FEBRUARY 2023 FREE Theatre•Concerts•Art•Dining•Music•Calendar Naples•FortMyers•CapeCoral•PortCharlotte•BonitaSprings SWEENEY TODD atTheLaboratory TheaterofFlorida GulfshorePlayhouse presents Camelot MollyHatchet atTwistedFork Everglades SeafoodFest Jazzon theLawn Pippin at CulturalPark
Somanyoptions
Curtainsareupinallourtheatres inSouthwestFloridainFebruary.Itis ajammedpacktimeoftheyearwhen thechoicesareplenty.
Whetherit’sdramas,musicals, comediesormysteries, ourtheatrevenues havesomethingfor everyone.
Withoutanydelays, let’sseewhat’son stage...
TheLaboratory TheaterofFloridapresentsSweeneyTodd: TheDemonBarberof FleetStreetonstage Feb.10throughMarch 11inFortMyers.
InNaples,Gulfshore PlayhousepresentsLernerand Loewe’sCamelotFeb.11toMarch12 atTheNorrisCenter.
TheNaplesPlayershaveaddeda showtotheirseasonschedule.Sylvia willbepresentedFeb.8through March5attheirtemporarylocationat NaplesUnitedChurchofChrist.The SugdenTheatrebuildingwillbeunder goingsomerenovations.TheGame’s Afootiscurrentlyplayingatthe5th AvenuetheatreuntilFeb.5.
InCapeCoral,Pippinisonstage Feb.16toFeb.26atCulturalPark Theater.
Antigoneissettobepresented Feb.17-26attheFGCUTheatreLab inFortMyers.
JosephandtheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoatplaysnow throughFeb.11atBroadwayPalm TheatreinFortMyers.ThatwillbefollowedbyJerseyBoysFeb.17 throughApril9.
InNorthFortMyers,thePlayers CircleTheaterwillpresentILoveYou, You’rePerfect,NowChangeFeb.11 throughFeb.26.
TheCharlottePlayerswillstage HowtheOtherHalfLovesFeb.9-26 attheLangdonPlayhouseinPort Charlotte.
InNaples,TheatreZonepresents JimmyBuffett’sEscapeto MargaritavilleattheG<heatre Feb.9throughFeb.19.
TheImportanceofBeingEarnest
playsJan.31throughMarch5in FloridaRep’sArtStageStudioTheatre indowntownFortMyers.
FloridaRep’sGregLongenhagen andwifeLizAbbottwillperformLove LettersFeb.13atTribbyArtsCenter atShellPoint.
TheatreConspiracy willgiveusTheLast ShowFeb.16-Feb.26 attheAllianceforthe ArtsinFortMyers.
FloridaRepertory TheatrepresentsOn GoldenPondinthehistoricArcadeTheatre Feb.14throughMarch 15.
IntheOffBroadway PalmTheatre,laugh alongwithJust DessertsplayingnowthroughFeb. 18.Doublewide,TexasopensFeb.23 andrunstoApril9.
GOLDTheatricalspresentsLove LettersFeb.17attheCharlotte PerformingArtsCenterinPunta Gorda.
ForeverPlaidopensFeb.15atthe MusicandArtsCommunityCenterin FortMyersandplaysthroughMarch 11.TheThingAboutMeniscurrently onstageattheMACCnowthrough Feb.4.
NewPhoenixTheatrewilllightup theirstageagain.TheLastSchwartz runsFeb.16-26inFortMyers.
Joey&Maria’sComedyItalian WeddingplaysFeb.4,11and18at theBonitaEsteroElks.
InNaples,TheStudioPlayers presentNeedtoKnownowthrough Feb.5.
OnMarcoIsland,PlazaSuitewill bestagedFeb.8-26atheArts CentreTheatre.
NationaltouringBroadwayshows atBarbaraB.MannPerformingArts HallinFortMyersincludeSixthe musicalFeb.1-5;Fiddleronthe RoofFeb.14-19,PrettyWomanthe musicalFeb.21-26.
AtArtis–Naples,thenationaltour ofOnYourFeetplaysFeb.7-12.
So...pleasedon’ttellmethere’s notashowforyou.Enjoy.
Rockon, Jamie
4-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
Spotlight HappeningsA&EMagazine isowned,published &distributedmonthlyinLee,CollierandCharlotte countiesby KMKPublishingInc Publishers&Owners Jamie&KathyKuser (239)278-5236 swfHappenings@earthlink.net HappeningsMagazine.net NEWMAILINGADDRESS: 14520FarringtonWay#103, FortMyers,FL33912 Contributors: JoyUrsillo,BobWilliams Advertisingsales: JamieKuser&LisaDoyle-Mitchell Distribution: AleyEnterprises INTHISISSUE 6 22 50 76 theatre art music dining
Publisher’s
TheNaplesPlayersadds Sylviatoseasonschedule
Performancesmovetotemporarylocationduringrenovations
TheNaplesPlayersannouncesa newadditiontoits2022-23seasonin theformofA.R.Gurney’sclevercomedy,Sylvia.Thischarming,comedic lovestoryistheperfectwaytocelebrateValentine’sDayandalltheloved onesinourlives–especiallytheones onfourlegs.
SylviaisahilariousandheartwarmingstoryaboutGregandKate,who movetoManhattanasGregtransitions intoretirement.GregmeetsSylvia,a street-smartpoodlemix,inCentral ParkandbringsherhometoKatecausingchaos,hilarity,andaskingthe questionwhoreallyisman'sbest friend.ItrunsFeb.8-March5.
Thisunexpectedlovestorywill introducepatronsofTheNaples Playerstotheirtemporaryhome, pendinganupcomingcapitalproject.A localchurch,NaplesUnitedChurchof Christ(5200CraytonRoad),has openeditsdoorstoTheNaples PlayersforSylvia,educationprogramming,andmuchofTNPs2023-24sea-
sonastheirbuildingisrenovated.
TNPfavoriteJessicaWalckwillbe takingtheproverbial“lead”onthisproductionasthedirector.“It’sabout morethanarelationshipbetweena husbandandwife,orevenahuman anddog,”saysWalck,“it'sacelebrationofloveinallitsforms.Thebeauty ofdogsisthattheyloveyounomatter whatsoitisverymovingtoseethat typeofunconditionalloveexpressed throughahuman.”
Walckwillbejoinedbythefollowing creativeteam:scenicdesignerMichael Santos,propsmasterJillian Feingenblat,costumedesignerDot Auchmoody,lightingdesignerCraig Walck,co-sounddesignersPlutoBoll andBradleyVanHoutenandstage managerEstherSnyder.Walckwill leadadynamiccast,featuringboth newandfamiliarfacestoTheNaples Playersstage.
Thecastincludes(inalphabetical order):PamelaAustinasKate,Robert BallasTom/Leslie/Phyllis,RonPirrello
asGregandSamanthaReecemaking herTNPdebutasSylvia.
Sylviacompletesthe2022-23season,joiningaudiencefavoriteSoundof Music(runningMarch1-April2)and themurderouslyfunnyTheGame’s Afoot(runningJan.11–Feb.5).With theadditionofthisshow,TheNaples Playershasalsomadeseasontickets availabletothepubliconceagain. Seasonticketholdersaretreatedto cheapertickets,freewine,early accesstonewseasons,andmany otherperks.ToaddSylviatoyourcurrentsubscriptionpackage,ortopurchaseanewone,contactthebox officeat239-263-7990.
PerformancesareWednesdaysand Thursdaysat7:30pm,Fridaysand Saturdaysat8p.m.andSundaysat2 p.m.Generalpublicticketsareonsale for$47attheTNPBoxOffice.Season ticketholdersareofferedapriceof $37.Thoseinterestedcanvisit NaplesPlayers.organytimeorcallthe TNPBoxOffice.
T HEATRE 6-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
PippinonstageatCultural ParkTheaterinCapeCoral
ByMarkFleming
HurricaneIanRecovery: Somanyfolksarestilldealing withchallengesasaresultof thehurricane.Weareasking thateachpatronbringa donationofcannedgoods, non-perishablefooditemsor anew,unwrappedtoyto everyperformance.These donationswillbedistributed tomembersofthecommunity whoarestillstruggling.
BroadwaySeries Productions: Pippinwill openonFeb.16andrun throughFeb.26.Greasewill openMarch9andrun throughMarch19.Our relaunchedBroadwaySeries continueswithPrivateLives May11–21andCrimesof theHeartscheduledforJune 1–11.
Ourconcertseries continueswithMartinAndrewand hisForeverRodTributeShow Feb.10-12–watchthewebsiteandFBfortimesforthis fantastictributecomingtous fromtheLasVegasstage.
BookLaunchandAuthor Meet&Greet: We’reexcited towelcomeCarolFreeman, authorof7cozymysteries,to ourvenue,assheintroduces herbrandnewbook,The CapeCoralCannoli:ATaste ofDeath,onSunday,Feb.26 at1p.m.Carolwillbejoined byBill,herhusbandandpartner-in-crime,withwhomshe closelycollaborates.
Thiswittyandwildadventurebeginswiththemurderof aresidentinagatedcommunityinFortMyers.Butno worries!EllenandCharlie Green,seventy-three-year-old snowbirds,arecalleduponto infiltratethissecretivecommunityofeccentricandhigh spiritedcharacters.
Theirinvestigationincludes favoritelocalhauntsfromthe CapeCoralDowntown Farmers’MarkettoNauti MermaidtotheCalendarGirls toHarold’sinFortMyers.
ThisisbookfiveofherCape Coralseriesandherseventh
murdermystery.
Carolbeganwritingmurdermysterieswhenshe turned70.Shelooksforward tosharingwhatinspiredher tobecomeanauthor.And,it allbeganwithachallenge-andahottub!Carolwilldiscusshowhumoriswoven intoamurdermystery.Sobe preparedtolaugh!Youwillbe treatedtoafewamusing backstories,aswell.Carol andBilllookforwardto answeringyourquestions. Carolwillbedonating20%of herbookssalesfromthis eventtotheCapeCoral CulturalParkTheatre FoodTrucksOnsitefor EveryPerformance: With thenewly-landscaped groundsofCulturalParkasa backdrop,wewillbefeaturing someofSWFlorida’sbest foodtrucksduringeachperformance.Favoritessuchas Dave’sNeopolitanPizza, SkewUFoodTruck,Double Dee’sandCosmicCupcakes arejustafewthatarescheduled.Visitourwebsitefor detailsonwhenyourfavorite willbehere.
We’reexcitedtoofferour onlineticketingtoallpatrons. Asweallcontinuetobattle theeconomicissuescaused bytheongoingCovidpandemic,wehaveloweredour ticketpricestomakeattendinglivetheatermoreaffordableforeveryone.Startplanningyourentertainmentcalendarnow!Useourwebsite toorderonlineorcallforyour ticketstoday.Visitthemat http://culturalparktheater.com/ online-ticket-sales,orusethe convenientorderticketsnow buttonsoneacheventwebpage.
TheCulturalParkTheater islocatedat528CulturalPark Blvd.inCapeCoral.Callthe boxofficeformoreinformation239-772-5862orvisit CulturalParkTheater.com
MarkFlemingisexecutive directoroftheCulturalPark TheatreCompany.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-7
JosephatBroadwayPalm
BroadwayPalm presentsthemagnificent Josephandthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoatplayingnow throughFeb.11.
Theage-oldBiblical storyofJosephandhis coatofmanycolors comestolifeonstagein thisfun-filled,colorful musicalthathasentertainedaudiencesfor over40years.
Josephandthe AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoatisoneofthe mostspectacularand entertainingmusicalsto everhitthestage. AndrewLloydWebberteamsupwithcollaboratorTimRiceto tellthiscompellingstoryfromtheOldTestament.
Toldthroughakaleidoscopeofsonganddance,themusicalissetinthedesertoftheMiddleEastmanycenturies ago.JacobgiveshissonJosephamagnificentcoatofmany
colors.Hiselevenbrothersbecomesojealous ofJosephandhissplendidcoatthattheysell himintoslavery.Upon arrivalinEgypt,Joseph issoldonceagain. Becauseofhisgreatgift forinterpretingdreams, herisesfromthestatus oflowlyhouseslaveto becomethePharaoh’s advisor.Thespectacular scorefromnearlyevery genreincludes“Any DreamWillDo,”“Close EveryDoor”and“Go, Go,GoJoseph.”
Performancesare Tuesdaythrough Sundayeveningswithselectmatinees.Ticketsare$65to $95withchildrenandgrouppricesavailable.Ticketsarenow onsaleandcanbereservedbycalling239-278-4422,byvisitingBroadwayPalm.comorbystoppingbytheboxofficeat 1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
T HEATRE 8-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
LoveLettersFeb.13 atTribbyArtsCenter
TribbyArtsCenterat ShellPointinFortMyers hasafullscheduleof entertainmentplanned throughoutFebruary.
Fortheatregoers,A.R. Gurney’sLoveLettersisa tender,tragi-comic,and nuancedexaminationof thesharednostalgia,missedopportunities,anddeepclosenessoftwolifelong,complicatedfriends.Whilespanningfive decadesandnumerouslocations,itisstagedsimply,withtwo actorsbehinddesksorsittingincozychairs,lettingtheirwords describeaworldofemotion.
FloridaRepertoryTheatreartisticdirectorGreg Longenhagenandhiswife,longtimelocaltheatreprofessional LizAbbott,starinthistenderandunforgettablelovestoryon Monday,Feb.13at7p.m.Ticketsareavailablefor$55.
VisitTribbyArtsCenter.comtopurchaseticketsorcallthe TribbyBoxOfficeat239-415-5667.
TheLastShowpresented
Feb.16-26attheAlliance
TheatreConspiracyatthe AlliancefortheArtspresents theworldpremiereofTheLast Showwrittenandperformedby DerekLively.
Thisbrandnewwork,developedlocallyanddirectedby producingartisticdirectorBill Taylor,issetinanillegal undergroundnightclub,inacity whereallpublicsocialgatheringsandallformsofarthave beenbanned.
TheatreConspiracyhasa distinguishedhistoryasa leaderinthedevelopmentof newworkhavingpresented morethan30worldpremiere playsinFortMyers.Thislatest workisacollaborationbetween Livelyandthetheatreoverthe lastseveralmonths.
“WeusedtoholdaNew PlayContesteveryyearand becamethevictimofourown success,receivingover700 entriesayear,”saysBillTaylor. “Thatwastoomuchforour smallgroup.Imadethedecisiontoselectoneartistayear toworkwithanddeveloptheir show.DerekhasdonenumerousshowswithusasaprofessionalEquityactor.Iknewhe hadanewshowinmindsoI
reachedouttoseeifwecould worktogetherandithasbeen anincredibleexperience.I can’twaittoseehowaudiencesreact.”
Taylorgoesontoexplain, “SimilartoourrecentproductionofClownBar,wewillbe completelyrearrangingthetheatretocreateanotherimmersiveexperiencefortheaudience.”
Thisshowcontainsadult languageandcontent.
DerekLivelyportraysaperformanceartistwhorisksarrest andpossiblyhislifetoperform forthefirst(andlasttime)in frontofhisdyingmother.With nothingbutafewpropsanda bottleofcognac,theperformanceartistholdsnothingback becausethisshowisunlike anyotherthathehaseverperformed.
Ticketsare$25formembers,$30fornon-members andavailableatArtInLee.orgor bycallingtheboxofficeat239939-2787.Performancesare Feb.16–18and23–25at 7:30p.m.andFeb.26at2 p.m.TheAlliancefortheArtsis locatedat11091McGregor Blvd.inFortMyers.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-9
PLAYERSCIRCLETHEATER
ILoveYou,You’rePerfect,NowChange
PlayersCircleTheaterpresentsthe hilariousmusicalILoveYou,You’re Perfect,NowChangewithbookandlyrics bytwo-timeTonywinnerJoeDePietroand musicbyJimmyRoberts.PreviewperformancesbeginMonday,Feb.6,with openingnightSaturday,Feb.11.TheproductionrunsuntilFeb.26.Thisacclaimed off-Broadwaymusicalranover5,000performancesinNYC,makingitthesecond longest-runningmusicalinoff-Broadway history.
ILoveYou,You’rePerfect,Now Changeispresentedinaseriesof vignetteswiththethemeofloveandrelationships.Theplay'staglineis"Everything youhaveeversecretlythoughtaboutdating,romance,marriage,lovers,husbands, wivesandin-laws,butwereafraidto admit".ItwasnominatedfortheOuter CriticsCircleAwardasOutstandingOffBroadwaymusical.Ithasbeentranslated into17languagesandwascalledbythe NYDailyNews"SeinfeldsettoMusic!"
TheplayisdirectedbyPlayersCircle founderandartisticdirectorRobert Cacioppo,whosays,"I'mdelightedtobe directingthisshowagain.Idirecteditto greatacclaiminmyearlyyearsatFlorida Rep,whereitwasoneoftheRep’s biggesthits.Theshow isuniversalinits appealandjustplain hilarious.Itcovers everyaspectofthe male-femalerelationshipfromfirstdatesto marriage,fromhaving childrentoaskitofa seniorcitizen'picking up'anotherseniorata funeral."
ThesetdesignisbyStevenMcLean (Admissions,MurderattheHoward Johnsons,LifespanofaFact,amongothers).LightingandsounddesignisbyTyler Omundson(MiracleonSouthDivision StreetandNightandDay).Costumesare byTerriSchaffer(MurderattheHoward Johnsons).Musicaldirectorandpianist RickyPopeisinhisfourthproductionof theplay.Popepreviouslyworkedon BroadwayattheYorkTheaterand SurflightTheaterinNewJersey.Assisting PopeontheviolinwillbeJohn MacDonald.
Thetwomale,twofemalecastoffour includesNatalieBrouwer(Laughteronthe 23rdFloor,Night&DayandGuysand DollRevue)andShaneDinan(Laughter onthe23rdFloorandGuysandDoll Revue).NewtothePlayersCirclestage areactorsAmandaRossandTed Wioncek.
DiscountedpreviewsrunFeb6-10.All ticketsforpreviewsareonly$30.Opening nighttakesplaceonSaturday,Feb.11 withacomplimentaryglassofchampagne andmusicalentertainment30minutes before7p.m.curtain.Afterpreviewweek, allTuesday,Wednesday,Thursdayand
Saturdayperformanceswillbeginat7 p.m.,Fridaysat8p.m.andSundaysat2 p.m.VIPticketsare$50forthesouthsection(centersection)andfrontrowsonthe eastandwestsections.Generalsidesectionticketsintheeastandwestsections inrows2-5areonly$35.Three-showsubscriptionpackageforaslittleas$75.For moreinformationortopurchaseticketsor subscriptions,call239-800-3292orgo onlineatPlayerscircletheater.com.
ILoveYou,You'rePerfect,Now Changeisperformedinthrustconfigurationwithaudiencesonthreesides.Only 150seatswithnoseatmorethanfour rowsfromthestage.Parkingisfree. DinnerisavailableintheSouthernGrill Restaurantadjacenttothetheater'slobby (call239-995-3999forreservations)or enjoythenewupscalemenuavailablein thetheater'slobbytotheaterpatronsonly, mustbeseated90minutesbeforethe show.Enjoyafreeglassofwinewith everyentreepurchased.Fordinnerreservations,telltheboxofficewhenordering yourticketsat239-800-3292.
PlayersCirclePerformingArtsCenter attheShellFactoryislocatedat15644N. TamiamiTrail,NorthFortMyers.
CharlottePlayers:HowtheOtherHalfLoves
TheCharlottePlayerswillstageHowtheOtherHalfLovesby AlanAyackbournFeb.9–26attheLangdonPlayhouse.
Therearethreecouplesinthisplay,themenallworkingforthe samefirm.Oneoftheyoungermenishavinganaffairwiththe wifeoftheoldest,andwheneachreturnshomesuspiciouslylate onenightorearlyonemorningtheyinventastoryabouthavingto spendsometimesmoothingdomesticmattersinthehomeofthe thirdcouple.Ofcourse,thethirdcouplehavetoshowuptoputthe fatinthefire,butthatcomplicationonlyaddstothefunofthis famousfarce.
MurderOnTheOrientExpresswillbepresentedMarch16–
April2.AgathaChristie'smostpopularplay,MurderOnTheOrient Express,beginsjustaftermidnightwhenasnowdriftstopsthe OrientExpressinit'stracks.Theluxurioustrainissurprisinglyfull forthetimeoftheyear,butbymorningitisonepassengerfewer. AnAmericantycoonliesdeadinhiscompartment,stabbeda dozentimes,hisdoorlockedfromtheinside.Isolatedandwitha killerintheirmidst,thepassengersrelyondetectiveHerculePoirot toidentifythemurderer-incaseheorshedecidestostrikeagain.
TheLangdonPlayhouseislocatedat1182MarketCircleinPort Charlotte.Forticketsandinfo,call9410-255-1022orvisit www.charlotteplayers.org
T HEATRE 10-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
RickyPope
Amanda Ross
Natalie Brouwer
Shane Dinan
Ted Wioncek
LoveLettersinPuntaGordaFeb.17
GoldTheatricals’firstproduction inthePuntaGordaTheatreSeries willbeA.R.Gurney’sLoveletters.It willbepresentedFriday,Feb.17at7 p.m.attheCharlottePerformingArts Center,701CarmalitaSt.,Punta Gorda.
Alovestorythatspans throughtimeanddistance, centersaroundcharacters AndrewandMelissa,childhoodfriendswhoselifelong correspondencebeginswith thank-younotesandsummer camppostcards.
