December 2018 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

DECEMBER 2018

FREE

A CHRISTMAS

CFAROL R

AT

LORIDA

EP

BRET MICHAELS AT THE RANCH NEW YEAR’S EVE IN SW FLORIDA ELF THE MUSICAL AT BROADWAY PALM

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

2 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

Publisher’s Spotlight Look what’s on stage

The year is coming to a close; where did 2018 go? Nonetheless, our local theatre scene is a buzz with activity.

Theatregoers have an abundance of holiday shows to see on stage as well as other dramas, comedies and musicals.

A Christmas Carol is on stage at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers Nov. 30 through Dec. 19.

At Broadway Palm, Elf the Musical plays now through Dec. 25.

TheatreZone in Naples presents Home for the Holidays Dec. 7 - 9.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) is on stage at the Laboratory Theater of Florida Nov. 30 through Dec. 22 in Fort Myers.

The Naples Players give us Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Nov. 28 through Dec. 23 at the Sugden Theatre.

In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater’s annual Christmas Spectacular Revue runs Dec. 12 - 16.

Deadly Sugarplums: A Fright Before Christmas will be performed Dec. 6 - 9 at the Center for Performing Arts of Bonita Springs.

The Charlotte Players present Sister’s Christmas Catechism - The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold for one night only on Dec. 6 in Port Charlotte.

In the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers, Winter Wonderettes plays now through Dec. 25.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum now through Dec. 30 at The Norris Center in Naples.

Damascus continues its run through Dec. 9 at the Florida Rep’s ArtStage Studio Theatre. That will be followed by Tenderly - the Rosemary Clooney musical Dec. 18 through Feb. 24.

The national tour of The Wizard of Oz will make a stop Dec. 5 and 6 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers.

The current run of four one-act comedies continues through Dec. 16 for the Marco Players.

No matter which show or shows you 4 - December 2018

choose to go see this month, keep in mind that theatre tickets make for a great Christmas gift.

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

Lots of concerts

The national concert season has moved into high gear at our area venues, and there seems to be something for almost everyone.

Here’s who is on December’s concert schedule: John Ford Coley, Bret Michaels, Manhattan Transfer, Herb Alpert, Lani Hall, Ronnie Milsap, For King & Country, Chris Isaak, Kenny G, P.O.D., 10 Years, Asleep at the Wheel, Celtic Thunder and JJ Grey Grey & Mofro.

The new year starts off with a bang with more than 40 concerts scheduled just in January and February.

Those artists include Atlanta Rhythm Section, Diana Ross, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Air Supply, The Wailers, Engelbert Humperdinck, The Righteous Brothers, Cher, Clay Walker, The Outlaws, America, Hot Tuna, Don McLean, Chuck Negron, The Cowsills, Dennis Tufano, Eli Young Band, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Paul Thorn, Travis Tritt, Alan Doyle, Josh Gracin, Al Di Meola, John Lodge, Patti LaBelle, Neil McCoy, The Orchestra, Little River Band, The Zombies, Los Lobos, Michael Bolton, Joe Bonamassa, Dave Mason, Steve Cropper, Shinedown, TobyMac, The Drifters, Danny & The Juniors, The Beach Boys, David Foster and Blood Sweat & Tears.

Further down the road, March and April will be busy also. For a complete schedule, visit our online concert calendar at HappeningsMagazine.net.

Thank you

On a final note, Kathy and I would like to express our extreme gratitude and thanks for the continued support we received this year from our advertisers, readers and partners. We look forward to a successful 2019 as Happenings Magazine starts its 24th year of entertaining Southwest Florida.

Rock on,

Jamie

music

dining

20

42

66 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Laurel Meny, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

swfHappenings@earthlink.net

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

THEATRE

TheatreZone presents Home for the Holidays Dec. 7 - 9 in Naples.

THEATREZONE

IN

NAPLES

Home for the Holidays Next up for TheatreZone in Naples is Home for the Holidays which will be presented Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Dec 8 and 9 at 2 p.m.

Get in a festive mood with this original holiday spectacular featuring seasonal standards from different eras, sumptuous costumes, and lots of dancing. Selections include Home for the Holidays, Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Silver Bells, and Winter Wonderland. The professional cast members include Adolpho Blaire, Steven Geyer, Julia Hajjar, Alex Jorth, Kara Konken, Dawn Lebrecht, Carolann Sanita and Gerritt VanderMeer.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood will be staged Jan. 10 – 20. A winner of three Tony Awards, this hilarious, interactive whodunit mystery musical allows the audience to enter the action and become the ultimate detectives. The show is based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name.

TheatreZone presents Broadway & Happy Hour Jan. 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. See the talented and personable TheatreZone professional actors “out of character’" in a series of four cabarets throughout season. Cast members from each of TheatreZone’s four Broadway series shows will perform their favorite show tunes, sharing stories about the history of the music and their personal connections to the songs. A new cast will be featured on each date. The January cabaret will include members of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Guests will enjoy wine, Prosecco, beer and hors d’oeuvres at a pre-concert reception. Open to the 6 - December 2018

public and held “outside the Zone” at the Moorings Park auditorium, 120 Moorings Park Drive. The subsequent cabarets will be held Feb. 3, March 14 and May 2.

All Stars of TheatreZone will be performed Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. In this one-night-only extravaganza, TheatreZone fan favorites – all professional actors – will sing Broadway show tunes, wear gorgeous costumes, dance up a storm, and tell witty stories about themselves, the songs and the shows while accompanied by a live orchestra. The all-stars include Larry Alexander, Adolpho Blair, Steven Geyer, Brent Kuenning, Becca McCoy, Natale Pirrotta, Carolann Sanita and Whitney Winfield. The evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Germain Honda of Naples. 3295 Pine Ridge Road. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at TheatreZone and includes a live auction at intermission.

TheatreZone will stage Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida Feb. 7 – 17.

The Mersey Beatles will perform Feb. 19 at 4 and 8 p.m. An Evening with Judy Collins will take place Feb. 21 at 4 and 8 p.m.

TheatreZone presents On a Clear Day You Can See Forever March 7 – 17.

And the World Goes ‘Round will be staged April 25 – May 5.

The theatre is in residence on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. Tickets are available at www.theatre.zone and by calling the box office at 888-966-3352 ext 1.

Happenings Magazine

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana

Acoustic Shows Mare Wakefield and Nomad Dec. 1 Karen Cohen opens

Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park

Songwriters

Houseboat Jim, Bill Steel, Keith Parker

on the Plaza

Bill Veach, Alan Bradford, Chakulla

December 11

Dec. 13 at 3:30 pm Jan. 3 at 3:45 pm

Pay at the door. The ACMA is a not for profit and funded by tax deductible donations.

Check website for more info & visit YouTube on any of these artists. $10 - $15 donation per concert.

Fort Myers Library, First Street, Downtown 6 pm free show

ACMA’s Kim Mayfield, Andy Getch & Bob Williams

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

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

INFO: 239-691-4069

Happenings Magazine

www.AmericanACMA.org

December 2018 - 7

White Christmas THEATRE

Naples Players present Irving Berlin’s classic musical at Sugden Theatre

The Naples Players will stage the classic musical production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Nov. 28 – Dec. 23 in Blackburn Hall at the Sugden Theatre.

Directed and choreographed by audience favorite Dawn Lebrecht Fornara (Chicago) with musical direction

by Charles Fornara (Chicago), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is produced with scenic design

by Starlet Jones, lighting design by Craig Walck, sound design by Bradley Van Houten, and costume design by Dot Auchmoody.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a musical based on the beloved and timeless film, this heartwarming musical features the Irving Berlin classics “White Christmas,” and “Blue Skies.” Two WW II veteran buddies with a successful song-and-dance act follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters enroute to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by their former army commander.

Cast members include Scott Davis as Ralph Sheldrake, Naples favorite Debi Guthery as Martha Watson, long time performer Paul Graffy as General Waverly, newcomer Jimmy Flannery as Phil Davis, Lisa Kuchinski as Rhonda, fan favorite James Little as Bob Wallace, Tina Moroni as Betty Haynes, Alessia Pellegrini as Susan Waverly, last season’s favorite Jerry Rannow as Ezekiel/Mr. Snoring, Erica Sample as Judy Haynes and Amanda Telebrco as Rita.

Stage management is by Mackenzie Black and Jim Bollinger and Kenzie Currie are the assistant stage managers.

Sugden Theatre is located at 701 5th Ave. S. in Naples.

Tickets are $45 and are available for purchase online at www.NaplesPlayers.org or by contacting the box office at 239-263-7990.

8 - December 2018

Tina Moroni, James Little & Erica Sample Happenings Magazine

Walkin’ After Midnight

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY

A Tribute to Patsy Cline Linda Fazioli starring

Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 at 8 pm

Dec. 2 at 3 pm

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

BROADWAY SERIES

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 9

THEATRE

Elf the musical

at Broadway Palm

Chris Duir as Buddy the Elf 10 - December 2018

This holiday season, Broadway Palm brings you the most magical gift of all; the smash hit Elf The Musical playing now through Dec. 25.

Based on the popular film, this charming and whimsical musical comedy will spread holiday cheer for all to hear.

The New York Times says Elf The Musical is “Splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!”

This hilarious musical comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Buddy, a young orphan, crawls into Santa's bag and winds up in the North Pole where he is raised, unaware that he is human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. This modern day holiday classic is sure to bring out the true spirit of Christmas …. after

all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Elf The Musical is directed by Paul Bernier and choreographed by Amy Marie McCleary.

Starring as Buddy The Elf is Chris Duir. Duir was seen in Prather Productions’ national tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Scarecrow and has been seen at Broadway Palm as Bert in Mary Poppins and as Andy Lee in 42nd Street. In addition, he’s performed with Celebrity Cruises and overseas in Macau and Dubai.

Bring some “Buddy” you love to Broadway Palm for Elf The Musical playing now through Dec. 25. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $45 to $70 with group and children’s prices available.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Every Christmas Story Ever Told LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

It's the holidays! Time for FitzGerald, John K. Alvarez, the classics: Rudolph, Frosty, Michael Carleton and Will Ebenezer Scrooge, the Knapp.

Nutcracker and many more …

The theater has new seatbut maybe not the way we're ing. Rows A, B and C are on accustomed to hearing them. In the floor. Rows D and beyond what can best be called a holiare on risers. day mashup, actors take Every Christmas Story Ever beloved stories and traditions Told (And Then Some) plays from around the world and turn from Nov. 30 through Dec. 22 them upside-down in this famiat The Laboratory Theater of ly-friendly show.

Florida. A half-price preview Artistic director Annette will be held Nov. 29.

Trossbach is delighted to presPerformance dates are as folent this zany comedy: “This lows: show is fun for the whole famiNov. 30 and Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8, ly. Three actors playing dozens 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 8 of roles while changing characp.m.; and Dec. 9, 16 and 22 ters and costumes onstage? It’s at 2 p.m. Pizza and a free madness and hilarious, full of show for teenagers will be perbelly laughs.” Director Lauren formed Dec. 2, starting at 6:30 Kayleigh OʼConnell, Dave Matthew Chesebro and Heather Miller says, “If you’ve ever wonp.m., and reservations McLemore Johnson. dered what it would be like to required. Tickets are available take everything you know about to purchase online at the holidays and flip it on its head, this show is what you’d get!” www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218The cast includes Dave Matthew Chesebro, Heather McLemore 0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2018-2019 Johnson and Kayleigh O’Connell; directed by Lauren Miller and Season Pass. For more info, visit LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or assistant directed by Steven Coe. The play is written by James the 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 11

THEATRE

A Christmas Carol

Florida Repertory Theatre announced the opening of A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a world premiere adaptation of the Dickens classic written and directed by Mark Shanahan.

Playing Nov. 30 through Dec. 19 in the Historic Arcade Theatre, the run includes four preview performances Nov. 27 - 29.

The production features a 24-person cast of Florida Rep's ensemble of actors, guest artists from New York and across the country, ten young actors from across Southwest Florida, and original music played live on stage.

"This is going to be like no other version of 'A Christmas Carol' you have ever seen," said associate artistic director Jason Parrish.

"When we set out to produce this play, we set out to give Southwest Florida audiences something thrilling and new, and a chance to experience this classic story as it can only be seen onstage. This version is an incredibly fresh, funny, and thrilling ghost story, and will leave you wanting more."

A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a thrilling and fast-paced retelling of the Dickens classic that features an all-star cast and original music played live onstage. Audiences will join Ebenezer Scrooge on an epic, ghostly journey through Christmases past, present, and future with Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and more. With time running out, will Scrooge see the error of his ways before it’s too late to save his soul? Funny, heartwarming, and suspenseful, Florida Rep’s brand-new production is perfect for families and theater goers of all ages.

The theatre is offering a $99 family package that includes admissions for two adults, two children, and four concession items. In addition to the family packages, Florida Rep is also offering a $5 discount to any audience member who donates a canned good or nonperishable food item in partnership with Community Cooperative.

The production stars Florida Rep ensemble members Viki Boyle (Outside Mullingar), Greg Longenhagen (Around the World in 80 Days), and Brendan Powers (How the Other Half Loves) in multiple roles throughout the Dickens story, and Peter Thomasson (The Miracle Worker) as Ebenezer Scrooge. They are joined by frequent Florida Rep guest artists Joe Delafield (The Dingdong), Faith Sandberg (How the Other Half Loves), and Bruce Warren (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee); as well as, Jake Berne, Patrick Mounce, Mikey Reichert, Eric Shorey, Sydney Torres, Genevieve Takosich and Tova Volcheck.

A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge also showcases ten young performers from across Southwest Florida, many of whom have been seen recently in Florida Rep's Education Department camp and conservatory productions. In the cast are Lane 12 - December 2018

Free (Evangelical Christian School), Annabelle Grasmeier (St. Francis Xavier), Keehnon Jackson (Veterans Park Academy for the Arts), Liza Jayne Longenhagen (Cypress Lake Middle), Carson R. Maschmeier (Fort Myers High), Christian Miller (Canterbury School), Sebastian Moore (Riverhall Elementary), Matteo Occhino (Cypress Lake High), Grace Layne Ryan (The Alva School), and Cadence Bambrey-Zedd (homeschool).

Mark Shanahan returns to Florida Rep as both adapter and director after directing last season's How the Other Half Loves and adapting The Dingdong from Feydeau's original Le Dindon in 2016, among others.

Tickets are at $55 and $49 for regular performances, and $35 and $29 for previews. Single tickets can be purchased online at www.FloridaRep.org or through the box office at 239-332-4488.

Performances are Tuesday - Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry streets with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

ON THE COVER: Peter Thomasson and Bruce Warren

Lane Free as Tiny Tim and Greg Longenhagen as Bob Cratchit.

Happenings Magazine

Patsy Cline tribute, Christmas

Spectacular at Cultural Park

By Michael Moran Our holiday season at Cultural Park starts out with a bang as our concert series opens with our tribute to Patsy Cline. On stage from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, CPT welcomes back to our stage Frank and Linda Fazioli performing Walkin After Midnight, a tribute to the music of the one and only Patsy Cline.

Along with the memories of this wonderful performer, the concert also includes holiday favorites to get your toes and heart pumping with the joy of the holiday season.

As lead guitarist, Frank has backed up several recording artists including the Temptations, Bobby Goldsboro, Bo Diddley and the Platters. He also worked with such legends as Tex Ritter, Ernest Tubb, Carole King and Tony Orlando.

The beautiful and talented Linda Fazioli, singing all of her life, has performed professionally for more than 20 years. Her energetic drive and warm personality highlight the performances. This outstanding performance will be on stage at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $21 .

Next, if you love live stage shows or the holidays, you will especially love Cultural Park Theater’s Spectacular

Christmas Revue, opening Dec. 12 and running through Dec. 6.

The spirit of Christmas has been alive and well on the Cultural Park stage for over 30 years, and has always been a patron favorite.

Our Spectacular Christmas Revue is always upbeat and happy, filled with traditional holiday songs, perfect for all ages and a heartwarming finale to boost the Christmas spirit. Both shows are a not to miss addition to your holiday season.

The Spectacular Christmas Revue is on stage with a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday along with evenings at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors with children’s prices and group rates available. Call the box office at 239-772-5862 for reservations.

