November-December 2021

Andrew Elias : Director-Designer Pat Simms-Elias : eDitor

contributors: Julie Clay, Carol DeFrank, Cindy-jo Dietz, Jason MacNeil, Gary Mooney, Paula Wagoner, Caylee Weintraub next issue: January-February 2022 aDvertising DeaDline: December 10, 2021 ftmyersmagazine.com issuu.com/ftmyers.magazine

Naples Depot Museum hosts the exhibit, Fabulous Fins & Fenders thru December 31.

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On The Gulf

The Blues are Back in Bradenton

The 10th anniversary of the Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend will be held at LECOM Park, December 3-5. In addition to featuring a variety of blues styles, the outdoor festival will have local craft beer, wine, and food available.

The music starts Friday afternoon, December 3 at 4pm, ending at 8pm. Saturday’s concert is 11am-8pm. The weekend wraps up with a Bradenton Blues Brunch on Sunday, December 5. The threecourse brunch is 10:30am-2pm at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, located at 101 Riverfront Blvd., on the Manatee River, in Bradenton.

schedule

FRIDAY

4 pm : Cece Teneal & Soul Kamotion

5:20 pm : Johnny Rawls

6:40 pm : Doug MacLeod

SATURDAY

11 am : Terrie Odabi

12:30 pm : Jimmy Carpenter

1:50 pm : James Armstrong

3:15 pm : Dawn Tyler Watson

4:40 pm : Latimore

6:15 pm : Bernard Allison

SUNDAY

11am : Annika Chambers

Blankets are permitted, but outside food and drinks are not allowed. There is no smoking. Covid protocols will be followed according to local health guidelines at the time of the event.

Proceeds from the Bradenton Blues Festival support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art, and music programs that are free to the community, including our Blues in the Schools program.

The Bradenton Blues Festival will be held at LECOM Park, located at 1611 9th St. W., in Bradenton.

LEECOM Park is the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the full time home of their Class-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, in historic downtown Bradenton.Call 941-747-3031 for information.

Edison & Ford Estates Light Up Holiday Nights

Edison & Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 46th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony on November 26. At 6pm, the historic Mysore Fig tree on the Ford property will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. Vocal group, The American Sirens, will perform shortly after the tree lighting.

This year’s theme, ‘Holidays Under the Stars’ will incorporate elements of nature and the outdoors. Holiday Nights will be open November 26-January 2, open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, but closed Christmas Day. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered nightly at 6 & 7pm. Guided, Inside-theHomes tours will be offered on December 1, 8 & 15, at 6:30pm, for a up-close look at the homes’ decorated interiors. Visitors can stroll the Children’s Tree Trail, featuring dozens of

trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children.

Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available for photographs on November 26 and December 5, 12, 19, & 23, 6-8pm. Family science shows with the ‘Wild Wizard’ (Edison’s nickname) will take place on November 28 and December 5, 12, 19, 26 at 6:30 & 7:30pm.

Strolling carolers will sing holiday songs on December 8 & 22; the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform on December 15; a trumpet player will perform on December 18 & 21; and a saxophone player will perform on December 17 & 20. An antique circus car (a Calliope) with a built-in pipe organ will be played several times on December 16, from 5:30-8pm.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates, open 9am-5:30pm, is located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 334-7419 for information.

Keith Haring Exhibit at Naples Art

Naples Art opens its season on November 1 with ‘Keith Haring: Radiant Vision,’ the largest solo collection of Haring’s works ever shown in Southwest Florida. The exhibition celebrates the world-renowned artist and his iconography in a show of more than 130 works featuring lithographs, silkscreens, drawings on paper, and posters.

Dawn Taylor Watson performs Saturday, December 3 at the Bradenton Blues Festival.

Edison & Ford Estates in Fort Myers hosts their 46th annual ‘Holiday Nights’ November 26-January 2.

Haring’s art was born in response to the urban street scene of 1980s New York. He took inspiration from the graffiti artists’ markings on the city subway cars and started to draw figures in white chalk over the black paper used to cover vacant advertising panels in the subway stations. Two of these seminal chalk-on-paper subway drawings are included in Keith Haring: Radiant Vision.

The exhibition features examples of Haring’s art which he used to address specific social justice issues. ‘Free South Africa’ is a suite of three aquatints on paper that were Haring’s political response to the conditions of Apartheid that still existed in South Africa at the time. There is also a series of ten silkscreens on view which Haring created for a book entitled ‘Apocalypse,’ which he made in collaboration with famed Beat Generation author, William S. Burroughs.

Signature Haring images, such as Radiant Baby, Barking Dog and Best Buddies, are instantly recognizable as the emblems from the 80s that Haring used to depict universal themes such as love, birth, death, and war.

“This exhibition conveys an energy and spirit that aligns well with our mission,” said Executive Director & Chief Curator, Frank Verpoorten. “Haring’s art transcended the streets to inspire a worldwide audience and to affect positive change. We’re proud to have a role in helping his iconic imagery and social message continue to radiate throughout the world even today. Visitors will enjoy looking back at this 80’s iconography and hopefully we can also introduce Haring to a new generation here in Southwest Florida.”

Keith Haring: Radiant Vision is on display November 1-February 6. Naples Art is located at 585 Park St. in Naples. It is open MonWed, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-4pm. Call 262-6517 for information.

Naples Players Plans Major Re-Imagining

The Naples Players has announced a $15 million capital project to renovate and

The exhibition, ‘Keith Haring: Radiant Vision,’ at Naples Art November 1-February 6, features more than 130 of the iconic artists works.

re-imagine their home on 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. Plans for the revitalized facility include significant improvements to the existing theaters and the creation of an additional theater designed to anchor the organization’s Educational Theatre program, serving students of all ages and abilities.

In 1994, The City of Naples invited The Naples Players to build a theater on 5th Ave. S. as an anchor of a thriving downtown area, as well as providing outstanding theatre and dynamic education programs that serve the local community and beyond.

“The time has come for a renewed facility that will serve the vision of Naples for many more years to come,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO & Executive Artistic Director.

The theater has hired local firm David Corban Architects to lead the project. He has chosen to preserve the iconic facade of the theater as seen from 5th Avenue, even while overhauling the facility’s interior. The theater has also employed Theatre Consultants Collaborative to oversee the design of performance systems.

Plans for the new theater complex include:

• Kizzie Theater: A 450-seat proscenium theater with the David Byron and Vicky C. Smith Mezzanine level

• Price Studio Theater: A 105seat black box theater for major season programs

• Glass Educational Theater: A 105-seat black box educational theater

• Three student rehearsal halls and classrooms

• New adult rehearsal rooms capable of hosting workshops, readings and showcases

• Expanded scene shop for volunteers

• State-of-the-art costume shop for volunteers

• New green room and volunteer lounge, and six new dressing rooms.

• Community atrium, with a café and information center open to the public during the day

• John & Joanne Fisher Rooftop Terrace

• Brand new acoustics and audio support

For information about donating to The Naples Players’ revitalization capital project, call 434-7340.

Plans for The Naples Players’ new home includes three theaters, three rehearsal spaces, a community atrium and a rooftop terrace.

‘Altar Boyz,’ directed and choreographed by D.J. Salisbury, will be performed thru November 13 at Gulf Coast Symphony’s new Music & Arts Community Center

Off Broadway Musical Hit at New Music & Arts Center

The award-winning musical, ‘Altar Boyz’ is coming to Southwest Florida for a threeweek run, thru November 13 at the Gulf Coast Symphony’s new Music & Arts Community Center.

‘Altar Boyz’ is the 9th longestrunning Off-Broadway musical of all time. A musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy band on the last night of their national tour, ‘Altar Boyz’ was nominated for seven 2005 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, Book, Lyrics, Music and Orchestration. The production is directed and choreograohed by D.J. Salisbury.

Gulf Coast Symphony’s new Music & Arts Community Center is located at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers. For information, call 277-1700.

Bringing Opera to Lee County

Gulfshore Opera celebrates the holiday season with ‘Holiday Harmony’ on December 9 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs. The concert, a Pops Holiday event featuring traditional carols and favorite holiday tunes, showcases two regional artists: Lauryn Kay, mezzo-soprano and Jonathan Tibbetts, baritone.

Gulfshore Opera’s concert, ‘Opera Meets Broadway,’ on January 27 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers’ Historic River District features Broadway Artist Glenn Seven Allen, tenor, performing songs from great operas and classic Broadway shows. Joining Allen will be Jacquelynne Fontaine.

Gulfshore Opera’s first formal production of Season 8 will be ‘Bat’s Revenge (Die Fledermaus)’ at Estero High School on February 26. This popular Viennese operetta will be set in the Golden Age of Hollywood with a new English libretto. Director and Librettist, Josh Shaw has moved this light and fun production to Hollywood, where movie magic makes anything possible.

Gulfshore Opera’s season finale will be ‘Tosca,’ April

26 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The production will feature the Fort Myers Mastersingers as the Tosca chorus and the Naples Philharmonic as the orchestra. Tosca is a political thriller set in Rome in June of 1800, during the Napoleonic wars and a time of great political unrest. This opera is often listed among the 10 best operas of all time.

For information about Gulfshore Playhouse, call 529-3925.

Choral Artistry Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Symphonic Chorale of SWFL has come out of the pandemic with a new name, Choral Artistry, to celebrate its 10th Anniversary/ Take 2 (11th) season.

“We believe the name Choral Artistry better conveys our vision, our mission, and the diversity of music we perform,” says CA’s Artistic Director Dr. Trent Brown. “We do so much more than symphonic music and we wanted our name to reflect our talent and our versatility,” he added.

Choral Artisty’s annual community choral festival ‘SingOut!’ will return January 28 & 29, featuring Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ to commemorate the Chorale’s inaugural concert ‘Messiah at the Mann’ in 2011. All choral singers 15 years and older are invited to join Choral Artistry for the workshop rehearsal on Saturday, January 28, led by Dr. Brown, at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers. The workshop is followed on Sunday, January 9, by a free public Festival Concert, with chamber orchestra.

On April 14, Choral Artistry will present the regional premier of a contemporary work, Craig Hella Johnson’s ‘Considering Matthew Shephard,’ with chamber orchestra. The concert is at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral.

Choral Artistry has weekly rehearsals Tuesdays, 7-9pm at Lamb of God Church, located at 19691 Cypress View Drive in Estero. Rehearsals are ongoing for concerts of Sergie Rachmaninoff’s ‘Vespers,’ January 7-9 in Sanibel, Bonita Springs and Naples. For information, call 560-5695.

Naples Gardens Light Up for the Holidays

Back for its 12th year, Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden opens at Naples Botanical Garden on November 26. Garden trees will be adorned with thousand of lights and musical acts will entertain visitors as they stroll the Garden grounds. Food and drink specials will be available.

Every aspect of Night Lights is designed to create a tapestry that celebrates the plants of the tropics, from purple and white lights that pay an homage to the blooms that grace the Kapnick Caribbean Garden to the orange, yellow, and blue that recreate an iconic Naples sunset over the water.

Johnsonville Night Lights runs November 26-January 2, except Christmas eve and Christmas Day.

Naples Botanical Garden, open daily 9am-5pm, is located at 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples. For information, call 643-7275.

Lee County Band Celebrates 136th Year

The legendary Lee County Community Band will begin its 136th year with a free concert on November 14 , 3pm at Cape Coral High School.

In keeping with tradition for the season’s first concert,

Naples Botanical Garden features the Johnsonville Night Lights, November 26-January 2.

Director Richard Bradstreet has selected a program featuring spirited and patriotic American music by American composers and a salute to U.S. military veterans. The program includes ‘Hosts of Freedom March,’ ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,’ ‘American Patrol,’ Irving Berlin’s ‘Songs for America,’ ‘Patriotic Sing-Along,’ ‘The Armed Forces Salute’ and other well-known melodies.

The 50-member adult band will perform six concerts November-April. Programs reflect the band’s reputation for upbeat music and a mix of old favorites, energetic marches, beloved patriotic tunes, hits from Broadway and the movies, and a sing-along with emcee and vocalist, Norman Jones.

Concert dates are December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13 and April 10. All concerts begin at 3pm at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd. All concerts are free (donations accepted) and open to the public.

Lee County Community Band members are musicians from all walks of life—career musicians, amateurs, and folks renewing skills from years past—who reside in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year. The band rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael Lutheran School in Fort Myers.

Call 239-454-6430 for information.

One of Gulfshore Opera’s concerts this season, ‘Opera Meets Broadway’ on January 27, features tenor, Glenn Seven Allen.

Orchid Show at Selby Garden

As the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, epiphytes, and tropical plants, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts an orchid show each fall focusing on different themes and complimented by a variety of special lectures, classes, and events.

This year, Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show brings together two of Sarasota, Florida’s most renowned legacies—orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, ‘The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!’ celebrates the beauty of orchids in tree-top canopies high above the forest floor with the artistry and spectacle of circus aerialists who perform high above captivated crowds. Pairing astonishing air plants with amazing aerial acts enables a fascinating exploration of the intersection of nature and entertainment.

‘The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!’ Is on view thru November 28.

Selby Gardens possesses the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids, highlighting the diversity and richness of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants on earth.

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

Environmental Installation at Naples Garden

Over the course of three weeks, North Carolina-based sculptor and environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, his son and local volunteers will transform approximately 30,000 lbs of willow saplings into an immersive structure on Naples Botanical Garden’s Kapnick Caribbean Garden lawn. The installation, ‘Stickwork,’ will remain at the Garden for approximately two years.

Stickwork is the site-specific sculptural installation of environmental artist, Patrick Dougherty, who has created these site-specific, interactive community art installations all over the world. They are instantly recognizable by their organic, twisting forms made of sticks and whimsical silhouettes. Dougherty’s unique works of art become part of the landscape. He often uses materials native to the surroundings to create his transitory works of art, each unique to its location.

Over the past thirty years internationally acclaimed environmental sculptor Patrick Dougherty has produced a body of work that includes more

than 310 large-scale ‘Stickwork’ sculptures, assembled onsite from Scotland to Japan to Australia, and all over the United States.

Dougherty will give a lecture discussing his journey from a childhood affinity for sticks to decades spent creating largerthan-life woven structures on November 3 at the U. Tobe Recital Hall at Florida Gulf Coast University. The lecture starts at 6pm and is free and open to the public. There is a light reception afterwards in the nearby Arts Complex Lobby.

Construction for Stickwork will take place on November 1-12 & 15-19. The installation will be on view until 2023. Naples Botanical Garden, open daily 9am-5pm, is located at 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples. Call 643-7275 for information

Bob Dylan Art Exhibit in Miami

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum in Miami will debut the first comprehensive exhibition of Bob Dylan’s visual art seen in the United States on November 30, at the opening of Miami Art Week.

The exhibition, ‘Retrospectrum’ features nearly 200 paintings, drawings and ironwork sculptures by Dylan, spanning six decades of Dylan’s art.