Romanticallyattached,the twocontinuetoexchangelettersthroughtheirownverydifferentlifeexperiences,moving fromcollegeandadulthoodto divorceanddeathandultimatelyto theeloquentrealizationofwhattheir exchangesmeanttotheother.
ThePuntaGordaproductionwill bedirectedbytheatreveteran JessicaWalck,currentassociate
artisticdirectorofTheNaples Playersandgraduateofthe NeighborhoodPlayhouseSchoolin NewYorkCity.
holderfromtheOldGlobe Theatre/TheUniversityofSanDiego, hasappearedonBroadwayalongsideNathanLaneandin SteppenwolfTheatre’sOneFlew OvertheCuckoo’sNest.Hehas anextensiveresumespanning theUnitedStatestoSouthwest Florida.
Whatatimelyshowforthe weekofValentine’sDay. Reservedseatticketsare nowonsalefor$35.Tickets maybepurchasedonlineat www.goldtheatricals.comor bycalling800-514-ETIX (3849).
TheplaystarsDebiGutheryand MikeNichols.
Guthery,alocalandnationaltour theatreveteran,performsallover SouthwestFloridaincludingreceivingravereviewsofherone-woman musicalcomedies.Nichols,aMFA
Otherupcomingproductionsby GoldTheatricalsincludeAmerican MonsterMarch3and4atFort MyersTheatreandAssistedLiving: TheMusicalMay13and14at CharlottePerformingArtsCenter. Forticketsandmoreinformation aboutalltheseshows,visitonlineat www.goldtheatricals.com
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-11
JimmyBuffett’sEscape toMargaritavilleat TheatreZoneinNaples
SetyourclockstoislandtimeforJimmyBuffett’sEscapeto Margaritaville,stagedbyNaples’TheatreZoneFeb.9through Feb.19.
Theupbeatandenergetic2018Broadwaymusicalfeatures morethantwodozenofthemostlovedhitsfromJimmy Buffett.
Called“alittlesliceofparadise”byUSAToday,themusical’sbookisbyEmmyAwardwinnerGregGarcia(MyName isEarl)andEmmynomineeMikeO'Malley(Shameless),with musicandlyricsbyBuffett.
TheproductionwillbedirectedbyTheatreZone’sfounding artisticdirectorMarkDanni,choreographedbyKarenMolnar DanniandconductedbyKeithThompson.
“WelcometoMargaritaville–it’stheplacewherepeople cometogetawayfromitall–andstaytofindsomethingthey neverexpected,”saysMarkDanni.“Accordingto EntertainmentWeekly,theshowwillknockyourflip-flopsoff.”
Themusical’sactionbeginswhentwowomenfriendsfrom CincinnatiarriveattheMargaritaville,arundownhotelona smallCaribbeanisland.Rachel(CJGreer)isadriven,ambitiousenvironmentalscientistresearchingalternativeenergy sourcesontheisland.HerfriendTammy(EricaSample)is engagedandlookingforwardtoalastgirlfriendgetaway beforetyingtheknotbackhome.
Althoughthehoteldoesn’tliveuptotheirexpectations,the womensettleinandmeetitscolorfulcastofcharacters.
TullyMars(GerrittVanderMeer)isapart-timebartender, part-timeentertainerandaplayboywhoisconfidentofhis powerstocharmwomen.Heiscontentwithhislaid-back islandlifestylewhichcontrastswithRachel’sworkethic. Despitetheirdifferences,Tullybeginstofallinlovewith Rachel.
Thekind-heartedTammyhasazestforlifethatherfiancé, Chad(SeanEffinger-Dean),seekstosquelch.Onvacation withouthim,sheisfreetoindulgeherappetites,liberatedfrom Chad’sinsistencethatshedietoncarrotjuiceandsunflower seedsbeforetheirwedding.ShehitsitoffwithBrick(Eli Branson),thehotel’ssensitivebartenderandTully’sclose friend.
ThegroupalsoincludesMarley(ReneeJackson), Margaritaville’sgood-naturedownerwhorunsatightoperation andkeepsemployeemoralehigh,andtheaffable,hard-drinking,one-eyedJ.D.(CurtDenham)whohasaparrotonhis shoulderandaburiedtreasurefilledwithmementosofhisrich buttragiclife,honoredinBuffett’ssong,“HeWenttoParis.”
Thecharactersexpresstheirexperiencesandfeelings throughmanyofBuffett’sbest-knownsongs.Audienceswill haveanewappreciationforthestoriesbehind“Cheeseburger inParadise,”“It’sFiveO’ClockSomewhere,”“It’sMyJob,” “WhyDon’tWeGetDrunk”and“Volcano.”
EscapetoMargaritavillefollowsthecharactersoverathree-yeartimespanduring whichtheisland’sactivevolcanoerupts,forcingthehoteltoclose.Uponreopening,the maturedcharactersreuniteatMargaritaville forasweetandsatisfyingcelebration,with thefullcastsingingBuffett’s“OneParticular Harbor”inhonorofaplaceandtimethat changedtheirlives.
EscapetoMargaritavilleisstagedat7:30 p.m.Feb.9-11andFeb.16-19with2p.m. matineesonFeb.11,12,18and19.Tickets rangefrom$50to$85.Forticketsandinformation,visitwww.Theatre.Zoneorcallthe boxofficeat888-966-3352.TheatreZone stagesitsmusicalproductionsinthe250-seat G<heatrelocatedinNaplesat13275 LivingstonRoad,betweenPineRidgeand VanderbiltBeachRoads,inadedicatedbuildingnestledwithinthecampusofthe CommunitySchoolofNaples.
T HEATRE 12-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
Erica Sample
CJ Greer
Eli Branson Geritt VanderMeer Renee Jackson
Curt Denham
JoeyandMaria’sComedyItalianWedding
ThecastofJoey&Marias
ComedyWeddinghasreturned totheBonitaEsteroarea.
YoucanseetheshowatThe ElksClubinBonita(opentothe public).Theretheyhavevarious datesnowtoApril.
Joey&Maria’sComedy Weddingplaysselectdatesat theBonitaEsteroElks,3231 CoconutRoad.
Ticketpriceis$65perperson andincludesdinner.Doorsopen at5:30p.m.,anddinnerisat 6:15p.m.
Remainingperformance datesareFeb.4,11and18, March11and25andApril1.
JoeyandMaria’sComedy ItalianWeddingisaninteractivedinnershowthatbeganin 1992.
ThisshowiswrittenbyDarlyneFranklinwhoisformerly DarlyneDoratoanativeEastBostonianandnowaresidentof BonitaSprings.
Theshowwasderivedfromherobservinghowpeople enjoyed(intheearly‘90s)thetrendingmurdermysteriesand karaoke.Peoplewantedtobepartoftheshow.Mergingher comedyandTVwritingexperienceshedecidedtowritea comedywedding.Aneventwheretheaudienceispartofthe
show,they’retheinvitedguests, theydance,drink,eat,minglewith eachotherandthebridalparty.
Believing“it’sbesttowritewhat youknow,”shemadetheshow likeherownfamiliestraditional weddings,Italian.AteveryItalian wedding,thedadchoosesthe music,theunclesingsMackthe Knife,thegroomsmanmakesa revealingtoastaboutthegroom, theNonnasingsthewronglyrics toCellaluna,someoneoverdrinks, someonegetsa“weekendpass fromjail”fromtheGovernor,you know,aregularwedding!It’sa blast.
Joey&Maria’sComedy Weddinghasalsogainedalotof recognitionasa“fundraiser”helpingraisemillionsofdollars nationwidefornon-profitorganizations.It’salsoahitamong clubs.
Countryclubs,golfclubs,restaurants,ifyouhavetheroom youcanhavetheshowcometoyou.
Privatecorporationsandhospitalsfindtheshowtobea moralbooster.Havingemployeesgathertosocializewhile beingentertained.Itreallyisaperfectnightout.
Forticketsandinfo,call1-888-562-7537orvisitonlineat comedyitalianwedding.com
T HEATRE 14-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
PaulFranklinistheoriginalJoey.Hebeganplaying JoeyinMiddleton,Mass.,backin1992andcontinues todayas“TonyCavatelli”fatherofthebride.
BOWERSCHOOLOFMUSIC&THEARTS
TheBowerSchoolof Music&theArtsat FloridaGulfCoast University’sTheatre Programwillpresent Antigonewrittenby Sophoclesanddirected bytheatreprofessorBarry CavininTheatreLabin theArtsComplexat FGCU.
Thisproductionwillrun fromFeb.17-26. PerformanceswillbeFeb. 17,18,24and25at7:30 p.m.andFeb.19,25and 26at2p.m.Therewill alsobeadiscussionwith thecastandcrewfollowingthe2p.m.performanceonFeb.25.
AllAntigonewantsis toburyherfallenbrother. Shecan’tbecausethe greatleaderCreonhas forbiddenit.Itmaybethat
awould-bedictator beginswithgoodintentionsbutalltoosoonthe intoxicationofabsolute powercorruptsthemind, andthatcorruptionpollutesallwhoareruledby themadleader.
Youmightthinkthata playthatisovertwothousandyearsoldhaslittleto offertoourtime,butwhen youseeAntigone,youwill understandmoreclearly thatlittledictatorscanstill emergetoday,andthey canstillleadustoatragic ending.
Ticketsforthisevent are$10forthegeneral publicand$7forstudents andareavailableforpurchaseonlineat fgcu.edu/theatrelab,orat thedoor,basedonavailability.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-15 AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION FortMyershomefororiginalAmericanamusic! SATURDAY,FEB.4 BillMettsopens,7pm Verlon Thompson SUNDAY,FEB.19 BobWilliamsopens,7pm MareWakefield andNomad AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers Doorsopenat6:30pmTicketsatdoor($12member/$18public) VisitourFacebookpageandwebsite formoreinfo&fullcalendarofevents www.americanacma.org SATURDAY FEB.25 BillSaltzman opens,7pm AbbieGardner and MarcDouglasBerardo SONGWRITERSATTHE PLAZA ThePearlStreetBand TUESDAY,FEB.14 at6pm FREE-CornogPlaza,FortMyersLibrary,Downtown Bringchairorblanket.Showmovesindoorsdependingonweather
Antigoneonstage atFGCUFeb.17-26
FloridaRep: TheImportanceofBeingEarnest
FloridaRepertoryTheatre’s25th anniversaryseasoncontinueswiththe classiccomedy,TheImportanceof BeingEarnestbyOscarWilde.
Thelivetheatreproductionwillbe stagedintheArtStageStudioTheatre Feb.3throughMarch5,withdiscountedpreviewsJan.31through Feb.2.
TheImportanceofBeingEarnest followstwocarefreebachelorsin 1895Londonwholeadcarefullyhiddendoublelives.Whenonegentlemandiscoverstheother’sruse,he takesadvantageoftheinformation andtravelstothecountrytocausea bitoflight-heartedmischief.Silliness ensueswhenanindomitabledowager,awhimsicalingénue,asociety lady,agoverness,andaclericare caughtupinawhirlwindofmistaken identities,hystericalmisunderstandings,andanunexpectedlovetriangle.
“Wilde’scomedyclassicsparkles withdazzlingwordplayandhilarious
situations,”saidproducingartistic directorGregLongenhagen.“Theplay isstagedintheroundintheintimate ArtStageStudioTheatreplacingthe audiencesmackinthemiddleofthe actionasourcastbringsthisstoryto vividlife.”
TheImportanceofBeingEarnest starsensemblememberDavid Breitbarth(IncidentatOurLadyof PerpetualHelp)andreturningguest artistsChaseBrackett(AndThen
ThereWereNone),CarolHalstead (IntotheBreeches!),JakeMurphy (HayFever),JanNeuberger(Intothe Breeches!)andSethRobertPatterson (AndThenThereWereNone),with TalleyGale,EllaOlesenandMaxRoll makingtheirFloridaRepdebuts.
FloridaRepensemblemember ChrisClavellireturnsafterdirecting IncidentatOurLadyofPerpetual Helpearlierthisseason.Heisjoined byanexpertcreativeteamincluding
T HEATRE 16-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
Jake Murphy Carol Halstead
Chase Brackett
David Breitbarth
FLORIDAREPERTORYTHEATRE
setdesignerKimberlyV. Powers(MorningAfter Grace),costumedesigner StefanieGenda(Ripcord), lightingdesignerToddO. Wren(AndThenThereWere None),sounddesignerKatie Lowe(Ripcord)andensemblestagemanagerJanine Wochna(AndThenThere WereNone).
CurtaintimesareTuesday –Saturdayat7p.m., Thursday,Saturdayand
Sundayat2p.m.,and8p.m. fortheopeningnightperformanceonFriday,Feb.3. FloridaRep'sparkinglot opens2hoursbeforeeach performanceandoffers guestsfreeparkingacross thestreetfromtheArcade TheatreonBayStreetin downtownFortMyers.
Forticketscallthebox officeat239-332-4488ortollfreeat877-787-8053orvisit www.floridarep.org.
GulfshorePlayhouse presentsCamelot
GulfshorePlayhousewill presentLerner&Loewe's CamelotFeb.11through March12atTheNorris CenterinNaples.
Withbook&lyricsbyAlan JayLernerandmusicby FrederickLoewe,theoriginal productionwasdirectedand stagedbyMossHart.
Bookwasadaptedby DavidLeeandneworchestrationsarebySteveOrich.
Returnforabriefand shiningmomenttoexperiencethebelovedclassic musicalasyou’veneverseen itbefore.ThelegendaryKing Arthurdreamsofbuildinga kingdomwherechivalryand honorreignsupreme,buthis idealsareputtothetest whenhisqueenfallsinlove withtheyoungknight Lancelot.Eightactorsgive lifetothisenchanting,roman-
tictale,featuringalushscore createdbythegeniusduo behindMyFairLadyallto createanunforgettable (k)nightatthetheatre.
Thelocalproductionof CamelotisdirectedbyJeffrey Binder.
Thecastincludes ChristianaCole(Reveler), OliviaHernandez (Guenevere),JeffreyKringer (Arthur),Ty-GabrielJones (Reveler),DanielLopez (Lancelot),KevinPatrick Martin(Reveler),Aiden Thayer(Tom)andEthan Zeph(Mordred/Reveler).
PreviewswillFeb.9and 10.TheNorrisCenteris locatedat7558thAve.S., Naples.
Ticketscanbeordered onlineatgulfshoreplayhouse.orgorbyphone239261-PLAY.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-17 Getbackonthedancefloorat Nation’s#1InteractiveDINNERSHOW It’sjustlikegoingtoarealItalianWedding. You’repartof“TheFamily.” Dance,Drink,Mingle,Eatenoughfood tochokeyourbookie!Youmighteven catchthegarterorthebouquet! TICKETSNOWONSALE Feb.4,11&18 March11&25,April1 BONITA-ESTEROELKS 3231CoconutRoad,BonitaSprings RSVPToday,call1-888-562-7537 Orvisitus ComedyItalianWedding.com $65perpersonincludesdinner Doorsopen5:30pm Dinnerat6:15pm
SethRobert Patterson Jan Neuberger Director ChrisClavelli
JustDessertsatOffBroadwayPalm
TheOff BroadwayPalm Theatrepresents thedeliciously entertainingJust Desserts:A MusicalBake-Off playingnow throughFeb.18.
Thisall-new musicalwilltake audiencestothe JeffersonCounty Bake-Offwhere thecompetition maybeintense, buttheresultsare alwayssatisfying.
It’ssweet.It’s savory.It’sfive strangersputting theirhearts,reputations,andbakingskillsonthelineto becomethecrèmedelacrèmeofbakersatacountyfair.There’salittlemystery,alittleromance,somepotential cheating,andsomeback-stabbing—
exactlywhatyouexpectwhenthecompetitionisfierce—andtheresultsare delicious.
DirectingJustDessertsisOff BroadwayPalmartisticdirectorPaul Bernierandchoreographingthemusical
isRachaelLord. Thecastincludes ElsaScottBesler, ThomasJ.Besler, BonnerChurch, RachaelEndrizzi, KenQuiriconeand LexieRaeSmith.
TheOff BroadwayPalmis anintimatetheatre,locatedinthe mainlobbyof BroadwayPalm. Performancesare Tuesdaythrough Sundayevenings withselectmatinees.Ticketprices rangefrom$50to $70withdiscounts availablefor groupsof20ormore.
Ticketsarenowonsaleandcanbe reservedbycalling239-278-4422,visitingBroadwayPalm.comorinpersonat 1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
T HEATRE 18-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
THELABORATORYTHEATEROFFLORIDAPRESENTS www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com239-218-0481 1634WoodfordAve. DowntownFortMyers SponsoredbyTheBireleyFamilyFoundation•HalfPricePreviewsFeb.8&9 FEB.10,11,16,17,18,23,24,25 MARCH2,3,4,9,10,11 at8pm SWEENEYTODD Matinees: FEB.12,19,26, MARCH5 at2p.m. THEDEMONBARBEROFFLEETSTREET
ForeverPlaidopens Feb.15attheMACC
GulfCoastSymphonypresnetsForeverPlaidFeb.15to March11attheMusic&Arts CommunityCenterinFort Myers.
ForeverPlaidisoneofthe mostpopularandsuccessful musicalsinrecentmemory. Thisdeliciouslyfunrevueis chock-fullofclassicbarbershop quartetharmoniesandpitchperfectmelodies!
Onceuponatime,there werefourguys(Sparky, Smudge,JinxandFrankie) whodiscoveredthatthey sharedaloveformusicand thengottogethertobecome theiridols–TheFour Freshman,TheHi-Lo’sand TheCrewCuts.Rehearsingin thebasementofSmudge’s family’splumbingsupplycompany,theybecame“Forever Plaid”.Onthewaytotheirfirst biggig,the“Plaids”arebroadsidedbyaschoolbusand killedinstantly.Itisatthe momentwhentheircareers andlivesendthatthestoryof ForeverPlaidbegins….
Singingincloseharmony, squabblingboyishlyoverthe
smallestintonationsandexecutingtheircharminglyoutlandishchoreographywith overzealousprecision,the “Plaids”areaguaranteed smash,withaprogramof belovedsongsanddelightful patterthatkeepsaudiences rollingintheaisleswhen they’renothummingalongto someofthegreatnostalgicpop hitsofthe1950s.
TheMusic&Arts CommunityCenterislocatedat 13411ShireLane,FortMyers (justoffDanielsParkway).
Ticketsare$39to$50.For tickets,call239-277-1700or onlineat GulfCoastSymphony.org
NewPhoenixTheatrepresents TheLastSchwartzFeb.16–26.
WrittenbyDeborahZoeLaufer, thelocalproductionisdirectedby BrendaKensler.
TheSchwartzfamilyisonitslast legs.Theirfatherhasdiedandthe adultchildrengathertogetherfor thelasttimeinthefamilyhome. Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?TheLastSchwartzisa comedicdramafiringonallcylinders.
DirectedbyBrendaKensler,thecastincludesDonna Richman(Norma),CindiHeimberg(Bonnie),MichaelMurphy (Herb),JasonDrew(Gene),EmilieBaartman(Kia)andScott Carpenter(Simon).
PerformanceswillbeThursdayandFridayat8p.m., Saturdayat6p.m.andSundayat3p.m.NewPhoenix Theatreislocatedat13211McGregorBlvd.#1and2inFort Myers.
Forticketsandinfo,call239-284-5214orvisitonlineat newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-19
TheLastSchwartzat NewPhoenixTheatre
SweeneyTodd atLaboratoryTheaterofFlorida
TheLaboratoryTheaterofFloridawillpresent StephenSondheim’sTony-andOliver-winningmusical SweeneyTodd:TheDemonBarberofFleetStreetfrom Feb.10-March11.
SweeneyTodd,anunjustly-exiledbarber,returnsto 19thcenturyLondon,seekingvengeanceagainstthe lecherousjudgewhoframedhimandravagedhisyoung wife.TheroadtorevengeleadsToddtoMrs.Lovett,a resourcefulproprietressofafailingpieshop,above whichheopensanewbarberpractice.Mrs.Lovett'sluck sharplyshiftswhenTodd'sthirstforbloodinspiresthe integrationofaningredientintohermeatpiesthathas thepeopleofLondonliningup...andthecarnagehas onlyjustbegun.
WiththebookbyHughWheeler,themusicandlyrics arebyStephenSondheim.Itisbasedonthe1973play ofthesamenamebyChristopherBond.
DirectorPaulGraffysays,“Longafavoriteofthetheater-goingpublic,StephenSondheim’smasterpieceof theGrandGuignolisbothanexaminationofaman’s descentfromlaw-abidinginnocencetomaniacaldepravity,andathrilling,brilliantandperverselydelightfulmusicalofthehighestorder.”
SweeneyTodd:TheDemonBarberofFleetStreet featuresDaveRode(SweeneyTodd),MaryAnne McKerrow(Mrs.Lovett),SharonTrue(Ensemble,doublesasMrs.Lovett),LaurenMiller(BeggarWoman),
ThecastofSweeneyTodd:TheDemonBarberofFleetStreetincludes GabrielleLansden(Johanna),DaveRode(Sweeney),TraceMeier(Judge Turpin),CameronRogers(Anthony),RiverReed(Tobias),andMaryAnne McKerrow(Mrs.Lovett). photocourtesyofSiskMedia
CameronRogers(Anthony), GabrielleLansden(Johanna), TraceMeier(JudgeTurpin),Jack Weld(BeadleBamford),Steven MichaelKennedy(AdolfoPirelli), RiverReed(Tobias),John McKerrow(JonasFogg).The ensembleincludesRyland Dingman,JosephBostic,Mark King,BrithanyHernandez,Nyx Rasner,CindyMalley,AngelaM. Thomas,KenRuisi,Laelon Thomas,NyxRasner,andAriana Milian.
