November-December 2022

On The Gulf

Writers Conference

Moves Online Due to Storm

Due to Hurricane Ian and the widespread damage to Sanibel Island, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Sanibel Island Writers Conference will be held this year online November 5. The conference will be streamed live and free of charge, with no registration required.

All sessions are an hour long and will be streamed live on Sanibel Island Writers Conference Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ sanibelislandwritersconference. Recordings of all sessions will be saved to the archive page on their website: www.fgcu.edu/siwc.

The conference begins at 10am with Writing Class Radio’s Top Tips, with authors Andrea Askowitz and Allison Langer discussing tips for making stories shine. The session will be interactive, with participants writing and reading what they wrote for feedback.

At 11am, Kevin Aho, Steve Almond and Darin Strauss, authors with recently published books, will discuss their research process.

At noon, editors Lynne Barrett, Joe Clifford and M.J. Fievre examine the challenges

and pleasures involved in the creation of an anthology. They discuss the many facets of the anthology process, from editorial vision and aesthetic decisions to collaboration with contributors, editors and publishers to sales, marketing and distribution, including readings, social media engagement and unexpected legal, ethical and practical issues.

Andrea Askowitz, Jenna Blum and Allison Langer return at 1pm for a session titled, Creating Community Through Literature. They will discuss how to expand your audience by joining private Facebook groups and being active on Twitter and other social media, as well as going to writing conferences and book clubs, and joining virtual groups.

NEWS & PREVIEWS

Due to Hurricane Ian, the conference will now be an online event, streaming for free.

At 2pm, Literary agents Lisa Gallagher & Christopher Schelling answer questions about what to do when you think you are ready for publication: Do you need a literary agent? How do you find one? How do you approach agents, editors and publishers? How do you know if a publisher is right for you?

Poets Mahogany L. Browne, Denise Duhamel, Didi Jackson and Major Jackson will have a conversation at 3pm around poems, practice and the study of literary forms that are lawless.

At 4pm, writers John Dufresne and Beth Ann Fennelly will have a general discussion of flash narrative, the writing of very short stories. Dufresne and Fennelly will alternate sharing a favorite piece of flash (fiction or creative nonfiction). The session will end with a writing prompt that will

inspire attendees to try their hand at flash.

Hank Phillippi Ryan will moderate a panel discussion at 5pm, titled The Secrets of Suspense: Whether You Write Crime Fiction or Not! Authors Lynne Barrett, Ron Cooper, Tod Goldberg will join him in uncovering the secrets of pacing, timing, clues, red herrings, ticking clocks, plot twists and killer endings. They will offer practical tips, structure secrets and a whole new outlook at suspenseful storytelling.

Singer-songwriter and bandleader Ike Reilly will perform a concert at 6pm.

The conference ends at 7pm with a Keynote Conversation with authors Jenna Blum and Pam Houston.

For information about FGCU’s Sanibel Writers Conference, call 590-7421.

Blues Concert to Benefit Ian Recovery M

usicians formerly of the rock band Chicago and currently of Earth Wind & Fire will headline the Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival on November 19, a benefit for Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, and mental health and suicide prevention. The concert

Author Pam Houston will be participating in the Keynote conversation, November 5 at FGCU’s Sanibel Island Writers Conference.

Jeff Coffey, former bassist for the band, Chicago, will be performing at the Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival, November 19 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

in Bonita Springs will also feature local bands.

Headlining the concert will be Bill Champlin, Keith Howland and Jeff Coffey, formerly of the band Chicago, and John Paris, current member of Earth, Wind & Fire, performing their hits from the 1970s & 1980s.

In addition to music, the festival will include mental health providers who can provide information about mental health resources available. Food trucks, beer, wine and healthy beverages also will be available for sale. A meditation station also will be provided.

The event is being organized by Grounding Wire, a new nonprofit organization, founded by Frances & Bret Borshell, to help those struggling with anxiety and mental health disorders.

The Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival is November 19,4-9pm at Riverside Park, located at 10450 Reynolds St. in Bonita Springs.

For information about the Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival and Grounding Wire, call 7882829.

100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists.

Applications are available now for artists wishing to perform and participate in Fringe Fort Myers. The deadline to submit applications is 5pm December 12. A lottery drawing will be held on Monday, Dec 19, 2022 both in person and online.

For more information, please call 239-939-2787.

After the final performance, Fringe Fort Myers will host an awards ceremony celebrating the artists that make Fringe an incredible experience. The Alliance’s youth theatre will also offer Kids Fringe, presenting family-friendly performances.

Fringe Fort Myers is a partnership between Alliance for the Arts and the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers.

saved, the majority perished, including our octopuses. The storm also tore a hole in the Museum’s brand-new roof, exposing the second and third floors, which include The Great Hall of Shells and storage for the shell collection, to water damage and the elements.

In the weeks since the storm, staff has carefully moved 40% of the Museum’s collection of over 550,000 shells and other specimens, one drawer of shells at a time, from the third floor to the second and reinstalled the specimens in their cabinets for safekeeping. The roof is now temporarily patched, and staff and professional disaster mitigation crews are working 7 days a week to contain the damage.

Progress is being made, but the challenges facing the Museum are deep. Those interested in supporting the Shell Museum can donate to the Museum or become a member.

The museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. on Sanibel. Visit shellmuseum.org for updates on recovery efforts. Call 395-2233 for information about membership and donations.

Christmas Carol Sing Helps Feed the Hungry

Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 31st Annual Christmas Carol Sings.

Blues Festival on Bradenton’s Riverwalk

B

radenton Blues Festival concerts will be held at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion in Rossi Park on the Manatee River, Friday & Saturday, December 2 & 3. Music starts at 5pm Friday, ending at 8:30pm. On Saturday, music starts at 11am and ends at 7:30pm, when festival headliner, Ana Popovic closes the evening.

The Bradenton Blues Brunch on Sunday, December 4 will be at nearby Mattison’s City Grille. schedule

Friday • DECEMBER 2

5pm: Gabe Stillman Band

6:30pm: Harper & Midwest Kind

7:30pm: Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe

Saturday • DECEMBER 3

11am: Lady A

Ana Popovic performs December 2 at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion during the Bradenton Blues Festival.

Alliance for the Arts presents Fringe Fort Myers

The inaugural Fringe Fort Myers festival is scheduled for June 1-4 on the campus of the Alliance for the Arts. Four days of events will feature 30 performances on 4 different stages; one-person shows, dance performances and music concerts, magic, stand-up comedy, and more.

Fringe Fort Myers will maintain the long-standing traditions of being 100% uncensored, 100% unjuried and 100% inclusive. And

Shell Museum

Severely Damaged by Hurricane

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel, the only professional and accredited museum in the United States devoted to mollusks and the shells they make, was severely impacted by Hurricane Ian. The ground floor, which houses the aquariums, flooded with over five feet of water causing extensive damage throughout. While some animals were

The 31st annual Christmas Carol Sing will be December 6 at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, two sing-alongs are planned at 3pm & 7pm. The doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.

Admission is free, but voluntary donations of canned goods and cash are requested to benefit Sam’s Community Café & Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative.

The annual Christmas Carol Sing is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 2438 Second Street in Fort Myers Historic River District. For more information, call 3342261.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum’s octopuses perished during Hurricane Ian.

12:30pm: Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations

1:30pm: Nora Jean Wallace

3pm: Albert Castiglia Band

4pm: Mike Zito Band

5pm: Blood Brothers

6pm: Ana Popovic

Sunday • DECEMBER 4

Blues Brunch

11am-2pm: Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations

In addition to live music, local craft beer, wine and food will be available.

Blankets, chairs, cameras and a personal bag are allowed on festival grounds. All bags and purses will be inspected by security upon entry. Children 4 and under do not need a ticket. Only service animals with appropriate credentials will be permitted.

Proceeds from the Bradenton Blues Festival support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art, and music programs, including the Blues in the Schools program.

Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park is located at 452 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton. Mattison’s City Grille is located at 101 Riverfront Blvd. on the Bradenton Riverwalk. Call 941-301-8445 for information.

Naples Botanical Garden Celebrates Mexico

The highlight of the celebration is La Calavera Catrina, an exhibition of eight larger-than-life skeleton sculptures of La Catrina, one of the most iconic symbols of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday. Known for her feminine elegance and Mexican heritage, La Catrina approaches death not through sadness, but as a colorful celebration of life. Designed by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero, these 8-foot-tall, vivid sculptures will be on display throughout the Karen & Robert Scott Florida Garden. Soltero is the set designer for the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, which takes place annually at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Both a sculptor and a costume designer, Soltero uses diverse media including papier-

mâché, recycled materials, wood, fiberglass, and fabric.

This exhibit will also feature four papier-mâché wall-mounted monarch butterfly sculptures on display in Fogg Café.

Naples Botanical Garden will celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 5 & 6 with special displays, tours, and arts & crafts activities. There will also be live music, dance performances, and foods from Mexico. The event is included with Garden admission.

Guests can enjoy special evening hours on December 5, when the Garden is open until 7pm for sunset viewing of La Calavera Catrina on Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Scott Florida Garden. Guitarist Havy Rodriguez will perform 5-7pm.

La Calavera Catrina will be on display through January 29.

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

Spiritual Concert in Bonita Springs

Storytellers Creative Arts is presenting their second annual Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs

Concert on November 6, at 6pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs.

The evening features hymns and special music representing genres from gospel, jazz bluegrass and classical. There will also be a musical tribute to all veterans.

The concert will feature a mass choir and a 30-piece orchestra, as well as guest artists and performers including:

Dr. Bill Barnett, founder & president of Storytellers Creative Arts, and vocalist.

Tamra Richardt, concert pianist and television personality.

Jeffrey Faux, former Artistic Director & Conductor of the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers and Naples Philharmonic Choir.

Dr. Robert Petterson, bestselling author and master storyteller.

Amy Bright, Lead Vocalist with the Naples Big Band.

Dr. Jeff Leigh, classical-violinist, Fellow at both Tanglewood and Aspen Music Festivals.

Chad Craig, Naples Florida percussionist and music educator.

Martha Christian, recording artist and singer-songwriter.

The Art of the Song, an exhibition of works by local artists, will be on view at 5pm, prior to the concert.

Admission to the concert is free, but tickets are required. Call 992-3410 for information.

First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs is located at 9751 Bonita Beach Rd. SE in Bonita Springs.

Naples Fine Art Show Moves to Sports Complex

Hot Works Fine Art Shows has moved their popular Naples Fine Art Show to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. The Naples Fine Art Show is scheduled for the weekend of November 12 & 13, 10am-5pm. In addition to hundreds of artists displaying and selling their work, the event offers live music and entertainment and food vendors. Admission is free.

The Naples Fine Art Show features Latin American sculpture artist Luis Amador as well as fine art and crafts created by award-winning artists, including paintings, sculptures, and works in clay, glass, fiber, wood, and jewelry.

The Paradise Sorts Complex is located at 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., just north of the intersection of SR 951 & I-75, in Naples. For more information about the Naples Fine Arts Show or HotWorks, call 248-762-2462.

Selby Gardens Showcases

Photos of Rare Orchids

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens continues ‘The Year of Photography” at its downtown Sarasota campus with an exhibition celebrating the stunning scientific photography of Selby Gardens’ own rare orchid collection, the best scientifically documented collection of living orchids anywhere in the world.

The Orchid Show 2022: Capturing the Perfect Shot,” is built around the massive body of photographs taken by a group of dedicated volunteers who help Selby Gardens scientists document the institution’s living research collection. The show includes original horticultural vignettes inspired by the art of scientific photography in the Tropical Conservatory, along with gallery installations in the Museum of Botany & The Arts.

“This photography is critical to the documentation of our world-renowned collection for research purposes.,” says Jennifer

Naples Botanical Garden celebrates the culture and flora of Mexico with the exhibition, La Calavera Catrina, on view thru January 29.

Amy Bright, lead vocalist with the Naples Big Band, is performing at the Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concert, November 6 in Bonita Springs.

O.Rominiecki, President of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “But visitors will immediately see that these photos stand as fine art in their own right.”

Installations on display inside the Tropical Conservatory showcase hundreds of live orchids in artistic arrangements, sometimes playing with lenses and mirrors. Different collection specimens will be rotated into the show throughout its duration, helping to ensure a new experience with repeat visits.

Chief Museum Curator Dr. David Berry praises the volunteers, “These talented photographers combine painstaking process, technical ingenuity, and individual aesthetic to capture the characteristics of each plant. The photographs become another form of botanical evidence,” says Berry. “They might document a flowering process that happens only once a year, or portray plants so tiny that they literally cannot be seen with the naked eye.”

He adds, “Compositionally, the photographs are quite

stunning. They aren’t only pictures of pretty plants — they are works of art.”

The Museum of Botany & the Arts showcases 15 large-format prints of the distinctive scientific photographs, which feature striking close-ups of their orchid subjects set against a jet-black background. As a special feature of this year’s Orchid Show, a temporary photo studio has been set up in the Museum, where individual volunteers will periodically do their work in view of visitors and answer questions about it.

The Botanical Gardens hosts an ‘Orchid Evening’ on November 2 that includes after-hours access to the show and a live performance by The Circus Arts Conservatory. Access to the exhibition is included with general admission to the Downtown Sarasota campus.

The Orchid Show 2022:

The Baker Museum in Naples is hosting an exhibit of Helen Frankenthaler’s later paintings thru November 27.

The Orchid Show 2022: Capturing the Perfect Shot, showcases scientific photographs of Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s collection of rare orchids.

Capturing the Perfect Shot is on view through December 4.

Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s downtown Sarasota campus is located at 1534 Mound St. The Gardens is open 10am-5pm daily. For information, call 941366-5731.

Frankenthaler’s Paintings at The Baker Museum

Helen Frankenthaler played a defining role in the history of post-war American painting. Her innovative soak-stain technique inaugurated the shift from Abstract Expressionism to Color Field Painting and influenced many artists. Frankenthaler’s work has been described as “a bridge between [Jackson] Pollock and what was possible.”

The Baker Museum presents Helen Frankenthaler: Late Works, 1990-2003, the first museum exhibition dedicated to the last phase of the painter’s prolific career. The exhibition features 20 paintings on paper and 10 paintings on canvas. These works demonstrate the artist’s interest in the relationship between landscape and abstraction and reveal her continued sensitivity to the emotional effects of color.

Helen Frankenthaler: Late Works, 1990-2003 is on view through November 27. The Baker Museum is located on the Artis—

HERTZ ARENA

11000 Everblades Pkwy. Estero

948-7825

Nov 4: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Nov 5: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Nov 16: vs Atlanta Gladiators

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Nov 30: vs Kalamazoo Wings

Dec 3: vs Kalamazoo Wings

Dec 14: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 17: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 21: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 23: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Dec 30: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Jan 4: vs Greenville

Swamp Rabbits

Jan 7: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Jan 20: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Jan 21: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Jan 25: vs South Carolina

Stingrays

Jan 27: vs South Carolina

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Jan 28: vs South Carolina

Stingrays

Feb 8: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Feb 10: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 11: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Feb 22: vs Kansas City Mavericks

Feb 24: vs Kansas City Mavericks

Feb 25: vs Kalamazoo Wings

Mar 8: vs South Carolina

Stingrays

Mar 10: vs South Carolina

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Mar 11: vs South Carolina

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Mar 22: vs Newfoundland Growlers

Mar 24: vs Newfoundland Growlers

Mar 25: vs Newfoundland Growlers

Apr 5: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Apr 12: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Apr 14: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Apr 15: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Naples campus, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am4pm & Sunday 12-4pm. Call 597-1900 for information.

then

an interview with Melissa Vogt

by Andrew Elias

Prather Productions’ Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre opened in Fort Myers in October 1993 and to date more than 4,000,000 people have enjoyed their professional productions. Eight full-scale Broadway musicals are performed annually in their 382-seat main stage venue and Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents smaller musicals and comedies in an 86-seat black-box theatre. Concerts and Broadway Palm’s Children Theater are also presented on the main stage.