‘Retrospectrum’ showcases the development and diversity of Dylan’s visual art and interactive displays illuminating the context of his artistic evolution in tandem with Dylan’s musical and literary works.

The exhibition will feature ‘Deep Focus,’ a new series of more than 40 paintings by Dylan,

The Frost Museum in Miami hosts an exhibition of Bob Dylan’s paintings, drawings and sculptures, November 30-April 17.

derived from selected scenes from his favorite films.

‘Retrospectrum’ is on view November 30-April 17. The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum is located on Florida International University’s Modesto Maidique Campus, 10975 SW 17 St. in Miami. The museum is open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. For information, call 305-348-2762.

Lee Library Hosts Fandom Fest

The Lee County Library System’s annual Fandom Fest, a free, allages celebration of geek and pop culture, returns December 11, from 12-4pm, at the Fort Myers Regional Library outdoor plaza, 2450 First St., in downtown Fort Myers. Festivalgoers are encouraged to attend in costume.

The festival will offer a mixture of activities and games for a variety of ages and interests, including: Space, Sword & Sorcery, Superheroes & Villains, and Asian Culture.

There will be live entertainment at the outdoor Cornog Plaza Amphitheater, a virtual reality tech hub, gaming and Star Wars, Disney, Minions and Marvel characters. To cap off the event, a cosplay costume contest will be held at 3pm.

Fort Myers Regional Library outdoor plaza is located at 2450 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 826-4606 for information.

Patrick Dougherty’s sculptural installation is being constructed on Naples Botanical Garden’s Kapnick Caribbean Garden lawn, November 1-12 & 5-19.

When the Marco Island Historical Society and Collier County first built the museum in 2010, one of its crowning architectural features was a display ‘vault’ in which they hoped the Key Marco Cat would eventually be on display.

Cat Tales

an interview with Austin Bell

by Andrew Elias

ASMALL WOOD CARVING, half cat/half human, is one of the most treasured and important pieces of pre-Columbian Native American art ever discovered in North America. Known as the Key Marco Cat, it was found in 1896 in the marshes of what is now called Marco Island.

Since 1913, the Key Marco Cat has been exhibited at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art, as well as brief exhibitions at Art Museums in Detroit, Houston, Chicago and St. Louis. It returned to the Collier County Museum in 1995 for six months and to Marco Island in 1999 for five months at Citizens Community Bank. The Cat returned to Marco Island in 2018, featured in the current exhibit, ‘Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of people on Marco Island’, which will be on view until April 2026.

Austin Bell is the Curator of Collections for the Marco Island Historical Society. His new book, The Nine Lives of Florida’s Key Marco Cat (University Press of florida), tells the stories of its surprising discovery and enduring importance—to both the people who carved it 1000 years ago and the people fascinated by it today.

I asked Bell a few questions about his new book.

•

Without going into the scientific details of the book, can you explain why it has been so difficult to determine the type of wood the Key Marco Cat is made of?

It’s interesting because many of the other wooden artifacts recovered from the Key Marco site have been identified as cypress, pine, and other species in recent years. However, to identify the Key Marco Cat specifically, scientists would likely have to perform what’s called ‘destructive analysis’—where a piece of the artifact is sacrificed for research purposes—in order to examine the cellular structure of the wood under a microscope. Given the object’s fragility and unique notoriety, this is highly unlikely.

As best can be determined, the Cat was created

between 500 BC–1700 AD. Why has it been so difficult to determine a more exact date?

The uncertainty surrounding its age has largely to do with when it was excavated. In 1896, American archaeology was still in its relative infancy. There was less emphasis on recording context than there was on finding the ‘choicest’ specimens. Very little in the way of context was documented at the Key Marco site, and many of the technologies that archaeologists rely on today simply didn’t exist yet. For example, radiocarbon dating wouldn’t become mainstream for another half-century. The Cat could theoretically be radiocarbon dated today, but again, that would require destructive analysis – and some believe the results would be tainted by pesticides used in museum storage anyway.

Most of us in Southwest Florida are familiar with the Calusa people who inhabited the Everglades and the areas now known as Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach, but few know anything about the people who lived south of the Caloosahatchee River as far back as 3000 BC. Can you tell us about these early communities and how the Calusa, as you say in the book, ‘absorbed, allied or replaced’ them?

People have been living on or near Marco Island for thousands of years, beginning in the Archaic Period nearly 6,000 years ago (if not earlier). These people were not necessarily the direct lineal descendants of the Calusa, but certainly some of the technologies they developed, such as a vast assemblage of shell tools and the earliest-known pottery in Florida, are precursors to the more sophisticated technologies utilized later by the Calusa. And sandwiched in between the Archaic and Calusa periods, we have evidence of a distinct Glades cultural period on Marco Island (and southward) between about 500 BC-1350 CE. At the Marco Island Historical Museum, we have dubbed these Glades people the ‘Muspa,’ which was the Calusa name for the Marco Island area.

After about 1350 CE, as the Calusa domain ex-

People have been living on or near Marco Island for thousands of years, beginning in the Archaic Period nearly 6,000 years ago (if not earlier).

panded out of the Fort Myers area, the pottery at Glades and Calusa sites becomes more similar in composition and style, indicating that the Calusa likely “absorbed, allied with, or replaced” the Muspa on Marco Island.

How do we know that they had cultural exchanges with societies thousands of miles away?

We know this because of certain materials found in the archaeological record. For example, the modified remains of lightning whelk shells have been found at major sites like Cahokia in Missouri. Obviously, they must have been transported there over some distance, likely from the Gulf of Mexico. At Pineland, archaeologists discovered a fragment of galena (a mineral form of lead) dating to 1250 CE that originated in southeastern Missouri, traveling more than 1,000 miles to Southwest Florida. Even on Marco Island there is evidence of long-distance trade, as small amounts of pottery typically originating from Northwest and East Florida have been found in recent archaeological digs.

What makes this diminutive icon—only six inches high—such a revered work of art and important anthropological, archeological and historical icon?

I think the Key Marco Cat is special because it is a truly timeless work of art, arguably the ‘crown jewel’ of the entire Key Marco collection. Archaeologists usually find refuse and remnants of tools or other disposable goods–but not fully intact works of art.

The Cat is also simultaneously familiar and foreign, likely inspired in-part by the recognizable Florida panther, but created by a culture so distant that most of what we know about it comes from archaeology and limited ethnohistorical records. And it looks like it could have been carved yesterday.

Its preservation is so remarkable that it is hard to comprehend that it was likely carved using shark-tooth tools more than 500 years ago. The fact that it has been in the public’s collective consciousness for so long too, having been excavated in 1896 and incorporated into numerous exhibitions and publications since then, has helped solidify its status as a cultural icon.

Why is it thought that it was carved using shark-tooth tools? What are these tools like?

This theory is due to the sheer number of shark-tooth tools found at the Key Marco site, including some still hafted to their wooden handles, as well as the obvious striations and wear on certain wooden artifacts. There is also a dearth of natural stone in South Florida, making shark teeth more likely as carving instruments. Archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing reported that ‘cutting and carving knives of shark’s teeth . . . were found by the hundreds’ and at least 17 wooden handles ranged in length from four to eleven inches.

They may have varied in size dependent on use, much the way a painter would select a narrow or broad paintbrush depending on the level of work being done. Similarly, artistic preferences may have merited certain species of shark teeth for certain tasks, as the ‘serrated’ tiger shark tooth is much different than the ‘pointy’ lemon shark tooth, both of which have been found in archaeological contexts.

Some believe that the Key Marco Cat is a religious icon. What was the importance of the cat — or panther — in First Nations religions and myths?

Generally, in Southeastern tribes, the panther is portrayed as a dangerous creature in myths relating to hunting or warfare. These myths indicate that panthers hold special powers or knowledge that can sometimes be transmitted to humans. Cushing’s instincts about the Cat fall in line with this idea, believing it to be ‘a fetish or god of war or the hunt.’

In many Native stories, panthers are the progenitors—or original ancestors—of tribal clans and could travel between worlds, transforming between human and panther, sometimes acting as protectors or guardian figures.

Physically, the Cat is anthropomorphic, meaning it has both human and animal (in this case, feline) characteristics, lending credence the idea that it may represent a person—perhaps an ancestor— in a state of ritual transformation.

What were some of the other important and surprising artifacts unearthed during that Smithsonian Institution-sponsored expedition in 1896?

Most of the artifacts uncovered at Key Marco were made of wood or plant fiber, meaning that literally hundreds of them were ‘important’ and/or ‘surprising’ in the sense that they were the types of artifacts not ordinarily recovered from archaeological sites. That’s how

prolific the site was. The list includes wooden masks and figureheads, netting, rope, atlatls [a stick used to propel a spear], wooden bowls, mortar & pestle kits, toy canoes, trays, tablets, gourds, stools, shell tool handles, shark-tooth slashing weapons, and more—all centuries old and improbably well-preserved. Most amazingly, some of the masks and figureheads even still had paint visible on them!

To this day, Key Marco represents the most comprehensive and spectacular assemblage of pre-Columbian Native American material culture ever discovered in Florida. It offers our best window into the everyday life of a complex maritime society centered around fishing.

How did the ‘Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of people on Marco Island’ exhibit come about?

Honestly, the exhibit was a dream long before I was hired as Curator in 2013. In fact, when the Marco Island Historical Society and Collier County first built the museum in 2010, one of its crowning architectural features was a display ‘vault’ in which they hoped the Key Marco Cat would eventually be on display. Talk about blind ambition!

Of course, it would take years of work to ready the museum exhibits and facilities for a loan of the Key Marco Cat—which was never guaranteed, mind you But that was always the goal, even as we fleshed out the rest of the museum. And now, more than a decade later, the real Cat sits in the display vault, just as intended, giving a sense of completion to the entire museum.

How does it feel having the Key Marco Cat back ‘home’?

It feels right. The local community is so invested in the Cat as a source of pride and the Smithsonian Institution has been such a supportive partner that the whole experience thus far has been wonderful. As an educational tool, the Cat is a great ‘gateway object’, in that it grabs peoples’ attention and, in turn, engages them with the complex histories of the Calusa and their ancestors.

There is no substitute for the ‘real thing’ when trying to interest people in the past, and the fact that this Smithsonian object was pulled from the muck just a few miles down the road from the museum really resonates with our visitors. Despite the ongoing pandemic, more than 53,000 people have seen it in-person since January 2019. •

The Key Marco Cat, and other rare pre-Columbian Native American artifacts, are on view in the ‘Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of people on Marco Island’ exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum thru April 2026. The museum, open TueSat 9am-4pm, is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive on Marco Island. Admission is free. Call 252-1440 for information.

The Key Marco Cat is believed to be a fetish or god of war or the hunt.

From Classics to the Cutting Edge

by Caylee Weintraub

‘Men in Boats’ will be performed by an all-female cast, re-imagining this all-male historical expedition with cross-dressing female actors. The stage becomes not only a place that recreates history, but also a place where history is rewritten.

WHEN I WALK INTO the Ned Foulds Theater at the Alliance for the Arts, set design members of Theatre Conspiracy are in the process of turning the stage into the Colorado River.

The back of the stage is lined with wooden boats that the actors will use to simulate the 1869 expedition to map the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. Jaclyn Backhaus’s play, Men on Boats, follows a onearmed captain as he manifests destiny in the newly acquired western territory of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. Since the play opened on October 22, the Foulds Theater has no longer been Fort Myers, Florida, but Arizona in the mid-nineteenth century.

However, Theatre Conspiracy performs everything except the ordinary.

Men on Boats will be performed by an all-female cast. The performance re-imagines this all-male historical expedition with cross-dressing female actors. The stage becomes not only a place that recreates history, but also a place where history is rewritten.

“I founded Theatre Conspiracy with my best friend Bill Gilmore, who was living here at the time. Being young and brash, we wanted to do shows that challenged us, that were a little bit edgy,” Bill Taylor, Founder & Artistic Director of Theatre Conspiracy says as we sit on benches near the outdoor stage. He is the heart of Theatre Conspiracy, its engine. “It felt like a conspiracy against the standard operating of theatre in the area. That’s how we got our name.”

Taylor wanted to change the theatre environment he knew. Despite being a born and raised Floridian, the first performance starred Taylor and Gilmore in a mountain-climbing story called K2. The two friends rented a one room studio and filled it with rented chairs for audience members and constructed the eponymous mountain, K2.

Using plywood, fabric and styrofoam, Taylor and Gilmore made the second-tallest mountain in the world right in the middle of southwest Florida. Taylor and Gilmore hung fabric across the plywood mountain so that as they climbed it, they seemingly disappeared before audience eyes into the fog of K2.

Thirty-six years later, Bill Taylor is still making mountains, rivers, and, most recently, an outdoor stage that served as the performance space for

Theatre Conspiracy during the pandemic. Taylor, with help from Boy Scout troop members and other Theatre Conspiracy members, constructed a square stage beneath four oak trees.

The outdoor space allowed Theatre Conspiracy to continue hosting performances throughout the pandemic and allowed for the invention of checkered seating, where audience members were positioned like pieces on a checkerboard that allowed for social distancing on all sides.

Bluegrass concerts, Americana concerts, storytelling, and other performances were all resurrected on this stage during Covid. “It was wonderful,” Taylor says. “It gave people a sense of normalcy.”

If there is something Covid changed, it was how actors and audiences negotiated space. A performance is equal parts audience and actor. Like someone telling you their dream, a performance is one side conveying a picture and the other side straining to make sense of a changing landscape.

“Theatre is a living picture,” Taylor says.

Theatre Conspiracy is continuing to make space for itself on the theatre scene. The performance of Phillip Christian Smith’s The Chechens in early August kicked off the first performances back in the Ned Foulds Theatre since the start of the pandemic.

Smith’s script is set in Russia’s Chechen Republic, when officials were rounding up LGBTQ+ youth and killing them or forcing their families to honor-kill them.

This season, Theatre Conspiracy is showcasing four scripts from local writers, four from the state of Florida, and eight from outside the state.

The play showcases a family split between ‘religion, politics, or love.’

Theatre Conspiracy’s motto, “from the classics to the cutting edge,” captures the mission of Theatre Conspiracy: to showcase plays with grit. “When I look for a script,” Taylor says, “I look for something to sink my teeth into.” Each performance season, Taylor showcases one classic play, and the rest of the season is reserved for those performances that show some fangs.

Lately, it has focused especially on featuring the works of people of color and women. “One of the proudest moments for me was six or seven years ago when we added onto the mission of the company to produce shows that are geared towards minority artists and minority audiences. We’ve produced The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide, by Ntozake Shange. We’ve committed to producing The American Century Cycle, by August Wilson, which has ten shows, one from each decade of the twentieth century. We produce one each year.”

Actors in Theatre Conspiracy aim to operate against the status quo. Rachael Endrizzi, an actress in the company, described to me her experiences both acting and directing in Theatre Conspiracy productions.