MusicdirectionisbyRoz Metcalf,andassistantdirectoris MadelaineWeymouth.
PerformancedatesareFeb.10, 11,16,17,18,23,24,25and March2,3,4,9,10and11at8 p.m.
MatineeswillbepresentedFeb. 12,19and26andMarch5at2
p.m.Half-pricepreviewnightsare Feb.8and9at8p.m.Ticketsare $37eachor$15forstudentswith validstudentIDs.Thursdaynight specialticketpriceof$30eachfor adults.Fortickets,callthebox officeat239-218-0481oronlineat www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.
Specialeventsrequiringan additionaladvancedticket:
BloodyValentinecocktailreceptiononFeb.18from6-7:30p.m.
ClassinSweeneypropsand bloodonFeb.25from6-7:30p.m.
GhostHuntattheTheateron March4immediatelyfollowingthe performance.
Spacefortheseeventsislimited andticketedseparately.Ticketsare $25eachortwofor$40.
LaboratoryTheaterofFloridais locatedat1634WoodfordAve.in downtownFortMyers.
T HEATRE
ONTHECOVER-MaryAnneMcKerrowasMrs.Lovett andDaveRodeasSweeneyTodd. photobyJamieKuser
20-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-21
Annualfine artfestivalin BonitaSpringsFeb.11&12
TheCenterforVisualArtsinBonita SpringswillholditssecondnationalartfestivaloftheseasoninFebruary.
Thesecond ofthreeBonita SpringsNational ArtsFestivals willbeheldFeb. 11and12at RiversidePark, 10451Old41 RoadinBonita Springs.
Thefinalof thethreejuried outdoorfestivals willbeheld March4and5. Thefestivalruns 10a.m.to5p.m.bothdays.
Theartfestivalsarefree,buta$5donationissuggested.
TheCenterforVisualArtsislocatedat 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings.
Formoredetails,call239-495-8989or visitonlineatartscenterbonita.org
SusanBridgesretiresfromCentersfortheArtsBonitaSprings
CentersfortheArtsannouncedthat SusanBridges,theorganization'spresident andCEO,hasdecidedtoleavethecenters effectiveJan.1.
Bridgeshasservedinthatrolesince May1999.She’sbeenthecreativeforce behindtheCenterfortheArtsofBonita Springsfor23years.Duringhertenureas president,shehasoverseensignificant capitalcampaigns;allmanagement processes;theopeningoftwocampuses— a10-acrecampusforvisualartsanda4acrecampusforperformingarts;growthin membershipfrom300tomorethan2,000; andbuildingacommunityenrichmentprogramfreetolocalchildrenandtheirfamiliesthatservesmorethan12,000each year.Thecentersoffer260+classesand campsforallagesyear-round;ascholarshipprogramforthousandsofstudentsin art,music,dance,film,andtheatre,creatingequalopportunityforall;andaperform-
anceseriesfeaturingconcertsandplays, hostingartistsfromaroundtheworld.She hasaccomplishedallthiswithonethingin mind,“Toknowthatifthere’sanyperson outtherewhowantsthearts,theartsare hereforthem.That’sprettyspecial.”
BridgeshasservedontheCityofBonita Springs’ArtinPublicPlacesBoardsinceits
inceptionover20yearsagoandhelped createtheCity’sMasterPlanforitsArtin PublicPlacesprogram,bringingpublicart toBonitaSprings.She’salsohelpedbuild theCenters’collectionofart,withacollectionofsculpturesandotherartworkson displayattheircampuses.WGCUchose herasoneoftheirMakers:WomenWho MakeSouthwestFlorida,includingherportraitwithotherwomenwho’vemadesignificantandlastingcontributionstothe SouthwestFloridacommunity.AndBridges andherhusband,BarryWitt,createdthe award-winningBonitaSpringsNationalArt Festivalsthatbringhundredsofartistsfrom aroundtheworldtoBonitaSpringseach year.
TheCentersfortheArtsBonitaSprings hasappointedboardvicechairShelley Andersontoserveasinterimexecutive directorwhiletheorganizationsearchesfor anewpermanentleader.
22-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine A RT
AlexMarksz
PatriciaPayzant
Susan Bridges
Shelley Anderson
DAASGalleryfeatures XavierBrignoni andRayFelix
InthemonthofFebruary,DAASCo-OPArtGallery&Gifts isshowcasingtheartworkoftwogreatartists.
XavierBrignoniispresentingthefirstpartofhiscollection entitledXtraction.PhotographerRayFelixbringshiscreative photographyforalltoenjoy.
TheopeningreceptionisscheduledforFriday,Feb.3from 6to9:30p.m.inconjunctionwiththemonthlyFortMyersArt Walk.TheexhibitionwillbeondisplaythroughFeb.26.
XavierBrignoniisanartistbasedinsouthwestFlorida,originallyfromPuertoRico.Heistheco-ownerofDAASCo-Op ArtGalleryandco-founderoftheUnionArtistStudios,bothin FortMyers.Hispastartworksreflectedthepandemicsituation andtheuncertaintyofanunknownfuture.Withthiscollection, theartistfocusesonhowthe“system”haspulledusfromthe bubbleandbacktoanewrealitywherethereisadifferent
typeof“normalcy.”Through abstractionandaplayon words,hedisplaysadifferent colorpalettewithmessages pointingathishumanityand personalexperiences.
“Forme,returningtothe reality,butwiththisnewvision, iswhatXtractionis,”mentions Brignoni.“Whatweashumans reallyneedisapurposeinlife, asthesepastyearshave taughtus,”concludes Brignoni.
RayFelixisaphotographic andmixedmediaartistfrom Philadelphiaandcurrentlylivingsomewherebetween UpstateNYandsouthwest Florida.HeholdsaBFAin paintingandphotographyfrom MICAandanMFAfrom UAlbany.
Felixisprimarilyworkingin fineartandcommercialphotographyforwhichhehas receivednumerousawards. HisworkisincludedinthepermanentcollectionsofAlbany InstituteofHistoryandArt, TheUniversityMuseum,and TheKinseyInstituteaswellas numerousprivatecollections.
“Myinterestsindesignand abstractionstronglyguidemy pointofviewandcomposition.
Andwiththisworkinparticular,Iapproachtheimagesina ‘straightforward’ornonmanipulatedwaytomaintain theintegrityofthatwhichIam photographing.Butitisequally importanttocreateimages thatreflectthevisionofwhat theindividualphotographer sees,”commentsFelix.“For me,thatvisionisn’tsingular, muchlikemyvariedsubject matter.Iattempttobe dependentonwhatIamphotographingandmyexperience intheprocess.Butultimately,I tendtointuitivelybeginwitha visualapproachthatseemsto favorakindofsubtlebut detailedsimplicity,”saidthe artist.
DAASCo-OpArtGallery& Giftsislocatedat1815Fowler St.intheButterflyEstates complexindowntownFort Myers.Thegallery’sbusiness hoursareWednesdayto Sundayfrom10a.m.to3p.m. Monthlyopeningreceptions areheldeveryfirstFridayof themonth,from6to9:30p.m. Moreinformationaboutthe venueand/orhowtobecome amembercanbefoundat daascoop.comorbycalling 239-590-8645.
A RT
24-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
XavierBrignoni
RayFelix
NewartexhibitsatCape CoralLibraryinFebruary
Changingexhibitionsinthe CapeCoralLibrary’sexpansive artgalleryaresponsoredby theFriendsoftheCapeCoral Libraryandaredesignedto affordlocalartiststheopportunitytosharetheirworkinthis publicforum.
FromFeb.2throughFeb. 27,fusedglasscreationsby JuneF.BennettandJudyVan Inwegenwillbeinthethree cases,andcartoonsbyDoug MacGregorwillbefeaturedon thewalls.
JuneF.Bennettwasfirst inspiredbythemagnificent stainedglasswindowsofhistoricbuildingsinhernative England.Aftermovingtothe USandretiring,fusedglass becamethefocusforthe future.Junestudiednewtechniqueswithmodernglass artistsatMiamiUniversity,the BullseyeGlassCompanyin OregonandWarmGlass StudiosinNorthCarolina.An
award-winningartist,herwork canbeseeninjuriedshowsin SouthwestFlorida.Bennett enjoyssharingherknowledge, currentlyteachesglassfusing attheCapeCoralArtCenter andisamemberoftheSWFL FineCraftGuild.
JudyVanInwegenfirst becamecaptivatedbystained glass,also,untilshediscoveredaskillandenthusiasmfor workinginfusedglass.She studiedwithglassartistsfrom BullseyeGlassCompanyat MiamiUniversity.Shealso attendedclassesin ColdworkingwithJonathon Schmuck,glassartistand authorofthedefinitivebookon theprocess.Judy’sglasshas beenacceptedintonumerous exhibitionsinPennsylvania andSWFlorida.SheisacurrentmemberoftheSouthwest FloridaFineCraftGuildand alsoattendsclassesatthe CapeCoralArtCenterto enhanceherskills.
Theexhibitofcartoons byDougMacGregoris titled“Enjoyingthe HumorousSideofSW Florida.”MacGregorisa nativeofBinghamton, N.Y.,isagraduateof SyracuseUniversityand haslivedinsouthwest Floridasince1988.Doug wastheeditorialcartoonistforTheNews-Pressin FortMyersfrom1988to 2011andtackledlocal, stateandnationalissues onthepaper’seditorial pages.Currently,Dougis stillenjoyinghispositionas coordinatorfortheArtsin Healthcareprogramandthe ArtbythedisABLEDprogramforLeeHealth.
Thelibraryislocatedat 921SW39thTerrace,offof MohawkParkway,andthe exhibitswillbeopenduring regularbusinesshours.
Forinformation,email gallery@capefriends.orgor visitwww.capefriends.org. Follow“FriendsoftheCape CoralLibrary”onFacebook.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-25
JuneF.Bennett
JudyVanInwegen
Exhibits,ValentineeventatVisualArtsCenterinPuntaGorda
TheVisualArtsCenter hastwoexhibitsondisplay nowthroughFeb.9.
“NewBeginnings”isa juriedshowofboth2D&3D works.“Then&Now”exhibit isbytheArtistsPainting Storiesgroup.
NewexhibitsinFebruary include“InOurWorld”byJill Krasnerand“CalloftheWild” featuring2Dand3Djuried art.BothexhibitsopenFeb. 14andrunthroughMarch9. Anopeningreceptionwillbe Feb.23at5p.m.
TheVisualArtsCenterwill offeraspecialValentine’s Dayspecialevent.
Bringyourlovetothe VisualArtsCenteronFeb. 14.Aprivatetablefortwo includes:Champagne,roses, candy,twocupcakestodecorate,twoValentinecardsto makeandliveviolamusicby renownedartistRachelCox.
$50percouplereservesyour spotforthisfunandromantic waytoenjoyValentine’sDay.
TheFeb.14eventruns5 to7p.m.
SpecialtyclassesandworkshopscontinueattheVACin Februarysuchastheweekly CreateandSipSocial: BaublesandBubbly,Mosaics andMargaritas,Let’sGet SplashedandEtchedWine Glasses.
Lookingahead,theannual PeaceRiverNationalArt Festivalisscheduledfor March18and19atLaishley Park.Theartfestivalwillgo from9a.m.to4p.m.both days.Admissionwillbe$5.
TheVACislocatedat210 MaudSt.inPuntaGorda.
Formoredetails,toregister forclassesorspecialevents, visitwww.visualartcenter.org orcall941-639-8810.
A RT
26-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
JillKrasner
AspartoftheFjelstulArt LectureSeries,theFGCUArt ProgrampresentsVesna Pavlovic:MaterialMemories. Thislecturewilltakeplaceon Thursday,Feb.23at6p.m. intheU.TobeRecitalHallin theMusicBuildingonthe FGCUcampus,FortMyers.
TherewillbealightreceptiontofollowintheArts ComplexLobby.Thislecture isfreeandopentothepublic.
AttheheartoftheMaterial Memoriesprojectisthequestionofwhatrolephotography playsinrememberinghistory, bothpersonalandpublic.
Whatarethemomentsof ourcollectivehistorythatwe keep,andwhichpartsdowe forget?
Whatroledoinstitutional archivesplayintheconstructionofcollectivememory?
Asingleblackandwhite
photograph,foundatthe MuseumofYugoslaviain Belgrade,provokedadiscoveryintopostWorldWarII historyofsocialist Yugoslavia.
“Withaseriesofphotographsandphotographic installationsIpresentapsychologicalportraitoftheera ofthecoldwar,burdened withphotographicrepresentationsofsocialistpropaganda. Iturnmycameratothe archivesandyearsofaccumulationofhistoricalmaterials.MaterialMemoriesis dependentontheunfolding ofmemoryandhistory,and theirinevitableopposition. Liketheimageitself,thehistoryappearsfragileand slightlydistorted.
Photographsremindusthat memoryisaconstructedphenomenon.”
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-27 NAPLESARTSTUDIOS AUNIQUEARTISTICEXPERIENCEUNITING3GALLERYSPACES WHICHSURROUNDTHEWORKINGSTUDIOSOFRESIDENTARTISTS NAPLESARTSTUDIOS MelissaBelz Painter JulieKimball Painter RichardW.Rosen Sculptor/Painter Founder,NaplesArtDistrict TracyMagenRosen Painter/MixedMedia PhilCostello WoodSculptor EVENTDATES 1st WednesdayGalleryOpenings3-7pm February1,March1,April5 3rd SaturdayGalleryOpenings1-5pm February18,March18,April15 (Subjecttochange,callsinadvancetoconfirmarerecommended) CLASSESINTHESTUDIO Clay:Handbuilding&RakuTechniques 5-weekclass:Mondays6-9pm•TuesdaysorThursdays1-4pm Withaward-winningartistRichardW.Rosen•ReservationsRequired Noexperiencenecessary.Limit5people.$225plusmaterials($50) AskaboutTracy’sMacrameorCrystalWireWrappingClasses NaplesArtDistrict-NorthLinePlaza,2172J&CBoulevard,Naples (239)821-1061info@naplesart.studiowww.naplesart.studio FGCUArtProgrampresents VesnaPavloviconFeb.23 VesnaPavlović,Protocol,2019,FromSitesofMemory, Archivalpigmentprint TheFGCUArt Galleriespresent“BLOOM KA-POW!”by Carmelo Blandinonow throughMarch2 intheWasmer ArtGalleryin theArts Complexonthe FGCUcampus.
BradfordHermannatDavisArtCenter
TheSidney&BerneDavisArt Centerannouncestwoartexhibitions openingatArtWalkonFriday,Feb.3.
AntibodiesbyartistBradford Hermannwillbeondisplayinthe downstairsGrandAtriumoftheSidney &BerneDavisArtCenter.Upstairsin theCapitalGallery,anexhibitcalled MerakiwithartistsDanaDonkle, DanielleQuinaandLindseyCalhoun willbefeatured.
BradfordShawHermannisaselftaughtrecycleartistwhoresidesinFort Myers.Hewasraisedona50-acre horsefarmnearAthens,Ga.,wherehis scientistdadwasaprofessorofentomologyandbiologyattheUniversityof Georgia,andhismomwasahorse trainerandridinginstructor.Lifeonthe farmwasaveryfreeingexperiencethat ledtoadeeploveforallanimals,from insectsandbeyond.Thisupbringing allowedhismindtobecomeveryopen andcreatedanawarenessofmore thanjusthumaninteraction.Hiswebsiteofworks,ArtsofPalm,represents thecompositionofHermann'spalm frondmasks,sculpturesandpaintings createdbyhishandandimaginative eye.Hermann’sshow,“Antibodies”isa manifestationofworkproducedto counteractspecificemotions.Inatimewhereself-preservationis verynecessary,trytounderstandthatgoodandbadaremere reflectionsofoneanother…amatterofperception.
AsapartofAntibodies,Hermannplanstobuildandtemporarilyinstallaround100two-footants,madefromcoconutsand othermaterials,totheexterioroftheSidney&BerneDavisArt Center,creatingaone-of-a-kindpiecewherethebuilding becomesanelementoftheinstallation.Theants,availablefor purchase,willbeondisplayoutsidethebuildingfortheduration ofhisFebruaryshow.Hermannis“heretolearn,fail,overcome, grow,evolve,create,andsharehisloveanddedicationtomakingthisplanet,others,andhimselfbetteronedayatatime.”
CreatedbythethreeartistsfeaturedintheCapitalGallery, Merakireferstotheessenceofyourselfyouputintoyourwork. LiketheMerkabah,asacredformthatexpressesthebalance
betweentheearthandthecosmos,art becomesavehiclethroughwhichour moreintimateselvesareexpressed. Theearthlythingsweloveandexpress inourartbecomesymbolicoffeelings, memories,andouroverallidentity–whichwearestillintheprocessofdiscovering.
ParticipatingartistDanaDonkle,a full-timeMarineScienceEducatorfrom Charlotte,N.C.,lovestocombineher passionsforpaintingandfortheocean asaportaltoshareaboutoceanconservation.Herpaintingsusuallyfeature aseacreature,especiallyoctopuses, combinedwithflowers,mushrooms,or othernaturethemes,allowingherinner childtoshinethrough,fullofwonder andexcitementaboutthenatural world.
ArtistDanielleQuinaisalocalmultimediaartistspecializingineco-spiritualacrylicpaintings.Throughherspiritualjourneyofovercomingadversity throughmeditation,shehasopenedup hergiftsasachannelforpaintingsymbolicimagerygiftedfromthehigher realmstranslatingcomplexfeelingsor conceptsdirectlyforthehearttoexperienceratherthanthemind.
ArtistLindseyCalhoun“breathesto create.”Asachild,shewasusingpencilstodrawbeforeshe couldwalk.Nomatterthemedium,shecreatesmagic.Downthe rabbithole,shedrawsinspirationwithethereal,whimsical,and dreamlikeimagery.SheisbasedinSouthwestFloridawitha bachelor'sdegreeingraphicdesign.
OpeningnightforbothexhibitionswillbeduringArtWalkon Feb.3from6to10p.m.Bothshowswillbeondisplaythrough Feb.24.
Additionally,FridayNightsatSidney’swillpresenttheKelly NeffBandliveontherooftopduringArtWalk8-11p.m.Sidney’s RooftopSculptureGardenisopenselectFridays6-midnight.
TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterislocatedat2301First St.inthehistoricdowntownFortMyersRiverDistrict.Formore information,call239-333-1933orvisitthewebsiteat www.sbdac.com
DanielleQuina
DanaDonkle
LindseyCalhoun
A RT
28-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
CapitalGalleryexhibitfeaturesartofLindseyCalhoun,DanaDonkleandDanielleQuina
BradfordHermann
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-29 www.NaplesArtcrafters.com NaplesArtcrafters CambierPark 5808thStreetSouth,Naples FreeAdmission&Parking 10amto4pm Saturday,February11th FineArt&CraftsShow
Unearthedexhibitondisplayat AlliancefortheArtsinFebruary
TheAlliancefortheArts invitesthepublictoitsopening receptionofUnearthed: CamyljahRoseandKhaysie TiburcioonFriday,Feb.3from 5to7p.m.ThefreeeventfeaturestheworksofCamyljah RoseandKhaysieTiburcio,as wellaslightrefreshmentsprovidedbyJayneBaker.The exhibitwillbeondisplayFeb. 3-25at10091McGregor Blvd.,FortMyers.
Throughtheirindividual practices,CamyljahRoseand KhaysieTiburciocreateart meditatingontheideaofdiscovery.Bothartistsapproach theirworkwithasenseof playfulness.Throughexperimentation,theyallowtheir practicetoevolveandchange organically,lettingonepiece growintothenext.Thisexhibitionpresentsaseriesofpaintingsmade ontheartists’roadtoself-discovery.Each paintingrepresentsanideaoremotion theartisthasunearthedfromthetangled rootsofhermind.CamyljahandKhaysie eachpaintinanefforttounderstandherself,andwiththehopeofbeingunderstoodbytheviewer.
CamyljahGiddensisaGeorgiangardenerandartistwithworkfocusingon sharedhumanexperiencesandrelating thosewithflowers.Shegraduatedfrom AlbanyStateUniversitywithaconcentrationonFineArtin2017.Aftergraduation, GiddenssharedhereducationandexperiencewithchildrenasaVisualArts Teacher.
Asagardener,Camyljahisfascinated bytheparallelbetweengardeningand humanrelationships.Theactofgarden-
ing,intentionallyguidingthegrowthofa livingthing,makesherreflectonherrelationships.Sheseesflowersasthevisual manifestationofthebattlehappeningin theroot.Herworkusescolorandflorals toportrayconflict,repair,andthescaleof thehumanexperience.
KhaysieTiburcioistrumpeterandartist basedinFlorida.BornintheDominican Republicin2004,whereshewasfirst introducedtopaintingat4yearsoldand inspiredbyherartistuncleCristian Tiburcio.Sheviewsartasadirectextensionofherpersonalityandcuriosity. Throughtheuseofmixedmediumsand abstractstyles,Khaysieexploresdifferent themes,techniques,events,andemotions thatsheandothershaveexperienced.
Khaysie’sworkcombinesbrightcolors andplayfulambientspacestocreatea senseofcuriosity.Plants featureinherworkasa referencetogrowth.She seesherpaintingsasa directreflectionofherpersonality.
Meanwhile,Sherry Diaz’sartwillbeondisplayinthemembergallery, andKinfayMorotiwillhave adisplayinthetheatre gallery.
