December 2017 Happenings Magazine by SW FL Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

DECEMBER 2017

John Anderson at SW Florida Event Center

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GIN BLOSSOMS AT THE RANCH NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE RIVER DISTRICT A CHRISTMAS CAROL ON BIG ARTS STAGE COLE PORTER TRIBUTE AT FLORIDA REPERTORY

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

And the curtain goes up

Hard to believe the year is about to end, but our local theatre season is moving at full speed. In between the holiday parties and shopping, be sure to find some time and enjoy one of our many theatrical choices. Of course, we do have our fair share of holiday shows and performances to see. An Act of God continues at Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers through Dec. 9. The Naples Players entertain us this holiday season with Miracle on 34th Street at the Sugden Theatre Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. At the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, Theatre Conspiracy presents a One Man Christmas Carol Dec. 15 and 16. In LaBelle, Firehouse Theatre gives us the Winter Wonderettes Dec. 7 - 17. The Last Night of Ballyhoo plays Dec.1 through Dec. 17 at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers. Broadway Palm in Fort Myers presents A Christmas Story now through Dec. 25. BIG ARTS opens its theatre season with A Christmas Carol Dec. 7 through Dec. 29 on Sanibel. The Cultural Park Theater will keep us singing with its annual Spectacular Christmas Revue Dec. 13 - 17 in Cape Coral. In the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, A Tuna Christmas plays now through Dec. 25. Laboratory Theater of Florida will present its 24-Hour Playwriting Project on Dec. 16. Florida Repertory Theatre will offer a tribute to Cole

Porter called Night and Day. This original show will be performed in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Dec. 22 through Feb. 25. In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse continues its production of Leading Ladies. The show runs through Dec. 1 at The Norris Center. Unfortunately, hurricane repairs have delayed the start of TheatreZone’s season. The Naples group will present its first production of the season, Me and My Girl, Jan. 11 - Jan 21 at the G & L Theatre.

From the Road - Stories & Songs

Kathy and I are so happy about the debut of a new event we created called From the Road - Stories and Songs. Our magazine will present a series of intimate and interactive events around SW Florida with national artists who will share their stories in an acoustic and intimate venue. Our first From the Road event will be on Sunday, Dec. 3 at The Barrel Room in downtown Fort Myers. Our first guests will be author Rhonda Nelson and her husband, Wayne, who is the lead singer and bass player of Little River Band. They will be joined by Greg Hind and Chris Marion, also members of LRB. Rhonda has written a book about life on the road with her rock star husband. Together they will share stories and play some acoustic music. It will be followed by a meet and greet. Just a handful of seats remain as of press time. Tickets are available by phone in advance at 239-278-5236. Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 6 - 15

An Act of God, Miracle on 34th Street

Art

pages 16 - 23

New exhibits at SW Florida galleries

Music

pages 24 - 33

Deck the Halls, Jazzy Nights, ACMA

In Concert

pages 34 - 37

Gary Puckett, Gin Blossoms, Michael Ray

Comedy Clubs

page 38

Comedy club schedules for December

River District

pages 40 - 43

Festival of Trees, Holiday House, Art Walk

Dining

pages 44 - 45

Lucky Mi and 12 other restaurants

Calendar

pages 46 - 51

December cultural events in SW Florida Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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DECEMBER 2017

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Theatre

Lab Theater: An Act of God

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents An Act of God now through Dec. 9. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. This comedy is fresh from Broadway, where it starred Jim Parsons (and later Sean Hayes) as God. Flanked by his two archangels, Gabriel and Michael, God sets us straight about the Ten Commandments and tries to provide answers to some of the Bible’s trickier questions. An Act of God stars Miguel Cintron (Art) as The Creator himself, Rob Green (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: A parody of the horror) and Dave Yudowitz (55 and Over). The show explores religion's influence on some of society's most poignant tragedies, like alleged divinely-inspired homicides and prejudices against communities that don't conform to the heteronormative mold. As the action unfolds,

God clears up questions about his Ten Commandments with humor and poignancy. Playwright David Javerbaum has won 13 Emmys, 11 at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Currently a producer of The Late Late Show With James Corden, Javerbaum wrote for The Harvard Lampoon as an undergraduate, and then for The Onion, Late Show With David Letterman and The Daily Show” where he became head writer and executive producer. Remaining performance are as follows: Nov. 25, 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 3, 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may ask about purchasing a 2017-2018 season pass. For more information for all shows, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, located in the River District, is at 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers.

Rob Green, Miguel Cintron and Dave Yudowitz in An Act of God.

One Man Christmas Carol Dec. 15 & 16 Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts presents a limited run of A One Man Christmas Carol adapted by James Rana and Timur Kocak on Dec. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. This Christmas classic is fun for all ages. With only the aid of a steamer trunk, Timur Kocak plays all 24 roles in this dynamic 90-minute one-man version of Dickens’ 1843 holiday classic, adapted for the stage

Since 1988, it ’ss where Naples goes for Ice Cream!

by James Rana and Timur Kocak. Theatre season subscriptions are available and range from $105 per person for 5 shows to $120 per person for all remaining 6 shows. Individual tickets to each show are $25, $11 for students or $22 for Alliance members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 239-939-2787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org/Theatre.

Plenty of Great Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt OPEN 7 DAYS L ATE 824 FIFTH AVE. S.

239.434.8181

DECEMBER 2017

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The Last Night of Ballyhoo at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre’s 20th Rep stage as Juror Eight in Twelve anniversary season continues with a Angry Men. Also Florida Rep’s revival of Alfred Uhry’s hit comedy associate producer, Lund appeared The Last Night of Ballyhoo, winner of in last season’s world premiere of the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. Doublewide and one-woman-sensaFlorida Rep first produced tion, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Ballyhoo during its second season to David Friedlander has been seen great acclaim in the fall of 1999. The on stage in New York Classical production runs in the Historic Theatre’s production of Measure for Carrie Arcade Theatre Dec. 1 to Dec. 17 Measure or as a member of Lund with four nearly sold-out previews Nov. ComedySportz NYC. Britt Michael 28 - 30. Gordon recently appeared in Assasins Florida Rep ensemble members at freeFall Theatre in St. Pete; as V Craig Heidenreich and Carrie Lund well as Florida Rep's Unexpected return to the Florida Rep stage. Guest and Tribes. Olivia Howell was Heidenreich stars as the businesslast seen on stage in regional proman Adolph Freitag after recently ductions of Who’s Afraid of Virginia helming this season’s Disgraced and Woolf and Skin of Our Teeth. Jackie last season’s Best of Enemies. Lund Schram comes from playing several returns to the stage after recently roles in PunchDrunk NYC’s Sleep appearing in another Florida Rep hit No More, and has been seen in V Craig comedy revival this season, Sylvia. numerous Florida Rep productions Heidenreich "I really wanted to pay homage to including Rumors in 2012 and You some of our past hits to celebrate our Can't Take it With You in 2010. 20th season," said producing artistic Stacey Scotte was recently seen in director Robert Cacioppo, "and Alfred Uhry's an extended run of MAME at Riverside Theatre, romantic comedy was a natural choice. Not and was last seen at Florida Rep in 2011's hit only is it a comedy, but it's also a very touchAugust: Osage County. ing love story and a family portrait of a family With ensemble member Greg Logenhagen living in the American south just before the (Twelve Angry Men) directing, the production second world war. Just like Uhry's other plays, is joined by an expert team of designers like Driving Miss Daisy, it is heartwarming, including set and lighting designer Bert Scott poignant, and deals with some very serious (The Unexpected Guest), costume designer issues. I know our audiences will fall in love Alice Neff (Over the River and Through the with it all over again." Woods), sound designer John Kiselica The Last Night of Ballyhoo tells the story of (Disgraced), and production stage manager the winter of 1939: Gone with the Wind is havJosh Quinn (Best of Enemies). ing its world premiere and Hitler is invading New for the 2017-2018 season, weeknight Poland. But in Atlanta, the city’s elite German performances in both performance venues Jewish community is more concerned with who (Tuesday - Thursday) begin at 7 p.m. is attending the social event of the season than Weekend evening performances remain at 8 with the mounting tensions in the world. In this and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Tony Award-winning Best Play from the author Sunday are still set for the popular 2 p.m.curof Driving Miss Daisy, a tender love story plays tain time. out against the backdrop of impending war. Priced at $55 and $35 for previews, single The Last Night of Ballyhoo is a touching tickets are now on sale through the box office romantic comedy that is also a beautifully writat 239-332-4488 and online at www.floriten portrait of a Jewish family facing who they darep.org. Subscriptions for the 2017-2018 are and where they come from as generations season offer the best seats and the biggest and cultures clash in the American South. savings, and packages start as low as $150 V Craig Heidenreich and Carrie Lund are for six plays. Florida Repertory Theatre perjoined by a cadre of exceptional guest artists: forms in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the David Friedlander, Britt Michael Gordon, Olivia ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Howell, Jackie Schram and Stacey Scotte. Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in Heidenreich recently appeared on the Florida the Fort Myers River District.

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DECEMBER 2017

Naples Players present Miracle on 34th Street

Just in time to spread holiday spirit, The Naples Players (TNP) present the holiday musical Miracle on 34th Street Nov. 29 through Dec. 23 with a sensory friendly performance on Dec. 12. Based on the classic film, this heartwarming musical captures the true spirit of the season with the encouraging message that magic still exists if you just believe. Miracle on 34th Street is a heart-felt and powerful story adapted from the 1947 film into a musical by Meredith Willson in 1963. Willson is best known for his enduring story The Music Man and is responsible for holiday standard songs that include “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.” Directed by Adolpho Blaire and with musical direction and a live orchestra led by Charles Fornara, Miracle on 34th Street is certain to become a family favorite this holiday season. Miracle on 34th Street follows the no nonsense, divorced and disillusioned single mother Doris Walker (Elizabeth Marcantonio), who doesn’t want her six-year-old daughter Susan’s (Bella Antunes) head filled with romantic notions. Doris feels the safest course in life is to believe only what can be proven true. Their neighbor Fred Gailey (Bret Poulter) attempts to gain the attention and favor of Doris by taking her daughter Susan to see Santa Clause at Macys where her cynicism begins to unravel when she meets, Kris Kringle (Jim Heffernan), an old man in a retirement home who has taken a job as their holiday Santa. Kris unleashes a wave of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by suggesting parents shop alternate stores to find the toy their child has asked for. A Macy's junior executive tries to shut down Kris’s less than profitable behavior by having him committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. The unwitting and unsuspecting Kris

Jack Delaney

Katie Pankow

ends up in a court competency hearing, putting young Susan’s belief in Santa in jeopardy. In a dramatic decision, the judge (Kevin Kennealy) confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. “This is truly a holiday show for every family in our community,” said TNP’s artistic director Bryce Alexander. “The cast includes an entire family in the ensemble – from the youngest son, to his older sisters, to Mom and Dad - and Miracle on 34th Street is the first show in TNP’s history to include a Sensory Friendly performance. Miracle on 34th Street offers every family in our community the chance to come together to enjoy a show this holiday season.” Alexander oversaw the implementation of sensory friendly performances while he worked as artistic director with the Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver and has made increasing accessibility a priority since beginning as artistic director at TNP in October of 2016. TNP’s 2017-2018 season includes two Sensory Friendly performances: Miracle on 34th Street on Dec. 12 and The Music Man on March 20. Sensory friendly performances are designed for families and patrons with autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing disorders, or for individuals who prefer a low-key, all-inclusive environment. Bring your family out and share some holiday magic at Miracle on 34th Street at The Naples Players Sugden Theatre in Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave. S. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A sensory friendly performance is Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and more information visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.

Samantha Rotella

Galloway Stevens

Rob Summers

BIG ARTS presents A Christmas Carol Dec. 7 - 29 on Sanibel

BIG ARTS kicks off its theatre season in December with A Christmas Carol Dec. 7 29 at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. A lovely adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic by Christopher Schario with traditional English folk tunes and fiddle. A child’s reading of A Christmas Carol becomes a magical transformation when he is ushered into the real world of Dicken’s much loved characters. A warm and wonderful holiday must see and a joy for the whole family. The cast includes Rob Sommers (Scrooge), Galloway Stevens (Bob Cratchit, Marleys Ghost, Fezziwig, Old Joe), Jake

DECEMBER 2017

Delaney (Fred, Christmas Present and Peter Cratchit), Katie Pankow (Gentle Woman 1, Mrs. Fizziwig, Bell, Martha) , Samantha Rotella (Gentle Woman 2, Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit, Chairwoman) and Aiden Flemming (Tiny Tim). Evening performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7-9, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-29. Daytime performances include Dec. 10 and 17 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $5 for students and children. For tickets and more info, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-3950900.

Brad Brenner, Jim Heffernan, Elizabeth Marcantonio and Isabella Antunes in Miracle on 34th Street at the Sugden Theatre in Naples.

24-Hour Playwriting Project Dec. 16 at Laboratory Theater

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will be showcasing four original plays Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. The plays will be the product of a 24-hour writing challenge placed on four regional playwrights. The playwrights will be given a theme, some lines each of them must use in his/her script, and about 18 hours in which to write a 17-20 minute long one-act play. Directors and actors will be assigned to the playwrights. Community support comes from published playwrights who will offer guidance once the first draft is complete. “The jeopardy involved for writers and for actors is delightful! The audience can feel the energy sizzle - and of course there are running gags that are woven into each play,” says artistic director Annette Trossbach. Playwrights will be judged by a panel of professionals as well as by the audience. The theater will award Critics’ Choice and Audience Choice Awards. The playwrights are Laura Lorusso, John Repa, Carmen Crussard and Sandra Dixon. The 24-hour Playwriting Project will be presented at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets

Actors from the 2016 Playwriting Project.

are $10 - $27 and are available for purchase online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or at the door. Seating is limited and advance ticket purchases are suggested. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are also available on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.

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DECEMBER 2017

The Marvelous Wonderettes on stage at Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle

The second play of the Firehouse Community Theatre’s 25th anniversary season continues with the musical comedy The Marvelous Wonderettes - Winter Wonderettes created by Roger Bean. This production will run for eight shows Dec. 7 - 17. This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday. The production

features great ‘60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Clause is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run” and many other Christmas favorites. For tickets and more information for all shows, call (863) 675-3066 and leave a message. If you would like to choose your seats, visit the web site at www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com. The Firehouse Community Theatre is located in downtown LaBelle at 241 N. Bridge St.

Gulfshore Playhouse seeks submissions for 2018 New Works Festival

Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples has announced the Sixth Annual New Works Festival call for submissions began Nov. 1. The New Works Festival brings together playwrights, a team of professional actors and directors from across the county for a week-long event culminating in a series of staged readings for an audience. Gulfshore Playhouse will consider the first 150 submissions from playwrights and agents. Only full length plays that have not had a full production are eligible. At this time, Gulfshore Playhouse is not accepting musical submissions. Applicants should submit two pdf files: a cover page with name and contact information, and the script with no playwright information. Files should be emailed submissions@gulfshoreplayhouse.org. Scripts not received in the requested format will

not be considered. The New Works Festival finalists are chosen through a blind submission process. In the summer of 2018, semifinalists will be contacted regarding their availability and willingness to participate in the festival, which will factor into the selection of the finalists. Each finalist will receive a $500 honorarium, as well as airfare and accommodations for the duration of the festival. “The Gulfshore Playhouse New Works Festival has restored my faith that even in a time of reduced budget for the arts in this country, there is still a place nurturing new voices,” said playwright Laura Maria Censabella, whose work “Paradise” was featured in the Fourth Annual New Works Festival. The festival allows playwrights to transition from writing, to

adding actors and an audience, to understanding how the play works in a performance setting. “The New Works Festival is one of the best ways we can contribute to the national landscape by fostering the growth of up-and-coming playwrights,” said Gulfshore Playhouse Producing Artistic Director and Founder, Kristen Coury. “It is especially exciting when a play emerges from the festival that we feel is a great fit for our audience and our theatre, like “Miss Keller Has No Second Book,” a finalist from last year’s festival that we will produce as part of our 2017-18 season.” For information or questions, contact Gulfshore Playhouse artistic content curator Audrey Zielenbach at azielenbach@gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

A Christmas Story at Broadway Palm Just in time for the holidays, Broadway Palm brings the classic 1983 movie A Christmas Story to life at Broadway Palm now through Dec. 25. Hailed by The Associated Press as “a joyous Christmas miracle,” The New York Times writes “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.” A Christmas Story is the perfect holiday entertainment for the entire family. Based on the wildly-popular holiday movie, A Christmas Story takes place in 1940s Indiana, where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder CarbineAction 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. The infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. The iconic scenes from the movie, delightful songs and splashy production numbers make this the perfect treat that is sure to warm your heart this holiday season. Join Broadway Palm for A Christmas Story – they triple-dog-dare ya. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with discounts for children and parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

DECEMBER 2017

A Christmas Story plays at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers now through Dec. 25.