As Broadway Palm begins their 30th season, they have presented 222 main stage shows, 106 Off Broadway Palm Theatre shows and 84 Children’s Theatre shows. Each musical production features a live orchestra.

Melissa Vogt has been working at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre since 1999, starting in the box office she is now General Manager, I asked Melissa about Broadway Palm — past, present and future.

•

Why did the Prather family, who has been producing theatre for more than 60 years, decide that Fort Myers was good place to open a dinner theatre back in 1993?

MELISSA VOGT: Willliam Prather, son of Thomas & Deborah Prather (founders of our sister Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre), graduated from Cornell University in 1991 and took a corporate hotel job, but after 9 months realized it wasn’t for him. He wanted to get back into the family business and he and his parents decided to open another dinner theatre. The family vacationed often on Sanibel Island and knew that if they ever opened another theatre, Southwest Florida was the place to do it. Will moved to Fort Myers and the rest is history.

What were Broadway Palm’s first few seasons like — as far as the types of productions and audiences responses?

The first few seasons were spectacular; the community embraced Broadway Palm and Broadway Palm embraced the community. The productions were very classic musicals such as Me and My Girl, Singin’ in the Rain, Fiddler on The Roof and 42nd Street and all received great reviews from not only the audience, but theatre critics as well.

How do you go about finding actors and directors for your productions?

We have an artistic producer, Brian Enzman, that selects principal actors and ensemble members from auditions throughout the country. We attend professional auditions such as SETC’s (Southeast Theatre Confer-

ence), UPTA’s (United Professional Theatre Auditions), FPTA’s (Florida Professional Theatre Auditions) as well as hold our own auditions in New York City. We also hold an annual local audition for adults and children.

Patrons obviously see the cast of actors in each show, but can you tell us about the people behind the scenes, that many may not be aware of, that make each production possible?

We have an incredible crew that works behind the scenes to make each show come to life. Our national lighting designer is Russell Thompson, Chris McCleary is our technical director and video wall designer who also serves as a sound and/or light designer often, Karl Smith is the stage manager for the main stage shows, John White is the national costume designer and locally we have Eryn Miller as costume supervisor, Loren Strickland is our musical director and conductor, and of course we have countless directors, choreographers, and set designers that all do an incredible job.

There is less than a week between the time one show ends and the next show opens — in each of the two theaters, which run simultaneously. That seems like a very short time to change sets and have actors, directors, and technical staff rehearse. How do you manage to have a new production ready so quickly?

There is actually a two week rehearsal process, but yes, that is an incredibly quick amount of time to put a show together from scratch while simultaneously managing the shows already on stage. Typically the actors arrive on a Wednesday, rehearsals start on Thursday in our rehearsal space where they rehearse for ten days, then on the 11th and 12th day the stage is set up for the new show, then the actors take the stage for ‘tech week’ the evening of the 12th day, and then a few days later, it’s opening night. There are a lot of moving parts and people that make the transitions happen and look absolutely seamless, but as you can imagine, the process consists of long days and nights for the cast and crew.

Broadway Palm offers productions on its main theatre and also its Off Broadway Palm Theatre. What are the differences between the two theatres and the kinds of productions and experiences audiences will enjoy in each theatre space?

The main theatre is the largest of the two theatres with table style seating and the productions are large scale Broadway musicals. The Off Broadway Palm is a small and very intimate “black box” style theatre with chairs only that features comedies and small-scale musicals. Dining is available for the Off Broadway Palm, but it is in a separate dining room.

Our customers typically see shows in both theatres, but we do have some that only attend the main theatre’s musicals and some that only attend the comedies in the Off Broadway Palm. They are both totally different experiences based on show type and the size of the theatre.

You also have a Children’s Theatre. Why do you think it is important to introduce young children to the joys of live theatre?

Our Children’s Theatre productions are the perfect way to introduce little ones to live theatre. We keep the productions to no more than one hour, there is audience interaction, and the musicals are always geared towards the humor and tastes of the children. It also eliminates the pressure from the parents who aren’t quite sure of how long their child is going to sit still or pay attention; they’re in a room full of little ones and parents that are probably feeling the same way. Watching the kids light up when the curtain rises is incredible and knowing Broadway Palm is a place where a family is making such special memories makes my heart so happy.

How did Broadway Palm survive during the covid pandemic, when so many theatres and businesses were adversely effected?

It was a struggle for us and there were times that we were unsure how we were going to survive. We were incredibly lucky that we are a dinner theatre and our seating is more restaurant style vs theatre seating. We were able to remove

tables to allow for social distancing and also adjust food service to make dining with us safe during that time. Over the last couple of months, we finally felt like we were bouncing back to ‘normal’ after Covid.

How was Broadway Palm impacted by hurricane Ian — both the theatre, and the staff and actors?

The Broadway Palm team kept very busy

before, during, and after the storm by donating their time to local organizations and helping friends, family, and members of the community. The theatre was a resource for food and water immediately following the storm and we partnered with World Central Kitchen to amplify efforts. The theatre itself sustained minimal damage so we were so lucky to be able to reopen after being closed for just under three weeks.

As far as the staff, many had manageable damage, some lost cars and had a small amount of flooding, and then a few lost everything. It’s so sad for our entire community, but watching everyone come together to help has been such a beautiful thing to witness.

What can audiences expect from Broadway Palm in its 30th season?

Our 30th Anniversary Season is packed full of past favorites such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Sister Act as well as a couple of brand new musicals never before seen on our stage with Jersey Boys and Disney’s Little Mermaid.

Our brand new, high performance, commercial grade video wall is making it’s debut and it’s a show stopper. The wall is 29 feet wide and 11 feet tall and consists of over 125 different panels with an incredible resolution of 3024 x 1176. • Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 278-4422.

“We have an incredible crew that works behind the scenes to make each show come to life.”

“There are a lot of moving parts and people that make the transitions happen and look absolutely seamless, but as you can imagine, the process consists of long days and nights for the cast and crew. “

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT SISTER ACT

MELISSA VOGT

Believing in The Belle

Bby Julie Clay

etween getting to know The Belle Theatre and writing this piece, Hurricane Ian roared through southwest Florida, forever changing the landscape of our coastal home. Cape Coral, where the Theatre is located, experienced significant citywide flooding and wind loss. Thankfully, The Belle sustained only minor water leakage and building damage. As Belle Founder & Executive Director Tyler Young indicates, damage was minor enough not to disrupt their performance schedule from November on in this inaugural season.

The Belle Theatre, referred to by many simply as “The Belle,” is a new community theatre located on Santa Barbara Blvd. in the heart of Cape Coral. In the largest city in Southwest Florida, The Belle is one of only two live performing arts venues alongside Cultural Park. Opening in

May 2022, The Belle has jumped in full force with an exciting lineup of mainstage plays and an educational program for kids ages PreK-18. A quick sampling includes the comedy parody The Butler Did It (November), A Tuna Christmas (December), Little Shop of Horrors (February 2023), and Frozen Jr., a kids’ production running through November.

A Cape Coral native, Young has been involved in local theater since age seven, first attending summer camps at Cultural Park, eventually transitioning from onstage to behind the scenes on tech detail. Young also operates an electrical contracting company which, at the time of writing, was demanding most of his attention in 12-hour days servicing customers rebuilding on Fort Myers Beach.

Young reveals the origin of the theater name, “My Nana, who was named Belmira, passed away in 2017. She was

a big theatre person. She left me an investment account I used, plus other monies I had access to. We were able to get the lease signed and the business up and running in late 2021. We were about to sign another lease when this place came on the market. It was a blank canvas when we got in there, with ugly orange paint on the walls and one big room. Seeing and envisioning it took a while. We started doing the actual construction in January 2022 and opened with School of Rock (teen production) in the summer, then kicked off our inaugural season in September with The Odd Couple.”

Similar in size to Cultural Park Theatre, The Belle has 125 seats on risers, each with a good view. The stage is 35ft wide and 25ft in depth. Young used his tech experience to ensure the stage is very flexible. “I can make the stage bigger or smaller. It’s also close to the ground and an intimate space. Even if you’re in the last row, you’re 25-30ft away from the stage. The first row is five feet from the stage”, Young says.

Upon walking through the door into the lobby, paintings and photographs created by local artists greet guests. The bar beckons from your left before you walk into the Theatre itself, and a large hallway brimming with possibility is on the right. Young has plans for all that wonderful space.

“I’m putting in an art gallery featuring local artists,” he says, “We want to do visual as well as performing arts. The artists get paid, and the Theatre gets a portion as a fundraising opportunity. From the start of the hallway, every show will have a vertical line of pictures. You’ll be able to take a trip down memory lane and watch the Theatre grow over the years. I also want to showcase the sponsors in that hallway.”

The inaugural lineup features an assortment of productions to entertain both young and old. Tyler states, “Our niche is more on an entertainment front rather than education,” lamenting, “If you’re not going to a bar, there’s no entertainment venue outside of a couple of places with tribute bands, etc. I want The Belle to be geared toward everyone.”

With this commitment in mind, The Belle has established an educational program to nurture and train the next generation of stars. Led by theatre veteran Dana Alvarez,

an FGCU graduate with a BA in elementary education and drama instruction, youth productions have already started. A slate of classes, including those for homeschoolers (and skills for adults), are in the works for a spring launch.

Alvarez, who helmed the same position at Melody Lane Performing Arts Center (MLPAC) for five years before joining The Belle, enthuses, “I am thrilled to be the Theatre Education Director because it gives me a chance to work with talented young people. They will not only have fun and be trained in the performing arts, but also be part of a theatre family.” MLPAC owner Sami Doherty, a professional dancer, singer, and actress, is on board as a resident choreographer. At this point, several of the actors who started at MLPAC as kids are now part of the mainstage productions.

Education is also a passion of Young’s, as he helms the theatre portion of Gulf Elementary’s after-school program as Director of Drama. An average of 50 kids participate each year, with a full-scale production wrapping up their annual program.

Tyler stresses that The Belle is a community theatre for all ages, and everyone is encouraged to audition, “I need people to know

that this is not a kid’s theatre. First and foremost, this is a community theatre with a mainstage season. There is a place here for everybody. Come on in and get involved.” As proof, several parents of kids in the teen program have already or plan to appear in mainstage shows.

Several board members are also participating actors, including Margaret Bowman, who serves as Vice President & Director of Development. She has appeared in Into the Woods and shares, “I am so very excited to be working with The Belle Theatre. It’s a great space for performers, dancers, artists, tech crews, etc. to be able to collaborate. I have been involved with theater for over 30 years and have performed all over the country. The Belle has become a second home for me.”

Young’s additional plans for The Belle include using their stage as a place for local bands to perform and starting a program for special needs students, “In my teaching at Gulf, I have come across some really talented special needs students,” he mentions, “There are no real programs that focus on their needs. I want to have a program where students with special needs can get on stage. That’s something that doesn’t exist in the Cape. I’m hoping to start that in the spring.”

Young is directing most of The Belle’s mainstage plays, occasionally handing the reins to others, including Gwen Salata, who has directed several mainstage productions at The Cultural Park Theatre, most recently A Piece of My Heart.” Ms. Salata, a communications major at FGCU, is directing The Butler Did It. Young affirms that plans are in place to bring in other directors for shows later in the season.

Do you feel the excitement yet?

Tyler looks forward to sharing all that The Belle has to offer, “I want to create a safe place for everyone in the community. Be it onstage or behind the bar, I want it to be a place where you want to be and enjoy being. Come volunteer, usher a show. Everything in our building is new. It’s a new place and a welcoming environment. Come be involved, and let us be a home away from home.”

Nana Belmira would be very proud. •

The Belle Theatre is located at 2708 Santa barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral. For information, call 323-5533.

left to right: Board member Injavette Santoro Maggie Bowman, VP & Director of Development, and The Belle Theatre Founder & Executive Director, Tyler Young

“I need people to know that this is not a kid’s theatre. First and foremost, this is a community theatre with a mainstage season. There is a place here for everybody.”

COMEDY TH

by Jason MacNeil

ver its rich history country & western music has been heavy on the country half yet quite lighter when it comes to the western portion. But don’t tell that to the quartet of musicians Doug Green, Paul Chrisman, Fred LaBour and Joey Miskulin.

For nearly 45 years the Western swing group Riders In The Sky — consisting of Green (aka Ranger Doug), Chrisman (aka Woody Paul), LaBour (aka Too Slim) and Miskulin (aka Joey The CowPolka King) — have brought sweet harmonies, Western tales and a bevy of humor to hundreds of thousands of people over roughly 7,500 performances.

Green says the band’s longevity is something he finds hard to comprehend at times.

“Well yes and no,” he says from Nashville. “You look back over 7,500 shows and you say, ‘Yes it’s been a good long 45 years.’ But on the other hand it’s still so fresh and fun that it seems like five years ago.”

Green says his infatuation with Western music growing up fueled his desire. “I grew up in the ‘50s and cowboys were everywhere,” he says. “After I moved to Nashville I rediscovered Western music and tried a couple of times to put a group together. But I didn’t get guys who wanted to sing harmony. They were good players of course, but I didn’t want to be a solo act. I wanted to sing harmony.”

In terms of musical influences, Green cites Gene Autry and Eddy Arnold, but says Sons of the Pioneers were huge. So large in fact, the band took its name from a song recorded by the group. “Not only were they brilliant poets and songwriters but they had that fantastic harmony and I was all about harmony,” he says.

“We all loved Roy Rogers as a kids, he was one of our heroes. It was partly the look and partly that the songs were about the outdoors, nature and not about broken hearts. Kids don’t understand that much about cheating spouses, getting drunk and falling off the bar stool. Western music is different that way.”

From there Green discovered Nashville’s ‘acoustic music

underground’ where he met LaBour, and the chemistry was instant. He says LaBour didn’t need much coaxing to play ‘some cowboy music.’

“He grew up living it, too,” Green says. “We formed a little trio. We had so much fun that first night. Slim said, ‘America will pay to see this.’ I was still laughing two days later. Of course as it turns out Slim isn’t the only funny guy. We all thought we were pretty funny and the laughter just rolled.”

After gigging around Nashville in late 1977, Riders In The Sky reached a fork in the road when the Kentucky State Fair offered them $2500 for performances over 10 days.

“We took it,” Green says. “We took vacation time from whatever else we were doing. We got there and said, ‘This can really work, but we have to commit to it full time.’ And so we did. The original third guy, Billy Collins, decided he didn’t want to commit to it. He thought it was too chancey so Woody joined us in August, 1978. We were a trio for 10 years and then Joey joined us in 1988. He’s the new kid, he’s only been with us 34 years.”

Although there’s been ebbs and flows as one would expect during the band’s career, Riders In The Sky struck gold in 2000 & 2002 with Grammy Award-winning albums associated with the hugely successful animated Pixar films: 1999’s Toy Story 2 and 2001’s Monsters, Inc. The journey began when executives ‘needed a group that sounded like a ‘50s TV show’ for Toy Story 2.

“One of the producers, bless his heart, a man by the name of Ash Brannon was a fan,” Green says. “He downloaded some yodeling and some of our music for the board. They looked at each other, their eyes got big and they said, ‘Those are the guys!’

“They called us out of the blue and asked us if we’d be interested in appearing in Toy Story 2 and we said, ‘Yes!’ It took us quite a long time to sit around and ponder it — maybe an eighth of a second.”

The band won a 2001 Grammy for Best Music Album for

HAT SWINGS

Children with Woody’s Roundup: A Rootin’ Tootin’ Collection of Woody’s Favorites. Green says the collaboration on Monsters, Inc. led to the group creatively branching out. It also earned them another Grammy for Best Music Album for Children for Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory Favorites

“The people at Disney Records and with Pixar loved us,” he says. “They came to us with this notion of writing songs about the characters in Monsters, Inc. We thought it was a wonderful challenge because it put us completely outside our usual box. I’m quite certain this is the only album in the history of the recording business by an all Western group

entirely about monsters. It was fun and got our creative juices flowing.”

