December 2016 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

DECEMBER 2016

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FREE

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Street at Artis–Naples

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ON SANIBEL NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT HERE COME THE MUMMIES AT SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

Another year almost over

Many of us say it every year ... where did this year go? If we only had the answer as to why time seems to fly by. Maybe, it is because we are having so much fun. Well, if experiencing live theatre is your way of enjoyment, we have some great choices for you.

The national tour of 42nd Street is at Artis–Naples Dec. 26 - 29.

Florida Repertory Theatre presents Best of Enemies now through Dec. 16 in its ArtStage Studio Theatre in Fort Myers. In the Arcade Theatre, Florida Rep is staging Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap now through Dec. 18.

In LaBelle, Firehouse Theatre presents Humbug on select dates from Dec. 8 - 18.

The Naples Players continue their performances of Coney Island Christmas through Dec. 18 at the Sugden Theatre.

White Christmas graces the stage of Broadway Palm in Fort Myers now through Dec. 25.

On Sanibel, A Christmas Carol is on stage at BIG ARTS Strauss Theater through Dec. 23.

Another Night Before Christmas is playing at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers through Dec. 25.

In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse continues its presentation of My Fair Lady through Dec.11 at The Norris Center.

TheatreZone performs Home for the Holidays Dec. 9 - 11 at G & L Theatre in Naples.

In Fort Myers, the Laboratory Theater of Florida presents I and You on stage Dec. 9 - 23.

Theatre Conspiracy performs A Country Wife Dec. 1- 17 at Foulds Theatre in Fort Myers.

In Cape Coral, the annual Spectacular Christmas Revue is on stage Dec. 14 - 18 at Cultural Park Theater.

More concerts coming our way

I hope everyone survived the enormous amount of concerts that we saw in November. Unfortunately, we had a few cancellations due to a variety of reasons ... from dancing to sickness to death. Despite the handful of canceled concerts, we do have so many more coming our way.

Upcoming concerts in Southwest Florida include Sara Evans, Craig Morgan, Marshall Tucker Band (twice), Hunter Hayes, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride, Chris Lane, Luke Combs, Here Come the Mummies, Judy Collins, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Beach Boys, John Anderson, Eli Young Band, Edwin McCain Trio, Butch Trucks & the Freight Train Band, Michael Boulton, Air Supply, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tab Benoit, Phil Vassar, Kenny Rogers, Gladys Knight, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (sold out), Ana Popavic, Robert Cray Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aaron Lewis, Rock Pack, Joe Bonamassa, TobyMac, The Spinners, Clint Black, John Ginty, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Spyro Gyra and Neal McCoy ... with more to be announced soon.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

On a final note, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of our team members, readers, advertisers, clients and partners for making 2016 another wonderful year. Kathy and I are so blessed and thankful for all of your support. I feel extra blessed because for nearly 40 years I have been able to do what I love to do and call it work. As we enter this holiday season, may we all count our blessings and remember to greet everyone you meet with a smile and a kind heart.

Again, to all, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 6 - 17

White Christmas, Mousetrap, Humbug

Art

pages 18 - 29

Galleries offer final exhibits of the year

Music

pages 30 - 39

Holiday performances aplenty

In Concert

pages 40 - 41

Mummies, Craig Morgan, Butch Trucks

River District

pages 42 - 45

Festival of Trees, Holiday Nights, Carol Sing

Comedy Clubs

page 46

Comedy club schedules for December

Dining

pages 48 - 49

The Veranda and 12 other options

Calendar

pages 50 - 55

December cultural events in SW Florida Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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DECEMBER 2016

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre

Florida Rep presents Best of Enemies

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Florida Repertory Theatre announces the opening of the gripping true story Best of Enemies by Mark St. Germain.

From the author of the Florida Rep hit, Camping with Henry and Tom, comes an electrifying and tense new play that follows the relationship between a hatefilled leader of the KKK and a pioneering African-American civil rights activist. The unlikely pair must work together during Durham, NC’s heated 1971 desegregation battle. This stirring new play that exposes the poison of prejudice and the beauty of friendship plays Florida Rep's ArtStage Studio Theatre now through Dec. 16.

Best of Enemies features two Florida Rep ensemble members, Rachel Burttram (A Christmas Story, Split in Three), and Graham Smith (The Seafarer, Camping with Henry and Tom), as well as an incredible pair of talents out of New York City making their Florida Rep debuts, Mary E. Hodges and Beethovan Oden.

The production is directed by regional

theatre veteran actor and director V Craig Heidenreich (Twelve Angry Men), who is the founder and artistic director of the Banyan Theater in Sarasota.

Heidenreich is joined by an expert team of designers including set designer Jim Hunter (A Christmas Story, August: Osage County), costume designer Stefanie Genda (The Unexpected Guest), lighting designer Julie Duro (Twelve Angry Men), sound designer John Kiselica (Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End, The Dingdong), and production stage manager Joshua Quinn (Florida Rep debut).

Regular performances are Tuesday Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Thursday, Sunday and select Saturdays.

Priced at $52 for regular performances and $32 for preview performance, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the 2016-2017 season offer the best seats and the biggest savings, and packages start as low as $125 for five plays and

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22 & 23 at 8 p.m.

By Lauren Gunderson

Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m.

Thinking TheaterTM

Beethovan Oden, Mary E. Hodges, Graham Smith and Rachel Burttram in Best of Enemies. Photo by Summer Groh

offer up to 57% off single ticket prices.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited

free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at www.FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

24 Hour

Playwriting Project December 3 at 8 p.m.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

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DECEMBER 2016

Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Coney Island Christmas on stage at Sugden in Naples

Ann Hoover, Kylie Campbell, Ashley Gurwell and Brad Brenner in Coney Island Christmas. Photo by Jessica Walck

The Naples Players new artistic director Bryce Alexander makes his directorial debut with the feel-good holiday production of Coney Island Christmas playing now through Dec. 18 at the Sugden Theatre, Naples.

Certain to become a holiday favorite for all faiths, TNP’s Coney Island Christmas is a refreshing reach back in time and across traditions to the centerpiece of holiday celebrations – love and family. Pulitzer Prizewinning author Donald Marguiles’ shares the story of Shirley Abramowitz (Kylie Campbell), the young Jewish daughter of strong-minded immigrant parents, who is finding her footing in 1939 Brooklyn, New York. You can almost hear the creak and rumble of Coney Island’s famous wooden Cyclone roller coaster in the distance as the older and wiser Shirley (Ann Hoover), tells her great granddaughter about the time she was asked to play Jesus in her school’s pageant.

“Coney Island Christmas is a joyfilled but virtuous look at the privilege that comes from having community, family, and companionship.

In the face of the holiday season, and with growing tension around our country, I could not be more excited to present a show with such a fun, uniting, and inspiring impact,” said Bryce Alexander.

As the ribbon tied into a bright shiny

bow on top of this show, Coney Island Christmas is directed by the Naples Players’ new Artistic Director Bryce Alexander. Alexander replaces TNP’s former artistic director Dallas Dunnagan who retired in November after 16 years of leading TNP. Alexander relocated to the Players from Colorado where he was the artistic director of Phamaly Theatre Company, leaving behind a legacy of building the theatre into a national leader for inclusion of actors with disabilities and receiving special praise from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Under Alexander’s direction, TNP’s Coney Island Christmas, is a holiday gift full of love and merriment audiences will want to share with the whole family. Shows for Coney Island Christmas are at the Sugden Theater in Blackburn Hall Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults/ $10 students (under 21). For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263, 7990.

Additionally, The Naples Players will present a holiday show schedule including The Nutcracker Goes Pop, performed by TNP’s KidzAct, Dec. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m., Dec. 4 - 6 and 11 – 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students (under 21). The William Noll Jazz Orchestra present Swing Ye Noel Big Band 2016 Holiday Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

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Gulfshore Playhouse stages My Fair Lady in Naples

Gulfshore Playhouse presents its first musical in nine years: a 10-person, twopiano version of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s Tony-award winning My Fair Lady from now through Dec. 11.

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the story follows a pompous phonetics professor named

Henry Higgins who takes a bet to transform Eliza Doolittle, a tenacious Cockney flower girl, into a proper lady. As these two strong-willed characters engage in this undertaking, both find themselves treading new and unexpected paths.

With this fresh and unique version, audiences will experience the story and

Jeffrey Binder, Patricia Noonan and William Parry. Photos by Pedro Zepeda

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DECEMBER 2016

score they know and love like never before, as they tap, sing, dance, and stomp their way into your heart.

“Although this is the first musical we have presented in nine years, My Fair Lady is the perfect production to propel us into a future that includes a more diverse array of offerings in our upcoming seasons,” said Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director of Gulfshore Playhouse and director of this production. “It came to our attention that a 10-person version had been done many years ago so we knew it was possible. However, there was no blueprint for how it had worked so we had the exciting challenge of determining it for ourselves which involved seven of the actors playing multiple roles and a whole lot of costume quick changes. We now have our fabulously talented cast, choreographer, costume designer, and musical director in house and we are just having more fun than anyone should be allowed to have at work.”

My Fair Lady brings together an astounding and seasoned group of theatre professionals, which include direction by Kristen Coury, choreography by Adam Cates, musical direction by Matthew Aument, scenic design

by David Arsenault, sound design by Jack O'Brien, costume design by Lauren Gaston and lighting design by Jimmy Lawlor.

Playhouse artistic associate Jeffrey Binder, who plays Henry Higgins, has played roles such as Zazu in The Lion King and Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins. William Parry, who plays Colonel Pickering, Julia

was featured in the original Broadway cast of Sunday in the Park With George and Jesus Christ Superstar. Bill E. Dietrich, who plays Alfred Doolittle, was in the original cast of Jekyll and Hyde.

Others have also performed in national tours of shows like Les Misérables, Cinderella, and A Chorus Line.

Patricia Noonan plays Eliza Doolittle.

Here New York credits include Maury Yeston's Death Takes a Holiday (Sophia), Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet), Carousel (PBS/Lincoln Center), Edwin: The Story of Edwin Booth (Mollie Booth), Baby Case (Betty), Signs of Life (Lorelei), and Merrily We Roll Along (Meg), Annie Get Your Gun, Most Happy Fella, Where’s Charley?, Girl Crazy (all City Center Encores!).

Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of My Fair Lady plays now through Dec. 11 at the Norris Center, located at 755 8th Avenue South in Naples. For tickets and information, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY(7529).

Johanos and Bill E. Dietrich

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

White Christmas at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm is welcoming the holiday season with the heartwarming classic, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, playing now through Dec. 25.

The 1954 film starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen.

The story takes place in 1954 and two ex-GI’s turned showbiz partners follow a couple of singing sisters to a Vermont inn. When they discover their beloved former commanding officer owns the inn and is in jeopardy of losing the property, the foursome decide to put on a show to raise money…and they find love in the bargain.

White Christmas is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written such as “Happy Holidays,” “Sisters,” “Count Your Blessings,” “Blue Skies” and the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.”

Directing and choreographing White Christmas 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.

The cast includes Troy Bruchwalski as Bob Wallace, newcomer Nic Casaula as Phil Davis, Katherine Walker Hill as Betty Haynes and Sami Doherty as Judy Haynes.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Ticket prices range from $40 to $65 with discounts for children and groups of 20 or more. Broadway Palm is the perfect setting for holiday parties and family gatherings.

Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 2784422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana Acoustic Shows Songwriters at Sunset

December 1 at 3:30 pm

Roy Schneider, Kay Mayfield and JRobert Lovers Key State Park

8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach (FREE)

Jann Klose

December 3 at 7 pm

Opening Bill Steel

Jann Klose $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.

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, Fort Myers

Songwriters at the Library

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

December 10 at 2 pm

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

21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero (FREE)

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

Pete Benson, Glenn Sabatha and Joe Virga 10

DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Home for the Holidays at TheatreZone in Naples

TheatreZone founder and artistic director Mark Danni wants you to celebrate the holiday season at “Home for the Holidays,” a newly added original live production that joins the non-profit Equity professional theatre group’s 12th season roster of Broadway musicals and plays.

“We are kicking off our 2016-17 season with an original musical entertainment starring TheatreZone actors and musicians singing favorite holiday songs from different eras and dancing in sumptuous holiday costumes,” explains Danni.

“We are still working on a few surpris-

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BROADWAY SERIES

es for the show, so stay tuned. But we urge everyone to book early as we’ll sell out quickly,” he says.

Home for the Holidays will be four performances only at G & L Theatre in Naples: Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call TheatreZone at 1-888ZONE-FLA, 1-888966-3352 or purchase online at www.theatrezone-florida.com or visit the on site box office located at The Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road in Naples.

BIG ARTS presents A Christmas Carol The Sanibel Captiva Trust Present and Peter Cratchit. His and Sanibel Captiva Beach national touring credits include Resorts are partnering to coThe Addams Family; Fiddler on sponsor the BIG ARTS the Roof and ’S Wonderful.

Performing Arts series of 16 Nicholas Salerno plays nationally recognized artists, school boy, Dick Wilkins, Tiny the popular Monday night film Tim and Turkey Boy. series and four 2016/2017 BIG Nicholas Salerno is performARTS Strauss Theater producing at BIG ARTS for the first tions. time. Salerno has recently BIG ARTS theater fare appeared as Thor in Off kicks off on Nov. 28 with an Broadway Palm’s production of adaptation of Dickens’ muchthe Nerd. He also has loved holiday classic, A appeared in several musicals at Rob Sommers Christmas Carol, complete the Broadway Palm. with special visits from Old St. Samantha Rotella will play Nick himself.

Gentle Woman 2, Christmas Past, Mrs. A Christmas Carol runs Nov. 28 Cratchit and Chairwoman. through Dec. 23 and stars Rob Sommers The BIG ARTS December lineup as Scrooge. Performances take place at includes the cool jazz of virtuoso pianist the Strauss Theater, Dick Hyman and the big brass sound of Rob Sommers is no stranger to local the Lew Del Gatto Sextet on Dec. 10; folaudiences. You may have seen him as lowed by the cutting edge, classical trio, Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof),Scrooge (A Intersection. The BIG ARTS Band and Christmas Carol), Lee (Better Late) and Chorus -- a Sanibel and Captiva Islands Oscar (The Odd Couple) at the Broadway annual community tradition – will round Palm and Off Broadway Palm out the holiday offerings.

Katie Pankow plays Gentle Woman 1, The remainder of the season, which Mrs. Fizziwig, Bell and Martha. Katie continues through April 2017, includes: Pankow is making her BIG ARTS Strauss The Official Blues Brothers Review, An Theater debut. In the fall, Pankow toured Evening with John Sebastian, The with the National Theatre for Children Second City and Zuckerman Trio featurperforming Conservation Caper in ing the famous violinist Pinchas schools across the nation.

Zukerman.

Galloway Stevens is playing Bob Dozens of thought-provoking and Cratchit, Marleys Ghost, Fezziwig and engaging films – many seen nowhere Old Joe. After completing a 2013 -14 run else -- and eight, diverse fine arts of Phoenix Entertainment’s national tour exhibits, are peppered throughout the of Broadway’s The Addams Family, season.

Galloway portrayed Jud Fry in the R&H For information on BIG ARTS full seaclassic Oklahoma at central California’s son, to purchase tickets, register for a Pacific Conservatory Theatre. workshop or make a contribution, go to Jake Delaney plays Fred, Christmas www.BIGARTS.org or call 239-395-0900.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

PERFORMANCES: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m.

On stage in the New Year The Porch

Hairspray

January 13 - 22

March 24 - April 2

All Shook Up

The Glass Menagerie

February 3 - 12

The Importance of Being Earnest

April 21- 30

Don’t Dress For Dinner

February 24 - March 5

May 12 - 21

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com DECEMBER 2016

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Laboratory Theater brings I & You to Fort Myers stage

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is thrilled to present I and You by Lauren Gunderson, just months after it closed off-Broadway in New York City.

In this charming story, Caroline, so sick she has been homebound for months, receives a surprise visit from classmate Anthony, who reveals that they must complete a poetry project for English class using Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass.

Through the words of a classic piece of literature, the two realize that they are more connected than they thought.

Playwright Lauren Gunderson explores the mysteries of life and love in a way that will leave you reeling at the end!

