April 2017 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

APRIL 2017

FREE

Jesus Christ

Superstar

at Broadway Palm

KEVIN COSTNER AT THE RANCH DEF LEPPARD AT FORT ROCK OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN AT SEMINOLE CASINO

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

Theatre season still going strong

It may be spring, but theatre season is far from over in Southwest Florida. So many of our venues are buzzing with activity, and stages are anything but dark.

Here’s a look at what we have on stage these days: Cultural Park Theater performs Hairspray now through April 2. Later in the month, The Glass Menagerie will be on stage April 21 - 30.

TheatreZone will bring us Legs Diamond April 27 through May 7 at G & L Theatre in Naples.

In LaBelle, Firehouse Theatre presents On Golden Pond April 28 through May 7.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee continues at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers through April 12.

Theatre Conspiracy presents The Cave now through April 2 at Foulds Theatre in Fort Myers.

The Naples Players continue to perform These Shining Lives through April 15 at the Sugden Theatre.

The BIG ARTS production of Nunsense continues on Sanibel Island through April 15.

Jesus Christ Superstar opens April 9 at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers and runs through May 14.

Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers presents Doublewide April 14 through May 14.

In the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, Things My Mother Taught Me is on stage through April 29.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Merchant of Venice now through April 15 at The Norris Center in Naples.

The Last Night at Ballyhoo opens April 14 at Laboratory Theatre of Florida in Fort Myers.

The Naples Players will open I Hate Hamlet April 19 with performances through May 14 at the Sugden Theatre.

At the Langdon Playhouse, the Charlotte Players present Things My Mother Taught Me April 6 - 15.

The annual Florida Rep PlayLab Festival runs April 27 - 30.

Young Artists Awards

Three cheers for Callie Atkinson for taking top honors at this year’s Young Artists Awards gala March 6 at the Broadway Palm. She won her two categories before being named the judge’s top overall pick. The audience also named her their favorite of the evening.

Other category winners were David Carlson (instrumental music), Erica Sample (classical voice) and Sadie Reichenbach (dance). Twenty-two finalists competed in four categories that night. Watching all those young people perform is always a treat every year, and we are so happy to be among the regular sponsors of this great program. Special applause to the parents and teachers who encourage these young people to pursue their passions and not give up. Bravo.

More concerts in April

April brings us many great concerts again. Actor Kevin Costner and his band The Modern West will entertain us at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon April 22. Meanwhile, Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee will welcome Neil Sedaka April 9 and Olivia Newton-John April 22. Debby Boone will perform with the Southwest Florida Symphony April 7 & 8 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The Original Wailers will be on stage at The Ranch April 14. Boston will bring its tour to Germain Arena April 15. Artis-Naples welcomes Budd Guy April 10. The annual Fort Rock festival presents Def Leppard, Soundgarden and many more bands April 29 & 30 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

Looking ahead, other upcoming concerts include Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, Ambrosia, Aaron Watson, The Tenors, Don McLean, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Todd Rundgren, John Michael Montgomery, Thompson Square, Asleep at the Wheel, Paul Shaffer, Gretchen Wilson, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton and William Michael Morgan.

Rock on,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 5 - 12

Legs Diamond, Doublewide, Nunsense

Music

pages 14 - 23

Debby Boone, Malcolm Holcombe

In Concert

pages 24 - 25

The Original Wailers, Neil Sedaka, Fort Rock

Art

pages 26 - 31

Kyra Belan, Art Quilters, Lorne Hosack

Comedy Clubs

page 32

Area comedy club schedules for April

River District

pages 36 - 39

Art Walk, Smoke on the Water Festival

Dining

pages 40 - 41

Shangri-La Springs and 11 other options

Calendar

pages 42 - 47

April cultural events in SW Florida

Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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(239) 278-5236

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APRIL 2017

Happenings A&E Magazine is published and distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc. Happenings Magazine is an independent publication. The reproduction of any material listed within is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Owned by KMK Publishing Inc.

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Florida Repertory Theatre presents the multiple Tony Award winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

Playing now through April 12, tickets are going fast for the hilarious musical that took Broadway by storm.

With a Tony nominated Best Score by William Finn and Tony winning Best Book by Rachel Sheinkin, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is known for its unique humor, originality, and heartfelt story. The New York Times raved, "(Spelling Bee is) an entirely adorable new musical! Quirky, satirical, riotously funny!”

"This is one of the funniest and most inventive musicals to come along in decades," said producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "It is smart, irreverent, full of heart, and keeps you laughing as every night four audience members are brought onstage to join the competition. It's been a while since we've produced a musical like this in the Arcade Theatre, and I am delighted to break that streak with this one. It is a really refreshing coming of age story that will take audiences back to tween years to relive the triumphs and defeats with a great score and clever characters. This will be the hottest ticket in town, so don't miss out."

Six spellers enter the bee, but only one will walk away a winner in this Tony Award & Drama Desk-winning musical that has charmed audiences nationwide with its effortless wit and edgy humor. Hilarious and warm-hearted, this riotous musical comedy follows six adolescent

misfits vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. As these tweens – and even the audience – spell their way through a series of outrageous words, they learn winning isn't everything – but the loser gets a juice box.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee features an all-star lineup of musical theatre talent out of New York and regional theatres across the country. Audiences will recognize ensemble member Brendan Powers, seen most recently in The Mousetrap"and last season's nationally acclaimed hit, The Cocktail Hour. Out of New York, Bruce Warren returns after having been seen in 2015's Around the World in 80 Days, and Katrina Michaels after appearing in 2014's ArtStage Studio production of Tribes. Also out of New York and making their Florida Rep debuts are Anne Chamberlain, Deon'te Goodman, Cassandra Hlong, T.J. Wagner, Evan Zimmerman, and Florida veteran Laura Hodos.

Florida Rep associate director and ensemble member Jason Parrish (A Christmas Story, The Fantasticks) directs

Katrina Michaels, Cassandra Hlong, Evan Zimmerman, Bruce Warren, TJ Wagner, and Anne Chamberlain in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Photo by Summer Groh

the production, and is joined by a team of designers including musical director Victoria Casella (Fascinatin' Gershwin), choreographer Arthur D'Alessio (Too Marvelous For Words, Fascinatin' Gershwin), set designer Mike Winkelman (debut), lighting designer Tyler M. Perry (debut), costume designer Dina Perez (Shear Madness, Too Marvelous For Words), sound designer John Kiselica (To Kill a Mockingbird, Shear Madness),and ensemble stage manager Amy L. Massari (The Mousetrap, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End).

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Regular performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Wednesday, Sunday and select Saturdays.

Priced at $25-$52, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

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APRIL 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

The Last Night at Ballyhoo opens April 14 at Lab Theater

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents the 1997 Tony Award-winning comedy and drama The Last Night at Ballyhoo

by Alfred Uhry.

Running April 14-30, this is the story of German Jews living in Atlanta in 1939.

While Hitler is in power overseas, the Freitag family cares more about Ballyhoo – the biggest social event of the year.

Themes of prejudice, romance, self-revelations, expectations, and obligations are masterfully woven into this award-winning play by the author of Driving Miss Daisy.

“This heartwarming play is disarmingly funny,” says director Annette Trossbach.

“Social boundaries and prejudice are overcome by love and the Freitag family rekindles its faith. It is a beautifully-written story and a delight to work on.”

After the performance on April 20, the theater will host a talk-back to include Holocaust-survivor Stein Metz and Florida Weekly journalist Ella Nayor. Attendees of this performance are invited to stay and participate in this discussion.

The show stars Bonnie Knapp (I'll Eat You Last: a Chat with Sue Mengers), Amy Tardif (True Colors), John Repa (The Best Man), Kate Dirrigl (Bad Jews), Steven Coe (Play On!), Lexie Anne Cole (The Best Man) and Tyler Charpentier, who makes his Lab Theater debut.

The Last Night at Ballyhoo opens April 14 at 8 p.m.

Performances are on April 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and on April 23, 29 and 30 at 2 p.m.

Individual show ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/military, and $12 for students at the door. For tickets and more information for all shows and events, call the theater at (239) 218-0481 or visit online at www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com. The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located in the River District at 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers.

A discounted rate for season tickets will be available at the 9th season announcement soiree and fundraiser on April 17.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents the first fully produced professional production of a Shakespeare play in Southwest Florida: William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.

This production will be directed by Playhouse founder and producing artistic director Kristen Coury, advised by pre-eminent Shakespeare scholar Dr. Gail Kern Paster. Dr. Paster conducted a series of corresponding engagement opportunities entitled The Merchant Monday lectures in February and March.

The Merchant of Venice runs from now through April 15.. Tickets range from $20 for students to $64.

Portia, the wealthy heiress of Belmont, has set her suitors to a high stakes challenge. The champion will win her hand in marriage. Bassanio, a down-and-out noble, desires to marry Portia and in order to compete in her challenge he requires a loan from his dear friend, Antonio, a wealthy but presently cash poor merchant.

They go to Shylock, a jaded Jewish mon-

eylender who has long been a victim of anti-Semitism, who agrees to grant this loan with one caveat: Should Antonio fail to repay his debt with money, he will instead pay it with a pound of flesh. Love, intolerance, humor, and mercy are brilliantly woven together in one of Shakespeare’s most exacting and divisive plays, uniquely adapted by Gulfshore Playhouse into an intimate, nine-person production.

The cast includes Larry Paulsen as Shylock, Timothy Carter as Antonio, Sofia Jean Gomez as Portia, Samuel Ashdown as Bassanio, Jeffrey Binder as Solario/Arragon/Lancelet/Duke of Venice, William Oliver Watkins as Gratiano/Morocco, Zachary Martens as Lorenzo/Tubal, Ally Carey as Nerissa and Angela Janas and Jessica.

Gulfshore Playhouse performances are at The Norris Center in Naples. For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY(7529). To purchase tickets, call 1-866-811-4111.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Merchant of Venice

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

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Things My Mother Taught Me at Off Broadway Palm Theatre

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Things My Mother Taught Me playing now through April 29.

Things My Mother Taught Me is a touching comedy from the author of Nana’s Naughty Knickers.

This brand new romantic comedy centers on college sweethearts Olivia and Gabe. The couple is moving halfway across the country and into their first apartment together. As a surprise, Gabe invites his parents and Olivia’s parents to be there on moving day for his surprise proposal. To Gabe’s surprise, Olivia’s mom doesn’t know they are going to be living together and isn’t prepared for her baby girl to get engaged! This funny, yet touching, story will make you laugh out loud and fall in love all over again.

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $35 - $55 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

TheatreZone brings back Legs Diamond April 27

Liza Minelli. His songs were made TheatreZone presents Legs popular by many recording artists, Diamond April 27 through May 7, including Melissa Manchester and marking the first time the show Olivia Newton-John. He co-wrote about a gangster who would rather Arthur’s theme, which won an be in show business has been on Academy Award for Best Original stage anywhere since it closed on Song in 1981.

Broadway in 1989.

Several years after Allen’s death Shows are at 8 p.m. on April in 1992, the musical The Boy from 27, 28, 29, May 4, 5 and 6; at 2 Oz was written about his life. It ran p.m. on April 30 and May 7; and at on Broadway and earned Hugh 7:30 p.m. on April 30 and May 7.

Jackman a Tony Award for Best “This is a wonderful opportuniActor in a Musical. TheatreZone ty for theater fans who never saw staged The Boy from Oz last Legs Diamond to enjoy the fantasspring, with Larry Alexander in the tic score and comedic plot,” says Larry Alexander title role. Alexander, who has perMark Danni, TheatreZone’s formed in 18 TheatreZone shows, Founder and Artistic Director. “It returns as the lead in Legs Diamond. Ironically, has great production numbers and is a lot of Alexander was once the opening act for a Liza fun.”

Minelli world tour.

TheatreZone will stage an original and speTickets range from $48 to $53 and may be cial version of the show in which Danni allows purchased at www.theatrezone-florida.com or by the character of Peter Allen to talk to the audicalling the box office at 888-ZONE-FLA. ence about what was happening in his life at the The theater is located at 13275 Livingston time.

Road, on the Community School of Naples camPeter Allen was an Australian singer-songpus. writer and entertainer who was once married to

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS Sponsored by Ella Nayor & Jeff Cull

Americana Acoustic Shows

The Squirrel Hillbillies April 1 - Ken Crosby opens

April 6 - Songwriters at Sunset

Dan Philgreen, Bob Williams, Keith Parker Lovers Key State Park - 4:30 p.m. (FREE)

South County Library, Estero April 8 - Skinny Water Seagrass Band featuring Kip & Houseboat Jim - 2 p.m. (FREE)

Malcolm Holcombe $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at door. The ACMA is a not for profit and is funded by tax deductible donations. Please check website for more information and visit YouTube on any of these artists.

Ukulele Kids Club Benefit Show

April 14-15, 20-22, 27-29 at 8 p.m.

April 15 - Barbara Lynn, Lucia Jenkins, Bob Cox

Malcolm Holcombe April 22 David Clayton opens

Pierce Pettis

April 29 - Kip Lawrence opens

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APRIL 2017

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

April 23, 29 & 30 at 2 p.m.

Thinking TheaterTM

2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts 7 p.m.

INFO: 239-691-4069 www.AmericanACMA.org

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BROADWAY SERIES

Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan •Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman Based on the New Line Cinema film written & directed by John Waters Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler • Arrangements by Marc Shaiman

Now through April 2

Naples Players stage These Shining Lives

Amy Hughes, Katherine Oni, JamieLynn Bucci and Jasmine Vizena in These Shining Lives, playing now through April 15 in Naples.

The Naples Players present Melanie Marnich’s historical drama These Shining Lives. Set in a fictitious Radium Dial Factory on the outskirts of Chicago in the 1920s, These Shining Lives is inspired by the true story of the young women, now remembered as The Radium Girls, who worked at a New Jersey factory in the 1920s and were poisoned by the luminous paint they applied to numbers on the faces of clocks and watches. This tragic but uplifting story chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day.

Directed by Jessica Walck, performances are in TNP’s intimate Tobye Studio at the Sugden Theatre now through April 15.

The story is narrated by Catherine (Jamielynn Bucci), a young mother with small children, happily married to her ironworker husband Tom (Jesse Hughes). Catherine opens the play with the lines that are both hopeful and foreboding “This isn’t a fairy tale, though it starts like one. It’s not a tragedy, though it ends like one.” Catherine takes a job in a local watch factory to help make ends meet at home, where she meets Pearl (Amy Hughes) the incessant jokester, Frances (Katherine Oni) the moral backbone and sharp-tongued Charlotte (Jasmine Vizena) the brutally honest one of the group. As the women happily paint watch dials with radium, sharpening the point of their brushes between their lips to accurately apply the radium to the dials, the group become more than just co-workers, they become the best of

friends. The women begin to notice the unusual effects of working with radium including their handkerchiefs glowing when they blow their nose, but they are quickly reassured by the factory foreman Mr. Reed (Mark Vanagas) that the radium is in no way harmful and may in fact have health benefits.

