July-August-September 2023

Ruben Blades with the Robert Delgado Big Band perform at Hertz Arena in Estero on August 23.

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On The Gulf

Storm Stories at the Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts presents the exhibition, ’Storm Stories’, in conjunction with a year-long oral history project of the same name which collected people’s personal accounts of Hurricane Ian and its aftermath. The exhibit will be on display September 1-30.

The exhibition will culminate with a closing reception on the anniversary of Hurricane Ian’s landfall on September 28, 5-7pm. There will be several related events throughout September, including collaborations with the Gulf Coast Writers Association and the University of Florida’s Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship.

For the exhibition, artists are being asked to create artwork about their experiences during or after the storm in any capacity. It may be stories of resilience or trauma or loss. It can evoke a wide range of emotions. It is meant to be cathartic and therapeutic and shareable, something everyone can relate to in some way.

Through August 7, artists may submit one to three works for consideration for this exhibition. There is no entry fee. They are encouraged to submit 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional artwork using found objects and recycled materials collected after the hurricane. Works in all media will be accepted, including paint, collage, photo, drawing, print and sculpture. Only original artwork will be accepted.

All entries must be submitted online no later than August 7 at 5pm. No materials will be accepted at the Alliance for the Arts. Entries must be submitted online only.

“At the Alliance for the Arts, we believe in the healing power of art,” said Gallery Manager Emily Radomski. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, we have seen a great need for healing in our community. Following Hurricane Ian, Alliance for the Arts teamed up with the Gulf Coast Writers Association to launch the oral history project, Storm Stories, where anyone could submit their story from Hurricane Ian. Those collected stories will be compiled into

a printed book, and available for purchase at Alliance for the Arts during the month of September.”

An exhibition of photographs by Kinfay Moroti, ‘Moments from Hurricane Ian’, documenting the hurricane and its aftermath, will be on display in the Alliance for the Arts Theatre Gallery September 1-30.

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. The Alliance campus and galleries are open Tue-Sat 9am-7pm & Sat 9am-1pm. For information, call 939-2787.

Songwriter Fest Expands This Year

The ninth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, a 10-day music festival featuring performances by best-selling and up-and-coming singersongwriters across the country, returns to Southwest Florida, September 22-October 1.

This year, the Songwriter Fest adds the city of Cape Coral to the lineup. The first weekend of the music festival kicks off on Captiva Island, then moves to Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers during the week, and ends with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach.

Performances are scheduled for a variety of venues in Captiva, September 22-24; in Cape Coral, September 25 & 26; in downtown Fort Myers, September 27 & 28; and in Fort Myers Beach, September 29-October 1.

Concerts are scheduled for the following venues:

•Captiva: Mucky Duck, RC Otters, Green Flash, ‘Tween Waters Resort

•Cape Coral: Westin’s Nauti Mermaid, Gather, High Point Social House

•Fort Myers: City Tavern, Downtown Social House, Banyan Hotel rooftop, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

•Fort Myers Beach: Pink Shell Beach Resort, DiamondHead Beach Resort, Matanzas Inn, Bayside, Mound House

More than 30 singersongwriters will be performing during the music festival, including Adam Ezra, Billy Cunningham, Clint Daniels, Coretta King, Dave Pahanish,

Dwayne Haggins, Emily Shackelton, Sonia Leigh, Robinson Treacher, and local singer-songwriter Sheena Brook, among others.

The Americana Community Music Association hosts a Songwriter showcase, September 27 at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center at 7:30pm, featuring Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield, Robert Bidney, Bill Metts, and Ray Cerbone.

Most shows are free with the exception of a few ticketed experiences and shows:

•September 24: Songwriter’s Sunset Cruise with Captiva Cruises (McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Ln., Captiva)

•September 25: Chef’s Dinner with Songwriter at Gather (Tarpon Point Marina, 5971 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral)

•September 27: ACMA showcase at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (2301 First St., Fort Myers’ Historic River District)

•September 28: Sunset Cruise on Sanibel Princess (launches from Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort, Sanibel Harbour Marriott, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr., Fort Myers)

•September 30: Music on the Mound at the Mound House (451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers Beach)

October 1: Pink Shell Pool Party featuring Chris Janson (Pink Shell Beach Resort, 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach).

At the time of publication, information about specific shows was not available. For up-to-date information, call 338-3500.

Chris Janson performs at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest’s headliner concert, October 1 at the Pink Shell Pool Party in Fort Myers Beach.

New Works Festival Finalists Announced

Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the ten finalists from which three winners will ultimately be chosen to participate in their Tenth Annual New Works Festival in September.

Each submission is reviewed during a monthslong anonymous process by a committee of theatre professionals. The ten finalists are then chosen by the Gulfshore Playhouse artistic team.

The annual New Works Festival will take place at Gulfshore Playhouse from September 14-17. The Festival will include developmental workshops for the winning plays and will culminate with staged readings.

The ten finalists are:

• Blood of the Lamb, by Arlene Hutton

• BUZZ, by Hope Villanueva

• Circle Forward, by Deb Hiett

• Cracked Pots, by Kristen LePine

• Emergency Protocol Camouflage, by Erin Osgood

• Hrdza, by F.J. Hartland

• Stockade by Andrew Rosendorf

• The Gentle Life-Changing Magic of Burning it All Down to the Ground, by Heather Beasley

• The Lion Tamer, by Ivan R. Lopez

• Westminster by Brenda Withers

“I was really impressed with how well-crafted this year’s submissions were,” said Kristen Coury, Gulfshore Playhouse Founder & Producing Artistic Director. ‘Plus they all had something important to say. The ten finalists chosen stood out not only in how well they tell a story, but in their uniqueness.”

Each of the winners will receive actor input, revision time, and a staged reading that will help in its development. These are plays that Gulfshore Playhouse may or may not produce, but feels it important to contribute to the creation of new work by providing feedback that a professional director, talented cast, and audience can provide.

In addition to the three winners, who will each receive 16 hours of rehearsal culminating in a staged reading, Gulfshore Playhouse will also be workshopping one or two other shows that it has interest in specifically developing for future production. These shows have been selected for development by the artistic team at Gulfshore Playhouse and will receive a full two-week workshop.

The shows will also be performed as staged readings with light blocking and some props alongside the three winners. A post-performance Q&A with the playwright of the show will follow each performance.

Tickets for individual performances as well as multishow packages, are available now.

Performances are at the Norris Community Center, located at 755 8th Ave. S. in downtown Naples. For information, call 261-7529.

Summer Circus Spectacular

Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling have partnered again to present their annual Summer Circus Spectacular with performances at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota thru August 12. Showtimes are Tue-Fri 11am & 2pm & Sat 2 & 5pm.

Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to The Ringling’s Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for an additional $5.

The Historic Asolo Theatre is located on the The Ringling campus, located at 401 Bay Shore Rd. in Sarasota. The Circus Museum and the Ringling Museum of Art, open daily 10am-5pm, are short walks from the Asolo Theatre. For information, call 941-360-7399.

Selby Gardens Showcases

John Pirman’s Art M

arie Selby Botanical Gardens will feature the iconic artwork of Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman at its downtown Sarasota campus, July 22-September 17.

John Pirman: Diving into Nature will be presented both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outdoors throughout the bayfront Gardens. The retrospective show will include many of Pirman’s signature views of Sarasota and its surroundings, complemented by a diverse range of works from earlier in his career. A number of pieces in the show have never

been exhibited to the public before.

Pirman has lived in Sarasota since 2008. “John Pirman is a beloved treasure locally and a renowned artist nationally,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, President of Selby Gardens. “His work celebrates Sarasota and its worldclass attributes in such a fun and alluring way.”

The exhibition will feature Pirman’s distinctive digital illustrations of Sarasota and its natural and architectural features showcased in each issue of Sarasota magazine for over a decade, as well as his work for the Sarasota Orchestra and The Ringling.

