March-April 2015

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Jeff Berlinicke, Julie Clay, Carol DeFrank, Cindy-jo Dietz, Allen Hoffacker, Bill Levy, Jeri Magg, Ann Marina, Brewster Moseley, Dean

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THISPAGE : Diana Krall will be appearing in concert at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers on April 17.

Sanibel Hosts Classical Music Festival

The Sanibel Music Festival begins its 29th season on March 3 with a performance by pianist Jon Nakamatsu. The Festival continues through March with concerts

Tuesday and Saturday evenings at 8pm at the Congregational United Church of Christ on Sanibel Island. This year’s festival also features the Claremont Piano Trio, pianist Sara Daneshpour, the world renown Emerson String Quartet, America Chamber Players, and the Opera Theater of Connecticut.

Sanibel Music Festival

CONCERTSCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 3: Jon Nakamatsu, a Cliburn Gold Medalist, performing works by Mozart , Schubert and Schumann.

Saturday, March 7: Claremont Piano Trio, the only piano trio ever to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Twin sisters Emily (violin) and Julia (cello) Bruskin are joined by pianist Andrea Lam, performing works by Hayden, Dvorak and Schubert.

Tuesday, March 10: Sara Daneshpour, Gold Medal

The American Chamber Players, founded by violinist and NPR Music Commentator Miles Hoffman, perform March 21, during the 29th annual Sanibel Music Festival.

winner in the Russian Music Piano Competition, performing works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Ravel and Prokofiev.

Saturday, March 14: Emerson String Quartet, winner of nine Grammy awards and the first chamber ensemble to win the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize, performing works by Mozart, Hayden and Beethoven.

Saturday, March 21: The

American Chamber Players, founded by violist and popular NPR Music Commentator Miles Hoffman with a group of artists from the Library of Congress Summer Chamber Festival, performing works by Mozart, Gaubert, Brahms, Saint-Saens, and Lekeu.

Tuesday, March 24: Opera Theater of Connecticut, performing scenes from Puccini’s operas La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot, accompanied by pianist Kyle Swann, with commentary by Artistic Director Alan Mann.

Saturday, March 28: Opera Theater of Connecticut, performing ‘An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein,’ with Music Director Robert Ashens and Artistic Director Alan Mann presenting an exciting cast singing selections from Carousel, The King and I, Oklahoma, and South Pacific. The Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 2050 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. For information, call the Sanibel Music Festival at 344-7025.

Blues Festival at Sarasota

Fairgrounds

The Sarasota fairgrounds will be rocking the weekend of April 24 & 25, when the inaugural Suncoast Blues Festival features popular bluesmen Bobby Rush and the Smokin’ Joe Kubec & Bnois King band.

Emerson String Quartet perform the music of Mozart, Hayden and Beethoven, March17, as part of the Sanibel Music Festival.

The party gets started Friday night, April 24 with a free ‘teaser’ concert with the RJ Howson Band and the Lauren Mitchell Band. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to be donated to local charity.

Joining headliners, the Grammynominated singer Bobby Rush and the W.C. Handy Blues Award nominated duo of Smokin’ Joe Kubec & Bnois King, on Saturday, April 25 is Eden Brent, a Blues Music Award winner; Zac Harmon, named Best New Artist Debut at the XM Nation Music Awards; and Mr. Sipp, 2014 Gibson Best Guitarist Award Winner.

The free ‘Blues Teaser’ concert starts at 6:30pm on April 24 with the RJ Howard Band, followed by the Lauren Mitchell Band at 8pm.

Gates open at 11am on April 25 with music starting at noon.

Suncoast Blues Festival

12:pm : Mr. Sipp

1pm : Vasti Jackson

2:30pm : Zac Harmon

4pm : Eden Brent

5:30pm : Smokin Joe Kubec & Bnois King

6:30pm : Bobby Rush

The Sarasota Fairgrounds are located at 3000 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota. Call 941-758-7585 for information.

Balloons Over Immokalee

Seminole Casino Hotel

Immokalee hosts its fourth annual Balloons Over Paradise Festival on April 11 & 12. The two-day event

will feature 60 hot air balloons as well as a polo exhibition, classic car show, entertainment, arts & crafts, tethered balloon rides, and an equestrian drill team performance. Admission is . Festival-goers can walk among the balloons as they inflate for a mass ascension into the sky. Specialty balloons include Hamlet the Flying Pig, Sugar Bear, Mr. Winter, Puddy Cat and Yellow Bird, and many more.

Last year the event made history by bringing polo to Southwest Florida. This year the polo teams return with more than 30 top polo ponies. Six international players will be featured in an exhibition match. Fans will be available to meet and get autographs from players after the game.

The hot air balloons will also engage in games throughout the weekend. In the ‘Hare & Hound’

competition, the hare balloon takes off first. The other balloons, called the hounds, launch simultaneously some time after the hare. The hare will then land, laying out a large fabric ‘X’ about 50 feet in diameter. The coordinates are then radioed to the hounds. The hound balloons will then attempt to drop their markers as close to the center of the X as possible, with the closest marker achieving the highest score. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

The Balloons Over Paradise Festival begins at 6am each day and runs to 3pm, weather permitting. Tethered balloon rides offered 7-10am. The first competition ascension will be at 7:30am with a second at 8am. From 8am-3pm festival-goers can enjoy kids’ activities and arts & crafts. A Native Village will feature alligator wrestling, archery, storytelling, and woodworking, beading & sewing exhibitions throughout the day. A special equestrian ‘Spirit Drill Team’ presentation is scheduled for 10am and Classic Car Show starts at 10:30am.

An introduction of the players,

presentation of polo colors and National Anthem begins at 11:30am with the match starting at noon, followed by the traditional polo half-time ‘stomping of the divots,’ where guests are encouraged to join in on the festivities.

Polo players meet fans on the field at 2pm. Classic Car Show awards at 2:30pm on the field.

The Immokalee, Seminole Casino Immokalee is located at 506 South First St. in Immokalee For information, call (800) 218-0007.

Eco Art Fest on Sanibel

The J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is hosting its second annual Upcycle! Art Fest, April 1 & 2. More than 25 artists from around the country working in all media will be displaying and selling art using re-purposed and ‘reenvisioned’ materials.

“We are once again planning an educational and entertaining event that will directly benefit wildlife and its habitat at ‘Ding’ Darling,” says Barb Rogers, Upcycle! Art Fest committee chair. “Besides demonstrating the importance of recycling and conservation, it will offer visitors opportunities to purchase one-ofa-kind pieces of art and even try their hand at it.”

The Lauren Mitchell Band perform at a free ‘Blues Teaser’ concert on April 24, the night before the Suncoast Blues Festival.

The Balloons Over Paradise Festival, April 11 & 12 at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee, features 60 hot air balloons inflating, ascending and in competitions.

The Upcycle! Art Fest at the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, April 1 & 2, features artwork using re-purposed materials.

Admission is free at the ‘Ding’ Darling Visitor & Education Center from 9 am4pm both days. The ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society –Friends of the Refuge hosts the Upcycle! Art Fest, which will feature an art exhibit and sale, a silent auction, crafts for kids and adults, and other environmental activities.

Nearly 4,000 attended last year’s one-day Upcycle! event. The Refuge’s Executive director, Birgie Miller predicts,“This year we added another day and are anticipating an even bigger event.”

Dozens of Authors Appearing at 16th Reading Festival

The 2015 Southwest Florida Reading Festival will bring 29 nationally acclaimed and bestselling authors to the Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park in Fort Myers Historic River District on March 20 & 21.

Popular authors for adults, teens and children from all over the country will be appearing at

the Reading Festival, reading, speaking and signing books.

The event is from 10am-4pm, and will feature author presentations, educational programs, creative activities and contests for teens and children –the Reading Rocks! Teen Battle of the Bands! Every child and teen attending will receive a free book. The Reading Festival draws an average of 18,000 people annually.

Admittance to the SWFL Reading Festival is free. The event is 100% community-supported through generous donations, sponsorships and grants.

The festival kicks-off Friday evening, March 20 with Evening with the Authors, where all the authors appearing at the Festival meet and mingle with the public. A few of the award-winning authors scheduled to attend both events include adult authors Susan Mallery and Jeff Lindsay; teen authors Holly Goldberg Sloan and Cinda Williams Chima; and children’s authors Tom Angleberger and Amy Ignatow.

The event includes a cocktail reception, beginning at 6pm, and dinner honoring author Mary Alice Monroe, at The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 West 1st St. in downtown Fort Myers.

The Harborside Event Center is located at 1375 Monroe St., across from Centennial Park on Edwards Dr. on the riverfront in Fort Myers. Call 337- 7323 for information.

Dinosaurs in the Garden

Naples Botanical Garden presents Unearthed: Dinosaurs in the Garden, March 14 – July 5. The exhibit includes ten large scale animatronic dinosaur models including an 85-foot Brachiosaurus and a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex.

These life-sized replicas move and growl, incorporating key details from paleontological findings and research from around the world. Signage and docents will be on hand to help interpret the interactive exhibit.

Spanning the Mesozoic Era, from the Triassic to the Cretaceous, the exhibit features a variety of dinosaurs we are familiar with as well as some species many may not know. Dinosaurs will primarily be located in two gardens: the Kathleen &

Unearthed: Dinosaurs in the Garden, at Naples Botanical Garden March 15–July 5, features a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex,

Scott Kapnick Brazilian Garden and the Karen & Robert Scott Florida Garden. There will be a Tyrannosaurus Rex photo opportunity and fossil dig pit available in the Vicky C. & David Byron Smith Children’s Garden.

Unearthed: Dinosaurs in the Garden will be included with regular Garden admission and be on view during regular Garden hours, 9am-5pm daily (8am-5pm Tuesdays).

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North & 26 degrees South, including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Florida. There is a handson interactive Children’s Garden, 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails, and a Butterfly Garden.

Naples Botanical Garden is located at 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples. For information, call 643-7275.

Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Celebrates Ninth Year T

he Fort Myers Beach Film Festival returns for the ninth year on April 22-26. For five days and nights independent film fans,

filmmakers and distributors can screen feature and short films, attend workshops and panel discussions, a film industry luncheon, a sunset networking cruise, and enjoy free films under the stars and on the beach. The Festival’s Opening Ceremony will be held at the Beach Theater, 2pm on April 22, and the Closing Awards ceremony will be at the Fish Tale Marina, 4pm on April 26. Films will be screened continuously 3-11pm April 2226 at the Beach Theater.

Fort Myers Beach Film Festival

APRIL 21

5:30pm : Filmmakers Welcome Reception at Fish Tale Marina

APRIL 22

2pm : Opening Ceremony at Beach Theater

3-11pm : Independent Film Screenings

APRIL 23

3-11pm : Independent Film Screenings

7pm : Free outdoor screening of Big Hero 6, poolside, beginning at sunset at the Pink Shell Beach Resort

APRIL 24

11am : Workshop at Charley’s Boathouse Grill

3-11pm : Independent Film Screenings at Beach Theater

7pm : Free outdoor screening of The Avengers, beginning at sunset at Outrigger Beach Resort

APRIL 25

11am : Workshop at Beach Theater

3-11pm : Independent Film Screenings at Beach Theater

APRIL 26

3-9pm : Independent Film Screenings at Beach Theater

4-6pm :Closing Awards Ceremony at Fish Tale Marina

Author Susan Mallery will be appearing at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival on March 21 at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers.

Beach Theater is located at 6425 Estero Blvd., Fish Tale Marina is located at 6425 Estero Blvd., Pink Shell Beach Resort is located at 275 Estero Blvd., Outrigger Beach Resort is located at 6200 Estero Blvd., and Charley’s Boathouse Grill is located at 6241 Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach. Call 980-4391 for information.

Gulfshore Opera Brings Gilbert & Sullivan to Bonita Springs

Gulfshore Opera presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado on March 6 at Center for the Arts Bonita Springs. This fullscale production will be conducted by Dr. Trent Brown, directed by Louis Dall’Ava, and will feature artists from New York and the Gulfshore Opera chorus and orchestra, as well as Naples native, Kellie Cullinan.

The Mikado will be presented with traditional scenery and costumes.

Dall’Ava, who has played 26 different principal roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas in the past 30 years, and is an acclaimed bass-baritone and stage director, will direct the show and star in the musical comedy.

Gulfshore Opera is a regional

opera company serving Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties.

The performance of The Mikado on March 6 is at 7:30pm at the Center for the Performing Arts located at 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, in Bonita Springs. The entrance is on Iowa St. Call 529-3925 or 495-8989 for information.

Concert Benefits CREW Land & Water Trust

The internationally acclaimed Sarah Hadeka Band and popular local band The Juice will perform at the CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction on March 21 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. The event is the largest fundraiser for the CREW Land & Water Trust, which helps preserve and protect 60,000 acres of watershed lands in Lee and Collier counties. Sarah Hadeka returns for the third year at the benefit concert.

A unique feature of the event is a Silent Eco-Auction. “Its focus is on ecological experiences you just can’t find elsewhere,” explains

CREW Executive Director, Brenda Brooks. “This year we are featuring a fossil expedition, a plane ride, an overnight camp experience in The Fakahatchee, a canopy climb in one of CREW’s Oak Hammocks, naturalist led swamp walks, and several surprise items.”

A popular feature of the concert is the VIP Cafe area, which offers seating close to the stage, complimentary drinks and a buffet dinner. Food, craft beer and wine will be available and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs. All proceeds from the event will support the ongoing environmental education programs of CREW.

Gates oOpen at 5pm with the music starting at 6pm. Riverside Park is located at 26740 Pine Avenue, off Old 41 Rd. in Bonita Springs. For information, call 657-2253 for information.

Blues Festival in Bonita Springs

Chris Cain and Lurrie Bell’s Chicago Blues Band headline the 9th annual Bonita Blues Festival, Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7, in Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs. Gates open

Friday at 1pm, with music 1:309pm, and open Saturday at 11am, with music from 11:30am-9pm.

Headlining the concert Friday, March 6 is Chris Cain. The Peterson Brothers kick things off at 1:30pm, followed by Old No. 5’s, Ori Naftaly, and Albert Castiglia. Cain’s set begins at 7:30pm.

The RJ Howson Band begins Saturday, March 7 at 11:30am, followed by the Ben Rice Band, the Rusty Wright Band and the Jeremiah Johnson Band. The blues supergroup Southern Hospitality, featuring Damon Fowler, Victor Wainwright & JP Soars takes the stage at 6pm and Lurrie Bell’s Chicago Blues Band closes the Blues Festival at 7:30pm. Blankets and deck chairs are welcome, but coolers and pets are not allowed. The concert will go on rain or shine. Proceeds of the Bonita Blues Festival will benefit local charities.

The Gulfshore Opera performs Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Mikado’ at the Center for the Performing Arts in Bonita Springs on March 6.

The Sarah Hadeka Band return for the third year performing at the CREW Land & Water Trust fundraising concert on March 21 in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

Ori Naftaly performs at the Bonita Blues Festival in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs on March 6.

Riverside Park is located at 26740 Pine Ave., off Old Rd. 41 in Bonita Springs. For information, call 898-2939.

‘Vagina Monologues’ to Benefit Project HELP

Project HELP, Collier County's only state-certified rape and crisis center, will present the Vagina Monologues at 7pm, April 7 at

Local actresses perform ‘Vagina Monologues’ on April 7 at the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples to raise funds for Project HELP rape and crisis center.

the Sugden Community Theatre in Naples, as part of its Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities. For the fourth year, local actresses will donate their time to perform the funny and poignant monologues that celebrate female empowerment. The evening starts with a wine and hors d'oeuvres cocktail hour

S PRING T RAINING

featuring a silent auction at 7pm, followed by the 90-minute play at 8pm. Guests are encouraged to wear black with red accents, such as belts and hats, which are the play's signature colors.

Project HELP provides free counseling to victims and their families, and operates a 24/7 hotline. Annually, the organization assists an average of 2,000 new clients, provides more than 6,000 client hours and answers 2,000 calls to the hotline.

The Sugden Community Theatre is located at 701 5th Ave. S. in Naples. Call Project HELP at 649-1404 for information.