There are no benefits to radium exposure and the women begin to succumb to its effects, suffering chronic pain, exhaustion and agonizing ulcers. The company they work for refuses to acknowledge the issue and begins to systematically fire them when their illnesses interfere with their work. Though critically ill, the women chose to stand up and fight for justice. These women and their strength still shine brightly today and their resilient efforts for justice set in place workplace safety standards introduced to protect future generations.

“Their story is one of strength and resilience,” says Jessica Walck, TNP’s Associate Artistic Director and Director for These Shining Lives. “Catherine and her friends remind us how one voice speaking the truth can change the world.”

These Shining Lives plays now through April 15 at the Sugden Theatre in Tobye Studio, 701 5th Ave South, Naples. (Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.) Tickets are $30 adults and $10 students.

For tickets and more information about The Naples Players’ upcoming shows, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 14 - 16

This is an exciting, highly entertaining live music and comedy show featuring classic and modern country, classic rock and rockabilly from the 70s to today. Enjoy an impressive array of hit songs presented by host and lead singer Mark McClellan and his band, The Lloyds.

The Glass Menagerie

By Tennessee Williams Directed by Catherine Shea

April 21 - 30 PERFORMANCES: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m.

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com APRIL 2017

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Jesus Christ Superstar at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar, playing April 6 through May 14 in Fort Myers.

This timeless musical phenomenon has wowed audiences for more than 40 years with its message of hope, peace and the power of love.

This thrilling rock-opera takes a passionate look at Jesus’ last days through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

As Judas begins to question the motivations and methods of Jesus, emotion and true belief is put to the test. Propelled by a thrilling score by

ON THE COVER: Ilana Gabrielle as Mary Magdalene.

Jarrett Jay Yoder as Jesus Christ

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the moving power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart. As compelling today as it was at its inception over 40 years ago, Jesus Christ Superstar is wowing a whole new generation of theatregoers.

Directing and choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar is Amy Marie McCleary. McCleary’s credits include the 2015 national tour of Memphis the Musical along with the recent Broadway Palm hits CATS, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Footloose and The Wizard of Oz, among many others. She received her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and now makes her home in Southwest Florida where along with directing and choreographing, she works with many young performers as a vocal coach.

Jesus Christ Superstar performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $40 to $65 with discounts for groups of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Florida Rep to perform Doublewide Photo by Denise Trupe

Florida Repertory Theatre announces a partnership with the National New Play Network in Washington, DC, Vermont Stage, and Michigan's Williamston Theatre to produce Doublewide by Stephen Spotswood as a Rolling World Premiere.

The final offering in Florida Rep's 2016-2017 season, Doublewide runs in Florida Rep's ArtStage Studio Theatre April 11 to May 14.

As part of the national initiative to develop new works, Florida Rep will be the first of three regional theatres to produce the play before the spring of 2018. Vermont Stage in Burlington will produce the play in January 2018, and Williamston Theatre in Williamston, Mich., will complete the three-theatre Rolling World Premiere with a production in March 2018.

The National New Play Network (NNPN), the country's alliance of nonprofit theaters that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays, and the Rolling World Premiere Program is the organization's flagship initiative. The Rolling World Premiere Program supports three or more theaters that choose to mount the same new play within a 12-month period. The result is an NNPN Rolling World Premiere, in which a playwright develops a new work with multiple creative teams in at least three different communities. The playwright is part of the process, working on the script and making adjustments based on what is learned from each production.

"We read Doublewide as part of our PlayLab Festival last year, and it became clear that this was the play we wanted to premiere in our 2016-2017 season," said producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "And I am delighted that two other regional companies have committed to producing this important new work in the communities they serve. We are honored to be working with the NNPN and the artistic leaders at Vermont Stage and Williamston Theatre in giving this play a wider audience."

"National New Play Network is thrilled that this NNPN Rolling World Premiere is happening," said executive director Nan Barnett, "as it embraces one of the core founding concepts of the Network and specifically this program - bringing regional playwrights to audiences across the country. The roll will introduce

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APRIL 2017

this DC-based playwright to reading, and Everett was also New England, the Gulf coast seen in last season's Twelve of Florida, and Michigan, Angry Men and A Christmas adding to the growing legion Story. Cintron will make her of Spotswood fans as it Florida Rep debut after multiple strengthens the play." appearances in Florida Rep's "Doublewide" is a hearteducational programming, and felt, honest, and often most recently in another of the humorous story of one fami2016 PlayLab reading. ly's pursuit of the American Florida Rep ensemble memDream. All Jim Starkey wants ber Maureen Heffernan directs to do is build a home on his the production and comes back one-acre plot of land and to Fort Myers after a short hiatus. replace his doublewide trailer Her work with the Rep has been with something his daughter, praised nationally numerous Lorelai, can inherit. When a times in The Wall Street Journal, highway expansion project most notably for Dancing at and a freak hunting accident Rachel Burttram, Gregg Weiner and Carrie Lund in Lughnasa, The Little Foxes and shatter his family's dreams, Doublewide by Stephen Spotswood. Photo by Summer Groh Sylvia. Heffernan is joined by an Jim must decide how far he expert team of designers including can be pushed and Lorelai is ensemble set designer Ray Recht left to build her own future.

(The House of Blue Leaves), "This is an important play to be doing right now while too ensemble lighting designer Jim Hunter (The Dingdong), costume many Americans are working more hours for less pay and strugdesigner Alex Vazquez (The House of Blue Leaves), sound gling to make ends meet," Cacioppo continued. "Doublewide is designer John Kiselica (Shear Madness), and ensemble stage full of heart, the characters fully drawn, and the family's struggle manager Janine Wochna (To Kill a Mockingbird). is incredibly timely. It's a story about a family trying to make it, Doublewide plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre April 14-May and succeeds because they love one another and remain hopeful 14 with four previews April 11-13 at 8 p.m., and April 12 at 2 p.m. against terrible odds."

Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Doublewide features Florida Rep ensemble members Rachel Thursday, Sunday and select Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Burttram and Carrie Lund, as well as Miami actor Gregg Weiner, Priced from $45 to $52 for regular performances and $25 to making his Florida Rep debut, former Florida Rep intern Dillion $32 for previews, single tickets are now on sale through the box Everett, and Isabella Cintron, a junior at Cypress Lake High office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org.

School Center for the Arts. Burttram and Lund were seen most Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade recently in Florida Rep's nationally acclaimed production of The Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between House of Blue Leaves, and Lund appeared in the reading of Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers Doublewide last spring. Weiner and Everett also appeared in the River District.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Nunsense on Sanibel through April 15 It all started with a series of comedic greetings cards; before becoming the sensation that it is today, Dan Goggin—creator of the original run of cards as well as the off-Broadway production—decided to capitalize on is creation and expand the concept into a cabaret show called The Nunsense Story. Opening for a four-day run at Manhattan’s Duplex and running for 38 weeks, the show enjoyed surprising success, prompting its creator to expand it further into a full-length theater production.

The original production of Nunsense, directed by Goggin himself, opened Dec. 12, 1985, at the OffBroadway Cherry Lane Theatre before moving to the Douglas Fairbanks Theater for the majority of its ten-year run due to high demand. In total, there were 3,672 performances, becoming the second-longest running Off-Broadway show in history. Nunsense became an international phenomenon, translated into at least 26 different languages with more than 8,000 productions worldwide and grossing over $500 million. The production has been graced by more than a dozen Off-Broadway legends, such as Edie Adams, Maxine Audley, Kaye Ballard, Honor Blackman, Pat Carroll, Peggy Cass, Phyllis Diller, Sally Struthers, Louise Gold, and JoAnne Worley.

Goggin proceeded to adapt both Nunsense and its equally-exciting sequel Nunsense 2 for television with Rue McClanahan as the mother superior. Starring alongside her were Terri White, Semina DeLaurentis, Christine Anderson and Christine Toy. Celebrating the absolute height of its influence and popularity, Feb. 12 was eventually declared National Nunsense Day. So what is Nunsense? For those who have been around the Off-Broadway tract for some time, it is undoubtedly a household name.

Nunsense is the story of five of the 19 surviving Little

Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France. The sisters discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise (a form of food-borne botulism) while they were playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls—another Roman Catholic division of missionaries. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior has a vision in which she was told to start a greeting card company to raise funds for the burials. The greeting cards were an enormous success and, thinking there was plenty of money, the Reverend Mother bought a VCR and camcorder for the convent, leaving her with no money to pay for the last four burials.

With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, they decide to start a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium to raise the necessary amount. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first bal-

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

lerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. The production they build includes solo star turns, madcap dance routines, and an audience quiz.

Naturally, VCRs and camcorders are now no longer such current or expensive devices, so modern presentations tend to substitute newer or more generic terms such as “home entertainment systems” or “plasma TVs,” but regardless the humor remains intact.

And your role? Well, you’re the audience. Breaking the fourth wall, the show is presented as “on the nose,” meaning that Mother Superior’s production unfolds before your eyes as it would for the audiences in the fictional production.

Encouraging crowd reactions and participation, each Sister presents their own act in a series of comedic, wacky smaller acts.

BIG ARTS is delighted to present its own take on this prolific OffBroadway classic for a run of shows now through April 15 at the beautiful Strauss Theater on Sanibel. Don’t miss this crazy, wonderful, award-winning production sure to delight the entire family.

BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors.

Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900 to learn more about BIG ARTS.

APRIL 2017

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Hairspray, SWFL Country Nights and The Glass Menagerie at Cultural Park

By Michael Moran Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, is currently on stage and continues its run through April 2 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral’s Cultural Park Theater.

On stage April 14 through April 16 for four shows only, we proudly welcome SWFL Country Nights.

Mark McClellan and his band, The Lloyds, come to Cultural Park from Branson, Missouri, with an exciting, highly entertaining live music and comedy show featuring classic & modern country, classic rock and rockabilly from the ‘70s to today. You will enjoy an impressive array of hit songs featuring hits of artists from recent years as Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Randy Houser along with great performers of the ‘70s through ‘90s like Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Vice Gill and classic Country artists like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and others.

But SWFL Country Nights is not just a country show.

Hot rockabilly revival songs and many other surprises are also a big part of the show that will entertain both young and older audiences of many types with music, comedy and audience interaction. Our patrons will shake the building with laughter during hilarious standup and sketch segments, and will become a part of the show as host Mark McClellan engages the crowd.

Next on our stage … long before A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Tennessee Williams'

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reputation as a playwright was established by The Glass Menagerie.

The Glass Menagerie focuses on the dysfunctional Wingfield family. Tom, the narrator, recalls growing up in St. Louis with his mother, Amanda, and his sister, Laura. They remain haunted by the absence of Amanda's husband, who abandoned the family. Tom flees from the stifling atmosphere of the family by going to the movies. Laura is a painfully shy girl who loses herself in glass figurines that are as physically fragile as she is emotionally delicate.

In the play, Amanda Wingfield is a dreamer herself.

She puts on the genteel airs of her youth in the South.

At the same time, she struggles to hold her family together. She wants the best for both her children, but Tom reminds her so much of her husband that it hurts."

The only other character in the play is Jim, a "gentleman caller" who visits the family one evening. Jim, and Laura share a gentle scene that I find as one of the highlights of the play. This is classic American theater at its best, Williams knows how to hit your funny bone, but he also tugs on your heartstrings. Tickets will be available at the door on all nights, but due to large presales booking is strongly recommended.

The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral and you can order tickets at the box office by calling 239-772-5862 or at the theater from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We accept credit cards and there is no booking fee. Please note that all performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with additional performances on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

I Hate Hamlet opens April 19 in Naples The Naples Players (TNP) present Paul Rudnick’s comedy I Hate Hamlet, opening Wednesday, April 19 with performances through May 14.

Andrew Rally (Jesse Heindl) is a prime-time television star who reluctantly agrees to play Hamlet in Central Park when his hit show L.A. Medical, is canceled. His dreamy but chaste girlfriend Deirdre (Madeline Leon), and real estate agent Felicia (Mary Anne McKerrow) are thrilled about the gig and the amazing New York City apartment she found for him that once belonged to the great John Barrymore (John McKerrow). In addition to having to deal with his short-lived success in LA, Andrew has a major issue with his once in a lifetime theatrical opportunity, he hates Hamlet.

Andrew’s agent Lillian Troy (Mary Wallace) and one time fling of Barrymore attempts to summon him by way of her departed mother, who picks up when Lilian reminds her it is after 10:00pm and the rates are down. The séance is successful and the haughty and hammy Barrymore returns In Shakespearean tights, making a beeline for the closest bottle of champagne. Barrymore’s ghost is played with swashbuckling comedic perfection by John McKerrow. Having led the local troupe Shakespeare in Paradise, McKerrow has more than a great understanding of the material. As Barrymore, he imparts lessons on life, love and seduction to the discontented young Andrew who dreads playing the role people ritualistically refer to as the greatest in the English-speaking world, Hamlet. The laughs are nonstop as the rakish Barrymore introduces the ambivalent young Andrew to the joys of fame, dames and melancholy Danes with some finely orchestrated dueling. Just when we think the ghost of Barrymore has gotten through to Andrew, his crass and calculating L.A. agent Gary Lefkowitz (Paul Polomsky) turns up to offer him a million-dollar TV deal if he drops out and does not play Hamlet.

I Hate Hamlet plays April 19 through May 14 at the Sugden Theater in Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave South, Naples. (Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.) Tickets are $35 adults and $10 students (under 21).

For tickets and more information visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Stars on Ice tour at Germain Arena April 13 The world is eagerly awaiting next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, commencing in February 2018. Here in the United States the wait will not be quite as long, as the 2017 Stars on Ice tour will feature many of the skaters that will be vying for gold for the U.S. in the 2018 Winter Olympics. The tour will arrive in Southwest Florida on Thursday, April 13 for a 7 p.m. performance at Germain Arena in Estero.

This year, the Emmy Awardwinning production will be the ultimate preview of the U.S. Figure Skating team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Medal hopefuls, including threetime U.S. Champion and 2016 World Silver Medalist Ashley Wagner, reigning two-time U.S. Champion Gracie Gold, and 2015 U.S. Ice Dance Champions and two-time World Medalists Madison Chock & Evan Bates, will highlight a star-studded cast that will also include reigning Olympic Ice Dance Gold Medalists Meryl Davis & Charlie White, and fourtime U.S. Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist Jeremy Abbott.

Stars on Ice continues to be a Ashley Wagner pioneer in figure skating by offer© Getty Images ing fans the rare opportunity to witness some of the world’s most creative and cherished champions performing together in both individual and ensemble routines. Founded and produced by Olympic Gold medalist Scott Hamilton, Stars on Ice is one of the premier family entertainment events in the U.S., and the only figure skating Tour in America, that has annually brought fans the greatest performances and competitors from around the globe.

