December 2019 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

DECEMBER 2019

FREE

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A RADIO PLAY

AT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE

GATLIN BROTHERS

AT SEMINOLE CASINO

THOMPSON SQUARE

TO PLAY THE RANCH

NEW YEAR’S EVE

IN SW FLORIDA

THEATREZONE IS GOING

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Key West

Publisher’s Spotlight

Live theatre

No better way to end the calendar year than to experience live theatre on so many stages in Southwest Florida.

In Naples, TheatreZone opens its new season with Home for the Holidays Dec. 13 - 15 at the G & L Theatre.

Broadway Palm gives us Sounds of Christmas on the main stage now through Dec. 25. That show will be followed by Grumpy Old Men which will run Dec. 29 through Feb. 8.

In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater presents its annual Spectacular Christmas Revue Dec. 11 - 15.

Florida Repertory Theatre presents An Inspector Calls Dec. 6 - 22 in downtown Fort Myers.

At The Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte, the Charlotte Players give us Christmas Through the Ages Dec. 5 - 8.

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play is being staged at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre now through Dec. 25.

In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse performs It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Norris Center now through Dec. 29.

Continuing its second season, New Phoenix Theatre in Fort Myers presents Inspecting Carol Dec. 5 - 22.

Alabaster opens Dec. 20 at Florida Repertory Theatre’s ArtStage Studio and runs through Jan. 26.

Laboratory Theater of Florida presents the Florida premiere of Let Nothing You Dismay Dec. 6 - 22 in Fort Myers.

Players Circle Theatre will open its inaugural season on Dec. 3 with the production of Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show. Performing at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, the show will run to Dec. 22.

The Naples Players present She Loves Me now through Dec. 22.

The Book of Mormon opens Dec. 31 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW and runs through Jan. 5.

In LaBelle, A Nice Family Christmas is on stage Dec. 6 - 15 at Firehouse Community Theatre.

The Studio Players continue their run of three one-act comedies now through Dec. 8 in Naples.

The Marco Players present A Doublewide Texas Christmas now through Dec. 8.

4 - December 2019

New Year’s Eve

We have a variety of options to ring in the new year throughout Southwest Florida. Several of our magazine partners will be offering some great choices for New Year’s Eve. The River District Alliance will hold its annual Downtown Countdown in Fort Myers with a ball drop and live music from Smack Daddy, Not Guilty, Half Step Down, Almost ABBA, Marty Stokes Band and others.

Pure Florida will be offering sunset river cruises at both its Naples and Fort Myers locations.

Spend the evening on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers.

The Charlotte Players will have two shows on Dec. 31 at The Langdon Playhouse.

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers is always a fun theatre experience on New Year’s Eve. If you want live music that night, there is a wide spectrum of choices: Cape Cabaret has The Goldtones on stage in Cape Coral.

In Bonita Springs, The Stage has two shows for their Jersey Boys tribute.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill in Fort Myers will have Brylcream performing early and Iconic playing late.

Also in Cape Coral, step back to the 80s at the Dolphin Key Resort Tiki Bar as they welcome 80 Caliber.

DJ’s Rhythm House in Fort Myers will present live music by Pearl, CJ and Dori on New Year’s Eve. The Center Bar at The Promenade in Bonita Springs will have DJ Dave that night when the clock strikes midnight.

No matter your plans, please remember to be responsible and play it safe.

Thank you

On behalf of our entire team here at KMK Publishing Inc., Kathy and I want to thank all of our advertisers, readers, followers and distribution partners for another fantastic year. Your loyalty and support are what makes it all possible.

It’s hard to believe, but 2020 will mark the 25th year for Happenings Magazine in Southwest Florida. How cool is that.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

20

music

44

dining

68 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Jeff Morrill & 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

Home for the Holidays THEATREZONE

TheatreZone in Naples begins its 15th season with Home for the Holidays which will be presented at Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 and 15 at 2 p.m.

This TheatreZone original production celebrates the season with a musical extravaganza of holiday favorites, lively dance routines, scrumptious costumes and a live orchestra to put everyone in a festive mood. Selections include “Home for the Holidays,” “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

The professional cast members include Kara Konken, Dawn Lebrecht, James Little, Bret Poulter, Carolann Sanita, Billy Sharpe, Kayley Stevens and Gerritt VanderMeer.

TheatreZone will stage Leonard Bernstein’s Wonderful Town Jan. 9 - 19. Set in the summer of 1935, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of sisters Ruth and Eileen, one an aspiring writer and the other a dancer, who move from rural Ohio to seek success in Greenwich Village, New York. Together, the sisters take on the Big Apple, pursuing their dreams and finding love.

The score, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by 6 - December 2019

IN

NAPLES

Comden & Green, features “Ohio,” “Conga” and “One Hundred Easy Ways.”

“The idea for Wonderful Town came from a conversation we had with Leonard Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie Bernstein,” said Mark Danni, TheatreZone artistic director. “She said, ‘Wonderful Town is my favorite of my dad’s musicals and I think it would be wonderful on your stage.’ ” Wonderful Town originally played for 559 performances on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre starring Rosalind Russell as Ruth and Edith Adams as Eileen. It won Best Musical from the Tony Awards, New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards. The musical was revived on Broadway in 2003 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where it played for 497 performances starring Donna Murphy and Jennifer Westfeldt as Ruth and Eileen.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.theatre.zone or by calling the TheatreZone Box Office at 888-966-3352 x1.

TheatreZone is a nonprofit, professional equity theatre located inresidence at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples.

Happenings Magazine

Spectacular Christmas

Revue Dec. 11 - 15 at

Cultural Park Theater

By Michael Moran Our holiday season at Cultural Park starts out with a bang. If you love live stage shows or the holidays, you will especially love Cultural Park Theater’s Spectacular Christmas Revue, opening Dec. 11 through Dec. 15.

The recipe for our patrons’ favorite show of the season is a simple one; we take everyone’s favorite holiday classics, add some pop favorites with a sprinkle of Broadway surrounded with a cast of children and adults with one goal in mind ... to fill the hearts of Cultural Park audiences with the true spirit of the holiday season.

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. The Spectacular Christmas Revue is on stage with a matinee at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday along with evening performances at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral Florida.

Tickets are 22 dollars for Adults, 19 for Seniors with Children’s prices and group rates available. Call the box office at 239-772-5862 for reservations.

Spirit of Christmas has been alive and well on the Cultural Park stage for more than 30 years, and this year we proudly present a new addition to our holiday shows when for one night only Dec 19 at 8 p.m., we proudly welcome singer, songwriter and Happenings Magazine

member of The Capris, Michael D’Amore, as he takes you on a musical journey of the very best hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s with a special holiday concert.

For more than 30 years, Michael D’Amore has been a professional entertainer based out of the New York metropolitan area. Having performed in several genres, Michael eventually found himself drawn to the harmony of the classic R&B and Doo-Wop sounds.

Michael currently performs his one-man show showcasing the best of the ‘50s and ‘60s. He is also a member of The Capris and proud to sing lead on the their hits “There’s A Moon Out Tonight” and “Morse Code Of Love” for music fans around the world.

He has opened for and shared the stage with groups such as The Stylistics, Lou Christie, John Cafferty, The Loving Spoonful, The Grass Roots, Kenny Vance and the Planotones and so many groups he has admired over the years. Tickets for this event are $21 for all ages and will sell fast, so get them while you can.

Coming to the stage in 2020 … watch for more amazing shows like Nunsense in January followed by Same Time Next Year, Urinetown, The Owl and the Pussycat, Nana’s Naughty Knickers and finishing with the original revue Passage to Ireland and more great concerts like Neil Zirconia, Paul Todd Jr. and more take the concert stage.

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

December 2019 - 7

An Inspector Calls THEATRE

at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre announces the opening of An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley to continue its 20192020 season. Playing in the Historic Arcade Theatre Dec. 6 - 22, the run includes four nearly sold-out previews Dec. 3 - 5.

The gala opening night on Friday, Dec. 6 features a free champagne reception and light hors d'oeuvres and desserts in the Historic Arcade Theatre's lobby beginning at 7 p.m.

"Florida Rep has never done anything quite like this play," said artistic director Greg Longenhagen. "It's a classic thriller, and it's a morality play. Not only will audiences be on the edge of their seats with the twists and turns, but they will see how the characters' actions have incredible repercussions they never intended. This play is a turn-of-the-century cautionary tale and calls on all of us to make the world a better place. It shows us what can happen when we forget to be kind to one another, but at the same time, it will keep you guessing."

In Priestley's play, a festive dinner party at the home of a wealthy British family is interrupted by a mysterious inspector investigating the death of a young woman. As questions multiply and guilt mounts, the family’s entanglement in the affair shatters the foundations of their comfortable lives – and challenges us to examine our actions. Set in 1912 England 8 - December 2019

Cole Francum

Ellyn Heald

William McNulty

Bailey Tyler

and written in the aftermath of World War II, this chilling morality play is both a plea for a more just society and a warning of what’s to come if we fail to attain it. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation of theatergoers. The Daily Telegraph called the play "superbly tense and breathtaking!”

An Inspector Calls features an all-star cast led by Florida Rep ensemble members Kate Hampton, William McNulty, V Craig Heidenreich, and Brendan Powers, alongside New York actors Cole Francum and Ellyn Heald, with Florida Rep intern Bailey Tyler making their Florida Rep debuts.

Hampton and McNulty appeared in the seasonopening farce, Ken Ludwig's A Fox on the Fairway.

Heidenreich returns to the stage after appearances in Twelve Angry Men and To Kill a Mockingbird, and Powers returns after appearing in last season's Hay Fever and Million Dollar Quartet. Newcomers Francum and Heald make appearances at Florida Rep after extensive work in regional theatres, and Bailey Tyler makes her main stage season debut after her work in Florida Rep's Theatre for Young Audiences Series as one of the company's 2019-2020 interns.

Frequent Florida Rep guest artist Michael Marotta

Kate Hampton

V Craig Heidenreich

Brendan Powers

Michael Marotta

directs the production after recent appearances in last season's Tenderly: the Rosemary Clooney Musical and Cabaret in 2018.

Marotta's work as a director at Florida Rep includes recent critical and box office successes, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End and I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti.

Marotta leads an expert creative team including set designer Dennis C. Maulden (Hay Fever), ensemble costume designer Stefanie Genda (Million Dollar Quartet), lighting designer Tyler M. Perry (Cabaret), sound designer Katie Lowe (Always...Patsy Cline), and stage manager Phill Madore (Florida Rep debut).

Tickets start at $55/$49 for regular performances and $35/$29 for previews.

Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488.

Subscriptions are also on sale now and offer the best seats at the most significant discount.

Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Again this season, Florida Rep's parking lot will open 2 hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

Happenings Magazine

THE CHARLOTTE PLAYERS

Christmas Through the Ages

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY

Charlotte Players kicks off December by participating in Giving Tuesday for the second time. Taking place on Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and yearend giving.

The global celebration runs for 24 hours and begins at midnight local time. Giving Tuesday started as a day for anyone anywhere to give and has grown into the biggest giving movement in the world.

Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live.

Donation forms are available at the Charlotte Players office¸1182 Market St., Port Charlotte, and donations also may be made by calling 941255-1022.

Charlotte Players has announced a new production for the holiday season, Christmas Through the Ages.

Live music and stage entertainment, featuring actors and singers of all ages, is guaranteed to produce warm holiday memories for everyone in the audience.

“It is our hope and desire to continue this production for many years to come and start a new tradition,” said Charlotte Players executive director Sherrie Moody.

Music ranges from early medieval and renaissance to Victorian and contemporary, plus some humorous and interesting stories about how the music was inspired in each era.

Some songs will feature accompaniment by period instruments and piano.

The program starts with “Jingle Bells” and takes audiences on a journey from preChristian Rome all the way to a medley of the top 25 Christmas songs in history done in five

Cultural Park Theater’s

at Langdon Playhouse Dec. 5 - 8

Happenings Magazine

minutes (“No stop watches please,” Sherrie joked).

Artistic director Herb Berry, music/vocal director Jaclyn Cushman and a large group of talented performances are making this a holiday event to remember. Held at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market St., Port Charlotte, the show opens on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and continues at the same time on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7. There is also a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Tickets at $25 for adults and $13 for students may ordered at the Charlotte Players website (www.charlotteplayers.org) or by calling 941-255-1022 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In mid-month, mentalist Bill Gladwell brings his “Mind Games” shows to the Langdon at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15.

“If you haven’t seen the ‘thought reader,’ do yourself a favor during the busy holiday season,” Sherrie said. “During his 90-minute performance, Bill will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you'll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book.”

Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for students and may be ordered at the website or by calling the number above.

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, come ring in the new year with some of Charlotte County’s most talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert style program. Directed by Ken Crisp, who also provides piano accompaniment along with drummer Joel Broome, this concert has something for everyone – something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more.

There are two New Year’s Eve shows, the first at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $13 for students, and my ordered on the website or by calling the number above.

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

BROADWAY SERIES

An Evening of Christmas Cheer with

Michael D’Amore

As a one-man show and as the lead singer of The Capris, Michael D’Amore has been blessed to perform on amazing stages throughout the country.

Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8 pm

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

December 2019 - 9

THEATRE

James Leaming in Gulfshore Playhouseʼs production of Itʼs A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play. Photos by Matthew Schipper

Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Gulfshore Playhouse in The show is directed by Naples presents a heartwarmPeter Amster, a seasoned ing holiday classic for the director whose award-winning entire family, It’s A Wonderful productions include Once on Life: A Live Radio Play on this Island, The World Goes stage at The Norris Center Round, The Rothschilds and now through Dec. 29.

Pride and Prejudice.

Presented as a 1940s radio In addition to Amster, the show, this beloved story is creative team includes enhanced with a lush soundKristen Martino, scenic scape performed by the actors designer; Jimmy Lawler, live on stage. Bedford Falls lighting designer; Devon and the Bailey family have Painter, costume designer; never sounded better than in Joel Abbott, sound designer; this fresh retelling. and John Patrick, vocal Keri Safran After a series of financial coach. hardships, a small-town The cast includes: banker contemplates suicide on a snowy • Jeffrey Binder as idealistic George Bailey.

Christmas Eve in 1945. George, who wishes Binder is a 15-year Broadway veteran, whose he had never been born, receives the aid of a New York credits include Zazu in Disney’s guardian angel who is assigned the task of The Lion King and George Banks in the hit saving George’s life. Perfectly timed for the musical Mary Poppins, both performed at the Holiday season, this timeless masterpiece New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street. reaffirms the inherent value of all people with Television credits include Damages, Law & an enchanting, theatrical twist.

Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, With the help of an ensemble that brings a Guiding Light, and All My Children. He’s also few dozen characters to the stage, complete the associate artistic director for Gulfshore with a live sound effects artist, It’s a Wonderful Playhouse.

Life: A Live Radio Play is the perfect treat for • Brian Owen, whose credits include the the entire family. world premiere of Dog Man: The Musical, four 10 - December 2019

productions of Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, The Turn of the Screw, Shakespeare in Love, Sweeney Todd, The Matchmaker and Both Your Houses.

• James Learning, a founding member of American Blues Theatre in Chicago. He has performed at renowned national theatres including Steppenwolf, Writers’ Theatre and The Goodman. National tour productions include Defamation and Botanic Garden, as well as This Wonderful Life, a solo version of It’s A Wonderful Life.

• Andrea Prestinario, whose credits include Fun Home at the Baltimore Center Stage and Weston Playhouse. She previously starred as Eliza in the Asolo Rep production of My Fair Lady and as Maureen in RENT at the Paramount Theatre Aurora.

• Keri Safran, who recently starred in Forbidden Broadway at Gateway Playhouse.

Other recent credits include Singin’ in the Rain at the Zach Theatre, and City of Light at the Connelly Theatre. She was also in the recent Sundance film Imaginary Order and has been featured on TV’s The Blacklist and Netflix’s upcoming Soundtrack.

Gulfshore Playhouse performs in The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave., Naples. For more info, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111.

Happenings Magazine

New Phoenix Theatre season continues with a hilarious hit New Phoenix Theatre’s second season continues in December with Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan.

Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off in this hilarious hit from Seattle. A man who asks to audition at a small theater is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered wannabe actor, and he is given a role in the current production, A Christmas Carol. Everything goes wrong and hilarity is piled upon hilarity. Perfect anytime, this delight is particularly appropriate at Christmas.

Inspecting Carol pays Dec. 5 - 22 in Fort Myers.

Directed by Joey Bostic, the cast includes Bill Allenfort as Sidney Carlton, Sam Bostic as Walter E. Parsons, Blake Dunkle as Larry Vauxhall, Carolyn England as Dorothy Tree Hapgood, Lexi Falance as Lexi Beatty, Cindi Heimberg as Zorah

Happenings Magazine

Bloch, Gary Hirmer as Kevin Emery, Denise McKiernan as Betty Andrews, Don McKiernan as Phil Hewlitt, Robin Murray as M.J. (Mary Jane) McMann and John Strealy as Wayne Wellacre.

Yvonne Shadrach is co-director, and Cameron Rogers is stage manager.

The new theatre group’s second season began in October with the cult classic, The

Rocky Horror Show. In January, the new year starts with the searing drama Time Stands Still followed by the raucous musical The Full Monty in February and March.

The season ends with two powerful pieces, Terrence McNally’s Lips Together, Teeth Apart opening April 16 and comedian and movie star Steve Martin’s new comedy, Meteor Shower opening May 28.

Tickets for the 2019 – 2020 season are available online.