Allliance for the Arts Offers

Tour of Artists’ Studios

The Alliance for the Arts is offering an Artists’ Studio Tour on March 14. Attendees will visit the studios of 10 Fort Myers artists during a daylong, self-guided tour.

The day begins at 9am at the Alliance for breakfast, where ticket holders will receive their tour program and map. While at the Alliance, they can also explore the on-site art studios and visit the weekly GreenMarket.

FORT MYERS MIRACLE

Hammond Stadium

14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Fort Myers

800-338-9467

Apr 10 :Charlotte Stone Crabs

Apr 11 : Charlotte Stone Crabs *

Apr 15 : Tampa Yankees

Apr 17 : St. Lucie Mets

Apr 18 : St. Lucie Mets **

Apr 19 : St. Lucie Mets ***

Apr 26 : St. Lucie Mets

Apr 27 : Palm Beach Cardinals

Apr 28 : Palm Beach Cardinals

Apr 30 : Charlotte Stone Crabs

ALL GAMES STARTAT 7PM EXCEPT : * START 1PM ** 6 PM *** 4 PM

The Alliance for the Arts campus is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. The galleries and studios are open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm on Sat. Call 9392787 for information.

MINNESOTA TWINS

Hammond Stadium

14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Fort Myers

800-338-9467

Mar 4 : University of Minnesota *

Mar 5 : Boston Red Sox

Mar 8 : Baltimore Orioles

Mar 11 : Tampa Bay Rays

Mar 12 :Miami Marlins

Mar 15 :St. Louis Cardinals

Mar 18 : Baltimore Orioles

Mar 20 :Pittsburgh Pirates

Mar 21 : Baltimore Orioles

Mar 24 : Toronto Blue Jays

Mar 25 :Tampa Bay Rays

Mar 27 : Pittsburgh Pirates

Mar 31 :New York Yankees

Apr 1 : Boston Red Sox

Apr 2 : Boston Red Sox *

Apr 4 : Boston Red Sox

BOSTON RED SOX

JetBlue Park

11500 Fenway South Drive Fort Myers

888-733-7696

Mar 3 : Northeastern University

Mar 6 : Miami Marlins

Mar 7 : Minnesota Twins

Mar 10 : Tampa Bay Rays

Mar 13 : New York Yankees *

Mar 14 : Pittsburgh Pirates

Mar 16 : New York Mets

Mar 17 : Atlanta Braves

Mar 18 :Minnesota Twins

Mar 20 : Baltimore Orioles

Mar 22 : Philadelphia Phillies

Mar 23 : St. Louis Cardinals

Mar 26 : Minnesota Twins

Mar 29 : Tampa Bay Rays

Mar 30 : Minnesota Twins *

Apr 1 : Toronto Blue Jays

Apr 3 : Minnesota Twins *

From 11am-4pm participants can choose the order and the amount of time they spend at each location on the tour. They’ll see diverse works in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, fiber, glass, and jewelry. This year’s featured artists are David Acevedo, Todd Andrew Babb, Victor Flores, Lydia Fogaras, David Hatchett, Lily Hatchett, Doug MacGregor, Dana Roes, Gordon Warren, and Carol Warren.

The collages of John M. Williams are on view at the Naples Depot Museum, April 1-May 30.

Collage Portraits at Naples Depot Museum

The Naples Depot Museum presents ‘History Comes to Life: The Collage Art of John M. Williams,from April 1- May 30. An opening wine and cheese reception, sponsored by the Friends of the Collier County Museums, is free and open to the public on April 2, from 6pm to 8pm. Williams, an artist on the autistic spectrum, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, brings history to life through his cut paper collage portraits of important figures in United States and world history. Set in Naples’ first passenger train station, the restored Naples Depot Museum is located at 1051 5th Avenue S. in Naples. The Museum is open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm. For information, call 262-6525.

Hall of Famers

Ty Cobb, Eddie Collins, Zach Wheat and Connie Mack in Fort Myers with the Athletics in 1928.

ORT MYERS IS HOME now to two state-of-the-art spring training stadiums, but the heart and the history of baseball in Fort Myers will always live in Terry Park.

Terry Park was once one of the gems of the Grapefruit League and, although the grandstands that were once packed with nearly 3,000 fans a game (and now holds about 900), were demolished several years ago, the wrecking ball couldn’t take away the history of the ballpark.

The Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox have been training in Fort Myers for nearly a decade in brand new ballparks, but the history of baseball in Fort Myers goes way back, all the way back to 1921 when the Terry family purchased 25 acres of cow pasture in Lee County to build a ballpark. Baseball teams were only starting to migrate to Florida for spring training. The stadium originally hosted 600 fans and were first inhabited by the then-Philadelphia Athletics from 1925–1936.

Philadelphia Athletics

1925–1936

The Athletics brought the best and the worst baseball to Fort Myers. They reached the World Series three straight years, from 1929–1931 with future Hall of Famers such as Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Lefty Grove. The problem was the team was owned and managed by Connie Mack. Mack has by far the most wins and the most losses in major league history, partly due to longevity –he managed for 50 years. But as an owner, Mack had a problem: baseball was his only business. Twice during those 50 years, Mack put together powerhouses only to then be forced to gut the teams completely. His final Athletic teams in Fort Myers were truly awful.

Cleveland Indians

1941–1942

A few years later, the Cleveland Indians started a two year run at Terry Park. Bob

by Jeff Berlinicke

Spring Training in Fort Myers F

Feller was the big star of the team and the Indians might have lasted longer, but World War II rolled around and travel restrictions kept every major league team above the Mason-Dixon Line every spring.

Pittsburgh Pirates

1955–1968

Things changed when a fire burned down most of Terry Park in 1943. The park was rebuilt with steel and concrete instead of wood, and the Pittsburgh Pirates came to town in 1955.

The Pirates that moved into the new stadium had been a lot of things, mostly awful, for almost a quarter of a century. Ralph Kiner hit tons of home runs, but that was about all the Pirates had until a young Puerto Rican named Roberto Clemente joined the Pirates in Fort Myers in 1955.

Clemente, who would become a Most valuable Player, 12-time All Star, four-time batting champion, 12time Golden Glove winner, and Hall of Famer, spoke no English and was extremely shy. One of the first things he noticed about Fort Myers, where he played with major leaguers for the first time, was that Jim Crow spoke loudly in Fort Myers as well as every other spring training site in Florida.

Clemente, who died tragically in an airplane crash during a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua in 1972, made a name for himself that spring and became the building block to a Pirates team that won the 1960 World Series on a Bill Mazeroski homer in the bottom of the ninth in Game 7.

Kansas City Royals

1969–1987

The Pirates had a 14-year run in Fort Myers before heading to Bradenton, but Terry Park didn’t remain empty for long. In 1969, the expansion team Kansas City Royals had their first-ever practice in Fort Myers. The Royals were a team of kids, not castoffs like most expansion teams. They got good pretty quickly, finishing second in only

Hall of Famer Bob Feller in Fort Myers with the Indians in 1941.

1973, players like future Hall of Famer George Brett and other building blocks of a miniRoyals dynasty were prepping for the majors, wearing their powder blue uniforms and playing on Terry Park’s artificial turf infield. The Royals won division titles three straight times, from 1976–1978, and trained there when they won the 1985 World Series.

But by the late 1980s, Terry Park was getting old and negotiations between the Royals and the city weren’t going anywhere. The park didn’t have the necessary seating, Arizona was offering lots of money to any team that would listen, and a thing called Boardwalk & Baseball was being put together in Haines City, close to Orlando. It was half-amusement park, half-baseball stadium. It was also new and considered to be a big improvement over Terry Park.

The Royals took off for Central Florida. Baseball teams put together their own spring

training schedules and Fort Myers was considered off the beaten path by most teams. Opposing players disliked the drive south to Fort Myers, which was somewhat isolated from the rest of the Grapefruit League teams.

Minnesota Twins

1991–PRESENT

Boston Red Sox

1993–PRESENT

Today, the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have their own stadiums in Fort Myers and, while there still are no teams particularly close by, their state-of-the-art ballparks are popular even if most visiting teams have to convince a small smattering of stars to make the bus ride. It will never be quite the same as before, but baseball continues to generate a lot of money in Fort Myers, especially from people from Minnesota and New England who would

rather spend a day at the ballpark in Florida instead of shoveling snow up north.

Terry Park still stands and plays host to amateur baseball events. It suffered severe damage in 2004 when Hurricane Charley swept through town. It doesn’t look the same as it did when it was first built, then rebuilt again, but for those who are still angry about losing the Kansas City Royals to an amusement park, there is some solace. Boardwalk & Baseball was a disaster. The Royals are now training in Arizona. •

Hall of Famers Jimmy Foxx in Fort Myers (FAR LEFT) with the Athletics in 1934 and Roberto Clemente (BELOW) in Fort Myers with the Pirates in 1960.

The Beauty of Birding I

T’S PROBABLY SAFE TO ASSUMEthat you’re reading this article because you like birds. So what is it about them that interests you? Whether you’re a serious or a casual bird watcher, what is it that motivates you? Perhaps it’s a muse – a guiding genius, a source of inspiration –impelling your involvement in a truly joyful pastime. Many bird watchers have found not only inspiration but a renewed appreciation for all things natural – an awakened interest in the sights, sounds, smells and feel of the natural world.

But why birds? I can only speak from my own experience. I suppose birds manifest qualities that appeal to an inner sensibility: beauty, freedom from earthbound fetters, majesty in the case of the eagle, childlike gregariousness in the case of the chickadee, artistry in the case of all –each bird a unique assemblage of colors and brushstrokes from the ultimate artistic palette.

by Brewster Moseley

I’ve loved these birds ever since I began watching the old black-and-white Woody Woodpecker cartoons as a child. And I’ve had the good fortune to see several in the woods: in Wisconsin and Idaho, at Corkscrew Swamp near Fort Myers and, most recently, at McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach. My wife and I first noticed a pair at McKee as we were dodging large chunks of falling wood. The male (the one with the red ‘mustache’) was aggressively foraging for insects in the oak canopy above us.

More than 5,000 chicks fledged annually at Corkscrew throughout 1958-1967. But only 540 chicks fledged from 2003-2012.

But there are other reasons for birding. Perhaps you’re an artist or photographer. A beautifully composed picture in your scope, binoculars or lens: a shy Purple Gallinule stepping delicately across a lily pad as the rays of the rising sun dance over the water, or a Sandhill Crane, twisted like a Mongolian contortionist, carefully primping and preening, can certainly bring inspiration. Or perhaps you enjoy the expansive intellectual pursuit of a new natural-history discipline. Or you may simply appreciate the camaraderie of fellow birders, the caress of the elements, or the exercise inherent in the sport. Whatever your reasons for a new or renewed interest in birding, you’re sure to find this pastime richly rewarding.

As you’ve no doubt seen, Lee County has its share of interesting birds, and I’d like to discuss two of my favorites: the Pileated Woodpecker and the Wood Stork. As far as the former is concerned, I say PILL-eated. But did you know PIE-leated is also correct? In fact, purists prefer this pronunciation. That’s because the word comes from the Latin pileus and pileum, meaning skullcap or felt cap. And the Pileated’s brushy red top is certainly reminiscent of the horsehair plume on a Roman soldier’s helmet, meant to intimidate enemies with its blood-red color.

Pileateds are often heard drumming and chopping in swamps and forests. They’re the size of crows, but you can distinguish the two species in flight. The Pileated’s undulating wing beats are different from the crow’s more direct flight path. And its whinnying call is quite distinctive. These large, non-migratory birds range, in the east, from the tip of Florida to the mid-section of the lower Canadian provinces. In the west, they’re yearround residents of California, up the west coast to British Columbia, and down through eastern Washington, Oregon, Montana, and the northern half of Idaho. The Pileated Woodpecker has a plain, black back and has a “kick- kick” call.

Most of us have seen Wood Storks standing

Corkscrew Swamp has had the distinction of hosting the largest nesting population of wood storks in the United States.

PHOTOGRAPHBY B REWSTER M OSELEY

patiently by golf course lakes, roadside ditches, and, as in the case of Fred, in our own backyards. Fred is our ‘pet’ Wood Stork, who seems oblivious of nearby golfers and gawkers. He spends most of his time behind our condo on the fifth hole of our golf course. Fred is fun to watch, since he loves to try to steal food from any Great Egret he can get close to. The big birds have a wingspan of five feet and can reach five feet in height.

Wood Storks nest in colonies, and Corkscrew is a great place to see them. In previous years, Corkscrew has had the distinction of hosting the largest nesting population in the United States (as have the Everglades). In fact, about 100,000 Wood Stork chicks have fledged there since 1958. Some 300 Wood Stork chicks fledged last season, making it the most successful hatch since the 2008-2009 season. No other American colony has been more productive.

But Wood Stork numbers have been

declining in Florida, mainly due to growth in the state’s human population. The health of Florida’s wetlands affects Wood Stork populations and wetlands have diminished due to drainage caused by road and canal construction. At Corkscrew, more than 5,000 chicks fledged annually throughout the first ten years of monitoring (1958-1967). But only 540 chicks fledged from 2003-2012. The decline in nesting has been proportionate. A family of four storks needs 440 pounds of fish each season, and water levels have to be just right to ensure successful foraging. If they aren’t, storks can’t find enough food. They nest in what’s called the dry season in south Florida –between December and late March. That’s when it’s easier to find fish, since pools of water shrink. Fish then become concentrated and easier to catch. Wood Storks also eat crayfish, snakes, frogs and even young alligators. They stir up the water with their feet and, using their beaks as ‘feelers,’ grab their food by touch

rather than sight. Although the Wood Storks range stretches north of Florida, the Sunshine State is where the vast majority live. South of the border, however, their range extends to northern Argentina.

Years ago I had an aerial experience similar to that of Wood Storks’. I had a glider lesson in Middletown, New York. A glider is an unpowered aircraft also known as a sailplane. I sat in the front seat and had a joystick to steer the plane. The pilot sat behind and made me think I was in control by putting his hands on my shoulders (I still shiver whenever I review the experience). The glider was towed aloft by a Piper Cub, and the cable was released when we had gained sufficient altitude. We remained aloft for about half an hour by riding thermals –warm, rising air currents. And this is how Wood Storks are able to reach great heights without expending much energy. When they dive, they’re fun to watch.

So if you see a Pileated Woodpecker, watch out for falling wood. And if you see a Wood Stork high in the sky, you might be lucky enough to experience one of the most acrobatic displays of twisting, turning and rolling of any bird on the planet. But as talented as Wood Storks may be, there’s no evidence that they deliver babies. •

I’ve loved these birds ever since I began watching the old black-and-white

Woody Woodpecker cartoons as a child.

Come Blow Your Horn

by Andrew Elias

Delfeayo Marsalis

The Last Southern Gentleman dmarsalis.com

From the very first sultry moments of the opening track on Delfeayo Marsalis’ excellent new album, The Last Southern Gentleman, you know you’re in for a special experience. It is his first recording with his father, the miraculous New Orleans’ piano legend, Ellis. And it is the first to showcase the matured musician and new man Delfeayo has become.

W ith The Last Southern Gentleman , Delfeayo establishes himself as an original and formidable artistic voice, one of the leading jazz trombonists of any era (admittingly, a relatively small group). His new record measures up to the best of jazz giants Curtis Fuller and Jay Jay Johnson.

would he do with that talent and skill? What could he accomplish? I think having the best jazz CD of 2014 – and possibly the best of all the Marsalis brothers’ albums – is quite an accomplishment (and that’s saying a lot since his older brothers Wynton and Branford have made so much great music). This CD is a gem.

Eddie Henderson

Collective Portrait

smokesessionsrecords.com

Not too far into the first track on trumpeter Eddie Henderson’s new album, Collective Portrait , I thought it sounded a lot like late-60s Miles Davis. By the time I heard the eighth track, Jimmy Heath’s ‘Ginger Bread Boy,’ my hunch was validated. ‘Ginger Bread Boy’ is also on the classic album Miles Smiles , featuring Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Wayne Shorter. Henderson’s playing is muted and spartan, sometimes just cooly coloring a soundscape and then exploding with hot, darting exclamations at others.