Tickets start at $27 and are available via www.starsonice.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the Florida Community Bank Box Office, and by phone at 1-800-7453000. Limited on-ice seating is available upon request. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Visit www.starsonice.com for more information.

Meryl Davis & Charlie White © M Yanagishima

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Music

SW Florida Symphony welcomes Debby Boone

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The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra and one of the oldest on Florida’s gulf coast, closes its 56th season of pops with a burst of star power – a weekend of performances featuring multi Grammy Award winning 1970s pop icon, Debby Boone in her signature production called Swing This: Vegas, the 60s and Me. Debby Boone’s performances, conducted by Cincinnati Pops arranger Maestro Tim Berens happen on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m.

Maestro Tim Berens makes his Southwest Florida Symphony Pops conducting debut as he leads the orchestra through its performance with Debby Boone. Her production of Swing This: Vegas, the 60s and Me features a musical trip through her youth as the daughter of superstar Pat Boone, her teenage years through performing tunes made famous by other artists who touched her life and other songs that sent Ms. Boone skyrocketing to stardom.

In 1977, Debby Boone earned instant fame when “You Light Up My Life” became one of the biggest songs in history, charting #1 on Billboard for ten straight weeks and selling in excess of four million albums. She received the Grammy for Best New Artist and has since received an additional seven Grammy nominations, winning two more.

Debby has performed in many musical theater productions and is also an author of 6 children’s books. She continues to grow her reputation as a singer of the Great American

Songbook, building on her previous release for Concord Records, Reflections of Rosemary. The album is an intimate musical portrait of her late mother-in-law, the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, for whom Debby had great love and respect. She has recorded 13 albums. Her most recent album is a tribute to Las Vegas in the ‘60s called Swing This.

She is currently performing music live across the country.

A protégé of the late internationally lauded Pops conductor, Maestro Erich Kunzel, Tim Berens's multi-faceted career gives testament to his lifelong quest to learn, perform and write music. So far, his venture has led him through the worlds of classical guitar, jazz guitar, orchestral guitar, arranging, orchestration, composition, and conducting. During his years as the guitarist for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Tim played guitar, banjo, mandolin and bouzouki on concerts, recordings, television programs, and tours. Beginning in the late 1990's, Tim began arranging for the CPO, eventually becoming the orchestra's principal arranger.

Tickets cost between $27 and $87 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

Debby Boone

Mercato to host annual Spring Fling on April 2 Mercato will host its 2017 Spring Fling on Sunday, April 2.

Live music will be provided by Gator Nate and The Wilder Sons.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Besides live music, the Spring Fling features face painting, bounce house, balloon artist, lawn games, chalk walk, snow cones, cotton candy and costumed characters.

A variety of tasty fare will be available as well as an outdoor bar will serve beer, wine and cocktails.

Mercato is located just north of Vanderbilt Beach Road on U.S. 41 in Naples.

Call 239-254-1080 or visit www.mercatoshops.com for more details.

The Wilder Sons include Chris Anderson - bass, Jacob Rubinton guitar/vocal, Brian Blount - guitar/vocal and Aaron Maloney drums

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SW Florida Symphony performs Mahler April 22

The Southwest Florida Symphony closes its 56th season of Masterworks with Magnificent Mahler on Saturday, April 22.

This performance begins at 8 p.m. Prior to the performance, at 7 p.m., patrons are invited to attend a conductor led pre-concert lecture.

Masterworks V: Magnificent Mahler will be conducted by the Southwest Florida Symphony’s internationally renown music director, Maestro Nir Kabaretti. In addition to a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, this concert features a performance of Starburst by contemporary American composer Johnathan Leshnoff and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with emerging violin star, Caroline Goulding. The multi-Grammy Award nominated Goulding performed as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra at the age of 13. Her prodigious virtuosity continues to make her highly sought after by orchestras around the world. “We are incredibly fortunate that Maestro Kabaretti, among everything else he brings to our orchestra, has strong relationships with emerging artists who also love to work with him,” said Amy Ginsburg, the symphony’s executive director. “This is the second Grammy nominated artist who has followed our maestro to Lee County this season. We’re looking forward to featuring many rising classical music stars because of Nir.” Tickets cost between $27 and $87 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 4181500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

American Virtuosi concert closes series at Davis Art Center

The American Virtuosi Concert will be the grand finale of the 2017 Chamber Series at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.

Returning for a 7th season, the concert will feature chamber music from great masters combined with the talent of some of the world’s leading concert artists. The group includes violinists Peter Winograd and Caterina Szepes, cellists Andres Diaz and Wolfram Koessel, violist Jim Griffith, and pianist Wendy Chen.

Experience this riveting ensemble on Friday, April 14 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Peter Winograd holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Juilliard.

Winograd has been a member of the violin and chamber music faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and the Aspen Music School (where the American is Quartet-in-Residence) since 1990. He has also been a member of the American String Quartet for almost 20 years.

Caterina Szepes studied at the Karlsruhe Conservatory of Music with Prof. Ulf Hoelscher 1985-1991 and the Cleveland Institute of Music with Donald Weilerstein 1991-1993. Since then, she has played all over the world, and has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1997.

Jim Griffith received his M.M. degree from the Juilliard School.

He also received his undergraduate degree from the Manhattan School of Music and attended Florida State University. He is a former member of the Hudson String Quartet in New York, faculty member of Point-Counterpoint Chamber Music Camp in Vermont. He formerly served as principal violist of the New York Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and the New York Virtuosi. Currently, he plays viola in the Naples Philharmonic. Griffith is also the director of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Andres Díaz studied at the Georgia Academy of Music with Martha Gerchefski. Díaz graduated from the New England

Conservatory, where he worked with Laurence Lesser and Colin Carr, and currently plays an active role in chamber music performances with the Conservatory’s faculty.

Since winning the First Prize in the 1986 Naumburg International Cello Competition, Díaz has exhilarated both critics and audiences with his intense and charismatic performances.

Wolfram Koessel is on the cello and chamber music faculty at the Manhattan School of Music and also in residence at the Aspen Music Festival and the Great Wall Academy in China. Since his critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut, cellist Wolfram Koessel has embarked on a diverse career as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, performing internationally in the world’s most distinguished concert halls. Based in New York City, Koessel appears with a wide range of ensembles and chamber music groups such as Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

Wendy Chen debuted at the age of 15 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under conductor André Previn. In 1990 she became the youngest winner ever of the National Chopin Competition, was one of the inaugural recipients of the Irving S. Gilmore Young Artists Award, and was named a Presidential Scholar by the National Foundation for the Arts. Since then, her career has flourished, adding Young Concert Artists International Auditions and Washington International Competition to her numerous awards.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Cocktails are at 7 p.m. ,and the performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit www.sbdac.com for info and tickets.

Broadway stars to join Gulf Coast Symphony April 9

Tony Award nominee Melissa Room, Town Hall, and Disney Concert Errico, Drama Desk Award- winner Hall. In recent years, including three chilRachel York and Gulf Coast dren and a dedicated marriage to tennis Symphony audience favorite star Patrick McEnroe, she has released a “Phantom” Doug LaBrecque perCD, performed with symphonies, reprised form with the Gulf Coast Symphony Camelot on Broadway with Jeremy Irons, on Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the played Nancy in Oliver! with Brian Stokes Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Mitchell, and co-starred with Alec Baldwin Hall at FSW. in the U.S. premier of Peter Schaffer’s Gift “From Hollywood to Broadway” of the Gordon. features works from Phantom of the Melissa Errico Rachel York is a dynamic and versatile Opera, Les Miserables, Evita, and actress, singer, dancer and comedienne.

Cats, as well as smash hits from She is best known for her critically other Broadway and Hollywood acclaimed Broadway performances in City shows. of Angels, Les Misérables, Victor/Victoria Melissa Errico is one of (Drama Desk Award) with Dame Julie Broadway’s most cherished leading Andrews, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sly Fox ladies, as well as a blossoming with Richard Dreyfuss, and Dirty Rotten recording artist. She was nominated Scoundrels co-starring Jonathan Pryce. for the Tony Award for Best Leading Doug LaBrecque is a Gulf Coast Actress for her work in Michel Symphony audience favorite, and one of Legrand’s Amour, and has been recthe most prolific concert singers of his Rachel York generation. He has appeared with more ognized with the Lucille Lortel Award, five Drama Desk nominathan 125 orchestras worldwide and most tions, two Helen Hayes Awards, four major pops orchestras in America includOuter Critics Award nominations ing the Philly Pops, the Boston Pops, and three Drama League Honors. and The New York Pops. LaBrecque Additional Broadway appearances thrilled theater audiences as both the include Cosette in Les Miserables, Phantom and Raoul in The Phantom of quickly followed by a star-turn as the Opera. He was a frequent soloist Kitty in Anna Karenina and Eliza with Marvin Hamlisch, and has also Doolittle in the Broadway revival of appeared with some of the world’s finest My Fair Lady. Errico has performed orchestras, including the Chicago with the National Symphony Symphony, the San Francisco Doug La Orchestra conducted by Marvin Symphony, the Israel Philharmonic, and Brecque Hamlisch at the Kennedy Center the Cleveland Orchestra. and the Cleveland Orchestra at the Tickets start at $42, and are available Blossom Festival, and appeared as a soloist at by calling the box office at 239-481-4849, or visAvery Fisher, Wolftrap, City Center, the Allen iting www.GulfCoastSymphony.org.

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

BBQ, Bands & Brew April 9 at the Alliance

The Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care is hosting the eighth annual BBQ, Bands and Brew, presented by All Star Equipment Rentals and Sales on Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

The fundraiser is open to the public and will feature local music, local barbecue restaurants, a barbeque competition to name the Best BBQ in town and activities for kids. Admission is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available.

Local bands include Soapy Tuna, Rockin’ Horse, Deb & the Dynamics and Ben Allen Band.

Also part of the event is the fifth annual Poker Run that begins at 9 a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson and includes a ride with three stops around Fort Myers before ending at BBQ, Bands & Brew at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Registration for the ride is $20 until March 13, $10 for passengers. Registration includes lunch and

Deb & The Dynamics

admission to the BBQ, Bands and Brew event.

Barbecue-themed foods between $2 and $5 will be provided by Bootleggers Waterfront BBQ, Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon, BurgerQue, Famous Dave's, Jonesez BBQ, Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant, MOFO's, Orange Tree Coffee and Slider City, and desserts by Artisan Gelato by Norman Love. Admission is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available.

The second ever BBQ, Bands & Brew cornhole tournament will begin at noon with team registration from 11 a.m. to noon. The competition is open to the public and participants must bring a partner to play in the double-elimination format. The entry fee is $20 per two-person team, and prizes include $400 for first place and $100 for second place.

The title sponsor of this year’s event is All Star Equipment Rentals and Sales.

Other major sponsors include: Ferguson, Sunset Air Conditioning, Cape Coral Plumbing, Moen, Minto Communities, Better Buildings, United Water Restoration, Argos, Action Automatic Door & Gate, Arthur Printing, Banks Engineering, Brent’s Music, CarterPritchett Advertising, Doc Fords, Everglades Farm Equipment, Five County Insurance, Florida Hydronic Solutions, Florida Weekly, Garden Street Portable Restrooms, Grabber Construction Products, Happenings Magazine, iHeartMedia, Kinetico Quality Water, Land Solutions Inc., Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC), Juniper Landscaping, Lightning Wireless Solutions, Miromar Outlets, Nilles Design Group, Priority Marketing, Promotional Incentives, Sarlo Power Mowers, Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Southern Accents Catering, Stevens Construction, Suncoast Beverages/Shocktop,

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

TargetonStar, the Trophy Case and WINK-TV. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Lee County Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, and the Lee BIA office at 10501 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Suite 118, in Fort Myers, or tickets can be reserved by calling 239-938-0056. Additional information is available at www.BBQBandsandBrew.com.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need.

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Symphonic Chorale of SW Florida wraps up concert season April 30

Pictured, from left, are Young Artists Awards executive director Katherine Boren, David Carlson, Sadie Reichenbach, Callie Atkinson, Erica Sample and WINK News anchor Lois Thome.

Callie Atkinson wins Young Artists Awards

Callie Atkinson, a senior at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts, was named overall winner (by the judges) of the Young Artists Awards gala March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers.

Additionally, she was given the audience choice award that night. Earlier in the evening, she won two of her categories in the competition, both the drama category

and the contemporary voice/musical theatre category.

Other category winners at the gala included Sadie Reichenbach in dance, Erica Sample in classical voice and David Carlson in instrumental music.

Emcee for the evening was WINK News anchor Lois Thome.

The Symphonic Chorale has been on quite a journey this season and presents its final concert of the year, Your Spirit Soars, on April 30 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road in Fort Myers. The concert will begin at 3 p.m.

Not only will this concert be a collection of beautiful music performed with a professional orchestra, but also the premiere of three new compositions, commissioned exclusively for the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida.

The Symphonic Chorale brings the excitement of quality choral music to the community, and is proud to be a strong cultural partner in southwest Florida. “Your Spirit Soars” will be offered free-of-charge to the community to enable the greatest number of people to experience this uplifting and inspiring performance.

Artistic Director Dr. Trent Brown describes it this way: ”The final performance of the season for the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida includes music that uplifts the spirit. Our diverse selections, from Trent Brown new commissions to popular spirituals, will appeal to all musical appetites.”

The Chorale announces the premiere of three original works. One is a new composition by up-and-coming composer Zachary Moore, who will also be attending the concert and available to meet concert-goers after the performance. His music will be set to words

taken from William Blake’s poetry. The Chorale sang one of Moore’s compositions, the beautiful “There is Sweet Music Here” at their fall concert.

Founding artistic director Timothy McDonnell has completed his three-part commission dedicated to the Symphonic called Spoon River Triptych. The first of the three pieces that comprise this trilogy was conducted by Dr. McDonnell, and performed by the Chorale last season. The premier of the second and third pieces complete the composition.

According to McDonnell, “The Spoon Tim McDonnell River Triptych was a labor of love for my dear friends in the Symphonic Chorale. I always treasured the expressiveness that the Chorale brought to their performances, and each portrait in the triptych conveys a different atmosphere and feeling. This piece was written with the Symphonic Chorale in mind, and I am eager for them to perform these quintessentially American texts.”

The Symphonic Chorale invites you to join them for an unforgettable afternoon of beloved and original music. Although there is no charge for the concert, go to the Chorale’s website, www.symphonicchorale.org, to reserve your seat. A free will offering will be collected during the performance to help defray concert production costs.

Bonita welcomes Herencia de Timbiqui, Beata Bilinska, Chris Hillman & Herb Pederson

The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs offers some great musical choices again in April.

Herencia de Timbiqui will perform Saturday, April 15.

Tickets are $50, $45 and $40.

Hailing from the Timbiquí region of Colombia, Herencia de Timbiquí, presents the ancestral roots of music from that region with a style and energy infects music lovers everywhere. Many of the instruments played by this 11member ensemble are traditional to the region and it’s largely Afro-descendant population.