It will also include some of Pirman’s earlier work as a freelance illustrator over three decades in New York City. They include editorial art for Fortune, Vogue, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications, as well as shopping bags, promotional materials, and holiday cards for Bloomingdale’s, Estée Lauder, Nick at Nite, The Museum of Modern Art, American Express, and others.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, located at 1534 Mound S.in Sarasota, is open daily 10am-5pm. For information, 941-366-5731.

Performances of Summer Circus Spectacular are at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota thru August 12.

John Pirman’s illustrations are on view at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, July 22-September 17.

Steampunk & Fantasy in Cape Coral

Southwest Florida SteamCon returns to the German American Social Club of Cape Coral on Saturday, September 26 for a full day of steampunk fantasy.

A subgenre of sciencefiction, SteamPunk features retro-futuristic technology inspired by 19th century steam-powered machinery, a mix of the Victorian era and the American Wild West. Steampunk incorporates elements of fantasy, horror, historical fiction, and alternate history.

SteamCon features steampunk and fantasy theme vendors, panels discussions, authors and artists, as well as steampunk themed activities like parasol and tea dueling, costume and talent contests, and splendid teapot racing. There will be live music, entertainment and special cosplay guest appearances.

Attendees are invited to dress in Victorian and Steampunk themed outfits.

SWFL SteamCon is open 10am-6pm. The German American Social Club of Cape Coral is located at 2101 SW Pine Island Rd. in Cape Coral. For information, visit swflsteamcon.com.

Arts for ACT Gallery Re-Opens

Arts for ACT Gallery in Fort Myers’ Historic River District will reopen on Friday, July 7, nine months after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Arts for ACT Gallery was flooded by more than two feet of river water and mud covered the entire gallery. All displays, furniture, and much of the art had to be disposed of.

A Grand Re-Opening reception, where guests can meet the artists, will be held 6-9pm, during Fort Myers monthly Art Walk evening. The first exhibit will be Black & White, featuring all the ACT Co-op Artists/Volunteers. Guests are encouraged to wear black & white for the re-opening celebration.

The gallery, the oldest in downtown Fort Myers, will have a totally new look, but is still owned by and benefiting Abuse Counseling & Treatment, a

Arts for ACT Gallery, the oldest gallery in downtown Fort Myers, re-opens July 7, nine months after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

community center that shelters, supports, and counsels men, women and children that are victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The non-profit Arts for ACT Gallery is devoted to representing and offering original works of art and fine craft.

The gallery, representing more than 30 artists, is curated by Claudia Goode with the help of ACT Artists and Volunteers. The gallery is seeking volunteers and new artists.

Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First St. in Fort Myers, is open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm & Sun 12-5pm. Call 337-5050 for information.

Mo Willems Exhibit at Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Naples is hosting The Pigeon

Comes to Naples! A Mo Willems

Exhibit thru September 3. The exhibit, inspired by the art and characters of the beloved children’s book author and illustrator, will feature prints of illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials by Mo Willems.

Mo Willems is an author, illustrator, animator, playwright, and the inaugural Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence.

He is best known for his best-selling and award-winning picture books, including Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! , Knuffle Bunny , and the Elephant & Piggie series). His

The Children’s Museum of Naples hosts The Pigeon Comes to Naples! A Mo Willems Exhibit, thru September 3.

career began his career as an Emmy-Award winning writer and animator on PBS’ S esame Street, and has become the most produced playwright of Theater for Young Audiences in America.

Many familiar characters will be featured, including best friend duo Elephant & Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and the wily city bird, The Pigeon. Visitors will learn about the social and emotional lives of the author’s characters through several educational hands-on activities.

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is located at 15080 Livingston Rd. in Naples. The museum is open daily, 10am-5pm, except Wednesday, For information, call 260-1604.

SWFL SteamCon returns to the German-American Social Club in Cape Coral on September 26.

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SOUTH 2022-2023

After the band’s first number one hit with ‘Go Now,’ Laine parted ways with The Moody Blues. After having a stint in Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Laine hit pay dirt when Paul McCartney contacted him about a new group: Wings.

Tales & Tunes

by Jason MacNeil

MUSICIAN DENNY LAINE is trying to forge ahead with a new solo show which mixes signature songs he helped create along with stories from his rather remarkable career. Few can lay claim to opening for The Beatles. Fewer to being in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Moody Blues’ original lineup. Yet being part of a band for roughly a decade with Paul McCartney in Wings is something only Laine and McCartney’s late wife Linda can state as fact.

So how does Laine, 78, manage to find a balance between tunes and anecdotes during his current Songs & Stories tour?

“After you’ve done them for a while you do narrow it down to certain songs you know you got to be doing,” Laine says. “The first Songs & Stories show I did was two-and-a-half hours, it was ridiculous! I felt afterwards, ‘Oh Christ I’m surprised anybody wanted to sit through that!’ There were a lot of songs and some were original songs that people don’t know that well.

“Now it’s down to less. I have about an hour-anda-half to two-hour set. It’s much more of an improvisation as well as a worked out show. I’m having to relearn a lot of my older songs and revisit some of the older stories.”

The older stories started when Laine, who plays the Alliance for the Arts on July 8, tried his hand at ukulele and guitar before turning professional in his teenage years.

“You got to remember after the war everything was up for grabs,” he says. “You were encouraged to go out and make money whatever way you could. And there were a lot of people in Birmingham at the time doing music. A lot of people thought, ‘You’re not going to make it.’ But the thing is if you stick at it you always do (succeed). So I stuck at it.”

Although inspired by Django Reinhardt and moving through the skiffle craze of the ‘50s led by Lonnie Donegan, Laine always felt a deep connection to other genres. In 1964 Laine became one of the founding members of The Moody Blues and definitely steered the group towards a blues-based sound.

“I was into it (the blues) more than I was into the charts and the music of the day,” Laine says. “So I was having to sort of educate the rest of the guys in the band into playing that kind of music. Mike (Pinder) and Ray (Thomas) came to me and asked me to join. I said, ‘I didn’t really want to do that, but I’ll join if we can do blues because that’s all I want to do.’”

After the band’s first number one hit with ‘Go Now,’ Laine parted ways with The Moody Blues in 1966 as the band went towards a more orchestral, lush form of rock. After forming The Electric String Band, Balls and having a stint in Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Laine hit pay dirt when Paul McCartney contacted him about a new group: Wings. The McCartney-led group had mammoth hits such as ‘Live and Let Die,’ ‘Jet’ and ‘Band On The Run’, among others.

Despite the albums, touring and success that came with Wings, Lainesays he doesn’t think Wings could be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“Well I know that’s not going to happen because Wings was never in our world considered to be a band,” Laine says. “It was more of a Paul project. I was not in command sort of musically. I knew Paul from the early days in the ‘60s and I joined up with him to do that. But I didn’t go into that to be part of a band really.

“I knew you couldn’t be part of a band with Paul McCartney because he was too famous. It couldn’t be regarded as a group. And it was always changing members. So I don’t see it as being worthy of the Hall of Fame. It was more of a Paul project and it was treated like that.”

As for their success, Laine is quick to point out the obvious.

“Well, first of all because

Few can lay claim to opening for The Beatles. Fewer to being in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part as The Moody Blues. Being part of Paul McCartney’s Wings is something only Laine and McCartney’s late wife Linda can state as fact.

of Paul and his fame,” he says. “Everybody wanted to see what he was doing. I worked well with Paul. His background musically, and he was a little older than me. We bounced off each other in very positive ways and we enjoyed it. Of course we got musicians in. It came through friends that we knew. It was a really good little combination for a while, but they (drummer Denny Seiwell and guitarist Henry McCullough) didn’t come to Lagos (to record 1973’s Band On The Run album). So we started again with it being just me, Paul and Linda. We went out and got another band together, but that didn’t last long, a couple of tours.”