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

New Phoenix Theatre, located at 13211 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, is a not-forprofit community theater that was established in 2018 to create entertainment that enlightens the community, celebrates diversity and inspires the imagination.

For more information, go online to www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org or call 239-284-5214.

December 2019 - 11

Let Nothing You Dismay THEATRE

at Laboratory Theater of Florida

The Florida premiere of Let Nothing You Dismay opens Dec. 6 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.

Set during Christmas in a hospital waiting room, this fast-paced comedy focuses on a couple about to adopt its first child… and then the entire extended family decides to make a surprise visit. Eight talented comedic actors portray 22 different roles.

Artistic director Annette Trossbach adds, “This fastpaced comedy show features 22 wild family members and hangers-on who descend upon a maternity ward on Dec. 25. With lightning-fast costume changes, our eight actors will have you in stitches in this snazzy, new, madcap farce that, in the end, shows that family is what it's all about.

It's heartfelt, wild, fast-paced fun for the whole family.”

The play features Amanda Collins, David Cooley, Danielle Channell, Scott Davis, Kristen Wilson, Pictured, front from left, are Todd Lyman, Scott Davis, Kristen Wilson, Amanda Collins and David Todd Lyman, Holly Cooley; back row are Danielle Channel, Holly Zammerila and Kenneth Johnson.

Zammerilla and Ken Johnson. It is co-directed by Annette Trossbach and Steven Coe, with stage management by Margaret Cooley, set above are on risers. design by Michael Eyth, light and sound design by Jonathan Let Nothing You Dismay plays from Dec. 6 through Dec. 22 at Johnson and costume design by Kristen Wilson. the Laboratory Theater of Florida. A half price preview will be There will be an opening night reception with hors d’oeuvres Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.

by The Gathering Place starting at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.

Tickets are available to purchase at Brownpapertickets.com For teens, there will be a cast and crew meet & greet with pizza or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savdonated by Downtown House of Pizza starting at 6:30 p.m. on ings, guests may purchase a 2019-2020 season pass. For more Saturday, Dec. 7, followed by a complimentary performance for information, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the the teenagers; reservations are required. The theater has new physical location at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River seating: Rows A, B, and C are on the floor, and rows D and District.

12 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

THEATRE

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play on stage at Off Broadway Palm Theatre

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play on stage now through Dec. 25.

The Charles Dickens classic comes alive on stage, but with a twist!

The entire family will enjoy this unique theatrical experience that will take you back in time to the days of radio plays.

The story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his discovery of the true meaning of Christmas is reimagined and told as a 1940s radio broadcast complete with vintage commercials, live sound effects and musical underscoring. The small cast brings dozens of characters to life as three 14 - December 2019

ghosts take Scrooge on a thrilling journey through Christmas past, present and future.

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees.

Ticket prices range from $42 to $62 with discounts available for children and groups of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Alabaster opens Dec. 20

at the Florida Rep Theatre

Florida Repertory Sara Morsey alongTheatre announces side newcomers, the opening of Dana Brooke and Alabaster by Audrey Carolyn Messina.

Cefaly, as part of a Burttram returns to 10-theatre National the ArtStage after her New Play Network recent work filming rolling world preThe Right Stuff for miere. Chosen from National Geographic, Florida Rep's 2018 which is set to air in PlayLab Festival of early 2020. Her New Works, recent Florida Rep Dana Brooke Alabaster plays in credits include Steel the ArtStage Studio Magnolias, Hay Theatre Dec. 20 to Fever and Jan. 26 with four Disgraced, as well as nearly sold-out prethe 2018 PlayLab views Dec. 17 - 19. reading of Alabaster.

Alabaster is an Morsey returns after intimate portrait of recent appearances survival where two in Steel Magnolias extremely different and Shear Madness. women find common In addition to her ground and discover work on stage in the healing power of Alabaster, Morsey is Rachel Burttram human connection. a folk artist, and is When a noted bigcreating over 60 city photographer pieces of original outsets out to explore sider art for the prothe topography of duction. Her work will “scars,” her journey be on display at the lands her in the mysArts for ACT Gallery terious realm of an across the hall from undiscovered folk the ArtStage Studio artist hiding from the during the month of world on her farm January. near Alabaster, Ala. A Birmingham Audrey Cefaly's new native, Carolyn Carolyn Messina play is a beautiful Messina makes her and edgy character Florida Rep debut on study that explores the production, but the meaning and has a long history purpose of art and working with the the struggle of the playwright. She's often lost, tortured appeared in Cefaly's souls who seek to works prior to create it.

Alabaster, and as a "Florida Rep's is dramaturg, has colcommitted to devellaborated with Cefaly oping new works and on multiple projects, nurturing playincluding Alabaster. wrights," said artistic New York actress Sara Morsey director Greg Dana Brooke makes Longenhagen, "and her Florida Rep Audrey Cefaly's new play is one debut in the production, and is a of the most exciting new works to company member at B Street cross my desk in a while. This Theatre in Sacramento, Calif., play is both hopeful and heartwhere she appeared in a reading breaking and features some of of Alabaster as part of the your favorite Florida Rep National New Play Network Ensemble Members. We are Annual Showcase of New Plays. honored to give this play its first Florida Rep ensemble memof ten Rolling World Premiere ber and associate artistic director productions and to welcome the Jason Parrish directs the producplaywright into the creative tion after helming last season's process as the story comes to Steel Magnolias and Million life for the first time. This is not a Dollar Quartet. show to miss."

Tickets are available online at Alabaster features ensemble www.FloridaRep.org and through members Rachel Burttram and the box office at 239-332-4488.

Happenings Magazine

NEW PHOENIX THEATRE 2019-2020 SEASON

A comedy by Daniel Sullivan

Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8 pm Dec. 8, 15, 22 at 3 p.m.

TICKETS

Jan. 16 - Feb. 2

Feb. 27 - Mar. 22

make great holiday gifts!

April 16 - May 3

May 28 - June 14

13211 McGregor Blvd. #1 & 2, Fort Myers

239-284-5214 • BUY TICKETS ONLINE www.NewPhoenixTheatreFortMyers.org

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

Let Nothing You Dismay

By Topher Payne

December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8 p.m.

December 8, 15, 21, 22 at 2 p.m.

Half price preview Dec. 5

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers December 2019 - 15

THEATRE

Sounds of Christmas Shannon Conboy and A.J. Foggiano in Broadway Palmʼs production of Sounds of Christmas.

BROADWAY PALM

Broadway Palm proudly presents Sounds of Christmas playing now through Dec. 25. Bring your family and friends as we celebrate the season with festive production numbers, beautiful dancing and dazzling costumes!

Sounds of Christmas is a joyous musical revue that is centered around Poindexter the elf and his last-minute shuffle to create a musical playlist for Santa’s Christmas Eve flight.

The production embraces holiday music and memories in a holly jolly celebration that highlights what makes the holidays truly meaningful. You’ll hear classics along with more contemporary songs you know and love including “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Run Run Rudolph” and more. And this holiday extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the big guy himself…Santa Claus!

This fun-filled celebration is perfect for all ages and will remind you why this is 16 - December 2019

Annika Veldhuyzen van Zanten as Olivia, Katherine Walker Hill as Mom, Victor Legarreta as Santa, Eli Veldhuyzen van Zanten as Sam and Troy Bruchwalski as Dad.

the most wonderful time of the year!

Creator, director and choreographer Amy Marie McCleary says, “I was inspired by my own Christmas traditions with my family and friends. So many of our Christmas memories are colored by the music of the season and I wanted to highlight all those special tunes in unique ways.” The cast is comprised of many making their Broadway Palm debut along with audience favorites including newlyweds Troy Bruchwalski and Katherine Walker Hill whose love story began right on Broadway Palm’s stage during Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in December 2016.

Sounds of Christmas is playing now through Dec. 25 at Broadway Palm.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees.

Tickets are $48 to $73 with children and group prices available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Players Circle Theatre

opens inaugural season Dec. 3

Players Circle Theatre, Lee County’s newest professional theatre, has announced its 2019 - 2020 inaugural season.

The theatre’s home is at the Shell Factory and Nature Park, located at 16554 N. Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers.

The inaugural season is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 3 and will include five professional productions.

Opening the season will be an original world premiere, Ho!Ho!Ho! The Christmas Show, a delightful and rollicking musical comic revue written, conceived and directed by producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo.

The musical will run from Dec. 3 - 22 and features a cast of five, including musical director and arranger Knuckles Rosen and be choreographed

by Cacioppo’s longtime collaborator, Arthur D’Allessio.

Audience members will be invited to sing along to all the great Christmas songs, including “A White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts) and “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

Opening Jan.10 and running through Feb. 2, will be The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney. A comedy by the author of Sylvia and The Cocktail Hour, this brilliantly conceived and richly humorous theatrical tour-deforce is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household and includes a mosaic of scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an indepth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper middle class WASP. The Dining Room will feature Players Circle Theatre managing director Carrie Cacioppo, leading the cast of six. Director will be associate producer Bill Gregg. He has directed over 150 professional productions at such notable theatres as The Guthrie, Arena Stage, Geva Theatre Center and the Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Opening Feb. 15 and running through March 8 will be Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Directed by Robert Happenings Magazine

Cacioppo, this Broadway hit comedy is homage to Neil Simon’s early days in show business, when he worked as a comedy writer for Sid Caesar’s “our Show of Shows. Simon’s alter ego, Lucas, is stuck in a room with the loosest comedy writers ever, based on Woody Allen, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart (TV’s MASH and Tootsie) and others.

“Besides being incredibly funny, it’s a fascinating look at early TV, the red scare and a time when the greatest minds of comedy in the second half of the twentieth century were all in a room together,” says Cacioppo.

Opening March 20 and running through April 12 will be Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Simon Stephens. It is based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon. Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has an extraordinary mind but is out of sync with the world. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out a la Sherlock Holmes to find the true suspect.

To close out the Players Circle’s inaugural season will be Miracle on South Division Street

by Tom Dudzick, which opens April 24 and runs through May17. This miraculously funny and heartfelt play is about the Nowak family of Buffalo, NY, who have always known they were special, ever since the miraculous night in 1942 when the blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop. Starring Carrie Lund Cacioppo and directed by Robert Cacioppo, it’s a revival of a play they helped develop eight years ago when they did it locally.

“This is absolutely one of the funniest plays that Robert and I have ever had the pleasure of working on. We’ve been asked to revive it so many times. And Robert and I both know our audiences love a good comedy! So we’re giving it to them,“ said Carrie Cacioppo.

Tickets can be ordered by calling the Players Circle box office at 239-800-3292 or online at www.PlayersCircle.org.

December 2019 - 17

Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week The tastiest 14-day event in Southwest Florida is back for its seventh season. The winter 2019 edition of Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week powered by Linga POS will take place from Dec. 2 to Dec. 15 with more than 60 participating restaurants from Cape Coral down to Marco Island and every where tasty in-between.

Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week is a semi-annual, charity-driven event that celebrates the culinary landscape in both Collier and Lee Counties. Each of the 60+ participating restaurants will offer a three-course prix fixe dinner menu for $26 or $36, some with special upgrades. Restaurants may also offer two-course prix fixe lunch menus for $16 or $21, and/or brunch for $21 or $26.

Of each Restaurant Week meal purchased during the twoweek event, $1 will be donated to the Sizzle SWFL FGCU Food & Beverage Scholarship. The scholarship aims to profoundly impact local high school graduates seeking education

18 - December 2019

through FGCU’s School of Resort & Hospitality Management.

By encouraging students to complete the program and gain employment locally, the scholarship will assist local restaurants by increasing the number of qualified staff in the area.

The founders of Sizzle SWFL (Guy Clarke & Rafael J. Feliciano) proudly report that the event has raised more than $100,000 for local charities, with more than $25,000 of that going to the FGCU Scholarship since its inception in spring 2018.

For more information about Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week and to view participating restaurant menus, visit online at www.SizzleSWFL.com.

Participating restaurants and menus are updated as they are received.

Linga POS is the presenting sponsor for the winter 2019 edition. Gold sponsors include Greg Norman Collection at Miromar Outlets, Kagan Law Firm and Where to Eat 239.

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ART

Cape Coral Arts Studio is now Cape Coral Art Center

Cape Coral Arts Studio’s name has been updated to the Cape Coral Art Center.

The Cape Coral Art Center is dedicated to continuing to offer the same great classes, gallery exhibitions, and fine art supplies to the community. This change comes after a full renovation to the store, studios and galleries.

“It’s like a new facility and the name change reflects all of the major upgrades we have made over the past two years” says Julie Gerhard, art center director. Facility upgrades were made possible by a grant from the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural affairs and the City of Cape Coral.

The art center will host Holly Daze Fine Art Sale which opens on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30 and will be open until Dec. 20. The sale features artwork in jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, fiber, metals and much more.

The art center’s Inspire: Art Center faculty exhibit reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. This exhibit showcases the talented instructors of the Cape Coral Art Center and will be on display Dec. 6 through Dec. 26.

This is a great opportunity to meet the instructors, inquire about

classes and tour the studios.

The art center offers more than 40 classes in a variety of different mediums each week. Classes are offered during sessions including introduction and advanced silversmithing, jewelry, bead embroidery, introduction and advanced glass fusing, polymer clay, ceramics, oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, artisan rings and more. Evening and daytime classes are available for all ages.

Winter 2 class session start the week of Jan. 6 and run through Feb. 8.

The Cape Coral Art Center is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway. For more information, call 239-574-0802 or visit www.capeparks.net

Holiday Market at Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda

For three days in December, the entire Visual Arts Center will be transformed into a Holiday Market.

Explore a variety of unique gifts, holiday décor, fine art, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more from more than 60 tables of shop-

ping, plus delicious treats. The familyfriendly event will be open Dec. 6 - 8.

Event times:

Friday, Dec. 6, from noon – 7 p.m., Complimentary Holiday Beverages & Snacks from 5 - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda, and can be reached at 941-639-8810.

Off the Wall Dec. 10 - 20

Off the Wall will be on display in Goff Gallery at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda Dec. 10 – 20, featuring a variety of 2D and 3D artwork. All artwork will be priced at $200 or less. Purchased artwork will come immediately off the wall, so you can take it home for the Holidays. During the last three days of the exhibit, there will be a Red Dot Sale for 10 to 30% off artwork.

During Off the Wall, the 3D Member Show featuring 3D art by Visual Arts Center members will be on display. All artwork will be for sale. Alongside the exhibit sale, all items in the art and supply store will be marked down 10%, including all glass inventory.

The Visual Arts Center and Gift Shop will be open Dec. 23 from 9 am until 2 pm, and Dec. 24 from 9 am until noon. The gift shop features beautiful, unique artwork made by local artists including greeting cards, jewelry, tableware, knitted accessories, pottery, paintings and more, so come in for any last-minute gifting needs.

The Visual Arts Center will be closed Dec. 25 – Jan. 2.

20 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

Harbour View Gallery to showcase Jim Ellsworth, Mike Masin Dec. 3

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists James Ellsworth (woodwork) and Mike Masin (photography) at a reception on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“I think I was about 8 when a neighbor gave me an old point-andshoot camera. I still remember the 120 roll film it voraciously consumed.

I became serious about photography in the ‘70s when I bought my first 35mm SLR. Traveling a journey of thousands of frames I discovered that my passion was natural light photography. I was born and raised in New York City and was typically found prowling at night with two cameras and a meter making long-exposure night shots,” says Mike Masin.

“Now I live in beautiful SW Florida and marvel at the natural light scenes everywhere I look. I’m grateful for the beauty that surrounds me every day. I specialize in wildlife, and landscape photography. And I still shoot low-light black and white scenes

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Mike Masin

Jim Ellsworth

because I’ll always remember the joy of shooting Tri-X film,” Masin adds.

Jim Ellsworth, a retired banking executive, college professor and community leader from northwest Indiana, began his wood turning experience in 2004.

Learning basic skills of woodworking in

a high school shop class led Jim to pursue furniture making as one of his hobbies during his working career.

Upon retiring to Florida, he began looking for other woodworking opportunities and ultimately chose wood turning as an outlet for his creative energy.

Initially self-taught, Jim quickly began honing his skills by attending classes led by nationally recognized wood turners at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and the Arrowmont School for the Arts in Tennessee.

Jim has won a number of awards in recent years for his turnings exhibited at various juried art and turning expositions. While continuing to produce pieces in a wide range of turning styles he is now chiefly specializing in the art of segmented turnings.

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.

December 2019 - 21

Daniel Venditti, Ocasios at ACT Gallery ART

Arts for ACT Gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. for featured artists Daniel Jude Venditti in the main gallery and Jeff and Dale Ocasio in the white gallery.

Dan Venditti has always been fascinated with the human form. He has a great interest in human Daniel Venditti nature, as formed his artistic style to reveal much about himself, the subject, and the observer. His Italian heritage, coupled with various European masters, both past and contemporary, has influenced his work in many aspects.

Dan received his bachelor’s degree in fine art from Pratt Institute in 1987. He later attended the New York Academy of Art and received his Masters in Painting and Sculpture in 1994. He also apprenticed with the Russian artists Komar and Melamid for most of the ‘90s, working on print editions of Death Magazine and their America's Most Wanted series of paintings. He spent 20 years in New York City showing his works in galleries in the city as well as international galleries and group exhibits.

The Imperfect exhibit is a series of figurative paintings of real people, showing the beauty and grace in all of our wonderful flaws, all of

our beautiful shapes and sizes, our humanity.