As you might expect, there’s a whole lot of New Orleans in these tracks, from soulful takes on standards

‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘I Cover the Waterfront’ to the playful romp on the ‘Sesame Street’ theme; from the lush ballad

‘She’s Funny That Way’ to the syncopated and tropical “The Secret Love Affair.’

At age 81, Ellis has never played with more grace and class and has some elegantly tender solos, most notably on ‘Nancy (with the Laughing Face)’ and ‘I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)’.

W ith background rhythm provided by John Clayton and ‘Smitty’ Smith, a seasoned combo, father and son play together and work off each other with a genuine chemistry. The sessions are intimate, with the sound and feel of a small club. At times the songs seem more a like a personal conversation than a public performance.

It’s never been in question as to whether Delfeayo was an excellent trombonist. But what

Inspired by Miles’ statement that “a collective portrait is better than a self-portrait,’ Henderson has gathered a quintet to rival Miles’ best: bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Carl Allen are joined by saxophonist Gary Bartz and the great pianist George Cables. Two of the best tracks were written by Cables –the funky ‘Morning Song’ and ‘Beyond Forever,’ both reminiscent of late great Eddie Harris.

The comparisons to Miles Davis are unavoidable and justified, but Henderson’s musical identity, although formed, informed, inspired, and influenced by Miles, is original, entertaining and exciting.

Smoke Sessions Records continues to consistently release top shelf, straight ahead jazz CDs by veteran artists making new music.

Sean Jones Quartet

After ten years and six albums, Sean Jones decided he was going to make it simple. Paring down to basics, he recorded Im.Pro.Vise: never before seen in

Sean Jones was once Lead Trumpeter with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Delfeayo is the third of four Marsalis brothers.

one room, playing live. Collaborating with the always adventurous pianist Orrin Evans and bass/drum duo of Luques Curtis and Obed Calvaire, the gambit seems to have paid off. The new record showcases Jones’ tasteful playing and renewed writing skills. His rowdy ‘I Don’t Give a Damn Blues’ and soulful ‘We’ll Meet Under the Stars’ are standouts. Also outstanding are the standard ‘How High the Moon’ and Sondheims’ ‘Not While I’m Around.’

The quartet’s tone is reminiscent of

MUSIC arts

mid-60s Miles, with the band offering a new version of Jackie McLean’s ‘Dr. Jekyll’ (known from Davis’ Milestones album). But Jones’ blowing is bluesier. A strong and sassy album throughout, Im.Pro.Vise was certainly another of the best jazz releases of 2014 as well.

Jeremy Pelt Tales, Musings and Other Reveries

jazzdepot.com

One of post-pops leading stars, Jeremy Pelt’s new release, Tales, Musings and Other Reveries finds the trumpeter still exploring new sounds – fusing the traditional and the modern, swing and soul, improvisation with polish. Whereas much of the CD is expressionistic and stretches to the outer fringes of popular jazz, a few tracks such as Wayne Shorter’s ‘Vonetta’ and ‘Everything You Can Imagine is Real’ are lyrical and stylish and easy on the ears. The ballad, ‘I Only Miss Her When I Think of Her’ is sure to be enjoyed by even the biggest smooth jazz fans although ‘Harlem Thoroughfare’ might be a bit too avant garde for most tastes. It is that range that makes Pelt one of the brightest musicinas of his generation.

Tales, Musings and Other Reveries is one of Pelt’s better recordings of late, with him building on the music’s traditions while always pushing the envelope for art’s sake. •

Pelt is joined by pianist Simona Premazzi, bassist Ben Allison and one separate channels, two veteran drummers: Billy Drummond (right) and Victor Lewis (left). It’s interesting to hear how they play with and against each other, creating unified and complimentary rhythms.

seag ecologic and ec

Tby Kris Thoemke

HEREis a grass growing in Florida that is always green and never needs to be watered. You do not have to mow or fertilize it. If you’re looking out your window at your lawn wondering how much something like this would cost –well, it might cost up to $20,000 per acre. Don’t worry though, there is no place to buy it and even if you could, it will never grow in your yard because you are missing two key requirements for this grass. It grows underwater and requires the saltwater to survive.

This grass goes by the name ‘seagrass’ and if you don’t spend much time in places like Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor, you may not be familiar with seagrass or realize the economic value of these unique plants.

the ecology

SEAGRASS is a generic term for species of flowering plants that re-adapted to living underwater. They are flowering plants with leaves (referred to as blades because they resemble blades of grass), roots and, like all plants, can make their own food via the process of photosynthesis.

The three most common species in southwest Florida go by the names of shoal grass, manatee grass and turtle grass. Shoal grass is, as its name implies, typically found in shallow water sometimes growing in areas where it is exposed during low tide. The blades are narrow, often only a few millimeters wide. Turtle grass blades are about a half inch wide and the ends of the blades are rounded. Manatee grass is easy to identify because the blades are cylindrical.

Seagrasses are common in shallow waters in Florida Bay and in most bays and lagoons along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastlines. In southwest Florida, seagrass is common throughout Charlotte Harbor, Estero Bay and similar areas.

Most people don’t understand and appreciate the

one

importance of seagrasses to the local economy. It’s no secret that tourism is big business in Southwest Florida and contributes millions of dollars to the region’s economy. What may surprise you is that the presence of seagrass contributes greatly to the reasons tourists visit this area and how that impacts the economy.

Any angler who fishes in the ‘backwaters’ knows that seagrass beds, as large areas of seagrass are referred to, are a good place to find snook, sea trout, and other species of fish. These fish prowl the seagrass beds for a very good reason. It’s a great place to find their next meal.

Areas of seagrass, with thousands to millions of blades, form a complex three dimensional maze that offers countless places for small fish and shellfish to hide and avoid predators. It‘s also where the small critters find the food they need.

the economics

THE food and shelter provided by seagrasses is one of the reasons why these areas are referred to as ‘nursery’ areas for at least 70% of recreationally and commercially harvested fish and shellfish. For these species, seagrasses are home for their young. Without seagrass there wouldn’t be many of the fish targeted by anglers.

Just how valuable is seagrass? A single acre of seagrass may support as many as 40,000 fish and 50 million small invertebrates. The recreational fishing industry, which generates millions of dollars each year, would not exist if were not for the benefits provided by seagrasses. A Nature Conservancy study released last year reported that one acre of seagrass could be worth up to $8,000 of fish in one year –year after year.

Seagrasses also contribute to the eco-tourism industry. They are an important food source for sea turtles and the endangered West Indian manatee.

beworth

acre of seagrasscould

grass conomic engine

Manatees are primarily vegetarians and if you hang around areas where seagrasses are prevalent, there is a good chance you will see one or more manatees grabbing one of its many daily meals.

Studies have estimated the value of seagrasses to the economy ranging from about $7,500 to over $20,000 per acre. A 25-acre seagrass bed has an annual economic value of $200.000 to $500,000 per year. Over time, the value reaches billions of dollars. Seagrasses are crucial to the economy of Southwest Florida.

It’s not just seagrasses that make this system so productive and important. If you look carefully, most seagrass blades appear to be coated with a layer of fuzzy material. This coating consists of a variety of small organisms such as algae, sponges, barnacles, crustaceans, and worms. This community of organisms matter because they are a food source for the small organisms fed on by small fish that become food for larger and larger fish.

Think of these relationships like this: There is no such thing as a free lunch. A larger fish is always waiting to make something smaller its next meal. And at the top of this heap are the anglers that harvest the fish.

the future

DESPITEtheir role as economic engines, seagrasses have an uncertain future. Recent statewide estimates found about 2.2 million acres of seagrass. While that is an impressive sounding number, consider that in 1950 there were 5 million acres of seagrass. This decline arises from both natural and humanrelated impacts and the latter is of most concern.

Any event that contributes to a decrease in water clarity can have an adverse impact on seagrasses. Storm runoff containing suspended sediments can reduce water clarity as can discharge of excessive nutrients from sewage treatment plants

and indirect sources such as farm field and lawns. Excessive nutrients create a condition where the small, single celled phytoplankton multiply at an accelerated rate causing decreasing water clarity, which decreases the amount of sunlight reaching the seagrasses. Seagrasses, like any plant deprived of light, may eventually die.

Another problem in many places in southwest Florida results from boats that travel in the shallow waters where seagrasses are present. When a boat’s motor is on or near the bottom and boaters mash down the throttle to get on plane and skim across the shallow flats, the prop can act like a dredge and slice through a seagrass bed leaving a distinctive scar in the seagrass. This trench represents an area where the seagrass blades and the underground rhizomes (roots) are chopped and destroyed.

The good news is that prop-scar impacted areas of seagrass can re-grow. Prop scars may require several years to recover, but larger areas that are lost may never recover without help. Seagrass restoration is a developing industry that typically involves transplanting seagrass into a denuded area and then monitoring the recovery for several years. Seagrasses are finicky and not every restoration project works. Moreover, at a cost of $100,000 to $1,000,000 per acre, it is a costly proposition with no guarantee of success.

There is much activity going on below the surface of the shallow waters of Southwest Florida bays. You won’t hear it and you would be hardpressed to see much of what is happening. But without seagrasses and the benefits derived from them, this would be a far less attractive place to live and a far less inviting place for people to visit.

Seagrasses, the silent economic engine. Who would have imagined? •

orth up to $ 8,000 of fish in one year

by Dean Simms-Elias

Fracking has recently become a highly disputed issue for communities and government officials throughout the country and now many families and state officials in Collier County and Southwest Florida are outraged at the news of an unauthorized drill site near Naples. A first of its kind procedure in Florida – ‘Acid Fracking’ – has inflamed the debate about fracking in Florida, where it has garnered sup-

port and fierce opposition as everyone considers the benefits and risks for the local economy and environment.

The practice of ‘fracking’ (slang for ‘hydraulic fracturing’) is a fossil fuel extraction method that drills horizontal fissures in the ground and injects millions of gallons of water, sand and a cocktail of chemicals. Injected at a high-pressure, the chemical concoction frac-

tures the shale formation, releasing oil and gas that is captured at the surface. The natural gas that is extracted from fracking produces less carbon when burned than conventional fossil fuels, making it an attractive new option for gas companies accommodating the growing environmental movement and countering bad publicity of crude oil disasters. Positioned as a cleaner domestic source of energy, natural gas genera-

tion has boomed with the aid of government and the media.

States and counties nationwide have taken varied positions on permitting fracking, with it popular in Pennsylvania, Texas and North Dakota, while recently being banned in New York. Some praise it for providing domestically produced energy and stimulating local economies and providing new jobs. Natural gas

PHOTOGRAPHBY A LLEN H OFFACKER

companies promote it as a financial opportunity, intriguing many post-recession landowners. Landowner’s often oppose regulatons and insist on their right to lease their private property. But many people in the local communities question the potential harm to the public health, ecosystems and groundwater aquifers. Many have spoken out against the indirect degradation of roads and diversion of community resources.

Fracking has many energy experts and environmental watchdog groups voicing their varied criticisms of the procedure. Groundwater extracted near fracking injection sites has been found to contain toxins and carcinogens at quantities up to five times the permissible amount. After the chemical mixture has been used, the wastewater is transported via road to a treatment facility. The practice of dumping wastewater into nearby reservoirs has been heavily criticized for the inadequacy of treatment facilities and the chemically infused waters’ longterm degradation of the soil. Another harm tied to hydraulic fracking is the danger of earthquakes, as residents of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Texas have learned.

The hazardous effects of fracking became more well known with the release of the Academy-Award nominated documentary film, Gas Land in 2011, which contained shocking images of houses near fracking sites experiencing kitchen faucets that leaked gas as

ronmental groups and municipalities have banded together to demand that natural gas companies disclose what chemicals they use in their operations. Companies are currently exempt from Florida’s Open Government & Public Records laws requiring them to disclose the potentially harmful chemicals injected into the ground, claiming them to be ‘trade secrets’ and thus shielding them from liability.

Other complaints from citizens and officials argue that natural gas companies use predatory tactics, promising wealth to vulnerable landowners in return for leasing rights to frack their property. However, it has been discovered that natural gas companies have often been selling the extracted gas from a subsidiary company to its parent company at a significantly lower cost than its market value. This maneuver allows the company to be legally obligated to pay residents only a percentage of the first sale price and does not reflect the market price that the product extracted from their land is finally sold for. Other companies have been found to be imposing marketing fees, taken off royalties, to pay a ‘broker,’ even when sold to their parent company. These types of loopholes and elusive accounting tricks have further shaped the reputation of the fossil fuel industry as being irresponsible, disingenuous and exploitative, using public resources and degrading the health of the land.

A SECRET DRILL SITE

Residents of Southwest Florida became particularly concerned when Dan A. Hughes submitted a request to conduct exploratory drilling at a site close to the Golden Gates community. The imminent threat of fracking and its proximity to a residential neighborhood galvanized environmental advocates and enabled Preserve Paradise and other organizations to encourage protests and organize advocacy against the well. Residents identified the risks fracking posed to Southwest Florida’s majestic landscapes, wildlife and drinking water, and attempted to prevent drilling before it took place. It wasn’t until March 2014 that residents of Lee and Collier Counties became aware that Hughes had already started drilling in December 2013 and refused to comply with an order by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to stop operations. Befuddled that fracking was taking place in their backyard, neighbors and environmental groups began investigating the violations to the land and the public’s rights.

they ran water. Residents of these areas displayed the flammability of their water when a flame from a match would suddenly flare up when held near their faucet.

Many government officials across the country have taken stances against fracking, insisting that natural gas companies do not prioritize procedures that ensure the health and safety of the public. Florida community members, envi-

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been outspoken about the dangers that fracking poses to the ecological health of the region. They, along with other environmental groups, have recognized the imminent interest that would come to Southwest Florida and its potentially untapped resources, and that current fossil fuel regulations are too weak and have not been updated to address modern technologies.

More information was slowly gathered in the following months and it was discovered that in December 2013 the DEP requested that Hughes suspend operations until they could further review a chemical being used that was not authorized in the drill permit. The chemical not specified in the drill permit was an acidic chemical never before used in Florida for onshore hydraulic fracturing – although it is employed in offshore oil well excavation to dissolve the limestone bedrock. Hughes ignored the request to stop and continued operations, disregarding the potential risk to public and environmental health. When the DEP became aware that Hughes had continued their operations they issued the drill site a cease and desist order. This new acid fracking procedure caused an enormous public reaction, decrying the unauthorized chemical injected, the close proximity of the drill site to residential neighborhoods and lack of communication to any local authorities or residents.

Hughes drilled at a site that is part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), a vital area for aquifer regeneration. The CREW is maintained by the Water Trust, a non-profit organization that ensures the ecological integrity of the area. Hughes was leased 35,000 acres of mineral rights in this area despite the numer-

Companies are currently exempt from Florida’s Open Government & Public Records laws requiring them to disclose the potentially harmful chemicals injected into the ground, claiming them to be ‘trade secrets’ and thus shielding them from liability.

ous overlapping landowners and stakeholders owning conflicting surface rights. The drill site was also on the border of the fragile Everglades, an iconic Florida landscape that provides wildlife sanctuaries and recreational sites that attract thousands of tourists and nature lovers. In addition to being in the CREW and Everglades, the drill site was also near several state preserves and parks that are designated habitats protecting endangered birds, panthers and other species.

The National Audubon Society, another major landowner in the area, was not aware that the mineral rights to a portion of the CREW land was leased for drill operations. Conservation Collier, the county’s conservation agency, also owns surface land rights to areas adjacent to the drill site and was not involved in the permitting discussion. The largest landowning party involved is the South Florida Water Management District, who controls water resources from Orlando to the Florida Keys, and is tasked with preserving the Everglades and the Corkscrew Watershed. None of these parties were aware of acid fracking taking place near vital and vulnerable ecological territory and residential neighborhoods.

Collier County officials were outraged when they learned of the drill site months later through the media and from a press release by the Dan A. Hughes company. Collier County administrators expected to be informed about unauthorized excavation activities in their county and their requests for meetings with state environmental officials were never granted.

Southwest Florida residents and anti-fracking advocates had no knowledge of drilling operations taking place in the region, let alone ones using unauthorized chemicals near residential housing, until April 2014. Hughes capped the site in April of 2014 due to increasing scrutiny by the public and mounting pressure by local authorities.