Despite breaking up in 1981, Laine’s importance to Wings is recognized in one of the group’s biggest yet rarely performed hits in ‘Mull of Kintyre.’ The song became a surprisingly successful single in 1977 featuring bagpipes and has seen McCartney perform it sparingly in Canada, Scotland and Australia, accompanied by a local pipe band.

“Paul came up with the chorus and the chorus is obviously the selling point of the song,” Laine says. “But I came up with a lot of the lyrics in the rest of the song. We were in Scotland. He played me that chorus and I thought we should definitely get together and finish this off. There

was a little bit of wondering whether he should do a Scottish song because they might lynch you (laughs) if you try and do an authentic sounding traditional song.

“So I just said, ‘C’mon, let’s just do it.’ The next day we put it together. We had a mobile recording unit come up and do it. We had the pipes outside and the natural echoes of the mountains and it was a huge hit. We enjoyed it.”

Laine also performed the song at Carnegie Hall alongside Heart’s Nancy Wilson and singer-songwriter Christopher Cross as part of a charity tribute concert last March entitled The Music of Paul McCartney.

“I had originally wanted to do that song but they said, ‘Somebody else is doing it,’” Laine says. “But since I was definitely doing the show they said you got to do it. It was a great night. I got a nice letter from Paul. A nice note he sent to everybody and said he wished he could’ve been there.”

Wings disbanded in the early ‘80s, but Laine has been busy with an impressive solo career. He says the one constant is the songwriting process, which hasn’t really changed since he first started putting lyrics on paper.

“The thing is it’s always different subjects because you’re moving on with your life,” he

says. “Every time you sit down to write a series of songs it’s about what’s going on in your life now.

“I was always pretty good with words and language in school. I would write a lot of essays. That’s what encouraged me to go and write rather than just be a musician. I wanted to be a writer. I just followed it through so that’s what I’ve always done.”

That writing as well as the pandemic has led Laine to end up with roughly 30 songs he has for possible future release. One album is already ‘in the can’ and there’s enough material for another album possibly. Meanwhile, the Bangles lead singer, Susanna Hoffs recently covered one of his songs, ‘Say You Don’t Mind’. Laine says Hoffs’ rendition was “great.”

But for now Laine will be performing his Songs & Stories shows for fans in Florida and beyond.

“I just came full circle and thought I would rather just go out and sing the songs as I wrote them on my own,” he says. “And it goes down really well, these shows have gone down really well, I’ve got to tell you!” •

Denny Laine performs Songs & Stories on July 8 at the Alliance for the Arts, located at 10019 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

What About Bob?

by Jason MacNeil

DURING THE PANDEMIC, author and Bob Dylan enthusiast, Ray Padgett created a Substack newsletter entitled Flagging Down The Double E’s. The newsletter dealt primarily with Dylan’s touring history while interviewing musicians who toured with him, ranging from his early years at the Newport Folk Festival to the Rolling Thunder Revue up to his latest studio album Rough And Rowdy Ways

“I noticed almost immediately they were the most popular thing I was doing,” Padgett says. “So fairly early on I thought, ‘Once I do enough of these there could be a book in there.’ Then once I started conceiving it as a book I started doing interviews specifically for the book.”

Pledging My Time: Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members features 48 different interviews (mainly touring musicians) ranging from different eras and treks in Dylan’s illustrious career. Drummer Jim Keltner, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Richard Thompson are just some of the interviewees, while Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ members Benmont Tench and drummer Stan Lynch are two of many others fleshing out this highly entertaining and informative read.

Padgett says the hardest thing was getting people to agree to be interviewed.

“The reason a book like this doesn’t exist is because Bob Dylan obviously is an extremely private person,” he says. “His band members and musical collaborators take the lead from that with a few exceptions. They are rarely interviewed or when they are they don’t say much about their time with Dylan beyond, ‘Oh it was such an honor blah blah blah.’

“It was one of those things where once I had done a few I could send clips to the people I was going after to show. ‘Look it’s smart, it’s about the music, it’s not gossipy, it’s not prying into (his) personal life or anything. I’ve done my research. I know my stuff.’ Those doors then started to be open. I wanted to get a balance with the core band members the main highlights in the book. But then mix it up with people with different views, maybe people who sat in just once but have an interesting story.”

One such story concerns blues guitarist Duke Robillard who

performed on Dylan’s Time Out Of Mind album but had a less than ideal experience on the road with the icon.

“Dylan wanted him in the band for years and Duke kept saying no,” Padgett says. “But then 16 years later (2013) he’s there for all of about six weeks. It starts out fine and goes south really fast. He leaves after these fights on the bus and this acrimony and he never talks to the guy again. By the end he is selling all of his Dylan CDs, he’s that pissed off. Dylan is no question a hard guy to work for, a hard guy to play with.”

Another thread throughout the book is Dylan’s unpredictability. It’s something Padgett says is two-fold.

“It’s a double-edged sword because on the one hand someone of Bob Dylan’s stature should be playing bigger venues than he does,” he says. “You would think he would be playing arenas if not stadiums if he was willing to strap on an acoustic guitar and sing, ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ like it was 1962 every night. He’s never been willing to do that. So on the one hand his commercial prospects are maybe not what they could be but creatively he’s doing more interesting stuff than any of his ‘60s era peers and he has in many cases more passionate fans.”

One trend emerging in the book is how often the musicians essentially fall into two categories regarding performing with Dylan. One faction preferred no surprises on stage, sticking to what they knew and had perfected during tour rehearsals. Meanwhile the other side, exemplified by Stan Lynch, reveled in how Dylan tossed out unrehearsed songs or completely rearranged songs without his band’s knowledge.

“Stan Lynch has that great story about Dylan at one show going over to him and saying, ‘So what song do you want to play?’ and Lynch says ‘Lay Lady Lay’ which they never played or rehearsed,” Padgett says. “And sure enough they played dozens and dozens of shows and that’s the only time they ever played it unrehearsed.

“I think most of the musicians who spoke to me found that really invigorating. You can’t zone out. You really need to be on your toes. But it can be pretty exhausting because you can never get comfortable and go through the motions because you never know what he was going to do.”

“On the one hand his commercial prospects are maybe not what they could be, but creatively he’s doing more interesting stuff than any of his ‘60s era peers.”

“The reason a book like this doesn’t exist is because Bob Dylan, obviously, is an extremely private person.”

A similar kind of dichotomy emerged when discussing Dylan offstage. Padgett says some touring musicians in the ‘70s & ‘80s felt they got to know Dylan well. However, as the years progressed, other longtime-touring band members didn’t get the same vibe.

“In the last few decades you’ll have people like (guitarist) Larry Campbell who have performed with him for years, but there was not a whole lot of offstage contact, not hanging out with the people,” Padgett says. “In some ways he’s as mysterious to them even though they’d been on the road with him for eight years or so as he is to the rest of us.”

Perhaps one of the stranger performances Dylan had was a 1984 one-off performance on Late Night with David Letterman with a supporting band known as The Plugz. Padgett spoke with The Plugz’ Tony Marsico about the rather ramshackle three-song set and was shocked to hear how much time the band spent with Dylan.

“What I was not aware of was the months of rehearsal that went into it,” Padgett says. “I thought it was some pick-up band he found the day before. Not that they’re bad, they are very good! It was amazing they had been

wood-shedding in Dylan’s house in Malibu for months leading up to this. That is certainly not the energy you get at the Letterman thing, it’s not polished at all and I mean that in a good way.”

Of all the events in Dylan’s career, none were probably more bizarre than Dylan’s 1998 Grammy Awards performance of ‘Love Sick’ featuring performance artist Michael Portnoy dancing beside Dylan with ‘Soy Bomb’ written on his chest. Padgett, who interviewed Portnoy for this book, said Portnoy was the “only person in here that Bob Dylan did not want to collaborate with.”