Coming to the stage in 2019 watch for more amazing shows like Jesus Christ Superstar in January followed by The Butler Did It, Chicago, Ripcord, Lend Me a Tenor, Broken Hearts and more great concerts as David Morin, Tommy O and Peter Fogel take the concert stage.

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

FGCU to stage Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Nov. 30 through Dec. 9

Florida Gulf Coast University Theatre presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Nov. 30 through Dec. 9.

Written by Allison Gregory, the production is being directed

by Anne Carncross.

Performances will take place in the FGCU TheatreLab, Arts Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S, Fort Myers.

Show times are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. A discussion will folHappenings Magazine

low the Dec. 1 matinee with cast and crew. Tickets for the Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 performances are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and can be purchased at fgcu.edu/theatrelab Special performances will be held Dec. 7, 8 & 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Market Plaza Stage at Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers. These performances will be free and open to the public For more details, call 239745-4268.

December 2018 - 13

GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE

THEATRE

A Funny Thing

Happened on the Way

to the Forum

John Wascavage and Jason Simon in Gulfshore Playhouseʼs production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, playing now through Dec. 30 at The Norris Center in Naples.

Gulfshore Playhouse travels back to ancient Rome for its second any stock version and instead see this as a new, fun opportunity to production of the 2018-19 season, A Funny Thing Happened on the play up music and dance that really highlights the casts uniqueness.”

Way to the Forum.

Making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut as Pseudolus, Kristen The Tony Award–winning farce written by Burt Shevelove and Mengelkoch previously starred in the first national tour of the Tony Larry Gelbart, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, runs Award-winning musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. through Dec. 30.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum also features The show’s 10-member ensemble tells the tale of Pseudolus, a Broadway actress Stephanie Pope, who starred in the 1996 devious slave who makes a deal to win his freedom by playing matchBroadway production of Forum with Nathan Lane; New York talent maker for his lovesick master, Hero. Filled with pompous generals, Michelle Ragusa of Broadway’s Young Frankenstein, Urinetown, domineering parents, and wiley courtesans, Ragtime, Titanic, A Class Act and Cyrano; Jason this gender-swapped musical is a non-stop Simon, who was recently seen in New York as laugh-fest.

Edna in Hairspray at the Argyle Theatre and the Overseeing the production is director Maitre d’ in Susan Stroman’s production of The Darren Katz, who returns to Gulfshore Merry Widow at the Metropolitan Opera; and Playhouse following his success with last seaJulia Johanos from the 2016-17 Gulfshore son’s hit, Leading Ladies. New York City– Playhouse production of My Fair Lady as well as based Katz specializes in the development of Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Katherine in new musicals, and unique storytelling rooted Newsies (both at Fireside Theatre). in autobiography, and previously served as an Playing the role of Hero is Adante Carter, associate director for Broadway’s The Lion whose previous work includes Sweetee at King.

Signature Theatre NYC and Pete the Cat at “The question was how to take this hilariLucille Lortel Theatre. Cast members also ous comedy from 1962 – with the only female include John Wascavage of the national tour of characters being a loud domineering wife and The Suspects in Murder for Two; Mat Davies a bunch of mindless courtesans – and present from the touring production of Neverland; Marika it to a contemporary audience in a way that Abe of King and I at Maltz Jupiter Theatre; and audiences would fall in love with it all over Victor Caroli, who previously served as a resiStephanie Pope plays Marcus Lycus in A again,” said Katz. “The answer was to cast dent actor at the Cleveland Play House as well Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the phenomenal music theater talents and then as at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival.

Forum. jumble it all up. Some times women will play Production staff also includes Matt Aument as the men and sometimes men will play the music supervisor; music director Adrian Ries; women. So, when you hear a song about a bunch of old men having lighting designer Jimmy Lawlor; scenic designer Kristen Martino; and their way with the maid, it’s coming from women portraying men. production stage manager Jamie A. Eckhold.

We’re hearing the song in a way we never heard before.”

Evening shows begin at 8 , and matinees begin at 3 p.m. Tickets Famed choreographer Adam Cates will also lead the creative team range from $20 - $73; all tickets are $35 two hours before a performfor A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Cates served ance. For purchase info, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact as associate choreographer of the hit Broadway musical Anastasia 866-811-4111. and the 2016-17 Gulfshore Playhouse production of My Fair Lady.

Free pre-show discussions take place Dec. 9, 16, and 19, where “Told through a lens that speaks to a 2018 sensibility while still Gulfshore Playhouse artistic staff lead conversations about themes honoring the original production, this is truly some of the most dynamand topics related to the production. Gulfshore Playhouse performs at ic casting of this show ever,” said Cates. “So, we felt no reason to do The Norris Center in Naples.

14 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

FLORIDA REP

Damascus runs through Dec. 9

about extremism, our biases, and the Florida Repertory Theatre line between caution and paranoia. presents the southeastern Darian Dauchan plays Hassan, the United States premiere of Somali American shuttle driver strugDamascus, a psychological gling to make ends meet. Jeremiah thriller chosen from the theatre's Clapp, a regional actor and recent popular PlayLab festival of new Case Western Reserve/Cleveland works in 2017.

Playhouse MFA graduate, plays the Damascus plays now through 19-year-old college student, Lloyd, Dec. 9 in the ArtStage Studio who is desperate to get to Chicago in Theatre. the dead of night. Laura Shatkus, a "This play is electric, thrilling, Chicago native whose recent work and is going to have audiences includes the Hippodrome Theatre in on the edge of their seats," said Gainesville and TheatreSquared in associate artistic director Jason Fayetteville, Ark., plays various roles Parrish. "When this play was in Damascus. read in our 2017 PlayLab Ensemble member and director V. Festival, it started an important Craig Heidenreich leads an expert discussion about the assumpcreative team that includes resident tions we all make about one set designer Jordan Moore (Cabaret), another and ignited a debate Jeremiah Clapp and Darian Dauchan in Florida RepĘźs producensemble costume designer Stefanie about what motivates people to tion of Damascus. Photo by Joe Dafeldecker Genda (Cabaret), lighting and projeccommit unspeakable crimes. It is tion designer Rob Siler (Becoming Dr. a timely and topical story, but Ruth), sound designer Katie Lowe (Steel Magnolias), and ensemble more importantly, it is just a great piece of theatre that puts our stage manager Audrey M. Brown (Disgraced).

ArtStage Studio into a configuration audiences have never seen. This Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the is not one to miss." box office at 239-332-4488. Tickets are priced at $55 for regular perDamascus by Bennett Fisher, stars Darian Dauchan, Jeremiah formances. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Clapp and Laura Shatkus – all making their Florida Rep debuts. Set Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson mostly inside a shuttle van between the Minneapolis and Chicago air& Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. ports, Damascus is a claustrophobic and electrifying conversation

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

Every Christmas

Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

Half Price Preview

Sponsored by CPK Wealth Management

Nov. 29

In what can best be called a holiday mash-up, actors take beloved stories and traditions and turn them upside down & sideways!

NOV. 30, DEC. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, DECEMBER 9, 16 & 22 DEC. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 8 p.m. at 2 p.m. www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 15

THEATRE

Deadly Sugarplums on Bonita stage It’s the most wonderful time of year, especially for something completely different. The holiday season is always an opportunity for new traditions and this year, Center for the Performing Arts of Bonita Springs will put a whole new twist on yuletide lore with their world premiere of Deadly Sugarplums: A Fright Before Christmas.

When things go bump in the night, it might be Santa Claus or it might be a monster from another world coming for your sanity. Off-Broadway playwright Frank Blocker teams up with Los Angeles horror director Jana Wimer in a series of adapted stories taken from classic short stories of the 1800s when the (now defunct) English holiday tradition required guests at Christmas Eve to spin a scary yarn before being allowed dessert. An entire genre of storytelling came into being during the Victorian era and was so popular that it spawned or enhanced the careers of many classic writers including Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry James, Rudyard Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and was most certainly behind the success of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Deadly Sugarplums: A Fright Before Christmas will include stories adapted from A. M. Burrage, Sir Andrew Caldecott and Algernon Blackwood—the muse of H.P. Lovecraft. Jerome K. Jerome wrote in 1891, “Whenever five or six English-speaking people meet round a fire on Christmas Eve, they start telling each other ghost stories.” The premise with this play will be the actors inviting audience to their party to hear, feel and fully experience these tales under the direction of coauthor Wimer.

Jana Wimer’s work has been performed for more than a decade in Los Angeles where the Urban Death series she co-created is a mustsee every year come Halloween and has many sold-out runs throughout the year. The audience gets a visceral experience when Wimer is at the helm, employing her actors to scare and delight audiences in ever-changing ways. You never know where the next scream or scare will come, and it may very well be you that’s screaming.

Wimer met Blocker during their tenure with LA’s The Visceral Company where they premiered Dan Spurgeon’s hilarious and creepy adaptation of the 1973 B-movie The Baby.

Blocker is the new film and theater director at Center for the Performing Arts, where he has been working on projects for the past few years including the hugely successfully Stage It! 10Minute Play Festival, the Funny Shorts Live! series, and where he hosts their Monday Night Films for Film Lovers series as well as the Bonita Springs International Film Festival.

“When Susan Bridges (art center president) asked me what we could do to offer something different for our holiday fare, my first call was to Jana. She has a fantastic ability of working with all levels of experience and talent, and she knows how to engage an audience for every second of a live event.”

For audiences looking to escape collections of standard Christmas carols and Nutcracker suites, an evening of delightful fright awaits.

The show runs from Dec. 6 - 9 at the Moe Auditorium and Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Beach, with evening performances and weekend matinees at a ticket price of $25. Contact the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs for tickets at 239-495-8989 or online www.artcenterbonita.org.

Charlotte Players auditions, shows and New Year’s Eve A busy December for the Charlotte Players begins the first weekend of the month, with auditions for three plays taking place Dec. 2 and 3.

Directors will be seeing actors at 7 p.m. for these plays: Singin’ in the Rain, the Players’ main stage musical production scheduled for Feb. 15 - 24 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

Right Bed, Wrong Husband, a comedy hinging on a case of mistaken identity and hitting the stage Feb. 1 - 17 at the Langdon Playhouse.

Steel Magnolias is coming to the Langdon March 8 - 24.

On Dec. 6, Denise Fennell dons her habit as Sister for one night only in Sister’s Christmas Catechism – The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold at the William H. Wakeman, III Cultural Center Theater in Port Charlotte. This time, Sister seeks to solve the mystery of the missing gold presented to the Christ child.

“We know where the frankincense ended up and what was done with the myrrh. But the mys16 - December 2018

tery remains: who took the gold?” she says.

Sister’s “CSI: Bethlehem” forensic investigation turns her mission into an educational experience for her audience, with lots of laughs along the way.

On Dec. 7, Bianca & Tatiana’s Holiday Drag Queen Bingo comes to the Langdon for a special event from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. If you’ve ever been, you know what to expect; if not, come and enjoy a holiday evening with the ladies. Tickets are $20, and you must be 21 to attend.

The Charlotte Players concludes December with a pair of shows on New Year’s Eve. Director Ken Crisp is assembling a group of singers and musicians for “Bring on the New Year” at the Langdon Playhouse on Dec. 31. Shows are at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The evening will include singing, music, laughs and a special champagne toast at each show.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-2551022 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Denise Fennell stars in Sisterʼs Christmas Catechism – The Mystery of the Magiʼs Gold at Cultural Center in Port Charlotte on Dec. 6.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 17

THEATRE

Winter Wonderettes at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is kicking off the holiday season with Winter Wonderettes playing now through Dec. 25.

This energetic and glittering holiday revue is the perfect treat to help you groove into the spirit of the season!

It’s 1968 and the Marvelous Wonderettes are the entertainers at Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. The girls have their holiday harmonies ready and have transformed the hardware store into a winter wonderland.

Like every year, Mr. Harper is scheduled to appear as Santa Claus and pass out the employee bonuses, but trouble ensues when “Santa” turns up missing. The girls keep the party going with lots of laughs and fun at every turn and a few lucky audience members get to be part of the excitement! The holiday songs include many favorites such as Santa

Baby, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland and more.

Directing and choreographing Winter Wonderettes is Amy McCleary. McCleary’s recent work with Broadway Palm includes Annie, Mamma Mia and Chicago. Her choreography can also be seen throughout the

country in the current national tour of The Wizard of Oz. The cast includes Broadway Palm alumni Melissa Whitworth who was seen as Grace in Annie and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, as well as Sarah Mae Banning who starred in last season’s Chicago as Roxie Hart. Making their debuts at Broadway Palm are Sarah Hinrichsen and Lexie Wolf.

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 to $59 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 2784422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Annual New Works Festival seeks playwrights

Gulfshore Playhouse is now seeking receive a $500 honorarium, as well as airfare and submissions for the seventh annual New accommodations for the duration of the festival.

Works Festival.

“The Gulfshore Playhouse New Works Festival The festival brings together playhas restored my faith that even in a time of wrights, professional actors and directors reduced budget for the arts in this country, there is from across the country for a weeklong still a place nurturing new voices,” said playwright event culminating in a series of staged Laura Maria Censabella, whose work, Paradise, readings for an audience. was featured in the fourth annual New Works Gulfshore Playhouse will consider the Festival. first 150 submissions from playwrights and The festival allows playwrights to transition from agents. Only full-length plays that have writing, to adding actors and an audience, to not had a full production are eligible. At understanding how the play works in a performthis time, Gulfshore Playhouse is not ance setting. accepting musical submissions.

“The New Works Festival is one of the best Applicants should submit two PDF ways we can contribute to the national landscape New Works Fest finalist Alix Sobler and files: a cover page with name and contact by fostering the growth of up-and-coming playGulfshore Playhouse founder Kristen information, and the script with no playwrights,” said Gulfshore Playhouse producing artistic Coury. wright information. Files should be director and founder Kristen Coury. emailed to “It is especially exciting when a play emerges submissions@GulfshorePlayhouse.org. Scripts not received in the from the festival that we feel is a great fit for our audience and our therequested format will not be considered until they are resubmitted in ater, like Miss Keller Has No Second Book, a finalist from the 2017 festhe correct format. tival that we produced as part of our 2017-18 season.”

The 2019 New Works Festival finalists are chosen through a blind The seventh annual New Works Festival will take place Sept. 9 to submission process. Next summer, semifinalists will be contacted 15, 2019. For more information or questions, contact Gulfshore regarding their availability and willingness to participate in the festival, Playhouse artistic content curator Audrey Zielenbach at azielenwhich will factor into the selection of the finalists. Each finalist will bach@GulfshorePlayhouse.org.

18 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

ART

Exhibits, events at Naples Art Association

If you are stressed during the most wonderful time of the year, why not decompress with a little art? The Naples Art Association is just the place to take your mind off of a house full of relatives, cooking, shopping, and more.

The next Art in the Park will take place Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave South in Naples.

The Naples Art Association connects artists with art shoppers in another exciting season of Art in the Park. Since 1957, Art in the Park has showcased the talents of artists and is believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples. The Naples Art Association host this juried art show on the first Saturday of each month from November through April.

Looking for a way to get all of your friends together, but don’t want to host? Try a workshop! The NAA is offering a Photographing a Landscape workshop where students will learn techniques to take magical landscape images from beach scenes to forests and falling waters.

Use your newfound talents to snap the perfect holiday image.

Do you need time with your spouse before the Christmas crazy ensues?

Make plans to attend Dinner with Artists on Tuesday, Dec. 4, where chef Brian Roland, from The Venue, will prepare a delicious meal served on a gorgeous, holiday-inspired tablescape accompanied by a live, interactive art experience Jim Salvatiʼs “Bathing Cap” is provided by artist Andrea part of the National Art Encounter Beloff. Tickets sell fast for exhibit which runs Dec. 1 through this experience, so purchase Jan. 12. your date night soon!

Artist Rachelle Meagher was at the the first Art in the Park of the season on Nov. 4. To learn more about Rachelle Meagher and her art, visit www.meagherart.com. The next Art in the Park will be Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. in Cambier Park.

If you just need some peace and quiet – and who doesn’t - stop by the Naples Art Association. Located in the heart of downtown Naples, the NAA has several ongoing exhibitions on view during the month of December including the National Art Encounter 2018-19 from Dec. 1 through Jan. 12; Photographers from the Digital Photography & Imaging - Special Interest Group (DPI-SIG) from Dec. 8 through Dec. 29; and A Journey in Wax also Dec. 8 through Dec. 29. All exhibitions are free-of-charge, so stop in any time during gallery hours.