“I And You is one of those rare plays that made me wonder and gasp aloud when I read it. It is the charming unfolding of a sweet relationship between two 17 year-old students and an ensuing mystic revelation. In the holiday season, this play offers themes of hope, charity, and a reminder that the circle of life encompasses so much more than we know,” Lab Theater artistic director Annette Trossbach said.

The show stars two accomplished young actors, Mike Edouard, previously seen in Twelfth Night at Lab Theater and in Romeo & Juliet at Florida Rep, and Eren Sisk, who makes her Lab Theater debut.

Says director Lauren Redeker: “I And You is a show that stays with you. The first time I read it, I cried at the end. It's not very often that words on a page will do that to me, but it simply took my breath away and that was the only way I knew how to respond. Having the opportunity to be a part of this play at all, much less as its director, is such an honor. Taking this journey was overwhelming in many ways, but so worth it in the end. When the lights go down, I hope you feel the same way I did when I first read these lines...needing to catch your breath.”

I And You opens Dec. 9 with an opening night reception at 7:15. Performances are on Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or call 239-218-0481. The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in downtown Fort Myers.

The cast of The Bird Flew, one of the shows from last yearʼs playwriting project.

Lab’s 24-hour playwriting project culminates with Dec. 3 performance

This year marks the fifth installment of the popular 24hour challenge at Laboratory Theater of Florida.

Four playwrights will arrive at the theater on Friday, Dec. 2 with sleeping bags and laptops. They will be given a theme, a general description of actors who will appear in their plays, and three lines which each playwright must use in his/her play. They will have just 24 hours to write, edit and finalize their one-act plays.

Directors arrive in the

morning, and the actors arrive at noon for lunch. After lunch, rehearsals begin, and the show goes up at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.

This popular event sells out so audiences are encouraged to purchase their tickets well ahead of time. Tickets are available through www.laboratorytheaterflorida.c om or call 239-218-0481.

The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in downtown Fort Myers.

Riverdale Kiwanis

Medieval Faire JANUARY 7&8 14 & 15

Lakes Park, Fort Myers $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-11

Group rates available.

828-837-9411 239-369-6881

www.Medieval-Faire.com 12

DECEMBER 2016

9 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

FREE ON-SITE PARKING

VENDORS PLEASE CONTACT TERRY SHORT 239-839-8036

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Spectacular Christmas Revue Dec. 14-18 in Cape Coral CULTURAL PARK THEATER

By Michael Moran If you love live stage shows or the holidays, you will especially love the Cultural Park Theatre Spectacular Christmas Revue.

The Spirit of Christmas has been alive and well on the Cultural Park stage for more than 25 years and has always been a patron favorite.

But if you’re not quite feeling the season, or started getting depressed when you saw the Christmas stuff out in stores the week before Halloween, we know it’s not because your famous for giving the Grinch a run for his money. And for certain we know how to get you in the mood for the holidays and especially Christmas!

They're always upbeat and happy, filled with traditional holiday songs, some pop favorites, some comedy routines and ditties, lots of glittery costumes, perfect for all ages and a heartwarming finale to boost the Christmas spirit.

That's the promise for our Christmas Spectacular running Dec. 14 through Dec. 18 at the Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral. This show is truly a "celebration of the holidays."

You know me; we'll be going all out again this year with new songs, skits and delightful costumes and, of course, Santa and cookies in the lobby.

The theater is riding a crest of enthusiasm following the success of their previous holiday productions.

Opening night will include a holiday reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages prior to the show and a chance to meet the cast and “Santa” following the show. Bring the entire family, this is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

The show plays matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday along with evenings at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec 14 through Dec. 17 at the Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, with children’s prices and group rates available. Call the box office at 239-772-5862 for reservations.

Don’t forget to check out our website for the second half of our season with great performances of musicals like All Shook Up, Hairspray, comedies like The Porch opening in January; followed by a little drama with our production of The Glass Menagerie and back to comedy to end the season with Don’t Dress for Dinner.

The second half of our concert season brings some of the best tribute performers and bands to Cultural Park’s stage so check them out on the website and Facebook as well. Oh, yes, and for you tech lovers you can now also find us on Twitter and Instagram.

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

Charlotte Players debut Comedy Diner Dec. 10 at Langdon Playhouse

Get ready for some serious laughs when the Charlotte Players presents its first “Comedy Diner” on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.

Tyler Colfer, a stand-up comedian, actor, and DJ who is working with the Players as a stage manager, is serving as emcee in what the group hopes will be an ongoing program.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., when Colfer will present fellow comedians Aniria Turney, Rob Garguilo and John J. Murray. Turney, who is a writer and actor, is a regular at the Bonkerz and Tampa Improv comedy clubs. She also works as a regulatory analyst for Prestige Health Choice and a manager at the Children’s Home Inc. She believes her private sectior experience has enhanced her performances.

Garguilo, a radio personality heard daily on “The Mike Calta Show” over on 102.5 FM (The Bone) in Tampa, has

performed all over south Florida, including stops at Visani’s Comedy Zone in Port Charlotte. He has shared the stage with nationally touring comedians such as Ralphie May, Carlos Mencia, Bert Kreischer, Jim Florentine, Chris Kattan, Sam Morril, John Heffron and others.

Murray uses his laid-back attitude to disarms audiences before sharing the strange inner workings of his mind. He provides a hilarious perspective on everything from marriage to reality TV, while sharing weird stories from his past. A podcaster, writer and selfdescribed “stoner,” he no doubt will have some provocative things to say about the recent legalization of medical marijuana in Florida.

Tickets are $20 each and may be ordered on the Players website at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-625-4175, ext. 220. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

DECEMBER 2016

13

Humbug on stage at Firehouse

Firehouse Community Theatre in LaBelle presents Humbug on select dates from Dec. 8 – 18.

Humbug brings a great of deal of delicious nonsense and multitudes of laughs in this modern-day twist on Charles Dickens' most famous story, A Christmas Carol.

Eleanor Scrooge is a ruthless and ambitious Wall Street executive who doesn’t particularly like Christmas but has an appetite for power. Locked in her office on a snowy Christmas Eve, Eleanor is determined to finish a corporate-takeover proposal until three "advisors" provide her with an eye-opening new appreciation for the holidays and the spirit Humbug cast pictured (back, from left) are Deborah of Christmas. Humbug is a Soja, Ariel Brunetto, Christina Guerra, Shelby Steuber, play for all ages filled with Joenna Steuber, Jackie Wilkins and Gaspare lots of warmth and caring Maragioglio; (front, from left) Emory Shough, Nancy and upbeat Christmas car- Steuber and Rainia Ward. ols. With a contemporary Information is available at www.fireflair, it is a tale the whole family will enjoy. housecommunitytheatre.com or call the The play is directed by Mike Shough ticket hotline at 863-675-3066 (leave a and will run Dec. 8 - 11 and Dec. 15 - 18. message and your call will be promptly Tickets are on sale now at the Firehouse returned).

Community Theatre. Show times are The Firehouse Theatre is located at 241 Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m. and N. Bridge St. in LaBelle.

Sundays at 2 p.m.

The Country Wife at Theatre Conspiracy

Theatre Conspiracy presents The Country Wife by William Wycherley.

Directed by Karen Goldberg, The Country Wife opens Dec. 1 in the Foulds Theatre at Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

One of the greatest and funniest comedies of the Restoration, The Country Wife tells the story of Horner, a notorious and lascivious man-about-town and his ingenious scheme for the rampant and mass seduction of the women of London society.

By spreading the false rumor of his own impotence, he gains the sympathy of the husbands of the town and, more importantly, free access to their wives. Meanwhile, the newly-married Pinchwife desperately attempts to keep his naïve country bride from the clutches of predatory London bachelors. When she and Horner meet, events spiral out of his control.

Written and first performed in 1675 by the King’s Company, William Wycherley’s The Country Wife was deemed too controversial for its time and as a consequence was considered too outrageous to be per-

formed. It was kept off the stage and out of print until 1766 when David Garrick’s “cleaned-up” adaptation, The Country Girl, was produced.

“The Country Wife is a classic comedy among the newer plays we have set for the season,” says Theatre Conspiracy founder Bill Taylor. “This bawdy, hilarious, subversive and wickedly satirical comedy features incredible costumes and a talented cast.”

The cast includes Stephen Hooper, Mitch Haley, Elvis Mortley, Jim Yarnes, Tom Marsh, Juan Alejandro, Dena Galyean, Shelley Sanders, Cantrella Canady and Tera Nicole Miller.

Performances are Dec. 1 - 17 on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm. with one Sunday matinee on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 or $11 for students with proper ID. Thursday nights are "buy one get one half off." Alliance for the Arts member theatre night is Thursday, Dec. 1 and tickets are $15 for members of the Alliance of the Arts.

For tickets, call 239-936-3239 or purchase online at www.theatreconspiracy.org.

Melissa Whitworth as Karol and Paul Glodfelter as The Guy in Another Night Before the Christmas playng at the off Broadway Palm Theatre.

Another Night Before Christmas at Off Broadway Palm Theatre

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Another Night Before Christmas playing now through Dec. 25.

From the writers of Married Alive and A Dog’s Life comes this all new musical comedy about a cynical social worker, a “burglar” and finding the true meaning of Christmas.

‘Twas the night before Christmas…and there’s a “burglar” in the house, but his eyes twinkled and his dimples were merry.

A cynical social worker is about to have her humbug attitude turned upside down in this charming and amusing musical comedy.

You’ll be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas while you laugh ’til you jiggle like a bowlful of jelly.

Another Night Before Christmas was directed by The Off Broadway Palm’s artistic producer, Paul Bernier. This two person

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show stars Paul Glodfelter as The Guy and Melissa Whitworth as Karol. Audiences may remember Glodfelter from last season’s The Odd Couple. Whitworth is making her debut with the company.

Another Night Before Christmas is playing at The Off Broadway Palm Theatre now through Dec. 25. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select 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.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

The Mousetrap on stage at Florida Rep through Dec. 18

Florida Repertory Theatre's 2016-2017 season is now in full swing with a tantalizing murder mystery and longest running play in history: Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap.

Playing Nov. 29 through Dec. 18, The Brendan Mousetrap tells the story Powers of a group of strangers trapped in a boarding house during a snow storm – with a murderer among them! Suspicion and intrigue abound as these strangers try to solve a murder and wonder who will be killed next.

Revelations are made, shady pasts revealed, and alliances shift as Agatha Christie weaves a tangled web of deceit and suspense!

The Mousetrap features an all-star cast including Florida Rep favorites, Brendan Powers (A Christmas Story, The Unexpected Guest) and Kate Young (The Unexpected Guest, Lend Me a Tenor), Florida Rep performance intern alumni Courtney Feiman (One Slight Hitch, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), Brian Hatch (The Unexpected Guest, Camping with Henry and Tom), and Molly Coyne (The Fantasticks), current performance intern Nate Ritsema, and regional theatre

veterans Matthew Faison and Taylor Anthony Miller making their Florida Rep debuts.

Florida Rep founder and producing artistic Kate Young director Robert Cacioppo (Fascinatin’ Gershwin, Over the River and Through the Woods) directs the production and is joined by an expert team of designers including set designer Dennis Maulden (Twelve Angry Men), costume designer Charlene Gross (A Christmas Story), lighting designer Todd O. Wren (Too Marvelous For Words), sound designer John Kiselica (Split in Three), and production stage manager Amy Massari (Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End).

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre with performances Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Wednesday, Sunday and select Saturdays.

Priced at $52/$45, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-3324488 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 and Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

Charlotte Players to host Madrigal dinner Dec. 1 - 3

Once again commuthe Lord and Lady. They nity leaders will be recwill be accompanied by ognized at the Charlotte Pastor Dana Narring of Players Madrigal the Faith Lutheran Dinner.

Church in Punta Gorda, The dinner is a tradiserving as Lord Chaplain. tional Boar’s Head • Saturday, Dec. 3 – feast, a Christmas seaSean Doherty, sports son celebration with all marketing manager for the music, dancing and the Charlotte County entertainment that the Visitor and Convention lords and ladies of Early Bureau and president of Renaissance England the Charlotte Players, will would have enjoyed. host the event with his Again this year, Master wife, Tonya. Lord Gene Callan, serving as Chaplain for the evening the Master of the Hall, will be Father Arthur will remind diners of the Jacobi, a retired Roman age old traditions assoLord and Lady Stamoulis Catholic priest still serving ciated with Christmas – in the area. the evergreen tree, the It all happens at the holly, the yule log, candlelight, wassail First Presbyterian Church of Port and even the boar’s head.

Charlotte, 2230 Harriett St. From 5:30 to The Madrigal dinner will be held: 6:30 p.m., a wassail reception will be • Thursday evening, Dec. 1 – Ed Hill, held in the Fellowship Hall of the church. executive director of the Englewood At 6:30 p.m., all will be called to dinner in Chamber of Commerce, and his wife, MacDonald Hall. Charlotte Symphony Wynelle, will serve as Lord and Lady of Orchestra’s Alan Klispie will sound the the Manor. They will be accompanied at fanfares throughout the evening. A cast the head table by Pastor Dan Prine of of more than 80 people will entertain and the Edgewater Methodist Church of Port serve the dinner guests.

Charlotte, who will serve as Lord Tickets are now available at the Chaplain.

Charlotte Players Box Office at the • Friday, Dec. 2 – Paul Stamoulis, Cultural Center (2280 Aaron St. in Port supervisor of elections for Charlotte Charlotte). Phone 941-625-4175 ext. 220 County, and his wife, Nina, will host as or online at www.charlotteplayers.org.

DECEMBER 2016

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Street at Artis–Naples

ON THE COVER - Caitlin Ehlinger as Peggy Sawyer (center) and the company of 42nd Street. Photo by Chris Bennion

Kaitlin Lawrence as Dorothy Brock and Caitlin Ehlinger as Peggy Sawyer in “About A Quarter to Nine” Photo by Chris Bennion

The Broadway Series at Artis–Naples kicks off its new season with 42nd Street on stage Dec. 26 – 29.

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star.

With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and Kaitlin Lawrence as Dorothy Brock and Blake lyrics by Al Dubin, this sparkling new production will Stadnik as Billy Lawlor in “Youʼre Getting to Be a Habit with Me” Photo by Chris Bennion be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the team who staged the Artis–Naples is located at 5833 2001 Tony-winning Best Musical Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. Ticket Revival. prices start at $60. For tickets and Performances will be Dec. 26 and more information, call 239-597-1900 27 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 28 and 29 at or visit online at www.artisnaples.org.

2 and 8 p.m.

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DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Art

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •

ACT Gallery: Kim Kraft-Beckler, Lisette Morales & Nick Masiello

Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers, will host an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. during Art Walk. This month, ACT Gallery will feature the naive art of Kim Kraft-Beckler along with “Reflections” artist Lisette Morales and urban artist Nick Kim Kraft-Beckler Masiello exhibiting “MSTRMNDCNTRL.” Kim Kraft-Beckler is an award-winning artist trained in commercial art.

Subjects of beauty in nature and the human spirit are the subjects she chooses to depict. If she can invoke feelings of happiness in her viewers, then her art has done what she desired it to do. Her art is in corporate, personal and celebrity collections here and abroad. Expect to see painted furniture, gourd art, and other forms of mixed media in this exhibit.

Lisette Morales was born in Nicaragua in 1970 but has

Lisette Morales lived most of her life on the east coast of the United States.

She is an interdisciplinary artist with interest in expressive painting, India ink illustrations, knitting, crochet, and hand sewing. She attended design school in New York City. She is currently the contributing illustrator for El Café Latino, a Parisian magazine.

Creating artistically is a part of Lisette’s healing process and is also a spiritual practice for her.

Nick Masiello, born in Delaware and raised in Port Charlotte, earned his art degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and has since been actively exhibiting, curating and developing an impressive body of Nick Masiello work. Working largely in abstraction and an urban expressionistic style, his artwork reflects social commentary and greater issues around current events, as well as exploration of personal themes and his surroundings.

His work incorporates a variety of media, including but not limited to, aerosols, markers, oil, acrylics, ink, found objects and collage.

