November-December 2019

NEWS & PREVIEWS

‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Clyde Butcher Photo Exhibition

The J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a special Clyde Butcher Photographic Exhibition with an opening reception on November 13, starting at 9am in the Visitor & Education Center.

Guests will be the first to view Butcher’s ‘American Everglades Collection.’ The opening will include refreshments and, at 10am, an opportunity to meet the world-famous photographer, who will be available for a limited number of book signings outside the Refuge Nature Store.

The 35-piece photo exhibition will run daily through February 5, 9am-4pm. The exhibition is free.

Acclaimed as ‘the Ansel Adams of Florida,’ Butcher is famous for his award-winning large black & white images of the Florida Everglades, coastal islands, and other unspoiled areas.

“The underlying message to this important exhibition is the value of preserving the fragile Everglades habitat and the

A special exhibition of Clyde Butcher’s ‘American Everglades Collection’ is on view at the ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel November 13-February 5.

quality of our waterways in the pristine state Clyde Butcher has captured them,” said Refuge Executive Director, Birgie Miller.

J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive on Sanibel. Wildlife Drive and trails are open daily dawn to dusk (closed for national holidays). Admission to the Visitor & Education Center, open 9am4pm, is free. For information, call 472-1100.

New Space Travel Exhibit at IMAG

The IMAG History & Science Center presents a new exhibit, ‘Be the Astronaut,’ allowing visitors to learn about space travel; experience the wonders of space, plan a space mission, learn about the technology and skills required to be an astronaut, and learn how to fly spaceships, pilot landers, and drive rovers.

“This exhibit includes several dramatic, interactive stations that allow our visitors to learn basic concepts about our solar system, space travel, gravity, and more,”

said Matt Johnson, Executive Director of the IMAG.

Designed by NASA engineers, the exhibit aims to put visitors in the pilot’s seat of a spaceship while providing a birds-eye view of real astronaut pre-training with the use of touch screen stations, interactive simulator pods built to look like space capsules, and other space travel exhibits and activities.

During this exhibit, visitors will be invited to interact with:

• Navigation Interactive Stations, where they can engage in mission planning and learn about orbits, gravity, and other principles of flight and space.

• Science Interactive Stations, where they can explore the equipment and technology needed to accomplish space travel missions and learn about rockets, space suits, space crafts, and gear.

• Flying Capsules, where they can launch rockets and land rovers in a dramatic big-screen experience with pilot and co-pilot seating and controls.

• Space Suit and Space Gear exhibits.

The ‘Be the Astronaut’ exhibit will be on display at IMAG History & Science Center thru January 12.

The museum is located at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers.

IMAGis open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday 12-5pm. Call 243-0043 for information.

The new exhibit, ‘Be the Astronaut,’ at the IMAG History & Science Center in Fort Myers thru January 12, teaches visitors about space travel.

Arts for ACT

Gala & Auction Features

Award-Winning Artists

Tickets are now on sale for the 31st annual Arts for ACT Gala & Fine Arts Auction, taking place at the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point on November 16.

This year’s Gala & Auction’s theme is ‘Greatest Showman.’

The evening begins at 5pm with a cocktail hour with silent auction, a dinner, and entertainment and dancing after the auction until 10pm.

One of the highlights of the fundraising event is the live art and luxury item auction, led by auctioneer Scott Robertson with Master of Ceremonies, Kellie Burns, Evening Anchor at NBC2. Prizes include luxury travel, hotel stays, and art donated by many award-winning local, national and international artists.

The Gala & Fine Arts Auction benefits local nonprofit Abuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT), an agency serving victims of domestic abuse and their children and survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties for the past 41 years.

For information, call 939-2553.

Exhibit Celebrates Native American Artists

Collier County Museums

presents ‘We Never Left – Artists of Southeastern Indian Tribes,’ an exhibition that celebrates contemporary artists descended from these Native Americans who, against all odds, remained in the Southeast as tribes who continue to live in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Their highly diverse artwork addresses a variety of issues, including cultural preservation, language revitalization, personal identity and expression, community pride, and threats to homeland and the natural environment.

‘We Never Left’ is on view at the Collier Museum at Government Center November 16-January 11. The museum is located at 3331 Tamiami Trail E. in Naples and is open MondaySaturday 9am-4pm. Admission to all Collier County Museums is free. Call 252-8476 for information.

Local Craft Brews Featured At Alliance for the Arts Fundraiser

The Alliance for the Arts’ annual fundraiser, ‘Arts On Tap’ returns on November 9, 7-10pm. The event coincides with the nationwide celebration of American Craft Beer Week. ‘Arts On Tap,’ now in its third year, features tastings of craft beers of local brewers and hand-selected wines, as well as music, in the Alliance for the Arts gallery.

Participating breweries Big Blue Brewing, Bury Me Brewing, Coastal Dayz Brewery, Eight Foot Brewing, Millennial Brewing Company, Momentum Brewhouse, Naples Beach Brewery, Palm City Brewing, and Point Ybel Brewing Company.

The evening will also feature an exclusive new brew born from a creative collaboration between

the Alliance and the awardwinning brewmasters at Momentum Brewhouse.

Tickets to the event include unlimited tastings from participating breweries and distilleries, culinary creations, pub snacks, gallery admission, music, a silent auction, and games.

The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 for information.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Host Black Maria Film Festival

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, in partnership with Florida Southwestern State College, is hosting the annual Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival on November 8. Ten short documentaries, experimental, narrative, and animated films from the Film Festivals touring selection will be shown on the Ford estate lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River, starting at 6pm. The films, from 3-21 minutes in length, focus on the human experience and include selections from Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Canada as well as the United States.

The Black Maria Film Festival was founded in 1981 as a tribute to Thomas Edison’s development of the motion picture at his West Orange laboratory, dubbed the ‘Black Maria’ film studio, the first in

the world. The studio received its name from Edison’s employees who thought the studio’s boxy shape and black tar paper covering resembled the so-called ‘black maria’ police wagons.

An annual juried competition of short works in all genres, the film festival is a project of the Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund through Global Giving. Tickets can be purchased at the Edison & Ford estates the day of the event. Parking is free. Seating is limited. Visitors should bring a folding chair. No coolers are permitted. Tickets are free for FSW students, but must be picked up in Dr. Chase’s office in L-101 on the Lee campus prior to the event.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 334-7419.

Cacioppos Launch Players Circle Theatre’s Inaugural Season at Shell Factory & Nature Park

P

layers Circle Theatre, Lee County’s newest professional theatre, will be performing its inaugural season at the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers. The season is scheduled to kick off on December 3 and will include five professional productions.

The Players Circle Theatre was developed by veterans of the Southwest Florida theatre community, Carrie Lund- Cacioppo

‘We Never Left – Artists of Southeastern Indian Tribes’ is on view November 16-January 11 at the Collier Museum at Government Center in Naples.

The 10-minute film, ‘Voice,’ from Japan is one of ten short films being shown at the Black Maria Film Festival on November 8 on the lawn of the Henry Ford Winter Estate in Fort Myers.

Robert Cacioppo & Carrie-Lund Cacioppo bring 35 years of experience in Southwest Florida’s theatre community to their new Players Circle Theatre at the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers.

A.R. Gurney’s comedy The Dining Room will run January 10February 2, with discounted previews January 7-10.

Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor will run February 15March 8, with discounted previews February 12-14.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime will open March 20 and run thru April 12, with discounted previews March 1719. This will be Lee County’s first professional production of the Tony and Oliver Award-winning Best Play.

Miracle on South Division Street will closeout Players Circle’s inaugural season, running April 24-May17, with discounted previews April 21-23.

There will be seven performances per week, TuesdaySaturday at 8pm and Wednesday & Sunday at 2pm.

& Robert Cacioppo, who started the first professional theater in Lee county in 1985. In 1998, the Cacioppos created the Florida Repertory Theatre, named ‘One of America’s best regional theatres’ by The Wall Street Journal.

The venue will be a flexible black box theatre with shows performing in the round (audiences on four sides), threequarter thrust (three sides), alley (two sides) and proscenium (two sections facing the set) configurations. With seating for up to192, the intimate performances will place the audience close to the action and never more than five rows from the stage. The space will have a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, accompanied by a Bluetooth loop hearing aid system and hearing headsets at no charge.

Adjacent to the theatre, a spacious lobby and full-service bar will double as an intimate cabaret space with seating for moe than 50. Prior to the show, audiences can experience the newly revamped restaurant, Southern Grill.

Opening the season will be an original world premiere, Ho!Ho!Ho! The Christmas Show, a musical comic revue written, conceived and directed by Producing Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo. The musical will run from December 322. Audience members will be invited to sing along to all the great Christmas songs.

Players Circle Theatre is seeking actors, box office personal, stage management and props, as well as seeking volunteers in all areas of the theatre.

Players Circle Theatre is located on the grounds of the Shell Factory & Nature Park, located at 16554 N. Cleveland Ave. in North Fort Myers. Box office hours are Monday-Saturday 12-5 pm and one hour before curtain. For information, call 800-3292.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Celebrate Holiday Nights

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 44th Holiday Nights celebration

November 29 at 6pm with the annual tree lighting ceremony. This year’s event will offer more lights, new displays and decorations, and additional areas of the property will be illuminated. This year's theme is ‘River Reflection’ and will incorporate nautical elements.

One new display this year includes the Mysore Fig — one of the largest historic trees on the property. The tree will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music.

Santa & Mrs. Claus will be visiting and making their list on opening night and every Sunday night until Christmas, from 68pm. Children will be invited to sit on Santa's lap in the Edison Caretaker's House. Adults and children alike can enjoy the Children's Tree Trail — a collection of more than 60 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children.

Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 &7pm and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours will be offered on Wednesdays at 6:30pm every night thru December 30. The museum and the botanic research laboratory will be open nightly until 9pm. Select nights will feature live music performances by carolers and a pianist.

There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison & Clara Ford on December 19 at 6pm in the Edison Caretaker's

‘Holiday Nights’ will be on display at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, November 29-December 30.

House. Mina & Clara will talk about their favorite holiday traditions and tea, lemonade and cookies will be served. Space is limited, so registration is required.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 334-7419.

Fine Art Shows ReturntoEstero & Naples

Hotworks, in association with the Institute for the Arts & Education, will host the 23rd Estero Fine Art Show, voted one of the top 100 art shows in the nation, January 4 & 5 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers and the 3rd Naples Fine Art Show, March 28 & 29 outdoors at the Naples Italian-American Club. Both Fine Art Shows are open Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5pm.

These juried fine art and fine craft shows feature artwork that is original and personally handmade by the artists who are in the show. Works are created by award-winning artists from around the world in all mediums — paintings, drawings, clay, glass, sculpture, fiber, wood, jewelry —all juried by art professionals. The shows also feature local musicians and food by local restaurants.

Hotworks and the non-profit Institute for the Arts & Education, will hold a Youth Art

The Estero Fine Art Show is at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers on January 4 & 5.

Competition for ages 5-13 (grades K-8) for the Estero Fine Arts Show and ages 13-19 (grades 6-12) for the Naples Fine Arts Show, integrated within the art show. This program encourages students to enter his/her original art that is publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend, with cash awards presented at 3pm on Sunday.

Admission and parking is free for both the Estero Fine Art Show, January 4 & 5 and the Naples Fine Art Show, March 28 & 29. JetBlue Park is located at 11500 Fenway South Drive in Fort Myers. The Naples ItalianAmerican Club is located at 7035 Airport-Pulling Rd. in Naples. For information, call 941-755-3088.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe Showcases Local Artists

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has announced its Gallery Café Artists Series for the 2019-20 season. The works of two Southwest Florida artists and

two photographers will appear in four separate exhibits between now and May 30 in the Gallery Café located inside the Sanctuary’s Blair Audubon Visitor Center. The lineup also features the work of professional nature photographer and Corkscrew volunteer R.J. Wiley.

Jo-Ann Sanborn’s impressionistic paintings of the Everglades are featured thru November 29.

On display December 1January 30 are the photographs of R.J. Wiley, resident photographer at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. His photographs of the legendary ‘Super’ Ghost Orchid have been published worldwide. A ‘Meet the Artist’ reception is scheduled for January 19, 11am-2pm.

The works of Andy Owen, Associate Professor of Art at Florida Gulf Coast University will be on view February 1-March 30.

Owen works with recycled or found materials.The opening reception is February 8, 2-4pm.

Doug Poe’s photographs are on display April 1-May 30. A reception is scheduled for April 4, 2-4pm.

Registration required for the Andy Owen and Doug Poe receptions.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located at 375 Sanctuary Rd. in Naples, about 15 miles east of Interstate 75, off Immokalee Rd. The Sanctuary is open every day 7am-5:30pm. Last admission to the boardwalk is at 4:30pm. Call 348-1260 for information.

WANTED performers

The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, is seeking performing artists throughout Southwest Florida to apply to the Inaugural Fringe Fort Myers Festival, scheduled for April 22-26, 2020. The 4-day festival will present 48 performances on four different stages.

Fringe Fort Myers invites emerging and experienced artists in all disciplines to apply. Categories include, but are not limited to theatre, dance, magic, film, music, stand-up comedy, mime, puppetry, and performance art.

Fringe Fort Myers is the newest Fringe theatre festival in the United States and maintains longstanding Fringe traditions of being 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried and 100% inclusive. 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists.

Applications must be submitted online no later than November 15 at 5pm. The selection process for Fringe Fort Myers occurs via a November 22 lottery.

Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

artists

Daas co-op is inviting artists from throughout Southwest Florida to participate in this year’s Small Format exhibition. There is a size limitation of 12 inches on any side. Artists can submit up to three pieces for the show. Entries must be submitted by November 30.

Daas co-op is located inside the Butterfly Estates at 1815 Fowler St. in Fort Myers’ River District. Call 590-8645 for information.

student artists

The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with the Dunbar Festival Committee and the Black History Society, invites Lee County students in grades K-12 to submit a painting or drawing for the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Art Contest Exhibit.

Students must select one of three themes that characterize Dr. King’s life and work: love, peace or unity. An exhibition of chosen artwork will be on

HERTZ ARENA

11000 Everblades Pkwy. • Estero 948-7825

Nov 6: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 8: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 9: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Nov 13: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Nov 22: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Nov 23: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Dec 6: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Dec 7: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Dec 13: vs Kansas City Mavericks

Dec 14: vs Kansas City Mavericks

Dec 18: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Dec 20: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Dec 21: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Dec 27: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Dec 28: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Jan 7: vs Brampton Beast

Jan 24: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Jan 25: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Jan 29: vs Fort Wayne Komets

Feb 5: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 7: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Feb 8: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Feb 14: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Feb 15: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Feb 19: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 21: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Feb 22: vs Norfolk Admirals

Feb 28: vs Newfoundland Growlers

Feb 29: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Mar 4: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Mar 7: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Mar 14: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Mar 21: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Apr 4: vs Orlando Solar Bears:

display on January 20 at Centennial Park, located at 2000 W First St. on Fort Myers’ riverfront.

Entries must be submitted by December 18. Students must complete the entry form and drop it off along with artwork to Alliance for the Arts, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers (open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm & Saturday 9am1pm) or the Lee County Black History Society, located at 1936 Henderson Ave. in Fort Myers (open Wednesday-Friday 11am4pm). Cash prizes will be given for first, second and third place in each division (grades K-6 & 7-12).

For more information, call 939-2787.

Jo-Ann Sanborn’s paintings are on display thru November 29 in the Cafe at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples.

25 Years of Music to Our Ears W

HEN DR. JACOB GOLDBERGERwas ten years old, he received a used clarinet in a CARE package from a family member in the United States. It had traveled over 6,000 miles, crossing the entirety of the Atlantic Ocean to reach him at his home in Israel with his mother. It was the only instrument that was available, this slender woodwind with worn silver finger keys. Goldberger began taking clarinet lessons, learning to produce those shadowy timbre notes that make the instrument recognizable.

Goldberger eventually moved to the United States, and has been living in Fort Myers for 38 years, only recently retiring from his general surgery practice. He is one of the original members of the Gulf Coast Symphony, and has been playing the clarinet with the Symphony for twenty-four years. He still practices playing the clarinet at home, preparing for the upcoming 25th Anniversary Concert series. He’s been performing concerts with the Symphony for a quarter of a century and still practice makes perfect.

“Every concert has been an absolute joy for me. Every season was a leap. Most of us were amazed at the level of improvements between rehearsal and performance. We usually walked off stage at the end of a performance in confused silence and awe after the audience gave us a standing ovation,” Goldberger said in an interview.

by Caylee Weintraub

to her as “a big funny violin thing.” It’s true: if the bass were a high school kid, it would be the one whose body keeps growing until it towers above the rest, the confidently oversized jock with deep voice that makes it seem older and wiser than everyone else.

A few months after the concert, Landefeld’s parents surprised her with “a big, funny violin thing” of her own. The instrument towered above Landefeld’s nineyear-old body.

“One of my first memories from when I started playing bass was that it was too large for me to carry, so my parents paid a middle-schooler to help me get it in and out of the car for me and walk it into school,” Landefeld said.

Now Landefeld, stronger than she was at nine, bears the brunt of the Symphony’s demanding nonmusical work. She works beside Dr. Andrew Kurtz, founder and Maestro of the Gulf Coast Symphony, to serve on the non-profit board. When she’s not there, she’s rehearsing under Kurtz’s baton with her bass.

The Symphony is a community made of diverse members, held together by those invisible strings music creates between people.

The Gulf Coast Symphony’s 25th Anniversary is a celebration of the Symphony’s roots, of the two and a half decades worth of musicians who have made the Symphony’s success possible. After interviewing the musicians, it’s clear that the Symphony is more than a production — it’s a community made of diverse members, held together by those invisible strings music creates between people.

Like Goldberger, Dr. Doni Landefeld, Board President of the Gulf Coast Symphony and member for 12 years, has been playing music since she was a child. Landefeld’s musical origin story began when she was nine years old and her parents brought her to a high school orchestra concert. Sitting in the audience, she became enamored with the bass, which appeared

“There are of course many musicians who make me laugh and the bass section, well, we sometimes misbehave, usually by talking when we're supposed to be listening to Andrew... kind of like naughty, talkative students in a classroom. Bass players are a bit gregarious by nature, so we always work to have a good time and enjoy the camaraderie,” Landefeld said.

The Gulf Coast Symphony musicians come from all different areas of professional life; they are as diverse in origin as their instruments. Alfonso Giordano is the principal violist and owner of Maria’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, a ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in Cape Coral winner for years. Dr. Thomas Schiller is a pediatrician and principal French horn player. Both Giordano and Schiller are founding members of the Symphony, growing alongside it for over two decades.

“The Symphony gives me an opportunity to feel engulfed in a sea of harmonies, dissonances, musical shapes,” Schiller said in an interview. “I love to express my musical ‘voice’ using a French horn, blending in with a large group.”

The Gulf Coast Symphony’s 25th Anniversary is a celebration of the Symphony’s roots, of the two and a half decades worth of musicians who have made the Symphony’s success possible.

Maestro Andrew Kurtz

The first time I saw Gulf Coast Symphony perform when I was 11 and went on a school field trip, I remember the feeling of intense connection to the music; it was inescapable and consuming but also comforting and wholesome. There are no words that can compensate for sound, and the Gulf Coast Symphony is something best experienced first-hand.

To bring the Symphony into the community, Maestro Andrew Kurtz has started a number of initiatives. Kurtz started the Orchestra Explorer series, where children can meet the musicians and try some of the instruments, fumbling with the clarinet keys or learning how to press the reed of an oboe between their lips.