Formoreinformation, call239-939-2787orvisit onlineat www.ArtInLee.org.
ArtsforACT galaMarch4
HurricaneIanmayhavepushedthe date,butthe34thannualArtsforACTGala andAuctioniscomingbackstrongerthan ever!SouthwestFloridaisresilientandthe excitementforthiseventhasonlygrown. Backinpersonforthefirsttimesincethe pandemic,ArtsforACTissteppingbackin timetoenjoyANightinTVLandonMarch 4attheCaloosaSoundConventionCenter indowntownFortMyers.
Thissignaturecommunityeventwill throwbacktosomeofthegreatestclassics evermadeforaneveningoffunand fundraising.DressasyourfavoriteTVcharacterofyesteryear.Whetheryoucomeas FonziefromHappyDays,JeanniefromI DreamofJeannie,orFredandWilmafrom theFlintstones,comeonouttohavesome fun,winsomeprizesandhelpussetthe stageforzerotoleranceofabuseandsupportourlocalsurvivors.
“Ourmissionistoprotectandempower victimsofabuseinourcommunity,andthe ArtsforACTGalahelpsraisethecritical fundsnecessarytodojustthat,”says JenniferL.Benton,CEOofAbuse CounselingandTreatment(ACT).
ThischarityeventischairedbyMarc CollinsandMarilynSantiago.Thehighly anticipatedliveartandluxuryitemauction willbeledbyauctioneerScottRobertson, withemceeKellieBurns,NBC-2evening anchor.
Ticketscanbepurchasedonlineat https://event.gives/artsforact2022.Thepreshowstartsat5:30p.m.,andtheliveauctionbeginsat7p.m.
A RT
30-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
CamyljahRoseGiddens
Eventco-chairsMarilynSantiagoand MarcCollinswithemceeKellieBurns
KhaysieTiburcio
NaplesArtcraftersFeb.11atCambierPark
Afterdelayedstart fromHurricaneIan, theNaplesArtcrafters willhosttheirsecond juriedfineartand craftshowofthenew yearonSaturday, Feb.11.
Theeventshowcasestheworkof90 juriedlocalartists andcraftsmenwho willbesellingtheir paintings,jewelry, pottery,artglass, sculpturesandmore inlovelyCambier Park,whichislocatedon8thStreet South,justoneblock southof5thAve Southindowntown Naples.
MeetwellknownandemergingNaples’artistsinthis celebrationofcreativity.Itwillbeawonderfulopportunity toshoplocalandsupportyourartists.
Admissionisfree, andfreeparkingis nearby.Theshowruns from10a.m.to4p.m.
TheNaples Artcrafterswasfounded in1966asanon-profit organizationdedicated tothesupportoflocal artistsandtheencouragementofthedevelopmentofartistic endeavorsinthe Naplesarea.
Thegroupprovides localartistsandcraftsmenavenuefordisplayingandsellingtheir workbysponsoring juriedoutdoorshows duringtheseason.
Theshowon Saturday,March11willbeheldinFleischmanPark.
TheApril8showwillbebackinCambierParkscheduledforFeb.11andApril8.Formoreaboutthegroup, visitonlineatwww.naplesartcrafters.com.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-31
BokeeliaArtGallery
BokeeliaArtandGiftGalleryis agemlocatedatthetipofPine Islandoverlookingbeautiful CharlotteHarbor.
Planadaytripouttothenorth endoftheIslandinBokeeliato finduniqueartandgiftsinall mediumsforyourhome,office,or gift-givingneeds.Thegalleryfeaturesmorethan60artistsmanyof whomresideinLeeCounty.
Artloverswillbecaptivatedby thewidearrayofexceptional paintingsfromwatercolortooil, abstracttosuper-realismyetallfittingtheluxurioustropicalenvironmentofSouthwestFlorida.
Thegalleryalsocarriesawide spectrumofdesignercrafts:Glass, wood,andpotterytoenhanceany homeoroffice,fromfunctionalto puredecoration.
Forapersonaltouch,explore theunsurpassedcollectionofjewelryfrom24Kgoldtohandmade
glassbeadedearrings,necklaces,andbracelets;aswell asacolorful,funselectionof wearableart.
Thegalleryissolovedby itsexhibitingartiststhatitis notatallunusualtoruninto oneofthemwhenyouwalkin thedoor.CarolGarske, ownerofthegallery,willbe happytointroduceyou.
HoursareWednesday throughSundayfrom10a.m. to5p.m.Thegalleryislocatedat8315MainSt.in Bokeelia.
Besuretocheckouttheir FacebookandInstagram pagesaswellastheirwebsite forthelatestinnewacquisitionsorupdatesonart events.Visitonlineat www.bokeeliaartgallery.com orcall239-738-5280formore information.
A RT
32-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
RolandRuocco
DenaLyons
LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents
WED-1
JosephandTheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat ThroughFeb.11
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
JustDesserts: AMusicalBake-Off ThroughFeb.18
OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800
JoshRowand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
CJandPearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
TheNaplesPlayers: TheGame’sAfoot ThroughFeb.5
TheNaplesPlayers, 7015thAve.S,Naples 239-263-7990
HotelCalifornia: TheOriginalEaglesTribute Feb.1and2
ConnieBrownHall,TribbyArts CenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667
FloridaRepertoryTheatre: TheImportanceofBeingEarnest ThroughMarch5
ArtStageStudioTheatre, 2268BayStreet,FortMyers 239-332-4488
LatinDancewithAngela
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Lesson6:30p.m.,party8p.m., 239-333-1933
TheAlterEagles
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
HighTide
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
SeanReid-7p.m. SalsaDanceSocial-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
JazzwithBenRosenblum AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-939-2787
NaplesArtDistrict:ArtAlive J&CBoulevard,ShirleyStreet andSewardAvenue,Naples 3-7p.m., www.naplesartdistrict.com
InspireExhibit
ThroughFeb.23 CapeCoralArtCenter,4533 CoronadoParkway,CapeCoral 239-574-0802
TheThingAboutMen
ThroughFeb.4
MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700
THU-2
KatieDietz
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3856
RandyandBradDuo
DogtoothBar, 5310ShirleySt.,Naples 6p.m.www.randybradduo.com
OpenMicBonita
MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
SmokinAcesduo
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
34-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
THU-2continued
GulfshoreOpera: OperatoBroadway AlliancefortheArts,10091 McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-529-3925
FireandIce
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
RollingStonesandCreedence ClearwaterRevivaltribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
RandyandBradDuo DogtoothBar, 5310ShirleySt.,Naples 6p.m.www.randybradduo.com
OpenMicBonita MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
DuelingPianos-6:30p.m. Aerosmithand Loverboytribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
ClayWalkerinconcert
SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.www.moreinparadise.com
ChamberMusicSeries:SPATrio SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
NisitaConcertSeries: JazzasaWorldMusic U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.239-745-4268
FRI-3
PaulMazzanotte LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
GulfCoastSymphony: SymphonyontheSound CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, 2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 7p.m.,free,239-277-1700
AntibodiesandMeraki artexhibitopenings
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-333-1933
CoralStoneBand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 6-10p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
BlackDog
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
ChuckPeterson
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
XavierBrignoni andRayFelixexhibit
DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 1815FowlerSt.,unit3,FortMyers, Opening6-9:30p.m.,exhibitruns throughFeb.26,239-590-8645
Aerosmith,BadCompany andForeignertribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Tony!Toni!Tone!inconcert
SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.www.moreinparadise.com
TheBoxers:ATribute toSimonandGarfunkel TheGulfTheater, 900W.MarionAve.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,941-205-8545
K-Luvand
TheUnitedFunkFoundation Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 7p.m.,941-235-3675
BackporchConcert withHillbillyRyezin Neenie’sHouse, 481MarshAve.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,free,224-678-4901
Storytellers:StoriesofLove
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.239-939-2787
RCSmith-7:30p.m. LedZeppelintribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
ChoralArtistry-SingOut SWFloridaChoralFestival Feb.3-4
FirstAssemblyofGod,4701 SummerlinRoad,FortMyers 239-560-5695
Unearthedexhibit:Camyljah RoseandKhaysieTiburcio Feb.3-25 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers Openingreception5-7p.m., 239-939-2787
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-35
FRI-3continued
IlosIlyasEliasKirkanexhibit
OllieMackGentryGalleryatGrand Illusion,2443FirstSt.,FortMyers 239-440-0061
HandsOnArtGalleryOpening
CapeCoralArtCenter,4533 CoronadoParkway,CapeCoral reception5-7p.m.,exhibitruns Feb.3-23239-574-0802
SAT-4
BillHilt
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
MollyHatchetinconcert
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte MaidenCaneopens,6p.m. 941-235-3675
ACMApresents
VerlonThompsoninconcert
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.BillMettsopens www.americanacma.org
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
TobyMacinconcert
HertzArena, 11000EverbladesPkwy,Estero 7p.m.239-948-7825
SasetheSinger
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
Patchouli:LandscapeofGuitar AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-939-2787
MikeImbasciani
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
WarrenZeidersinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
SteveMichaels-7p.m.
FrankieValliand
BeeGeestribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
Joey&Maria’sComedy
ItalianWedding
BonitaEsteroElks,3231Coconut Road,BonitaSprings Dinner6:15p.m.,show7:15p.m. 888-562-7537
TheOld41Band
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
BelCanto&CantabileSingOut
FirstAssemblyofGod, 4701SummerlinRoad,FortMyers 7p.m.,free,239-745-4268
Riverside
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
AnnualAntiqueCarShow
EdisonandFordWinterEstates, 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 9a.m.-2p.m.,239-334-7419
WolfStockBrewFestandConcert ParadiseCoastSportsComplex, 3940CityGateBlvd.N.,Naples 4-8p.m.,wolfstockfl.org
BluegrassSeries:JohnMcEuen andtheCircleBand
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
NaplesArtInstitute:
ArtinthePark Feb.4and5 Mercato,9118StradaPlace,Naples 10a.m.-5p.m.239-262-6517
FerrariClubofNaples
AnnualCarson5thShow 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 10a.m.-4p.m.,BenAllenBand performs,www.carsonfifth.com
ArtFestFortMyers Feb.4and5 DowntownFortMyerswaterfront Saturday10a.m.-5p.m., Sunday10a.m.-4p.m. 239-768-3602
FineCraftExpo Feb.4and5 CapeCoralArtCenter,4533 CoronadoParkway,CapeCoral 239-574-0802
36-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
SAT-4continued
AveMariaArtsandCraftsFestival
AveMariaTownCenter,AveMaria 10a.m.-2p.m.239-352-3903
GulfshoreOpera:
OperatoBroadway
InnovationHotel, 1290InnovationDrive,Naples 7p.m.,239-529-3925
SUN-5
JennyVereline
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
DwightIcenhower-Elvistribute
TheVenueatMudgeRanch,1323 LoblollyBayRoadSW,LaBelle 6p.m.,labelleentertainment.com
LeftBankArtShow
TheEsplanade,740CollierBlvd., MarcoIsland,10a.m.-4p.m. 239-290-7927
LeeCountyCommunityBand
CapeCoralHighSchool,2300 SantaBarbaraBlvd.,CapeCoral 3p.m.,www.leecountyband.com
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
AnnualGumboFest
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,11a.m.,239-995-2141
MatthewCurry-11:30a.m. SoulCircusCowboys-1:30p.m. MajestyofRock-3:30p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675
LauraandRustyWright
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
DannyMasters
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3:30-7:30p.m., 239-540-8454
AtilioandDiane-6:30p.m. HollyFarisand JohnMontforto-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
IrishsuperstarRonanTynan
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SouthwestFloridaConcertBand SouthFortMyersHighSchool, 14020PlantationRoad, FortMyers,2p.m. southwestfloridaconcertband.org
PuntaGordaSymphony: Tchaikovsky’sSymphonyNo.1 CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda 7:30p.m.,941-205-5996
NisitaConcertSeries: JamesHoulik,saxophone, MichaelBaron,piano U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 3p.m.239-745-4268
BluegrassSeries:BillMetts, BearHillBluegrass AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,239-939-2787
MON-6
MichaelBanks
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
DwightIcenhower’s
TributetotheKing BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers Dinner5:30p.m.,concert7:30p.m., 239-278-4422
ChrisTopher TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,4-7p.m.,239-540-8454
MoviesattheMoe: NightmareAlley
MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
UnitedArtCouncilofCollier
CountyArtMixer-LovefortheArts
TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 5:30-7p.m.,RSVPto mlong@uaccolier.org
38-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
WendyRenee
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
StardustMemoriesBigBand
CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples,7p.m., stardustmemoriesbigband.com
J.Robert’s10,000Songs fromthe10,000Islands MargoodHarborTheater, 321PearTreeAve.,Goodland 6:30p.m.239-642-7462
FabulousGirlsofMotown
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
FortMyersFilmFestival:TGIM SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933
TUE-7
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
StardustMemoriesBigBand RiversidePark,Old41Road, BonitaSprings,7p.m., stardustmemoriesbigband.com
EricMalibu
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
NeilDiamondtribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
ErichDanceParty CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000
Mrs.Edison’sHymmSing FirstPresbyterianChurch, 2438SecondSt.,FortMyers 1and4p.m.239-334-2261
ComptonandBennett: ACrackeratTheRitz MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
FortMyersCommunityConcerts: ConcertoSoloistsInternationale BarbaraB.MannPerformingArts Hall,13350FSWPkwy.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-481-4849
Dale TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
Galleryopeningreception
HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral 6-8p.m.harbourviewgallery.com
WED-8
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800
CJandPearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
JerseyBoys,LeslieGoretribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SensationalSoulCruisers
HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
SalsaDanceSocial-7p.m. Journey,Styxtribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
JoshRowand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheNaplesPlayers:Sylvia ThroughMarch5 McSpaddenHall,UnitedChurchof Christ,5200CraytonRoad,Naples 239-263-7990
HighTide
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
OwnThePlatform
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
FGCUWindOrchestra
U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.free239-745-4268
THU-9
CarlingWitt
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3856
TheatreZonepresents EscapetoMargaritaville Feb.9-12 G<heatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 888-966-3352x1
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-39
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
THU-9continued
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, EngelbertHumperdincktribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
TheMollyRingwaldsinconcert CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, 2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 7p.m.,TheRosadaProjectopens www.caloosasoundamp.com
FGCUSymphonicBand U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.free239-745-4268
ScottyMcCreeryinconcert BarbaraB.MannPerformingArts Hall,13350FSWPkwy.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-481-4849
TheKing’sSingers ConnieBrownHall,TribbyArts CenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667
MarcMacisso
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
GulfshorePlayhousepresents LernerandLoewe’sCamelot ThroughMarch12 NorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 239-261-PLAY
LatinNightwithDJJC Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
SoulCity-7p.m. EdSullivanShow-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
GrandPianoSeries: SpanishRhapsody St.LeoAuditorium,28290 BeaumontRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,469-333-3231
TheCharlottePlayers:
HowtheOtherHalfLoves Feb.9-26 TheLangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022
Randy&Brad
CatchtheRandyandBradDuoplayingclassictocontemporary rockmusicatseverallocationsinSWFloridathisseason.See thematSeasideBarandGrillinBonitaonJan.27,atCape CabaretinCapeCoralonJan.28andFeb.18,atDogtoothBarin NaplesonFeb.2,TheCenterBarinBonitaonFeb.10and23and atNautiParrotOasisinFortMyersonFeb.16.Theyalsohave severalprivateeventsscheduled.Findoutmoreaboutthemat www.randybradduo.com
EveningonFifth
5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.239-692-8436
WildaboutWildlifeexhibitopens CapeCoralArtLeague 516CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral Reception5-6:30p.m.,exhibit runsFeb.6-March2, 239-772-5657
JazzattheMACC:LailaBiali MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-277-1700
FloridaRhythmKings
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
FRI-10
Chicago,EarthWindandFire, BloodSweatandTearstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
JazzyNightSeries:LewDelGatto QuartetfeaturingLeroyJones SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
JimmyKeys-7:30p.m. Foreignerand BadCompanytribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
Hardwired:Metallicatribute
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-235-3675
HavyRodriguez
Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
DonnaDeLisle LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
ForeverRodtribute withMartinAndrew Feb.10-12 CulturalParkTheater, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: SweeneyTodd-TheDemon BarberofFleetStreet ThroughMarch11 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481
RandyandBradDuo TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheDestinyofRockShow: ATributetoStyxandBoston TheGulfTheater, 900W.MarionAve.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,941-205-8545
TheHitMenofCountry
HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
SoapyTuna
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
ChuckPeterson
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
SunsetCelebration
PeaceRiverWildlifeCenter, 3400PoncedeLeonParkway, PuntaGorda,4:30-6:30p.m., 941-637-3830
ThomasEdison’s
176thBirthdayCelebration
EdisonandFordWinterEstates, 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.,239-334-7419
SOSrockshow:Donefor,Culture Shock,BayfrontView,Jo.Flip Cantina109,9908GulfCoastMain St.,FortMyers,CultureShockat8 p.m.,Doneforat10p.m. www.eventbrite.com
SAT-11
GulfCoastChamberOrchestra andFortMyersMastersingers: GloriaVivaldi
MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-277-1700
DemunJonesand DustyLeighinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
SasetheSinger
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
BoydMeetsGirlDuo
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 11-11:30a.m.,239-939-2787
SWFloridaSymphony: Bowie&Glass
BarbaraB.MannPerformingArts Hall,13350FSWPkwy.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-481-4849
NisitaConcertSeries: AlexRichardson,tenor, MichaelBaron,piano U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.239-745-4268
40-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
SAT-11continued
JourneyandStyxtribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
NaplesArtcrafters
FineArtsandCraftShow CambierPark, 5808thSt.S.,Naples 10a.m.-4p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com
Joey&Maria’sComedy
ItalianWedding
BonitaEsteroElks,3231Coconut Road,BonitaSprings Dinner6:15p.m.,show7:15p.m. 888-562-7537
DianaRosstribute-7p.m. BuddyHollytributep.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
BonitaSprings
NationalArtFestival Feb.11and12 RiversidePark, 10450ReynoldsSt.,BonitaSprings 10a.m.-5p.m.bothdays 239-495-8989
KettleofFish-1p.m. ChasColins-7p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675
Storytellers-BibleBadGirls: HeresyorHerstory? PeaceCommunityChurch, 1761PineRidgeRoad,FortMyers Beach,2p.m.239-849-7666
Simply-Fi
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
MusicandArtNight
Lorne’sGallery,TarponMarina 5591SilverKingBlvd.,CapeCoral 5-8p.m.239-945-0866
PlayersCircleTheater:ILove You,You’rePerfect,NowChange ThroughFeb.26
PlayersCirclePerformingArts Center,ShellFactory,15644N. TamiamiTrail,NorthFortMyers 239-800-3292
SpringGardenFestival Feb.11and12
EdisonandFordWinterEstates, 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 9a.m.-4p.m.,239-334-7419
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
DannySinoff
DannySinoffperformsatPlayersCircleTheaterinNorthFort MyersFeb.13,20and27.Fortickets,call239-800-3292.
MichaelJay
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
CapeCoralBikeNight 47thTerrace,CapeCoral MusicbyZZ’sBest,TripHazard SWFL,DeepCoverSWFL 5-10p.m.,239-573-3128
EdisonFestivalofLight Feb.11-19
DowntownFortMyers Feb.11eventsincludeSTEMtastic DayofDiscovery10a.m.,MuttStrutt 11a.m.,foodtruckwarsnoon,bed races,4p.m.,edisonfestival.org
SoundMachine
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
SUN-12
ThomasO’Brien
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
SaintToneBand
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte noon,941-235-3675
Breeze
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141
BluesandBloodysConcertSeries
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, noon,JeremiahJohnsonBandat1 p.m.,GhostTownBluesBandat4 p.m.www.thecenterbar.com
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
JudyMcLaneinconcert
IonaHall,St.ColumbkilleCatholic Parish,12171IonaRoad,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-489-3973
FGCUJazzEnsemble
CapeCoralHighSchool,2300Santa BarbaraBlvd.,CapeCoral 3p.m.,free,239-745-4268
EdisonFestivalofLightJuniorDay DowntownFortMyers FunRunatnoon,JuniorParadeat 1:30p.m.,JuniorCourtCoronation andAwardsat2:30p.m. www.edisonfestival.org
MON-13
MichaelBanks
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
ABBAandMammaMiatribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
MoviesattheMoe: MeBeforeYou
MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
TheCharlottePlayers presentsTheEdwardTwins Feb.13and14 CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 7:30p.m.,941-833-5444
LoveLetters
ConnieBrownHall,TribbyArts CenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667
WendyRenee
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
ChrisTopher
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,4-7p.m.,239-540-8454
DannySinoffSingsSinatra
PlayersCirclePerformingArts Center,ShellFactory,15644N. TamiamiTrail,NorthFortMyers 7p.m.,239-800-3292
TUE-14
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
Valentine’sDayattheVAC VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5-7p.m.941-639-8810
TheAlterEagles
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
PortraitsofLove:ALive MusicandArtExperience MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
TheTemptationsand TheFourTopsinconcert SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.www.moreinparadise.com
ACMASongwritersat thePlaza:ThePearlStreetBand CornogPlazaatFortMyers RegionalLibrary,FirstStreet 6p.m.,free www.americanacma.org
LaureandRustyWright TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
FloridaRepertoryTheatre: OnGoldenPond ThroughMarch5 HistoricArcadeTheatre, 2268BayStreet,FortMyers 239-332-4488
42-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
TUE-14continued
EricMalibu
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
JimmyNiteclub-6p.m. JayHavelinJazzTrio-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
EveningonFifth 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.239-692-8436
WED-15
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800
CJandPearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
TemptationsandFourTopstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
AlmostABBA
withspecialguestSheeGees
CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 7:30p.m.,941-833-5444
HighTide
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
ForeverPlaid ThroughMarch11
MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700
MarcMacisso
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
WineandPaintWednesdays
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,239-333-1933
Eaglestribute-7:30p.m. SalsaDanceSocial-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
TheatreConspiracypresentsTheLastShowFeb.16-25atthe AlliancefortheArts,10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.Fortickets,call239-939-2787.