Royal String Quartet of Poland will perform April 20 at 8 pm. Tickets are $37, $32 Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson and $27.

Nominated for the prestigious Royal Philharmonic carved a permanent niche in the history of Society Chamber Music Award, the Royal contemporary American music through his String Quartet is one of the most dynamic work with such notable bands as the Byrds, string quartets in the world today. the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and Beata Bilinska will perform April 22 at 8 the Desert Rose Band. And Herb p.m. Tickets are $27, $32 and $37. Beata Pederson is a legendary vocalist and allBilinska is one of Poland’s leading pianists, star multi-instrumentalist who over the past combining a mastery of popular classical 40 years fronted his own band, the Laurel pieces with “a sure sense of how musical Canyon Ramblers. lines bend and expands,” says Bernard The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Holland of The New York Times.

Springs is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen will perRoad. For tickets, call 239-495-8989 or visit form Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets www.artcenterbonita.org. are $45, $40 and $35. Chris Hillman has

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

ACMA: Squirrel Hillbillies, Malcolm Holcombe, Pierce Pettis The ACMA has another strong month with six concerts in April.

The Squirrel Hillbillies will perform April 1.

From deep within the urban forest of Pittsburgh's East End, the Squirrel Hillbillies often emerge to share their eclectic mix of folk, country and blues.

Through a collaborative, nonlinear songwriting process, duo partners Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth draw from personal experiences, third-hand stories, and vivid imaginations to craft songs that are unpredictable and quirky yet widely accessible.

Their CDs have gotten radio play on stations across the US and around the world. Opening will be local songwriter Ken Crosby.

The Songwriters at Sunset Set series closes out the season with one more show April 6 at Lovers Key State Park at Fort Myers Beach. Dan Philgreen’s original tunes attempt to take an honest look at life as he sees it and leave the listener with hope. Bob Williams’ original songs and the stories behind his songs always brings a smile. Keith Parker aka Canyon Wind Keith enjoys many different genres which have influenced his original compositions. Keith has a passion for writing, Malcolm co-writing, arranging, recording and performing original music. This free show starts at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to give yourself an extra 30 cussive guitar accentuating his insightful minutes to park and take the tram to the lyrics. “It is Malcolm’s perception of the world beach. The show is free, parking is $8 per that make his songs hit you like a gunpowder car. blast. His gruff and tough delivery is a primorApril 8 at 2 p.m. will mark the ACMA’s final dial power full of grit, spit and anthropomorshow of the season at South County Regional phic expression,” says Kennedy.

Library located at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway Born and raised in the Blue Ridge mounin Estero . The show is held in doors. The tains of North Carolina, Holcombe is highly Skinny Water Seagrass Band features songregarded and recognized by contemporaries writer Kip Lawrence, from The Yard Dogs, in Americana music including Emmylou along with Houseboat Jim Visone on banjo Harris, Wilco, Steve Earle. An “emotionally and Mecca captivating” (Isthmus), Keener playing performer, Holcombe standup bass. has shared the stage Original songs, with Merle Haggard, some fancy pickRichard Thompson, ing, and lots of John Hammond, Leon fun can be Russell, Wilco and expected at this Shelby Lynne. concert.

Opening for The ACMA will Malcolm is local songhold a benefit writer David Clayton. show to support Pierce Pettis will be the Ukulele Kids in concert April 29.

Club on Saturday, Pierce Pettis, adored April 15 at 7 p.m. by both critics and This show will public alike, is one of Squirrel Hillbillies take place at All this generation's most Faiths on masterful songwriters.

McGregor His music is distinBoulevard in Fort Myers. guished by his uncanny ability to capture The Ukulele Kids Club donates ukuleles to universals in human experience by drawing children in hospitals throughout the country. on the humor and trials in daily life. Pettis' Founded in 2014, they are already working music can simultaneously pull on our hearts with over 300 hospitals nationwide. They are and keep us laughing. The beautiful harwell on their way to fulfill a goal to donate monies, inventive yet subtle percussion, over 10,000 instruments by 2018. The April strong guitar, and Pierce's rich vocals are a 15 show is not a night of children playing constant throughout his body of work. ukuleles. The night will feature local songwritPettis has performed in all 48 continental ers Barbara Lynn and Lucia Jenkins who states as well as in Canada and Europe, have team up with bassist Bob Cox to form appeared nine times on American Public The Ballyhoos. All three artists perform reguRadio's Mountain Stage, been featured on larly and have put together a fun filled night of National Public Radio's E-town, Morning music. Suggested donations of $10-$15 or Edition and World Cafe ... appeared on VHmore will be accepted at the door.

1, CBS News, and the Nashville Network.

The ACMA welcomes Malcolm Holcombe During his long career Pierce Pettis has to town on April 22. Acclaimed singer-songbeen a writer at Muscle Shoals Sound writer Malcolm Holcombe, whose “heartfelt Studios in Alabama, recorded for Fast Folk baritone” (NPR) delivers “haunted country, Musical Magazine in New York, won the acoustic blues and rugged folk” (Rolling prestigious New Folk songwriting competiStone), released his 14th studio album, tion at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, Another Black Hole (Gypsy Eyes Music), in and was a staff songwriter at 2016.

Polygram/Universal Music Publishing in Produced by Grammy-winning producer Nashville. He has received numerous songand engineer Ray Kennedy and Brian writing awards including a 1999 ASCAP Brinkerhoff, Another Black Hole features Country Music Award for You Move Me -Holcombe’s rasping vocals and bright, perrecorded by Garth Brooks.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Holcombe Matlacha’s own Kip Lawrence opens for Pierce Pettis.

The Americana Community Music Association provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/Folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be

Pierce Pettis

prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of $10-$15 donation.

The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for profit organization. Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 p,m. For more information, visit www.americana.org

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prin in Bonita S

Come for the food.

Stay for the dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

& OTHER MUSIC ACTS

March 27 - Jimmy Mazz Variety - Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin tribute

April 15 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher and Lady Gaga tribute

March 30 - Rat Pack tribute

April 21 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute

March 28 - Barry Manilow, Tom Jones tribute

March 31 - International Irish show featuring Phil Coulter, Geraldine Branagan, Andy Cooney April 1 - The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Everly Brothers tribute April 6 - Neil Diamond tribute April 7 - The Eagles tribute April 8 - ABBA tribute

April 13 - The Beach Boys tribute April 14 - Fleetwood Mac tribute

239-405-8566

April 20 - Tina Turner and Blues Brothers tribute April 22 - The Del Prados

April 27 - Customer Appreciation Party Hall of Fame Band - 50s and 60s April 28 - The Eagles tribute

May 5 - Fleetwood Mac tribute May 6 - ABBA tribute

May 11 - Tina Turner and Blues Brothers tribute May 12 - Neil Diamond tribute

May 13 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher and Lady Gaga tribute

www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)

APRIL 2017

19

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers celebrate ‘Future of Music’ April 2 & 8

LoCash performs March 3 at the Sam Galloway Lincoln Live Lounge at iHeart Media in Fort Myers prior to their evening concert at The Ranch.

LoCash previews show at The Ranch The Sam Galloway Concert Series and Gator Country 101.9 welcomed country duo LoCash to Fort Myers March 3 when they played The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon.

Prior to the evening show, LoCash did a mini preview and meet and greet at iHeart Media with Cat Country 107.1.

Reviver Records hot country duo LoCash includes Baltimore native Chris

20

APRIL 2017

Lucas and Indianapolis’ Preston Brust.

Their smash No. 1 hit “I Know Somebody” topped Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck after their RIAA Gold-Certified “I Love This Life” single ascended to the top of the charts.

Both hits are included on their new album The Fighters, their first full-length project with Reviver Records.

As a culmination of a season with the theme, The Future of Music, the 80-plus voice Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, along with the City of Palms Youth Choir and the Mastersingers Festival Orchestra will perform a concert entitled, New Dawn, on two weekends in April.

The program will feature works by living composers and be performed at two churches in Lee County. The first presentation will be on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road SE. The second will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 7 pm at First Christian Church of Fort Myers, 2061 McGregor Blvd.

The concert will feature the world premiere of Dr. Jason Bahr’s Symphony No. 2. Bahr, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, serves on the Mastersingers Board of Directors and as the group’s bass section leader. He says of his work, “it was written in response to the Iraq War, and uses poetry from Walt Whitman and Wilfred Owen. It seems to me that most of the American public was insulated from this war. Most of us did not serve, did not sacrifice, and did not live in cities where bullets and bombs made no distinction between combatants

and innocents.” He continues, “I wrote this work as a reminder of the devastating cost of war.”

Bahr matches the epic language of three Whitman poems, Beat! Beat!

Drums!, An Army Corps on the March, and A Sight in Camp, along with Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est with his original and evocative rhythms and melodies to carry his message to the audience. By way of contrast, in the piece’s final movement, we hear from the City of Palms Youth Choir for the first time in the work, providing, as Bahr says, “the voices of our future, offering at last, a hope for better things in our world.” The lyrics for this movement are taken from Whitman’s work, The Mystic Trumpeter, and include visions of hope, earthly love, and of heaven.

The program will also include Jubilate Deo, a 2015 composition by celebrated young composer, Thomas LaVoy, and an orchestral overture by Frazar Henry, an eleven year-old prodigy who is studying composition with Dr. Bahr.

Tickets for the event are $25 with a special $15 ticket price for students, and can be purchased through the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers’ website www.mastersingersfm.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Backstreets

The Nauti Mermaid

The Barrel Room

Nervous Nellie’s

915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral • 239-945-7555

2210 Bay St., Fort Myers • 239-333-2225

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

755 Mission Hills Drive, Naples 239-597-2583

Buckingham Blues Bar 5641 Buckingham Road Fort Myers • 239-693-7111

The Buddha Bar

12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-8565

Cape Cabaret

4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000

The Cigar Bar

Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers • 239-267-6020

The Colosseum

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

The Cottage

1270 Estero Blvd., Ft Myers Beach • 239-765-5440

Dixie Roadhouse

1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral • 239-541-7900

Fathoms

5785 Cape Harbour Drive Cape Coral • 239-542-0123

Fishermen’s Village

1200 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda • 941-639-8721

Hotel Indigo

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers • 239-337-3446

Hurricane Charley’s

300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • 941-639-9695

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel • 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

9905 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers • 239-433-3323

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs • 239-948-4400

Lansdowne Street

24851 S. Tamiami Trail #7 Bonita Springs • 239-495-3800

Mike’s (Sandy Parrot) 17200 S. Tamiaimi Trail Fort Myers • 239-454-8454

5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral • 239-541-5600

1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-8077

Old Naples Pub

255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key 1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral • 239-540-8454

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-3257

Pete’s Time Out

1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5900

The Rhythm House

16440 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-466-8326

Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee • 800-218-0007

The Shell Factory

2787 N. Tamiaimi Trail North Fort Myers • 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery

340 Old San Carlos Blvd.

For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

3465 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs • 239-498-8887

The Stage

9144 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs • 239-405-8566

Ter-Tini’s

7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-277-5475

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5711

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

18051 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-267-7900

Twisted Vine Bistro

2214 Bay St., Fort Myers • 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples • 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples • 239-263-6777

Yucatan Beach Stand

250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach • 239-333-4386

Some of the places to hear live music in Southwest Florida.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

21

70s Rock & Romance Cruise debuts with success

By Jamie Kuser Whether you lived through the seventies or you love the music from that decade, the ‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise is one not to miss.

My wife, Kathy, and I set sail March 11 from Fort Lauderdale aboard the beautiful Celebrity Summit. On the ship with us were nearly 2,000 other music lovers, a dozen hit-making artists plus some radio and television celebrities.

This was not our first music or themed cruise, and so we were anxious and curious as to how the next five days would go. We had high expectations, and the 70s Rock & Romance Cruise met or exceeded them all.

The ship is well decorated and easy to navigate. The food, oh my, the food, was very good. Many choices, all day and night. We miss the buffet already.

After a day at sea, our first destination was Cozumel, Live music was nearly non-stop aboard the inaugural 70s Mexico. This was a new stop for us. Another day at sea folMarch on the Celebrity Summit. Photo by Jamie Kuser lowed, and we then docked at Key West. Who doesn’t like Key West?

Okay, so the ship has to go somewhere right? Well, what is so much more important and worthwhile than the Brady). These more intimate encounters were either in the ports of call is what happens on this particular kind of Rendez Vous Lounge (which holds 230 people) or the cruise. We’ve done The 80s Cruise, Monsters of Rock, Revelations Lounge (which holds nearly 400).

Celtic Thunder and Rick Springfield ... all of which were Additionally, we got to see more intimate performances thoroughly enjoyable and filled with loads of music. The

by Ambrosia, Orleans, Player and Firefall in the Revelations Rock and Romance Cruise was no different.

Lounge.

The national artists who performed at least twice The fourth performance venue on the ship was the on board the Celebrity Summit included Peter pool deck. This great outdoor stage hosted conFrampton, America, Little River Band, The certs by Chuck Negron, Hal Bruce and tribute Orchestra (starring former members of bands Hotel California, Bee Gees Gold and ELO), Christopher Cross, Ambrosia, All You Need is Love. Shipmates could Orleans, Stephen Bishop, Firefall, dance, sit in chaise lounge chairs or keep Player and Chuck Negron (formerly of wet in the pool. Food and beverage Three Dog Night). I lost count how options were only steps away. Now, many awards and hits this roster of talthat’s a versatile venue like no other. ent has combined. Five of the artists Just when you think you have a full played in the Celebrity Theater (which schedule of live music, cruise organizers holds about 1,000 people). This is the also provided entertainment with tributes to largest performance venue aboard the ship, Cher, The Blues Brothers, The Rolling Stones, but still small enough in which there is not a Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Joe Cocker. bad seat in the house. Half of our shipmates saw a But the fun didn’t stop there. Trivia contests and a concert in the theater, while the other half of us ate dinner.

Family Feud match with shipmates filled in the rest of the Then we swapped places and saw the concert of the day schedule. while the other half ate dinner.

A noteworthy aspect of this cruise was when Kathy and I During the day, various smaller venues hosted interacrenewed our wedding vows with at least 25 other couples tive events with the artists. We sat in on four different Q and onboard. A special treat was that Barry Williams officiated A sessions with America, The Orchestra, Chuck Negron, over the ceremony and took time for photos with each couStephen Bishop and cruise host Barry Williams (aka Greg ple afterwards. Too cool.

22

APRIL 2017

Rock & Romance Cruise presented by StarVista Live in Our fellow shipmates were wonderful to cruise with.

Nearly everyone was very respectful of each others’ space as well as attentive to the artists when they performed or talked.

A couple times on the cruise, we participated in theme nights. We donned our WKRP in Cincinnati shirts for the 70s TV and Movie Character Costume Party on Monday and broke out our disco attire for Tuesday’s 70s Disco Party. Not as many people wore themed clothes or costumes as we had hoped. (Nothing near what everyone did on The 80s Cruise last year). We did bump into a lot of firsttime cruisers on the 70s Rock & Romance Cruise. For those who return next year, I think they will dress more in line with the theme.

