Everblades vs Adirondack Thunder: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Garden Festival: Family festival, entertainment, food, kids crafts, petting zoo. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419. •Gipsy Kings: Concert, Nicolas Reyes opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Jamie Lissow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Jimmy Shubert: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •Lecture: Estero Historical Society – History of Naples. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911. •Meet the Author: Shelley Shepard Gray. SWFL Reading Festival event. Cape Coral - Lee County Library, 921 SW 39th St, Cape Coral. 2p. Free. Register. 533-4832 •Mutt Strutt: Edison Festival of Light event. Centennial Park & Hendry St, Ft Myers. 12-4p. Free. 321-7524. •Night at the Museum - Cmon Dreamhouse: Gala fundraiser. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Xp. Pre-register. 514-0084. •Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. •Open House: Coffee chat & behind-

the-scene tour. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 765-0865. •Open Studio: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. 941-799-6634. •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. •Pineapple Day: Demos, tastings, kids activities. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 10a1p. Free. 642-1440. •Poet’s Unplugged: Curtis Davis, open mic. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p, open mic 9p. 941-894-6469. •Rick Steve’s Europe - A Symphonic Journey: Concert w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Sarasota Orchestra: Smoke & Fire concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sleep Theory with Keith Wallen: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •STEMtastic Day of Discovery: Edison Festival of Light event. 125 science exhibits for kids. Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 321-7524. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435.

SUNDAY

•Beethoven & Mendelssohn: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Bonita Springs National Art

F t . M yers magazine

Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989. •Garden Festival: Family festival, entertainment, food, kids crafts, petting zoo. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419. •Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052. •Mathew Edwards: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Michael Feinstein - Reflections on George Gershwin & Modern Art: Conversation. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 1p. 597-1900. •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. •Roberto Reyes: Bass recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268. •Sarasota Orchestra: Smoke & Fire concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434. •The Ashley Gang: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 2p. 941-894-6469. •Uncle Louie Variety Show: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Winter Chamber Ensembles Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 4p. Free. 597-1900.

MONDAY

•Author Lecture & Lunch: Craig Johnson. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 12p. 333-1933. •Henry Cho: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Michael Feinstein - Tribute to George Gershwin: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Naples Big Band: Concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7-9p. Free. 777-0416. •Neil Diamond Tribute: Keith Allynn concert. The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 6p, concert 7p. 410-1999. •Singer Songwriters: Americana concert - Matt Frost, Andres Colin, Tanya Radtke. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469. •The Edwards Twins: Concert. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

TUESDAY

•Beethoven & Mendelssohn: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Big A & the Allstars, Honey Bee

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

Jones: Free blues concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268. •Eroica Trio: Classical music concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •G Love & Special Sauce: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 603-6535. •Gipsy Kings: Concert w Nicolas Reyes. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3368. •Henry Cho: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Hos Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Lecture: Knowing the Calusa. Calusa Blueway Speaker Series. N Ft Myers Rec Center, 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. 6:30p. Fee. 533-7200. •Lecture: Mangroves & Oysters. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Lecture: The Black History Baggage Car. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 2p. Free. 642-1440. •Lecture: The Miccosukee - Past Present & Future. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w The Floridians, The Mystic Trio. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069. •Storytelling: Open mic - Love. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5p. Free. 590-7199. •Strolling Flower Show: Ft MyersLee County Garden Council. Davis Arts Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 10a-4p. Free. 518-496-2133. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Lost Transport screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Edwards Twins: Tribute concert. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

WEDNESDAY

•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. •Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576. •David Foster & Katherine McPhee: Pop concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Jackie Flynn: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

What Goes On •Lecture: Early Nature Artists in Florida. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Register. 275-3435. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Lecture: Witness to Goodness. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 2p. rsvp. 263-9200. •Lunch & Learn Lecture: Research in the Reserves. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 5305940. •Open Mic at the Night Market: Live music. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. 939-2787. •Valentine’s Day with Henry Cho: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971. •Bill Mettz: Americana concert, Bruce Gallant opens. Captiva Library, 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. 2p. Free. 691-4069. •Blood Sweat & Tears: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Bobby Collines: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Etienne Charles: Creole jazz & soul concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Jackie Flynn: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert - Music of Duke Ellington. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Lecture: The Miccosukee - Past Present & Future. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Live & In Color: Live music by Slimtronic5k & live art by Lacy McClary. Fundraiser. 6:30p. Davis Art Center, 2301 First St, Ft Myers. 333-1933. •Naples Philharmonic: Rhapsody in Blue concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Nate Michaels: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Keith Johnson. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593. •Sounds of Soul: Jazz concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Israel Swings for Gold screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20

Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435.

FRIDAY

•Art Talk & Luncheon: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 11:30a. Free. 941-639-8810. •Brighton Field Day Festival - Kid’s Day: Seminole Tribe of Florida. Cultural village, American Indian arts & crafts, native dancers & music, Seminole food, alligator wrestling, rodeo, concerts. Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, 17400 Sports Complex Rd NE, Okeechobee. 9a-9p, rodeo 7p. Free for schools. 863-763-3572. •Bruce Katz: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Comedy Nite: RC Smith. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Donavon Fravkenrite: Concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Dustin Lynch: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Etienne Charles: Creole jazz & soul concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Jackie Flynn: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233. •Jenny Ve: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •John Primer: Blues concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Matthew Johnson & Terrence McGlon: Saxophone recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Mersey Beatles: Tribute concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •Naples Orchid Society Show & Sale: Exhibit, demos. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275. •Naples Philharmonic: Rhapsody in Blue concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Nate Bargate: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Nature Walk: Guided walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588. •Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Alter Boys: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Science & Engineering Fair: Edison Festival of Light event. SWFL students projects. Alico Arena, FGCU, 12181 FGCU Lake Pkwy E, Ft Myers10a-3-p. Free. 321-7524. •Silent Sky: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435. •Tiger Blue: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482. •William Lee Martin: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY

•Alan Bibey & Grasstowne: Bluegrass concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900. •Backyard Bluesfest: Memphis Lightning, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111. •Brighton Field Day Festival: Seminole Tribe of Florida. Cultural village, American Indian arts & crafts, native dancers & music, Seminole food, alligator wrestling, rodeo, concerts. Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, 17400 Sports Complex Rd NE, Okeechobee. 9a-9p, rodeo 7p. Free for schools. 863-763-3572. •Brunch on the Bay: Guided kayak tour & brunch. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 10p. Register. 765-0865. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Chris Botti: Jazz concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368. •Classic Car Show: Live music, food trucks, kids activities, museum tours. Cape Coral Museum of History fundraiser. Cultural Park, behind Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 10a-2p. Free. 772-7037. •Coconut Point Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Early & World Music Ensembles: Global Baroque. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade: Floats, marching bands, dancers, clowns, street performers, etc. Ft Myers High School to downtown Ft Myers Historic River District. 7-11p. Free. 321-7524. •Fine Art Show & Sale: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 11a-4p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Grant Peeples: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Gulf Coast Symphony: Haydn Lord Nelson Mass concert w Ft Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 2771700. •Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker Arielee Haughee. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885. •Jackie Flynn: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •Naples Orchid Society Show & Sale: Exhibit, demos. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275. •Naples Philharmonic: Rhapsody in Blue concert. Artis-Naples,