Riders In The Sky also recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of their induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Green says every time he plays the venue, or any venue for that matter, he’s eager to hit the stage.

“It’s still a thrill,” he

says of playing the iconic country venue. “Every time the announcer says, ‘Stars of the Grand Ole Opry, Riders In The Sky’ it still gives me little goosebumps. It’s a dream come true and still is even though we’ve done maybe 2000 spots or more.”

The group is planning on recording a new studio album culled from material Green wrote during the lockdown as well as some classics and possible obscurities to round out the effort. Green says the pandemic created a void that both the group and concert goers felt. Now it seems both fans and musicians are making up for lost time.

“We’ve noticed, especially at the Opry but in general, people are so grateful to have live music again and so excited to see and hear people play,” he says. “That whole lockdown was horrible for musicians because there was no income. We live and breathe performances so it felt like quite a loss. But it was also tough on music lovers because they couldn’t go anywhere to see or hear it. We’ve gotten more standing ovations at the Opry since the quarantine then we ever had in the 30 years before.”

As for the Bonita Springs show, Green says fans can expect a

mix of old Western classics and new material which sound like they were written from a bygone era.

“People always want to hear Back in the Saddle, Riders in the Sky, Cool Water and Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” he says. “But we’ve also made it part of our mission to write new songs in the (Western) tradition so they sound like they were written 50 years ago. There’s also plenty of comedy, it’s just a whole bunch of laughs. We can go from a serious Western ballad to the goofiest thing. It’s like Monty Python meets Sons of the Pioneers.”

Finally, what does Green attribute to the band’s endurance and perseverance?

“Oh, separate hotel rooms,” he quickly replies. “We keep to ourselves on the road and that keeps us fresh with each other so we can have fun onstage. We don’t get to hate each other like other bands do.” •

Riders in the Sky perform at Centers for the Arts in Bonita Springs on November 19.

by Caylee Weintraub

In the early morning, the sky dimmed as the storm approached land. Howling winds whipped through the coast. Lightning flashed in the distance like a shaky spotlight. The rain first came as a drizzle, and then quickened to a downpour.

“On a ship at sea: a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning heard.” So begins William Shakespeare’s The Tempest as it chronicles a cast beset by a tragic storm. So begins the landfall of Hurricane Ian on Florida’s southwest coast.

The percussion of wind and rain against hurricane shutters was a symphony for the storm’s performance. The southwest coast of Florida sat poised like the set of a stage waiting for its actors to arrive. Then, as if directed by a climatic stage manager, Hurricane Ian moved out of the wings and to center stage for its ephemeral performance. Like any powerful actor, the storm disappeared but its performance remains its legacy.

In the wake of the storm, downtown Fort Myers looks like a stage set dismantled. Boats from the harbor lie marooned beside high rise buildings, as if they were props suddenly discarded. Desks, chairs, and tables bake in the sun on the side of the road as these objects dry out from storm surge, carefully arranged as if by a set designer’s hand. Business owners and residents walk the streets like actors waiting for the cue to begin their performance again in a real life theater of the absurd.

Amidst this destruction is Florida Repertory Theatre, a professional performance company “committed to providing a first-class regional theatre for Southwest Florida.” Like so many historic buildings in the downtown area, Florida Repertory Theatre is one of the area’s original tenants that has been scripted into the city’s history. And like so many in the downtown area, Hurricane Ian wrote itself into their story.

But in the week leading up to the hurricane, when the storm was still forming off the coast, the cast of Florida Repertory Theatre had been focusing on a different kind of storm: the flurry of preparation and nerves that accompanies a show’s debut.

The company performed Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill, a fictionalized musical that chronicles real-life jazz singer Billie Holiday’s final public performance and addresses themes of drug abuse and racism.

“The storm has had devastating effects on us, but we’re back up and running now.”

“Lady Day is brash, unfiltered, raw, and real. It’s a lot for the audience to take in between her use of strong language, substance abuse, and tragic stories of the Black American experience,” Garrick Vaughan, who plays Jimmy Powers, says. “Performing this show in a state where learning the complete history of racial violence is considered ‘woke’ or more incorrectly CRT (critical race theory) — it is amazing to see the faces of the audience as they listen to Billie’s life story. You can see the shock and heartbreak.”

Before the storm hit, the cast of Florida Repertory Theater’s Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill had worked to transform their stage into a gritty Philadelphia bar. The cast wanted to create a setting that felt intimate, almost suffocatingly so. Dennis Maulden, scene designer for Lady Day, said he wanted to create a seedy, metropolitan feel for the play that visually represents the heaviness of hard living.

In the blackbox theater where Lady Day was performed for the week prior to the hurricane, the cast pasted brown, square-patterned wallpaper to transform the normally black walls of the theater. They carefully arranged tables to mimic the setting where jazz singer Billie Holiday would have given her final performance. Glasses sat on the table, as if waiting for someone to drink from them.

The studio theatre’s three-quarter-round allowed the audience to feel that they just happened into a bar where there was live musical entertainment. From the black and white photographs hung on the walls to lead actress Ebony Pullum’s white dress, the designers sought to transport the audience out of Florida and into Billie Holiday’s northern, Pennsylvanian world.

“The shows this season are escapist,” artistic director Greg Longenhagen says. “Coming out of Covid, we want to put on performances that almost pull the audience out of themselves.”

The lineup for the 2022-2023 season, Florida Rep’s 25th performance season, includes comedies, dramas, and musicals that aim to immerse audiences in another dimension.

In And Then There Were None , ten strangers turn against one another on a remote island. Ripcord , a high stakes comedy, takes place in a single bedroom with one window at a retirement home as a duo grapples with their own existentialism. Ernest Thomposon’s The Golden Pond follows a couple as their domestic lives are upended by the unexpected.

In all its performances, the company aims to transport.

But on the morning of Hurricane Ian’s landfall, a harsh Florida reality

seeped into the blackbox theater, submerging the space of Lady Day in storm surge water. The blackbox theater, named so because of its black walls which easily transmute into different stage settings, is now emptied to its foundation, erasing Lady Day from its interior.

Following the hurricane, the cast of Lady Day was unsure if they would be able to perform the musical at all.

It was as if the heavy, seedy atmosphere of Lady Day had broken out of the black box and infused itself into reality. The grimy feel of the bar was now reified in the downtown area itself. The feeling of emotional intensity was no longer imagined, but palpable in the streets and businesses surrounding Florida Repertory Theatre. Fort Myers post-hurricane is a dreamscape: a mix of the unimaginable and the fiercely real.

“I was worried — not only about our production sitting vulnerably on the ground level of the building and right off the lobby but also of the greater institution and its future,” Maulden says. “I was consumed with worry about all my friends and colleagues there who had to worry about both the theater as well as their own personal homes and lives. I had given up hope that Lady Day would be seen.”

The cast and artistic director Greg Logenhagen faced a difficult decision: to bow to the pressure of the storm, or to find a new way to stage the work they had rehearsed for months.

One of the influential factors in the decision to continue performing the show is the actors. “When we find talented people, we want to support them,” Logenhagen says, “which means making sure they have work.”

The solution was nearby.

“The Theatre Conspiracy was so incredibly generous in offering us their stage,” Logenhagen says. “We’ve been able to perform Lady Day at their facilities: Alliance for the Arts.”

Theatre Conspiracy, a fellow performance group close to downtown Fort Myers, has made

space for the performers of Florida Repertory Theatre to continue making art.

Yet the location of a new venue was only the first step in the process of restaging. In the week following the hurricane’s landfall, the cast worked to recreate the set of Lady Day

“It’s been miraculous to witness how faithfully everyone has worked to recover some sense of normalcy and to persevere to the point that the season is going to continue,” Maulden, who returned to North Carolina during the storm, said.

This sense of normalcy includes hanging lights and fixtures above the bar where Billie Holiday performs, sound checking so that the singers’ voices will carry through the audience, and recreating the sense of intimacy that live music so often evokes.

“In the new venue, the audience is looking at the more normal proscenium theatre arrangement. We were not able to paint the floor in the new space, for example, so the details of the seedy, run-down bar are not quite so explicitly evident. But the general character of the place translated well to this new stage. I’m stunned at how seamlessly the process played out despite the fact that I know how much effort the entire production staff had to expend,” Maulden said.

As Lady Day began its restaging, so too did the rest of southwest Florida. Debris that once filled the streets of downtown Fort Myers has now been pushed to the side. Business owners have tarped their windows. Flotsam was pulled from the water and laid to dry. Royal palms that were defoliated now have fresh, green shoots. The storm surge of the area has seeped back into the ocean.

“The storm has had devastating effects on us,” Logenhagen, whose house nearby was also flooded by storm surge, said. “But we’re back up and running now. That’s what we want people to know. That we are back and we are ready.”

Before every performance, actors gather in a show circle. Like the eye of a hurricane, they join hands to create a pressure system of support that buoys them through the show that awaits.

“Before I go on stage, I have a short prayer that I might alleviate the worries, concerns, pains, and cares of an audience for the brief time they are watching a show,” Vaughan says. “Art allows us to escape and invest in someone else’s tragedies and triumphs. It reminds us that things get better even when they seem at their worst.” •

Florida Repertory Theatre is located at 2268 Bay St. in Fort Myers, has resumed performances in both its Historic Arcade Theatre and more intimate black-box ArtStage Studio Theatre. For information, call 332-4488.

Fort Myers post-hurricane is a dreamscape: a mix of the unimaginable and the fiercely real.

by Jason MacNeil

Since releasing his debut Salesmen And Racists album just over two decades ago, Chicago-area rocker Ike Reilly has carved his own critically-acclaimed path, whether on solo albums or with his longtime band under the moniker The Ike Reilly Assassination. The genre-defying collage of rock, folk, roots and punk, all with a hint of Springsteen-esque barroom revival, is exemplified on last year’s Because The Angels , a record Reilly is quite proud of.

“People loved the record and the response has been great,” Reilly, appearing at the Sanibel Island Writers Conference on November 5, says during some mid-July downtime. “The new songs make up about half of our set. It’s hard to tell anymore because everybody steals music, you don’t really base it on record sales. But the emotional connection people are feeling with these songs has been great.”

Probably the biggest difference with this current album and tour is having his three sons — Shane, Kevin and Mickey — along for the ride after performing on half of Because

The Angels

“Kind of strange,” Reilly says of the experience. “If you had told me eight years ago I would be sober and on stage with my kids touring all over the world I would not have believed you. I try to keep my shit together and focus when I’m performing, but I’ll back up and see the most fortunate thing. You have kids that want to hang out with you. It’s not really a father-son thing, it’s more like a band thing. We might not be on the Top of the Pops, but we’ve got something no one else has. And when you see us you know it.”

Reilly says the pandemic resulted in two of his sons returning home from college. The eventual and essentially global lockdown lead to a wealth of creativity under one roof.

“My older boy started to write songs,” he says. “My other boys have seen my life. They would never in a million years choose to pursue that existence. But they’re uninhibited, they are soulful dudes and they’ve been immersed in the lifestyle and the recording studio is where we live. In between their white middle-class, sportsladen upbringing they’ve seen a lot of Bohemian drifters come through our house.

“When I was a kid I’d have to drink a half bottle of Jameson to sing one song in front of anybody. These guys have no inhibitions about singing.”

That singing was put on display during the Ike Reilly Family Quarantine Hour, a string of livestream gigs featuring Reilly’s family, the band and even cameos and video contributions from Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, a lifelong friend of Reilly’s.

“Necessity breeds inven tion,” he says of the virtual gigs. “It was a super success ful half-assed live stream, but it broadened my fan base sig nificantly. It wasn’t hard to pivot, we didn’t have anything else to do. We were like, ‘Okay, we’re going to do a show every two weeks.’ It would’ve been harder to smoke dope and lay in bed for two years. ‘We got nowhere to go and we got nothing to do.’ This was a real guiding light for my family. So we were rehearsing with the boys, writing songs and learn ing how to turn a camera on. It wasn’t difficult, but it was actu ally cathartic.”

Just as cathartic is Because The Angels, a 10-song effort that’s pointed, poignant and punchy with songs like the politically-ori ented opener ‘Little Messiahs.’

“It’s funny,” Reilly says. “I was working on that one way before there was any ‘Stop The Steal’ bullshit going on. It was about an out of control candidate. But I wrote that before we had an out of control candidate. It’s a song about how people use Christianity in anyway they can to justify what they’re doing. It’s about the manip ulation of truth.”

The album, the followup to 2018’s Crooked Love, features strong nug gets like ‘Ashes To Ashes’ as well as the

reflective ‘Muhammad Ali Museum’, which have acted as the ‘anchors’ to Reilly’s current trek in support of Because The Angels.

Another track, ‘Racquel Blue’, is “my longest and most popular live song” according to Reilly. It’s a tune that impressed both Reilly and his longtime road-warrior cohorts.

“It’s a pretty cinematic, impressionistic song and I can’t tell you exactly why I enjoy it,” he says. “I play it and it seems like I’m playing a cover when I play it. I know that it’s not but it’s very gratifying to play. Also, the most gratifying thing you can do is impress your band mates, you know what I mean? These guys have been with me a long time and they’re great musicians. That’s more fulfilling for me than anything, to bring a song in and have guys that know you

Although Reilly still performs live-streaming gigs sporadically now that restrictions have lifted, he’s tried to atone for lost time with a bevy of touring. A string of dates late last year in the midwest was followed with gigs along the East Coast earlier in 2022. Festival stops in the early summer included Milwaukee’s Summerfest and Little Waves in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“We stayed close to the Mississippi River,” Reilly said.

The musician, like nearly every other touring artist, also said he tried to roll with the punches when it came to getting back on the road in these extremely uncertain times. And with tours possibly nixed partially or totally with a Covid diagnosis, Reilly wasn’t leaving anything in his control to chance.

“We had a lot

of different preparation,” he says. “We had masks up in the van. I didn’t go out. None of us went out. I wasn’t mixing it up in the bars afterwards. We just got out of there. I mean if any of us got it we’d have to quarantine and shittcan the tour. That never happened. It happened to a lot of bands, but it never happened to us. We were vigilant because we would rather play rock and roll and be careful than be fucking around at 3 am in a bar with strangers, which is our normal modus operandi.”

Reilly says he’s still plying his craft decades after starting mainly because he doesn’t “know what else to do.” It’s a testament to his dedication to leaving nothing left in the tank whether in the studio or on stage.

“We’re a great live rock and roll band,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible musicians. I have no desire to perform if I don’t feel like it’s vital or urgent. But we have an edge to us when we play that can be cathartic and confrontational at times. “

“I don’t want to get caught in any trick bag of self-awareness. We’re just trying to make any live performance a communal cathartic event for somebody that would show up.”

Another part of Reilly’s strong discography and touring regimen is his authenticity: What you see is what you get. It’s something the musician sees as a basic litmus test for his art.

“Certain actors you’re either listening to or watching you think, ‘Well I don’t believe anything about that!’” he says. “Is it coming across as honest? The classic example everybody uses is Johnny Cash. He sings, ‘I shot a man in Reno...’ and we believe him, but we know he never killed anyone in Reno. I hope what comes out of my mouth is believable in that medium.”

Reilly has also been a longtime friend of Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. At the time of the interview Reilly planned to travel with Rage Against the Machine during their highly anticipated, long awaited European tour in August. However a severe leg injury (torn Achilles tendon) to Rage’s singer Zack de la Rocha nixed those shows.