For those who can’t make the Friday night event, then come downtown on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to view the exhibits at a slower pace. For more details, call 239-337-5050.

a r t c ou nc i l s w f l o r i da

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8074 Mediterranean Dr., Estero

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Make Holiday Gift Giving Special & Unique

16 Local Ar t Organizations providing a diversity of 50 - 60 artists monthly displaying Paintings, Ceramics, Wood Car vings, Jewelr y and much more

December-May Hours: Tues. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM December Reception - Meet t he Ar tists on December 8th

CO-OP ART GALLERY @ Coconut Point 239-949-3073

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DECEMBER 2016

www.ACSWF.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

ArtFest Fort Myers offers VIP experience

Enjoy ArtFest Fort Myers as a very special VIP the first weekend in February or give it as a gift to that special someone.

Ron Bucher, vice president, Investments at Raymond James, will welcome you to a weekend of “red carpet” treatment, beginning with the exciting Opening Night VIP Party and continuing at the VIP Tent on Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday, Feb. 3, join ArtFest Fort Myers at the VIP Tent to enjoy mouthwatering culinary delights from some of our area’s finest restaurants, great wine and beer. The evening also includes an extraordinary sampling of 65 festival artists and surprise performances.

Over festival weekend Feb. 3 - 5, the VIP Experience features all-weekend passes to an exclusive VIP Tent, providing members a secluded oasis in the center of all the festival action.

Complimentary breakfast treats, midday lunch, private access to beverages and art-ivities all day, free parking and comfortable seating are available to those who purchase VIP packages.

The VIP Experience is $95 per person and your support contributes to the year-round ArtFest Fort Myers’ art education outreach programs. To enjoy the ArtFest Fort Myers VIP Experience and the 215 artists as a Very Important Patron, visit ArtFestFortMyers.com or call 239-768-3602.

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Jessica Osceola exhibit at FGCU

The FGCU Art Galleries in the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University presents “ThirtyOne: a MFA Thesis Project” from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8. The exhibition features the work of FGCU Art Program alumna Jessica Osceola (’08) and serves as the thesis project for a master of fine arts in sculpture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and on display in the ArtLab Gallery.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., there will be a closing reception and gallery talk in the ArtLab Gallery.

Discovering her place and identity between two cultures has been a conscious exploration in which Osceola’s work takes root.

Her current sculptural pursuit is a series of bas-relief portraits and figures. The focus of these portraits and figures is to illustrate a narrative of different roles she inherently embraces to be part of a modern society. Self-reflections take shape in a series or self-portraits that uncover the layers of inner psyche of an individual turned mother.

Osceola grew up in a traditional

Seminole Indian village in Naples. Her parents are from vastly different cultural backgrounds, however one influential aspect in her upbringing was the creative and artistic talent of her family. This creative energy combined with strong cultural ties would lay the foundation for her own life and work as a sculptor. She works and lives in Naples where she owns a small farm and works in her home studio.

Osceola's life perspective has influenced the direction her work is moving, including concepts of culture and identity in modern society.

The ArtLab Gallery is at the west side of the Library building on FGCU’s main campus at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Parking is available in Lot 7 for gallery visitors; parking passes are available at the information booth at the university’s main entrance. Regular viewing hours are: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday.

For further information, go to artgallery.fgcu.edu or call (239) 590-7199.

Rauschenberg’s Autobiography installed at FSW

In celebration of Bob Rauschenberg’s enduring legacy and longtime commitment to both our local College and broader SWFL community, the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at FSW announces the extended loan and year-long public exhibition of the artist’s iconic triptych, Autobiography (1968).

Rauschenberg’s monumental three-panel lithograph Autobiography was installed in October in the Humanities Hall (Building L) at the entry to the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery. The first fine art edition ever produced on an offset/industrial billboard printing press by the Broadside Art, Inc. organization (co-founded by Rauschenberg with designer Milton Glaser and others), the artist provided a comprehensive visual account in this work (a combination of images and words) of his personal and professional history just prior to making Southwest Florida his permanent home.

Highlighting seminal events from his Port Arthur childhood through his success in New York, Bob Rauschenberg’s Autobiography features a chart of the artist’s astrological sign, Libra; a full-body X-ray of his skeleton; a childhood snapshot of a family boating trip with his parents Dora and Ernest and NYC skyline images taken from his 381 Lafayette Street rooftop. The third panel alone has an overlay of a map of Rauschenberg’s Texas Gulf Coast hometown and a dominant photograph of the youthful artist as choreographer and performer on roller skates in his 1963 production of the multi-media dance-work, Pelican.

For more information, call (239) 489-9313 or visit www.RauschenbergGallery.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Island Conclave Gallery features art of Wendy White

Internationally recognized artist Wendy White will be exhibiting exclusively at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery for the month of December with a kick-off opening cocktail party to celebrate her new collection at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Abstract Impressionist Wendy White was born in Rockaway Beach, N.Y., and gathers her early influences from her life by the sea. White's style combines modern day expressionism with the old master impressionists in her painting of oils on canvas. She loves to paint to music and discovered a connection to the rhythm of each brush stroke developing into a crescendo of tone. The rhythm floats the form, and the painting is revealed.

Art world luminaries personally mentored White during and after her full academic scholarship to Barnard College at Columbia University; including Milton Resnick, Marshall Glasier and Cynthia Mailman, just to name a few.

White has exhibited her paintings in numerous galleries around the world. In addition, her paintings are included in a multitude of museum and corporate art collections. She’s taught at the esteemed Lynn University in Boca Raton and has imparted her time to more than a few nonprofit agencies to ensure our youth have inspiration in their lives. Her exhibitions and presence in private collections are too numerous to list in a short synopsis of her experiences.

When she is not painting or showing, she heads up Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery as its new gallery director, a position she took shortly after moving to Pine

Island in October of last year.

White comes to the gallery with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Global Art World. Her accolades are too numerous to mention, but the gallery is simply beside itself to mention the few enormous strides that White has made in her career. Most importantly, from a gallery standpoint, she has curated six galleries from Fort Lauderdale to New York City. To add to all of this, she is a playwright, director and an avid advocate for the needy.

Wendy White’s new collection at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery & Event Center located at 5101 Pine Island Road on Pine Island. Call 239-282-8488 for more details.

Since 2003 after moving to Fort Myers, Marcus Jansen has been noted

by European and U.S. critics alike as one of the most important representatives in a generation of the new neo expressionist painters. Jansen’s recent exhibition in Milan at La Triennale di Milano Museum was noted as among the top 10 exhibitions to see in all Italy.

The New York native, born in 1968, was educated in Germany and is a former soldier turned painter, who made his start selling paintings on street corners of New York. His trendy studio headquarters opened ten years ago in 2006 on 1922 Evans Ave. with Unit B. After his wife’s sudden death in 2012, a second adjacent space known as Unit A opened. Both served as a catalyst to bring Jansen’s art to the SW Florida community and help transform what is now known as “Gardner’s Park” into the thriving arts district it is today.

The warehouse gallery and studio space opened at that time launching a new exciting movement of a contemporary art wave, as other art spaces were closing shop. “It was a risk back then, but the community embraced difference and it’s them who made it a success,” said Jansen. UNIT A was a five year experiment and a project which paved the way for a local as well as

International following, with collectors coming from as far as Europe and South America to see his work.

Since the late 1990s, Jansen has been widely known for his socio-political neo-expressionist paintings, that after a 30 year art career have reached International solo Museum exhibition and auction acclaim all at the age of 48.

Over a dozen museum collections house his works and he exhibits in Museums frequently. Starting this year, Jansen is embarking on a World Museum Tour that is taking his career to the highest level of Art Academia in Europe and the United States and will include appearances at Sotheby’s New York. The tour includes solo shows as far as Italy and as close as The Baker Museum in Naples.

Although Jansen will no longer be a part of the monthly public Fort Myers Art Walk openings, the newly renovated brick warehouse located at 2633 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will serve as Jansen’s workshop and showcase room.

The Jansen studios will be open to private collectors by appointment only and for special receptions to be announced on a case by case basis.

Invited guests will be welcomed to an opening reception with food, music and drinks on Dec. 3.

Wendy White

Marcus Jansen moves UNIT A studio operations to larger headquarters

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

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Two new exhibits and Art in the Park in December NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

The Naples Art Association announces two upcoming exhibitions.

Passionately Repurposed: Art from Recycled and Found Materials and There is a Song in My Art will both be on view Dec. 10 through Jan. 21 at the Naples Art Association, located at 585 Park St. in Naples.

A special preview reception for both exhibits will be held on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Admission is free for Naples Art Association donors and not yet donors are just $10 per person.

Passionately Repurposed is an Patty Arenburg exhibition of artwork created from recycled materials and found objects and will be on view in the Frederick O. Watson Gallery. Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into something new and includes the actions of reclaiming and altering. A found object is a natural or discarded object found by chance and held to have aesthetic value. Artists known for working with discarded and found objects include Joseph Cornell, Marina DeBris, Marcel Duchamp, Louise Nevelson, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Leo Sewell, and Michelle Stitzlein.

Naples-based art professional, Janice Paine, will serve as juror and select artwork for the exhibition. There are seven cash awards including best of show $500, first place $250, second place $200, award of merit $150, and three honorable mentions of $100.

Paine has fostered appreciation and participation in the visual arts while serving as an art critic, art journal editor, arts program manager, and assistant curator in Wisconsin and Florida. As program manager for education services

Jorge Narvaez with the United Arts Council of Collier County, Paine develops and administers arts enrichment after-school programs for elementary and midART IN THE PARK - Artist Debbie W. Nelson was among the dle school students. local artists at the first Art in the Park of the season Nov. 5 Presented by the Southwest Florida Fine outside of the Naples Art Association. The next Art in the Craft Guild, There is a Song in My Art will feaPark will be Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ture two and three-dimensional work ranging from mixed media to jewelry to woodworking, ceramics, and fiber art and will be on display on standards of performance and accomplishments in fine the ground floor and second level in the Elizabeth & crafts. Guild members achieve this mission by means of William Barrick, Millicent and Charles Marshall, Elizabeth participation, promotions and education through shows, & Alan Harris, John H. & Lucile Harris, and the Minnesota exhibitions, demonstrations, and art scholarships. lobby galleries.

For more information about the exhibits, visit The mission of the SWFFCG is to encourage high www.naplesart.org.

Celebrating 50 Years in the Community!

Naples Artcrafters

Fine Art & Craft Show

HOLIDAY SHOW

Victorian Carolers 11 am - 1pm • Gifts under $50

SATURDAY, DEC. 10TH 10am - 4pm

Christmas in Cambier Park 580 8th Street South, Naples just south of 5th Avenue

Free Admission & Parking • More Than 70 Juried Artisans!

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com

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DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DAAS Co-Op Gallery features Todd Andrew Babb

Renowned artist Todd more conceptual modAndrew Babb has taken ernist sculpting career in some time from his very busy an effort to express his schedule to produce a series philosophical interpretaof new works, to be presenttions of the human condied exclusively at one of the tion. most prominent art galleries Babb's paintings and in town. sculptures can be found Babb, who travels around in private collections the United States participataround the world including ing in a variety of art festivals countries in Europe, Asia, and exhibitions, jumped at the and South America. His opportunity and is currently work has been exhibited working on the new pieces for with such artists as the show and will be present Robert Rauschenberg during the opening reception, and HR Giger, participatwhich is scheduled for ed in shows organized by Saturday, Dec. 10; in contop curators such as junction with the SoCo Curse Mackey and Anna Second Saturday event.

Visnitskaya, and has been The collection, entitled displayed both nationally “Todd Andrew Babb, Still and internationally in Moving” will consist of a varimuseums, galleries, and ety of three-dimensional fine art shows. He has pieces, featuring his signature been showing publicly in style of subjects that seem to group and solo exhibits pose in sophisticated movesince 2002. ment and serenity. “Without DAAS Co-Op Art progression, there is only the Gallery & Gifts opened stagnation of an ill perceived earlier this year and feacomfort. It is only when we tures a non-member guest Todd Andrew Babb move forward that we are artist on a monthly basis, truly living,” says Babb, who as part of the SoCo is consistently finding new Second Saturday proforms and subjects for his gram. The opening recepcreations. tion starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 10. The exhiThe self-identified progressivist was bition will be on display Dec. 5 through born just outside of Philadelphia into a Jan. 7. The gallery is open Tuesday to family of artists, historians and philosoSaturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more phers. Honing his skill at a young age, information, call 239-590-8645 or visit Babb pursued a career as a painter soon www.daascoop.com. Information about the after serving in the United States Air SoCo Second Saturday event is available Force. Following his first business, at www.socoswfl.com.

Creative Artistry, where he worked with top DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is corporations such as Dupont Corian and located in the Royal Palm Square, 1400 Walt Disney Company, Babb pursued a Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers.

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

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 Dec. 16 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.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

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Shangri-La Springs to showcase Peggy MacNamara, Megan Kissinger, Ed Takacs

The Historic Shangri La Springs monthly Art & Nature night will guide you through a multimedia artistic experience unique to Southwest Florida.

If you have not visited this beautifully preserved piece of old Florida, the free community night on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. is a great time to go (Dec. 14). This night doubles as an artist reception for their new art show called Nature's Eye featuring the original artworks of Peggy MacNamera, Megan Kissinger and Ed Takacs.

You will be awed as you walk into the circa 1921 Great House with live Baby Grand Piano and electric double bass played by Alchymie. A featured live artist swirls colors to the music as patrons to the organic wine bar, with beer supplied by the local Brewery Momentum, take in the scene sip by sip. A glide into the dining room and guests are invited to an organic three course meal with a wall of windows overlooking the giant Mysore fig tree in the courtyard.

A walk outside and your ears will guide you towards the spa where Debo plays the hammered dulcimer and guests receive free mini spa treatments. A step into the longhouse with its exposed cedar beams and you can partake in free community

Peggy MacNamara

yoga while Jane Portaluppi Durand works on her latest masterpiece in the form of sidewalk chalk art. As you enjoy the acres of verdant landscape, you will be happy you brought along your drum so you can join in the community drumming circle which welcomes all levels and ages. With poetry and short films on the horizon, this night will continue to amaze and highlight this historic property and all it has to offer the community. For information, call the gift shop at (239) 949-0749 or visit www.shangrilasprings.com. Shangri-La is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Works of Judy Usavage, Howard Wolper, Kimberly Clark Harris at Cape Library

Three local artists will be showing their work in December in the art gallery of the Cape Coral Public Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. The exhibits will be available for viewing during library business hours from Dec. 1 through Dec. 29.

Paintings by Judy Usavage will be shown on the alcove walls of the library’s gallery. The exhibit will feature artwork in several styles in either oil or acrylic, testament to Judy’s fondness for experimenting and challenging herself artistically. She has been concentrating lately on plein air (outdoor painting) so many of the paintings are landscapes plus water and sky scenes. In addition to creating the larger pieces on the alcove walls, Judy Usavage loves doing small paintings using a palette knife to give them a thicker texture. These will be on display in one of the gallery cases. Judy’s husband is adventure author James P. Usavage, and the case will also contain information about his four previously published books plus a preview of a new work to be released early in 2017.

Photographs by Howard Wolper will be exhibited on the walls of the gallery hall.

Wolper has been interested in photography dating back to the early 1970s and the days of film and darkrooms. He’s currently on board with 21st century technology and uses several Nikon digital cameras with a variety of lenses. His images include beau-

tiful sunrises, local wildlife, and a variety of shells. Howard Wolper is the owner of Florida Seashell Displays, and his shell creations will also be shown in one of the gallery cases this month. Included are decorative lamps, shadow boxes, jars and more.

Creations by artist and craftsperson Kimberly Clark Harris will be on exhibit in one of the large cases. Kimberly’s interest in art started back in kindergarten with encouragement from a teacher on her ability to draw. She enjoyed summering as a child near the artist colony of Rockport, Mass., studied art throughout high school and later worked as an interior design assistant with a large Boston bank where she catalogued valuable pieces of art by famous artists such as Salvador Dali.

Today, Kimberly loves working in the office at the Cape Coral Art League with the many artists and gallery shows. And nowadays, it’s Kimberly’s grown children who encourage her by suggesting she illustrate a book for youngsters. The library exhibit will include paintings, drawings, paper mache pieces, textile art and decorative boxes.

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 her at monica4608@comcast.net.