Jeff and Dale Ocasio collaborate on making sculpted and illustrative art. Both were raised in Tampa, where they met, started a family and began a creative life together.

North Fort Myers has been their home for over 20 years.

Refining their self-taught technique of using paper masking tape as a sculpting medium for more than a decade, they’ve been honored to have their art awarded in juried shows and have exhibited locally throughout SW Florida and in Chicago.

Sculpting with paper masking tape over wire and reclaimed objects is where our artwork begins, Jeff & Dale Ocasio aiming to express an imaginative, storybook spirit. Each sculpture is encased with layers of acid free glue, color is added with more layers of acrylics, and protected with varnish. The Ocasios’ Water Ways exhibit is a tribute to life in the tides is a whimsical, naïve but loving view of living things in and around our banks and shores.

Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in Fort Myers.

DAAS Gallery showcasing small works

For the past several months, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts has been inviting artists from all over Southwest Florida to submit up to three artworks for their invitational small format exhibition.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. The reception party coincides with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk event.

David Acevedo

22 - December 2019

The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 27. Everyone is invited to meet the many talents participating in the show this year.

Part of the appeal for this small works exhibition is the affordability of the pieces.

Having a 12-inch limitation on any side, these locally acclaimed artists produced miniature examples of their techniques and mastery. In addition, December is the perfect month for gift-giving and what better gift than art? Current DAAS members are participating in this event as well, adding to the already beautiful inventory, which characterizes the gallery’s monthly exhibitions.

The display consists on a multitude of colorful, expressive and exquisite works on different mediums, ranging from canvas to sculptures and more. The participating artists are competing for a People’s Choice award. Guests will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece and at the same time, enter to win a signed print by founding artist David Acevedo.

The gallery is also restocked with amazing holiday inspired art and gifts, perfect for the occasion. Gift wrapping is available, size permitting.

DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815

Xavier Brignoni

Fowler St., inside the Butterfly Estates of Fort Myers. Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and first Sundays of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, event details and directions, visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-590-8645.

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ArtSmack Dec. 13 at Neenie’s House

On Friday, Dec 13 at 7 p.m., Neenie’s House will host its first artist showcase.

ArtSmack is the new venue for local artists to exhibit their work.

Janeen Vanko, the owner of Neenie’s House, is a neighborhood activist in her

East Palm area. She is bringing arts and music and local culture to her very cool space that is located in a mixed ethnic commercial area.

The debut of ArtSmack on Dec 13 will highlight the work of Paul Dengler.

Paul teaches at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts in Lehigh Acres. He is an award winning and nationally recognized photographer for his work on the PBS documentary, Family Pictures

USA. Paul will be showing his photographs from his trip to Cuba in 2016. There will be an opening reception, with Paul’s work on display through the month.

Support Janeen’s efforts to bring a more diversified arts scene to Fort Myers. Her shop also is the home of Love Your Rebellion’s Zine Library. She also has reloved stuff and social justice T-shirts for sale in the shop. And every weekend is the East Palm Mercado, an outdoor market with vendors selling plants, art, jewelry and more.

Call 224-678-4901 for additional information or visit online at www.neenieshouse.com. Neenie’s House is located at 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers (just off Palm Beach Boulevard).

The East Palm Mercado

Paul Dengler

Every Saturday and Sunday Diane’s Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, Fleamarket & Garage Sale items, Plants, Art, Jewelry, Fresh Produce 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rain or Shine, Booth Space Available for $10. 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 224-678-4901. Free event, families welcome

Always New Art,

Always New Artists

Monthly receptions for featured artists

Mike Masin

Reception Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6 - 8 p.m. with Mike Masin - photography & James Ellswor th - wood car ving

Pottery Glass Art Jewelry Handbags Fabric Art

Watercolor Paintings Sand Castings Acrylic Paintings Photography Oil Paintings

5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral www.harbourviewgallery.com • 239-540-5789

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December 2019 - 23

Season has begun at Naples Art ART

By Aimee Schlehr Season is in full swing and Naples Art has a fabulous lineup of shows, events and opportunities in progress for the 2019-2020 season.

December at Naples Art is filled with several exhibitions and new opportunities for both our community and artists.

We are now offering memberships to Naples Art for even more access, as well as an extraordinary opportunity for both student and adult artists. For students, Naples Art has developed the one-of-a-kind Art Business Entrepreneur (ABE) Academy. This 24-month program provides students with the business skills to run their small company as well as master level art classes not available in high school, all this is further reinforced by handson experiences to refine their skills.

For our adult artists, this same spirit of learning how best to navigate the world of business, honing skills and gaining representation is captured by our ABE Program. Learn more about these and several other opportunities at www.NaplesArt.org.

Photographer Jorge Brito participated in the seasonʼs first Art in the Park in November.

The longest running and most beloved The monthly event takes place the first Saturday of each month now through April in among locals, Art in the Park has remained Cambier Park just outside the Naples Art building. The next Art in the Park will be the favorite monthly outdoor show showcasing Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the talents of local artists. Believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples in 1957, Art in the Park carries on the tradition of prorange of themes and materials. Art FOCUS is light with their peers at the national level. viding the community access to the very crefree for ABE Program participants and artist Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. ative fine art and craftwork of artists. Naples family and above members, all other guests Dec. 5: Reception for Water Works and Art is proud to host this juried art show on the $10 at the door. Coffee and pastries will be 53rd Founders Exhibitions. Join us to celefirst Saturday of each month from November served. brate artists and their works among art enthuthrough April.

Next, the second of three in the Dinner siasts from 5:30 to 7:30 pm with wine, cheese Following the extraordinary Scene to be with Artists series occurs Jan. 15 at the beauand fruit refreshment at Naples Art. Seen event on Nov. 1, the wearable art that tiful Venue Naples featuring local celebrity Kicking off the new year, will be our multiwas featured at that event was showcased chef Brian Roland and brilliant abstract flowple award-winning outdoor show Jan. 4 & 5, with much fanfare for the first time ever. A ers collage artist Denise Cummings. We will the 24th Annual Naples New Year’s Art Show, must do next year if you missed it. sell out so get your tickets today at naplefeaturing artists from across the U.S. and For exhibitions, several annual and every sart.org. Art feeds the creative soul and abroad. This art show is held along 5th other year favorites are Dinner with Artists will delight your senses.

Avenue South. Hours happening this month.

Feast with your eyes and palate at this specare 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Now through Jan. 5: tacular series hosted by Naples Art. Join Saturday & Sunday.

Water Works: Artistic renowned artists paired with executive chefs Admission is free and Celebration of Our who collaborate on creating and presenting donations are encourMost Vital Resource. original works of art and culinary masteraged.

See the exceptional pieces. Dinner with Artists is an interactive ART Focus presenways artists represent artistic experience in an intimate and engagtations offer an explicit water in various types of ing setting. Each event includes a multifocus on art. Naples Art media from paintings to course gourmet meal and wine. Tickets are hosts a variety of prepottery, glass, fiber art $130 per person or $250 per couple. Tickets sentations by exhibiting and more! Monday – available at www.naplesart.org artists, collectors, art Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Major sponsors for Dinner with Artists professionals and exhiDec. 6 – Jan. 9: include Happenings Magazine, eBella bition jurors. Our next 53rd Founders Magazine, Florida Weekly, Dragon Horse Ad ART Focus is Jan. 7 Exhibition. Founders Agency, Spotlight Magazine - Naples, 90.1 from 10 to 11 am with exhibitions commemoJohn Loscuito, Florida WGCU, Sunny 106, WAVV 101, 96.9 WINK rate the founding of the Gulf Coast University FM, FOX92.5, Alexander’s Restaurant and first non-profit visual art Art Gallery director.

Venue Naples. organization in Collier During his six years at For more info about the shows, events, County. The exhibitions FGCU, he has curated classes, workshops or exhibitions, visit are held each even-numover eighteen exhibiwww.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517. We bered year and serve as tions featuring nationalwish you all a very art-filled holiday season. a platform for local ly recognized artists Aimee Schlehr is CEO and executive artists to share the spotAlberto Carol that explore a broad director of Naples Art. 24 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

Hirdie Girdie Gallery is at 2490 Library Way, Sanibel.

Art Under the Stars Dec. 12 on Sanibel

The artists of Hirdie Girdie Gallery on Sanibel invite the public to attend their “Art Under the Stars” reception on Dec. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Neighboring Tower Gallery and nearby Sun Catcher’s Dream gift shop are also participating . This annual event marks the start of the holiday and winter art season with twinkling white lights, live music, complimentary wine and light refreshments, and of course, fine art at all three locations.

Hirdie Girdie will be exhibiting new art for the new season, all created by the gallery’s 15 talented artists, who excel in their

Happenings Magazine

chosen mediums. The event is a great opportunity to start holiday shopping, and to consider putting a unique, original gift of art under your tree.

The gallery’s artists will be on hand to welcome you, discuss their art, and help you make your selections.

“Art Under the Stars” promises to be an enjoyable evening of camaraderie and a celebration of fine art.

Hirdie Girdie Gallery is located at 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. For more information about the gallery and the annual event, call 239-3950027 or visit online at www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com

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December 2019 - 25

Baker Museum exhibits open Dec. 1 ART

Museum exhibitions will be free for the month of December

Artis–Naples, again operating with The Baker Museum the full power of our announced that The multidisciplinary Baker Museum exhimission.” bitions will re-open The south to the public on Dec. expansion of The 1 after being closed Baker Museum will for more than two open in January. years in the wake of On the first floor Hurricane Irma. of the museum, Admission to The patrons will be Baker Museum exhigreeted by selecbitions will be free tions from the for the month of museum’s permaDecember. The nent collection that 2019-20 season of make up the 100 visual arts programIconic Works from ming will showcase the Permanent highlights of the Collection exhibimuseum’s growing tion. Chosen for permanent collection their aesthetic and and notable artworks historical signifion loan in exhibicance, a range of Roberto Montenegro (Mexican, 1885–1968) tions organized selections include Niña sentada (seated girl) 1958, Oil on canespecially for the works by renowned vas, 30 x 26 inches, Artis—Naples, The Baker museum. Four major Mexican modernists Museum. 2002.2.039. Gift of Harry Pollak. exhibits open at such as Diego noon on Dec. 1.

Rivera, José The visitor expeClemente Orozco rience is heightened thanks to the dramatic and David Alfaro Siqueiros, as well as trailchanges to The Baker Museum designed by blazing American artists such as Helen New York-based Weiss/Manfredi Frankenthaler, Alexander Calder and Robert Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism. A renovatMotherwell. ed and more defined entrance to The Baker On the museum’s second floor, visitors Museum guides patrons into an expanded will experience Monet to Matisse: French lobby space and refreshed welcome experiMasterworks from the Dixon Gallery and ence.

Gardens, comprised of stunning works by “We are excited beyond measure to some of the world’s best-known artists, reopen The Baker Museum exhibitions,” said including Claude Monet, Edward Degas, CEO and president Kathleen van Bergen. “In Pierre-August Renoir, Henri de Toulousea way, we are reintroducing The Baker Lautrec and Camille Pissarro. In addition to Museum to many, and as a thank you to our works by these impressionist artists, the exhicommunity, it felt right to ensure free access bition will feature major paintings by postto these stunning exhibitions in the month of impressionist masters Paul Cézanne and December. We are so pleased to be once Paul Gauguin. For this exhibit, the Dixon is

26 - December 2019

loaning more than 70 objects derived from the core of its permanent collection.

Visitors to the third floor will enjoy the Looking at Words: A Poetry of Shape exhibition, which features an exciting look at the use of text and words within visual art by prominent contemporary artists. Presented artists include John Baldessari, Mel Bochner, Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, Ed Ruscha, Lorna Simpson and Andy Warhol among others.

These works, underscoring the power of language, come from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation.

Color Field takes advantage of the reimagined outdoor spaces on the grounds of the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus as well as a select indoor location. Color Field is a sculpture exhibition organized by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark., for The Baker Museum.

For more info, visit www.artisnaples.org

Arman, Blue, Red, Brown, 1988, mixed media. © 2019 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris. Photo courtesy of Joel Breger.

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December 2019 - 27

ART

Naples Artcrafters show Dec. 14

The Naples Artcrafters will host their second juried fine art and craft show of the season on Saturday, Dec. 14.

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

28 - December 2019

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 encouragement of the development of artistic endeavors in the Naples area.

The group provides local artists and craftsmen a venue for displaying and selling their work by sponsoring juried outdoor shows during the season. The remaining 201920 season has shows in Cambier Park scheduled for Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 14 and April 11. The March 14 show will be in Fleischman Park.

For more about the artcrafters group, visit online at www.naplesartcrafters.com.

The Magic of Christmas opens Dec. 8 at Phil Fisher Gallery

Phil Fisher Gallery is hosting an artist reception opening the show "The Magic of Christmas" from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

The event will feature live music, and small treasures created by Naples artists Kevin Barton, Jan Ellen Atkielski, Janet Kevin Barton Kirby, Jeff Fessenden, Nolen Fisher, Lionel Heddy, Natalie Guess, Phil Fisher and more will be on display.

The opening is free to attend. The gallery is located at 810 12th Ave. S., Naples.

Visit online at www.PhilFisherGallery.com for more information.

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Annual pottery sale, empty bowls Dec. 6

On Friday Dec. 6, the Bower School of Music & the Arts hosts the annual Pottery Sale and Empty Bowls Soup Lunch events for pottery enthusiasts, holiday gift buyers, and community supporters at the Arts Complex courtyard on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. The pottery sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Empty Bowls Soup Lunch from 11:30 a.m. until the soup and bowls run out.

For 19 years, the FGCU Art Program has partnered with the United Arts Council of Collier County (UAC) to produce an annual pottery sale featuring ceramic artists from across the Southwest Florida region. The pottery sale event offers visitors the opportunity to purchase beautiful, functional, handmade pottery while also benefiting the UAC’s art education programs. This year’s sale will feature pottery by Rinny Ryan, Patricia Fay, Martha Grattan, Jessica Osceola, Mary Etta Rokusek, and wonderfully talented FGCU Art Program alumni Jordan Blankenship, Felipe Maldonado, Dawn Ingram, Alyssa Baladad, Andrea Mucci, and Maria Steiner. Come at 10 a.m. for a free cup of coffee with the potters.

For further information, contact Tricia Fay at (239) 590-7229 or pfay@fgcu.edu

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Senior Projects exhibit opens Dec. 5 at FGCU

The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts presents Senior Projects, Fall 2019 Exhibition, with an opening reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Wasmer Art Gallery in the Arts Complex.

Each student will be present to speak about their exhibition beginning at 5 p.m.

The exhibition runs through Allana Nagy, Beneath the Flowers (installation Dec. 13. detail), Senior Projects, Spring 2019, Ceramic.

At the end of their studies, Photo by James Greco each art major completes a senior project in which the stuter are Megan Ambrose, Davina dent successfully executes a body of Angstenberger, Kelly Bermudez, Allison work combining their knowledge of Gentry, Korey Harrison, Haley Levy, techniques and concepts while drawing Rebecca Nunez, Taylor Pearce, Marcus on the research of historical and conTricarico. temporary artists. The completed projThe Wasmer Art Gallery is in the ects are presented in an exhibition Arts Complex on FGCU’s main campus open to the University community and at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. the public. Mary Voytek is the faculty For further information,, go to mentor for this group of graduates.

Senior Projects students this semes- fgcu.edu/artgalleries.

December 2019 - 29

ART

Fresco Exchange at Davis Art Center Dec. 10 - 12

This December, join the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in welcoming the Fresco Exchange for a three-day only popup art exhibition.

The Fresco Exchange features three Colombian artists and aims to bridge the creative gap between Latin American and U.S. culture around art. Each year, Fresco Exchange curates a traveling exhibit of original fine art from Latin American muralists.

The opening reception will take place Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., and the show will remain on display through Dec 12.

Each year, Fresco Exchange curates a traveling exhibit of original fine art from Latin American muralists. Working with artists making waves of studio practice and street art to enhance artistic opportunities, share methods of cultural expression, and inspire communities with new ways of creative thinking is their passion.

These pop-up exhibits, expand the international platform for street artists to showcase their experimental studio work.

Together, this collection weaves a story of life in modern Colombia. Fresco

Felipe Ortiz

Exchange teamed up with Grรกfica Mestiza, an alternative creative platform across cities in Latin America, to curate this diverse exhibit that unveils overlapping narratives of native Colombian experiences. Artwork representing indigenous culture is reinvented in striking, modern tones, while imaginary creatures share societal metaphors through their one-of-a-kind creativity. The collection is connected by elements of vibrant nature that make Colombia so uniquely enchanting.

Fresco Exchange has hosted full-circle cultural exchanges for muralists across nations. During their US residencies, the Fresco Exchange has connected Latin American artists with street art projects in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Kansas, California, and now they are excited to welcome their next cohort to Florida. This diverse exhibition will feature artists; Felipe Ortiz, Gabriel Mesek and Ivan Salazar.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933 for more information.

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Crafts Show

Saturday, December 14th 10 am to 4 pm

Free Admission & Parking

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com 30 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

DECEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 1

Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show Dec. 3 - 22 Players Circle Theatre, Shell Factory, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-800-3292 www.playerscircle.org

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce & Tiki D, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Sounds of Christmas Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Bridget Kelly Band, Marty Stokes Band DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 2 - 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play Through Dec. 25 Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Harvey and The Hurricanes - 12:30 p.m.

Skunky Ron - 4 p.m.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 239-995-2141 Girls of Motown Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Gulfshore Playhouse: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Through Dec. 29 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 866-811-4111 Archer - 1 p.m.