“He was in the room that I’m talking to you in yesterday,” Reilly says of Morello. “His first paying gig was my wife’s eighth grade graduation party. Tom and I are very good friends. I wrote a song about our careers called ‘Paradise Lane’ which is a mythological song loosely based on facts about our diverging careers set in a foreground. An accident of two high school rock and rollers in our hometown. It’s funny and dark.” •

Ike Reilly performs November 5 at 6pm during the Sanibel Island Writers Conference on. The virtual conference will be streaming online for free at www. facebook.com/sanibelislandwritersconference.

“The most gratifying thing you can do is impress your band mates.”

The Birds Are Back

Fby Angela Minor

all migration is concluding and our winter bird visitors are settling in for the season. Diverse ecosystems, plentiful resources and protected areas make southwest Florida a favorite destination on the Atlantic Flyway. Millions of birds wing their way two times a year along this “skyway” from the arctic tundra to South America – and some stop here for the winter months.

So, grab the binoculars, scope, camera and field guide, and let’s visit six birding hotspots recommended by our local experts.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

“Birding is a great family activity that appeals to all ages,” says Brenda Curtis, President of Peace River Audubon. “It also provides individuals with physical and mental fitness as well as a sense of community.” In addition to watching birds and listening for what Curtis calls “the language of birds,” the whole experience “is important because it can initiate a primordial connection between humans and their natural

Winter Birding Hotspots in Charlotte and Collier counties

broad winged hawk

“Birdwatching is the fastest growing

environment. People who connect with nature and spend more time observing and relating to wildlife enhance their mindsets to a more open egalitarianism of all life forms.”

She continues, “Birds and humans share the same planet. People have a stake in ensuring their preservation and [their] wildlife habitats. Ecologically birds are essential as pollinators and for seed dispersal of many plants, especially native plants. Birds also feed on a variety of insects, rodents, and other small animals, naturally keeping those populations in check and ensuring a proper balance in our ecosystem. Scientifically, birds teach us about climate and are key to indicating environmental changes.”

Curtis states that “birdwatching is the fastest growing outdoor recreation in the country.” So, let’s visit the top county locations below — “all [with] over 200 species documented on eBird.”

Fred C. Babcock –Cecil Webb State Wildlife Management Area

Explore “the finest intermixed pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh in the state” interspersed

with dry prairies, ponds and hardwood hammocks. The diverse ecosystem at this location makes this a top birding destination.

Curtis tells us that “migrating coastal kettles of hawks are usually seen after the weather straightens [following] a cold front.” She also shares that this “vast natural setting” welcomes many other species including the King Rail, the continent’s singular Northern Harrier and a multitude of “visiting woodland warblers.” Keep the binoculars handy for spotting residents like the Wild Turkey and the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker while listening for the beautiful song of the secretive Bachman’s Sparrow, whose numbers are declining.

Over 65,000 acres in this Wildlife Management Area are accessible via roads (drive or bring your bike), trails and waterways. Other amenities include camping sites, horseback riding and restrooms. For a community birding experience to good viewing spots, take an early morning guided field trip with Peace River Audubon Society.

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Retreat to the secluded southernmost mile of Manasota

photographs: preceding & following page by Michael Todd, this page by Jean Hall

outdoor recreation in the country.”

Key for a quiet birding day. The 245-acre protected area includes the peninsula, nearby Peterson and Whidden islands and the channels flowing between them. Ample parking at the northern end accesses the 1.3-mile hiking trail. This walk will take you through five distinct natural communities.

“Expect to see wintering shorebirds,” says Curtis, “such as Snowy and Wilson’s Plovers along with gulls, Red-breasted Mergansers, Short-billed Dowitchers and Common Loons. Also, migrating warblers are sighted along the

wooded path.” The coastal dunes and strands, beach areas, maritime hammocks and tidal swamps are favorite winter bird habitats.

Take a ranger-led winter nature walk; enjoy an interpretive exhibit at the visitor center; bring a picnic; snorkel and scuba; or go treasure hunting for shells and shark’s teeth at this park.

Ollie’s Pond Park

Bird like a local at this small 41-acre stormwater retention pond nestled inside a pine flatwoods

habitat. An oasis of nature, this spot was named to honor the skills and volunteer work of one of Peace River Audubon’s best birders. Dr. Oliver Hewitt, a celebrated wildlife management professor at Cornell University, retired to Port Charlotte. He then spent the next 27 years contributing to the knowledge of avian life via his fieldbook, advocating for habitat conservation and inspiring a love of birds in this community.

“This past winter,” Curtis reports, “[we had] rarer sightings like Merlin, Cedar Waxwing and Cinnamon Teal.” She says that we might expect to see the Ovenbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Swainson’s Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and wetland species like the delicate Black-necked Stilt, sandpipers and more.

An unpaved path around the pond with strategically placed benches creates a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for visitors.

sandhill crane

PRAS offers walk-abouts at this location. All are welcome – beginners and experts alike –to view and photograph the many species at this location.

COLLIER COUNTY

“Some birds are traveling from as far north as the Arctic and may continue down to the bottom tip of South America!” says Brittany Piersma, field biologist for Audubon Western Everglades. “Currently we are seeing a huge influx of different species traveling to our area. I am always excited to see American Avocets, American Oystercatchers, Red Knots, and Piping Plovers. We are all awaiting the return of the American White Pelicans.”

Winter avian visitors and the birders who flock to see them receive special attention. “Our winter shorebird stewardship program has been essential in educating the public about the large number of migratory birds that come to and through our area,” states Piersma. “We encourage people to walk around the flocks of resting and feeding birds… [and we share] the use of our spotting scopes and binoculars with citizens and tourists on the beach [which] is eye opening for them to view the detail of these birds up close.”

She shares, “There are dozens of incredible locations in Collier County, but I would recommend the following.”

Clam Pass Park

Enjoy a day with the birds at this popular beach shielded from urban life by 35 acres of protected mangroves and estuaries. Launch your journey with a stroll above the coastal habitats on a three-quarter-mile boardwalk. From the parking lot to the beach the city fades away – replaced by the sights and sounds of nature.

“It is known for being one of the largest congregating areas for wintering Black Skimmers in the state of Florida and the entire coast of the U.S.! They travel from New York down the coastline and also from Mississippi,” says Piersma. “At times we have thousands of

Skimmers, terns, gulls, and mixed shorebirds using the beach and sandbars to rest.”

She adds, “You can kayak throughout the estuary and view other wading birds and marine life. Last year we had the highest number of Red Knots ever seen at this location due to the healthy mudflats [where they feed].”

Full facilities are located at the boardwalk beachside terminus (which you can also reach via the free tram). At this park you can also join guided walks; amble along sandy trails with informational signage; and, learn about this location from the Audubon Western Everglades stewards.

acres of surrounding wildlife habitat. On site is a two-story bird watching tower with exceptional views of the lagoon, beach and tidal pools teaming with winter avian visitors. Scan the crowds on land, water and in the air for terns, plovers, egrets, Black Skimmers and Magnificent Frigatebirds.

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Set your craft upon the water for a one-ofa-kind birding experience at this destination. “You will need to take a boat to access this location,” states Piersma. “You can kayak to the closest sandbars of Caxambas and Kice or take a boat tour down the coastline. High tides lead to the birds being congregated in limited sandbars and shoals. Low tides allow for the birds to disperse and feed amongst the many mudflats and sandbars. Surrounding mangroves host wading birds and other wildlife.

“All different species of shorebirds, seabirds, wading birds, and water birds use these critical areas to rest and refuel,” she continues. “White Pelicans love feeding and resting amongst the backwater areas. You will most likely see dolphins and manatees while enjoying the birds!”

For land exploration, Piersma recommends the Marsh Trail – a 2.4-mile repurposed former oil well road. “There is an observation tower

Tigertail Lagoon & Beach Park, Marco Island

Plan a visit to “one of the best all-around birding spots in southwest Florida” (The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail). “It is an ever-changing barrier island,” says Piersma, “that connects and disconnects to an estuary and the mainland of Marco Island. Following every storm, it is always a surprise to see how the area will change.” She continues, “Mudflats and sandbars have increased in perfect timing for the mass number of migrating shorebirds and wading birds that use them to refuel.”

Piersma shares, “Instead of walking the beach side, I recommend choosing a low tide to explore the lagoon side heading north. Federally protected Piping Plovers have returned to this lagoon every year.” She adds, “We are monitoring closely this winter due to a planned dredging project we fear will negatively impact the area. There are plans to alter the lagoon and remove 6.4 acres of the north tip where Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and Wilson’s Plovers nest every summer.”

This destination also holds a Critical Wildlife Area designation that protects 456

and trail for viewing a beautiful ecosystem of birds, alligators, fish, and plant life. It is highly recommended to go prior to sunrise or near sunset so you can view thousands of birds leaving their roost site to start their day or flying in to sleep for the night.”

The refuge protects 35,000 acres of marsh, tropical hardwood hammocks and the “largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America.” Winter is the recommended season for the best birding. •

magnolia warbler

hooded warbler

blackburnian warbler

Americana Community Music Association

concerts at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

2756 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers

239-691-4069

americanacma.org

The Americana Community Music Association 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. Americana artists or generally acoustic sing a song writers. ACMA presents shows throughout the community. Visit their website for more information and updated calendar of events.

schedule

ACMA Listening Room

Nov 5: Anne DeChant Trio, Joyce Knake

Nov 19: Kraig Kenning, Bruce Gallant

Dec 3: Cliff Eberhardt, Lousie Mosrie

Jan 7: Reckless Saints, Pearl Street Band

Jan 21: David Mayfield, Ross Jordan

Jan 28: Ruth Wyand, Carolyn & David Stanley with Mary Dahl

Feb 25: Abbie Gardner & Marc Douglas Berado, Bill Saltzman

Mar 18: The Rough & Tumble, David Hintz

Mar 19: Charlie McCoy/Reckless Saints

Songwriters in the Plaza

(downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater) free

Dec 13: Reckless Saints

Jan 10: Bill Metts, Ray Cerbone, Ralph Leesburg

Feb 14: The Pearl Street Band

Mar 14: Bob Williams, David Hintz, Robert Bidney

Apr 11: Karen Cohen, Dan Philgreen, Bruce Gallant

May 9: ACMA showcase

The Belle Theatre

2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. • Suite 135 • Cape Coral 239-323-5533

thebelletheatre.com

The Belle Theatre is a brand-new, 125-seat performing arts center in Cape Coral presenting a full season of mainstage productions,

as well as theatre education for all ages. Founded by Southwest Florida native Tyler Young, The Belle Theatre aims to provide a welcoming venue for creative thinking, expression and entertainment where the community can collaborate & grow together.

schedule

Main Stage

Dec 9-18: Christmas in Paradise 2

Jan 13-22: Four Old Broads

Jan 27-Feb 12: Little Shop of Horrors

Feb 17-26: The Swearing Jar

Mar 10-19: Next to Normal

Apr 14-30: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Spring Education

Mar 31-Apr 8: Bring it On - The Musical

May 12-14: The Big One-Oh! Jr

May 26-28: Seussical, Kids

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

1380 Colonial Blvd. • Fort Myers

239-278-4422

broadwaypalm.com

Currently celebrating their 30th Anniversary Season, Broadway Palm is Florida’s Premier Dinner Theatre! The theatre features the best of Broadway, combining your favorite shows of the past along with the most recent musical sensations! Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes, and a live orchestra.

schedule

Main Theatre

thru Nov 12: A Chorus Line

Nov 18-Dec 30: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Jan 6-Feb 11: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Feb 17-Apr 9: Jersey Boys

Apr 14-May 20: Sister Act

May 26-Jul 1: Footloose

Jul 7-Aug 12: Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Off Broadway Palm

thru Nov 5: Not Now, Darling

Nov10-Dec 25: Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show

Jan 12- Feb 18: Just DessertsA Musical Bake-Off

Feb 23-Apr 9: Double Wide, Texas

Apr 18-May 20: Always a Bridesmaid Concerts

Jan 29 & 30: Garth Live!

Feb 6: Dwight Icenhower’s Tribute to The KIng

Feb 26 & 27: Celebrating Tom Jones starring David Burnham

Mar 12 & 13: Britain’s FinestThe Complete Beatles Experience

Mar 19 & 20: One of These NightsThe Ultimate Tribute to The Eagles Children’s Theatre

Nov 29-Dec 24: Santa Claus - The Musical

Apr 21-May 19: Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds

Jun 2-30: How I Became a Pirate

Charlotte Players

performances at 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, 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

Langdon Playhouse

Nov 3-6 & 10-13: Blithe Spirit

Nov 17 & 18: Dean Martin & Friends tribute

Dec 11 & 12, 14-18: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Show

Jan 12-15 & 18-22: Belles Take the Big Easy

Jan 24: The Val & Jim Show with Valerie Sneade-Roy & Jim Rice

Feb 9-12, 15-19, 23-26: How the Other Half Loves

Mar 16-19, 22-26 & Mar 30-Apr 2: Murder on the Orient Express

Apr 20-23 & 26-30: Love, Lies and the Doctor’s Dilemma

May 12-14 & 18-21: Mornings at Seven Charlotte Harbour Event Center

Feb 13 & 14: The Edwards Twins

Feb 27: Natural Woman - A tribute to Carol King with Katie Pinder Brown

Mar 6: The Folk Legacy Trio with former members of The Kingston Trio, Limelighters & The Diamonds

Choral Artistry

PO Box 07105, Ft. Myers 239-560-5695

choralartistry.org

Choral Artistry, the new name for the former Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida, is under Artistic Director Dr. Trent R. Brown. It is SWFL’s only paid core community chorus. It performs diverse concerts throughout SWFL that help connect communities through choral music. Besides producing concerts, it collaborates with other professional ensembles and hosts the area’s only Community Choral Festivals, SingOut!SWFL (Feb) and Summer Sing (Aug) — open to all singers without audition.

schedule

Jan 8: 4 The Love of Pianomusic for 4-hand piano & chorus (music & arts community center, ft myers)

Jan 14: Rising Star Soiree - fundraiser (forest country club, ft myers)

Feb 3: SingOut! SWFL Community Choral Festival Let Freedom Sing!!workshops (first assembly of God, ft myers)

Feb 4: SingOut! SWFL Community Choral Festival Let Freedom Sing!! - Free Concert (first assembly of God, ft myers)

Mar 19: ‘Gloria’ (moorinGs presbyterian chuch, naples)

Apr 16: Poulence ‘Gloria’ & Bernstein’s ‘Chichester Psalms’

(first presbyterian church, bonita sprinGs)

Florida Gulf Coast University

performance and pedagogy, while furnishing cultural enrichment for the Southwest Florida community and beyond.

schedule

* free

Nov 5: Rehman Min Jr. *

Nov 6: Jazz Ensemble (cape coral hiGh school,cape coral) *

Nov 7: Wind Chamber Ensembles *

Nov 8: Percussion Chamber Ensembles *

Nov 9: ‘Night at the Movies’

Nov 15: Symphonic Band - Blue Band *

Nov 16: Wind Orchestra *

Nov 17: Symphonic Band - Green Band (cypress lake hiGh school, ft myers) *

Nov 18: String Chamber Ensembles *

Nov 20: Sarah Barber & Priscila Navarro

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

schedule

Nov 18-20: An Enemy of the People

Feb 17-26: Antigone

Apr 14-23: Hamlet

Nov 29: Choirs & Symphony Orchestra

- ‘Joyful & Triumphant’ (moorinGs presbyterian church, naples) *

Dec 4: Logan Skelton

Dec 8: Piano Ensembles *

Jan 10: Liza Stepanova

Jan 28: Chamber Choir with Alumni Choir *

Feb 2: ‘Jazz as a World Music’