“So many of the productions I’ve gotten to direct here have been real conversation starters,” Endrizzi, who has directed plays such as Almost, Maine and My First Time, writes. “Conversations around tricky topics like terminal illness, addiction to pop culture and media, suicide, gender identity, and more. At the heart of my love for theatre, is my love for storytelling and conversation starting.”

This performance season, Theatre Conspiracy is showcasing four scripts from local writers, four from the state of Florida, and eight from outside the state. Audiences can sit in the Foulds theater and see plays that have only ever been staged in New York.

Theatre Conspiracy shows are dynamic forces geared to showcase diverse experiences. Some of the upcoming performances: an Iowa woman’s experience with a roommate, a man’s use of

ecstasy to heal from ‘deep psychological wounds,’ a group of lesbians enjoying a quiche breakfast as part of the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, and Martin Luther King’s final day in the Lorraine Hotel room the night before his assassination.

Theatre Conspiracy is a shape-shifter, and puts on performances across different centuries, writers, and genres. Just when it seems like Theatre Conspiracy is taking form, it shifts again.

“We’re constantly doing something different,” Taylor says. “Different actors, different playwrights, different places in time.”

Some of the places in time Theatre Conspiracy will enter this performance season ranges from the 1800s, to 1950, to 1968, to current day.

“There are individual shows that for one reason or another connect with me the most, but it is the stuff we do here that makes me the happiest,” Taylor says. “One of the actresses in the company told me that when she was a kid, it would have made her happy to see someone who looked like her on stage.”

Endrizzi echoes the idea of how theatre can be a powerful experience of finding community. “I was a shy child who was forced into drama class against my will. There, in community theatre, I found a diaspora of loving, creative, giving people who welcomed me with open arms.”

Theatre performances are transformative; they transform actors, audiences, and spaces.

Theatre Conspiracy’s next major project, a fringe festival, epitomizes this idea of rapid transformation. Fringe theatre embraces the chaos of constant transformation. Started in Edinburgh, Scotland as a way to stage performances away from traditional theatres, fringe theatre performances embody the nontraditional.

“We have no control over the shows. Writers apply to be in the festival, and then we put all

of those applicants in a hat, shake up the hat, and draw from there,” Taylor says, and smiles.

Fringe Festival candidates have 15 minutes to set up their play, 10 minutes to allow the audience to take their places, and then an hour for the performance itself. After the performance is over, the actors have 15 minutes to take all set design down, and clear the way for the next performance. The result is an ever-changing revolving door of performances.

Theatre Conspiracy embraces change: changing stages, changing performances, and changing times.

In the midst of embracing change, however, it has also created a stable community. It embraces these paradoxes of new and old, contemporary and classic, changing and constant. When I spoke to actors who are part of Theatre Conspiracy, they echoed the idea of a community and home.

“In community theatre, there is a sense of everything being created by a small handful of people, mostly volunteers, and there is something magical about that process,” Endrizzi told me. “I think there is also something incredibly magical about people who are teachers, parents, lawyers, cashiers, etc. during the day, who take their free time in the evenings to come together, to work at creating a play together for their community.”

As I come back to Foulds Theatre, I notice the paint marks, scuff marks, and some dents on the surface are vestiges of the performances that have taken place on its surface. The stage is a palimpsest of experiences layered one on top of the other.

In the next few weeks, the theatre will be transformed into Arizona, and then Iowa, and then Russia. It is a space that crosses time, borders, and experience.

“I believe that so many people involved care deeply, and are incredibly skilled and gifted,” Endrizzi says. “They come together in a small group to make something beautiful with the local community right here, for the community right here. I think that’s really, really special.” • Theatre Conspiracy performs at the Alliance for the Arts, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Fior information, call 939-2787.

Bill Taylor founded Theatre Conspiracy 36 years ago

“to

do shows that challenged us, that were a little bit edgy,”

Actor and director, Rachael Endrizzi says, “At the heart of my love for theatre, is my love for storytelling and conversation starting.”

Lewis Black Getting Better Every Day

by Jason MacNeil

Comedian Lewis Black rarely had to bite his tongue when it came to issues that rubbed him the wrong way. Over dozens of memorable rants on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and several stand-up specials, his passionate, logical and profanepunctuated pieces struck a nerve with many.

But Black, now 73, was at the pandemic’s mercy, resulting in him interacting with an actual, in-theflesh audience just twice over roughly 20 months. In September Black performed a mini-residency of sorts at a Cleveland club. The eagerness to work left him happy but worn out.

“It felt really great and then it felt really bad because I didn’t have the common sense to realize I hadn’t worked in 600 days,” the comedian says during an enjoyable phone interview in early October. “And the common sense being you don’t do six shows in four nights. ‘Wow I haven’t done anything in 600 days, let’s run a marathon.’ So I exhausted myself. Because if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic—or at least I have— it’s that 1000 days seems like one day and one day seems like 1000 days.”

“The problem is when I go onstage I give 100%. I push myself as hard as I can onstage physically. Now

I’m back to the point where I’m, ‘Okay this is how we do it.’ By the time I did the sixth show I was able to do my show without any notes.”

Black, performing at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall as part of his It Gets Better Every Day tour, says booking shows is a little better now. But his initial hopeful thoughts in February after being double-vaccinated and what ended up happening the rest of 2021 were polar opposites.

“I thought most Americans were waiting for a vaccine, how tough is it going to be, everybody will be vaccinated,” he says. “Or at least we’ll have 75% of Americans vaccinated. Why wouldn’t you do that? So initially I had no hesitancy. It was February and I was going back on the road in September.

“As it got closer I realized I wanted to go to Huntsville, Alabama and I couldn’t anymore because nobody at the club was vaccinated. I wanted to go to Omaha, Nebraska, but they weren’t even publishing or sending out information about what was going on there. None. There was a map of the United States with all the hot spots. It was like six weeks or eight weeks before I was supposed to go in August. And Nebraska was blank—it was white, blank. All the other states filled in, no information

“If I’ve learned anything from the pandemicit’s that 1000 days seems like one day and one day seems like 1000 days.”

from Nebraska. I said I can’t do it. I have an underlying condition, I’m older. Basically, I hid out for 600 days, I’m not putting myself at risk.”

Black also succinctly offers his advice to those who refuse—without any rational thought—to get vaccinated or accept basic public health protocols.

“Here’s something I need to get out,” he says. “It’s a public service announcement. If people make things up and then they believe what they made up, that’s crazy! That’s what we call crazy! You don’t get to make shit up and then think it’s real. Because if you do you’re nuts. Americans are crazier than I ever imagined!”

The lack of shows made Black realize just how much he missed both the interaction with an audience and how that dynamic served as creative fuel towards his decibel-raising diatribes.

“I love what I do, I really love it,” he says. “I didn’t miss the whole idea of, ‘Oh, I got to get back there for the laughs.’ I got to get back to the audience because they are my guardrails. I write in front of an audience so for me I stopped writing because that’s who I write in front of. My audience has been incredible because they’ve allowed me to do that and get it. That’s what is my primary relationship. It was like my marriage was over.”

One saving grace was the Rantcast, a series of often weekly rants which premiered on his YouTube channel on July 22, 2020. Black could still get things off his chest while receiving rants from fans and honing them to his level of rant-tastic.

“The Rantcast was huge because it allowed me to continue to do it,” he says. “I didn’t need an audience to read rants. I knew what made a rant funny. If you send me the rant and I like the rant then I can read the rant and make it funny. I’ve been doing that since The Daily Show 100 years ago.

“What was difficult was just sitting here talking to myself,” Black recalls. “I’m sitting here, but I feel like a psychotic public access [television] person. But the basic reading of the rants and the rants that I was getting before the shutdown was as good as anything written. The stuff evolved to the point I found it impressive. Not that these folks could then consistently write another one. What I’m saying is they had something to yell about and they yelled about it really well. And the way in which they did it was terrific.”

Having had his share of comical but quite pointed, thought-provoking rants, Black says there’s one key that’s essential to every rant.

“Something has to really irritate the hell out of you,” he says. “That’s really it, that’s what drives a rant. If something really pisses you off, the rest will follow. What pisses you off and why does it piss you off? Once you get through all the whys then you’re done. There are always more whys than you realize.”

As for his Fort Myers show, Black deadpans about karaoke and making animals out of balloons before mentioning topics he’s interested in, one of which is gun violence.

“It’s a newspaper article,” he says about the topic originally slated for his 2020 stand-up television special Thanks For Risking Your Life. “It’s about gun violence, it’s not about me taking a position, this actually happened. So you can’t go, ‘Yeah, but I feel...’ No, this happened so let’s move on and now you can deal with it. And it’s funny. It’s sad and funny, tremendously sad, but it is funny.”

And while nothing is set in stone given how quickly things are changing, another topic which could be on the agenda is health insurance, an issue which has taken on even greater importance given the pandemic.

“At one time in my life my health was really threatened and I had an underlying condition, I had a severe case of pneumonia,” he says. “I talk

once it goes through that a thousand million times it comes after you and it’s relentless.

“I learned the thing I think we all learned, which is we’re vulnerable. And what else I learned is we are going to have trouble, all of us, with some sort of mental [health issue]. People aren’t going to be able to skip this. Everybody’s cage was rattled.”

Black says he’s hoping to perform more shows in the coming months, but that depends on the state of the pandemic. He’s also trying to create a travel show “because what America needs right now is 12,000 more travel shows”, but nothing is confirmed.

Throughout his rise to fame during his years on The Daily Show, Black has managed to keep a loyal following while not following the likes of Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah hosting a show. Black says he’s maintained his career through keeping an open mind.

“As long as I was learning something on that stage I was comfortable, I really enjoyed it,” he says. “I went, ‘Oh, wow!’ Then I had something to think about and talk about. As long as the audience seemed to want to show up and listen to me go off those were the driving forces. I got into theatre for starters and that’s always been the driving force, having my words on a stage.”

Speaking of Stewart, the comedian says he hasn’t seen his new Apple TV series The Problem With Jon Stewart. But it’s nothing personal.

“From what I gather he’s become a pundit and I get that and that’s great,” he says. “But I avoid stuff for a while and then go back because I need to work on it and get my own point of view. I really respect Jon and John Oliver and all of the others, I think they’re great. But I really need to avoid that because I need to come up with my own thinking. Sometimes I’ll see something with Oliver and I’ll go, ‘Fuck! God dammit! I should’ve thought of that!’”

about that because I was hospitalized in Ireland. So I get to talk about something all Americans think they know about. ‘Boy look at those other countries.’ ‘No, you’ve never been there so shut the fuck up!’ No Canadians need to hold their urine for six days to see a doctor!”

While Black did his best to keep busy and his mind occupied during the lockdown stretches, he feels the ramifications of isolation have weighed heavily on himself and everyone else.

“I learned you don’t put yourself in solitary confinement, that’s torture,” he says. “There’s a reason people are put in solitary confinement and it’s to torture them. What I learned is I can’t handle it because your brain will go through all of the things that it likes and feels comfortable with and enjoys and wants to yell about. And

Perhaps one small pandemic-related oddity is Black’s family having first-hand experience with pandemics. His mother, Jeannette Black, was an infant when the 1918 pandemic ravaged the world. Now, 103 years later, she’s still celebrating birthdays, as she did in late September.

“As I keep saying, she’s here and sometimes she’s there,” Lewis says regarding her condition. “I consider her to be living in a senior living situation in Maryland that I would call a launchpad. She left the planet much sooner and has returned on a number of occasions, almost daily. And she did It much sooner than Musk, Branson and Bezos. It didn’t cost her a billion dollars.

“She’s well but like she says, ‘Who the fuck should be living this long?’” •

Lewis Black will be appearing December 9 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers.

“If people make things up and then they believe what they made up, that’s crazy! That’s what we call crazy! You don’t get to make shit up and then think it’s real.

Because if you do you’re nuts.”

back and

by Julie Clay

NOW that live theatre has finally fully returned to Southwest Florida, Gulfshore Playhouse is ready and excited to present a sensational season featuring professional actors and award-winning producing talent. Covid precautions in place, audiences can rest assured of their safety while enjoying a varied entertainment roster. Gulfshore is also thrilled to finally have the official groundbreaking for construction of their dream-come-true cultural campus. In the meantime, all Gulfshore productions continue their run on the Norris Center stage in downtown Naples.

Speaking recently with Gulfshore Playhouse founder, CEO &

Producing Artistic Director, Kristen Coury, we got the scoop on this season’s lineup. Following an October Broadway Cabaret kickoff show, Tony Award-winning playwright August Wilson’s Radio Golf runs November 11-December 5. The story of an ambitious real estate developer determined to save his blighted childhood neighborhood and become the first Black Mayor of Pittsburgh. Radio Golf is directed by Marshall Jones III, former Producing Artistic Director at the acclaimed Crossroads Theatre Company. Coury adds that Joseph C. Phillips, who plays lead character Harmond, was a regular on The Cosby Show for several seasons.

Higher , written and starring Jeffrey Binder, Gulfshore’s first

and to the future

Gulfshore Playhouse is busy with their ‘Next Stage’ capital campaign, raising funds to build a world-class cultural campus at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Rd. & 1st Ave. S. in downtown Naples. “A realization of 17 years of dreams,” Coury says.

Associate Artistic Director, follows from January 13-30. Coury shares, “It was written by him last year at our request, for Covid. We thought last fall that the Actors Union would give us permission to do it since it’s a one-person show.” The union refused, so they filmed it instead. However, this season, Higher , a story of faith, healing, and hope, gets its time on stage, where it belongs.

February 10-March 13th, Gulfshore presents a hilarious take on Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece The 39 Steps . Watch over 150 zany characters portrayed by an incredibly talented cast of four!

Next, Coury directs The Invisible Hand, a provocative political thriller written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar.

Running March 24-April 16, it’s the story of an American investment banker held for ransom by a militant group in Pakistan. To his dismay, he finds that nobody is coming to his aid.

Finishing the season is Another Revolution April 28-May 15, a world premiere that Gulfshore discovered two or three years ago in their New Works Festival. The story, set in 1968, involves two graduate students forced to share a lab at Columbia University while the campus devolves in the times’ politically and socially charged climate. Coury says, “We’re excited to showcase a female American playwright (Jacqueline Bircher) and Lisa Rothe, a renowned Director across the country. This is the first time we are able to secure her to direct a show.”

Gulfshore’s STAR Academy education department also continues its stellar program, giving teens interested in theatre the chance to learn from seasoned professionals. Their production of Annie happens December 1619th, and the spring production of Clue runs May 20-22.

Following Covid protocols, audiences will be masked, temperatures checked at the door, and capacity at the Norris Center will be at 75% for all shows.

Besides their triumphant return to live productions, Coury is also busy with Gulfshore Playhouse’s ‘Next Stage’ capital campaign, raising funds to build a world-class cultural campus at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road & 1st Avenue South in downtown Naples.