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 UNIT A • 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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DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

BIG ARTS launches new visual season The walls of the Phillips and Founders Galleries at BIG ARTS on Sanibel will be filled all season with the visually stimulating work from talented artists from all over the region.

BIG ARTS will have four juried exhibits this season.

On Nov. 30, BIG ARTS will open two new exhibits: “Two Ways to Abstraction: Carol Staub and Muffy Clark Gill” in Phillips Gallery.

Featuring two award-winning abstract artists, this exhibit will explore each artist’s distinct creativity.

Staub’s dark color palette and textures echo urban landscapes, while Gill’s work encompasses natural colors and organic subject matter.

The artists reception will be Friday, Dec. 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. at BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery.

Complimentary snacks and wine will be available and it is open to the public.

For more information, log on to www.BIGARTS.org or call 239395-0900.

SoCo event Dec. 10

It all started in October and takes place every second Saturday of every month, in the newly created SoCo Cultural District.

The cultural venues, south of Colonial Boulevard and between McGregor Boulevard and Summerlin Road, joined forces to bring attention to a newly renovated and artistically attractive area of the city.

To date, the December 2016 participating cultural stops are: Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Theatre, Catch 22 Sports Bar, DAAS CoOp Art Gallery & Gifts, The Union Artist Studios at the Art Loft, Ocasiocasa at the Art Loft, Luciano Deandrade's Studio Os Urbanos, David Gittleman Studios, Yoga Bird, Vamped-Up Vintage, A Swedish Affair, Living Vine Organic Café and Theatre Conspiracy.

Attendees are encouraged to visit all of the cultural venues and take advantage of the multiple events happening throughout the night. The socoswfl.com contains a convenient section with the programs for the night.

For the Dec. 10 SoCo Second Saturday, Yoga Bird will be featuring singer/songwriter Chip Withrow in their boutique salon. Withrow, who co-owns the very popular venue, will entertain guests with holiday music. Vegan holiday dessert samples will be provided. In addition, massage therapist Frank Jean, LMT, will be offering chair massages during the event.

Catch 22, the lively music and sports bar anchor of the Royal Palm Square, will feature an acoustic performer at 5 p.m. and the band Chasing Dallas starting at 9 p.m.

The Alliance for the Arts features the

Off the Wall: 200 Under $200 exhibit, which will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m.

Coinciding with the onset of the holiday shopping season, this non-traditional art show features works of all mediums priced at $200 or less. All sales are “cash and carry,” meaning purchasers will get to take the piece with them when they buy it, instead of waiting until the end of the exhibit.

Theatre Conspiracy will present The Country Wife at 8 p.m. This is a classic comedy by William Wycherley. Tickets to this production are $24 for adults, $22 for Alliance for the Arts members, or $11 for students and can be purchased at www.ArtInLee.org/theatre. Prior to the presentation, Theatre Conspiracy will be performing the short one-act play Revenge of the Magi by Jeff Goode at 5:30 and 7 p.m. These performances are free to attend.

DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is featuring the work of renowned sculptor and painter Todd Andrew Babb. The opening reception is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., but the gallery will be open all day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing patrons to visit and enjoy the new exhibitions, featuring Babb and the more than thirty artists-members of the cooperative.

In addition, special Holiday sales will be available throughout the 2,400 square foot facility.

More than 10 independent vendors and performers will be selling their handcrafted items and entertaining the crowds during the SoCo Second Saturday night.

A map, indicating the multiple cultural venues, will be available during the event.

A more complete list of all the cultural venues and the programs for the night is available at www.socoswfl.com.

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Three new exhibits at VAC in Punta Gorda The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda has another busy schedule in store for December. Here are some of the key exhibits:

Then & Now

Punta Gorda: Then & Now is a special Historical Photo Exhibit in Celebration of Punta Gorda Founder’s Day week-long celebration, free and open to the public Dec 1 7. See historical photographs from The Punta Gorda History Center as it was “then”, contrasted with photos from Visual Arts Center member photographers, as it is “now.”

Three Guys and a Blonde

Multimedia exhibit Three Guys and a Blonde features photographer Mike Fortier, watercolorist Lind Lee Foster-Paul, painter Ron Gallo and potter Angelo Pescatore.

Three Guys and a Blonde is free and open to the public Dec. 5 – Jan. 2 at the Visual Arts Center.

Mike Fortier

Old Florida

Multimedia exhibit Old Florida pays tribute to days of old: The people, places and qualities unique to our region. Old Florida is free and open to the public Dec. 10 – Jan. 6. The public is invited to attend opening receptions for Old Florida and Three Guys & A Blonde.

Thursday, Dec 15 at 5 p.m.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda (across from Fishermen’s Village). Call (941) 639-8810 or visit www.visualartcenter.org for details.

Gallery and gift shop hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Douglas Michalski

Art Under the Influence show and sale Dec. 3 in South Gulf Cove Pavilion

The Art Under the Influence group is holding its first annual art exhibition and sale at the South Gulf Cove Pavilion, 14859 Ingraham Blvd., Port Charlotte, on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of original art and meet the artists. Refreshments will be served.

This eclectic group of artists originally met at the Port Charlotte Cultural Center and have been painting together ever since. Several of the artists expressed an interest in getting exposure for their art work. All thought it would be fun to hold an exhibit at the South Gulf Cove Pavilion since several of the artists live in South Gulf Cove and also meet here during the summer to continue working at their craft. They are hoping that locals from in and around the area come out to have a look. Rosana Halprine of South Gulf Cove expressed an interest in having this exhibit become an annual event in our community.

The artwork to be exhibited includes works in acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, oils, mixed media and photography.

Featured artists include Lionel Lewis who has exhibited at the Art & Humanities Council's "Meet the Artist" event and continuously demonstrates his artistic ability. Lionel also teaches art at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

Rebecca Hutchins has a background in graphic arts and advertising and displays a wonderful sense of whimsy; Lowie Porter Bock's work includes intricate and beautiful Zen Tangle art pieces; Dave Shumway's work tickles with wry sardonic wit; Jill Lindsay is playfully fearless in her colorful and unique pieces; Susan Potter's pieces display a masterful use of design and color; Elaine McNeill's pieces illustrate a unique sense of playfulness and thoughtfulness; and Rosana Halprine, who studied fine arts many years ago, has now picked up where she left off so long ago. The works of several of the artists mentioned can also been seen at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

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Arts for ACT

The annual Arts for ACT auction and gala was held Oct. 29 at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers to raise funds to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Above, emcees Rachel Pierce (of NBC 2) and Stephanie Davis describe the art of Stephen Gray-Blancett being held by LaTasha Armstead.

John Agnew exhibit at Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs

The Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs on Old 41 Road is exhibiting the art of John Agnew now through Dec. 31.

Crocodilian Scratchboards, Paintings and Drawings by John Agnew explores crocodilians as studies in texture and form. Agnew likes the scratchboard technique for its affinity to the engravings in early texts about zoology, and its ability to treat the species in exquisite detail. The contrast of black and white lines is well suited for showing off intimate details of a crocodile’s scaly texture. Intimate portraits plus scenes from daily crocodilian life and even interactions with humans are all subjects explored in this exhibit. In addition to scratchboard, field sketches and paintings of crocodilians and their worldwide habitat round out this exhibit.

Free family activity Saturdays will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 & 17. On select Saturdays during the “Crocodilian Scratchboards” exhibition the Centers for the Arts offers free family activity days for children and adults.

Enjoy a tour of this fun exhibition and then complete art projects that engage the theme of the exhibition.

For more information or to save your space at a Saturday activity day, call the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs at 239-495-8989.

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Hirdie Girdie welcomes Sandy O’Grady, Tracy Owen Cullimore

Hirdie Girdie Gallery, the charming co-op art gallery at the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Library Way on Sanibel, introduces two outstanding new artists whose works will delight gallery visitors.

Tracy Owen Cullimore is an award-winning painter who specializes in alla prima portraiture of people and animals. Using oil, watercolor and charcoal mediums, she reaches beyond a photographic likeness to capture her subjects' personalities. Her emotionally strong paintings stir a sense of recognition from her viewers. Tracy characterizes it as "seeing" with her heart.

Sandy O'Grady's artistic passion is creating exquisite pine needle baskets. She starts with basket bases of nuts, agates and the abundance of Tracy Owen Cullimore pine needles that she finds in her yard. Then the magic happens as she incorporates shells, pinecones, feathers, plant parts and other natural objects from Southwest Florida.

These two new artists join the other 13 local Hirdie Girdie artists to offer oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, pastels, photography, beaded sculpture, turned wood, glass, fiber, ceramic, colored pencil, jewelry and tile works. The co-op is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hirdie Girdie Gallery, Tower Gallery and Surroundings will host a holiday reception on Dec. 8 from 5 - 9 p.m. at 2490 Library Way on Sanibel.

For more information, see www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com or call 239-395-0027.

Sandy OʼGrady

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Harbour View Gallery to feature Sue Archer and Kenneth Follmann

Harbour View Gallery in Florida Fine Crafts Guild.

Cape Coral will welcome feaKen Follmann creates tured artists Sue Archer sculpture using the teeth of (glass wall art) and Kenneth an extinct (and very large) Follmann (fossil sculptures) at shark. He calls his creations a reception on Tuesday, Dec. Bite Me Fossil Sculpture. He 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. has previously worked in Sue Archer captures small, metal, wood, ceramics, quiet moments - the everyday stained glass and papermiracles: the bloom of a mâché. flower, the gift of mercy, a Imagine a shark as big as child at play. She has been a Greyhound bus? Its teeth working in watercolors and would have been up to vitreous painting, which is seven very sharp inches painting and firing glass. She long. These giant sharks Sue Archer received her BFA from Miami known as megalodons were University in Ohio, and an common in the waters of MSCS from FIT. Sue and her husband Florida at one time. grew up in Ohio and moved to Florida in For many fossil hunters in Florida, 1979. megalodon teeth are the Holy Grail of what Her artwork has been one hopes to find. Fossil hunter shown at the von Liebig Ken Follmann is no ex-ception.

Art Center in Naples, Ken finds other types of fosMarco Island Center for sils such as fish, whales, dolthe Arts, Visual Arts phins, bison, cam-els, horse, Center at Punta Gorda, mammoth, mastodon, saberSydney & Berne Davis Art tooth cats, and even big bony Center, Alliance for the scales called scutes from the Arts Artists@Work and glyptodont, a big armored aniCape Coral Art Studio. mal similar to today’s armadillo Sue completed a second except the glyp could get as big printing of her “Beginners as a Volkswagen.

Guide to Glass Fusing” Their work will be on display which focuses on creating through December. The gallery custom glass work. She is located at 5789 Cape belongs to the Southwest Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.

Ken Follmann

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Music

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Cantus at Shell Point Dec. 6

Fine & Performing Arts Series at Shell Point continues Tuesday, Dec. 6 with a performance by Cantus.

The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at The Village Church, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers.

As one of the nation’s few fulltime vocal ensembles, Cantus is

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widely known for its warmth and blend, innovative programming, and engaging performances of music that range from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Individual tickets cost $35 online, or the “pick-three” option is available for $90 – a savings of $15. Tickets may be purchased at (239) 454-2067 or www.shellpoint.org/concerts.

Mostly Mozart in Bonita Dec. 15

Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs presents Music at the Moe Dec. 15 featuring “Mostly Mozart,” a Classical quartet of flute, violin, viola and Cello. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Moe Auditorium & Film Center; Center Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Cost is $25 per person.

Performers include: Flautist Luis Sandoval received his BA from the Conservatory of Music of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and his Professional Studies Diploma and his Master of Music Degree from the Conservatory of Music of Lynn University in Boca Raton. Luis has performed with the Bogota Philharmonic, Opera of Colombia, Orchestra of the Americas, Colombian Youth Symphony, Virtuosi Camerata, Lynn Philharmonia, Broward Symphony, Actors Playhouse, and a variety of Chamber, Latin, and jazz ensembles.

Violinist Mei Mei Luo was assistant concertmaster of the Florida Philharmonic for two years, playing with the Philharmonic for 11 years. Born and raised in China, Mei Mei won second prize in the Nations Youth Competition in China, and third prize in the San Diego Youth Music Competition.

At the age of 12, she performed with the prestigious Peking Opera Company, and participated in the Reunification Ceremony in Hong Kong in 1997. She is a member of the Florida Atlantic University Chamber Soloists, and also holds posi-

tions with FAU Chamber Soloists, Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival, Miami Chamber Symphony (Concertmaster), as well as Florida Grand Opera (Associate Concertmaster) and the Miami City Ballet.

Violist Modesto Marcanostudied with the renowned National Youth Orchestra Program of Venezuela at the Conservatory Simon Bolívar and attended graduate school at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon Universities in Pittsburgh. He was principal violist of the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho Symphony Orchestra in Caracas and was the Violist for the Niles String Quartet Kentucky. He is currently principal Violist of the Symphony of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Cellist Angela Maleh is originally from Anchorage, Alaska. She was the winner of the Allied Arts Solo Competition in Spokane, Washington. Angela performed with the Yale Cellos at Carnegie Hall. She has performed with the Savannah Symphony, Hilton Head Orchestra, Palm Beach Pops, and most recently she works for the Miami City Ballet as associate principal.

Angela’s latest performance was with the Opus One String Quartet performing Britten for the Miami City Ballet. Angela performed chamber music for 11 years with Chamber Music Hilton Head and has worked in groups such as the Chagall Trio.

For tickets or information, call 239-495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Songwriters at Sunset & Songwriters at the Library

ACMA welcomes Jann Klose

Dec. 1 kicks off the ACMA Songwriters at Sunset series with Roy & Kim with JRoberts.

This free show starts at 3:30 p.m. at Lovers Key State Park near Fort Myers Beach.

Be sure to give yourself and extra 30 minutes to park and take the tram to the beach.

The show is free parking is $8 at car.

Songwriter and multi instrumentalist Roy Schneider, with duo partner Kim Mayfield, have been touring for half this century across America and abroad.

Schneider's original songs have earned spots Jann in the 30A Songwriters Festival, Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Kerrville's New Folk competition.

Other notable venues include the MAD fest in Yorkshire, England, Nashville's Bluebird Cafe and Roy's appearance as a contestant on NBC's "The Voice."

JRobert was just honored by being named this year’s Marco Island Artist of the Year. JRobert is a musician, composer, songwriter and producer. He has been singing, playing acoustic and electric guitars, violin, and steel drums for over 15 years. He often volunteers to play during special events in Marco Island and Naples.

Most recently he played for Marco Island’s 50th Anniversary Gala, the Goodland Arts Alliance Annual Harbor Arts and Music Festival, and the Cultural Carnivale sponsored by the Cultural Alliance of Marco Island and Goodland.

The Americana Community Music Association welcomes Jann Klose to its Fort Myers stage Dec. 3. This show will be back at the ACMA’S normal location at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Attendees can pay at the door. Tickets are $10- $15 donation.

Jann Klose is an award-winning pop singer-songwriter, who has released five albums and two EPs. Klose was raised in Kenya, South Africa, Germany, and the United States and now resides in New York City. His music video for “Make It Better” has been viewed over 100,000 times online and is featured on the Billboard Top 10 charting compilation album Action Moves People United. His latest duo album Stereopticon (2016), recorded with Grammy nominated guitarist Gary Lucas and lyricist Dan Beck is now available on the Cosmic Trigger label.

Jann’s most recent solo album, Mosaic(2013) featuring “Make It Better” entered the Roots Rock charts at #22 and won three 2014 Independent Music Awards.

The record also made the first round of the 2014 Grammys in the categories Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Year.

His voice is featured in the movie Greetings From Tim Buckley as the voice of Tim Buckley starring Penn Badgley and Imogen Poots. His songs have been heard on the Grammy nominated Healthy Food For Thought compilation as well as MTV Cribs and movies Dead Broke featuring

Paul Sorvino and A Venue For The End Of The featuring Dick Cavett and Ian Anderson. Most recently Jann scored the music for the award-winning short film The Beauty of Disaster.

He has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Jekyll & Hyde and The Who’s Tommy. In 2005, the Off-Broadway production Moonlight Interior, a musical based on Klose’s Klose music, premiered in New York City.