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THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS Thinking TheaterTM

An Act of God By David Javerbaum

Dec. 2, 3 & 9 at 2 p.m.

December 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9 at 8 p.m.

24 Hour

Playwriting Project December 16 at 8 p.m. www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

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Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

DECEMBER 2017

A Tuna Christmas at Off Broadway Palm Theatre The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents A Tuna Christmas playing now through Dec. 25. This hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna is “So funny it could make a raccoon laugh affectionately at Davy Crockett...It's far too good for just Christmas.," says The New York Post. It’s the holiday season in Tuna, Texas, the thirdsmallest town in the Lone Star State, and just two actors bring over twenty zany characters to life in this hilarious and heartwarming play. The annual Christmas Yard Display Contest sets the lunacy in motion and a mysterious phantom known for vandalizing the displays threatens to ruin the contest. All of this while one resident is trying to produce A Christmas Carol despite numerous obstacles and headaches! If you’re looking for Texas-size laughs, join the Off Broadway Palm for A Tuna Christmas playing now through December 25, 2017. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $39 - $59 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.

Patrick Treadway as Jody Bumiller and Chandler Smith as Bertha Bumiller in A Tuna Christmas.

Florida Repertory Theatre pays tribute to Cole Porter with ‘Night and Day’

Florida Repertory Theatre's 20th anniversary across the country. season continues with the world premiere of Night Director Cacioppo (Too Marvelous for Words, and Day: Love Lost and Found Through the Eyes Fascinatin’ Gershwin) leads an expert creative of Cole Porter playing in the ArtStage Studio team, including musical director and arranger Theatre. Victoria Casella (Fascinatin’ Gershwin), ensemble Running from Dec. 22 to Feb. 25 with four member, choreographer and co-creator Arthur nearly sold-out previews, Dec. 19 - 22, Night and D’Alessio (Too Marvelous for Words), set designer Day features 40 of the most beloved songs our Jordan Moore (At Wit's End), costume designer time such as "It’s De-Lovely," "I Get a Kick Out of Charlene Gross (Outside Mullingar), sound Travis Larissa Dan Jennifer You," "Let’s Fall in Love," "In the Still of the Night" designer John Kiselica (Disgraced) and ensemble Kent Klinger Fenaughty Lorae and so many more. manager Amy Massari (Sylvia). Priced at $55 for regular performances and $35 New for the 2017-2018 season, weeknight perfor previews, tickets are available at formances (Tuesday-Thursday) begin at 7 p.m. said producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "No one www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239Weekend evening performances remain at 8 p.m. and wrote lyrics like Cole Porter, and in Night and Day we'll 332-4488. Seating is limited in the intimate 110-seat matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are still set use his songs to tell a touching, humorous, and thrilling venue. for the popular 2 p.m. curtain time. love story. Plus, we've put together a cast of top-notch Conceived and directed by Florida Rep Founder and Night and Day plays in the ArtStage Studio Theatre musical theatre performers out of New York City, and we'll Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, Night and from Dec. 23 to Feb. 25. be writing, arranging, and choreographing this play to feaDay is a thrilling and glamorous revue that follows a linear ture their talents. This will be the hottest ticket in town." Priced at $55 and $35 for previews, single tickets are story of love lost and love found told only with Cole now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and Night and Day features an all-star cast of top musical Porter's masterful lyrics and iconic music. Made famous online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the 2017theatre talent, all making their Florida Rep debuts: Dan on film, Broadway, and a recording career that spanned 2018 season offer the best seats and the biggest savings, Fenaughty, Travis Kent, Larissa Klinger, and Jennifer decades, Porter's are some of the most-sung songs of and packages start as low as $150 for six plays. Lorae. Fenaughty was last seen in Riverside Theatre’s the 20th century, and you’ll fall in love with them all over Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Mame and the national tour of The 39 Steps, and Kent again. From thrilling to heartbreaking, audiences will folArcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay recently appeared in Seth Rudetsky's Disaster! Klinger low two couples on a beautiful and thrilling journey to find St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in comes to Fort Myers after a recent world tour entertaining love, lose love, and find it all over again. the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at our troops with the USO Show Troupe and the national "We are delighted to revive our tradition to salute a www.FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on tour of The 39 Steps, while Lorae joins the cast after great American composer in a brand-new musical salute," social media. recent runs Off Broadway and in major regional theatres

DECEMBER 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY

NEIL ZIRCONIA The Ultimate Neil Diamond

Tribute Experience

DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3 The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

BROADWAY SERIES

Spectacular Christmas Revue Directed by Michael Moran

December 13 - 17 January 12 - 21 Directed by Robin Dawn

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

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DECEMBER 2017

Spectacular Christmas show in Cape Coral

By Michael Moran Tribute singer Chuck Lapaglia known as "Neil Zirconia, The Ultimate Faux Diamond" returns to the Cultural Park stage Dec 1, 2 and 3 for four performances. The legendary Neil Diamond is now entering his fifth decade of music with over 400 songs and 46 albums to his credit. Songs about love and friendship, loneliness and joy, freedom and sorrow touch the heart with a pure message that contributes to his continued popularity. Amazingly, the talent of Neil Zirconia captures the essence and the passion of Diamond, with all of the movements, expression, style and music that has made Neil Diamond one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Neil Zirconia provides audiences with an exciting journey down memory lane, that only Diamond himself could inspire. On stage presence and charisma is pure Zirconia, supported by his unique baritone voice and singing ability that closely resembles Diamond. Zirconia perfected all the emotion, excitement and the magic that is Diamond. Zirconia's professionalism and the ability to remain true to Diamond gives audiences of all ages an evening to treasure. It is with great pride we welcome Neil back to our stage and suggest you get your tickets soon as this is normally a sold out performance. Tickets to the performance are $21 for all ages. If you love live stage shows or the Holidays you will especially love Cultural Park Theatre Spectacular Christmas Revue. The Spirit of Christmas has been alive and well on the Cultural Park stage for over 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 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” playing Dec. 13 through Dec. 17 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 our past holiday productions. Bring the entire family, this is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The show plays a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday along with evenings at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. Tickets are 21 dollars for adults 18 for seniors with children, students and group rates available. Call the box office at 239-772-5862 for reservations. Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

DECEMBER 2017

Leading Ladies at Gulfshore Playhouse

Kicking off its 2017-2018 season a little later than originally planned, Gulfshore Playhouse presents Leading Ladies. Directed by Darren Katz and starring William Connell, Zach Martens and Erin Davie, this laugh-out-loud comedy plays now through Dec. 10. Leading Ladies shares the story of Jack (Martens) and Leo (Connell), two struggling actors who see an opportunity to end their woes when they hear of an elderly woman’s plans to leave her immense fortune to her late sister’s long-lost children, Max and Steve. What seems like a perfect plan quickly dissolves into mayhem as they discover that the woman’s relatives are not nephews, but nieces. Jack and Leo give their greatest performance yet as Maxine and Stephanie. Connell’s New York City and regional credits include A View From the Bridge, The Coast of Utopia, Nureyev’s Eyes and William Connell and Zach Martens in Leading Ladies. photos by Pedro Zepeda Alphabetical Order. His television and film work includes Blacklist, Madam Secretary, the young Edith Bouvier Beale in the Broadway production of the Not Fade Away and upcoming roles in Blindspot and The Tap. musical Grey Gardens. Davie appeared on the national tours for Martens returns to the Gulfshore Playhouse stage where he Swing! and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as the Offplayed Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice. He has appeared both in Broadway production of Infertility. Most recently, Davie appeared in Off-Broadway and regional productions of Sleep No More, The the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Nightingale, Three Sisters and The Full Monty. Television and film Additional professional actors starring in Leading Ladies include: credits include Shades of Blue, The Daily Show and Hunting - Hanley Smith as Audrey. Having previously appeared as Season. Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest at Gulfshore Playhouse, Playing the lead role of Meg Snider in Leading Ladies, Davie is Smith also serves as the education programs coordinator for the an American actress and singer best known for her performance as nonprofit, R.Evolucion Latina. Her stage credits include Vanda in Venus in Fur; Laura in The Glass Menagerie; Luisa in The Fantasticks; and Sally in The Voice of the Turtle. - Phillip Taratula as Duncan. Taratula previously appeared in Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of Hound of the Baskervilles and most recently starred as Cogsworth in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. - Michael Lawler as Doc. Regional theatre credits include Fiddler On The Roof, Pippin, My Fair Lady, Our Town, The Importance of Being Earnest, Noises Off, Company, Will Rogers Follies, Cabaret and Gypsy. - Alex Michael Albrecht as Butch. Making his Gulfshore Playhouse debut, Albrecht spent this past summer at the Little Theatre of the Rockies where he performed in the production of Peter and the Starcatcher, as well as in the Cabaret Company at the Weathervane Theatre Co. On Broadway, Katz served as resident director of The Lion King and associate director of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He will direct the upcoming 60th anniversary concert of West Side Story with The Phoenix Symphony. Leading Ladies was written by Ken Ludwig, the playwright of Fox on the Fairway and The Game’s Afoot. Leading Ladies is being dedicated to first responders, who will receive free admission with proof of identification throughout the entire run of the show. Evening shows begin at 8; matinees begin at 3 p.m. Show subscriptions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events and discounted pricing. For ticket information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111. All Gulfshore Playhouse productions are at The Norris Center, Erin Davie 755 8th Ave. S. in Naples.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

Art

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Rob Goldey, AJ Weber on the walls at Arts for ACT Gallery

Rob Goldey

Join Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. for the opening reception and meet the artists for December’s Art Walk. This month, ACT Gallery will feature Rob Goldey in the main gallery and off the main gallery in the white gallery the abstracts of A J Weber. Also showing, new works from the co-op artists. Rob Goldey was born in Lexington, KY, in 1969. Rob spent many years in Nashville where he developed his unique style using pen, pencil and ink, and later on, acrylic. Rob currently lives in Fort Myers with his wife and two children. Influenced by the work of Salvador Dali, Piet Mondrian and Wayne White, Rob has exhibited in local establishments and galleries in Fort Myers including Arts for Act Gallery and at Fashion Week in Naples. He is currently part of the Bootleggers Gallery, which is an open area gallery and it takes place during Art Walk and Music Walk in downtown Fort Myers. A J Weber was born in 1969 in Cochem,

DAAS Co-Op Gallery & Gifts to feature art of Whitney Hackett

In December, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts will feature the art of guest artist Whitney Hackett. The exhibition, entitled Painted World, highlights some of the artist’s latest and most vibrant work. The opening reception coincides with the monthly SoCo Second Saturday, held at the SoCo Cultural District (Alliance for the Arts and Royal Palm Square block) on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. Artist Whitney Hackett grew up in Southwest Florida. She first became serious about her art while attending Fort Myers High School. At FMHS, she studied ceramics and photography for 3 years. After graduating high school in 2004, she attended the University of Florida to study fine arts. Here she fell in love with painting. In 2008 she graduated with a bachelor of fine arts and a focus in painting. Since 2008 she has lived in Vermont, Maine and California. After living in California for six years and driving cross country many times, she moved back to Southwest Florida in 2016. She currently owns the boutique shop and art gallery, Quartz & Clover, located on Jackson Street in downtown Fort Myers. Here. she carries many unique items, including art and goods made by local artists and artisans. All of her life experiences have influenced the subject matter of her paintings. Whitney loves collecting imagery from the world around her, and turning it into a visual experience on canvas. Nature photography and collage work art two major influences for her work. Her imagery ranges from a surreal collage style, to more traditional

DECEMBER 2017

Whitney Hackett landscapes and animal portraits with a twist. For more information about the gallery, visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-590-8645. DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery is conveniently located in the Royal Palm Square at 1400 Colonial Blvd STE 84 in Fort Myers. Season hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information about the SoCo Second Saturday Art Crawl, visit www.socoswfl.com.

Germany. Fascinated by colors and forms, his works are permeated with lines, which arise from synthetic drawing. Combining parts of outlines of existing forms and objects, Weber creates a vibrant composition and a state of curiosity. The relationship between color and form is playing a significant role in his creative process. Tools include needles, putty knives, brushes, pencils and, of course, his hands which enable him to feel his art. Most of the time, he uses whatever he can find, among other things: acrylic and oil, varnish, coal and chalk, to create his pieces. “People often view my work and find the unexpected. Looking at my paintings more closely or over a longer period of time, you’ll always discover shapes and figures which previously remained covered,” states Weber. ACT Gallery is also featuring new works by over 25 co-op artists. These exhibits continue through Monday, Jan. 2. ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. The gallery can be reached by calling 239-337-5050.

New artists, nostalgic tunes to highlight Co-op Art Gallery’s December reception

Thirteen new artists are now exhibiting and selling their work at the Co-operative Art Gallery at Coconut Point Mall, and many will be on hand to discuss their work at the gallery’s monthly reception on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. Also featured will be the music of Another Door Opens, specializing in music best described as “nostalgia,” its lead vocalist, Bill Gormley, one of the many skilled photographers with work at the gallery. The reception offers – with wine and hors d’oeuvres – the opportunity to browse the gallery and meet with some of the participating artists. To sell in the gallery, the artist must be a member of one of the 19 studios and art organizations that are members of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. The gallery thus offers a broad representation of work by South Florida artists and craftspeople, whether permanent residents or here “seasonally.” Located next to Panera in the mall, the gallery’s large open space is the perfect setting for work across the creative spectrum, from painting and pho-

tography, to jewelry and ceramics, and all types of mixed media. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For information concerning gallery participation or sales, phone 239-9493073.

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Naples Art Association: Give the gift of art for the holidays For some people, the holidays can be the most stressful time of the year. Don’t let the pressure of the season get to you. The Naples Art Association (NAA) has got the solution to all of your holiday woes. The month begins with the wonderful outdoor showcase of local artists at Art in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These artists offer great holiday gift ideas. Are you looking for a way to get together with your friends before the holidays, but don’t want the hassle of hosting? Try a Artist Shirley McCaffrey at Novemberʼs Art in the Park. workshop. From Dec. The next Art in the Park will be Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 20 to Dec. 22, the NAA a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Naples Art Association. will host a Wet N Wild Mixed Media Collage and bustle of shopping? Visit the NAA, workshop that is the perfect way to be crelocated in the heart of downtown Naples, ative and unwind with friends. Instructor, throughout the month of December and Genie Kell, will demonstrate and teach stutake in several ongoing exhibitions for a dents how to combine all the wild, new, few minutes of calm. The “Telling a Story: shiny, iridescent paints with responsive Narrative Art” juried exhibition will feature papers. Oh, and leave with a masterpiece works of art that illustrate or tell a story of do display at your Christmas dinner. daily life or those drawn from a text or wellDoes “Santa” need a morning – or afterknown folk tale or myth. “The Great noon – to finish up shopping for your kids? Outdoors” exhibition will allow artists to Do you need a break to clean up the house explore nature and use it as their muse. after the gift wrap goes flying? Why not And, animals will be explored at the drop your children or grandchildren off at “Animals Fact and Fable” exhibition. All the NAA’s popular Holiday Youth Art exhibitions are free of charge, so stop in Program? This entertaining, educational any time during gallery hours. program gives children ages five to 14And, the final piece to the holiday puzyears-old the opportunity to engage in eduzle is shopping for the perfect gift. There cational art experiences while having fun. truly is no place better to find a one-of-aCourses run Dec. 22 and Dec. 27 - 29. kind gift for each person on your holiday Do you need a date night with your list than the NAA’s gift shop, Originals. spouse before the holiday madness is in During the month of December, it will be full swing? How does a delicious, chef-pretransformed into the famous Sugar Plum pared meal served on a gorgeous, holidayShop and will feature an unparalleled inspired tablescape accompanied by a live, selection of handcrafted ornaments, paintinteractive art experience sound? On ings, sculptures, accessories, decorations Tuesday, Dec. 14, executive chef Bob and much more. Support small business – Schultz of Creative Catering Naples, and local artists – by purchasing from the Steven Bowles of Steven Bowles Creative, NAA. and artist Michael Monroe will collaborate So, take a class with friends, attend a to create and present original works of art dinner with your loved one, or shop the day and a multi-course gourmet meal and wine away at the gift shop or at Art in the Park to at the NAA’s Dinner with Artists. Tickets take away the stresses of the holiday. sell fast for this experience, so purchase For more info about the NAA and its your date night soon! programs, visit www.NaplesArt.org. Do you need a break from the hustle

DECEMBER 2017

Isabel Mejia exhibit at Davis Art Center Take a trip through the surreal. December’s art show at the Davis Art Center is “False Forests and Hidden Skylines,” a stunning art opening from emerging artist Isabel Mejia. Teen artist Isabel Mejia is from McLean, Va., just outside of the nation’s capital. Isabel is an avid painter and has worked in mixed mediums and trained with senior artists in the DC area. She is a rising junior at Flint Hill High School and spends her free time painting, reading and writing, and often her activities are very closely linked to the characters she creates. Her series, “False Forests and Hidden Skylines”, is a series of works exploring the facets of a fantastical alternate reality where the world and the people in it are truly alive. Each work has a story behind it and allows the viewer to be transported into their world. Experience Mejia’s moving paintings, featuring surrealist portraits of women, opening on Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. (a week after Art Walk). The exhibit will close Dec. 22. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Isabel Mejia