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Willie Nelson & Family perform February 7 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Out of This World Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 252-8476. •Scene to be Seen: Naples Art Institute fundraiser fashion show, reception, silent & live auction, gala dinner, afterparty. Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr, Naples. VIP reception 6p, general admission 7:30p. rsvp. 262-6517. •Science & Engineering Fair: Edison Festival of Light event. SWFL students projects. Alico Arena, FGCU, 12181 FGCU Lake Pkwy E, Ft Myers10a-3-p. Free. 321-7524. •Silent Sky: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268. •SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 275-3435. •The Yabo Brothers: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •William Lee Martin: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

SUNDAY

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320. •Brighton Field Day Festival: Seminole Tribe of Florida. Cultural village, American Indian arts & crafts, native dancers & music, Seminole food, alligator wrestling, rodeo, concerts. Fred

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Smith Rodeo Arena, 17400 Sports Complex Rd NE, Okeechobee. 9a-9p, rodeo 7p. Free for schools. 863-763-3572. •Chamber Music Romance: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Coconut Point Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615. •FGCU Chamber & University: Bel Canto & Cantabile concert. New Hope Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268. •Fine Art Show & Sale: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 11a-4p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Gulf Coast Symphony: Haydn Lord Nelson Mass concert w Ft Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 277-1700. •Hot Rod Car Show: Edison Festival of Light event. Edwards Dr, Ft Myers River District. 10a-3p. Free. 321-7524. •Laurta Wright & Cynthia Watros: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 4p. 389-6901. •Muriel Anderson: Americana concert, Ray Cerbone opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Naples Orchid Society Show & Sale: Exhibit, demos. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275. •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. •Punta Gorda Symphony: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 – An Evening of Poetry through Music concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-205-5996. •Silent Sky: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268. •The Woman Who Mapped the

FEBRUARY-MARCH Stars: Dramatic production. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 2p. 275-3435. •William Lee Martin: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

MONDAY

•Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Classical music concert w Alisa Weilerstein. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161. •Uncle Lazer: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

TUESDAY

•A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Colin Hall: Spiritual medium. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 6p. 941-255-1022. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Laila Biali Jazz Trio: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268. •Lecture: Lee County’s Black History. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 6p. 765-0865. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Matchmaking screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Mersey Beatles: Beatles tribute concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 4 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Vinnie Brand: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

WEDNESDAY

8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Richard Smith: Guitar concert. Collier County Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. 2p. Free.252-7311. •Rob Norum: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576. •The Mersey Beatles: Beatles tribute concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •The Return of Emerson Lake & Palmer: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

THURSDAY

•Art Reception & Awards Ceremony: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 6p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Art Reception: Annual photography exhibition. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30-7p. Free. 530-5977. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Art Reception: May Pang. HW Gallery, 462 9th St N, Naples. 5-7p. Free. 263-6640. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •D’Lai: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Elixer of Love: Gulfshore Opera concert. Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero. 7p. 529-3925. •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. •FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Outdoor concert. Library lawn, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268. •Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •John Ford Coley: Concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 4 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Let’s Hang On: Frankie Valli tribute concert. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115. •Meet the Author: M.A. McLaughlin. SWFL Reading Festival event. Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. Register. 533-4832 •Naples Philharmonic: Concert. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 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. •Paul McCartney Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447. •Rave Lucid: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. 941-359-5700. •RC Smith: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Steve Forbert: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Farewell Mr Haffmann screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •The Diamonds: Doo Wop concert.

The Eroica Trio perform February 13 at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers.

•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 Worcester Railers: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Jon Bramnick: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Lecture: Celebrating Chick Corea. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 12p. Register. 495-8989. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Lecture: Witness to Goodness. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 2p. rsvp. 263-9200. •RC Smith: Snappers Comedy Club,

F t . M yers magazine

Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Tracy Bird: Country music concert, Pure Country opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

FRIDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Northeastern U Huskies: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Comedy Nite: Tim, The Daity Farmer. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Florida Everblades vs Worcester Railers Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Haydn Lord Nelson Mass: Gulf Coast Symphony & Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. 395-0900. •Jamie Kennedy: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Minnesota Twins vs U of Minnesota Golden Gophers: Spring training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 800338-9467. •Naples Ikebana Int’l Show Preview Party: Art of flower arrangement exhibition. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5:30a-1p. rsvp. 6437275. •Naples Ikebana Int’l Show: Art of flower arrangement exhibition, demos, kids activities, market. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 8a-5p. 6437275. •Naples National Art Fair: 5th Ave S & Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517. •Naples Philharmonic: Concert. United Church of Marcio Island, 320 N Barfield Dr, Marco Island, Naples. 4p. 597-1900. •Patchouli & Terra Guitarra: Blues concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Randall King: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Rave Lucid: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •RC Smith: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233. •Rhythm on the River: Liz Hunny & Band outdoor bluegrass concert & cocktails. Edison & Ford Winter Estates River Pavilion, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. Bring lawn chairs. 334-7419. •Sheena Brook: Americana music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933. •Silent Sky: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268. •Songs in the Attic: Billy Joel tribute concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •The Nighthawks: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Unfinished Business: Outdoor

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY

•A Tale of Two: Americana concert, Fred Ball opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Adian Vandenberg: Rock concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Burrowing Owl Festival: Wildlife & Environmental expo. Crafts, live animals, tours, vendors. Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral. 10a-4p. Free. 980-2593. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Florida Everblades vs WorcesterRailers: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Iris Brown: Harp recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Jamie Kennedy: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Spring training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Murder at the KO Corral: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. The Standard, Page Field, 5301 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 6p. 920-9463. •Naples Ikebana Int’l Show: Art of flower arrangement exhibition, demos, kids activities, market. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 8a-5p. 6437275. •Naples National Art Fair: 5th Ave S & Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517. •Rave Lucid: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •RC Smithg: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •Sheila E: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Silent Sky: Theater, discussion after 2p show. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 5907268. •Steve Forbert: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •The Real Deal - Dueling Pianos: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •Victoria Hyman: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 745-4268.

SUNDAY

•American Virtuosi Gala: Fundraiser dinner & Chamber music concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 5:30p. rsvp 333-1933.