“The campus is a realization of 17 years of dreams,” Coury says, adding that they were able to raise $45 million in the last year alone. “That’s amazing to me,” she imparts. “We’re now at $55 million out of a $60 million campaign.” A ceremonial groundbreaking will happen on December 1st, and she hints that some Broadway talent may be on hand for that as well.

“I’m over the moon about this exciting moment. Thanks to our wonderful donors and incredible team, we are bringing world-class art and education to the region,” Coury enthuses. She shares that the Broadway-size stage will have 20-foot wings on either side, among other features needed for proper production. This has to be inspiring news for at least a couple of Gulfshore’s board members, Patty Baker and Sandi Moran, who are both Tony award-winning producers.

“This is the new model for regional theaters,” Coury envisions, “Producers can create content where they can practice and hone it before it goes to New York. We’re hoping that we can become the anchor theater in the southeast that Broadway producers look toward to develop Tony award-winning musicals.” She adds that they are in negotiations right now with an internationally known playwright to pen the world premiere of a new play, which will be their first production in

the new performance hall. The main stage rehearsal hall can also be used for bank gatherings, civic events, etc.

Once construction starts in December, Gulfshore hopes to open the new cultural campus in late fall 2023. Coury encourages one and all to come by anytime during business hours, enjoy something from the café, use their free Wi-Fi and experience the beautifully designed space filled with natural light. And parking? Don’t worry about it!

Coury reveals, “The city has agreed to build

The Gulfshore Playhouse fundraiser, Rising Stars: An Afternoon on the Red Carpet, on November 15 at the beautiful Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples, stars Rita Moreno, acclaimed winner of an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy.

a new garage next door. Gulfshore Playhouse, along with Wynn Properties, will be contributing 1/3 acre to the city to build it. They have hired DPZ CoDesign to bring Duany PlaterZyberk’s expertise to the Design District.”

Coury remarks that every arts organization she knows of in the region has had to add seats due to significant growth, a healthy rebound from the Covid shutdowns a year ago! “Theaters are catalysts to growth, so this is great timing for planned growth.”

There are two exciting upcoming Gulfshore Playhouse fundraiser, Rising Stars: An Afternoon on the Red Carpet on November 15 at the beautiful Arthrex One Conference Center in Naples. The event stars the one and only Rita Moreno, acclaimed winner of all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy. Her latest work is a return to West Side Story in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation.

Bubbles, Baubles & Broadway, on March 7, encourages ‘Courageous Attire’ for a circus-type show that takes place, literally, inside a giant circus tent. Coury shares that a Cirque de Soleil-type company will do breathtaking aerial stunts and amazing circus tricks, and Broadway talent will perform.

Coury resolves, “We’re just so happy to be back on stage. You can expect old-school Gulfshore Playhouse this season. It’s been over 18 months since we’ve been able to do a real season. We’re thrilled to bring theatre quality excitement to our patrons. Our shows were created to give people things to discuss afterward and are designed to bring people back together safely and joyfully.”

“There are a few thought-provoking plays to chew on, and the actors won’t be wearing masks. They will be tested two-to-six times a week, depending on the show. There are no mandatory vaccine requirements for audience members, but there are temperature checks on the way in and masks are mandatory.” •

Gulfshore Playhouse performs (for now) at the Norris Center, 755 8th Ave, S. in Naples. For information, call 261-7529.

“We’re hoping that we can become the anchor theater in the southeast that Broadway producers look toward to develop Tony award-winning musicals.”

music is a journey

by Gary Mooney

Like almost everything else in our society, Covid wreaked havoc with the Grand Piano Series over the past year, but Grand Piano Series President & Artistic Director Milana Strezeva explains that now is the right time to re-institute its live audience shows. “Music, culture, and the arts in general are essential healing forces for our souls, and there is no substitute for live performances that you share with your family and friends, as those experiences will help us get through the pandemic or any other catastrophe.”

She continues, “I recently watched a documentary about the great pains people endured in the Second World War, where bombs flew all around Russia, but the citizens in one town blasted radio music all over their community, then held a concert in their local performance hall one day after bombs destroyed it, with everyone bundled up in thick coats in freezing weather because the building no longer had a roof. Yet there they were listening to music. Why? Because when things seem at their worst and we must dig deep for salvation to survive, music is one of the few things that brings us all together. I really believe music in particular and the arts in general will help get us through the pandemic.”

The Grand Piano Series is in its sixth season, now in conjunction with the former Classic Chamber Concerts, which passed on their 25 year Chamber Music tradition. “This season’s Grand Piano Series is a mixture of incredible artists along with up-and-coming performers from a broad variety of backgrounds, all who are achieving their best possible work,” offered Milana. “We hope that attitude rubs off on our audiences—do your best every day and maybe you will discover that if you listen to a little Bach every morning, it will improve your whole day!”

With the Grand Piano Series hosting live performances again, Milana is cognizant that society continues to deal with the pandemic and some still have health and safety concerns. “We do not, however, have a pandemic policy in place for the entire season, as Covid can change so quickly,” she explained. “But we are taking precautions. When we host performances at St. Leo’s Auditorium, there will be a vacant seat on either side of your own personal group. Depending on what the Center for Disease Control recommends at that particular time, we may or may not require guests to wear masks, but if you want to, feel free! Of course, if you have any symptoms, we ask that you do not attend the shows, out of respect for each other, as we are not out of the woods yet.”

We have a link on the Grand Piano Series website (grandpianoseries.org) with our most current Covid policy that we always update, so if you have a concern as your show approaches, go online and check that out.”

In addition to the live performances, Milana adds that “roughly a week to ten days prior to each show, join us online for a pre-concert get-together with each artist, where they talk about their upcoming program, musical inspirations and current projects. Then you can ask them questions. We began doing this during the pandemic and everyone loved it, including the artists, so we will continue it this season.”

Milana is not only the Grand Piano Series President & Artistic Director, but an accomplished musician as well. The Moldovan-American pianist has been praised by critics for her “technically fluid, dramatically convincing and sonically full-bodied supportive collaborations.”

Milana, an international award winner and graduate of The Juilliard School of Music, is a founding member of the Manhattan Piano Trio, one of the most creative and dynamic young ensembles in America. At age 11, she began playing chamber music with her parents, where her love of family collaboration grew into a passion for advocacy of vocal and instrumental Chamber Music.

“I come from a musical family, as my parents loved music despite coming from humble backgrounds, with my father a farmer and my mother ran the household. They found their musical abilities by accident, with Mom eventually becoming one of the top Soprano opera singers in the Soviet Union and Dad playing the clarinet, and each ended up incredibly successful. So there was always Chamber Music in our household.”

GRAND PIANO SERIES

November 10 : Aldo Lopez-Gavilan

December 6 & 8 : Chelsea Guo

January 11 : Schaghajegh Nosrati

February 2 : Santiago Ballerini

February 16 : Colburn Artists Play Beethoven

March 9 : Manasse/Frautschi/Nakamatsu

She recalls that “when I was around 5 years old, I was with my grandfather, who was a farmer as well, and he was listening to a concert and crying because the music was so beautiful. I learned from that young age that music can communicate its passions to everybody! Sadly, many people think you must have a higher education or come from a wealthy background to experience the power of communication that Chamber Music brings. But nothing is further from the truth. Music is the outlet that allows an audience who brings their own stories and experiences to a concert to unite in a partnership and that is incredible, especially now when so many of us seem to have few things in common. Some of us speak English or Russian or Spanish or Mandarin, but music is the world’s true second language that brings us together. Everyone can understand the language of music!”

March 30 & 31 : Manhattan Chamber Players & Milana Strezeva

April 27 : Geneva Lewis

May 11 : Alessandro Mazzamuto

Ft.Myers magazine readers can take advantage of a 10% discount on tickets. when you purchase advance tickets, enter the code ‘FM10’ on the checkout stage.

“Too often, I hear people say they probably would not enjoy or understand our concerts because they do not know anything about Chamber Music,” Milana continued, “but you do not need to know anything about Chamber Music to enjoy our live performances. Just show up without any preconceived notions or

“You do not need to know anything about chamber music to enjoy our performances. Just show up without any preconceived notions or expectations about what you should feel and let the music take you on your own personal journey.”

journey

expectations about what you should feel and let the music take you on your own personal journey. That is my philosophy about attending concerts—just come and be open to new experiences, as that is what keeps us all young and vibrant and engaged. Almost without realizing it, you become richer for the experience. That is our goal!”

As to why people should attend the 2021-22 Grand Piano Series: “To get inspired,” exclaimed Milana. “First, we have fantastic audiences composed of folks from all walks of life. People constantly tell me they are hesitant to come because they are not Chamber Music or piano aficionados, so they do not know what they would talk about, but our typical audience is full of car or horse lovers, financial advisors, plumbers, doctors, and any diverse background you can imagine, so it is a nice environment to make

friends. Second, the artists are incredible, and after each performance we have a meet-and-greet where you can not only speak with them but to one another, and everyone enjoys that.”

“At Grand Piano Series concerts, you quickly discover that music brings something beautiful to each and every one of us! I love people and stories and music, and music tells us stories in a language that communicates those tales and love to everyone on our journey together, and that is the ultimate benefit of attending the Grand Piano Series!” •

Grand Piano Series concerts are performed at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, the Wang Opera Center in Naples and the Gulf Theatre in Punta Gorda. For information about the Grand Piano Series, call 646-734 8179.

above: Milana Strezeva; right, top to bottom: Santiago Ballerini, Geneva Lewis, Chelsea Guo.

The Music Sets You Free

by Cindy-jo Dietz

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME since I’ve ventured down past the Lee County border into Collier. I hate to say it, but this used to be my playground, and sometimes I really miss it. Especially South Street. I myself have played on their stage before and have witnessed a number of my fellow local musicians do so as well. It’s one of those venues all those with a taste for live music have come to know and love. Especially, if you have haunted the Naples live music scene for any length of time. They have a great set-up, and the crowd tends to be quite enthusiastic about being entertained. It’s just an excellent place to hear new and emerging artists. Which is why I am not surprised Nostaljah found themselves playing this venue. I was looking forward to seeing what they had to offer.

I got there a bit on the early side and watched as they made their way in, gear in tow. Slowly each piece of equipment was hoisted on stage and cords plugged in.

The main core of Nostaljah is Drea & Kardo. Nostaljah is known to work with a rotating lineup of independent musicians, but this evening’s drummer (Rothsberg) and keyboardist (Germain) are primary participants, and also great friends. At times, Nostaljah has also been known to perform as a duo, keeping themselves open to a variety of venues and opportunities.

It was about 15 years ago when Drea and Kardo established themselves not only as a band, but as marital partners. With two kids (ages 3 & 19) and a blended family, they work hard to balance their family life and entertainment. Even in just a short time of speaking with them, their commitment to their music

and each other is obvious. They talk a lot about love and Jah as their guide through it all. You can tell they both truly appreciate what it is they do, and the fact they get to work together as a couple and as musicians obviously keeps their relationship strong.

Kardo says what he likes most about working with his wife is the time they get to spend together. “We’re so busy. By the time we get home, there’s so much to do, and suddenly it’s time to go to bed. For example, just driving to a gig we get to sit and talk about things we wouldn’t normally get a chance to. She’s great to work with, and she’s a very talented musician.”

Nostaljah is well known for their creative spin on reggae. The couple explains they draw their sound from personal experience and a mixed heritage. Drea is Italian and Costa Rican, and Kardo is West Indian & Jamaican. They both believe their heritage gives them the ability to fuse different styles into one, creating a form of reggae specifically unique to them.

The word ‘nostalgia’ typically invokes emotion and memory. With a twist of a few letters it takes on a double meaning quite personal to the couple. Drea explains despite the couple being from two different sides of the planet, Drea from New Jersey and Kardo from the Caribbean, they both happened to grow up listening to 90s rhythm & blues, neo soul, latin and reggae. It helped them find common ground. They are also both very spiritual. Jah is a constant force and influence in their everyday actions. That’s why they spell Nostaljah the way they do. They say it glorifies God, and blends the old and new musical influences they both share.

At the time of our interview Nostaljah had lots of gigs lined up for the coming months, but said with Covid entering our world, the business of music has taken a turn. “As you know, with Covid a lot of things have slowed down. It’s very different, and we have to think about the consequences of being out in public with people, and bringing that back home to our friends and family,” says Kardo. “There’s always the concern in the back of our minds that we still have to be safe while we’re out having fun and working. That adds stress. A lot of businesses are suffering.”

Despite the circumstances Covid brings to the entertainment community and businesses, Drea turns a positive spin on things. “There’s been a lot of negative effects of Covid, but we’ve also witnessed beautiful things. People have a desire

“There’s been a lot of negative effects of Covid, but we’ve also witnessed beautiful things. People have a desire to get out like they’ve never gotten out before. They enjoy every moment, every song.”

“It doesn’t matter what your dialect or primary language is, music— reggae in particular— brings together people from all over the world.”

to get out like they’ve never gotten out before. They enjoy every moment, every song and every aspect. It’s an experience. I really do have to give thanks to Jah, because if it wasn’t for Covid people wouldn’t love and experience life in the way they are right now, freely. Because it feels free to even be out of your house—literally. We’ve been on lockdown. You know what I’m saying? So to be free… Yeah, it’s dope.”

The positive message doesn’t stop there. The duo express to me that reggae in particular always has an underlying message hidden within the lyrics and the emotion behind the music. And what is Nostaljah’s message? “Love, universal love, because love changes everything,” says Kardo. Drea adds, “Out of many there are one. Love and creativity, it’s a universal language we all speak. It doesn’t matter what your dialect or primary language is, music—reggae in particular—brings together people from all over the world. It’s amazing. It just has something that makes you move.”

I asked the band a little about their favorites among their own songs and why. Kardo answers, “My two favorites are acoustic versions. The first one is of ‘Your Eyes’. The reason it’s my favorite song is because when I first met Kardo, he picked up an acoustic guitar. That was the way he told me [he loved me.] That song is about me. So, 10 years later, when we recorded it, it had a nostalgia to it [pun intended]. It’s very personal and very deep.”

He continues, “My second favorite is ‘Who So Ever Will Come’. It was a recording project where we got to work with Josh from EQ Multimedia. He’s an amazing local studio owner in this area. He did such a great job on both tracks and we love him for it. We’re hoping to collaborate more.”

Kardo adds that he’s partial to ‘Easy’. “That was basically us saying, you know, no, we’re not going to join the rat race. We’re just going to take it easy. No need to rush. It was more

of a personal testament for who we are and what we’re doing personally.”

The duo are in the planning stages for releasing an EP. “We’re looking at January. It’s probably going to be like six songs,” says Drea. ‘Leave Me’ will be one of the tracks on the top of the list for that project, and the plan is to head back to EQ Multimedia to work with Josh once again.