“My favorite moment is seeing the delight in a child's eye when they make a first sound on my miniature French Horn,” Schiller said of the Orchestra Explorer series, witnessing the union between his pediatric professional life and his musical one.

The Symphony has partnered with Lee County Library to add music to storytime events in their Symphony Storytime series and with The Heights Center to bring music education to underserved children.

In honor of their 25th Anniversary, the Symphony has played with award-winning country music star of Sugarland Kristian Bush, and will play alongside the Grammy-winning Shelley Berg Trio. The Symphony will also be playing 25 free events in January and February.

“I take deep pride in creating a really diverse calendar of concerts and different experiences from intimate to big, grand operas,” Kurtz said.

Symphony Maestro Andrew Kurtz is the visionary behind each concert: a visionary with high standards.

“I spent years studying with a professional clarinetist so I could meet Andrew’s expecta-

tions and keep up with the level of performances,” Goldberger said.

Schiller’s first experience playing a concert under Kurtz’s baton, the first ever performance Gulf Coast Symphony put on for the public in 1994, is still a clear recollection. “Andrew needed a horn to play in the first performance of the Gulf Coast Symphony. He found me by word of mouth. Unfortunately, I hadn't touched my horn for 9 months,” Schiller said. “I reluctantly said ‘yes,’ not knowing I'd be asked to play a Ravel horn solo on that same day of the concert.

A Ravel horn solo is notoriously difficult, requiring a widespread range of low and high notes. “Needless to say, I didn't play well on my debut performance,” Schiller said. “But, Andrew appreciated my effort. Andrew knew how to make the music come alive in me with his deep passion for music and excellent conducting skills.”

Kurtz fell in love with music through his grandmother, a pianist. Music has been part of his family for generations, and watching Kurtz conduct the Symphony makes it clear how naturally music comes to him.

Standing in front dressed in a black suit with long coat tails, his baton suspended in the air, Kurtz and the Gulf Coast Symphony are something to behold. There is a complete silence before the Symphony begins to play, the sound of shuffling in the audience before Kurtz waves his hand and, like parting the Red Sea in reverse, brings the woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion together into one wave of

music. There’s something transformative about watching a Symphony perform, to see dozens of people converge into a single sound. When Kurtz first started the orchestra, he had no idea how much it would grow. He remembers passing out flyers and asking for musicians through word of mouth when the Symphony was still unstrung. But despite how far the Symphony has come, Kurtz is forward-looking. “My job and my strength is always envisioning what the greater future can be,” he said. He plans every concert over a year in advance, always living with one foot in the present and one in the future.

Kurtz says he is most proud of the Symphony’s impact on the people who’ve been part of it. The personal relationships the Symphony creates between its members is clear, and it is this that seems most worth celebrating for the 25th Anniversary.

“Throughout the years I’ve had three long term members of my section pass away and there have been many that have come and gone through the years,” Giordano, principal violist, said. “I still miss Florence —she was my stand partner for many years, a retired professional violist from Pittsburgh. I still see her markings in the music we played and she always had some funny comments about Andrew, soloists, the board, everything and everyone!”

This is where Kurtz’s Symphony transcends itself: in the camaraderie between bass players and the funny notes a retired violist leaves in the sheet music for her stand partner, in the way invisible music transmutes into tangible human connection.

“Music is my passion,” Jacob Goldberger, the clarinetist-surgeon from Israel, said. “The orchestra became my refuge.” • Gulf Coast Symphony concerts are performed at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. For information, call 277-1700.

Besides the professional actors coming to work here, TheatreZone also finds room in their productions for nonequity actors who are looking to join the union to work toward the credits needed.

ARTS THEATER Theatre in the Zone

by Julie Clay

FOR OVER A DECADE in the thriving southwest Florida theatre scene, TheatreZone has carved a niche for itself with its annual slate of quality performances featuring a talent pool of professional equity actors. On the eve of a celebratory 15th anniversary season, we got a preview from founding Artistic Director Mark Danni. The timing of our chat couldn’t have been better, happening just after a busy two days of auditions. Danni was amazed once again at the talent that travels here from far off to be part of the TheatreZone lineup each season. It wouldn’t be the fringe benefit of our amazing beaches now, would it?

We’re going to think its (also) a flourishing arts scene that manages to support a range of offerings for eager audiences each season. “People come from New York, Texas, Chicago, Georgia and all over Florida to audition for us,” he enthused, referencing a recent theater communication group publication’s list of the top six places to work that are not New York, where all of south Florida is ranked #4. Said actor Larry Alexander, who has appeared in several TheatreZone productions, “TheatreZone is an important cultural addition to Naples, offering top-notch professional theatre. No other theatre on the west coast of Florida can boast having Tony Award-winning Broadway stars on their stage.“

Danni’s better half and TheatreZone co-founder Karen Molnar Danni adds, "The chances of starting a professional theatre company from scratch and growing it to having successful sold out seasons are one in a million. Not only has TheatreZone accomplished this, but it shows that Naples is a thriving community that appreciates and supports the arts.”

Besides the professional actors coming to work here, TheatreZone also finds room in their productions for non-equity actors who are looking to join the union to work toward the credits needed. Mark is quite pleased with the availability of local talent. “TheatreZone has been working closely with Florida Gulf Coast University’s theater program and Bower School of Music & the Arts,” he added, “Not only do we utilize those students backstage running spotlights, we have groomed stage managers as second assistants that have moved up through the years. Four times we’ve done a joint musical and the Actors Equity granted us a concession to use only four professional actors and the rest of the show was students. The orchestra is filled out by music students. We’ve put on four shows in the past 5-6 years. It’s been giving the university a musical theater program.”

While 2019-2020 casts are being finalized at press time, they all add up to another exciting season at TheatreZone. Let’s take a look…

Home for the Holidays, a TheatreZone original, opens the season in mid-December with, as they describe it, “a concert-style performance of holiday favorites, lively

dance routines, scrumptious costumes and a live orchestra to put everyone in a festive mood.”

Leonard Bernstein’s Tony Award-winning musical Wonderful Town begins its run on January 9th. Danni described how they ended up doing that show, “I got acquainted with Jamie Bernstein, Leonard Bernstein’s oldest daughter. We sponsored her talk at the (Greater Naples) Jewish Book Festival. Wonderful Town was her favorite show that he wrote. It planted the seed in my mind.” He added that Ms. Bernstein is planning on coming down to attend the show as well. “It was the 100th anniversary of his birth last year”, he said, “The Bernstein estate is known to be very strict and I wanted to get the rights to it.”

Beyond the Lights –Discovering Sammy Davis Jr. has been in development for years by veteran actor Aaron Reeder. Last seen on the TheatreZone stage as Mereb in Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida , Reeder is squeezing in two exclusive TheatreZone shows honoring the late great Rat Packer on January 14. Reeder is working this around his other commitment happening concurrently, appearing in Porgy and Bess at New York’s Metropolitan Opera.

Returning for the third year, Liverpool natives

The Mersey Beatles recreate the Beatles sound and experience to the note with their show Four Lads from Liverpool, not surprising given that they were the resident Beatles tribute band for years at the famous Cavern Club where the Fab Four got their start. Danni states, “We were one of the first places to take a chance on them, and every year is a different show.” The Mersey Beatles appear in two shows on February 18.

About the new show, Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera, so far only presented in Boston, New York and Chicago, Danni says “It’s a chance for Naples audiences to be part of something that will move on and get bigger. We’re very early on in it and the first southern regional theatre that’s done it.” He continues, “The producers and creators, we sort of found each other and talked about doing it at TheatreZone. I think it’s a cool, edgy show. It will have an adult disclaimer on it. I say its Sweeney Todd meets Saturday Night Live. It really pokes fun at society’s infatuation with these media stories. I think it will appeal

Karen Molnar Danni (RIGHT) and Danni (LEFT), who describes the new show, ‘Tonya & Nancy – The Rock Opera’ as ‘Sweeney Todd’ meets ‘Saturday Night Live.’

to a whole different demographic down here. We’re hoping to have some very cool casting in it. It has an edgier score. This version has not yet been staged, but there is a cast recording done live at Studio 54 last year.”

Danni knew Joan Ellison, who portrays Judy Garland in Judy & Liza at The Palladium, from his time working in Cleveland. “She does a Judy Garland show around the country,” he said. Carolann Sanita, who stars as Liza Minnelli, lives locally. Her husband teaches theater at FGCU. The two will team up for two performances at TheatreZone on February 20.

Danni’s connection to Gypsy, a semi-biographical tale of burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee, goes back to when he first moved to New York, working as a musician at a regional theater in Long Island alongside Karen Delaney. As these coincidences tend to happen, Delaney, who played the original Baby Louise in the 1959 Broadway production starring Ethel Merman, will be Music Directing and playing piano for the Theatrezone production. Karen’s daughter Megan, last seen in Theatrezone’s Baby, is cast as the grown Louise. TheatreZone fan favorite Becca McCoy (last seen as Princess Puffer in The Mystery of Edwin Drood) will portray the iconic roll of Mama Rose. Catch Gypsy running March 5-15 at TheatreZone.

Danni considers I Love My Wife one of the

funniest shows ever written. Stripped down and simple, the final show of the season consists of a four-person cast and four-person band. Mark conveyed, “It’s a PG-13 type of show. The band interacts and sings several songs, and has nine costume changes. I discovered it during my musician days, and I remember it being one of the funniest shows ever,” adding that the music, written by Cy Coleman, is performed with the band onstage the whole time, constantly singing, costumed, interacting, and moving around. I Love My Wife plays April 16-26.

TheatreZone’s two season fundraisers, ‘Legends & Legacies: Growing Up Broadway,’ offer a further glimpse into their season and are a great way to support their efforts.

‘Together Wherever We Go – Me & Gypsy Rose Lee’ is an intimate evening viewing home movies made by Gypsy Rose Lee and her family. Danni recalled how the connection happened, “When I licensed Gypsy I got a contact from the son of Gypsy Rose Lee, Eric Premenger. She had this amazing collection of home movies. Before she passed away from cancer, they went through them. He does this presentation and a Q&A at the end.” Guests can enjoy wine and hos d’ouvres as well. ‘Together Wherever We Go – Me & Gypsy Rose Lee’ is January 15.

The second event also focuses on Gypsy

‘Merman and Me – the Original cast of Gypsy,‘ presents an intimate evening to meet and talk to Karen Eulaney, daughter Megan and Becca McCoy, who is playing Mama Rose. Details to be announced soon. This event will be held at a private home in Naples.

Danni hinted at upcoming surprise announcements for productions happening in June. Given that their G&L Theatre home is part of the Community School of Naples, their schedule has to be carefully constructed around school productions. However, he indicated that TheatreZone has been able to extend their season by adding Saturday matinees and extra Wednesday shows. Finding another home has been an idea of TheatreZone’s virtually since its inception. Mark shares, “We’re constantly working on moving into a new space. It’s something that’s been a focus in the last several years. We’ve been looking around and looking for the best options. We want to stay in Naples and try not to displace our audience. It’s been talked about extensively.” He adds, “Come see and support the arts in our area. It’s made our area very rich with culture.” •

ThesatreZone perfomances are at the G&L Theatre, located on the campus of the Community School of Naples, located at 13275 Livingston Rd. in Naples. For information about TheatreZone, call 888-966-3352.

Of the Earth & Out of This World I

N THE FADING ORANGE LIGHT of an October evening, three Babcock Ranch residents walk the perimeter of their community garden, bending over to pull the nascent weeds growing in the micro-green beds and to pour water over the leaves of budding arugula plants. One man in a straw hat takes a break from the work and leans against the old rusted tiller, parked outside the community garden as a tribute to the bygone days of horse-drawn farming.

The community garden is in the center of the Lake Timber community of Babcock Ranch. The garden is small and bordered with a white picket fence. Open space surrounds the garden plot on all sides; in a few years, it will more than quadruple in size as more people move to Babcock Ranch to put down roots. But for now, the community garden is more than enough. Cilantro, shallots and garlic grow in pillowy black soil. Microgreen arugula and watercress, miniature versions of their parent plants, unfurl in the fall light. This is the routine in Babcock Ranch, the first solar-powered town in America and home to the premier farm-to-table restaurant in the area, Table & Tap.

by Caylee Weintraub

ing building. “Turning on your equipment. Hear the flames on the stove going chu chu chu. And the boys are just cutting the vegetables. Hitting the chop board. It’s like music.”

At the same time the microgreens and vegetables are being plated, well before the sun has fully risen, Lead Cook Micah Tedros is firing up the smoker, braising short rib, turkey, sirloin, and pork.

The Table & Tap kitchen is a gleaming metallic room that comes alive at first light, when the chefs arrive to do meal prep for the upcoming day.

Some of Table & Tap’s most popular dishes begin in the community garden, where fresh microgreens are harvested and transported down Crescent Loop Drive, the main vein of the Babcock community, and into Founder’s Square. The microgreens and herbs are carried past the small water park and the tall solar panel structures designed to look like flowers —curved green poles affixed with photovoltaic panels of petals —that surround the Table & Tap building. The crates of squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and microgreens are carried into the Table & Tap kitchen, a gleaming metallic room that comes alive at first light, when the chefs arrive to do meal prep for the upcoming day.

Like the community garden, Table & Tap is powered by the sun. The energy gathered in the 440-acre solar panel field located a few miles from the main Babcock development is converted to electricity, powering the restaurant’s kitchen, ovens, stovetops, refrigerators. Like electronic chloroplasts, the panels’ photovoltaic cells are charged with the unfailing Florida sun and convert it into the halogen bulbs that fill the restaurant with soft coronal light and power the ice cream shop’s coffee machines, the Slater Market salad bar lights, and the autonomous bus parked on the side of the road.

In the early morning, when the sun is beginning to peak above Babcock Lake, the chef team at Table & Tap rinse the community garden herbs and arrange them over their signature watermelon salads in a bird’s-nest like mass, fold micro kale in between chopped alligator meat and ancient grains in the tabbouleh wrap, or weave the greens vine-like through the restaurant’s signature Babcock Board, watercress sprouts curling at the board’s edges.

“There’s nothing better than walking in [to the kitchen] in the morning,” Executive Chef Julian Cardona tells me as we sit in Woodslea Hall, Table & Tap’s neighbor-

Table & Tap’s beef comes from Harris Ranch, a family owned ranch in Lakeland, 70 miles away. Harris Ranch grows corn and wheat alongside cattle, feeding their herds with their own local-grown food. Three Suns Ranch in Punta Gorda provides the wild boar. Like the vegetables from the community garden, Table & Tap’s meat stays as close to Florida as possible. The shrimp in the Po Boy sandwich is sourced from the Gulf, in local waters. Fried eggs come from a woman named Heather at Sweet Cypress Farms, who sells her chicken’s eggs exclusively to Table & Tap. On my way to Babcock Ranch, I passed a collection of white boxes in open fields, where inside hives of bees were creating the palmetto, blueberry, citrus, and orange blossom honey that is eventually drizzled over the Table & Tap fried goat cheese.

“The food is unbelievable,” Syd Kitson, founder of Babcock Ranch tells me as we sit in his conference room lined with maps of the future of Babcock Ranch. “It just knocks you out. It’s out of this world.”

But when I eat my watermelon salad, the late light streaming through Babcock’s windows, what makes the food remarkable — and it does taste remarkable — is how out of this world it is. The food is “out of this world” because it’s so close to Earth.

Chef Julian Cardona, who is in charge of the food in Table & Tap and Slater’s Market, is quiet when I first meet him. He’s wearing his chef’s whites and is filled with the energy of someone who always has a lot of things to do but not enough time. But when he talks about food, he slows down and his passion eclipses his nervous energy.

“I never thought I’d become a chef,” he says, and smiles. “I started at 16 in a restaurant when my brother Dan got me a busboy job. “Seeing my mother and my grandmother cooking, it was like ‘Wow, I’ll never cook

Executive Chef Julian describes the food as “modern ranch with Southern comfort.”

Table & Tap at dusk

like them.’ The love they put in the food. I strive for that here. That modern ranch with Southern comfort.”

Julian comes from a big family tree. He is the fifth of seven siblings, with four older brothers, one younger sister, and one little ‘big’ brother who is so tall he towers over Julian. He grew up in Puerto Rico before moving to Florida when he was 10. He lived in Mississippi, where he fell in love with Cajun food, flavors which bloom in signature dishes like Pigtail Mac N Cheese and Veggie Jambalaya.

“I get my ideas from my team,” he says, and smiles. “I love all of my dishes. I’ll never get it exactly the same as my grand mother or my mother. But my team is young and I’ve always been told don’t grow up. Our brains as kids have so much power. We have so much creativity; you just have to put it down.”

Julian and his team put ‘creativity down’ in the red deviled eggs pickled in beet juice, the whiskey soaked brioche or the blackened foie gras, the house sauce or the smoked wings.

“Everything you see here is used,” Syd Kitson says, and looks out his office window. Schematics and blueprints of Babcock Designs are hanging on the walls, like the roots of a future city laid bare. “It creates a lot of body heat. It creates a lot of excitement. Table & Tap is a critical part of that. It brings people together.”

The outside of the Table & Tap building is colorful and earth-toned, a combination of exposed wood, light green, coral, and red walls, and a natural stone border on the bottom. A wide open patio dining area overlooks Babcock Lake, and string lights are draped over the outside tables like mechanical vines. A hand painted mural on one side of the outside of the restaurant says ‘Greetings from Babcock Ranch’ in bright bold letters, a permanent postcard.

Inside, the Table & Tap walls are a soft yellow, the color of an early daybreak. Table & Tap is a restaurant made with pleasant straight lines, the neatness of agriculture. There are tables on the Founder’s Square side of the restaurant and halfbooths on the other side, with a spacious bar area in the middle. A video of Syd Kitson and the out-

lined future of Babcock Ranch replays on a television near the hostess stand. There is a wall of dark grey natural stone, subterranean and comforting.

When I walk into the restaurant, I’m seated at a long L-shaped bench, a grove of seats where two parents with their three young children take a break from the heat. The restaurant is an air-conditioned refuge from the humidity and beating sun that powers Babcock Ranch.

I sit with my mother in a half booth/half table and we order the fried goat cheese appetizer. On the dish, I can see the microgreens from the community garden, a bright green bundle on the side of cheese and taste the honey from Wonderful Bees down the road. Though I’ve lived in Florida my entire life, there is something particular about eating food grown in a place I know so well, a feeling of being entirely rooted.

I order the watermelon salad, Kitson’s recommendation, and the pork and pancakes, while my mother orders the Elton melt and fried goat cheese appetizer. The restaurant is quiet and our food comes quickly. As soon as I begin to eat, I understand what Julian meant when he said the food is “modern ranch with Southern comfort.” The sweetness of the pancakes is dis-

tinctly Southern, intensely familiar, but the spices and flavoring of the pork are more exotic. Like the entirety Babcock Ranch and Table & Tap, it’s a new take on an old style: goat cheese with a chunky mango sauce, suburban-looking homes powered entirely by solar panels.