What Goes On •Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Bruce Katz: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Elixer of Love: Gulfshore Opera concert. Jewish Cultural Center, 4720 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 6:30p. 529-3925. •FGCU Symphony Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 7454268. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Chamber choir concert. Good Shepherd Church, 2951 Trail Dairy Circle, N Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 288-2535. •John Lodge: Ex-Moody Blues bassist performs Days of Future Past concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Jordan Rock: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Naples Big Band: Concert. Veterans Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island. 2-4p. Free. 777-0416. •Naples Ikebana Int’l Show: Art of flower arrangement exhibition, demos, kids activities, market. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 8a-5p. 6437275. •Naples National Art Fair: 5th Ave S & Cambier Park, 755 8th 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: Heavenly Harmony chamber concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941953-3434. •Silent Sky: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: Imordecai screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 3p. 481-4449. •Ted Vigil as John Denver: Tribute band. The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 4p, concert 5p. 410-1999. •The Cast of the Maltese Crow Murder: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6p. 867-6098. •The Venice Chorale: Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-2183779. •Verona Quartet: Chamber music concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

MONDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Jew Man Group: Adults only comedy show. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022. •Mike Vecchione: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

TUESDAY

•Ben Rosenblum: Jazz concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270. •Glenn Hughes: Of Deep Purple. Rock concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Lecture: Ospreys. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Mike Vecchione: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Minnesota Twins vs Philadelphia Phillies: Spring training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: She’s Got Soul. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Style & Song: Gulfshore Opera luncheon concert. Grey Oaks Country Club, 2400 Great Oaks Dr N, Naples. 12p. rsvp. 529-3925. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: The Shadow of the Day screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4449. •Tiffany Sanchez Borjas: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

WEDNESDAY

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 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. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Jesse Davis: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Mike Vecchione: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles: Spring training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: She’s Got Soul. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY

•American Virtuosi: Chamber music concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Boston Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Celtic Women: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Elixer of Love: Gulfshore Opera concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 529-3925. •Kevin Herrera: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 8p. 389-6901. •Konstantin Soukhovetski: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 469333-3231. •Lecture & Book Signing: Carl Hiassen. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Xp. 472-1100. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Mike Vecchione: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: She’s Got Soul. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Piano Talks: All Gershwin All the Time concert w Jodie DeSalvo. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900. •Rob Little: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •So Good - The Neil Diamond Experience: Tribute concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900. •Soapy Tuna: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Spencer Myer: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268. •SWFL Jewish Film Festival: The Catskills screening. Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20 Theaters, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 3p. 481-4449. •The Music of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers: Paul Gavin concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •The Rhythm Chicks Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447.

Mar FRIDAY

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787. •Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050. •Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, in Butterfly Estates, 1815-3

F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

G.Love & Special Sauce perform February 13 at Point Ybel Brewing in Fort Myers. Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645. •Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933. •Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 7784665. •Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129. •Beach & Estuary Walk: Guided 1 hr walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588. •Comedy Nite: Seetha the Comedian, Rob Churchill. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •First Wave: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Guided Forest Bathing Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151. •Havy Rodriguez & Miami Splash: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933. •Kevin Herrera: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Meet the Author: Jane Cleland. SWFL Reading Festival event. Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 2p. Free. Register. 533-4832 •Meet the Author: Sarah Penner. SWFL Reading Festival event. South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero, Ft Myers. 11a. Free. Register. 533-4832 •Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: She’s Got Soul. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Rob Little: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

Ft . Mye rs magazine

•Sarasota Orchestra: Singers & Songwriters concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •The Kings of Queen: Queen tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •The Poelker Brothers: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY

•An Evening in Paris: Annual SWFL Symphony gala, dinner & dancing. Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club, 10420 Washingtonia Palm Way, Ft Myers. 6:30p. rsvp. 418-1500. •Anthony Picone: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576. •Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517. •Ashanti: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Beach Cleanup: With park ranger. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Free, register. 463-4588. •Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989. •Boston Red Sox vs Washington Nationals: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Calusa Coast Archeology Fair: Archeology exhibits, demos, activities. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 765-0865. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Comedy Nite: Michelle Krajecki, Jason Damm. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery

FEBRUARY-MARCH Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972. •Kevin Herrera: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Late Nite Catechism - Sister’s Summer School Catechism: Play. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900. •Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band: Free outdoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-3273835. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: She’s Got Soul. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900. •Riders in the Sky: Comedy & country swing music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Roy Book Binder: Americana concert, Bill Metts opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Sarasota Orchestra: Singers & Songwriters concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434. •SWFL Reading Festival - An Evening with the Authors: Fundraising dinner with authors. Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2505 First St, Ft Myers. 5:30-8:30p. rsvp. 533-4832. •SWFL Reading Festival: Dozens of authors, readings, book signings, exhibits, activities, entertainment. Outdoors at Fort Myers Library, 2450 1st St, Ft Myers. 10a-4p. Free. 533-4832.

SUNDAY

•7 Bridges: Eagles tribute band. The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 6p, concert 7p. 410-1999. •Bonita Springs National Art Festival: Outdoor fine art & fine craft fair. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 10a-5p. 495-8989. •Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Chamber choir concert. St Michael Church, 3595 Bwy, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 288-2535. •Kevin Herrera: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221. •Oliver Anthony: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •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. •Piano Men Generations: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

•Rotrerdam Philharmonic: Classical music concert w Daniil Trifonov. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161. •Singing for Scholarships: Voices of Naples concert. Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 3p. 455-2582. •The Kings of Queen: Queen tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 5 & 7:30p. 597-1900. •The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

MONDAY

•Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323. •Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Minnesota Twins vs Atlanta Braves: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •One Night in Memphis: Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Piano Men Generations: Billy Joel & Elton John tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422. •Stayin Alive: Bee Gees tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3368. •Stompin’at the Savoy: Gulfshore Playhouse gala fundraiser. Gulfshore Playhouse. Ritz-Carlton Golf resort, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples. 5:30p. rsvp. 261-7529.

TUESDAY

•A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789. •Bee Gees Gold: Tribute concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Celtic Woman: 20th anniversary concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Lecture: Seasonality. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Let’s Hang On!: Tribute concert. Charlotte Harbor Event Center,

75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022. •Sanibel Music Festival Manhattan Chamber Players: Sanibel Music Festival concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025. •The Righteous Brothers: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY

•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 4-8p. Free. 249-1977. •Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073. •Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136. •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 Jacksonville Icemen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999. •Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Lecture: Being Vital in Today’s Art World. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 12p. Register. 495-8989. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Lunch & Learn Lecture: Research in the Reserves. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 5305940. •Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Sarasota Orchestra: Luck of the Irish concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Stayin’ Alive: Bee Gees tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •The Midtown Men: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY

927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657. •Barcelona Flamenco Ballet: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849. •Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Buyer & Cellar: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival: Demos, exhibits, workshops, samples, cooking shows. 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. 9a-3p. Free. 543-3246. •Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Lecture & Book Signing: Diane Wilson - One Woman’s Fight to Save Our Waters. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100. •Magic Under the Mangroves: Conservancy of SWFL gala fundraiser. Conservancy of SWFL Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. 5:30p. rsvp. 262-0304. •Marbin: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Marc Anthony: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Ringling Underground: Live music in courtyard. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8-11p. 941-359-5700. •Sarasota Orchestra: Luck of the Irish concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709

FRIDAY

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-3p. Free. 574-0802. •BelO: Haitian music concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Buyer & Cellar: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Comedy Nite: Jimmy Keys. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Danny Sinoff & Friends: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Donnell Rawlings: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901. •ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival: Demos, exhibits, workshops, samples, cooking shows, plant sales. 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. 9a-3p. Free. 5433246. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Giordano Dance Chicago: Dance concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Lauren Fox Sings the Music of Leonard Cohen & Joni Mitchell: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Mark Evans: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198. •Sanibel Shell Show: Competitive shell show fundraiser, exhibits, shell art, shell jewelry, craft

Big A & The Allstars perform a free concert, February 13 at U. Tobe Recital Hall on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus.