Paul Arsenault exhibit opens at Marco Island Historical Museum

The Marco Island stores in Key West, clam canHistorical Museum presents neries on Marco Island, and “Coastal Trade — Bounty, trading posts in the Booty, And Boats of the Gulf Everglades that were used by and Glades from Naples to pioneers and Seminole Key West” from artist Paul Indians. Vessels that plied the Arsenault. Gulf catching fish, making The exhibition will be on deliveries, and transferring display Dec. 1 to March 2 at merchandise and passenthe Marco Island Historical gers, such as the “Ina” and Museum, 180 South the “Bertie Lee” are repreHeathwood Drive. sented in the exhibit, as is the A free opening reception replica of a pirate ship based sponsored by the Marco in Key West that was the Island Historical Society will floating home office of treasbe held from 6 to 7 p.m. on ure salvor Mel Fisher in the Wednesday, Dec. 13, and is 1970s. There are also images open to the public. of homesteads of some of the Paul Arsenault’s exhibit, early growers and notorious “Coastal Trade — Bounty, characters whose produce Booty, And Boats of the Gulf was sailed, poled, or rowed Paul Arsenault and Glades from Naples to to market from deep in the Key West” includes not only Everglades. Arsenault had paintings that represent the pioneer days of the unique opportunity to meet some of the southwest Florida’s maritime trading networks, remarkable old-timers with deep roots in this area but folk art, posters and artifacts that relate to which makes the exhibit particularly interesting. this heritage. For more information, visit Arsenault’s paintings include fish houses in www.CollierMuseums.com or call (239) 252Naples and Isles of Capri, markets and general 8476.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

New garden park opens in Punta Gorda

Mila Bridger

Shangri-La Springs in Bonita features four artists Dec. 13

Shangri-La Springs, a cultural historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, invites the Southwest Florida community to enjoy an array of artistic and musical experiences at its Art & Nature Community Night on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Dream or Reality exhibit will feature works from photographer Mila Bridger, painters Danielle Braunchaud and Cesar Aguilera and sculptor Tim Smith. The free community event will feature a variety of activities and performances throughout the property including a tapas dinner, live performances and presentations of artistic works from local

artists and musicians, and a special visit from Santa Claus, as well as fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Guests can enjoy a free alllevels yoga class at 7 p.m., complimentary massage treatments at The Spa, and a community drum circle led by Sayer Ji will take place at 6 p.m. Organic beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the evening and reservations are available for a tapas dinner in the Great House from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Visit online at www.ShangriLaSprings.com or call 239-949-0749 to learn more. Shangri-La Springs is located on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Changing exhibits are featured in the spacious art gallery of the Cape Coral Public Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. Artwork by Martha Stevenson will be featured on the walls of the gallery. Stevenson has painted and experimented with different media since childhood. It was her fondness for painting on a wide variety of surfaces that lead her to join the Decorative Artists of Southwest Florida (DASF) for which she served as a past president and continues as a member. While working in the controlled style associated with decorative art, Martha discovered that painting loosely in acrylics on canvas allowed her to be more expressive. She employs brushes and palette knives and isn’t afraid to mix up acrylics with watercolors and oils, to add ink on finished acrylic paintings, or to apply printed contact paper on canvas. Artwork by Debbie LaCavera, who is also a member of the Decorative Artists of Southwest Florida, will be featured on the walls of the library’s gallery. The art world was opened up to Deb a

few years ago after retirement, and she’s picked up a paint brush just about every day since. At this point, she describes her style as anything that happens to catch her eye. Through the world of teachers and painting mates she’s experimented in acrylics, watercolor, multi media work, hand painted scarves, up-cycled yard art and batiks. Unique sculpture created by married couple Jeff and Dale Ocasio will be featured in the gallery cases. The Ocasio’s are award winning, local artists, who work collaboratively to create sculpted art expressing an imaginative, storybook spirit. Sculpting with paper masking tape over wire and reclaimed objects is where their artwork begins. It’s a unique medium that the Ocasio’s find extremely liberating. The current show will be available for viewing during library business hours until Dec. 29. The exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. For more information, contact art gallery chairperson Monica Rahman at (239) 258-2991 or monica4608@comcast.net.

Florida’s newest garden park, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda, opened Phase I on Oct. 20. The waterfront gardens offer a sanctuary of art and nature by featuring botanical collections and contemporary interpretive art with 11 sculptures emerging from the lush landscape. Roger and Linda Tetrault and the Roger and Linda Tetrault Family Foundation began development of the property in 2006. The Tetrault Foundation, a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit foundation, is providing one of the largest endowments for public botanical gardens in the State of Florida – and will continue to provide funding to ensure that the garden experience is improved, year after year. Ostriches by ”As a destination, we invite visitors to experience how our best side is outside. The combination of lush gardens and contemporary art makes the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens the perfect complement to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s amenities and attractions,” said Lorah Steiner, director of tourism with the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. The gardens will cover 27 acres of which 17 will be developed and 10 will remain as waterways, marshland and heritage mangroves. This includes the Tetrault home and four-acre property. Currently, 11 acres have been developed including the Garden Community Center where visitors can enjoy a light bite and enjoy the visiting exhibit. When complete, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture

Stevenson, LaCavera and Ocasios on exhibit at Cape Coral Library

DECEMBER 2017

Keel by artist Kemal Tufan

artist Yu Zhaoyang photos by Gary Brownell Gardens will be one of Florida’s largest botanical and sculpture gardens. More than 3,500 botanicals have been planted on the grounds and includes the caladium garden, succulent garden and hibiscus garden. Visitors can walk the Mangrove Marsh Boardwalk and view all three of Florida’s mangrove trees, red, black and white. A 50 million-year-old stone palm frond fossil serves as the inspiration for the logo and signature sculpture. Eleven sculptures by internationally-renowned artists range from a 21,000-pound “Steel Palm” by Boston artist Jacob Kulin to “Ostriches” – two 20-foot tall human forms by Mr. Yu Zhaoyang from The People’s Republic of China to “Keel,” a massive lava stone structure by Turkish artist Kemal Tufan to “The Thinker,” a spoof on the Rodin original was designed by Ichwan Noor, of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. On display through March 2018 is the visiting botanical photo exhibit by artist/photographer Laurie Tennent. Her outdoor collection is created from actual specimens found in the Peace River Gardens. The five permanent works on aluminum were purchased for the garden through a grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation. Located at 5800 Riverside Drive in Punta Gorda, the Peace River Botanical Gardens is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Monday). Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for Seniors, Students (through High School) is $8 and children 5 and under are free. Annual memberships and group discounts are available. Visit www.peacerivergardens.org for additional information.

Barb Hosack art showcased in Cape galleries Lorne’s Gallery and Frame Gallery & Gifts, both in Cape Coral, will feature the art of artist and gallery owner Barb Hosack in December. Born in the Pacific Northwest, Barb is inspired by sea life and had an original “gallery” at Pike Shed Market in college. Barb says she loves the colors of Florida and tropical water colors of turquoise and blues. As a long-time gallery owner, Barb works with designers and individual artists to achieve artistic bliss. A special reception will be held Dec. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lorne’s Gallery, unit 108, at Marina Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral, during the monthly Sunset Stroll. Barb’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

MORE THAN 90 LOCAL JURIED ARTISTS

Naples Artcrafters

Fine Art & Craft Show HOLIDAY SHOW

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

SATURDAY, DEC. 9TH 10am - 4pm

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

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com

ART COUNCIL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Connecting artists and the arts in Southwest Florida since 1963

8074 Mediterranean Drive • Estero 239-949-3073

THE CO-OPERATIVE ART GALLERY at Coconut Point Mall (beside Panera Bread)

Highlighting the work of the ar tists and ar tisans of Southwest Florida Showcasing contemporary and traditional painting, photography, fused glass, ceramics, pottery, wood carvings and more.

December: Mon. - Sat. 11 am - 5 pm, Sun. noon - 5 pm Come join us for our monthly reception on Dec. 7. Meet and greet the artists. Refreshments and entertainment.

www.ACSWF.org

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DECEMBER 2017

Naples Artcrafters Christmas show Dec. 9 in Cambier Park

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Naples Artcrafters will host their annual Christmas juried fine art and craft show in Cambier Park in beautiful downtown Naples. The show will run form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day. The event showcases the work of ninety juried local artists and craftsmen who will be selling their paintings, jewelry, pottery, art glass, sculptures and more in Cambier Park which is located on 8th Street South in Naples. Additionally, Victorian Christmas Carolers will be performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many of the artists and craftsmen will be offering specially created pieces of their work in the $50 and under price range, just in time for the gift giving season. It will be a

wonderful opportunity to shop local and support local artists. Admission to the show is free and free parking is available nearby. The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of local artists and the encouragement of the development of artistic endeavors in the Naples area. They are committed to promoting excellence in fine arts and crafts within the community. The group provides local artists and craftsmen a venue for displaying and selling their work by sponsoring juried outdoor shows during the season. Each year, the organization provides financial contributions to area schools with six grants For more information, visit online at www.naplesartcrafters.com

Discover handcrafted treasures by local artists and artisans at Englewood Art Center’s Winter Art Market Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the center, 350 South McCall Road in Englewood. This free, family-friendly event features original works of art in variety of media, including paintings, watercolor, ceramics, fiber art, sculpture and photography by more than 25 regionally based artists. The two-day event also features live music by The Neptunes, the Ravenous Rhino food truck (on Friday) and Baylor’s Southern Soul Food Truck (on Saturday) and activities for children. For

more information, visit www.ringling.edu/EAC or call 941-474-5548. Samantha Parkinson, director of the Englewood Art Center, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, says she was inspired to create the Winter Art Market after receiving overwhelming positive response to the center’s inaugural Summer Art Market in July. “Both vendors and visitors encouraged us to do this again,” she says. “Guests enjoyed the opportunity to buy original works of art from local artists and artisans—and vendors appreciated the opportunity to show their work.”

Englewood Art Market Dec. 15 & 16

Craig Seidell wins Harvest of Art show

Awards were presented at the opening reception for Harvest of Art Nov. 2 at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda. Judge Jeff Cornell was impressed by the well-rounded variety of traditional media presented. The winners were: First place: "Shades of Lucille" by Craig Seidell, mixed Second place: "Gulfview" by Audrey Chiaradio, oil Third place: "Frequency" by Gina Battle, mixed acrylic 1st merit: "Mucky Kids" by Sheryl Unwin, scratch board 2nd merit: "Serendipity" by Anne Kittel, watercolor/collage 3rd merit: "Bad Apple" by John Hutson, digital graphic art 4th merit: "Lowly Marsh" by Carol Wyckoff, watercolor 5th merit: "Heartsong" by Maryanne Jacobsen, oil Harvest of Art is celebrating its 28th year as the Visual Arts Center’s first and finest juried exhibit of traditional 2D art. The exhibit features paintings, pen & ink, pencil, scratchboard, hand printing techniques, 2D collage, and digital graphic art. Held every fall, the exhibit is a favorite of local artists and the first exhibit of the season for many part-time residents just returning to Southwest Florida. The exhibit runs until Nov. 30 in the VAC’s Main Gallery. The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. and can be reached at (941) 639-8810. Check out www.VisualArtCenter.org for more details.

David Sussman photography exhibit at Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Photographer David Sussman’s works will be displayed at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) for a nature/environmental education exhibit. His exhibit opens Nov. 27 and runs through March 30. A reception is planned for Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes a young professional harpist, Harmony Lange, playing a wide repertoire of pieces. This exhibit includes one of the finest collections of our natural habitat in Charlotte Harbor ever to be seen at one location and by one artist. Over 50 canvas' and prints on display from a life size Florida Panther to microscopic vegetation spores. Sussman captures his images through a variety of lenses and aerial photography using his sUAS. This collection took years of research and field work. Placards with historic and local information about his subjects are also on display. He photographs, processes, prints, stretches and frames all of his own work. David Sussman is a member of the Visual Arts Center, Charlotte Arts, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and CHEC amongst other. He will be doing lectures and docent tours. School groups will have separate tours as well. Harmony Lange, professional harpist, will play a broad repertoire encompassing classi-

DECEMBER 2017

Craig Seidell

David Sussman cal, sacre, and modern pop music. Lange has dedicated her life since she was nine years old to her study of the harp. Upon receiving a music scholarship, Lange pursued her study at Westmont College in California, where she played with the Westmont Orchestra throughout her undergraduate years and toured with the orchestra to various locations including Beijing, Shanghai, and San Francisco. After graduating, Lange played professionally in the Santa Barbara, CA, area before moving to Punta Gorda three years ago. The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is located at 10941 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda.

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Harbour View Gallery to showcase Lynne Rae Eaton and James Beech

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Lynne Rae Eaton (fused glass) and James Beech (watercolors) at a reception on Tuesday, Dec, 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Throughout Lynne’s life, she has studied and mastered numerous art medias including stained/fused glass, jewelry and stone metal smithing, pen and ink, oil colors and acrylic. Three of her books on design and instruction of stained and fused glass items were published and distributed throughout the US and Canada and internet. In Wisconsin, she was associated with different art galleries selling various mediums of her artwork. Her recent move to Florida inspired her to create ocean type art. Her continual search for unique art led her to develop Jelly Fish that are hand formed from acrylic using heat and manipulated into the shapes and assembled. The “Bug” is created with fused glass bodies, wrapped in lead came; legs, antenna and wings are formed out of wire that is soldered to the came. The glass stand alone items are created using

Lynne Rae Eaton

James Beech

many layers of glass fused together, individually cut into shapes and fired again to polish the edges. James studied at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art, The School of Visual Arts in New York, the Burlington Cultural Center Burlington Ontario, and Sheridan College, Oakville Ontario Canada. His background is primarily in graphic design, but spends all of his time working at his current profession, painting. He began working in watercolors in 1957. Later he moved to Orange County, NY, where he began to sell my work, mostly watercolor landscapes. He moved to Canada on business (opening a branch office) and ended up living there for some time, painting and selling his work when time permitted. In 1991 he and his family moved to Florida, and now reside in Punta Gorda. Their work will be on display through December. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.

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Hirdie Girdie begins new season with 3 new artists Sanibel's colorful, intimate Hirdie Girdie Gallery has begun its 24th season with three new award-winning artists. Joining the co-op gallery are oil painter Peter Zell, woodcarver Kay Stammers and watercolorist Keith Johnson. When Peter Zell came to Florida 12 years ago after practicing law in California for 32 years, he brought his imaginative and unique oil painting talent with him. He enjoys painting en plein air, and he treats viewers with landscapes, urban scenes and figural works that mix traditional and abstract elements in a style that's all his own. Woodcarver Kay Stammers has been creating birds since the late 1990s. Her realistic carvings are made from tupelo, basswood or walnut. All her birds are carved to actual dimensions, including the fine detailing. Depending on the size and complexity of the piece, a bird may require up to 300 hours from start to finish. Watercolorist Keith Johnson picked up paint brushes when

Kay Stammers

Keith Johnson

Peter Zell

he and his wife closed their 30-year Minnesota photography business and moved to Florida. He quickly embraced watercolors and is now painting full time. He especially enjoys working en plein air and he has been painting at beaches, parks and marinas from Boca Grande to Sanibel. Peter, Kay and Keith join 12 other talented artists who work in acrylics, pastels, colored pencil, photography, beaded sculpture, glass, clay, ceramics, fiber and basketry. Gallery artists also offer jewelry made from various metals, beads and glass. A member of the Tarpon Bay Road Art District, Hirdie Girdie is at the corner of Tarpon Bay Rd. and Library Way on Sanibel. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read about the artists and check the special events calendar online at www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com or call 239-395-0027.

DECEMBER 2017

Music

Verlon Thompson at ACMA; Songwriters at Sunset returns •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Americana Community Music Association has another great month of music in December. Verlon Thompson will perform at the ACMA listening room at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers on Dec. 2. Opening act will be Roy Schneider. This will be a special ticketed event at the ACMA with limited availability at the door. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. General public is $20. Tickets are available www.AmericanACMA.org. Thirty years as a professional songwriter and traveling troubadour serve as credenVerlon Thompson tials. As a solo performer, and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger (his hometown in Oklahoma). Along the way, Verlon Thompson compositions have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, Anne Murray, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Trisha Yearwood and many more. Equally important in his songwriting and live performances, Verlon's guitar work cannot go unnoticed. His guitar can be heard on recordings by Restless Heart, Pam Tillis, and many more, including, and especially Guy Clark. Roy Schneider has found his true calling in writing and performing his “Blue-Twangled Folk & Roll” music. Friends of Lovers Key (FOLKS) has joined with the ACMA to offer a series of monthly free acoustic concerts of all original music this upcoming season. Dec. 7 kicks off the ACMA Songwriters at Sunset series with Hank Woji, Eileen Kozloff, & Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield (aka The Reckless Saints) Hank Woji and Eileen Kozloff have performed regularly at festivals, concert venues, coffee houses and house concerts throughout the country combining their stellar individual skills into a duo that showcases the best of their talents into a seamless collaborative musical team.