After finishing our food, we walk around Founder’s Square, and it feels like walking into the future. When I see the autonomous bus, parked for the night under the shadow of the solar panel flowers, or when I try to picture the 30,000,000 solar panels Babcock Ranch will have in 10 years, it almost feels like a sci-fi movie, the ones where humans have to relocate to another planet after the destruction of Earth. But then other scenes, like watching two boys no older than 10 bicycling to the lake with their fishing poles on the back of their bikes or sitting with my mother on a bench eating our carrot cake from Table & Tap, feel as natural and organic as possible —as perfectly earth-bound as it gets. •

Table & Tap is located on 42860 Crescent Loop in the Babcock Ranch community in Punta Gorda. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday 11am9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm & Sunday 11am-7pm. For information, call 941-235-6906.

by Carol J. DeFrank

History and science have been merged and are playing nice together. Traveling exhibits have proven successful and the commingling of old and new displays are the norm.

Matthew Johnson, Executive Director of IMAG History & Science Center says, “The initial transition phase of The Museum of History and The Imaginarium has been realized. The new name is two years old and is recognized in the community. It is time to move forward.”

The transfer of ownership from the city of Fort Myers to the Imaginarium Group, a non-profit organization, was finalized in January, 2017. Johnson explains, “We took what amounted to a ‘diamond in the rough’ and began the process of smoothing its edges. IMAG is a fascinating work in progress.

“Blending the two entities provided the opportunity to make some much needed improvements. Fort Myers’ City Council agreed to subsidize the endeavor on a graduated scale. We are now in the last three years of that agreement, receiving only one third of our funding from the city.” IMAG operates on a $1.9 million budget. Earned revenue and grants make up the remainder of yearly income.

After the merger the first thing on the agenda was to clean house. Existing displays were brought out of storage and refurbished. “Any exhibit that it was possible to spruce up and still stay within budget received the attention it needed,” Johnson says, “Now, it’s time to take the museum to the next level. To accomplish this we need to make some capital improvements.”

Visiting guests have steadily increased by 10% annually and those dollars added to the budget help, but not to the degree that’s needed. “We’ve come a long way,” Johnson happily admits, “But to offer the community the best possible experience and accomplish what we want to, we need to expand our footprint and offer more and larger exhibits. These things take money that we don’t have. The Board of Directors agreed that to rectify the situation it’s time to organize a major fundraising campaign.”

An additional building would solve the problem of space. A larger gallery could handle larger traveling exhibits. “We have enough property to grow because IMAG sits on seven acres,” Johnson says.

Future plans also include renovating the present building, adding classrooms, acquiring more stationary exhibits, and refurbishing

more of the present ones. It even includes an outdoor cafe, which Johnson hopes will encourage visitors to stay on campus a little longer.

That’s a big bill to fill and after doing their homework, the Board is thinking in the double digit, million dollar category as their goal. The first phase of the campaign, approaching large donors, is currently in progress. The public phase is expected to kick-off in the next 6-12 months.

Everything that will make IMAG more attractive to visitors is expensive. For example, ‘Be The Astronaut,’ a travel exhibit designed by NASA engineers covers 5000 square foot of the current gallery and normally would cost in the six figures. According to Marketing Director, Richard Smith, to accommodate this exhibit it was necessary to store several smaller exhibits. “It’s simply not possible to keep the portable exhibits and traveling exhibits on the floor at the same time. We don’t have that kind of space.”

By all standards ‘Be the Astronaut’ is a huge success. Students are put in the pilot’s seat of a spaceship and experience a bird’s eye view of real astronaut training through touch screen stations and interactive pods. They learn about the challenges of flying a spaceship to the moon, mars and beyond.

They could also drive a Land Rover, land on the moon, discover the weightlessness of gravity and the dynamics of motion. Artifacts, including original space suits, phographs and diaries complete the adventure. IMAG will have the exhibit until January 12, 2020.

“As for future traveling exhibits, we have to play that by ear.” Johnson says. “This is an important area that will benefit from a successful campaign. Besides being entertaining, the most important reasons for our existence is to teach through a hands-on, fun, experience. In order for exhibits to be relevant, they have to be time sensitive. We can’t afford to build our own exhibits and have them become outdated. We would quickly run out of room and money. By renting them we have the option to continuously offer our guests cutting edge experiences. It also enables a good mix of portable, stationary and traveling exhibits which is important for a well-rounded center.”

Currently, IMAG offers more than 60 hands-on exhibits including petting and feeding stingrays that reside in a tank they co-habitate with sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, sea stars and other sea life. In the living lab visitors of all ages enjoy close encounters with native and non-native animals enjoying their natural habitat. There’s everything from ball pythons, a red footed tortoise and cane toads, to Chinese water dragons, tiger salamanders and a variety of snakes. The tanks that house these creatures was designed and built by IMAG employees.

The ‘Get Tanked’ exhibit, located in the same area

consists of a 3,200 gallon aquarium that is home to a replica of the World War II warship, the USS Mohawk. The original ship now rests 90 feet deep in the Gulf of Mexico as a memorial reef. The tank was built for IMAG by Animal Planet’s Tanked. Over 80 fish are in the same tank. This and many other exhibits include an audio presentation to add interest and bring the history of the event alive.

A vision that instantly mesmerizes visitors of all ages is the ‘Science on a Sphere’ (SOS). This phenomenon was made possible thanks to a sponsorship from Storm Smart and NBC2.

SOS is an interactive global system that uses computers and video projectors to display various earth system scientific data. Visuals are transported onto a six foot diameter sphere that morphs into a giant animated globe. It was developed by researchers at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its purpose is to illustrate the science of earth. Presentations by the IMAG staff brings the information to life. There are several main classifications of material projected onto the globe, such as air, water, land, snow and ice. Each one has several ancillary categories available. IMAG also has the option to develop original content which allows the exhibit to keep up with new data as it becomes available.

“What was really neat,” Smith says, “Was tracking Hurricane Dorian in real time. The staff watched the event approach the United States and thankfully skip by Florida.”

instantly transported back 150 years.

Another favorite stationary exhibit follows the early life of the Calusa Indians who were among the first inhabitants of Southwest, Florida. It depicts how they lived for hundreds of years. There were no roads at that time so they improvised by building a canal from Fort Myers to Miami proving themselves as a self sufficient and sophisticated community of people. Photographs, rafts, masks, bow & arrows, and other artifacts round out the display

Topography takes on a whole new meaning for guests who take part in the hands-on exhibit, ‘Shaping the Watershed.’ With a swish

The new exhibit, ‘Be the Astronaut’ puts visitors in the pilot’s seat of a spaceship and experience real astronaut training through touch screen stations and interactive pods. They learn to drive a Land Rover, land on the moon, and discover weightlessness.

Many of the exhibits relate to local history. In the virtual reality area visitors can visit the original army fort that gave Fort Myers its name. By utilizing a pair of goggles equipped with headphones participants are

of the hand, topography and water flow is changed through an interactive, augmented, reality sandbox. It’s an engaging display that demonstrates how buildings, housing, and

other man made structures can interfere and change the natural flow of water thus changing earths topography. As Florida continues trying to find solutions to its water issues this is a useful, educational tool.

IMAG has something to offer all ages. There is a separate room for three-year-olds and younger, as well as a variety of outdoor programs, including field trips, summer camps, and others designed for the home schooled population.

All of this is accomplished with a staff of 16 and some dedicated volunteers who help with camps, weekend programs, sponsorships, membership, and docents. “I don’t know what I would do without this wonderful group of people,” Johnson says. “The future is full of possibilities for IMAG. Our vision is to broaden perspectives, inspire learning, and bring history and science to life. I think we are accomplishing that, one sep at a time.” •

IMAGHistory & Science Center is located at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers’ Historic River District. It is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm & Saturday 12-5pm. For information, call 243-0043

IMAG offers more than 60 hands-on exhibits including petting and feeding stingrays, close encounters with native and non-native animals, from ball pythons and cane toads to Chinese water dragons, tiger salamanders and a variety of snakes.

InHerBlood

by Jason MacNeil

Over the course of her career, singer-songwriter Allison Moorer has had her share of critical successes. Yet throughout albums such as her 1998 debut Alabama Song , 2002’s Miss Fortune and 2015’s Down To Believing, Moorer’s artistic highs have been tinged with a sadness rooted in her upbringing.

This year, Moorer decided to address that early tragedy directly in a no-holdsbarred, stellar, page-turning account entitled Blood (A Memoir). The 300-page book details her life before, during and after an August 1986 day in Mobile, Alabama which saw Moorer’s father shoot and kill her mother before turning the gun on himself. Moorer was just 14 years old at the time.

Over three decades later, the singer, 47, said the timing for recounting the unimaginable event was appropriate.

“Now was the right time because I had the distance, perspective, maturity, empathy, willingness to look at what happened unflinchingly, and understanding that I needed to do such a thing,” Moorer says, regarding the book, just released on Da Capo Press.

Unflinchingly might be the understatement of the year. Throughout the book Moorer details the slowly deteriorating situation between her parents while she and her sister Shelby Lynn Moorer (better known as singer-songwriter, Shelby Lynne) tried to cope as best they could. “We were children just trying to get through our days, as everyone does, adapting to this or that, constantly adjusting ourselves to the current state,” Moorer writes in Blood.

As far as penning the book, Moorer says the writing process was arduous at the best of times. She also says a select few in her inner circle read it before it hit store shelves.

“Writing is hard,” she says. “Don’t let anyone tell you different. And writing about your own life might be the hardest thing to do in an honest way. There were a lot of stops and starts during the process of writing Blood. I didn’t know what I was doing when I started. I still may not know.

“Shelby was the first family member to read it after it was finished. Only my first cousins have read it otherwise. I haven’t been handing out copies. I don’t know that most of my extended family will want to read it. We’ll see.”

The singer used vivid imagery throughout the memoir’s arc, including using autopsy reports from both parent’s to tie together the horrid events. Sprinkled through the narrative are the poignant snapshots of growing up in a dysfunctional home along with photographs and memories. Perhaps the greatest achievement is the fact Moorer wrote the book and then took it to publishers to gauge interest.

“What is between the covers is mostly how I turned it in,” she says. “There was some editing and cutting, but not much. Regarding pressure, I’ve never experienced that in a harsher way than I do myself. I didn’t sign a deal for Blood until after it was finished so I could avoid that very thing.”

Without going into details Moorer said she made peace or came to terms with some things that transpired during her childhood. One tear-inducing segment entitled ‘What Happens When You Hit Your Daughter’ painfully shares the mental and emotional trials and tribulations an abused child experiences while growing up with such scars.

“It is my utmost hope that this book can be of help and service in the world,” When asked if she sees Blood as positive, Moorer says, “If someone has come from an abusive situation, I hope they find common ground in it. Art is not only a mirror, it also is what makes the world bearable because it makes us feel less alone when an artist can express a common experience in a way in which we can see ourselves.”

In addition to the book Moorer also found the time and strength to create an accompanying studio album of the same name. The album, also recently released. was never in the plans for Moorer on commencing the book.

“I didn’t decide to make the record until after the book was finished,” she says. “It just made sense to make one.”

The album, too, is a fine piece of work which touches on her childhood. One track, ‘I’m The One To Blame,’ was actually penned by her late father, Vernon Franklin Moorer. Moorer’s sister, Shelby Lynne would later write the music for the lyrics which appear in Blood

Despite the content Moorer said getting through these songs in the vocal booth of a studio wasn’t difficult at all.

“It was a release and it was fun and an honor to get to make this record,” Moorer says. “I don’t take that I still get to make music for granted.”

The record, which also features finely crafted gems such as ‘The Rock and The Hill’ and ‘All I Wanted (Thanks Anyway),’ was produced by Kenny Greenberg, who Moorer describes as “my brother-inarms” both inside and outside the recording studio. “He knows me so well musically, sometimes better than I know myself, and fills me up with confidence that I can do anything,” she says. ‘And he’s a true badass, a master musician, and a great guy.”

Another standout from the album is ‘Nightlight,’ about my relationship with my sister and a reflection of one facet of our lives when we were little girls,” Moorer says. “Once I knew I’d made the recording the best it could be, I didn’t have a problem saying it was finished.”

With the book launch and album launch within days of each other Moorer has a very busy 2019 and 2020 lined up. In addition to a series of intimate discussions regarding the book in select American cities in October and November she’s touring in 2020.

“I cannot wait to get out on the road and see what people have to say about this book and these songs,” Moorer says. “I’ve not been on a proper solo tour for ages, so I’m very excited about it. I hope some folks turn up!” •

“Writing is hard. Don’t let anyone tell you different. And writing about your own life might be the hardest thing to do in an honest way.”

“I believe jazz helps foster your fundamental skills on your instrument, it broadens your musical pallet and how you view other types of music.”

an interview by Andrew Elias

RANDONRobertson is Director of Jazz Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music and the Arts, teaching classes in both jazz and chamber music, as well as double-bass, and is also Director of the FGCU Basketball band. He plays bass in a variety of jazz combos performing regularly throughout Southwest Florida, including appearing Thursday nights at The Barrel Room in downtown Fort Myers with trumpeter Dan Miller and saxophonist Lew Del Gatto.

Robertson attended Florida State University College of Music, studying jazz and classical music, and receiving his BA in Music Performance and MM in Jazz Studies. During his time at Florida State, he played bass with the FSU Philharmonic, University Symphony Orchestra, FSU Jazz Ensemble & Combo, FSU Salsa Florida, and the FSU Blues Lab.

Brandon has appeared with the likes of Marcus Roberts, Jason Marsalis, Marcus Printup, Nick Finzer, Dan Miller, and the Count Basie Orchestra, among other jazz artists, and has recorded with the Zack Bartholomew Trio.

Robertson was nominated for a Suncoast Regional Emmy Award in 2018 for Best Documentary on a Collegiate Program for his film about the FGCU Jazz Ensemble.

He recently released his debut solo album, Bass’d On a True Story (SLAMMIN MEDIA) to widespread acclaim. The album is a musical biography featuring 10 original compositions written over the last 14 years, music that reflects important developments in his personal life as well as his career as a musician.

I asked Robertson a few questions about his music and his life.

ANDREW: The title of your debut album is Bass'd on a True Story. Can you explain?

ROBERTSON: The title of the album came about when I started to piece the record together. I realized that all the songs were a time capsule of events that occurred throughout my career. I wanted the audience to take a musical biographical journey with me to see the growth and the inspiration I’ve gained as a professional musician over a 12-plus year span.

How did you choose which tunes to record and then which to include on the album?

So, this was a very thought-out process. I actually cut four songs off the record because they simply didn’t flow with the way the album was shaping. I wanted to include certain songs like ‘Majestic Nights’ and ‘Phat Friday’ because those two are the oldest of the eight originals. I didn’t want to sit on those two songs for too much longer, so they had to be recorded.

Other songs like ‘Better Days Will Come,’ almost didn’t make the record because it was the only song that was completely left from the other tracks. However, after having my team listen to all the songs I wrote and recorded, that one was the one that everyone said, “Add this to your record!” because it gives such a different vibe to it. Also, probably because it has vocals on it as well. The majority of the record is in a chronological set up.

Who were some of your earliest influences and inspirations as a musician in general and a bassist in particular?

Some of my earlier inspirations of music came from Motown musicians like Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Jackson 5. My grandparents constantly played those recordings around me, so I had groove already instilled in me at an early age. Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan were also huge influences on me as a kid. I grew up listening to

guys like Bootsy Collins, James Jamerson, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius in terms of bass players.

In terms of Jazz, I didn’t start really listening to jazz until I got to high school, my freshman year. My band teacher gave me a copy of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue and told me, “If you want to learn how to play jazz on bass learn how to play like Paul Chambers. Study this record and learn his bass notes”. That’s exactly what I did, and I credit Paul Chambers as being my biggest inspiration on bass because of his soloing concepts and just his overall tone and feel on the bass. Christian McBride and Ray Brown are also some of my biggest influences as well.

You spent some time in New Orleans. How did that time effect you as a musician and as a person?

Wow. I was so young so my perception of New Orleans would be much different now than it was back in 2005 when I first went there. During that time, I was 19 years old and had only left Florida once, so it was more of a culture shock for me. The amount of history and the people were just so different than what I was accustomed to. The music was so different because I had never been to a place where there’s a band playing on every corner. It was hard to escape the sounds of music in New Orleans. I think going to New Orleans helped me not be afraid to travel the world and be open to other cultures and music.

You have recorded and performed in a variety of ensembles from small combos to large orchestras. What are the differing roles for a bassist in bands of different sizes?

The roles are the same… Hold it down! I look at it like this: If I get a call to play a country gig, I need to know how to lay the foundation down for the band. If I play a funk gig, I need to make sure I lay down the groove to make the band feel good. If I play in an orchestra, I need to make sure I am being precise in what I play and how I play it.

The bass player’s role is to: 1. Play innovative bass lines to make the band feel good; 2. Support the band rhythmically and harmonically; and 3. Don’t get in the way!

Obviously, the bassist has to adjust to their settings, but from my experiences, everyone always tells me that they enjoy bass players that can be a bass player and nothing more than that (in terms of being a side man).

You were a member of the popular Floridabased Zach Bartholomew Trio for years, recording an album and performing at the Governor's inauguration. What did you learn from your experiences with Bartholomew?

Zach is more than a bandmate to me. He is a long-life brother and I will forever be in debt to him for all the knowledge he has taught me. Zach and I have known each other since we were 16 years old — we met in jazz camp at FSU and we have grown together as friends and musicians. One thing that Zach was good at was how to be a great band leader. I learned a lot watching him book gigs, set up rehearsals, book tours, put together branding packages for

the band, all these things he did without anyone’s help and he did them with perfection.

I also learned how to work with people that I may have disagreements with. Zach has always maintained a professional stance. I credit him a lot for teaching me how to be professional at all times.

As Director of Jazz Studies at FGCU, what do you tell your students about what the key to playing jazz is?

One simple answer: Listen! That’s it! There’s more, but I stress this way more than anything else to my students. If they don’t listen they won’t know how the music is supposed to be played.

As a professor you teach both jazz and chamber music. What are the similarities and what are the differences to how a musician approaches each?

Jazz ensemble is more about unity. The students need to learn how to trust each other and really listen to what’s going on around them. I teach them the two ‘B’s of jazz: Balance and Blend. I learned this while playing in the Count Basie Orchestra. It was something that Basie himself strived in his music. That being said, the student’s approach this from an “all for one and one for all” mindset.

However, with chamber music it falls solely on the individual to know their part and know their role to accommodate the group. Each student now has not only their part to worry about, but how do they musically make this fit with other people I’ve never played with before.

I usually encourage my students to come to The Barrel Room so they can see an actual professional band do this on the spot. Both are valuable teachings, but the students usually can differentiate both.

About your regular gig Thursday nights at The Barrel Room performing with trumpeter Dan

Miller and saxophonist Lou Del Gatto... What is in your repertoire and how has the reaction been from audiences?

Our repertoire is straight ahead bebop, mainly music from the 1940s & 1950s. Occasionally, we’ll throw in some Latin charts, funk charts, but mainly straight ahead 1950’ jazz.

The audience loves it! We play whatever we want how we want to play it and the audience usually responds to these situations because it always changes week after week. You just never know who Dan or Lew will invite to come sit in and play with us.

Who is currently making music that you enjoy?

I’m really digging this Benny Barack III album, One of a Kind. Also, I’ve been listening to the new Miles Davis unreleased album, Rubberband. I also enjoy the Corcoran Holt (New York City bassist) album, The Mecca and my buddy Jamison Ross’ album All for One Jazz is unfortunately too often sidelined in the music business and mass media as an 'acquired taste' or only for an almost cult-like audience — not even included in the televised Grammy Awards show. How would you explain what makes jazz special to people unfamiliar with or even averse to the genre?