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy,

F t . M yers magazine

N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Winter Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

What Goes On demos, shell sale, food. Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 472-2155. •Sarasota Orchestra: Luck of the Irish concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live music. Riptide Brewing, 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs. 6-9p. Free. 949-9945. •Spring Concert: BIG ARTS Concert Band. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. 395-0900. •The Beach Boys: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •The Lineup Band: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933. •Yabo Brothers: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Babcock Ranch Art Show: Outdoor art show & sale. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch. 10a-5p. Free. 941-257-4936. •Backyard Bluesfest: Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, Tas Cru. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111. •BelO: Haitian music concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Buyer & Cellar: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Donnell Rawlings: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8p. 389-6901. •ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival: Demos, exhibits, workshops, samples, cooking shows, plant sales. 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. 9a-3p. Free. 5433246. •Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258. •Floyd Nation: Pink Floyd tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Garden Talk: Hibiscus. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 334-7419. •Immokalee Cattle Drive & Jamboree: Food, drink, entertainment, cattle drive starts 9:30p on Main St, Immokalee. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. 12-4p. Free. 252-2611. •Lecture: Estero Historical Society – Florida Cults & Communes. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Milly Quezada, Melina Leon: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Minnesota Twins vs NY Yankees: Spring Training baseball.

Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. •Open Studio: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. 941-799-6634. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Pink Martini w China Forbes: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Poet’s Unplugged: Gemini Fox, open mic. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p, open mic 9p. 941-894-6469. •Sanibel Music Festival - Avery Gagliano: Concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025. •Sanibel Shell Show: Competitive shell show fundraiser, exhibits, shell art, shell jewelry, craft demos, shell sale, food. Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 472-2155. •Sarasota Orchestra: Luck of the Irish concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sing & Swing: Jazz at Lincoln Center concert w Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900. •ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynrd: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

SUNDAY

•10th Anniversary Gala Concert & Dinner: Gulfshore Opera. Concert 4p - First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs; dinner 5:30p - The Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples. Rsvp. 529-3925. •115 Years of Broadway: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3 & 7p. 597-1900. •Babcock Ranch Art Show: Outdoor art show & sale. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch. 10a-4p. Free. 941-257-4936. •Buyer & Cellar: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2p. 495-8989. •Donnell Rawlings: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 8p. 389-6901. •ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival: Demos, exhibits, workshops, samples, cooking shows, plant sales. 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. 9a-3p. Free. 5433246. •Eric D’Alessando: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Goldberg Variations: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Gulf Coast Symphony: Folk Anthems of the 70s concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita

Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Washington Nationals: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467. •Naples Big Band: Concert. Veterans Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island. 2-4p. Free. 7770416. •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. •Paul Anka: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368. •Sarasota Orchestra: Luck of the Irish concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

MONDAY

•Author Lecture & Lunch: Bob Morris. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 12p. 333-1933. •Boston Red Sox vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival: Demos, exhibits, workshops, samples, cooking shows, plant sales. 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. 9a-3p. Free. 5433246. •Kevin James Thornton: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Shades of Buble: Michael Buble tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115. •Singer Songwriters: Americana concert - Rebekah Pulley, Kip Kelley, Doug Burns. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469. •The Olivia Show: Olivia NewtonJohn tribute concert. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

TUESDAY

•Larry & Adolpho - Dummy’s Guide to Love Songs: Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 4 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Lecture: 1500 Mile, 75 Days, Solo canoe & Kayak Odyssey. Calusa Blueway Speaker Series. N Ft Myers Rec Center, 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. 6:30p. Fee. 533-7200. •Lecture: Climate. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Lecture: Women Who Shaped Collier County. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 2p. Free. 642-1440. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Mike Imbasciani: Blues concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136. •Paul Anka: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849. •Sanibel Music Festival - Boston Trio: Concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025. •Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Pearl Street Band. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069. •The Ed Sullivan Show Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447.

WEDNESDAY

•Archeology Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 252-8476. •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. •Beach Boys Tribute Band: The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 6p, concert 7p. 410-1999.

THURSDAY

•114 Years of Broadway: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Art Reception & Open House: Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989. •Art Reception: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0027. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Art Reception: Through the Window. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-8p. Free. 579-0659.

Etienne Charles performs, February 15 at The Ringing’s Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota.

•Boston Red Sox vs St. Louis Cardinals: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Champions of Magic: Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •Goldberg Variations: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000. •Kailah Burbach: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Kevin James Thornton: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

•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. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Foreigner: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849. •Kevin James Thornton: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Lecture: Cuban Ranchos. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Register. 275-3435. •Lecture: Growing Up Sephardic in an Ashkenazi World. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 2p. rsvp. 263-9200. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Minnesota Twins vs St Louis Cardinals: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467. •Open Mic at the Night Market: Live music. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. 939-2787. •Priscilla Presley: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

Ft . Mye rs magazine

FEBRUARY-MARCH •Bash for the Bay: Live music by High Voltage, cocktails, auctions, buffet, dancing, fundraiser for Rookery Bay National Research Reserve. The Players Club & Spay at Lely, 8060 Grand Lely Dr, Naples. 6-10p. rsvp. 530-5977. •Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Ed Calle: Jazz concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270. •Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436. •Evren Ozel: Classical piano concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 745-4268. •GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts,10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 529-3925. •Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •Lecture & Book Signing: Charles Sobczak - Hurricanes, Humans & Wildlife. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100. •Little River Band: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Toronto Blue Jays: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Philharmonic: An American in Paris & The Firebird Suite concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Nick Swardson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Piano Talks: Brass Spectacular concert w Jodie DeSalvo. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900. •Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Dinner. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. ?????p. Free. 322-8593. •Sarasota Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 concert. Neel Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida, 5840 26 St W, Bradenton, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Bone Hook Brewing, 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 631-8522.

FRIDAY

•Albert Castiglia: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

Broadway Palm, in Fort Myers, presents ‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution,’ thru February 17. •Comedy Nite: RC Smith. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Deceit Outwitted: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Jesse Jones Jr: Jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Larry Fleet: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Mama Said String Band: Bluegrass concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •MeKo: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482. •Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •Naples Philharmonic: An American in Paris & The Firebird Suite concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Nature Walk: Guided walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588. •Nick Swardson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Sarasota Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 220-5918. •Steve Hackett - Genesis Revisited: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •The Freecoasters: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933. •The Hit Men: Classic rock supergroup concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900.