“I think I mention in the intro to that chapter clearly Dylan himself or his organization is still not thrilled with it because it’s still scrubbed from

any official version of the performance, which I think is insane,” Padgett says.

“Not only is it great on its own and it’s this unexpected burst of randomness, but if you actually watch the whole thing even after they drag him (Portnoy) off it really brings Bob and the band up to another level. Dylan does a guitar solo that seems especially fierce. I just love that.”

Padgett, who cites Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks as his favorite Dylan album and favorite album ever, is slated to appear at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and present the book. He also plans on delivering a copy to Dylan’s people.

“His people are aware of it,” he says. “I’m sure Bob Dylan will never read it nor should he. He has better things to do with his time.”

As for the book title, Padgett says he had 30 or 40 options, but felt Pledging My Time was best.

“I liked it because it’s a Dylan reference obviously (song from 1966’s Blonde On Blonde), but it fits the theme of what these people were talking about,” he says. “Pledging their time to Bob Dylan and Bob Dylan pledging his time to the fans by being on the road all year every year practically his entire career.” •

“I liked [the book title] because it’s a Dylan reference obviously (song from 1966’s Blonde On Blonde), but it fits the theme of what these people were talking about,” he says. “Pledging their time to Bob Dylan and Bob Dylan pledging his time to the fans by being on the road all year every year practically his entire career.”

still rockin’

Wby Jason MacNeil

ith a bevy of signature songs and a debut that commercially and critically caught lightning in a bottle, Counting Crows have rarely been rivals to the megastars playing stadiums nowadays charging almost laughingly exorbitant prices. Yet the band fronted by singer Adam Duritz have carved an audience that has always been loyal, sizable and eager for new material.

The band, playing August 4 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena, released an 2021 EP entitled Butter Miracle Suite One and while not smashing sales records it was another creative feather in Duritz’s cap.

“It got great reviews,” Duritz says during an early May chat. “You’d always like something to become a cultural touchstone, but it doesn’t always happen. I would love for it to be the biggest album of the year. It didn’t happen that way, it’s not my fault Taylor Swift exists.”

While some might think an EP means less work overall, the vocalist says Butter Miracle Suite One was taxing simply because each piece of the suite needed to mesh into a cohesive whole.

“It was very difficult to write,” Duritz says. “If I had to sum up the biggest difficulty now it was the faith that it would work because you trust the idea these things will all fit together. You don’t normally record four songs that are supposed to flow like that. We didn’t really know until we finished mixing all four of them and fit them together that it worked. We didn’t play the whole thing as a twenty-minute piece when we recorded it.

“It’s not usually a problem on any other record. Each song is an individual thing and you don’t have to worry about it. The day we put them together was one of the most satisfying moments of my entire career. Probably because I’d been carrying it with me for so long.”

Unfortunately, a slight label snafu caused some brief consternation for Duritz on the EP’s release due to digital streaming services. The seamless nearly 19-minute suite was instead released as four individual songs which irked Duritz who wanted it released as ‘one flowing thing.’ It took roughly a week to rectify the situation.

“It happens,” the singer says. “I was furious at the time. They’re not very good at being organized, the labels. They’re good at big picture stuff, but the details often escape them, the communication is not that great. I was furious that week and, honestly, I’ve forgotten about it.”

after all these years

Aside from that miscue, possibly the biggest hurdle Counting Crows faced was the pandemic which put a halt to the concert industry. The band went two years and a few days between shows, the longest touring draught Duritz had since he first started performing.

“When we started planning the first tour, I was very concerned that there wouldn’t be anybody there,” Duritz says of their 2021 return to the road. “Nobody dreams of having a career and becoming a rock star and having it peter out after two years. Most careers are very short in music. So it’s very unlikely to have a 30-year career like we’ve had.

“But then you have a two-year break and you start thinking, ‘Oh wow, this should’ve been over a long time ago.’ Now we’ve been gone for two years, is that enough for everyone to roll over and go back to sleep? That was a real worry. But it also led to a real appreciation. I don’t think I thought about at times how lucky we are to have fans that keep coming back, they care that much. I really found myself on stage being choked up that people came.

“The other thing that really hit me was, ‘Holy shit! I wrote a lot of words here! How am I supposed to remember all this stuff?’ When we were doing rehearsals for that first tour I was like, ‘What the fuck? There’s a lot of words.’”

Duritz says there’s no plans for an anniversary reissue of 1993’s August And Everything After as he says the “record doesn’t change.” He seems interested in 1996’s Recovering The Satellites possibly receiving reissue treatment as ‘there’s a lot of cool film stuff’ they did for the album. Speaking of film, Duritz also added that Counting Crows is the subject of a HBO documentary, but no release date has been confirmed.

Regarding a new studio album, the singer says they’ve been working on it for some time.

“I thought I had finished it at one point but a friend of mine sent me their new album,” Duritz says. “I listened to it and I thought, ‘Oh shit! This is really good! The stuff I’ve done so far isn’t good enough yet. I got to work on it.’ I didn’t trash it but I’ve been reworking it.”

In the meantime, the band is looking forward to their lengthy Banshee Season tour with Dashboard Confessional this summer. Fans should expect songs from every Counting Crows album, but Duritz and the band decide on the set list every night at their pre-show meal, so nothing is guaranteed.

“We don’t play the same show every night so we’re not bored playing concerts

either,” Duritz says. “I still love playing ‘Mr. Jones’ and that’s probably because there were nights that I didn’t feel like playing it and we didn’t play it. So I don’t hate the song now. I can still love one of the best things I’ve ever written.”

Possibly the biggest surprise might be the fact Counting Crows are now starting their fourth decade as a band. The group has managed to survive the rock & roll roller coaster thanks to a simple trait Duritz and company have maintained.

“Epic stubbornness,” Duritz says with a quick laugh. “It’s very fresh for us. We never really tried to chase the fame part of it for better or worse. We were never like, ‘That was successful, let’s do that again.’ We’ve always chased whatever passion or fascination we had. People have a lot of regrets when they try to chase success and fame as opposed to just making great music.”

“You make music you really love and then it’s just how the world reacts to it. We don’t have a lot of regrets and I think that really helps too. That helps tone down the bitterness.”

Like many other groups post-pandemic, Counting Crows couldn’t wait to get back on

the road. Duritz also says he doesn’t see rock icons performing well into their seventies and even eighties as a bad thing at all.

“I don’t think of it as inspiration,” Duritz says. “I think it’s okay for Springsteen just being good. But I was never one of those people who believe people should retire whether it’s sport or art. It’s not my job to satisfy your picture of me. I don’t have to retire at the top of my game because it’s not a career, this is my life. I think Bruce should play forever and so should Dylan and the Stones because we got into playing music because we loved playing music.”

As for the songwriting process, age has brought wisdom to Duritz when it comes to crafting words. The big revelation came while recording the 2012 covers album Underwater Sunshine.

“I think I used to write much more all in one breath,” he says. “Now I take a little more time. I was always very autobiographical in the early days and I think I’ve learned to write stories at times now that are still about how I feel. I realized at one point I didn’t have to tell a story about myself to express how I felt. I realized I could communicate that without it just being a diary.”

With the massive changes in how people

listen to music since Counting Crows emerged in the early ‘90s, Duritz isn’t sure what would’ve happened had they been starting their career today. But he is certain the quality of their work would never have been in question.

“I don’t think we’d sell as many records because nobody buys them,” he says. “Honestly, the record label thought it [August And Everything After] was a really good record. We really loved it and we were hoping it would sell 100,00 copies and give us a nice indie start to our career. Nobody expected 10 million records!

“I think we’ve made nothing but great records. I’ve loved them all and I’m really proud of them all. At some point, if you get that kind of consistency over your career, hopefully you’ll have success but nobody really knows what makes success. Who knows what the zeitgeist of the culture is going to be like? You can’t control other people, the only thing you can do is do great work. You can control the quality of your work. I think we’ve done that throughout our career.”