The dictionary definition of the word ‘nostalgia’ is ‘a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.’

I asked the duo if they had any moments of their own they’d like to share. Drea had one in particular. “My favorite photo is being 9 months pregnant at the Cape Coral Reggae Festival and Kardo’s holding my hand, and I’m holding my belly. It’s the most memorable moment I’ll ever have because it was literally the weekend before I went into labor. So, I have that picture and that moment forever captured, and every time I see it it touches me.”

Nostaljah encourages fans to reach out when they can. Kardo says, “We’d like to ask for their love and support. Let us know where you want to see us play, so when we reach out to these places we can say we’ve got a tribe of hippies that look and sound just like us who are trying to hear this message of love we’re spreading. Reach out to us on social media. “

I thanked Nostaljah for their time, ended my interview and got myself back inside, finding a seat at the bar. Drea and Kardo made their way

to the stage and the show kicked into gear. It took no time at all for the crowd to develop. You can tell these were some hardcore fans dancing and singing along to the music. The audience consisted of people of different ages, all walks of life, all just enjoying the moment, enjoying the freedom to appreciate some great music and vibes. You could feel the joy emanating from the crowd and the musicians.

I can see why Nostaljah has found themselves sharing the stage with legendary acts such as Nick Jonas, Toots and the Maytals, Kimani Marley, Third World, Max Priest, and Marcia Griffiths. If you dare venture out of your house, despite the current conditions of our society, going to see Nostaljah play should be at the top of your list. Definitely a good time, good music and good people. •

For information about Nostaljah, to hear their music and find out where they will be performing, visit nostaljahmusic.com.

Drea is Italian & Costa Rican, and Kardo is West Indian & Jamaican. They both believe their heritage gives them the ability to fuse different styles into one, creating a form of reggae unique to them.

Americana Community Music Association

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

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

americanacma.org

The ACMA Listening Room is located at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers. Each show has a local songwriter opening for a touring headliner. Shows are in a listening room, so the audience can enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs. Presenting acoustic performances by Americana artists and singer/songwriters. ACMA shows throughout the community. Please visit our website for more information and updated calendar of events.

Dec. 4: Cliff Eberhardt, Louise Mosrie

January 8: The Reckless Saints, The Pearl Street Band

Jan 22: Jesse Terry, Joe Virga

Jan 29: David Mayfield, Carolyn Stanley

Feb 5: Verlon Thompson, Bill Metts.

Feb 12: Lipbone Redding, Ralph Leesberg

Feb 26:. Gurf Morlix, Bob Williams songwriters at the Plaza (downtown Ft Myers library)

Dec 14: Ray Cerbone, Robert Bidney. Kip Lawrence

Jan 11: Bruce Gallant., Bill Metts, Houseboat Jim

Feb 8: Pearl Street Band

Mar 8: The Reckless Saints.

2021 MUSIC and THEATER SEASON 2022

Apr 12: The Obstructionists with David Hintz & Ross Jordan

May 10: ACMA members

AlliAnce for the Arts (ft Myers)

Dec 19: The Reckless Saints, Java Moon

Jan 23: The Rough & Tumble, Carlene Thissen

Feb 20: Muriel Anderson, Ray Cerbone

Mar 20: Nouveau Honkies, Robert Bindney lovers Key stAte PArK (ft Myers BeAch)

Jan 6: JRobert, Ricky Baker Cegelis, Karen Cohen

Feb 3: Marie Nofsinger, Bob Williams, Bill Steel

Mar 3: Bill Veach, David Hintz, Paul Elliott

Apr 7: Carlene Thissen, Mike McMillan, Alan Bradford

May 5: The Reckless Saints

Apr 23-May 11: Knoxville

May 13-Jun 4: Eureka Day

Jun 11-26: Hood

Feb 27 & 28: Abba Fab - Abba tribute

Mar 13 & 14: The Piano ManBilly Joel tribute

Mar 19-21: The Rave-OnsBuddy Holly tribute

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Mertz 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 20-Jan 1: Hair

Jan 14-Mar 26: Our Town

Jan 21-Apr 1: Grand Horizons

Feb 11-Apr 2: The Great Leap

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

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

Broadway Palm is your ticket to escape! The theatre’s season features the best of Broadway, for all ages, 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.

schedule

MAin theAtre

thru Nov: The Sound of Music

Nov 25-Dec 25: Holly Jolly Christmas

Dec 31-Feb 12: Singin’ in the Rain

Feb 18-Apr 2: Margaritaville

Apr 8-May 14: In The Heights

May 20-Jun 25: Rock of Ages

Jul 1-Aug 13:The Wizard of Oz off BroAdwAy PAlM

thru Nov 6: Social Security

Nov 11-Dec 25: No Claus for Alarm

Jan 13-Mar 5: Over the River and Through the Woods

Mar 10-Apr 30: Greater Tuna

BroAdwAy PAlM children’s theAtre

Dec 3-24: The Nutcracker

Apr 15-May 13: No Dogs Allowed

May 27-Jun 24: The Emperor’s New Clothes concert series

Jan 30 & 31: December ’63 - Jersey Boys & Frankie Valli & The Four Season tribute

Feb 7: Tribute to the KingDwight Icehower’s Elvis tribute

Charlotte Players

Langdon Playhouse

1182 Market Circle • Port Charlotte

Charlotte Harbour Event Center 175 Taylor St. • Punta Gorda 941-255-1022

charlotteplayers.org

Charlotte Players is Charlotte County’s oldest Performing Arts Organization. They have been presenting live theater since 1961. Their Mission Statement is: ‘Charlotte Players, a volunteer organization, shall provide and promote quality theater arts programs to educate, entertain and enrich the Southwest Florida community.’

schedule

Productions At lAngdon PlAyhouse

Dec 1-5: A Nice Family Christmas

Jan 6-16: Exit Laughing

Feb 4-20: Bell, Book and Candle

Mar 11-27: Curtain Up!

Apr 13-22: There’s a Burglar in My Bed

May 13-22: Wedding Belles concerts

Nov 16: Peace River Trio (chArlotte hArBour event center)

Dec 31: New Years Eve Show (lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte)

Feb 7 & 8: The Edwards Twins (chArlotte hArBour event center)

Feb 15: Late Night Catechism III (lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte)

Feb 27: Cahal Dunne (lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte)

Feb 28: Ted Vigil Trio (lAngdon PlAyhouse, Port chArlotte)

Mar 8: The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show (chArlotte hArBour event center)

Mar 28: The Oak Ridge Boys (chArlotte hArBour event center)

Choral Artistry

239-896-6431

choralartistry.org

After 10 yrs performing as the Symphonic Chorale of SWFL, it has adopted a new name, Choral Artistry, to better reflect the diverse variety of music it performs under AD Dr. Trent Brown. It is the tri-county areas only professional core community chorus. It produces its own exquisite concerts, collaborates with other professional ensembles and hosts two Annual Choral Festivals open to all residents & visiting singers -”Summer Sing” (Aug) and Sing Out! SWFL (Jan).

schedule

Jan 7: Rachmaninoff’s Vespers (tba, sanibel)

Jan 8: Rachmaninoff’s Vespers (st. Mary’s church, bonita springs)

Jan 9: Rachmaninoff’s Vespers (trinity by the cove church, naples)

Jan 28 & 29: Sing Out! SWFL Choral Festival Workshop - Handel’s Messiah (new hope church, Ft Myers)

Jan 29: Sing Out! SWFL Choral Festival Free Concert - Handel’s Messiah (new hope church, Ft Myers)

Apr 14: Considering Matthew Shephard (Faith presbyterian church, cape coral)

The Circus Arts Conservatory

2075 Bahia Vista St. • Sarasota

Ulla Searing Big Top

Nathan Benderson Park 941-355-9805

circusarts.org

International professional circus artists are featured in shows by Circus Sarasota in February under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, and Sailor Circus, the longest running youth circus in the nation performs twice annually at the Sailor Circus Arena.

schedule

Dec 26-30: Sailor Circus - Let It Snow (sailor circus arena, 2075 bahia vista st)

Jan 16: Windjammerscircus music concert & Sailor Circus (sailor circus arena, 2075 bahia vista st)

Feb 11-Mar 6: Circus Sarasota (ulla searing big top, nathan benderson park)

Mar 18-20: Cirque des VoixCircus of the Voices (ulla searing big top, nathan benderson park)

Coastal Voices Chorus

The Heights Center

15570 Hagie Dr. • Fort Myers

502-797-0044

coastalvoiceschorus.com

Coastal Voices is a brand new acapella chorus with members from all over SWFL. Women of all ages and vocal skill levels are welcome to “Find Your Voice” in a safe, inclusive atmosphere of respect and friendship. No matter the voice range, there is a spot for you! Weekly, in-person rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:45pm to 8:45pm at The Heights Center

Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music & the Arts

Theatre Program

TheatreLab • Arts Complex

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

2021 MUSIC and THEATER SEASON 2022

theatre: performance, technology, theory, and criticism. All productions take place in the TheatreLab in the Arts Complex at FGCU.

schedule

Oct 29- Nov 7: The Misanthrope

Feb 18-27: On Baile’s Strand

Apr 22-May 1: Stories from Spoon River Music Program

U. Tobe Recital Hall • Music Building

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. Concerts by FGCU students are free.

schedule

Nov 4: Angelino Sozio

Nov 7: FGCU Jazz Ensemble

Nov 8: FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles

Nov 9: FGCU Percussion Chamber

Ensembles

Nov 16: FGCU Symphonic Band

Nov 18: FGCU Wind Orchestra

Nov 19: FGCU String Chamber Ensembles

Dec 1: Dario Celio, Alejandro Rivero

Dec 2: FGCU Piano Ensembles Concert.

Dec 4: FGCU Philharmonia

Dec 5: Michael Baron & Priscila Navarto *

Dec 6: Desiree Willever, Lia Vittone

Dec 9: Adriana Aviles, Derick Nagel

Jan 22: Kevin Chance & Eun-Hee Park *

Jan 30: Krzysztof Biernacki: *

Feb 3: FGCU Wind Orchestra

Feb 5: Frank Almond *

Feb 10: FGCU Symphonic Band

Feb 11: FGCU Chamber Choir

Feb 13: Santiago Rodriguez *

Feb 17: FGCU Jazz Ensemble

Feb 20: FGCU Symphony Orchestra

Feb 27: Ryan Little *

Mar 17: Happy 100th Birthday

Piazziolla

Mar 26 & 27: Evening of Mozart: FGCU Opera Workshop

Mar 31: String Chamber Ensembles

Apr 3: Beethoven Champagne Concert Fundraiser *

Apr 6: FGCU Percussion Chamber

Ensembles

Apr 7: FGCU Wind Orchestra

Apr 12: FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles

Apr 19: FGCU Symphonic Band

Apr 20: FGCU Philharmonia

Apr 23: FGCU Symphony Orchestra

Apr 24: FGCU Jazz Ensemble

Apr 25: FGCU Piano Ensemble

May 1: Maxim Lando * * not free

Florida Repertory Theater

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

Florida Rep is Back! Celebrating 24 years of Award-Winning Regional Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional regional theatre company located in the Fort Myers River District. Performing in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre, Florida Rep produces nationally recognized comedies, dramas, new plays, and musicals.

schedule

Nov 23-Dec 15: West Side Story (historic ArcAde theAtre)

Jan 4-26: Morning After Grace (historic ArcAde theAtre)

Jan 18-Feb 13: Driving Miss Daisy (ArtStage Studio Theatre)

Feb 8-Mar 5: Into The Breeches (historic ArcAde theAtre)

Feb 22-Mar 27: A Doll’s House, Part 2 (ArtstAge studio theAtre)

Mar 15-Apr 13: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (historic ArcAde theAtre)

Apr 12-May 22: Maytag Virgin (ArtstAge theAtre)

Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center

525 Kumquat Ct. • Sarasota 941-894-6469

fogartyville.org

Fogartyville is Sarasota’s premier listening room – a special gathering place for those who truly appreciate music and community. In addition to their live concerts, we also host other cultural and educational events.

schedule

Nov 5: Grant Peeples

Nov 7: Very Merry Jerry Day

Nov 12: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound

Nov 13: Joni Mitchell Tribute

Nov 19: Mary Gauthier

Dec 3-4: Dovydas

Dec 5: Tim Grimm

Dec 11: Passerine

Dec 17: Michael Ross Jazz Quartet

Jan 6: Steve Forbert

Jan 16: David Wilcox

Jan 22: Adam Ezra Group

Feb 11: Oshima Brothers

Feb 12: spoken word performance

Mar 12: spoken word performance

Mar 13: The Bailsmen

Apr 9: spoken word performance

2021 MUSIC and THEATER SEASON 2022

renowned artists and rising stars in an exciting series. With artists described as “a whole roster of A stars” by the Naples Daily News, and concerts called “consistently exceptional level performances” by Myra Janco Daniels, Founder of the Naples Philharmonic.

schedule

Nov 10: Aldo Lopez-Gavilan

Dec 6: Chelsea Guo

Jan 12: Schaghajegh Nosrati

Feb 2: Santiago Ballerini

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

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

Since its inception in 2001, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers has been the premier choral group in Southwest Florida. Its mission is to share significant choral works from classical composers as well as innovative new compositions. The 80-plus voice ensemble is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and gives back to the community through the generosity of its patrons.

schedule

Nov 20: Anniversary Gala Fundraiser (caloosa sound convention center)

Dec 12: Deck the Halls with Gulf Coast Symphony (BarBara B Mann hall)

Dec 19: Christmas on Sanibel (saniBel coMMunity church)

Feb 12: Concert with Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra (Music & arts coMMunity center)

Apr 3: 20th Anniversary Concert (First PresByterian church, Bonita sPrings)

Apr 23: Tosca with Gulfshore Opera (charlotte PerForMing arts center)

Apr 26: Tosca with Gulfshore Opera (BarBara B Mann hall)

Apr 29: Tosca with Gulfshore Opera (artis naPles)

Fort Myers Theatre

16120 San Carlos Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-323-6570 ftmyerstheatre.com

The Fort Myers Theatre is a new community theatre that offers a fun night out. Close to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, this quaint theatre offers something for everyone. Each month they have a community theatre production that is perfect for a date night or group outing. They also offer family and youth productions that are great for the entire family. Don’t miss their youth camps during any of the school holidays.

schedule

Dec 10-19: A Christmas Carol

Jan 7-23: Steel Magnolias

Feb 11-20: Great Gatsby

Mar 4-13: Grease

Apr 15 & 16: Alice in Wonderland

May 6-15: Addams Family

Jun 18-27: A Chorus Line (T.E.)