Believe it or not, jazz is the only form of American Music that will never die. It has already exceeded a century. Jazz has existed for 119 years now. So what if the Grammys don’t televise the winners, or if people think jazz is old music. What is failed to be realize is that people are hearing jazz every day in different contexts they just don’t know it. I read this article about Branford Marsalis addressing this same topic and he mentioned a story about his encounter with Art Blakey one night on a gig. Long story short: Blakey told a very young Marsalis that guys like George Gershwin don’t need you to ‘hip’ their music. It was already hip. He learned that jazz musicians sometime over saturate the beauty of the simplicity in a melody. So, the audience will tune out the ‘white noise’ because it’s too complex in the moment.

What makes jazz special in those ‘ahhhhh... moments’ is when the audience starts to get it they can feel included in the music. I always try my best to educate the audiences at my gigs so that they’re informed. A lot of it has to do with us not taking the time to educate the audience and bringing them into our world.

You are an advocate for music education. Why is it important for young musicians to learn about jazz?

I believe jazz helps foster your fundamental skills on your instrument, it broadens your musical pallet and how you view other types of music, and it’s the first form of American music so it’s very important we preserve this genre and not let it become a lost art form. This is why I hire younger players and students, to give them the opportunity to keep performing this music and pass it on to the next generation. •

For information about Brandon Robertson’s album, Bass’d On a True Story and local performances, visit www.brandonrobertsonmusic.com.

The Biggest Little Killer

an interview by Andrew Elias

IN THE MOSQUITO: A HUMAN HISTORYof Our Deadliest Predator (DUTTON) author Timothy Winegard tells the story of what he calls our deadliest predator. There are roughly 110 trillion mosquitoes and they carry more than 15 lethal diseases. Winegard is a professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, teaching classes in Western civilization, American history and indigenous studies.

The book explores the impact of mosquitoes on culture, war, religion, language, the environment, and even how it has changed our DNA, and offers new and surprising perspectives on historical events. According to Winegard, the mosquito is responsible for the death of 52 billion people, which is more than all wars in history combined.

A combination of wellresearched incredible scientific facts and enthusiastic, imaginative narrative, ‘The Mosquito’ is a fascinating and important book, both educational and entertaining.

I spoke with Winegard recently by telephone.

•

ANDREW: You say we are at war with the mosquito. How do you think we are doing?

TIMOTHY WINEGARD:As a paramount killer across our human existence, we’ve kind of had some ups and downs and we’ve won a few of the battles, specifically after the second World War, which gave us DDT, which was a miraculous mosquito killer and slashed malaria rates across the planet and eliminated malaria from numerous countries including the United States, with the last domestic case in 1951.

So, we’ve had some victories with certain battles, but of course the mosquito, depending on the species, took anywhere from 2-20 years to become immune to DDT. So again, except for certain front line weapons, the mosquito remains the biggest killer of humanity to this day. So, we’re definitely losing the war.

Now, in a modern aspect, it’s a double-edged sword. Since 2000, we’re seeing global malaria rates be reduced annually thanks in part to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the work of other organizations, but we’re also seeing an emergence of other mosquito-

borne diseases which aren’t necessarily prolific killers like malaria, but still a major concern, which includes Dengue, which is making a huge comeback, chikungunya, West Nile Fever, and then recently in Michigan, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, as well.

You approach the book as a historian rather than a scientist. Why did you choose to explore this subject? And how being a historian affected how you chose to tell this story.

I’m not an entomologist, biologist or a doctor of tropical medicine, so that’s why I approached it as an historian and looked at it that way. Certainly, there is some science in the first few chapters of the book and the last few chapters dealing with CRISPR and gene editing, but I basically looked at the sheer number of casualties this tiny animal has inflicted on humanity across our existence. I was looking at the historical implications of the mosquito and more specifically mosquitoborn illness and the trajectory of human history. We see across our history that the mosquito has decided the outcome of wars and economies and pivotal events in history dating back to ancient Rome up to present day. So I looked at the impact the mosquito has had on history. The book is a history book not a science book.

You posit that the mosquito was integral to the collapse of civilizations and the defeat of armies. Can you give one or two examples?

The American Revolution is a good example. During the beginning of the war we see the British initiate a northern strategy with a northern campaign trying to drive General Washington to a decisive battle in the north. General Clinton, the British commander, was very frustrated that he couldn’t have a decisive battle in the north so he switched the overall British grand strategy to a southern campaign in 1780 and into the final years of the war. So, he inserted General Cornwallis into the Carolinas and assembled one of the biggest British forces up to that time and most of these soldiers come from Northern England and Scotland, so they were not seasoned to malaria (they hadn’t had pre-exposure to it), whereas the colonists had been exposed to their own American

“The book is a history book not a science book.”

“Cornwallis later said that he didn’t surrender from anything the enemy did, but rather from malaria fevers.”

malaria. So malaria began to tap into the capabilities of Cornwallis’ forces almost immediately and throughout the Carolinas.

He repeatedly said in his correspondences that he was trying to find a haven from the malaria fevers in the Carolinas. By that time he was forced to hold up in Yorktown by General Clinton, against General Cornwallis’ better judgment and opinions, because his forces had already been severely affected by malaria occupying such a swampy mosquitoinfested territory as home base. When the Americans and French seized Yorktown, it was prime mosquito territory because it was a swamp. It was also the right time of the year, late summer into early fall, which is pinnacle mosquito time, and malaria absolutely shreds Cornwallis’ forces in Yorktown. Cornwallis later said that he didn’t surrender from anything the enemy did, but rather from malaria fevers. He wrote that he was left with only about 35% of his troops able to stand to post when he surrendered. The rest were dead, dying or sick with malaria.

It was interesting to learn about how the mosquito impacted slavery in the United States. Can you elaborate?

Given that the birthplace of both human beings and malaria is Africa, over time, because of cataclysmic rates of malaria in Africa, natural selection would promote certain mutations, which offer a natural genetic, or hereditary shield. For example dengue and sickle cell anemia offer some immunity to falciparum malaria, by far the most lethal of the malaria. So Africans, especially from west central Africa, would possess some genetic or hereditary resistance to malaria, considering

the catastrophic genocidal effects in Africa in our early existence.

Also yellow fever, the virus, which is again ancestral to Africa — if you survived it you were immune to it, so a lot of Africans would have had immunity to Yellow Fever, having survived it in Africa. Indigenous people, after being in contact with the virus, were dying in droves from mosquito-borne illnesses as were Europeans in the plantations of the colonies and in the Caribbean, whereas Africans seemed to survive the mosquito-born disease onslaught in the colonies because of genetic shields and prior exposure. So they became profitable because they could survive on these plantations when plantations with indigenous peoples and European indentured servants were dying off.

You say the mosquito is not a danger itself, but rather because it acts as a host and as a transmitter of diseases. Can you explain briefly?

The mosquito itself untethered from one of the more than 15 pathogens is harmless. Only females bite. They need the blood of humans and other animals they bite to simply mature and grow their eggs. So you still get bitten and a little itchy welt from their anti-coagulant, but “no harm, no foul.” But it is the pathogens that are transmitted, essentially getting a free ride through her bite, that are essentially the killers, not the mosquito itself. But without the mosquito these pathogens would not be able to be transmitted to humans or a host of other animals.

Why is it so difficult combating mosquitoes?

I think just like any other animal includ-

ing ourselves they want to survive and are pre-hard-wired to procreate and carry on the existence of the species, so they can adapt very quickly to our best front line weapons, like DDT. But also these diseases themselves, these pathogens also want to survive and reproduce so they adapt very quickly. The malaria plasmodium is a great example of that; it is able to adapt so quickly to our front line drugs that malaria becomes immune to these drugs very quickly.

What is the most surprising thing you learned while researching the book?

I think just how pervasive the mosquito has been and all the mosquito-borne diseases have been across our history, and there’s so little of human history that has not been touched in some way, shape or form by the mosquito. And that the mosquito is a universal animal, except for Antarctica, Iceland and a handful of tiny Pacific Islands.

How is climate change having an effect on the mosquito and our battle against it?

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so they’re temperature-dependent, so the warmer the temperatures are the longer their life cycle is and the longer their breeding season is, so you have longer mosquito seasons for one. And two, the mosquito species that previously were primarily confined to the tropics or warmer areas are creeping both north and south from the equator and into higher altitudes, so it is a concern because what we’re seeing are the mosquitoes that are transmitters are expanding their range and with them the mosquitoborne diseases, which we are seeing right now. In the last 5-10 years we’re seeing domestic cases, not traveler cases, of Dengue, Chika and Zika in the United States, specifically Florida and Texas.

Your book is going to be fascinating and scary to my readers in southwest Florida.

Yes, Florida is one of the primary battlegrounds right now for mosquito-borne disease since it’s warm weather, so Florida is one of the places of most concern for sure. •

“What we’re seeing are the mosquitoes that are transmitters are expanding their range and with them the mosquito-borne diseases.”

Americana Community Music Association

CONCERTSAT

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

2756 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-691-4069

www.americanacma.org

ACMA Listening Room is located at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers. Each show has a local songwriter open for a touring headliner. Shows are in a listening room so the audience can enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs. Americana Artists are generally acoustic singer songwriters. Because the ACMA is not for profit run by music loving volunteers, shows are only $15. The ACMA also offers many other opportunities to showcase our local songwriters.

SCHEDULE

NOV 8: Bill Mize, Danny Anderson

NOV 16: Joe Jencks, Dan Philgreen

NOV 23: Aaron Burdett, Thomas Earl

DEC 7: Kraig Kenning, Ross Jordan

JAN 4: Roy Schneider & The Reckless Saints, Pearl Street Band

JAN 11: Malcolm Holcombe, Roy Schneider

JAN 17: Kyshona

JAN 25: Lara Herscovitch, The Dunn Deal

FEB 1: Billy Kemp, Bill Burkert

FEB 8: Lipbone Redding, Joe Virga

FEB 16: Muriel Anderson, Ricky Martin/RPM2

FEB 22: Max Hatt & Edna Glass, Pete Benson

FEB 25: Claudia Schmidt, Smokey Daytona Band

MAR 7: Woody Russell Trio, Silvia & Pete Popravak

MAR 14: Richard Smith, Mike McMillan

MAR 21: Daniel Boling, Elizabeth Lockhart

MAR 27: Bill & Kate Isles, Joyce Knake

APR 4: Roy Bookbinder, Bill Metts

APR 11: Jennings & Keller, Amber Crowley

APR 18: Joe Shain, Vill Steel

APR 25: 5J Barrow, Millie Van Horn (SONGWRITERSAT SUNSETLOVERS KEY STATE PARK)

JAN 2: JRobert & Brent Moyer

FEB 6: Charlie McCoy, Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield

MAR 5: The Pearl Street Band

APR 2: Chakulla (SONGWRITERSAT CAPTIVA LIBRARY)

JAN 29: Bill Metts, David Hintz

FEB 5: Daniel Anderson, Joe Virga

MAR 4: Robert Bidney, Ray Cerbone (SONGWRITERSAT SOUTH COUNTRY LIBRARY - ESTERO)

JAN 11: Glen Sabatka, David Stanley, Christine Scholtus

FEB 8: Houseboat Jim, Elizabeth Lockhart, Ross Jordan

MAR 14: Bill Burkert, Bruce Gallant, Mille VanHorn

APR 11: Pete & Silva Popravak, Pete Bensen, Dan Philgreen Songwriters on the Plaza (FORT MYERS LIBRARY, FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT):

NOV 12, DEC 10, JAN 14, FEB 11,

MAR 20, APR 14

Asolo Repertory Theatre

5555 N Tamiami Trail • Sarasota 941-351-8000 asolorep.org

Asolo Repertory Theatre is one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few theatres in the nation that performs in rotating repertory, Asolo Rep presents up to

10 productions each season including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. Asolo Rep performs in the Mertz Theatre, located at Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, adjacent to the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.

SCHEDULE

NOV 16-DEC 28:The Sound of Music

JAN 10-MAR 8: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

JAN 24-MAR 19: The Lifespan of a Fact

FEB 14-MAR 21: Into the Breeches!

MAR 20-APR 11:The Great Leap (COOK THEATRE)

APR 10-25: Knoxville

MAY 15-31: Hood

JUN 12-28: Snow White

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

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

broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm is Southwest Florida's Premier Dinner Theatre currently in their 27th Season. The theatre features the best of Broadway, combining your favorite shows of the past along with the most recent musical hit sensations. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes and a live orchestra. Also check out the Off Broadway Palm, Broadway Palm Children's Theatre, Special Engagements and the Annual Concert Series.

BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE

THRU NOV 16:Finding Neverland

NOV 21-DEC 25: Sounds of Christmas

DEC 29-FEB 8: Grumpy Old Men

FEB 13-APR 4:Kinky Boots

APR 9-MAY 16:Something Rotten

MAY 21-JUN 20: Swing!

JUN 25-AUG 8:The Sound of Music

0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R T E & T H E A

S E

OFF BROADWAY PALM THEATRE

Thru Nov 2: Dames at Sea

Nov 14-Dec 25: A Christmas CarolA Live Radio Play

JAN 9-FEB 22:Weekend Comedy

FEB 27-APR 19: Always a Bridesmaid

JUN 4-JUL 26:Love, Sex, and the IRS

BROADWAY PALM CHILDREN’S THEATRE SELECTEDMATINEES

THRU NOV 15: Charlotte’s Web

NOV 29-DEC 24: The Elves and the Shoemaker

APR 17-MAY 15:Robin Hood - The Musical

MAY 29-JUN 19: The True Story of the Little Pigs

CONCERTS

JAN 26 & 27:Piano Man - Generations

FEB 3:Dwight Icenhower’s Tribute to the King

FEB 23 & 24:One of These NightsA Tribute to The Eagles

MAR 8 & 9:Not Fade Away - Buddy Holly

MAR 22 & 23:December ’63 - The Tribute to The Jersey Boys

NOV 7: The Everly Brothers Experience

NOV 8:Staged Readings

NOV 9:Adrian Legg

NOV 14: Open Mic Bonita!

NOV 15: Iron Butterfly

NOV 16: The Steepwater Band

NOV 23: The Official Blues Brothers Revue

NOV 30: Eirinn Abu & Manny LopezSounds of the Season

DEC 1: Musical Moments - Holiday Potpourri

DEC 7: One Too Many

DEC 13: Funny Shorts Live!

DEC 19-21: Magic Tree HouseA Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.

JAN 4: Brandon Robertson Quintet

JAN 5: Musical Moments - EuroTour

JAN 10: Staged Readings

JAN 11: Villalobos Brothers

JAN 25: Appalachian Road Show

JAN 30: That Golden Girls ShowA Puppet Parody

FEB 1: Live from Laurel Canyon

FEB 2: Musical Moments - The Great American Songbook

FEB 4: Gulfshore Opera Cabaret

FEB 6: Open Mic Bonita!

FEB 7: The Kruger Brothers

FEB 8: America's Sweethearts

FEB 14: Just for LaguhsComedy Variety Show

FEB 15: Dan Miller -Lew Del Gatto Quintet

FEB 16: Paul Thorn

FEB 21-23: Tuck Everlasting

FEB 27: Derina Harvey Band

MAR 1: Love is a Rose

MAR 5: One Woman Sex & the City

MAR 7: Collision of Rhythm

MAR 8: Musical Moments - Decade of Rebellion 60's

Centers for the Arts

Bonita Springs

Center for the Performing Arts

10150 Bonita Beach Rd. • Bonita Springs

239-495-8989

artcenterbonita.org

Live! at the Centers offers a variety of entertainments for all ages – musical, theatrical, dance and comedic throughout the year. Refreshments are available at all performances.

SCHEDULE

NOV 1: Murder & Mayhem: Live at the Cabaret

NOV 3:Musical Moments SeriesRock Around the Clock

MAR 14: The Weight Band

MAR 19: Darrell Scott

MAR 20-22: Stage It! - 10 Minute Play Festival

MAR 26:Patchouli & Terra Guitara

MAR 28:Operation Opera

APR 3: Gulfshore Tenors

APR 4: Ronnie Baker Brooks

APR 5: Musical Moments - Go for Baroque

APR 9: Tab Benoit

APR 11: Southwest Florida Poetry Slam

APR 16:Blue Highway Band

APR 17-19: All The King's Women

APR 24: Child's Play Cabaret

APR 25: Shanna Tucker

MAY 2: Miwa Matreyek

MAY 3: Musical Moments - Paul Renata Rozmus Band

MAY 8: Just for LaughsComedy Variety Show

MAY 9:Terry Barber & Grace TribThe Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

MAY 15-17:James & the Giant Peach Jr

The Circus Arts Conservatory

Circus Sarasota

Ulla Searing Big Top

Nathan Benderson Park • SARASOTA

BEHIND UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER

Sailor Circus

Sailor Circus Arena

2075 Bahia Vista St. • Sarasota

BOX OFFICE: 941-355-9805 circusarts.org

The Circus Arts Conservatory’s Circus Sarasota presents world-class performances in a onering, European-style Big Top, and are acclaimed around the globe for their artistry and entertainment. The Sailor Circus Academy is the nation’s longest running youth circus presenting two shows annually featuring amazing youth performers showcasing their circus artistry.

SAILOR CIRCUS

SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

DEC 27-30:High Flying Holidays

JAN 19: Windjammers Performance (FREE) (TRADITIONAL CIRCUS MUSIC CONCERT)

APR 9-11 & 16-19:Spring Performances

CIRCUS SARASOTA

FEB 7-MAR 1:Circus Sarasota 2020

JUN 16-AUG 9: Summer Circus Spectacular

CIRQUE DES VOIX

MAR 20-22:Circus of the Voices (HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER, THE RINGLING, 5555 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL, SARASOTA)

S W F L E O N G U I D C I S M U

A S

Florida Gulf Coast University

Bower School of Music & the Arts

Theatre Program

TheatreLab • Arts Complex • FGCU

10501 FGCU Blvd. S. • Fort Myers

239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/theatrelab

The Theatre Program at the Bower School of Music & the Arts offers a dynamic balance of theory and application as well as real-world training in the whole craft of theatre: performance, technology, theory, and criticism. All productions take place in the TheatreLab in the Arts Complex at FGCU.

SCHEDULE

OCT 25-NOV 3: Mystery Cycles

DEC 6-8: Water Stories

FEB 14-23: The Importance of Being Earnest

APR 17-26: Charlotte’s Web

Music Program

U. Tobe Recital Hall • Music Bldg. • FGCU

10501 FGCU Blvd. S. • Fort Myers 239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/concerts

The Bower School of Music seeks to prepare professionals for service in music education, music therapy, and in music performance and pedagogy, while furnishing cultural enrichment for the southwest Florida community and beyond.