Feb 4: Bel Canto & Cantabile Sing Out! (first assembly of God, ft myers) *

Feb 5: James Houlik & Michael Baron

Feb 8: Wind Orchestra *

Feb 9: Symphonic Band *

Feb 11: Alex Richardson & Michael Baron

Feb 12: Jazz Ensemble (cape coral hiGh school) *

Feb 18: Maria de Buenos Aires (opera in Spanish) *

Feb 19: Symphony Orchestra *

Feb 26: Chamber Choir Bon Voyage (first presbyterian church of naples) *

Mar 17: Wind Orchestra *

Mar 19: Ming Gao & Michael Baron

Mar 25: ‘Make Them Hear You’ Student Cabaret *

Apr 4: Emerging Artist Series at Sanibel Music Festival (location tba)

Apr 11: Wind Chamber Ensembles Concert *

Apr 12: Percussion Chamber Ensembles Concert *

Ap 13: String Chamber Ensembles Concert *

Apr 25: Chamber Choir Concert (bower chapel, naples) *

Apr 27: Symphonic Band - Blue Band (n ft myers hiGh school) *

April 28: Bel Canto & Cantabile Concert *

Florida Repertory Theatre

Historic Arcade Theatre

2268 Bay St. • Fort Myers 239-332-4488

floridarep.org

Florida Repertory Theatre is a non-profit, professional regional theatre company performing in the Historic Arcade and the ArtStage Studio Theatres. Florida Rep produces nationally recognized comedies, dramas, musicals, and new works. Florida Rep’s 25th Anniversary Season runs through May 2023.

schedule

thru Nov 13: Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (arcade theatre)

Nov 29-Dec 18: And Then There Were None (arcade theatre)

Dec 13-Jan 15: Freud’s Last Session (artstaGe studio theatre)

Jan 10-29: Ripcord (arcade theatre)

Jan 31-Mar 5: The Importance of Being Ernest (artstaGe studio theatre)

MUSIC PROGRAM

U. Tobe Recital Hall • Music Bldg

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

Apr 14: Wind Orchestra Concert (ft myers hiGh school) *

Apr 16: Chamber & University Choirs with Symphony Orchestra Concert (first presbyterian church of bonita sprinGs) *

Apr 18: Symphonic Band - Green Band *

Apr 22: Jazz Ensemble *

Apr 23: Michael Weiss-Holmes & Casey Dierlam

Feb 14-Mar 5: On Golden Pond (arcade theatre)

Mar 21-Apr 16: Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash (arcade theatre)

Apr 18-May 21: Lobby Hero (ArtStage studio theatre)

Fogartyville Community Media and 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, they also host other arts and cultural events, educational events, and sponsor events in the community.

schedule

Nov 4: Grant Peeples

Nov 6: Very Merry Jerry Day

Nov 10: Chuchito

Nov 11: Joe Crookston

Nov 12: Spoken Word Series

Nov 13: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Nov 15: ‘Outta The Muck’ film screeninG

Nov 18: David Jacobs-Strain & Bob Beach

Nov 26: The World Fusion Orchestra

Dec 2: Laney Jones & the Spirits

Dec 9: Seth Glier with Reed Southerland

Dec 17: Rebekah Pulley & the Reluctant Prophets

Dec 18: The Joni Project

Jan 6: Mary Gauthier

Jan 7: Susan Werner

Jan 13: Byrne Brothers

Jan 14: Spoken Word Series

Jan 15: Nellie McKay

Jan 20: David Wilcox

Jan 21: King Margo

Jan 28: Steve Forbert

Feb 5: Michael Ross

Feb 10: House of Hamill

Feb 18: Becky Buller Band

Feb 21: ‘Home from School’ film screeninG

Mar 11: Spoken Word Series

Mar 21: ‘Mama Bears’ film screeninG

Apr 9: Spoken Word Series

Apr 14: ‘Hazing’ film screeninG

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

6900 Daniels Pkwy. • Suite 29-193 Fort Myers 239-288-2535

mastersingersfm.com

Founded in 2001, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is a renowned choral organization with a reputation for musical excellence in Southwest Florida. Their 80+ voice ensemble strives to enrich their community by presenting outstanding choral music and cultivating opportunities for both young and old voices to make beautiful music together.

schedule

Nov 13: Hurricane Ian Relief Concert with Gulf Coast Symphony (bb mann hall, ft myers)

Nov 16: Intermezzo Choir Concert‘Whether the Weather’ (st. hilary’s episcopal church, ft myers)

Nov 20: Chamber Concert - ‘Love, Joy, Peace’ (thomas a edison conGreGational church, ft myers)

Dec 2: ‘Deck the Halls’ with Gulf Coast Symphony (bb mann hall, ft myers)

Dec 11: ‘Messiah & More’ (peace lutheran church, naples)

Feb 5: Chamber Concert - ‘Love, Joy, Peace’ (peace lutheran church, naples)

Feb 11: Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ with Gulf Coast Symphony (music & community arts center, ft myers)

Apr 2: ‘Grant Us Peace’ Spring Concert (first presbyterian church, bonita sprinGs)

Grand Piano Series

concerts at Moorings Presbyterian Church

791 Harbour Dr. • Naples St Leo Auditorium

28290 Beaumont Rd. • Bonita Springs

Trinity-by-the-Cove

553 Galleon Dr. • Naples 469-333-3231

grandpianoseries.org

Grand Piano Series presents worldrenowned 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 the late Myra Janco Daniels, Founder of the Naples Philharmonic.

schedule

Nov 14: Nicolas Namoradze

(moorinGs presbyterian church)

Nov 16: Nicolas Namoradze (st leo auditorium)

Jan 9: Rachel Kudo (moorinGs presbyterian church)

Jan 11: Rachel Kudo (st leo auditorium)

Feb 9: Spanish Rhapsody - Santiago Ballerini, Milan Strezeva, Laura Metcalf (st leo auditorium)

Feb 26: Tabea Debus & Adam Cockerham (trinity-by-the-cove)

Mar 14: Barry Douglas (st leo auditorium)

Mar 25: Dominic Cheli

(moorinGs presbyterian church)

Apr 18: Mike Lee (trinity-by-the-cove)

Apr 19: Francisco Fullana, Mike Lee, Milana Strezeva (st leo auditorium)

Apr 20: Ying Li

(moorinGs presbyterian church)

Apr 21: Fabio Bidini & Balourdet Quartet (st leo auditorium)

Gulf Coast Symphony

concerts at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

13350 FDW Pkwy • Fort Myers

239-481-4849

gulfcoastsymphony.org

Founded in late 1995 by its current music director and CEO, Dr. Andrew Kurtz, the Gulf Coast Symphony is the second-largest non-profit performing arts organization in Lee county. The Gulf Coast Symphony challenges convention with unique and innovative collaborations across multiple genres and disciplines. It presents over 100 programs of classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film and musical theater, active community engagement, and a commitment to social change through arts education.

schedule

Dec 2: Deck the Halls

Dec 10: The Nutcracker with Gulfshore Ballet

Jan 22: The Doo Wop Project

Jan 29: From Broadway to the West End: A Love Story

Mar 5: Singers & Songwriters, starring Michael Cavanaugh - Music of Paul Simon, James Taylor & Neil Diamond

Mar 17 & 18: Gypsy - The Musical

Apr 2: Music of the Night

Apr 23: Cirque, Goes to the Movies!

May 13: Un Ballo In Maschera Opera (A Masked Ball)

Community Center is the newest and most dynamic performance space in Southwest Florida. They present over 75 performances with something for everyone: musical theater, chamber orchestra, chamber music, and their own Gulf Coast Jazz Collective. You’re invited to experience these world-class shows from their intimate, 300-seat venue in the heart of Fort Myers.

schedule

Nov 5: Gulf Coast Chamber OrchestraBeethoven Eroica Symphony

Nov 17: Jazz at the MACC - Music of Miles Davis

Nov 18: MACC Presents - The Michael Buble Experience

Dec 3-18: Snowbird Follies - The Musical

Dec 15: Jazz at the MACCSwinging Holidays

Jan 8: MACC Presents - 4 the Love of Piano

Jan 12: Jazz at the MACC - Jazz Funk with Dan Navarro

Jan 14: Gulf Coast Chamber OrchestraFarrenc Symphony No.3

Jan 15: Sunday Night Chamber MusicJennifer Grim (flute) & Michael Sheppard (piano)

Jan 19-Feb 4: The Thing About MenA Musical Comedy Affair

Feb 9 - Jazz at the MACC - Laila Biali

Feb 11 - Gulf Coast Chamber OrchestraVivaldi Gloria with fort myers symphonic mastersinGers

Feb 15-Mar 11: Forever PlaidThe Musical

Feb 19: Sunday Night Chamber MusicBeaux Arts Chamber Ensemble Piano Trio

Mar 12: Sunday Night Chamber MusicBrian Lin (piano)

Mar 23: Jazz at the MACC - Jazz Influenced by Africa

Mar 25: Gulf Coast Chamber OrchestraDvorák Symphony No. 7

Mar 26: Sunday Night Chamber MusicBarry Ross (violin) & Julie Carver (piano)

Apr 1: Gulf Coast Chamber OrchestraStrings on Fire!

Apr 6: Jazz at the MACC - Jazz Originals

Gulfshore Opera

headquarters

9911 Corkscrew Rd. • suite 105 Estero 239-529-3925

gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Opera is Southwest Florida’s professional opera production company serving Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties. Gulfshore Opera enriches the community by presenting high quality opera, theater and classical vocal music, and promoting community well-being through musical education programs such as the Harmony Choir and Talented Teens youth development program.

schedule

Nov 6: Divas and Dinner (carmelo’s italian ristorante, punta Gorda)

Nov 10: GO Divas (mercato lawn staGe, naples)

Nov 13: GO Divas (The Arbor at Lamb of God, ft myers)

Nov 15: Latin Infusion! (shanGri-la sprinGs, bonita sprinGs)

Nov 17: Latin Infusion! (bodeGa ole, bonita sprinGs)

Dec 1: Holiday Taste of Opera (the club at the strand, naples)

Dec 11: GO Social, Holiday Wine Tasting (fGcu’s hoffman wine lab, estero)

Jan 18: GO Ambassador Porsche Party (naples)

Jan 19: Opera to Broadway (Gulf theater, punta Gorda)

Jan 22: Opera to Broadway (ucmi, marco island)

Music & Arts Community Center

13411 Shire Ln. • Fort Myers

239-277-1700

macctickets.org

Gulf Coast Symphony’s Music & Arts

Apr 13-29: Nunsense - The Musical

Apr 30: Sunday Night Chamber MusicStamps Quartet

May 6: Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Gulfshore ballet

Jan 26: Mostly Mozart (artis-naples, naples)

Jan 31: Taste of Opera (hideaway beach club, marco island)

Feb 2: Opera to Broadway (alliance for the arts, ft myers)

Feb 4: Opera to Broadway (innovation hotel, naples)

Feb 19: The Barber of Seville (vineyard, estero)

Feb 23: Barber of Seville (charlotte performinG arts center, punta Gorda)

Feb 26: Barber of Seville (silverspot cinema, naples)

Feb 28: Style and Song Luncheon (Grey oaks country club, naples)

Mar 8: Songs of Ireland with the GO Divas (alliance for the arts, ft myers)

Mar 12: Gulfshore Opera Gala - concert (vanderbilt presbyterian church), dinner (the club at the strand, naples)

Mar 14: Songs of Ireland (Gulf theater, punta Gorda)

Mar 15: Songs of Ireland (st. leo parish life center, bonita sprinGs)

Mar 28: Around the World in Song (St. Leo parish life center, bonita sprinGs)

Mar 31: Around the World in Song (rose history auditorium, marco island)

Apr 4: Taste of Opera (colony bay club, estero)

Apr 5: Taste of Opera (isles yacht club, punta Gorda)

April 12: GO Social - Progressive Happy Hour (pelican landinG, estero)

Apr 21: Don Giovanni (bb mann performinG arts hall, ft myers)

Apr 30: Don Giovanni - private event (artis-naples, naples)

May 4: Latin Infusion! (alliance for the arts, ft myers)

May 7: Latin Infusion! (carmelo’s italian ristorante, punta Gorda)

Gulfshore Playhouse

Norris Center

755 8th Ave. S. • Naples 239-261-7529

gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Gulfshore Playhouse is 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. Their work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of our common humanity.

schedule

Nov 10-Dec 4: Steel Magnolias

January 5-29: Mud Row

Feb 9-Mar 12: Camelot

Mar 23-Apr 16: Barefoot in the Park

Apr 27-May 14: Morning After Grace

The Naples Players

701 5th Ave. S. •Naples

239-263-7990

naplesplayers.org

The Naples Players continually seeks to enrich, educate and entertain our 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 our community. Performances are Wednesday-Sundays.

schedule

Nov 23-Dec 18: A Christmas CarolThe Musical

Lemon Bay Playhouse

96 W. Dearborn St. • Englewood

941-475-6756

lemonbayplayhouse.com

Enjoy live theatre in Englewood, Florida throughout seven shows in their season. They also have multiple showcases through the year. Visit their website to learn more about each show and buy tickets.

schedule

Theater Productions

Nov 30-Dec 18: You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water Is Running

Jan 18-Feb 12: The Outsider

Mar 8 -Apr 2: Dinner at the Flemmings

Apr 26-May 14: The Amateur Killer

Jun 7-25: Now and Then

Concerts

Nov 12: Mark Rom & The Magic Elixer Band

Nov 19: Clowning Around Comedy Show

Jan 14: Chuck Gillespie - The Andy Williams Show

Feb 18: John Tuff & Friends

Feb 25: Paisley Craze - The Peace & Love Concert

Apr 8: Gid Pool Comedy Show

Apr 15: Jimmy Mazz - Songs Across America

Nov 30-Dec 18: Southern Comforts

Jan 11-Feb 5: The Game’s Afoot

Mar 1-Apr 2: The Sound of Music

Players Circle Theater

16554 N. Cleveland Ave. North Fort Myers

239-800-3292

playerscircle.com

Players Circle Theatre has a three-fold mission: To create a home for a variety of theatre employing an ensemble of professionals; to become an outlet for community involvement in the arts; and to enrich, educate and entertain our community with classes and performances. They intend to fulfill that mission as a non-profit organization that operates in a fiscally responsible manner and keeps its programming accessible to all.

schedule

Nov 1-20: Murder at Howard Johnson’s

Nov 29-Dec 18: The Lady with All the Answers

Jan 4-22: Admissions

Feb 8-26: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Mar 14-Apr 2: The Cocktail Hour

Apr 18-May 7: The Foreigner

Punta Gorda Symphony

mainstaGe concerts

Charlotte Performing Arts Center

701 Carmalita St. • Punta Gorda

jazz on the lawn concerts

Florida SouthWestern State College

Charlotte campus

26300 Airport Rd. • 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 fosters vibrant community connections through orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, pops, and other genres. The Symphony performs under the direction of Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti.

schedule

Mainstage Concerts

charlotte performinG arts center

Nov 20: Brahms Symphony No. 2

Dec 18: A Classical Holiday – Nutcracker Suite / The Snow Maiden

Jan 8: Schubert Symphony No. 8 /

Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Feb 5: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 /

Wagner Die Meistersinger, Act 1

Prelude

Mar 5: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Guest Artist: Roman Rabinovich (piano)

Apr 2: Cinematic Sounds, with a festive after-party (charlotte harbor event & concert center, punta Gorda)

Jazz on the Lawn

fsw state colleGe • charlotte campus

Dec 3: Patricia Dean & Friends

Feb 18: Lew Del Gatto & Friends

Mar 18: Randy Sandke & Friends

Spirit of the Gulf Chorus

rehearsals most tue 7-10pm at Church of the Cross Community Christian Center

13500 Freshman Ln • Fort Myers 844-704-7464

spiritofthegulf.com

Sarasota Opera

61 N. Pineapple Ave. • Sarasota 941-328-1300

sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota Opera, the only company in the world to have performed every work of Giuseppe Verdi, is celebrating its 64th consecutive season of bringing world class opera to the southwest gulf coast. Consistently garnering international attention as one of the few places to experience rarely performed operatic works, Sarasota Opera continues to distinguish itself as one of the premiere opera companies in the United States by finding innovation through tradition.