Oh, yes, I said next year. That’s right, the dates for the 2018 installment of the 70s Rock & Romance Cruise are March 3 - 8. Artists already slated for that cruise include Styx, Michael McDonald, War, The Guess Who, BJ Thomas, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Poco and Badfinger starring Joey Molland. More artists are expected to be announced soon.

Next year, the Celebrity Summit sails from Fort Lauderdale with stops in Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

We will again be offering special savings on your cabin for Happenings Magazine readers. Look for details on how you can save in next month’s magazine. Mention or use the promo code “Happenings” to get savings on your cabin.

Visit www.RockandRomanceCruise.com to find out more information.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Key West Songwriters Fest May 10-14 Key West Songwriters Festival has announced the initial lineup for the 22nd Annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association's Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI. Set for May 10 - 14, the Key West Songwriters Festival will feature top hit-makers alongside up-and-coming talent in the most iconic venues in the southernmost point in the U.S. This year’s top notch performers include Warner Music Group recording artists Michael Ray and William Michael Morgan, Langhorne Slim, Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Shawn Camp, Carter Winter, Jeffrey Steele, Liz Rose, Rayland Baxter, Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen, Keith Gattis, and many more. The kickoff concert at the Ocean Key Resort Sunset Pier will feature the Dylan Altman Blues Band with special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Cropper.

The main stage Duval Street concert artists featuring Sony recording artists will be announced on April 10.

“We’re so thrilled to celebrate another great year of bringing top songwriters to Key West. It’s the perfect opportunity for folks to discover their next favorite performer singing alongside a cherished writer in some of the most fun venues in Florida,” says Mason Hunter, executive director of partnerships and events at BMI. “Charlie Bauer and the great folks at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon have allowed us to elevate the festival to the next level, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experi-

ence for performers and attendees alike.”

Attendees will have the chance to check out more than 200 songwriters playing more than 50 shows, free of charge. Each day will feature free daily stages at the Southernmost Beach Resort, sunset show on the Pier House Resort and shows at historic venues around Key West including Sloppy Joe’s and the Green Parrot Bar. Other shows include the annual NSAI “Bluebird at Blue Heaven” show and a closing concert at the historic Casa Marina Resort.

“The Key West Songwriters Festival brings the best country songwriters to the most festive island venues in the southernmost States,” says Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

“We are thrilled to bring such a diverse talent line up Steve Cropper performs at Smokinʼ Tuna Saloon in Key West. to such a lively city as Key West, giving festival attendees the chance have a unique music festival experience.” benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 For the first time ever, select shows from the Key West supports the creation, performance and study of music Songwriters Festival will be streamed live at through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.

AuroraNashville.com and on the AURORA Nashville Sponsors include Florida Restaurant & Lodging Assoc., mobile app for iOS and Android. The streaming schedule Deep Eddy Vodka, Yuengling Beer, SunTrust Bank, will be announced soon at keywestsongwritersfestival.com Epiphone, Texas Roadhouse, HD Radio, and Maui Jim. and auroranashville.com.

Delta is the official airline of the Key West Songwriters Ticketed shows for the festival will include theatre Festival. shows at the San Carlos Institute, the Tropic Cinema, the Tickets will be on sale soon. For a complete listing of Key West Theater and the Studios of Key West. Awardshows, venues, sponsoring hotels, local businesses, parwinning songwriter Robert Earl Keen will host a Bloody ticipating songwriters and more, visit www.keywestsongMary Brunch show at the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon. writersfestival.com. For updates, follow @kwswf on Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival will Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, and use hashtag #kwswf.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

23

INCONCERT

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PERFORMANCES

April 29 & 30

Fort Rock: Def Leppard, Soundgarden and more

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA & THE SUN COAST

JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

May 5

March 29

Los Lonely Boys

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

April 1

Jim Brickman

Capitol Theatre Clearwater

April 8

Little River Band & Firefall Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

April 9

Neil Sedaka

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

April 10

Buddy Guy Artis–Naples

April 11

Lee Ann Womack

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

April 13

The Platters, Coasters & Drifters

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

April 14

The Original Wailers

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Chris Botti

Capitol Theatre Clearwater

April 15 Boston

Germain Arena, Estero

April 22

Kevin Costner and The Modern West

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Olivia Newton-John

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

April 23

Air Supply

Capitol Theatre Clearwater

April 27

Jonny Lang

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

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APRIL 2017

The Original Wailers at The Ranch April 14

Deuterman Productions.com presents The Original Wailers Friday, April 14 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

In 1974 when Bob Marley went solo, on the brink of international stardom, he surprised the music community by choosing as his lead guitarist the soft spoken, American-born Al Anderson. It was Anderson’s stunning lead work on such classics as No Woman, No Cry, Dem Belly Full and Curfew (Three O’ Clock Road Block) that first alerted rock fans to the Wailers’ music.

Over a billion dollars’ worth of Marley’s music featuring Al Anderson’s evocative guitar work has been sold worldwide. Al has also played with the Peter Tosh, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Steel Pulse, Aswad, Inner Circle, Traffic and Ben Harper.

Al Anderson is the sole member of the Wailers mid-1970s line-up in The Original Wailers. The reformed configuration includes Chet Samuel (lead vocals/guitar), Omar Lopez (bass guitar), Dyrol Randall (drums) and Dane Cole (keyboards and organ) that carry forward the true spirit and realities of the original music and the message of “One Love.”

Also scheduled to perform April 14 are SOWFLO and Roots Almighty.

SOWFLO is an original rock/ reggae band from Southwest Florida represented by Jacob Dorris (lead vocals/guitar), Christian Yacono (bass/vocals), Daniel Danger (lead guitar), Nick Grim (trombone) and Wesley James (drums).

Doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch. This is an all ages show. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com or www.theranchfortmyers.com.

Fort Rock festival features Def Leppard

A lineup featuring some of rock’s biggest artists has been announced for the fifth annual Monster Energy Fort Rock, Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers.

South Florida’s biggest rock festival will be led by Def Leppard (Saturday headliner), Soundgarden (Sunday headliner) and A Perfect Circle, and will feature performances from over 25 bands on two stages.

The current music lineup for Monster Energy Fort Rock includes: Def Leppard, Soundgarden, A Perfect Circle, The Offspring, Mastodon, Chevelle, Seether, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Eagles of Death Metal, Highly Suspect, In Flames, In This Moment, Motionless In White, All That Remains, Nothing More, Beartooth,

Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

May 6

Ambrosia

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

May 13

Aaron Watson

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

May 20

The Tenors

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Don McLean

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

May 25

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Todd Rundgren

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

May 27

Asleep at The Wheel

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Colt Ford

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

June 2

John Michael Montgomery

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

June 10

Paul Shaffer

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

June 23

Thompson Square

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

July 8 Starset, I Prevail, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Goodbye June, Cover Your Tracks.

Monster Energy Fort Rock is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents and AEG Live and kicks off the annual World’s Loudest Month festival series.

Weekend general admission starts at $89.50, and single day general admission starts at $70.

For tickets and more info, visit www.FortRockFestival.com

Gretchen Wilson

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

July 15

Steve Miller Band & Peter Frampton

Germain Arena, Estero

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

Kevin Coster & Modern West at The Ranch The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues in April with more national artists performing at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

Actor Kevin Costner and The Modern West will perform on April 22 (tickets start at $40 in advance), Modern West got its start when Kevin Costner’s wife (Christine) encouraged him to reconnect musically with John Coinman.

“I wasn’t really sure after all these years how it might work. I wasn’t really sure what to say. But if life has taught me anything it was not be stopped by the question or the unknown. “F… it, what do I have to lose but maybe some of the best times of my life?,” Costner says.

He continues, “I made the call to Tucson. ‘John what do you think?’ He never hesitated, willing to explore the idea. But it was always more than just an idea for me. It was a feeling that I had been unable to articulate. For a long time now I have felt the need to connect with people in a more meaningful way than just the autograph. I have found myself here and around the world in different situations where the only exchange has been just that…a quick signature on the run usually followed by a ‘gee, he’s taller than I thought.’”

Costner said, “I always thought that music could build a stronger, more personal moment for me. It would create the opportunity for a genuine exchange much greater than the movie, TV interview or magazine. It would be real, full of mistakes and without apology. But most of all there would be the chance to have some fun. The question was, would it work? I thought it could but I wasn’t really sure. I had

Kevin Costner and The Modern West been out on creative limbs before, and this felt familiar.”

“I asked John to get some guys together starting with Blair Forward who was in the first and only band I was ever in. John would pick the rest. If we were to play together the majority of our music would have to be our own compositions. What ever else we played would be old favorites of mine. They would come from friends, some famous and

Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton-John at Seminole Casino Hotel in April

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will host some legendary performers in the next several months including Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton-John, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, The Tenors and Asleep at the Wheel.

Iconic singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka will perform Sunday, April 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $70.

During the course of his impressive 60-year career, Sedaka was one of the first teen pop sensations of the 1950s, a successful songwriter for himself and other artists in the 1960s, and Olivia Newton-John a superstar in the 1970s. Today, he remains a constant force in writing and performing.

Sedaka catapulted to stardom after Connie Francis recorded his "Stupid Cupid."

Sunny 106.3 FM presents internationally recognized fourtime Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, community activist and breast cancer “thriver” Olivia Newton-John live in concert April 22 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $39, or $50 day of show. A limited number of $125 VIP tickets are available, with a private section directly in front of the stage with seating, private bar, complimentary appetizers and two beverages.

With a career spanning over five decades and more than 100 million albums sold, NewtonJohn’s successes include four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music, Billboard and People’s Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, 10 #1 hits and more than 15 top 10 singles.

Tickets are now on sale for the rescheduled Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons concert at Seminole Casino Hotel.

The concert, originally set for Jan. 26, has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 25.

Tickets are available for Neil Sedaka $125. Valli, in his sixth decade of stardom, has sold an estimated 100 million records throughout his group and solo careers with two U.S. Number 1 solo hits: 1975’s “My Eyes Adored You” and the title song from the movie “Grease” in 1978.

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons scored a total of 48 Billboard Hot 100 singles between 1956 and 1994 and were one of the few pre-Beatles groups to survive the 1964 British Invasion of the American pop music scene.

Additionally, the Seminole Casino Hotel welcomes The Tenors in concert on Saturday, May 20 (tickets are $45) and Asleep at the Wheel on Saturday, May 27 (tickets are $25).

Tickets can be purchased at the casino or by calling (800) 218-0007. For more concert events and info, visit online at www.moreinparadise.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

some who probably should be. The rest would be from artists that I have enjoyed over the years. If we played it would be Live, Loud and Long. The idea was simple.

Don’t stop the party. Everybody understood and everybody went to work,“ Costner said.

Other upcoming shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series include Roots & Boots with Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye on May 5 ($45 in advance), Aaron Watson on May 13 ($12 in advance), Colt Ford on May 27 ($20 in advance), John Michael Montgomery on June 2 ($25 in advance), Thompson Square on June 23 ($30 in advance), Gretchen Wilson on July 8 and William Michael Morgan on Oct. 27.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community, says Brian Tidwell, general sales manager of Sam Galloway Ford.

The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue which opened in late 2014. Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community, Tidwell said. For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch.

The country concerts at The Ranch are done in partnership with local radio station Gator Country 101.9. For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839.

For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Paul Shaffer and his band at casino June 10

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & It$ Not Ober Yet Productions present An Evening with Paul Shaffer & The World’s Most Dangerous Band at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m. Shaffer will be joined by special guest vocalist Valerie Simpson from Motown’s Ashford & Simpson. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Best known for his 33 years as David Letterman's musical director and sidekick, Shaffer began his career in 1972 as musical director of the Toronto production of "Godspell." He played piano in "The Magic Show" on Broadway in 1974, then spent the next five years with the original "Saturday Night Live," where he played keyboards, composed special musical material and, in 1980, became a featured performer.

Shaffer collaborated with Gilda Radner on the songs for her Broadway show, in which he also appeared, and served as musical director for the Blues Brothers – John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd – for their triple platinum album and national tour. His guest starring television appearances include “Ed”, “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and “How I Met Your Mother.”

Valerie Simpson is half of the legendary songwriting/ performing/producing entity formerly known as Ashford & Simpson. Their award winning collaborations began four decades ago, with Simpson and her late husband Nick Ashford penning classic hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need to Get By,” “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” “Solid,” “Your Precious Love,” “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Let’s Go Get Stoned.”

Simpson was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

Tickets are available now for $75 at the casino cashier, online at www.MoreInParadise.com and by phone at 1-800-ETIX. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

APRIL 2017

25

Art

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •

Juried student art exhibit at FGCU through April 6

The Art Galleries of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) present the 19th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition sponsored in part by U. Tobe, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Thomas Riley Studio, the Smith Family Foundation of Estero, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

The exhibit runs through April 6 at the Arts Complex.

The exhibit features artwork by FGCU students selected by jurors Chad Jensen, creative director of Thomas Riley Studios; Gisela Carbonell, director of Curatorial Affairs at Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum; and Andy Brown, program manager for the United Arts Council, from more than 300 submissions. Students of all levels were invited to participate.

Scholarships and cash awards were presented to students at the opening reception. The awards are the Carl Schwartz Award for Artistic Endeavor, Rauschenberg Studio Tour Awards, Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild Awards of Excellence, the Frame-It of Bonita Springs Awards, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary ClubAward, FineMark Scholarship Award, Thomas Riley Studio Scholarship Award, and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Scholarship Award.

The Art Gallery is located inside the Arts Complex on FGCU’s main campus.

Art Festival at Mercato April 22 & 23

The Art Festival at Mercato will be held April 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fifty national fine artists skilled in photography, jewelry, sculpture, glass, clay and painting will display their work along the main lawn across from the theater.

The featured artist for this event is award winning painter Kelly Tracht. Kelly was recently described in the media as “taking over the Florida art scene” as she has become a highly sought after and collectible international artist.

Originally trained as an architect at the University of Florida, Tracht graduated with honors and won a merit based scholarship to earn her master’s of architecture at Miami University (Ohio). As a successful artist and businesswoman whose pieces brighten homes throughout Florida and beyond, Tracht shares her soul-searching journey to becoming an Kelly artist.

In January 2005, Kelly Tracht made a decision that would alter the course of her life. “I don’t want to work in this field anymore,” Tracht continued. “I need to paint.”

Growing up near Clearwater, Tracht was drawn to the water, nature and animals. She was 4 years old when her mom put a paint brush in her hand, and a light inside her turned on.

Tracht gravitated toward painting like the tides gravitate toward the moon – but she also had an element of practicality

about her. “I could have gone to art school, but something inside of me said, ‘No, learn a broader way,’” she says.

Referring to architecture as “the mother of all arts,” Tracht pursued an education in architecture. Despite obtaining work in her architectural field, she never lost her artistic hunger.