CON CERTS

NOV 5:Anthony Offerle, baritone

NOV 12: String Chamber Ensembles *

NOV 14: Michael Baron & Priscila Navarro, PIANODUO

NOV 17:Jazz Ensemble *

NOV 19: Percussion Chamber Ensembles *

NOV 20:Wind Chamber Ensembles *

NOV 21:Symphonic Band (ESTERO HS)*

DEC 3: Choir & Symphony OrchestraJoyful & Triumphant (MOORINGS

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NAPLES) *

DEC 7: Wind Orchestra(ESTERO HS) *

DEC 8: Dimitri Ashkenazy, CLARINET

JAN 23: Steven Scheschareg, BARITONE

FEB 6: Symphonic Band Concert (ESTERO HS) *

FEB 9: Jazz Ensemble *

FEB 13: Heather Engebretson, SOPRANO

FEB 16:Symphony Orchestra *

FEB 20: Composition Concert *

FEB 21: Baumer String Quartet

FEB 23: Chamber & Women’s Chorus (FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NAPLES)*

FEB 27:Wind Orchestra(ESTERO HS)*

MAR 14: Kevin Chance & Eun-Hee Park, PIANODUO

MAR 19: Wind Orchestra (VILLAGE CHURCH AT SHELL POINT, FT MYERS)*

MAR 20: Confluence - Musical Traditions of India

MAR 28: Vocal Area Recital - Songs of Spring *

MAR 29:Kevin Kenner, PIANO

APR 2: String Chamber Ensembles *

APR 5: Kyle Szabo, VIOLIN & Michael Baron, PIANO

APR 9: Wind Chamber Ensembles *

APR 15: Percussion Chamber Ensembles *

APR 19: Choir & Symphony Orchestra - Haydn’s The Creation (FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHOF BONITA SPRINGS)*

APR 20: Symphonic Band (ESTERO HS)*

APR 23: Wind Orchestra (ESTERO HS)*

APR 24: Chamber Choir (BOWER CHAPEL, NAPLES)*

APR 26: Jazz Ensemble *

APR 27: Piano Ensemble * (* FREE)

Florida Repertory Theatre

2268 Bay St, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 floridarep.org

Professional, Equity Theatre located in the

heart of Downtown Fort Myers. Florida Rep puts on a variety of live comedies, dramas, musicals, and new works every year in the Historic Arcade Theatre and ArtStage Studio Theatre.

SCHEDULE

THRU NOV 20: A Fox on the Fairway (ARCADE THEATRE)

THRU NOV 24: Always… Patsy Cline (ARTSTAGE STUDIO THEATRE)

DEC 6-22: An Inspector Calls (ARCADE THEATRE)

DEC 20-JAN 26: Alabaster (ARTSTAGE STUDIO THEATRE)

JAN 10-29: Barefoot in the Park (ARCADE THEATRE)

FEB 14-MAR 4:A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (ARCADE THEATRE)

FEB 28-MAR 29: Every Brilliant Thing (ARTSTAGE STUDIO THEATRE)

MAR 20-APR 8: A Doll’s House, Part 2 (ARCADE THEATRE)

APR 24-MAY 10:Ripcord (Arcade Theatre)

Florida SouthWestern State College

8099 College Pkwy. • Fort Myers

Music Program: 239-432-5203

Theater Program: 239-433-6973 arts@fsw.edu

Florida SouthWestern State College presents an outstanding schedule of theatre and musical performances for the 2019-20 season. Musical programs feature band, jazz and rock n’ roll performances by faculty, students and local music professionals. All music concerts are free of charge, and the general public is invited to attend. The theatre season begins November 7 with seven performances of Anton Chekhov’s The Sea Gull directed by Stuart Brown in the FSW Black Box Theatre, Building L, on the Lee Campus. Tickets are $5 for FSW students and

0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 R T E & T H E A

$10 for non-FSW students. Check website for details on Spring 2020 concerts and theater.

CON CERTS

NOV 4: Flute Choir recital (RUSH ATRIUM)

NOV 18: Concert Band (B.B. MANN PAH)

NOV 20:Rock Ensemble(RUSH AUDITORIUM)

NOV 21: Jazz Ensemble (B.B. MANN PAH)

DEC 3: Orchestra/Choir (B.B. MANN PAH) THEATER (FSW BLACK BOX THEATRE, BUILDING L)

NOV 7-10 & 14-16: The Sea Gull

S E

FEB 9: Edison Festival of Light Concert (ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, FT. MYERS)

FEB 16:Music in Transition - Mastersingers Chamber Choir (EDISON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, FT. MYERS)

MAR 1:Beethoven 9th SymphonyWITH Gulf Coast Symphony (BB MANN PAH)

APR 3: Celebrating BeethovenWITH Mastersingers Festival Orchestra (FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAPE CORAL)

APR 5:Celebrating BeethovenWITH Mastersingers Festival Orchestra (FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BONITA)

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

6900 Daniels Pkwy. • Fort Myers 239-288-2535

mastersingersfm.com

The three ensembles singing under the Mastersingers brand, the 80-voice adult chorus, the chamber chorus, and the City of Palms Youth Choir, enter their 19th season with a full lineup of concerts at a variety of venues throughout Southwest Florida. Under the leadership of new Artistic Director Shannon Arnold, the entire organization is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the choral art form.

CON CERTS

NOV 10: Shall We Dance Fundraiser (M&N DANCE STUDIO, FT. MYERS)

NOV 17:Music in Transition -

Mastersingers Chamber Chorus (SANIBEL CONGREGATIONAL UCC)

DEC 1:Readings and Carols

DEC 5:City of Ft. Myers Christmas Tree

Lighting (DAVIS ART CENTER)

DEC 8:Deck the Halls - WITH Gulf Coast Symphony and the City of Palms

Youth Choir (BB MANN PAH)

DEC: 15:Christmas on Sanibel (SANIBEL COMMUNITY CHURCH)

JAN 19:Music in Transition - Mastersingers

Chamber Chorus (UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCHOF FT MYERS)

Gulf Coast Harmonizers

MEETSAT

Lake Presbyterian Church

8620 Cypress Lakes Drive • Fort Myers 855-425-3631

gulfcoastharmonizers.org

Cape Coral Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is an organization of men dedicated to the preservation and promotion of four-part a cappella harmony sung in the barbershop style, and is committed to musical excellence, passionate about community service, and brotherhood. The Gulf Coast Harmonizers welcomes men of all ages, backgrounds, and professions who love to sing and promote goodwill to all people through music and service.

SCHEDULE

NOV 16:Fall Extravaganza Concert (FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAPE CORAL)

FEB 12-14: Singing Valentines Chorus Quartets

MAR 28 & 29: Annual Spring Concert (CYPRESS LAKES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FT. MYERS)

Gulf Coast Symphony

PERFORMANCESAT

Barbara B. Mann

Performing Arts Hall

13350 FSW Pkwy. • Fort Myers 239-277-1700

BOX OFFICE: 239-481-4849

gulfcoastsymphony.org

The Gulf Coast Symphony, led by Maestro Andrew M. Kurtz, one of the most dynamic and innovative community orchestras in the United States, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Recognized for its high-quality symphonic performances, its history of active community engagement and commitment to arts education, the primary goal of the Gulf Coast Symphony is to Create Community through Music.

CON CERTS

NOV 16:Dvorak Symphony 8

DEC 8: Deck the Halls holiday concert

DEC 21: The Nutcracker - WITH Gulfshore Ballet

JAN 31: To Whitney with LoveWITH LaKisha Jones

FEB 2:Symphony at Sunset (CONCERTAT TASTE OFTHE CAPE, TARPON PT MARINA, CAPE CORAL)

FEB 9:Gershwin Reimagined25th Anniversary Celebration

MAR 1: Beethoven at 250

MAR 7: An Evening of Stephen Sondheim & Andrew Lloyd Webber

MAR 28: The Music Man

APR 9: Coppelia - WITH Gulfshore Ballet

MAY 9: Verdi's Rigoletto

Gulfshore Opera

OFFICE: 3281 Golden Gate Blvd. W. • Naples 239-529-3925

gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Opera is SWFL’s professional opera production company serving Collier, Lee and

A S S W F L E O N G U I D C I S M U

Charlotte Counties. GO enriches the community by presenting accessible high quality opera theater, classical vocal music and promoting community well-being through musical education programs such as the Harmony Choir youth development program.

SCHEDULE

NOV 8:The Gulfshore Tenors(ST. LEO PARISH LIFE CENTER, BONITA SPRINGS)

NOV 9: The Gulfshore Tenors (MILITARY HERITAGE MUSEUM’S GULF THEATER, PUNTA GORDA)

DEC 5:Holiday Taste of Opera (THE CLUBAT THE STRAND, NAPLES)

DEC 7: Christmas WITH the Gulfshore Tenors (CULTURAL CENTER THEATER, PORT CHARLOTTE)

DEC 8: Christmas WITH Gulfshore Opera Tenors (NAPLES ART, NAPLES)

DEC 27 & 28: Amahl and the Night Visitors (ST. LEO PARISH LIFE CENTER, BONITA SPRINGS)

DEC 29: Amahl and the Night Visitors (CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, PUNTA GORDA)

JAN 17: Passionate Puccini (FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PUNTA GORDA)

JAN 18: Passionate Puccini (ROSE HISTORY AUDITORIUM, MARCO ISLAND)

JAN 23: Passionate Puccini (ARTIS—NAPLES, NAPLES)

JAN 25: Gulfshore Opera Cabaret WITH Jazz Trio (SANIBEL COMMUNITY HOUSE)

JAN 30: Taste of Opera (COLONY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, BONITA SPRINGS)

JAN 31: Gulfshore Opera Cabaret (NAPLES ART)

FEB 1: Gulfshore Opera Cabaret WITH Jazz Trio (ISLES YACHT CLUB, PUNTA GORDA)

FEB 8: Passionate Puccini (SANIBEL CONGREGATIONAL UCC)

FEB 9: Opera Goes to Church (NORTH NAPLES CHURCH)

FEB 12: Taste of Opera (CHARLOTTE HARBOR YACHT CLUB, PORT CHARLOTTE)

FEB 16: Gulfshore Opera Annual Gala (FIRST PRESBYTERIAN, BONITA SPRINGS & THE CLUBAT THE STRAND, NAPLES)

FEB 27: Taste of Opera (HIDEAWAY BEACH CLUB, MARCO ISLAND)

MAR 5: Style & Song Luncheon(GREY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB, NAPLES)

MAR 13:La Boheme (CHARLOTTE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, PUNTA GORDA)

MAR 18: La Boheme(BB MANN PAH, FT. MYERS)

Lee County Community Band

CONCERTSAT

Cape Coral High School Auditorium, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd. • Cape Coral 239-454-6430

leecountyband.org

The legendary Lee County Community Band, formed in 1885, is a non-profit group that performs monthly, fun-filled, free concerts from November-April. Programs reflect the band’s reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, spirited marches, Dixieland, patriotic tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, and a sing-along. Concerts are free (donations welcome), at 3pm.

CON CERTS

NOV 10, DEC 8, JAN 12, FEB 9, MAR 8, APR 19

Marco Island Center for the Arts

1010 Winterberry Drive • Marco Island 239-394-4221 marcoislandart.org

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Marco Island Center for the Arts is the preeminent advocate and center for the arts for Marco Island,

Goodland & the surrounding area. Musical Interludes is an early evening concert program highlighting local and international singers and musicians from a variety of different genres.

CON CERTS

NOV 14:Bryan Dubrow Jazz Trio

JAN 21: Ben Rosenblum, JAZZPIANO

FEB 9: Glenn Roth, FINGERSTYLEGUITARIST

FEB 12:Peter & Will Anderson Jazz Trio

MAR 19:Ashley Pezzotti, JAZZVOCALIST

APR 22: Rebecca Richardson & Dan Heck Jazz Quartet

Murder Mystery Dinner Train

2805 Colonial Blvd. • Fort Myers 275-8487 semgulf.com

All aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train for a Unique Dining Experience. Enjoy a freshly prepared five course dinner as a murder mystery play unfolds during a 3-hour train ride. Hotel Package Deals and Holiday Events throughout the year. Performances Wednesday-Sunday all year, plus holidays & special events.

SCHEDULE

THRU NOV 23:Viva Las Killer

THRU NOV 28: Murder Wrap

NOV 29-DEC 24: The White Christmas Killer

DEC 23-MAR 8: In the Dead of Noir (NO DEC 24 & 25 SHOWS)

Jan 24-Apr 18: Sing Me a Murder

Mar 11-May 17: Dead and Deader

APR 24-JUN 27:Trained for Deception

MAY 20-JUL 26: The Murder Must Go On

JUL 3-SEP 5: Murder Without a Clue

JUL 29-OCT 4: Take This Death and Shove It

SEP 11-NOV 21: Murder Beyond Belief

OCT 7-NOV 26:Don't Cry For Me

NOV 27-DEC 24: Second Death to the Right and Straight onto Murder

R T E & T H E A

tain our community through a superior theatre experience. We are a premiere community theatre, seeking to inspire passion for the performing arts through life-long opportunities to participate in vibrant theatrical experiences.

SCHEDULE

THRU NOV 27: Escanaba in Da Moonlight (TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE)

NOV 27-DEC 22:She Loves Me (BLACKBURN HALL)

Naples Community Orchestra

CONCERTSAT

Moorings Presbyterian Church

791 Harbour Drive • Naples 676-0077

naplescommunityorchestra.org

Naples Community Orchestra is entering its 27th season of bringing SW Florida audiences exceptional performances at an affordable cost. Each concert features an internationally acclaimed soloist. Participating in the orchestra provides exciting opportunities for students and accomplished local musicians to learn from and perform with professionals.

CON CERTS

JAN 17 & 18:Pops & Time-Honored Melodies

WITH Jessica Grove, VOCALS & Jodie DeSalvo, PIANO

FEB 7 & 8: Brahms & Mozart

WITH Bixby Kennedy, CLARINET

MAR 13 & 14: Tributeto Beethoven

WITH Dror Biran, PIANO

APR 17 & 18:Brahms & Mozart Revisted

WITH Stella Chen, VIOLIN

The Naples Players

Sugden Community Theatre

701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239.434.7340

BOX OFFICE: 239.263-7990

naplesplayers.org

The Naples Players, Naples' oldest and premiere theatre in Naples celebrating its 66th season, continually seeks to enrich, educate, and enter-

JAN 15-FEB 9: Making God Laugh (BLACKBURN HALL)

FEB 5-MAR 1: Silent Sky (TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE)

MAR 4-APR 5: Bye Bye Birdie (BLACKBURN HALL)

APR 1-26: Becky's New Car (TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE)

APR 29-MAY 24:Calendar Girls (BLACKBURN HALL)

Opera Naples

PERFORMANCESAT

Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Ave. • Naples 239-963-9050 operanaples.org

Opera Naples brings the best in professional operatic entertainment to the Southwest coast, producing three operas yearly, two in Arts— Naples’ Hayes Hall and one at the Wang Opera Center. Productions feature international casts, the Naples Philharmonic, and the Opera Naples chorus. Ramón Tebar, Music Director; Timothy Todd Simmons, Executive Director.

OPERAS

DEC 11 & 12: Puccini’s 'La Bohème' (ARTIS–NAPLES)

JAN 24 & 25:Derrick Wang’s 'Scalia/Ginsburg' AND Gilbert & Sullivan’s 'Trial By Jury'

APR 29 & 30: Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni' (ARTIS–NAPLES)

OPERASTARSCONCERTS

NOV 15:Jennifer Rowley, SOPRANO WITH Ramón Tebar, PIANO

FEB 16:Issachah Savage, TENOR WITH Ramón Tebar, PIANO CHAMBERMUSICCONCERTS

JAN 28: Itamar Zorman, VIOLIN WITH Dr. Catherine Lan, PIANO

MAR 25:Antonio Meneses, CELLO & Paul Galbraith, GUITAR

APR 9: Piano Trio of Sung, Kim & Lin

JAZZ & BLUESCONCERTS

DEC 21: Bob Zottola & Jazz Simpatico WITH Michelle Amato

SJAN 11: Dan Miller-Lew Del Gato QuintetMusic of Cole Porter

FEB 15: Dan Heck Dream Quartet - Music of the Giants of Jazz Guitar

MAR 11:String Theory Plus

APR 18: Naples Composers for Naples Performers

MAY 16: Student/Teacher Fest

SPECIALEVENT

FEB 16: A Mardi Gras Masque - The Gala for Opera Naples (LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF RESORT)

Players Circle Theatre

AT THE Shell Factory

16554 N. Cleveland Ave. • North Fort Myers 239-800-3292

playerscircle.org

Players Circle Theatre is Lee County’s Newest Professional Theatre. Located at the iconic roadside attraction, the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, Players Circle is theatrical excellence. We are committed to doing a wide variety of theatre from Broadway’s hottest new plays to classic comedies and dramas to original musical revues.

SCHEDULE

DEC 3-22:Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show

JAN 7-FEB 2:The Dining Room

FEB 11-MAR 8: Laughter on the 23rd Floor

MAR 17-APR 12:Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

APR 21-MAY 17: Miracle on South Division Street

A S S W F L E O N G U I D C I S M U

Performing Arts Series is filled with an impressive array of talented artists and dynamic performances. Along with three distinct musical series, Shell Point also puts the skills of resident artists and artisans on center stage through its Fine Arts Series. There’s no doubt, this season offers something for everyone!

CON CERTS

NOV 12: Chamber Music with a Twist

NOV 25: The Four Italian Tenors

Sanibel Music Festival

CONCERTSAT

Sanibel Congregational Church

2050 Periwinkle Way • Sanibel

239-344-7025

sanibelmusicfestival.org

Sanibel Music Festival celebrates its 34th season in March 2020 with a 7-concert series featuring popular retired Boston Symphony Orchestra harpist Ann Hobson Pilot, the awardwinning chamber music ensemble Emerson String Quartet, and more. Selected Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7:30pm. Intimate venue with excellent acoustics, parking and accessibility.

CON CERTS

MAR 3:Manhattan Chamber Players

MAR 7: Rolston String Quartet

MAR 10:Boston Chamber Society

WITH Ann Hobson Pilot, HARP

MAR 14: 2020 National Chopin Piano

Competition Winner

MAR 21: Gould Trio WITH Robert Plane, CLARINET

MAR 24: Opera Theater of Connecticut Singing

Andrew Lloyd Webber Superstar

MAR 28: Emerson String Quartet

Shell Point Retirement Community

15101 Shell Point Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-454-2067

shellpoint.org/concerts

The Shell Point 2019-2020 Fine and

DEC 3: Duo Beaux Arts

DEC 13: Holiday Pops Concert: Christmas in Paradise

JAN 2: Peter & Will Anderson Jazz Trio

JAN 16: Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute

JAN 23: Stradi-Various

FEB 12:Penning & Langford

FEB 27: Embraceable You: The Music of George Gershwin

MAR 5: The Queen’s Cartoonists

MAR 19: Florida Gulf Coast University Wind Orchestra

MAR 25: Peter Bergin, Ragtime Pianist

APR 2: Transfigured Night

The Studio Players

SHOWSAT

Joan Jenks Auditorium

Golden Gate Community Center 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. • Naples 239-389-9192

thestudioplayers.org

The Studio Players was founded in 2011 to provide a highly creative environment in which professional artists and artists-in-training are encouraged and welcomed to broaden their craft through new and established works. We're seeking to explore more alternative and contemporary plays along with more established pieces. The Studio Players is a non-profit organization.

SCHEDULE

NOV 15-DEC 1:An Evening of One Act Plays

FEB 7-MAR 1:Cat On a Hot Tin Roof

APR 10-26: The Waverly Gallery

Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida

239-560-5695

symphonicchorale.org

Southwest Florida’s only professional-core community chorus, the Symphonic Chorale under the leadership of Dr. Trent Brown produces and performs several concerts throughout Southwest Florida each season and hosts the area’s only Community Choral Fe st ival, Sing Out! SWFL in February. It r egularly collaborates with other professional arts ensembles such as symphonies and opera companies.

CON CERTS

NOV 17: Mozart Coronation Mass & Bruckner Te Deum (FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAPE CORAL)

FEB 1:Symphonic Chorale Soiree FUNDRAISER (THE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB, FT. MYERS)

FEB 22:Sing Out Festival Concert (FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CAPE CORAL) (FREE)

MAR 29:Before the Morning WatchCelebration of British Composers Memorial Concert (MOORINGS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NAPLES) (FREE) MAY 7-9:Beethoven’s 9th

WITH Naples Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus (ARTIS-NAPLES)

theatre in the region's most intimate venue. Offering an unmatched proximity to the performers and a bold, artistic fearlessness, Urbanite Theatre provides one of the most unique professional theatregoing experiences in Florida.