The Reckless Saints, The Reckless Saints play original music self-described as “blue twangled folk & roll,”- a delightfully diverse blend, ranging from bluesy to ballads, jazzy to folk, bluegrass to rock, while still comfortably fitting under the Americana umbrella. Roy Schneider is a singer-songwriter in the grandest tradition of Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Guy Clark, and Lyle Lovett, but his voice, songwriting skill, stagecraft, and instrumental talent are all his own. With duo partner Kim Mayfield, The Reckless Saints have been touring for years across America and abroad. This free show starts at 4 p.m. at Lovers Key State Park. Be sure to give yourself an extra 30 minutes to park and take the tram to the beach. The show is free parking is $8 at car. Refreshments will be available by Songwriters at Sunset returns Dec. 7 donation, and will benefit FOLKS. Future Songwriters at Sunset concert dates are scheduled for Jan. 4, concerts. That's StreetJelly.com/PeteBensen. He regularly perFeb. 1, March 1 and April 5. forms at the Fort Myers Music Walk and is no stranger to local The ACMA’s Saturday afternoon series Songwriters at the open mics and rehearsal studios Library continues Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at South County Regional Doug Chaiet is a local singer songwriter who is known for his Library located at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway in Estero with fingerpicking style guitar playing. Glenn Sabatka, Pete Benson, Doug Chaiet Singer songwriters circle is held every Sunday from 2 to 5 This is a free show of local songwriters sharing original songs p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor and the stories behind the songs Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all Glenn Sabatka has been playing guitar and harmonica since levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, the 1960-s. He has been the harmonica player for many bands casual atmosphere. No membership required. All are welcome to and has been a side-man on several artists’ recordings. After come and play or just to listen. working for public radio for thirty four years he retired from The Americana Community Music Association provides a Florida Gulf Coast University’s public radio station as director. venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning perAfter retirement he started writing his own songs. His music is a formers in the Americana/Folk community. All shows are in a bit quirkey with many terrible puns and word plays. He likes quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with when his audience laughs! the artists. Pete Bensen. Americana music and playing guitar has been The ACMA is a non-sectarian, not for profit organization. his love, muse, and best friend since childhood. Originally from Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at New York, now living in Southwest Florida, Peter has performed 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., for over 15,000 listeners of his regular StreetJelly.com online eand all shows start at 7 p.m.

Nowhere Band to play annual Festival of Trees Dec. 1 at the Davis Art Center

The Nowhere Band is back to help Southwest Florida celebrate the holiday season. On Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 – 10 p.m., enjoy an outdoor concert by the Nowhere Band. This performance marks the 11th annual Festival of Trees. The Nowhere Band is Southwest Florida’s premier Beatles tribute band. 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 60’s 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-at-heart, simply can’t afford to miss. Take part in holiday festivities with friends and family. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

DECEMBER 2017

Young Artists Awards: Final round of grants

The Young Artists Awards program, the largest performing arts education, audition, performance, and scholarship program for students from throughout Southwest Florida, is pleased to announce the ten student scholarships, ranging from $700 to $2500, granted to previous student finalists. A reception, honoring these students will be held in late December, hosted by the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. The students’ written applications were selected based on a scored judging system by a panel composed of the executive committee members from the many submitted. Callie Atkinson-assistance with tuition and expenses at Manhattan School of Music. Isabella Bank-assistance with piano purchase and Summer

Music Composition Institute at Wesleyan University. Lolina Bruggeman-Muñozassistance to attend Interlochen Summer Camp. Paul Gavin-assistance in producing first album as leader. Martina Long-assistance with convention fees and supplies. Kevin Seto-assistance with community engagement project, supplies and fees. Thomas Short-assistance with tuition expenses at Florida Gulf Coast University. Stephanie Van Duijn-assistance with tuition expenses at Amsterdam Conservatory. Annalise Veldhuyzen Van Zantan-assistance with ballet class tuition and pointe shoes. Marissa Zumbo-assistance with tuition expenses at University of Central Florida.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

SW Florida Symphony presents A Charlie Brown Christmas The Southwest Florida Symphony presents its annual Holiday Pops concerts with a fun family twist this year – A Charlie Brown Christmas. This performance, conducted by the Symphonic Chorale’s music director, Dr. Trent Brown, features the beloved music of the Peanuts traditional holiday animated TV show, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, and arranged for orchestra by special guest, Jim Martinez, this concert also features performances by the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida. Concerts take place at The Village Church at Shell Point on Dec. 12, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs on Dec. 14, BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island on Dec. 15 and at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Dec. 16. These concerts bring A Charlie Brown Christmas to life through the magic of live symphonic and choral music. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the music of jazz composer Vince Guaraldi, performed by special guest pianist/arranger Jim Martinez. “Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer….” It just wouldn't be Christmas without the Peanuts classic holiday delight, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The Southwest Florida Symphony tells this timeless

DECEMBER 2017

Jim Martinez tale through the warm, inviting music that made this animated television special great with tunes like Christmastime is Here, O Tannenbaum and Christmas is Coming. Single tickets start at $27 and vary by venue. Family packages of $60 for four tickets (two adults and two children) are also available for Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church performances. Tickets may be purchased at the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office by calling 239-418-1500 or visiting in person, online at WWW.SWFLSO.ORG and at all performance venues.

Shell Point concert season is under way for 2017-18

Shell Point Retirement Community has announced the lineup of performances and activities in store for its 2017-2018 concert series. Segmented into four distinct musical programs: Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Concerts and Conversations, and Southwest Florida Symphony, the 2017-2018 concert series will bring a variety of local and international performers to the Shell Point campus. The Fine Arts program includes two events that feature one-of-a-kind items or artwork presented by the talented residents of Shell Point: The 2018 Shell Point Art Show and Sale – Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. The Performing Arts program introduces a variety of talent-filled musical ensembles to the Village Church Auditorium. This year’s performances include: All Is Calm – Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Miller Orchestra – Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Barrage 8 – Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The StepCrew – Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. My Sinatra, Starring Cary Hoffman – Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Presented in an intimate setting at the Grand Cypress Room at The

Woodlands, the Concerts and Conversations series offers a selection of performances for classical music enthusiasts to enjoy, each followed by fellowship and a dessert reception with the musicians. Featured artists include: Evan Drachman, Cellist – Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Washington Saxophone Quartet – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Vega String Quartet – Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Shell Point has once again partnered with the Southwest Florida Symphony to present several performances that showcase the orchestra’s symphonic repertoire. Held at the Village Church on The Island, performances include: From Baroque to Jazz – Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Holiday Pops: A Charlie Brown Christmas – Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For the Love of Beethoven – Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. From Copland to the Classics – Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Shell Point Retirement Community is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers. Events are open to the public, with tickets available online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239454-2067.

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An Afternoon of Readings and Carols

featuring Ft. Myers Mastersingers, City of Palms Youth Choir and Mastersingers Chamber Chorus

December 3 at 3 p.m.

New Hope Presbyterian Church to benefit South Fort Myers Food Pantry

Christmas on Sanibel featuring Mastersingers and Mastersingers Festival Orchestra

December 10 at 6 p.m.

Sanibel Community Church to benefit Sanibel Community Church

Deck the Halls

featuring Mastersingers, City of Palms Youth Choir and Gulf Coast Symphony

December 17 at 7 p.m.

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

Gulf Coast Symphony to Deck the Halls Dec. 17 at B.B. Mann

Join the Gulf Coast Symphony on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 P.M. for Deck the Halls at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. This annual holiday tradition celebrates the spirit of the season with a program that includes holiday favorites, strolling carolers, the lighting of the Menorah, a carol sing-a-long, and of course – a visit from Santa. Performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony are the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers conducted by Jeff Faux, Kellyn Irish Dancers, Mark Sanders and Cantorial soloist Lawrence Dermer. An ensemble from the Gulf Coast Symphony’s MusicWorks! program and strolling carolers from the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform in the lobby between 6 and 7 p.m. The Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall is located on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College. Santa, Maestro Andrew Kurtz and soloist Mark Sanders take a bow at Deck the Halls. Tickets for “Deck the Halls” start at $29 and may be purchased by calling the Barbara B. Mann community orchestras in the United States. Recognized for its Performing Arts Hall Box Office at (239) 481-4849 or online at high-quality symphonic performances, as well as its active commuwww.GulfCoastSymphony.org nity engagement and commitment to arts education, the Gulf Coast Established in 1996, the Gulf Coast symphony, led by music & Symphony exists to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Lee executive director Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, is one of the most dynamic County and the greater Southwest Florida area.

Jazzy Nights welcomes Professor Cunningham & His Old School Dec. 15 The most swinging concert of the season fuses jazz and early R&B. On Friday, Dec. 15, Professor Cunningham and His Old School showcase the freewheeling sound that made them a New York staple. Jazzy Nights presents Professor Cunningham and His Old School. This popular New York-based band performs the most swinging and grooving repertoire deeply steeped in the New Orleans tradition, from early jazz to early R&B in the aesthetic of Sidney Bechet, Fats Waller, Professor Longhair, and even Fats Domino. Formed two years ago by indemand reedman and vocalist Adrian Cunningham – Australian native based in NYC – Professor Cunningham and His Old School jazz band consists of some of the most energetic and accomplished musicians on the New York scene. It has been a regular hit in the NYC underground

party and swing dance scene since it’s formation in 2012; performing at some of the city’s finest speakeasy shows (Shanghai Mermaid, Gemini and Scorpio, NY Hot Jazz Festival) and regularly performing to packed houses at some of the city’s best swing venues (Cutting Room, Swing 46, The Back Room). Additional concerts in the Jazzy Nights Series: Saturday, Jan. 27 • The Dan Miller-Lew DelGatto Quintet with Kenny Washington Thursday, Feb. 15 • Willie Jones and Friends Cocktails begin at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of show. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-3331933 or visit online at www.sbdac.com.

DECEMBER 2017

Naples Concert Band

The Dec. 3 Concert in the Park at 2 p.m. by the Naples Concert Band will provide the perfect music for this year’s holiday celebration including the vocal quartet of Amy Bright, Jenny Bintliff, Craig Greusel, and Ross Shaver singing A Christmas Celebration, Christmas on Broadway, and Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival. The 22nd annual TUBA Christmas event will include over 50 musicians and tubas, euphoniums, baritone, and more, all on the Sugden Plaza on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. This show promises to be exciting with a proclamation from the mayor; and prizes for best, most interesting, funniest, and seasonal costumes on the musicians. The Naples Concert Band is a non-profit organization dedicated to entertaining the community with enriching Sunday concerts in the park. Admission to all Naples Concert Band performances is free, with donations appreciated. Donations received at each concert help defray expenses and help with The Band's Scholarship Fund. For those interested in learning more about the Naples Concert Band, there will be a tent at all performances with information about future concerts, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and how to become a ‘Fan of The Band’. For more information about the Naples Concert Band, call the NCB Hotline at 239-263-9521 or visit www.NaplesConcertBand.org. For those interested in becoming a member of the band, contact Frank Burgeson at 239-598-2082.

Lee County Band

If you love traditional Christmas music, but also enjoy new twists on familiar tunes, the Lee County Community Band Christmas will present a Christmas concert just for you. The performance is set for 3 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Cape Coral High School. The program begins with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from “The Messiah”, and continues with White Christmas, several carol medleys, a sing-along, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, Jingle Bells in Dixie and Christmas “al la” Big Band. The band performs six concerts between November and April; all take place at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, beginning at 3 p.m. The concerts are free (donations accepted) and open to the public. Additional concert dates are Jan. 21, Feb. 11, March 11 and April 8, 2018. An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal and enthusiastic audience at every concert. Programs typically include a mix of energetic marches, Broadway hits, old favorites, patriotic songs, seasonal pieces, and sing-alongs with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones. Directed by Richard Bradstreet, the 50-member adult band rehearses Thursday evenings in Fort Myers. Band members are musicians from all walks of life – career musicians, amateurs, and folks renewing skills from years past – who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone Norman Jones at 239-995-2097. For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org

Bonita Springs Concert Band

Professor Cunningham

The Bonita Springs Concert Band, under the direction of Gary Smith, will present a free concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 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 Bright, the featured vocalist, will present Christmas from the ‘50s and Grown-Up Christmas List. Bring your holiday spirit and a chair or a blanket. Refreshments will be available from Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream. For more information, visit their website at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com

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Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana Acoustic Shows Verlon Thompson DEC. 2 Roy Schneider opens

Check ticket availability for this show online.

Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park DEC. 7 at 4 pm - Free

Hank Woji, Eileen Kozloff and Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield (aka The Reckless Saints)

Songwriters at the Library

South County Library, Estero

DEC. 16 at 2 pm - Free

Glenn Sabatka, Pete Benson, Doug Chalet INFO: 239-691-4069

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Songwriters at Sunset $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at the 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.

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts 7 p.m.

www.AmericanACMA.org

DECEMBER 2017

Three concerts highlight Mastersingers holiday season

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers are celebrating the holidays this year with concerts on three consecutive Sundays. They kickoff the month with a new concept in community outreach, An Afternoon of Readings and Carols, on Sunday, December 3rd at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Fort Myers. The concert begins at 3 p.m. and admission is free. There will be a free-will offering taken up to benefit the South Fort Myers Food Pantry. The concert will feature all of the Mastersingers ensembles with the Chamber Chorus and City of Palms Youth Choir joining the 85 voice

adult chorus in singing seasonal works interspersed with congregational carol singing and Christmas readings done by Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson. “This is the quintessential Mastersingers program,” said artistic director Jeff Faux. “It not only allows us to feature all of the groups in our organization, but it serves every part of our mission. That is, we are uplifting Christmas spirits with our art and helping the South Fort Myers Food Pantry to give those most in need among us a leg up as well.” On Sunday Dec. 10, the Mastersingers travel out to the island to present Christmas on Sanibel at the Sanibel

Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, at 6 p.m. This much-loved concert has become a holiday tradition. Admission is free and an offering will be taken up to benefit one of the ministries of the Community Church. Be sure to arrive early for this concert as seating fills quickly. Finally, the Mastersingers finish up a busy holiday concert schedule with their annual collaboration with the Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for Deck the Halls on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Visit online at www.mastersingersfm.com, for more info and to buy tickets.