The lack of transparency and accountability has lead many citizens of Collier County to be outraged about the state of fracking in Florida. Environmental advocacy organizations and local officials are also criticizing the Florida DEP’s management of the incident and lack of communication with Collier County. Collier County officials were never notified of the cease and desist order and were not involved with the settlement agreed upon between Dan A. Hughes and the Florida DEP. As a result of using unau-

thorized chemicals and not engaging the local community about their actions, Hughes was slapped with a violation, fined $25,000 and forced to hire a groundwatermonitoring consultant. Collier County administrators believe that the settlement is meager and will not dissuade future extraction companies from ignoring environmental regulations, so Collier County officials are

it comes to prioritizing public and environmental health. The disregard for the safety and health of America’s land and people has empowered efforts to enforce stricter guidelines for extraction companies to operate within. Precaution has not been proven to be of highest importance to extraction companies, which is a strong argument to thoroughly analyze the impacts before

taking legal action, declaring that the DEP’s settlement was insufficient for the level of endangerment and potential water supply contamination that the drilling operations may have caused. County officials and residents are also critical of the conflict of interest and insincere testing due to the drilling company hiring their own groundwatermonitoring consultant. As of June 2014, the Collier County Commissioner is pushing forward with legal action to rectify the inadequate settlement the state had arranged.

Acid fracking has never before been used in Florida and developing hydraulic fracturing technology has made it difficult for state agencies to study the effects of these new industry practices. Florida legislators haven’t maintained relevant laws relating to these modern natural gas technologies. Without laws that address these issues corporations aren’t required to take proper steps to analyze the environmental consequences of their activities and aren’t required to inform or engage officials and the community about their actions. The lapse in oversight and growth of the natural gas industry has left regulatory agencies without direction to study or adequately enforce precautionary measures on these potentially hazardous activities.

Being exempt from disclosing the chemicals used to inject in the ground for fracking and being virtually protected from any vulnerability to public health violations has caused some natural gas companies to develop an ‘above the law’ mentality. The lack of adequate laws and regulations has resulted in these companies disregarding the wishes of regulatory agencies and precluding the public’s knowledge and ability to act. Fossil fuel companies have a track record of irresponsibility and not self-regulating when

permitting corporations to freely operate.

As a result of these irresponsible and potentially hazardous activities happening without public knowledge, Florida State Senators Darren Soto and Dwight Bullard (who represents eastern Collier County) have proposed a bill to ban hydraulic fracturing statewide. The state legislature has seen similar initiatives to increase fracking regulations that would improve safety for workers, communities and groundwater supplies. The grassroots advocacy by Florida residents and environmental groups has strengthened these efforts for greater supervision over these new and potentially devastating drill sites. The combined voice of Floridian advocates is reaching the Florida legislature and the ears of state officials. This is a debate that will continue to be a major environmental and public safety issue as the natural gas industry grows and the evidence of fracking hazards emerge. •

For more informationabout fracking in Southwest Florida, visit these websites:

CREW LAND & WATER TRUST www.crewtrust.org

NATURE CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA www.conservancy.org

CALUSA CHAPTEROF THE SIERRA CLUB www.floridasierraclub.org

CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY www.corkscrew.audubon.org

PRESERVE OUR PARADISE www.preserveourparadise.org

ENVIRONMENT FLORIDA www.environmentflorida.org

AMERICANS AGAINST FRACKING www.americansagainstfracking.org

FRACTRACKER ALLIANCE www.fractracker.org

Collier County officials were outraged when they learned of the drill site months later through the media and from a press release.

Brain Building H

OW MANY AMERICANS practice yoga today? The number has nearly doubled in the last decade to 21 million, according to the National Institutes of Health. We routinely step onto our mats to renew flexibility, muscle tone, and peace of mind.

Meditation is a close relative of yoga. The terms have Sanskrit and Latin roots meaning ‘union’ (yug) and ‘middle ground’ (medi, tare). Both are beneficial for mind-body wellness, as modern science confirms.

Your Brain On Yoga

The combination of breathing techniques and stretching makes yoga a parasympathetic activator, writes John Arden, Ph.D., in The Brain Bible. The sympathetic nervous system triggers your ‘fight or flight response’ when you sense danger or feel startled. The parasympathetic system returns your body to a relaxed state, with normal breathing and heart rate.

• Parasympathetic activity prevents chronic stress, which diminishes brain cells and circuits involved in memory and learning.

• Researchers found salivary stress hormone levels decreased in a group of students after one 90-minute yoga class.

• GABA, a brain chemical that enhances mood and decreases anxiety, is elevated with yoga and meditation.

• The practices turn on the brain’s “happy side” – the left prefrontal cortex. With greater activity in this region, you are generally more joyful and enthusiastic.

• Balancing on one leg, as in ‘tree pose,’ activates the cerebellum, your brain’s motor coordination center. A healthy cerebellum helps you think clearly and quickly, with well-focused attention.

Mindfulness Over Mindlessness

Meditating is directly experiencing the now. By tamingthe ‘monkey mind’ by slowing down its constant chatter, we notice thoughts and feelings without getting stressed by them. It’s said that “Like an airplane propeller, when it slows or stops you can actually see each blade.”

Meditation is “an active, brain-stimulating exercise,” as Naples physician David Perlmutter sees it. He explains that consistent practice increases the growth protein BDNF, which creates and nourishes brain cells. Mindful meditation develops a brain that functions well and resists deterioration.

• Students at an 8-week meditation course had increased gray matter in the hippocampus, the brain’s

by Ann Marina

‘seat of memory,’ and areas regulating self-awareness and emotions.

• A recent study found increased efficiency of white matter in a group of meditators, and no brain changes in those who simply relaxed. Researchers stated the improvement in brain regions involved in self-regulation could provide new ways to treat or prevent mental disorders.

• Another study found meditation increases alpha and theta brain waves, which occur during wakeful, relaxed attention focused on inner experiences. Paying calm attention to what’s happening inside, meditators gain awareness of thought patterns and how emotions arise. They may then increase their capacity for enjoying life as it is, here and now.

Mindful Breathing Exercises

Breath awareness helps to keep the mind fully present, here and now. Bhante Gunaratana, author of Mindfulness in Plain English, explains that without this focal point, “You get lost, overcome by the ceaseless waves of change flowing round and round within the mind.”

Sitting comfortably (or lying down), feel the breath flowing in and out of your nostrils. Feel your ribcage expand on each inhale, and your whole body releasing with the exhale. Notice the pause – a moment of calm stillness –after each exhale, just before the next inhale. Relax and enjoy mindful breathing for five minutes, or as long as you like. You can keep a slight smile going to help you relax. Smiling releases endorphins, brain chemicals that ward off stress. Or you can try ‘Third-Eye Gazing.’ With eyes closed, focus them at your browpoint (known as the ‘third eye’), on your forehead, midway between the eyebrows and slightly above. This may help focus your attention.

C OW AND C AT

This enhances energy, metabolism and a positive mood. Tucking chin toward chest stimulates your thyroid gland. More blood reaches the brain, as you work all the spinal muscles, increasing circulation and reducing tension.

• Start on hands and knees.

• Round your spine upward for Cat, tucking your chin toward your chest.

• Hold for two breaths, then slowly sink your spine downward for Cow.

• Carefully lifting your chin and sit bones will allow more curve in the spine.

• Hold this for two breaths.

Balancing on one leg, as in ‘tree pose,’ activates the cerebellum, your brain’s motor coordination center. A healthy cerebellum helps you think clearly and quickly, with well-focused attention.

• Now go back and forth at your own pace, inhaling in cow, and exhaling in cat pose.

May be done while seated, curving your spine forward for ‘cow’ and back for ‘cat.’

T REE P OSE

If balancing is a challenge, hold a solid support (countertop, table, or back of a sturdy chair) with one hand. Your vestibular system is activated, and both sides of the brain work in unison as you balance on one leg. Tr ee promotes a calm mind and better sense of balance.

• Imagine your right foot has roots sinking into the ground.

• Raise your left leg, bending the knee and placing the sole of the foot on the right leg: by the ankle, calf, or thigh.

• Try pressing palms together at chest level, or raising arms above your head.

• Hold for four breaths, and then repeat on the other side.

A L TERNATE N OSTRIL B REATH

This brain-balancing, calming technique is based in yoga. Everyone has a ‘nasal cycle’ of air flowing predominantly through one nostril for one to three hours, then switching to the other

side. This technique lowers the heart rate; reduces stress, and synchronizes the two brain hemispheres, according to the National Institutes of Health.

• Use the right thumb and ring finger to gently close off one nostril at a time.

• Curl your right index and middle finger down into your palm, so just the ring and pinky fingers are up.

• Press your ring finger over your left nostril and inhale for four counts through your right nostril.

• Close your right nostril with your thumb, so both are now closed, and hold the breath in for four counts.

• Release the ring finger and exhale through your left nostril, for four counts.

• Now inhale through the left nostril four counts, hold your breath with both closed fourcounts, and exhale through the right nostril four counts.

• Repeat this sequence for at least one minute.

• Use your right hand and start with ring finger over left nostril.

S TANDING F ORWARD B END

This posture calms the brain and relieves stress, mild depression, headache and insomnia, according to Yoga Journal.

• To begin, stand up tall and then bend forward at the hips (from the crease at the top of your legs. This keeps your spine much straighter than curling forward from the waist.)

• Let your arms dangle, or cross them and hold your elbows.

• If it feels OK, gently turn your head side to side or in a circle, to relieve neck tension.

• Hold the position for 20-30 seconds, then bring your hands onto your hips and slowly return to standing. Can be done while seated. •

Ann Marina is author of Preserve Your Brain. www.preserveyourbrain.com

GABA, a brain chemical that enhances mood and decreases anxiety, is elevated with yoga and meditation.

A GUIDE TOYOGA in SOUTHWESTFLORIDA

HEALTH & HARMONY CENTER

15971 McGregor Boulevard. • FORT MYERS 239-433-5995

www.healthandharmonyonline.com

M ON –F RI 10 AM –8 PM & S AT 9 AM -5 PM

As the oldest yoga studio in Lee County, the Health & Harmony Center has been healing SW Florida for 25 years! In addition to Alignment and Iyengar Yoga, they offer Chair Yoga, Tai Chi and a range of holistic wellness choices: Acupuncture, Quantum Energetics, CST, Massage, full spectrum infrared sauna, and Psychotherapy. They're now located in a new facility, still in the historic Iona Schoolhouse Complex! Come breathe with them!

JOYFUL YOGA & SPA

3405 Pelican Landing Parkway • BONITA SPRINGS 239-947-9845

www.joyfulyoga.com

DAILY 9 AM -4 PM & BYAPPT

In a beautiful 7600 square foot studio, offering over 60 classes per week, all levels and styles of practice, as well as meditation instruction as taught by the Chopra Center. Joyful Yoga Academy offers 200 hour & 500 hour Teacher Training. A world-class, experienced staff offers massage, skin care, yoga therapy, Ayurvedic consultations, treatments, and education in all things yoga. The boutique provides props to enhance your practice and current yoga fashions. The Ayurvedic Spa offers Eminence Skin Care and their own Joyful line of organic oils and products. Free/donation classes available. Joyful Yoga & Spa puts the Joy in Yoga.

www.ftmyersmagazine.com

FUSION YOGA & WELLNESS

10021 Estero Town Commons Place • #102-B

ESTERO

239-498-8800

www.fusionyogawellness.com

CLASSESOFFEREDDAILY

Fusion’s mission is to lead students towards ultimate health, wellness and peace of mind through sound practice and education, while fusing a variety of yoga and fitness oriented styles with proper movements and awareness of the body and breath. Offering inspiring, compassionate, knowledgeable teachers and healers for group and private classes, Reiki/Energy and Massage Healing sessions, Wellness-oriented Educational Workshops, and events. Offering a variety of class times and plans to meet your scheduling and financial needs. Breathe. Move. Connect

HAPPEHATCHEE CENTER

8791 Corkscrew Road • ESTERO 239-992-5455

www.happehatchee.org

OFFICEHOURS :F RI &S AT 10 AM –4 PM

YOGASESSIONS :T UE –S AT 9 AM

A sanctuary for peace and healing in nature with weekly Healing Circles and Yoga in Nature. Although the parking lot is located close to Corkscrew Rd, you will soon find yourself surrounded by old pines, oaks and palms as you walk the path to the main campus and the Peace Pavilion, past a pond, picnic tables, butterfly garden, and nursery. The Peace Pavilion and Girl Scout Meeting Room are available to rent for ceremonies and classes. Call for information about becoming a member.

SONIYOGA–FLORIDA

1500 Jackson Street • FORT MYERS

Historic Downtown River District

239-362-2080

www.soniyoga-florida.com

Yoga for All of You, regardless of age, size, fitness level, experience, injuries or restrictions, makes you healthier, stronger, more flexible physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. Combining classic yoga postures in a thoughtful but light-hearted way, based on what you need, to create unique classes that work for you. SoniYoga brings India's ancient science of health, called Ayurveda, to each class or private sessions. These simple techniques will help bring you to your optimum health.

A GUIDE TO YOGA

in SOUTHWESTFLORIDA

RUBY & PEARL’S YOGA STUDIO

6420 Plantation Park Court • #104 FORT MYERS

239-768-1021

www.rubyandpearls.com

CLASSESDAILY

All levels of Hatha yoga, Vinyasa, Power, Hot Power, Restorative, Sports related yoga. Private lessons. Registered Yoga Alliance 200 hour RYT teaching facility. Studio is quiet, serene, mirror-free and clean. Open since October 2011. Offer over 30 classes to yoga students of all ages, shapes and sizes.

EYES WIDE OPEN CENTER

9200 Bonita Beach Road • Suite 204 • BONITA SPRINGS

239-948-9444

www.eyeswideopencenter.com

M ON –F RI – CALLFORYOGAHOURS

Offering innovative solutions to anyone wanting to eat healthier, increase physical activity, reduce stress, release restrictive patterns, make a transition in their life, find purpose in life, or simply cultivate wellness. Staying healthy is an art that requires knowledge, patience and dedication. The Center supports you in creating a personalized wellness plan that may include nutrition, hypnosis, yoga, counseling, trager and reiki. Certified Yoga Instructors Christopher Neal and Julie Christensen offer private and group classes. Pre-registration required.

ANN MARINA

BONITA SPRINGS

239-682-4575

www.preserveyourbrain.com

HOURSVARY

Ann Marina, E-RYT 500. Sharing ways to nourish your body, mind and brain with: Mindful Meditation classes and retreats; Gentle yoga and tai chi for balance and flexibility; Brain-building presentations – a lively event for your group. Switch your brain on and tune up your neural circuits with simple movements and tips based on my book, 'Preserve Your Brain'. A Brain Fitness and Yoga Instructor with 30 years of experience. Private lessons available.

March 1 SUNDAY

•Back Home Again –Tribute to John Denver: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941488-1115.

•Gilbert & Sullivan’s

The Mikado: Gulfshore Opera concert. First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4p. 529-3925.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•Jazz in the Garden: Naples Sunshine Jazz Band. Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p.6437275.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples.2p. Free. 263-9521.

•Sinatra Forever: Concert & dinner. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner5:30p & show 7p. 278-4422.

•Symphony at Sunset: Free Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Taste of the Cape. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 1p.277-1700.

2 MONDAY

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

•Jodie DeSalvo’s Piano Music: Jodie & Glen. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican BayBlvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Naples Jazz Orchestra:

Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtownNaples. 7p. Free. 207-8299.

•Sinatra Forever: Concert & meal. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch11:30a & show 1p, dinner 5:30p & show 7p. 278-4422.

•TGIM: Independent film screening & discussion. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers.Cocktails6:30p, show 7p. 333-1933.

•The Oak Ridge Boys: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

3

TUESDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Northeastern U & Boston College: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Jon Nakamatsu: Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p. 344-7025.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Florida Since 1945 - A Whole New World. Rookery Bay Research 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. rsvp. 530-5950.

•The Harlem Globetrotters: Basketball & comedy. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 9487825.

4

WEDNESDAY

•All That Jazz: Jimmy Heath concert. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live

music at dozens of Art Alliance Naplesgalleries & studios.

Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of AirportRd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 821-1061.

•Comedian’s Ball: Comedy.Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 7:30p. 800-218-0007.

•Documentary Film: Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 2:30p. Free. 472-1100.

•Florida Everblades vs Cincinnati Cyclones: Germain Arena, 11000Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Ikebana Meeting: Japanese Flower Arranging Society. All 3 schools. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 9a. 254-9999.

•Minnesota Twins vs University of Minnesota: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-3389467.

•Speaking of South Florida: J.B. Bernstein. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, FtMyers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

5 THURSDAY

•Art Reception: ACSWFL Co-op Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Ft Myers,4-6p. Free. 9493073.

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral.5-7p. Free. 772-5657.

•Beethoven and Strauss, Heroic Masters: Naples Philharmonic Masterworks concert. Artis— Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•First Taste Dinner: Art exhibit preview and dinner.2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p. rsvp. 3331933.

•Flowers in Art & Music: Flower show. 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p.Free. 333-1933.

•Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado: Gulfshore Opera concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 529-3925.

•Jo List & Michael Oakland: Concert. Fish-Tale

MarinaPropeller Lounge, 7225 EsteroBlvd, Ft Myers Beach. 7p. 463-3600.

•Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy,Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•Shell Festival: Exhibits, demos, videos, flower show. Sanibel Community House, 2173Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 9a-5p. 472-2155.

•Tommy Emmanuel: Special guest Richard Smith. Concert.BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

6 FRIDAY

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 9392787.

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

•Art Reception: Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.68p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Unit A, 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 3406467.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios.Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Bonita Blues Festival: Chris Cain, Albert Castiglia, Ori Naftaly, The Old No. 5’s, Peterson Brothers. Riverside Park, Old US 41, Bonita Springs. 1-9p. bonitablues.com.

•Boston Red Sox vs Miami Marlins: JetBlue Park, 11500Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

•Car Cruise-In: Car show, live music, food. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers. 58p. Free. 275-4647.

•Gary Busey’s One-Man Hamlet: Comic show by David Carl. Presented by Theater Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 936-3239.

•Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado: Gulfshore Opera concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 529-3925.

•Grand Opening: Exhibition, wine, hors d’oeu-

vres. Clark Art Gallery,Mercato, 9155 Strada Place, #5155, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. 616-2601533.

•Lecture: Sarah Adams – Memories of My Grandfather, Ansel Adams. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100.

•Outdoor Family Movie Night: Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers.

7:30p. Bring lawn chairs & blankets. Donation. 939-2787.

•Shell Festival: Exhibits, demos, videos, flower show. Sanibel Community House, 2173Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 9a-5p. 472-2155.

•Sobrevivencia Bitzma: Mayan rock band concert. Happahatchee Center, 8731 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 6:30p. 9925455.

•Spring Concert: BIG ARTS Concert Band. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.7p. 472-9700.

•Swingtime featuring The Jive Aces: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•The Mikado: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

7 SATURDAY

•Art in the Park: Free outdoor art festival. Park St, downtown Naples. 10a-4p.Free. 262-6517.

•Art Reception: Englewood Art Center, 350 S. MaCall Rd, Englewood. 2-4p. Free. 941474-5548.

•Bonita Blues Festival: Lurrie Bell’s Chicago Blues Band, Southern Hospitality (Damon Fowler, Victor Wainwright, JP Soars), Jeremiah Johnson, Rusty Wright, Ben Rice, RJ Howard. Riverside Park, Old US 41, Bonita Springs.11a-9p. bonitablues.com.

•Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Choral Joy! – A Celebration of Song: Concert. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 1p. 405-9713.

•Claremont Piano Trio:

E VENTS & AC TIVITIES

MARCH

APRIL

Southern Hospitality performs at the Bonita Blues Festival, March 7 in Bonita Springs. For information, visit bonitablues.com.

what Goes on

Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Gary Busey’s One-Man Hamlet: Comic show by David Carl. Presented by Theater Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 936-3239.

•Grand Opening Art Reception: Wine, hors d’oeuvres. Clark Art Gallery, Mercato,9155 Strada Place, #5155, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. 616-2601533.

•Hans York: Americana Community Music Association concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Improv Cafe: CFABS Youth Improv Group. Center for the ArtsBonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989

•Improv Tonight!: Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, BonitaSprings. 8p. 495-8989.

•Shell Festival: Exhibits, demos, videos, flower show.Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 9a-4p. 472-2155.

•The Pink Floyd Experience: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

SUNDAY

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Arts Studio, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 10a-4p. Free.574-0802.

•Bone n ’ The Girlz: Live music. The Hut at the Peace Tropical Gardens, 5150 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-6p.Free. 225-0907.

•Choral Joy! – A Celebration of Song: Concert. Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Ft Myers. 4p. 405-9713.

•Dick Hyman: Big Bands & Jazz Combos: Concert. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•From Jazz to Broadway: Benefit concert featuring acappella group Bling!, Young

Artists winning violinist & jazz saxophonist

Lew Del Gatto.

Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd. 7p. 495-1954.

•Grand Opening Art

Reception: Wine, hors d’oeuvres. Clark Art Gallery, Mercato,9155 Strada Place, #5155, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. 616-2601533.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 3p. 472-9700.

•Lee County Community Band: Concert. Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 9952097.

•Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy,Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Mudbone: Free outdoor blues concert. Mercato Mall lawn, 9132 Strada Pl, Naples. 2p. Free. 775-2800.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S,Naples. 2-4p. Bring blankets & chairs. Free. 263-1113.

•Old Florida Festival: Historical re-enactments, entertainment, demos, talks, music, storytelling, crafts, kids activities.Collier County Museum, 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 9a-4p. Free. 774-8476.

•Paul Anka: Concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Sundays at The Pits: Remedy concert. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers. 14p.Free.275-4647.

•The Diamonds: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941-4881115.

•The Voice of the Masters: Ft Myers Symphonic Mastersingers concert. Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia.4p. 2882535.

9 MONDAY

•Colin & Brad – Two Man Group from Who’s Line Is It Anyway?: Concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Night for Life: Del Prados benefit concert.Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Auction 5-8p, dinner 5:30-7p, concert 8p. 278-4422.

•Old Florida Festival: Historical re-enactments, entertainment, demos, talks, music,storytelling, crafts, kids activities. Collier County Museum, 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 9a4p. Free. 774-8476.

•The Diamonds: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 3 & 8p.941488-1115.

•Two Stylish Piano Quintets: Amernet String Quartet concert. Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples.8p. 434-8505.

10 TUESDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Evenings at the Conservancy: Elam Stoltzfus, Filmmaking in Florida. Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. 6:30p. Limited seating.403-4228.

•Irish Night: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Liverpool Legends: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•Sara Daneshpour: Sanibel Music Festival concert Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Singin’ in the Rain –Film with Orchestra: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert.Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p.597-1900.

•The Freddy Cole Quartet: Concert. Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4542067.

WEDNESDAY

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of ArtAlliance Naples

galleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd,west of Airport Rd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 8211061.

•DaVinci & Michelangelo – Side by Side: BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Dvorak – From the New World: Concert. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p.4729700.

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Road Warriors: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Punta Gorda Film Festival: Screening of award-winning short films. CharlotteHarbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 718-510-6929.

•Singin’ in the Rain –Film with Orchestra: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert.Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 8p. 5971900.

12 THURSDAY

•Boston Brass Orchestra: BB Mann, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 693-4849.

•Boston Brass: Concert.BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•Chamber Orchestra Kremlin: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts

Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p.481-4849.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along5th Ave S, Naples. 6:309:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Ikebana Exhibit: Japanese Flower Arranging Society. Moorings Presbyterian Church,791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 9a Free. 254-9999.

•Minnesota Twins vs Miami Marlins: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-3389467.

•Singin’ in the Rain –Film with Orchestra: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•The Voice of the Piano: FGCU Faculty & Guest Artist Concert. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

13 FRIDAY

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:30-7:30p. Free. 3950900.

•Ayako Yonetani: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Boston Red Sox vs NY Yankees: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 7p. 888-733-7696.

•Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans: Live music.The Hut at the Peace Tropical Gardens, 5150 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30pp. Free.225-0907.

•Car Cruise-In: Car show, live music, food. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, FortMyers. 58p. Free. 275-4647.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha open late. exhibits, demos, classes, live music. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 283-0888.

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Road Warriors: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Ikebana Exhibit: Japanese Flower Arranging Society exhibit & demos. Moorings Presbyterian Church,791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 254-9999.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Author Frederick ‘Fritz’ Rowe Davis. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 4721100.

•National Geographic Live!: Insect Tales –High Drama in Small Places. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.7:30p. 472-9700.

•Rising Star Concert: Opera Naples Young Artists & Steinway Piano Society. Salley Auditorium, FSW Sate College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Naples. Naples. 7p. 775-2800.

•Singin’ in the Rain –Film with Orchestra: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•A Tribute to Erich Kunzel: SWFL Symphony concert. BB MannPerforming Arts Hall,

Flamenco Puro perform April 2 at the Centers for the Arts in Bonita Springs. Call 495-8989 for information.

13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

•The McCartney Years: Concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3 & 8:30p. 5971900.

•Tim Farrell: Americana Community Music Association concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Victor Wainwright & Wildroots: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641Buckingham Rd. Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 6937111.

•WOW Improv - Let’s Make Stuff Up: Marco Players, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7p. 642-7270.

14 SATURDAY

•Art After Dark: Receptions, exhibits, demos, music at several galleries & studios.Crayton Cove, Naples City Dock, 8th St S & 12th Ave S, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 403-8393.

•Art in the Pavilion: Tent next to Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr,#104, Cape Coral. 10a-5p. Free. 540-5789.

•Art Reception: Englewood Art Center, 350 S. MaCall Rd, Englewood. 2-4p. Free. 941474-5548.

•Artists’ Studio Tour: Guided tour of a dozen artists’ studios. Alliance for the Arts,10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Breakfast 9-11a, tours 11a-4p. rsvp. 939-2787.

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

•Book Signing & Reading: Beth Carter. Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape HarbourDr, #104, Cape Coral. 9-10a. Free. 540-5789.

•Boston Red Sox vs Pittsburgh Pirates: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Broken Arrow Blues Band: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 BuckinghamRd. Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 693-7111.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha open late. exhibits,

demos,classes, live music. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 283-0888.

•Emerson String Quartet: Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Exhibition Opening: Unearthed – Dinosaurs in the Garden. Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 6437275.

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Road Warriors: Germain Arena,11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Ikebana Exhibit: Japanese Flower Arranging Society exhibit & demos. Moorings Presbyterian Church,791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 254-9999.

•Marco Island Festival of the Arts: Outdoor art fair & sale, live music. Veteran’s Park,901 Park Ave, Marco Island.10a-5p. Free. 746-6615.

•Naples Jazzmasters: Dixieland concerts. River Park Community Center, 3rd Ave N & 11th St N, Naples. 13p. Free. 263-1113.

•Porch Songs: Liam Wayne outdoor concert in recreated Cracker House. BBQ.SWFL Museum of History, 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. 4-6p. 321-7430.

•Ron White – The Nutcracker Tour: Comedy.Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 7 & 9:30p. 800-2180007.

•Singin’ in the Rain

Film with

Orchestra: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert.Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900.

•A Tribute to Erich Kunzel: SWFL Symphony concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, FtMyers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

15 SUNDAY

•Art Sale: Sanibel-Captiva Art League. Sanibel Community House, 2173Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 9a-3p. Free.

•Bluegrass in the Theatre: Nu-Blu, Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders. Acoustic Music Society of SWFL. Foulds Theatre, Alliancefor the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2-5p. 9392787.

•Chamber Music Concert: Beethoven and Mozart. Naples Philharmonicmusicians. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha. exhibits, demos, classes, livemusic. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 283-0888.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•Let’s Hang On – Tribute to Frankie Valli: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941488-1115.

•Marco Island Festival of the Arts: Outdoor art

fair & sale, live music. Veteran’s Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island.10a-5p. Free. 746-6615.

•Minnesota Twins vs St, Louis Cardinals: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-3389467.

•Music to Touch Your Heart: Voices of Naples concert.E Naples United Methodist Church, 2701 AirportRd S, Naples. 3p.455-2582.

•Sundays at The Pits: Wendall Ray concert. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, FortMyers. 14p. Free. 275-4647.

•The Bach Ensemble: Concert. Community Congregational Church, 15300 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 7:30p. 7321055.

•Verdi Requiem: Gulf Coast Symphony & Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

16 MONDAY

•A Land Remembered: Book discussion & signing benefit. Bonita Bay Clubballroom, 26660 Country Club Dr, Bonita Springs. Dessert & coffee. 7-9p. Limitedseating. Seating is limited. 3989999.

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

•Boston Red Sox vs NY Mets: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 1p. 888733-7696.

•Brilliant Medelssohn: Fifth Avenue Chamber Orchestra concert. Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples.8p. 434-8505.

•Let’s Hang On – Tribute to Frankie Valli: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 3 & 8p. 941-488-1115.

•Naples Jazz Orchestra: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtownNaples. 7p. Free. 207-8299.

17

Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

•Chamber Music Concert: Beethoven and Mozart. Naples Philharmonicmusicians. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•St Patrick`s Day Celtic Celebration: Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.

18

WEDNESDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

•Comedian’s Ball: Comedy.Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 7p. 800218-0007.

•Documentary Film: Turtle: The Incredible Journey. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge VisitorCenter, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 2:30p. Free. 472-1100.

•Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

19

Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

20

FRIDAY

•An Evening with the Authors: SWFL Reading Festival reception and dinner. The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 West 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. rsvp. 533-4826.

•Art Show & Sale: The Woodlands, Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Ln. 10a-3p. Free. 454-2290.

•Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

•Car Cruise-In: Car show, live music, food. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, FortMyers. 58p. Free. 275-4647.

•Carla Cook: Jazz vocalist with Dan Miller-Lew DelGatto Quintet concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8p. 333-1933.

•Disney on Ice – Let’s Celebrate: Ice skating show. Germain Arena, 11000 EverbladesPkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Grand Dames Tea: The Wisdom of Age – Honoring the Female Spirit.Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 1-3p. 278-4422.

THURSDAY

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

•Art Reception: FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 5907199.

•Disney on Ice – Let’s Celebrate: Ice skating show. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 9487825.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Robert Macomber’s new book, ‘The Patriot and the Widow.’ SWFL Museum of History, 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 3217430.

TUESDAY

•A Night at the Opera: FGCU Faculty & Guest Artist Concert. Tobe Recital Hall,

•Steve Solomon – Cannoli, Lakes & Guilt: Comedy. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Sublime Sibelius: Naples Philharmonic Masterworks concert. Artis—Naples, 5833

•Maria de Buenos Aires & Tango: Opera Naples concert. David & Cecile Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 8p. 9639050.

•Minnesota Twins vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Mr Perfect: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Steve Solomon – Cannoli, Lakes & Guilt: Comedy. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican BayBlvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Tom Chapin: Concert. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p.472-9700.

21

SATURDAY

•American Chamber Players: Guest clar-

Tom Chapin performs in Schein Hall at BIGARTS on Sanibel on March 20. Call 472-9700 for information.

what Goes on

inetist Chad Burrow. Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of Art Alliance Naplesgalleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of AirportRd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061.

•Art Discussion:

Reclaimed Functional Pieces. Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery, 4259 Bonita Beach Rd, BonitaSprings. 2-3p. Free. rsvp. 776-6844.

•Art Fair: Outdoor art & crafts exhibit & sale. Along 1st St, downtown Ft Myers. 11a-5p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Show & Sale: The Woodlands, Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Ln. 10a-3p. Free.454-2290.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Terry Hanck. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2p-12a. 6937111.

•CREW Concert & Silent Eco-Auction: Sarah Hadeka Band, The Juice. Fundraiser. Riverside Park, 27300 Old Rte 41, Bonita Springs. 6-9p. Bring lawn chairs & blankets. 657-2253.

•Disney on Ice – Let’s Celebrate: Ice skating show. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 11a, 3 & 7p. 948-7825.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 247-4515.

•KC & The Sunshine Band: Concert.Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•Maria de Buenos Aires & Tango: Opera Naples concert. David & Cecile Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 8p. 963-9050.

•Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Moving Current: Dance performance. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Mr Perfect: FGCU The-

atreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Musical DiscoveryBrass: Gulf Coast Symphony kids workshop & concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a.

•Open House: Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave S, Venice. 10a-4p. 941-486-0811.

•Peace River National Art Festival: Outdoor art show. Laishley Park, Nesbit St & E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 10a-5p. 941-6398810.

•Spirit of the Gulf:

‘Melody Magic’ spring Concert. Also Class Ring and Boardwalk. First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 789-8347.

•Steve Solomon – Cannoli, Lakes & Guilt: Comedy. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican BayBlvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•SWFL Reading Festival: Dozens of authors, readings, book signings, exhibits, activities, entertainment.

Harborside Event Center,1375 Monroe St & Centennial Park, 2000 West 1st St, Ft Myers.

10a-4p. Free. 479-4636,

•Third Weekend Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music atdozens of galleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west ofAirport Rd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061.

•Walking Tour of Gardner Park: Presented by Lee Trust for Historic Preservation. Beginning presentation at Kiwanis Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers followed by selfguided tour & lunch at LangfordKingstonHouse.

10:30a. rsvp. 939-3579.

•Wanda’s Visit: Marco Players, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 12p. 642-7270.

22 SUNDAY

•A Tribute to Abba: Concert & dinner. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.Dinner

5:30p & show 7p. 2784422.

•Amasi Trio: Concert. Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt

Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 454-2067.

•Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•Itzhak Perlman: Concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Mr. Perfect: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 2p. 590-7268.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples.2p. Free. 263-9521.

•Peace River National Art Festival: Outdoor art show. Laishley Park, Nesbit St & E RettaEsplanade, Punta Gorda. 10a-5p. 941-6398810.

•Steve Solomon – Cannoli, Lakes & Guilt: Comedy. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican BayBlvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Sundays at The Pits: Ellie Lee & Blues Fury concert. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, FortMyers. 1-4p. Free. 275-4647.

•The Bach Ensemble: Concert.Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples. 3p. 732-1055.

•Third Weekend Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music atdozens of galleries & studios. Naples

Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west ofAirport Rd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061

•Trae Pierce & the TStone Band: Concert. Alliance for the Arts amphitheater,10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5p. Lwn chairs & blankets suggested. 939-2787.

23 MONDAY

•A Tribute to Abba: Concert & meal. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch11:30a & show 1p, dinner 5:30p & show 7p. 278-4422.

•Boston Red Sox vs St. Louis Cardinals: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Chamber Orchestra Kremlin: BB Mann, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 6934849.

•Play Reading – ART: BIG ARTS Community Players. Herb Strauss Theater,2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7:30p. 472-6862.

24 TUESDAY

•Disney on Ice – Let’s Celebrate: Ice skating show. Germain Arena, 11000 EverbladesPkwy, Estero. 1 & 5p. 9487825.

•Minnesota Twins vs Toronto Blue Jays: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Opera Theater of Connecticut – Puccini: Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Spring Concert: BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900 DunlopRd, Sanibel. 7p. 472-9700.

25 WEDNESDAY

•Fort Myers Film Festival Opening Night: Screening followed by Q & A, afterparty. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 810-6323.

•Minnesota Twins vs Tampa Bay Rays: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Musical DiscoveryPercussion: Gulf Coast Symphony kids workshop & concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 MvGregor Blvd, Ft Myers.10a. Free. 277-1700.

26 THURSDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, FtMyers. 1p. 888-733-7696.

•Elvis & the Blue Suede Review: Dwight Icenhower. Royal Palm Players, 131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694.

•Fort Myers Film Festival: Screenings. Davis Art Center,2301 1st St, Ft Myers11a-11p & Regal Cinema, Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers 5-11p. 810-6323.

•Kevin Hart: Comedy. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Marc Vee Quartet: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Piano Music of Mozart & Schubert: Daehyun Kim.FGCU Faculty & Guest Artist Concert. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Richard Nader’s Doo Wop & Rock N’ Roll: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•Spring Concert: BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Schein Hall, BIG ARTS Center, 900Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. 472-9700.

27 FRIDAY

•Car Cruise-In: Car show, live music, food. Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, FortMyers. 58p. Free. 275-4647.

•Fort Myers Film Festival: Screenings. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers11a-11p & Regal Cinema, Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers 5-11p. 810-6323.

•Minnesota Twins vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Mr Perfect: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Naples Flower Show: Garden market, educational demos, horticultural exhibits, etc.Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 6437275.

•Simply Streisand –Carla Del Villaggio: Concert. 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.8p. 772-5862.

•The Texas Tenors: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Tribute to the Kings of Country Music – Cash & Jones: Concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7p.213-3058.

28 SATURDAY

•An Evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein: Sanibel Music Festival concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 8p.344-7025.

•Fort Myers Film Festival: Screenings. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers11a-11p & Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers 12-4p.8106323.

•Mr Perfect: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Naples Flower Show: Garden market, educational demos, horticultural exhibits, etc.

JP Soars performs at the Buckingham Blues Bar in Fort Myers on April 11. For information, call 693-7111.

Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275.

•Simply Streisand –Carla Del Villaggio: Concert. 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.8p. 772-5862.

•Spring Art Fair: Bell Tower Shops courtyard, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 11a6p. Free. 939-2787.

•Stars on Ice: Ice skating show. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

•SWFL Symphony: From Russia With Love Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

29

Carla Del Villaggio: Concert. 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.8p. 772-5862.

•Sundays at The Pits: Soapy Tuna concert. Six Bends, 9501 ThunderRd, Fort Myers. 14p. Free. 275-4647.

•The Piano Man: Concert tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 ColonialBlvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p & show 7p. 278-4422.

30

MONDAY

•Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 888-7337696.

SUNDAY

•Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Richard Rodgers: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p.277-1700.

•Bone n ’ The Girlz: Live music. The Hut at the Peace Tropical Gardens, 5150Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-6p. Free. 225-0907.

•Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Fort Myers Film Festival Closing Film & Awards: Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 1p. 810-6323.

•Fort Myers Film Festival: Screenings. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers11a-11p. 8106323.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•Mr Perfect: FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S,Ft Myers. 2p. 590-7268.

•Naples Flower Show & Market: Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 6437275.

•Play Readings: Naples Players ETC... Readers’ Theatre new play contest winners. Tobye Studio,Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

•Simply Streisand –

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of Art Alliance Naplesgalleries & studios.

Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of AirportRd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 821-1061.

•Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 1p. 888-7337696.

•Chamber Ensemble: FGCU Student Concert. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers.7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Cesar Millan: Dog Whisperer. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Jodie DeSalvo’s Piano Music: A Night of Romance. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican BayBlvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Naples Jazz Orchestra: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtownNaples. 7p. Free. 207-8299.

•Shen Yun: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•The Piano Man: Concert tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 ColonialBlvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a & show 1p, dinner 5:30p & show 7p. 278-4422.

31

TUESDAY

•Minnesota Twins vs NY Yankees: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-338-9467.

•Shen Yun: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

April 1

WEDNESDAY

•All That Jazz: Jon Faddis concert. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•The Temptations and The Four Tops: Concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Upcycle Art Fest: Art exhibit & sale, art projects, silent auction. ‘Ding’ DarlingWildlife Refuge,1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. 4721100.

•Documentary Film: The Gathering Swarms. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center,1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 2:30p. Free. 472-1100.

•Florida Everblades vs Reading Royals: Germain Arena, 11000Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Ikebana Meeting: Japanese Flower Arranging Society. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791Harbour Dr, Naples. 9a. 2549999.

•Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile CypressPkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-3389467.

•Opera Naples 10th Anniversary Concert: Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 963-9050.

•Upcycle Art Fest: Art exhibit & sale, art projects, silent auction. ‘Ding’ DarlingWildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. 4721100.

2

THURSDAY

•Art Reception: ACSWFL Co-op Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Ft Myers,4-6p. Free. 949-3073.

•Art Reception: Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 68p. Free. 262-6525.

•Australian Bee Gees: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers.8p. 481-4849.

•Flamenco Puro ‘Sentio’: Music & dance. Center for the Arts

3 FRIDAY

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

•Art Reception: Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.68p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Unit A, 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 3406467.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios.Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Betty Fox Band: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd. FtMyers. 9p-12a. 693-7111.

•Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins: JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway South Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 888-7337696.

•Florida Everblades vs Reading Royals: Germain Arena, 11000Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Lecture: Sea Turtles: Successful Nesting. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p.Free. 472-1100.

•Neil Zirconia as Neil Diamond: Concert. 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.8p. 7725862.

• Country Classics - A Salute to Dolly & Patsy: SWFL Symphony Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, FtMyers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

4 SATURDAY

•Art in the Park: Free outdoor art festival. Park St, downtown Naples. 10a-4p.Free. 262-6517.

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Sting Rays: Germain Arena,11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Improv Cafe: CFABS Youth Improv Group. Center for the Arts

Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989

•Improv Tonight!: Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Minnesota Twins vs Boston Red Sox: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 800-3389467.

•Neil Zirconia as Neil Diamond: Concert. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 8p. 7725862.

•Country Classics - A Salute to Dolly & Patsy: SWFL Symphony concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

5 SUNDAY

•Diane Bish: Concert. Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 454-2067.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•Jazz in the Garden: Mudbone. Naples Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p.643-7275.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S,Naples. 24p. Bring blankets & chairs. Free. 263-1113.

•Neil Zirconia as Neil Diamond: Concert. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 8p. 7725862.

6 MONDAY

•Naples Jazz Orchestra: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtownNaples. 7p. Free. 207-8299.

•Russian National Ballet: Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•TGIM: Independent film screening & discussion. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers.Cocktails6:30p, show 7p. 333-1933.

7 TUESDAY

•Art Reception & Presentation: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Reception 5-7p, program 7. Free. 6421440.

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

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

•Vagina Monologues: Benefit performance. Sugden Community Theatre, 7015th Ave S, Naples. Cocktails & auction 7p, play 8p. 649-1404.

8 WEDNESDAY

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of ArtAlliance Naples galleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd,west of Airport Rd, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 821-1061.

•ArtPoems: Poets & artists collaborate in spoken word, visual, music & dance performance.Foulds Theatre,Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787.

•Theresa Caputo Live! The Long Island Medium.Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

9 THURSDAY

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral.5-7p. Free. 7725657.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

what Goes on

10 FRIDAY

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:307:30p. Free. 395-0900.

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Arts Studio, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free.5740802.

•Art Reception: FGCU

ArtLab in library, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 5907199.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha open late. exhibits, demos, classes, live music. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 2830888.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Germain Arena, 11000Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Charlotte Stone

Crabs: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-3389467.

•Jazz Ensemble: FGCU Student Concert. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers.7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Lecture: Roseate

Spoonbills in Florida Bay: Pink Canaries in a Coal Mine”. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p.Free. 472-1100.

•Liszt and Franck: Naples Philharmonic Masterworks concert. Artis—Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Outdoor Family Movie Night: Ferngully – The Last Rainforest. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. Bring lawn chairs & blankets. Donation. 939-2787.

•Rising Star Concert: FSW State College Jazz Ensemble & Seacrest Country Day SchoolChorus. Salley Auditorium, FSW Sate College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Naples. Naples. 7p. 775-2800.

11 SATURDAY

•Art After Dark: Receptions, exhibits, demos, music at several galleries & studios.Crayton Cove, Naples City

Dock, 8th St S & 12th Ave S, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 403-8393.

•Art on the Veranda: Sanibel-Captiva Art League benefit art sale.Bailey’s Plaza,2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 10a-3p. Free.

•Art Reception: Englewood Art Center, 350 S. MaCall Rd, Englewood. 2-4p. Free. 941474-5548.

•Backyard Bluesfest: John Nemeth & The Betty Fox Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd,Ft Myers. 2p-12a. 693-7111.

•Balloons Over Paradise Festival: 60 hot air balloon inflation & ascension, polomatches, car show, live entertainment. Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St,Immokalee. 6a-3p. Weather-permitting. Free. 218-000.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha open late. exhibits, demos, classes, live music. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 2830888.

•Donna Holman & Sunset 207: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Germain Arena, 11000Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 9487825.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Charlotte Stone Crabs: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 800-338-9467.

•JP Soars & The Red Hots: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 BuckinghamRd. Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 6937111.

•BBC Concert Orchestra: Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Creative Coast Weekend: Galleries & shops in Matlacha. exhibits, demos, classes, livemusic. Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 5-10p. Free. 283-0888.

•Lee County Community Band: Concert. Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 995-2097.

•Monday Monday –Tribute to The Mamas & Papas: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples.2p. Free. 263-9521.

•The Wholetones: Free outdoor blues concert. Mercato Mall lawn, 9132 Strada Pl, Naples. 2p. Free. 775-2800.

13 MONDAY

•Monday Monday –Tribute to the Mamas & Papas: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 3 & 8p. 941-488-1115.

•Paul Todd: Musical.BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•SWFL Symphony w Anna Tsukervanik: Concert. Shell Point, Woodlands, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p.454-2067.

•The David Osborne Trio: Concert. Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell PtBlvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4542067.

14 TUESDAY

15 WEDNESDAY

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

•Documentary Film: Chasing Ice. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 WildlifeDr, Sanibel. 2:30p. Free. 472-1100.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Tampa Yankees: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•The Music of Elton John and More: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert with Michael Cavanaugh.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p.597-1900.

16 THURSDAY

•Art Reception: FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 5907199.

•Broadsides – Poetry Off the Shelf: Poetry readings & art exhibit. Alliance for the Arts,10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. Donations. 939-2787.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Tampa Yankees: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-3389467.

•FSW State College Concert Band: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, FtMyers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•The Music of Elton John and More: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert with Michael Cavanaugh.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p.597-1900.

•The Music of Elton John and More: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert with Michael Cavanaugh.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p.597-1900.

18

SATURDAY

•Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of Art Alliance Naplesgalleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west of AirportRd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061.

•Art Fair: Outdoor art & crafts exhibit & sale. Along 1st St, downtown Ft Myers. 11a-5p. Free. 337-5050.

•Cirque de la Symphonie: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Documentary Film: Sharkwater. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 WildlifeDr, Sanibel. 2:30p. Free. 472-1100.

•Earth Day Celebration: Guided hikes, crafts, storytimes, kids activities. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge,1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. 472-1100.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs St. Lucie Mets: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 800-3389467.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Poetry. Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 247-4515.

John and More: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert with Michael Cavanaugh.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 7 8p.597-1900.

•Third Weekend Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music atdozens of galleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west ofAirport Rd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061.

19 SUNDAY

•Celtic Women: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 3p. 481-4849.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs St Lucie Mets: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 4p. 800-3389467.

•Gimi Jimi: Jimi Hendrix tribute concert. Alliance for the Arts amphitheater, 10091 McGregorBlvd, Ft Myers. 5p. Lawn chairs & blankets suggested. 939-2787.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.3p. 472-9700.

•The Voice of the Masters: Ft Myers Symphonic Mastersingers concert.Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 4p. 288-2535.

•Third Weekend Art Alive: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music atdozens of galleries & studios. Naples Art District, Pine Ridge Industrial Park, Pine Ridge Rd, west ofAirport Rd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 821-1061

•Naples Jazzmasters: Dixieland concerts. River Park Community Center, 3rd Ave N & 11th St N, Naples. 13p. Free. 263-1113. 12

•Evenings at the Conservancy: Charles Sobczak, The Human Footprint.Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

6:30p. Limited seating.403-4228.

17

SUNDAY

•Balloons Over Paradise Festival: 60 hot air balloon inflation & ascension, polo matches, car show, live entertainment. Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St,Immokalee. 6a-3p. Weather-permitting. Free. 218-000.

•Smokey Robinson: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 481-4849.

•The Music of Elton John and More: Naples Philharmonic Pops concert with Michael Cavanaugh.Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

FRIDAY

•Diana Krall: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs St. Lucie Mets: Hammond Stadium, 14400 SixMile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855-732-3836.

•Here Comes The Mummies: Concert.Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Jaimie Michaels: Americana Community Music Association concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Klassika: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Sean Chambers: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd. FtMyers. 9p-12a. 693-7111.