SCHEDULE

NOV 8-DEC 15: The Thanksgiving Play

JAN 10-FEB 16:Sender

MAR 13-APR 19: The Feast

TheatreZone

PERFORMANCESAT

G & L Theatre

Community School of Naples

13275 Livingston Rd. • Naples 888-966-3352

theatre.zone

TheatreZone is marking its fifteenth year as an Equity professional theatre company presenting Broadway shows, concerts and special events. All performances take place in the intimate G&L Theatre, located on The Community School of Naples campus, one block north of Pine Ridge Road at 13275 Livingston Road in Naples, Florida.

SHOWS

JAN 9-19: Wonderful Town

FEB 6-16: Tonya & Nancy - The Rock Opera

MAR 5-15: Gypsy

APR 16-26:I Love My Wife

CON CERTS

DEC 13-15:Home for the Holidays

JAN 14:Beyond the Lights - Discovering Sammy Davis Jr

FEB 18: The Mersey Beatles - Four Lads from Liverpool

FEB 20:Judy & Liza at the Palladium

Urbanite Theatre

1487 2nd St. • Sarasota 941-321-1397

urbanitetheatre.com

Urbanite Theatre produces daring contemporary

Venice Theatre

140 Tampa Ave. W. • Venice 941-488-1115

venicetheatre.org

Located just an hour north of Fort Myers, Venice Theatre is the second largest community theatre in the country and host of aactWORLDFEST, scheduled this season for June 22-27, 2020!

Venice Theatre's 70th Anniversary Season features a variety of musicals, comedies, dramas, and concerts, including 'Mamma Mia!,' 'A Christmas Carol,' 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Menopause The Musical,' 'Hamlet,' and more!

SCHEDULE

NOV 1-17:Good People

NOV 10 & 11: Florida Bee Gees

NOV 25: All About Soul - Tribute to Billy Joel

NOV 29-DEC 22: Assisted Living the MusicalThe Home for the Holidays

DEC 1 & 2:The Ultimate Tribute to the KingDwight Icenhower

DEC 13-21:A Christmas Carol

DEC 21 & 22: The Sounds of ChristmasDitchfield Family Singers

DEC 29-31: The Capitol Steps

JAN 10-FEB 2: Menopause the Musical

JAN 10-26: Gulf View Drive

JAN 12 & 13: Tusk - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

JAN 19 & 20: Let’s Hang On! Frankie Valli Tribute Show

JAN 26 & 27: Herman’s Hermits - Peter Noone

FEB 3 & 4: Buddy Returns!

FEB 7-MAR 8: Yard Sale - A Musical About Junk

FEB 21-MAR 22:Guys and Dolls

FEB 23 & 24: Rocket Man - Elton John Tribute

MAR 1 & 2:Back Home Again - Tribute to John Denver

MAR 8-10: The Capitol Steps

MAR 14: The Sounds of Harry James & the Andrews Sisters

MAR 15 & 16: The Ultimate Tribute to the King - Dwight Icenhower

MAR 27-APR 19: Hamlet

APR 17-MAY 3: Chicago

MAY 1-17: Blackbird

MAY 15-24: Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

Voices of Naples

5200 Crayton Rd. • Naples (239) 455-2582

voicesofnaples.org

Voices of Naples is a seasonal community chorus that performs throughout Southwest Florida. Repertoire ranges from classical to jazz, comic to pop. Proceeds from concerts fund performances and the scholarship program for graduating high school seniors intending to study vocal music at the college level.

CON CERTS

NOV 24: 17th Annual Sing-Along Messiah (NAPLES UNITED CHURCHOF CHRIST)

DEC 3: Home for the Holidays (EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NAPLES)

DEC 5: Chapel by the Sea Christmas Concert (CHAPELBYTHE SEA, FT. MYERS)

FEB 23: Singing for Scholarships

(NAPLES UNITED CHURCHOF CHRIST)

MAR 22: Voices of Naples on Broadway (ST. LEO'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, BONITA SPRINGS)

Nov 1 FRIDAY

•American Indian Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids activities, food. Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-902-1113.

•Art Reception: Art League of Fort Myers, 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free.

275-3970.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 337-5050.

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

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, inside Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 590-8645.

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

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at severalgalleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 337-5050.

•DJ Memphis on Air: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Murder & Mayhem: Youth Players cabaret. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

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

•Ricky Reyes: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Rusty & Laurie Wright: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

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

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

•Shell Point Artists & Artisans Holiday Bazaar: Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-2p. Free. 454-2067.

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Scene to be Seen Runway Art Show: Fundraiser for Naples Art. Wearable art show, music, cocktails, after-party FlexJet terminal, Naples Municipal Airport, 300 Freedom Way, Naples. 6:30-10:30p. 262-6517.

•Trashion Fashion Show: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7p. 333-1933.

2

Fifth Ave S, Naples. 12-2p. Free. 262-6525.

3

SATURDAY

•American Indian Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids activities, food. Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundart Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-902-1113.

•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. ParkSt, downtown Naples. 10a-4p. Free.262-6517.

•BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 603-6535.

•Betty Fox: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Bluegrass Concert: Bands tba. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 939-2787.

•Dueling Pianos: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

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

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

•Ricky Reyes: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Ranger: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Shell Point Artists & Artisans Holiday Bazaar: Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-2p. Free. 454-2067.

•Swamp Buggy Birhday Bash: Naples Depot Museum, 1051

SUNDAY

•Alice Cooper: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Bring chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Music in the Garden: Reckless Saints. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 12-2p. 643-7275.

•Musical Moments - Rock Around the Clock: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians: Beginning with Beethoven. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

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

•Sanibel Blues & Jazz Festival: Matt Schofield, Sean Chambers, Marty Stokes Band, Johnny Jensen. Bailey’s General Store Center Backyard, 2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-7p. 472-0836.

4 MONDAY

•FSW Flute Choir: recital. Rush Library Atrium, FSW, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 7-9p. Free. 481-4849.

•Independent Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort

Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.

5 TUESDAY

•Anthony Offerie: Baritone recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

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

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 2823232.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Cirque at the Movies.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Toast to Opera: La Boheme preview discussion. Opera Naples. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 4p. 963-9050.

6 WEDNESDAY

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions,exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way,Naples. 5-8p. Free. 289-5070.

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

•Clare Liparulo: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811

Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

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

•Florida Rep Q & A: Florida Rep members. Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•Lecture: SWFL’s Most Notorious Inhabitants. Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•Lecture: Water Quality & the History of the Caloosahatchee. Cape Coral Library, 921 SW 39th Ter, Cape Coral. 10a. Free. 479-4636.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Cirque at the Movies.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

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

•Orchid Evening: After-hours lighted viewing, live music, food, wine, beer. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. 6-9p. 941-366-5731.

•RC Smith – Harry Chapin Food Bank Fundraiser: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

•Way Will Open: Particpate in creating a mural. Davis Art

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

whatGoeson

The Gulfshore Opera performs with The Gulfshore Tenors on November 8 at the St. Leo Parish Life Center in Bonita Springs. For information, call 529-3925.

Nick Offerman performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers on December 6. Call 481-4849 for information.

what Goes on

Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 1p. Free. 333-1933.

•Ikebana Meeting & Workshop: Naples Botanical Garden, FGCU Research Center, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999.

7

THURSDAY

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

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral.57p. Free. 772-5657.

•Bonita Springs Short Film Festival Gala & Awards

Ceremony: Prado Stadium Theater, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Bonita Springs. 6p. 992-0128.

•Clare Liparulo: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. Free. 471-2777.

•Coconut Festival: Live entertainment, carnival rides, kids activities, food. Sun Spash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-10p. Free. 573-3128.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10:30p. 333-2225.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Cirque at the Movies.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

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

•Pride & Patriotism: Concert tribute to veterans. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Rondell Sheridan: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•The Everly Brothers

Experience: Tribute concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

8

•Bonita Springs Short Film Festival ‘Under 16’ Awards

Ceremony: Prado Stadium Theater, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Bonita Springs. 6p. 992-0128.

•Cimafunk: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs.

7p. 245-9910.

•Coconut Festival Coco Country Night: Live music, fireworks, carnival rides, kids activities, food. Sun Spash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 5p-12a, fireworks

9:30p. 573-3128.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, illusionist Lance Gifford, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers.

5-11p.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar bears: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero.

7:30p. 948-7825.

•Friday Night Concert: The Ex-Bachelors. Miromar Outets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd/Miromar Outlets Blvd, Estero. 6-9p. Free. 948-3766.

•Gabe Stillman Band: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral.

8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Gulfshore Tenors: Gulfshore Opera St. Leo Parish Life Center, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 529-3925.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Wading Bird Colonies & the Impact of Hurricanes. Rookery Bay Research Reserve Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. Register. 530-5940.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Cirque at the Movies.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Rock for Equality: Love Your Rebellion live rock & hip-hop music fundraiser w Cobress, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, Nervous Girls, Deadlink Clique, XNVIX, Billie Rose, Lion Muhammad, Chase Rhymes, more. Palace Pub & Wine Bar, 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy and No 3 Craft Brews & Beer Bar, 1319 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. 8p-12a. 682-0942.

•Rondell Sheridan: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Sheena Brook: Concert. Naples Beach Brewery, 4120 Enterprise Ave, Naples. 7p. 304-8795.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Ft Myers Library, 1651 Lee St, meeting rm CD, Ft Myers. 6-8p. 533-4636.

•Staged Readings: Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Walker Hayes: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p12a. 985-9839.

•Wilder Sons: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos

Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30. Free. 603-6535.

9

SATURDAY

•Adrian Legg: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts

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

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

•Americana Community Music Association: Bill Mize, Danny Anderson concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Arts On Tap: Local craft beer, wine & music festival fundraiser. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 939-2787.

•Between Bluffs: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Chris Kattan & Friends: Comedy. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 6:30 & 8:30p. 245-9910.

•Coconut Festival Coco Rock Night: Live music, fireworks, carnival rides, kids activities, food. Sun Spash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 12p-12a. 573-3128.

•Concert Honoring Veterans: Lindsey Graham. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 11:30a-1:30p. Free.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, illusionist Lance Gifford, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

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

•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

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

•High Tide: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

10

SUNDAY

•Coconut Festival Family Day: Live music, carnival rides, kids activities, food. Sun Spash Festival Grounds, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 12-10p. 573-3128.

•Dedication & Grand Opening: Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 3-5p. 263-9200.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

•Florida Bee Gees!: Bee Gees tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Shall We Dance concert fundraiser.

M&N Dance Studio, 12450 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 2p. 560-9512.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers.

10a-2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Lee County Community Band: Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, CapeCoral. 3p. Free. 454-6430.

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

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 2p. 481-4849.

11

MONDAY

•Bee Gees Now!: Bee Gees tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 2 & 8p. 941-488-1115.

•Naples Big Band: Concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7p. Free. 272-5298.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert w guests. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2p. Free. 270-1221

•Stand-Up Comedy: Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Chamber Music with a Twist: Concert & discussion. Shell Point, Grand Cypress rm, TheWoodlands, 14441 Woodsong Ln, Ft Myers.7p. 454-2067.

•FGCU String Chamber Ensembles Concert: U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Bob Williams, Mike McMillan, Bill Steel, Clark Johnson. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

13

WEDNESDAY

•Art Reception: New ‘Ding’ Darling Studio Exhibit. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a. Free. 472-1100.

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Jimmt Keys: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Nobel Prize Winner Dr Terry Root: Climate change lecture. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 1p. Free. 333-1933.

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

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

14

FRIDAY

•Beach n ’ Brews: Outdoor concert & food trucks fundraiser. Lovers Key State Park gazebo, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 6-9p. 463-4588.

•Ben Clifford: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Black Maria Flm Festival: Award-winning films screened outdoors. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. Bring lawn chairs. 334-7419.

•Mike Imbasciani: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:3011:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Cirque at the Movies. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900.

•Rondell Sheridan: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•SWFL Symphony: Interstellar Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L,

12

TUESDAY

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

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

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: Monthly meeting w guest speaker (military historians). Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 2:30p. Free. 772-7037.

THURSDAY

•Alex Ortiz: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Art Reception: Naples Art, 585 Park St S, Naples. 5:30-7:30p. 262-6517.

•Art Reception: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30-7p. Free. 530-5977.

•Bryan Dubrow Jazz Trio: Concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 394-4221.

•Comedy Night: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8-10p. Free. 471-2777.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10:30p. 333-2225.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits,

Cobress are one of many rock and hip hop artists performing at the Rock for Equality concert fundraiser on November 8 at Palace Pub & Wine Bar and No. 3 Craft Brew & Beer Bar in Cape Coral. Call 682-0942 for information.

dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free.692-8436.

•Jamie & Kim: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Kevin James: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Michael Baron & Priscill Navarro: Piano recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Naples Philharmonic: Symphonic Dances.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Open Mic Bonita!: Songwriters, poets, playwrights, comedians, rappers, performance artists Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

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

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

FRIDAY

•Alex Ortiz: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Chalk Festival: Art performance & exhibits, live music, kids activities. Venice Airport & Airport Fairgrounds, 675 Airport Ave E, Venice. 8a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers.

5-11p.

•FGCU Senior Capstone Concert: U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers.

7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

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

•Jennifer Rowley: Soprano w Ramon Tebar, piano. Opera Naples concert. Wang Opera Center,2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 7:30p. 963-9050.

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

•Naples Philharmonic: Symphonic Dances.ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Paul Allodi: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Pavement Music Festival: Outdoor live music. Venice Airport Fairgrounds, 610 Airport Ave E, Venice. 10a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•Ricky Reinoso: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

•Rocketman: Elton John Tribute concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 7p, concert 8p. 333-1933.

•Sean Chambers: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Straight No Chaser: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Tyler Stryker: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 603-6535.

•Brother Love: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Chalk Festival: Art performance & exhibits, live music, kids activities.. Venice Airport & Airport Fairgrounds, 675 Airport Ave E, Venice. 8a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•Classic Car Show: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-2p. Register. 530-5977.

•Dvorak Symphony 8: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

Airport Ave E, Venice. 10a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•Ruben Studdard Sings

Luther Vandross: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 245-9910.

•SAP Trio: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•The Sea Gull: Play. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 8p. 481-4849.

•The Steepwater Band: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

17

•Pavement Music Festival: Outdoor live music. Venice Airport Fairgrounds, 610 Airport Ave E, Venice. 10a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•Songwriter Sunday Brunch: Heart Attack Guns, Mountain Holler. Remedies Parlor, 2541 Thompson St, Ft Myers

12-2p. Free. 682-0942.

•SWFL Concert Band: Salute to Veterans. Unitarian Universalist Church, 3411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

18

SUNDAY

•Art Reception & Gallery Talk: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. 1-3:30p. Free. 463-3909.

•Chalk Festival: Art performance & exhibits, live music, kids activities. Venice Airport & Airport Fairgrounds, 675 Airport Ave E, Venice. 8a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•ETC Readers Theater: Opposites Attract. Naples Players. Tobye Studio, Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 263-7990.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, illusionist Lance Gifford, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble Concert: U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

MONDAY

•Chalk Festival: Art performance & exhibits, live music, kids activities. Venice Airport & Airport Fairgrounds, 675 Airport Ave E, Venice. 8a-6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

•FSW Concert Band: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, FtMyers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Pavement Music Festival: Outdoor live music. Venice Airport Fairgrounds, 610 Airport Ave E, Venice. 10a6p. Free. 941-488-8877.

19 TUESDAY

•FGCU Percussion Chamber Ensembles Concert: U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

20 WEDNESDAY

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

•Open Mic Night: Poetry & spoken word. BIG ARTS Strauss Theater,2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

•Lecture: How Artwork Relates to the Principles of Creation. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 1p. Free. 333-1933.

21

THURSDAY

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

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10:30p. 333-2225.

•Dean Napolitano: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Deb & The Dynamics: Blues band. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

•FGCU Symphonic Band Concert - Joyful & Triumphant: Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero. 4 & 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Boat Show: Centennial Park & Yacht Basin, W 1st St & Carson St, Ft Myers riverfront. 10a-6p. 656-7083.

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

•Alex Ortiz: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233. 16

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, illusionist Lance Gifford, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

SATURDAY

•Americana Community Music Association: Joe Jencks, Dan Philgreen concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions,exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way,Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 289-5070.

•Arts for ACT Gala & Fine Art Auction: Fundraiser reception, auction, live music, dancing. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-10p. Rsvp. 939-2553.

•Five Finger Death Punch, Three Days Grace, Bad Wolves: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 6:30p. 948-7825.

•Gulf Coast Harmonizers: Fall Extravaganza concert w Cypress Lake High School acappella chorus & Sweet Adeline quartet. Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 2p. 855-425-3631.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Authors Tim Jordan & Joanna Salapska-Gelleri guest speakers. Seven Lakes Community, 1965 Seven Lakes Blvd., Ft Myers. 10a12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Nostaljah: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 603-6535.

•Pavement Music Festival: Outdoor live music. Venice Airport Fairgrounds, 610

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Music in Transition, Sanibel UCC Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 3p. Free. 560-9512.

•Gary & Kerri: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 3p. Free. 282-3232.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Mozart & Bruckner: Symphonic Chorale of SWFL concert. Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 4p. 560-5695.

•Music in the Garden: Bugtussle Ramblers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians: Lash & Debussy. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

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

•Brian Aldridge: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Carla Cook: Jazz concert with Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchetsra. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•FGCU Wind Chamber

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

•Florida Rep Q & A: Florida Rep members. South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•FSW Rock Ensemble: Concert.Rush Library Auditorium, FSW, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 481-4849.

•John Oates with the Good Road Band: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 245-9910.

•Lecture: Birds of SWFL. Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•FSW Jazz Ensemble: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, FtMyers. 7:30p. Free. 481-4849.

•Jory Lyle: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. Free. 471-2777.

•Lecture: Fierce PeopleSWFL’s Most Notorious Inhabitants. Museum of the Everglades,105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

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

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Debra ButlerWomen in Art. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

22

FRIDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500.

•Dean Napolitano: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College

Chamber Music with a Twist perform at the Shell Point retirement community in Fort Myers on November 12. For information, call 454-2067.

what Goes on

Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 5-11p.

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

•Fort Myers Boat Show: Centennial Park & Yacht Basin, W 1st St & Carson St, Ft Myers riverfront. 10a-6p. 656-7083.

•Friday Night Concert: The Echo Band. Miromar Outets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd/ Miromar Outlets Blvd, Estero. 6-9p. Free. 948-3766.

•Jenny Ve: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Michael Carbonaro: Magician. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

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

•Paula Poundstone: Comedy. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

•Rhythm on the River: Outdoor Peace at Woodstock concert & cocktails. Edison & Ford Winter Estates riverfront, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. Bring lawn chairs. 334-7419.

•Sheena Brook: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

23

Heathens w Panache. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-11p. 693-7111.

•Brian Leneschmid Trio: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Brother Love: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Dean Napolitano: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

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

•Fort Myers Boat Show: Centennial Park & Yacht Basin, W 1st St & Carson St, Ft Myers riverfront. 10a-6p. 656-7083.

•Garden Festival: Family festival, entertainment, food, kids crafts, petting zoo. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-5p. Free. 334-7419.