THU-16
JohnHousley
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3856
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
AbsoluteQueentribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Dale TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheatreZonepresents EscapetoMargaritaville Feb.16-19 G<heatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 888-966-3352x1
Pippin Feb.16-19 CulturalParkTheater, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
Mr.Motown-7p.m. Franksinatratribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
VinylVibes:TheMerseyBeatles
CavernClub,TheEarlyYears SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
SmokinAcesDuo
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TheatreConspiracy: TheLastShow Feb.16-25 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-939-2787
RandyandBradDuo
NautiParrotOasis, 17200TamiamiTrailS.,FortMyers 6p.m.www.randybradduo.com
TheLastSchwartz Feb.16-19 NewPhoenixTheatre,13211 McGregorBlvd.,#1&2,FortMyers 239-284-5214
FRI-17
KatieDietz
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
RichieCDanceParty
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7:30p.m.,239-549-3000
AnnualFortMyersGreekFest Feb.17-19
AnnunciationGreekOrthodox Church,8210CypressLakeDrive, FortMyers,11a.m.-11p.m.Friday andSaturday,11a.m.-7p.m. Sunday,239-481-2099
EdisonFestivalofLight
EdisonParadeKick-OffParty CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, EdwardsDrive,FortMyers DJMemphis,BenAllenBand, 5-10p.m.,www.edisonfestival.org
Antigone Feb.17-19
TheatreLab,ArtsComplex,FGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 239-745-4268
JerseyBoys ThroughApril9
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
FortMyersMusicWalk
DowntownFortMyers 6-10p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
ChuckPeterson
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
TheBeatlestribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
JustForLaughsvarietyshow
MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
Michael“Jules”Raines
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
GOLDTheatricals:LoveLetters
CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaRoad,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,800-514-3849
TheUltimateGarthBrooks
TributewithSimplyShania TheGulfTheater, 900W.MarionAve.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,941-205-8545
BackporchConcertwithHerb CampbellandNightTrain Neenie’sHouse, 481MarshAve.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,free,224-678-4901
CountryJamFest
CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 6:30p.m.,941-833-5444
Nightrain:GunsNRosestribute
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-235-3675
TheMerseyBeatles: AppleRecords,TheRooftopEra Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
44-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
Gianna
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
RhythmontheRiver:NeilZirconia, theUltimateFauxDiamond EdisonandFordWinterEstates, 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,239-334-7419
EdisonFestivalofLight CraftsontheRiver Feb.17-19
DowntownFortMyers Friday5-10p.m.,Saturday10a.m5p.m.andSunday10a.m.-3p.m. www.edisonfestival.org
EvergladesSeafoodFestival Feb.17-19
DowntownEvergladesCity Friday4:30-10p.m.,Saturday10 a.m.-10p.m.,Sunday10a.m.-6 p.m.,www.evergladesseasfoodfestival-2003.com
SAT-18
RandyandBradDuo-6p.m. RobertGonnelli-6:30p.m. FleetwoodMactribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
IsaiahSuriel
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
LynneRenzenbergerFineArtSale
1507SW57thSt.,CapeCoral 10a.m.-4p.m.,913-284-6240 www.facebook.com/lynnerenzart
SasetheSinger
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
RiseAgainstinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
Joey&Maria’sComedy
ItalianWedding
BonitaEsteroElks,3231Coconut Road,BonitaSprings Dinner6:15p.m.,show7:15p.m. 888-562-7537
FleetwoodMacand StevieNickstribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
LeeRockerofTheStrayCats
HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
EdisonFestivalofLight
GrandParade
FortMyersHighSchoolto DowntownFortMyers 5KRunat5p.m.,paradeat7p.m. www.edisonfestival.org
TwinkleandRockSoulRadio Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte noon,941-235-3675
JohnnyCaribe&TheHurricanes TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
PuntaGordaSymphony:Jazzon theLawnwithLewDelGatto FloridaSouthWesternCollege, LawnnearBuildingO, 26300AirportRoad,PuntaGorda 4p.m.,941-205-5996
NaplesArtDistrict:ArtAlive J&CBoulevard,ShirleyStreet andSewardAvenue,Naples 1-5p.m., www.naplesartdistrict.com
BluesBrews&BBQFestival AveMariaTownCenter,AveMaria MusicbyDeb&theDynamics,Little Eddie&theFatFingers,OldSchool, noon-5p.m.239-352-3903
AAATravelShow
AAAFortMyersBranch, 2516ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 10a..m.-1p.m.,registertoattend www.aaa.comor239-939-6500
BadLatitude
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
SUN-19
AlanSmall OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
EdisonFestivalofLight ClassicCarShow DowntownFortMyers 10a.m.-3p.m. www.edisonfestival.org
BeauxArtsChamber EnsemblePianoTrio
MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-277-1700
ACMApresentsMareWakefield andNomadinconcert
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.BobWilliamsopens www.americanacma.org
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-45
F EBRUARY C ALENDAR
SUN-19continued
Breeze
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141
CreedenceClearwater
Revivaltributeshow
TheVenueatMudgeRanch,1323 LoblollyBayRoadSW,LaBelle 6p.m.,labelleentertainment.com
FGCUSymphonyOrchestra
U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 3p.m.free239-745-4268
GulfshoreOpera:
TheBarberofSeville VineyardatLambofGodChurch, 19691CypressViewDrive,Fort Myers,6p.m.,239-529-3925
MichaelD’AmoreDanceParty
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000
TheLonelyOnes
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 2p.m.,941-235-3675
BobLynch
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
FloridaRhythmKings
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3:30-7:30p.m., 239-540-8454
BonitaSpringsConcertBand RiversidePark,Old41Road, BonitaSprings,2p.m. bonitaspringsconcertband.org
MON-20
MichaelBanks
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
DannySinoff: TheChetBakerSongbook PlayersCirclePerformingArts Center,ShellFactory,15644N. TamiamiTrail,NorthFortMyers 7p.m.,239-800-3292
CrackerDinner: RobertN.Macomber BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers Dinner5:30p.m.,program7p.m. 239-278-4422
Grand Piano Series
CockermanFeb.26at3p.m.atTrinitybytheCove, 553GalleonDrive,Naples.Forticketsandmoreinformation,call469-333-3231orvisitgrandpianoseries.com
BillyJoel,BobSeger, CherandLadyGagatribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
StardustMemoriesBigBand
CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples,7p.m., stardustmemoriesbigband.com
MoviesattheMoe: Mao’sLastDinner MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
SeanPaxson
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
ChrisTopher
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TUE-21
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
America,JamesTaylor, Simon&Garfunkeltribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
StardustMemoriesBigBand RiversidePark,Old41Road, BonitaSprings,7p.m., stardustmemoriesbigband.com
ComptonandBennett:
ACrackeratTheRitz MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
EricMalibu
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
NewYorkRhythm TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheMerseyBeatles TheatreZone,G<heatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 4and7:30p.m.,888-966-3352x1
ErichDanceParty-6:30p.m. SingoBingo-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
WED-22
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800
ABBAtribute-7:30p.m. SalsaDanceSocial-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
CJandPearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
BeeGeesandCrosbyStills
Nash&Youngtribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
JoshRowand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
HighTide
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
THU-23
BrianSpainhower
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3856
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
CalloftheWildand
InOurWorldexhibitsreception VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda Reception5p.m.,exhibitsrunFeb. 14-March9,941-639-8810
RollingStones,Creedence
ClearwaterRevivaltribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
HermitagePianoTrio
ConnieBrownHall,TribbyArts CenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667
RandyandBrad
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
Doublewide,Texas
ThroughApril9
OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
TheLastSchwartz Feb.23-26 NewPhoenixTheatre,13211 McGregorBlvd.,#1&2,FortMyers 239-284-5214
TheEdwardsTwins-7p.m. ChicagoHeat-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
46-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
GrandPianoSeriespresentsTabeaDebusandAdam
JohnO’Hurley: AManWithStandards
Feb.23and24 TheatreZone,G<heatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 7:30p.m.,888-966-3352x1
AmericanVirtuosiGala
SilverKingBrasserie,Luminary Hotel&Co.,2200EdwardsDr.,Fort Myers 5:30p.m.,239-333-1933
Pippin Feb.23-26 CulturalParkTheater, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
FjestelArtLecture withVesnaPavlovic U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 6p.m.free239-745-4268
GulfshoreOpera: TheBarberofSeville CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,239-529-3925
FRI-24
PaulaCanon
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
ChuckPeterson
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
TheWeightBand HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
TheEdwardsTwins-7p.m. JimmyKeys-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
MikeImbasciani
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
TheLalasBurlesque SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.www.moreinparadise.com
Cher,HueyLewis&theNews, KC&theSunshineBandtributes TheGulfTheater, 900W.MarionAve.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,941-205-8545
LeadFootGrey Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 7p.m.,941-235-3675
PeaceRiverQuiltShow Feb.24and25 CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 9a.m.,941-833-5444
LittleEddieandtheFatFingers
Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
BackporchConcert
withBarstoolRodeo Neenie’sHouse, 481MarshAve.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,free,224-678-4901
Simply-Fi
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
JazzyNightSeries: GunhildCarling
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
Antigone Feb.24-26
TheatreLab,ArtsComplex,FGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.,FortMyers 239-745-4268
SAT-25
TaylorRae
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3735
SasetheSinger
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
ACMApresentsAbbieGardner& MarcDouglasBerardoinconcert AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.BillSaltzmanopens www.americanacma.org
KCandTheSunshineBand andDiscoDivastribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
TheFulcos-noon CrossfireCreek-7p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675
OneNightinMemphis
HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-47
SAT-25continued
TraptUnpluggedinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
VirgilCain
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
FountainLakesFineArts&Crafts CommunityCenter, 22201FountainLakesBlvd.,Estero 10a.m.-3p.m.,574-276-2942
TheBoots TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
ChamberMusicSeries: AmericanVirtuosiConcert SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
TheCharlotteChorale: VoicesofSpirit
CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda 4p.m.,941-204-0033
Hearttribute-7:30p.m. DoktaD.&ThePowersThatBe, MartyStokesBand-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
NaplesArtInstitute: NationalArtFair Feb.25and26 CambierParkand8thStreet,Naples 10a.m.-5p.m.239-262-6517
AAATravelShow AAANaplesBranch, 5401AirportPullingRoadN.,Naples 10a..m.-1p.m.,registertoattend www.aaa.comor239-594-5006
SUN-26
ClaireLiparulo
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
GulfshoreOpera: TheBarberofSeville SilverspotCinema, 9118StradaPlace,Naples 6p.m.,239-529-3925
TheBeachBoysinconcert Artis–Naples,583PelicanBayBlvd, Naples,3and7p.m. 239-597-1900
Breeze
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141
RitaRudnerandRobertKlein
SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.www.moreinparadise.com
ElectricLipstick
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000
Marker5
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte noon,941-235-3675
FGCUChamberChoirBonVoyage
FirstPresbyterianChurch, 2506thSt.,Naples 4p.m.,free,239-745-4268
FabulousGirlsofMotown TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
CJMatthews
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
CelebratingTomJones
starringDavidBurnham
Feb.26and27
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
SoundMachine
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3:30-7:30p.m., 239-540-8454
24-HourFestival
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933
JazzontheLawn:WycliffeGordon ParadiseCoastSportsComplex, 3940CityGateBlvd.N.,Naples 3-6p.m.,248-866-4364 www.foccm.org
GrandPianoSeries:TabeaDebus andAdamCockerman TrinitybytheCove, 553GalleonDrive,Naples 3p.m.,469-333-3231
TheCharlotteChorale presentsDallasBrass CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda 4p.m.,941-204-0033
SouthwestFloridaConcertBand SouthFortMyersHighSchool, 14020PlantationRoad,FortMyers 2p.m. southwestfloridaconcertband.org
TheDevonAllmanProject
HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
MON-27
MichaelBanks
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
NeilDiamondtribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
MoviesattheMoe:Tina
MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
WendyRenee
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
ChrisTopher
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TheCharlottePlayers presentsCaroleKingtribute
CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 7:30p.m.,941-255-1022
DannySinoff:TheGenius ofRichardRogers
PlayersCirclePerformingArts Center,ShellFactory,15644N. TamiamiTrail,NorthFortMyers 7p.m.,239-800-3292
TUE-28
BethAnne TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141
ABBA-Revisited
TheVenueatMudgeRanch,1323 LoblollyBayRoadSW,LaBelle 7p.m.,labelleentertainment.com
FrankSinatra,DeanMartin andSammyDavisJr.tribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Dale TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
FrankTorinoDanceParty
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000
GulfshoreOpera: Style&SongLuncheon
GreyOakCountryClub,Naples noon,239-529-3925
48-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine F EBRUARY C ALENDAR HappeningsMagazine- SWFlorida FollowUs onFacebook
SWFloridaConcertBand
TheSouthwestFloridaConcertBandwillperformSunday,Feb.26 at2p.m.atSouthFortMyersHighSchool,14020PlantationRoad, FortMyers.
AnnualGumboFest Feb.5atShellFactory
ShellFactoryandNatureParkwillholdits21stannual GumboFestonSunday,Feb.5.Theeventwillrunfrom11 a.m.to6p.m.,andadmissionisfree.
LiveentertainmentwillbeprovidedbyheadlinerDwayne Dopsie&TheZydecoHellraisers,andThePorch Dogswillperform.
Dwayne(Dopsie)RubinhailsfromoneofthemostinfluentialZydecofamiliesintheworld.Althoughinspiredbytradition,Dwaynehasdevelopedhisownhighenergystylethat defiesexistingstereotypesandblazesarefreshinglydistinct pathfor21stcenturyZydecomusic.
Thissinger/songwriterandaccordionisthasperformed allovertheworldsincedebutinghisband,Dwayne DopsieandtheZydecoHellraisers,atage19.
TheLouisiananativewritesboththelyricsand musicforhissongsanddescribestheupcoming albumassoulfulwithatouchofbluesandoldtime zydecofeel.
DopsiegrewupinLafayette,La.,teachinghimself howtoplayaccordionwatchingvideosofhisfatherand CliftonChenierandrecordinghimselfwithavideocamera andgoingbackandwatchitandplayingoverandover forhoursuntilitwasright.
TheknowledgeofDwayne’smusicalabilityalong withZydecoHellraisersbandmembersarecombinedtohaveover100yearsofexperienceplayingZydecomusicanditshowsineveryperformance.Theenergy,truetalent,andexuberance thatDwayneDopsieandtheZydecoHellraisers emitfromstagemakesitobviousthatthereisno competitionforthisband.
NotonlyhasDwayne’sbandmasteredzydeco music,buthe’satwo-timeGrammynominee20122018.
AlleventproceedswillbenefittheNaturePark& EnvironmentalEducationFoundation.
TheShellFactoryandNatureParkislocatedat 16554N.ClevelandAve.,NorthFortMyers.Formore details,visitonlineatwww.shellfactory.comorcall239995-2141.
SWFloridaConcertBandperformsFeb.5&26
The45-memberSouthwestFlorida ConcertBandwillperformTheBestof BroadwayconcertonFeb.5andA JourneyintoSpaceconcertonFeb.26.
OnFeb.5,thebandwillperformThe BestofBroadwayConcert,withMusic fromLesMiserablés,TheGreatest ShowmanandaselectionofRichard Rodgersfavorites.Ouroboesoloistwill playGabriel’sOboeandthebandwill performthedynamicmusicfromthe BroadwayhitsLionKing,SoundofMusic
andPhantomoftheOpera.Wehave alsoprogrammedtheEgmontOverture byBeethoventoaddatouchofclassics.
OnFeb.26,thebandwilltakeflight withourAJourneyintoSpaceConcert withfeaturevocalistBobHelfrichsinging MoonRiverandStarDust.Thebandwill performmusicfromStarTrek,Guardians oftheGalaxyandpresentHolst’sMars fromhisPlanetsSuite.Justforfunwe haveaddedaKlezmerpieceandalittle musictorememberValentine’sDay.The
showwillclosewithadramaticand impressivearrangementofStarWars composedbyJohnWilliams.
Allperformancestakeplaceat2p.m. onSundaysatSouthFortMyersHigh School,14020PlantationRoad,Fort Myers.
Allconcertsarefreewithdonations accepted.Informationonthegroup,our scholarshipprogram,andotherperformancescanbefoundat www.SouthwestFloridaConcertBand.org
M USIC 50-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
VerlonThompson,AbbieGardner amongACMAconcertsinFeburary
TheAmericanaCommunityMusic Associationhasanotheractivemonthof showsinFebruarywiththreeconcertsatits listeningroomandoneoutdoorsattheFort Myerslibrary.
VerlonThompsonreturnstotheACMA stageonSaturday,Feb.4at7p.m.
Thirtyyearsasaprofessionalsongwriter andtravelingtroubadourserveascredentials.Asasoloperformer,andasthetrustedsidekickofTexasAmericanasongwriting iconGuyClark,Verlonhasviewedthe worldfromstageseverywherefrom BarcelonatoBinger(hishometownin Oklahoma).
Asasoloperformer,andasthetrusted sidekickofTexasAmericanasongwriting iconGuyClark,Verlonhasviewedthe worldfromstageseverywherefrom BarcelonatoBinger(hishometownin Oklahoma).
AlongthewayVerlonThompsoncompositionshavebeenrecordedbyJimmy BuffettandAlanJackson,DierksBentley, AnneMurray,TheNittyGrittyDirtBand, KennyRogers,RandyTravis,DelMcCoury, SamBush,TrishaYearwoodandmany more.
Verlonhasco-producedGuyClark's GrammynominatedCD"ColdDogSoup" aswellas"TheDark,""WorkbenchSongs" and"SomedaystheSongWritesYou."
LocalsongwriterBillMettswillopenthe showFeb.4.Advancetickets($25)are neededforthisshow.
TheACMASongwritersatthePlazaat thedowntownFortMyerslibraryon Tuesday,Feb.14featuresThePearlStreet Band.Thisfreeshowstartsat6p.m.
MareWakefieldandNomadwillperform Sunday,Feb.19attheACMAlistening room.
BornwithwanderlustinherDNA,Mare Wakefieldlivedineightdifferentplaces beforeshewasten.“Itwasaroller-coaster waytogrowup,butmybrotherandI learnedtofitinfast,”shesays.“Wepicked upWisconsinaccentsintwoweeks. Eighteenmonthslaterweweredrawling likenativeTexans.”
ForTurkish-bornNomad,thejourney wasequallyvaried.Hismusicaleducation beganattheexclusiveIstanbul ConservatoryandcontinuedwithascholarshiptoBerkleeCollegeofMusic.Nomad’s giftformusicalarrangementsincludesafull arsenalofclassical,folkandjazzchops.
Versatilityandtravel-scapesareevident intheirmusic.Listenersroamthrough Arizonadeserts,Oklahomaoilfieldsand Amsterdamcanals.Journeysgoinward too,exploringhope,heartbreakandbarroombrawls.Storyandsongarewoven togetherbyMare’sintimatedeliveryand Nomad’sexquisitepianoandaccordion.
CurrentlybasedinNashville,thepair were2016and2015KerrvilleNewFolk finalistsand2015FalconRidgeEmerging Artists.
ACMAsinger-songwriterBobWilliams openstheshowat7p.m.Admissionis$12 formembersand$18fornon-members.
TheACMAwelcomesAbbieGardner andMarcDouglasBerardoonSaturday, Feb.25.
AbbieGardnerisafierydobroplayer withaninfectioussmile.WhetherperformingsoloorwithAmericanaharmonytrio RedMolly,heracclaimedtalesofloveand loss,bothgrittyandsweet,arepropelledby herimpeccablelapstyleslideguitarplaying.Soloperformancesfeaturethedobro asasoloinstrument,bouncingbetweena
solidrhythmicbackboneandrippingthe leadlines,allinsupportofhervoiceand songs.HerlatestrecordingDobroSinger wasreleasedMay13,2022.It’sintimate, real,andraw-herdobroandvoicerecordedatthesametimeathome,withouta bandoranystudiotrickstohidebehind.
MarcDouglasBerardo’ssongsare sharplydrawnportraitsthatcastaneton unusualandbeguilingcharacters,mining theirdeepfeelingsandsituationsand describingtheminhislyrics.Hissongs havebeenrecognizedatmanyprestigious nationalfestivalsandeventssuchasThe SouthFloridaFolkFestival,TheWildflower ArtandMusicFestival,andTheKerrville FolkFestival.
LocalsongwriterBillSaltzmanwillopen theconcertat7p.m.Admissionis$12for membersand$18fornon-members.
TheACMAlisteningroomislocatedat AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation,2756 McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.
Formoredetailsandschedules,visit onlinewww.americanacma.org
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-51 MareWakefield&Nomad-Feb.19 AbbieGardner-Feb.25 VerlonThompson-Feb.4 MarcDouglasBerardo-Feb.25
MusicatHinmanAuditoruminBonita
Livemusiccontinuesatthe CentersfortheArtsBonita Springsforthe2022-23season.