Tracht spent a better part of her life feeding her artistic needs. While studying at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Italy at age 23, she was immersed in a town where architecture and art are one and the same.

In 1997 Tracht lived on the island of Grenada for a year and a half, where all she did was paint and learn a style that was new to her, called naïve. She learned from and worked with an Tracht acclaimed realist artist, Christopher Still, in Clearwater. In graduate school she took fiber arts, ceramics and quilting classes. And throughout it all, she painted portraits.

It took Tracht a few years to find her signature style, a style she calls “painterly modernism.” Painterly, she says, describes the brush strokes in her pieces that allow one to experience the paint in a spontaneous way.

Come meet Kelly and all the other wonderfully talented artists at The Art Festival at Mercato.

RECEPTION

APRIL 6TH

Meet the Artists & Enjoy Live Music 4 - 6 pm

ar t council sw f lorida

Coconut Point Mall

8074 Mediterranean Dr., Estero

Visit our Council of Organizations www.ACSWF.org

Representing Ar tists from Marco Island, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Captiva, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Punta Gorda and more.

Visit www.ACSWF.org for Classes, Special Events, Newsletters

Spring Has Sprung!

Visit the Co-op Ar t Galler y @ Coconut Point Enjoy Complimentar y Beverages and Hors d’Oeuvres while browsing the Gallery for your one of a kind purchase.

Hours: NOON to 6:00 PM Daily 239-949-3073 (N ext to Panera)

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APRIL 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Lorne Hosack art showcased in two Cape Coral galleries

Lorne Hosack

Lorne’s Gallery and Frame Gallery & Gifts, both in Cape Coral, will feature the art of artist and gallery owner Lorne Hosack in April.

Born in Florida, Lorne has been painting since his days of living in St. Thomas where he was surrounded by all the turquoise water and wild fusia flowers. His paintings include coastal images, birds and animals. You can often find Lorne painting in his gallery at Tarpon Point.

A special reception will be held April 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lorne’s Gallery, unit 108, at Marina Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral.

Lorne’s artwork can also be seen at Frame Gallery and Gifts, 1830 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Call 239-945-0866 or 574-5111 for more details.

Judi Ekholm exhibit at Community Foundation The Southwest Florida Community Foundation will launch a new art display at its Community Hub in April.

Beginning April 6, Fresh Aire will feature an adventure in color through the paintings inspired by artist Judi Ekholm’s road journey through 11 national parks and 21 states.

Ekholm focuses on different vantage points, and her technique is similar the Old Masters with many layers of fine paint and glazing. Her images of landscapes and gardens are both romantic and bold. She cre-

ates all sizes and scales of paintings, and each one makes its own original and unique statement. Her impressionistic paintings can be found in more than 700 international collections.

The exhibit is open to the public and will run through May during regular Community Foundation business hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Community Hub at the Foundation is located at 8771 College Parkway, Building 2, Suite 201 in Fort Myers.

SoCo Second Saturday event returns April 8

Another artful night will be held at the cultural district of SoCo in the month of April.

The monthly SoCo Second Saturday event began last October and continues to grow, with more cultural venues, new vendors and a redesigned map; which includes all of the night’s attractions and the details on how to win a great prize by one of the participating SoCo stops. On Saturday, April 8, patrons of the arts, collectors, art enthusiasts and all attending guests will have the chance to win another great prize, just by enjoying the SoCo cultural venues and collecting the very popular Golden Tickets from each location. The winner will be announced one week after the event.

Artist vendor Ellen Bianchi at Yoga Bird This month’s prize is four tickets to a Wine & Art Nights event hosted by visual ing the event. There will be live musicians at artist David Acevedo at DAAS Co-Op Art the Art Loft in the Alliance for the Arts campus Gallery & Gifts. and at various locations of the Royal Palm This month’s participating SoCo cultural Square. The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at venues are: Alliance for the Arts, DAAS Co-Op 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. This is a monthly Art Gallery & Gifts, Gittleman Studios, event, rain or shine. The SoCo Cultural District Ocasiocasa, The Union Artist Studios and the location encompasses the block south of Crafted Shop, Catch 22, Vamped Up Vintage, Colonial Blvd, from the corner of McGregor Yoga Bird, Living Vine Café, A Swedish Affair, Blvd to Summerlin Road, to Royal Palm Square Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Suzanne’s Boulevard and back to McGregor Boulevard.

Dance Fitness and Studio Os Urbanos.

More information about the event and vendor In addition, more than 10 vendors, located opportunity information is available at at various locations of the Royal Palms Square, www.socoswfl.com. will be offering their handmade, fine-crafts dur-

OUR FINAL SHOW OF THE SEASON

Naples Artcrafters

Fine Art & Craft Show Celebrating 50 YEARS

SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH 10am - 4pm

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples just south of 5th Avenue

More than 80 Juried Artisans • Free Admission & Parking

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Naples Art in the Park April 1

The final Art in the Park of the season will be Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cambier Park. Since 1957, Art in the Park has remained the monthly members show showcasing the talents of the Naples Art Association member artists. Believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples, Art in the Park carries on the tradition of providing our community access to the very creative fine art and craftwork of our member artists. The NAA hosts this juried art show held on the first Saturday of each month from November through April. Above is artist Mauricio Garay at the March Art in the Park.

DAAS exhibit focuses on photographic perspective

Once again, DAAS Co-Op displays a new exhibition where selected artist members were challenged to push their medium of expertise further. Unbound: Five Photographers Explore Aesthetic Freedom is a collection of photographic self-expression and a reminder that digital media possesses an important place in the world of fine art. The opening reception is in conjunction with the SoCo Second Saturday arts and culture crawl of April 8 from 5 to 10 p.m.

“Photography is a mark making system, a tool for picture making like paint on canvas, cuts in a block of wood or pixels on a screen, all used to express a personal vision.

Most people don’t think of it that way. This exhibit is an experiment to further the awareness of these concepts,” says Dennis Church, who is one of the featured artists participating in the exhibition.

Emerging into the scene of artistic photography, Frankie Herb is presenting his first collection of works during this exhibition. “In my creative process, I seek things that interest me and stimulate my imagination. I consider my approach to photography different and relevant because I focus on the things I see as unique and beautiful. Although I have been a creative soul all of my life, this new medium has broaden my ability to express myself. – says Herb, who oversees operations at DAAS CO-OP since its opening in April of last year.

“I utilize the lens as a means to empathize with nature, humanity and the vulnerability that comes with the territory. For this exhibition, entitled Unbounded, I have allowed myself to go further and push the envelope a bit more, in hopes to connect with the viewer.

Jose Miletti

Understandably, not the norm in terms of traditional photography, I will be open to the reactions to my work, but that in itself is what drives me to do what I do.” – adds Herb.

Carmen Sprague and José Miletti are two veteran DAAS Co-Op members participating in this show. They share a similar approach to traditional photography. For this collective, they have ventured into a different perspective. Lois Porter, another artist member, will exploit her intriguing medium-altering technique as she weaves two or more photographs together. The result is an unexpected yet beautiful distortion of what lies in front of the lens.

DAAS Co-Op is located at 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84 in Fort Myers. Information about the event and the venue is available at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239-5908645. This is a free event. Information about SoCo Second Saturday is available at www.socoswfl.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

29

Art Quilters Unlimited, ArtPoems at ACT Gallery

Denver area. When she learned Arts for ACT Gallery will feature that there was not an art quilt The Art Quilters Unlimited Group in group in the area, Carol “contactApril. This talented group of fiber ed several of the local traditional artists produced new works for the quilt guilds to see if any of their theme, “Greetings from Southwest members might be interested in Florida.” getting together on a regular basis The gallery will also feature Art to pursue our interest in fiber art Poems 2017 in the White Gallery exclusively. There were 19 of us and new works from over 20 co-op at that first meeting.” Art Quilters artists. An opening reception will Unlimited (AQU) is an active, exutake place on Friday, April 7 from 6 berant group of eclectic fiber to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Art artists interested in “expanding Walk. The gallery will also be open our knowledge and pushing the on Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. boundaries of our creativity.” to 4 p.m. for those who could not Art Poems is a creative collabcome to the April Art Walk. oration between artists and poets.

In early 2016, the AQU As a platform for the creation of Exhibition Committee challenged new art and poetry it adds a members to create a fiber art piece unique vision and voice to the based on the theme “Greetings Southwest Florida cultural landfrom SW Florida.” Each original Barbara Gates-Mewhinney scape each year. Founded in one-of-a-kind work is mounted on a 2007 by Lorraine Walker Williams square format canvas stretcher, and Joe Pacheco, ArtPoems celewith sizes varying from 12” x 12” to brate its 11th year in 2017. Each season, Art Poems 36” x 36”. The visually exciting submissions express a artists and poets are paired and exchange art and poetry. wide range of artistic styles, combinations of media and The artists create new art works inspired by the poetry and subject matter inspired by living and playing in Southwest the poets write new poems inspired by the artwork.

Florida.

This exhibit continues through Monday, May 1. ACT Art Quilters Unlimited met for the first time in March Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort 2004 at the Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers.

Myers.

Carol Holsopple had moved to Cape Coral from the

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APRIL 2017

Bev Fox

Ring of Fire exhibit at Cape Coral Arts Studio The Cape Coral Arts Studio fine arts gallery presents Ring of Fire, an invitational exhibit hosted by the Florida Society of Goldsmiths and the Southwest Florida Glass Beadmakers. The show also features the work of specially invited fused glass artists.

Enjoy the amazing talent of these artists as they present their annual exhibit. This unique exhibition includes wearable and sculptural handcrafted metal and glass works created by open flame and kilns.

A reception to meet the artists will be held on Friday, April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit runs April 7 – 27.

The Cape Coral Arts Studio is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway, in Rubicon Park and is part of the City of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department. For more info, call 239-574-0802 or email cbell@capecoral.net.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Photograpghy, beadwork display at Cape Library

Changing exhibits of work by local artists, photographers and artisans are featured in the spacious art gallery of the Cape Coral Public Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. The current show will be available for viewing during library business hours from April 7 through May 7.

The French Connection photography exhibit on the walls of the gallery will feature images by Claude Chalut, Estelle Chartrand, Marie-Elise Mathieu and Andreé Morin. These four talented snowbirds return each year to their homes in Cape Coral, and each has received numerous awards and recognition in shows at the Cape Coral Art League, where they are all active members. The extraordinary work in this exhibit at the library will include travel, nature, scenery, macro photography and more.

Contemporary Native American beadwork by Marion Courtney will be shown in the gallery cases. Her handmade leather items with intricate beading are period correct for the years1810 to 1840. Medicine bags, small personal bags, knife sheaths, and rifle cases will be among the pieces included in the display. Courtney is of English, Irish, Scotch, Dutch, Viking, French and Native American descent. Her European ancestors arrived in 1620 on the second boat to land at Salem, Massachusetts.

She can therefore claim a unique distinction of not only being a Daughter of the American Revolution, but also having Seneca Brule Yanktonai tribal heritage.

The exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. For more information, contact art gallery chairperson Monica Rahman by calling (239) 258-2991 or emailing monica4608@comcast.net.

Kyra Belan exhibit at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Spring brings Kyra Belan’s expressive exhibition, Symbolic Magic, to downtown Fort Myers for April’s Art Walk.

All month long, see a series of works that include the American Beauty series paintings of hibiscus flowers; the From Kali series drawings of mixed animals/birds; paintings from the Amazing Ladies series (portraits of notable women); and paintings of mythological figures of divinities. Nude figures may also be included.

Experience the opening night event Friday, April 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., which concludes with a performance art piece featuring live and projected artistry.

Artist, author, mythologist, and art historian, Dr. Kyra Belán graduated from Arizona State University with a B.F.A. in fine arts, and from Florida State University with an M.F.A. in visual arts. Dr. Belán has had over 60 solo art exhibitions and has participated in over 90 group art exhibitions. She has received numerous awards, including Who’s Who in American Art, 2000-16; the Florida Achievement Award in the Arts, Women's Caucus for Art Florida Chapter, 2008. Author of several articles published in journals, the 5th edition of her book, Earth, Spirit, and

Kyra Belan

Gender: Visual Language for the New Reality, was published in its latest edition, titled Art, Myths, and Rituals, by Bent Tree Press.

Dr. Belan is the Otto M. Burkhardt Endowed Chair and professor of art and art history emerita at Broward College. She was the founding art gallery director at Broward College, Pembroke Pines, from 1991 to 2011, and coordinated the Seminole Arts and Culture Project (2007 – 2009).

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Natalie Guess

Natalie Guess art in Collier County

Fine art batik by Natalie Guess will be on display at the Collier County government building in Naples for the month of April.

As an artist working in this unique medium of batik on fabric presented as fine art, for more than 37 years in Naples, she will be showing a few of her larger pieces in this month long show.

The public is welcome to come and view the works by Guess.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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31

Art and Nature night April 12 at Shangri La in Springs in Bonita

Mally Khorasantchi will be the featured artist of Bloom art show at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita.

Her work has been collected by both private and corporate clients the world over. She was awarded with the prestigious "Stars in the Arts Award" by United Arts Council of Collier County in 2014.

The Historic Shangri-La Springs monthly Art & Nature night is the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. The free community night is an artist reception with music, wine and beer bar, organic dining, yoga, free mini spa treatments, live art, crafts, story-telling, drumming and more. The evening is a multimedia artistic experience unique to SW Florida.

For information, call the gift shop at 239-9490749. Shangri La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita.

Mally Khorasantchi

Future of Art exhibit at the Alliance

The Alliance for the Arts April exhibition The Future of Art will exhibit from April 4 – April 29 at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.

This is the 25th year the Alliance has partnered with Lee Arts Educators Association (LAEA) to display student work in a formal exhibit. The show features more than 40 schools and hundreds of works in a variety of mediums.

The elementary and middle school students opening reception will be on April 4

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APRIL 2017

from 5 – 7 p.m. and the show will remain on display until April 14. High school works will be exhibited with a second opening reception on April 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. and will remain on display until April 29.

Winners will be selected in several categories and Best in Show will be rewarded.

Pizza for the high school reception will be provided by Downtown House of Pizza in Fort Myers.

For more information, call 239-939-2787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org.

Harbour View Gallery to feature artists Lois Porter and Art Stein

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Art Stein (oil painting) and Lois Porter (weaving) at a reception on Tuesday, April 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Art Stein is a self taught, 74 year old, part time artist living in Cape Coral for six months a year and in Grosse Ile, Mich., the rest of the year where he and his wife enjoy the company of family and friends who live close by.

He has been retired from General Motors since 1998 after 40 years of service as a manufacturing and product engineer specializing in automotive interiors. Art has enjoyed carving and painting various species of ducks and small birds and has won numerous awards for his work.

Some years ago he began painting in acrylics and oils as he found it more conducive to working indoors. Art has won various local art show awards and sold some

Lois Porter

Art Stein

commission work.