Jann Klose has periodically collaborated with members of classical rock group Renaissance and tours regularly in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. He has opened for or performed with a wide range of artists including Pat Benatar, John Oates of Hall and Oates, Suzanne Vega, Paula Cole, Annie Haslam, Brett Dennen, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Rusted Root, Vonda Shepard, Ben Taylor, Gary Hoey, Jeffrey Gaines, Bret Michaels, Willy Porter, Rosanne Cash, The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn, Marty Stuart, The Yardbirds’ Jim McCarty, Elliott Murphy, Pete Seeger and Les Paul.

Opening for Jann is Canadian snowbird Bill Steel from Windsor, Ontario. Bill will perform his original songs along with some obscure covers.

Songwriters at the Library returns Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at the South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway in Estero with Pete Benson, Glenn Sabatka and Joe Virga. This is a free show of local songwriters sharing original songs and the stories behind the songs. Pete Bensen is a singer-songwriter with a unique guitar playing style and expressive, intelligent lyrics.

He performs regularly online on StreetJelly.com/PeteBensen. Glenn Sabatka, a master harmonica player, has been playing in folk-rock-blues bands since the late 60s. He and his quirky original songs are a delight in word play. Joe Virga has been performing as a singer-songwriter for over 40 years. His unique chord structure melodies, poignant words and distinct tenor have set him apart in the Florida folk community.

Join the ACMA for its singer songwriters circle every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No membership required. All are welcome to come and play or just to listen.

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 the shows start at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit online at www.americana.org

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Symphonic Mastersingers welcome the holidays with three concerts The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers bring in the holidays with three December performances. The select ensemble of 80-plus voices under the direction of artistic director Jeff Faux will perform the Christmas portion of Handel’s beloved "Messiah" along with traditional Christmas carols at concerts on Sanibel Island, in Downtown Fort Myers and at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Mastersingers host a "Messiah SingAlong" at CityGate Ministries (1735 Jackson St., Fort Myers) at 7 p.m. The annual event will be accompanied by strings and will feature professional soloists. "Messiah" scores will be provided to singers. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be collected to benefit the youth music program at CityGate Ministries with a goal of raising up and developing the next generation of musicians and worshippers.

The following day, Sunday, Dec. 11, the Mastersingers will present "Messiah and More" at 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way. The performance is free and will

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feature guest soloists and the Mastersingers Festival Orchestra. A love offering will be taken to benefit Angel Tree, a part of Prison Fellowship to purchase toys for children with a parent in prison. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring new toys to be distributed to area children.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, the Mastersingers join Gulf Coast Symphony in their annual holiday "Deck the Halls" concert, at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers. Tickets are available through the Barbara B. Mann box office or online at www.bbmannpah.com “The holidays are a time for family and tradition. Singing the ‘Messiah’ with our friends and neighbors in Fort Myers every year and our annual trip to the Sanibel Community Church are an essential part of the Mastersingers’ family tradition,” said Anthony Contino, Mastersingers president.

“We are also very excited about renewing our collaboration with the Gulf Coast Symphony. The Deck the Halls concerts are great fun and provide a perfect opportunity for a family outing to usher in the holidays,” said Contino.

Bonita Springs Concert Band presents festival fanfare in park Dec. 11

The Bonita Springs Concert Band, under the direction of Gary Smith, will present a free concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Riverside Park on Old US 41 in Bonita Springs.

The concert will include a variety of music in addition to many Christmas favorites.

Amy An American Christmas is a very creative piece by Robert W. Smith which includes a medley titled “Jingle Bells Forever,” which combines “Jingle Bells” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Other noteworthy pieces are Leroy Anderson’s perennial holiday favorite “Sleigh Ride,” “The Invincible Eagle” by John Philip Sousa, the Elvis Presley holiday classic “Blue Christmas” and John Higgin’s sparkling montage, “The

Bells of Christmas.” The children are sure to enjoy Santa’s Journey so please bring them along!

The featured vocalist Amy Bright will present “The Christmas Song” and “A Christmas Festival.”

Bring your holiday Bright spirit and a chair or a blanket. Refreshments will be available from Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream.

The band will also be collecting Toys for Tots sponsored by the U.S Marine Corps Reserves. Attendees are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys that will be given to children in Bonita Springs.

For more information, visit their website at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com

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Gulf Coast Symphony to perform Dec. 3

Join the Gulf Coast Symphony on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW for the Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in d minor, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Ballet Suite, and the world premiere of Escape from composer Jeff Myers.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in d minor, composed in 1937, depicts the conflicting moods, fears, and suffering of the Soviet people. Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Ballet Suite captures the drama and passion derived from William Shakespeare’s classic tale. Escape, written by American composer Jeff Myers, is a symphonic poem that describes the calm and impending threat before, and the chaos during, a storm.

The world premiere of Jeff Myers’ Escape was commissioned by the Gulf

Coast Symphony as part of its 2020 Commissioning Project. As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, the Gulf Coast Symphony created a new fund to commission and premiere at least ten new pieces for symphony orchestra from some of today’s best composers for the concert and theater stage.

Over the past seasons, Gulf Coast Symphony has commissioned and performed Cello Concerto by Ilya Levinson, Celebration Overture by Patrick Soluri, Walt’s America for chorus and orchestra by Robert Paterson, and now Escape by Jeff Myers.

Tickets for Shostakovich, Prokofiev, & Myers start at $22 and can be purchased by calling the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office at (239) 481-4849 or online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org

Start December off with a free concert from the Nowhere Band on the steps of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

The Nowhere Band will be playing all the best Beatles songs throughout Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays along with classic tunes from SW Florida’s top Beatles tribute band. As a special treat, pop into SBDAC to see the beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Festival of Trees.

Covering the full spectrum of The Beatles’ long and varied career, The Nowhere Band creates an unparalleled reproduction, entirely live (with no prerecorded material), of ‘60s Beatles performances. The band blends period costumes, authentic instruments, modern lighting, and an abundantly talented quartet of musicians to create an experience any true Beatles fan, young or young-atheart, simply can’t afford to miss.

Goodwill of Southwest Florida is part-

nering with the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to bring the 10th Anniversary of Festival of Trees to the River District.

Commemorate this decade-long achievement from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. The Festival of Trees is a showcase of lovely trees designed and decorated by local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Trees are auctioned and raffled, so attendees could win a beautifully decorated tree.

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

Nowhere Band to play at Davis Art Center Dec. 2

Charlotte Chorale performs Dec. 10

The Charlotte Chorale has been presenting quality choral music since 1989 and the upcoming season promises to continue that tradition.

Under the direction of Dr. William Dederer, the Chorale will open the season with "Memories of Christmases Past" on Dec. 10. The 65-voice group will be accompanied on piano by Dolores Smith, and will showcase a group of student musicians representing Lemon Bay and Charlotte High Schools.

Additional performances will include

"Mozart to Mancini" with full orchestra, scheduled for March 2, and "Made in America" on April 22. Phil Dirt and the Dozers, a nationally-recognized rock and roll group from Ohio, will present a concert on Jan. 15 as a benefit for the Chorale.

All performances are held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda and begin at 4 p.m. For season or individual tickets, call 941-204-0033.

Further information is available at www.charlottechorale.com.

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New Blue Smoke Thunderfest debuts Dec. 3-4 in Naples

Miracle Limbs - Courage in Motion welcomes for the first time in South Florida, six of the country’s top celebrity pitmasters as seen on the Food Network, Destination Channel and the country’s top barbecue competitions for the first annual Blue Smoke Thunderfest.

The festival will kick off at The Mercato with a VIP Party Friday night at Burn Lounge by Rocky Patel. Guests will feast on BBQ dishes smoked to perfection by our six visiting Pitmasters. Meet, greet and mingle with them while enjoying a four-hour open bar.

Celebrity Pitmasters include Ray Lampe, Dr. BBQ; Leslie Roark Scott, Ubons BBQ;Moe Cason, Ponderosa Barbecue; Craig Kimmel, Firehouse BBQ; Brad Orrison, The Shed BBQ; and Shelly Frisch, Desperados Barbecue. Tickets are limited for the party and are $100 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.MiracleLimbs.org.

Festival gates will open at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Road. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door for Saturday and Sunday.

Attendees will enjoy world class barbecue from the celebrity pitmasters as seen on the Food Network, Destination Channel & the country’s top barbecue competitions.

A lineup of bands including local and Nashville musicians will play throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday running until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Saturday’s bands include Sean Patrick McGraw, Radio Road Band, Rusty Wright Band and Chris “Moondawg” Hill. Sunday’s lineup includes Teakwood Drive Band, The Fabtones, Them Hamilton Boys and Chris “Moondawg” Hill. Culinary demonstrations, artisan exhibits will tempt the senses as well as provide a unique opportunity to shop for the upcoming holiday season.

All proceeds benefit Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion, a Collier County organization assisting amputees with a unique and comprehensive programs to meet their financial and emotional needs.

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Music at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County

The Cultural Center of Charlotte County as another full schedule of entertainment for December.

Ingroov Big Band Dec. 1

Enjoy a variety of swing and big band tunes on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Centennial Hall at the Cultural Center. This fun afternoon of music is only $2 per person. Ingroov Big Band is set to perform on the first and third Thursday of each month through April 2017.

Christmas Showcase Dec. 3

Higher Ground Performing Arts will be presenting their 12th Annual Christmas Showcase featuring the Higher Ground Performing Arts Company, their Vocal and Theatre Ensemble, and Special Appearances from other Talented Performers. The Christmas Showcase will be held Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 pm. General admission is $11 in advance or $13 at the door.

Tru Kountry Dec. 4

On Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., celebrate the holiday season in a true southern style with a full, live, traditional country band. Tru Kountry offers a unique blend of "Family Harmony.”

Tickets are $15.

Two Piano Group Dec. 4

The Two Piano Group will be performing at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 in the Music Room. The music will range from seasonal classics to popular holiday standards. Tickets are $7.

Big Band Dec. 5

Jazz Society Dec. 12

The Charlotte County Big Band concert series continues with A Tribute to Glenn Miller on Monday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Glenn Miller inspired the World War II generation. Advance tickets are $12 per person and $11 for Cultural Center members. Tickets the day of the show are $13.

On Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theater, the Charlotte County Jazz Society continues its season with a concert featuring Ira Sullivan. Members of the Charlotte County Jazz Society receive free admission to all concerts. Non-members ticket price is $20 per person.

Visit the center on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. for a great performance of Legends – Famous Faces, a Vegas Style Tribute Show featuring The Funk Monster Orchestra and Bay Area Horns. Tickets range from $18 to $29.

Visit the center on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. for a great performance from California Toe Jam. The boys love playing good time rock and roll. Tickets range from $18 to $29.

Legends Dec. 9 & 10

Bluegrass Dec. 10

There will be a bluegrass show on Saturday, Dec. 10 beginning at 1 p.m.

Admission is $10 or $5 with a Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association membership. The show will be held in the Cultural Center Theater. There will also be a Bluegrass Slo-jam session beginning at 10:30 a.m. outside of the theater.

Concert Band Dec. 11

The Charlotte County Concert Band’s 43rd Season continues on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theater. Under the direction of Bob Miller, the band will present a festive concert entitled “Sounds of Christmas Joy.” Advance ticket prices are $12 per person and $11 for Cultural Center members. Day of show ticket price is $13.

California Toe Jam Dec. 16

J3 Vocal Band Dec. 23

On Friday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., J3 Vocal Band will perform. The Johns Dennis, Bonnie, Chad = J3 Vocal Band - are more than just a family that sings together. They are dynamic musicians who have superlative harmony. Tickets range from $18 to $29.

Maiden Cane Dec. 30

Come to the center on Friday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. for an adrenaline pumping performance of Maiden Cane – Decades of Arena Rock. Fueled by an interest in high energy, arena rock like Boston, Journey, Styx and Bon Jovi, they set out to cover the big monster rock hits. Tickets range from $18 to $29.

The Cultural Center Box Office is located at 2280 Aaron St. in Port Charlotte. Tickets are available at www.theculturalcenter.com, in person, or by calling 941-625-4175 x221.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Southwest Florida Symphony presents Holidays in Paradise

The Southwest Florida Symphony presents its annual Holiday Pops concerts, The Holidays in Paradise, with special guest homegrown rising Broadway star Carolann M. Sanita, from Monday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 17 at multiple venues throughout Lee and St. John’s counties.

Concerts will be Carolann presented at Shell Point Village Church on Monday, Dec. 12, First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Tuesday, Dec. 13, The Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College in St. Augustine on Thursday, Dec. 15, and the symphony will end its Holidays in Paradise run at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, Dec. 17 with a grand finale that includes performances by the Gulfshore Ballet and the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida.

Carolann M. Sanita is thrilled to make her Southwest Florida Symphony debut with its Holiday Pops Concerts. She toured as Marian in the first national tour of The Music Man and internationally as Maria in the European and Asian tours of West Side Story. Some favorite credits include singing back-up to Linda Eder at the Palace Theatre on Broadway, Encore’s No, No Nanette at New York City Center, Les Miserables at Flat Rock Playhouse, Mack and Mabel and The

Boy From Oz at TheatreZone, Beauty and the Beast at Artpark, A Little Night Music at South Coast Repertory, Thoroughly Modern Millie at The Cape Playhouse, and Urinetown at the Geva Theatre.

Last summer, she was engaged to reprise the role of Maria in West Side Story at Sacramento Music Sanita Circus and most recently appeared in Spamalot at Arkansas Repertory Theatre playing one of her favorite roles to date, The Lady of the Lake. Carolann has been a soloist with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Gulfcoast Symphony.

The Southwest Florida Symphony is the only professional orchestra in Lee County and the one of the oldest on Florida’s gulf coast. It enters its 56th season this year, having made its debut as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961. Maestro Nir Kabaretti leads the symphony into another season of blockbuster performances. Maestro Kabaretti is the fifth music director in the organization’s history.

Ticket prices vary by venue and may be purchased at the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office by calling 239418-1500 or visiting in person, online at WWW.SWFLSO.ORG and at all performance venues.

Lee County Community Band to perform Christmas concert Dec. 11

The Lee County Community Band will awaken the magic of the holiday season in the young and young-at-heart when it presents its annual Christmas concert on Dec. 11. The program will take place at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, just north of Veterans Parkway.

Director Richard Bradstreet has selected a program of both sacred and secular Christmas music, featuring “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” “Twas the Night Before…,” “Jingle Bells Fantasy,” Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Journey to Bethlehem,” “Caribbean Christmas” and several medleys of favorite Christmas carols.

Additional concert dates are Jan. 22,

Feb. 12, March 5, and April 2, 2017. The events are free (donations accepted) and open to the public; all will be at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal and enthusiastic audience. Come early and enjoy these always well-attended concerts.

The 50-member adult band is comprised of professional and amateur musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. The band welcomes new members every year.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org or phone Norman Jones at 239-995-2097.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

35

Christmas gift idea

‘70s Rock and Romance Cruise sails March 11-16

StarVista Live, producer of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Soul Train Cruise and Flower Power Cruise, launches the latest addition to its sold-out roster of theme cruise experiences, the Rock & Romance Cruise.

This feel-good voyage of a lifetime will sail from Fort Lauderdale through the Caribbean from March 11 - 16, 2017, for five nights of sun-kissed 70s memories on the elegantly appointed Celebrity Summit.

Guests will be transported back in time by superstars Peter Frampton (in a special appearance on March 13), America, Little River Band, The Orchestra (starring former members of ELO), Christopher Cross, Ambrosia, Orleans, Stephen Bishop, Firefall, Player, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, radio personality Delilah and cruise host Barry Williams and more.

“This is a cruise that will take us back to one of the most special and feel good times in our lives – the seventies.” says Alan Rubens, executive producer of the Rock & Romance Cruise. “And these are the unforgettable performers and musicians who created the music that showed how rock could help us understand what love and

Little River Band

Ambrosia

romance was all about. Now we bring it all together for a vacation of a lifetime.”

Throughout the voyage, guests will also be delighted with special events that bring them up close and personal with the artists onboard, including wine tastings, a live gourmet cooking demonstration, behind the music Q&As, panel discussions and unforgettable theme parties. All will take place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Summit, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stun-

ning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-theline amenities.

Cabin fares include admission to all shows, meals and events. For further information on The Rock and Romance Cruise, call 844-466-7625 or visit online at RockAndRomanceCruise.com/happenings.