Southwest Florida Symphony presents Pianorama Jan. 6 The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra and one of the oldest on Florida’s Gulf Coast, continues its 57th season with Pianorama, featuring the great artistry of four celebrated pianists, on Saturday, Jan. 6 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. The performance happens at 7:30 p.m., with Maestro Kabaretti’s highly popular pre-concert lecture taking place at 6:30 p.m. These lectures are offered in order to better educate audiences about the pieces being performed and often feature a guest artist Q & A and demonstrations. Masterworks II: Pianorama is conducted by the Southwest Florida Symphony’s internationally renowned music director, Maestro Nir Kabaretti. This concert features DeFalla’s ethereal Nights in the Gardens of Spain with the symphony’s principal pianist Dean Zhang, Mozart’s effervescent Concerto for Two Pianos with guest pianists Michael Baron and Angelita Bardelites, and Tchaikovsky’s sweeping, dramatic Piano Concerto No. 1 with guest pianist Richard Bosworth. The symphony has the great honor and privilege of working entirely with local talent on this performance. Richard Bosworth is a regularly featured soloist with the Naples Philharmonic, Michael Baron is a Doctor of Musical Arts and professor at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music who will share the stage with one of his former students, Angelita Bardelites, and Dean Zhang recently won the principal keyboard seat with the Southwest Florida Symphony. All of these musicians are in high demand, with illustrious careers that take them around the world to concert halls, recording studios and radio stations to perform. Richard Bosworth’s travels have taken him to nearly every major continent in the capacities of a recitalist, soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and competitor. He received a baccalaureate from Eastman School. While earning a doctorate from Indiana University, he coached and studied under Menahem Pressler and Rostislav Dubinsky, Leonard Hokanson, Mario Feninger, Balint Vazsonyi and Michel Block, with numerous master class participations with Pinchas Zukerman, Gyorgy Sebök, James Tocco, Sequeira Costa and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf. As a winner of several competitions, Bosworth competed in Moscow at the Tchaikovsky Competition and was a semifinalist at both the Beethoven Klavierwettbewerb in Vienna and the Pretoria Competition in South Africa. In 1999, Bosworth gave a guest performance at the White House in Washington, DC by invitation of President Clinton and the fifty State Governors. In 2005, he debuted the first interactive music program to combine internet resources and multi-media at Lincoln Center, New York. In January of 2008, Bosworth performed for the Pianoforte Foundation, Chicago. In addition to playing all the major repertory, Bosworth considers himself a champion of contemporary works, often premiering them at convention workshops. An award-winning concert pianist, Michael Baron performs over 40 concerts each year, including annual tours of Europe and engagements throughout the United States, Asia, and South America. Equally at home as a recitalist, a soloist with orchestra, and a chamber musician, Baron commands a diverse repertoire, ranging from Baroque compositions to world premieres of contemporary pieces. His virtuosity and musicianship regularly garner the highest critical acclaim. Baron received his doctorate in Piano Performance from The Ohio State University where he studied with the legendary American pianist Earl Wild. He also worked extensively in Italy with the renowned pianist Orazio Frugoni. Dr. Baron serves as professor of music and head of keyboard studies at the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. He is also Honorary Professor of Music at Yantai University and Hubei University in the People’s Republic of China. A distinguished educator, Baron has presented masterclasses and workshops at schools, festivals, and universities throughout the world. He regularly

DECEMBER 2017

Richard Bosworth

Michael Baron

serves as a jurist on regional, national, and international piano competitions. An emerging young pianist, Yu “Dean” Zhang (NRO 2013 & 2014) appears in concerts across the United States and China. Praised by The Miami Harold, Zhang is recognized as “a powerful keyboard player” with a “smooth, fluid touch at the keyboard, bringing maximum expressiveness.” Most recently, Zhang was featured as a soloist with the New World Symphony as a winner of the New World Symphony Concerto Competition. As a Piano Fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, he performed on piano, organ, harpsichord, and synDean Zhang thesizer in weekly orchestral concerts, in solo performances, and in chamber ensembles. Currently the principal keyboardist at the Southwest Florida Symphony and the Omaha Symphony, Zhang is performing with the orchestra in more than 200 concerts and presentations during the 2015-2016 season. A devoted pedagogue, Zhang joined the piano faculty of the New England Music Camp in 2015 and has presented master classes at universities throughout China. Zhang will also be featured as the harpsichord soloist in J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 with the Omaha Chamber Music Society in 2016. He has also won first place in the 2010 MTNA Young Artist Piano Performance Northwest Division Competition and was one of the six finalists in the National Division. Additionally, he was awarded first prize in the Snowy Range Piano Competition and was a semi-finalist in the Seattle International Piano Competition. Tickets for Masterworks II; Painorama cost between $29 and $92 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

Jazz on the Green to return March 10

Jazz on the Green, the popular Fort Myers music festival, will be resurrected on Saturday, March 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Six Bends and offer three notable music ensembles to raise money for Make-a-Wish Foundation. VIP tickets are on sale at an early bird rate of $75 from Nov. 8-30, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Presented by Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL, Jazz on the Green at Six Bends offers more than music. Guests may enjoy gourmet food, drinks, giveaways and dancing on the lawn for this all-white-attire event. The fundraising goal for this concert is to enable one wish each to be granted through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to two local children with critical illnesses. A limited number of VIP tickets are available at an early bird rate of $75 until Nov. 30. VIP guests can indulge in a true concierge experience, including complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres plus cocktails, an embroidered lawn blanket and VIP seating in front of the stage with room to dance. Any VIP tickets remaining after Dec. 1 will be available for purchase for $100. Premier and general admission ticket sales will also begin Dec. 1. Get your VIP tickets now at www.jazzonthegreenatsixbends.eventbrite.com. World-renowned saxophonist Jeff Rupert with his quintet will be the evening’s headline act. Rupert has performed or recorded with Diane Schuur, Mel Tormé, Kevin Mahogany, Sam Rivers, Maynard Ferguson, Ernestine Anderson, Benny Carter’s Grammy-winning Harlem Renaissance and composed and arranged for many artists. He is director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida and founder of Flying Horse Records. While the crowd sways to the jazz dressed in their brightest whites, Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers will display more than a dozen all-white vehicles lining Six Bends’ Thunder Plaza. Every ticket purchaser will automatically be entered to win one of two one-week rentals of either a Jaguar or Land Rover. In addition to presenting sponsor Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL, sponsors include Henderson, Franklin, Starnes and Holt, PA; Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers; Marine Max Fort Myers; CONRIC PR & Marketing; and Dwayne Bergmann Interiors. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. For more information on sponsorship availability, call 844-749-2363. Six Bends is Southwest Florida’s regional hub connecting riders and non-riders through actionpacked annual events that appeal to foodies, music lovers and fun-seekers alike. Its mission is to create unforgettable events that become Southwest Florida traditions for years to come. In addition, Top Rocker Management provides event venue leasing at Six Bends’ Top Rocker Field and Thunder Plaza, as well as event management services for a variety of organizations. For rental space availability or other questions relating to Six Bends, contact 844-749-2363.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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

Backstreets

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

The Barrel Room

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

Hotel Indigo

The Rhythm House

Hurricane Charley’s

Seminole Casino Hotel

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446 300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • 941-639-9695

Bert’s Bar & Grill

Jacaranda

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

7550 Mission Hills Drive suite 326, Naples 239-597-2583

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

The Buddha Bar

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

Cape Cabaret

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

The Cigar Bar

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

The Colosseum

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lansdowne Street

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

Mike’s

17200 S. Tamiaimi Trail Fort Myers • 239-454-8454

The Nauti Mermaid

5961 Silver King Blvd. Cape Coral • 239-541-5600

Nervous Nellie’s 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077

Old Naples Pub

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

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

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key

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

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

Pete’s Time Out

1005 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5900

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

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

The Shell Factory

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

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos Blvd. For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

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

The Stage

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

Ter-Tini’s

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-344-6147

Tiki at Wyndham Garden 6890 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

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

Twisted Vine Bistro

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

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

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

Yucatan Beach Stand

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

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

Symphonic Chorale’s annual Soiree set for Jan. 27 The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida, under the artistic direction of Dr. Trent Brown, invites you to attend its annual Soiree to be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 6 until 10 pm at the Colonial Country Club, 9181 Independence Way, in Fort Myers. The evening includes a dinner, show, silent and live auctions and much, much more. The cost to attend is $85 per person. Tables of eight are available for businesses and groups for $650. The featured entertainment for the evening is the vocal and harp duo, Lovestruck, presenting soprano Jennifer Paulino and harpist Diana Rowan. Guest emcee is WINK News anchor Chris

Music at Cultural Center of Charlotte

The Cultural Center of Charlotte County has announced its musical events for December. Here are some highlights of the month’s activities: The All-Star Platters Revue On Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center Theater, you’ll be delighted by the All-Star Platters Revue featuring former Platters members Verceal Whittaker, Al Holland and Kenn Johnson. One of the most revolutionary eras of music was created in the 1950s setting a standard that music groups and individual artists still follow today. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group, The Platters, created hit after hit throughout the 50s and 60s, including “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “The Great Pretender,” “Only You” and many other classics. Tickets are $22. Charlotte County Big Band The Charlotte County Big Band will devote the 2017-2018 season to some of the best bandleaders and composers of big band jazz music with this season’s series of “Swingin’ on Sundays” concerts at the William H. Wakeman, III Cultural Center Theater. The Big Band will present their third concert of the year on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theater. Individual show advance ticket prices: $15 per person and $13 for Cultural Center members. Tickets the day of the show are $15 per person with no member discounts. The Charlotte County Jazz Society On Monday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theater, the Charlotte County Jazz Society continues their 2017-2018 season as Greg Abate "The Prince of Be-Bop" is back with his swinging alto. The Charlotte County Jazz Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz music. Members of the Charlotte County Jazz Society receive free admission to all concerts. The ticket price is $20 per person and seating is on a first come, first seated basis. Celtic Christmas show On Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., the Cultural Center Theater is present A Celtic Christmas. This show, starring local musicians Trina and Ian with Wolfhound, celebrates the Christmas season with an ode to Irish song and dance. This high-energy show is loaded with traditional Celtic instruments and tunes as well as authentic Irish step-dancing by Kellyn Celtic arts, and Lee County Pipes and Drums. Tickets are $17 for Cultural Center members, $20 for non-members and $20 for all on the day of the performance. A Tru Kountry Christmas Celebrate the holidays in a true southern style with the Tru Kountry band, led by Dick and Brenda Mason, on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The show will feature a blend of your favorite Country Christmas songs and some country hits from the past. Tickets are $15 and all seating is reserved. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theculturalcenter.com or at the information desk, box office or administration office at 2280 Aaron St. in Port Charlotte. For more information, call the Cultural Center at (941) 625-4175.

Cifatte. The Symphonic Chorale is the area’s only professional core chorus and the designated Resident Chorus of the Southwest Florida Symphony. The chorale’s annual Soiree is its major fundraising gala and promises an evening of delicious food, exceptional entertainment, fabulous live and silent auctions and an evening of friendship and camaraderie. The Symphonic Chorale would like to extend an invitation to donate to the silent or live auctions by calling the Chorale at (239) 560-5695 or by contacting auction chair Jean Morgan at djpmorgan05@gmail.com. The Symphonic Chorale is invested in

bringing the art of choral music to the community. To reach as many residents and visitors as possible, all self-produced concerts offered by the Chorale are presented free-of-charge. The Chorale Board believes that great choral music should be accessible to everyone. If you believe as we do, please support our gala in any way that you are able: by attending and sharing in the fun, or by contributing items to the silent or live auctions. Items can be accepted until January 9th. Save the date – Saturday, Jan. 27 for an evening that you will remember. For more information, go to www.symphonicchorale.org.

Davis Art Center launches Vinyl Vibes series with Memphis Motown

The Davis Art Center is introducing Vinyl Vibes, a nostalgic three-concert series. Vinyl Vibes features some of the best tribute and cover acts in the nation, like the Memphis Motown Experience, An Evening with the King featuring Ted Torres, and The Mersey Beatles from Liverpool. Each concert is sure to bring the audience back to some of the most inspiring times in popular music. The Memphis Motown Experience kicks off the Vinyl Vibes Series on Saturday, Dec. 16. Featuring some of the most renowned Motown tribute performers, this concert showcases soul and R&B from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Hear music from artists like the Temptations, Etta James, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson. Revel in the classics that started rock n roll. On Friday, Jan. 19th, An Evening with King pays tribute to the one and only Elvis Presley! Put on your blue suede shoes and dance the night away with one of the best Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas, Ted Torres. The Mersey Beatles is not your ordinary tribute band. On Saturday, Feb. 24, see the world’s only all Liverpool born Beatles’ tribute band in two shows. Enjoy a matinee performance at 4 p.m. and an evening show at 8 p.m. For the Mersey Beatles concerts, VIP tickets include a meet and greet with the band. Cocktails are served at 7 p.m, and the shows starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $59 for VIP. For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Memphis Motown

Ted Torres as Elvis

The Mersey Beatles

Gulf Coast Symphony, Gulfshore Ballet present The Nutcracker Dec. 2

The Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony will present two performances of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. The only Nutcracker in South Florida performed with live symphony orchestra, the production features former Miami City Ballet principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Renato Penteado. This two-act ballet was composed by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky and is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann that

DECEMBER 2017

centers on a family’s Christmas Eve celebration. It is a great introduction to classical music and dance for children. The Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall is located on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College. Tickets for The Nutcracker start at $29 and may be purchased by calling the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office at (239) 481-4849 or online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org Gulfshore Ballet is Southwest Florida’s premier not-forprofit school of classical ballet. The school has an internation-

ally acclaimed teaching faculty and offers area students the unique opportunity to study with professional instructors of the highest caliber. The training at Gulfshore Ballet combines Cuban, American, and Russian technique and brings a quality of excellence not normally found outside major metropolitan cities. Franklin Gamero and Iliana Lopez are the Gulfshore Ballet artistic directors. Established in 1996, the Gulf Coast Symphony is led by music & executive director Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

INCONCERT

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

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

December 2

Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley Lee Civic Center, North Fort Myers

December 4 LeAnn Rimes Artis–Naples

December 8 Gin Blossoms

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

December 9 Firehouse

Cape Coral Bike Night

December 15 John Anderson

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

December 16 Michael Ray

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

December 17 Josh Turner

Top Rocker Field, Fort Myers

December 29

Gary Puckett & Union Gap SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

January 5 The Wailers

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

January 13

Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Clay Walker

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Karla Bonoff

SW Florida Event Center welcomes John Anderson, Gary Puckett in December

The Southwest Florida Event Center is now under new ownership and management and they have lined up some great entertainment for season. The center offers a diverse lineup of high end music of all genres, dinner shows and performances featuring international, national and local artists. Located in Bonita Springs, the SWFL Event Center will welcome several national artists in the coming months such as John Anderson on Dec. 15, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap on Dec. 29, The Wailers on Jan. 5, Karla Bonoff on Jan. 13, Phil Vassar on Jan. 18, The Lovin’ Spoonful on Jan. 19, Sponge on Feb. 8, Don McLean on Feb. 23 and Ana Popovic on March 6. To put it simply, John Anderson is one of the greatest country music singers to ever step up to the microphone, possessing one of the most instantly recognizable vocal instruments in the history of the genre. Anderson moved to Nashville in 1972, working construction by day (including as a roofer at the Grand Ole Opry House) and playing the honky-tonks at night. He signed to Warner Bros. in 1977, and notching his first major hit in 1980 with Billy Jo Shaver's "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be a Diamond Someday)." Other hits, including the classic "Wild and Blue" in 1982, solidified his status as a powerful new voice in country music. "Swingin'," written by Anderson and Lionel Delmore, blew the roof off a year later, exploding to No.1 on the Billboard Country chart, propelling Anderson to the CMA Horizon Award, and becoming one of the most enduring hits in the country canon. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 for John Anderson, and the show starts at 8 p.m. Advance tickets start at $35. Gary Puckett and the Union Gap was one of the most successful musical groups of the sixties. Gary's unmistakable signa-

The Family Crest

Top Rocker Field, Fort Myers

January 28 & 29 Paula Anka

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

February 2 Joe Satriani

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Mary Wilson & The Shirelles Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

February 3 John Anderson - Dec. 15 ture voice garnered six consecutive gold records and top ten Billboard hits with the following titles: “Young Girl,” “Woman Woman,” Lady Willpower,” “Over You,” “This Girl is a Woman Now,” “Keep the Customers Satisfied” and “Don’t Give In to Him.” Advance tickets for the Dec. 29 show start at $45. The center also has a diverse lineup of tribute artists: Jimmy Buffett on Dec. 9, Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr. on Dec. 17, Tina Turner on Jan. 6, Bruce Springsteen on Jan. 24, The Beatles on Jan. 26, Billy Joel on Feb. 1, Chicago on Feb. 9 and Bee Gees on Feb. 17. The new owners are Richard and Jennifer Shanahan. The SW Florida Event Center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE. For tickets and info, call 239-245-9910 or visit www.swfleventcenter.com

Tanya Tucker

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

February 9 Cody Jinks

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

The Temptations & The Four Tops

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

February 10 The Tenors

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

February 11 Gladys Knight

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

February 12 Willie Nelson

Germain Arena, Estero

February 17 Chris Young

Germain Arena, Estero

February 18

Michael McDonald

Germain Arena, Estero

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

Art Garfunkel

The Beach Boys

Artis–Naples

January 18 Phil Vassar

February 23 Jamey Johnson

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

January 19

DECEMBER 2017

January 27

Diana Krall

The Moody Blues

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

January 31

January 14

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

Air Supply

Artis–Naples

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

The Lovinʼ Spoonful

January 26

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap - Dec. 29

Don McLean

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

Gin Blossoms, Michael Ray at The Ranch The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues with more national artists at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers this winter. The Gin Blossoms will take the stage on Dec. 8. For more than two decades, Gin Blossoms have defined the sound of jangle pop. From their late 80s start as Arizona’s top indie rock outfit, the Tempe-based combo has drawn critical applause and massive popular success for their trademark brand of chiming guitars, introspective lyricism, and irresistible melodies. Gin Blossoms soon unfurled a chain of crossover favorites spanning five different formats, from “Hey Jealousy” and “Until I Fall Away” to “Follow You Down” and the GRAMMY®-nominated “As Long As It Matters,” earning the band sales in excess of 10 million in the U.S. alone. “It’s a really rare thing,” singer/guitarist Robin Wilson says of Gin Blossoms’ continuing saga. “So many chapters in this long story.” Wilson, guitarist Jesse Valenzuela, and bassist Bill Leen cofounded Gin Blossoms in 1987 and quickly became the toast of the Grand Canyon State’s local scene. Blending an array of influences – from The Beatles and The Byrds to The Band and The Buckaroos – with pure pop songwriting and their own postadolescent energy, the band hit upon a truly thrilling sonic approach that instantly set them at the forefront of the alwaysadventurous American underground. “A lot of it was really folk based,” Valenzuela says. “Some of it English, some American. Then we’d just play it too fast and too loud.” “We were on a course,” Wilson says, “inspired by our influences. The bands that unified us were our forefathers like Cheap Trick and R.E.M, The Replacements and The Plimsouls. Those were bands that all of us as Gin Blossoms had in common. When people ask me, what kinda band are you in, I say, ‘We’re a classic rock band.’” Advance tickets start at $25 for the Gin Blossoms. Michael Ray will perform Dec. 16 at The Ranch. When ris-

Gin Blossoms - Dec. 8

ing country singer Michael Ray made his first exploratory trip to Nashville, he got a life-changing piece of advice from an industry insider. Go home. “He said, ‘Don’t move. The way the music industry’s going to become, you’re not going to be able to get a record deal just doing a showcase anymore. You’ve got to bring something to the table,’” Ray said. “He said, ‘I want to you to go back to Florida, grab a band and become the biggest you can be in Florida on your own, and then I want you to come back.’ So I put a band together of friends of mine and we started to play.” Turns out it was the best thing Ray ever did. He built a rowdy fan base tilling the same fertile Southeastern soil Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan used to start their careers and returned

to Nashville three years later to claim a record deal, a publishing contract and a few unexpected opportunities along the way. Advance tickets for Michael Ray start at $15. Other upcoming shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series include Clay Walker on Jan. 13, Cody Jinks on Feb. 9 and Jamey Johnson on Feb. 23. Michael Ray - Dec. 16 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. 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. 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.