schedule

Nov 4: The Musical Capitals of EuropeSarasota Opera Principal & Studio Artists

Nov 5 & 6: The Secret World of OgSarasota Youth Opera

Nov 8, 10, 12: The Secret Marriage

Feb 18, 21, 23, 26: Madama Butterfly

Feb 25 & 28: Don Giovanni

Mar 1, 4, 10, 15, 24: Madama Butterfly

Mar 2, 5, 12, 18, 25: Don Giovanni

Mar 11, 14, 16, 18, 22, 26: Ernani

Mar 17, 19, 21, 23, 25: Thérèse

Spirit of the Gulf is an award-winning women’s a cappella/barbershop chorus, & part of the Sweet Adelines Organization. They are comprised of over 90 women and recently were awarded 5th place internationally. They are dedicated to musical excellence, education and the promotion of harmony singing. For more information visit their website.

schedule

Dec 4: Winter Concert (s ft myers hiGh school)

Jan 29: Concert (cypress lake methodist church, ft myers)

Feb 24: Concert (tribby arts center, shell point, ft myers)

Apr 1: Spring Concert (first christian church, ft myers)

May 6: Regional Competition (daytona beach)

The Studio Players

Golden Gate Community Center Joan Jenks Auditorium

4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. • Naples 239-398-9192

thestudioplayers.org

The Studio Players, celebrating 10 years in Southwest Florida, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit community theater since 2013. They present full-length plays and comedy shows,

including Improv Shows and Stand Up Comedians. The Studio Players cultivates a creative, inclusive and collaborative environment in which professional artists and artists-in-training are encouraged to broaden their craft while engaging, entertaining, and challenging our diverse community with theatrical productions that range from alternative and contemporary to more established works. Check their website for upcoming Comedy Nights.

schedule

Nov 12: Stage 2 Improv - Getting’ Ready for the Holidays! with Adam Santa Fe

Nov 25-Dec 18: Other Desert Cities

Jan 20-Feb 5: Need to Know

Mar 10-26: Saving Kitty

May 19-Jun 4: Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

TheatreZone

performances at G & L Theatre

Community School of Naples

13275 Livingston Rd. • Naples

888-966-3352

theatre.zone

TheatreZone, Naples’ premier musical theatre company, produces Broadway-quality shows and concerts in an intimate theatre on Livingston Road in Naples. TheatreZone’s Equity contract ensures access to the country’s finest performers and professionals who entertain audiences December through April, with evenings and matinees available. TheatreZone was founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Mark Danni.

schedule

Theater

Dec 9-11: Home For the Holidays

Jan 12-15 & 21-22: A Little Night Music

Feb 9-12, 16, 18-19: Escape to Margaritaville

Mar 9-12 & 16-19: The Goodbye Girl

Apr 27-30 & May 4-7: Rock of Ages

Concerts

Jan 16: James Taylor Live in Central Park, Revisited

Feb 21: The Mersey Beatles - From the Cavern to the Rooftop

Feb 23 & 24: John O’Hurley - A Man with Standards

Mar 13 & 14: A Tribute to Billy & EltonThe Hits, with Phil Thompson

Tribby Arts Center

Shell Point Retirement Community 17281 On Par Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-415-5667

tribbyartscenter.com

Filled with an impressive array of talented artists and dynamic performances, Shell Point’s 2022-2023 Fine & Performing Arts Series at Tribby Arts Center showcases the creative work of Shell Point resident artists and artisans, the annual concert series, and the new addition of dance and theatre. This 19th season of the arts at Shell Point offers something for everyone.

schedule

Nov 3: Herb Bruce & the Herbicide Jazz Band with Michael Andrew

Nov 9: Pietro Iannotti

Nov 17: Georgia Players presents Fortunate Sons

Nov 18 & 19: Botanic Garden

Dec 8: Sandi Patty Christmas (villaGe church at shell point)

Dec 12: SWFL Symphony Holiday Pops (villaGe church at shell point)

Dec 17: The Nutcracker - Gulfshore Ballet (villaGe church at shell point)

Jan 5: John Pizzarelli Trio

Jan 10: The Kingston Trio

Jan 23: Merz Trio

Feb 1 & 2: Hotel California

Feb 9: The King’s Singers

Feb 13: Love Letters

Feb 23: Hermitage Piano Trio

Mar 2: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

Mar 16: Windsync

Mar 24: Gentri - The Gentleman Trio

Apr 3 & 4: Live in Central Park (Revisited)Simon & Garfunkel Tribute

Venice Theatre

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

venicetheatre.org

Venice Theatre is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. The second-largest of 10,000 community theatres in the United States, it offers a wide range of education and community engagement programs for children, teens, and adults. The theatre’s MainStage Jervey Theatre was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, but is being rebuilt and will open in late 2023 or early 2024. Its Raymond Center, located directly behind the main building, will be used as a 124-seat temporary performance space. Its 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre in the main building is being repaired and will reopen in January 2023.

schedule

Nov 18-20: Hamlet Point of Viewone-person show (raymond center)

Dec 2-19: A Christmas Carol (raymond center)

Jan 20-29: Up On the Roof, the Songs of Carole King & James Taylor (raymond center)

Jan 20-Feb 12: The Cemetery Club (pinkerton theatre)

Feb 17-Mar 19: Gypsy - A Musical Fable (raymond center)

Feb 24-Mar 5: Arabian Nights (pinkerton theatre)

Mar 25-Apr 16: Xanadu (pinkerton theatre)

Mar 28-Apr 2: The Silver Foxes (raymond center)

Apr 21-May 7: Graceland (raymond center)

Apr 30: Teen Improv (raymond center)

May 5-21: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (pinkerton theatre)

May 14: Adult Improv Troupe (raymond center)

May 19-21: Pinky’s Players (raymond center)

NOVEMBER DECEMBER

TUESDAY 1

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Jack’s Hollywood Epics concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Rumours of Fleetwod Mac: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

WEDNESDAY 2

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 3-7p. Free. 247-1977.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Jack’s Hollywood Epics concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Orchid Evening: After-hours exhibition viewing w cocktail reception, Circus Arts Conservatory show. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-5731.

•Stage 2 Improv: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

What Goes On

Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Sheena Reagan & Friends: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sons of the Dirty South: Brantley Gilberts, Jelly Roll concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

FRIDAY 4

•American Indian Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids activities, food. Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-9021113.

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

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

•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.

•Brass Elements: Big Band Movie Magic concert. Concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 213-3058.

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

•Stand Up or Get Dragged Down: Open mic cabaret. Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 3

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

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

•Herb Bruce & the Herbicide Jazz Band: Concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Jack’s Hollywood Epics concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Mic Bonita!: Comedy. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150

•Friday Night Concert: Susie Badge Trio. Miromar Outlets, restaurant piazza, 10801 Corkscrew Rd/Miromar Outlets Blvd, Estero. 6-8p. Free. 948-3766.

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

•Johnny Rogers Show History of rock ‘n’ roll concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-2058545.

•Michael Ray: Country music concert, Chasing Dallas opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Movies at Sunset: It Happened One Night. Outdoors on lawn. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 7p. Bring lawn chairs. Free. 252-8476.

•Musical Capitals of Europe: Sarasota Opera concert. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300.

•Naples Philharmonic

Pops: Jack’s Hollywood Epics concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Robert Kelly: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota.

7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Scott Novotny: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•The Musical Capitals of Europe: Sarasota Opera Principal & Studio Artists. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota.

7:30p. 941-328-1300.

•Zach Williams: Concert - Ben Fuller opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

SATURDAY 5

•American Indian Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids activities, food. Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-9021113.

•Americana Community Music Association: Anne E DeChant Trio concert, Joyce Knake opens All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers.

7-9:30p. 691-4069.

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

•Champions of Magic: 5 illusionists. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Dia de los Muertos

Celebration: Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Live music, dance performances, food, guided tours. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-4p. 643-7275.

•FGCU’s Sanibel Island Writers Conference: Online. Speakers, discussions, readings, concert. Streaming live 10a-8p, Ike Reilly concert 6p, Pam Houston & Jenna Blum keynote discussion 7p. Free. 5907421.

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

•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 Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven Eroica Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Hot Buttered Nuggets Live music. Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

•Naples Fall Comedy Festival: Comedians. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 8:30p. 213-3058.

•Naples Jazzmasters

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

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Jack’s Hollywood Epics concert. Artis-Naples,

Author John Dufresne is one of the speakers at FGCU’s Sanibel Island Writers Conference, November 5. Due to the hurricane, the conference will be streaming online for free at www.facebook.com/sanibelislandwritersconference.

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900.

•Niko Moon: Country music concert, Dylan Schneider opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Rehman Min Jr: Euphonium concert. Cape Coral HS, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

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

•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Scott Novotny: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•The Secret World of Og: Sarasota Youth Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5p. 941-328-1300.

SUNDAY 6

•BBQ & Bluegrass: Lonesome Rangers. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

•Bluegrass Concert:  Southwind, Bluegrass Central. Outdoors, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Bonita Springs Concert

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

•Dia de los Muertos

Celebration: Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Live music, dance performances, food, guided tours. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-4p. 643-7275.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. Cape Coral HS, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

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

•Makers Market Festival: Artisans, craftspeople and artists show & sale. Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers, 9a-3p. Free. 5908645.

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

•Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concert: Concert w community choir, orchestra, special guests, art show. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE Bonita Springs. Art show 5p, concert 6p. Free. rsvp. 287-7331.

•Robert Kelly: Off the

Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Symphonie Fantastique concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Secret World of Og: Sarasota Youth Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5p. 941-328-1300.

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

MONDAY 7

•Adam Sandler: w surprise guest. Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

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

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

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

•Reflecting Fools: Formerly The Capitol Steps. Comedy. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941488-1115.

TUESDAY 8

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

•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.

•Reflecting Fools: Formerly The Capitol Steps. Comedy. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941488-1115.

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

•The Secret Marriage: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941328-1300.

WEDNESDAY 9

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

•Charles McPherson: Concert w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Lecture: Burrowing Owls. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 275-3435.

•Lecture: Everglades update. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 6p. 642-1440.

•Night at the Movies: Nisita Concert Series. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Pietro Iannotti: Classical music concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

THURSDAY 10

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

Gorda. 2-4p. Free. 941-6398810.

•BalletX: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Bobby Henline: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

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

•Cuban Music: L-Yen concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

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

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

•Matt Stell: Country music concert, George Birge opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Opera al Fresco - GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera outdoor concert. Mercato lawn stage, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 7p. Bring chairs. 529-3925.

•Reba: Concert, Teri Clark opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•The Secret Marriage: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941328-1300.

FRIDAY 11

•Bobby Henline: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Caitlin Rushing: Live msuic. South Street City Oven & Grill,1410 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 7-10p. Free. 4359333.

•Friday Night Concert: Wayward Souls. Miromar Outlets, restaurant piazza, 10801 Corkscrew Rd/Miromar Outlets Blvd, Estero. 6-8p. Free. 948-3766.

•Jamie Lissow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

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

•Military Outdoors Day: Free admission for military members. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a-1p. 348-9151.

•Rhythm on the River: Appalachian Road Show outdoor concert & cocktails.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates River Pavilion, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. Bring lawn chairs. 334-7419.

•Sheena Brook: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 220-5918.

•The Frank Bang 3: Blues band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues band opens. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p. 693-7111.

•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.

SATURDAY 12

•Caitlin Rushing: Live msuic. South Street City Oven & Grill,1410 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 7-10p. Free. 4359333.

•Celebrating Billy Joel - America’s Piano Man: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Darien Taylor: Live music. Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

•Easton Corbin: Country music concert, Austin Meade opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 9859839.

•Jamie Lissow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 3896901.

•Kevin Hart: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Mark Rom & The Magic Elixer Band: Concert. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

•Music in the Garden: Gerald Augustin Trio. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Naples Fine Art Show: Outdoor art fair. Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd S, Naples. Free. 10a-5p. 941-755-3088.

•Nick DiPaolo: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233.

•Nightbird: Stevie Nicks tribute concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

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

•Stage 2 Improv: Getting Ready for the Holidays! w

The bluegrass band, Southwind, perform at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers on November 6. For information, call 939-2787.

What Goes On

comedian Adam Santa Fe. Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 7:30p. 3899192.

•The Secret Marriage: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941328-1300.

SUNDAY 13

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Chamber concert. Thomas Edison Congregational Church, 1619 Llewellyn Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 560-9512.

•Hurricane Ian Relief Fundraiser Concert: Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Intl Blues Challenge: Regional musicians compete. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 1-6p. 549-3000.

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

•Kenan Thompson: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7 & 9p. 479-5233.

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

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor Veterans Day concert w guest vocalist. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Naples Fine Art Show: Outdoor art fair. Paradise Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd S, Naples. Free. 10a-5p. 941-755-3088.

•Naples Philharmonic:  Walton Facade. Wang Chamber Music Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Opera al Fresco - GO Divas

Benefit Concert: Gulfshore Opera outdoor concert. The Arbor at Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Ft Myers. 4p. 529-3925.

•Orion Weiss & Friends: Sarasota Orchestra concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

•Readers Theater: That’s What Dreams Are Made Of. One-act plays. Naples Players. Tobye Studio, Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

•The Slambovian Circus of Dreams: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

MONDAY 14

•Dick Hyman Songbook:  Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Nicolas Namoradze Grand Piano Series concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 5:30p. 469-3333231.

TUESDAY 15

•Dick Hyman Songbook:  Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Early Birding Walks: Guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

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

•Naples Philharmonic:  Beethoven String Quartet. Sypert Salon Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 5971900.

•Opera al Fresco - Latin Infusion!: Gulfshore Opera outdoor concert. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. Bring chairs. 529-3925.

WEDNESDAY 16

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 4363530.

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

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

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

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Intermezzo Choir concert. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, 6:30p. Free. 560-9512.

•Laugh-In Line Up: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

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

•Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Nicolas Namoradze: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 469-333-3231.

•Reading & Book Signing:

Indigenous author Dr Robin Wall Kimmerer. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-TahThi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. Free. 5p. 863-902-1113.

THURSDAY 17

•Cody Johnson: Concert, Randy Hoser opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Dean Martin & Friends

Tribute: Music & comedy. Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.

7:30p. 941-255-1022.

•Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: Gulfshore Playhouse Education production.

Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples.

5:30 & 7p. 514-0084.

•FGCU Symphonic Band: Green Band concert. Cypress Lake HS, 6750 Panther Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Georgia Players presents Fortunate Sons: Creedence Clearwater revival tribute band. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Jazz at MACC - Music of Miles Davis: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700.

•Naples Philharmonic: Mozart Double Piano Concert. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Nutcracker!: Christmas ballet. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 481-4849.

•Rob Little: Snappers LaughIn Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Ehren Gerhard demo. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

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

•Winnie the Pooh Kids: Gulfshore Playhouse production. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:30 & 7p. 514-0084.

FRIDAY 18

•An Enemy of the People: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Botanic Garden: Theatre.

Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Chelsea Handler: Comedienne. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•David Jacobs-Strain & Bob Beach: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Dean Martin & Friends Tribute: Music & comedy. Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

•Dylan Scott: Country music concert, Lili Rose opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•FGCU String Chamber

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

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

•Friday Night Concert: Electric Lipstick. Miromar Outlets, restaurant piazza, 10801 Corkscrew Rd/Miromar Outlets Blvd, Estero. 6-8p. Free. 948-3766.

•Live at the Garden: Billy Joel tribute concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Love Your Rebellion’s Babefest: L.A. Witch postpunk concert. Nice Guys Pizza, 1401 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral. 8-11p. 2170919.