SPECIAL NOTE: Happenings Magazine readers can save hundreds of dollars on their cabins. Be sure to use the promo code “Happenings” when you book your cabin. See ad on page 21 for more details.

Come for the food.

Stay for the dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS prings in Bonita S

Dec. 1 - John Denver tribute Dec. 2 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute Dec. 3 - Pink Floyd tribute Dec. 7 - The Del Prados with mini Jersey Boys tribute Dec. 8 - Rat Pack tribute Dec. 9 - ABBA tribute Dec. 10 - Fleetwood Mac tribute Dec. 13 - Customer appreciation and Christmas party, 50s/60s, Motown Free house beverage & appetizer

Dec. 14 - Tina Turner, Disco and Blues Brothers tribute Dec. 16 - The Eagles tribute Dec. 17 - Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute

239-405-8566

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

Dec. 20 - Motown with Gregg Miller Dec. 21 - Elvis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis tribute Dec. 22 - Disco Express dance band Dec. 23 - Jimmy Buffett tribute Dec. 24 - Closed Christmas Eve Dec. 25 - Closed Christmas Dec. 26 - The Beach Boys tribute Dec. 27 - Doobie Brothers, America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute Dec. 28 - Neil Diamond tribute Dec. 29 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute Dec. 30 - ABBA tribute Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Party with Uptown Express

www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 36

DECEMBER 2016

& OTHER MUSIC ACTS

(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Naples Concert Band to play Dec. 4

Naples Concert Band will perform a holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Cambier Park Bandshell, 698 6th Ave South, Naples.

This concert will provide the perfect music for this year’s holiday celebration including soloists Craig Greusel and Amy Bright singing “Santa Wants A Tuba For Christmas” and “Christmas from the ‘50s” and a quartet made up of Greusel, Bright, Jenny Bintliff and Jerry Huckle singing “A Christmas Festival.” And, don’t miss a special presentation by the Kellyn Celtic Arts Academy Irish Dancers and a special selection from the NCB tuba section.

Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Donations received at each concert help defray expenses and The Band's Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships each year to deserving NCB student members. Guests are encouraged to arrive early with lawn chairs and blankets for seating.

The Naples Concert Band is a nonprofit organization dedicated to entertaining the community with enriching Sunday Concerts in the Park.

For more information, contact the NCB hotline at 239-263-9521 or visit online at www.NaplesConcertBand.org.

The Gulf Coast Symphony presents Deck the Halls, its annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. The program includes a wide array of holiday favorites, including a carol singalong, the lighting of the menorah, and even a visit from Santa! Guest performers include: MusicWorks! Orchestra, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, Kellyn Irish Dancers and Broadway veteran Mark Sanders, who makes his home in Southwest Florida.

Before the concert, audience members can enjoy holiday favorites in the lobby sung by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersinger’s Strolling Carolers, and have their picture taken with Santa. For more information, visit GulfCoastSymphony.org, or call 239-277-1700.

Under the direction of Jeff Faux, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is a 75-voice ensemble of vocal musicians that enjoys a reputation of musical excellence and innovative programs. The group performs numerous concerts each season, providing an opportunity for experienced singers to perform a wide range of choral music with strong emphasis on the masterworks, thereby promoting and enhancing the choral art form in the Southwest Florida community. Selection of music is intended for the enrichment and growth of the singer as well as for the enjoyment of audiences, so encompasses a variety of music for both large and small audiences in sacred and secular settings.

Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance Academy is a family owned, family operated and family oriented dance studio in Fort Myers.

Dedicated to providing the highest quality instruction in Celtic dance, they train all age groups with an artistry, performance excellence, and competitive integrity that is highly regarded throughout Southwest Florida and beyond. Led by co-founders Jaime A. Knaub and Kimberly Kelly Knaub, the dancers perform with style and energy.

Lehigh Acres resident Mark Sanders has appeared in numerous productions and concerts around the world, and in a world of musical styles. He was seen as Perchik on the Broadway national tour of Fiddler on the Roof and created the role of Rev. Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Regionally, he has performed at such prestigious theatres as Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Sacramento Music Circus, Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars, and North Shore Music Theatre. Sanders had the honor of performing for former President George H.W. Bush and singing the National anthem for the Minnesota Twins, as well as being a guest soloist at Lincoln Center and Tokyo Disneyland.

Established in 1996, the Gulf Coast Symphony, led by music & executive director Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, is one of the most dynamic community orchestras in the United States.

Tickets start at $22 and are available through the Barbara B. Mann box office, online at www.bbmannpah.com or by calling 239-481-4849.

Set aside Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. to enjoy the fifth annual Music Under the Oaks on the tree-laden grounds of the House of Prayer Retreat Center in Alva.

Attendees will hear hours of energizing classic rock by Mike & Owen, West Virginia style bluegrass by the Bear Hill band and the Southwest Florida debut of Texas singer-songwriter Krysti Subieta.

Admission and parking are free with a food donation for a local Alva food bank.

The House of Prayer is at 17880 Cypress Creek Drive. Find your way to the tunes with a pleasurable drive in the coun-

try past pastures and groves just a halfhour or less from downtown Fort Myers.

The House of Prayer is located off North River Road between State Road 31 and The Alva School in Alva. Signs will guide your way.

There will be food, beer (by donation), face painting and opportunities to stroll the 10-acre campus and enjoy its glorious old Florida landscape or slow pace of Cypress Creek. House of Prayer representatives will be on hand to answer questions about its activities.

For more information, call 239-728-3614 or visit online at www.hopretreatcenter.org.

Deck the Halls Dec. 18 with Gulf Coast Symphony

Music Under the Oaks Dec. 4 in Alva

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

2017 THE RIVER DISTRICT ALLIANCE PRESENTS

DOWN TOWN COUNT DOWN Saturday, Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Celebration starts at 8 pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON MULTIPLE STAGES FOOD FUN MUSIC JR. BALLOON DROP

FREE ADMISSION STREET PARTY

BALL DROP AT MIDNIGHT

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com DECEMBER 2016

37

Rick Springfield rocks The Ranch SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

Rick Springfield returned to The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers Nov. 6. His concert was part of the Sam Galloway Concert Series.

Photos

by Jamie Kuser

Taste of the Town

The Junior League of Fort Myers held its annual Taste of the Town Nov. 6 at JetBlue Park. In addition to the variety of great food, music was provided by Strong Side Draw, Three Crooked Steps and SOWFLO. Pictured are Three Crooked Steps featuring Robert "Bobby" Blakey on lead vocals and guitars, Michael Robert Brophy on percussion and John Raymond Coccia on vocals and bass.

38

DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Backstreets

Hotel Indigo

Seminole Casino Hotel

The Barrel Room

Hurricane Charley’s

The Shell Factory

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

Coconuts

850 Lafayette St. Cape Coral • 239-541-3221

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

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446 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

The Nauti Mermaid

5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral • 239-541-5600

506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 2787 N. Tamiaimi Trail North Fort Myers 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery

340 Old San Carlos Blvd.

Ft 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

Nervous Nellie’s

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

Old Naples Pub

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

1131 First St., Ft Myers Beach 239-463-8077 255 13th Avenue S., Naples 239-649-8200

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key Resort

1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral • 239-540-8454

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

2500 Main St., Ft 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

Tiki Bar at Days Inn 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 many places to hear live music in Southwest Florida.

Suncoast Security Professional Security

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

39

INCONCERT

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

January 13

Marshall Tucker Band

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Englewood Event Center

December 1

January 14

Sara Evans

Air Supply

Englewood Event Center

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

December 2

January 17

Craig Morgan

Engelbert Humperdinck

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Marshall Tucker Band

January 19

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

Hunter Hayes, Kellie Pickler Germain Arena, Estero

December 8

Martina McBride

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Chris Lane

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

December 9

Luke Combs & Friends

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

December 10

Here Come The Mummies

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

December 11 Judy Collins

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

December 12

The Oak Ridge Boys

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

December 14 The Beach Boys

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

December 15 John Anderson

Englewood Event Center

December 16 Eli Young Band

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Edwin McCain Trio

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

December 30

Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Band

Hinman Auditorium, Bonita Springs

January 7

Michael Boulton Artis–Naples

40

DECEMBER 2016

Here Come the Mummies at Seminole Casino Dec. 10 The funk-rock band Here Come the Mummies will bring its “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee for a concert on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.

Here Come the Mummies is rumored to be made up of reincarnated Grammy-winning studio musicians, and has just released Underground, its eighth full-length studio record. Here Come the Mummies is known for its high energy, live performances and has opened for P-Funk, Al Green and Cheap Trick. The band has performed at Summer Camp Music Fest 2015/16, Common Ground 2015, Voodoo Fest 2015, Musikfest 2016, Summerfest,

Riverbend 2016 and Super Bowl Village.

Here Come the Mummies has also become a regular on the nationally syndicated “The Bob and Tom Show.”

Tickets are available for $30 and can be purchased at the casino cashier or by calling 800-218-0007.

Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For complete details visit www.moreinparadise.com.

Other upcoming concerts at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee include Air Supply Jan. 14, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Jan. 26 (sold out), The Spinners Feb. 18 and Clint Black March 11.

Air Supply at casino Jan. 14

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & It$ Not Ober Yet Productions present An Evening with Air Supply. The super duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

A “Lost in Love” VIP ticket package also will be available for $159 per person and will include one premium reserved seat in the first 12 rows, an invitation to sound check with a meet & greet to follow for photo opportunities with Air Supply, and an exclusive VIP swag bag.

Air Supply was already a hit in their native Australia when they burst onto the American music scene in 1980 with the chart-topping single “Lost in Love,” which was quickly followed by “All Out of Love.”

Seven top five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The

Beatles' run of consecutive top five singles. The albums “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Now & Forever” and “The Greatest Hits” sold in excess of 20 million copies. "Lost in Love" was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles, sold more than 10 million copies.

Singles "Lost in Love", "All Out of Love", "The One That You Love", "Sweet Dreams", and "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. Air Supply’s trademark sound – Hitchcock's soaring tenor voice and Russell's simple yet majestic songs – delights audiences around the world as the duo continue to tour on a regular basis.

Tickets are available now starting at $75 for general admission can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com or at www.moreinparadise.com or by phone at 800-514-ETIX(3849).

Tab Benoit

Naples Grande, Naples

January 20 Phil Vassar

Englewood Event Center

January 23 Kenny Rogers Artis–Naples

January 24 Gladys Knight Artis–Naples

January 26

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

January 28 Ana Popovic

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

February 3

Robert Cray Band

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

February 9

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Germain Arena, Estero

February 11 Aaron Lewis

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

February 13 & 17 Joe Bonamassa

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

February 17 TobyMac

Germain Arena, Estero

February 18 The Spinners

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES AT THE RANCH

Craig Morgan, Chris Lane, Eli Young Band

The Sam Galloway Concert Series continues this season with an exciting lineup of national artists performing at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

The month starts off with Craig Morgan performing Friday, Dec. 2 at The Ranch.

Saying there is a “whole lot more” to Craig Morgan is an understatement. The multi-faceted Renaissance man proves it on his upcoming new studio album, aptly titled A Whole Lot More To Me, a record that furthers Morgan’s reputation as one of the genre’s most commanding vocalists.

While his singing on such hits as the multiweek Number One “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester,” “Bonfire,” “This Ole Boy” and “Wake Up Lovin’ You” was exemplary, Morgan has somehow found a new level and vocal range in the studio. On his forthcoming LP, his third with label home Black River Chris Lane - Dec. 8 Entertainment, he’s making the most relevant, authentic and moving music of his career. It’s a point that “When I’m Gone” drives home, as of Big Loud Mountain record Craig Morgan - Dec. 2 Morgan sings about living life with no regrets. label which launched Chris’s “I’ve got a renewed energy with this record,” career as an up and coming he says emphatically. “In fact, I’m at the pinnacle of my country artist. Morgan Wallen will open the show that night. career — producing, singing and touring. And this song epitAdvance tickets for Chris Lane start at $15. omizes that. It’s about living to the fullest, and when people On Dec. 9, The Ranch will welcome Luke Combs and hear it, I know they’ll relate it to their own lives.”

Friends, who include Faren Rachels, Drew Parker, Chris Opening act will be Carter Winter. Advance tickets for Rogers and Matt Chase. Advance tickets start at $18.

Craig Morgan start at $28.

The Eli Young Band will play Friday, Dec. 16 at The Chris Lane will take the stage at The Ranch Thursday, Ranch Concert Hall.

Dec. 8. Lane grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina and has With three No. 1 hits under their belt as well as a a twin brother named Cory. While attending Glenn High Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music School he and his brother played football and baseball, and Award for Song of the Year for their hit “Crazy Girl,” the Eli both went on to play baseball in college at UNC Charlotte.

Young Band approached their second Republic Nashville Due to Lane having a lot of surgeries it hurt his chances of album, 10,000 Towns, with a sense of confidence and purplaying ball so he learned how to play the guitar. In his pose. “We were genuinely excited about making this new hometown he worked in landscaping and started a cover record,” says bassist Jon Jones. “People talk about the band. In 2007, Lane and his brother auditioned for the sevsophomore record being really tough to make and in a lot of enth season of American Idol but did not make it to ways this felt like our sophomore record even though it’s Hollywood. It wasn’t until 2008 when his longtime high technically our fifth record as a band.” school buddy Brent Eliason introduced him to Seth England Advance tickets for the Eli Young Band start at $25.

Eli Young Band - Dec. 16

Other shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series at The Ranch Concert Hall include Aaron Lewis on Feb. 11 and Neal McCoy on March 17.

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.

Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Band in Bonita Springs

Marshall Tucker Band

Judy Collins

Bonita welcomes Marshall Tucker Band, Judy Collins

The SanJan Theater at Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs welcomes The Marshall Tucker Band on Dec. 2 and Judy Collins on Dec. 11.

Still led today by founding member and lead singer Doug Gray, Marshall Tucker Band represents a time and place in music that will never be duplicated. Gray is quick to credit the band's current dynamic members with carrying on the timeless essence of the Marshall Tucker Band sound.

Advance tickets start at $38.

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable personal life tri-

umphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.

In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices.

Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

Advance tickets start at $35.

The center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. For tickets and info, call 239-389-6901 or visit online at www.swflpac.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Butch Trucks and The Freight Train Band will perform Friday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs.

Join legendary drummer and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Butch Trucks, as he and the Freight Train Band deliver an evening of steady hitting blues rock.

Butch’s hard-driving style provides a ‘freight train’ like sound and now leads a band made up primarily of distinguished musicians who also happen to be related to members of the Allman Brothers Band.

This family affair is sure to tell the truth in an unapologetic, straightforward fashion, and will feature songs by the Allmans, Dylan and other legends of blues and rock.

Tickets start at $40. The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. For tickets and info, call 239495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org.

DECEMBER 2016

41

River District

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Edison & Ford Winter Estates kicked off its 41st celebration of Holiday Nights on Nov. 25.

The winter estate homes, gardens and historic buildings of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are decorated with thousands of lights and decorations. This event has become a tradition in Southwest Florida and a top destination for visitors around the globe.

New this year is a nightly Waltzing Waters lighted water fountain display and a special Holiday Tea with the Edisons and Fords on Dec. 14. For children, artist Doug MacGregor will be on site drawing cartoons on Dec. 3 and 10, and Santa will be visiting on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Adults and children alike can enjoy the Children's Tree Trail -- a collection of more than 60 live Cedar trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children.

USA Today named Edison Ford as one of the 10 Best Historic Homes for the Holidays, and The American Bus Association (ABA) designated Edison Ford's Holiday Nights as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2016. Thomas Edison created the first strand of Christmas lights about a century ago. Interestingly, the light bulbs were red, white and blue in honor of Edison's favorite holiday -- Independence Day. The Edison Ford Museum and Botanic Research Laboratory, as well as the Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 every night.

There will also be nightly entertainment and refreshments available for purchase. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. nightly and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 6:30 p.m. A sightseeing river

cruise and sunset cruise are offered through Pure Florida at the Marina at Edison Ford.

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents will receive $5 off an adult ticket on Dec. 30 and 31 and Jan. 1.

For additional information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org.