Feb 16: Colburn Artists perform Beethoven Sonatas

Mar 9: Frautschi-Manasse-Nakamatsu

Mar 30: Manhattan Chamber Players & Milana Strezeva (Wang oPera center)

Apr 27: Geneva Lewis (Wang oPera center)

May 11: Alessandro Mazzamuto (Wang oPera center)

Gulf Coast Symphony

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

13350 FDW Pkwy. • Fort Myers

Music & Arts Community Center

13411 Shire Ln • Fort Myers 239-481.-4849

gulfcoastsymphony.org

Grand Piano Series

St. Leo Catholic Church

28290 Beaumont Rd. • Bonita Springs

Wang Opera Center

2408 Linwood Ave. • Naples 646-734 8179 grandpianoseries.org

Grand Piano Series presents world-

The Gulf Coast Symphony is one of the most dynamic and innovative orchestras in the United States. The organization boasts three performance groups: a full symphony orchestra, a professional chamber orchestra, and its jazz collective. High-quality performances with both world-renowned and emerging artists, performing at the premiere performing arts venue the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, plus another 100 nights of concerts at its new, more intimate venue, and educational hub, The MACC, its Music & Arts Community Center. The concert season includes musicals, ballet, classical, pops, opera, jazz, chamber music, world music and other genres.

schedule

BarBara B. Mann PerForMing arts hall

Nov 3: Trinity - Classic Irish

Nov 14: Tribute to John Williams

2021 MUSIC and THEATER SEASON 2022

Dec 4: The Nutcracker

Dec 12: Deck the Halls

Jan 15: Renee Elise Goldsberry

Jan 23: The Music of Led Zeppelin

Jan 30: Comedy Night

Feb 20: The Music of Billy Joel

Mar 25 & 26: Cabaret

Apr 24: Richard Rogers Tribute

May 7: Verdi’s Rigoletto

Music & Arts coMMunity center

thru Nov 3: Alter Boyz - The Musical

Nov 18: Music of Art Blakey -

Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Nov 19: Fresh Voices - Paul McDonald & Ryleigh Modig

Nov 20: Gaelic Symphony -

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

Nov 16: Holiday Jazz -

Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Nov 17: Holidays at MACC -

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

Jan 8: American Voices -

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

Jan 13: Jazz Originals -

Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Jan 26-Feb 5: Next to Normal

Jan 30: Comedy Tonight

Feb 10: Jazz at MACC

Feb 11: Jodi Benson

Feb 12: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra & Ft Myers Symphonic

Mastersingers

Feb 16-Mar 4: Bring It On - The Musical

Feb 27: Duo Beaux Arts

Mar 5: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

Mar 6: Ningxin Zhan.

Mar 10: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Mar 11: Scarlett Strallen & Bryce Pinkham

Mar 19: Strings of the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra

Apr 2: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra

Apr 3: Stamps String Quartet

Apr 8: Melissa Errico

Apr 9: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra with Gulfshore Ballet

Apr 10: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Apr 12-16: The Last Five Years

Apr 22: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra Earth Day Celebration

Apr 23: Marc Kudisch

May 1: Sarasota Music Conservatory String Quartet

Gulfshore Opera

9911 Corkscrew Rd. • Estero 239-529-3925 gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Opera is a regional company performing in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties; bringing the beauty and joy of the art of singing to our entire region. Concerts provide diverse opportunities for all of their audiences from intimate “Opera a Fresco” to full scale productions – this year Puccini’s beloved Tosca.

schedule

lee county

Nov 2: Art Songs - German Lieder (st. leo church, BonitA springs)

Dec 9: Holiday Harmony Concert (st. leo church, BonitA springs)

Jan 27: Opera Meets Broadway (Davis Art Center, Ft Myers)

Jan 30: Opera Meets Broadway (sAniBel coMMunity house, sAniBel)

Feb 26: The Bat’s Revenge (Estero High School)

Mar 6: Concert Gala Concert & Dinner concert (First presByteriAn church, BonitA springs, dinner (BonitA BAy country cluB, BonitA springs)

Mar 17: Songs of Ireland (st. leo church, BonitA springs)

Apr 2: A Night in Italy concert (st. leo church, BonitA springs)

Apr 5: A Night in Italy concert (sAniBel unitAriAn church, sAniBel)

Apr 12: Taste of Opera concert & dinner (BAy cluB At the colony, estero)

Apr 26: Tosca (BArBArA B. MAnn hAll, Ft. Myers) collier county

Nov 30: Gulfshore Opera Divas (MercAto, nAples)

Dec 2: Taste of Opera concert & dinner (cluB At the strAnd, nAples)

Jan 2: Anthony Kearns concert (Artis-nAples, nAples)

Jan 29: Opera Meets Broadway concert & dinner (grey oAks county cluB, nAples)

Feb 8: Taste of Opera concert & dinner (hideAwAy BeAch, MArco islAnd)

Feb 12: Songs of Love concert (innovAtion hotel, nAples)

Feb 27: Bat’s Revenge (nAples high school)

Mar 3: Style & Song luncheon (grey oAks country cluB, nAples)

Mar 12: Songs of Ireland (Jewish congregAtion oF MArco islAnd)

Mar 31: A Night in Italy concert (MArco islAnd historicAl MuseuM)

Apr 29: Tosca (Artis-nAples, nAples)

May 15: Art Song - French Melodie (vAnderBilt presByteriAn church, nAples) chArlotte county

Nov 7: Gulfshore Opera Divas (peAce river BotAnicAl gArdens, puntA gordA)

Dec 14: Holiday Harmony (Gulf Theater, puntA gordA)

Jan 25: Opera Meets Broadway (Gulf Theatre, puntA gordA)

Feb 5: Taste of Opera concert & dinner (chArlotte hArBor yAcht cluB, port chArlotte)

Feb 24: Bat’s Revenge (chArlotte perForMing Arts center, puntA gordA)

Mar 10: Songs of Ireland (gulF theAtre, puntA gordA)

Apr 3: A Night in Italy concert & dinner (cArMelo’s itAliAn restAurAnt, puntA gordA)

Apr 23: Tosca (Charlotte Performing Arts center, puntA gordA)

Gulfshore Playhouse

Norris Center 755 5th Ave. S. • Naples 866-811-4111

gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately

committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Thier work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize their audience with an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which they treat their artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

schedule

Nov 13-Dec 5: August Wilson’s Radio Golf

Jan 15-30: Higher

Feb 12-Mar 13: The 39 Steps

Mar 26-Apr 17: The Invisible Hand

Apr 30-May 15: Another Revolution

The Naples Players

701 5th Ave. S. • Naples 239-263-7990

naplesplayers.org

The Naples Players continually seeks to enrich, educate and entertain their community through a superior theatre experience. They are a premier community theatre, seeking to inspire passion for the performing arts through unparalleled access to the process, experience, and conversations surrounding the arts and the community.

schedule

Nov 24-Dec 19: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

Nov 30-Dec 19: Teas and Trees

Punta Gorda Symphony

6210 Scott St. • Punta Gorda 941-205-5996

pgsymphony.org

Punta Gorda Symphony is Charlotte County’s premier professional orchestra. Originally formed in 1978 as a small chamber group, the orchestra has grown to more than 70 professional musicians drawing audiences from around the world. From presenting world-class musicians to enriching the lives of young people and adults through educational initiatives, Punta Gorda Symphony strives to foster vibrant community connections through orchestral music. The Symphony performs under the direction of Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, and other venues around Punta Gorda.

schedule

charlotte Performing arts center

Punta gorda

Lee County Community Band

Cape Coral High School

2300 Santa Barbara Blvd. • Cape Coral 239-454-6430

leecountyband.org

An institution in SW Florida, the Lee County Community Band performs six lively, free concerts each season that promise a toetapping mix of old favorites, energetic marches, patriotic tunes, Broadway hits, and a sing-along. Celebrating its136th year, this legendary 50-member band includes both career and amateur musicians. All concerts are at Cape Coral High School, start at 3pm and are free.

schedule

Nov 14, Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10

Jan 12-Feb 6: The Savannah Sipping Society

Feb 2-27: The Cake

Mar 2-Apr 3: Mary Poppins

Mar 30-Apr 24: When We Were Young and Unafraid

Nov 21: Creston Marimba Concertino & Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2

Dec 19: Holiday Pops with Charlotte High School Band and Charisma

Jan 16: Dvorák Violin Concerto with Sirena Huang

Feb 6: Appalachian Spring & Scheherazade

Mar 6: Paul McCartney & Stravinsky

Apr: 24: Get Happy! Joan Ellison sings Judy Garland (charlotte harbor event center)

outdoor chamber series

Dec 5: Woodwinds in the Garden (Peace river botanical & sculPture gardens, Punta gorda)

Feb 20: Strings on the Lawn (fsW state college charlotte camPus, Punta gorda)

Mar 27: Harborside Brass (laishley Park, Punta gorda)

2021 MUSIC and THEATER SEASON 2022

Jan 14-30: Slow Food

Feb 5: Larry Venturino & Al ErnstLaugh Express Stand-up Comedy

Mar 18-Apr 10: Barefoot in the Park

Sarasota Opera

61 N Pineapple Ave. • Sarasota 941 328 1300

sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota Opera welcomes everyone back to enjoy an exciting musical adventure! Rossini’s The Silken Ladder opened their Fall Season on October 29 and our Winter Opera Festival (February 12-March 22, 2022) includes ‘Tosca,’ ‘The Daughter of the Regiment,’ ‘The Pearl Fishers’ and ‘Attila.’ Tickets on sale!

schedule

thru Nov 13: Rossini’s The Silken Ladder

Feb 12-Mar 19: Puccini’s Tosca

Feb 19-Mar 18: Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment

Mar 5-19: Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers

Mar 12-22: Verdi’s Attila

TheatreZone

G&L Theatre

Community School of Naples

13275 Livingston Rd. • Naples 888-966-3352 theatre.zone

TheatreZone is a professional Equity theatre now in its 17th season. Specializing in Broadway musicals, TheatreZone performs in-residence at the G&L Theatre on the campus of The Community School of Naples.

schedule

Dec 10-12: Home for the Holidays Concert

Jan 13-16 & 20-23: I Love My Wife

Jan 17: Simon & Garfunkel - Live in Central Park, revisted tribute concert

Jan 29: The Feud - Sinatra & Roselli

Feb 10-12 & 17-20: Steve Martin’s Bright Star

Feb 22: The Mersey Beatles tribute

Feb 24: Mack is Back - Bobby Darin tribute

Mar 10-13 & 17-20: Lerner & Loewes’ Camelot

Mar 14: LarryAlexander – Broadway & Back

Apr 21-24 & Apr 28-May 1: The Bridges of Madison County

The Studio Players

Golden Gate Community Centers

Joan Jenks Auditorium

4701 Golden Gate Parkway • Naples 239-398-9192

www.thestudioplayers.org

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

schedule

Nov 5-21: Nuts

Dec 18: Stage2 Improv Holiday Show

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 20-26, 2022. Its 72nd season features a variety of musicals, comedies, dramas, and concerts including ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical,’ ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,’ its original musical version of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,’ ‘Hamlet,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ and more.

schedule theater

thru Nov 7: She Kills Monsters - Young Adventurers Edition

thru Nov 28: The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Nov 19-Dec 19: Assisted Livingthe Musical

Dec 10-20: A Christmas Carol

Jan 14-Feb 6: Aint’t Misbehavin’The Fats Waller Musical

Jan 21-Feb 20: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill

Feb 25-Mar 27: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Mar 4-Apr 3: The Last Five Years

Apr 15-May 1: To Kill a Mockingbird

Apr 15-May : Blackbird

May 13-29: Hamlet

Jun 20-25: aact WorldFest concerts

Nov 1:All About Soul - Billy Joel tribute

Nov 14 & 15: Dwight IcehowerElvis Presley tribute

Dec 21 & 22: Johnny Wild & The Delights

Christmas

Dec 29-31•Rocket Man - Elton John tribute

Jan 16 & 17: Lift Every VoiceMartin Luther King tribute

Jan 23 & 24: An Evening with Norm Lewis

Jan 30 & 31: Let’s Hang On!Frankie Valli tribute

Feb 7: Tribute to Journey

Feb 27 & 28: Back Home AgainJohn Denver tribute

Mar 5: The Showtime Benefit

Mar 6 & 7: Folk Legacy Trio

Mar 13 & 14: Sounds of SoulMotown tribute

Mar 20 & 21: Music of Whitney Houston tribute

Mar 27 & 28: 28th Annual Silver Foxes Musical

Apr 24 & 25: Alter Eagles - Eagles tribute

May 1 & 2: Simply Streisand tribute

Jun 20-25: aactWorldFest International Community Theatre Festival

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

MONDAY 1

•All About Soul: Billy Joel tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Danny Sinoff: Sinatra - Early Years concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

•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.

TUESDAY 2

•Art Song Plus - German Lieder: Gulfshore Opera. St. Leo Parish Life Center, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 529-3925.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein & Hart. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY 3

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

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

What Goes On

•Patchouli & Terra Guitarra: World music concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 394-4221.

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

FRIDAY 5

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music on Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

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

•Carlene Thissen: Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez tribute concert. Norris Center, 755  8th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 213-3058.

•Elton John Tribute Concert: Gerald Brann & Yellow Brick Road. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Author Cynthia BarnettSeashells & the Fate of the Ocean. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 6:30p. 463-4588.

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

Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Sebastian Maniscalco:

Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7 & 9:30p. 481-4849.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein & Hart. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

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

•Trinity – Classically Irish: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

THURSDAY 4

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

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

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto

Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 333-2225.

•Naples Philharmonic

Pops: Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein & Hart. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein & Hart. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900.

•Outdoor Concert: Hafkenkapelle German Band. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Roots Almighty: Reggae band. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7 & 9:30p. 481-4849.

SATURDAY 6

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

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

•Lunch & Learn

Lecture: Artists, Celebrities, Educators and Other Icons of the Sunshine State. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 530-5940.

•Myke Towers: Concert. Hertz

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

•SOL: Pink Floyd tribute band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 333-2225.

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

SUNDAY 7

•Bluegrass Concert: Bill Metts, Rekindled Grass. Outdoors, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

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

•Gilberto Santa Rosa: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 5971900.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert w guests. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concert: Mass Gosper Choir w Special Guests. Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd, Naples. 7p. 287-7331..

•Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 5 & 8p. 481-4849.

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

MONDAY 8

•Danny Sinoff: The Genius of Johnny Mercer concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 8003292.

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

TUESDAY 9

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

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

•Grant Peeples: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

Shana Tucker performs November 6 at the Center for the Performing Arts in Bonita Springs. Call 495-8989 for information.

•Lecture: Archeology of the Calusa. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

WEDNESDAY 10

•Aldo Lopez-Gavilan: Grand Piano Series chamber music concert. St Leo Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 646-734-8179.

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

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

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999.

•Night Walk: Guided walk. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. 248-9151.

THURSDAY 11

•Battle of the Arts: Watch local artists create works in 3 hours. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-8:30p. 318-8560.