One tragedy Duritz had to deal with over the course of the pandemic was the loss of his longtime dear friend, Bob Saget. The singer appeared on the 100th episode of Saget’s podcast in

“It’s not my job to satisfy

June, 2021 and the two spoke of hooking up. Unfortunately, Saget died in early 2022.

“I talked to him a few times,” Duritz says, clearly still coping with the loss. “It’s a weird thing. I’ve had people pass away in my life. I don’t think I’ve experienced something like Bob where I think about it all the time. There are days

I wake up and just feel like talking to him and then I realize I’m not going to talk to him ever again. It is devastating still even now.

“He was the best fucking guy and he was my friend for 30 years. I think about him all the time. I miss him all the time. Bob made every person feel like you were the most important person

in the world. I swear to god he was maybe the loveliest guy I’ve ever known. He was just a fucking wonderful guy.” •

Counting Crows perform August 4 at Florida SouthWestern State College’s Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers as part of their Banshee Season tour with Dashboard Confessional opening.

your picture of me.”

“I thought about how lucky we are to have fans that keep coming back, they care that much. I really found myself on stage being choked up that people came.”

Flagler College

74 King Street

St. Augustine

904-819-6220

flagler.edu

An institution that values academic rigor, Flagler College offers 32 majors and 44 minors to roughly 2,500 students. The College is consistently featured on U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review . Recently, Flagler College was ranked for ‘Best Undergraduate Teaching’ and ‘Most Innovative School,’ by U.S. News & World Report ’s Best Colleges guide and named #2 ‘Best Regional Colleges in the South’ in 2022. Flagler College, also noted for its National Historic Landmark status with the campus centerpiece being the former Hotel Ponce de Leon built by railroad pioneer Henry Flagler in 1888, is located in St. Augustine.

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Boulevard South Fort Myers

239-590-1000

800-590-3428

fgcu.edu

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has made an indelible impact on Southwest Florida since opening in 1997. With 64 undergraduate and 33 graduate programs, the university created a pipeline of teachers and nurses, engineers and entrepreneurs, social workers and scientists. Nearly half of its graduates stay in the area and contribute to economic growth and community life. FGCU’s Fort Myers campus and the surrounding area serve as living laboratories where faculty and students conduct innovative research in water quality and incubate new business ideas. Its cultural offerings and 15 successful sports teams enrich life throughout Southwest Florida.

Florida

SouthWestern State College

Lee campus

8099 College Parkway

Fort Myers

239-489-9300

Charlotte campus

26300 Airport Road

Punta Gorda

941-637-5629

Collier campus

7505 Grand Lely Boulevard

Naples

239-732-3700

Hendry/Glades Curtis Center

1092 E Cowboy Way

LaBelle

863-674-0408

fsw.edu

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is the largest and most affordable college in Southwest Florida. With campuses and a center in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and LaBelle as well as FSW Online options, FSW serves over 18,000 students annually. Tuition begins at $3,401 per year for full-time enrollment, and 75% of FSW students graduate debt free. Students experience an active student life and study abroad opportunities. With in-demand industry opportunities like the Rist Cyber Institute and 60 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree program options, FSW students can go straight into the workforce or transfer to a university following graduation.

Ringling College of Art & Design

2700 North Tamiami Trail

Sarasota

941-351-5100

ringling.edu

Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. For more information visit www. ringling.edu and follow the College on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Bradenton campus

5840 26th Street West Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch campus

7131 Professional Parkway

Sarasota

Venice campus

8000 S. Tamiami Trail

Venice

941-752-5000

scf.edu

Founded in 1957, SCF is the region’s first and largest public college, serving more than 11,000 students annually at campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and online. Students can earn two- and four-year degrees, workforce certificates, and non-credit career credentials. Dual enrollment is available for local high school students to earn tuition-free college credits, and SCF also operates charter schools for grades 6-12 in Bradenton and 9-12 in Venice. Serving as an economic engine for the region, SCF keeps a finger on the pulse of employers’ workforce needs and adjusts programs and resources to promote local development.

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER

July

SATURDAY 1

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•James Yan: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Jeff Dye: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Tasting the Tropics: Tours, demos, activities, tastings tropical fruits. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-2p. 643-7275.

SUNDAY 2

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Jeff Dye: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 7:30 & 9p. 389-6901.

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

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

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

What Goes On

SATURDAY 8

•Americana Community Music Association: Mia Borders concert, Casey Page opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. 691-4069.

•Denny Laine - Songs & Stories: Concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Hands-On History Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 252-8476.

•JoJo Casillas: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

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

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

•Summer at the Cottage: Family event, free house tours. Historic Palm Cottage’s Norris Gardens, 137 12th Ave S, Naples. 1-4p. Free. 261-8164.

SUNDAY 9

Concert - American Fanfare. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 4:30p. 941387-4900.

•Fireworks on the Pier: Naples Pier, 12th Ave S, Naples. 9-10p. Free. 692-8436.

MONDAY 3

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball Post-game fireworks. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 768-4210.

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 4

•4th of July All-American Cookout: Buffet dinner, open bar, games, activities, fireworks. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 5:309:30p. 941-366-5731.

•4th of July Parade & Fireworks: Parade down Estero Blvd to Times Square 10-11a, fireworks over Times Square 9p. Ft Myers Beach. 6-10p. 948-3766.

•4th of July Rooftop Bash: Live music by Rosaline, bbq, view fireworks. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. 333-1933.

•Choral Artists of Sarasota:

•Freedom Fest: Live music, kids zone, fireworks. Along Hendry St btwn Bay St & Edwards Dr, downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p, fireworks 9:30p. Free. 313-5129.

•Red, White & Boom: Independence Day Celebration. Live music, kids entertainment, fireworks. Cape Coral Bridge, Cape Coral. Trollies available. 5-10p. Free. 948-3766.

WEDNESDAY 5

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•The Magic of Eric Eaton: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

THURSDAY 6

•JoJo Casillas: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

•Liz Miele: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach

Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 3896901.

•Open Mic Bonita!: Comedy. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 7

•A Brother’s Revival: Allman Brothers tribute concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Art Reception & Open House: Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

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

•Grand Re-Opening Party & Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

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

•JoJo Casillas: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Liz Miele: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Full Moon Night Hike: Guided walk Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 275-3435.

•Liz Miele: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

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

MONDAY 10

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 11

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

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 3489151.

•Lecture: It’s the Cat’s Pajamas - Fashion, Art & Style in the 1920s. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

WEDNESDAY 12

•B.T.: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

The Americana Community Music Association presents The Nouveaux Honkies, July 20 at the Tribby Art Center in Shell Point in Fort Myers.

•Butterfly Count: North American Butterfly Assoc annual survey. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a-12:30p. 348-9151.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Own the Platform: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 333-1933.

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

THURSDAY 13

•Akeem Woods: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

•David Koechner: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

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

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

FRIDAY 14

•Akeem Woods: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

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

•David Koechner: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball Post-game fireworks.Hammond Stadium,

14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Just for Laughs: Comedy variety show. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Savannah Dexter & Brabo Gator: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

SATURDAY 15

•Akeem Woods: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

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

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Points Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Julia Cole & Charles Esten: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Songwriter’s Round: Sheena Brook, Slim Gillian. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

SUNDAY 16

•Buckcherry: Concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•David Koechner: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six

Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Greg Gutfield: Comedy, Tom Shillue opens. FSW Suncoast Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy. Ft Myers. 6p. 481-4849.

•Greg Gutfield: Comedy. Suncoast Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 481-4849.

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

MONDAY 17

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6p. Register. 348-9151.

WEDNESDAY 19

•Alingon Mitra: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 20

•Alingon Mitra: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Lecture: The Queen’s gambit –How Tommie Barfield Helped Collier Create the County. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Michael Quezada: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Nouveaux Honkies: Americana Community Music Association concert. Tribby Arts Center at

Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069..