Before Lois Porter inherited her mother's floor loom in 1989 she taught art at the secondary level and was a well known painter in the PNW. Weaving led to many adventures and experiments from selling wholesale and retail and to memberships in galleries in the U.S., the Carib-bean and beyond.

Starting with weaving scarves, shawls and rugs she branched out to 2D weaving with paper, fiber and "finds" from the beaches and the surrounding landscape.

Lois and her husband found their way to Punta Gorda via eBay. They listed a home that they owned in N.C. on eBay and a family in Punta Gorda made a trade offer.

The rest is history.

Their work will be on display through April. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Comedy Clubs SATURDAY - 1

Dat Phan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

APRIL

Loni Love 6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Romas 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 2

Dat Phan 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Angel Salazar 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 5

World Series of Comedy 7:30 p.m.

Laugh in Comedy Cafe

Shaun Jones 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 6

Marc “Skippy” Price 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

8595 College Parkway Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Off the Hook Comedy Club

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant

2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net

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APRIL 2017

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

THURSDAY - 6 continued Mitch Fatel 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Shaun Jones 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 7

Marc “Skippy” Price 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Mitch Fatel 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Shaun Jones 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 8

Marc “Skippy” Price 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Mitch Fatel 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Shaun Jones 86 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 14 continued Tom Cotter 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 15

Ken Evans 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Tom Cotter 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 16

WEDNESDAY - 19

Mark Evans 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Tom Cotter 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Laugh In Line Up 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

TUESDAY - 11 THURSDAY - 13

Mark Evans 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ken Evans 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Tom Cotter 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Ric h Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 14

Ken Evans 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Marc Price (aka Skippy from Family Ties) will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers April 6 - 8.

Some people still remember him as Skippy from the hugely popular ‘80s NBC sitcom Family Ties, starring Michael J. Fox. As a stand up, Marc Price has opened for Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. He's starred in movies, hosted late night talk shows and more recently he's been behind the cameras writing and producing for E!, TBS, Disney Channel, Animal Planet, GSN, Showtime and more.

FRIDAY - 21 continued Al Ernst 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Tommy Davidson 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Ric h Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes Marc Price

Helen Keaney 6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Ernst 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 20

SUNDAY - 23

Helen Keaney 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Ernst 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Cruise Ship Showcase 7 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Helen Keaney 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 26

Preacher Lawson 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 21

Mark Evans 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SATURDAY - 22

Helen Keaney 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

THURSDAY - 27

Amy Dingler 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

* schedules subject to change

Come on out and see why the Los Angeles Times calls him "refreshingly bright" and the Boston Globe says he's "wickedly funny." Also he has a contract to perform yearly at the Improv comedy club at Harrah's in Las Vegas and Tahoe.

Tickets are $20.

The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on April 7 and 8.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers.

For tickets, call 239-4795233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com

THURSDAY - 27 continued Louie Anderson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Preacher Lawson 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 28

Amy Dingler 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Louie Anderson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Preacher Lawson 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 29

Amy Dingler 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Louie Anderson 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Preacher Lawson 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 30

Louie Anderson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

35

River District

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Smoke on the Water April 28 - 29

Great music and delicious barbecue return to the Fort Myers River Basin this April at the 4th Annual Smoke on the Water Barbecue Competition and Music Festival.

Experience the best barbecue and music festival in Southwest Florida on Friday, April 28 from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year, event attendees can purchase barbecue from one of the many cook teams from across the South as well as local sweets vendors.

Enjoy music from Sheena Brook, the Nowhere Band, The Blu-Tones, Strange Arrangement, The Electric Mud, and Memphis Motown Experience, and shop from one of the many retail vendors. Plus, families will love the fun-filled kid zone.

This Florida BBQ Association sanctioned competition includes professional teams from all across the Southeast that will fire up their smokers for the Grand Champion title. As a sanctioned contest, Smoke on the Water is a qualifier for the Jack Daniels Invitational Draw and the FBA’s new championship contest, the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational. The 4th annual Smoke on the Water Barbecue & Music Festival promises an authentic experience of craft barbecue, beer and bands.

The Electric Mud

Local talent Sheena Brook was recently chosen to join Team Adam (Levine) on NBC TVʼs The Voice. She is scheduled to perform April 28 at Smoke on the Water in downtown Fort Myers.

The event is free to attend.

VIP tickets are available for $75 (Access to VIP Tent and Tables at premium location near the stage, one meal, and two drink tickets to be used for beer or non-alcoholic beverages.)

Smoke on the Water is presented by the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and is sponsored by Florida BBQ

Association, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Andersen Windows & Doors, Florida Wood, Window, and Door, Inc., The City of Fort Myers, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Florida Weekly, Courtyard Marriott, and Chico’s FAS. For more information, visit www.sbdac.com/smoke-water2017.

Band schedule

Friday, April 28 6 pm • Sheena Brook 8 pm • The Nowhere Band

Saturday, April 29

The Nowhere Band (Beatles tribute)

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APRIL 2017

2 4 6 8

pm pm pm pm

• The Blu-Tones • Strange Arrangement • The Electric Mud • The Memphis Motown Experience

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Enjoy AT OUR

THE

SUNSET

Rooftop

Historic Downtown

Rooftop Bar

Antiques & Treasures

LOUNGE

Spectacular Views

&LIVE MUSIC EVERY

Ivy Cottage

ART WALK & MUSIC WALK

HAVING AN EVENT? GIVE US A CALL...WE DO IT ALL! 1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-337-3446

www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl

6,000 square feet filled with treasures

Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by.

Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more.

Tuesday through Friday 11 - 5, Saturday 11 - 4 2259 Widman Way

Fort Myers River District

(formerly Peck Street)

(239) 226-0025

DIRECTIONS: Downtown Fort Myers ... Take MLK ... Look for the Oasis Restaurant. Turn on to Hendry Street, then left on Widman Way. We are directly one block BEHIND the Oasis Restaurant. FREE PARKING.

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

ut our Ask abo inition h Def

Hig pecial Sushi S

Seven Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 10 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Tel: (239) 334-6991 • Fax (239) 334-6591 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH (rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM

Artist Peter Stilton at Arts for ACT Gallery in March Artist Mano Mudd (aka Tim Smith) at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in March.

Come visit us at ...

The next Art Walk is and

Friday, April 7

from 6 - 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The

Bacchus Room

... upstairs at Prime

DeLeon Steakhouse

PATIO DE LEON

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Happy Hour Daily until 8 pm

SpiritsofBacchus.com Now open Sunday at 12:30 for football.

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APRIL 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LIVE MUSIC STARTS AT 6 PM

THIRD FRIDAY EVERY MONTH The next Music Walk will be

Friday, April 21

Fort Myers Music Walk

Car Cruise-in April 22

Stroll the downtown streets and view the beauty of automotive design on the fourth Saturday of every month. The River District Alliance presents the next car cruise-in Saturday, April 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. Call 239-3217100 for more details.

Sonic Combine at Davis Art Center

Sonic Combine featuring Kat Epple (front), Laurence Getford (back), and Lawrence Voytek with special guest Nathan Dyke performed March 3 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

39

DINING PICKS FOR SEASON 1st Street Deli

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite.

Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and

800-218-0007

salads. It is open 24/7 with a special overnight menu including breakfast.

506 South 1st Street, Immokalee www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open seven days a week.

1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers

at The Shell Factory

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like: shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings.

Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice. Capt’n Fishbones opens daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily from 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows are held every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

GameTime

at Gulf Coast Town Center

At GameTime, you can play and eat in style! With a wide variety of menu selections including appetizers like Ahi Tuna Crisps and Fried Mac N' Cheese Balls; entreés that include Baby Back Ribs, Churrasco, Salmon and Pasta dishes; great kid’s meals; healthy Salads and delicious Sports Bar staples like Chicken Wings and Nachos, you are certain to have a fantastic dining experience while everyone has a great time!

We offer a full liquor Sports Bar and 2-4-1 all day every day on any individual beer and wine.

10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-204-5964 www.gametimeplayers.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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APRIL 2017

at Seminole Casino Hotel

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee is your place for down-home favorites. The Grill is serving up a delicious new menu featuring gluten-free and organic items, such as the gluten-free Cobb Salad and savory Organic Herb Roasted Chicken.

The EE-TO-LEETKE Grill opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread.

506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

239-334-6991

www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Lucky Mi

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees. The new Hot Rocks House Specials include Mixed Seafood (sea scallops, tiger shrimp, king salmon, Asian vegetables), Beef Tenderloin (thinly sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables) and Surf and Turf (cold water lobster tail, sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables), all served with steamed rice and lemon-ginger vinaigrette, hoisin sweet soy and Thai sweet chili dipping sauces.

506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Pinchers

at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table.

With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style.

Pinchers has 11 Florida locations including Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beacah and Gulf Coast Town Center.

2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-745-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Shangri-La Springs

For an extraordinary dining experience, join us at the legendary Shangri-La Springs for lunch or dinner, indoors or out.

Our all organic menu pays homage to our seasons and is sourced from our certified organic gardens on property!

Dinner is from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and Friday as well as on event nights. Lunch is 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Reservations are strongly recommended as this historic property offers limited seating.

27750 Old 41 Road, historic Downtown Bonita Springs 239-949-0749 www.shangrilasprings.com

The Rhythm House

The Rhythm House is more than just the best place to catch live local entertainment. Our Menu is designed to fit the tastes of all patrons by offering amazing culinary delights.

We utilize local fresh seafood, and cut our steaks. For those who enjoy the simpler side of dining, our 1/2 pound burgers are a crowd favorite. Our Kitchen Crew brings their decades of experience to the table, and serving you a wonderful meal is their passion. Stop in and check us out, for a quick lunch or for a special night out, Rhythm House is ready for you.

16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-466-8326 www.rhythmhousedinnerclub.com

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill

at Dolphin Key Resort

DINING PICKS FOR SEASON

Twisted Vine Bistro

Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass. Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden! We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners.

Dinner is served seven nights a week. We are open for Monday through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Join us for brunch in our courtyard garden. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu.

2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com

The Veranda

There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light Rock and Country to listen and dance to Friday and Saturday, and then of course, let’s really dance Sunday afternoon to Brylcream with Doo Wop and Motown for the real dancers.

The Tiki is a dog friendly bar, offers an outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late.

1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-ofthe-century homes, combined with our Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff will provide you with the most unique dining experience in SW Florida. Celebrating more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.

2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com

Suncoast Security Professional Security

Licensed, educated employees

Specializing in ...

• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts

Se Habla Espanol

• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties

(239) 415-7007 Serving all of Florida

St. Lic. # B2000112

WWW.SUNCOASTSECURITY.BIZ

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured

Email: SUNCOASTSCRTY@AOL.COM

APRIL 2017

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Saturday -1 Jersey Boys

Through April 2 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Hairspray Through April 2 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Through April 12 Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Fun Old Times R & R Dance Tunes The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Nunsense Through April 15 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-6862 These Shining Lives Through april 15 The Naples Players 701 5th Ave. S, Naples 239 263 7990 Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Everly Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 ACMA concert - The Squirrel Hillbillies All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Ken Crosby opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Scale: A Tribute to Olga Hirshhorn Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Michael Charles Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Gulf Coast Town Center Music Series 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers Richie C. - Classic Oldies: 7 to 9 p.m. 239-267-5107 Steely Pan; High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, 1-4 p.m. & Chris G, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Art in the Park Naples Art Association, Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-262-6517

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Improv Tonight!

Center for Performing Arts – Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $12 Member / $15 Non-Member / $17 Door. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org The Cave Through April 2 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 The Sunset Celebration - Riverside Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 GreenMarket Every Saturday Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Comedy Show - Laugh til your face hurts!

Shell Factory & Nature Park, N. Fort Myers G. David Howard is performing live at the Shell Factory! Tickets are $15. 239-995-2141 String Chamber Ensembles Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268

Sunday -2 The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Tickets $22 to $35. 7:30 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221

Island Jazz BIG ARTS Boler Garden, Sanibel Bring a chair and come early to enjoy this free concert in the open air. 3-5 p.m. 239-395-0900

Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Brick by Brick Picnic Lakes Park, Fort Myers Bear Hill Bluegrass Band performs, 4 to 7 p.m., food by Denny’s Restaurant, General admission $25, VIP $100. lakesparkenrichmentfoundation.org

Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Celebrate Israel Fleischmann Park Community Center 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples 9 - 3:30 p.m. 239-263-4205 Gulfshore Opera - Madama Butterfly Parish Life Center of St Leo Catholic Church, Bonita Springs 4 p.m., $38-$73, 239-529-3925 gulfshoreopera.org

Monday -3 ARTS@FSW Free Concert Series: Concert Band Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

FGCU-Nest Fest 2017 Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825

A Tribute to Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 7 p.m. theculturalcenter.com. 941-625-4175 x221

BeatleBeat The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

Brylcream tribute to Patsy Cline & Jersey Boys Unity Church, 28285 Imperial Pkway, Bonita Springs 2 p.m., $20, 239-947-3100

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Naples Concert Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Waterhigh, Noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Spring Fling Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Naples Music from The Wilder Sons and Gator Nate, bounce house, face painters, Groupie Booth, food, drinks and more! Noon - 4 p.m. 239-254-1080

Wednesday -5 The Price is Right Live!

Ragedy Lapsay Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Mozart with Moreno Through April 3 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111

SWFL Big Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. This is a free event. www.cityofbonitasprings.org

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, 1-4 p.m., Center Court & Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Chamber Choir Concert First Presbyterian Church, 250 6th St S, Naples This concert is free. 4 p.m. 239-745-4268

Lee County Community Band- ‘Til We Meet Again Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd.

The program features flute soloist Kelly Koontz in Rhapsody for Flute, and concludes with the moving American Civil War Fantasy. 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org 239-995-2097.

Jason Bonham Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

The Elephant: Stories You’ll Never Forget Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. South, Naples Story Slam 7 – 9 p.m. Tickets $20, 239-263-7990

Danut Muresan, Violinist Shell Point Retirement Community The Woodlands - Grand Cypress Room 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers This St. Petersburg recording artist, composer and arranger started playing at the age of four, and has won multiple national and international violin competitions. 7 p.m. $26 239-454-2067

Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Miami City Ballet Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111

Tuesday -4 Strictly 60s with guest vocalist Mark Raisch The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte This Strictly '60s Tribute show will be opened by Mark Raisch, an accomplished singer, entertainer and veteran of the performance world. 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 x221 Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Lois Porter and Art Stein, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789

Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Live music on the beach! There will be over 40 vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, gift items and more! 4 - 7 p.m. Free. 239-574-0806 All That Jazz Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. by Coffee Café, Chris G, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Center Court & Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Joel Da Silva solo The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-2225 Jersey Beat The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 Art Alive Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours 5-8 pm. Forty professional artists showcase their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. 239-596-5099 www.NaplesArtDistrict.com

Tim Miller Artist Residency performance TheatreLab Arts Complex, FGCU, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. fgcu.edu/cas/bsma

Thursday -6 Art Council reception

Stardust Memories Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. www.cityofbonitasprings.org

Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Award-winning slide guitarist Kraig Kenning Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Naples 6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Mike Imbasciani & Bluez Rockerz The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Shell Point Singers Spring Concert Shell Point Retirement Community The Village Church, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myer Enjoy an evening of favorite show tunes, presented by the Shell Point Singers. 7:15 p.m. There is no charge to attend this concert; 239-454-2147 Anne-Sophie Mutter Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Del Prados Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Pre-registration required and all seats are assigned. $12 per person. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

239-574-0807 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Vladimir 11-3 p.m., Singer Paul Roush, Noon - 3 p.m., Center Court & Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m. with music by Paul Roush, Center Court. 941-575-3007 CFABS Community Players Present Later Life by A.R.Gurney Through April 9 Center for Performing Arts-Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs $25 general admission. 239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org Songwriters at Sunset Concert Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach Join us at the Gazebo on the beach for an evening of all original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate “Bluebird Café” style. This month’s concert features Bob Williams, Dan Philgreen, and Keith Parker. 5:30 p.m. to sunset. www.friendsofloverskey.org Jesus Christ Superstar Through May 14 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Ingroov Big Band The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Enjoy a variety of swing and big band tunes from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.