During the month of December, the NAA’s gift shop will be transformed into the famous Sugar Plum Shop and will feature an unparalleled selection of handcrafted ornaments, paintings, sculptures, accessories, decorations, and much more.

For more info about the Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., and its many programs, visit www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517.

Dirce Kennedy exhibit in Bonita Dirce Kennedy is a Southwest Florida resident who believes our faces reveal our souls.

As a portrait artist, she captures human nature with paint and a brush. She believes that something magical happens when a person’s visage is transferred to a canvas. While we are each visibly distinct individuals, a careful portrait can capture the inner spirit and those aspects of spirit which allow us to relate and identify with one another. Portraits invite us to slow down and lower our social and emotional barriers – to feel a subject’s essence and feel a genuine connection with them, often generations after the portrait was painted.

Dirce Kennedy’s upcoming exhibition at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs will be the tenth solo exhibition for this up-and-coming Brazilian American artist since 2015. The

20 - December 2018

opening reception will take place on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and the exhibition will be on display through Dec. 27. This opening reception will be held concurrently with a reception for the Fire and Ice Exhibition which will also be on display through Dec. 27.

Dirce Kennedy paints in oil and acrylics.

She paints conceptual and commissioned portraiture. As influences, she lists Renoir, Warhol, Alex Katz and her father. She gives her father credit for not only giving her her first set of drawing materials, but also “an ongoing passion for knowledge, for art, for life.”

You are invited to connect with Dirce Kennedy and other art lovers in the community for the Faces of Us Exhibition. The center is located at 26100 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 21

ART

Naples Artcrafters Dec. 8 in Cambier Park

The Naples Artcrafters will host their next juried fine art and craft show of the season on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The event showcases the work of 90 juried local artists and craftsmen who will be selling their paintings, jewelry, pottery, art glass, sculptures and more in lovely Cambier Park, which is located on 8th Street South, just one block south of 5th Ave South in downtown Naples.

Meet well known and emerging Naples’ artists in this celebration of creativity. It will be a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support your artists.

Admission is free, and free parking is nearby. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of local artists and the

Bonny Hawley is among the many local artists at the monthly Naples Artcrafters fine art and craft show in Cambier Park.

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.

The remaining 2018-19 season has shows scheduled for Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), March 9 and April 13 (the final show of the season).

For more information about the local group, visit www.naplesartcrafters.com.

Art & Nature Night Dec. 12 at Shangri-La Springs

Andrew McClure

22 - December 2018

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. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Branching Out exhibit, on display through Feb. 5, features the works of Rosemary Allen and Andrew McClure and celebrates the many varieties of trees on the property at Shangri-La Springs including the giant Mysore Fig trees, unique Gumbo Limbo trees and the many other varieties of well-preserved trees that contribute to the property’s magical, nurturing and invigorating aspects.

Enjoy jazz piano in the property’s Great House

by Mickey Basil, live sidewalk chalk art by Jane Portaluppi Durand, complimentary mini spa treatments in The Spa, contortions by Bendy Kat, Paper Grotto Theatre by Lily Hatchet with music by Kat Epple and a community drumming circle under the stars.

The Dec. 12 event is free to attend. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Florida. Call 239-949-0749 or visit online at www.shangrilasprings.com for more information.

Rosemary Allen

Happenings Magazine

Naples Fine Art Show to debut

Dec. 15 & 16 at Galleria Shoppes

Lee Burstein

Hot Works, LLC has announced the debut of a new art show in Naples in December.

The Naples Fine Art Show will take place Dec. 15 and 16 at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt in Naples, announced Hot Works executive producer Patty Narozny. The new show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road location.

Narozny tends to every detail of the show to ensure the art is authentic, personally handmade by the artist who is in the show. The focus is quality, not quantity. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges, she says.

The show features up to 175 juried, professional artists in all discipline whose art is for sale to the public.

Juried by art professionals, the criteria is based on originality, technique, execution, and overall booth presentation.

Local, national and international acclaimed artists are invited to display original, one-of-a-kind hand-made creations.

As part of their commitment to include art education into the Southwest Florida community, a youth art competition for grades K-8 or ages 5 - 13 is integrated into the art shows.

Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, all young artists are invited to enter his/her original and personally handmade art which is publicly displayed the duration of the art show. $250 in Youth Art awards – one $100 “Best of Youth Art” and three $50 “Youth Art Awards of Excellence” - as budding artists are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of

Ray Cannata

doing art shows for a living.

Other upcoming Hot Works shows this season include the 22nd Estero Fine Art show which has moved to a new location and will be held Jan. 5 and 6 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers; and the second Naples Fine Art Show on March 30 and 31 at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt in Naples.

To find out more about these art shows, visit online at www.hotworks.org.

Josh Price Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 23

ART

Gary Alan Hall, Yvonne Krystman at ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery will feature Gary Alan Hall in the main gallery and Yvonne Krystman’s art will hang in the White Gallery. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. during the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk.

Gary Alan Hall learned to draw as a child by watching his father and continued his artistic interests by working in the graphic arts industry where he learned graphic design and illustration.

Additionally, Gary also worked for Art of the Olympians from 2006 until 2012 as Yvonne Krystman artist liaison and acting curator.

Gary has worked with various mediraku and traditional pottery. Also available, for the first ums over the years and currently favors time, will be samples of wearable art from acrylic painting. Drawing inspiration from art4wear.com, wearable art by Yvonne. Exhibits will illustrators, Gary’s work features bold include collections of 12x12 abstract works with 50% of human and animal figures on simple or sale price going to support Abuse Counseling and abstract backgrounds, often reflecting a Treatment, Inc. unique "poster-like" quality.

Yvonne Krystman is a Cape Coral based mixed Gary has shown his work in galleries Gary Alan Hall media artist, potter and photographer. A closing recepand has also has participated in several tion during Music Walk will be held Dec. 21 from 6 to 9 juried exhibits such as Dark Arts 2018, p.m. with the artist present.

2D/3D and Art in Public Places at RSW airACT Gallery is also featuring new works by over 25 co-op artists. port.

These exhibits continue until Dec. 31. Arts for ACT Gallery is locatYvonne Krystman brings a multi-disciplinary collection of works ed at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-337-5050 for inspired by Floridian elements: Wind, ocean waves, sunshine, and more details. hurricanes. On display will be new, mixed media pieces along with

DAAS Co-Op features Peter Zell

In the month of December, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is hosting a meet and greet reception with expressionist artist Peter Zell. The opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through Jan. 5.

Peter Zell is an oil painter who has lived on Sanibel for the past 13 years with his wife, Carol. Before then, he practiced law in California for 32 years, finding time to take art classes at the local community college in the years before his retirement. He has won various local awards from arts organizations, including second place at the Art Council of Southwest Florida 2007 Winner’s Circle Exhibition.

He was nominated for best new artist in the Angel of the Arts competition in Fort Myers in 2008 and has been a member of various galleries in Florida. Zell 24 - December 2018

Peter Zell has participated in various group and solo exhibitions over the past years. His paint-

ings have been accepted by the Butler Institute of American Art for its juried annual exhibitions in Youngstown, Ohio, in 2013 and 2015.

“The oil and acrylic paintings are figurative and representational and to some degree expressionistic. Many are plein air paintings. They probably relate more to the formal aspects of painting rather than a high concept or theme.,” states Zell. More information about the artist is available at www.peterzellartist.com.

For more information about the gallery, visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-5908645.

DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is located in the Royal Palm Square, in the heart of the SoCo Cultural District (socoswfl.com), at 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, in Fort Myers.

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happenings Magazine

Fine Art & Crafts Show Presented by Naples Artcrafters

Harbour View Gallery

Saturday, December 8th

All Local Co-Op Art Gallery Art Classes - Register Online

More Than 80 Local Juried Artists

Cambier Park

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

Celebrating Fine Art & Artists for 50 Years!

10 am to 4 pm Free Admission & Parking

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com Happenings Magazine

Check out our NEW online store

Live Artist Demos

Local Artwork - Classes - Events

Acrylic Paintings Oil Paintings Photography Fabric Art Paper Castings Woodcarvings

Watercolor Paintings Pottery Sand Castings Glass Art Jewelry Handbags

5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104 - Cape Coral Open Daily 11 am - 8 pm • Now Offering Classes harbourviewgallery.com art@harbourviewgallery.com

239-540-5789 December 2018 - 25

Harbour View Gallery showcasing the art of Alicia Schmidt and Terry Gardiner ART

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Alicia Schmidt (minimalist abstract painter) and Terry Gardiner (sculptor) at a reception on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Alicia Schmidt is known primarily as a minimalist abstract painter. She works in deep saturations of color and creates sparsely designed compositions. However, she has explored various subjects through the years. The human figure has been the most frequently interpreted through different techniques, and incorporating simplicity of form.

She used the common paper bag in an extensive series of works: 3-dimensional assemblages, pastels accurately drawn and set in abstract backgrounds and expressionistically painted bags on chairs. The bags eventually became monolithic forms as though welded together.

A series of paintings with chairs as subject featured dissected, distorted images of wooden, cushioned and upholstered chairs.

In 1976, while visiting the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, NY, Schmidt’s greatest inspiration came from viewing the work of the Gallery’s Clyfford Still collection. This inspired her understanding of minimal, spatial compositions. Her paintings would evolve from large monolithic shapes, to a line with a few small shapes, then to shaped canvases and, finally, to interpreting a subject through simple geometric and organic shapes Schmidt received her AA degree from

Alicia Schmidt

Edison Community College in Fort Myers in 1968; she attended Florida State University; received her BFA from Ringling School of Art in Sarasota in 1972; and her MFA from the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in 1973.

Terry Gardiner went to college in the ‘60s during the NYC pop art and modern impressionist art years. “I studied these movements and followed many artists.”

He received a B.A. in Fine Arts and incorporated her love of color and structure in minimalist industrial design creations that she created, working for many high tech companies in LA. While living in Venice, Calif., in1980, she painted some watercolor fantasy works, and had a one man show, at The Small World Art Gallery in Venice. During the show, the curator watched Andy Warhol come in and signed his visitors log with: “best new artist I’ve seen.” That propelled him into the mod-

Terry Gardiner

ern/pop art scene.

He came to south Florida and painted tropical watercolors for years, doing works on Sanibel, Key West and New Orleans.

While living and travelling around the south, he found the Carolinas, where he purchased a summer home. In the midst of Cotton Mills and southern life, he was seeing its history first hand, and he started “Southern Sculptures Series.” He goes through old family photo albums, historical documents and folk lore, to find her subjects.

Their work will be on display through December. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, in the Shops at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral.

Art Under the Stars Dec. 13 at Hirdie Girdie

Hirdie Girdie Gallery invites the public to a holiday “Art Under the Stars” reception on Dec. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The artwork of the gallery’s two new clay artists, Augusta Crane and Michelle McCarthy, will be featured, and the reception will be held in conjunction with neighboring Tower Gallery.

Augusta Crane is inspired by the flowers and leaves abundant in nature to create her bowls, plates, and vases, and her pieces are embellished Augusta Crane with beautifully realistic and colorful tropical flora. Augusta also feels a spiritual connection when working with clay, and considers it a meditative experience. Augusta compares creating art and transforming a lump of clay into something beautiful to the transformation of humanity into beauty by the Divine. She feels the process of cre26 - December 2018

ation mirrors life experience and keeps her centered, balanced, and humble.

Michelle McCarthy creates both hand built and wheel thrown pottery in her Port Charlotte studio. She uses white, buff, and speckled stoneware clays, and has over 100 glazes to choose from to create gloss and matte Michelle McCarthy finishes.

An animal lover, Michelle’s pottery designs often feature a form of sea life, and she also likes to use texture and layering in her pieces.

Hirdie Girdie Gallery is located at 2490 Library Way on Sanibel.

For more info, call 239-395-0027 or visit www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com.

Happenings Magazine

Holiday artisan market, pop up bazaar Dec. 7 in River District This holiday season, buy from original artists and artisans on Friday, Dec. 7.

From 6 to 10 p.m. during the River District’s Holiday Stroll, local crafters, artists and more will be selling their original works at the Holiday Pop Up Bazaar.

Take part in this new, annual art sales event. The Holiday Pop Up Bazaar was created to help local artists, artisans and crafters sell their work during the busiest shopping season.

The Fort Myers River District will be hosting the annual Holiday Artisan Market as well on Dec. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m.

This year’s Holiday Artisan Market will make it a White Christmas in Fort Myers. It will be snowing on First Street as event goers stop in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to view the

Happenings Magazine

16 foot Christmas tree on display outside.

Plus, Santa will be making a stop on his sleigh at the Davis Art Center, and Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson will join in on a Clydesdale-drawn carriage. Countdown to the tree lighting at 7 p.m. as you enjoy shopping and music from carolers.

All of downtown will be bustling with vendors, shoppers, and art enthusiasts, so this will be the perfect time to make your holiday purchases.

This year’s Holiday Artisan Market and Pop Up Art Bazaar are not to be missed. Join in the holiday spirit at this free annual event in downtown Fort Myers.

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

For more information, call 239-333-1933, or visit www.sbdac.com.

December 2018 - 27

Art League of Fort Myers is ready for a new season

A new season is upon us, and the Art League of Fort Myers is ready to showcase its members and local artists.

Located at 1451 Monroe St. in the downtown River District of Fort Myers, the Art League was established in 1956 and is celebrating more than 60 years as Fort Myers’ art resource.

The ALFM holds monthly art shows (including receptions during Art Walk), open studio painting, adult and children’s classes and sales.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month during Art Walk.

ART

Two new exhibits open at BIG ARTS

Anthony Salemme

To find out about exhibits and classes, call 239-275-3970 or email artleagueoffm@embarqmail.com.

Also find out more online at www.artleagueoffortmyers.org.

Priscilla Jeffcoat

Nancy Terrell

Two new art exhibits will hang at BIG ARTS on Sanibel in December.

Altered Realities will be on display in the Phillips Gallery from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30. An altered reality, by definition, is a change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a significant way to the world or state of things as they actually exist. Artists will have stretched their minds, to create, shape and manipulate the reality they see before them. This juries show will feature works that represent abnormal or manipulated realities.

Handmade: The Art of Ceramics will hang in Founders Gallery Nov. 28 through Dec. 30. Versatile, sensuous, malleable, as basic as mud and as old as art itself, ceramics has been a medium of fine art for centuries. This juries show will feature ceramics that are not only functionally beautiful, but also pieces that are uniquely created.

Art of Ceramics explores the possibilities of the medium beyond functionality.

An artists reception will be held Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. for both exhibits.

BIG ARTS is located at 190 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. For more info, call 239-395-0900 or visit online at www.bigarts.org.

FGCU Senior Projects exhibit opens Dec. 4

The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower knowledge of techniques and concepts while drawing on the research School of Music & the Arts presents “Senior Projects, Fall 2018 of historical and contemporary artists. The completed projects are preExhibition,” with an opening sented in an exhibition open to the reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. university community and the public.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 at the Wasmer Andrew Owen is the faculty mentor Art Gallery in the Arts Complex for this group of graduates. and ArtLab Gallery in the west Senior Projects students this side of the Library Building. semester are Carly Cooper, Lindsay Each student will give a brief Dawson, Gianna Dubay, Amber presentation about their exhibiFrank, Brandon Gebert, Taylor tion beginning at 5 p.m. in the Hallbeck, Donne Hutcheson, Chloe U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Lewis, Tariqa Liebermann, Brianna Music Building on the FGCU Linden, Kevin Madieros, Josselin campus. The exhibition runs Rosa, Meghan Skrobis, Sara Stowers through Dec. 14, and is made and Nicholas Tricarico. possible with the support of the The Wasmer Art Gallery is in the Layden Family Foundation and Arts Complex on FGCU’s main camThe Smith Family Foundation of pus at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Parking Estero. for visitors to the gallery is available in At the end of their studies, Lot 7. Regular viewing hours are 10 each art major completes a a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, senior project in which he or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. For more Charlotte Slabach, The Gate (detail of installation), 2018 she successfully executes a details, go to artgallery.fgcu.edu or Photo by James Greco. body of work combining their call 239-590-7199.

28 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

COCO Art Gallery reception Dec. 7

Francine Gerson was born and raised in designs and colors she incorporates into Cleveland where her interest in art was her work. Each unique creation invites natnourished at the Cleveland Art Museum ural light to whimsically alter the transparand The Cleveland Institute of Art grades 3 ent glass as it is viewed from various - 12. She graduated from Kent State angles.