•Super Science - Shocking Science Spectacular: Physics, electrical & mechanical engineering experiments. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. 2-3p. Register. 252-7542.

FRIDAY 21

•Bulletproof Backpack: CFABS Youth Theatre. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•F.E.M. Collective - Sheena Brook & Sara Douga: Concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert

7:30p. 333-1933.

•Harland Williams: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Michael Quezada: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

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

•RC Smith: Comedy. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7;30p. 642-7270.

SATURDAY 22

•Bulletproof Backpack: CFABS Youth Theatre. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Eddie Montgomery: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

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

•Michael Quezada: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

SUNDAY 23

•Bulletproof Backpack: CFABS Youth Theatre. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2p. 495-8989.

•Harland Williams Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

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

MONDAY 24

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 25

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 26

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Family Sunset Stroll: 1 1/2 hour guided boardwalk tour for families w kids age 5 & up. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Kevin Farley & Friends: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 27

•Amir K: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Kevin Lee: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

FRIDAY 28

•Amir K: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-4857136.

•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.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Kevin Lee: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

The North American Butterfly Association is conducting their annual Butterfly Count on July 12 at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

•Ryan Montgomery: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

SATURDAY 29

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Kevin Lee: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•W SuperShow: Pro wrestling. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

SUNDAY 30

•Amir K: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

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

•Til Death Do Us Part: Peter Fogel one-man show. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 3 & 7p. 642-7270.

TUESDAY 1

•Moonlight on the Boardwalk: See full moon, second super moon of 2023 & Perseid meteor shower. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30-10p. Register. 348-9151.

WEDNESDAY 2

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Pinky Patel: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 3

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

•In the End: Linkin Park tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Pinky Patel: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 4

•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: Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•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 Walk:  Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Ben Allen Band Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6p. 597-1900.

•Chris Bepko: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

Aug•Counting Crows Concert, Dashboard Confidential opens. Suncoast Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

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

•TJ Miller: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY

5

•Americana Community Music Association: Deidre McCalla concert, Robert Bidney opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. 6914069.

•TJ Miller: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Tom Cappello, Dead Nettles: Live bands. Howl, 4162 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-0161.

SUNDAY

6

•Full Moon Night Hike: Guided walk Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 275-3435.

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

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

MONDAY 7

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew

Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples.

6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY

8

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island.

5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Lecture: The 1920s Home. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

WEDNESDAY 9

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples.

7:30p. Register. 348-9151.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Own the Platform: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 333-1933.

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

THURSDAY 10

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

FRIDAY 11

•Alex Cameron: Violin concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs

Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SATURDAY 12

•Exhibition Reception: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 4-6p. Free. 252-8476.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

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

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

SUNDAY 13

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Hot Pants de France: Swing jazz concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-894-6469.

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

MONDAY 14

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

WEDNESDAY 16

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7:30p. Register. 348-9151.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Syna & Friends: Jazz concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469.

THURSDAY 17

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour.

Comedian Harland Williams is appearing at Off the Hook Comedy Club in Naples, July 21-23

Corkscrew Swamp Blair

Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 3489151.

•Comedy Night: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 323-6570.

•Lecture: Be Our Guest – How Collier’s Chef Made Everglades Synonymous with Hospitality. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

FRIDAY 18

•Julie Scoggins: Concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 642-7270.

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

•Singer-Songwriter

Competition: Concert, open call. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 19

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Points Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770906-7885.

•Memories of Elvis: Chris MacDonald’s tribute concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-2180007.

•Singer-Songwriter

Competition: Concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Super Scaly Slimy Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 2528476.

SUNDAY 20

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

•Waste Not, Want Not: Food dehydrating demos & food samples. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-2p. Free. 252-2611.

MONDAY 21

•Family Sunset Stroll: 1 1/2 hour guided boardwalk tour for families w kids age 5 & up. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 3489151.

TUESDAY 22

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 3489151.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

WEDNESDAY 23

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641

Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Ruben Blades: Salwing Tour w Roberto Delgado Big Band . Hertz Arena, 11000 Everbllades Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 800745-3000.

THURSDAY 24

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Jason Aldean: Concert, Mitchell Tenpenny, Corey Kent, Dee Jay Silver open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Matisyahu, G Love & Special Sauce: Concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Rod MacDonald: Americana Community Music Association concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

FRIDAY 25

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

•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.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SATURDAY 26

•Americana Community Music Association: Grant Malloy Smith concert, Pete Benson opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. 691-4069.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

SUNDAY 27

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Daytona Tortugas: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641

Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers.

3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

WEDNESDAY 30

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Night Walk: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples.

7:30p. Register. 348-9151.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers.

8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 31

1•Art Reception: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers.

5-7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Jon Rudnitsky: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

Sept

FRIDAY 1

•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 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

SATURDAY 2

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

•Waterlily Weekend: Special exhibition, guided tours, talks, demos, family activities. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-2p. 643-7275.

SUNDAY 3

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

•The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing,

16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

•Waterlily Weekend: Special exhibition, guided tours, talks, demos, family activities. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-2p. 643-7275.

TUESDAY 5

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 6

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 7

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

FRIDAY 8

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

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SATURDAY 9

•Americana Community Music Association: A Tale of Two concert, Bill Frey opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. 691-4069.

•Brandon Robertson Quartet: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30

G.Love & Special Sauce are performing August 24 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

SUNDAY 10

•Anthony Mrocka: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

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

WEDNESDAY 13

•Mike Winfield: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 14

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

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

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

•Thomas Rhett: Country music concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

FRIDAY 15

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-4857136.

•New Works Festival: Plays TBA. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 261-7529.

SATURDAY 16

•New Works Festival: Plays TBA. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 2p. 261-7529.

•New Works Festival: Plays TBA. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris

Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 261-7529.

•SWFL SteamCon: Steampunk & fantasy conference. Speakers, panels, celebrity guests, entertainment, music, costume contests, vendors. German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral. 10a-6p.

SUNDAY 17

•New Works Festival: Plays TBA. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 3p. 866-261-7529.

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

MONDAY 18

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 19

•Brian Smalley : Americana Community Music Association concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

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

WEDNESDAY 20

•Jason Cheny: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 21

•Jason Cheny: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 22

•Brett Young: Country music concert, Jake Scott opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell

Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield are two of several performers featured in the Americana Community Music Association’s Songwriter Showcase on September 27 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers during the Island Hoppers Songwriter Festival.

Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. Afternoon & night. Free. 3383500.

•Leah Rudick: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Tyller Braden: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

SATURDAY 23

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. Afternoon & night. Free. 3383500.

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

SUNDAY 24

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. All afternoon & night. Free. 338-3500.

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

•Sunset Cruise: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sunset concert. Captiva Cruises, McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva. 338-3500.

•The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: Concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

MONDAY 25

•Chef’s Dinner: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest concert. Gather, Tarpon Point Marina, 5971 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral. 338-3500.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in Cape Coral.

Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 3489151.

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

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. Afternoon & night. Free. 338-3500.

•Sunset Cruise: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sunset concert. Sanibel Princess, Sanibel Harbour Marriott, 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, Ft Myers. 338-3500.

Afternoon & night. Free. 3383500.

TUESDAY 26

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

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in Cape Coral. Afternoon & night. Free. 3383500.

WEDNESDAY 27

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Cipha Sounds: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. Afternoon & night. Free. 338-3500.

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

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Singer-Songwriter Showcase: Ray Cerbone, Kim Mayfield, Bill Metts, Robert Bidney, Roy ScheiderAmericana Community Music Association - Island Hopper Songwriter Fest concert. concert: Davis Art Center, 2301 First St, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 939-2787.

THURSDAY 28

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair

FRIDAY 29

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-4857136.

•Comedy for a Cause: Fundraiser. Charlotte Harbour Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-2551022.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Ft Myers Beach. Afternoon & night. Free. 338-3500.