Collaboration - 6 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Holidays Around the World Dec. 1, 15, 22 Punta Gorda History Park 501 Shreve Street Punta Gorda Activities include: Cookie decorating, shell painting, rock painting, ornament making, clay crafting – All children’s activities are free! Admission: $8 per Family; Individual Adult $3, Free Parking 941-639-1887 Nostal Jah The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Classical Ballet Nutcracker Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda Russian Ballet and School of Russian Ballet, $10-$30.

4 p.m. 941-359-1025 32 - December 2019

Hear Steve Cipriano perform every Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers Gulf Coast Big Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090 Dave Koz and Friends Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Charlotte County Jazz Society Kings Gate Golf Club, 24000 Ramport Blvd, Port Charlotte Bring chairs and blankets 1 - 4 p.m. 941-627-6200 Musical Moments Holiday Potpourri Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Our featured artists Karen Davis, Gerhard Samide and Rachel Cox performing a beautiful and lively program.

3 - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989 Holiday Nights Through Dec. 30 Edison Ford Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers 5:30-9 p.m. General admission tickets may be purchased online; guided tours are first come, first served. General admission: Adults $20, Teens $10, Children age 6-12 $2.

239-334-7419 Children’s Tree Trail Nov. 29 - Dec. 30 Edison and Ford Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Sixty area schools will decorate Christmas trees. This trail is always free to view from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is located between the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe and bougainvillea gate to Larchmont Ave. 239-334-7419 Mastersingers: Readings and Carols New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation, Fort Myers, 3 p.m.

239-288-2535

MON - 2

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Silver King Jazz Band, 6-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week Dec. 2 - 15 Various restaurants throughout SW Florida, www.sizzleswfl.com Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Dave Tecce The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Handel’s Messiah Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Bonita Springs Historical Society Parade of Trees Historic McSwain Home Old US 41, Bonita Springs holiday trees and wreaths displayed for the community to enjoy on exhibit in the throughout the week 5-9 p.m. Live music nightly, 6 - 8 p.m. www.bonitaspringshistoricalsociety.org

TUE - 3

FSW Student Concert Series: Orchestra & Choir Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849

Visiting Artist Reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Suite 104, Cape Coral Reception for Mike Masin and Jim Ellsworth 6 – 8 p.m. www.Harbourviewgallery.com Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Jazz Jam Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Holiday in the Park Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs The City of Bonita Springs will be hosting their annual Holiday in the Park! 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. 239-949-6262 James Carothers Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 FGCU Choir & Symphony Orchestra Concert: Joyful & Triumphant Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr., Naples 4 & 7 p.m., Please consider an RSVP to this event by registering at fgcu.edu/joyful2019 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Music by Jimmy G, 1-4 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

The Voices of Naples Presents: Home for the Holidays The Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, No ticket necessary; free will offering 7 p.m. www.voicesofnaples.org SW Florida Fine Craft Guild at COCO Art Gallery Dec. 3 - 17 Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 239-949-3073 Duo Beaux Arts Grand Cypress Room, Shell Point Retirement Community, 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers, 7 pm. 239-454-2067

WED - 4

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Greg Miller & the Tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Michael D’Amore The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Winterlude: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festival Mercato 9132 Strada Pl, Naples Featuring the illumination of the largest live tree in Southwest Florida! Featuring face painters, the World’s Tallest Elf and introducing the Ice Queen! Music by Patchouli, dance performances

by Dance Arts by Maria, Backstage Dance Academy, and the Naples Dance Conservatory. Stop by Lu Lu Belle Children's Boutique of Naples to take your photo with the Grinch, write your letter to Santa and meet Patsy Stiles Burkhart, author of Goodnight Santa, Goodnight Me. 5 – 7:30 p.m. 239-254-1080 Sunset Celebration Yacht Club, Cape Coral Celebrate the beauty of a Southwest Florida sunset, while listening to live music on the beach from 3pm to sunset.

There will also be food trucks, vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, gift items & much more! Free admission. 3 p.m. sunset. 239-574-0806 Happenings Magazine

DECEMBER CALENDAR WED - 4 CONTINUED

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

Art Alive Studio & Gallery Tours Naples Art District ART ALIVE evening consists of over 50 professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. Meet the artist, party and bring home unique treasures for your home. Look for the magenta and white art flags. 5-8 p.m. www.NaplesArtDistrict.com

Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Holiday Market Dec. 6 - 8 Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda For three days, the VAC will transform into a large Holiday Market!

Free admission. Dec. 6, Noon – 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.visualartcenter.org

N2L Trio Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Legendary Songs Of The 50s & 60s Cultural Center of Charlotte County Conference Center 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Experience the incredible voice of Kamau as he sings. 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Diego Davila Jr Piano Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, This recital is free and open to the public.

7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268

THU - 5

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Inspecting Carol Dec. 5 - 22 New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214 COCO Art Gallery reception Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 5 - 7 p.m. 239-949-3073 Top Shelf 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., 239-995-2141 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Torched Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 34 - December 2019

The Bonita Springs Concert Band will perform Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, in Bonita Springs.

Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Senior Projects, Fall 2019 opening reception Through Dec. 13 Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. This event is free and open to the public, 5 p.m.

239-590-7199 www.fgcu.edu Live Music and Snow Third Street South 1207 3rd Street S. Naples During the month of December, visit Third Street South each Thursday, 5-8 p.m., for live music and snow! A rotating schedule of musicians will grace the Fleischmann Courtyard and play in front of Bad Ass Coffee Company. The snow will be at 7 p.m. www.thirdstreetsouth.com Celebrate America exhibit Cape Coral Art League 516 Cultural Park, Cape Coral Reception 5 to 7 p.m.

239-772-5657 Charlotte Players: Christmas Through the Ages Dec. 5 - 8 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 Voices of Naples Presents: Chapel by the Sea Christmas Concert The Chapel by the Sea, 100 Chapel St., Fort Myers Beach No ticket necessary; free will offering. 7 p.m. www.voicesofnaples.org

Gatsby Holiday Concert The French Horn Collective Mercato 9132 Strada Place, Naples Travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties for a decadent evening of jazz and swing under the stars featuring The French Horn Collective.

6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080

New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com An Inspector Calls Dec. 6 - 22 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4665 ext.1551 Sailor Larry - noon Iconic - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901

Deb & the Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Johnny & Patti - 6 p.m.

Electric Lipstick - 7 p.m.

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

NUCLASSICA Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee, benefits Freedom Waters Foundation, 5:30 p.m.

239-263-2377

Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Goodwill Festival of Trees Dec. 5 - 8 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, First Street, Fort Myers www.goodwilltrees.com

FRI - 6

ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Artists Daniel Venditti, Jeff and Dale Ocasio, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk 239-337-5050 Small Works exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, Opening reception, 6 10 p.m. 239-590-8645 Luminary Holiday Stroll Dec 6 & 7 Periwinkle Place Shops, Sanibel and Captiva Drive, Captiva Sanibel Stroll is celebrated island wide, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, while the Captiva Stroll is on Saturday. 239-472-1080

Light Up the Night 2019 Downtown Punta Gorda W Marion Ave & Taylor Street This spectacular holiday tradition of music, food, Santa Claus and snow is a not-to-be-missed evening. The towering tree with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments, and a stunning star topper will light up at 7 p.m. The festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with local performances followed by the headliner -- Storyline Band. www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra Dec. 6 -7 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Nowhere Band Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, First Street, Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.sbdac.com

Christmas Walk Dec. 6 - 7 5th Avenue South, Naples 46th Annual Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting Ceremony Ring in the holidays during a two-day Christmas Event, the city’s exquisite tree is lit, along with a live Nativity scene, an operatic concert, ice skating and skate rentals, a visit from Santa, and a new culinary tradition: on-street Long Table dining with 14 of 5th Avenue South’s finest restaurants. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Christmas in the Park Centennial Park, Fort Myers This event features bounce houses and other free activities for children, live performances and a free movie! At approximately 5 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive in the Park by fire truck to visit with the children so be sure and bring your cameras!

For the grown ups, the event will feature a performance of Holiday favorites. Mayor Randy Henderson will light the City's Christmas Tree at approximately 6 pm. At 7:30 p.m., stay and enjoy a free movie in the park featuring the movie "Santa Claus" starring Tim Allen.

Concessions are available throughout the event. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy a great day at the Park.

Free onsite parking is available.

4 -10 p.m. 239-321-7530 19th Annual Pottery Sale Arts Complex Courtyard, FGCU This event is free and open to the public, 10 a.m. www.fgcu.edu/artevents 29th Annual Christmas Keyboard Festival Dec. 6 - 8 First Assembly of God 4701 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers Festival featuring special musical guests plus our choir and orchestra as well as several special guests. Performances will be Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 7 and 8 at 3 and 7 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to each performance.

Admission is free and tickets are not required 239-936-6277 13th Annual Empty Bowls Soup Lunch Arts Complex Courtyard, FGCU $15 suggested donation per bowl with the proceeds supporting the food pantry at Interfaith Charities of South Lee. 11:30 a.m. www.fgcu.edu/artevents Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero in the Restaurant Piazza The Marty Stokes Band performs sultry jazz and melodic blues.

6 to 9 p.m., 239-948-3766 Happenings Magazine

Water Stories December 6-8 TheatreLab, Arts Complex, FGCU Performances are Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/theatrelab 239-745-4268 Small Works Exhibit: Off the Wall Dec. 6 -28 Lee County Alliance for the Arts.

10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Reception 5 to 7 p.m. 239-939-2787 Promenade Festival of Lights Tree Lighting/Photos with Santa Promenade at Bonita Bay 26795 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs Be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas, including music, lights, stars, and delicious treats that will spark that magical anticipation of the big day.

Get FREE pictures with jolly ole Saint Nick!

Just bring a new unwrapped toy for Operation Santa. Tree lighting, live music, shopping, dance demonstration, dining, food and drink specials! 5 p.m.

239-949-1573 Cape Coral Outdoor Expo & Boat Show Dec 6 -8 Sun Splash Family Water Park 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral 10 a.m. capecoraloutdoorexpo.com Lake Kennedy Center's 29th Anniversary Party Lake Kennedy Center, Cape Coral 2 p.m. $5 per person. 239-574-0575 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials. Rain or shine. 6 -10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Country Express Band, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Nick Offerman Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Exhibition Opening-Under the Sea Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs Whether its 20,000 leagues or a singing crab and a Little Mermaid, it’s got to be under the sea, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Exhibition Opening-Pam Foss Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 6 - 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Let Nothing You Dismay Dec. 6 - 22 Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Happenings Magazine

SAT - 7

Concert: A Songwriter's Journey Through American Music Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers Angela Easterling presents a performance of her own original songs interspersed with selections of classic folk, roots, country and rock tunes. As part of her performance, she discusses the craft of songwriting and tells the stories behind her songs and how they came to be, weaving in some of the history of roots music and the artists who have influenced her writing. Registration is requested. 1 p.m. 239-479-4636 Art Divine Dec. 7 through Jan. 9 Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound Blvd.

Reception Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

239-463-3909 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Alter Ego Band Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m. 239-549-3000 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Collaboration Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Trevor Earl - 1 p.m.

Rockin Horse - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 80 Caliber Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar Koreshan State Park 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero A holiday flurry is coming! Last year we had over 80 vendors, kid’s games, Santa, story time with a Librarian, Florida “snow”, and more! The park will be decorated in classic/old-fashioned Holiday decorations. State park entrance fee required per vehicle. We will be doing a toy drive during the event. Bring in new toys, unwrapped and drop off at the Santa's Workshop (Art Hall). Toys will only be taken Saturday and Sunday during the event - Dec 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. 239-992-0311 Food, Wine & Beer Festival Bayfront of Naples 465 Bayfront Place, Naples This event will feature unlimited tastings of premium wines and craft beers, & food from many local restaurants. The party also includes music groups and entertainment all along the street.

5 - 8 p.m. 239-272-5186 December 2019 - 35

DECEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 7 CONTINUED Holiday on the Bay Dec. 7, 14, 21, 24 The Village Shops on Venetian Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples Holiday entertainment including complimentary photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, Dickens Period Carolers, dance group performances and shopping and dining. Snow shows start at 7 p.m. (4 p.m. on Dec. 24). 239-261-6100 Fandom Fest Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers 5 p.m. www.leelibrary.net Bee Gees & Rolling Stones tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 FGCU Wind Orchestra Concert Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Gulfshore Opera: Christmas with The Gulfshore Tenors Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, 7 p.m. 239-529-3925

36 - December 2019

One Too Many Center for Performing Arts Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs One Too Many is six individuals who came together through the common love of a cappella music. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Holiday Festival of Lights Downtown Cape Coral With all attractions free to the public you can visit Santa in Christmas Town Center, sled down Snowcap Square very own Snow Drift, watch the magic as we light up the Christmas tree in Town Center.

Free inflatables, face painting, and entertainment. 4 - 10 p.m.

239-549-6900 A Magical Cirque Christmas Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Art in the Park Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples Naples Art proudly connects artists with art shoppers in another terrific season of Art in the Park. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesart.org

The Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Ft Myers Enjoy entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. The GreenMarket hosts neighbors and growers who bring seasonal, limited crops to market.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 ACMA - Kraig Kenning The ACMA Listening Room 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Tenth Avenue North Decade the Halls First Baptist Church, 4117 Coronado Parkway. Cape Coral Tenth Avenue North, Plumb, Land of Color. Doors open at 6 p.m. 239-936-1929 J Salay & Wildfire Band DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-4 p.m. & Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Charlotte Players Concert 1182 Market Cir, Port Charlotte There are warm holiday musical memories for everyone in this production of live music and stage entertainment.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 941-255-1022 31st Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade!

The bay on Fort Myers Beach Enjoy a night on the water full of Christmas spirit and spectacular up-close views of the dazzling brightly lighted, and decorated watercrafts. It’s a fun and festive time along the waterway, where you may even see a few of Santa's elves dancing aboard to some festive music.

6 p.m. fortmyersbeach.org Travel Show AAA Naples office, 5401 Airport Pulling Road 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register to at www.aaa.com/travelevents 239-594-5006 x 2254

Skip Weber at COCO Art Gallery Dec. 7 & 8 Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero noon - 5 p.m. 239-949-3073

SUN - 8

Julio Iglesias Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Harvey & The Hurricanes 12:30 p.m.

Skunky Ron - 4 p.m.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 239-995-2141 Blues & Bloodys Sunday Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Electric Lipstick - 1 p.m.

Frank Torino - 6 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901

Happenings Magazine

Lee County Community Band presents A Jazzy Christmas Cape Coral High School 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org

Laurie & Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

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

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

TUE - 10

Dimitri Ashkenazy, clarinet Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts. 3 p.m. 239-745-4268 Charlotte Chorale: “Rejoice and Sing" Christmas Concert Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda 4 p.m. 941-204-0033 www.charlottechorale.com Beethoven Piano Trio No. 1 Dec. 8 & 10 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.

3 p.m. 239-597-1111 Gulf Coast Symphony: Deck The Halls Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Music by Mark Gorka, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 The Left Bank Art Fest Greater Family Marco Island YMCA 101 Sand Hill St., Marco Island Juried artists include photography, jewelry, oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, ceramics, wood, bronze, glass, and more Free admission and free parking.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-290-7927 Gulfshore Opera: Christmas with The Gulfshore Tenors Naples Art, 585 Park St. 4 p.m. 239-529-3925 Magic of Christmas Phil Fisher Gallery, 810 12th ave. S., Naples Live music and art reception 5 - 8 p.m. www.philfishergallery.com

MON - 9

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Deb Hoopes performs on HandPan, noon-2 p.m. & Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Craig Christman's Jazz Group Cultural Center of Charlotte County, This band will wow you with their great big band jazz. Free for CCJS members and $20 for the public. Memberships available. 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 Naples Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 - 8:45 p.m. 239-597-3240 Happenings Magazine

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jimmy G, 1-4 p.m. & MTD Student Holiday Showcase, 5-6 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Jazz Jam Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Sideshow Bob The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Naples Christmas Parade 5th Ave. South, Naples Line up on Broad Ave. The Floats will turn right onto Third Street South, then right on 5th Ave South, and end on 8th Street South. Parade runs from 6-8 p.m.

239-213-7120 Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 BIG ARTS Chorus Holiday Concert Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way Enjoy the music of the holidays with the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. An annual holiday tradition and a great way to celebrate the songs of the season. 7 p.m. www.bigarts.org Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Songwriters on the Plaza Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Cornog Plaza The Americana Community Music Association presents Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield and Bill Metts, 6 p.m.

239-479-4636

WED - 11

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & Singer Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 December 2019 - 37

DECEMBER CALENDAR WED - 11 CONTINUED

Janis McCracken at COCO Art Gallery Dec. 14 & 15 Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero, noon - 5 p.m. 239-949-3073

Girls of Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Spectacular Christmas Revue Dec 11 – 15 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 239-772-5862 Flash Forward Duo Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Leonid & Friends Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 La Bohème Dec. 11 & 12 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 7:30 pm 239-597-1111 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Fresco Exchange exhibit Dec. 10 - 12 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Reception 6 p.m. 239-333-1933 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Erich Dance Party Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Art & Soul Community Night Shangri-La Springs, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 – 9 p.m. 239-949-0749

THU - 12

Harlem Globetrotters Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Art Under the Stars Hirdie Girdie Gallery 2490 Library Way, Sanibel 5 – 8 p.m. with Tower Gallery and Sun Catcher’s Dream, 239-395-0027 www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com Jingle & Mingle Naples Art, 585 Park Street, Eat, Drink and Be Merry With Naples Art at Our Holiday Open House! Join us for Games, Socializing, Art, Music & Festive Prize Raffles starting at 2 p.m.