TheupdatedmusicscheduleincludesSensationalSoul CruisersonFeb.8,TheHit MenofCountryonFeb.10, LeeRockerofTheStrayCats onFeb.18,TheWeightBand onFeb.24,OneNightin MemphisonFeb.25,the DevonAllmanProjectonFeb. 26,AlanDoyleonMarch11 andBruceintheUSAonMarch 17.
Takeamusicaljourneywith theSensationalSoulCruisers, the11-piecebandthathas audiencesontheirfeet,singing anddancingtothegreatesthits oftheTemptations,the JacksonFive,TheSpinners, IsaacHayes,MarvinGaye,The FourTopsandmanymore. Thismulti-mediashowislikewatchingKoolandtheGang, Chicago,andtheTemptations,allrolledintoonemesmerizing nightofchoreographedmovesandfantasticlivemusic.Theywill performFeb.8at7:30p.m.atHinmanAuditorium.Ticketsare $32-$42.
LeeRocker-Feb.18
musiclegends—fromRingo StarrandGeorgeHarrisonto JohnFogertyandTheRolling Stones.Ticketsare$56-$70.
TheWeightBandfeatures membersofTheBand,Levon HelmBandandRickDanko Group.
Performingthetimelesshits ofTheBand—like“TheWeight,” “UpOnCrippleCreek,” “Ophelia,”“TheNightThey DroveOldDixieDown,”“Rag MamaRag”andmore—The WeightBandiskeepingthespirit andthemusicalivethathelped defineanera.Thesemaster musicianswereeitheractual membersofTheBandorare directlyanddeeplyconnectedto theirlegacy.Experiencethe mostauthenticpresentationof TheBand’smusicperformedlive onstage.TheWeightBand playsFeb.24at7:30p.m. Ticketsare$47-$59.
Ifyoulovecountrymusic,you’reinforatreat—TheHitMenof CountryarecomingtoBonitaFeb.10at7:30p.m.Thiscountry musicmashupfeaturesfiveofthefinestmusicianswhohaveperformed,touredorrecordedwithCountry’sgreatestartists—hitmakerslikeWynonnaJudd,KeithUrban,TraceAdkins,Lee Greenwood,TravisTritt,JasonAldeanandmore.Thissuperb showdelivershitafterhit,includingfan-favoriteslike“GodBless TheUSA,”“NoOneElse,”“SomebodyLikeYou,”“BigGreen Tractor”and“ISwear,”plus,you’llheargreatbackstagestories aboutbeingontheroadwiththelegendstheyhaveworkedwith. Ticketsare$53-$66.
LeeRockerofTheStrayCatswillperformFeb.18at7:30p.m. atHinmanAuditorium.LeeRockermadehismarksinging,playing,standingon,spinningandrockinghisgiantuprightbassasa foundingmember(alongwithBrianSetzerandSlimJim Phantom),oftheGrammynominatedmusicgroupTheStray Cats,whosoldover10millionalbumsandgarnered23goldand platinumcertifiedrecordsworldwide.Hehassincebeennamed “GreatestofAll Time”inBass PlayerMagazine’s 2022listingofthe top100bassists ever.Comehear Leeandhisband performStrayCats hitslike“Sexyand Seventeen,”“Stray CatStrut”and “RockThisTown,” pluslotsofother rockin’songsLee performedpostStrayCatswith
OneNightinMemphisisaliveconcerttributetolegendary recordingartistsCarlPerkins,JohnnyCash,JerryLeeLewisand ElvisPresley.You’llhearmorethan90minutesofrockabilly, country,gospelandpure’50srock‘n’rollmusic,performedlive andbackedbyanauthenticrockabillyband.Witnessarockand rollroyaltyjamsessionfeaturingthehits,“BlueSuedeShoes,” “FolsomPrisonBlues,”“GreatBallsofFire,”“WholelottaShaking GoingOn,”“Shake,RattleandRoll,”“Don’tBeCruel,”“Hound Dog,”andmany,manymore.TheshowisFeb.25at7:30p.m. Ticketsare$57-$72.
TheDevon AllmanProjectisa six-piecebluesinspiredrockband ledbyaward-winningmusician DevonAllmanand featurestwomembersoftheAllman BettsBand.They arejoinedbyspecialguestDonavon Frankenreiter, whosesoulful,laidbackgroovescomplimentthegroup. Theywillbeplaying thesongsofThe AllmanBrothersand GreggAllmanin
theirsets,aswellasDevon'sfan-favoriteoriginals,andsomesurprisecovers.Youdon'twanttomissthishigh-energy,exceptionallyentertainingshow.ThisperformancewillbeFeb.26at7:30 p.m.Ticketsare$75-$85.
HinmanAuditoriumislocatedat10150BonitaBeachRoadin BonitaSprings.
Forticketsandmoredetails,call239-495-8989orvisitonline atwww.artcenterbonita.org
M USIC
52-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
TheWeightBand-Feb.24
DevonAllman-Feb.26
PuntaGordaSymphonyoffers TchaikovskyFeb.5,jazzFeb.18
ThePuntaGordaSymphony’s classicalmainstageconcertwillbe heldat7:30p.m.onSunday,Feb. 5featuringTchaikovsky’s SymphonyNo.1,alongwith renownedpiecesbyRichard Wagner,AntonDvo ákandManuel deFalla.
Thesymphony’sJazzonthe LawnseriespresentsLewDel Gatto&Friendsat4p.m.on Saturday,Feb.18attheFlorida SouthWesternStateCollege, CharlotteCampus.
ThemainstageconcertonFeb.5begins withWagner’sDieMeistersinger,Act1 Prelude,whichisnotableforitscomplex textures,richharmonies,andorchestration. Dvo ák’sSerenadeinDMinoristhenext pieceontheprogram.Thedarklyrich sonoritiesechoMozart’slovelyserenades writtenacenturyearlier,whilecreatinga uniquelyCzech-soundingwork.Manuelde Falla’sRitualFireDance,amovementof Falla’sballetElAmorBrujo,isfullof Spanishinflectionsandguitar-liketextures, aswellasarelentlessandfreneticenergy.
Fallaachievesafusionofpoetry,asceticism,andardorthatrepresentsthespiritof Spainatitspurest.
Theeveningconcludeswithoneof Tchaikovsky’spersonalfavorites,his SymphonyNo.1,alsoknownas“Winter Daydreams.”Thispieceischaracterizedby charmingmelodiesandvividorchestration, andconcludeswithexhilaratingorchestral fireworks.
TheFeb.5concertwillbeheldat CharlottePerformingArtsCenter,701 CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda.Ticketsrange from$35-$65foradultand$15foryouth.
TheJazzontheLawnconcert onFeb.18featuresLewDelGatto &Friends,withSouthwestFlorida musicianLewDelGattoontenor sax,FrankPortoleseonguitar, BrandonL.Robertsononbass,and TonyVigilanteondrums.Thegroup willbeperformingsongsfromthe GreatAmericanSongbook,along withDukeEllingtontunessuchas “TheyCan’tTakeThatAwayFrom Me,”“TheDaysofWineandRoses” and“BodyandSoul,”tonamea few.Morethan200peopleattended JazzontheLawninDecember,enjoying anafternoonofgreatjazzintheFlorida sunshine.
ThejazzeventwillbeheldatFlorida SouthWesternStateCollege,Charlotte Campus,Lawn(nearBuildingO),26300 AirportRoad,PuntaGorda.Ticketsrange from$35-$65foradultand$15foryouth.
TicketstoPuntaGordaSymphonyconcertsareonsaleandavailableonlineorby callingtheSymphonyofficeat941-2055996.Forticketsandfurtherinformation, visitwww.PGSymphony.org/performances.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-53
Bluegrass,jazz,chamberandrock atSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter
TheSidneyandBerneDavisArtCenterpresents JohnMcEuenandTheCircleBandonSaturday,Feb.4 at7:30p.m.
Co-founderofTheNittyGrittyDirtBand,McEuen hasdazzledaudienceswithhisbanjopickingsincethe 1960s.McEuenhasassembledauniquecastforaspecialnighttosharethemusicandmemoriesofthelandmarkWilltheCircleBeUnbrokenplatinumalbumand theNittyGrittyDirtBand’sincrediblecareer.Hismultimediashowwitharchivalphotographs,film,photos, narrativeandmusicofearlyNGDBrevealstheirincrediblejourney–interwovenwithDirtBandfavorites,hotbluegrass andrareearlyNGDBmusic.
AccompanyingMcEuenisLesThompson,anoriginalNGDB foundingmemberonbass/vocals/bouzouki,JohnCable,whoalso touredRussiaasNGDBmemberonguitar/vocals,andMatt Cartsonis,John’s25-yearmusicpartner,onvocals,mandolaand guitar.AuniquepartoftheshowcoversNGDB’shistoric1977 RussiatripandwhathappenedbehindtheIronCurtainasthefirst Americanbandtotourthere.Ticketsare$45inadvance.
TheDavisArtCenterpresentstheLewDelGattoQuartetfeaturingtrumpeterLeroyJones,fromNewOrleansonFriday,Feb. 10asthefirstconcertoftheJazzyNightsConcertSeries.Doors openat6:30p.m.,andtheperformancebeginsat7:30p.m.
LewDelGattohasbeenadynamicfigureintheNewYork musicsceneforoverthirtyyears.Hisversatilityandknowledgeablecomprehensionofmusicalart-formwasthebasisforastellar career.Hehasbeeninvolvedwithjingles,films,Broadway,televisionandjazz.Lewhasalsobeenbusyinthefilmindustry,andis onnumerousrecordingsforsuchartistsasHarryConnick,Jr,Paul Simon,andBillyJoel.Lew'sliveappearancesareimpressive.
LeroyJoneshasestablishedhimselfasoneofNewOrleans mostsoughtaftertrumpeters,blowingthrough6-hourgigson BourbonStreet.HefoundedthelegendaryFairviewBaptistBrass BandandHurricaneBrassBand,whichhelpedspearheadthe revivalofthebrassbandsceneinNewOrleans.AsJonesplayed inandaroundNewOrleans,hecaughttheearoffellowNew OrleansmusicianHarryConnickJr.JoneswasinvitedbyHarry ConnickJr.tojoinhisorchestra.Joneswentontotourwith Connickformorethan17years.
LocalbassistDonMopsickanddrummerTonyVigilantewill alsoperformthatnight.Ticketsare$45inadvance.
TheVinylVibesseriescontinuesinFebruarywithtwounique performancesbyTheMersey Beatles.
ThisLiverpool-basedBeatles TributeBandwastheresidentband foroveradecadeattheworld famousCavernClub,whereThe Beatlesgottheirstart.Thesechildhoodfriendshaveplayedin20countries,sellingoutshowsworldwide.
Thursday,Feb.16at7:30p.m., the“CavernClubConcert”willpay homagetotheBeatlesearlyworks. ThatconcertwillbeheldintheGrand Atrium.
OnFriday,Feb.17,theshow movestoSidney’sRooftopSculpture Garden.Friday’s“AppleRecords
RooftopConcert”willrecreate thefamousAppleMusicRooftop Concertandpaytributetothe Beatles’laterworks.Theshow startsat7:30p.m.
TheDavisArtCenterwelcomesbacksomeofchamber music’smostvibrantplayers fromacrossthecountryfortwostellareveningsofincrediblemusic thisFebruary.OnFeb.23,theAmericanVirtuosiDinnerand ConcertwilloccuratTheLuminaryHotel&Co.,andFeb.25,the AmericanVirtuosiwillperformaconcertatTheSidney&Berne DavisArtCenter.
TheAmericanVirtuosiGalaattheLuminaryHotel&SilverKing OceanBrasserieruns5-9p.m.withticketsfortwoat$225,and ticketsforfourat$400.AmericanVirtuosiisanincredibleperformancebysomeofthemostcelebratedvirtuosomusiciansinthe genrecomingtogetherinFortMyers,anditinvitesaudiencesto takepartinanunforgettableintimateeveningofdeliciousdining followedbybreathtakingliveclassicalmusic.Ticketpurchase includesamulti-coursefinediningexperienceattheSilverKing OceanBrasserierestaurantlocatedattheLuminaryHotelanda specialchambermusicperformanceintheWorkshopCulinary Theatre.LuminaryHotelislocatedat2200EdwardsDriveinthe downtownRiverDistrict.
OnFeb.25,AmericanVirtuosiextendsitsperformancetothe GrandAtriumof theDavisArt Center.Doors openat6:30p.m. forthe7:30p.m. chamberconcert attheartcenter withticketsat $45.Theworld's leadingchamber musicianswilljoin executivedirector andviolistJim Griffith,descendingondowntown FortMyersfor anotherextraordinaryperformance,gatheringreturningfavorite artistsandnewworld-classmusicianstogethertotheintimate stageforaneveningofbreathtakingartistry.
TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterislocatedat2301First St.inthehistoricdowntownFortMyersRiverDistrict.Formore informationandticketstoanyoftheseevents,visit www.sbdac.comorcall239-333-1933.
M USIC AmericanVirtuosi-Feb.23&25 54-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine LeroyJones-Feb.10 TheMerseyBeatles-Feb.16&17 JohnMcEuen-Feb.4
GrandPianoSeries:
BySueWade
GrandPianoSeries’upcomingSpanish Rhapsodyshouldcomewithawarning label.
Spanish-influencedmusiccansosweep youupinitsrepetitiverhythmsandlush melodiesthatyoumightbetemptedto seizesomeoneanddance.
WhetherornottheywereSpanish themselves,composerssincethelate19th centuryhavereveledinSpanishinstrumentalcolorsandrhythms.Some,includingHungariancomposerFranzLiszt,fell underthemusic’sspellandcomposed theirownSpanishrhapsodiesasaresult.
It’snoaccidentthathalfofthisSpanish Rhapsodyistheworkofturn-of-the-20thcenturySpanishcomposer/pianistEnrique Granados.Hispieceswereoncedescribed as“agorgeoustreatforthefingers....One hasthevoluptuoussenseofpassingthe fingersthroughmassesofrichlycolored jewels."
Inthisprogram,presentedinpartnershipwithMichigan’srenownedGilmore PianoFestival,prize-winningGilmore YoungArtistandJuilliardSchoolpianist JaniceCarissa’sgiftedfingerswilldeliver therecital’sfirstGranadosgems.WhobetterthananIndonesianartistwho’sbeen
praisedforradiating“themulticolorhighlightsofamaturepianist”andhavinga “fleet-fingeredtouch”that“conveysavivid story”?
Meanwhile,NaplesGrandPianoSeries fanskeepaskingpresidentandartistic directorMilanaStrezevawhenthey’llgetto seeherperformagain.Thisistheirfirst chancethisseason.
Afterintermission,SpanishRhapsody stirsoperaticvoice,celloandStrezevaherselfintoanincandescentonstagemixof flamenco-drivensong.
Praisedbycriticsforher"technically fluid,dramaticallyconvincing,andsonically full-bodiedsupportivecollaborations," Strezevaalwayselectrifiesaudiences.
TheJuilliardSchoolgraduate,concert pianistandfoundingmemberoftheawardwinningManhattanPianoTrioexplained herloveofthechambermusicformatin whichsheagainfindsherself:“Chamber musichasbeenpartofmylifesinceIwas born.Mymomwasanoperasinger,and mydadwasaprincipalclarinetplayerat theMoldovaNationalOperaandBallet. WestartedperformingtogetherwhenIwas 11yearsold.
“It’ssoimportantinanygreatchamber musiccollaborationtohaveteamworkand
respectforoneanother.Notonlydoyou haveamazingplayers,youhavetotrust oneanotherdeeply.Youhavetobepresentinthemomentandlistentooneanother.That’swhatmakesthemagichappen.”
There’snoquestionthattherewillbe magicwhenArgentinianbelcantotenor SantiagoBallerinijoinsStrezevaonstage.
Ballerinihasbroughthistalentstothe CanadianOperaCompanyinToronto,the KennedyCenter,TeatroColóninBuenos AiresandtheOpéraComiqueinParis.
Thesensuouscelloalsolendsitselfto thetriple-noterhythmsthatwerecognize asSpanish.ContemporaryBillboardChartingcellistLauraMetcalfjoins StrezevaandBalleriniintheconcert’ssecondhalf.
Asought-afterchambermusicianand collaborator,whosemusichasbeen streamedover2milliontimesonSpotify, Metcalfisdrawntoprojectsthatpushthe boundariesdefiningclassicalchamber music.
SpanishRhapsodywillbepresentedat 7:30p.m.Feb.9atSt.LeoAuditorium, 28290BeaumontRoad,BonitaSprings. Ticketsmaybepurchasedonlineat www.grandpianoseries.orgorbycalling 469-333-3231.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-55 WEDNESDAY,FEB.1 TheAlterEagles THURSDAY,FEB.2 RollingStonesandCreedence FRIDAY,FEB.3 Aerosmith,BadCompany,Foreigner SATURDAY,FEB.4 MikeImbasciani:EricClapton,Blues SUNDAY,FEB.5 IrishSuperstarRonanTynan MONDAY,FEB.6 FabulousGirlsofMotown TUESDAY,FEB.7 NeilDiamond WEDNESDAY,FEB.8 JerseyBoys,LeslieGore THURSDAY,FEB.9 RodStewart,LindaRonstadt,EngelbertH. FRIDAY,FEB.10 Chicago,EarthWindFire,BloodSweatTears SATURDAY,FEB.11 Journey&Styx MONDAY,FEB.13 BestofABBAandMammaMia TUESDAY,FEB.14 TheAlterEagles WEDNESDAY,FEB.15 Temptations,FourTops THURSDAY,FEB.16 AbsoluteQueen FRIDAY,FEB.17 TheBeatles SATURDAY,FEB.18 FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks MONDAY,FEB.20 BillyJoel,Cher,BobSeger,LadyGaga TUESDAY,FEB.21 America,JamesT.,Simon&Garfunkel WEDNESDAY,FEB.22 BeeGees,CrosbyStillsNash&Young THURSDAY,FEB.23 RollingStonesandCreedence FRIDAY,FEB.24 MikeImbasciani:EricClapton,Blues SATURDAY,FEB.25 KC&SunshineBand,DiscoDivas SUNDAY,FEB.26 FabulousGirlsofMotown MONDAY,FEB.27 NeilDiamond TUESDAY,FEB.28 RatPack-Dean,FrankandSammy BestoftheBestTributeBands arePerformingatTHESTAGE Catering-Weddings-Events-PrivateParties stagebonita.com•thestageeventscenter.com THESTAGE 9144BonitaBeachRoadSE • SunshinePlaza • BonitaSprings • 239-405-8566 UPCOMINGTRIBUTESHOWSCHEDULE
SpanishRhapsodyFeb.9
MarshallTuckerBandheadlines EvergladesSeafoodFestival
TheFloridaStoneCrabbers Association(FLSCA)willkickoffits53rd annualEvergladesSeafoodFestivalon Feb.17outsideEvergladesCityHall, includinganopeningceremonyandafireworksdisplay.
Thefestivalwillcontinuethroughthe weekend,wrappingupat6p.m.on Sunday,Feb.19.Tensofthousandsof peoplefromallovertheworldflocktothis smalltowneachyeartopartakeinthe festivities.
Attendeesenjoylivemusic,creative worksfromlocalartists,delicious seafood,coldbeverages,andcarnival rides.
Headliningthisyear’sfestivalwillbe theMarshallTuckerBand.TheywillperformSaturday,Feb.18at6:45p.m.
TheMarshallTuckerBandcame togetherasayoung,hungrysix-piece groupinSpartanburg,S.C.in1972,namingthebandforablindpianotunerafter theyfounditinscribedonakeytotheir originalrehearsalspace.Theband’s40plus-yearsmusiccatalogconsistsofmore than20studioalbumsandascoreoflive releasesandhasrackedupmulti-platinum albumsalesmanytimesover.MTB’s indeliblehitsincludetheheartfeltsingalong“HeardItinaLoveSong,”theinsis-
tentpleadingof“Can’tYouSee,”thetestifyingtraveloguewarningof“Fireonthe Mountain,”thewanderlustgallopof“Long HardRide,”andtheunquenchableyearningpitchof“Ramblin’,”tonamebutafew.
TheMarshallTuckerBandmembers includeoriginalleadvocalistandbandleaderDougGray,drummerB.B.Borden, bassist/vocalistRyanWare,keyboardistsaxophonist-flautist-vocalistMarcus JamesHenderson,guitarist-vocalistChris Hicksandguitarist-vocalistRickWillis.
TheseafoodfestivalisanannualcharityeventbenefitingtheEvergladesCity community.Thisyear,thefestival’ssuccessiskey,asmanyresidentsarestill gettingbackontheirfeetafterHurricane Ian.“Homesandbusinesseswereflooded forthesecondtimeinfiveyears–firstby HurricaneIrma,thenHurricaneIan,”said festivalcoordinatorHollyDudley. “Familiesweredisplaced,andbusinesses workedhardtoreopen,butwearebouncingbackquickly.Fundsfromour2023 festivalwillhelpthevictimsandcommercialfishermenrebuild.”
Fridaynightadmissionisfreeforall ages.SaturdayandSundayadmissionis a$5minimumdonationforadults. ChildrenandresidentsofEvergladesCity, ChokoloskeeandCopelandcanreceive
freeadmissiononalldays.Beverageand carnivalrideticketswillbecashonly,and therewillbeATMsonsite.
EvergladesSeafoodFestivalhoursare Friday4:30–10p.m.,Saturday10a.m.–10p.m.andSunday10a.m.–6p.m.