•High Tide: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

•Kyle Anne: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 603-6535.

•Official Blues Brothers Revue: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Sheena Brook: Concert. Riptide Brewing, 987-3rd Ave N, Naples. 7p. 2286533.

•Soulixer: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

SATURDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500.

•Americana Community

Music Association: Aaron Burdett, Thomas Earl concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Art Reception & Hokiday

Book Signing: Exhibit, book signing, meet Clyde Butcher. Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave S, Venice. 10a-4p. Free. 941-486-0811.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Terry Hanck, Liz Mandeville, Tommy Lee Cook & The

•SW Florida-Con: Comic book & pop culture convention. Celebrities, live entertainment, demos, vendors, kids’ activities, food. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-6p. 236-8189.

•Tellabration: Storytelling by Tamiami Tale Tellers. Lakes Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•Tommy Barr: Live music. South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

•24-Hour Playwriting Project: 20 minute one-act plays written in 24 hours. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 218-0481.

SUNDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors.

Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

•Fair at Fenway South: Pirates of the Caribbean Show, animals, rides. JetBlue Stadium, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Ft Myers. 1-11p.

•Fort Myers Boat Show: Centennial Park & Yacht Basin, W 1st St & Carson St, Ft Myers riverfront. 10a-5p. 656-7083.

•Garden Festival: Family festival, entertainment, food, kids crafts, petting zoo. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-5p. Free. 334-7419.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a2p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber

Musicians: Beethoven & Schubert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 36p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Sing-Along Messiah: Voices of Naples sing-along concert. Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 3p. 455-2582.

•The Fab Four: Beatles tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•All About Soul: Billy Joel tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open Mic Night: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

•Red Carpet Opening Night: She Loves Me preshow party, music, cocktails, food. The Naples Players. Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:307:30p. 263-7990.

•Relentless Fire: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8-11p. Free. 471-2777.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

28 THURSDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

25 MONDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

•The Four Italian Tenors: Concert. Shell Point, Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 454-2067.

26 TUESDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

•Florida Rep Q&A: Florida Rep members. Ft Myers Library, 2450 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 479-4636.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 2823232.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber

Musicians: Beethoven & Schubert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

27

WEDNESDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music

•Mystery Science Theater

3000 Live: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

•Soulixer: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

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

•Thanksgiving Family MidDay Celebration: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 12 & 5:30p. 2758487.

•The Reality: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

30

•Chris Cope: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 710:30p. 333-2225.

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

•Thanksgiving Family MidDay Celebration: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 12 & 5:30p. 2758487.

29 FRIDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a5p. 454-7500.

•BarTunes: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

•Chris Cope: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Holiday Nights Opening Celebration & Tree Lighting: Holiday lights throughout grounds & gardens, holiday decorations in homes, special tours, presentations, Santa & Mrs Claus. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p, tree lighting 6p. 334-7419.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 2823232.

SATURDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a6p. 454-7500.

•Art Reception & Artist Talk: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. Free. 939-2787.

•Chris Cope: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Comedy Night: Stage 2 Improv. Holiday Show. Tobye Studio,Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 8p. 263-7990.

•Eirinn Abu & Manny LopezSounds of the Season: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Not Guilty: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Riverside: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Tony Bennett: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

Dec 1

SUNDAY

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a6p. 454-7500.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Readings & Carols concert w City of Palms Youth Choir. New Hope Presbyterian Church,

Off Broadway Palm dinner theatre in Fort Myers presents ‘Finding Neverland’ thru November 16. For information, call 278-4422.

10051 Planatantion Rd, Ft Myers. 3p. 560-9512.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Music in the Garden: Patchouli & Terra Guitarra. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p.643-7275.

•Musical Moments - Holiday Potpourri: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 36p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•The Ultimate Tribute to the King: Dwight Icenhower Elvis tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

2

MONDAY

•Art Reception: New ‘Ding’ Darling Studio Exhibit. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. xp. Free. 472-1100.

•Independent Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert w guests. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples.2p. Free. 270-1221

•The Ultimate Tribute to the King: Dwight Icenhower Elvis tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 2 & 8p. 941-4881115.

TUESDAY

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 68p.Free. 540-5789.

•Due Beaux Arts: Concert & discussion. Shell Point, Grand Cypress rm, TheWoodlands, 14441 Woodsong Ln, Ft Myers.7p. 454-2067.

•FGCU Chior & Symphony Orchestra Concert: Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 harbour Dr, Naples. 4 & 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•FSW Orchestra & Choir: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, FtMyers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Home for the Holidays: Voices of Naples holiday concert. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Dr, Naples. 7p. Free. 4552582.

•Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: With Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s

Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 2823232.

4

WEDNESDAY

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions,exhibits, demos, live music at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way,Naples. 5-8p. Free. 289-5070.

•Art Reception & Open House: Exhibit, presentation, book signing. Clyde Butcher’s St. Armands Gallery, 55 S Blvd of Presidents, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-702-8818.

•Clare Liparulo: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

•Ikebana Meeting & Workshop: Naples Botanical Garden, FGCU Research Center, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999.

•Lecture: Conservation Collier Trails & Wildlife Viewing Opportunities. Collier Museum at Government Center,3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 6p. Free. 252-8476.

•Mavis Staples: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 245-9910.

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

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

5

THURSDAY

•Art Reception: Live music. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, FtMyers. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073.

•Art Reception: Naples Art, 585 Park St S, Naples. 5:30-7:30p. 262-6517.

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

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

•Christmas Concert: Voices of Naples holiday concert. Chapel by the Sea, 100 Chapel St, Ft Myers Beach. 7p. Free. 455-2582.

•Clare Liparulo: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. Free. 471-2777.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10:30p. 333-2225.

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

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

•The Reis Brothers: Point

Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 603-6535.

6 FRIDAY

•Al Holland, Jo List, Pearl Street Band: Concert. FishTale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach, 7p. 463-3600.

•Art & Design Show Sarasota: Art show. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. 10a-5p. Free. 941-365-0818.

•Art Reception: Art League of Fort Myers, 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 275-3970.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 337-5050.

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

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

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at severalgalleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p.Free. 337-5050.

•Bradenton Blues Festival Free ‘Blues Appetizer’ Concert: Rusty Wright Band, Duffy Bishop Band. Riverwalk Amphitheater, Waterfront Park, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton.6-9p. Free. 941-621-6471.

•DJ Memphis on Air: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr,

# 27, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 313-6576.

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

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Tree Lighting concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 560-9512.

•Holiday Market: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 12-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Naples Philharmonic: Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra.Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

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

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

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

7 SATURDAY

•A Magical Cirque Christmas: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Americana Community Music Association: Kaig Kenning, Ross Jordan concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Art & Design Show Sarasota: Art show. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. 10a-4:30p. Free. 941-365-0818.

•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. ParkSt, downtown Naples. 10a-4p. Free.262-6517.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers, The Duffy Bishop Band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Heathens with Panache. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-11p. 693-7111.

•BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. Free. 603-6535.

•Bradenton Blues Festival: Kenny Neal, Toronzo Cannon, Biscuit Miller, Duke Robillard, Annika Chambers, John Primer & the Real Deal Blues band, Zac Harmon, Angela Easley. Waterfront Park, btwn US 41 & Bus US 41, N of 3rd Ave W.11a-8p. 941-447-9494.

•El Dub: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra Concert: Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena,

11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Holiday Market: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Mike Imbasciani: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Naples Philharmonic: Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra.Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•One Too Many: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•The Naples Carolers: Christmas music concert. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 7p. 775-2800.

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

8

SUNDAY

•Art & Design Show Sarasota: Art show. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. 10a-4:30p. Free. 941-365-0818.

•Bradenton Blues Festival Blues Brunch: The Divebombers. Mattison’s City Grille, Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton.11a-1p. 941-447-9494.

•Christmas with the Gulfshore Tenors: Gulfshore Opera. Naples Art Association, 585 Park St, Naples. 4p. 529-3925.

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

•Dimitri Ashkenazy: Clarinet recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Deck the Halls holiday concert w Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 560-9512.

•Holiday Market: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Lee County Community Band: Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, CapeCoral. 3p. Free. 454-6430.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians: Beethoven Piano Trio No.1. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music

Paul Cauthen performs at the Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers on November 22. Call 985-9839 for information.

what Goes on

hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Water Stories: FGCU

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

9

Naples. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Hayes Hall. 7:30p. 963-9050.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

MONDAY

•Christmas Rail & Boat Tour: Train ride to Punta Gorda & boat tour of Punta Gorda Isles. No show. Murder

Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 275-8487.

Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. Register. 530-5940.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4181500.

•Home for the Holidays: Holiday show. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2p. 888-966-3352.

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Peter Bernstein: Jazz concert with Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchetsra. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 5971900.

•Michael Blaustein: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

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

•Under the Streetlamp: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910. 12

•Mr Showtime - David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

THURSDAY

•Chris Workman: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. Free. 471-2777.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Ft Myers Library, 1651 Lee St, meeting rm CD, Ft Myers. 6-8p. 533-4636.

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

•Jazz Brunch: Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a2p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

19

•Richard Marx: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

THURSDAY

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

•Naples Big Band: Concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7p. Free. 272-5298. 10

Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers.

7-10:30p. 333-2225.

TUESDAY

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

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

•BIG ARTS Chorus Holiday

Concert: Sanibel Community Chuch, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7p. 395-0900.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: Monthly meeting w Cultural Park Theatre holiday show preview.

Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 2:30p. Free. 772-7037.

•Christmas Rail & Boat Tour: Train ride to Punta Gorda & boat tour of Punta Gorda Isles. No show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 275-8487.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians: Beethoven Paino Trio No.1. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Roy Scneider & Kim Mayfield, Bill Metts. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

WEDNESDAY

•Art Reception: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. 3-5p. Free. 463-3909.

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

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

•Puccini’s La Boheme: Opera

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples.

6:30-9:30p. Free.692-8436.

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

•Mr Showtime - David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 479-5233.

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

•Puccini’s La Boheme: Opera Naples. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Hayes Hall. 7:30p. 963-9050.

FRIDAY

•Betty Fox: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Deck the Halls - Cocoa & Caroling: Naples Carolers. Naples Depot Museum:1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 12-2p. Free. 262-6525.

•Florida Everblades vs Kansas City Mavericks: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Funny Shorts Live!: Five 10-minute plays. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Holiday Pops ConcertChristmas in Paradise: SWFL Symphony w Tony Desare. SWFL Symphony. Shell Point Village Church, 15101 Shell Pt Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•Home for the Holidays: Holiday show. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352.

•James Prather: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Shark Research Beyond Our Boundaries. Rookery Bay Research Reserve,

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

14

SATURDAY

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

•Florida Everblades vs Kansas City Mavericks: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•High Tide: Live music. Table & Tap, Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. 6-9p. 941-235-6906.

•Holiday Pops: featuring Tony Desare. SWFL Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4181500.

•Home for the Holidays: Holiday show. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 888-9663352.

•JP Soars & The Red Hots: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 6937111.

•Mr Showtime - David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Soulixer: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:30-11:30p. Free. 471-2777.

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy Holiday Show.Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 8p. 389-9192.

15

SUNDAY

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Bring chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Christmas on Sanibel concert. Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7p. 560-9512.

•Holiday Pops: featuring Tony Desare. SWFL Symphony. First Presbyterian Church,

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 36p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Spirit of the Season: Spirit of the Gulf Christmas & Holiday concert with BUZZ. BB Mann Hall, FSW State College, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 2p. 844-704-7464.

•SWFL Concert Band: Unitarian Universalist Church, 3411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

16

MONDAY

•BIG ARTS Chorus Holiday Concert: Sanibel Community Chuch, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7p. 395-0900.

•Christmas Rail & Boat Tour: Train ride to Punta Gorda & boat tour of Punta Gorda Isles. No show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 12p. 275-8487.

17

TUESDAY

•Christmas Rail & Boat Tour: Train ride to Punta Gorda & boat tour of Punta Gorda Isles. No show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 275-8487.

•Matt Lee: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 2823232.

•Thistletoe Cabaret: Ghostbird Theatre Company Fundraiser. Skits, songs, caroling. Davis Art center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4128.

18

WEDNESDAY

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

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

•Open Mic Night: Poetry & spoken word. BIG ARTS Strauss Theater,2200

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 710:30p. 333-2225.

•Deb & The Dynamics: Blues band. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 2823232.

•Firefall: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 245-9910.

•Gary & Kerri: Blues.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 3p. Free. 2823232.

•Jory Lyle: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. Free. 4712777.

•Lecture: The Deaconess Harriet Bedell.Museum of the Everglades,105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Magic Tree House - A Ghost Tale for Mr Dickens Jr: Kid’s show. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Marilyn HedlundAbstract Art. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 13p. Free. 322-8593.

20 FRIDAY

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits: Ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Jenny Ve: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 3136576.

•Magic Tree House - A Ghost Tale for Mr Dickens Jr: Kid’s show. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 4958989.

•Michael Blaustein: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs &galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855732-3836.

•Sheena Brook: Live music. Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 8:3011:30p. Free. 471-2777.

The exhibition, ‘DC vs AC: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse and the Race to Electrify America’ is on view at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers thru November 28. For information, call 344-7419.

what Goes on

McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 284-5214.

•It’s a Wonderful LifeA Live Radio Play: Nov 16-Dec 29. Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

•It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov 26-Dec 15. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•Let Nothing You Dismay: Dec 6-22. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Magic Tree House - A Ghost Tale for Mr Dickens Jr: Dec 19-21.Center for the Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•Mamma Mia!: Thru Dec 1. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Murder Wrap: Thru Nov 28: Sun, Wed, Thu.Murder Mystery Dinner Train.

Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Mystery Cycles: Thru Nov 3.

FGCU TheatreLab.FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-7268.

•October House: Thru Nov 8.

Four short plays (Jet of Blood, Rockaby, Not I, Breath) running concurrently & continuously. Ghostbird Theatre Company. LangfordKingston Home, 2500 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 691-4128.

•Old Ringers: Thru Nov 3.

Marco Players. Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•On Golden Pond: Thru Nov 3. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Sailor Circus - High Flying Holidays: Dec 27-30. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

•Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man: Thru Nov 16. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•She Loves Me: Nov 27-Dec 22. The Naples Players. Blackburn Hall, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Sounds of Christmas: Nov 21-Dec 25. Broadway

Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Spectacular Christmas

Revue: Dec 11-15. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•The Elves and the Shoemaker: Nov 29-Dec 24.

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•The Fox on the Fairway: Thru Nov 20. Florida

Repertory Theatre,Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Thru Nov 3. New Phoenix Theatre,13211

McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 284-5214.

•The Sea Gull: Nov 7-16. FSW

Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 481-4849.

•The Sound of Music: Nov 16-Dec 28.Asolo

Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•The Thanksgiving Play:

Nov 8-Dec 15. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•The White Christmas Killer:

Nov 29-Dec 24: Wed-Sun.

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

•Viva Las Killer: Thru Nov 23: Fri & Sat.Murder

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

•Water Stories: Dec 6-8.

FGCU TheatreLab.FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-7268.

THEATERS

•Asolo Repertory Theatre:

Nov 16-Dec 28: The Sound of Music. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: Thru Nov 16:

Finding Neverland; Nov 21-Dec 25: Sounds of Christmas; Dec 29-Feb 8: Grumpy Old Men - The Musical.1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.278-4422.

•Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre: Thru Nov 15: Charlotte’s Web; Nov 29-Dec 24: The Elves and the Shoemaker. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Circus Arts Conservatory: Sailor Circus — Dec 27-30: High Flying Holidays (Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota). 941-355-9805.

•FGCU TheatreLab:

Thru Nov 3: Mystery Cycles; Dec 6-8: Water Stories. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-7268.

•Florida Repertory Theatre: Thru Nov 20: The Fox on the Fairway; thru Nov 24: Always Patsy Cline; Dec 322: An Inspector Calls; Dec 17-Jan 26: Alabasterx. 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•FSW Theatre Dept: Nov 7-16: The Sea Gull. FSW Black Box Theatre, bldg L, 8099 College Pkwy Pkwy, FtMyers. 481-4849.

•Gulfshore Playhouse: Thru Nov 3: Bedlam’s Saint Joan; Nov 16-Dec 29: It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

•Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Thru Nov 23: Viva

Las Killer; thru Nov 28: Murder Wrap; Nov 29-Dec 24 & Dec 26-Jan 23: The White Christmas Killer; Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Off Broadway Palm Theatre: Thru Nov 2: Dames at Seas; Nov 14-Dec 25: A Christmas Carol - A Live Radio Play. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Players Circle Theatre: Dec 3-22: Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show. Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•The Naples Players: Thru Nov 17: Escanaba in Da Moonlight; Nov 27-Dec 22: She Loves Me. Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Studio Players: Nov 15-Dec 1: An Evening of 3 One Act Plays. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•TheatreZone: Dec 13-15: Home for the Holidays. G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Urbanite Theatre: Nov 8-Dec 15: The Thanksgiving Play. 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•Venice Theatre: Thru Dec 1: Mamma Mia!; Nov 1-17: Good People; Nov 29-Dec 22: Assisted Living the MusicalThe Home for the Holidays; Dec 13-21: A Christmas Carol. 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. Nov 1-Dec 26: Harvest of the Arts. Free open painting Wed 9:30-12p. Tue-Sat 11a-3p & 6-9p 1st Fri of month. Free. 275-3970.

•Arts For ACT Gallery: 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Nov 1-Dec 2: MiMi Stirn, Kim Kraft Beckler; Dec 6-30: Daniel Venditti, Jeff & Dale Ocasio. Mon-Sun. 11a4:30p, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fri 11a10p. Free. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Dec 1-Mar 22: Monet to Matisse; Dec 1-Mar 22: Expressions - Monet & Modern Art; Dec 1-Apr 5: Looking at Words - A Poetry of Shape; Dec 1-May 10: Color Field; Dec 1- Jul 25: Iconic Works. 597-1900.

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

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Open Jan-May MonSat 9a-4p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 14: Rauschenberg 40 Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. Free. 489-9313.

art galleries

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos; Nov 8-30: Confessions of a Cuban Artist - Ciro Quintana; Dec 6-28: Small Works. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Fri 9:30a-5:30p & Sat 10a-5p. Free. 312-375-8887.

•Another Time: 1414 Dean St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. Free. 672-4607.

•Art Center Sarasota: Thru Nov 29: Horace ImhotepLions Tigers Bears and a Draco, Susan MartinNatural Form, Art Center Sarasota Instructors show, New Views; Dec 12-Jan 17: Open Season. 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 941-365-2032.

•Artis-Naples: Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Dec 8: 30 Years - Building a Naples Icon; Dec 20-Apr 19: Florida Contemporary. 597-1900.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Artwork by Michaela Studio & Gallery: 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-4p. Free. 272-6383.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Dec 12-Jan 18: Open Season. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-365-2032.

•Art League of Fort Myers:

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Dec 3-17: SWFL Fine Craft Guild. Tue-Sat 11a-5p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 949-3073.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Nov 16-Jan 11: We Never LeftArtists of Southeastern Indian Tribes. Mon-Sat 9a4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7a-5:30p. 2489151.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Inside Butterfly Estates, 1815 Fowler St, #3, Ft Myers. Nov

1-31: Jay Gardner, Colin Orion, John Nazario; Dec 629: Small Format show. TueSat 10a-6p. Free. 590-8645.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Education Center. Nov 10-Feb 5: Clyde Butcher Photography 75th Anniversary Exhibition. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Thru Nov 11: Formula One; Nov 12-26: Tigers & Bears; Nov 27-Dec

•Bonnie Hawley Studio/Gallery: 2371 Linwood Ave, #108, Naples. Daily 10a-5p. Free. 649-1389.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Nov: Go For It; Dec: Celebrate America. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Sun 1-4p, Mon-Thu 10a-4p, Fri 1-9p, Sat 9a-1p. Free. 772-5657.