239-262-6517 38 - December 2019

The Southwest Florida Concert Band will perform at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Unitarian Universalist Church, 13411 Shire Lane., Fort Myers.

Johnny Rogers Band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Del Prados Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Paul Roush, noon3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Justin Rose The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Pearl & Sase Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

FRI - 13

Hometown Community Christmas-Tree Lighting & Marketplace Charlotte County Building 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, Food Trucks - Craft Vendors - Caroling. The event will be from 4 - 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at dusk. Free to the public. 941-627-2222

Sailor Larry - noon Deb & the Dynamics - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901

Funny Shorts LIVE! Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Five plays will be performed this evening. Each of the plays will be funny. Each of them will be short, with run times of approximately 10-minutes each. 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989

ArtSmack Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Artist showcase featuring Paul Dengler, 7 p.m. 224-678-4901 www.neenieshouse.com

Holiday Pops Concert Christmas in Paradise The Village Church on The Island 13921 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers Maestro Nir Kabaretti will conduct the Southwest Florida Symphony’s sparkling Holiday Pops program with a sophisticated twist. 7 p.m.

239-454-2067 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

The Classix Band - 6 p.m.

Bare Facts Band - 7 p.m.

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

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

Jory Lyle & Co. The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

N. Fort Myers Academy of The Arts: The Nutcracker Ballet Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Ft Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Gardens Aglow Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda 6 p.m. 941-621-8299 Relentless Fire Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Inspire Exhibit Reception Dec. 6 - 26 Cape Coral Art Center 4533 Coronado Parkway Reception Dec.13 from 5-7 p.m.

239-574-0802.

Lee Greenwood: A Tennessee Christmas Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 8 p.m. www.jaytv.com 800 514-ETIX

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

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Holiday House: The Colors of Christmas Dec. 13 - 22 Burroughs and Langford Kingston Homes, First and Fowler streets, Fort Myers 5 - 9 p.m. www.fmwcc.net

SAT - 14

Winter Wonderland Concert Bonita Springs Public Library 10560 Reynolds Street It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Dave DeLuca will perform the very best holiday favorites at this family-oriented event that celebrates the magic of the holiday season through songs. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 The Del Prados DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Dazzling Del Rays Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m.

239-549-3000

Spin Zone The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Half Step Down Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Nutcracker Dec. 14 - 15 Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 Trevor Earl - 1 p.m.

Mike Moniz - 4 p.m.

Limited Edition - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Christkindlmarkt Holiday Craft Market Dec 14 - 15 German American Social Club 2101 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, Saturday 2 - 9 p.m. & Sunday 1 - 8 p.m.

239-283-1400 Tuba Christmas Sugden Plaza 701 5th Ave S, Naples Celebrate the holidays on 5th Avenue South with live music, shopping, dining and dancing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join more than 50 musicians of all ages as they perform traditional holiday tunes and sing-alongs during TUBA Christmas in Sudgen Plaza from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Christmas Boat Parade Naples City Dock 880 12th Ave S, Naples 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. 239-682-0900 Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com Naples Ballet The Nutcracker Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111

Happenings Magazine

Bonita Springs Boat Parade 5124 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs Watch from the bridges docks and river banks as the brightly decorated boats parade up and down the Imperial River.

Color lights, music, and imagination all in this wonderful Boat Parade. 5:30 p.m. www.cityofbonitasprings.org New Play Contest 2019 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. with a reception in the gallery with food, wine and drink. At 7:30 p.m. there will be readings from the top three entries to the Annual New Play Contest.

239-939-2787 Cape Coral Bike Night SE 47th Ter., Cape Coral The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation department is proud to bring you Cape Bike Night! Motorcycle enthusiasts can get together and listen to live bands, eat great food, and just have fun at this great event! 5 - 10 p.m. www.ccbikenight.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach performs Christmas favorites, noon-4 p.m., Dance Demo by USA Dance, 1-3 p.m. & Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 TheatreZone presents Home for the Holidays Dec. 13 - 15 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, 888-966-3352 x1 SW Florida Symphony: Holiday Pops Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 The Sunset Celebration - Hill Billy Ryson Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 We are Rocking and Rolling Dec. 14 & 18 South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Join us in the library garden to listen to a musical performance by Tommy Barr.

Bring a folding chair or blanket. During inclement weather, outdoor concerts will be moved inside. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Bromeliad Plant Show and Sale Dec. 14 - 15 Araba Shrine Temple 2010 Hanson Street, Fort Myers Admission is free and includes a judged show of spectacular displays of bromeliads and area’s largest bromeliad plant sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday 239-850-4048 Blues on the Beach Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva Featuring next gen blues phenoms Johnny Jensen, Trey Wanvig and David Julia, $15 advance, $20 at door, 7 p.m. www.tween-waters.com Winter Festival Dec. 14 & 15 Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 Happenings Magazine

Holiday Performance

by Bonita Springs Charter Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero Students from Bonita Springs Charter School are the stars of this magical Christmas-themed performance. 6 p.m. in WINK Playland. 239-948-3766

SUN - 15

Spirit of the Gulf Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 2 - 4 p.m. 239-481-4849 Brylcream - 1 p.m.

Frank Torino - 6 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Harvey & The Hurricanes - 12:30 p.m.

Skunky Ron - 4 p.m.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 239-995-2141 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Christmas Celebration of Punta Gorda Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda Concert to be held outside on the Event Center Great Lawn. Enjoy views of the Harbor. Scheduled to perform Melodie Joy, Eirinn Abu and Manny Lopez.

5 - 7 p.m. 941-833-5444 Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paradise Christmas Fair Laishley Park 100 Nesbit St., Punta Gorda Bring the kids out to see Santa while you get that last bit of Christmas shopping done! Santa from Noon - 2 p.m.

Vendors, food trucks, crafts and art from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. LLSN@comcast.net Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113 CeeLo Green Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Youth Jazz Orchestra Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-8 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 December 2019 - 39

DECEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 15 CONTINUED SW Florida Concert Band Florida Family Christmas Unitarian Universalist Church 13411 Shire Lane., Fort Myers Our 40 member community band will perform a concert of seasonal music and give the audience an opportunity to join in a sing-a-long of their favorite carols. Free. 2 p.m. www.SWFLConcertBand.org Mastersingers: Christmas on Sanibel Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, 6 p.m.

239-288-2535

MON - 16

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Silver King Jazz Band, 6-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Alan Small The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com BIG ARTS Band Holiday Concert Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way Let the BIG ARTS Concert Band help you get into the joyous mood of the holidays! Another BIG ARTS annual community event and a perennial, sell-out favorite. 7 p.m. www.bigarts.org Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Swinging Big Band Monday Nights-A Big Band Christmas Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, Great big band jazz versions of traditional carols like “We Three Kings” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Fun songs like, “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and “Santa Baby.”

7 p.m. 941-625-4175

TUE - 17

Fabulous Facts: Medieval Renaissance Art and Music South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero A wonderful sampling of extraordinary culture from the Middle Ages through 16th century with a bit of history thrown in. Registration is required.

2 p.m. 239-479-4636

40 - December 2019

Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Christmas Carol Sing First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., Fort Myers 1, 4 and 7 p.m. 239-334-2261 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 1-4 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Jazz Jam Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

WED - 18

All That Jazz Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & Tammy Renee, 5-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Classix Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901

A Christmas Celebration Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Come Join us to Celebrate a Celtic Christmas this year with Trina and Ian with Wolfhound, The Lee County Pipes and Drums, and the Kellyn Celtic Irish Dancers! They will be performing traditional Celtic songs and dancing for everyone to enjoy. Wolfhound returns to the theater to delight us once more.

7 p.m. 941-625-4175 Erich Dance Party Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

THU - 19

Richard Marx Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Rod Stewart tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Holiday Pops Dec. 19 - 22 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Get in the spirit of the holidays with the Naples Philharmonic in this annual event that always leaves members of the audience both young and old whistling a seasonal tune. With Sheléa, the Naples Philharmonic, Chorus and Youth Chorus. 239-597-1111 The Gatlin Brothers Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 8 p.m. www.jaytv.com 800-514-ETIX

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

Thompson Square with Chris Kemp The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero in the Restaurant Piazza The Silver Sneakers Band gets fans on their feet with highenergy dance music. 6 to 9 p.m.

239-948-3766

Wayward Souls Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. December 19 - 21 Center for Performing Arts Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. is an adaptation of book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne's award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series.

239-495-8989 An Evening of Christmas Cheer featuring Michael D'Amore Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, 8 p.m. 239-772-5862

FRI - 20

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Alabaster Dec. 20 - Jan. 26 Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Red Hannah The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jimmy Niteclub - 6 p.m.

Girls of Motown - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral,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 Candlelight Christmas Carols at Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 6:30 - 8 p.m. 239-261-5525 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Sailor Larry - noon Half Step Down - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Singer Chris Iconic Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

SAT - 21

Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

224-678-4901 Joe Marino & All The King’s Men DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Robert Gonnelli - 6 p.m.

Soul System - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Justin Mason & Blue Night Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, 2 p.m. 941-625-4175 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Happenings Magazine

Trevor Earl - 1 p.m.

Electric Lipstick - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901

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

Gulf Coast Symphony: The Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 2 & 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Dinner Dance: “Holly" days with Richie C Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy. $30 per person, dance the night away, 5:30–10 p.m. Reservations Required 4 days before event call Judy Noe ccscreservations@gmail.com, capecoralsocialclub.org, 813-419-3613.

The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Charlotte County Children’s Theatre holiday performance, 10:30 a.m., Singer Michael Hirst, noon-4 p.m. & Bruce and Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 Holiday Boat-A-Long Four Freedoms Park Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral This night features a Holiday Boat-A-Long followed by a free movie in the park..The festival has food, Christmas music, and a visit from Santa Claus along with the parade. Watch as the boats line up in Bimini Basin for the parade which first passes by the park's beach before heading down various canals in South Cape Coral. Starting at dusk, a movie will be shown. Enjoy the movie and a free family night out. Bring a blanket, chairs and dinner! 4 - 10 p.m. 239-573-3123

Happenings Magazine

Pig Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute Show The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839

SUN - 22

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Frank Torino Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 23

Lindsey Stirling Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Colton The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Harvey & The Hurricanes - 12:30 p.m.

Skunky Ron - 4 p.m.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 239-995-2141

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom Watson performs holiday favorites, 5-8 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

Sideshow Bob The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Bad Latitude Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 24

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Jazz Jam Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

THU - 26

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

December 2019 - 41

DECEMBER CALENDAR THU - 26 CONTINUED Temptations, Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Third Thursday Wine Walk 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. 5 - 8 p.m.

941-391-4856 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Electric Lipstick Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901

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., 239-995-2141

FRI - 27

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Richie C - 6 p.m.

Rockin Horse - 7 p.m.

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

The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sailor Larry - noon Deb & the Dynamics - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

SAT - 28

The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

224-678-4901

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

Elvis and more tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Coconut Point Art Festival Dec. 28 - 29 Coconut Point, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.artfestival.com

Fleetwood Mac tribute 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 Dan Meadows, noon – 4 p.m. & 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 Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Ft Myers, 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Trevor Earl - 1 p.m.

Mike Moniz - 4 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

SUN - 29

Jim Gaffigan Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

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Entertaining Southwest Florida since 1995 42 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

Harvey & The Hurricanes - 12:30 p.m.

Skunky Ron - 4 p.m.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 239-995-2141 Girls of Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Frank Torino Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Bluegrass Indoor Concert Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 - 5 p.m. $15. 239-939-2787 Grumpy Old Men The Musical Dec. 29 - Feb 8 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir on the Tsimbaly, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Singer Rita Beach, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers Noon, 4 & 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 30

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Tiki Tom Watson, 5-8 p.m., 941-575-3007

New Years Fireworks Naples Pier, 12th Avenue South 7 p.m. 239-213-7120 Charlotte Players Concert 1182 Market Cir, Port Charlotte Accompanied by Music Director/ Pianist Ken Crisp and a drummer, this concert has something for everyone.

9 - 11 p.m. 941-255-1022 The Book of Mormon Dec. 31 - Jan. 5 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jimmy G, 1-5 p.m. near Good ‘ole Days Coffee & Singer Paul Roush, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 New Year’s Eve Celebration Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda The festivities begin at 6 pm! Music by DJ Michael White, dancing, face painting, tattoos, hair glitter, LED juggling, plate spinning, balloon creations and Michael Hirst 6 p.m. -midnight, Fireworks at midnight. 941-575-3007 Brylcream - 4 p.m., Iconic - 8 p.m.

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 South Cape New Year's Eve Ball Drop Cape Coral’s Entertainment District Live music on the big city stage, kids area, vendor village, food trucks, drink tents and a massive beach ball drop at midnight. 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. 239-900-4028 Dennis Swanberg First Assembly of God 4701 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers Free admission. 7 p.m. 239-936-6277

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

Rockin’ Country New Year’s Eve Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda Hosted by Nashville recording artist Johnny Lee Howard & The Suncoast Opry Band. 7 p.m. 941-833-5444

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

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

Elvis, Celine Dion, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Times Square, 830 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, Ball drop is at midnight with fireworks. www.fortmyersbeach.org

TUE - 31

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. 239-463-5900 Pearl, CJ & Dori DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft Myers, 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 DJ Dave The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jersey Boys tribute (2 shows) The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

239-405-8566 Happenings Magazine

NYE Downtown Countdown Downtown Fort Myers There will be live bands, food trucks and plenty of fun! Ball drop will be at midnight! Free to the public. 8 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Goldtones Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 5 p.m., 239-549-3000 NYE Sunset Cruises-Naples, Fort Myers Pure Florida in Naples, Fort Myers www.PureFL.com 239-919-2965 December 2019 - 43

MUSIC

Bridget Kelly Band at Rhythm House Dec. 1

Bridget Kelly Band

DJ’s Rhythm House in south Fort Myers will host another big blues event when they welcome the Bridget Kelly Band on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. that day, and the music will go from 2 to 6 p.m.

Southwest Florida’s Marty Stokes Band will open that day.

Inspired by classic blues and electric blues, the Bridget Kelly Band has placed their unique stamp on the blues-rock genre. They are a two-time IBC semi-finalists and #1 RMR Electric Blues charting artists. Check out their release "Bone Rattler" (2017) and

“Blues Warrior” (2018), available on CDbaby.com, i-Tunes, Amazon.com.

You can hear the band's music at reverbnation.com/BridgetKellyBand The local music venue has been doing a monthly blues event since May that has featured a national act whose tour is coming through the area. The Rhythm House is growing that audience and has collaborated with local blues musician Marty Stokes to help bolster the venue’s blues calendar and reputation.

Most recently, DJ’s Rhythm House hosted its first indoor blues fest on

The Marty Stokes Band

Nov. 17 and featured JP Soars & the Red Hots, Sean Chambers, Josh Rowand and the Pitbull Blues Band and Johnny Jensen.

Tickets for the Dec. 1 event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Southwest Florida Blues Society members pay only $10. Call 239-466-8326 for reservations.

DJ’s Rhythm House is located at 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, suite 11, Fort Myers.

Visit online at www.therhythmhousefortmyers.com for the restaurant menu and live music calendar.

NUCLASSICA to play Dec. 5 at Seminole Casino Hotel

Detroit’s most famous electro-pop violin band will present its NUCLASSICA holiday concert from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee to benefit Naples-based Freedom Waters Foundation.

NUCLASSICA appeared on America’s Got Talent. At the band’s concerts, the classicallytrained musicians are accompanied by a deejay as they put their spin on popular songs such as “Titanium” by David Guetta and “Chandelier” by Sia. For the holiday-themed show, the performance will include renditions of carols and classics of the season. Band member Stacey Mason, former Miss America National Quality of Life Award Winner, will serve as emcee.

“People see us come out with violins and expect to hear Beethoven,” said Jordan Allen Broder, who founded the band in 2012.

“They are surprised to hear popular music they know and love, and to 44 - December 2019

get up and dance to it.”

“NUCLASSICA played at our annual Kind Mariners Ball fundraiser this past February, and our guests fell in love with how the band combines both a contemporary and classic feel to each song,” said Debra Frenkel, Freedom Waters Foundation founder and executive director. “We are so excited that they wanted to come back to Florida and present this special show to benefit our organization.”

The non-profit organization provides free therapeutic marine-related experiences to children and adults with life threatening illnesses or disabilities, at-risk youth and veterans.

Tickets are $50 and include an open bar and hors d’oeuvres buffet. Complimentary motor coach transportation is available from pick-up sites in Collier and Lee counties. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at freedomwatersfoundation.org or by calling 239-263-2377.

Happenings Magazine

Deck the Halls Dec. 8 with

the Gulf Coast Symphony

The Gulf Coast Symphony presents Deck The Halls, its annual holiday concert, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. This all-inclusive holiday celebration incorporates festive music, performances by world renowned jazz violinist Doug Cameron, Irish dancing by members of the Kellyn Celtic Arts Dance Academy, classic holiday songs sung by local favorite Mark Sanders, and performances by the 100-member Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers and City of Palms Youth Choir. And, of course, a special visit by Santa Claus.

Innovative jazz musician Doug Cameron headlines the show, bringing his two sons, Alex (13) and Sean (11), along for a program that has dazzled and brought joy to holiday audiences around the world. Their program is an electric show that fuses jazz stylings with Christmas holiday classics. As one of contemporary music's preeminent violinists, Doug

Cameron, has traveled the globe, cresting music that is filled with fire, grace and passion.