•Brass Band Concert: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 11a-1p. Free. 334-7419.

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

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

•Straight No Chaser: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•SWFL Symphony: Goldberg Variations Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

FRIDAY 12

•Arts On Tap: Nappy Roots concert fundraiser, craft beers, lawn games. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 939-2787.

•Early Birding Walk: Guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. 248-9151.

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

•Outdoor Concert: Hunter Dahlen & The Swingin’ Clique. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Paul Cebar Tomorrow Band: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Staged Reading: Theatre. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•SWFL Symphony: Goldberg Variations. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pky & US 41 Ft Myers. 7p. 418-1500.

•Tedeschi Trucks Band: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•The Music of Baseball: Naples Phil concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

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

SATURDAY 13

•Arts On Tap:  Nappy Roots concert fundraiser, craft beers, lawn games. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5p. 9392787.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Gabe Stillman Band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Battle of the Arts: Watch local artists create works in 3 hours. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-8:30p. 318-8560.

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

•Florida Panther Festival: Exhibits, presentations, family activities, guided walks, live animals. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 9a-1p. Collier residents Free. 262-5409.

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

•Joni Mitchell Tribute: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Music in the Garden: Kelly & Mason Trio. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 122p. 643-7275.

•Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Jazz Band: Free indoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612327-3835.

•Tony Holiday: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted

Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 333-2225.

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

SUNDAY 14

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

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Veterans Day tribute. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Dwight Icehower: Elvis Presley tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941488-1115.

•ETC…Readers Theater: Surprise Endings. One-act plays. Naples Players. Tobye Studio, Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

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

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music: First Viennese School. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Tribute to John Williams: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

MONDAY 15

•Dwight Icehower: Elvis Presley tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 2 & 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Rising Stars - An Afternoon on the Red Carpet: Special guest Rita Moreno. Fundraiser for Gulfshore Playhouse Education. Arthrex One Conference Center, 1 Arthrex Way, Naples. 11a. 866-8114111.

TUESDAY 16

•Early Birding Walk: Guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. 248-9151.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music: First Viennese School. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Peace River Trio: Concert. Charlotte Harbour Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

•The Kingston Trio: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

WEDNESDAY 17

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6-19p. Free. 313-6576.

•Florida Everblades vs

Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Sunset Stroll: Guided walk. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 4:30p. 248-9151.

THURSDAY 18

•Beach n’ Brews: Live music, craft beers, food trucks. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 5-9p. 463-4588.

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

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

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

•Kathleen Madigan: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•Music of Art Blakey: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Naples

Philharmonic: Shotakovich & Prokofiev. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

FRIDAY 19

•Almost, Maine: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 9392787.

•Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Closing

Reception: Pioneering the Past exhibit. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. 5-7p. Free. 252-2611.

•Exhibition

Reception: Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 5-7p. Free. 695-0008.

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

•Fresh Voices – Paul McDonald & Ryleigh Modig: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Hot Keys & G Strings: Music

Bill Metts perfroms November 7 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

What Goes On

& comedy w Pianist Brian Curl & violinist Carlann Evans. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 8p. 800-3292.

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

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

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

•Naples

Philharmonic: Shotakovich & Prokofiev. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Outdoor Concert: FGCU Bower School of Music. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY 20

•Almost, Maine: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 939-2787.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Terry Hanck, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, Ira Stanley & Checkr’d Past. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Blue Highway Band: Bluegrass concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Canadian Brass: Concert for Families. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Classic Car Show:  Car show, entertainment, food trucks. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-2p. 530-5977.

•Coconut Point Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615.

•Dave Chastain: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 333-2225.

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

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Gala & Concert: Anniversaries fundraiser. Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater, 1375 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6p. 560-9512.

•Gaelic Symphony: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra concert

Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Garden Festival: Live music, food trucks, vendors. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

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

•Hot Keys & G Strings: Music & comedy w Pianist Brian

Curl & violinist Carlann Evans. layers Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 8p. 800-3292.

•Nature Walk: With artist-inresidence Jenny Licht. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 1 & 2p. Free. 463-4588.

SUNDAY 21

•Almost, Maine: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 9392787.

•Coconut Point Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-746-6615.

•Garden Festival: Live music, food trucks, vendors. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

•Hot Keys & G Strings: Music & comedy w Pianist Brian Curl & violinist Carlann Evans. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 2p. 800-3292.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

•John Fogerty, Foreigner: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 6:30p. 948-7825.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music: Canadian Brass & Naples Philharmonic Brass. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Punta Gorda Symphony: Concert - Crezston Mrimba Concertino & Tchaikovsky Symphony #2. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941-205-5996.

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

MONDAY 22

•Danny Sinoff: Bobby Darin Songbook concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

TUESDAY 23

•Early Birding Walk: Guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. 248-9151.

•Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Red Carpet Opening Night: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder pre-show party, live music, cocktails, food. The Naples Players. Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-7:30p. 263-7990.

WEDNESDAY 24

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

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

THURSDAY 25

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel

Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 333-2225.

•Thanksgiving Day MidDay Celebration: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 12p. 275-8487.

•Thanksgiving Feast & Murder Mystery: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

FRIDAY 26

•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.

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

•Memphis Lightning: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 333-2225.

SATURDAY 27

•Carmen Ciricillo: Comic. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 8p. 8003292.

•Naples Uptown Art Festival:  Naples Art District art show. Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Patchouli: Outdoor concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 939-2787.

SUNDAY 28

•Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Naples Uptown Art Festival:  Naples Art District art show. Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Songwriters in the Round:  Annie Wenz, Marie Nofsinger, Tim McGeary outdoor concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4p. 9392787.

•SW-FloridaCon: Comic book & pop culture convention. Celebrities, live entertainment, demos, vendors, cosplay contests, panels, kids’ activities, live wrestling, food. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 236-8189.

MONDAY 29

•Danny Sinoff: Music of Cole Porter concert. Players Circle

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers presents ‘The Sound of Music’ thru November 20. For information, call 278-4422.

Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

TUESDAY 30

•Avi Hoffman - Too Jewish Music & comedy. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

•FGCU Choir & Symphony

Orchestra: Concert. Moorings Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 4 & 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•Opera al Fresco: Gulfshore Opera outdoor concert. Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 4p. 529-3925.

Dec

WEDNESDAY 1

•Alejandro Rivero: Piano recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8:15p. Free. 745-4268.

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

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

•Festival of Trees

Preview: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 5-7p. 333-1933.

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

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999.

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

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

THURSDAY 2

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

•Festival of Trees: Holiday

decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 11a-9p. Free. 333-1933.

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

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

•Holiday Hootenanny: Live music, movies, crafts, book signings. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 4-7p. 530-5977.

•Randi & Lori: Concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 8003292.

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

•The Piano Men - Stories & Songs of Billy Joel: David Rode’s Billy Joel & EltonJohn tribute concert. New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 284-5214.

FRIDAY 3

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

•Bradenton Blues Festival:  Doug MacLeod, Johnny

•The Temptations & The FourTops: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

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

SATURDAY 4

•Americana Community Music Association: Cliff Eberhardt & Louise Mosrie concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Park St, downtown Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 2626517.

•Arts & Ends Holiday Sale & Craft Show: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-1p. 939-2787.

•Bradenton Blues Festival: Bernard Allison, Latimore, Dawn Tyler Watson, James Armstrong, Jimmy Carpenter, Terrie Odabi. LEECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton. 11a-7:30p. 941747-3031.

Myers. 6:30 & 7:30p. 3347419.

•Festival of Trees: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 11a-6p. Free. 333-1933.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

•Michael Baron & Priscila Navarto: Piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert w guests. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Punta Gorda Symphony: Outdoor concert. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. 1 & 4p. Free. 941-205-5996.

•SWFL Concert Band: A Florida family Christmas. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

Rawls, Cece Teneal & Soul Kamotion. LEECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton. 4-7:30p. 941-747-3031.

•Comedy Improv: Comedy & music. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7 & 9:30p. 800-3292.

•Dovyas: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Festival of Trees: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. SWFL String Quartet concert 5:30p, wreath llighting & Ben Allen concert 7p. 11a-10p. Free. 333-1933.

•Film & Lecture: Story of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 12p. 463-4588.

•Off the Walls!: Fundraiser. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 6p. 495-8989.

•Outdoor Concert: Winter Wonderland Variety Show. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•The Descendants: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 9392787.

•The Piano Men - Stories & Songs of Billy Joel: David Rode’s Billy Joel & EltonJohn tribute concert. New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 284-5214.

•Dovyas: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Festival of Trees: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Santa’s Block Party 10a-2p, Memphis Motwon Soul Experience concert 7:3010p. 10a-10p. Free. 333-1933.

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

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

•The Descendants: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 939-2787.

•The Nutcracker: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 2 & 8p. 277-1700.

•The Piano Men - Stories & Songs of Billy Joel: David Rode’s Billy Joel & EltonJohn tribute concert. Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 284-5214.

SUNDAY 5

•Bradenton Blues Festival Blues Brunch: Ariella. Mattison’s City Grille, Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton. 11a-2p. 941-7473031.

•Family Science Shows: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft

•The Descendants: Alliance Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 9392787.

•The Piano Men - Stories & Songs of Billy Joel: David Rode’s Billy Joel & EltonJohn tribute concert. New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 284-5214.

•Tim Grimm: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

MONDAY 6

•Chelsea Guo: Grand Piano Series chamber music concert. St Leo Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 646-734-8179.

•Danny Sinoff: Sinatra - Rat Pack Years concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

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

•Home for the Holidays: Voices of Naples holiday concert. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Dr, Naples. 7p. Free. 455-2582.

•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.

•Lia Vittone: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8:15p. Free. 745-4268.

Mary Gauthier performs November 19 at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center in Sarasota. Call 941-8940-6459 for information.

What Goes On

WEDNESDAY 8

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

•George Thorogood & The Destroyers: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

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

THURSDAY 9

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

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

•Christmas Concert: Voices of Naples holiday concert. Chapel by the Sea, 100 Chapel St, Ft Myers Beach. 7p. Free. 455-2582.

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

•Derick Nagel: Tuba recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8:15p. Free. 745-4268.

•Holiday Cheer: Holiday art show & sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-8p. Free. 472-4557.

•Holiday Harmony: Lauryn Kay & Jonathan Tibbetts w Gulfshore Opera. St. Leo Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 12p. 529-3925.

•Lecture: Author Cynthia Barnett – Seashels & the Fate of the Ocean. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 6p. Reserve. 389-6447.

•Lewis Black: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Naples Philharmonic: Helene Grimaud Plays Havel. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

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

FRIDAY 10

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta

Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-6398810.

•Cinderella: CFABS Youth Players. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 4958989.

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

•Home for the Holidays: Concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352.

•Outdoor Concert: Heather Ivy. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY 11

•Backyard Bluesfest: Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Cinderella: CFABS Youth Players. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2 & 7p. 495-8989.

•Fandom Fest: Celebration

of geek & pop culture. Live entertainment, cosplay costume contest, gaming, games & activities for preschool-adult. Ft Myers Library outdoor Plaza, 2450 1st St, Ft Myers. 12-4p. Free. 479-4636.

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

•Home for the Holidays: Concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352.

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

•Music in the Garden: Little Eddie & The Fat Fingers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Jazz Band: Free indoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612327-3835.

•Naples Philharmonic: Helene Grimaud Plays Havel. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Passerine: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•SWFL Symphony: Masterworks 1 concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

SUNDAY 12

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

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Christmas concert. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket.

2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Cinderella: CFABS Youth Players. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 2p. 4958989.

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

•Family Science Shows: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30 & 7:30p. 3347419.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Deck The Halls concert w Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 560-9512.

•Home for the Holidays: Concert. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2p. 888-966-3352.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music: Ehnes Plays Beethoven. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

MONDAY 13

•Danny Sinoff: Music of Jerome Kern concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

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

TUESDAY 14

•A December to Remember: Soprano Jodi Keegan recital. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 6-7p. Reserve. 389-6447

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 3944221.

•Early Birding Walk: Guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. 248-9151.

•Messiah: Voices of Naples holiday concert. St Leo’s Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 455-2582.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music: Ehnes Plays Beethoven. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

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

WEDNESDAY 15

•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: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Kenny Washington: Jazz concert with Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY 16

•Annie: Star Academy youth theater. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 866-811-4111.

•Antique Car Circus: Calliope w pipe organ. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-8p. 334-7419.

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

•Holiday Jazz: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700.

•Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples.8p. 597-1900.

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

James Armstrong is performing at the Bradenton Blues Festival on December 3. Call 941-747-3031 for information.

FRIDAY 17

•Annie: Star Academy youth theater. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 866-811-4111.

•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

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

•Holidays at MACC: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

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

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

•Michael Ross Jazz Quartet: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 855732-3836.

•Outdoor Concert: Opera Naples. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY 18

•Annie: Star Academy youth theater. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 866811-4111.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Mike Zito, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Cowboy Christmas: Pictures with Santa. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

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

•Holiday Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

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

•Stage 2 Improv: Holiday

Comedy Show. Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 8p. 389-9192.

SUNDAY 19

•Americana Music

Concert: Reckless Saints, Java Moon Band. GreenMarket outdoor stage, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-5p. 939-2787.

•Annie: Star Academy youth theater. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 3p. 866-811-4111.

•Family Science Shows: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30 & 7:30p. 3347419.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Christmas on Sanibel concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 5p. 560-9512.

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

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Punta Gorda Symphony: Concert - Holiday Pops. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 2 &7:30p. 941205-5996.

MONDAY 20

•Danny Sinoff: Danny Swings Christmas concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

•The Ultimate Queen Celebration: Tribute concert w Marc Martel. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Wicked Winter Wonderland Dinner Train: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.

TUESDAY 21

•Early Birding Walk: Guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. 248-9151.

•Johnny Wild & The Delights: Christmas concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-

TUESDAY 28

•Sailor Circus: Let It Snow. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

WEDNESDAY 29

•Classic Albums Live: The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Rocket Man: Elton John tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Sailor Circus: Let It Snow. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

THURSDAY 30

488-1115.

•The Nutcracker: Naples Ballet. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Wicked Winter Wonderland Dinner Train: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.

WEDNESDAY 22

•David Foster: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio: Live music. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p-10p. Free. 333-2225.

•Johnny Wild & The Delights: Christmas concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941488-1115.

•The Nutcracker: Naples Ballet. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY 23

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

•Jenny Ve: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft

Myers. 6-9p. Free. 313-6576.

FRIDAY 24

•Wicked Winter Wonderland Dinner Train: Dinner. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

SUNDAY 26

•Family Science Shows: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30 & 7:30p. 3347419.

•Jazz Brunch: Roy Gerson & Don Mopsic. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 10a-1:30p. Free. 333-2225.

•Sailor Circus: Let It Snow. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 1 & 6p. 941-355-9805.