Come for the food. Stay for the dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS prings

in Bonita S

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

& OTHER MUSIC ACTS

Dec. 1 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute

Dec. 16 - Roy Orbison & Friends tribute

Dec. 5 - Jersey Boys tribute

Dec. 20 - Jimmy Buffett & friends tribute

Dec. 19 - Motown Magic with Greg Miller

Dec. 2 - Fleetwood Mac tribute

Dec. 6 - Motown Magic with Greg Miller

Dec. 7 - Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin tribute Dec. 8 - The Eagles tribute

Dec. 22 - Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin tribute

Dec. 23 - The Beach Boys tribute Dec. 26 - Jersey Boys tribute

Dec. 9 - James Taylor, Crosby Stills & Nash, Simon and Garfunkel tribute

Dec. 12 - Customer Appreciation Party with the Hall of Fame Band & Santa

Dec. 27 - ABBA tribute

Dec. 28 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher and Lady Gaga tribute

Dec. 13 - Tina Turner & Blues Brothers tribute

Dec. 29 - The Eagles tribute

Dec. 15 - ABBA tribute

Dec. 31 - Huge New Year’s Eve Party & Show

Dec. 14 - Neil Diamond tribute

239-405-8566

Dec. 30 - Fleetwood Mac tribute

www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)

DECEMBER 2017

Air Supply to perform Jan. 26

Ambrosia at the SW Florida Event Center in Bonita Springs Nov. 10.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & IT$ NOT OBER YET Productions present Air Supply in concert. The super duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Jan. 26 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. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available starting at $85 for general admission can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com, at the casino or by phone at 800-514-ETIX(3849).

The Family Crest will headline the 2018 Twisted Strings Music Festival on Saturday, Jan 27 at Top Rocker Field, Six Bends HarleyDavidson in Fort Myers. In its second year, Twisted Strings is WGCU Public Media’s outdoor festival bringing together classically trained musicians who fuse their years of musical training on stringed instruments with the sounds of jazz, blues, soul, rock, hip-hop and world music. With lead vocalist Liam McCormick, The Family Crest blends classical romantic music with horn-laden Roaring ‘20s sounds. This San Francisco based seven-piece band was named #13 on Pastes magazine Best New Bands of 2014 noting that “Even with just seven people on stage, The Family Crest’s sweeping orchestral pop can hardly be contained.” NPR Music named The Family Crest “Favorite New Artist” in 2014. The gates will open at 4 p.m. for an evening of music, food and fun. Back by popular demand and performing as guests arrive will be SW Florida’s Hot-Buttered Nuggets,

bringing their own twist to artists ranging from Satchmo to Tom Waits to The Ink Spots. The festival opener is Southwest Florida’s Bradford Leary Quintet. The national opener will be Simply Three who continues to receive praise for their ability to impress listeners with a multitude of genres that span from Puccini and Gershwin to artists such as Adele, Coldplay and Michael Jackson. The electrifying trio of Glen McDaniel, Nick Villalobos and Zack Clark, Simply Three has been captivating audiences worldwide with high-octane performances since 2010. By reshaping convention through this style of genre hopping, the trio continues to seek the true essence of classical crossover with original works as well as innovative arrangements that showcase their technical virtuosity and heartfelt musicality. Tickets are on sale online at www.twistedstrings.org. General admission is $35 per person or two tickets for $60. VIP tickets are $150 each or $1,350 for a table of 10.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & IT$ NOT OBER YET Productions present An Evening with country music legend Tanya Tucker at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. A defining voice of country music, Tucker inspired many female artists who still top the charts today. From the signature classic songs to the unforgettable sass and soul of her voice, Tucker has paved a path in country music and beyond through an unprecedented level of success and continues her longevity today due to a natural, undeniable talent. Her style has proved to be timeless ever since she recorded her debut single “Delta Dawn” at age 13. The single earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” and launched Tucker into the national spotlight. In 1972, she earned the “Top New Female Vocalist” award by the Academy of Country

Music. With a wildly growing career at such a young age, the Tucker craze continued with her first number one single in 1973, “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” As additional hits continued, Tucker added an edgy rock image, which she still embraces, to her musical taste with the album T.N.T, which was released in 1978. The gold certified album peaked at number two on the album charts. Through a collaborative relationship with Glen Campbell, Tucker transitioned to a new label in the early 1980s and was back in the Top 10 with “Can I See You Tonight.” Just a few years later, Tucker experienced another hit with “One Love at a Time.” She had four additional number one charted hits between 1986-1988. The 1990s gave rise to “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” and “It’s a Little Too Late.” Tickets are on sale for $67.50 and are available at the casino, on jaytv.com or by calling 800-218-0007.

The Family Crest to headline WGCU’s Twisted Strings Jan. 27

Joan Jett at Rock Fest 80s in Pembroke Pines Nov. 4.

Vince Neil at the Coconut Festival in Cape Coral Nov. 11.

Tanya Tucker at casino Feb. 3

Sebastian Bach at Rock Fest 80s in Pembroke Pines Nov. 4. Photos by Jamie Kuser

DECEMBER 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Comedy Clubs DECEMBER

FRIDAY - 1

Jim Florentine 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Erik Griffin 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Romas 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 2

Jim Florentine 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Erik Griffin 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Romas 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 3

Erik Griffin 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 6

Gallagher 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Nic k Griffin 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 7

David Scott 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Trevino 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Troy Thirdgill 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 8

David Scott 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

FRIDAY - 8 continued

Steve Trevino 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Troy Thirdgill 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 9

David Scott 7:30 & 9:30p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Trevino 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Troy Thirdgill 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 10

David Scott 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Trevino 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 13

Michael Murillo 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Steve White 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 14

Rob Little 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Chris Kattan 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Steve White 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 15

Rob Little 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

DECEMBER 2017

FRIDAY - 15 continued

Chris Kattan 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Steve White 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 16

Rob Little 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Chris Kattan 6, 8 &10 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Steve White 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 17

Rob Little 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Becky Robinson 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 20

Bill Bull Ohse 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rich Guzzi 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 21

David Merr y 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 22

David Merr y 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Sweeney 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

* schedules subject to change

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes Rob Little

Rob Little will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Dec. 14 - 17. "The future of comedy with more contagious energy than the Energizer Bunny." The Detroit Free press selected him as the “Best up and Coming Comedian,” and he earned the title of “finalist” in both the Seattle and San Francisco International Comedy Competitions. Rob was also selected as a feature performer at the Chicago Comedy Festival along with the Boston Comedy and Movie Festival. Recently

FRIDAY - 22 continued

Rich Guzzi 7 & 10 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 23

David Merr y 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Steve Sweeney 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

TUESDAY - 26

Miaja DiGiorgio 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

WEDNESDAY - 27

Miaja DiGiorgio 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Dean Napolitano 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 28

RC Smith 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Rob was named Maxim Magazine’s “Real Man of Comedy”. Last Comic Standing on NBC named him, “The Happiest Comic in America.” Campus Activities Magazine named him “College Comic of the Year” and you have also seen him on the Comedy Central sketch comedy show Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time. The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 17 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 16. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-479-5233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com

THURSDAY - 28 continued

Craig Shoemaker 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

Dean Napolitano 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 29

RC Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Craig Shoemaker 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

Dean Napolitano 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 30

RC Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Craig Shoemaker 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

Dean Napolitano 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 31

RC Smith 7:30 & 10 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Craig Shoemaker 6 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Club

Dean Napolitano 5:30 & 10:15 p.m. The Comedy Zone

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 8595 College Parkway Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Off the Hook Comedy Club

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

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Personal watercraft races Dec. 9-10

Professional personal watercraft racers from all over the world are to roar through Key West waters Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10, in a demonstration of speed and skill designed to keep spectators’ adrenaline flowing on overdrive. The inaugural P1 AquaX World Championship is to feature top contenders from the U.K., U.S., Europe and Malaysia vying for supremacy in two hotly contested days of racing. Riders expected to compete include AquaX world rankings leaders Chris MacClugage, Eric Francis, Brian Baldwin and Mike For Key West visitor information, go online to Klippenstein. www.fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800-LAST-KEY Races are to begin at 1 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday in Atlantic Ocean waters near Key West’s White Street Pier, located at the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard. Admission is free for spectators. Event organizers predict that riders will achieve speeds over 70 mph in the inaugural competition. As well as fierce competition between professional riders, the weekend is to feature talented amateurs racing in multiple categories. Personal watercraft aficionados can enjoy the chance to meet the stars of their sport and observe their skill firsthand during the Key West weekend. For those unable to attend in person, organizers plan to stream all races live on Facebook at facebook.com/P1AquaX.

Annual Key West home tours begin Dec. 27

Restored cigar-makers’ cottages and lavish Victorian mansions stand side by side on Key West’s narrow streets, creating an intriguing architectural fusion in the historic Old Town district. Visitors can explore houses exemplifying that architectural heritage, as well as unique examples of contemporary Florida Keys design, during home tours scheduled for December 2017 and January, February and March 2018. Now in their 58th year, the annual tours are presented by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation. The foundation was established in 1960 to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West’s historically significant buildings. The first tour is scheduled 3-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 27-28, spotlighting a group of homes festively dressed for the holidays. Participants can explore them at their own pace, enjoying a leisurely sample of seasonal spirit. Subsequent tours are planned Jan. 12-13, Feb. 16-17 and

March 16-17. Each one showcases multiple homes chosen for being significant historic buildings, creative renovations, distinctive modern design or examples of the Keys lifestyle. Tour participants can discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques as well as lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. The January tours are set for 3 - 7 p.m. both days. Participants can explore the homes at their own pace, or can book tour seats on Key West’s renowned Conch Train. Conch Train seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. The February and March tours are offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with visitors responsible for their own transportation. Advance-purchase tickets for each tour cost $30 per person and include a list of houses and a map. January tour tickets with Conch Train transportation cost $40 per person. Ticket prices increase $5 on tour days. For info & ticketing,visit www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN KEY WEST

Key West Holiday Fest

Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Each year a wide range of seasonal celebrations takes place throughout Key West during the month of December. Events include the lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights, tours of historic decorated inns, a holiday parade and much more. www.keywestinns.com

Southermost Spirits Festival

Dec. 8 - Dec. 10 Enjoy what organizers expect to be the cocktail, culinary and cultural extravaganza celebrated annually each fall in Key West. Appealing to industry insiders, consumer cocktail and culinary lovers alike, the event is to encompass product innovation, education, and of course, a good time filled with entertainment camaraderie and just good fun. Tastings, celebrity bartender competitions and more. www.southernmostspiritsfest.com

New Yearʼs Eve

Dec. 31 The Southernmost City celebrates with a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St. Additionally, the arrival of 2018 is to be heralded on the island’s Duval Street with the “drop” of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, to the flat roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St..

www.fla-keys.com/keywest

DECEMBER 2017

River District

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Acoustic event with Rhonda & Wayne Nelson and other members of the Little River Band

Festival of Trees opens Nov. 29

Ring in the holiday season at the 11th Annual Festival of Trees! Get into the holiday spirit from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 when Festival of Trees takes over the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. A preview party is planned for Nov. 28 from 6 9 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 239-652-1613 for tickets. Local businesses and organizations decorate unique Christmas trees to be raffled and auctioned. The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is the beneficiary of the Festival of Trees. The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is dedicated to providing a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment by providing opportunities to achieve independence. Supporting the mission of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, the Foundation works to ensure long-term funding is available for programs and services as needs escalate in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more info on Goodwill Industries of SWFL, visit www.goodwilltrees.com. Plus, enjoy a throwback Christmas concert from the Nowhere Band on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. The Nowhere Band is a Florida-based Beatles tribute band utilizing vintage, historically accurate equipment to flawlessly recreate the Beatles' most iconic performances. Setting them apart from the competition is their eye for detail and obsession with accuracy sets them apart from the competition. Then, Santa makes a special stop in downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Santa’s Block Party. Enjoy holiday entertainment provided by numerous groups of children from around Lee County. Plus, purchase brunch from one of many local food trucks. Then, join Santa for arts and crafts, Christmas card coloring, letters to Santa, cookie decorating with Publix, and building a fun wood craft with Home Depot. Play games and have fun in a bounce house from Bounce4Less. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

DECEMBER 2017

The owners of Happenings Magazine have created a new event called From the Road Stories and Songs. The magazine will present a series of intimate and interactive events around Southwest Florida with national artists who will share their stories in an acoustic and intimate venue. The inaugural From the Road event will be on Sunday, Dec. 3 at The Barrel Room in downtown Fort Myers. The first guests will be author Rhonda Nelson and her husband, Wayne, of Little River Band. They will be joined by Greg Hind and Chris Marion, also members of Little River Band. “The event is selling very quickly and is close to selling out,” said Happenings Magazine publisher Jamie Kuser. Rhonda has written a book about life on the road with her rock star husband. What’s it like to grow up as a small town Southern girl and marry a rock star, and then discover you’ll have to share the love of your life with the band and thousands of their fans? That’s what happened to Rhonda Nelson, whose husband Wayne Nelson is the lead singer and bass player for Little River Band. Since 2000, Rhonda and Wayne have traveled across the United States together, sharing a love of classic rock, seeking out their favorite wineries and socializing with new and old friends alike. In her book A Different Life, Rhonda pulls back the curtain on celebrity life while offering readers a chance to hear stories, enjoy treasured family recipes and photos and experience all things pertaining to life on the road. Formed in 1975, Little River Band has sold more than 30 million records and had many hits like “Help is On the Way,” “Cool Change,” “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser” and others. On Dec. 3, Rhonda and Wayne will share stories and the members of Little River Band will play some acoustic music. That will be

followed by a meet and greet with photos and autographs, said Kathy Kuser, co-owner of Happenings Magazine. This new series will showcase artists who are willing to share their stories and music in an unplugged and intimate setting. It will allow the audience to interact with these talented artists. The first On the Road will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with food and beverages available for purchase. Tickets for the first On the Road event are $20 plus taxes and fees. Seating is very limited, and tickets are only available by calling Happenings Magazine in advance at 239-278-5236 or 239-777-2164.

Relive the excitement of your childhood Christmas memories as you tour the decked out historic Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes Dec. 8 - 23 during The Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club’s 61st annual Holiday House. “We want people to see the Christmas of their childhood and help create lasting memories for their children and grandchildren,” Holiday House chair Tracy McGee said. The two homes and grounds will be decorated to reflect this year’s theme “The Wonder of Christmas.” McGee said to expect “visions of lights, sparkle and decadence of a traditional decor in reds and greens.” “Miles of ribbon, garland and lights will again grace the properties to bring on the joy you won’t want to miss,” McGee said. “Every bow is created, tree decorated and detail fashioned with care by our assembly of members and volunteers who work diligently to craft their gift for the community.” In addition to touring the two festively decorated homes and grounds, children can visit with Santa each evening. There will

also be other surprises during this year’s Holiday House. McGee said, “Warning to the children: Be on the lookout for some sneaky hidden elves.” For 61 years, the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club has been decorating homes for the Christmas holiday as its gift to Southwest Florida. “Holiday house has been a labor of love that our members look forward to sharing with our community every year,” McGee said. “Some of our ladies begin constructing and preparing their elaborate and beautiful decorations the summer before.” Holiday House 2017 nightly tours will run from Friday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 23. The hours are 5 to 9 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. Children 10 and under are free. Veterans and active military are free with identification. The Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes are located in downtown Fort Myers at the corner of First and Fowler streets. For more information visit www.fmwcc.com or Facebook @HolidayHouseFortMyers.