University with a degree in Elementary More than 20 years ago, artist Nancy Education, married, had children and Burke wandered into a bright pink building moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland, not knowing what the contents of the shop Canada, in 1970, where she taught special contained. To her amazement were thouneeds kids. sands of beads. After spending a couple of In 1975, when the family moved to hours “just looking,” she signed up for a Ontario, Canada, Francine discovered her class being held the following day. After the love for stained glass. class, she became what she Even with another move calls a “bead addict.” The to Hudson, Ohio, in 1978, rest is history. while earning two masNancy has dabbled in all ter's degrees in special forms of jewelry creations, education, and teaching, teaching and participating in Francine continued her shows. She also enjoys growth and experimentahosting jewelry shows in the tion with stained glass. comfort of your home.

Her move to Estero in Francine Gerson and 2002 opened new horiNancy Burke are among the zons as she discovered many artists currently her passion for fused exhibiting at the COCO Art glass at the Center for Gallery located at 8074 Arts in Bonita Springs.

Mediterranean Drive, This art form has allowed Estero, in the Coconut Point Francine the freedom to Mall (next to Panera Bread). fully express herself Additionally, the gallery through the various will have a special exhibit Francine Gerson

Happenings Magazine

Nancy Burke

Dec. 10 - 24 featuring the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild.

The COCO Art Gallery will be hosting a reception on Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Complimentary wine, food, and entertainment will be provided.

Nancy Burke will be the featured artist on Dec. 8 and 9.

Francine Gerson will be the featured artist Dec. 15 and 16.

Original paintings, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, photography, glass, metal, wood, and fabric art are available.

Gallery artist participation requires membership in at least one of the 22, Art Council of Southwest Florida affiliations.

For more information about the gallery, 239-949-3073 or visit www.cocoartgallery.com.

December 2018 - 29

ART

Cape Coral galleries feature Lorne Hosack

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

Born in Florida, Lorne has been painting since his days of living in St. Thomas where he was surrounded by all the turquoise water and wild fusia flowers. His paintings include

coastal images, birds and animals.

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

Lorne’s artwork can also be seen at Frame Gallery and Gifts, 1830 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Call 239945-0866 or 574-5111 for more details.

On display at the Cape Coral Library

Jessi Dilich

Small Works exhibit at Alliance for the Arts through December 29 Hundreds of pieces of artwork created by Alliance for the Arts members fill the gallery walls now through Dec. 29 during Small Works Exhibit: 200 Under $200.

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

The gallery will evolve as pieces disappear and the remaining pieces are repositioned.

Beverly Yankwitt will be exhibiting in the member gallery. The Theatre Gallery will house works

by Elisabeth Arena. The exhibit runs through 30 - December 2018

Dec. 29.

“We hope that this exhibit will encourage others to consider buying local art when shopping for gifts,” said Krista Johnson, exhibitions coordinator. “By doing so, we can help stimulate the city’s creative economy.”

Admission to the gallery is free, but a $5 suggested donation helps keep arts programming accessible.

The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

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

An eclectic array of photography, paintings, miniature rooms and decorated eggs will be featured in the Cape Coral Library Gallery now through Dec. 26. The library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace.

All of the artists on exhibit are Cape Coral Art League members.

William Koscher’s photographs on aluminum will be displayed in the alcove area of the gallery.

Betsy Koscher, William’s wife, will be exhibiting her paintings and chalk pastels with his photographs.

Judy Usavage’s series of “cloud paintings” will be on view in the hallway area.

Judith MacLaren is a miniaturist artist and is showing a group of

William Koscher

exquisite, tiny rooms she made by hand for a 17-room house in 1982.

KiKi Brewsaugh will be exhibiting her hand-painted eggs along with “cracked egg art” in the gallery’s glass case.

These monthly exhibitions are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library.

Pop-up exhibit at DAAS Co-Op

Kurdish artist Ilyas Kirkan had a special pop-up exhibition in November at DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts in Fort Myers. The gallery held a meet and greet Nov. 17.

Happenings Magazine

DECEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 1

Naples Art Association Art in the Park Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

239-262-6517

Gulf Coast Symphony: The Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

239-481-4849 Patsy Cline tribute starring Linda Fazioli Through Dec. 2 Cultural Park Theatre 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 239-772-5862 Elf The Musical Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Travel show AAA Naples Branch, 5401 Airport Pulling Road, 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Register to attend 239-594-5006 ext 2254 Annual Holiday Market Through Dec. 2 The Visual Arts Center 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

941-639-8810 A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 19 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 ACMA: Mare Wakefield and Nomad ACMA Listening Room, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Winter Wonderettes Through Dec. 25 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Rachelle Coba Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 32 - December 2018

John Ford Coley will perform Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. at Hinman Auditorium at the Center for the Performings Arts in Bonita Springs. The center is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. For tickets and concert details, visit www.artcenterbonita.org.

Hops & Hope Fundraiser Fort Myers Brewing 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, #28, Fort Myers, Featuring local songwriters performing in a Nashville-style, songwriters’ round, alongside refreshing craft brews and lots of family fun activities to benefit Valerie’s House, 2 - 6 p.m. www.valerieshouseswfl.org John Ford Coley Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Bite The Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Holiday Festival of Lights Cape Coral Parkway, Downtown Cape Coral between SE 15th Ave. and Candia Street, Lots of holiday fun including the 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

Stephen Johnson Junior Trombone Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, Fort Myers free and open to the public.

7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Sunset Celebration The Regulars Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Food, Wine & Beer Festival Bayfront in Naples The Rotary Club of Naples Food, Wine & Beer Festival is a food, wine and craft beer extravaganza featuring over 80 premium wines and dozens of craft beers along with food from 20 participating restaurants, musical groups and entertainment.

5 - 8 p.m. 239-272-5186 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787

Damascus Through Dec. 9 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Alter Ego Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

SUN - 2

Spirit of the Gulf Chorus Spirit of the Season Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 2 p.m.

239-481-4849 Mastersingers: An Afternoon of Readings and Carols New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, 3 p.m.

239-560-9512 Paul & Quinten; Preston Hamilton The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m.; 4:30 7:30 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade North Matanzas Pass, Fort Myers Beach 6 p.m. 239-454-7500

BIG ARTS exhibits open Phillips & Founders Galleries, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island, Opening of two fine art exhibits “Altered Realties” and “Handmade: the Art of Ceramics,” live music provided by Kate Skales Band in the Boler Garden, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900

Naples Players: White Christmas Through Dec. 23 Blackburn Hall 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-263-7990

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

Through Dec. 22 The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481

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

Annual Bromeliad Plant Sale Dec. 1 & 2 Araba Shrine Temple in Fort Myers, 2010 Hanson St. Admission is free and local growers will be there to sell plants, answer questions and offer tips. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec 1, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. 239-850-4048

Ramon Ayala The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, 8 p.m.

239-985-9839

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Trop Rock and Holiday classics by Sunny Jim White, 1-5 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

Holiday on the Bay Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples Enjoy a festive snow show and take delight in holiday entertainment including complimentary photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, Dickens Period Carolers, dance group performances and extraordinary shopping and dining all evening. Snow starts at 7 p.m. 5 - 8 p.m.

239-961-1955

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Through Dec. 2 TheatreLab, Arts Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S, Ft. Myers, 239-745-4268

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Nexx Level Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

Gulfshore Playhouse: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Through Dec. 30 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples, 866-811-4111

Naples Concert Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. www.NaplesConcertBand.org

Holiday Nights Through Dec. 30 Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 5:30 - 9 p.m.

239-334-7419

Six Characters in Search of a Play The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

239-218-0481 Happenings Magazine

Handel’s Messiah Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Old-Fashioned Holiday Bazaar Koreshan State Park 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Enjoy shopping for unique gifts and crafts at 100 vendors in the decorated Koreshan Unity Settlement. Get your family & pet’s pictures with Santa, storytime, Santa’s workshop, carriage rides, music, food and more!

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-992-0311 Musical Moment SeriesMessiah Sing-a-long Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, 3 - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989 Wind Orchestra Holiday Concert Grace Church, 13 SE 21st Place, Cape Coral, free, 3 p.m. 239-745-4268

MON - 3

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dave Heveron, noon-3 p.m. singer Chris G, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & Guitar Box music by Pat Cozad, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Tommy Barr The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Crank Ups Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 A Christmas Concert Spectacular!

St. Columbkille Catholic Church 12171 Iona Road, Fort Myers Starring Glory Crampton and Mark Sanders with St. Columbkille Chamber Choir, $20. 7 p.m. 239-489-3973 Marisa Curbelo Junior Bass Trombone Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, Fort Myers, free, 7:30 p.m.

239-745-4268 Paul Berlinsky Junior Trombone Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, Fort Myers, free, 8:15 p.m.

239-745-4268 TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Join SBDAC and FMFF for TGIM every first Monday of the month during season! Join host Eric Raddatz, judges Mike Donlan, Mark Krzos, Bob Massey and co-host Melissa Tschari DeHaven for fresh short indie films, music, comedy and fun. Enjoy the films, and help the judges select which ones are shown at FMFF. 7 p.m. 239-333-1933 Happenings Magazine

Swamp Candy Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

TUE - 4

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Jim Vallie, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Harbour View Gallery artists reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, Artists Alicia Schmidt and Terry Gardiner, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Nicole D’Andrea The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Collaboration Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Naples Christmas Boat Parade The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples.

See boats decorated with Christmas lights, inflatables and costumed characters. Enjoy live entertainment, face painting, balloon art, holiday carolers, stories with Mrs. Claus, an appearance by Santa Claus and a snow show that starts at 7 p.m. 5 to 8 p.m. www.Venetianvillage.com Swamp Candy Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232 Senior Projects, Fall 2018 Exhibition opening presentations, reception Student presentations at 5 p.m. in the U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building with a reception to follow in the Arts Complex Lobby and ArtLab Gallery, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S, Ft. Myers.

239-590-7199 Evin Rossington Senior Percussion Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, Fort Myers, This recital is free and open to the public. 7:30 p.m.

239-590-7199 Holiday In The Park Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs Come enjoy the sounds of the season featuring the very popular blizzard with a giant snow slide, snow piles for the children, train rides and free cookies and cider! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse and carriage!

4:30 - 8:30 p.m. www.cityofbonitasprings.org December 2018 - 33

DECEMBER CALENDAR WED - 5

Deadly Sugarplums: A Fright Before Christmas Dec. 6 - 9 Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs Based on the Old English tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve, this new play takes you on a fantastic, heart-thumping ride through a chronology of forgotten tales. 239-495-8989

The Wizard of Oz Dec 5 - 6 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. 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 Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m. Salty Paws Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m., center court with music

by Dave Heveron.

941-575-3007

Christmas Tree Lighting Next to the Murdock Administration Building, Port Charlotte, There will be food, music and more. 5:15 p.m. charlottecountychamber.org

Shaham and Enigma Dec. 6 - 8 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples,239-597-1111

Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Music by Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy Celebrate the beauty of a Southwest Florida sunset, while listening to live music on the beach from 4 - 7 p.m.

There will also be food trucks, vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, gift items & much more! 3 p.m. - Sunset.

239-574-0806 FSW Symphony Orchestra and Choir Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers.

7:30 p.m. 239-432-5203 ART ALIVE Naples Art District Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours 5 - 8 p.m. 60+ professional artists, who will be showcasing their works of art and demonstrating . Look for magenta and white art flags. 239-289-5070, www.NaplesArtDistrict.com 34 - December 2018

The Naples Art Association is hosting a traveling exhibition - Morris Herstein: A Fusion of Fotos - now through Jan. 21 at the Exhibition Hall at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road in Naples.

Gulf Coast Senior Expo Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers, This event offers many senior friendly businesses, health checks and mature lifestyle feature, live entertainment, games, raffles 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 239-267-5107 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. & Peace River Trio, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Scotty Bryan Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Mercato Tree Lighting Mercato, Vanderbilt Beach Road and US 41, Naples Music by Patchouli, emceed by ABC-7’s Jen Stacy and Greg Parker, Dance Arts by Maria and Backstage Dance Academy, 5 - 7 p.m. www.mercatoshops.com

50s, 60s, Motown tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

THU - 6

The Del Prados Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy Pre-registration required and all seats are assigned. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. $12 per person.

239-574-0807 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Patchouli and Terra Guitarra Bell Tower Shops 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 6 to 8 p.m. www.thebelltowershops.com

Mercato Nights Music Series: Kraig Kenning Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples. Call him contemporary folk, acoustic blues, Roots rock, or American fingerstyle.

Kraig Kenning has managed to merge a bit of all the above, while maintaining a close and personal connection with his audience. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. 6 – 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 Certified The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Opening Gallery Show & Reception: Celebrate America Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, This show will showcase art with rural or urban iconic American views, icons, patriotic symbols and travel destination landmarks. This is a free event. Complimentary wine & hors d'oeuvres served.

5 - 7 p.m. 239-431-1008 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael D’Amore Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Sister’s Christmas Catechism Mystery of the Magi’s Gold Cultural Center Theater of Charlotte County, Aaron street, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 Southwest Florida Symphony: Tradition, Comfort, Joy First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs Featuring The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida.

7 p.m. 239-481-1500

FRI - 7

Home Free: A Country Christmas Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 8 p.m.

239-481-4849 Mastersingers: Messiah and More Firs Baptist Church of Cape Coral, 4117 Coronado Parkway, 7 p.m.

239-560-9512 COCO Gallery reception COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero, 5 - 7 p.m., 239-949-3073 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 28th Annual Christmas Keyboard Festival First Assembly of God, 4701 Summerlin Rd, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-936-6277 Mike Imbasciani and His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Andy T Band featuring Alabama Mike & Anson Funderburgh The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Happenings Magazine

DECEMBER CALENDAR FRI - 7 CONTINUED

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

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

Dirce Kennedy: Faces of Us Exhibition-Tranovich Gallery Dec. 7 - 27 Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Reception 6 – 8 p.m.

239-495-8989 Exhibition-Fire and Ice Dec. 7 - 27 Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Reception 6 – 8 p.m.

239-495-8989 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Bell Tower Tree Lighting Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, A festive event filled with caroling, joyous spirit and an appearance by Santa Claus. 6 p.m. 239-489-1221 Sanibel ’70s Christmas Historical Village, Dunlop Road, Sanibel (next to BIG ARTS), 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., free, Sanibel Community Chorus will perform at 4, followed by the BIG ARTS Brass Ensemble at 4:30 p.m. 239-472-4648 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. 6 -10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com 34th Annual Luminary Holiday Stroll Dec. 7 - 8 Sanibel & Captiva Islands 2427 Periwinkle Way , Sanibel Sanibel's Luminary stretches from one end of Periwinkle Way to the other and offers a multitude of choices along the way. Luminary on Captiva spans Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane with plenty of special treats at various businesses. Beautifully lit paths will lead the way to merry landmarks, where festival goers can enjoy assorted activities, snacks and refreshments. The Sanibel Luminary Stroll is 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 7, while the Captiva Stroll is on Dec. 8. free www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

36 - December 2018

Meet artist Peter Zell Dec. 8 when DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts in Fort Myers hosts a reception at 6 p.m.

Jorie Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com.

Bret Michaels The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839 Holiday Pop Up Bazaar Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, 6 - 10 p.m.

239-333-1933 FGCU Theatre presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Through Dec. 9 Market Plaza Stage, Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 SW Florida Symphony: Holiday Pops Concert Tradition, Comfort and Joy The Village Church on The Island, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers, $35. 7:30 p.m.

239-454-2067 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Marty Stokes Band Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Galaxy Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting 5th Avenue South, Naples 5 p.m. 239-692-8436 Home for the Holidays Through Dec. 9 TheatreZone, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352 ext 1 Annual Holiday House Through Dec. 22 Historic Burroughs and Langford Kingston Homes, 2500 First St., Fort Myers, 5 - 9 p.m. www.fmwcc.net ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Artists Gary Alan Hall and Yvonne Krystman, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050

SAT - 8

Jane Rosenbohm Classical Guitarist Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Jane Rosenbohm, an accomplished classical guitarist with over 46 years of experience in musical arts, will perform holiday favorites. Door prizes will include a soprano ukulele. 1 p.m. 239-479-4636 Biscuit Miller & The Mix The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce's 40th Annual Christmas Parade Charlotte High School, north on Taylor and to disbanding at the Event Center. Christmas through the Years is our theme. Awards will be presented to first, second and third place winners in a variety of categories. Noon. charlottecountychamber.org SWFL Fall Nationals Car Show Jet Blue Park at 11500 Fenway South Dr, Fort Myers $10 with children 12 and under and active military free.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the United Cerebral Palsy organization of Southwest Florida. Free spectator parking. Show car registration is 7 - 10 am. Pre-registration is $20 and $30 at the show. 9 am – 3 pm. roadhousepromotions.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dan Meadows, noon-4 p.m. and Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., center court. Also, lighting of the Menorah in front of the main entrance at 7 p.m.