MONDAY 27

•Danny Sinoff: Music of George & Ira Gershwin concert. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7p. 800-3292.

•Sailor Circus: Let It Snow.

Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

•Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Acrobats, aerialists, music. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

•Comedy Improv: Comedy & music. Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 7 & 9:30p. 800-3292.

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

•Rocket Man: Elton John tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Sailor Circus: Let It Snow. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

FRIDAY 31

•Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Acrobats, aerialists, music. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 481-4849.

•Damon Fowler: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 693-7111.

•New Year’s Eve Celebration: Live music, open bar, hors d’oeuvres. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 9p-1a. Reserve. 333-1933.

•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery

Grand Piano Series present Chelsea Guo in concert, December 6 at St. Leo Church in Bonita Springs. For information, call 646-734-8179.

What Goes On

Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 275-8487.

•New Years Eve Show: Concert. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 6:30 & 9p. 941-255-1022.

•Rocket Man: Elton John tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

ongoing Theater

•A Christmas Carol: Dec 1019. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•A Christmas Carol: Dec 10-20. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder: Nov 24-Dec 19. The Naples Players. Blackburn Hall, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•A Nice Family Christmas: Nov 5-14. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•A Piece of My Heart: Nov 11-21. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Alter Boyz - The Musical: Thru Nov 13. Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 2771700.

•Assisted Living - the Musical: Nov 19-Dec 19. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•August Wilson’s Radio Golf: Nov 13-Dec 5. Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866811-4111.

•Come From Away: Dec 1419. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Come From Away: Nov 30-Dec 5. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Eureka Day: May 13-Jun

4. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Cook Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Good People Thru Nov 14. Marco Players. Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Hair: Nov 20-Jan 1. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941351-8000.

•Holly Jolly Christmas: Nov 25-Dec 25. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Home for the Holidays: Dec 10-12. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•I Hate Hamlet: Nov 4-21. New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 284-5214.

•Inherit the Wind: Nov 11-14. Royal Palm Players, 131 1st St W, Boca Grande. 941-2694.

•It’s a Wonderful Life - Live Radio Play:  Dec 9-19. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Jungle Bell Jubilee: Dec 8-19. Players Circle Theatre. Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Lets’s Fall in Love: Thru Nov 21. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Murder Without a Clue: Dec 26-Feb 27: Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Murder Wrap: Thru Nov 25: Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•No Claus for Alarm: Nov 11-Dec 25 Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Nuts: Nov 5-21. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Sailor Circus - Let It Snow: Dec 26-30. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

•She Kills Monsters - Young Adventurers Edition: Thru Nov 7. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Singin in tne Rain: Dec 31-Feb 12. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Singin’ Christmas: Thru Nov 20. Rose Auditorium, Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 394-0080.

•Social Security: thru Nov 6. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2: Dec 1-5. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•The Complete History of America (abridged): Dec 3-19 (previews Dec 1 & 2). Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•The Great American Trailer

Park Musical: Thru Nov 28. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Hallelujah Girls: Dec 1-19. Marco Players. Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Lifespan of a Fact: Thru Nov 14. Players Circle Theatre. Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•The Misanthrope: thru Nov 7. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-7268.

•The Nutcracker: Dec 3-24. Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•The Roomate: Dec 9-19. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•The Sound of Music: thru Nov 20. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Tempest: Nov 5-20 (previews Nov 3 & 4 Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•The Woman in Black: Thru Nov 14. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Tootsie: Dec 28-Jan 2. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•West Side Story: Nov 23Dec 15. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Wicked Winter Wonderland: Nov 26-Dec 24: Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

Art Galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 312375-8887.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. Free. 312-375-8887.

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Nov 5-27: Sprawl; Dec 2-4: Not on My Walls; Dec 10-Jan

3: Deck the Halls & Small Works Off the Wall. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Another Time: 1414 Dean St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. Free. 672-4607.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Artsemble Underground Gallery & Art Lounge: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell

Tower Dr, #151, Fort Myers.

Fri & Sat 3-8p. Free. 2489063.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707

N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Thru Nov 27: Sibel Kocabasi, Kirk Ke Wang, Sarasota

Architectural Photography, Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-3652032.

•Arts for ACT Gallery: 2265

First St, Ft Myers. Nov 5-29: Sharon Shaw. Mon-Sun11a4:30p, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fri 11a-10p. Free. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Dec 5: Helen Levitt - In the Street; thru Mar 2: Subject Matters; thru May 15: Baseball Heroes; thru May 15: Love in All Forms; thru Jul 17: Florida

Contemporary; Dec 18-Jul

24: Pam Langobardi - Ocean Gleaming. Tue-Sat 1-a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 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: Dec 21-Jan 23: Sanibel-Captiva Art League. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 3950900.

•Bob Rauschenberg

Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 4: William Wegman & Jack Massing - Two Clever by Half. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. Free. 489-9313.

•Cape Coral Art

Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Thru Nov 19: Playing Around Town; Nov 28-Dec 19: Holly Daze. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516

Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Nov 4-Dec 5: Express Yourself; Dec 9-Jan 2: Holiday celebration. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Mon-Th

11a-4p. Free. 772-5657.

•Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs: 26100 Old

41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Nov 10-Jan 7: A Colorful Dream. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free. 495-8989.

•Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Nov 9-Jan 18: Visual Development. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free. 495-8989.

•Clip Joint Barber Shop & Art Gallery: 7431 College Pkwy, unit 120, rm 136, Ft Myers. Mon & Wed-Sat 10a8p. Free. 281-8180.

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

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

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. Free. 9493073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. WedSun 12-6p. Free. 949-3073.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Inside Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Nov 5-28: Rodney Acosta. Wed-Sun 10a-3p. Free. 5908645.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. 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. Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 941474-5548.

•Estero Art League: Estero Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Rd, Estero. 489-5216.

The Naples Players present ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,’ November 24-December 19, at the Sugden Theatre in downtown Naples. Call 263-7990 for information.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–Thru Nov 10: Erwin

Eisch; Dec 10-17: Senior Projects. ArtLab– thru Nov 10: Spencer Gillespie. Wasmer Gallery in Arts Complex, ArtLab in Library. Mon-Fri, 10a-4p & Thu 10a-7p. Free. 590-7199.

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

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: 3030

Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Main Gallery– thru Nov 11: Member show; Nov 15-Dec

9: Endless Beginnings; Dec

11-Jan 13. Studio 2 Gallery–thru Nov 11: Summery Gallery

Painters; Nov 13-25: Dorothy

McDowell & Dana Enders; Nov 27-Dec 9: Laura Black.

Mon-Sat 10a-3p. Free. 4633909.

•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. Nov 2-Dec 3: Jane

Ruprecht, Rick Aloperti; Dec 7-31. Beth Blewett, Ken Yacavone. 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. Nov: Nikki Taylor; Dec: Rachel Pierce.Oct-Apr Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-4p. Free. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 1305 Third St S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 263-6640.

•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. Daily 10a-5p, Aug-Oct Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-4p 11a-5p. Free. 283-6453.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: In 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. Thru Nov 22: Abstraction & Expressionism; Dec 6-Jan 4: Clay Guild’s Earth Wind & Fire. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Oct-Apr

Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-2p; May-Sep Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art: 585 Park St, Naples. Nov 1-Feb 6: Keith Haring - Radiant Vision. MonFri 9a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Naples Art Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J&C Blvd, Naples. Thru Nov 2: Gallery group show. By appt or chance. 821-1061.

•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); Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 941-359-7563.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue & Wed, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. Meetings 3rd Thu at Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

•Sanibel Community House: Nov: Jane Hudson, Kay Sadighi. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 9a-3p. Free. 472-2155.

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. Thru Nov 21: Charles McGill; Thru Mar 20: Motion Within Stillness; Nov 21-Apr 3: Judith Linhares; Dec 11-May 8: Danner Washburn; Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-5p. 941309-4300.

•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 5-22: Art on a Plate. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & 6-9p & 1st Fri of month (summer Mon-Fri 10a4p). Free. 337-1933.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2100-A Trade Center Way, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p, 1st Wed 5-8p, 3rd Fri 6-8p, Sat by appt. Free. 597-2110.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Nov 19: Ringling Re-Imagined; thru

Jan 16: Prints, Ceramics & Glass from Japan; thru Jan 23: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Sculpture; Nov 14Apr 23: Rhodnie Desir; Nov 21-Aug 13: As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Circus Museum– Bayfront Gardens. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

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

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily10a-5p. 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. Main Gallery– Thru Nov 3: Falling in Art; Nov 9-Dec 1: Battle of the Brushes; Dec 4-31: Off the Wall. Goff Gallery– thru Nov 4: Fired Up!; .Nov 9-Dec 1: Impressions & Expressions; Dec 4-31: Off the Wall. MonFri 9a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. Free. 951-639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: 2340 Periwinkle Way, #G1, Sanibel. Thru Nov 14: Wonders of Clay; Nov 16- Dec 12: Matt Carrano. Mon-Sat 11a-5p. Free. 472-3386.

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum:

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

Thru Nov: Graffiti & Street Art exhibit. Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Thru Dec: Alligator Wrestling - Danger, Entertainment, Tradition. Daily 9a-5p. 877-902-1113.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-5p. 395-2233.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue 10a-1p. Guided tours. 332-4942..

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Mon-Wed 11a. 337-0706.

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 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, walking trails, lectures & live reptile shows daily. Planetarium kids laser shows Mon-Sat

3:30p. 10a-4p & Sun 11a-4p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed-Fri

11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 7727037.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples.

Nov 23-Jan 8: A Cottage

Christmas. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Guided walks, swamp

walks, night events. Daily 8a-1p. Free. 248-9151.

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

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

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Visitor Center- Mon-Sat 9a-4p; Wildlife drive- Sat-Thu sunrise-sunset. 472-1100.

•ECHO Global Farm & Research Center: 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. Thru-Jan: The Birds of SWFL. Nov 26-Jan 2: Holiday Nights 5:30-9p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Everglades Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 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 9: Doc McStuffins exhibit. Daily 10a-5p (except Wed). 514-0084.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975

Little Eddie & The Fat Fingers perform at Naples Botanical Garden’s Music in the Garden, December 11. For information, call 643-7275.

What Goes On

Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Ongoing exhibit: Caught on Film - Wartime Photography of Ken Regele. Guided tours. Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 1-4p. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Nov 27: Down the Garden Path. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Jan 22: Postcards of Marco Island.Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Spanish Pointe campus: 337 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Butterfly House. Both campuses 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound Tour Tue & Sat 11a & 1p; free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at 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 27: Pioneering the Past. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6950008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. Free. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden:  4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Thru Jan 9: Patrick Dougherty’s The Art of Stickwork photo exhibit; Nov-Nov 2023: Stickwork interactive sculpture installation; Nov 26-23 & Dec 26-30: Night Lights in the Garden. Music in the Garden: 2nd Wed 2-4p. Daily 9a-2p (Wed 9a-8p). 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Dec 31: Fabulous Fins & Fenders. 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 GoodletteFrank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 262-5409.

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta

Gorda. Mon-Fri 9a-12p, Sat & Sun 11a-4p. 543-1130.

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

•Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Dec 1-31: Christmas at Palm Cottage. Ongoing: Naples on the Map. 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.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-6218299.

•Randell Research Center: 7450 Pineland Rd, Pineland. South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits.

Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. 283-2062.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak tours. 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 & Sat 10a-3p JanApr 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 472-4648.

•Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Thru Nov 28: Orchid ShowAerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!. 941-3665731.

•Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Butterfly House. Daily 10a5p. 941-366-5731

•Shangri-La Springs: 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Garden tours Tue & Wed 10a. 949-0749.

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas house, natural history exhibits, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Daily 10a-5p. 9952141.

•True Tours: River District History Walking Tour: Private trolly tour, Fabulous Ft Myers females Tours, Haunted History Tours,

Flavors of Matlacha Tour. Tours begin & end at Franklin Shops, 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. 463-3764.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. 7076794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41 (Tamiami Trail), S Naples. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 248-1609.

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

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 5740804.

•Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. 693-2690.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 992-0311.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 533-7575.

•Lovers Key State Park: 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 2297356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. 6905030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. 707-3015.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 941-361-6511.

•Naples Preserve: Ecocenter. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 261-4290.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. 652-4512.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. 533-7550.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 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. 6914069.

•Ben Allen’s Backyard Grill & Pub: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select nites. 304-9552.

•Bert’s Bar & Grill: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Live music select nites, daily 2-7p: Calypso Magic. 282-3232.

•Big Blue Brewing: 4721

SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral.

Live music Thu-Sat nites. 471-2777.

•Big Storm Brewery: 839

Miramar St, Cape Coral. Open Mic Sun 3-6p, live music Fri & Sat nites(Jan-May) 6-9p. 257-1401.

•Bone Hook Brewing: 1514

Immokalee Rd, #106, Naples.

Live music Fri & Sat nites. 631-8522.

•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. 4828565.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725

Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral.

Live music Tue-Sat. Tue: jazz jam 6:30-9:30p; Wed: dance party 7-9:30p; Thu: blues. 549-3000.

•Cottage Bar: Shucker’s, 1270 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nightly. 765-5440.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers, Live music select Fri & Sat nites & Sun 2-4p. 204-9665.

•Crazy Dingo Brewing: 8500 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 863342-4731.

•Downtown Social House: 1406 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Live music nitely. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed, Fri & Sat nites, Sun 2-4p. 313-6576.

•Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Thu-Sat: comics 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Fri & Sat thru Jan 1: live music,p. Free. 314-3723.

•Matanzas on the Bay: Petey’s Upper Deck, 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music Mon-Sat 5-9p & Sun 12-5p. 463-3838.

•Millennial Brewing: 1811

Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. 271-2255.

•Naples Beach Brewery: 4120 Enterprise Ave, #116, Naples. Live music select nites. 304-8795.

•Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music select nites. 540-7867.

•Oxbow Bar & Grill: 1300 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Sun thru Dec 26: Juan Dehoyos acoustic guitar. ??p. Free. 314-3723.

•Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music & burlesque select nites. 217-0919.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music Sat nites. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat nites 7-10p. 228-6533.

•Riptide Brewing: 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs. Live music select Fri & Sat nites 7-10p. 9499945.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz Wed-Sun 6:30-9:30. 415-4375.

•Smokin’ Oyster Brewery: 340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 6-9p.. Free. 463-3474.

•Sneaky Pete’s: 3465 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music Wed-Sun. 4988887.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. Live music select nites. 435-9333.

•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 86 Room: 22 Patio DeLeon, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 332-0014.

•The Barrel Room: Twisted Vine, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live jazz & blues. Wed 7-10p: Gerald Augustin Jaz Trio; Thu 7-10p: Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet; Fri & Sat 9p-12a: blues bands; Sun 10a-2p: Jazz Brunch w Roy Gerson & Don Mopsick. 333-2225.

•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 6:309:30p. 466-8326.

•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Open Mic Wed nites; live music Fri & Sat nites. 263-6777.