•Rob Little: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•SWFL Strong Concert:  Fundraiser w Jack Russell’s Great White, Firehouse, Ben Allen Band, Vallion, Felicity, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, School of Rock Fort Myers. Food, vendors. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2-10p. 939-2787.

•The Brooklyn Boys: Barry Manilow & Neil Diamond tribute concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-205-8545.

•The Michael Buble Experience: Concert w Paul Todd Jr. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Tim Meadows: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

•Valerie Storm: Comedy.

The Grand Piano Series presents Nicolas Namoradze in concert November 14 at the Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples and November 16 at St. Leo Auditorium in Bonita Springs. For information, call 469-333-3231.

Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7 & 9:30p. 642-7270.

•Wine & Cheese Pairing: Sunset tasting, presentation, music. Edison & Ford Winter Estates river pavilion, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-7p. rsvp. 334-7419.

SATURDAY 19

•Adam Hartig: Live music. Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

•Americana Community Music Association: Kraig Kenning concert, Bruce Gallant opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9:30p. 691-4069.

•An Enemy of the People: Theater, discussion after 2p show. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Botanic Garden: Theatre. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Classic Car Show: Car show, entertainment, activities, food trucks. FSW State College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Naples. 9a-1p. 530-5977.

•Clowning Around Comedy Show: Kathy McSteen. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

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

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

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

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

•Holiday Book Signing: Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave S, Venice. 9a-3p. 941-486-0811.

•Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival: Outdoor concert fundraiser w former members of Chicago & current member of Earth Wind & Fire, food trucks, beverages, meditation station, mental health info. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs, Naples. 4-9p. 250-1805.

•Naples Philharmonic: Mozart

Double Piano Concert. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Riders in the Sky: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Rob Little: Snappers LaughIn Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30. 479-5233.

•Rock the Stage SemiFinals Showcase: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 Music competition concert fundraiser. McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-9p. 939-2787.

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

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

•ZOSO: Led Zeppelin tribute concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 9859839.

SUNDAY 20

•An Enemy of the People: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios.

Round: Kim Mayfield, Marie Nofsinger, Tim McGeary. Outdoor concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Teen Improv Troupe: Comedy. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

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

MONDAY 21

•Berliner Philharmoniker: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Lorrie Morgan: Concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. Free, 833-918-1512.

•Tom Segura: Comedian. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

5:30-9p, tree lighting 6p. 334-7419.

•John Henton: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

•Steve Marshall: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

SATURDAY 26

•Adriana McDonald: Live music. Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

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

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

Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•Bill Burr: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Chamber concert. Thomas Edison Congregational Church, 1619 Llewellyn Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 560-9512.

•Free Concert for Children: Sarasota Orchestra Wind Quintet. Payne Park Playground, 2010 Adams Ln, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-4872746.

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

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

•Naples Philharmonic:  Mozart & Schumann. Sypert Salon Series concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Punta Gorda Symphony: Brahms Symphony No 2 concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 941205-5996.

•Sarah Barber & Priscila Navarro: Nisita Concert Series.U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

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

•Songwriters in the

TUESDAY 22

•Berliner Philharmoniker: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597

•Tom Segura: Comedian. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

WEDNESDAY 23

•Steve Marshall: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 479-5233.

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

THURSDAY 24

•Steve Marshall: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 479-5233.

FRIDAY 25

•Daniel Tosh: Comedian. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•David Rojas: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 220-5918.

•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.

•Steve Marshall: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

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

SUNDAY 27

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

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

•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 28

•Lindsey Stirling Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

TUESDAY 29

•A Chanticleer Christmas: Concert. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-9666161.

•FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra: Concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Fr, Naples. 4 & 7p. Free. 745-4268.

Naples Botanical Garden’s Music in the Garden series presents the Gerald Augustin Trio on November 12. Call 643-7275 for information.

What Goes On

•Peter Mayer: Christmas concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-205-8545.

WEDNESDAY 30

•Boricua Comedy Tour: Comics Jay Moreno & Mark Viera. Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 3896901.

•Festival of Trees

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

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

•Sunset Stroll: Guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 4-7p. Register. 348-9151.

FRIDAY 2

•Alyssa LeMay: Holiday concert & drag show. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862.

•American Idiots: Green Day tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

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

•Bob Hope’s Christmas Crooners Show: Concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 3 & 7p. 941-205-8545.

•Bradenton Blues Festival: Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe, Harper & Midwest Kind, Gabe Stillman Band. Riverwalk Amphitheater, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. 4-7:30p. 941747-3031.

•Bryan Callen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 1

•Ancient Forest Tour: Guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 3489151.

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

•Ensemble New SRQ: Concert with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

•Festival of Trees: Holiday decorated trees fundraiser. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 11a-9p. Free. 333-1933.

•Holiday Taste of Opera: Gulfshore Opera concert. The Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples. 6p. 529-3925.

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

•SCD + enSRQ: Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Jane B Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.

•Scott Francis: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p p. 941-953-3434.

•SCD + enSRQ: Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Jane B Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.

•Scott Francis: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Tony Orlando: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

SATURDAY 3

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

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

Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 9:30a-2:30p. 695-2428.

•Naples Big Band: Christmas on Fifth concert Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7p. Free. 777-0416.

•Neil Zirconia as Neil Diamond: Christmas concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 3 & 7p. 772-5862.

•Peace River Winter Art Festival: Outdoor art show.

Laishley Park, Nesbit St & E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 9a-4p. 941-639-8810.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Luminous Colors concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p p. 941-953-3434.

•SCD + enSRQ: Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Jane B Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-260-8485.

•Scott Francis: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

Outdoors, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Bradenton Blues Festival

Blues Brunch: Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations. Mattison’s City Grille, Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton. 11a-2p. 941-7473031.

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

•Ensemble New SRQ: Concert with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

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

•Logan Skelton: FGCU Nisita Concert Series. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Deck the Halls: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Ensemble New SRQ: Concert with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

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

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Deck the Halls concert w Gulf Coast Symphony. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p 560-9512.

•John Mulaney: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

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

•Movies at Sunset: Love Bug. Outdoors on lawn. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 7p. Bring lawn chairs. Free. 252-8476.

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

•Sarasota Orchestra: Luminous Colors concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N

•Bradenton Blues Festival: Anna Popovic, Blood Brothers, Mike Zito Band, Albert Castiglia Band, Nora Jean Wallace, Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations, Lady A. Riverwalk Amphitheater, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. 11a-7:30p. 941747-3031.

•Bryan Callen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 3896901.

•Drivin’ N Cryin’: Rock concert, Austin Meade opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Ensemble New SRQ: Concert with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Concert. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

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

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

•Jazz on the Lawn: Patricia Dean & Friends. Punta Gorda Symphony outdoor concert. FSW State College, Charlotte Campus, bldg. O lawn, 26300 Airport Rd, Punta Gorda. 4p. Free. 941-205-5996.

•Master Naturalist Tours: Exhibit, guided swamp walk. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388

•Taylor Tomlinson: Comedienne. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

SUNDAY 4

•Ana Popovic: Blues band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues band opens. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8p. 693-7111.

•BBQ & Bluegrass: Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

•Bluegrass Concert: Sawgrass Drifters, Swinging Bridge.

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

•Neil Zirconia as Neil Diamond: Christmas concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. 772-5862.

•Peace River Winter Art Festival: Outdoor art show. Laishley Park, Nesbit St & E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 9a-4p. 941-639-8810.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Luminous Colors concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434.

•SCD + enSRQ: Sarasota

Venice Theatre presents Hamlet P.O.V., a one-woman show, November 18-20. For information, call 941-488-1115.

Contemporary Dance. Jane B Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 3p. 941-260-8485.

•Spirit of the Gulf Chorus: Winter concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. 844-704-7464.

MONDAY

5

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

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

TUESDAY

6

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

•Christmas Carol Sing: Public sing-alongs. First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St, Ft Myers. 3 & 7p. Free. 334-2261.

•Early Birding Walks: Guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

WEDNESDAY 7

•Al Ernst: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4795233.

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 3-7p. Free. 247-1977.

•John ‘Dr Dirty’ Valby: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Seasonal Gifts concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

THURSDAY 8

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

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

•Discoveries After Dusk: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. Live music 5-7p. 4-8p. 348-9151.

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

•For King & Country - A Drummer Boy Christmas: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

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

•ISMO: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 3896901.

•John Tesh: Jazzy Swingin’ Chrismas concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St,

Immokalee. 8p. 800-2180007.

•Mr Showtime: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sandi Patty Christmas: Holiday concert. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Seasonal Gifts concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota.

7:30p. 941-953-3434.

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

FRIDAY 9

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

•Brews for the Birds & Bees: Live music, carft beers, food trucks, fundraiser. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-8p. 9922591.

•David Morin - Elvis Holiday Concert: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862.

•Funny Shorts Live: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

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

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

•Mr Showtime: Snappers

Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ehnes Plays Beethoven Violin Concerto. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Rockin’ Blue Christmas: Concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-205-8545.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Seasonal Gifts concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Seth Glier: Concert.

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

•Sheena Brook: Live Music. Coldwater Oyster Market, 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. 6-9p. 220-5918.

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

•The Frank Bang 3: Blues band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues band opens. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 4-10p. 693-7111.

•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.

SATURDAY 10

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-6398810.

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

•David Morin - Elvis Holiday Concert: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 3 & 7p. 772-5862.

•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.

•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.

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

•Mr Showtime: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

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

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

•Naples Philharmonic:  Ehnes Plays Beethoven Violin Concerto. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Reading & Book

Signing: Adventure of Marco the Cat. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 2p. Free. 642-1440.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Seasonal Gifts concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p p. 941-953-3434.

•The Nutcracker: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 3 & 8p. 277-1700.

SUNDAY 11

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

•Choral Artists of Sarasota: Concert - Peace on Earth. Church of Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. 7p. 941387-4900.

•David Morin - Elvis Holiday Concert: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 3p. 772-5862.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Messiah & More concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 9850 Immokalee Rd, Naples. 5:30p. Free. 560-9512.

•Holiday Pops: SWFL Symphony concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 4p. 418-1500.

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

•Jeff Allen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 5p. 389-6901.

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

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers presents A Chorus Line thru November 12. Call 278-4422 for information.

What Goes On

•Rock the Stage FestFinals: Music competition concert fundraiser . Shoot to Thrill, KISS Alve, The Patina Turners, Bargain Bin Herioes, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, School of Rock Fort Myers House Band. Outdoors, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-9p. 939-2787.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Seasonal Gifts concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-953-3434.

MONDAY 12

•Holiday Harmony: The Venice Chorale concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-218-3779.

•Naples Big Band: Concert. Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Ter, Marco Island. 7p. Free. 777-0416.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ax Plays Beethoven. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•SWFL Symphony Holiday Pops: Concert. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

TUESDAY 13

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

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

•Holiday Pops: SWFL Symphony concert. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ax Plays Beethoven.

Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w The Reckless Saints. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

WEDNESDAY 14

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

•Florida Everblades vs

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

•Laugh-In Line Up: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Lecture: Florida Trails. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 275-3435.

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

•Naples Philharmonic:  Ax Plays Beethoven. Masterworks Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Wendell Brunious: Concert w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8:30p. 597-1900.

THURSDAY 15

•A Tuna Christmas: Play. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 7:30p. 323-5533.

•Andy Forrester: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 833-9181512.

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

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

•Jazz at MACC - Swinging Holidays: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700.

•Michael D’Amore - Classic Christmas: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862.

FRIDAY 16

•A Tuna Christmas: Play. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 7:30p. 323-5533.

•Andy Forrester: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Darren Knight: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

•Ditchfield Family Christmas: Concert. Gulf Theater, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-205-8545.

•Downtown Fort Myers Blues Festival: Outdoor music & food festival. Centennial Park, 1400 Hendry St, Ft Myers. 4-10p. Free. 941-487-8061.

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

•Holiday Science Spectacular: Humor & science. Concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 6p. 213-3058.

SATURDAY 17

•A Tuna Christmas: Play. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 2 & 7:30p. 323-5533.

•Andy Forrester: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos at dozens of galleries & studios. Pine Ridge Industrial Park, J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•blink-180 Deux: Blink 182 tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p-12a. 985-9839.

•Darren Knight: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 3896901.

•Downtown Fort Myers Blues

Festival: Outdoor music & food festival. Centennial Park, 1400 Hendry St, Ft Myers. 11a4-10p. Free. 941487-8061.

•Fine Arts Outdoor Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

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

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

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

•Rebekah Pulley & The Reluctant Prophets: Concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•The Nutcracker: Gulfshore Ballet. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

SUNDAY 18

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

•A Tuna Christmas: Play. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 2 & 7:30p. 323-5533.

•An Enchanted Evening with Barbra starring Sharon Owens: Barbra Streisand tribute concert. Venice

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

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

•Downtown Fort Myers Blues

Festival: Outdoor music & food festival. Centennial Park, 1400 Hendry St, Ft Myers. 11a-6p. Free. 941-4878061.

•Fine Arts Outdoor Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

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

•Larry Venturino: Comedy. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7 & 9:30p. 642-7270.

•Naples Jazzmasters

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

•Sarasota Orchestra: Wind Quintet & Trio concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-9533434.

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

•The Joni Project: Joni Mitchell tribute concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

MONDAY 19

•An Enchanted Evening with Barbra starring Sharon Owens: Barbra Streisand tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

WEDNESDAY 21

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

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

•Sarasota Orchestra: The French Influencers concert. Sarasota Opera House. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

The Naples Players present A Christmas Carol, November 23-December 18 at the Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples. Call 263-7990 for information.

THURSDAY 22

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

•David Earl Reed: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

FRIDAY 23

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

•David Earl Reed: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

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

SATURDAY 24

•David Earl Reed Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

MONDAY 26

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

TUESDAY 27

•J Chris Newberg: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 3896901.

WEDNESDAY 28

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

THURSDAY 29

•Sean Lynch: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•The Sounds of SoulMotown & Beyond!  Motown tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-4881115.

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

FRIDAY 30

•Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Circus & music. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

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

•Sean Lynch: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•The Atlantic City Blues Brothers: Tribute concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 213-3058.

•The Sounds of SoulMotown & Beyond! Motown tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Vicki Barbolak: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY 31

•Adriana McDonald: Live music. Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

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

•Coconut Point New Year’s Eve Art Festival: Art fair, live music. Coconut Point Mall parking lot, 23130 Fashion Dr, Estero. 10a-5p. Free. 561-7466615.

•Downtown Countdown: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic

River District. 6p-12:30a. Free. 313-5129.

•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. rsvp. 333-1933.

•New Year’s Eve Gala: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 8p. 275-8487.

•New Year’s Eve Show: Concert. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30. 941-255-1022.

•Sean Lynch: Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•The Baby Boomer Comedy Show: Clean stand-up comedy. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 213-3058.

•The Sounds of SoulMotown & Beyond! Motown tribute concert. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

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

ongoing Theater

•37 Postcards: Nov 4-6. Marco Presbyterian Church, 875 W Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. 394-0080.

•A Chorus Line: thru Nov 12. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•A Christmas Carol - The Musical: Nov 23-Dec 18. The Naples Players. Blackburn Hall, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•A Christmas Carol: Dec 2-19. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•A Tuna Christmas: Dec 1518. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None: Dec 2-18. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•An Enemy of the People: Nov 18-20. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.

•Apartment 3A: thru Nov 13. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Blithe Spirit: Nov 3-6 & 10-13. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•Cabaret: Nov 16-Dec 31. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941351-8000.

•Christmas in Patadise: Dec 9-18. The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #35, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids: Nov 3-5. Center for the Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•Freud’s Last Session: Dec 13-Jan 15. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Grace for President: thru Nov 12, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Guys and Dolls: thru Nov 20. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505

•Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show: Nov 10-Dec 25. Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Hadestown: Dec 27-Jan 1. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Hamlet P.O.V.: One-woman show. Nov 18-Dec 20. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Home for the Holidays: Dec 9-11. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help: thru Nov 13. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: Nov 18-Dec 30. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Jekyll & Hyde - the Musical: thru Nov 13. New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 284-5214.

•Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity: Nov 30-Dec 23. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505

•Miracle on 34th Steet - Live Musical Radio Play: Dec 1-11. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•Murder at the Howard Johnson’s: thru Nov 20. Players Circle Theatre. Shell Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Newsies Jr: Dec 10-12. The Naples Players’ KidzAct. Tobye Studio, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 2637990.

•Not Now, Darling: thru Nov 5. Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Nutcracker’s Final Curtain: Nov 18-Dec 24 Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Other Desert Cities: Nov 25Dec 18. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Pippin: Nov 10-20. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural

TheatreZone presents Home for the Holidays, December 9-11 in the G & L Theatre on the campus of the Community School of Naples. For information, call 888-966-3352.

What Goes On

Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7725862.

•Sailor Circus - Holiday Show: Dec 28-31. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista, Sarasota. 941-3559805.

•Santa Claus - The Musical: Nov 29-Dec 24, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Snowbird Follies: Dec 3-18. Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.

•Sound of Music: Dec 9-24. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Southern Comforts: Nov 30Dec 18. The Naples Players. Tobye Studio, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 2637990.

•Steel Magnolias: Nov 12-Dec 4 (previews Nov 10 & 11). Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

•The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical: Dec 11 & 12, 14-18. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•The Burdens: thru Dec 4. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•The Butler Did It: Nov 4-13. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•The Fantasticks: Nov 30-Dec 18. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Lady with All the Answers: Nov 29-Dec 18. Players Circle Theatre. Shell

Factory, 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•The Parking Lot: Dec 8-11 & 15-18. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•The Thanksgiving Play: Nov 4-20 (preview Nov 2 & 3). Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Two for Flinchin’: Dec 28-Mar 26 Wed-Sun. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water is Running: Nov 30-Dec 18. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

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 4-26: Feedback Loop - Anne Stagg & Laura Tanner; Nov 4-26: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc; Dec 1-31: Not On My Walls; Dec 2-31: Small Works Off the Walls. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Another Time: Temporarily Closed. 1414 Dean St, Ft Myers. 672-4607.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples.

Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707

N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Dec 8-Jan 21: Alexandra Hammond, Jason Hackenwerth, Black & White. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-3652032.

•Arts for ACT

Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. thru Jan 8: Recent Acquisitions; thru Jan 8: Ran Hwang - Becoming Again; thru Feb: Envisioning Evil - The Nazi Drawings by Mauricio Lasansky; thru Jul: Florida Contemporary; Dec 17-Oct 2023: Naples Collects, ongoing: Chihuly Collection; Magritte - Reflections of Another World, Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest. Tue-Sat 1-a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.

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

•Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery:  Temporarily Closed. 4332 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Sun & Mon 10a-5p, Tue-Sat 10a7p. Free. 283-1335.

•BIG ARTS: Temporarily Closed. 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 9a-4p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg

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

•Bokeelia Art Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. Opens Dec 1. Tue-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 738-5280.

•Cape Coral Art

Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral.

Nov 4-22: Tiny Art; Dec 2-22: Toyland. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. thru Nov 6: Florida

Life. 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

4-29: Noteworthy; Nov 4-29:

Hindsight - Mary Parkman; Nov 11-Dec 20: Black & White; Dec 9-Jan 17: Summer

Solitude - Andy Owen & Chanda Jamieson. Mon-Fri

10a-4p & Sat 1-5p. Free.

495-8989.

•Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Dec 9-Jan 17:

Figuratively Speaking. MonFri 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 10a-8p. 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. Nov

9-Dec 28: Art Council SWFL. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Reopens Nov 9. Tue-Sun 11a5p. Free. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL Gallery. Nov 16-Dec 27: Art Council of SWFL. Coastland Center, 1900 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. WedSun 12-6p. Free. 436-3530.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Inside Butterfly Estates, 18153 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Nov

4-27: Dominick Tascher. WedSun 10a-3p. Free. 590-8645.

•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 Galleries, 350 S. McCall Rd, Englewood. Selby Gallery– Nov 7-Dec 9: War Paint – Profiles of Courage. Smith Gallery– Nov 11-Dec 14: Merchandising, Marketing, Fashions from 1960’s to Present. Stulberg Gallery–

Nov 7-Dec 9: Illest of Ill

- Dragon’s Horde. Thompson Gallery & Skylight Gallery–Lee Mayer - Lost Summer; Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 941-474-5548. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 941-359-7563.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery– thru Nov 17: Citrus Flux; Dec 9-16: Senior Projects. 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. Nov 12-Dec 23: Reflection. Mon & Tue 5-7p & by appt. Free. 941-894-6469.

•Fort Myers Beach

Art Association & Gallery: Temporary Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3909.

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

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 4037787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. Free. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. Free. 403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Daily 11a-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-4p. Free. 261-2637.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Opens Oct 3. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-4p. Free. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 263-6640.

•Island Conclave: Temporarily Closed. 5101 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia. 282-8488.

•Island Visions: Temporarily Closed. 4643 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 282-0452.

•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. Fri-Sun 1-5p. Free. 863-8432929

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: Temporarily Closed. 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. 203-8332.

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

•Marco Island Center for the

Tutankhamen: Return of the King is on view at the Imaginarium History & Science Center in Fort Myers thru March 31. Call 321-7420 for information.

Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. thru Nov 22: Abstraction; Nov 28-Dec 1: Festival of Trees; Dec 5-Jan 3: Clay Guild - Viva la Ceramica. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. Free. 3944221.

•Method & Concept:

Temporarily Closed. 26 10th St. S, Naples. 529-2633.

•Naples Art Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Nov: Transitions - Lou & Valerie Cristo. By appt. 821-1061.

•Naples Art: 585 Park St, Naples. Nov 12-Feb 12: MC

Escher - Reality & Illusion; Mar 4-Jun 11: Miradas

de Mujeres - Isabelle de Borchgrave & the World of Frida Kahlo. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Quidley & Company Fine

Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Nov 16- : Amy

D’Amico; Feb: Stephen Coyle. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Quidley & Company Fine

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

•Rene Miville Gallery: Temporarily Closed. Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 333-3130.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Temporarily Closed. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593.

•Sanibel Community House: Temporarily Closed. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 472-2155.

•Sanibel Public Library: Temporarily Closed. 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 472-2155.

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Nov: Xaviera Simmons; thru Jan 15: Moving Images by Janet Biggs & Peter Campus; thru Feb 5: Steven & William Ladd. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 941309-4300.

•Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery: Beatrice

Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota.

Thru Dec 12: Jim Stewart; Dec 16-Jan 23: Claire Desjardins.

Mon-Fri 8:30a-4:30p. Free. 941-953-3434.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu

10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. Free. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Grand Atrium— Nov 4-22: Shivoo Shivoo. Capital Gallery— Nov 4-24: The Binary Perception of Venus.

Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. Free. 337-1933.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2100-A Trade Center Way, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat by appt. Free. 597-2110.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. thru Feb 12: Highlights from Kaplan Collection of Photography; thru Jan 22: A Decade of Collecting; Nov 12-May 28: Gods & Lovers - Paintings & Sculpture from India; Dec 17Mar 26: June Clark - Harlem Quilt; thru Jan 2024: As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Circus Museum–thru Nov 27: Queens of the Air and Empresses of the Arena. Bayfront Gardens. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a8p. 941-359-5700.

•Tammra Sigler Studio: 5760 Shirley St, # 11, Naples. By appt. 821-1017.

•Timeless: Temporarily Closed. 2218 First St, Ft Myers. 332-8463.

•Tower Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. 340-6467.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Nov 24: Imagine That!Tue-Sat 10a-3p. Free. 415-5667.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. Free. 980-1394.

•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. Thru Nov 3: Members Show; Nov 11-Dec 1: Inspired; Dec 16-Jan 5: Funk It Up. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. thru Nov 12: Florida’s Watercolor Society; thru Nov 27: Color; Nov 15Dec 20: Holidays in the Hall; Nov 30-Dec 30: Off the Wall. Mon & Fri 9a-4p, Tue-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. Free. 941639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 2340 Periwinkle Way, #G1, Sanibel. 472-3386.

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Daily 9a-5p (entry to boardwalk closes at 4pm). 877-902-1113.

•America’s Museum of the Military & First Responders: Naples Airport, North Road Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-3p. Free. 614-2050357.

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

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: Temporarily Closed. 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 395-2233.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p. Guided tours. 332-4942.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium. Nov 22Mar 18 Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.

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

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sun 10a-3p. 690-2359.

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Temporarily Closed. Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes & haunted Walks select nites 8p. Planetarium shows Mon-Sat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Holiday Lights

Dec 9-23 & 26-30. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed-Fri 11a4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-5p. Closed Sep 10-16. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331

Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru Jan 21: From the Great Lakes to the Sunshine State - Exploring the History of U.S. 41. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

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

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily. Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Temporarily Closed. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 SanibelCaptiva Rd, Sanibel. 4723644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge:  Temporarily Closed. 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 472-1100.

•ECHO Global Farm & Research Center: 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. Farm tours Tue-Fri 9:30a & 1:30p, Sat 9:30a. Technology Village tours: Tue-Sat 9:30a. Tue-Fri 9a-4p & Sat 9a-3p. 543-3246.

•Edison & Ford Winter Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a; Garden tour by appt; Yoga in the Moonlight Garden Wed 10a; piano concert every other Wed 9:30a. Holiday Nights

Celebration Nov 25-Jan 1 (not Dec 24 & 25) 5:30-9p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Estero Historic Cottage Museum: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 2721911.

•Historic Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens:

Temporarily Closed. Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. 261-8164.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 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. thru Mar 31 : Tutankhamun - Return of the King. 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 12: Roots of Immokalee. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. thru Jan 29: Art of the Dig – Wells Sawyer’s watercolors. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. thru Dec 4: The Orchid Show 2022Capturing the Perfect Shot. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. thru Sep 2023: Seeing the Invisible. Daily 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731

•Mound House: Temporarily Closed. 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. 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 Jan 28: Gearheads in the Glades Legendary Gladesmen. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6950008.

•Museum of the Islands:  Temporarily Closed. 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. 2831525.

•Naples Botanical Garden:  4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions– thru Jan 29: La Calavera Catrina. Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Nov 25-Jan

1: Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum:  Temporarily Closed. 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 2626525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 262-5409.

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary:

Artis—Naples presents Hadestown, December 27-January 1. For information, call 597-1900.

What Goes On

Temporarily Closed. 41660

Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. 543-1130.

•Ostego Bay Foundation

Marine Science Center:

Temporarily Closed. 718

Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. 765-8101.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-6218299.

•Randell Research Center:

Temporarily Closed. 7450 Pineland Rd, Pineland. Calusa Heritage Trail. 283-2062.

•Revs Institute: 2500

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

•Rookery Bay Environmental

Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. thru Jan 27:

Natural Selections Paintings. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak tours. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva

Conservation Foundation

Nature Center: Temporarily Closed. 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 472-2329.

•Sanibel-Captiva

Conservation Foundation

Native Landscapes & Garden Center: Temporarily Closed. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: Temporarily Closed. 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel.

•Shangri-La Springs: Temporarily Closed. 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 949-0749.

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas house, natural history exhibits, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Live music Tue-Sun afternoons. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141.

•STEMLab: Miromar Outlets, 10901 Corkscrew Rd, #192, Estero. Educational science shows & activities, interactive exhibits inspired by the IMAG History & Science Center. Live science shows Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun 1:30p; live animal show Tue & Thu 1:30p. MonSat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. Free. 948-3766.

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

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita  Springs.  Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings, Marc Harris Wildlife photography gallery. Daily 10a-4p. 9922591.

Parks

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Temporarily Closed. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibele. 472-1932.

•Bonita Beach Park: Temporarily Closed. 27954 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs. 533-7444.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: Temporarily Closed. 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3764.

•Bunche Beach: Temporarily Closed. 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: Temporarily Closed. 18500 North River Rd, Alva. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: Temporarily Closed. US 41, S Naples. Free. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Temporarily Closed. 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: Temporarily Closed. 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 695-3311.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Free. 574-0804.

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

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Free. 992-0311.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 5337575.

•Lovers Key State Park:  Temporarily Closed. 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Park: Temporarily Closed. 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve:  Temporarily Closed. 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. 707-3015.

•Myakka River State Park: Temporarily Closed. 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. 941361-6511.

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

•North Collier Regional Park: Temporarily Closed. 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open TueSun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk

walks daily 9:30a. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7550.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: Temporarily Closed. 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. 432-2154.

Libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 128p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral.MonWed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: Temporarily Closed. 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon-Sat 9a-5p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 2527311.

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

•East County Regional: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200.

•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Estates: 1266 Goldn Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.

•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.

•Fort Myers Regional: Temporarily Closed. 2450 First St, Ft Myers. 533-4600.

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

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

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

•Johann Fust Community: Temporarily Closed. 1040 W 10th Syt, Boca Grande. . 941964-2488

•Lakes Regional: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Temporarily Closed. 533-4000.

•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.

•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myrs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.

•Northwest Regional: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-

8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4700.

•Pine Island: Temporarily Closed. 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. 533-4350.

•Riverdale: Temporarily Closed. 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Temporarily Closed. 533-4370.

•Sanibel: Temporarily Closed. 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p & Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9a-5p. 472-2483.

•South County Regional: 21100

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

•South Regional: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. MonThu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 533-4780.

•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.

Live Music & Comedy

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select FriSun 7p. 691-4069.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites, Sun

3-6p & Wed 8-11p Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band free. 693-7111.

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

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Live music Wed-Sat 7-10p; Marty Stokes Band select Sun

1:30-5:30p. 549-3000.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat

2-5p. Free. 204-9665.

•Coldwater Oyster Market: 5611 Six Mile Commercial Ct, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free. 220-5918.

•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE

16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music select sat nites 5-8p. Free. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed 6-9p, Thu 6:309:30p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576.

•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Wed nites Nov 2-Jan 1: Frank Sinatra Tribute. Free. 3143723.

•Millennial Brewing: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. Free. 271-2255.

•Naples Beach Brewery: 4120 Enterprise Ave, #116, Naples. Live music: Thu 7-9p Bill Beck, Fri 6-9p Acoustic Road. Free. 304-8795.

•Nauti Parrot Oasis: 17200 Tamiami Tr S, Ft Myers. Live music Mon-Thu 5-9p, Fri & Sat 1-5p & 7-10p, Sun 12-4p & 5-9p. Free. 208-2340.

•Nauti Parrot Tiki Hut: 3448 Marinatown Ln, N Ft Myers. Live music Mon-Fri 4:30-8:30p, Sat 1-5p & 7-10p, Sun 12:30-4:30p & 5-9p. Free. 208-2340.

•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sun & select Tue & Wed nites. 540-7867.

•Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Tue: Open jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 540-7867.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 1st Sun: BBQ & Bluegrass 4-7p; 1st & 3rd Thu: jazz jam 6-9p; 2nd Thu: Irish jam 6-9p; Sat: Jeff Lyons 1-5p. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat nites 7-10p. Free. 228-6533.

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

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz 6:30-9:30p. Wed: Danny Sinoff Trio; Thu: Jazz-Matics; Fri: Tony Boffa & Friends; Sat: Danny Sinoff Quartet; Sun: Ricky Howard. 415-4375.

•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: Goodlette Corners, 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•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. Tue & Sat 6:30-9:30p. 466-8326.

•The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands select nites. 405-8566.

•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Open mic Sun 8:30p-12:30a; live music Fri & Sat 9:30p-1a. 263-6777.

•Z’s Music Kitchen: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat 6-9p. 304-9552.