Wayne and Rhonda Nelson

Wonder of Christmas at Holiday House Dec. 8 - 23

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Holiday Savings Galore

Ivy Cottage

Antiques & Treasures

Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by. Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more. 6,000 square feet filled with treasures

Fort Myers River District

2259 Widman Way

(239) 226-0025

(formerly Peck Street)

Tuesday through Friday 11 - 5, Saturday 11 - 4

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

New Year’s Eve Celebration

CELEBRATE WITH US ON THE ROOFTOP AT HOTEL INDIGO IN

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

ENTERTAINMENT BY DEEP TRAUMA MUSIC STARTING AT 8 PM

COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE AT MIDNIGHT RAFFLE GIVEAWAYS (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

Make it Memorable - Reserve your room this Holiday Season!

239-337-3446 AN IHG HOTEL ®

www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl 1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH

(rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM

Artist Sandra Yeyati at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in November.

The next Art Walk is

Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 - 10 p.m.

and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Artist Kristina Jackson at Bootleggers Alley in November.

Christmas Carol Sing set for Dec. 5

Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 27th Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second Street 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 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time. Hymn Sing organizer Sam Galloway, Jr., has made feeding the hungry part of his life’s work. “Our community has done so much to help our neighbors, but we need to do even more, especially with so many people still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Irma. If we each just gave the equivalent of what we would spend on a meal – either at home or in a restaurant – those few dollars could feed a family of four for an entire week.” Galloway said. 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 special guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs.

DECEMBER 2017

RIGHT: Artist Dedo at Arts for ACT Gallery in November.

Christmas in the Park Dec. 8

The City of Fort Myers will celebrate the season with Christmas in the Park from 4 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 8 in Centennial Park in Fort Myers. All are invited to this free event. The city’s recreation division has planned a full schedule for the occasion; children’s activities include bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course and a giant slide. At 5 p.m., Santa will arrive by fire truck to visit with the children. Adults will enjoy a performance of holiday favorites by

the Southwest Florida Symphony starting at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., Mayor Randy Henderson will light the city’s Christmas tree. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the free Movie in the Park is the Christmas classic Disney’s A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey. One dollar concessions will be available during the movie. Remember to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free onsite parking is available.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates kicked off its 42nd celebration of Holiday Nights Nov. 24. The winter estate homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford will be 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. Opening Night festivities will start at 6 p.m. with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The Waltzing Waters Liquid Fireworks light show will return and there will be holiday carolers. History characters Mr. and Mrs. Edison and Mr. and Mrs. Ford will host a special Holiday Tea on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. For children, local artist Doug MacGregor will be on site drawing cartoons on Dec. 9, 16 and 23 and Santa will be visiting on select nights. Children are invited to make holiday postcards that will be sent to military personnel. The Children’s Tree Trail opens on Nov. 20 and includes more than 60 trees with hand-made ornaments from local school children. 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 p.m. every night and refreshments will be available for purchase. The museum features two new exhibits, including the Smithsonian Spark!Lab exhibit and the Timeline of Innovation. The Smithsonian Spark!Lab is a hands-on, interactive exhibit for

families and children. A series of rotating stations with themes from vehicle construction to understanding sound waves will challenge visitors to place themselves in the mindset of an inventor. The Timeline of Innovation is a chronological exhibit of both Edison's and Ford's major innovations. The timeline highlights achievements in dozens of fields and will showcase some of the most interesting artifacts. It will also provide visitors with a narrative on how Edison, Ford, and others built on earlier innovations to create their own inventions. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. nightly and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours on Tuesday nights, starting Nov. 28 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) are $10, children (6-12) are $2 and children 5 and under are free. Edison Ford members are also admitted 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. Visitors are able to view the lights from 5:30 – 9 p.m. nightly Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To confirm tour times, visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org or call 239-334-7419.

Holiday Nights at Edison & Ford Estates

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

ut our Ask abo nition h Defi

Hig Special SUSHI

Six Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m. Sunday Noon - 10 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

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

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017

DINING PICKS FOR SEASON 1st Street Deli at Seminole Casino Hotel

reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

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,

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill at The Shell Factory

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like: shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings. Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice. Capt’n Fishbones opens daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily from 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows are held every Monday 4 - 7 p.m. 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market

Nestled in the heart of Florida, lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A departure from a busy day, a place to be with friends, a place to share laughs and great memories. Relax and take it all in! Welcome to Deep Lagoon Seafood, A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual. Deep Lagoon Seafood features a wide variety of menu options sure to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company, based out of Pine Island. Now offering Happy Hour from 2 - 7 pm featuring small plates from $5 - $8. The restaurant is another family owned and operated brand from the Phelan Family, the same company behind local favorites Pinchers and Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House. Reservations accepted. 10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 www.deeplagoon.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

DECEMBER 2017

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 is open 24/7 and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread. Closed for renovations. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

GameTime

at Gulf Coast Town Center

At GameTime, you can play and eat in style! With a wide variety of menu selections including appetizers like Ahi Tuna Crisps and Fried Mac N' Cheese Balls; entreés that include Baby Back Ribs, Churrasco, Salmon and Pasta dishes; great kid’s meals; healthy Salads and delicious Sports Bar staples like Chicken Wings and Nachos, you are certain to have a fantastic dining experience while everyone has a great time! We offer a full liquor Sports Bar and 2-4-1 all day every day on any individual beer and wine. 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-204-5964 www.gametimeplayers.com

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese 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 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro

Treat your taste buds to simply prepared fish, premium steaks, an impressive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails. Dine indoors or outside on the patio and savor your favorite dish al fresco while overlooking the breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River, The Gulf of Mexico and Tarpon Point Marina. Happy Hour Daily from 4 – 7 p.m. 5961 Silver King, Cape Coral 239-541-5600 www.Marker92.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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 Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center. 2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-245-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

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

Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse

With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat. This is True Texas Barbeque. They smoke meats a minimum of 12-14 hours creating mouth-watering, fall off the bone goodness for Baby Back and St. Louis Style Ribs and succulent brisket, pork and tenderloin. All meats are hand sliced to order ensuring the freshest and tastiest “Q” in town allowing it to be consistently voted as the Best Barbeque in Southwest Florida. 4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 www.texastonys.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Twisted Vine Bistro & The Barrel Room 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 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. The Barrel Room now offers a jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com

The Veranda

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-ofthe-century homes, combined with our Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff will provide you with the most unique dining experience in SW Florida. Celebrating more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area. 2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Put your restaurant in our

DINING SHOWCASE Call 239-278-5236 or email swfhappenings@earthlink.net DECEMBER 2017

Friday -1 A Christmas Story The Musical Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Holiday Market Through Dec. 3 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 941-639-8810 Gulfshore Playhouse - Leading Ladies Through Dec. 10 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 866-811-4111 An Act of God Through Dec. 9 The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Naples Players - Miracle on 34th Street Through Dec. 23 The Naples Players Community Theatre 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-263-7990 Disgraced Through Dec. 10 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Punta Gorda Founders Day Week Through Dec. 7 Punta Gorda, 512 E. Grace St., Punta Gorda Week long celebration with trolley tours, bike rides through City, tours of historic sites, holiday events, chess tournament, fun events for kids and more. www.puntagordafoundersweek.com Kinfay Moroti exhibit Rene Miville Gallery, 220 First St. Fort Myers Opens during Art Walk, 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-3130 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Journey, Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Music and dancing with Erich Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte $10, 7 - 10 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 Across the Universe Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7 - 9 p.m. 239-267-5107 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries & exhibitions. 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Downtown Fort Myers Tree and street lightings, live musical performances. 6 - 9 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

DECEMBER 2017

Wall of Death Through Dec. 3 Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers Four shows Friday & Saturday, three on Sunday, 239-275-4647 Festival of Trees Through Dec. 3 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers www.sbdac.com Nowhere Band Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. Free. www.sbdac.com Last Night of Ballyhoo Through Dec. 17 Florida Repertory Theatre, Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Annual Pottery Sale FGCU Arts Complex. 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Fort Myers 10 a.m. 239-590-7199 The Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute Through Sunday Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral Neil Zirconia, 239-772-5862 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Reception for exhibits featuring artists Rob Goldey and AJ Weber, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 A Tuna Christmas Through Dec. 25 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Singer Chris G 5-9 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 1-5 p.m. & The Kollections Band at 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-5753007 Bonita Springs Festival of Lights and Tree Lighting with Santa Promenade at Bonita Bay 26811 S Bay Dr., Bonita Springs 5 - 8 p.m. 239-949-1573 Chris Antonik The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Holiday Season Tree Lighting Bell Tower Shops Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers Center Court from 6 - 8 p.m. Free to attend! 239-489-1221

Saturday -2 Gulf Coast Symphony: The Nutcracker with Gulfshore Ballet Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 AAA Travel Show 5401 Airport Pulling Road, Naples 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-594-5006

Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Art in the Park Naples Art Association, 585 Park St, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-262-6517

High Five Friday Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Charlotte Symphony Concert Sounds of the Season Lemon Bay Performing Arts Center, 2201 Placida Rd., Englewood 2 - 4 p.m. 941-205-5996 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Christmas Parade Downtown Punta Gorda 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte Noon - 2 p.m. 941-627-2222 Roots Almighty Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107 The Sunset Celebration - Relentless Fire Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Naples Snow Fest Golden Gate Community Center 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples 3 - 9 p.m. 239-252-4180 Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade Fort Myers Beach, Florida 2 - 6 p.m. www.fortmyers-sanibel.com Handel’s Messiah Dec. 2 & 3 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. The Naples Philharmonic and Chorus. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Holiday Event Babcock Ranch, 42850 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda Kick off the holiday season at our first holiday event at Babcock Ranch. There will be a tree-lighting ceremony with local chorus groups, Clydesdale horse, and photo opportunities with Santa. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. www.babcockranch.com Telling a Story: Narrative Art Through Jan. 7 Naples Art Association, 585 Park St, Naples Narrative art illustrates or tells a story. It usually describes self-explanatory events from daily life or those drawn from a text, wellknown folk tale or myth. 239-262-6517 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m., Center Court. Santa from 1-5 p.m. Yard Dog Charlie 5-9 p.m., Center Court. The Kollections 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007 Holly Daze Art Bazaar Through Dec. 22 Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral 239-574-0802 Holiday Festival of Lights 2017 Cape Coral Parkway, Downtown Cape between SE 15th Ave and Candia St Official tree lighting and Santa's arrival, free Kidz Street play area, Tiny Tots Train ride, 25 ton Snowdrift Slide, over 20 holiday performances on four stages. 4 - 10 p.m. www.capecoralchamber.com

God Save the Queen Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Doors at 6:30 p.m. & show at 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 The Naples Players’ KidzAct Players Present the Elf The Musical Jr. Through Dec. 11 Sugden Community Theater 701 5th Ave. S, Naples www.naplesplayers.org or 239-263-7990 A Country Christmas Concert Lee County Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers Freemasons of Florida present Aaron Tippin, Darryl Worley, Ben Allen Band and Zach Stone. Advanced tickets $25, day of show $30. $20 day of show if you bring a new toy. VIP $40. Bring a chair, this event is outdoors!. Gates at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and the show at 4:30 p.m. 239-543-8368 Symphony Orchestra Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers Concert is free and open to the public. 7:30 p.m. 239-590-1000 Vanessa Collier The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 ACMA concert - Verlon Thompson All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Roy Schneider opens. www.americanacma.org

Sunday -3 Taste of Bonita

Riverside Park 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs Great food, fun, music and more as area restaurants serve up plenty of tasty plates. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.tasteofbonita.com Mastersingers: Afternoon of Readings & Carols New Hope Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers 3 p.m. 239-560-9512 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick: Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 From the Road - Stories & Songs: Author Rhonda Nelson and Wayne Nelson of Little River Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 5 p.m. $20 advance 239-278-5236 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Charlotte Symphony Concert Sounds of the Season Lemon Bay Performing Arts Center, 2201 Placida Rd., Englewood 7:30 p.m. 941-205-5996 Wind Orchestra Holiday Concert Grace Church, 13 SE 21st Place, Cape Coral This concert is free and open to the public. 3 p.m. 239-574-7161 Beethoven Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 3 p.m. 239-597-1900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Gulfshore Opera presents Christmas with the Gulfshore Tenors Naples Italian American Foundation 7035 Airport Pulling Rd. N, Naples $30. 3 p.m. 239-529-3925 www.gulfshoreopera.org

Beethoven Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 3 p.m. 239-597-1900

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Santa from 1-5 p.m. in the third section of Village. Songbird Voice Studio Christmas Carolers, 1-2 p.m., Center Court & Country Express Band, 3-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz and Holiday Classics by Leslie DaCosta from noon-3 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café. Singer Chris G, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Naples Concert Band 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 513-582-4031

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

Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar Koreshan State Historic Site 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Enjoy shopping for unique gifts and crafts in the decorated Koreshan settlement. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.friendsofkoreshan.org

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

Spirit of the Gulf Chorus Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 2 p.m., 1-844-704-SING

Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Lynne Rae Eaton and James Beech, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Golden Oldies and Holiday classics by Dr. Shoo-Bop Ken Feder from noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Tiki Tom and L.A., 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Sunset Celebration at the Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Celebrate the beauty of our sunsets while listening to live music on the beach. There will also be arts & crafts vendors, food trucks and more! 4 - 7 p.m. Free admission. 239-574-0806

Monday -4 Live Music in the Village

Grand Piano Series: Stanislav Khrsitenko Trinity by the Cove, 553 Galleon Drive, Naples $40. 7 p.m. www.grandpianoseries.com Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Join hosts Eric Raddatz and Melissa Dehaven with judges Ilene Saffron, Rachel Burttram, and Justin Xavier Verley for TGIM! Featuring an unplugged set by Angela Page of the Young Dead, accompanied by singersongwriter Drew Richard. Cocktails 6:30 p.m. & Films 7 p.m. www.sbdac.com LeAnn Rimes Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Tuesday -5 The Christmas Carol Sing First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., downtown Fort Myers. 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. 239-334-2261 Holiday in the Park Riverside Park 10450 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs A blizzard in the Park with a giant snow slide, snow pile, train rides, free cookies and cider. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by horse and carriage! 4:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. www.cityofbonitasprings.org Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies the Phantom Returns Through Dec. 10 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 239-481-4849

Wednesday - 6

An Evening with artist Al Razza Sweet Art Gallery, 2100 – A Trade Center Way, Naples Exhibition and Book Signing, 5 – 8 p.m., 239-597-2110 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Tree Lighting Ceremony Mercato 9118 Strada Place, Naples Come out for a night of holiday fun including our giant elf and free face painting. Live performances from Patchouli, Backstage Dance Academy, Dance Arts by Maria and the Palmetto Ridge High School Carolers. 5 p.m. 239-254-1080 Motown Magic with Greg Miller The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Vini Contreras, noon-3 p.m. & Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst performs 4-7 p.m. 941-575-3007 1st Wednesday Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours - ART ALIVE Inside grouping of galleries inside Taylor Road & Trade Center Way, Naples Evening consists of 40+ professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. 5 - 8 p.m. 239-289-5070 www.NaplesArtDistrict.com Dance with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. Dolphin Room, 239-995-2141

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Thursday -7 A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 29 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-472-6862

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Ben Allen Band Mercato 9118 Strada Place, Naples 6-9 p.m. 239-254-1080

Friday -8 Fired Up: A Juried Exhibit

Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Opening Dec. 8 from 5 – 7 p.m. Exhibit ends Jan 5. 239-939-2787

Shell Point’s presents “All is Calm” The Village Church Auditorium 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067

Wall of Death Through Dec. 10 Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers Four shows Friday & Saturday, three on Sunday, 239-275-4647

Winter Wonderettes Through Dec. 17 Firehouse Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St., LaBelle 863-675-3066

Gin Blossoms The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music with Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee. Holiday & Variety music featuring Paul Roush from noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m. with music by Leslie DaCosta, Center Court. 941-575-3007 44th Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony 5th Avenue South, Naples Choral groups, dance troupes, theatre troupe, bands and more come together to bring this annual extravaganza to the Avenue. Join Mayor Bill Barnett and ABC 7 Anchor Krista Fogelsong as they light the tree and kick of the holidays. 5-8:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Senior Projects, Fall Presentations 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex and ArtLab in the west side of the Library building; 5 p.m. 239-590-1000

Rhythm on the River at Edison FordNeil Zirconia Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Neil Diamond tribute. Tickets online or at the door. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 239-334-7419 Bite the Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 The All-Star Platters Revue Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $22 www.theculturalcenter.com or 941-625-4175 x221 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239463-5900

Club at the Strand - Taste of Opera 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples 6:15 p.m. 239-529-3925 www.gulfshoreopera.org

Weekend Concert Series - Iconic Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107

Musical Magic Carpet Ride Cape Coral Lee County Public Library 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral Emmy and Peabody Award-winning composer, flutist, storyteller and lecturer, Kat Epple. 1 p.m. 239-479-4636