Friday’smusicincludesLostRodeo, RadioRoad,CharliePace,LeeBrovitz andWintersBrothers.Saturday’slineup hasGatorNate,JoePrestige,Florida Straights,SamLowe,RockRepublic, CharliePaceandRoxxRevolt.Sunday’s musicscheduleincludesJordanGuess, GatorNate,WesShipp,WheyJennings andWardDavis.
Formorethan50yearstheEverglades SeafoodFestivalhasbeenessentialin generatingincometoimproveitscommunityandhelpitsresidents.Thehost, FLSCA,isanon-profitorganizationfoundedMay2020tohelpunitestonecrabfishermenandadvocatefortheirbestinterests.EvergladesCityisamajorproducer ofstonecrabclawsanditisthefestival’s missiontosupportourlocalfishermenand thelocalcommunitiesthatkeepthese hard-workingpeopleinbusiness.
Formoreinformationaboutthe2023 EvergladesSeafoodFestival,visit www.EvergladesSeafoodFestival2023.com
M USIC 56-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
TheMarshallTuckerBandwillperformSaturday,Feb.18atEvergladesSeafoodFestival.
Rock,classicalmusicatTribbyArtsCenter
TribbyArtsCenteratShell PointinFortMyershasa greatselectionofmusic plannedinFebruary.
HotelCalifornia–The OriginalEaglesTributeBand, willperformapairof7p.m. showsonWednesday,Feb.1 andThursday,Feb.2.For
overthreedecades,theband hasbeenrecreatingthelegendarysoundofTheEagles andthrillingaudiencesall overtheworld.Ticketsare availablefor$55.
TheHermitagePianoTrio willtakeTribby’sConnie BrownHallstageat7p.m.on
Thursday,Feb.23.With animmenserepertoire rangingfromtheworksof Europeantraditiontomore contemporaryAmerican pieces,theU.S.-based grouphassolidifiedits placeasoneoftheworld’s leadingpianotrios,garneringmultipleGrammy Awardnominationsand receivingbothaudience
andpressaccoladesfor theirperformances. Ticketsareavailablefor $50.
Visitonlineat TribbyArtsCenter.comto purchaseticketsorcallthe TribbyBoxOfficeat239415-5667.TheTribbyArts Centerislocatedat17281 OnParBlvd.inFort Myers.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-57 HotelCalifroniaTheOriginalEaglesTribute-Feb.1&2 CharlotteHarborEventCenter 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda February15 at7:30p.m. TicketsatCharlotteHarborECC.comorTicketmaster.com #1TributetoABBArecreatesthemagicandnostalgiaofABBA inacostumed,choreographed,audienceinteractiveexperience. Forinfo&tourdates,pleasevisitwww.AlmostABBA.com
HermitagePianoTrio-Feb.23
SingOutfestivalFeb.3&4
Celebratemusicandthechoralartswith ChoralArtistryinforthe2023SingOut!SWFL CommunityChoralFestival.
“Wehopeyou’lljoinusasweturnthe pageonthedevastatingeventsof2022and celebratetheresilienceofourcommunitywith musicinourownuniqueway,”saysPatricia Rice,presidentofChoralArtistry’sBoard.
OnFeb.3and4,lendyourvoicetothe “LetFreedomSing”Chorusastheycelebrate BlackHistoryMonthatthearea’sonlyannual CommunityChoralFestival,SingOut!SWFL atFirstAssemblyMinistries(Colonial Boulevard&SummerlinRoad)inFortMyers.
Dr,TrentBrown
Boththeworkshopsandtheconcludingconcertwillbeled byinternationallyacclaimedcomposer/conductorDr.Rollo DilworthfromTempleUniversityinPhiladelphia.Registerasa singerforthethreeworkshopsessionsbeginningFriday,Feb 3at6:30p.m.(noauditionrequired)orlendyourearson
Saturdayeveningtoenjoytherousingandfreefestival concertat7p.m.
“Thisisarareopportunityforlocal/regionalsingers andeducatorstoworkwithandlearnfromatalented expertinthegenreofBlackchoralmusic,”explained ChoralArtistry’sartisticdirectorDr.TrentBrown.“Iknow itwillbeauniqueandspecialexperienceforallwhoparticipate,andespeciallyforthosewhoregistertosingin thefestivalchorus,”Dr.Brownadded.
Andthisisonlythebeginningofthegroup’sexciting spring2023events.There’smore….Vivaldi’sGloriawith orchestrainMarchatMooringsPresbyterianinNaples, andacollaborationwithFGCU’sOrchestra&Chorusesin AprilfeaturingthePoulencGloriaandBernstein’sChichester Psalms.
FormoreinformationandticketsforChoralArtistryevents andfestivalparticipation,visitonlineatChoralArtistry.org/performances,email:Contact@ChoralArtistry.orgorcall 239-560-5695.
HeyTonight-Feb.19
ABBARevisited-Feb.28 DwightIcenhower-Feb.5
TributestoElvis,CreedenceandABBAinLaBelle
TheVenueatMudgeRanchinLaBelle kicksoffanothermonthoftributesonFeb. 5withDwightIcenhower:ATributetoElvis Presley.Dinner(fromSassyBasskets) startsat5p.m.,andtheshowisat6p.m.
OnFeb.19,TheVenueatMudge RanchwelcomesHeyTonight,a CreedenceClearwaterRevivaltribute show.Dinner(fromMissionBBQ)startsat 5pm.,andtheshowstartsat6p.m.
ABBARevisited:ATributetoABBAhits thestageFeb.28.Dinner(fromSassy Basskets)startsat6p.m.andtheshow startsat7p.m.
UsepromocodeH-3andsave$3off yourtickettotheFebruaryshows.
Nomatterwhatyourpreference,you’ll alwaysbeabletoenjoyafunshowina fantasticsetting–TheVenueatMudge Ranch.It’stheperfectplacetokickbackin
TheGrandPianoSeriespresents TabeaDebus&AdamCockerhamFeb.26 at3p.m.atTrinitybytheCove,553 GalleonDriveinNaples. TabeaandAdamexplorehowtunes anddanceswormedtheirwayintomany aspectsofmusic-makinginseventeenth-
andeighteenth-centuryEurope–and,in traversingthecenturies,contemporary compositionstestifytotheearworm’s securedplaceinmodernlife.
Travelthroughtimeintotheinfancyof WesternClassicalMusicwithethereal sonoritiesoftheRecorderandArchlute.
arusticbarnwithacasualfeelinabeautifulsetting. Othershowsonthescheduleincludea BeachBoystributeonMarch5,Orange BlossomOpryBandonMarch15,a FleetwoodMactributeonMarch20anda KennyRogerstributeonApril2.TheVenue atMudgeRanchislocatedat1323Loblolly BayRoadSWinLaBelle.Forticketsand info,visitonlineatlabelleentertainment.com
Theworld'sleadingartistsspecializingin theserareinstrumentswilltakeusonan unforgettablemusicaljourneyspanning 500years.
Forticketsandmoreinformation,call 469-333-3231orvisitwww.grandpianoseries.com
M USIC
58-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
TabeaDebus,AdamCockermanperformFeb.26inNaples
GreekFestFeb.17-19
JointhefunonFeb. 17–19atthe48th AnnualFortMyers GreekFest. Festivalhourswill beFridayand Saturdayfrom11a.m. to11p.m.andSunday from11a.m.to7p.m. forallofthemouthwateringGreekfood theGreekFestis knownfor.
TasteallthegoodiesYiayia(Grandma) usedtomake. Appetizers,sandwiches,dinners,anddesserts.Gyros, Spanakopita,Baklavaandsomuch more.Vegetarianitemswillalsobe available.StopbyonFridayand comeback-they’reopenallweekend long.
Organizersarethrilledtobring backourwonderfulmarketplace,carnivalridesandamazingauthentic Greekdancegroups.Theyhaveitall.
Parkingisfreeandkidsunder12 areadmittedfree.A$5adultticket allowsthree-dayadmission. AnnunciationGreekOrthodox ChurchhasbeenapartofLee Countyformanyyearsservingover 235families.Forover48years,our parishhasentertainedLeeCounty withagloriousdisplayofthesights, soundsandtastesofGreece. Familieshavebeencomingto8210
CypressLakeDrive formanyreasons-No matterthereason, theyalwaysexperiencethewarmthand generositythathave beenthehallmarksof theGreekculture.
Thisfestivalhelps thecommunitytofund themultipleministries thatserveourcommunity–fromyouth groupstophilanthropic organizations.
Theweekendends withthehuge50/50 cashraffle.Drawingwillbeheldon Sunday,Feb.19.Ticketsare$25 eachandonly2,000ticketswillbe sold.(50/50withthemaximumpayout being$25,000).
Formoreinformation,topurchase yourticketorplaceyourto-goorder, callthechurchofficeat239-481-2099 ororderonlineatwww.greekfestfortmyers.com
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-59 We’rebackfor the2023season! Randy &Brad Classic&ContemporaryRockfromthe ‘60stoToday...withaSongListforAllAges! Seeyouatashow! 1/27SeasideBar&Grill-BonitaSprings-7pm 1/28CapeCabaret-CapeCoral-6pm 2/2Dogtooth,Naples-6pm 2/4Private 2/7Private 2/10TheCenterBar-BonitaSprings-7pm 2/16Nau ParrotOasis-FortMyers-6pm 2/18CapeCabaret-CapeCoral-5pm 2/23TheCenterBar-BonitaSprings-6pm 2/25Private Moredatestocome. www.RandyBradDuo.com
GulfCoastSymphony attheMusic&Arts CommunityCenter
BeauxArtsChamberEnsemblePianoTrio
GulfCoastsymphonypresentsSundayNightChamberMusic:BeauxArts ChamberEnsemblePianoTrioFeb.19at7p.m.attheMusic&Arts CommunityCenterinFortMyers.
MembersoftheBeauxArts ChamberEnsemblepresenta profoundandexcitingconcert ofpianotrios.Anchoredonthe greatpianotrioinCminorby Mendelssohn,theprogramwill alsoincludeworksbythe SpanishcomposerJoaquín Turina,aswellasthe“Gypsy” triobyHaydn.Fromthegreat pioneerofthepianotrio,tothe poetryofaRomanticgiant,to theirresistibleflavorof Spanishmusic,thiseveningis certaintoinspire.Pianist CatherineLanwillbejoinedby violinistHuifangChenandcellistClaudioJaffe.Theseveteranartistswillbring themusictolifethroughtheirpassion,dynamism,andvirtuosity.Program includesHaydnPianoTrioNo.39,TurinaPianoTrioNo.2,MendelssohnPiano TrioNo.2.
TheMusic&ArtsCommunityCenterislocatedat13411ShireLane,Fort Myers(justoffDanielsParkway).Ticketsare$30.
GulfCoastChamberOrchestra andFortMyersMastersingers
TheGulfCoast Symphony&Fort MyersSymphonic Mastersingers presentGulfCoast Chamber Orchestra:Vivaldi GloriaFeb.11at 7:30p.m.atthe Music&Arts CommunityCenter inFortMyers.
Comeand experiencethepowerofaliveorchestra.TheGulfCoastChamberOrchestra& FortMyersSymphonicMastersingersarepleasedtopresentthesetwomagnificentworksbyVivaldiandMozartinanexcitingeveningofmusicthatwilltake youonajourneythroughtimeandleaveyouwithanindeliblememory.Vivaldi’s Gloriaisoneofsacredmusic’smostupliftingchoralworks–apieceofhigh dramaandhiddenperformers.MozartSymphonyNo.41,knownasthe “Jupiter”becauseitisthelongestandmostcomplexofhissymphonies.
Music&ArtsCommunityCenterislocatedat13411ShireLane,FortMyers. Ticketsare$35-$41.Fortickets,call239-277-1700oronlineat GulfCoastSymphony.org
Jazz:LailaBiali
JointheGulfCoastSymphonyandGulfCoast JazzCollectiveonFeb.9at7p.m.whenLailaBiali performsattheMusic&ArtsCommunityCenterin FortMyers.
LailaBialiisamultiaward-winningCanadian singer-songwriterandpianist.Shehasperformed withChrisBotti&Sting.LailahasheadlinedfestivalsandvenuesspanningfivecontinentsfromNew YorkCity’sCarnegieHalltoBeijing’sNational CentreforthePerformingArts.
In2020,LailawashonoredbySocietyof Composers,AuthorsandMusicPublishersof CanadawiththeHagoodHardyAwardfor ExcellenceinSongwriting.In2018herself-titled albumwonaJUNOaward(Canada’sGrammy)for “VocalJazzAlbumoftheYear.”
Laila’smusicisjoyful,emotional,intense,moving,fun,andeverythinginbetween.It’llmakeyou wanttogetupanddance,andthenmakeyoucry–maybeinthesametune.AlsojoiningtheGulfCoast JazzCollectiveforthisshowisJamesSuggson trumpet.
Foundedin2021,theGulfCoastJazzCollective bringsthebestofliveJazzperformanceto SouthwestFlorida.Undertheartisticdirectionof drummer,educator,composer&arrangerPaul Gavin,theJazzCollectiveinvitesthebestartists fromthecountrytocollaborateinconcertsthatspan theentiregenreofjazz.
Music&ArtsCommunityCenterislocatedat 13411ShireLaneinFortMyers.Ticketsare$38$44.Forticketsandmoreinfo,call239-277-1700or onlineatGulfCoastSymphony.org
M USIC
60-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
LailaBiali
TheBarberofSevilleFeb.19-26
NowInitsninthseason, GulfshoreOperahasengageda residentquartettoperformcommunityconcertsinFebruaryand willbringinnationallyrecognized singingactorsforleadrolesinthe twofullystagedproductions.
Recognizedastheonlytouring operacompanyinFlorida,GO plansatotalof40performances at20differentvenuestoserve residentsandvisitorsinPunta Gorda,FortMyers,Estero,Bonita Springs,NaplesandMarcoIsland. Theseasonfinaleproduction,Don Giovanni,willopenattheBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHallonApril21andconcludeatArtis-NaplesonApril30withthe NaplesPhilharmonicorchestraatboth locationsconductedbynewlyappointed musicdirector,MaestroJorgeParodi.
InFebruary,thecompanywillpresent thefirstoftwofullscaleproductions-The BarberofSevillebyGioachinoRossini whichwilltourthreecountiesFeb.19-26.
ThisclassiccomedywithaplayfulenergythatspringsfromRossini’sexuberant musicwillbepresentedinawhimsicalnew productioninspiredbytheartofAntoni Gaudi.ReturningstagedirectorJoshShaw (LaBohemeandBat’sRevenge)issureto makeyoulaughwithahilariousoriginal productionthatincludescolorfulcostumes, sets,andchamberorchestraconductedby MaestroJorgeParodi.Englishsurtitlesare provided.ItwilltourCharlotte,Leeand CollierCountyendingattheSilverspot CinemainNaplesFebruary26thwitha Flamencopartyfollowingtheperformance.
PrincipalartistsincludeStephanie Dochewhomakesherroledebutas RosinainBarberofSevillewithGO.Sheis amongtoday’srisingstarmezzosopranos. Praisedforher“distinctivelowervoice” (OperaNews)“richlycoloredmezzo”
(SouthFloridaClassicalReview)and “explosivelyelegant”stagepresence (MemphisFlyer),sheisknownasasinging actressofoutstandingtechnicalandinterpretiveskill,Ms.Dochehasstarredinleadingrolesnationwide,distinguishingherself indiversestylesandrepertoire.
InternationaltenorMinghoaLiuwillbe featuredintheroleofCountAmavivainthe BarberofSeville.Heisaspecialistin Rossinirepertoire,hailedforhiseasyand powerfulhighnotesandwell-polishedbel cantovocallines.BorninChina,hetrained intheUkrainepriortothe2014Russian invasionwhenhefledtoItalywherehe apprenticedattheRossiniFestivalin Pesaro.HehassinceperformedextensivelyinItalyandisjustbeginningtoperformin theUnitedStates.
InthetitleroleisJakeStamatis,baritone,whomakeshisroledebutasFigaro inTheBarberofSevillewithGO.Known forhisquick,kind,andlovabledemeanor, Jakehascharmedaudiencesacrossthe countryinsuchrolesasPapagenoinDie Zauberflöte,FigaroinLeNozzediFigaro andLeporelloinDonGiovanni.
TheBarberofSevillewillbepresented Feb.19atVineyardatLambofGod ChurchinEstero,Feb.23atCharlotte PerformingArtsCenterinPuntaGordaand
Feb.26atSilverspotCinema Theater#12inNaples.
Theseason9finalegrand operaproductionisDon Giovanni.Mozart’sdarkcomedy, setin18thcenturySpain,is knownasoneofthegreatest operasofalltime.Basedonthe SpanishlegendofDonJuan,this philanderingheroblazesapath tohisowndestructioninasingle day!Giovanni’sconquests includethemayor'sdaughter,a formerloverwhoisonthe warpathtobringhimtojustice,andapeasantgirlontheeveofherwedding.
Eventually,theyallbandtogetherandDon Giovannicannotescapetheconsequences ofhisunrepentantsins.Thecompanyplans afullscaletraditionalproductionwithoriginalsetsandelegantcostumes,largechorusandNaplesPhilharmonicOrchestra.
BaritoneLuisOrozcoisfeaturedinthe titlerole.Arisingstarwithabuddinginternationalcareer,thisexcitingartistmadehis MetropolitanOperadebutlastyearasthe PrimeMinisterinCinderellaandreturnsto theMetropolitanOperaasaFlemish DeputyinDonCarlosthisseason.Luis alsomadehisFrenchdebutwithOpera NationaldeLyonsingingPayadorinMaria deBuenosAires.Otherrenownedsoloists includeInternationallyacclaimedMexicanbornCésarDelgadowhohasbeenpraised forhis“generous,lustroustenor”and“committed,energeticacting”byOperaNews. Delgadohasbeensteadilybuildingan activecareerthatfindshimregularlyonthe US,GermanandMexicanmusicalscenes. ExperiencethisclassicoperaatBarbaraB MannPerformingArtsHallonApril21and Artis—NaplesonApril30.
Formoreinformationandtickets,visit www.gulfshoreopera.orgorcallGO Headquartersat239-529-3925.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-61 GULFSHOREOPERA
BillMetts-Feb.5
Jazz,bluegrassandPatchoulistart themonthatAlliancefortheArts
BenRosenblumFeb.1
BenRosenblum,theinternationallytouring,multi-instrumentalisthasbeen describedasatalentnottobemissed. Rosenblumcombineshismodern,melodic sensibilitywithhisbroadknowledgeofa varietyofmusicallineagesfromthepast onehundredyears.
Drawnfromaneclecticrepertoirewhich includesselectionsfromthejazzandpopularmusictraditions,aswellasglobalmusic influencesfromSouthAmerica,Eastern Europe,IrelandandtheCaribbean.The bandneverrepeatsthesameprogram twiceinarow-everyeveningisaunique experienceshapedbytheaudienceand thesetting.FouldsTheatreattheAlliance fortheArtsinFortMyerswillbetheperfect venueforAnIntimateNightofJazz.
TheconcertissetforWednesday,Feb. 1withdoorsopeningat6p.m.andBen takingthestageat7p.m.Ticketsare$25.
PatchouliFeb.4
LivemusiccontinuesattheAlliancefor theArts,andwhatbetterbackdropfora performancethanthegorgeousFlorida sky?Patchouliisanaward-winningfolkfestivalheadlinerandPublicRadiofavorite withpure,sparklingleadvocalsandbeautifulharmonies.Reserveyourticketsnowfor Saturday,Feb.4at7p.m.
“TheLandscapeofGuitar”isagroundbreakingartandmusicproduction. Animatedpaintingsaresungtolifeasguitarbirdsflyoverrollingguitarriversand vividguitarworldsinstunningHD.
Patchouliiswellknownfortheirtranscendentvocalchemistryandthat’snotall folks.Theyaremulti-disciplinarymultiinstrumentalists.Anextraordinarybondis immediatelyapparentastwoguitarsmerge intooneacousticwallofsoundandtheir innovative,percussiveflat-pickingand hybridfingerstyletechniquesleaveeven
Patchouli-Feb.4
astutelistenerswonderingwherethedrummeris.
Pre-saleseatingislimitedto132andis firstcome,firstserve.
BillMetts,BearHillBluegrassFeb.5
Joinfellowmusicloversforanotherof thepopularoutdoorbluegrassconcerts onSunday,Feb.5attheAllianceforthe Arts,10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.
TheconcertwillbeheldontheGreen MarketStage.Gatesopenat2p.m.with BillMettsplayingat3p.m.,andBearHill Bluegrasstakesthestageat4p.m. Chairsandcoolersarepermitted.
TheseriescontinuesMarch5with performancesbyScatteredGrassand Hwy41S.Bluegrassticketsare$15for members,$16fornon-members.
Formoreinformation,call239-939-2787 orvisitwww.ArtInLee.org.
BonitaSpringsConcertBandFeb.19
TheBonitaSpringsConcert Bandwillpresentitsnextfree concertonSunday,Feb.19at 2p.m.atRiversideParkin DowntownOldBonitaSprings. Thebandwillbeplaying “Somewhere”byLeonard Bernstein,“ColePorteron Broadway,”aswellas“The GoldenAgeofBroadway,”with CarolannVanderMeersinging yourfavorites.
Carolannisaprofessional singer,actressandvocaltechnician/coach.Shehasbeenseenallover theUnitedStatesasMarianinthefirst nationaltourofTheMusicManandinternationallyasMariaintheEuropeanand AsiantoursofWestSideStory.