•The Music of Elton

20 MONDAY

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

•FSW State College Symphony Orchestra & Choir: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

21 TUESDAY

•A Road Runs Through It: Lecture. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heath-

woodDr, Marco Island. Reception 7p. Free. 642-1440.

•Chamber Wind & Percussion Ensembles: FGCU Student Concert. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers.7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Filmmakers

Welcome Reception: Fish TaleMarina, 7225 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 980-4381.

22

WEDNESDAY

•All That Jazz: Wycliffe Gordon concert. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd,Naples. 36 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Beach Film

Festival Opening Cere-

mony: Beach Theater, 6425 EsteroBlvd, Ft Myers Beach. 2p. 9804381.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Screenings. Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd.3-11p. 9804381.

•Mythbusters – Jamie & Adam Unleashed: BB Mann Performing Arts Hal, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

23

THURSDAY

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Screenings. Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd.311p. 980-4381.

•Free Outdoor Film: Fort Myers Beach Film Festival. Poolside at sunset. PinkShell Beach Resort, 275 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 7p. 980-4381.

24

sonal. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p.Free. 472-1100.

•Suncoast Blues Festival Free Teaser Concert: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. 6:30-9:30p. 941-2090375.

•Swingin’ Harpoon Band: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd.Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 693-7111.

25 SATURDAY

•Backyard Bluesfest: Anni Piper. Buckingham BluesBar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2p-12a. 6937111.

•Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony: Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, SWFL Symphony, Symphonic Chorale & FGCU Chorus concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 288-2535.

•Bill & Kate Isles: Americana Community Music Association concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 6914069.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Closing Awards Ceremony: Fish Tale Marina,7225 Estero Blvd. 4p. 980-4381.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Screenings. Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd.311p. 980-4381.

FRIDAY

•Cypress String Quartet: Concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8p. 333-1933.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Screenings. Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd.3-11p. 9804381.

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Workshop. Charley’s Boathouse Grill, 6241Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 11a. 980-4381.

•Free Outdoor Film: Fort Myers Beach Film Festival. Poolside at sunset.Outrigger Beach Resort, 6200 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 7p. 980-4381.

•Lecture: Our Sea Turtles - Up Close & Per-

•Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: Workshop. Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 11a. 980-4381.

•Kevin Sharpe: Concert. Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd,Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Monster Energy Fort Rock: Music festival w Slipknot, Godsmack, BreakingBenjamin, Papa Roach, In This Moment, The Pretty Reckless, Motionless In White, WeAre Harlot, Starset, Young Guns, Islander, more. JetBlue Park, 11581 Daniels Pkwy, FtMyers. 11a-11p. fortrockfestival.com.

•Suncoast Blues Festival: Mr. Sipp, Vasti

Jackson, Zac Harmon, Eden Brent,Smokin’ Joe Kubec & Bnois King, Bobby Rush. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 RinglingBlvd, Sarasota. 11a-9p. 941209-0375.

•SWFL Symphony: Beethoven’s 9th - Joy!. Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. lecture 7p, concert 8p. 418-1500.

26 SUNDAY

•Chamber Music Concert: Cambini and Renaissance Brass. Naples Philharmonic musicians. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs St Lucie Mets: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•Island Jazz: Free concert. Boler Garden, BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 3p. 472-9700.

27 MONDAY

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

•FSW State College Symphony Jazz Ensemble: Concert. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Virtuoso Classics & Jazz: Nachito Herrera

Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•Around the World in 80 Days: Thru Mar 4. Florida Repertory Theatre,2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Blue Man Group: Thru Mar 1.BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Brooklyn - The Musical: Mar 5-15; TheatreZone. G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Camelot: Apr 7-12.BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 4814849.

Jazz Trio. Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 8p. 434-8505.

28 TUESDAY

•Chamber Music Concert: Cambini and Renaissance Brass. Naples Philharmonic musicians. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

29 WEDNESDAY

•Chris Botti with Naples Philharmonic: Concert. Artis— Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

30 THURSDAY

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Ch arlotte Stone Crabs: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 800-338-9467.

ongoing theater

•A Funny Thing Happend on the Way to the Forum: Mar 6-22. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Arcadia: Mar 13-28. Theatre Conspiracy.

•Love, Lost & What I Wore: Apr 1-25. The Naples Players. Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Mary Poppins: Thru Mar 15. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Mr Perfect: Mar 20-22 & 27-29: FGCU TheatreLab.FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 5907268.

•Murder Most Elite: Fri & Sat Apr 10 - Jun 6.Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Chicago: Thru Mar 1. Artis—Naples,5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Deadly Prowl: Sun, Wed & Thu Apr 29Jun 28.Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2758487.

•Dividing the Estate: Mar 17 - Apr 8. Florida Repertory Theatre,2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Fascinatin’

Gershwin: Thru Mar 22. Florida Repertory Theatre,2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•First Date: Thru Mar 7. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2784422.

•Fools: Apr 10-19. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Godspell: Thru Apr 4.BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater,2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.472-6862.

•Jane the Plain: Apr 211. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•Jersey Boys: Mar 1722.BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Le Murder

Nouveau: Sun, Wed & Thu Thru Apr 26.Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2758487.

•Love, Loss & What I Wore: Mar 18 - Apr 4.Marco Players, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Murder Quite Undiplomatic: Fri & Sat Thru Apr 4.Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Next to Normal: Apr 926. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Oklahoma: Mar 12-15. Royal Palm Players,131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694.

•Oklahoma!: Mar 4 - Apr 4. The Naples Players. Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 2637990.

•Pippin: Mar 2429.Artis—Naples,5833

Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash: Thru Mar 1. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Road to Nirvana: Mar 12-29. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Same Time, Next Year: Mar 13-28. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 2180481.

•Seven Brides For Seven Brothers: Apr 9 - May 23. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Split in Three: Apr 21May 10. Florida Repertory Theatre,2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Sylvia: Apr 16 -26.BIG

ARTS Herb Strauss Theater,2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.4726862.

•The Butcher: Thru Mar 22. Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

•The Diary of Anne Frank: Apr 10 - May 2. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634Woodford

The Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo will be appearing at the Germain Arena in Estero on April 8. Call 948-7825 for information.

what Goes on

Ave, Ft Myers. 2180481.

•The Fox on the Fairway: Mar 31 - Apr 19. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Guardsman: Apr 29 - May 6. Ghostbird Theater. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 333-1933.

•The Interview: Thru Mar 1.Marco Players, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 6427270.

•The Last Romance: Apr 22 - May 16. The Naples Players. Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 2637990.

•The Liar: Apr 4-26

Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-8114111.

•The Lyons: Thru Mar 7. Let’s Put On a Show Productions, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 3899192.

•The Merry Wives of Windsor: Apr 16 - May 4.Marco Players, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Odd Couple: Mar 12 - May 2. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•They’re Playing Our Song: Apr 30 - May 10; TheatreZone. G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•West Side Story: Thru Apr 5. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

THEATERS

•BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater: Thru Apr 4: Godspell; Apr 16-26: Sylvia.Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 395-0900.

•Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: Thru Apr 5: West Side Story; Apr 9

– May 23: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.278-4422.

•FGCU TheatreLab: Mar 20-22 & 27-29: Mr. Perfect. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-7268.

•Florida Repertory Theatre: Thru Mar 22: Fascinatin’ Gershwin; Thru Mar 4: Around the World in 80 Days;

Mar 17 - Apr 8: Dividing the Estate; Apr 21May 10: Split in Three. ArcadeTheatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 3324488.

•Murder Mystery Train: Colonial Station, Colonial Blvd & Metro Pkwy.Thru Apr

4: Murder Quite Undiplomatic; thru Apr 26: Le Murder Nouveau;Apr 10 - Jun

6: Murder Most Elite;Apr 29 - Jun 28: Deadly Prowl.WedSun evenings. 2758487.

•Off Broadway Palm Theatre: Thru Mar 7: First Date; Mar 12 –

May 2: The Odd Couple;. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2784422.

•The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Mar 1328: Same Time, Next Year; Apr 10 - May 2: The Diary of Anne Frank. 1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 2180481.

•Theatre Conspiracy: Mar 13-28: Arcadia; Apr 2-11: Jane the Plain. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•TheatreZone: Mar 5-15: Brooklyn - The Musical; Apr 30 - May 10: They’re Playing Our Song.G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Venice Theatre: Thru Mar 1: Ring of FireThe Music of Johnny Cash; thru Mar 15: Disney’s & Cameron Mitchell’s Mary Poppins; Mar 12-29: Road to Nirvana; Mar 31Apr 19: The Fox on the Fairway; Apr 9-26: Next to Normal. 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

exhibitions

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Mar 625: Printmaking; Mar 30 - Apr 11: The Future of Art – Elementary & Middle School; Apr 1524: The Future of Art –High School.Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Council of Southwest Florida Co-Op Gallery: Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. OctApr Tue-Thu & Sat 10a-6p, Fri 11a-7p, Sun

12-5p, May-Sep Thu & Sat 10a-6p, Fri 11a-7p, Sun 12-5p. Free. 2673049.

•Art League of Fort Myers: 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. Free open painting Wed 9:30-12p. Mon-Fri, 11a-3p & 6-9p 1st Fri of month. Free. 275-3970.

•Arts For ACT Gallery: 2265 First St, Ft Myers.Mar 6-31: Art Poems, The Everharts

– Beth & Bill;Apr 3-27: Art Quilters UnlimitedCity Scapes.Mon-Sat 11a-4:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 11a-10p. Call for Sat hrs. Free. 337-5050.

•Arts of the Inland Gallery: Keiser U at the Forum, 9100 Forum Corporate Pkwy, Ft Myers. Mon-Thu 8a-8p, Fri 8a-5p, Sat 9a-1p. Free. 277-1336.

•Baker Museum: ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Apr 12: Face to FaceArtists’ Self-Portraits; thru Apr 26: Florida Contemporary; thru May 3: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie - Magritte & the Belgian Surrealists; thru May 17: Gods & Heroes.Tue-Sat 10a4p & Sun 12-4p. 5971900.

•Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery: 4332 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Sun & Mon 10a-5p, Tue-Sat 10a-7p. Free. 283-1335.

•Beth Sistrunk Fine

Art: 5760 Shirley St, # 15, Naples. Tue & Thu 1-4p. Free. 293-4904.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.Main Gallery: Mar 4–28: Flora and Fauna of the Islands;Apr 1–28: Making Faces: The Art of

Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. Free. 486-0811.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr MM 54.5, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. Free. 695-2428.

•Collier County Museum: 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples.Thru Mar 31: ArtCalusa –Representing Florida’s History Through Art. Educational programs, Wed, 2pm. Mon-Sat 9a4p. free. 774-8476.

•Emily James Gallery: 720 5th Ave Sm # 111, Naples. MonWed 12-5p & Thu-Sat 12-9p. 777-3283

Dennis Joyce.Phillips

Gallery: Mar 4–28: A Touch of the Blues: Florida Artists Group;Apr 1–28: Inflorescence (Lyle Bowen and Cory Hunter).MonSat 9a-4p. Free. 3950900.

•Bob Rauschenberg

Gallery: Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru May 2: Dave Muller –Everything Sounds Good Right Now.MonFri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. Free. 489-9313.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.Mar: March Madness,Apr: Media Mix.Oct-May Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Free, 772-5657.

•Cape Coral Arts

Studio: 4533 Coronado Pkwy in Rubicond Park, Cape Coral.Mar 3-26: Art Focus - student exhibit; Apr 3-28: Ring of Fire. Mon-Thu 9a-9p, Fri & Sat 9a-4p. Free. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Library: 921 39th Terrace & SW 9th Ct, Cape Coral. 9a-5p. Free. 481-2081.

•Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs: 26100 Old 41 Rd, BonitaSprings.Mar 626; Surface Tension: Pattern, Texture & Rhythm;Apr 3-23: Looking at Ourselves: The Human Experience. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free. 4958989.

•Clark Art Studio: Mercato, 9155 Strada Place, #5155, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. 616260-1533.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Mar 21: Open House.

9a-12p. Free. 463-3909.

•Gallerie du Soleil: 393 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat, 10a-6p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 417-3450.

•Gallery on Fifth: Mercato, 5130 Strada Pl, Naples. Mon-Sat, 10a6p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 220-7503.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Thru Mar 2: The Storytellers; Mar

4-16: Water Works. Mon-Sat 10a-5:30p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 4037787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Mon & Fri

•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S. MaCall Rd, Englewood.Ken Mitchell Gallery: Thru Mar 4:Mike Hodges; Mar 10 - Apr 8:Melissa Maddonni Haims & Constance Culpepper; Apr 11 - May 8:RCAD students.Loranger

Gallery: Thru Mar

6:Celebrating Florida Landscape; Mar 10Apr 1:Textile and Fiber Art;Apr 7-22:Students & Studios - Poets & Painters; Apr 27-May

7:Youth Art Exhibition.Members

Gallery: Thru Mar

6:Joyce Dean; Mar 10Apr 1:Joyce Ferrie & Jackie Towell.Mangrove Gallery: Thru Mar 5;Jacobina

Trump; Mar 10 - Apr

8:Tapestry Artists of Sarasota. Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 941-474-5548.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Main Gallery in Arts Complex –Apr 16 - May 1: Senior Projects. ArtLab –ThruMar 19: Reunion –Baker, Gerhard, Heubeck; Mar 19 - Apr

2: Student Exhibition; Apr 2-20: Studio Project – A Year in Clay; Main Gallery in Arts Complex & ArtLab in Library: Mon-Fri, 10a4p & Thu 10a-8p. Free. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association: 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach.Thru Mar 2: Outdoor Painters; thru Mar 26: Spring Juried Show;Mar 28 – Apr 9: Anything Goes member show;Apr 12-5: Student Scholarship Show.Oct-May MonSat 10a-3p & Sun 12-3p, Jun-Sep Wed & Thu

10a-5p & Sat 11a-3p, 1st Fri of month 10a-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: 1187 8th St S, Naples. Mon-Thu 12-5p, Fr & Sat 12-9p, Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-3417.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral.Mar: Sue Kapachinski, Sandy Jones;Apr: Erma Jean Woodis, Jay Gilliford.Daily 11a-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek

Gallery: 599 9th St N, #309, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 261-2637.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 395-0027.

•Howl Gallery / Tattoo: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers.MonThu 11a-8p, Fri & Sat 12-10p,6-9p 1st Fri of month.Free. 332-0161.

•HW Gallery: 1305 Third St S, Naples. Daily 10a5p. Free. 263-6640.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum: 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. MonFri 9a-4p. Free. 6582466.

•Island Visions: 4643 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Daily10a-5p. 282-0452.

•Jo-Ann Sanborn Sunshine Studios of Marco Island: The Esplanade, 760 N Collier Blvd, #102, Marco Island. Wed-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-2p. 404-9179

•Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery: 4259 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs.Art Discussions Mar 21 2p. Oct-MayTue-Sat 11a5p, Jun-Sep by appt. Free. 776-6844.

•Longboat Key Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 6860 Longboat Key Dr S, Longboat Key. Oct-Dec Tue-Fri 11a-5p; Jan-Apr

Comedian Kevin Hart performs at the Germain Arena in Estero on March 26. Call 948-7825 for information.

Tue-Sat 11a-5p, May Tue-Fri 11a-5p, Jun-Sep 11a-4p. Free. 941-3832345.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha.Daily 10a5p.Free. 283-6453.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Mar 21: Painting SWFL History; Apr 7May 16: The Way We Worked. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marianne Friedland Gallery: 359 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 105p. Free. 262-3484.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Mar 28: Adventures with Brush and Paint –Capturing Florida’s Magic. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. Thru Mar 31: A Look

Into the World of Our Seminoles. Tue-Fri 9a5p & Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. 283-1525.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples.Apr 1May 30: History Comes to Life.Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Phil Fisher Gallery: 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. Free. 4038393.

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

•Richard H Rush Library: Special Collections Gallery, Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Ongoing: High Renaissance to Impressionism, The Sanders Porcelain Exhibit. Mon-Fri 10a2p. Free. 489-9220.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Mar 22: Expressive Bodies;thru Mar 29: De Vos Banners: Thru Jun 1: Evolution of Commercial Printing;thru May 17:

Re:Purposed;Apr 3Jun 28: Fan-Tastic!; Apr 17 - Sep 13: Tren-

ton Doyle Hancock Ongoing: New Acquisitions, 20th Century Abstract Art, Asian & Cypriot Art. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a.Daily 10a5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941359-5700.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Thru Mar 26:

Photography Exhibit.Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 417-6310.