•Cape Coral Arts Studio: 4533 Coronado Pkwy in Rubicond Park, Cape Coral. Nov 1-21: Tiny Art; Dec 6-26: Inspire. Mon-Fri 9a-4:30p. Free. 5740802.

•Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Nov

1-21: Open Call; Dec 6-26: Under the Seas. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free. 495-8989.

•Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Thru Dec 7: Karen Seide. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free. 495-8989.

•Clark Art Studio: 1035 Collier Center Way, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. Free. 616-260-1533.

•Clip Joint Barber Shop & Art Gallery: 7431 College Pkwy, unit 120, rm 136, Ft Myers. Mon & Wed-Sat 10a on & by appt. Free. 281-8180.

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

•Clyde Butcher’s St Armands Gallery: 55 S Blvd of the Presidents, Sarasota. MonSat 10a-8:30p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 941-702-8818.

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

11: Eyes Are the Windows to the Soul; Dec 12-26: Cat Stole My Dinner!; Dec 27Jan 10: Cloud Tree. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. Free. 821-9459.

•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon 3-7p, Tue& Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a-8p, Sun 12-5p. Free. 777-3283

•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S. McCall Rd, Englewood. Basch Gallery –thru Dec 6: Hugh Davies. Stulberg Gallery – thru Dec

6: Jack Davis - Drawing American Pop Culture. Thompson Gallery – thru Dec 6: Virginia HoffmanVanishing Old Florida. Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 941-474-5548.

•Estero Art League: Estero Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Rd, Estero. 489-5216.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery –Thru Nov 14: Everyone is an AlienigenoEnrique Chagoya; Dec 6-13: Senior Projects. ArtLab –Thru Nov 7: Nosotros. Wasmer Gallery in Arts Complex, ArtLab in Library. Mon-Fri, 10a-4p & Thu 10a7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association: 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Thru Nov 7: Members Show, Summer Painting Group Show; Nov 9-21: Sue Pink; Nov 11-Dec

5: Arbitrary Illusions; Nov 23-

Dec 5: Lawrence & Bergeron; Dec 7-Jan 9: Art Divine. MonSat 10a-3p. Free. 463-3909.

•Gallery Vibe: 851 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 417-3450.

Circus Arts Conservatory presents Sailor Circus’ ‘High Flying Holdiays,’ December 27-30 in the new Sailor Circus Arena in Sarasota. For information, call 941-355-9805.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 403-7787.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. Free.

403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789

Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Daily 11a-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Gallery: 599 9th St N, #309, Naples. MonFri 10a-5p. Free. 261-2637.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-5p. Free. 261-2637.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free.

395-0027.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Tue-Fri 12:305p, Sat 7 Sun 1-4p. Guided Tours. 263-9200.

•HW Gallery: 1305 Third St S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 263-6640.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Dec 28: Cowboy Roots

- Don Columbus

Photographs. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Island Conclave: 5101 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. Free. 282-8488.

•Island Visions: 4643 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Daily 10a-5p. Free. 282-0452.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 11a-4p.Free.

283-6453.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: inside Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Daily 9a-5p. 283-3354.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Nov 11-26: Celebrating 50 Years; Dec 9-Jan 7: Celebrating Clay. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Jan 30: Ms Conceptions. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. 10a-5p daily. 941366-5731.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art Association: 585 Park St, Naples. Thru Nov 17: America - What It Means

To Me; Nov 5-26: Fashioning

Wearable Art - 2019 Scene to be Seen Collection; Nov 7-30: Narrative Interplay - Photos of Penelope Breen; Nov 26-Dec 5: WaterWorks; Dec 6-Jan 9: Founders Show. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 262-6517.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Nov 15-Jan 5: Inner BeautyPhotographic Celebration of

Naples Botanical Garden. Daily 9a-5p & Tue8a-5p. 643-7275.

•North Collier Regional Park Exhibit Hall: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Nov 15-Jan 17: Presenting the Parks - Photo Contest.

Mon-Fri, 9a-5:30p. Free. 252-4060.

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

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

333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art + Design Galleries: Basch Gallery (Academic Center, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd); Cooley Photo Center (Student Center, 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota); Crossley Gallery (2698 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota); Madeby Gallery (Student Center, 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota); Selby Foundations Gallery (Atrium, 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota); Smith Gallery (Academic Center, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd); Stulberg Gallery (Basch Visual Arts Center, 1188 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way, Sarasota) –thru Dec 6: Jack Davis - Drawing American Pop Culture; Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota); Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 941-359-7563.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Gallery Café exhibits: Thru Nov 29: JoAnn Sanborn; Dec 1-Jan 30: RJ Wiley. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Rosen Gallery & Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J&C Blvd, Naples. Thru Nov 5: Resident Artists’ Group Show; Nov 6-Feb 4: Richard & Tracy Magen Rosen. By appt or chance. 821-1061.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-10p. Free. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Grand Atrium — Nov 1-25: Turf Wars - Art Speaks for the Earth. Capital Gallery

— Nov 1-25: A Moment in Time - Photojournalism as Art. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & 6-9p & 1st Fri of month (summer Mon-Fri 10a-4p). Free. 3371933.

•SmallWalls: 6240 Shirley St, #202 upstairs, Naples. Wed 3-5p, 1st Wed 5-8p & 3rd Sat 11a-4p. Free. 402-201-6160.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 5:30-close. Free. 204-9949.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2100-A Trade Center Way, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p, 1st Wed 58p, 3rd Fri 6-8p, Sat by appt. Free. 597-2110.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Nov 17-Feb 2: Ai

Weiwei - Zodiac LEGO; thru Feb 16: Sun Xun - Time Spy;

Nov 10-Aug 1: Remaking the World - Abstraction; Dec 8-Mar 1:Manuel Alvarez Bravo - Specters & Parables; Dec 15-Apr 26: Syd Solomon - Concealed & Revealed; Skyway 2020. Circus Museum — thru Jan 13: Tour du Monde. Bayfront Gardens. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

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

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a9p. Free. 340-6467.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Free. 980-1394.

•Unit A - Marcus Jansen Studio & Residency: 2633 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 11a-3p & by appt & special events. 240-1053.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Thru Nov 8: The Art Guys; Nov 12-Dec 5: Florida Watercolor Society; Dec 10-20: 3D Member Show. Mon-Fri 9a4p & Sat 10a-2p. Free. 951639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: 2340 Periwinkle Way, #G1, Sanibel. Nov 12-Dec 7: Colorscapes; Dec 10-Jan 11: Art & Crafts. Mon-Sat 10:30a-5p. Free. 472-3386.

attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Daily 9a-5p. 877-902-1113.

•Artis-Naples: Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Dec 8: ReTooled; Sep 3-Dec 8: 30 Years - Building a Naples Icon; Dec 20-Apr 19: Florida Contemporary. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Ongoing: Journey to the Center of a Shell, Raymond Burr Memorial Exhibit,Deep-Sea Mollusks, Henry Domke - Nature Photographer. World recordsized shells. Daily 10a-5p. 395-2233.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Dec 1-Mar 22: Monet to Matisse; Dec 1-Mar 22: Expressions - Monet & Modern Art; Dec 1-Apr 5: Looking at Words - A Poetry of Shape; Dec 1-May 10: Color Field; Dec 1- Jul 25: Iconic Works. 597-1900.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue 10a-1p. Guided tours. 332-4942..

•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. Butterfly release daily 10:30a; tours daily 11a & 1p. Tue-Sun 10a-3p. 690-2359.

•Calusa Heritage Trail: 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, trails, live reptile shows daily. Solar observing thru telescope Fri 11a. 10a-5p & Sun, 11a-5p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Nov 16-Jan 11: We Never LeftArtists of Southeastern Indian Tribes. Mon-Sat 9a4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Mon-Sat 10a-4:30p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. Guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Free. 7a-5:30p. 248-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided walks: Tue 9a. Trails open sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

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

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Education Center. Nov 10-Feb 5: Clyde Butcher Photography 75th Anniversary Exhibition, 9a-4p. 7a-5:30p. 472-1100.

•ECHO Global Farm: 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. Farm tours Tue-Sat 9:30a & 1:30p. Tech tours Tue, Fri, Sat 11:30a. 543-3246.

•Edison & Ford Winter

Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Nov 8: Black Maria Film Festival. Thru

Nov 28: DC vs AC - Edison Tesla Westinghouse and the Race to Electrify America.

Nov 29-Dec 30: Holiday Nights 5:30-9p.

Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Everglades Day Safari: Pickups throughout SWFL.

Daily 7:30a-5p. 472-1559.

•Everglades Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, BonitaSprings.Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings, Marc Harris Wildlife photography gallery. Daily 9a-5p. 992-2591.

•Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Thru Jan 5: Race to Space. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-4p. 514-0084.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Thru Nov 30: Holodomor. Tue-Sun 1-4p. Guided Tours. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. Thru Jan 22: Be the Astronaut. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Dec 28: Cowboy Roots - Don Columbus Photographs Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Jan 30: Ms Conceptions. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Thru Dec 1: The Orchid Show - Blossoms of Asia. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; free guided beach walks Tue 9a, Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-4p. 765-0865.

•MOTE Marine Laboratory &

Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy,Everglades City. Thru Nov 1: Edison & Ford in SWFL. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. Free. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Nov 29-Jan 5: Night Lights

6-9p (not Dec 24, 25 & Jan 1). Nov 15-Jan 5: Inner BeautyPhotographic Celebration of Naples Botanical Garden. Daily 9a-5p & Tue8a-5p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Nov 30: Motors & Mud - 70 Years of Swamp Buggy Culture. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Museum of Military History: Naples Airport, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-4p. Free. 450-0073.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Daily 9a-5p. 262-5409.

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

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. Mon-Fri 9a-12p, Sat & Sun 11a-4p. 543-1130.

•Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Walking tours of Naples historic district: Wed 9:30a; Guided garden tours: 1st & 3rd Thu of month 10a. Tours: Tue-Fri 12-4p & Sat 1-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Gallery Café exhibits: Thru Nov 29: Jo-Ann Sanborn; Dec 1-Jan 30: RJ Wiley. Guided boat & kayak tours Tue-Fri. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Nature Center: 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Exhibits, programs, guided tours. Mon-Fri 8:30a-4p. 472-2329.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Mon-Fri 8:30a-5p. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. Tours 10:30a. 472-4648.

•Shangri-La Springs: 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749.

•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,

JJ Grey performs at the Buckingham Blues Bar in Fort Myers on December 29. Call 693-7111 for information.

what Goes on

miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Wed: Live music & dancing 6-9p. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141.

•SWFL Military Museum & Library: 4820 Leonard St, Cape Coral. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. Free. 541-8704.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota.

Nov 17-Feb 2: Ai WeiweiZodiac LEGO; Thru Feb 16: Sun Xun - Time Spy;

Nov 10-Aug 1: Remakingthe World - Abstraction;

Dec 8-Mar 1:Manuel Alvarez Bravo - Specters & Parables;

Dec 15-Apr 26: Syd SolomonConcealed & Revealed; Skyway 2020. Circus Museum

— thru Jan 13: Tour du Monde. Bayfront Gardens. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•True Tours: River District History Tours Sat 10:30a; Haunted History Tours Wed & Sat 8p. Tours begin & end at 2200 1st St, Ft Myers. Reserve. 945-0405.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 12-4p. Free. 332-8778.

parks

•Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. 533-7444.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Guided walks: Tue & Sat 9:. 463-3764.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: 1st & 3rd Tue 5p. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Guided walk: 1st Sat & 3rd Tue of month 9a. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State

Eats & Drinks

SOUTHWESTFLORIDADININGGUIDE

Park: US 41 (Tamiami Trail), S Naples. Guided walks: Sat 10a. Hiking trail, self-guided boardwalk nature trail, exhibits, camping, fishing, boating canoeing. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach, fishing, picnic areas. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center,815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 9a-4:30p. 695-3311.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 7a-7p. 574-0804.

•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. 533-7575.

•Lovers Key State Park: South of Ft Myers Beach. Yoga on the Beach Mon 9a. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Laughter Yoga: Fri 8a. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. 8adusk. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach.

Guided walks: Thu 9:30a. 707-3015.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 361-6511.

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

Jan 10-Apr 25: Nature talks Tue 10a. Free. Dawn-dusk. 261-4290.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Exhibit Hall: Nov 15-Jan 17: Presenting the Park - Photo Contest; Mon-Fri 8a-5p. Free.. 252-4060.

•North Ft Myers Park: 2021 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Yoga: Wed 6p. 652-4512.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: daily 9a. Free. 533-7550.

•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

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri, Sat, Sun 7p. 691-4069.

•Bert’s Bar & Grill: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.Live music

nightly. Tue 7:30p: Matt Lee; Wed 6:30p: Scotty Bryan; Thu 7p: Fri-Sun 12-6p: Calypso Magic. 282-3232.

•Big Blue Brewing: 4721 SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral. Live music Thu-Sat nites. 471-2777.

•Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon: 2121 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral. Wed 7-10p: The Hipnauticals. 282-5520.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers.

Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar & Grill: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music Wed-Sun. 482-8565.

•City Tavern: 2206 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-Sat. 226-1133.

•Cottage Bar: 1270 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nightly. 765-5440.

•Downtown Social House: 1406 Hendry St, Ft Myers.

Live music Mon-Thu 4-10p. Fri 4p-2a, Sat 12p-2a, Sun 12-10p. 337-7646.

•Fathoms Restaurant & Bar: 5785 Cape Harbour Dr, #106, Cape Coral. Live music Tue & Fri-Sun nites. 542-0123.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed, Fri & Sat nites. 313-6576.

•Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Thu-Sat: comics 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music Mon-Sat 5-9p & Sun 12-5p. 463-3838.

•Momentum Brewhouse: 9786 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music Sat nites. 949-9945.

•Naples Beach Brewery: 4120 Enterprise Ave, #116, Naples. Live music Wed, Fri, Sat nites. 304-8795.

•Old Soul Brewing: 10970 S Cleveland Ave, #402, Ft Myers. Wed: Open Mic 8-10p. Live music select nites. 334-4334.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music Thu 6-10p: Point Ybel Jazz Band; Fri & Sat nites: national & local bands. Free. 603-6535.

•Red Rock Saloon: 2278 First St, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat nites. 689-8667.

•Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar: 10950 S. Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat nites. 210-0300.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. Live music select nites nites. 228-6533.

•RJ’s Bar & Grill: 1475 N. Tamiami Tr, N. Ft Myers. Live music nightly. 997-9600.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz Tue-Sun. Wed: Danny Sinoff Trio 7-10p; Thu: The Jazz-Matics w Lynn Richardson 7-10p; Fri: Tony Boffa & Friends 7-10p; Sat: Danny Sinoff Quartet 7:30-10:30p, Sun: Ricky Howard 7-10p; Tue: Dan Miller Quartet 7-10p. 415-4375.

•Smokin’ Oyster Brewery: 340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 6-10p. Mon & Sat: Will Kaiser; Tue & Fri: Anthony Wayne; Wed: Frank Thomson; Thu: Shawn Russell; Sun: Lee Hagen. Free. 463-3474.

•Sneaky Pete’s: 3465 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs.

BERT'S BAR & SEAFOOD GRILL : 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 282-3232. Dockside dining with a million dollar view and quality food at reasonable prices. Waterfront restaurant offering delicious and fresh local seafood, certified angus burgers, refreshing brews, and live entertainment Tue-Sun. 'All-You-Can-Eat' Fish Fry Tue & Fri 4-9pm. ‘All-Yiou-Can-Eat’ Shrimp’ Wed 4-9pm. Open 7 days a week from 11am.

BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE: 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. Southwest Florida’s premier dinner theatre features the best of Broadway, favorite shows of the past and the most recent musical hits. with nationally selected performers and a live orchestra. Featuring a delicious buffet. Tue-Sun: dinner 5:30pm, Matinees: lunch 11:45am.

CAPT’N FISHBONE’SSEAFOOD GRILL &DOLPHIN

ROOM: The Shell Factory, 2787 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. 995-3999. Full service restaurant serving lunch & dinner. Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, steaks, ribs, pasta. All-you-can-eat Fish Fry Tue & Fri, Live music daily. Mon-Thu & Sat 11am8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm.

FORT MYERS BREWING COMPANY: 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, unit 28, Ft Myers. 239-313-6576. 25 beers on tap, many award-winning. Atmosphere is very laid back and has a cool local vibe to it. Familyand pet-friendly. Always has at least one food truck on site. Open Mon 3-9pm, Tue & Wed 3-10pm, Thu & Fri 3-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-8pm.

LAUGH IN COMEDY CAFE: 8595 College Pkwy, # 270, Ft Myers. 479-5233. Laugh In's menu has everything from clams, mussels, crab cakes, and cod to house favorite chicken parmesan & Shrimp Orleans to strip steak. Late night menu features 4-cheese fried rigatoni, pulled pork nachos, hot wings, hot apple pie. Shows:Thu7:30pm,Fri&Sat7:30&9:30pm.

MOMENTUM BREWHOUSE: 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, units 1-3, Bonita Springs. 949-9949. Award winning local craft beers and comfortable tasting room. Food trucks on site every day. Choices include pizza, tacos, gourmet burgers, seafood, Jewish/Cuban and Argentinean to name a few. Also, order or carry in from local restaurants. Snacks available at the bar. Open 7 days a week.pointybelbrew.com

POINT YBEL BREWING COMPANY: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, unit 4, Fort Myers. 603-6535. Point Ybel's award-winning beer is as much art as it is science. Point Ybel has been known for brewing East Coast Style IPAs, traditional beers brewed to style, and also introducing Sour Ales to Southwest Florida. Mon & Tue 2-7pm, Wed & Thu 2-10pm, Fri 2-11pm, Sat 1211pm, Sun 12-7pm.

THE VERANDA : 2122 Second St. (at Bwy), Ft Myers. 332-2065. Romantic setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, combined with their Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff, provide a unique dining experience. Celebrating excellence since 1978 and consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in Fort Myers. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30-9pm.

Live music Wed & Thu, Sat & Sun. 498-8887.

•Society’s Treehouse: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 334-0900.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini

Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music Wed-Sat nites. 204-9949.

•Table & Tap: Babcock Ranch, 42860 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda. Live music Fri 6-9p, Sat 1-4p & 6-9p. Sun 12-3p. 941-235-6906.

•The Barrel Room: Twisted Vine, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers.

Live jazz/blues. Thu 7-10p: Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto

Quartet; Fri & Sat 9p-12a: blues bands; Sun 10a-2p: Jazz Brunch w Don Mopsick & Roy Gerson. 333-225.

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 985-9839.

•The Rhythm House: 16440

S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. Live music select Tue-Sat

6:30-9:30p. 466-8326.

•The Veranda: 2122 Second St, Ft Myers. Piano Bar Wed-Sat 6:30-9p. 332-2065.

•Whiskey Park: 3300

Mercantile Ave, Naples. Open Mic Wed nites; live music Fri & Sat nites. 263-6777.

The ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is hosting a 75th Anniversary exhibition of photographs by Clyde Butcher, November 10-February 5. For information, call 472-1100.