941-575-3007 Elvis tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Sunset Celebration with West of Galway Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com Brother Love Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

Holiday on the Bay Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, Enjoy a festive snow show and take delight in holiday entertainment including complimentary photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, Dickens Period Carolers, dance group performances and extraordinary shopping and dining all evening. Snow show starts at 7 p.m. 5 - 8 p.m. venetianvillage.com Christmas Boat Parade Naples Bay Pick your spot along Naples Bay to enjoy the colorful and brightly decorated boats for the annual Naples Christmas Boat Parade. 6 p.m.

239-682-0900 Story Line Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Peter Zell exhibit at DAAS Co-Op Gallery DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd, ste 84, Fort Myers, 6 p.m.

239-590-8645 Cape Coral Bike Night SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral Crazy Babies - Ozzy Reborne tribute band. 5 - 10 p.m. www.CCBikeNight.com.

Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade Imperial River. There will be several viewing spots along the river including Riverside Park and the Imperial River Boat Ramp. 6 to 8 p.m.

239-495-0455 Naples Players KidzAct Youth Theatre - Annie, Jr. Dec. 8 – 10 Sugden Community Theater 701 5th Ave. S, Naples 239-263-7990 Holiday Band BIG ARTS-Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island Let the BIG ARTS Concert Band help you get into the joyous mood of the holidays! 7 p.m.

239-395-0900 Happenings Magazine

DECEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 8 CONTINUED

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Holiday music

by Singer Chris G, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & Trop Rock and holiday music by Bruce Neumann and Tiki D, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Candlelight Christmas Carols Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 6:30 p.m. 239-860-3223 Southwest Florida Symphony: Tradition.

Comfort. Joy Barbara B. Mann - Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, Featuring The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida. 7 p.m.

239-481-4849 Art and Music Guess Fisher Gallery, Crayton Cove in Naples, Enjoy an evening of art & live music by Michael Colligan & Friends, where 8th St. S. & 12th Ave. S. meet by the flagpole on Naples Bay, 6 – 9 p.m. www.philfishergallery.com Art Divine Show Through Jan. 10 Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, Reception Dec. 12 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. 239-463-3909

SUN - 9

The Harlem Globetrotters Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 4 p.m. 239-948-7825 Mastersingers: Messiah and More Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, 6 p.m.

239-560-9512 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 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 Paul & Quinten; Preston Hamilton The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m.; 4:30 7:30 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Rita Beach, 4-8 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 38 - December 2018

Asleep at the Wheel will present a Christmas concert Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. For tickets, call 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.jaytv.com Blues and Bloody’s Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 7 p.m., Rachelle Coba Band at 1 p.m., The Sideburns (JP soars and Joel DaSilva) at 4 p.m. www.thecenterbar.com Lee County Community Band A Christmas Festival Cape Coral High School 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, The free performance is set for 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org Bonita Springs Concert Band-Christmas Concert Riverside Park in downtown Old Bonita. The band will play favorites “White Christmas,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” 2 p.m. bonitaspringsconcertband.com The Manhattan Transfer, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Gulf Coast Big Band Concert Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 513-582-4031 Galaxy Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 10

Tommy Barr The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. 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 Holiday music featuring Dave Heveron, noon-3 p.m. & Guitar Box Music by Pat Cozad, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 The Crank Ups Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 11

Songwriters on the Plaza Fort Myers Regional LibraryAmphitheater, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. This free, songwriter showcase will feature performances from Andy Getch, Bob Williams and Kim Mayfield. Registration is not required. Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy this free, musical performance. In inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors. 6 p.m.

239-479-4636

Naples Christmas Parade This parade starts at the corner of Broad Ave. S. and 3rd St. S., turns left on to 3rd St. S. to 5th Ave. S turning left on 5th Ave. S., to 8th St. S. turning left and dispersing after City Hall. 6 p.m. 239-213-7120 Celebrating the Holidays Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, Celebrate the Holidays with music…a musical performance by the SW Florida Dulcimer Club. Program presented by the Cape Coral Historical Museum, 2:30.

Free. 239-772-7037 Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical Dec. 18 - Feb. 24 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 The Sogheads with Joe Harley Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

WED - 12

Holiday Chorus BIG ARTS-Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island. Enjoy the music of the holidays with the wonderful BIG ARTS Community Chorus.

7 p.m. 239-395-0900

Richie C Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

An Evening of Art & Nature Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 p.m. 239-949-0749

Christmas Carol Sing First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., Fort Myers 1, 4 and 7 p.m. 239-334-2261

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

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Nicole D’Andrea The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Classix Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Generation Gap The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Peace River Trio, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Rick Rock Rice, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Spectacular Christmas Revue Dec. 12 - 16 Cultural Park Theatre 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 239-772-5862 All That Jazz Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Scotty Bryan Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Motown Girls of Galaxy The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

THU - 13

For King & Country Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Songwriters at Sunset and Beach BBQ Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. The concert will take place in the gazebo on the beach. Seating is available for the first 80 people. Additional seating is available on the sand. 3:30 p.m. www.friendsofloverskey.org Holiday “Art Under the Stars” Reception Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel 5 – 8 p.m., participating with neighboring Tower Gallery 239-395-0027 Happenings Magazine

Chris Isaak Holiday Tour 2018 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Tina Turner, Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Santa Paws Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples Bring out the pups to meet and take holiday photos with Santa! Meet the adorable, adoptable pets from the Humane Society of Naples and make your holidays even more dog-friendly!

5 p.m. www.venetianvillage.com

North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts -The Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Jersey Boyz tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Tuba Christmas Sugden Plaza, 5th Avenue S., Naples 6:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. 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 Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Rick Rock Rice, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Johnny & Patti (banquet) Electric Lipstick (ballroom) Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, Johnny & Patti at 6 p.m., Electric Lipstick at 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers Join the mystery every second Friday of the month from 6-8 p.m.

Registration begins at First and Hendry Streets. Free to play, participants receive the first clue of the mystery location and scorecard www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Tiki Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Holiday Pops Dec. 13 - 14 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.

8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Buddy Holly tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

FRI - 14

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Happenings Magazine

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza, The Collaboration Band. 239-948-3766 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda The Country Express Band, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

December 2018 - 39

DECEMBER CALENDAR FRI - 14 CONTINUED

Asleep At The Wheel Holiday Show Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, 8 p.m. 239-658-1313

Tiger Blue 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 Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

SAT - 15

Kenny G Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 8 p.m.

239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Paul Cottrell, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Del Prados Dinner Dance Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Reservations 239-689-0848 capecoralsocialclub.org or Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Brother Love Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232 Holiday on the Bay Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples. Snow show starts at 7 p.m. 5 - 8 p.m. www.venetianvillage.com Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 40 - December 2018

The Winter Wonderettes is at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers through Dec. 25.

Rockin Jake Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 p.m. 239-333-2225 Holiday Pops Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Moon Child Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Holiday Boat-A-Long Four Freedoms Park 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral The event also features live performances from local students, food, drinks, and crafts for the kids. Immediately following the boat parade, there will be a free movie in the park! A Christmas Vacation.

4 p.m. 239-574-0804

SW Florida Concert Band South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, 2 p.m. www.swflconcertband.com Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 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 Paul & Quinten; Preston Hamilton The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m.; 4:30 7:30 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

2018-19 Classic Chamber Concert Philadelphia Orchestra Brass Quintet Blackburn Hall 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 8 p.m. 239-263-7990 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.& Guitar Box Music by Pat Cozad, 4-7 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 The Crank Ups Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 18

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce and Tiki D, noon-3 p.m. & Christmas Show presented by Silver King Jazz Band of CHS, 6-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Collaboration Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

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

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

Naples Fine Art Show Dec. 15 & 16 Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.hotworks.org

Bluegrass Concert Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Paddle Faster, Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders, Hwy 41.

2 - 5 p.m. 239-939-2787

Open Jam - Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Naples Jazz Society Concert Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-254-9674

The Sogheads w/ Joe Harley Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, music by John Patti, 1-5 p.m. 941-575-3007

Michael D’Amore Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

MON - 17

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical Through Feb. 24 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488

ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

SUN - 16

Gulf Coast Symphony: Midtown Men Holiday Hits Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m.

239-481-4849 Holiday Pops Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111

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

WED - 19

We are Rocking and Rolling South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, David Hunter performing hits from Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones. Bring a chair or blanket. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. 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 Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m.& Singer Dave Heveron, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Opera Naples-Aïda Dec. 19 & 21 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Scotty Bryan Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Deck the Depot Dec. 19 – 22 Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. South, This week-long extravaganza features “Home for the Holidays” pet adoptions, holiday-themed story times with the Collier County Public Libraries, craft activities with Collier County Parks and Recreation, caroling choirs, children’s activities, visit from Santa. Different activities daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 239-252-8419 Happenings Magazine

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

Deb & The Dynamics Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Pearl & Princess Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 20

FRI - 21

Third Thursdays on 3rd Third Street South Naples Live music & Family-friendly fun. 5 - 8 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Elvis, Buddy Holly tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Lorne Hosack art reception Lorne’s Gallery, Marina Village at Tarpon Point, unit 105, Cape Coral, 5 - 8 p.m. during the Sunset Stroll, 239-945-0866 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Alive After Five Downtown 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 Jorie Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m. & Christmas Music Celebration by Singer Anthony Sands, 6-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Renata with Paul Razmus Bell Tower Shops 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers Sweet combination of showmanship, musicianship and originality. 6 to 8 p.m. www.thebelltowershops.com Tiki Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Happenings Magazine

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers The River District comes alive as local and regional musicians line the streets. 6-10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Celine Dion, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline and Dean Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Kate Keys Band Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Galaxy Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Rockin’ Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

2019 THE RIVER DISTRICT ALLIANCE PRESENTS

DOWN TOWN COUNT DOWN Monday, Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Celebration starts at 8 pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON MULTIPLE STAGES

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

FOOD FUN MUSIC JR. BALLOON DROP

Brian Markey The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

BALL DROP AT MIDNIGHT

FREE ADMISSION STREET PARTY

Mark Telesca The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239333-2225

SAT - 22

The Nutcracker Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

December 2018 - 41

DECEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 22 CONTINUED Del Prados Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trl), North Fort Myers, 5:30 dinner, 6:30 music - In the Dolphin Room, $9 at the door Reservations.

5:30 - 10 p.m. 239-995-3999 Atilio Marinelli (banquet), Rod Stewart trib. (ballroom) Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Charlotte Co. Children’s Theatre performance near Good ‘Ole Days at 10 a.m. Music by Tiki Tom and L.A. Daniels, noon-4 p.m. & Boomers Band, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Santana, Motown tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Cahlua and Cream The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Holiday on the Bay Dec. 22 - 24 Venetian Village 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, Snow show and entertainment. Snow starts at 7 p.m. (4 p.m. on Dec. 24) www.venetianvillage.com Sunset Celebration Buckin’ Wild Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 TC Carr & The Bolts of Blue The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 42 - December 2018

Bryan Lee Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

SUN - 23

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Holiday music

by Tiki Tom and L.A. Daniels, 1-5 p.m., 941-575-3007 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 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paul & Quinten; Preston Hamilton The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m.; 4:30 7:30 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

MON - 24

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, music by Rita Beach, 1 -5 pm, 941-575-3007 Gary & Kerri Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 2 - 6 p.m., 239-282-3232 The Crank Ups Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Tommy Barr The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

TUE - 25

The Sogheads with Joe Harley Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

WED - 26

The Sound of Music Dec. 26 - 29 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Motown Girls of Galaxy The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Vallie performs 12 noon-3 pm Center Court Singer Rick Rock Rice performs 5-8 pm, Center Court. 941-575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Scotty Bryan Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 David Hunter The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Collaboration Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 27

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Paul Roush performs noon - 3 pm Center Court Singer Paul Cottrell performs 5 - 8 pm Center Court. 941-575-3007

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

Generation Gap The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Kate Keys Band Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232

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

Limited Edition Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

FRI - 28

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

239-481-4849 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Exhibition-Faculty Dec. 28 – Feb. 16 Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, Reception 6 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232

Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, music by Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007

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

Iconic 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 Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Richie C (banquet) Elvis tribute (ballroom) Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, Richie C at 6:30 p.m., Elvis tribute at 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

SAT - 29

Saturday Night Fever Dec. 29 - Feb. 9 Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Temptations, Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 8 p.m.

239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Island Sounds of Jimmy G, noon – 4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Happenings Magazine

Comedy Night @ The Naples Players Tobye Studio 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 8 p.m. 239-263-7990 Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Ari and The Alibis The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m.

239-333-2225 Brother Love Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 7 p.m., 239-282-3232 Rockin’ Horse Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

SUN - 30

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Gary & Kerri Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 3 p.m., 239-282-3232 Calypso Magic on the Dock Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill, 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-282-3232 Art Festival Dec 30-31 Coconut Point, Estero, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.artfestival.com Paul & Quinten; Preston Hamilton The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m.; 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

MON - 31

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

Naples Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Artis—Naples Holiday Favorite 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Naples Philharmonic concert featuring soprano Karita Mattila followed by a post-performance reception.

9 p.m. 239-597-1111 Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 p.m. - midnight, 239-540-8454 New Year's Eve Fireworks 12th Avenue South, Naples Fireworks will take place at the Naples Pier area. 7:30 p.m. For any other questions call 239-213-7120 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Paul Roush. 1-5 p.m., 941-575-3007 New Year’s Eve Celebration Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda This family friendly celebration begins at 6 pm! Music by DJ Michael White, dancing. Michael Hirst, 6 p.m.- midnight, Fireworks. 941-575-3007 Remedy and High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 New Year's Eve Dinner Dance Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Music by Erich. Open to the public.

5:30 - 10 p.m. 239-699-9341 www.capecoralsocialclub.org Jersey Boyz tribute (two shows) The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 pm 239-405-8566 Fort Myers Beach New Year’s Eve Times Square 830 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Come celebrate the birthday of the Town of Fort Myers Beach and New Year’s Eve. Festivities begin with free cupcakes starting at noon. Live music will be played throughout the day. Ball drop is at midnight with fireworks immediately afterwards. The bridge will be closed only to oncoming traffic from 12:15 a.m. to 1:15 am during fireworks show. www.fortmyersbeach.org Fort Myers Downtown Countdown Downtown Fort Myers Stages packed with live entertainment all night, vendors and food trucks!

There will be a junior balloon drop for the kids that can't stay up late and fireworks with the ball drop at midnight! 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Will Phang and the Good Land Gang The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239333-2225 The Goldtones Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 5 p.m., 239-549-3000 December 2018 - 43

MUSIC

Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulfshore Ballet present The Nutcracker Dec. 1

The Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. The only Nutcracker in Lee County performed with live symphony orchestra, the production features Arts Ballet Theatre principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Kevin Zong.

The Nutcracker, a two-act ballet composed by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky, is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann that centers on a family’s Christmas Eve celebration. It is a great introduction to classical music and dance for all ages.

Mary Carmen Catoya, Prima ballerina of Miami, was born in Venezuela. She began her professional career at the age of thirteen, and danced with the Youth Ballet of Venezuela, the Contemporary Ballet of Caracas, Cleveland Ballet, and as a principal with the National Ballet of Caracas, where she was coached and trained by Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev. She danced as a principal at the Miami City Ballet from 1999 to 2015. Catoya has danced extensively abroad at many festivals and galas, including an international gala before the King and Queen of Spain, the inauguration of the Theater Simon Bolivar in Brazil, Dance Aspen, and the Gala of Stars at the Festival International de Santander. She was the prima ballerina responsible to open the Arsht Center in Miami with her interpretation of Don Quixote.