SATURDAY

•A Night at the Museum: Benefit gala. Cocktails, dinner, live music, auctions. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 5p. 395-2233. •Abigail Glass: Violin recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 80. Free. 745-4268. •Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:30-7p. Free. 395-0900. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Cora McQueary: French horn recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 11a, 3 & 7p. 9487825. •Family Fun Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 2528476. •Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885. •Joe Moss: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Music in the Garden: Patchouli & Terra Guitarra. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275. •Nick Swardson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p.

F t . M yers magazine

389-6901. •Peace River National Art Festival: Outdoor art show, live music. Laishley Park, 100 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 9a-5p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Sanibel Music Festival - Viano String Quartet: Concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 3447025. •Sarasota Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Shawna Caspi: Americana concert, JD Lashley opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802. •SWFL Symphony: The Concertmaster Concerto. Masterworks concert w Orin Laursen, violin. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. Lecture 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 418-1500. •The Temptations, The Four Tops: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •The Weight Band: The Band tribute concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

SUNDAY

•Academy of St Martin in the Fields: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900. •Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320. •Boston Red Sox vs NY Yankees: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Deceit Outwitted: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300.

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

•Disney On Ice - Find Your Hero: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 1 & 5p. 948-7825. •Elvis’ Hawaiian Show: Dwight Icenhower Elvis Presley tribute concert. The Venue at Mudge Ranch, 1323 Loblolly Bay Rd SW, LaBelle. Dinner 6p, concert 7p. 410-1999. •Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436. •Murder by Vegas: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6p. 867-6098. •Nick Swardson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •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. •Peace River National Art Festival: Outdoor art show, live music. Laishley Park, 100 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 9a-5p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Punta Gorda Symphony: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue concert w The Gaudi Trio. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-205-5996. •Sarasota Jazz Festival Jazz in the Park: Free outdoor concert. Sarasota High School Jazz band, Suncoast Jazz Combos. Civic Green, The Bay Park, 801 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 12-4p. 941366-1552. •Sarasota Jazz Festival Jazz Trolley & Pub Crawl: 10 venues in downtown Sarasota with 10 bands. Trolleys depart 5:30-6:30p from Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5:30-9:30p. 941366-1552. •Sarasota Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434. •Songwriters in the Round: Americana concert w Charlie McCoy, Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5p. 939-2787. •Songwriters in the Round: Outdoor Americana concert w Kim Mayfield & Roy Schneider, Charlie McCoy opens. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5p. 691-4069. •Stokes & Kozlowski: Chamber music concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Vintage Baseball Game: Four team tournament. Terry Park, 3410 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 334-7419.

MONDAY

•Abbacadabra: Abba tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115. •Beatles vs Stones: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849. •Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Paul Taylor Dance Company: Van

What Goes On Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368. •Sarasota Jazz Festival VIP Reception: Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 5p. 941366-1552. •Steve Hofstetter: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

TUESDAY

•A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Balsam Range: Bluegrass concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Deceit Outwitted: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Dr Jordan B Peterson: Lecture. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. 549-3000. •John Denver Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447. •Kyiv Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849. •Lecture: Coyotes. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Sanibel Music Festival - David Finckel & Wu Han: Concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025. •Tara Cannistraci: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

WEDNESDAY

•Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Tara Cannistraci: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •The Doo Wop Project: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368. •The Golden Girls: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

THURSDAY

• Sarasota Jazz Festival – Wycliffe Gordon Quintet, Grace Kelly Quartet: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 6p. 941-366-1552. •Art Reception & Artists’ Presentation: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199. •Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971. •Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-11p. 455-1444. •Deceit Outwitted: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Divas & Dinner: Gulfshore Opera concert. The Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples. 6p. rsvp. 529-3925. •Florida Woman: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic

Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. 941-359-5700. •Jacques ze Whipper: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901. •Jim Lauderdale: Americana concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 691-4069. •Kylie Morgan: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Lecture & Book Signing: Stephanie Kissinger – PostHurricane Clean-Up & Recycling. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100. •Lecture: Barron Collier - Visionary Businessman. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Rick Howard’s SWFL GuitarFest: Blues concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Sarasota Jazz Festival Film: The Girls in the Band. Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Ct, Sarasota. 9a. 941-366-1552. •Sarasota Orchestra: Classics for Wind & Brass chamber concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434. •Stars of the 60s: Jay & the Americans, The Classics IV, The Shades of Blue, Chris Ruggiero concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

FRIDAY

•Art Walks the Runway: Local fashion show opening night. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 7p, show 8p. 333-1933.

Mike Imbasciani performs March 12 at the Venice Art Center.

• Sarasota Jazz Festival - Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terell Stafford Quintet: Concert. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-1552. •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. •Coastal Collective: Outdoor concert. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. 6:30p. 941-366-5731. •Florian Noack: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 469-333-32319. •Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300.

Jesse Davis performs wth the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra, February 28 at Artis–Naples. •Assisted Living - the Musical: Musical comedy w Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2 & 7p. 495-8989. •Carmen: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Cirque des Voix: Circus w Cirque Orchestra & Key Chorale. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-12a. 455-1444. •Comedy Nite: Sheena Reagan. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Florida Woman: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-3595700. •Graperfruit Gala: Live music, dancing, storytelling, food, wine. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 5-7p. Free. 695-0008. •Hans Kim: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Kristin Chenoweth: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8:30p. 941-953-3368. •Minnesota Twins vs Atlanta Braves: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Sarasota Jazz Festival – Jeff Hamilton Trio, Valerie Gillespie: Concert. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 6p. 941-366-1552. •Sarasota Jazz Festival Late Night Open Jam: Open to public. Location tba, Sarasota. 9:30p-12a. 941-366-1552. •The Doo Wop Project: Benefit concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 6p. 395-0900. •The Sauce: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY

• Sarasota Jazz Festival – Chucho Valdes Quartet, Houston Person Quintet: Concert. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N

F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-1552. •A Few Good Men: Play. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7p. 323-6570. •Art & Crafts Show: Outdoor art show. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 642-7270. •Art Walks the Runway: International couture fashion show. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 7p, show 8p. 333-1933. •Assisted Living - the Musical: Musical comedy w Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2p. 495-8989. •Backyard Bluesfest: Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, Terry Hanck. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111. •Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 6p. 888-733-7696. •Brew Fest: Live music, craft beer, food trucks, kids activities, museum tours. Cape Coral Museum of History fundraiser. Cultural Park, behind Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 1-5p. Free. 772-7037. •Cirque des Voix: Circus w Cirque Orchestra & Key Chorale. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 1p-1a. 455-1444. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Commodores, WAR: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Deceit Outwitted: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Duelo: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Easter on the Ranch: Egg hunt, kids activities. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-1p. Free. 252-2611. •En Plein Air Painting Festival: Naples Art District artists. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 10a-2p. 249-1977. •Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Florida Woman: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic

FEBRUARY-MARCH Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Hans Kim: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Lucia di Lammermoor: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300. •Master Naturalist Tours: Open house. Exhibit, guided swamp walk. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 9:30a-2:30p. Free. 695-2428. •Music Man - the Musical: with Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 7-94p. Free. 270-1221. •Outdoor Art & Craft Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a4p. Free. 394-4221. •Rubbish Fete: Artist created fashions runway show & party. Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery, 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. 6px. 941-799-6634. •Sanibel Music Festival - Opera Theater of Connecticut: Concert singing Gilbert &. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025. •Sarasota Jazz Festival Late Night Open Jam: Open to public. Location tba, Sarasota. 9:30p-12a. 941-366-1552. •Sounds of Jazz & Blues: Outdoor concert. Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 NW 8th Ave, Cape Coral. 5-10p. 772-5657. •Sounds of the Sand: Live music, nature games, ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge fundraiser. Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 1-7p. Free. 472-1100. •The Academy of St Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell: Classical concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941953-3368.