Broadway vocalist Mark Sanders has now sung in over a dozen productions with the Gulf Coast Symphony. As an audience favorite, Mark’s rich baritone and warm personality bring smiles to SW Florida audiences with his interpretations of Yuletide favorites.

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, led by new Artistic Director Shannon Arnold, along with their City of Palms Youth Choir presents carols and holiday songs, including an audience holiday sing-along.

Before the concert, audience members can enjoy holiday favorites in the lobby sung by the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersinger’s Strolling Carolers, and have their picture taken with Santa.

Tickets start at $29 and are available through the B> B. Mann box office at www.bbmannpah.com or call 239-481-4849.

Ehnes Quartet to perform Jan. 5 at Davis Art Center

Kick off the new year with world renowned Chamber music this January.

The first concert in the Chamber Music Series brings the Ehnes Quartet to downtown Fort Myers on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. The quartet is comprised of four internationally acclaimed string musicians: two time Grammy winning violinists James Ehnes and Amy Schwartz Moretti, violist Richard O’Neill and cellist Edward Arron. Experience the group that was hailed as “an important new force in the chamber music arena” with a “dream-team lineup” by Strings Magazine.

The Ehnes Quartet was formally established in 2010, but each musician in the group has spent over 20 years performing Happenings Magazine

AMERICANA COMMUNITY M USIC ASSOCIATION ort Myers home for original Americana music!

F

Kraig Kenning

Roy Schneider &

Ross Jordan opens

The Reckless Saints

Malcolm Holcombe

Kyshona

JANUARY 4

DECEMBER 7

Roy Schneider opens ($20)

Shannon Labrie opens

Lara Herscovitch

Billy Kemp

JANUARY 11

The Dunn Deal opens

JANUARY 25

JANUARY 17

Bill Burkert opens

FEBRUARY 1

Shows at All Faiths Unitarian Cong., 2756 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m. $15 donation at door

ACMA on the ROAD

classical music. The quartet’s highly refined, sensitive, and articulate performances have delighted audiences and critics across North America, Europe, and Asia, and have made them one of the most sought after chamber groups performing today.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239333-1933 for info and tickets.

Songwriters on the Plaza Downtown For t Myers Librar y DEC. 10 at 6 pm - FREE

Songwriters at Sunset

Indoors if needed

Lovers Key State Park

JAN . 2 at 3:30 pm - FREE

info 239-691-4069

www.AmericanACMA.org December 2019 - 45

Americana Community Music Association MUSIC

The Americana Community Music Association is Fort Myers home for original Americana music. The ACMA provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/folk community.

In the next two months, local music lovers will get the opportunity to experience the sounds and stories of Roy Schneider. He will play alongside Kim Mayfield (his wife) and Bill Metts at the monthly Songwriters on the Plaza at the library in downtown Fort Myers on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. for a free concert.

The Reckless Saints (Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield) will take center stage on Saturday, Jan. 4 at the ACMA listening room on Jan. 4 as the evening’s headliner. The Pearl Street Band (Bob Williams, Bill Veach, Mike McMillan and Clark Johnson) will open. On Saturday, Jan. 11, Roy will open for Malcolm Holcombe on at the ACMA listening room in Fort Myers (that show has a special price of $20).

The ACMA is pleased to welcome back Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield to open the 2020 music season. There's a special story behind the connection with them and the ACMA. Beyond that they always bring a wonderful vibe and special music to our stage. This year brings Tom Cahill to the stage as one of the Saints. Here's a bit about the band.

Troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his flavor of Americana music since 2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring with lifeand-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Known in festival circles as the Reckless Saints, Schneider and Mayfield have brought their musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiences across the USA and abroad, exploring and expanding their musical horizons with every performance.

Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition (TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin and Asheville. Other notable venues include Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, Northern England’s MAD Fest, and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice.

46 - December 2019

Roy Schneider

Also a gifted accompanist, Schneider has performed with John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Joe Craven (Garcia/Grisman), folk icon Tom Paxton, Stevie Coyle (The Waybacks), Freebo, Buddy Mondlock, Gove Scrivenor and many others.

This month, the ACMA welcomes Kraig Kenning to the listening room on Dec. 7.

Ross Jordan will open that night. Call him contemporary folk, acoustic blues, roots rock, or American fingerstyle. The fact is, Kraig has managed to merge a bit of all the above, while maintaining a close and personal connection with his audience. Kraig has played up to 200 dates a year touring the US for the last three decades, showcasing songs from his eight CDs containing almost exclusively original material.

Kenning has shaped himself into one of the most capable performers on the planet.

"There is an exchange at a spiritual level in a great performance. My goal is to journey with all my listeners to this magical place."

At National Guitar's 1st Annual Slide Competition, Kraig took first place honors as Best Unsigned Artist. He has opened for Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, and slide guitar master Sonny Landreth; and he has shared lineups with club and folk series favorites such as John Gorka and Patti Larkin.

As mentioned Malcolm Holcombe comes to Fort Myers Jan. 11. On the cusp of releasing his 13th studio album — “Come Hell or High Water,” — singer-songwriter Malcolm Holcombe is a both a part of and apart from those Blue Ridge hills, a Southern folk golem brought to life by the deeper mysteries that give these hills so much of their folklore.

His songs belong in the same Western

North Carolina echelon of mysteries like the Brown Mountain Lights or the ghostly apparitions along Helen’s Bridge or the phantom choir of Roan Mountain — things that surpass conventional explanation but summon forth a combination of awe and primal longing, an ache to understand the great questions of the human condition.

The ACMA welcomes Kyshona on Friday, Jan. 17, and Shannon Labrie will open. Kyshona Armstrong started out enabling others to enjoy the healing properties of songwriting, and keeping her thoughts to herself. When you're a music therapist to incarcerated and institutionalized adults and school children with emotional behavior disorders, artistic considerations aren't even on the table.

"I definitely had to accept the fact that when I'm writing with a patient, whatever they want to do is what they want to do," Armstrong tells the Scene as she nurses a latte in East Nashville. "It's their song: 'Even if it might not fit in a form, if that's what you want to say, say it. We're not writing a big hit. This is for you,’ “ adds Kyshona.

Armstrong has reached the point where she embraces repetitive internal rhythms that emerge in some of her songwriting — likening them to both gospel spirituals and the viscerally simplistic utterances of her former patients — and she's delivering her roots-soul originals with articulate warmth and newly claimed authority.

All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of $15 donation. The headliners are touring “under the wire, should be famous” musicians. Each show has a local songwriter that performs at a professional level open for the headliner.

Singer songwriters circle take place every Sunday 2-4 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for Acoustic Songwriters of all levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No membership required. All are welcome to come and play or just to listen.

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

Duo Beaux Arts Dec. 3

Shell Point Retirement Community continues the Concerts & Conversations program of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance by Duo Beaux Arts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane in Fort Myers.

Formed in 2008, Duo Beaux Arts is made up of talented duo and internationally renowned husbandand-wife concert pianists Dr. Catherine Lan and Steinway Artist Tao Lin. The duo is well-known for Shell Point Retirement Community welcomes Duo their four-handed and solo pieces, Beaux Arts on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. as part of specializing in music from the the Concerts & Conversations program of Shell Pointʼs 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series.

Baroque era to the contemporary, mixing semi-classical and fun pop tunes, as well as playing tango and wonderfully intimate setting. ragtime.

As part of Shell Point’s Concerts & Recent performances include concerts in Conversations program, guests can enjoy France, Switzerland, Spain, Estonia, fellowship and a dessert reception with the Netherland, Finland, Asia and the United performers following the concert.

States. Duo Beaux Arts are also the Tickets for this event cost $30 and can founders of the Beaux Arts Chamber Music be purchased online at Series in Naples, which invites pre-eminent www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at chamber groups in the world to perform in a 239-454-2067.

Happenings Magazine

SW Florida Symphony’s Christmas in Paradise Dec. 13 at Shell Point Shell Point Retirement Community kicks off the Southwest Florida Symphony installation of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance of “Christmas in Paradise” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at The Village Church on The Island at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Maestro Nir Kabaretti will conduct the Southwest Florida Symphony’s sparkling Holiday Pops: Christmas in Paradise program with a sophisticated twist.

The performance will also include the return of featured guest artist Tony DeSare, a post-modern crooner and dazzling pianist who will give Rat Pack flair to all the traditional holiday favorites.

Tickets for this event cost $25 and can be purchased online at www.shellpoint.org or by phone at 239-454-2067.

December 2019 - 47

MUSIC

Mastersingers celebrate the holiday

season with concerts around town

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers and artistic director Shannon Arnold will be making the holiday season merry with concerts around Southwest Florida in the month of December. The choral ensemble kicks off the season with its annual Readings and Carols concert on Dec. 1; follows that up with Deck the Halls in a collaborative performance with the Gulf Coast Symphony on Dec. 8; and concludes with the group’s traditional Christmas on Sanibel concert on Dec. 15.

The Mastersingers will perform an eclectic mix of holiday music at the Readings and Carols concert that will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. The program will feature choral works, carol singing with the audience, and short readings that speak to the spirit of the season interposed.

Joining the Mastersingers at New Hope will be the Green Wave Treble Chorus, an

auditioned group of female singers from Fort Myers High School under the direction of Mastersingers’ tenor and Fort Myers High choral arts teacher Trevor Tran. The program will be accompanied by longtime Mastersingers’ collaborative pianist Janet Carter and New Hope organist Ben Ball on the church’s extraordinary new Allen organ.

Admission to the performance is free with a collection taken up to benefit the South Fort Myers Food Pantry. Concert goers are also invited to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the food pantry.

The next week sees the Mastersingers join the Gulf Coast Symphony for Deck the Halls at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. This fun-filled night of holiday music has something for everyone. Sharing the stage with the chorus and orchestra will be the Kellyn Irish Dancers, vocalist Mark Sanders, special guest jazz violinist Doug Cameron, and, of course, Santa. Tickets for Deck the Halls can

be purchased through the Mastersingers’ website at www.mastersingersfm.com.

“If you have visitors from out of town, or you’re trying to really set the mood for the holiday season, this is the one event that you should plan on attending,” says director Arnold. “You are sure to leave the Mann Hall with a smile on your face, humming a Christmas carol.”

The chorus concludes its holiday performances with the always popular Christmas on Sanibel at the Sanibel Community Church on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. This concert will be accompanied by piano, organ and a brass quintet. Admission is free for this event that has become an island holiday tradition. The Community Church will take up a collection to benefit Community Housing and Resources on Sanibel.

For more details on the Mastersingers’ holiday concerts and all of the season performances, visit www.mastersingersfm.com.

Holiday Potpourri, One Too Many at Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs

The Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs continues to offer wonThe a cappella group One Too Many will perform Saturday, Dec. derful music events in December.

7 at 8 p.m. at Hinman Auditorium, Musical Moments - Holiday 10150 Bonita Beach Road. One Too Potpourri will be Sunday, Dec. 1 at 3 Many is six individuals who came p.m. at Moe Auditorium,10150 Bonita together through the common love of a Beach Road. cappella music. Billy, Brian, Chris, Kick off your holidays with this terrifDaniel, Ryan and Taylor have been ic concert featuring some of the greatperforming together for almost two est holiday music written. Our featured years. They specialize in a wide variety artists Karen Davis, Gerhard Samide of musical genres including pop, indie, and Rachel Cox performing a beautiful folk, oldies, R&B and holiday favorites. and lively program sure to get everyone One Too Many has the uncanny in a holiday mood. Enjoy your old ability to seamlessly combine a high favorites and discover new ones in this level of musical talent with their own holiday music tour. Moe’s Bar will feaquirky sense of humor. ture their signature sparkling holiday For tickets and info, call 239-495One Too Many cocktail for this concert.

8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org 48 - December 2019

Happenings Magazine

Lee County Community Band presents A Jazzy Christmas Dec. 8

The Lee County Community Band will present A Jazzy Christmas on Dec. 8 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 traditional carols; focus on the sacred nature of Christmas with “Midnight in Bethlehem” and “O Holy Night” with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones; and get toes a tapping with “Feliz Navidad,” “Santa Baby” and “A Jazzy Christmas.”

The band performs six concerts between November and April; all 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. 12, Feb. 9, March 8 and Apri19.

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.

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

Bonita Springs Concert Band

Dec. 15 at Riverside Park

The next free concert by the Bonita Springs Concert Band will be Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Old Bonita.

This is the band’s annual Christmas and holiday concert. Popular guest soloist Mark Sanders will perform “The Christmas Song,” “Nessum Dorma” and “This is the Moment.” Originally from Marion, Il., Mark spent 15 years in NYC and now calls Ft Myers home. He has appeared in numerous productions and concerts around the world. He was seen as Perchik in the Broadway national tour of Fiddler on the Roof and recently in “My Way: A salute to Frank Sinatra.”

Happenings Magazine

Join in the seasonal music that will include “Let the Bells Ring!” “Blues for Santa,” “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” “Hanukkah Joy-A Jewish Celebration” and more Christmas favorites.

The 90 band members are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band. This is the sixth season that Gary has led the band. Gary says “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 15 to 94.”

Become a “Friend of the Band” for just $50. Find out more online at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com.

December 2019 - 49

MUSIC

Gulfshore Opera has the spirit of giving this holiday season

This holiday season you can enjoy a heart-warming, family friendly performance while donating to area homeless shelters. Gulfshore Opera presents Amahl and the Night Visitors on tour in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties Dec. 27 - 29.

Gian Carlo Menotti’s American folk opera is a Christmas miracle story for the whole family. Amahl… is a retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a young, disabled shepherd, Amahl who lives in poverty with his mother. One night, three kings stop for shelter on their journey following a wondrous star. As the story unfolds, the true miracle and meaning of life is revealed, a gift far greater than gold.

In keeping with their commitment to community engagement, Gulfshore Opera is partnering with three Southwest Florida charities to support their missions. A portion of each adult ticket sold to Amahl… will directly benefit St. Matthew’s House, the Salvation Army of Naples, and the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition.

Following a successful partnership with Opera Fusion (Fort Lauderdale) on Season 5’s Don Pasquale, Gulfshore Opera and Opera Fusion join forces again for this production which will tour the east coast of

Florida following the local tour. The two companies are collaborating to feature the best of southern Florida’s regional talent to bring Amahl to life. The role of Amahl will be cast among boys in the Florida Singing Sons Boychoir (Fort Lauderdale).

For the Gulfshore Opera performances,

the role of the Mother will be performed

by Fort Myers resident Lauryn Kay, last seen as Flora in Gulfshore Opera’s La Traviata. John Whittslesey, Christopher Waite and Neill Nelson will perform the roles of Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, the Three Kings, respectively. Nelson was seen as the Marquis in La Traviata and will be joining Gulfshore Opera as a Professional Artist in Residence for season 6. Alejandro Viera, seen as one of the Gulfshore Tenors in previous seasons, performs the role of The Page.

This fully staged production is set in biblical times with chamber orchestra and chorus.

Performances are Dec. 27 at 7p.m. at St. Leo Parish Life Center, Bonita Springs (a portion of proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s House); Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at Salvation Army of Naples Chapel, Downtown Naples (a portion of proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s House and Salvation Army of Naples); Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. at Congregational United Church of Christ, Punta Gorda (a portion of proceeds benefit the Charlotte County Coalition for the Homeless).

Tickets are on sale by visiting www.gulfshoreopera.org or calling 239-529-3925.

Thinking of Starting a Career in

Audio or Video Production?

Audio Technology Certificate Program

Courses include

Audio Recording & Production Video Editing & Production

50 - December 2019

Lee Campus, Fort Myers

For more details 239-432-5203 kelly.o’neil@fsw.edu 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 Monkey Bar & Grille

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

Buckingham Blues Bar

5641 Buckingham Rd 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 Bonita Springs 239-325-3583

Coconut Falls Tiki 17200 S. Tamiami Tr. Fort Myers 239-990-9901

Fishermen’s Village Seminole 1200 W. Retta Esplan.

Casino Hotel Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Hurricane Charley’s

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

The Jac

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

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 Rd Bonita Springs 239-498-8887

The Stage

9144 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs 239-405-8566

Ter-Tini’s

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 239-344-6147

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

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

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

Dixie Roadhouse

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

The Shell Factory

Old Naples Pub

Pete’s Time Out

Fathoms

1410 Pine Ridge Road Naples 239-435-9333

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

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

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

South Street

Nervous Nellie’s

The Cottage

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

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

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

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

DJ’s Rhythm House

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

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

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

Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

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

Yucatan Beach Stand

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

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

Happenings Magazine

December 2019 - 51

MUSIC

Taste of the Islands winners announced The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) announced the winners of the 38th Taste of the Islands to a full Sanibel Community Park on Nov. 10. This year’s event featured 13 restaurants from Sanibel and Captiva.

Judges Chef Jarred Harris, Gina Birch, Artis Henderson and Karen Feldmen voted on a variety of categories while attendees voted for the People’s Choice award sponsored

by Rosier Insurance.

Taste of the Islands winners: Best Appetizer: Sandollar Restaurant – Bacon Wrapped Scallops Best Meat: Thistle Lodge – Bone-in Braised Short Ribs with Cucumber Kimchi Best Seafood: The Clam Shack – Lobstah Roll/ Sandollar Restaurant – Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp Best Vegetarian: Matzaluna – Fusilli Primavera Best Dessert: Sanibel Fish House – Stuffed Key Lime Cheesecake Taste of Taste: Thistle Lodge People’s Choice: The Clam Shack In an unprecedented twist, the judges voted to a tie in the ‘Best Seafood’ category and both restaurants were awarded the honor. In a “three-peat”, The Clam Shack was voted the ‘People’s Choice’ joining the other multi-year winners Lazy Flamingo, who won from 1998-2000, and Gramma Dot’s, who won eight straight awards from 20012008.