SATURDAY 30

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Ft Myers Beach. Afternoon & night. Free. 338-3500.

•Music on the Mound: Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sunset concert. Mound House, 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 338-3500.

ongoing Theater

•Baggage: Sep 6-24. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•Beauty & the Beast Jr: Jul 28-30. The Naples Players’ KidzAct. Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•Beguiled Again: Sep 19-Oct 29. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Disney’s Descendants - The Musical: Thru Jul 3. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr: Jul 20-23. Children’s theater. The Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Jul 7-Aug 12. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre,

1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.

278-4422.

•Golf with Alan Shepard: Aug 25-Sep 10. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Hairspray: Sep 22-Oct 28.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.

278-4422.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Sep 28-Oct 8. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Mad Gravity: Aug 17-27. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•Murder on the Orient Express: Aug 18-Sep 16.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.

278-4422.

•Murder Theory: Sep 6-Nov

19 Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•New Play Festival: Jul 5-9. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•New Works Festival: Sep 14-17.

Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Noises Off: Sep 8-Oct 1.

Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•POTUS: Aug 4-20.

Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Reefer Madness - The Musical: Sep 8-Oct 8. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Jun 9-18. The Belle Theatre. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•She Kills Monsters: Jul 13-16. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Spy Noir: Thru Sep 3 Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2758487.

•Summer Circus Spectacular: thru Aug 12. Circus Arts Conservatory. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 941-359-5700.

•That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven: Thru Jul 9. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•The Cemetary Club: Aug 4-20. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•The Cemetary Club: Jul 14-Aug 13. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Teen: Aug 4-6. The Naples Players’ KidzAct. G&L Theater, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Jul 5-23. G&L Theater, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Odd Couple - Female Version: Jul 27-Aug 6. Center for the Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•The Wild Women of Winedale: Sep 7-17. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-2551022.

•Willy Wonka: Aug 31-Sep 10. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

Art Galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 312-375-8887.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th

Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887.

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Jul 29: Joan Sonnenberg Retrospective; Aug 4-28: Susan Martin; Sep 1-30: Storm Stories - Remembering Ian. Members Gallery— thru Aug 28: Summer Arts Camp; Sep 1-30: Storm Stories –Remembering Ian. Theatre Gallery— thru Jul 29: Christian de Jesus; Aug 4-28: Jade Griffin; Sep 1-30: Jinfay Moroti. Tue-Fri 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 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Thru Aug 5: Identity - Exploring the Human Condition; Aug 24-Sep 30: Lauren Mann, Irene Tete, Ry McCullough; Aug 24-Sep 30: An Abstract View. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-365-2032.

•Arts for ACT Gallery: GrandReopening Party Jul 7, 6-9p. Jul 7-Aug 2: Black & White show; Aug 4-29: Flo Collins & Caitlyn Eakins; Sep 1-Oct 2: Gourds, Kim Kraft Beckler’s 3D Painting. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. 3375050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Jul 16: Florida Contemporary; thru Jul 22: Student show; thru Jul 30: Three Degrees of Separation; Jul 1-Sep 17: Prison Nation; thru Oct 15: Naples Collects. Ongoing— North lawn: Jesus Rafael Soto - Extension & Half Sphere; Chihuly Collection; Magritte - Reflections of Another world, Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest. Guided tours Tue-Sat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: free admission 6-9p Jul 26, Aug 30, Sep 27 - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.

•Behind the Buddha Artists’ Studios: 9290 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10a-4p, Wed 10a-9p, Sat 1-4p. 691-3225.

•Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 4332 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 283-1335.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Jun 9-Jul 22: FSW State College students. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. thru Jul 22: The Exquisite Moving Corpse. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. 489-9313.

•Cape Coral Art Center:  Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Thru Jul 27: Another Man’s Treasure; Aug 4-24: Color Clashing, Living Ink; Sep 1-21: Tropical Botanical; Sep 1-Nov 2: Art Center Employees. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. 772-5657.

•Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Jul 7-27: Sweet Land of Liberty; Jul 7-Aug 24: On Safari with Jacke McCurdy. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Clip Joint Barber Shop & Art Gallery: 7431 College Pkwy, unit 120, rm 136, Ft Myers. Mon & Wed-Sat 10a-8p. 2818180.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. 6952428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Jul 5-Aug 6: Harold Kurzman Tribute Photography. Estero Art League open painting Fri11:30a-4p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 4363530.

•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. Mon-Fri 9a-6p & Sat 10a-5p. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B

Apricot Ave, Sarasota. 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. ThuSat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd

Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Inside Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Thru Jul 2: Carol Young Pottery; Jul 7-30: Thereafter - Art of Danielle Branchaud. Wed-Sun 10a-3p.

Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 5908645.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.

•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon

3-7p, Tue & Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283

•Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–Wild Garden. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center: 525 Kumquat Cr, Sarasota. Mon & Tue 5-7p & by appt. 941-894-6469.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery:  Temporary Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Exhibits– Jul 7-Sep 9: Fortitude at Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 463-3909.

•Gallery of Matlacha: Temporary Closed. 4625 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. 443-350-3188.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. MonSat 10a-5p. 403-7787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443

First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a9p. 403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 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 10a-4p & by appt. 228-6934.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: Temporary Closed. 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 2636640.

•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.

•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. Sep Fri-Sun 1-5p. 863-843-2929

•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 10-3p. 276-0448

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden:  Temporary Closed. 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. 2038332.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: The RitzCarlton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples, By appt. 789-7027 283-3354.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Thru Jul 3: The Artists in Question Answered in Fiber; thru Jul 3: Maria Hart; Jul 10-Aug 1: Sticks & Stones & 1 Painter - Christine Noonan & Corey Craciun; Aug 7-Oct 3: One Endless Voice to Enhance Our Traditions. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Thru Nov 1: Resident artists show. By appt. 821-1061.

•Naples Art District: Shirley St, J&C Blvd & adjacent streets. 249-1977.

•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Jul-Oct: Naples Invitational. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517.

•Norris Center: 755 5th Ave S, Naples. Jul 1-28: Art Council of SWFL Biennial Winners Circle Show. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 1-3p. 261-7529.

•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: Magnolia Square, 5934 Premier Way, #2100, Naples. Ongoing: Hunt Slonem - Above & Beyond. Thu-Sat 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. 333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota (Basch & Smith Galleries: Thompson Academic Center, 2363 Bradenton Rd;

Circus Arts Conservatory presents their annual Summer Circus Spectacular thru August 12 in the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling in Sarasota.

What Goes On

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). Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941474-5548. Jul & Aug Mon-Fri 10a-4p; Sep Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-359-7563.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Sep 4: Reclaiming HomeContemporary Seminole Art; thru Aug 6: From the Chambers - John Sims Memorial; thru Oct 15: Lorna Bieber; Aug 5-11, 2024: Mountains of the Minds; Sep 30-Jan 2024: Stereo Photography; Oct 14-Jan 21, 2024: Guercino Show; thru Jan 2024: As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Circus Museum. Bayfront Gardens. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Thru Jul 28: 100 Years of Collier County’s Waterfront - Paul Arsenault paintings. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Temporary Closed. Exhibitions at Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel— thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists; Jul 3-Sep 25: Home Sweet Home. Jul 7-Sep 9: Fortitude at Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Meetings 3rd Thu Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. 322-8593.

•Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Sanibel Captiva Art League exhibits–thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists; Jul 3-Sep 25: Home Sweet Home. Mon-Fri 9a-35p. 472-2155.