SUNDAY

•A Few Good Men: Play. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7p. 323-6570. •Art & Crafts Show: Outdoor art show. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 642-7270. •Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves: Spring Training baseball. JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 1-10p. 455-1444. •Florida Woman: Dance performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Hans Kim: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Luisa Miller: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 1:30p. 941-328-1300. •Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Mirage - Visions of Fleetwood Mac: Tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

•Naples Big Band: Concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 2-4p. 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. •Outdoor Art & Craft Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a4p. Free. 394-4221. •Sounds of the Sand: Live music, nature games, ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge fundraiser. Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 1-7p. Free. 472-1100.

MONDAY

•Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-11p. 455-1444. •Ensemble New SRQ: You Are Free. Classical music concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. •Mirage - Visions of Fleetwood Mac: Tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422. •Music Man - the Musical: with Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Naples Downtown Art Show: 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-6p. Free. 262-6517. •Winter Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbor Dr, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900. •Zoltan Kaszas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

TUESDAY

•Aaron Levine: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-11p. 455-1444. •Country Legend Tribute to The Highwayman: Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings tribute concert. Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022. •GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera spring concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 529-3925. •Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. 549-3000. •Lecture: Animal encounters. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644. •Lecture: Exploring the Stories Behind Lost Landmarks. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 6p. 765-0865. •Lecture: Paddling Adventures in Florida, Costa Rica and Virgibia Shores. Calusa Blueway Speaker Series. N Ft Myers Rec Center, 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. 6:30p. Fee. 533-7200. •Minnesota Twins vs Atlanta Braves: Spring Training baseball. Hammond Stadium, Lee Health Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile

Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800338-9467. •Naples Downtown Art Show: 5th Ave S, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Frankie Moreno & Tony Desare - Dueling Pianos concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Storytelling: Sheila Arnold. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199. •The Marshall Tucker Band: Rock concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 6p. 314-3723. •Zoltan Kaszas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

WEDNESDAY

•American String Quartet Chamber music concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 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. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-11p. 455-1444. •Donna Summer & Tina Turner Tribute Concert: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood, Marco Island. 6:30p. 389-6447. •Lecture: Music & the Movies. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 12p. Register. 495-8989. •Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Frankie Moreno & Tony Desare - Dueling Pianos concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Storytelling: Sheila Arnold. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199. •The Brothers Doobie: Doobie Brothers tribute concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3 & 7p. 597-1900. •Zoltan Kaszas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156. •Billy The Kid & The Regulators: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6-11p. 455-1444. •Emile Naoumoff: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg,

F t . M yers magazine

FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268. •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. •Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Frankie Moreno & Tony Desare - Dueling Pianos concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Bone Hook Brewing, 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 631-8522. •Sunset Concert: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 6p. 941-366-5731. •The Brothers Doobie: Doobie Brothers tribute concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3 & 7p. 597-1900. •Zach Bartholomew Trio: Latin jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Zoltan Kaszas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY

•Backtrack Blues Band: Blues concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Bruce Liu: Classical music concert. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-966-6161. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 6p-12a. 455-1444. •Comedy Nite: Mark ‘Southern Not Stupid’, Lori Evans. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000. •Fire & Rain: James Taylor tribute concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933. •Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Frankie Moreno & Tony Desare - Dueling Pianos concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900. •Ralph Curtis Band: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482. •Retro Rooftop Dance Party: DJ Selecta AJ. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11:30p. 333-1933. •Rhythm on the River: Caribbean Chillers outdoor bluegrass concert & cocktails. Edison & Ford Winter Estates River Pavilion, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Bring lawn chairs. 334-7419. •Sail On: Beach Boys tribute concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667. •Sheena Brook: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 220-5918.

FEBR U AR Y-MAR CH 2024

SATURDAY

•Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Livestock auction 7-11p. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 1p-1a. 455-1444. •Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 323-6570. •Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Jeff Harnar Sings Cole Porter: Concert. Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Kala Farnham: Americana concert, Silvia Medina opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Live Wrestling: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 4p. 323-6570. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Frankie Moreno & Tony Desare - Dueling Pianos concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900. •Par 4 for Murderr: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6p. 867-6098.

SUNDAY

•Art Talk: How to View & Talk About Art. Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5:30p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Collier County Fair: Live entertainment, demos, exhibits, petting zoo, livestock shows, rodeo, vendors. Collier County Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave NE, Naples. 1-10p. 455-1444. •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.

ongoing Theater •25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: Mar 13-17. Royal Palm Players. Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694. •30th Annual Silver Foxes: Feb 27-Mar 2. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-4881115. •A Comedy of Tenors: Feb 16-Mar 3. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488. •A Few Good Men: Mar 23 & 24. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 3236570. •A Grand Night for Singing: thru Feb 3. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700. •A Soldier’s Play: thru Feb 18. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505. •Art of Murder: Mar 6-31. Lemon

What Goes On Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756. •Assisted Living - the Musical-: Mar 22 & 23. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989. •Beautiful - the Carol King Musical: Feb 23-Apr 6. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •Born with Teeth: Feb 7-Mar 29. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000. •Bus Stop: Feb 23-Mar 24. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192. •Buyer & Cellar: Mar 7-10. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989. •Bye Bye Birdie: Feb 29-Mar 10. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862. •Calendar Girls: Feb 8-25. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022. •Calendar Girls: thru Feb 11. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115. •Circus Sarasota: Feb 16-Mar 10. Ulla Searing Big Top, Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota. 941-355-9805. •Cirque des Voix: Mar 22 & 23. Ulla Searing Big Top, Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota. 941355-9805. •Dance Makers: Mar 14-17. Sarasota Contemporary Dance Jane Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-260-8485. •Dial ‘M’ for Murder: Mar 20-Apr 25. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000. •Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus - the Musical: Mar 8-Apr 5, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674. •Elvis - A Musical Revolution: thru Feb 17. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •Freaky Friday: Mar 8-17. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Hank Williams - Lost Highway: Mar 22-Apr 14. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488. •Illusion of Death: Mar 27-Jun 2. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487. •Inherit the Wind: thru Feb 24. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000. •Intimate Apparel: Feb 28-Apr 18. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000. •Into the Breeches: Feb 15-Mar 10. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529. •Jagged Little Pill: Feb 13-18. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849. •Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville: thru Feb 18. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115. •Judith: thru Feb 18. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397. •Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!: Feb 14-Mar 10. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990. •Little Me: Mar 7-17. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352. •Million Dollar Quartet: Feb 8-18. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888966-3352. •Misery: Feb 22-Mar 10. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494. •Mrs. Doubtfire: Mar 26-31. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849. •Nana’s Naughty Knickers: Feb 9-18. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862. •Nunsense II - The Second Coming: Feb 21-Mar 9. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700. •Nunsense II - The Second Coming: Mar 14-31. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

Mama Said String Band perform March 15 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center in Fort Myers’ Historic River District.