“It was great to see the community come together for

The Private Stock Band featuring Trey Wanvig performed at the Nov. 10 Taste of the Islands on Sanibel.

CROW’s 38th Taste of the Islands.

The weather was fantastic, the food was amazing, and everyone enjoyed the live entertainment provided by the Private Stock Band featuring Trey Wanvig,” said Debra Neri, event chair.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported CROW’s mission, especially the participating restau-

rants, sponsors and volunteers who made it all possible.”

The 38th Taste of the Islands was well attended with over 3,000 attendees. Funds raised though the event will benefit CROW’s mission to save wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.

Stringtown celebrates 10 years

52 - December 2019

Rick Russell

Kenny Cox

Local band Stringtown celebrated its 10th anniversary at Miceliʼs on Pine Island Road in Matlacha on Nov. 3 to a packed house.

The band plays there every Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Stringtown band members include Rick Russell, Kenny Cox, Jeff Brunderman and Tracey Mosley. For more about the band, visit online at stringtown music.com.

Happenings Magazine

Gulf Coast Smphony, Gulfshore Ballet to present The Nucracker

The Gulfshore Ballet and Gulf Coast Symphony will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. The production features principal dancers Mayim Stiller of Ballet San Antonio as The Snow King and Haowei Zhu of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida as The Nutcracker Prince. The Nutcracker is a ballet composed

by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky and based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann that centers on a family’s Christmas Eve celebration and one imaginative girl’s journey with her beloved nutcracker. Joyful and triumphant, The Nutcrcaker is a great introduction to classical music and dance for children, while remaining a beauteous spectacle for all ages.

Gulfshore Ballet, a not-forprofit ballet school founded by Iliana Lopez, teams up for a third year with the Gulf Coast Symphony, as the orchestra celebrates their 25th anniversary.

“The Nutcracker is a spectacular show that engages audiences both young and old,” says Gulf Coast Symphony founder Andrew Kurtz. “We’re happy to showcase young tal-

ented dancers, while exposing young audience to classical music and dance, some for the first time.”

Principal dancers Mayim Stiller and Haowei Zhu join the ballet company. Stiller trained with The School of American Ballet before becoming a Corps de Ballet member with the Los Angeles Ballet, where performed as a soloist in The Nutcracker. In 2016 he joined Ballet San Antonio as a Corps de Ballet member and was promoted to soloist in 2017. Hailing from Nanjing, China, Zhu trained with the Beijing Dance Academy before participated in the Youth America Grand Prix where he was awarded with a full scholarship from The Washington School of Ballet in 2014. He continues to perform with the Washington Ballet, as well as the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.

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

Tickets for The Nutcracker on Dec. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. start at $29 and may be purchased by calling the Mann Hall Box Office at 239-481-4849 or online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org

Southwest Florida Concert Band to perform Dec. 15 in Fort Myers

The Southwest Florida Concert Band will perform A Florida Family Christmas concert on Sunday Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers.

The 40-member community band will perform a concert of seasonal music.

The program will start the journey with the Christmas classics, “The Most Wonderful Time of Year” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Sammy Nestico’s swinging “Fireside Christmas” is sure to get you in the mood as well as “Hey Man, Christmas Swings.” The band will perform “Christmas on Broadway” and Happenings Magazine

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” with all the familiar melodies you know and love. One of the highlights will be music from the Nutcracker and “Christmas Music for Winds.” The band will perform the popular “Feliz Navidad” and “Festive Sounds of Hanukah.” They even have music for the young and young at heart with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the narrated version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

All concerts are free with donations accepted. Information on the group, the scholarship program and other performances can be found online at www.SWFLConcertBand.org December 2019 - 53

MUSIC

Fran Cosmo, formerly of Boston, headlined the rock night Nov. 9 a the Cape Coral Coconut Festival.

Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach performed at The Ranch Cocnert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers Nov. 1. The next day, he headlined the Coral Head Music Festival in Pinellas Park which also featured Jackyl, Slaughter and other bands.

Slaughter played Nov. 2 at the Coral Head Music Festival in Pinellas Park.

54 - December 2019

On The Border, an Eagles tribute band, played the rock night Nov 9 at the Cape Coral Coconut Festival.

photos by Jamie Kuser

Happenings Magazine

Guitar Hotel opens

at Hard Rock Hollywood

The 450 foot tall Guitar Hotel opened Oct. 24 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

The $1.5 billion expansion included the opening of two new hotels: The Guitar Hotel with 638 luxury guest rooms and the seven-story Oasis Tower featuring 168 rooms, complete with swim-up suites.

The new Hard Rock Live opened the next day with a headlining performance by Maroon 5. The new event venue fits 7,000 guests and boasts unobstructed sight lines.

Other additions include a 13.5 acre lagoon pool, an expanded casino floor, expanded spa/salon and new stores and restaurants.

The opening ceremonies also featured a celebrity red carpet which attracted actors like Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp and Joe Manganiello and rocker Joe Perry of Aerosmith.

Big Kenny of country act Big and Rich entertained guests in the new Oculus Bar.

prings

Big Kenny and Stevie Salas photos by Jamie Kuser

He was joined by famed guitarist Stevie Salas.

The opening events concluded with a giant guitar smash poolside and a light show on the new Guitar Hotel facade.

For more details on the new hotel, visit seminolehardrockhollywood.com.

Come for the Food. Stay for the Dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS in Bonita S

NOV 29 - Grease, Manilow, Elvis tribute NOV 30 - Jersey Boys tribute

DEC 5 - Neil Diamond tribute

DEC 21 - Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton tribute

DEC 26 - Temptations, 4 Tops tribute

DEC 6 - Eagles tribute

DEC 27 - ABBA tribute

DEC 7 - Bee Gees & Rolling Stones trib.

DEC 11 - Girls of Motown tribute DEC 12 - Johnny Rogers Band

DEC 29 - Girls of Motown tribute

DEC 13 - ABBA tribute DEC 19 - Jersey Boys tribute DEC 20 - Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute

DEC 28 - Fleetwood Mac tribute DEC 30 - Elvis, Celine Dion, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute

NEW YEAR’S EVE Jersey Boys tribute

3 PM & 7:30 PM

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

December 2019 - 55

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

FEB. 17

The Commodores

IN SW FLORIDA & SUN COAST

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

FEB. 20

Willie Nelson

DEC. 4

Mavis Staples

Hertz Arena, Estero

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

FEB. 21

Billy Ocean

DEC. 8

Trisha Yearwood

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Artis–Naples

Julio Iglesias

Hertz Arena, Estero

DEC. 13

Lee Greenwood

FEB. 27

John Tesh

Darius Rucker

DEC. 14

Tournament officials announced the addition of Live Fest to the QBE Shootout schedule when the PGA Tour event returns to Naples Dec. 11 - 15. Headlining this premier music experience on Saturday, Dec 14 will be Grammy Award winning acts Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker at Tiburón Golf Club at The RitzCarlton Golf Resort, Naples. Buy tickets at www.LiveFest.com.

Tiburon, Naples

JAN. 19

JAN. 30

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Mary Wilson

JAN. 31

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Darius Rucker & Lady Antebellum

DEC. 19

The Gatlin Brothers Richard Marx

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

FireFall

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

DEC. 20

Thompson Square The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

DEC. 29

JJ Grey & Mofro

Buckingham Blues Bar

JAN. 12 Poco

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

JAN. 18

Righteous Brothers Artis–Naples

Max Weinburgʼs Jukebox

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

56 - December 2019

Mandy Patinkin Artis–Naples

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Howie Mandel

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

JAN. 20

Johnny Mathis Artis–Naples

JAN. 22

Tanya Tucker

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Jesse Cook

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

JAN. 23

John Oates

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Robert Cray

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

JAN. 26

Marshall Tucker Band Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Hermanʼs Hermits

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Styx

Credit Union Arena, Ft Myers

FEB. 5

Marc Cohn

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

FEB. 6 Kansas

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

FEB. 7

Asleep at the Wheel BIG ARTS, Sanibel

FEB. 9

Phil Vassar

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

FEB. 14

Jason Scheff

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

FEB. 16

Jon Secada

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Beach Boys Artis–Naples

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

John Lodge

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

FEB. 28

Oak Ridge Boys

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

MAR. 1

Gladys Knight Artis–Naples

MAR. 4 Kenny G

Artis–Naples

MAR. 6 MercyMe

Hertz Arena, Estero

Diana Ross

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

MAR. 7

Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

MAR. 8 & 9 Paul Anka Artis–Naples

MAR. 19

The Orchestra

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

MAR. 25

Little River Band

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

Thompson Square

at The Ranch Dec. 20

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers has a great schedule of concerts to wrap up 2019 and kick start 2020.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series presents the country artists Thompson Square on Dec. 20, Clay Walker on Feb. 29, Matt Stell on March 6 and Colt Ford and Koe Wetzel on March 13.

With romantically charged #1 hits like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You,” multi-platinum international success, and honors as Vocal Duo of the Year from both the ACM and CMA Awards, country duo Thompson Square admit they don’t have much left on their bucket list. So for the husband-and-wife team of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, the next chapter of their career is about something different.

“This album is called Masterpiece, and the definition of a masterpiece is an artist’s life’s work,” Keifer explains, hinting at the creative satisfaction behind the duo’s third studio album. “When we’re 80 years old and we look back, we want to be able to say we’re really proud of all the stuff we did.” Working independently for the first time, Masterpiece arrives at a tipping-point moment for the duo – and it finds them taking skillful control of their acclaimed musical bond.

Certain artists just seem to have an innate sense of what it takes to please an audience. Clay Walker is one of those artists. Whether on stage or in the recording studio, Walker never gives less than a hundred percent, and it’s that kind of dedicated work ethic combined with Godgiven talent that have made him one of the most successful country acts of the past decade. He first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with “What’s It to You” and followed with his second consecutive No. 1 hit, “Live Until I Die.” Since then he’s placed 31 titles on Billboard’s singles chart including such additional chart toppers as “Dreaming with my Eyes Open,” “If I Could Make Living,” “This Woman and This Man” and Happenings Magazine

Keifer and Shawna Thompson

The next day he becomes the frontman of one of the most iconic bands in music history – Boston.

Every show Tommy pays homage to Brad Delp – with that golden voice. Tommy DeCarlo and his band DeCarlo – they are the real deal and they’re ready to rock you with the Boston hits and the best classic rock.

One other show scheduled at The Ranch (not part of the Sam Galloway series) is Pig Floyd on Dec. 21.

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.

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.

“Rumor Has It.” NightBird, a tribute to Stevie Nicks, will perform Jan. 18. Fortunate Youth is scheduled to play Jan. 22. Tommy DeCarlo (of Boston) and his band DeCarlo will rock The Ranch on Jan. 24.

NightBird - The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks, featuring, Angela Chang, is based out of Southwest Florida.

NightBird, is known for their authenticity as Angela delivers Stevie Nicks’ music from the depths of her soul, captivating the audience, backed by an astounding group of talented musicians that create a moving experience for everyone.

Tommy DeCarlo was simply a fan of the legendary band Boston, like millions of others. Like those millions of fans around the world, Tommy was devastated over the untimely death of Boston frontman Brad Delp. He felt that he needed to do something. He just had to help the band that provided him so much joy over the years. So Tommy offered to help, in 2007 is when his journey begins….with just one thought of doing good.

NightBird, a Stevie Nicks tribute band, plays Jan. 18 at One day Tommy is a The Ranch. Photo by Denise Thomas Carter Home Depot associate.

December 2019 - 57

IN CONCERT

Lee Greenwood, Gatlin Brothers holiday shows Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents two separate Christmas shows starring two iconic country acts in December at the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.

Country music icon Lee Greenwood will be live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.

Entitled “Lee Greenwood: A Tennessee Christmas,” the concert will be a holiday treat for fans of Greenwood, a country pop legend with more than 30 albums to his credit. The concert will showcase his warm interpretations of Christmas favorites as well as a rousing rendition of his signature hit “God Bless the USA.” With seven #1 songs and 25 charted singles, Greenwood’s hits include: “It Turns Me Inside Out”, “Ring On Her Finger Time on Her Hands,” ”She’s Lyin,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going Going Gone,” “You Got A Good Love Comin,” “Fools Gold,” and “Mornin Ride.” Several crossover hits include “Touch & Go Crazy,” “IOU,” and the duet with Barbara Mandrell, “To Me.” An additional duet with Suzy Bogguss, “Hopelessly Yours,” was nominated for a Grammy. Greenwood has won numerous awards including Male Vocalist of the year for the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, 1983 and 1984, and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Lee Greenwood Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.”

He also won CMA Song of the Year in 1985 for writing “God Bless the USA.” Advance tickets for Lee Greenwood are on sale now for $64.

Country music legends The Gatlin Brothers will perform at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.

The Gatlin Brothers will perform all their hits as well as favorite Christmas and holiday songs during this country Christmas concert.

The Gatlin Brothers Larry, Steve and Rudy, the Gatlin Brothers, are a Grammy Award-winning trio who have dazzled audiences for more than 60 years with a lifetime of notable achievements including: a Grammy for Best Country Song (“Broken Lady”), three ACM awards for Single of the Year (“All The Gold in California”), Album of the Year (“Straight Ahead”), and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin, along with five nominations for CMA Vocal Group of the year, Single, Album and Male Vocalist of the Year.

The Gatlin Brothers’ hits include: “Broken Lady, “All the Gold In California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You,” “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love,” “Statues Without Hearts,” “Love Is Just A Game,” and “Night Time Magic.” Advance tickets for The Gatlin Brothers are on sale now for $69.

Tickets for both shows are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Seminole Casino Hotel welcomes The Commodores

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee presents Grammy Award winners The Commodores live in concert on Monday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.

One of the greatest Motown and R&B/Funk groups of all time, The Commodores (Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “JD” Nicholas and William “WAK” King) have influenced artists young and old and in all genres with their classic songs.

The Commodores’ stellar history includes 75 million albums sold worldwide, seven number one singles, five number one albums, 20 top 10 singles and 15 top 10 albums.

The group’s list of greatest hits is quite lengthy. It includes “Brick House,” “Three Times A Lady,” “Easy,” “Nightshift,” “Still,” “Sail On,” “Lady (You 58 - December 2019

Bring Me Up),” “Just To Be Close To You,” “”Sweet Love,” and “Too Hot Ta Trot.”

The Commodores formed after meeting as freshmen at Tuskegee University in 1968.

They signed with Motown four years later after drawing attention as the opening act for the Jackson 5. In 1986, they won their first Grammy for the song “Nightshift.”

King is one of the original members, while Orange joined in 1972, followed by Nicholas in 1984. They tour with their five-piece band known as the “Mean Machine.”

Tickets are on sale now for $69 and are available via Ticketmaster locations, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-653-8000.

Happenings Magazine

Howie Mandel Jan. 19 at the Seminole Casino

Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents Howie Mandel live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years.

Currently, he serves as executive producer and host of the game show "Deal or No Deal" on CNBC. Mandel has served as a judge for a decade on NBC's hit summer talent competition series "America's Got Talent." He was also a judge on the global winter edition of the series, "America's Got Talent: The Champions."

Mandel recently released his first solo special in 20 years "Howie Mandel Presents Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club" on Showtime. He can also be seen in the second season of his Nat Geo Wild Series "Animals Doing Things," which he co-hosts with his son Alex.

Mandel’s additional work as a host, actor, and/or executive producer include "Take It All" and "Howie Do It" for NBC, "Deal With It" for TBS and "Mobbed" for Fox. Previously, Mandel received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for "Deal or No Deal" and a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host for the syndicated version of the show.

Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum,

Howie Mandel photo courtesy of NBC including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy Award-winning "St. Elsewhere," to the international animated children's series "Bobby's World," Mandel has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene. In 2009, Mandel added author to his resume when he released his frank, funny and no-holds-barred memoir, "Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me." The memoir revealed his ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD, and how it has shaped his life and career. It made The New York Times bestseller list on its first week and remained on the list for several consecutive weeks.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $99 and are available at the casino, on www.moreinparadise.com or by calling 800-514ETIX. Attendees must be 21 years of age.

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FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Edison Ford Holiday Nights Nov. 29 - Dec. 30

Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 44th Holiday Nights celebration with the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

The event will offer visitors an impressive light show with more lights, new displays and decorations, and additional areas of the property will be illuminated. This year's theme is "River Reflection" and will incorporate nautical elements.

One new display this year includes the Mysore Fig -one of the largest historic trees on the property. The tree will be lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music. The lights will reach high up into the branches of the tree and extend onto the ground around it. Sunbelt Rentals is providing a lift truck, which allows staff to string lights much higher, creating a magical display.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting and making their list on opening night (Nov.29) and every Sunday night until Christmas from 6 to 8 p.m. Children will be invited to sit on Santa's lap in the Edison Caretaker's House. 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 carolers and a pianist on select nights.

There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison and Clara Ford on Dec. 19 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.

Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members.

Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50.

Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission every Monday and Tuesday. Tickets for a tour and river cruise package are available for groups of 10 or more and waterfront dining is offered next door at Pinchers.

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

Gaither Homecoming soloist to be at Christmas Carol Sing Dec. 17

Gaither Homecoming soloist and Grammy Award winner Larry Ford will make a special guest appearance at the 29th Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships.