941-625-4175

Friday - 7

Southwest Florida Symphony: Debby Boone Friday & Saturday Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Galaxy Band The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Joel Da Silva & Midnight Howl The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Kyra Belan: Symbolic Magic Exhibit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. Exhibits through April 26. 239-333-1933 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. by coffee cafe, Danny Beach, Noon - 3 p.m. & Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Enjoy the sounds of Hester Prynn, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-376 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Tickets $19. 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221 Ring of Fire exhibit Through April 27 Cape Coral Arts Studio, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, 239-574-0802 La Arrolladora Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Doors open at 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival Friday & Saturday Great lawn next to the Tiki Bar at the Fourpoints by Sheraton, Punta Gorda Friday street party starting at 6 p.m., with Boogiemen on stage for a free event. On Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. Randy McAllister returns for an encore headliner performance. Joining him will be Mike Imbasciani and the Bluez Rockerz and Deb & The Dynamics. Tickets $30, which includes all your beer samples and great entertainment by the three acts. 941-639-3720 www.puntagordachamber.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Reception for an exhibit featuring Art Quilters Unlimited and ArtPoems. 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050

The HillBenders Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. - & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111

Saturday -8 Cape Coral Bike Night

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

SE 47th Terrace Motorcycle enthusiasts can get together and listen to live bands, eat great food, and just have fun at this event! 5 - 10 p.m. www.ccbikenight.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

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Saturday - 8 continued

Florida Fruit & Flora exhibit Through April 27 The Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda Reception April 13 at 5 p.m. 941-639-8810 www.VisualArtCenter.org ACMA-Songwriters at the Library South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Skinny Water Seagrass Band featuring Kip & Houseboat Jim, 2 p.m. www.americanacma.org Five Photographers exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645 Art After Dark Crayton Cove, Naples The Galleries of Crayton Cove feature live music and art by artists and artisans. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S. meet. 6-9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com Pan Dave; Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Sweet “Bev” Perron The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Jay Leno Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 SoCo Second Saturdays Corner of McGregor and Colonial, Fort Myers 5 - 10 p.m. www.SoCoSWFL.com Naples Artcrafters - Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples Final show of the season 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-776-8002 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Salty Paws Easter Bone Hunt, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Center Court, Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007

Gulf Coast Symphony: Hollywood to Broadway Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Matthew Morrison Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Martin , Villa-Lobos and Prokofiev Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111

Charlotte County Concert Band: Spring Potpourri The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Under the direction of Bob Miller, the band will present a lovely concert entitled “Spring Potpourri.”

Advance tickets are $12 per person and $11 for members. Day of show price $13. 3 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 Two Piano Group Afternoon Concert The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte The music will range from the classics to popular standards, all performed on the center’s twin Steinway & Sons grand pianos. $9, 2 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175.

BBQ, Bands & Brew Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers A family fun event boasting the best BBQ in town including local barbecue vendors, a friendly BBQ competition, live music all day long, games and fun for all ages. 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Admission $10 www.bbqbandsandbrew.com University Choir & Symphony Orchestra Concert Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Fort Myers; This concert is free. 3 p.m. 239-939-2787

Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Summer Camp Fair Mercato, U.S. 41 & Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-254-1080

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Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Waterhigh, Noon - 3 p.m., 941-575-3007

Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Naples Big Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-597-3240

Jersey Beat The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Admission to the show is $10. (Memberships are $15/year/each person over 18). 1 p.m.

941-625-4175 ext. 221

Motown Farewell Salute Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Neil Sedaka Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee 8 p.m. www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Del Prados The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-995-3999

Sunday -9 Bluegrass Show

Jodie DeSalvo Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111

Tyler Kleusner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Angel Lewis Project Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Thursday - 13 The Platters-Coasters-Drifters

Gulf Coast Big Band Concert Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090

The Sunset Celebration - Rock Solid Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Wayward Souls The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Buddy Guy Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111

Tuesday - 11 Doublewide Through May 14 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488

Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, 1-4 p.m., Center Court & Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Wednesday - 12 Brass and Wind Chamber Ensembles Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-772-5862 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Center Court & Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Art & Nature Night Shangri La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 pm. 239-949-0749

Monday - 10 ARTS@FSW Concert Series: Orchestra & Choir

Soulixer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Cabaret Through April 16 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111

Dixieland Jazz featuring The Bob Leary Sextet The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Ticket is $20 per person. 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221 www.theculturalcenter.com Play Reading Series-The Store by Bob Hilliard Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787

Robert & Nancy The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

The Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Stars On Ice Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Vladimir, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, Noon - 3 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Evenings on 5th 5th Avenue South, Naples Live music, shopping, dining, dancing on fabulous 5th Avenue South! 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Baritone Faculty & Guest Artist Series Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building; FGCU Campus 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 for the general public and $7 for students. www.fgcu.edu/CAS/BSMA

Friday - 14 SWFL Country Nights

Through April 16 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral Mark McClellan and his band. 239-772-5862 The Original Wailers The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

Joe Moss Band Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Time Machine The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Laboratory Theater - The Last Night of Ballyhoo Through April 30 Kiwanis Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst ,11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Danny Beach, Noon - 3 p.m., 941-575-3007

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers Free to attend, the event begins at 6 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com

Spring Concert Featuring Asian Entertainers Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee 7 p.m. www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

ACMA concert - Benefit for Ukulele Kids Club All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Barbara Lynn, Lucia Jenkins & Bob Cox perform.

239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Chris G, 11 a.m. 2 p.m.. 941-575-3007

The American Virtuosi Gala Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Enjoy music from violinists Peter Winograd and Caterina Szepes, cellists Andres Diaz and Wolfram Koessel, violist Jim Griffith and pianist Wendy Chen.

Tickets $100. 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 Ring of Fire Reception Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral 5-7 p.m. 239-574-0802 Simon & Garfunkel Tribute The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $17 to $29. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Frankly Funny Fridays with Frank Blocker Moe Center for Performing Arts – Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs $15, 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Enjoy the sounds of The Ex- Bachelors. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Saturday - 15 Boston

Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Easter Jamboree at Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-961-2975 Joe Marino & All The King’s Men The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Del Pardos The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-995-3999 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Gulf Coast Town Center Music Series 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers The Rosada Project: Concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m.

Admission is free. 239-267-5107 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, 1-4 p.m., Michael Hirst, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - Riverside Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Herencia De Timbiqui Center for Performing Arts- Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $40-$50. 8 p.m. Seats. www.artcenterbonita.org

Play Reading Series-Affirmation by Fay Graetz Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787 Lotela Gold Show Band The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $18 to $29. 941-625-4175 x221 Steely Pan; Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Sunday - 16 Easter Celebration with Stuart Neill

Shell Point Retirement Community Village Church, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers Tenor Stuart A. Neill sings classic hymns, sacred arias, and art songs. 6:15 p.m. $10, 239-454-2147 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, 1-4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Wednesday - 19 Under The Streetlamp Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Jersey Beat The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 The Naples Players Presents I Hate Hamlet Through May 14 Sugden Community Theatre 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-263-7990 Stolen Fruit Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Percussion Ensembles Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus; This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-772-5862

Easter Celebration The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Live entertainment, photos with the Easter bunny, Easter Buffet, Easter Egg trail stating at 10 a.m. for kids 12 and under. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-995-2141 Naples Jazz Society, Inc. Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113

Monday - 17 Chuck Peterson

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jason Bonham Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 ARTS@FSW Free Concert Series: Jazz Ensemble Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz by Leslie DaCosta, Noon - 3 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Tuesday - 18 Beethoven and Schumann

Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Thursday - 20 STOMP Through April 21 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Dueling Pianos: Moscow Meets Manhattan Shell Point Retirement Community Village Church, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers The unique pairing of Brian Gurl and Katherine Alexandra has wowed audiences from Russia and Spain to New York. 7:15 p.m. Free. 239-454-2282 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Paul Roush, Noon – 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Royal String Quartet of Poland Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs $27 - $37. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH 6 TO 10 PM

Fort Myers Downtown

River District RAIN or SHINE!

ALSO: Saturday after Art Walk 11 am - 4 pm

Shop Our Art Galleries & Art Spaces!

REVERIE & ROCK ART GALLERY • ARTS FOR ACT GALLERY TWO NEWTS GALLERY • ART LEAGUE OF FORT MYERS SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER • TIMELESS • THE NEST BOOTLEGGERS ALLEY • MIVILLE GALLERY • SPACE 39 GRAND ILLUSION GALLERY • MARC HARRIS WILDLIFE AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS GALLERY • OLLIE MACK GENTRY

www.FortMyersArtWalk.com

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Thursday - 20 continued

Ingroov Big Band The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. $2 per person. 941-625-4175 Senior Projects, Spring 2017 Exhibition Presentations and Reception U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building and Main Gallery, Arts Complex; FGCU Campus This event is free. 5 p.m. 239-772-5862 Manhattan Connection The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Alive After Five (formerly Gallery Walk) Downtown Punta Gorda 5-8 pm. 941-505-0130 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Lorne Hosack art exhibit Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. 239-945-0866 Tina Turner & Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Real Super Heroes Mercato, U.S. 41 & Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-254-1080

Friday - 21 The Glass Menagerie

Through April 30 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Soul Proprietors The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Journey & Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 25 Years of the Naples Philharmonic Chorus Through April 22 Artis–Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Enjoy the sounds of Rockin Horse. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-376 Glow Party featuring Barbara Dexter Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral Pre-registration required. $10 member/ $15 nonmember. Show 7 p.m. 239-574-0575 Senior Projects, Spring 2017 Exhibition Through May 5 Main Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU Campus Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Thursday. 239-745-4268 Jazz Ensemble Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268

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Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Art Festival at Mercato Saturday & Sunday Mercato Shops, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., 239-293-9448

Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933

Olivia Newton-John Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee 8 p.m. www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Coconut Point Concert Series - The Shindigs Coconut Point, Estero 6 – 9 p.m. 239-992-9966

Naples Concert Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240

RJ Howson Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers 4-8 p.m. Music, food, drinks and more! www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Southern Express Band Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 p.m. 239-213-3049

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. by Coffee Cafe, Danny Beach, Noon - 3 p.m., Center Court & Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Saturday - 22 Southwest Florida Symphony: Masterworks V Magnificent Mahler Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Yard Dog Charlie, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Electric Lipstick The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

The Del Prados The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 ACMA concert - Malcolm Holcombe All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

David Clayton opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Steely Pan; Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Celebrate Arbor Day Riverside Park, Bonita Springs Free trees, live music, poster contest, giant slide and more! 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. cityofbonitasprings.org The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Beata Bilinska Piano Concert Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs $27-$37, 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Charlotte County Spring Festival & Race Day Muddy Water Sports Park in Charlotte County The afternoon will feature a huge Monster Truck Show, then our exciting Mega Mud Trucks roar down the track. Day-long Ribs N Racin’ Backyard BBQ Cook Off, Chili Cook Off, and the Hot Wing Eating Contests. 6 pm concert featuring AC/Ducey. $30 day of event, $25 in advance. 239-823-3542 Kevin Costner & The Modern West The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

Joe “Survival” Carusso The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Sunday - 23 Taste of North Fort Myers

The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Featuring a dozen local restaurants; providing a full spectrum of the different foods area has to offer. $5 entry, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. www.shellfactory.com Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Angel Lewis Project Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Beethoven and Schumann Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111 FGCU Wind Orchestra Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111 Wind Orchestra Concert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. www.cityofbonitasprings.org Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Monday - 24 Symphonic Band Concert

Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 1st St, Fort Myers This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Lea Salonga Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Tyler Kleusner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Leslie DaCosta, Noon - 3 p.m., 941-575-3007

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Tuesday - 25 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Danny Beach, Noon - 3 p.m., 941-575-3007 Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Baroque Chamber Orchestra Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. 239-597-1111 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Wednesday - 26 The King & I Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 26 through Sunday, 30 239-481-4849 Soulixer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Peter Pan Jr. Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers April 26 & 27 at 9 p.m. April 28 at 8 p.m. & April 29 at 3 & 8 p.m. April 30 at 8 p.m. 239-939-2787 Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Through April 30 Various locations on Fort Myers Beach www.fmbfilmfest.com Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 941-575-3007 All That Jazz Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Art After Hours The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 to 9 pm. 239-597-1111 CJ & Dori The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Thursday - 27 Piano Ensembles Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus; This concert is free. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Cahlua & Cream The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Hall of Fame, 50s, 60s tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, Noon – 3 p.m., 941-575-3007

Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Christians Through May 21 The Norris Center, 755 8th Street, Naples www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Music at the Moe - Latin Jazz Moe Auditorium – Center Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs $25. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-495-8989

ACMA concert - Pierce Pettis All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Kip Lawrence opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 TheatreZone presents Legs Diamond Through May 7 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352

Friday - 28 Smoke on the Water Barbecue & Music Festival Friday & Saturday 2301 First Street , Fort Myers Plenty of authentic barbecue, beer, spirits, and live music done right. Performances include Nowhere Band and Sheena Brook. VIP tickets at www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933 Rick Howard & The Speedbumps The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Skyla Burrell Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs $45 Premium | $40 Center | $35 Side Seats 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org

The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Christian Concert Cambier Park 580 8th Street South, Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-280-6765 The King Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Cape Choir and Cape Ensemble Shell Point Retirement Community Village Church, 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers 2:30 p.m. Free. 239-454-2282 Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Tas Cru & His Band of Tortured Souls The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Alter Ego The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Fort Rock music festival Saturday & Sunday Def Leppard, Soundgarden and others JetBlue Park, Fort Myers www.fortrockfestival.com

Sunday - 30 Bluegrass

Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-376

Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 1:30 p.m. 239-939-2787

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & George Voss Duo, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Saturday - 29 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., . 941-575-3007

Naples Jazz Society, Inc. Cambier Bandshell 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Symphonic Chorale: Your Spirit Soars New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers 3 p.m. 239-560-5695

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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