•On Track for Murder: thru Mar 24. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487. •Pictures from Home: thru Feb 18. Florida Studio Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •Proof: Feb 6-Mar 3. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292. •Ride the Cyclone: Feb 23-Mar 23 (previews Feb 21 & 22). Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481. •Ruby: Feb 28-Apr 7. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-3661505. •Run for Your Wife: thru Feb 25. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •She Loves Me: Mar 21-Apr 2. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529. •Silent Sky: Feb 16-25. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268. •Sister Act: Mar 28-Apr 7. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862. •Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks: Mar 12-Apr 7. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292. •Six: Mar 19-24. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 5971900. •Stew: thru Feb 3. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481. •Suite Surrender: Feb14-18. Royal Palm Players. Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694. •Take It to the Limit: thru Apr 7. Florida Studio Theatre. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •The Drowsy Chaperone: Feb 23Mar 3. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570. •The Fantastiks: thru Feb 11. The Naples Players. Beverley Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990. •The Flip Side: Feb 7-Jun 16. Florida Studio Theatre. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •The Gin Game: Feb 2-Mar 10. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488. •The Lehman Trilogy: thru Mar 24. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •The Lifespan of a Fact: thru Feb 4. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192. •The Marvelous Wonderettes: Feb 23-Mar 17. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-4881115. •The Play That Goes Wrong: Mar 16-Apr 7. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990. •The Queen of Bingo: Feb 7-25. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270. •The Refugees: thru Feb 4. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529. •The Spitfire Grill: Mar 22-Apr 21. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

F EB RUA RY-M A R CH 2024

•The Sunshine Boys: thru Feb 11. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756. •The Sweet Delilah Swim Club: Feb 29-Apr 14. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •The Woman Who Mapped the Stars: Feb 8-18. Theatre Conspiracy. Fundraiser. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 9363239. •Tick Tick Boom: Feb 2-11. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570. •Tina - The Tina Turner Musical: Feb 20-25. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900. •Tina - Tina Turner Musical: Feb 27-Mar 3. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849. •To Kill a Mockingbird: Feb 2025. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849. •Up on the Roof: thru Feb 12. Florida Studio Theatre. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •Vanities: Mar 13-30. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270. •Westminister: Mar 22-Apr 28. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397. •Which Way to the Stage: thru Feb 3. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

Art Galleries •Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 312375-8887. •Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887. •Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Feb 2-24: Island to Island - Zan Lombardo & Deb Zwetsch; Mar 1-30: All Florida exhibition. TueFri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. 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. Thru Mar 2: Brian V Jones; thru Mar 2: Carole Lyles Shaw; thru Mar 2: Christopher Skura; thru Mar 2: Members Show. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sar 12-5p. 941-365-2032. •Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. Open studios Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 646-358-2531. •Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Thru Feb 5: Connections; Feb 8-Mar 7: Members Exhibition; Mar 14-Apr 11: Romancing the Stone; Mar 14-Apr 11: Joyce Waddell Bailey & Laura Nisita. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 495-8989. •Arts for ACT Gallery: Feb 2-27: Tracy Cullimore, Julie Griffin, Carol Baskin; Mar 1-Apr 2: Roger Brown. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050. •Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. thru Mar 10: The Art of Food; thru Apr 7: Tamara Kostianovsky Botanical Revolution; thru Apr 28: The Face of Immokalee; Feb 10-Jun 16: Selections form The Ahmet Ertegun Collection; Feb 10- Jun

Ft . Mye rs magazine

16: George Gershwin & Modern Art. Ongoing: Chihuly Collection; Magritte - Reflections of Another World; Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest. 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. 597-1900. •BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. thru Apr 21: Beth Schroeder; Feb 2-Mar 10: Shah Hadjabi & Al Chailosky; Mar 15Apr 28: Wendy Klemperer. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 395-0900. •Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. thru Jul 13: Purvis Young - Honey in the Sky. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. 489-9313. •Bokeelia Art Gallery: 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. OCT-JUN Wed-Sun 10a-5p. 738-5280. •Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. thru Feb 22: Inspire; Feb 2-22: Expressions; Mar 1-28: Art Focus; Mar 1-28: Descendant. MonSat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802. •Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. thru Feb 5: Food for Thought; Feb 6-29: Wild About Wildlife; Feb 5-29: Black History Month; Mar 5-Apr 1: Let’s Go Green. Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. 772-5657. •Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. 695-2428. •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. Feb 7-28: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc; Mar 6-27: SWFL Watercolor Society. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073. •Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Ongoing: Art Council of SWFL members. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Jan: SWFL Wax Society; Feb: SWFL Watercolor Society; Mar: SWFL Pastel Society. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 436-3530. •Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. thru Feb 29: Michael Stevenson, Rebecca Levine Quigley, Ellen Goodman; Mar 1-Apr 30: Michelle Depaolos-Wampner, Charlotte Jordan, Tom Ruthz. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Mon-Fri 9a6p & Sat 10a-5p. 941-799-6634. •Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. thru Mar 30: featured artists. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634. •Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. thru Feb 24: featured artists; Mar 7-30: That Which Covers Us Does Not Hide Us. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634. •DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-3p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 590-8645. •East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459. •Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S McCall Rd, Englewood. Tue & Thu 9a-9p, Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941474-5548. •Florida Gulf Coast University Art

FEBRUARY-MARCH

Circus Arts Conservatory presents Cirque des Voix, March 22 & 23 in Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota. Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–thru Feb 29: A Tenuous Framework - Shana McCaw & Brent Budsberg; Mar 22Apr 4: Student Exhibition. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199. •Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3909. •Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787. •Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 403-8393. •Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. thru Feb 4: Beth Blewett, Rosemary Post; Feb 6-Mar 3: Marth Dodd, Jim Crawford; Mar 5-Apr7: Kim Carioto-Krugle, Jan Butler. Receptions 1st Tue 6-8p. Daily 11a-8p. 540-5789. •Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. 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. Feb: Carol Young; Mar: Robinette Apelgren. 395-0027. •HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Feb 22-25: The Lost Weekend May Pang Photos. 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. Receptions Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 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. •Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. Thu-Mon 9a-2p. 2038332. •Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Main Galleries— thru Feb 27: Tattoos as Art; Mar 4-Apr 2: Members Show. La Petite Galerie— Feb 5-27: Margarita Angel; Mar 4-Apr 2: Judy Chinski. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221. •Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633. •Naples Art Studios: Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Feb 1-29: Melissa