•Rosen Gallery & Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, N Naples. Mon-Sat, 12-6p. Free. 821-1061.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Member shows Mar 2 - Apr 6 at Sanibel Library, 770 Dunlop Rd,Sanibel.Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue & Wed, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. Free. 4722483.

•Selby Gallery: Ringling College of Art + Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Sep-Apr Mon-Sat 10a-4p; Free. 941-359-7563.

•Shangri La Springs: 27750 Old US 41, Bonita Springs. Thru Apr 1: Flowers & Trees. Mon-Fri 10a-3p. Free. 949-0749.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-10p. Free. 6496255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis

Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers.Mar 6: Flowers in Art & Music

– The Keys to Happiness; Mar 13 - Apr 3: Antonio Guerrera; National League of American Pen Women; Apr 3-24: Florida Artist Group.Mon-Fri 10a-5p & 6-9p 1st Fri of month. Free. 337-1933.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. TueSat 5:30-close.Free. 204-9949.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2054 Trade Center Way, Naples. Mar 4-30:

Painted Ladies.Nov-

AprMon-Fri 10a-5p, 1st Wed 5-8p, 3rd Fri 6-8p, Sat by appt; May-Oct Mon-Fri 11a4p & Sat by appt. Free. 597-2110.

•SWFL Community Foundation: 8771 CollegePkwy, bldg 2, # 201, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 8a-5p. 274-5900.

• SWFL Museum of History: 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. Thru Mar

30: The Battle of Fort Myers. Historical walking Tours Wed & Sat 10:30a thru Apr 30. Tue-Sat 10a-5p. 3217430.

•The Artists’ Gallery: The Esplanade, 760 Collier Blvd, Marco Island.Winter:MonWed 10a-5p, Thu & Fri 10a-8p,Sat 10a-4p, Sun 10a-2p. Free. 784-4436.

•The Lady from Haiti: 110 10th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10:30a-5p. 649-8607.

•The von Liebig Art Center: Naples Art Association. 585 Park St, Naples.Mar 14 - Apr 18: National Art Encounter Competition. Members Gallery: Order / Disorder, The Balancing Act –Jade N. Riedel Scholarship CompetitionApr 30 - May 29: Viva la France! Members’ Gallery: Petite Pursuits – Southwest Florida Pastel Society.Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 262-6517

•Tincture Gallery: 1412 Dean St, #100, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-9p. Free. 472-4557.

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-9p. Free. 3406467.

•Trudy Labell Fine Art: Bingham Galleria,2425 Tamiami Trail N, #102,Naples. Mon-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 11a-2p. Free. 434-7778.

•Two Newts Gallery: 2502 2nd St, #104, Ft Myers. Tue-Fri 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 332-2300.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Free. 826-3861.

•Unit A contemporary art space: 1922 Evans Ave, Ft Myers. Art by Marcus Jansen. By appt. Receptions 1st Fri of month 6-10p. Free. 240-1053.

•Vallez Studio: Crayton Cove, 784 12th Ave S, Naples. Free. 262-0381.

•Veron Ennis Modern Art: 10051 McGregor Blvd, # 201, Ft Myers. Sat 9a-1p & by appt. Free.849-7772.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Mar 1-26: Beyond Seeing; Mar 14-28: Art Council of SWFL; Mar 27 - Apr 23: Artists in Action; Apr 1-23: Elementary & High School Student Art; Apr 27 - May 21: Primavera... It’s Spring.Mon-Fri, 9a-4p

& Sat 10a-2p. Free. 951-639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: 2340 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Thru Mar 1: Contemporary Florida; Mar 3-29: The Many Faces of Glass; Apr 7 - May 3: Summer Salon.Mon-Sat 10:30a5p. Free. 472-3386.

attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum: Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum. Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W. Boundary Rd, Clewiston. Daily 9a-5p. 877902-1113.

•Babcock Wilderness Adventures: 8000 State Rd 31,Punta Gorda. Tue-Sat. Reserve for tours. 800500-5583.

•Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: 3075 SanibelCaptiva Rd, Sanibel. Raymond Burr Memorial Exhibit,Deep-Sea Mollusks, Henry Domke - Nature Photographer. World Record-Sized Shells. Open Daily 10a5p. 395-2233.

•Baker Museum: ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. ThruApr 12: Face to Face - Artists’ Self-Portraits; thru Apr 26: Florida Contemporary; thru May 3: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie - Magritte & the Belgian Surrealists; thru May 17: Gods & Heroes. Tue-Sat 10a4p & Sun 12-4p. 5971900.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Living history tours daily 11a & 1p, 5-9p. 337-0706.

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Sun & Tue-Th 10a-5p, Sat 10a-7p. 690-2359.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, trails, live animal shows daily, Planetarium shows, Wed-Sat. Bluegrass concerts 2nd & 4th Thu 12-4p. 10a5p & Sun, 11a-5p. 2753435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed, Thu & Sun 1-4p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Special hours for children on

autistic spectrum: Breaking the Barriers, 2nd Sat of month 8-9a & Sensory Night, 4th Tue of month 5-8p. Register. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum: 3301 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Thru Mar 31: ArtCalusa: Representing Florida’s History Through Art. Educational programs, Wed, 2pm. Mon-Sat 9a4p. Free. 774-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way off Goodlette Frank Rd. 9:30a-4:30p. 430-2466.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples. Blair Audubon Center, Boardwalk Exploration & Exhibits. Daily 7a5:30p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, 23998 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Guided walks: 1st & 3rd Tue & 2nd Sat, NovApr, Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Trails open sunrise-sunset. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 3883 SanibelCaptiva Rd, Sanibel. Healing Winds Visitor Education Center. Wonders of Wildlife: Nature presentations Mon-Fri 11a. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 472-3644.

•Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Sat-Thu 7a-7p. Education Center: May-Dec 9a-4p, Jan-Apr 9a-5p. Wildlife Dr closed Sat.472-1100.

•Edison & Ford Winter Estates Museum: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru May 28: Founding Females. Daily 9a-5:30p. 3347419.

•Everglades Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, art gallery.Daily 9a-4p. 992-2591.

•Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL: Sandalwood Square, 4760 Tamiami Tr N, # 107, Naples. Thru May 3: Dearest Pauline. Jan-Apr TueSat 12:30-5p, Sat & Sun 1-4p; May-Jul & SepDec Tue-Sun 1-4p. Guided Tours: 1:30p. 263-9200.

•Imaginarium Science Center: 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat

10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. MonFri 9a-4p. Free. 6582466.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Mar 21: Painting SWFL History; Apr 7May 16: The Way We Worked. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. Thru Mar 31: A Look Into the World of Our Seminoles. Tue-Fri 9a5p & Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. 2831525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples.Thru Mar 8: All Creatures Great & Small sculpture exhibit; Mar 14 - Jul 5:

Unearthed – Dinosaurs in the Garden.Daily 9a5p, Tue8a-5p.6437275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Mar 28: Adventures with Brush and Paint –Capturing Florida’s Magic. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Daily 9a5p. 262-5409.

•Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Walking tours of Naples Historic District: Wed 10a; Guided garden tours: 1st & 3rd Thu of month 10a. Tours: Tue-Sat 1-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Mar 22: Expressive Bodies;thru Mar 29: De Vos Banners: Thru Jun 1: Evolution of Commercial Printing;thru May 17: Re:Purposed;Apr 3Jun 28: Fan-Tastic!; Apr 17 - Sep 13: Trenton Doyle Hancock Ongoing: New Acquisitions, 20th Century Abstract Art, Asian & Cypriot Art. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a.Daily 10a5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941359-5700.

•Rookery Bay National Research Reserve: nvironmental Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Thru Mar 26: Photography Exhibit.Daily programs: 11a & 2p. Guided kayak trips Tue & Thu 10a & 1p. Mon-Sat 9a4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Wed-Sat, 10a-4p. 4724648.

•Seminole Casino Immokalee: Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. Mar 14: Comedian Ron White; Mar 21: KC & The Sunshine Band concert; Apr 18: Here Comes the Mummies concert. 800-2180007.

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 2787 N Tamiami Trail, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas House, Natural History Exhibit, Money Museum, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, Soaring Eagle Zip Line. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141.

•SWFL Historical Society: 10091 McGregor Blvd, FtMyers. Wed 9a-12p & 4-7p, Sat 9a12p. Free. 939-4044.

•SWFL Museum of History: 2031 Jackson St, Ft Myers. Thru Mar 30: The Battle of Fort Myers. Historical walking Tours Wed & Sat 10:30a thru Apr 30. Tue-Sat 10a-5p. 3217430.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. 332-8778.

parks

•Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. 5337444.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Guide walks: Tue & Sat 9:30a. 4633764.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: 1st & 3rd Tue 5p. 7076794.

•Caloosahatchee

Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva.

Guided walk: 1st Sat & 3rd Tue of month 9a. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41 (Tamiami

Trail), S Naples. Guided walks: Sat 10a. Hiking trail, selfguided boardwalk nature trail, exhibits, camping, fishing, boating canoeing. 3943397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach, fishing, picnic areas. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 2481609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center,815 Oyster Bar Ln.Everglades City. 9a-4:30p. 6953311.

•Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Guided walks: 1st Tue 9a. 693-2690.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 992-0311.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. Guided walks: 1st Sat 8:30a, Garden tour: 2nd Sat. 5337575.

•Lovers Key State Park: South of Ft Myers Beach. 4634588.

•Lynn Hall Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Laughter Yoga: Fri 8a. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. 8a-dusk. 6905030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Guided walks: Thu 9:30a. 7073015.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 361-6511.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. 252-4060.

•North Ft Myers Park: 2021 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Yoga: Wed 6p. 652-4512.

•Rutenberg Park EcoLiving Center: ‘Florida-Friendly’ Garden/Landscape Workshops: Wed 10:30a. Free. 533-7515.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: daily 9a. Free. 5337550.

•Veterans Park: 55

Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Flow Yoga & Mat Pilates: Mon-Thu

9a; Yoga & Meditation: Tue 4:30p; Tai chi: Wed 1p; Laughter Yoga: Wed 6:30p. Classes free. 432-2154.

live music & comedy

• Alto Live Jazz Kitchen: 492 Bayfront Pl, Naples. Mon: Latin Jazz with Joe Delaney Sextet; Tue: Jerry Stawski Duo; Wed: Stu Shelton Trio; Thu: Dan Heck Trio; Fri: Rebecca Richardson Quartet; Sat: Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quintet; Sun: Rick Howard’s Alto Blues All-Stars. 261-2586.

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 691-4069

•Bert’s Bar & Grill: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.Live music. Thu: Deb & The Dynamics.282-3232.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers.Open blues jams Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p, free.6937111.

•Buddha Bar & Grill: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music. Wed-Sun. 482-8565.

•C-Grape Coffee & Wine Bar: 4450 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music Fri & Sat 7-10p. 2217388.

•Freds Food, Fun & Spirits!: 2700 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Live music Wed-Sun. 431-7928.

•Laugh-In Comedy Café: College Pkwy Shopping Center at College Pkwy & Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. Live comedy Fri & Sat. 479-LAFF.

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 6-9p. 4633838

•Old Naples Comedy Club: 1100 6th Ave S, Naples. Comic ThuSun. 455-2844.

•Red Rock Saloon: 2278 First St, Ft Myers. Live music

Tue, Fri, Sat. 6898667.

•RJ’s Bar & Grill: 1475

W ine & Dine SWFLDININGGUIDE

BERT’S BAR & GRILL : 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.282-3232. Open Daily 11a-11p. Waterfront locationwith outside casual affordable dining on the Dock. Million Dollar View of Matlacha Pass and open water.Seafood, Burgers, Baskets & More. Wed & Fri 4-9pm AllYou-Can-Eat Fish Fry $9.99. Live music nightly. www.bertsbar.com

BROADWAY PALM : 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft. Myers. 278-4422. Wed-Sun 5:30p dinner & 7p show, with selected children’s matinees 11:45a lunch & 1:15p show. Broadway Palm, Southwest Florida's premier Dinner Theatre, is a great destination for those looking for quality entertainment and a delicious buffet at a great price. www.broadwaypalm.com

FOGG CAFÉ : Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 643-7275. Daily 9a-5p. Fogg Café features creative food using local, sustainable products with some items from the Garden itself. The menus change seasonally, focusing on high quality and moderate pricing in a fast casual service setting. www.naplesgarden.org.

GARDNER'S PARK TEA HOUSE : Shops at The Butterfly Estates, 18153 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 690-2359. Sun-Thu 10a-5p, Fri & Sat 10a-7p. Gardner's Park Tea House celebrates the historic achievements of Southwest Florida's earliest residents. Enjoy robust organic teas, handmade soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, fudge and ‘Fogurt.’ www.gardnersparkteahouse.com

IL POMODORO : 9681 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 985-0080. Lunch 11a-2p Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon-Sat 4:30-9p. Cucina Italiana. Locally owned & operated. Great food and service in hip, casual, family-friendly room. A taste of Italy. News-Press: 3 1/2 stars. www.ilpomodororestaurant.com

N. Tamiami Tr, N.Ft Myers. Live music nightly. 997-9600.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music. 415-4375.

•Seminole Casino Immokalee: Seminole Casino Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee.Mar 14: Comedian Ron White; Mar 21: KC & The Sunshine Band concert; Apr 18: Here Comes the Mummies concert.800-2180007.

•Sneaky Pete’s: 3465 Bonita Beach Rd,

MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN : 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487. Wed-Sat 5:45p & Sun 4:45p. All aboard for a unique dining experience. Enjoy a fun murder mystery show while the chef prepares your five course dinner on board. The train takes you on a 3 1/2 hour, 40 mile round trip journey across the Caloosahatchee River. Special holiday events. www.semgulf.com

RIVERWALK : at Tin City, 1200 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-2734. Open seven days for lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch. For outdoor waterfront dining that’s a little history and a lot of fun, since 1979. Freshest seafood, salads, steaks & sandwiches, Gulf Coast style. Sunday Brunch and Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. www.riverwalktincity.com

THE DOCK : At Crayton Cove, 12 Ave S, Naples. 263-9940. Open seven days for lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch. Bay views, great food and a laid back attitude. ‘The real taste of Naples’ since 1976. Freshest seafood, salads, steaks and sandwiches with tropical flair. Sunday Brunch and Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. www.dockcraytoncove.com

THE HUT at the Peace Tropical Gardens : 5051 Buckingham Rd. 225-0907. Tue-Sun 11:30am-close. The historic Hut has been completely restored. The magnificent gardens date back to the 1920's. Chef Jeff Rizzo brings his culinary artistry to the place in Southwest Florida for your special event or a night out. www.hutrestaurant.com

Z CRÊPES CAFÉ : Shops at The Butterfly Estates, 1815-1 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 690-2359. Sun-Thur 10a-5p, Fri & Sat 10a-7p. ZCrêpes Café offers a modern take to traditional French favorites. A simple menu richly infused with the freshest of flavors. www.zcrepes.com

Bonita Springs. Live music nightly. 4988887.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music Wed-Sat 8:3011p. 204-9949.

•Teri-Tini’s: 7050 Crystal Dr, Ft Myers. Live music nitely 7:3011pm. 277-5475.

•The Dek Bar: 4704 SE 15 Ave, Cape Coral.

Live music nightly. 542-3745.

•The Hut at the Peace Tropical Gardens: 5150 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Live music. 225-0907.

•The Joint at Cape Harbour: 5785 Cape Harbour Dr, Cape Coral. Live music Tue, Fri, Sun. 542-0123.

•The Veranda: 2122 Second St, Ft Myers. Rick Russell: Thu-Sat 6:30-9:30p in piano lounge. 332-2065.

•World of Beer: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sat. 437-2411.

•Yabo: 16230 Summerlin Rd, Ft Myers. Live music. Mar 20: Busted Stuff 8:30p; Mar 21: Mike Imbasciani 9:30p. 225-9226.