Kevin Zong is a graduate of the Ellison Ballet of New York 44 - December 2018

where he studied for the last three years trained by Edward Ellison himself and under full scholarship. He started his ballet training at the First State Ballet Theater in Wilmington, Delaware under the tutelage of Pasha and Kristina Kambalov. He also attended the Shanghai Dance School, and summer programs at the American Ballet Theater, Next Generation Ballet in Florida, the School of American Ballet and at the Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Zong was awarded the Silver Medal at the Indianapolis International Ballet Competition in 2015, and First and Second prize awards at the Youth American Grand Prix Semi-finals in 2014 and 2015 along with several full-merit scholarships. He began his professional career last season at Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida. Since then, he has performed soloist roles, and performed in Mexico along with Principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Janis Liu. Gulfshore Ballet is Southwest Florida’s premier not-for-profit school of classical ballet. 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. Tickets for The Nutcracker start at $29 and may be purchased by calling the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office at (239) 4814849 or online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org.

Happenings Magazine

Tuba Christmas Dec. 14

Naples Concert Band Dec. 2 in

Cambier Park

The Naples Concert Band continues its 47th season schedule in December.

Under the direction of Harris Lanzel, Naples Concert Band’s new season features powerful soloists and unforgettable music with nine concerts at Cambier Park. Each performance will highlight special guest soloists as well as an exciting mix of new works and old favorites.

The Dec. 2 Concert in the Park will provide the perfect music for this year’s holiday celebration including vocals by Jenny Bintliff, Craig Greusel, and Ross Shaver singing Rejoice!; The Christmas Song; and Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival.

The 23rd annual TUBA Christmas event will include over 50 musicians and tubas, euphoniums, baritone, and more, all on the Sugden Plaza on Dec. 14. This show promises to be exciting with prizes for best, most interesting, funniest and seasonal costumes on the musicians.

The first concert of the new year will take place Jan. 20 and will feature alto saxophone

soloist Craig Christman, the Paradise Brass Quartet, vocalist Jenny Bintliff, and flutist Julie Meschko.

The Feb. 10 Concert in the Park will be one for the history books, with guests including piano soloist Jodie DeSalvo and vocalist Janine Klaassen.

On Sunday, March 3, guests will enjoy harmonica and violin soloist Glenn Basham, vocalist Amy Bright, and trumpet soloist James Castaldi.

And, on Saturday, March 23, guests won’t want to miss drum set soloist Rob Platter playing some Stevie Wonder along with vocalists Jenny Bintlilff, Craig Greusel and Ross Shaver.

The last concert of the season will take place on Sunday, April 14. Vocalist Mark Sanders will sing The Sounds of Hollywood and NCB March (Paradise Found) will round out the performance.

For more information, call 239-270-1221 or visit online at www.NaplesConcertBand.org.

For those interested in becoming a band member, call 239-598-2082.

North Fort Myers School Choir to sing at SWFL Symphony Society luncheon Dec. 7

The Southwest Florida Symphony Society will enjoy holiday songs and other selections by the Chamber Choir of the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts at its luncheon on Friday, Dec. 7.

The 27 talented choir members are students at the unique K-8 Lee County school, under the direction of teacher Stacy McDonald. Principal Dr. Thomas Millins will also add comments about the focus of this unique school.

The public is invited to attend the luncheon event at The Club at Shell Point in Fort Myers by advance reservation.

Happenings Magazine

Cost is $25 person, payable by cash, check or credit card at the door. Call 239-666-1230 to reserve, by Nov. 30.

The SWFL Symphony Society supports the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra through volunteerism, fundraising and social connections among music lovers. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of worldclass music for all in our community.

For more information about the SWFL Symphony Orchestra and the SWFL Symphony Society, call 239-418-0996 or go to www.swflso.org.

December 2018 - 45

MUSIC

Songwriters at Sunset returns Dec. 13

Mare Wakefield & Nomad

Dec. 1 at ACMA listening room

The Americana Community Music Association continues to expand Library has joined with the ACMA to offer free acoustic concerts of all into the community in December going into its fourth season of the original music. Concerts will take place in the amphitheater, which is very popular Songwriters at Sunset located at Lovers Key State Park located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will as well as its new series Songwriters at the Plaza located at Cornog be moved indoors depending on weather.

Kim Mayfield started playing music on the family piano at age nine.

Plaza at the Fort Myers library downtown.

She studied with several teachers on and off for about thirty years First up in December is the Mare Wakefield & Nomad show on before learning to play with others. As half of the duo Reckless Saints, Saturday, Dec. 1 with Karen Cohen opening. This is the only Kim has picked up guitar, mandolin, and December show using the ACMA listensongwriting, as well as learning to play ing room at All Faiths on McGregor keyboard without “notes.” She is in her Boulevard in Fort Myers. tenth year of touring nationally and interBorn with wanderlust in her DNA, nationally with her husband and duo Mare lived in eight different places partner Roy Schneider, and once more before she was ten. “It was a rollergetting used to playing alone. coaster way to grow up, but my brother Bob Williams’s original songs and the and I learned to fit in fast,” she says. stories behind his songs always brings a “We picked up Wisconsin accents in two smile as a teenager Bob began writing weeks. Eighteen months later we were his own music. Pulling elements from drawling like native Texans.” folk-rock and country-rock, Bob created For Turkish-born Nomad, the journey a sound all of his own. Bob's songs are was equally varied. His musical educapersonal, irreverent, funny, sad… and tion began at the exclusive Istanbul most importantly, true to his heart. When Conservatory and continued with a not performing solo, you can find Bob scholarship to Berklee College of Music. playing regularly on Fort Myers Beach Nomad’s gift for musical arrangements with The Pearl Street Band. includes a full arsenal of classical, folk Andy Getch is a local artist who has and jazz chops. written hundreds of songs and also Versatility and travel-scapes are evipaints. Andy is very active in the Fort dent in their music. Listeners roam Myers area. through Arizona deserts, Oklahoma oil The ACMA finishes off 2018 with their fields and Amsterdam canals. Journeys go inward too, exploring hope, heartvery popular Songwriters of Sunset break and barroom brawls. Story and show. These free show at Lovers Key song are woven together by Mare’s intiState Park. starts two hours before sunMare Wakefield and Nomad mate delivery and Nomad’s exquisite set. Be sure to give yourself an extra 30 photo by Felix Bird piano and accordion. minutes to park and take the tram to the Karen Cohen got her start playing the beach. The show is free, parking is $8 guitar in the late 60s, learning to finger per car. Give yourself even more time to pick the folk songs of Joan Baez, Odetta, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Arlo enjoy the beach BBQ. Come hear great original music and the stories Guthrie and many more artists of the day. In more recent years, Karen behind the songs in an intimate Songwriters Showcase. The show will worked on arrangements for some old country style blues and some finish with a fabulous Lovers Key sunset. The ACMA has again joined slide guitar by the famed Robert Johnson. with FOLKS (Friends of Lovers Key, Inc.) to offer free acoustic conKaren was only able to gain confidence to perform, with the enthucerts of all original music. The Dec. 13 Songwriters at Sunset starts at siastic support of a wonderful community of musicians here in 3:30 p.m. and features Houseboat Jim, Bill Steel and Keith Parker.

Southwest Florida who she considers her family. Fellow open mic Houseboat Jim started picking and singing back in the late ‘50s in players and fans, kept her at task, learning new songs, helped get her Greenwich Village. Got married, worked and got back to music about over her stage fright, and even challenged her to start writing some of 15 years ago in Las Vegas. He is a local favorite performing around her own music. During these first guitar revival years, she was affecthe Fort Myers area for the last six years. Jim who does live on a tionately penned “The Acoustic Queen” at open mics and jam circles houseboat just released a new CD. around the Punta Gorda and Englewood areas.

Bill Steel retired from the automotive industry in 2008 and has The Dec. 1 show starts at 7 p.m. been wintering in Fort Myers ever since. He is passionate about sailDec. 11 finds the ACMA returning to the downtown Fort Myers ing and music and has found a perfect place to enjoy both of these Library for their second Songwriters on the Plaza featuring Kim interests.

Mayfield Andy Getch and Bob Williams. Songwriters on the Plaza will It was his introduction to the ACMA that encouraged him to perbe held every second Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Lee County form in front of an audience and eventually write his own songs. Bill 46 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

Songwriters at Sunset returns to Lovers Key State Park at Fort Myers Beach Dec. 13 at 3:30 p.m

draws from his travels through Central America, as well as every day life experiences as the source for his songwriting and tries to bring out the humor from them.

Keith Parker started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Keith has been both a band leader and a sideman and enjoys backing others on guitar and vocals when the opportunity presents itself.

Keith also has a passion for writing, co-writing, arranging, recording and performing original music.

The first Songwriters at Sunset of the new year will be held Jan. 3 at 3:45 p.m. at Lovers Key State Park and feature Bill Veach, Alan Bradford and Chakulla.

Bill Veach was a drummer in a rock band in college, but guitars are easier to move and make for better neighbors so he spent $100 of his precious college beer money on a flame red acoustic guitar. Moving was a part of his life for years, with a love of travel that is expressed in many of his songs. His songs are often autobiographical, about his experiences, travel, love, loss and some characters he has met on his journey. Bill is a Western boy, raised in Colorado and lived in Utah and Wyoming before becoming a full time resident of Fort Myers Beach. Bill plays around Southwest Florida, both solo and as part of the Pearl Street Band Alan Bradford is a unique guitarist, and an old soul singer/songwriter. A musician who can deliver hours of covers, as well as original songs; he is an all around entertainer who can “read the crowd” and cater the music to their desires.

Happenings Magazine

Alan started playing music while growing up in New Jersey, and had the opportunity to open for many touring professionals two of whom became great influences on his music: Harry Chaplin and James Taylor. Alan continues to perform as a solo performer but adds players to fit the needs of the event.

Chakulla (affectionately known as Grandfather Chakulla) is an individual, expressing his music with an organic grove of worldly rhythm’s, unique guitar cords, catchy and memorable melodies. He sings out with an acoustic guitar using a loop pedal enabling leads, harmonica, marimba, conga’s, percussion, and vocal percussion lines to manifest on the spot and live.

He is best described as the folk/orld/Jjzz/Americana artist, and in his four decades of writing and playing music Chakulla has shared his music at concert venues seating 60,000 people, and in clubs, at house concerts, festivals, TV and radio appearances, and singing out in the streets.

Singer songwriters circle is held every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels.

ACMA shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of $10 - $15 donation. Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and shows start at 7 p.m.

For more info, visit www.americanacma.org

December 2018 - 47

MUSIC

Southwest Florida Symphony

Southwest Florida Symphony, Symphonic Chorale present holiday concerts Dec. 6 - 8 The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s professional orchestra, presents its annual Holiday Pops concerts.

This performance, conducted by the Symphonic Chorale’s music director, Dr. Trent Brown, features beloved music of the Christmas season, featuring performances by the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida. The symphony and chorus will perform heartwarming holiday pieces like selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, O Holy Night Sleigh Ride and music from Canadian Brass Christmas.

Concerts take place at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs on Thursday, Dec. 6, The Village Church at Shell Point on Friday, Dec. 7 and at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, Dec. 8. Single tickets start at $20 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 First Presbyterian Church performances. Tickets may be pur-

chased 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.

Dr. Trent R. Brown is associate professor of music at Florida Gulf Coast University where he directs all choral ensembles, teaches courses in choral literature, conducting and secondary vocal methods, supervises student teachers, and serves as a Faculty Scholar for the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). He is the artistic director of the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida and was founding musical director and chorus master for Gulfshore Opera.

In addition to joyous performances of holiday classics, the Southwest Florida Symphony has partnered with Toys for Tots for a holiday toy drive at its Barbara B. Mann Hall performance on Saturday, Dec. 8. Patrons are encouraged to bring a new toy in its original packaging to the concert as a donation to Toys for Tots so that every child in Lee County can have a little Christmas.

Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida 48 - December 2018

Happenings Magazine

Bonita Springs Concert Band

celebrates Christmas Dec. 9

The Bonita Springs moving to Florida, Amy has Concert Band presents its appeared as a guest vocalist annual Christmas Concert with the Sarasota Jazz Band, Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Sarasota Concert Band Riverside Park in downtown and the Naples Concert Band.

Old Bonita.

“A Most Wonderful The band will play such Christmas” will feature a favorites as “White “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Christmas”, “Go Tell it on the Home for Christmas,” “Santa Mountain” and “Have Yourself Claus is Coming to Town,” a Merry Little Christmas.”

“Have Yourself a Merry Little The band’s guest soloist is Christmas” and “It’s the Most Amy Bright. Although trained Wonderful Time of the Year.” as a classical vocalist from The Bonita Springs Concert the age of 15, Amy has disBand will end the concert with covered joy in sharing all “Hanukkah Joy-A Jewish types of music over the years Celebration. The band for the including pop/top 40/dance, fifth season is led by conductor jazz standards, Broadway and Gary Smith, retired conductor rock. of the Fighting Illini band at the Before making the move University of Illinois. The conAmy Bright to Naples, Amy performed in cert is free. Just bring your Nashville as one of the origilawn chairs for an afternoon of nal vocalists in Radio Daze, a fun.

23-piece big band specializing in the classic 1940s Swing Era To keep up with the concert band’s schedule, visit online at sound, and sang with a seven piece top-40 dance band. Since www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com.

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 49

MUSIC

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

Fort Myers Symphonic

Mastersingers offer three

holiday concert options Southwest Florida’s premier choral ensemble, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, will be celebrating the holiday season with three concert performances.

The Christmas music kicks off with a performance of Readings and Carols at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. This is a free concert.

On the following weekend, the group presents Messiah and More, a program that will include a performance of the Christmas portion of Handel’s timeless oratorio. This concert will be held at First Baptist Church of Cape Coral, 4117 Coronado Parkway, on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for this performance are $15 and can be purchased on the Mastersingers’ website, www.mastersingersfm.com.

The program will be presented for a second time on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way. This is a free concert with a goodwill offering taken up to benefit the Florida Baptist Children’s Home.

The Readings and Carols concert features the 80-voice Mastersingers chorus and the City of Palms Youth Choir singing holiday favorites accompanied on the piano by longtime Mastersingers’ accompanist, Janet Carter, and on organ by New Hope’s music director, Ben Ball. Between the musical selections, NBC-2 meteorologist, Rob Duns, will read Christmas poetry and inspiring readings appropriate to the season.

50 - December 2018

This concert is one of many community outreach programs supported by the Mastersingers. In its second year, Readings and Carols is an idea that originated with Youth Choir director Matt Koller. “This was a very popular program at Westminster Choir College (where both Koller and Mastersingers’ director Jeff Faux studied). We’ve taken the format and added a charitable component to it that gives our singers and our audience an opportunity to celebrate the holidays through music while helping those in need in our community,” says Koller. This year’s goodwill offering will be taken up to benefit the Community Outreach Against Child Hunger (COACH). COACH was born from the heart of two Fort Myers police officers that wanted to engage one of the most prevalent needs they saw in the community by strategically providing healthy and balanced meals for families in need.

The music continues on the second weekend of December with Messiah and More. The Mastersingers will be singing Handel’s well-known melodies with chorus members performing the solo selections. The Youth Choir will add several seasonal numbers, and the whole concert will be accompanied by the Mastersingers’ Chamber Orchestra. “Handel’s Messiah is one of our favorite works to perform and the one that our audience asks for more frequently than any other. When you add our Youth Choir and the very fine players in our Chamber Orchestra to the mix, you have the perfect concert to usher in the Christmas season,” said director Faux.

Happenings Magazine

Clint Daniels at Tween Waters on Captiva

SW Florida Concert Band plays Dec. 16

The new Southwest Florida Concert Band will present its second concert of the season on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of South Fort Myers High School 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers.

This is the second season of the Southwest Florida Concert Band. As a registered non-profit musical organization, the new band traces its roots to the former Lehigh Concert Band which for 38 years performed in many different capacities to provide concerts and musical groups in Lehigh Acres.

This coming season will be another fantastic line up of exceptional music. The always popular Christmas concert will be Christmas music for kids of all

Happenings Magazine

ages and include music from the movies Polar Express and Frozen, Canadian Brass Christmas Suite, Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, Hanuka Festival of Lights, Christmas From the ‘50s, a Christmas Carol sing along with the audience and more festive music concluding with the performance of The Night Before Christmas.

January will feature music from Broadway. February will be a program of music by John Williams.

For information on the band, the scholarship program, to listen to our recordings or becoming a member visit their website www.SWFLConcertBand.org.