The City of Fort Myers Christmas in the Park Centennial Park 2000 W First St, Fort Myers, The city’s recreation division has planned a full schedule for the occasion from 4 - 10 p.m. Children’s activities include bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course and a giant slide. At 5 p.m., Santa will arrive by fire truck. Adults will enjoy a performance of holiday favorites by the SW Florida Symphony starting at 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., Mayor Randy Henderson will light the tree. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the free Movie in the Park is the Christmas classic Disney’s A Christmas Carol. 4 - 10 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 239-321-7530

Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Friends of Lovers Key has joined with the Americana Community Music Association to offer a series of free acoustic concerts of all original music. 4 - 6 p.m. www.friendsofloverskey.org Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Boreyko Conducts Brahms Dec. 8 & 9 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

False Forests and Hidden Skylines Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers A stunning art opening from emerging artist, Isabel Mejia. Opening 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 Senior Projects, Fall 2017 Exhibition Through Dec. 15 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex and ArtLab in the west side of the Library building. 239-590-1000 The Great Outdoors Naples Art Association 585 Park St, Naples On view in Gallery 104 through Jan. 1 Nature is the muse for artist’s who are not afraid to explore. 239-262-6517 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Vini Contreras, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 3-7 p.m. Live music featuring Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m.,Center Court. 941-575-3007 Holiday House Through Dec. 23 Burroughs and Langford Kingston Homes, First and Fowler streets, Fort Myers. Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club, $5 Ray Fuller & The Bluesrockers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 8 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Saturday -9 Cape Coral Bike Night - Firehouse

SE 47th Terrace The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation department is proud to bring you Cape Bike Night! 5-10 p.m. www.CCBikeNight.com Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Whitney Hackett exhibit at DAAS CoOp DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chorale Concert: It's Christmas! 701 Carmalita Stree, Punta Gorda The Charlotte Chorale's Christmas Concert. It's Christmas! will kick of the Holiday Season with various, professional level choral music. 4- 6 p.m. 941-204-0033 Pirate Day! Marco Island Historical Museum 80 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island Ready to set sail on the high seas? Come dressed as your favorite swashbuckler and enjoy a fun-filled day out with the family. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. 239-642-1440 Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-961-2975

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER

Weekend Concert Series - Batay Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107 The Sunset Celebration - Riverside Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Downtown Street Bazaar Downtown Fort Myers The street will be closed to traffic in front of the shoppe and there will be over 40 Vendors participating. Come join us for a day of shopping and find some great unique items. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Charlotte Chorale-It's Christmas! Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda 4 p.m. 941-204-0033. James Taylor, CSN, Simon & Garfunkel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Seasonal String Harp Performance Pine Island Public Library 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia Listen to professional harpist Barbara Fischer as she performs a beautiful collection of music and sounds of the season. All are welcome to attend this extraordinary free music concert. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Naples Artcrafters Fine Art and Craft Show Christmas in Cambier Park 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com Naples Is Rockin' / Naples Square 735 8th Street South, Naples Sugar Ray featuring Mark McGrath, Casey Weston, 5 - 10:30 p.m. 239-300-4880

Art-in-the-Glades in McLeod Park (near the majestic City Hall building), Everglades City A vast array of artisans will be selling their wares at Art-in-the-Glades, under the pavilion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 239-695-2905 or www.evergladeshistorical.org.

BIG ARTS Concert Band Holiday Performance BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel Let the BIG ARTS Concert Band help you get into the joyous mood of the holidays! 7 p.m. 239-395-0900 Art After Dark Galleries of Crayton Cove, Naples Featuring live music by Fezz & Alchemy while enjoying new artwork by Phil Fisher, Natalie Guess and others. A group of galleries representing professional area artists, 8th St. S. & 12th Ave. S. meet at the flagpole by the Bay. 6 – 9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com

Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 2 p.m. www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com

Monday - 11 Live Music in the Village

Sean Chambers Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

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

Jimmy Buffett tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 8 p.m., 239-245-9910

The Charlotte County Jazz Society Greg Abate "The Prince of Be-Bop” Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com or 941-625-4175 x221.

Sunday - 10 The Harlem Globetrotters Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 3 p.m. 239-948-7825

Mastersingers: Christmas on Sanibel Sanibel Community Church 6 p.m. 239-560-9512 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

Youth Jazz Orchestra Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 4 p.m. 239-597-1900

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sunny Jim White, noon-4 p.m., Center Court. Tiki Tom and L.A. from 5-9 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 1-5 p.m. 941-575-3007

Charlotte County Big Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte 3 pm www.theculturalcenter.com or 941-625-4175 x221

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

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom and L.A. 12-3 Center Court Dixieland Jazz and Holiday Classics by Leslie DaCosta from 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Naples Christmas Boat Parade 800 12th Ave. S., Naples Pick your spot along Naples Bay to enjoy the colorful and sparkly annual Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade. the parade may be viewed from: Pinchers Crab Shack, Riverwalk Restaurant, Kelly's Fish House, The Boat House Restaurant, Naples City Dock and Naples Landings Park. 6:30 - 8 p.m. 239-682-0900

Celebrate the Holidays Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, Hosted by: Cultural Park Theater Cape Coral Art League Cape Coral Historical Museum Fun for all! Holiday Decorations, Caroling, Santa & much more. capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org 5 - 8 p.m. 239-772-7037

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Santa from 1-5 p.m. in the third section of Village. Singer Rita Beach from 2-6 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Americana: Laurie & Rusty Wainwright The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Estero Concert Series The Art Hall at the Koreshan State Park 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero 4 p.m. $42, 239-596-8404 Lee County Band - Christmas Concert Cape Coral High School 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org

DECEMBER 2017

Naples Big Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 7 - 8:45 p.m. 239-597-3240 Animals: Fact and Fable Naples Art Association 585 Park St, Naples 11 through Jan. 27 On view in the Elizabeth & William Barrick, Millicent & Charles Marshall and the Minnesota Lobby Galleries. 239-262-6517

Tuesday - 12 Carol of the King the Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular Southwest Florida Event Center 11515 Bonita Beach Rd SE #103, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-245-9910

Christmas Parade 5th Avenue South, Naples Floats, Fire engines, school groups, School Bands, dance troupes, boy and girl scouts, civic groups and so much more bring this annual tradition to life! And, don’t forget Santa and Mrs. Claus! The parade follows the traditional route starting at South Broad, to 3rd Street to 5th Avenue South. 6 - 8 p.m. 239-213-7120

Hall of Fame Band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Shell Point’s Holiday Pops Concert: A Charlie Brown Christmas The Village Church Auditorium 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Gulfshore Opera Christmas Caroling from noon - 2 p.m., Center Court. Music with Jim Vallie from 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Wednesday - 13

Spectacular Christmas Revue Through Dec. 17 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Art and Nature Night Shangri-La Springs, Old 41 Road, Bonita Dream of Reality exhibit featuring artists Mila Bridger, Danielle Braunchard, Tim Smith and Cesar Aguilera, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-949-0749 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music by Chris G from noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst, 4-7 p.m., Center Court & Music by Dave Heveron from 5-7 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. 941-575-3007 All That Jazz Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples As the former featured singer in the Count Basie Orchestra, Carmen Bradford’s soulful vocals epitomize jazz. 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Tina Turner & Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Dance with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. Dolphin Room, 239-995-2141

Thursday - 14 Michael Carbonaro Live! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music with Singer George Voss from noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Singer Paul Cottrell, noon-3 p.m., Center Court & music by Paul Roush from 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Dinner With Artists Naples Art Association 585 Park St, Naples Join renowned artists paired with executive chefs who collaborate on creating and presenting original works of art and culinary masterpieces. 5 - 8:30 p.m. 239-262-6517 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 TUBA Christmas 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Celtic Christmas Show Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St. Port Charlotte Celtic instruments and tunes as well as Irish step dancing by Kellyn Celtic arts, and Lee County Pipes and Drums. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Nick Schnebelen Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-333-2225

Friday - 15 North Fort Myers Academy

for the Arts - The Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 High Five Friday Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 John Anderson SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 8 p.m., 239-245-9910 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Ingroov Big Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St. Port Charlotte 7 to 10 p.m. in the Conference Center. $10 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

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

Holiday Pops Through Dec. 17 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. 239-597-1900

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

Venetian Village Boat Parade 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-961-2975

Nettie 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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Weekend Concert Series - Ben Allen Band Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107 Jazzy Nights presents Professor Cunningham & His Old School Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails: 7 p.m. & Performance: 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Southwest Florida Symphony Holiday Pops BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel The music of the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas featuring the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Trent Brown with Jim Martinez, piano. 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 A One-Man Christmas Carol Dec. 15 & 16 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer John McDonald from noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Singer Michael Hirst performs noon -3 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 3-6 p.m. Singer Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Sunset Celebration - Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 24-Hour Playwriting Project The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239.218.0481 Tenth Avenue North, Zach Williams and Meredith Andrews. Fist Baptist Church of Cape Coral 4117 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral 7 - 10 p.m. www.wayfm.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz and Holiday Classics by Leslie DaCosta from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Center court. Visit Santa from 1-5 p.m. Singer John McDonald, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. Lighting of the Menorah, 7 p.m. at the front entrance. 941-575-3007 Christmas In The Cove Crayton Cove, Naples Enjoy cookies and cider and get in the holiday spirit featuring restaurants, galleries and shoppes. Phil Fisher Gallery will host a trunk show of fine jewelry by Kathleen Dennison. 239-403-8393

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers Local and regional musicians line the streets. 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Holiday Boat-A-Long Four Freedoms Park 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Event begins at 4 p.m. 239-573-3128

Namaste Music & Arts Festival Riverfront basin on Hendry Street, Fort Myers Music and arts event hosted by Namaste Music, Arts, Wellness, & Education, Inc., 8 p.m. - Midnight. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Songwriters at the Library South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Americana Community Music Association members perform, 2 p.m., free, 239-691-4069

Fright Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Enjoy the sounds of The Ex-Bachelors featuring the best of Motown, Memphis Soul & Rock ‘n Roll. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

Bike Night Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers 5 - 9 p.m. 239-275-4647

Balkun Brothers Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Wall of Death Through Dec. 17 Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers Four shows Friday & Saturday, three on Sunday, 239-275-4647

Sunday - 17 Gulf Coast Symphony: Deck The Halls Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

2018 THE RIVER DISTRICT ALLIANCE PRESENTS

DOWN TOWN COUNT DOWN Sunday, Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Celebration starts at 8 pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON MULTIPLE STAGES

Sizzlin Sunday - ZZ Top tribute Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m., 239-275-4647

SMACKDADDY - MARTY STOKES BAND ICONIC - ELECTRIC MUD - HALF STEP DOWN

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

Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 8 p.m., 239-245-9910

FOOD FUN MUSIC JR. BALLOON DROP

Little Eddie and the Fat Fingers Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107

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

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

Americana: RJ Howson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Michael Ray The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

Naples Jazz Society 755 8th Ave S, Naples This event will take place at Cambier park Band Shell. 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113

Vinyl Vibes Series: Memphis Motown Experience Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails: 7 p.m. & Show: 8 p.m. 239-333-1933

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

Saturday - 16 SWFL Symphony: A Charlie Brown Christmas

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FREE ADMISSION STREET PARTY

BALL DROP AT MIDNIGHT

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER

Sunday - 17 continued Josh Turner Top Rocker Field at Six Bends Harley-Davidson 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers Also A Thousand Horses and Brooke Eden. Doors at 4 p.m. Box office on-site day of event only. Show begins at 5:30 p.m. 239-275-4647

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Visit Santa from 1-5 p.m. in the third section of Village – bring your camera! Trop Rock and Holiday classics by Sunny Jim White from 3-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Bluegrass Music Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 - 5 p.m. 239-939-2787

Monday - 18 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom and L.A., noon-3 p.m., center court. Visit Santa from 3-6 p.m. Acoustic Christmas with Anthony Sands from 6-8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Tuesday - 19 Sister’s Christmas Catechism:

The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Motown Magic with Greg Miller The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Meet Luna the screech owl 11-2 Dixieland Jazz and Holiday Classics by Leslie DaCosta, noon-3 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days, Bruce and Tiki D perform noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 3-6 p.m. Singer Chris G, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Book of Mormon Through Dec. 24 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Wednesday - 20 Ethan Bortnick Holiday Concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Dance with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. Dolphin Room, 239-995-2141 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

DECEMBER 2017

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Vallie performs noon -3 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 3-6 p.m. in the third section of Village. Singer Michael Hirst performs 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Art After Hours Artis—Naples - Hayes Hall’s Frank Foyer 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples This free event features musical entertainment, and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the art in Frank Foyer and the Hayes Hall galleries and learn from our docents. 6 p.m. 239-597-1900 Jimmy Buffett tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Thursday - 21 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta GordaSinger George Voss 12-3 by Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Singer Chris G performs noon-3 p.m., Center Court Visit Santa from 3-6 p.m. Singer Paul Roush, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Sundown Stroll Tarpon Point Marina Village 5991 Silver King Blvd., Cape oral Fun, family friendly event on the third Thursday every month. Live music, 4 p.m. to sunset. www.tarponpoint.com Art reception - Barb Hosack Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. 239-945-0866 Third Thursday on Third 3rd Street South Shopping District 5 - 8 p.m. 239-649-6707 Alive After Five Downtown Punta Gorda , Punta Gorda, Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 the downtown merchants bring you live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment through out downtown. We have many restaurants, pubs and places whereby you can duck in and out of the heat or rain. 941-391-4856 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Friday - 22 Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Dec. 22 & 23 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Night and Day Through Feb. 25 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers (239-332-4488

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Square One Improv The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 8 – 10 p.m. 239-218-0481 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Weekend Concert Series - SCS Band Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107

Sunday - 24 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Holiday music by Leslie DaCosta from 1-5 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Meet Annie the Owl 11-2 Dr. Shoo-Bop Ken Feder 12-3 by Coffee Cafe Singer Michael Hirst 12-3 Center Court Visit Santa 1-6 pm Singer David McDonald 5-9 pm Center Court. 941-575-3007

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

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

Tuesday - 26 Live Music in the Village

Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Saturday - 23 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Charlotte County Children’s Theater Holiday performance at 10 a.m., Center Court. Sons of Beaches perform live music noon-4 p.m., Center Court. Visit Santa from 1-6 p.m. Singer Michael Hirst, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples 2 - 5 p.m. 239-961-2975 Weekend Concert Series - Torched Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107 The Echo Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Music, food and more! www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce & Tiki D, noon-3 p.m., Center Court & Dixieland Jazz music by Leslie DaCosta from 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Wednesday - 27 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta GordaSinger Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m., Center Court. Singer Jim Vallie, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Dance with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. Dolphin Room, 239-995-2141

Thursday - 28 Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141. Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher & Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Jim Gaffigan - Noble Ape Tour Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7:30 p.m. 239-948-7825

Weekend Concert Series - Mike Imbasciani Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer George Voss from noon-3 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café, Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m., Center Court & Singer Rick Rock Rice from 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

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

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

Friday - 29 Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

Southwest Florida Event Center 11515 Bonita Beach Rd SE #103, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-245-9910 Weekend Concert Series - Soapy Tuna Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main Street, Fort Myers 7-9 p.m. 239-267-5107 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Garee, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Singer Chris G performs noon-3 p.m., Center Court, Bruce Neumann & Tiki D from 5-9 p.m., Center Court & Shore Patrol, 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Music and dancing with Erich Conference Center at the Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $10 per person, Tickets at the door. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 Ragedy Lapsey Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Selwyn Birchwood Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) Little Mike & The Tornadoes The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Sunday - 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 5 p.m. Music by DJ & Singer Michael White, dancing, Face Painting, Hair Glitter, LED Juggling, Plate Spinning & Balloon Creations! Live music with Michael Hirst 8 p.m.-midnight first section & Boogiemen Band, 8:30 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s fireworks at midnight – Can only be viewed from west dock at Fishermen’s Village! 941-575-3007 New Year’s Eve Party The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 239-405-8566 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Naples Philharmonic Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 9 p.m. 239-597-1900 Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 New Years Eve Live Music Times Square, Fort Myers Beach Remedy, 1 - 6 p.m. & High Tide from 7 p.m. - midnight. 239-463-5900

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

New Year's Eve Fireworks Naples Pier, 137 12th Avenue S. 7:30 - 8 p.m. 239-213-7120

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

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

Saturday - 30 Chicago Through Feb. 10 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live Music by Dick & Kammy noon-4 p.m.,Center Court & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. The Boogiemen Band, 8 p.m. Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007

New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown Downtown Fort Myers Southwest Florida’s best New Year’s Eve Celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. Live music by Smackdaddy, Marty Stokes Band, Iconic, Electric Mud and Half Step Down. Vendors, great food, family fun will go through the evening and end with the ball drop at midnight! www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Fort Myers Beach New Years Fireworks & Party Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6550 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Festivities begin at noon with free cupcakes starting between noon and 1 p.m. Live music will be played throughout the day. Watch the New Years ball drop at midnight followed by fireworks off of the pier. www.fortmyersbeach.org JL Fulks The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2017