Annual Christmas Carol Sing set for Dec. 6

Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 26th Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St. in downtown Fort Myers, between Lee Street and Royal Palm Avenue. Admission is free, although organizers request voluntary donations of at least two cans of non-perishable food for The Soup Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative, and a voluntary cash donation, if you can.

Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, three sing-alongs are planned at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

Residents who cannot attend any of the Christmas Carol Sing performances may donate canned goods at either the Galloway Ford dealership on Boy Scout Drive or the Coconut Point Ford dealership on U.S. 41 in Estero or mail donations to Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902 The Christmas Carol Sing is a festival of holiday music and family fun. This year’s 90-minute performance will feature the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists and other guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs.

Come visit us at ...

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.

42

DECEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Holiday Open House SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Door Prizes•Refreshments•Lots of Cheer

Ivy Cottage Antiques & Treasures

2259 Widman Way (formerly Peck St.) Fort Myers, FL (239) 226-0025

Deck the Halls with Savings & Good Cheer!

Fine Antiques to Shabby and Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by. Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and much more. We invite you to take a relaxing stroll through more than 6,000 square feet filled with treasures.

Ivy Cottage is a Multi Dealer Mall

Tuesday through Friday 11-5, Saturday 11-4 Hope to see you soon!

Susan McCurdy (owner)

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.

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

Artist Bradford Hermann was featured at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in November.

The next Art Walk is Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 - 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Artist and store owner Whitney Hackett at her recently opened Quartz and Clover, located at 1516 Jackson St.

Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (4 - 10 pm) & New Year’s Day

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 44

DECEMBER 2016

Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Festival of Trees Nov. 30 - Dec. 4 Goodwill’s annual Festival of Trees is returning to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for its tenth year. The Festival of Trees, a holiday tradition in the Fort Myers River District, is the signature event of the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.

This year’s festival opens to the public on Nov. 30 and runs until Dec. 4.

Admission to view the trees is $2, with children under 12 attending free.

The festival displays more than 20 lavishly decorated trees, designed by businesses and individuals in the community.

Festival visitors will be able to acquire raffle tickets throughout the festival for a chance to win one (or more) of the trees, most of which are valued at more than $750. Tickets are available for a suggested minimum donation of $10.

“We experimented with a tree raffle last year, and the response was overwhelming.

Everyone wanted a ticket,” says Kirsten O’Donnell, director of public relations and marketing for Goodwill. “This year, every tree will be up for raffle, with the exception of our signature Teddy Bear Tree.”

This year’s Festival of Trees will see other changes, says O’Donnell. A special preview party will provide a sneak peek of the trees, and also include a wine tasting with food pairings. The preview will be held Nov. 29, with tickets available at www.GoodwillTrees.com.

“The Preview Party takes the place of our Tux & Trees Gala,” explains Sue

Hegarty, community relations coordinator for Goodwill. “We’ll also have a silent auction and also a live auction of the Very Beary Christmas tree.”

More new additions to the festival include an Ugly Sweater Party and Contest on Nov. 30, and a Paint Your Own Tree party with Painting with a Twist on Dec. 1.

Return visitors to the festival will enjoy the River District Holiday Stroll and Art Walk on Friday, Dec. 2, and the popular Santa’s Block Party on Dec. 3. Santa’s

Block Party includes Brunch with Santa, hosted by the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (www.sbdac.com), a holiday vendor showcase, and a Children’s Holiday Workshop that includes games, crafts, movies, and more. Tickets will be available online and at the door.

Last year, the Festival of Trees raised more than $78,000 to support Goodwill’s mission of helping people in the Southwest Florida community by providing life-changing opportunities to employment and independence.

Book your Escape today!

You have 60 minutes to put together clues, find objects and use your wits to escape our 1920s themed rooms.

One of the most exciting things to do in Fort Myers!

“The Bank Heist” “The Speakeasy” “Escape Your Family Holidays”

EscapeTacticsFlorida.com Located in the Downtown River District

239-226-4442

Hotel Indigo

Rooftop New Year’s Eve Party

The celebration starts at 9:00 p.m.

Complimentary Champagne Toast @ MIDNIGHT Featuring DJ MoBitZ 2 Don’t forget to book your holiday party on the Rooftop. Limited spots still available.

Hotel Indigo Downtown River District 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers

Contact sales team to book. 239-337-3446 HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2016

45

Comedy Clubs DECEMBER

THURSDAY - 1

THURSDAY - 8

David Rosenblatt 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Roy Haber 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Mike Armstrong & Rahn Hortman 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Mar y Ellen Hooper 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Pablo Francisco 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

FRIDAY - 9

FRIDAY - 2

Roy Haber 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

David Rosenblatt 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Pablo Francisco 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Armstrong & Rahn Hortman 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 3

Pablo Francisco 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Armstrong & Rahn Hortman 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 7

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

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

* schedules subject to change

SATURDAY - 10

Roy Haber 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Mar y Ellen Hooper 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 14

James Yon & Devin Siebold 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 15

Pablo Francisco 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mar y Ellen Hooper 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Pauly Shore 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Pauly Shore 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

David Rosenblatt 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SUNDAY - 4

Pauly Shore 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Maija DiGiorgio 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bob Zany 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club James Yon & Devin Siebold 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

FRIDAY - 16

Maija DiGiorgio 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bob Zany 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club James Yon & Devin Siebold 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 17

Maija DiGiorgio 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bob Zany 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club James Yon & Devin Siebold 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 18

Bob Zany 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

MONDAY - 19

Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

TUESDAY - 20

Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 21

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes Maija DiGiorgio

Maija DiGiorgio will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Dec. 15 - 17.

Maija DiGiorgio is a gifted, multitalented comedienne, whose memorable performance is infused with a unique combination of energy, enthusiasm, wry candor, and witty observation.

Her act is inspired by her biracial heritage, as the daughter of an award winning mambo dancer from Sicilian father, and an accomplished African American concert performer mother.

Her standup comedy also reflects experiences throughout the world of dating and relationships, along with reflections on her heritage, and her culturally diverse childhood spent with an array of talented actors, musicians, and comedians.

Born and raised in New York City, Maija spent most of her childhood at her uncle Henry LeTang’s studio where she trained in tap, singing, piano

Friday - 23 continued

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

and percussion at the age of four. By age six, she was booked as a drummer on the set of Francis Ford Coppola’s Cotton Club. At eight, she performed show-stopping numbers with Chazz Palminteri.

She directed the film Bitter Jester, which centered on being a female comic in search of pursuit of justice and accolades in the art of stand up and featured interviews with George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Chevy Chase, Kevin James, Phyllis Diller, Whoopi Goldberg and others.

She enjoys making people laugh through her translation of the human condition peppered with stories from different times of her life.

The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17. 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 - 29 continued

Owen Benjamin 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Rich Guzzi 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Mike Marino 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Ben Hague 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

TC Tahoe 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

THURSDAY - 22

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

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

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 23

RC Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SATURDAY - 24 TUESDAY - 27

WEDNESDAY - 28

Laugh In Lineup 3 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Marino 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 29

Ben Hague 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

FRIDAY - 30

Owen Benjamin 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Marino 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 31

Ben Hague 7:30 & 10:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Owen Benjamin 6 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Marino 5:30 & 10:15 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

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

Capt’n Fishbones

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. ThursdayMonday live entertainment creates a fun festive atmosphere.

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.

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

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Hotel

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee is your place for downhome 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-LEET-KE 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

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

239-334-6991

48

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

www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

DECEMBER 2016

GameTime

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

Joe’s Crab Shack

Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, we offer a creative choice of seafood favorites. Sit at the bar with friends or experience our numerous menu choices. Kick back, strap on a bib and enjoy awesome crabs, seafood and jam to rockin’ tunes on the many picnic tables.

2024 W. First St., Fort Myers 239-332-1881 www.joescrabshack.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

The Veranda adds new private dining space

Just in time for the holiday season, the Veranda restaurant in downtown Fort Myers has expanded its private dining options. The restaurant recently renovated its small dining room located upstairs over the lounge to include leather club chairs, rich finishes and expanded seating for 22.

The Veranda is celebrating 38 years of business in 2016. Consistently honored as one of the most award-winning dining establishments in the area, the restaurant is located in two turn-of-the-century

The Rhythm House

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

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

ROW Seafood by Capt. Brien

ROW is your sea to table experience provided by Capt. Brien and his crew, literally off the boat. We invite you to close your eyes and imagine taking a brisk morning ROW down the Charles River during your dining experience. We personally thank you for your patronage and want every meal to feel like you are a guest at our family table.

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 www.RowSeafood.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Victorian homes. It features southern regional cuisine with a full bar, extensive wine list and first-class service in a romantic setting.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a mid-day menu from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Live entertainment is featured in the Veranda’s piano lounge Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30.

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill

at Dolphin Key Resort

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

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

DECEMBER 2016

49

DECEMBER

Thursday -1 ACMA - Songwriters at Sunset

Lover’s Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield and JRobert, 3:30 p.m., free concert, parking $8 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 23 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-395-0900 Holiday Nights Through Jan. 1 Edison Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-334-7419 Festival of Trees Through Dec. 4 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers www.goodwilltrees.com Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap Through Dec. 18 Florida Repertory Theatre 2269 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 White Christmas Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Gulfshore Playhouse presents My Fair Lady Through Dec. 11 The Norris Center, 755 8th Street, Naples 239-261-7529 Best Of Enemies Through Dec. 15 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Another Night Before Christmas Through Dec. 25 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-472-6862 The Naples Players - Coney Island Christmas Through Dec. 18 Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-263-7990 www.naplesplayers.com Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Handel’s Messiah Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Victor Wainwright & The Wild Roots Mercato Shops 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6 - 9 p.m. www.mercatoshops.com

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush noon-3 p.m., Salty Paws Muttini Mingle from 5:30-8 p.m., 941-575-3007

Hester Prynn Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Danielle Nicole The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Fantasy and Reality exhibit Reverie & Rock Art Gallery, 1528 Jackson St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. 239-278-5236

Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony 5th Avenue South, Naples 5 - 8:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com

Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com

Del Prados at Yacht Club Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral 6:30 p.m. 239-574-0807

Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Ingroov Big Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 2 - 4 p.m. $2, tickets at the door. 941-625-4175 Senior Projects, Fall 2016 Exhibition Bower School of Music & the Arts Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers Presentations in the U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building with Reception to follow in the Main Gallery, Arts Complex; 5 p.m. 239-745-4268 Fridgeworks: Gerritt VanderMeer’s classes’ final performance Bower School of Music & the Arts Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers TheatreLab, Arts Complex; Free. 7:30 p.m.

239-745-4268 Thursday on Third Third Avenue South, Naples Felix Jiles in Fleischmann Courtyard and Chris Workman in front of Bad Ass Coffee Shop from 5 8 p.m. Snow 7:30 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com John Denver tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 Theatre Conspiracy: The Country Wife Through Dec. 17 Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers 239-936-3239

Friday -2 The 32nd Annual Luminary Holiday Stroll Sanibel & Captiva Islands 2427 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday on Sanibel and Saturday on Captiva 239-472-6385

Veronica Benning exhibit Through Jan. 6 Ollie Mack Gentry Photography Studio and Gallery, 2180 W. First St., suite 210, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. 239-332-1295 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Opening reception for an exhibit featuring art of Kim Kraft-Beckler, Lisette Morales, Nick Masiello.

6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050

Sara Evans Englewood Event Center 3069 S. McCall Road, Englewood 6 p.m. 941-270-3324

Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com

DECEMBER 2016

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

7th annual Holiday House Through Dec. 3 Tarpon Lodge, 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia Dec. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. On Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.. 239-283-3999

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

50

Craig Morgan The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.theranchfortmyers.com

Etc…Reader’s Theatre: One-Act Contest Presentation Through Dec. 3 Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S, Naples 8 p.m. $10. 239-263-7990 Florida Rep Reads Aloud Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. 239-479-4636 Holly Daze Art Bazaar Through Dec. 17 Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Parkway , Cape Coral Great opportunity to buy original works of art from our students, teachers and friends, at reasonable prices! 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-574-0802 Chocolate & Spirits Festival Gulf Coast Town Center – in the Market Plaza 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers Featuring chocolate creations from area restaurants, festive holiday spirits, live entertainment and a silent auction. The Brittany Russell Band will play.

Purchase $1 tickets for chocolate samples. Free admission. Proceeds benefit SW Florida Reading Festival. 6 - 8 p.m. 239-533-4826 readfest.org The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Southwest Florida Country Music Fest Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Featuring Hunter Hayes, Kellie Pickler and Lauren Alain. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Nowhere Band Beatles Tribute Concert Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. Free Admission. 239-333-1933 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Marshall Tucker Band SW Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-389-8901 wwwswflpac.com Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee. Charlotte High Silver King Jazz Band, 6-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Saturday -3 Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com The Livesays The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 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 The Nutcracker Through Sunday Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900 Pink Floyd tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Charlotte County 38th Annual Christmas Parade Downtown Punta Gorda, 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte The Christmas Parade steps off at noon in downtown Punta Gorda, traveling from Charlotte High School, up Taylor Road to disband at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Noon - 2 p.m. 941-627-2222 Englewood Winter Fine Arts Festival Through Sunday Dearborn Street, Englewood 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 941-460-1999 Holiday Dance Party - The Del Prados The Shell Factory 2787 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41), North Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-995-3999 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom & L.A., 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - Rock Solid Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Sally Mere Art Fair Saturday & Sunday Bell Tower Shops, Daniels & US 41, Fort Myers Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.thebelltowershops.com 239-489-1221 Higher Ground Christmas Showcase Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-3622 Art in the Park Naples Arts Association, 585 Park St., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517 Symphony Orchestra Concert Bower School of Music & the Arts Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers In the U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus; free. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Improv Tonight!

Center for Performing Arts – Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Gulf Coast Symphony: Shostakovich, Prokofiev Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 The Dazzling Del Rays The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Holiday Open House Ivy Cottage Antiques & Treasures 2259 Widman Way, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-226-0025 Christmas Boat Parade Fort Myers Beach Commence at 6 p.m. from Salty Sam’s Marina led

by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus on the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce boat. www.fortmyersbeachchamber.org Blue Smoke Thunderfest Saturday & Sunday Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples.

Gates open at 11 a.m., $10 www.miraclelimbs.org ACMA concert - Jann Klose All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Bill Steel opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org 24-hour Playwriting Project The Laboratory Theater of Florida Kiwanis Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers Playwrights will bring their sleeping bags and coffee mugs to Lab Theater, where they will be assigned a theme, a director and actors. Within 24 hours, you will see the fruits of their labor when we stage all of the 15-minute one-act plays. 8 p.m.

239-218-0481

Sunday -4 Spirit of the Gulf

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW Fort Myers, 2 p.m. 239-481-4849 Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Brylcream Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Music Under the Oaks House of Prayer Retreat Center, 17880 Cypress Creek Drive, Alva Classic rock by Mike & Owen, bluegrass by the Bear Hill band & the SW Fla. debut of singer-songwriter Krysti Subieta. Noon to 4 p.m. 239-728-3614 Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda 7:30 p.m. 941-205-9743 Meet the Composer Claude Debussy Center for Performing Arts – Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Join international artist and lecturer, Dr. Anne McLean as she performs in a multimedia presentation highlighting a great composer’s music, fascinating historical insights and visual images.

3 - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989 Holiday Wind Orchestra Concert Grace United Methodist Church, 13 SE 21st Pl, Cape Coral This concert is free. 3 p.m. 239-745-4268

Two Piano Group Holiday Concert Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 2 p.m. $7 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175.

Monday -5 TGIM

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers Come join us for short indie films submitted to the Fort Myers Film Festival and have your say as to whether or not it makes the grade. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. 239-333-1933 Havana Cuba All-Stars Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Charlotte County Big Band music of Glenn Miller Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $12, $11 for members, $13 at door www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Tuesday -6 Cantus

The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers Cantus is widely known for its warmth and blend, innovative programming, and engaging performances of music. 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067

Wednesday -7 Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral 4 pm - Sunset. 239-574-0806 Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Youth Jazz Orchestra Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Harpists Bambi & Barbara Fischer Pine Island Public Library 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours Naples Art District (north of Pine Ridge Rd., west of Airport Road 5-8 p.m. Look for the magenta and white art flags.