Nashville singer-songwriter Clint Daniels performed poolside Nov. 3 at Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa on Captiva as part of an ongoing songwriter series.

December 2018 - 51

MUSIC

Shell Point Fine and Performing Arts Series offers diverse lineup for 2018-19

Shell Point Retirement Community has announced its 2018-2019 Fine and Performing Arts Series, which brings a variety of local and international performers to Shell Point’s campus in four distinct musical series: Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Concerts and Conversations and Southwest Florida Symphony.

“The 16th season of the Shell Point Fine and Performing Arts Series is filled with an impressive array of talented artists and dynamic performances,” said Laura Slack, director of resident life at Shell Point Retirement Community. “With three distinct musical series, along with skills of resident artists and artisans, this season offers something for everyone.”

The Fine Arts series highlights the artistry of Shell Point resident artists and artisans with three annual shows held during the 2018-2019 season. These

free shows will showcase the creative work of many talented residents, and ranges from photography and painting to threedimensional sculptures and intricate quilts.

Shell Point Artists and Artisans Spring Fling – Feb. 8 and 9.

2019 Shell Point Quilt Show – March 2 - 4.

The Performing Arts series features five concerts, with performances including some of Broadway’s most well-known hits, classical pieces from an award-winning ensemble and a big band musical performance from a group of internationally celebrated musicians. Concerts in this series will be held in The Village Church Auditorium on The Island at Shell Point. This year’s remaining performances include: Memphis Motown Soul Experience Jan. 15 Vienna Boys Choir Feb. 26.

Con Brio Quartet performs Feb. 13

Pianist Peter Fancovic performs Jan. 24 52 - December 2018

Benny Goodman: When Swing Was King March 14.

Siberian Virtuosi April 4 Individual tickets for the Performing Arts series cost $40.

Advance ticket packages are also available by musical series and provide savings up to $35.

Five Concerts and Conversations events will take place in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, which allow for an intimate, chamber-style performance, followed by refreshments and the opportunity to meet the performers.

The remaining Concerts and Conversations series includes performances by: Peter Fancovic, Pianist Jan. 24.

Con Brio Quartet, Strings Feb. 13.

Sanibel Trio March 7.

Chrysalis Chamber Players April 16.

Individual tickets for the Concerts and Conversation Series cost $30.

Advance ticket packages are also available by musical series, and provide savings up to $20.

Shell Point has partnered with the Southwest Florida Symphony to present three performances in the 20182019 Shell Point Fine and Performing Arts Series. Tickets for this series range from $25 to $35.

Tradition, Comfort and Joy Dec. 7.

Appalachian Spring Feb. 7.

Back-to-Back Bach March 21.

To reserve tickets, contact the concert box office at 239-454-2067, or visit online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts. Tickets will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the performance.

Happenings Magazine

Lee County Community Band presents Christmas Festival Dec. 9 The Lee County Community Band will present A Christmas Festival on Dec. 9 at Cape Coral High School. The free performance is set for 3 p.m.

The selections will re-kindle the magic of the season with “Twas the Night Before…” and “Sleigh Ride;” focus on the sacred nature of Christmas with classic carols and the overture to “The Messiah;” and get toes a-tapping with “Christmas Swings” and “Caribbean Christmas.”

The band performs six concerts between November and April. All of them take place at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., beginning at 3 p.m.

The concerts are free (donations accepted) and open to the public.

Additional concert dates are Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 7, 2019.

A legend in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal, and enthusiastic audience at every concert. Programs typically include a mix of spirited marches, Broadway hits, old

favorites, seasonal pieces, and sing-alongs with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones.

Directed by Richard Bradstreet, the 50-member group is comprised of 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 John Fenn at 239-454-6430.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org

Suncoast Security Professional Security Licensed, educated employees

SPECIALIZING IN ...

• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts

Se Habla Espanol

• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties

Serving all of Florida

(239) 415-7007

St. Lic. # B2000112

www.SuncoastSecurity.biz

• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured

Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com

prings

Bonita Blues Fest lineup announced The date is set, the lineup complete and the tickets are on sale now for the 13th Annual Bonita Blues Festival, to be held on March 8 and 9 at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs.

Both days will feature award winning blues music from around the country and a wide variety of food and other vendors.

The March 8 schedule includes Gabe Stillman Band, Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Markey Blue Rick Latina Project, Albert Cummings and Southern Hospitality featuring Damon Fowler, JP Soars and Victor Wainwright.

The March 9 schedule includes Eric Johanson, Angel Forrest Band, The Jimmys, Rusty Wright Band, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps and Johnny Rawls.

Tickets to the festival are $60 in advance for a weekend pass, or $40 for Friday only or $45 for Saturday only. To purchase tickets, visit www.bonitablues.com.

Come for the Food. Stay for the Dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS in Bonita S

NOV 29 - Beatles tribute NOV 30 - Jersey Boyz tribute DEC 1 - Fleetwood Mac tribute DEC 5 - 50s, 60s, Soul & Motown DEC 6 - Neil Diamond tribute DEC 7 - Eagles tribute DEC 12 - Motown Girls of Galaxy DEC 13 - Tina Turner, Blues Bros. tribute DEC 14 - Jersey Boyz tribute DEC 15 - ABBA tribute DEC 19 - Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison tribute DEC 20 - Elvis, Buddy Holly tribute DEC 21 - Celine Dion, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute

DEC 22 - Santana, Motown tribute DEC 26 - Motown Girls of Galaxy DEC 27 - Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute DEC 28 - ABBA tribute DEC 29 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute DEC 30 - Uptown Express DEC 31 - Jerzey Boyz tribute (2 shows) JAN 2 - Sinatra and Martin tribute JAN 3 - Neil Diamond tribute JAN 4 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute

OPEN FOR LUNCH MONDAY - FRIDAY 11 AM - 2 PM

www.thestagebonita.com 239-405-8566 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 53

MUSIC

The Midtown Men

with Gulf Coast Symphony Dec. 16 The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, will ring in the Christmas season this year with their "Holiday Hits" show performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony.

This evening of songs and stories will feature iconic Yuletide classics such as "Winter Wonderland," "Let It Snow" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. The popular vocal group will treat their audiences to the songs of The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more!

Additionally, The Midtown Men will perform their holiday single, "All Alone on Christmas," which they recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen's The E Street Band.

Come celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" with these seasoned Broadway veterans.

54 - December 2018

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

Recognized for its high-quality symphonic performances, as well as its active community engagement and commitment to arts education, the Gulf Coast Symphony exists to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Lee County and the greater Southwest Florida area.

The Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall is located on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College.

Tickets start at $29 for The Midtown Men, stars from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and may be purchased online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org or by calling the Barbara B. Mann box office at 239-481-4849.

Happenings Magazine

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

Backstreets

SW FLORIDA

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

The Barrel Room

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

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Flame

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

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 Center Bar at The Promenade

26811 S. Bay Drive #128 Bonita Springs 239-325-3583

The Cottage

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

Hotel Indigo

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446

Hurricane Charley’s

300 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda 941-639-9695

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lansdowne Street

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

The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral 239-541-5600

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

19030 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-313-6012

The Shell Factory 2787 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos 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

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key

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

255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200 1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral 239-540-8454

Fathoms

Pete’s Time Out

2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3257 1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

Rhythm House Fishermen’s Village The 16440 S. Tamiami Trail 1200 W. Retta Esplan.

Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Shark Bar & Grill

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

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

Old Naples Pub

Dixie Roadhouse

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

Seminole Casino Hotel

Fort Myers 239-466-8326

Tiki Bar at Days Inn Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

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

Yucatan Beach Stand

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

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

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 55

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES IN SW FLORIDA

FEB. 7

Paul Thorn

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

Travis Tritt

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

DEC. 1

John Ford Coley

Hinman Aud., Bonita Springs

FEB. 8

Alan Doyle

DEC. 7

Bret Michaels

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

DEC. 9

Manhattan Transfer, Herb Alpert, Lani Hall Artis–Naples

Ronnie Milsap

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

DEC. 13

For King & Country Hertz Arena, Estero

Chris Isaak

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

DEC. 15 Kenny G

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

P.O.D. and 10 Years The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

DEC. 17

Asleep at the Wheel Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

DEC. 19

Celtic Thunder

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

DEC. 31

JJ Grey & Mofro

Buckingham Blues Bar

JAN. 4

Atlanta Rhythm Section Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs 56 - December 2018

Rocker Bret Michaels will perform Dec. 7 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. For tickets, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com or call 239-985-9839.

JAN. 8

Diana Ross

JAN. 24

JAN. 11

JAN. 25

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

JAN. 12

Air Supply

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

JAN. 13

The Wailers

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

The Outlaws

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

America

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

JAN. 26 Hot Tuna

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

JAN. 31

Don McLean

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Engelbert Humperdinck

Chuck Negron, The Cowsills, Dennis Tufano

JAN. 16

FEB. 1

JAN. 15

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

The Righteous Brothers Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

JAN. 17 Cher

Hertz Arena, Estero

JAN. 18

Clay Walker

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

Eli Young Band

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

The Temptations & The Four Tops

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

FEB. 2

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

FEB. 9

Josh Gracin

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Al Di Meola

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

FEB. 10

John Lodge

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

FEB. 11

Patti LaBelle

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

FEB. 15

Neal McCoy

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

The Orchestra

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Little River Band Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

FEB. 16

The Zombies

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

FEB. 17

Los Lobos

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

Michael Bolton Artis–Naples

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Clay Walker, The Wailers, Bret Michaels at The Ranch

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort ing the impact the disease has Myers has a diverse schedule for music lovers on others. Since its formation in over the next few months.

2003, Clay has helped Band Rocker Bret Michaels will be at The Ranch on Against MS raise upwards of Friday, Dec. 7. Tickets start at $49.50. Bret $5,000,000 through charity perMichaels is a musician, singer, songwriter, reality formances, golf tournaments, TV star and author, best known as a member of bike rides, auctions, etc. Clay the glam metal band Poison. He began his musihas had 4 RIAA Platinum cal journey as a teenager when he started playalbums, 2 Certified Gold albums, ing the guitar and established a band with his and 11 #1 singles to date. After friends. Initially playing in the Pennsylvania bar “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” circuit under the name Paris, they relocated to reached top 5 on the radio, Clay Los Angeles in 1984. They renamed themselves began working on new music as Poison and signed a deal with Enigma with a fresh sound. He recently Records, releasing their first album ‘Look What released his single “Right Now” the Cat Dragged In’ in August 1986. Though inito The Highway on Sirius XM this tially unsuccessful, the album became immensely past fall, teasing an impending popular after the music video for the single “Talk album release. The full album is Dirty to Me” was put out. In the ensuing years, expected to debut later this year. the band’s works appeared ten different times on Neal McCoy will perform Feb. the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100; these includ15 as part of the Sam Galloway ed six Top 10 singles and a number-one single, Concert Series. Neal McCoy has “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” In 1998, he debuted released 15 studio albums on as a solo singer with the album “A Letter from various labels, and has released Death Row.” He recorded four more studio 34 singles to country radio.In albums and four compilation albums, and two 1993, Neal McCoy broke through EPs. He had a hit reality TV show on VH1, titled with the back-to-back number 1 Rock of Love with Bret Michaels. He appeared at singles No Doubt About It and No. 40 on Hit Parader’s list of the greatest heavy Wink from his platinum-certified metal singers of all-time. album No Doubt About It.His The Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes commercial success continued The Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes Clay Clay Walker to The Ranch on Jan. 18. Multiinto the late 1990s with two more Walker to The Ranch Concert Hall in Fort Myers Platinum country music artist and East Texas platinum albums and a gold on Jan. 18. photo by Jamie Kuser native, Clay Walker, rocked the country scene in album, as well as six more Top 1993 with his debut album that included the smash Ten hits.A seventh Top Ten hit, hit “What’s It To You.” He continued to make a splash, releasing a the number 10 Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, came in 2005 from string of number one hits including “If I Could Make A Living,” “This his self-released That’s Life.

Woman and This Man” and “Rumor Has It.” In 1996 he was diagThe Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes Tracy Byrd to The nosed with Multiple Sclerosis but Clay did not let that set him back.

Ranch on March 30. Tracy Byrd became a household name on the He has continued touring and recording steadily since the diagnosis Country Music Scene in 1993 when his third single, called “Holdin’ and is well known for his high-energy concerts and performance Heaven”, off of his MCA Records, self-titled debut album, hit #1 on style. He later founded the Band Against MS foundation after realizthe Billboard Country Charts. The Album also included the remake hit of Johnny Paycheck’s “Someone to Give my Love to” cementing Byrd as a Traditional Country Troubadour!! The Debut Album went on to be certified Gold, a reward signifying sales in excess of 500,000 copies.

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.

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. 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.

Other shows on the concert schedule at The Ranch include P.O.D. and 10 Years on Dec. 15, The Wailers on Jan. 13, Eli Young Band on Feb. 1, Josh Gracin on Feb. 9, Mark Chesnutt on March 1, Collie Buddz on March 27, and Tracy Byrd will perform March 30.

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.

The Wailers - Jan. 13

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 57

IN CONCERT

Air Supply, Don McLean, The Temptations, The Four Tops on lengthy schedule at Seminole Casino Hotel

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with 10-time Grammy award winners Asleep at the Wheel, who will bring their popular holiday themed concert series “Merry Texas Christmas Y’all” to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $49.

Expect a wonderful evening that combines Asleep at the Wheel’s most popular songs, new material and holiday favorites such as “Christmas in Jail” and “Merry Texas Christmas Y’all.”

In early 2019, Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents Air Supply in concert on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $85.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Don McLean live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $62.50.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with legendary musical groups The Temptations and the Four Tops at Seminole Casino Hotel on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $110.

Also in February, Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Travis Tritt at Seminole Casino Hotel on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $67.50.

Don McLean - Jan. 31

58 - December 2018

Air Supply - Jan. 12 On Sunday, Feb. 10, John Lodge of the Moody Blues will perform at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $759 The Orchestra, starring former members of Electric Light Orchestra, will be live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $79.

The Drifters with special guests Danny & The Juniors will perform at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $59.

Blood Sweat & Tears (BS&T) will be live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $69.

The Platters and Cornell Gunter’s The Coasters will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available for $59.

Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell (also known as Dick Fox’s Golden Boys) will be live in concert Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Seminole Casino Hotel. Tickets are available for $110.

KC & The Sunshine Band with special guests Village People will be live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale for $60 and $25. VIP seating is available for $139 and includes priority seating and complimentary beer, wine and soda.

Tickets for all these shows are available by phone at 1-800514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com.

The Temptations - Feb. 1

The Four Tops - Feb. 1

Happenings Magazine

KIX

Ace Frehley

Tom Keifer

Night Ranger

RockFest 80s RockFest 80s had another stellar lineup Nov. 10 and 11 for its third annual music festival devoted to the sounds of the 1980s.

This year, the two-day festival was held at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheatre, just west of I-75 in Miramar.

Saturday’s lineup included

Vince Neil (the voice of Motley Crue), Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, KIX, Mr. Big’s Eric Martin featuring Trixter, Zebra, Nelson, Lynch Mob and Stellar Revival.

The Sunday lineup included Night Ranger, Sebastian Bach, Ace Frehley, Winger, Firehouse, Steelheart and Kickin Valentina.

Photos by Jamie Kuser Happenings Magazine

Vince Neil

December 2018 - 59

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR

DECEMBER SAT - 1

Henry Cho 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Josh Wolf 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 2

Josh Wolf 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

MON - 3

Frank Del Pizzo 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WED - 5

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Scotty K 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 6

Judy Gold 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Kellen Erkshine 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Scotty K 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 7

Judy Gold 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Kellen Erkshine 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Scotty K 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 8

Judy Gold 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 60 - December 2018

Judy Gold at Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Judy Gold will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Dec. 6 - 8.

Judy Gold has had stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She has also written and starred in two critically acclaimed, OffBroadway hit shows: The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom (Outer Critics Circle Nomination), and 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother (GLAAD Media Award – Outstanding NY Theater, Drama Desk Nomination – Actor).

Judy received rave reviews portraying Gremio in The Public Theater’s all female production of The Taming of The Shrew for Shakespeare in the Park. She also co-starred in Off-

Kellen Erkshine 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

SAT - 8 continued

Scotty K 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 9

Kellen Erkshine 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 12

Erik Myers 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frank Del Pizzo 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 13

Brian Glowacki 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Morril 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frank Del Pizzo 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Broadway’s Clinton! The Musical, and Disaster! The Musical.