•Sarasota Art Center: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Thru Aug

5: Identity, Exploring the Human Condition; Aug 24-Sep 30: An Abstract View; Aug 24-Sep 30: Lauren Mann, Iren Tete, Ry

McCullough. Mon-Fri 101-5p 7 Sat 12-5p. 941-365-2032

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. Thru Sep

17: The New Black Vanguard - Photography Between Art & Fashion; thru Sep 17: Stephanie

J Woods; thru Sep 17: Sara

Berman’s Closet; Jul 16-Oct

29: Chakaia Booker - Surface Pressure; Jul 23-Oct 29:

Reassembling Split Light. TueSun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Grand Atrium—Jul 7-27: Iberian Influences – Spanish Artists in Florida; Aug 4-24: A New Beginning. Capital Gallery—Jul

7-27: Follow the King; Aug 4-24:

On Board. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-

5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933.

•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. Thru August 31: Mark Hunt. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665.

•Timeless: 2218 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. 332-8463.

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Sat 10a-5p. 340-6467.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru Jul 29: Styled Steel

- The Art of Automotive Design; Jul 1-Sep 9: Fortitude - Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc & SanibelCaptiva Art League. 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 Jul 20: Passion; Jul 28-Aug 16: Reflections; Sep 15-28: tba; Sep

29-Oct 28: tba; Nov 3-30: Fall Members Show. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Main Gallery— Thru Jul 17: Summertime; Jul 22-Aug 24: Members Showcase; Sep 14-Oct 31: 5x5 Mural Fundraiser. Goff Gallery—Jul 22Aug 24: Members Showcase; Sep 12-29: Visual Art Center Student Show. Rebecca Hall— thru Jul 17: Blck & White Morality; Jul 22-Aug 24: Members Showcase; Sep 12-29: Hurricane Ian - The Healing. Mon & Fri 10a-4p, Tu-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. 941639-8810.

•Zero Empty Spaces: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, #181, Ft Myers. Daily 12-5p. 844427-8788

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— ongoing: Seeing Red - A Community’s Response to Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Daily 9a-5p (boardwalk closes 4pm). 877-902-1113.

•America’s Museum of the Military & First Responders: Naples Airport, North Road Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-3p. Free. 614-205-0357.

•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p & Sun 11a-4:30p. 941364-2199.

•Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Fri 11a-3p. 395-2233.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee

habitat, planetariumTue-Sat 10a5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a. rsvp 337-9505

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sun 9a-2p.

690-2359.

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guide Calusa Heritage Trail 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 MonSat 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. Exhibits— Thru Sep 3: The Pigeon Comes to Naples – A Mo Willems Exhibit; thru Jul: Inventioneers LabWoodworking. Sun-Tue & ThuSat 10a-5p. Closed Sep 10-16. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331

Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Thru Aug 8: 1923 - Exploring Collier County’s Founding Year; Aug 12-Nov 25: Preserving Collier20 Years of Conservation Collier.

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.

Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 2620304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Daily 8a-1p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours. Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Jul Mon-Sat 10a-4p, Aug & Sep Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Exhibit– Jan xx-Feb xx: Niki Butcher. Wildlife drive: Sat-Thu 7a-5p; 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; Garden tour by appt; Yoga in the Moonlight Garden 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. Cottage tours: Tue-Sat 12-4p rsvp; Guided garden tours: 1st & 3rd Thu of month 10a. Tue & Wed 12-4 & Sat 12-7p. Tue-Sat 12-4p & Sat 1-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Exhibits, guided tours. Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 1-4p. Closed thru Aug 9. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. Cranford St, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Jul 15: Viva Florida - Florida Before Statehood. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Aug 5: The Queen of Marco and the Creation of Collier County; Aug 10-Nov 4: From the Gulf to the Glades - Photography of Jim Freeman. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Jul 22-Sep 17: John Pirman - Diving Into Nature. 10a-5p daily. 941366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Thru Sep: Seeing the Invisible. Daily 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 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. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 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 Sep 9: Hometown Heroes. MonSat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a-3p. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples.

Exhibitions– Jul 15-Oct 29:

Ehren Fritz Gerhard – Understory Wonders; thru Sep 10: Frida & Her Garden; thru Sep 4: Viva la Vida; thru Nov: Stickwork. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jan 21, 2024: Patricia Zalisko - For Life to Return, Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. 9a-2p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum:  TemporaryClosed. 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers presents Murder on the Orient Express, August 18-September 16.

Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 2625409.

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. By appt. Sun 11a-4p. 543-1130.

•Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center: Temporary Closed. 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 765-8101.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Sat 10a-1p. 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; MonWed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrisesunset. 283-2062.

•Revs Institute: 2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples. Tours & workshops. Tue, Thu, Sat 10a-4p. Tix in advance. 687-7387.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Thru Jul 28: 100 Years of Collier County’s Waterfront - Paul Arsenault paintings. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Nature Center: TemporaryClosed. 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Exhibits, programs, guided tours. Mon-Fri 8:30a-3p. 472-2329.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: TemporaryClosed. 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Sanibel Heritage Trail. Opens Oct 18. 472-4648.

•Shangri-La Springs: 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Organic spa, garden & dining. Garden tours Tue & Wed 10a. Daily 9a4p. 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. 9952141.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 332-8778.

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Daily 10a-2p. 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. 6940398.

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: TemporaryClosed. SanibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. 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 Regional Park: TemporaryClosed. 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 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. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional 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. 941-575-5816.

•Collier-Seminole State Park:  US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset daily. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset daily. 597-6196.

•Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632.

•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 6953311.

•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. Dawndusk. Free. 574-0804.

•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8am-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.

•Hickey Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•John Yarbrough Linear 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. 9920311.

•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.

•Lakes Regional 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. Dawn-dusk. 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; 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: TemporaryClosed. 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. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.

•North Collier Regional 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. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-2291.

•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843

S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941483-5956.

•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. 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.

Lee County Sports Complex Hammond Stadium 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Fort Myers 768-4210

Jul 1: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 2: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 3: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 14: vs Clearwater Threshers

Jul 15: vs Clearwater Threshers

Jul 16: vs Clearwater Threshers

Jul 25: vs Clearwater Threshers

Jul 26: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 27: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 28: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 29: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 30: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Aug 8: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 9: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 10: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 11: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 12: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 13: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 22: vs Daytona Tortugas

Aug 23: vs Daytona Tortugas

Aug 24: vs Daytona Tortugas

Aug 25: vs Daytona Tortugas

Aug 26: vs Daytona Tortugas

Aug 27: vs Daytona Tortugas

Sep 5: vs Bradenton Marauders

Sep 6: vs Bradenton Marauders

Sep 7: vs Bradenton Marauders

Sep 8: vs Bradenton Marauders

Sep 9: vs Bradenton Marauders

Sep 10: vs Bradenton Marauders

•Six Mile Cypress Slough

Preserve:  7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks Wed 9:30a. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct, rsvp. 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. Dawn9:15p. Free. 478-6998.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7468.

Libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Mon-Wed

Gulfshore Playhouse presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr at the Norris Center in Naples, Juy 20-23.

What Goes On

9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: TemporaryClosed. 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. MonSat 9a-5p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311.

•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4150.

•East County Regional: 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 Regional: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.

•Fort Myers Beach: Temporary Closed. 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 9a-5p. 765-8162.

•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.

•Immokalee: 417 N First St, Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.

•Johann Fust Community: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu

10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941964-2488

•Lakes Regional: 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 10a6p, 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 Regional: 519

Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 128p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4700.

•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 Regional: 21100

Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. MonWed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4400.

•South Regional: 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.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p w Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band; Free Backyard Bluesfest: select Sun 2-6p. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sun nites. 4828565.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Live music Wed-Sat 7-10p & Marty Stokes Band select Sun 1:30-5:30p. 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 in garden afternoons. Free. 337-7646.

•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music Sat 6-9p. Free. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed 6-9p, Thu

6:30-9:30p, 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. Wed nites Nov 2-Jan 1: Frank Sinatra Tribute. 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.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011

SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave

N, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat nites 7-10p. Free. 228-6533.

•Riptide Brewing: 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs. Live music Fri & Sat 7-10p. Free. 949-9945.

•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 Fri & Sat 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. Open mic Sun 8:30p-12:30a; 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.