239-596-5099 www.NaplesArtDistrict.com The Del Prados with mini Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Thursday -8 Writers Winter Read

Annual Christmas Carol Sing First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., Fort Myers 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Benefits Community Cooperative

BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Come hear and meet some of our community’s most talented writers. 239-395-0900

Gift Shop Extravaganza Social Center & Shell Point Gift Shop 5020 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 239-454-2290

Humbug Dec. 8 - 11 and 15 - 18 Firehouse Community Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St. LaBelle, 863-675-3066

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

Chris Lane The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.theranchfortmyers.com

Annual Christmas Parade 5th Avenue South, Naples 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Phantoms of the Orchestra-Holiday Grub Crawl Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Punta Gorda while sampling the bill of fare from local restaurants. $20. 5-9 p.m. 941-205-9743 Benefits Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Holiday in the Park Riverside Park, Bonita Springs This magical event includes a blizzard in the park, giant slow slide, snow-fall area for kids, live holiday music, free holiday train, apple cider, cookies and more. 4:30 - 8 p.m. Free. 239-949-6262 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 Paul Roush Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Martina McBride Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Naples Concert Band Concert in the Park The Cambier Park Bandshell 698 6th Ave South, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-9521

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale, noon-3 p.m.

Creations at the Village Artist Demo 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

941-575-3007

Thirty-One: A MFA Thesis Project and exhibition

by Jessica Osceola (’08) Bower School of Music & the Arts Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers Closing artist talk and reception; ArtLab Gallery, west side of the Library building on FGCU’s main campus; This event is free. 5 p.m. 239-745-4268

Tru Kountry Christmas Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $15 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Sue Archer and Kenneth Follmann, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789

Thursday on Third Third Street South, Naples Musical performance by Flashback in the Fleischmann Courtyard and Laura Lou Roth in front of Bad Ass Coffee. 5-8 p.m. thirdstreetsouth.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

John Reno Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Holiday Evening on 5th 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Joshua Bell Plays Tchaikovsky Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 through Saturday, 10 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Holiday art reception Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel 5-9 p.m. Tracy Owen Cullimore art, 239-395-0027 Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 239-949-3073

Friday -9 Mystery Walk

Downtown Fort Myers Free to attend, the event begins at 6 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Gulfshore Opera: Laud to the Nativity Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Laud to the Nativity: Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and Respighi Lauda per la Natività del Signore. 8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 I and You Through Dec. 18 The Laboratory Theater of Florida Kiwanis Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 11 – 2 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days Bruce & Tiki D, noon - 2 p.m., center court. Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Preserving the Holiday Spirit open house Through Dec. 11 Naples Preserve, 1690 Tamiami Trail North, Naples 4-6:30 p.m. Free. 239-261-4290 naplesgov.com Gulf Coast Symphony Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-479-4636 Light the Way Liles Hotel Plaza, 27300 Old US 41 Road, Bonita Spring The Bonita Springs Historical Society is hosting a kick-off event for the festival of trees 2017.

Light the Way, will take place 5 - 9 p.m. Tickets fare $90 person and $150 per couple. 239-992-6997 Creative Arts Market Friday and Saturday Downtown Fort Myers A diverse mix of seasonal gifts items and unique products. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Preview Reception for Passionately Repurposed: Art from Recycled and Found Materials & There Is a Song in My Art Exhibitions Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517 60th Annual Holiday House Through Dec. 23 2500 and 2505 First Street, downtown Fort Myers The historic Burroughs and Langford Kingston homes will be decorated in the traditional holiday colors. www.burroughshome.com

DECEMBER 2016

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Friday - 9 continued

Lions Monkeys and Bears, Oh My Exhibit Through Dec. 29 Cape Coral Arts Studio, 4533 Coronado Parkway, Artist Jessie Dilich Reception: Dec. 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.

239-574-0802 Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 A One-Man Christmas Carol Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 - 3:30 p.m. 239- 939-2787 TheatreZone - Home for the Holidays Through Dec. 11 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 1-888-966-3352 North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts presents The Nutcracker Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Legends - Famous Faces Friday & Saturday Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $18 to $29. www.theculturalcenter.com The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 An Evening with Groucho Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs Award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 Alex Zayas Band Friday & Saturday 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 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 I and You Through Dec. 23 The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com 239-218-0481

Saturday - 10 Dick Hyman with the Lew Del Gatto Sextet

BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Hyman joins saxophonist Lew Del Gatto and an additional five dynamite musicians for an evening of some of the best jazz. 239-395-0900 ACMA - Songwriters at the Library 211000 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Pete Benson, Glenn Sabatka, Joe Virga, 2 p.m., free 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Todd Andrew Babb reception DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. 239-590-8645

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Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Messiah Sing-Along CityGate Ministries, Jackson Street, Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.mastersingersfm.com Youth Symphonia Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 11 a.m. 239-597-1900 SoCo Second Saturday Event SoCo Cultural District, Fort Myers south of Colonial Boulevard, 5 p.m., arts-oriented activities. www.socoswfl.com Naples Artcrafters Fine Art and Crafts Show Cambier Park, 580 8th Street South., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-776-8002

Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade Imperial River, Bonita Springs 5 p.m. 239-495-0455 Christmas Boat Parade 800 12th Ave. S., Naples 6 - 8:30 p.m. 239-682-0900 Joe Marino 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 Wendy White exhibit Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, 5101 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia Opening reception, 7-9 p.m. 239-282-8488

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

Sunday - 11 Intersection Trio

Charlotte Chorale Concert Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Port Charlotte $20 adults, $10 students. 4-6 p.m. 941-204-0033

BIG ARTS Schein Hal 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel A vibrant violin, cello and piano trio.

239-395-0900

The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda MTD Music & Arts holiday recital, 1-3 p.m., center court. Fire and Ice perform jazz and holiday selections, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Bluegrass Show In Port Charlotte Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 1 pm. Admission $10 or $5 with a SW FL Bluegrass Assoc. membership. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x 221 The Winterfaith Extravaganza Shalom Life Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Swing and sway into the season with Lawrence Dermer, Cantorial soloist and Grammy nominated BMI Award winning composer/producer, and the Shalom Life Center Band. 7:30 p.m. All tickets include dessert reception. Tickets: Member $15, VIP $36; Non Members: $20, VIP $54 www.shalomlifecenter.org. 239-218-3433 Here Come the Mummies Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee 506 1st Street, Immokalee 8 p.m. $30 800-218-0007 Art After Dark Crayton Cove, Naples The Galleries of Crayton Cove feature live music and art by over 30 artists and artisans represented

by Phil Fisher Gallery, Nora Butler Design & Gallery, Earth & Fire, Vintage Charm, Random Acts of Art and Guess-Fisher Gallery. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S. meet at the flagpole by the bay. 6-9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com Cape Coral Bike Night SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 239-242-3209. 5 - 10 p.m. www.CCBikeNight.com Passionately Repurposed: Art from Recycled and Found Materials Exhibit Through Jan. 21 Naples Art Association 585 Park Street, Naples www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517 There Is a Song in My Art Exhibit Through Jan. 21 Naples Art Association - Minnesota Lobby and Ground Floor Round Galleries 585 Park Street, Naples www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517

Judy Collins SW Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m. 239-389-8901 wwwswflpac.com Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Messiah and More Sanibel Community Church 6 p.m. www.mastersingersfm.com Gallery Craft Fair Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, 5101 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia Southwest Florida crafters as well as demos by gallery artists can be expected. Also, giveaways and a raffle. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 239-282-8488 Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Bluegrass in the Theatre Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Kindred Spirit, Near Hill and Cypress Hollow Doors open at 1:30 p.m. $10 239-939-2787 Bonita Springs Concert Band - Festival Fanfare Riverside Park, Old US 41 in Bonita Springs Featured vocalist Amy Bright. 2 - 4 p.m. Free. www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com Lee County Community Band Christmas Concert Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd.

3 p.m. The events are free but donations accepted. www.leecountyband.org The Charlotte County Concert Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 3 p.m. 941-625-4175 Gulf Coast Big Band Concert Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joel Loeper, Molly Wooley art exhibit Riverside Community Center 3061 E. Riverside Drive, Fort Myers 7 - 9 p.m. 239-321-7530

A Christmas Celebration The Village Church Auditorium, Shell Point 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers The Village Church Choir, the Celebration Ringers and the SW Florida Festival Orchestra 6:15 p.m. 239-454-2147

Monday - 12 Oak Ridge Boys

Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Holiday Pops: The Holidays in Paradise The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point 15101 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers Celebrate the holiday spirit of tropical Southwest Florida with the Southwest Florida Symphony, led

by Music Director Nir Kabaretti. This festive Holidays in Paradise program will highlight pops and classical selections that celebrate this special time of year. 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067 Naples Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Avenue S, Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-597-3240 The Charlotte County Jazz Society Show Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online (www.theculturalcenter.com) or at the Cultural Center Theater Box Office, You can also call 941625-4175 x221 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz Music by Leslie DaCosta, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. 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 - 13 Dinner with Artists

Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples $125. www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517 Holiday Choral Program Cape Coral Lee County Public Library 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral The Sounds of Lake Kennedy Choral group will perform. 1 p.m. 239-479-4636 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Customer appreciation and Christmas party, 50s/60s, Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

Free house beverage & appetizer. 239-405-8566 Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Wednesday - 14 The Beach Boys Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café. Ugly Christmas Sweater Run, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. 941-575-3007

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Tina Turner, Disco and Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Holiday Sundown Stroll Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 3:30-8 p.m. www.marinavillageshoppes.com

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

Thursday on Third Third Street South, Naples Dave Mankes in the Fleischmann Courtyard and J Robert in front of Bad Ass Coffee Shop from 5 - 8 p.m. Snow at 7:30 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com

Ugly Christmas Sweater Run Foot Landing, Punta Gorda Celebrate a night of jingles and luminary pathways with music that will lead you to Fishermen’s Village.

Free Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Foot Landing, Punta Gorda. Event starts 6 p.m. for Walkers and 6:15 p.m. for Runners. 941 347-7751 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Boat Parade Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N., Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-961-2975 Drama of December, student choir performance The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point 15101 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers Join the Global Outreach Women's Ministries group of The Village Church at Shell Point for a free Christmas-themed drama and student choir event.

10:15 a.m. 239-454-2147 Spectacular Christmas Revue Through Dec. 18 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 All That Jazz Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Garrison Keillor Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Nature’s Eye exhibit reception Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Featuring artists Peggy MacNamara, Megan Kissinger & Ed Takacs. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-949-0749

Thursday - 15 Tuba Christmas

The Sugden Plaza, 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Holiday Pops Through Dec. 18 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900 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 Alive After Five (Formerly Gallery Walk) Downtown Punta Gorda 5-8 p.m. 941-505-0130 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music with Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee. 941-575-3007 Music at the Moe – “Mostly Mozart” Classical Quartet Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello Moe Auditorium & Film Center; Center Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-495-8989

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

Friday - 16 The New York Tenors

Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Art reception - Lorne Hosack Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. 239-945-0866 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Chicago Mob The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Edwin McCain Trio SW Florida Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-389-8901 wwwswflpac.com Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Artwork of every media type is represented, as well as music, spoken word, poetry and crafts.

8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Frankly Funny Fridays with Frank Blocker Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs Character and observation comedy by American playwright, comedian & actor Frank Blocker. 8 p.m.

239-495-8989 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Uptown Express Friday & Saturday Norris Community Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7:30 - 9 p.m. $22 239-213-3049 California Toe Jam Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $18 to $29 www.theculturalcenter.com 625-4175 x221.

Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza Enjoy the sounds of Hester Prynn, Southwest Florida's premier cover band, featuring favorite Classic Rock, New Rock, and Country hits. 239948-3766 Sean Chambers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Bad Banditos Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

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Friday - 16 continued Eli Young Band The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.theranchfortmyers.com

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café. Trop Rock music by Singer Sunny Jim White, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Saturday - 17 Music Walk

Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Street, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113 Brylcream Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Haven Dance presents The Nutcracker Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $11 to $19, www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

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

Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

Artists@Work Series - Music with Peter McGrain Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers 1 - 3 p.m. 239-939-1933

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda 2 p.m. 941-205-9743

High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce & Tiki D, noon-2 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days. Tiki Tom & L.A., 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 This Wonderful Life Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs This Wonderful Life is a one-man play beautifully acted by Jeremy Kendall. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Holiday Boat A Long & Movie in the Park Four Freedoms Park 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral Movie begins after parade. The festival has food, Christmas music, a visit from Santa Claus, crafts for the kids and a parade with boats lit up for the holiday. The night ends with the movie A Christmas Story. 4 - 10 p.m. 239-573-3128 SW Florida Symphony: Holidays in Paradise Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 BIG ARTS Concert Band Holiday Program BIG ARTS Schein Hal 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Let the BIG ARTS Concert Band help you get into the joyous mood of the holidays! 7 p.m. 239-395-0900 Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Sunset Celebration - Manipulators Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Electric Lipstick The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Sunday - 18 Gulf Coast Symphony: Deck the Halls Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

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Monday - 19 Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda 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 Friends of Library: Callie Atkinson performs Fort Myers Regional,Pibrary, 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. www.fortmyersfriends.com

Tuesday - 20 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale, noon-3 p.m. 941575-3007 Itzhak Perlman Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Motown with Gregg Miller The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Wednesday - 21 Hello Yellow Exhibit Through Feb. 4 Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. www.NaplesArt.org 239-262-6517 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Angela Pierre & the Motown 4 Christmas Special Through Dec. 23 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787

Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Elvis, Celine, Patsy, Connie Francis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Thursday - 22 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music with Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee. 941-575-3007 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Disco Express dance band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Thursday on Third Third Street South, Naples Musical performance by Made in Brooklyn in the Fleischmann Courtyard and Greg & Claudia in front of Bad Ass Coffee Shop from 5 - 8 p.m. Snow showers at 7:30 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Friday - 23 J3 Vocal Band

Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $18 to $29. www.theculturalcenter.com 625-4175 x221.

Daryl Raines Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jimmy Buffett tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566

Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers 4-8 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live holiday and variety music by Dan Meadows, 2-6 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Mike Imbasciani & The Blues Rockers Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Sunday - 25

Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Monday - 26 Puddles Pity Party

Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $25 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 42nd Street Through Dec. 29 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Tuesday - 27 Dancing with the Stars Live!

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, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café. Chris G, 5-9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

Sherrie McCune 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

Chanukah Celebration Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S., Naples 5 - 7 p.m. 239-262-4474

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

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

South 41 The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale, noon-3 p.m. 941575-3007

Saturday - 24 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Doobie Brothers, America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Wednesday - 28 Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Barbara B, Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Neil Diamond Tribute Show The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Art After Hours The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Enjoy free admission from 6 to 9 pm. A local band offers musical entertainment. 239-597-1900

Thursday - 29 Phantom

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Hester Prynn Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Trop Rock Music by Sunny Jim White, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 RJ Howson & Berry Duane Oakley The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Maiden Cane – Decades of Arena Rock Cultural Center of Charlotte County Theater 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $18 to $29. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

Saturday - 31 Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 5 p.m. - midnight, center court. 941-575-3007

Broadway Palm’s Dinner Theatre 29 through Feb. 11 239-278-4422

New Years Eve music & Fireworks at the Beach Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 1 - 6 p.m., Remedy & 7 p.m. - midnight, High Tide 239-463-5900

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

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

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

New Year's Eve Celebration Third Street South, Naples Groupie Photo Booth on 3rd Street South. Music by Felix Jiles in the Fleischmann Courtyard.

6 - 9 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com

Thursday on Third Third Street South, Naples Musical performance by Night Train in the Fleischmann Courtyard and Mark Pettey in front of Bad Ass Coffee Shop from 5 - 8 p.m. Snow showers at 7:30 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com Paul Roush Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon -3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566

New Year’s Eve Party with Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 New Years Fireworks Naples Pier 25th 12 Ave South, Naples 7:30 - 8 p.m. 239-213-7120

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

New Year’s Eve Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Ring in your New Year in sublime style with a Naples Philharmonic concert followed by a grand post-performance reception. 9 p.m. 239-597-1900

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

New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown Downtown Fort Myers Multiple stages with live music. Enjoy food, drinks and local vendors starting at 8 p.m. Junior balloon drop at 9 p.m. Ball drop at midnight. www.fortmyersriverdistrictallaince.com

Butch Trucks & the Freight Train Band Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road 8 p.m. 239-495-8989

New Year’s Eve with The Del Prados The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 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

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

Friday - 30 Salute to Vienna

ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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