Judy recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She can be seen on the new Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here, and Netflix’s Friends From College, she has recurring roles on Pop TV’s NightCap!, and TBS’s Search Party. Judy was featured in Woody Allen’s series Crisis In Six Scenes on Amazon.

The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-479-5233 or visit www.laughincomedycafe.com

FRI - 14

WED - 19

Sam Morril 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Rich Guzzi 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Brian Glowacki 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Frank Del Pizzo 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 15

Brian Glowacki 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Morril 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frank Del Pizzo 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 16

Brian Glowacki 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Morril 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 239-479-5233 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers Off the Hook Comedy Club 239-389-6901 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, unit #1100, Naples The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant 941-764-3463 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

THU - 20

Patrick Garrity 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 21

Patrick Garrity 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Steve Sweeney 7 & 9 p.m.

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

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 22

Patrick Garrity 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Steve Sweeney 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 22 continued

SUN - 23

Steve Sweeney 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 26

Lahna Turner 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Morton 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 27

Dat Phan 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Emma Williams 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Morton 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 28

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Emma Williams 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Morton 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 29

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Emma Williams 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Morton 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 30

Emma Williams 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

MON - 31

Tom Cotter 6 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 61

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Annual Holiday House Dec. 7 - 22 Black and white harlequin patterns paired with splashes of bright purple, orange and green hues … thousands of twinkling lights … miles of ribbon … elegant swathes of garland ... fanciful floral design … tassels … crystals … and, of course, mistletoe!

The whimsical artistic style of Mackenzie-Childs meets the rich Southwest Florida tradition of Holiday House with a lively dash of jazzy New Orleans spice thrown in to create “Mistletoe Magic,” the 62nd Annual Holiday House presented by the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club.

Every year since 1956, members and volunteers of the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club spend hours planning creative designs to transform the elegant Langford-Kingston and Burroughs homes, including the lawns, gardens, and grounds, into magical displays of holiday design and décor.

“Holiday House is a wonderful tradition our members take great delight in sharing with our community every year,” said Paige Anne LeBoutillier, 2018 Holiday House chair. “Every detail of the elaborate

and beautiful decorations are carefully planned to ensure our guests are filled to brimming with the holiday spirit. Mistletoe Magic promises to be every bit as sparkly, cheery, and joyful as the holiday season itself.”

In addition to touring both festively decorated historic homes, children may visit with Santa Claus at the LangfordKingston home during each night of Holiday House, and a variety of local musical performers will provide entertainment each evening.

Holiday House 2018 nightly tours will

run Friday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 22. The hours are 5 to 9 p.m., with the last tour beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults. Children under age 10 are free. Veterans and active military service members are admitted free with identification. Advance tickets may be purchased through the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club website at www.fmwcc.net.

The Historic Langford-Kingston Home and Burroughs Home are located in downtown Fort Myers at the corner of First Street and Fowler Street.

Christmas Carol sing Dec. 11

Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 28th Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 11 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, 4 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 62 - December 2018

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 90minute performance will feature the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists and other special guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-a-longs.

There is a strong rumor that Santa Claus will be making a surprise visit for the “children in all of us.”

For more information, call First Presbyterian Church at (239) 3342261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

Happenings Magazine

Ivy Cottage Antiques & Treasures 2259 Widman Way

Fort Myers River District

(239) 226-0025

6,000 square feet filled with treasures

Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by. Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more.

Tuesday through Friday 11 - 5, Saturday 11 - 4 DIRECTIONS: Downtown Fort Myers ... Take MLK ... Look for the Oasis Restaurant. Turn on to Hendry Street, then left on Widman Way. We are directly one block BEHIND the Oasis Restaurant. FREE PARKING.

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

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine Ask about our

High Definition SUSHI Special

Six Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

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

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

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

December 2018 - 63

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Holiday Nights

at Edison Ford Winter Estates Edison and Ford Winter Estates kicked off the 43rd Holiday Nights celebration Nov. 23 with the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will offer visitors an impressive light show this year with more lights and new displays and decorations.

The popular "Liquid Fireworks" Waltzing Waters lighted water fountain display will be on site again this year with a state-of-the-art light show choreographed with holiday music.

Some of the new displays include two 25' lighted steel trees and an 18' lighted tree at the Edison fountain. This year, thanks to a lift sponsorship from Sunbelt Rentals, the lights on the palm trees are strung all the way to the base of the fronds for a magical display that should delight both first-time and return visitors.

For children, artist Doug MacGregor will be on site drawing cartoons on Nov. 29, and Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 6 - 8 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting and making their list on Nov. 30 and Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23.

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

Through Dec. 30, guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours will be offered on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The museum and the botanic research laboratory will be open nightly until 9 p.m.

Live music performances include Victorian carolers and a pianist on select nights.

64 - December 2018

There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison and Clara Ford on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Edison Caretaker's House. Mina and Clara will talk about their favorite holiday traditions and tea, lemonade and cookies will be served. After the tea, visitors may stroll the beautifully decorated grounds. Space is limited to 30 guests, so registration is required. Tickets for the tea are $15 for members or $25 for non-members and include general admission to Holiday Nights.

The Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 every night and will be stocked with unique gift items and plants for that hard-to-buy-for loved one on your holiday shopping list.

Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Chris-Tel Construction and Bob Dean Supply, Inc. are also Holiday Nights sponsors this year with the fabrication and construction of two new 25 foot lighted steel trees. ChrisTel is supplying the construction methods and Bob Dean is sponsoring the fabrication of materials.

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) are $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission every Sunday and Monday.

To purchase tickets or view the schedule, visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.

New seafood, music festival Jan. 4 - 6

Come share in the festivities of the first Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival on Jan. 4 - 6 in Fort Myers. Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances.

Festivities begin Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and continue Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is free, and the VIP tent admission is $75 and includes an open bar serving premium drinks, tented seating area with linens on the tables and a dedicated service staff all placed with optimal viewing of the live musical performances.

This new event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors.

While savoring your meal, relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres such as R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean sounds. Performers and performance times will be posted as the event nears. The schedule will be found at www.seafoodfestivals.com and www.paragonartevents.com.

Free trolley returns

LeeTran’s free River District trolley serving downtown Fort Myers resumed seasonal service Nov. 8. Stops include both regular LeeTran stops and designated trolley stops marked by a gold and blue sign. The seasonal downtown Fort Myers trolley service continues until May 1. LeeTran schedules and bus/trolley stops can be found online at www.rideleetran.com.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

December 2018 - 65

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Bert’s Bar & Seafood Grill

Deep Lagoon Seafood

Bert’s Bar offers dockside dining and live music with a million dollar view. Bert’s Bar is a one-of-a-kind waterfront restaurant offering delicious fresh seafood, Black Angus burgers, refreshing brews and beautiful views, all at reasonable prices. Savor all you can eat fried shrimp on Wednesdays (4 to 9) and all you can eat fish fry on Fridays (4 to 9). Enjoy steel drum entertainment on the dock during the day Wednesday to Sunday and live entertainment nightly from national bands and Southwest Florida’s favorite local bands. Boaters are welcome.

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 Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual, we feature a wide variety of menu options to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company. Happy Hour from 11 am - 6 pm featuring small plates from $5 - $8.

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha 239-282-3232 www.BertsBar.com

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, special events and meetings. We’re open daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily 4 7 p.m. Classic car shows every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

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

Cape Cabaret

Cape Cabaret offers dining, dancing and live music Tuesday through Saturday.

We feature a full dinner menu prepared by executive chef Ryan Cook, two full bars, two hardwood dance floors and live music from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. See your favorite bands perform on our 30-foot stage equipped with the latest state of the art sound and light systems. Have your next private party or corporate event in our ballroom or banquet room. Happy Hour & Early Bird Specials 4 to 5:30 p.m. Entrees, house wines, wells all at 50% discount.

Walk-ins always welcome or call reservation hotline.

4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.com

66 - December 2018

10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 14040 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-689-5474 www.deeplagoon.com

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled a completely redesigned EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill that enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections. The new interior design of the EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is elegant yet comfortable and features a theaterstyle kitchen that allows for transparency as chefs prepare dishes “from scratch” to the table. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill menu features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. The wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including award- winning fajitas, pork osso bucco and the ever-popular braised short rib pot roast.

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

Lucky Mi

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.

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

Happenings Magazine

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 six days a week (closed Sundays).

1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.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 13 Florida locations including Key West, 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 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

Happenings Magazine

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.

4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 www.texastonys.com

Twisted Vine Bistro

Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass.

Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden!

We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners. Dinner is served seven nights a week. 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 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-of-the-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 40 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 December 2018 - 67

KEY WEST

Destination concerts at Key West venues

Key West offers a great opportunity for travelers to explore the uniqueness of Key West and see some of their favorite national artists perform in concert (indoors and outside).

At least four concert venues are now hosting national artists. They include the Tennessee Williams Theatre at 5901 College Road, the Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St., the city-owned Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park and the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel at 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Little River Band returns to the Tennessee Williams Theatre on Feb. 13. Through the ‘70s and ‘80s, LRB enjoyed huge chart success with multiplatinum albums and chart topping hits like: “Reminiscing,” “Cool Change,” “Lonesome Loser,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy On Me” and “Help Is on Its Way. For tickets, call 305-295-7676 or buy online at www.keystix.com At the Key West Theater, the music schedule includes The Wailers on Jan. 10, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap on Jan. 11, Hot Tuna on Jan. 22, Shawn Colvin on Jan. 26, David Bromberg on Jan. 31, Al Di Meola on Feb. 5, Travis Tritt on Feb. 6, Gaelic Storm on Feb. 9, Los Lobos Feb. 14 (two JJ Grey & Mofro performs Dec. 29 at Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel. shows), Justin Hayward on Feb. 18, 10,000 Maniacs on March 7, Joan Osborne on March 23 and Jefferson Starship on March 27. For tickets and other at 8 p.m. Soulixer will also perform. show info at the Key West Theater, visit online at www.thekeywesttheAir Supply will perform at Sunset Green Event Lawn on Jan. 25. ater.com.

The Beach Boys will perform at the Sunset Green Event Lawn on As for the outdoor venues ...

April 4.

JJ Grey & Mofro will perform Dec. 29 at the Sunset Green Event At the Key West Amphitheater, The Revivalists will perform April 6.

Lawn at 24 North Hotel. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts For tickets to Rams Head concerts at Sunset Green Event Lawn and Key West Ampitheater, visit www.keywestconcertseries.com.

The Beach Boys will play April 4 at Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel.

68 - December 2018

The Revivalists will play the Key West Amphitheater April 6.

Photo by Zackery Michael Happenings Magazine

New Year’s Eve KEY WEST

Some New Year’s Eve celebration options in Key West include the following:

Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joeʼs

The arrival of 2019 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.

Thousands of spectators gather on Duval for the annual gala, emceed by a rooftop host starting at 10 p.m. and featuring dancing in the street and a countdown to midnight recorded on a huge clock.

Pirate Wench Drop at Schooner Wharf

For piratical partiers, a New Year’s Eve salute to Key West’s rowdy seafaring roots is scheduled at the island’s Historic Seaport. At midnight, a winsome pirate wench is to descend from the top of the mast of the tall ship America 2.0 as cannon blasts welcome 2018. Scallywags in attendance can expect live music all day, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St.

Sushi, portrayed by Gary Marion, hangs in a giant replica of a women's red high heel over Duval Street Dec. 31, 2013, at the Bourbon Street Pub Complex in Key West. The Red Shoe Drop is a Key West New Year's Eve tradition and is one of four Florida Keys warm-weather takeoffs on New York City's ball drop marking the beginning of the new year.

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

Shoe Drop Celebration

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. Seconds before midnight, the high heel bearing a lavishly gowned and coiffed Sushi is to be lowered from the second-story balcony of the complex toward the cheering crowds below.

I Love Stock Island Festival blends art, cuisine & attractions

Vibrant arts emporiums, a fast-growing culinary scene and a colorful working waterfront characterize Stock Island, the Florida Keys community that lies just outside Key West. Visitors can explore the eclectic island, headquarters of the Florida Keys’ commercial shrimping industry, during the I Love Stock Island Festival set for Friday, Dec. 7 - Sunday, Dec. 9.

Festival attendees can celebrate Stock Island’s culture and heritage, lively marinas and waterfront eateries while enjoying fresh-off-the-boat seafood and other island cuisine, history and art studio tours, live music, a bicycle trek, a day of family fun and even a lighted holiday boat parade.

Friday’s highlights include the Taste of Stock Island, a “moveable feast” scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Foodies travel by trolley between local restaurants, sampling small 70 - December 2018

plates and beverages at each flavorful stop.

Friday also features a preholiday happening: the annual Stock Island Lighted Boat Parade beginning at 7 p.m.

Participating vessels range from dinghies and schooners to local shrimpboats, decked out with holiday lights and decorations, staging a festive journey through community marinas. A preparade happy hour and post-parade parties at local hotspots round out the festivities.

Saturday’s centerpiece is “Discover Stock Island,” a daylong family-friendly event headquartered at the new Bernstein Park at 6751 5th St. Attractions are to include live music, food trucks, vendors’ wares, activities for kids, a Little Mr. & Miss Stock Island Contest and the seafaringthemed Stock Island Olympics. Attendees can even taste samples of roast pork and

vote for their favorite in the Cuban Pig Roast Chinabox Challenge.

Saturday’s schedule also features a 5K walk/run and free trolley tours of local businesses, restaurants and galleries with “treasure” prizes.

Among Sunday’s highlights are a guided history tour by bicycle or van, a Stock Island art studio “open house” stroll and a traditional Florida Keys shrimp boil.

The festival schedule also includes food truck finds, brunches at Stock Island restaurants, values on watersports excursions and a Sunday “animal farm” experience for families.

For more event information, visit online at www.ILoveStockIsland.org For Key West visitor information, go to www.fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800LAST-KEY. Happenings Magazine

UPCOMING ART & HOLIDAY EVENTS

Key West Home Tours Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Come celebrate the season with the Key West Art Center, 301 Front.

St., as they turn the gallery around and deck the walls with all new works by talented local artists. Join the festivities Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. to sip a glass of wine, enjoy holiday treats, and mingle with the artists.

www.keywestartcenter.com

First Thursdays Art Walk Dec. 6 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Join Studios Key West and Guild Hall Gallery as they host opening receptions for new works artists, designers, book signings and jewelry trunk shows. Key West Local Luxe is proud to present an absolutely delicious trunk show of the decorative arts, during the Art & Shopping Walk, which includes galleries and boutiques and design studios, spanning from Studios of Key West at Eaton and Simonton, to Guild Hall Gallery on Duval and all the galleries and boutiques in the 500 block of Fleming 305-296-0458 and neighbors.

Happenings Magazine

Historic Inn Tours

Dec. 7 & Dec. 14 Enjoy an enchanted evening to include trolley transportation between several participating inns, each decorated for the holidays.

Treats and libations are offered at each inn. Event-goers also can provide their own transportation or bicycle to the inns. Contact the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West to purchase tickets. www.keystix.com

Hometown Parade Dec. 8

Charming holiday spirit abounds in this annual parade in the southernmost city in the continental U.S. Local flavor prevails with marching bands, school groups, motorized and non-motorized floats and lively community participation. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. at Bayview Park’s Truman Avenue and White Street location. Catching tossed candy and seeing Santa are highlights for kids. www.keywestcity.com

IN

KEY WEST

Custom House Holiday Concert & Bazaar

Dec. 19 The Key West Art & Historical Society hosts the third annual event, 5-9 p.m., at the historic Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Highlights are to include performances by musicians and choirs, local artisans showcasing their wares, a light show and “selfies” with Santa. www.kwahs.org

Walk on White Gallery Walk Dec. 20 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Exhibitions & receptions at galleries & shops along White St, including Artists @ the Armory, Harrison Gallery, Stone Soup Gallery & hIPSO facto at the Coffee Mill Dance Studio.

Key West Home Tours

Dec. 28-29, Jan. 18-19, Feb. 15-16, Mar. 15-16 Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, the annual self-guided tours from 3-6 p.m. each day showcase festively dressed Key West homes and gardens. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day-of-tour. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s museum and programs. www.keywesthometours.com

December 2018 - 71