The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 17 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 singalongs are planned at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

“We are honored that Larry Ford has agreed to perform at this year’s Christmas Carol Sing. He will sing several Christmas Carols and help lead the audience in singing carols and hymns that everyone knows and loves,” said Carol Sing Founder and Organizer Sam Galloway, Jr. Ford is a featured soloist on the Gaither Homecoming DVD series, which consistently ranks in the top of Billboard Magazine’s music charts. The tenor was awarded a Grammy for Best Southern Gospel Recording in 2003.

The Christmas Carol Sing is a festival of holiday music and family 60 - December 2019

fun. This year’s 90-minute performance also will feature the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists John Goulet, Linda Digman and Beverly Cox along with the Spiritual Voices 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.”

Galloway said cash donations are especially needed because Community Cooperative can buy five times as Larry Ford much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores.

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. For more info, call First Presbyterian Church at 239-334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

Happenings Magazine

ACMA Songwriters

on the Plaza Dec. 10

The next Songwriters on the Plaza will be Dec. 10. This is the ACMA’s popular songwriters showcase on Cornog Plaza at the Fort Myers Regional Library on First Street. This free show runs the second Tuesday of the month now through April.

The Lee County Library has joined with the ACMA to offer free acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved indoors depending on weather.

If needed, the show will be indoor in the South Building that is attached to Talking Books Library. The address is 1651 Lee St. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate songwriters showcase. The Dec. 10 event features Roy Schneider, Kim Mayfield and Bill Metts.

Roy Schneider, troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist Roy Schneider has developed a devoted fan base for his particular flavor of Americana music since 2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring with wife-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Playfully dubbed “Blue-Twangled Folk‘n’ Roll” in a 2014 No Depression interview, Schneider has brought his musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiences across the USA and abroad.

Happenings Magazine

Schneider’s songs have earned praise in the Kerrville New Folk Competition (TX), Telluride Blues & Brews Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist showcase (NY). The duo has performed official showcases at Folk Alliance conferences in New York, Austin TX and Asheville, NC. Kim Mayfield started playing music on the family piano at age nine. She played for herself for years before learning to play with others. As a member of the trio Reckless Saints, Kim has picked up guitar and mandolin, as well as learning to play keyboard without “notes.” She is in her 11th year of touring nationally and internationally with her husband and music partner Roy Schneider. Kim was a semifinalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition.

Bill Metts started playing guitar during the country blues revival of the 60s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. He began his writing career after moving to Southwest Florida and regularly attending open mics in Fort Myers, notably the former Nita's Sweet Bean Café, where many local singer songwriters cut their teeth. Shortly after, he was asked to served on the board of the nationally known ACMA and hosted their weekly Songwriter Circle for four years.

For more information, visit www.americanacma.org

December 2019 - 61

Fort Myers Woman’s Club presents Holiday House FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Drawing from nature’s most vibrant and rich colors, the “Colors of Christmas” come together in a brilliant and festive kaleidoscope that will surely delight visitors to the 63rd Annual Holiday House, presented by the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club.

Inspired by the artistry of Christmas designers Christopher Radko and Jim Marvin, the historic Langford Kingston Home and Burroughs Home and Gardens will showcase vivid hues of emerald green, peacock blue, plum, orange, fuchsia, and red, layered with sparkly gold and silver accents, and adorned with iconic Shiny Brite ornaments of the 1940s and 1950s.

Every year since 1956, hundreds of members and volunteers of the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club spend hours planning creative designs to transform the interior and exterior of the LangfordKingston 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, 2019 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. ‘The Colors of Christmas’ promises to be every bit as sparkly, cheery, and joyful as the holiday season itself.”

Self-guided tours of Holiday House 2019 will run Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 22. The hours are 5 to 9 p.m., with the last tour guests admitted 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 are on sale now and may be purchased through the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club website at www.fmwcc.net.

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

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

Don’t miss Holiday House - a Fort Myers tradition since 1956, presented by the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club.

Festival of Trees Dec. 5 - 8

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida presents the 13th Annual Festival of Trees, a yearly fundraiser that has become a holiday tradition in Southwest Florida for thousands of families.

This four-day event from Dec. 5 8 ushers in the holidays at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center located in the River District of Fort Myers.

New in 2019 … Festival of Trees is featuring indoor ice skating on a synthetic ice rink located right in the center of the glistening tree display. Open to the public throughout the event, skaters of all ages can enjoy a bit of that Rockefeller Center wintery feel right here in Southwest Florida.

Skate with Big Mama from B103.9 from 4 to 6 p.m. during his live remote on Friday, Dec. 6.

Throughout the Festival of Trees event, the public can view the trees, purchase raffle tickets, and vote for their favorites. Area businesses decorate the trees with a retail value in décor and gifts between $1,500 and $2,000.

62 - December 2019

Many in the past have even surpassed those minimums!

On the last day of the event, one winning ticket from each tree raffle box is selected. The trees are then carefully wrapped with all their gifts and goodies and delivered to the winner’s home.

In addition to the tree raffle, Festival of Trees participants can enjoy the “Holiday Stroll” down First Street and official tree lighting by the Mayor, a free outdoor concert with the Nowhere Band, Santa’s Block Party including a holiday vendor showcase, food trucks, entertainment, pictures with Santa and a children’s’ workshop.

Tickets to the event can be purchased in advance at www.SBDAC.com. Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.GoodwillTrees.com.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.

Teddy Bear drive under way

Efforts to collect 300 new unwrapped Teddy bears, which will be given to the children at the Golisano Children’s Hospital during the holidays, has begun.

The bears will be delivered to the hospital and given out to the children during the holiday season.

New bears can be dropped off during regular store hours at the following Goodwill Retail and Donation Centers: Goodwill Boutique on First, Challenger Retail and Donation Center locations in Fort Myers, at Zak’s Jewelery and North Cape Pine Island Road Goodwill in Cape Coral, and Heritage Bay store in Naples. People who live in Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers may also drop off a bear at their Community Center.

For the last 12 years, the “Very Beary” Christmas tree has been a community favorite. Each year, the bears adorn an artificial tree during Goodwill Annual Festival of Trees and then the tree gets delivered to the lobby of Golisano Children’s Hospital where the bears are given out to children.

Happenings Magazine

ICHIBAN

Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

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 (239) 334-6991

Located at the Entrance to the

www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com Happenings Magazine

Hotel Indigo

December 2019 - 63

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Pure Florida New Year’s Eve cruises in Naples, Fort Myers

Pure Florida will ring in the New Year with celebratory cruises on Tuesday, Dec. 31, sailing from both its Naples and Fort Myers locations.

Guests cruising from Naples will have the opportunity to indulge in customized catering, a beautiful sunset and a fireworks show. Passengers in Fort Myers will enjoy watching the last sunset of 2019 with a complimentary drink.

In Naples, passengers will board the M/V Double Sunshine which departs at 6:00 p.m. from the historic Tin City docks, located at 1200 Fifth Ave. S. The cruise will feature a delicious dinner selected at the time of reservation, refreshments, music and entertaining narration from Pure Florida’s captain, followed by the fireworks show from the Naples Pier. Tickets for the Naples cruise are available for $115 per person plus taxes which includes one complimentary drink ticket.

The cruise is approximately 3 hours in length.

In Fort Myers, guests will board the M/V Edison Explorer which departs at 4:30 p.m. from The Marina at Edison Ford,

located at 2360 W. First St. The cruise will be along the Caloosahatchee River at sunset and Pure Florida’s Coast Guard certified captain, also a master naturalist, will deliver a historical and ecological narration of local waterways and the environment. Tickets for the Fort Myers cruise are available for $35 per adult and $17.50 for children plus taxes. Upon returning to dock at The Marina at Edison Ford, guests can conclude their experience by exploring the local shops and restaurants of the historic Fort Myers River District or enjoying the community’s Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebration.

While Pure Florida cannot guarantee animal sightings in the wild, the captain will alert passengers to wildlife such as dolphins, eagles, manatee, native birds and more. Reservations are required.

For more information on Pure Florida, or to register for a New Year’s Eve cruise, call Pure Florida’s reservation team at 239263-4949 or visit www.PureFL.com.

The next Art Walk is Friday, Dec. 6.

Ilyas Kirkan was the featured artist in November at Ollie Mack Gentry Photography on Jackson Street.

64 - December 2019

MiMi Stirn was among the featured artists at Arts for ACT Gallery on First Street in November.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH (rain or shine)

6 - 10 PM

Happenings Magazine

Fandom Fest Dec. 7 for teens and young adults The Lee County Library System is hosting Fandom Fest, a free celebration of fandoms and geek culture for teens and young adults, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St. Cosplay is encouraged.

The festival is broken down into multiple themed areas that offer a mixture of activities and fandom DIY makerspaces tailored for a teen and young adult audience. Fandom theme areas include Space, Sword & Sorcery, Superheroes & Villains, Asian Culture and Princesses.

Festival goers can spend the day making Eye of Sauron pendants and lightsabers, learning origami, playing Quidditch, climbing a rock wall and challenging friends in Minute to Win It style games, among many other free activities. A virtual reality tech hub and gaming by Game Guys will be offered along with character meet-and-greets and photo ops. Fans of Star Wars, Disney, Minions and Marvel will have a chance to meet and take photos

with their favorite characters.

Live entertainment will be available throughout the day at the outdoor Cornog Plaza Amphitheater and will include headliners such as nationally touring American rapper and YouTube star MC Lars and American nerdcore rapper Mega Ran. The festival will also feature a cappella group Geekapella and Japanese drumming by Tampa Taiko.

Food will be available for purchase and local gaming and comic book shops will sell merchandise and offer role-playing game tutorials and card trading.

A cosplay fashion show will be held at 2 p.m. Register to participate in the free fashion show at the Info Booth from noon to 1:30 p.m. Middle school, high school and college students are encouraged to strut their stuff on the catwalk or find inspiration in the creations of others.

For more information about Fandom Fest, including the schedule of events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.leelibrary.net/fandomfest.

2020 THE RIVER DISTRICT ALLIANCE PRESENTS

DOWN TOWN COUNT DOWN Tuesday, Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Celebration starts at 8 pm

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDOORS & OUTDOORS INCLUDING SMACK DADDY, NOT GUILTY, HALF STEP DOWN, ALMOST ABBA, MARTY STOKES BAND & MORE

FREE ADMISSION STREET PARTY

BALL DROP AT MIDNIGHT

Happenings Magazine

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

December 2019 - 65

DEC SUN - 1

Chris Cope 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Eddie Ifft 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 4

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Cam Bertrand 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Collin Moulton 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 5

Paul Hooper 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Anthony Devito 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Collin Moulton 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 6

Paul Hooper 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Anthony Devito 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Shawn Wayans 7 & 10 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 7

Paul Hooper 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Anthony Devito 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Shawn Wayans 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

66 - December 2019

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR

SUN - 8

WED - 18

FRI - 27

SUN - 29

WED - 11

Rich Guzzi 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Mike Winfield 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

MON - 30

Anthony Devito 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Jimmy Keys 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Adam Cabel 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Al Romas 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 12

David Scott 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Andrew Rivers 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Al Romas 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 13

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Andrew Rivers 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Al Romas 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 14

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Andrew Rivers 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

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

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 15

Andrew Rivers 6 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

TUE - 17

Michael Glatzmaier 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Laugh In Lineup 18 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

THU - 19

Michael Blaustein 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tacarra Williams 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 20

Michael Blaustein 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

James Yon 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 28

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Winfield 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

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

The Comedy Zone

Mike Winfield 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Vic DiBitetto 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

TUE - 31

Jamie Morgan 7:30 & 10 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Vic DiBitetto 6 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy James Yon 5:30 & 10:15 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Tacarra Williams 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 21

Michael Blaustein 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tacarra Williams 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

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

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 22

Tacarra Williams 6 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

THU - 26

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Winfield 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy James Yon 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

Off the Hook Comedy Club 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

The Comedy Zone

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

* schedules subject to change

Comedy Club calendar online at

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

December 2019 - 67

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily.

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

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

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.

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

68 - December 2019

Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill

We are a family owned tiki bar and grill. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where you can have a mini vacation.

We offer a wide range of American food with a tropical twist including appetizers, salads, soups, raw bar, sandwiches, entrees, and deserts. Also, you can enjoy our all you can eat breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Your beer is sure to be ice cold with our 12 tap glycol system and bottles kept on ice. Last, but definitely not least, we offer a wide range of entertainment to ensure there is never a dull moment.

17200 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901 www.coconutfalls.com

Deep Lagoon Seafood

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 3 to 6 pm featuring small plates from $6 - $9.

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

DJ’s Rhythm House

DJ’s Rhythm House is a restaurant and nightclub located in Fort Myers. At The Rhythm House, we strive to provide Great Service, Top Quality Food and Drinks as well as Live Entertainment. Featuring Excellent Food as well as well-known Local Talent! We offer live music weekly. We have the best hard wood dance floor and Sound Systems in the area! Come and relax. Listen to great music, enjoy an excellent dinner and a couple of drinks with your friends, neighbors or colleagues and experience the love of music for yourself. All bands start at 6:30 and conclude at 9:30 p.m. Reservations required for all shows.

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

Happenings Magazine

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

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 theater-style 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

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

Happenings Magazine

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

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 738 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 239-347-7033 www.texastonys.com

December 2019 - 69

KEY WEST

New Year’s Eve options

A variety of New Year’s Eve options are available in Key West this year. Here is just a sampling:

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. For more details, visit www.sloppyjoes.com.

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 Pirate Wench Drop coiffed Sushi is to be at Schooner Wharf lowered from the secFor piratical ond-story balcony of Evalena Worthington practices her New Year's Eve descent from the top of a tall sailing vessel's mast, dockside at the Schooner Wharf Bar in December 2018 in Key West. partiers, a New the complex toward Photo by Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO Year’s Eve salute to the cheering crowds Key West’s rowdy below. As midnight seafaring roots is strikes and the New scheduled at the island’s Historic Seaport. At midnight, a winYear officially begins, she will land and gleefully pop the cork on some pirate wench is to descend from the top of the mast of the a ceremonial bottle of champagne. Visit www.bourbonstpub.com tall ship America 2.0 as cannon blasts welcome 2020. for more information.

Scallywags in attendance can expect live music all day, dancing and festivities at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. More Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joeʼs info is available at www.schoonerwharf.com.

The arrival of 2020 is to be heralded on the island’s Duval

Old Dominion added to concert schedule

Rams Head Presents - Key West announced Old Dominion will perform May 5 at the Key West Amphitheater. The concert will include Bishop Gunn, The Georgia Satellites and Shaw Davis & The Black Ties.

Other Rams Head concerts at the amphiteater include Blackberry Smoke Dec. 28, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Feb. 9, Willie

Blackberry Smoke - Dec. 28

70 - December 2019

Nelson Feb. 17, Kool & The Gang with The Village People Feb. 21.

Located at the Truman Waterfront, the Key West Amphitheater is situated near Fort Zachary with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from the top of the lawn - don't miss the world famous Key West Sunset on show day. With a grassy general admission lawn, intimate reserved seats, and a one of kind panoramic backdrop, the amphitheater provides the perfect entertainment space for all music fans.

Rams Head also produces shows at the Sunset Green Event Lawn. Scheduled concerts include Grace Potter on Jan. 12, The Temptations on April 5 and The Mavericks on May 31.

Old Dominion - May 5

Buy tickets for any of these shows online at www.keywestconcertseries.com.

Happenings Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lights & Sights Trolley Tour

Dec. 6 - Dec. 23 The Southernmost City is all a twinkle, as the locals decorate their historic Key West homes in a splendid cascade of lights and other decorative touches to see who can outdo the other in a friendly, holiday-inspired competition. Along with the awesome sights and excellent narration highlighting fun facts about the island, you’ll also enjoy some complimentary tasty treats like cookies and hot cider. This tour has a duration of approximately 60 minutes and departs from Mallory Square. Check website for dates and times. Tickets must be purchased online. www.trolleytours.com/key-west

Hometown Holiday Parade

Dec. 7 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 Bayview Park’s Truman Avenue and White Street location. Catching tossed candy and seeing Santa are highlights for kids. www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov

Happenings Magazine

IN

KEY WEST

Sprint & Olympic Triathlon

Lighted Bike Ride

Lighted Boat Parade

Annual Home Tours

Dec. 7 The Key West Triathlon expects up to 1,000 participants and some of the sport’s best known triathletes; TRIKW allows you to bask in the warm weather and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean while the rest of the country is experiencing winter. Olympic and Sprint distances. Event highlights feature an Aquabike competition this year, along with a .76 km Atlantic Ocean swim from Higgs Beach, a 20km U.S. 1 cycling ride along South Roosevelt Boulevard and a 5km run along Smathers Beach. www.trikw.com Dec. 14 Lighted and decorated vessels from rowboats to tall ships proceed around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor areas.

Festivities are to begin at 6 p.m. with the children of Gerald Adams Elementary Steel Your Heart Band! Parade is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport as vessels of all shapes and sizes dazzle the crowd www.schoonerwharf.com

Dec. 4 The Lighted Bike Ride helps to gather the needed toys for the struggling, working families of Key West for the holidays. Families and individuals with lighted and decorated bikes ride through the streets for the community to see. Entry for the bike ride is an unwrapped toy or monetary donation for Holiday Helpers. Wesley House Family Services coordinates this bike ride.

Register online. www.wesleyhouse.org Dec. 27 - 28 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. You will be enchanted by exquisite restorations, creative renovations and delightful interiors featuring art collections, antiques, and much more. www.oirf.org

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