Belz - Floral Abstraction; Mar 1-31: Phil Costello - Wall Sculpture in Wood. By appt. 821-1061. •Naples Art District: Dozens of artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. Feb 15-Apr 5: Artistry in Paradise (FineMark Bank, 275 8th St S, Naples). Open studios Thu 1-5p & 2nd Sat 10-2p. 249-1977. •Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Feb 10-Apr 28: The Power of Photography. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517. •Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Feb 21-Mar 18: Sweet; Mar 13-27: Jojo Anavim. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300. •Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327. •Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota (Basch & Smith Galleries: 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 & Thompson Galleries: Keating Center, Bradenton Rd; Stulberg Gallery: 1188 MLK Way). Basch Gallery— thru thru Mar 22: Che Colore!. Cooley Photography Center— thru Mar 22: Fashion in Fame. Crossley Gallery— thru Mar 22: ClusterF*#K!??!?. Selby Gallery— thru Mar 22: George Pratt. Skylight Gallery— thru Mar 22: OmarChacon. Smith Gallery— thru Mar 22: Ligature XIV - Dimensions. Stulberg Gallery— thru Mar 25: Paintings of Syd Solomon. Thompson Gallery— thru Mar 22: Omar Chacon. MonSat 10a-4p. 941-359-7563. •Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. thru Mar 3: Working Conditions; Mar 9-Sep 21: Embodied - Highlights from Ringling’s Modern & Contemporary Art; thru Apr 14: The Feline Muse - Cats in Japanese Art; thru Jun 2: Michele Oka Doner; thru Jun 23: Mountains of the Minds Scholars’ Rocks from China & Beyond; Mar 9-Sep 21: Embodied; thru Jan 5, 2025: Shinique Smith. Circus Museum. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a8p. 941-359-5700. •Sanibel Captiva Art League: Temporarily Closed. Exhibitions at Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists at Tribby Arts Center (Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd,

Ft Myers). Meetings 3rd Thu 1-3p. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593. •Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Sanibel Captiva Art League exhibits - thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists. Mon-Fri 9a-35p. 472-2155. •Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Feb 11: Juana Valdes; thru Feb 11: Selection from the Basch Glass Collection; thru Mar 24: Judy Pfaff. Mon-Sat 10a5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300. •Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Feb 2-23: Heidi Love Larraz - Where the Desert Meets the Sea; Feb 2-23: Cecilia Valadez; Mar 1-28: Ft Myers High School Students; Mar 1-28: Ava Williams. 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. •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. •Things I Like by Catherine: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Feb: Maggie DeMarco; Mar: Michael Ray. Receptions 1st Fri, 5-8p. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665. •Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. thru Feb 4: CROW; Feb 8-Mar 10: Duality; Mar 14-Apr 7: Through the Window. Tue-Sun 11a-6p. 579-0659. •Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Mar 30: Hubcap as Art; Apr 12-Jun 22: Shell Point Artists & Writers. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667. •Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394. •Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. thru Feb 7: Over the Edge; thru Feb 7: Studio Art Quilt Associates; Feb 9-11: Leoma Lovegrove - The People’s Painter; Feb 17 & 18: Fine Arts Show; Feb 23-Mar 6: Annual Art Auction; Mar 15-Apr 4: Spring Members Show. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 941-4857136. •Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. thru Feb 1: Through the Fire; thru Feb 1: Ice; Feb 16-Apr 12: National Art Exhibition. 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: Explore Seminole Traditions, Art of Seminole Crafts, Seminole Pride Artwork of Jimmy Osceola. Daily 9a-5p (boardwalk closes 4pm). 877-902-1113. •Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900. •Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium: Temporarily Closed. 3075 SanibelCaptiva Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Fri 11a3p. 395-2233. •Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p.

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Guided tours. Plein Air painting workshops: Tue & Thu 9a-1p. 332-4942. •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. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes & haunted Walks 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. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037. •Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. thru May 12: Thomas & Friends - Explore the Rails. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-5p. 514-0084. •Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru Feb 10: Beaches Creatures & Cowboys Florida Movie Posters; Feb 20-Apr 20: Just Beachy. 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 45 min 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. Niki Butcher exhibition postponed. 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. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; piano concert every other Wed 9:30a. 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, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911. •Historic Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: Tue-Sat 12-4p (register). Tue-Sat 12-4p. Free. 261-8164. •Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples.

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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. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611. •Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. thru Mar 2: The Origins of Golf on Marco Island; Mar 12-Jun 8: Daydreaming - Niki Butcher Photography; thru Jun: Key Marco Deer. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440. •Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Feb 11-Jun 30: Yayoi Kusama - A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe.10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731. •Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. thru Aug 31: Clyde Butcher - Nature Through the Lens. Daily 10a-5p. 941-3665731 •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 11a & 1p; 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. WedSat 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 May 11: The Continuing Story of the Miccosukee Tribe. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008. •Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a3p. 283-1525. •Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions– thru Apr 20: Musical Swings. Fogg Café exhibit— Feb 2-Jun 30: Sara Abalan, 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 Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 2625409. •Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Exhibits— thru Apr 18: Glass in the Gardens. Dogs welcome Tue. TueSun 9a-4p. 941-621-8299. •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. •Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— thru Feb 8: Annual Painting Exhibition; Feb 13-Apr 26: Annual photography exhibition. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 5305940. •Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Dawn-dusk. 472-1932. •Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.

What Goes On 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. •Shell Factory & Nature Park: 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas house, natural history exhibits, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Live music Tue-Sun afternoons. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141. •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. Home open Jan-Apr. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden exhibit. 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. 340-0397. •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 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.

FEBRUARY-MARCH •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: 110/153 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. •Matanzas Pass Preserve: Temporarily Closed. 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Free. 707-3015. •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 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941-483-5956. •Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 7711078. •Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawndusk. Free. 771-1078. •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

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HERTZ ARENA 11000 Everblades Pkwy. Estero 948-7825 Feb 7: vs Adirondack Thunder Feb 9: vs Adirondack Thunder Feb 10: vs Adirondack Thunder Feb 14: vs Orlando Solar Bears Feb 21: vs Worcester Railers Feb 23: vs Worcester Railers Feb 24: vs Worcester Railers Mar 6: vs Jacksonville Icemen Mar 8: vs Orlando Solar Bears Mar 20: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates Mar 22: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates Mar 23: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates Mar 29: vs Jacksonville Icemen Mar 30: vs Jacksonville Icemen Apr 10: vs Jacksonville Icemen Apr 12: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits Apr 13: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits 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, 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 County: 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4400. •South: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. •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 & Comedy •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

Ft . Mye rs magazine

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. 3377646. •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. Live music Wed 6-9p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576. •Howl: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Open mic Wed 8-11p; live music select nites. 332-0161 •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. 2nd & 4th Thu 6-9p: Irish Music Jam; 1st Sun 4-7p: The Rowdy Bards; Sat 1-5p: Jeff Lyons. Free. 603-6535. •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. •The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 985-9839. •The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands select nites. 405-8566. •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.