Favoritecreditsinclude
HighSociety(TracyLord) atTheatreZone,Les Miserables(Cosette)at FlatRockPlayhouse, BeautyandtheBeast (Belle)atArtpark, SweeneyTodd(Johanna) andWestSideStory (Maria)atSacramento MusicCircus,ALittleNight Music(Anne)atSouth CoastRepertory,Encore’s No,NoNanetteatNew YorkCityCenter,ThoroughlyModern Millie(MissDorothy)atTheCape Playhouse,Urinetown(Hope)attheGeva Theatre,Barnum(JennyLind)at WestchesterBroadway,andFiddleron
theRoof(Hodel)attheFultonTheatre. Carolannisanadjunctvoiceprofessorat FloridaGulfCoastUniversityandcurrentlysplitshertimebetweenNYCandSW Florida.
Bandmembersareunderthedirection ofGarySmithwhoretiredafter24years asconductoroftheUniversityofIllinois MarchingIlliniBandandSymphonicBand. Thisisthe9thseasonthatGaryhasled theband.Garysays“thetalentofthese musiciansistremendous,ranginginage from16to80.”
Becomea“FriendoftheBand.”Find outmoreatwww.bonitaspringsconcertband.org.TheconcertwillalsobeavailablestreamedonFacebook https://www.facebook.com/bonitaspringsconcertband
M USIC
62-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
BenRosenblum-Feb.1
CarolannVanderMeer
AlmostABBA,SheeGeesinPuntaGorda
Putonyourdancingshoesand stepbackintimewithAlmostABBA Feb.15at7:30p.m.attheCharlotte HarborEventandConferenceCenter inPuntaGorda.
AlmostABBA-#1tributetoABBA recreatesthemagicandnostalgiaof ABBAinacostumed,choreographed audienceinteractiveexperience. TheyhaveperformedfortheU.S. military,NBC,Universalandthe releaseofMammaMia!AlmostABBA haveperformedforaudiencesas largeas50,000andwererecently askedtoopenforCheronher"Here
WeGoAgain"tourofAustralia.
AlmostABBAwillbejoinedby specialguestsTheSheeGees, Florida'sfemale-frontedtributetothe BeeGees.TheywillperformBee Geeshitsongs,including"Stayin' Alive,""YouShouldBeDancing," "NightFever,""HowDeepisYour Love"andmore.
Theeventcenterislocatedat75 TaylorSt.indowntownPuntaGorda.
Forticketsandinfo,call941-8335444oronlineat www.ticketmaster.comorwww.charlotteharborecc.com.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-63
TheatreZone: TheMerseyBeatles,JohnO’Hurley
TheatreZonekickedoffitslineupoffour livemusicalconcertsinJanuaryandthey continueinFebruary.
“Thisseason’sconcertseriesfeatures musicalhomagestoJamesTaylor,The Beatles,BillyJoel,andEltonJohn,and alsofeaturestheconsummateJohn O’Hurley,thefamedcomedian,actor,song anddanceman,andoneofAmerica’sgreat storytellers,”commentedTheatreZone’s foundingartisticdirectorMarkDanni.
TheMerseyBeatles:FromtheCavern totheRooftopwillbepresentedFeb.21at 4and7:30p.m.
TheladsfromLiverpooland TheatreZonefanfavorites,TheMersey Beatlesreturnin2023fortheirfourth TheatreZoneconcert.TheMerseyBeatles weretheresidentBeatlestributebandat theworld-famousCaverninLiverpool between2002and2012.Thebandcovers Beatlesmusicfromtheearlysixtiestothe finalliveperformanceontheroofofthe AppleMusicbuildinginLondon.Theirconcertsfeaturetheauthenticlookandsound oftheBeatleswithsongsthatareirresistiblesing-alongs.
Theyhavetakentheirunmistakable “MerseyBeat”tosold-outaudiences throughouttheworld.MarkBloor(John), StevenHoward(Paul),BrianAmbrose (Ringo),andCraigMcGown(George)are lifelongLiverpool-bornmatesanddie-hard Beatlesfans.Everysongintheirconcertis acelebrationofthebestpopmusicever andincludesthe“MopTop”hitsof Beatlemania,thepsychedeliccreativityof Sgt.Pepperandthemelodicwonderofthe FabFour’slaterworks.
JohnO’Hurley:AManwithStandards willbeonstageFeb.23and24at7:30 p.m.
Famedcomedian,actor,songand danceman,andoneofAmerica’sgreatstorytellers,JohnO’Hurleyhascatapultedinto oneoftelevision’sbusiestandmostversatileactors,BroadwaystarandNewYork Timesbest-sellingauthor.Heiscelebrated forhiswryandwittyportrayalofJ. Petermanon“Seinfeld,”whichisnowthe number-onesyndicatedshowintheworld. Hisworkon“Seinfeld”earnedhima ScreenActorsGuildAward.
O’Hurleyisalsowell-knownasthehost oftheannualNationalDogShowand asaPeoplemagazine“SexiestMan Alive.”HecapturedAmerica’sheart withhisturnonseasononeof “DancingwiththeStars,”wherehe officiallywontheABCserieswiththe highlycompetitive“DanceOff.“Inhis one-manshow,O’Hurleyperforms musicfromthebigbanderaand regalesaudienceswithstoriesfrom hischildhoodandillustriouscareer.A ManwithStandardspacksNewYork theatresandwasnominatedfor“Best CelebrityShow”byBroadwayWorld. O’Hurleypromises“greatmusic,
JohnOʼHurley
laughterandonetear.”
ATributetoBilly&Elton:TheHits, StarringPhilThompsonwillbepresented March13and14.Followingsold-outprivateengagementsinNaples,pianistand vocalistPhilThompsonwillmakehis NaplespublicdebutatTheatreZoneinBilly &Elton:TheHits.Heisaninternationally acclaimedentertainerwhoperformsat majorentertainmentvenuesthroughoutthe world.Thompson’stributetoBillyJoeland EltonJohnreflectshislifelongloveforthe twomegastars.Heweavesstoriesoftheir careerswithperformancesoffavoritessuch as“Bennie&TheJets,”“YourSong,”“My Life,”“Movin’Out,”“Daniel,”“NewYork StateofMind,”andofcourse,“PianoMan.”
TheatreZoneislocatedinNaplesat 13275LivingstonRoad,betweenPine RidgeandVanderbiltBeachRoads,ina dedicatedbuildingnestledwithinthecampusoftheCommunitySchoolofNaples.
Fortickets,visitwww.Theatre.Zoneor calltheboxofficeat888-966-3352,ext.1.
LeeCountyCommunityBandplaysFeb.5
LeeCountyCommunityBand willpresent“Lovers’Festival”on Feb.5.
Prepareforanafternoonof romance,showtunes,incredible vocals,androusingmarchesas theLeeCountyCommunityBand presentsLovers’Festival.The concertissetfor3p.m.atCape CoralHighSchool.
UnderthedirectionofRichard Bradstreet,thebandwillperform Sousa’sSoundOffMarch;The MagicofAndrewLloydWebber, includingthesongsSuperstar, Memory,andPhantomofthe Opera;HarlemNocturne,Big BandsinConcert,Bugler’sHoliday;andvocalswithJanFennand
FredLamb.
ThebandperformssixconcertsbetweenNovemberand April;alltakeplaceatCapeCoral HighSchool,2300SantaBarbara Blvd.Theconcertsarefree(donationswelcome)andopentothe public.
Additionalconcertdatesare March12andApril23.
AlegendinSouthwestFlorida, the60-memberadultbandiscomprisedofcareerandamateur musiciansandwelcomesnew membersveryyear.Personsinterestedinjoiningmayphone FrancesPaceat239-691-3115.
Foradditionalinformation,visitwww.leecountyband.org
M USIC 64-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
TheMerseyBeatles
JazzontheLawninNaples
Feb.26featuresWycliffeGordon
Award-winningjazztrombonist WycliffeGordonisthefeaturedartistat JazzontheLawnSunday,Feb.26at ParadiseCoastSportsComplex,3940 CityGateBlvd.N.,Naples.
VIPtickets,whichincludeabuffetdinner,twodrinksandaccesstoapremium seatingarea$100.Generaladmissionis $45.Allticketholdersneedtobringtheir ownchairs.Foodandbeverageswillbe availableforpurchase.Ticketsareon salenowthroughtheFriendsofthe CollierCountyMuseumsat www.foccm.org.Theeventruns3to6 p.m.
OrganizedbytheFriendsoftheCollier CountyMuseums,thispremiereeventwill benefitTheBlackHistoryBaggageCar
ProjectattheNaplesDepotMuseum. Sponsorshipsareavailable.Contact info@FOCCM.orgorcall248-866-4364 forsponsorshipinformation.
TheBlackHistoryBaggageCar ExhibitatNaplesDepot,aCollierCounty Museum,locatedat5thAvenueSouth and10thStreetindowntownNaples,will tellthestoriesofAfricanAmericans whosecontributionswereessentialtothe developmentofCollierCounty,inthevery sameneighborhoodsthatmanyof Naples’blackfamilieshavecalledhome formorethanacentury.
Purchaseyourticketstodaytobea partofCollierCounty’sCentennial Celebrationbysupportingandpreserving thisimportantpieceoflocalhistory.
SanibelMusicFestivalwelcomesEmersonStringQuartet
OnSaturday,March4, thehighlyacclaimed EmersonStringQuartetwill performattheSanibelMusic Festival.“Followingmany visitshereoverthepastfour decades,TheEmerson StringQuartetpresentstheir grandfinaleconcerton Sanibel,”saidJanaStone, presidentofSanibelMusic Festival.“Wearehonoredto bepartoftheirfinaltour. Theensemblewillretirein thefallof2023.”
EmersonStringQuartet’s unparalleledlistofachievementsspanningfour decadesincludesmorethan thirtyrenownedrecordings, nineGrammys(including twofortheBestClassical Album),threeGramophone Awards,theAveryFisher Prize,andMusicalAmerica’s EnsembleoftheYear.TheywereinductedintotheClassical MusicHallofFamein2010.In2015,theEmersonreceived TheRichardJ.BogomolnyNationalServiceAward,thehighest awardinclassicalchambermusic.
Ticketsareonsalenowatwww.SanibelMusicFestival.org; in-persononSanibelatBankoftheIslands,1699Periwinkle Way(checkandcashonly);orbyphoneat239-344-7025.The concertisMarch4at7:30pmattheFestival’stemporary venue,PeaceLutheranChurch,15840McGregorBlvd,Fort Myers.“WearegratefulthatPeaceLutheranChurch,lessthan fivemilesfromtheSanibelcauseway,haswelcomedusto
presentourselectedseasonin 2023,”continuedStone. “PeaceLutheranofferstheintimatespace,excellent acoustics,andeasyaccessibilitythatwevalue.”
TheEmersonStringQuartet programbeginswiththe BeethovenSQOp.59#2followedbyintermissionandthe SchubertSQinGMajor.
ThroughoutMarch,Sanibel MusicFestivalpresentsa seriesofrenownedartists, includingCalidoreString QuartetonMarch11and LysanderPianoTrioonMarch 18.Backbypopulardemand, theOperaTheaterof ConnecticutwillperformLerner andLoewehitsfrom Brigadoon,Camelot,MyFair Lady,andotherswithboth matineeandeveningperformancesonMarch21.ThehighlyacclaimedandentertainingNewYorkBrassArtsTriowill returnMarch28.TheseasoncloseswiththepopularFGCU BowerSchoolofMusicChamberStringsperformingaspartof theEmergingArtistsSeriesonApril4.Alleveningperformancesareat7:30p.m.Thematineeisat2pm.
TheSanibelMusicFestival,celebratingits36thseason, presentsworldrenownedartistsduringthemonthofMarch. Incorporatedin1987asanon-for-profitorganization,itsmissionistopresentclassicalmusicofthehigheststandardat affordablepricesandtopromotethecareersofyoungartists throughperformanceopportunities.
arePaulWatkins,cello;EugeneDrucker,violin;PhilipSetzer,violin; andLawrenceDutton,viola. HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-65
ClassicalMusicHallofFamemembers,theEmersonStringQuartet,
WycliffeGordon
JAN27-28
Caloosahatchee
CelticFestival CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers
FEB2
ClayWalker SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
FEB3
Tony!Toni!Tone! SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
FEB4
TobyMac HertzArena,Estero
WarrenZeiders TheRanch,FortMyers
MollyHatchet TwistedFork,PortCharlotte
FEB9
ScottyMcCreery BBMannHall,FortMyers
TheMollyRingwalds CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers
FEB11
DemunJones &DustyLeigh TheRanch,FortMyers
FEB14
TheTemptations &TheFourTops SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
FEB18
RiseAgainst TheRanch,FortMyers
MarshallTuckerBand EvergladesSeafoodFestival
FEB25 Trapt TheRanch,FortMyers FEB26 TheBeachBoys Artis–Naples
WycliffeGordon ParadiseCoastSports Complex,Naples MAR3 TracyLawrence TheRanch,FortMyers
MAR13
GordonLightfoot BBMannHall,FortMyers
TheTexasTenors SeminoleCasino,Immokalee MAR4 KoeWetzel HertzArena,Estero MAR8 CheapTrick BBMannHall,FortMyers MAR10 CreedFisher TheRanch,FortMyers MAR12 RighteousBrothers BBMannHall,FortMyers
MAR17 PriscillaBlock TheRanch,FortMyers MAR18 KC&TheSunshine Band,EvelynKing SeminoleCasino,Immokalee MAR20 Pitbull HertzArena,Estero MAR25 MattStell TheRanch,FortMyers WillyChirinoand TitoPuenteJr. SeminoleCasino,Immokalee MAR28 TheGuessWho BBMannHall,FortMyers APR1 RickySkaggs SeminoleCasino,Immokalee CooperAlan TheRanch,FortMyers APR13 CastingCrowns HertzArena,Estero APR14 EastonCorbin TheRanch,FortMyers APR19 HomeFree BBMannHall,FortMyers APR21 AshlandCraft TheRanch,FortMyers MAY6 TheOrchestra BBMannHall,FortMyers OldDominion HertzArena,Estero MAY26 BritFloyd HertzArena,Estero JUN30 LadyA BBMannHall,FortMyers I N C ONCERT Dailyconcertupdatesat HappeningsMagazine.net PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA 66-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine CastingCrownswillperformApril13atHertzArenainEstero.Fortickets,visithertzarena.com CastingCrowns
TheRanchConcertHall offerscountry&rockshows
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon inFortMyersishostingafullscheduleofnationalrockandcountry artistsin2023.
Here’swhat’sonthescheduleat presstime: TheSamGallowayFordConcert SeriespresentsDemunJones& DustyLeighonFeb.11,Tracy LawrenceonMarch3,CreedFisher onMarch10,PriscillaBlockon March17,MattStellonMarch25, CooperAlanonApril1,Easton CorbinonApril14andAshlandCraft onApril21.
OtherupcomingshowsatThe RanchConcertHall(notpartofthe Gallowayseries)includeWarren ZeidersonFeb.4,RiseAgainston Feb.18,TraptUnpluggedonFeb.25 andSchism(Tooltribute)onJune2.
Forticketsandmoreinformation, visitonlineattheranchfortmyers.com.
TheRanchConcertHallcanbe reachedat239-985-9839.
Formostconcerts,thedoors openat7p.m.atTheRanchConcert Hall&Saloon,whichislocatedat 2158ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
EastonCorbin-April14 MattStell-March25 AshlandCraft-April21
TracyLawrence-March3
PriscillaBlock-March17 HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-67
DemunJones&DustyLeigh-Feb.11
MollyHatchetatTwistedForkFeb.4
Bert’sSWFLMusicandMotorcycle FestivalwillbeheldFeb.4and5inPort Charlotte.
Bert’sBackporchLiveattheTwistedFork welcomessouthernrockersMollyHatchetto thestageonSaturday,Feb.4at8:30p.m. Thatday’smusicgetsstartedat12:30p.m. with80-HD.SmudgeKittenplaysat3:30 p.m.,andMaidenCanewillhitthestageat 6:30p.m.
Sunday’smusicschedulekicksoffwith MatthewCurryat11:30a.m.,followedbySoul CircusCowboysat1:30p.m.MajestyofRock (JourneyandStyxtribute)willhitthestageat 3:30p.m.
Generaladmissiontothemusicand motorcyclefestivalisfree.VIPtickets(starting at$48)forMollyHatchetonFeb.4areavailableonlineattwistedfork.freshtix.com.
Bert’sBackPorchLiveislocatednextto TwistedForkandBert’sBlackWidowHarleyDavidson,2208ElJobeanRoad,Port Charlotte.
Moredetailscanbefoundonlineat twistedfork.net
RickySkaggstoheadlineSouthland BluegrassMusicFestivalonApril1
LaMesaRVpresentsthesecondannual SouthlandBluegrassMusicFestivalat SeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleeonApril1 startingatnoon.
Thefreefestivalwillfeaturesevenoutdoor concerts,anRVdisplayandavarietyoffood trucks.
Theentertainmentlineupfeaturesfree performancesfromRickySkaggs&The KentuckyThunder,TheSteeldrivers,Del McCouryBand,SisterSadie,TheGrascals, andJustinMason&BlueNight.
AbbyTheSpoonLadywillbeaspecial musicalguestandBigMamawillbethemasterofceremonies.
Allconcertsarefreeandheldoutdoors. Attendeesarewelcometobringchairsandall agesarewelcome.Alargeselectionoffood truckswillbeavailable.Coolers,backpacks andpetswillnotbepermitted.
Formoreinformation,visitonlineat southlandbluegrassfestival.com.
I N C ONCERT
RickySkaggsandTheKentuckyThunder
68-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
UpcomingconcertsatSeminoleCasinoHotel
WillyChirino& TitoPuenteJr.
WillyChirinowith specialguestTito Puente,Jr.willperformliveinconcert atSeminoleCasino HotelImmokalee Saturday,March25 at9p.m.withgates openingat8p.m.
KC&TheSunshineBand, Evelyn“Champagne”King
Sunny106.3presentsdiscomusicroyaltyKCandtheSunshine BandwithspecialguestEvelyn“Champagne”Kingperforminglivein concertatSeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleeonSaturday,March18at 8p.m.withgatesopeningat7p.m.
KCandtheSunshineBandareaspopulartodayastheywerewhen theyfirstdancedintothemusicscenenearly50yearsago.Harry WayneCasey–KCforshort–developedauniquefusionofR&Band funk,withahintofaLatinpercussiongroove,givingusanimpressive stringofhitslike“GetDownTonight,”“That’sTheWay(ILikeIt),”and “ShakeYourBooty.”Withsalesofover100millionrecords,nine Grammynominations,threeGrammyAwards,andanAmericanMusic Award,KCandtheSunshineBandwasoneofthemostprogressive bandsofthe1970sandiscreditedwithchangingthesoundofmodern popmusic.
Evelyn“Champagne” King’sbigbreakcameat age15,whenshewas discoveredwhileshe sangatwork,subbingfor hersisterasacleaning womanatPhiladelphia's SigmaStudios.Shewas signedtoacontract,and herfirstalbum“Smooth Talk”producedthedisco smash“Shame.”Thefollow-up,“IDon'tKnowIf It'sRight,”wasamajor mid-tempoR&Bhit.In 1981,“I'minLove”wasa #1dancehit.Shefollowedupwiththe“GetLoose”albumin1982and anothersmash,theclassicanthem“LoveComeDown.”Notonlydid Kingsurviveasasingingstarintothe1980s,shealsoisstillrecording andtouringfrequentlytoday.
Advancegeneraladmissionticketsforthisoutdoorconcertare$59. VIPticketsare$89. Fortickets,visitmoreinparadise.com
WillyChirinois celebrating50years inthemusicbusinessandisrecognizedthroughoutthe worldasthecreator oftheMiamiSound,afusionofCubanmusic,rock, jazz,BrazilianandCaribbeanrhythms.Bornin ConsolacióndelSurinCuba,ChirinoleftCubaand cametotheUnitedStatesthroughOperationPedro Pan,alongwiththousandsofCubanchildren.Hehas writtenseveralsongsthatareemblematicforthe Cubanpeople,butnonemoresothan“NuestroDía (YaVieneLlegando)”whichhasbecomeasecond nationalanthemforhiscompatriotsinsideandoutof thecaptiveisland.
Duringhiscareer,Chirinohasreleasedmorethan 35albumsandisthecomposerofover100songsthat havebeenrecordedbymorethan60artists.Hewona Grammyin2006forBestSalsa/MerengueAlbumfor “SondelAlma”andwasnominatedin2007foraLatin GrammyforBestSalsaAlbumfor“35oAniversario-En Vivo.”
TitoPuente, Jr.carrieshis fatherwithhim, imprintedonhis physicalbeing andlockedinhis soul.It’sinhis looks,hisjoy, andhismusic. Crowdsluredto avenuebythe fatherarereturningtoseethe sonandtoonce againparticipate inthehighvoltagecelebration thattakesplaceonstage.Puente,Jr.hasbecomean audiencefavoriteincasinos,performingartscenters, symphonyhallsandjazzfestivalsworldwide.HisCD, “InMyFather’sShoes”featurestheclassicPuente titlesandwasspunintoaBETJazztelevisionspecial ofthesamename.
Advancegeneraladmissionticketsforthisoutdoor concertare$39andareavailablefromTicketmasteror atwww.moreinparadise.com.VIPticketsalsoareavailablefor$69thatincludeup-frontreservedseatingand twodrinkticketsforbeer,wineorsoda;wateriscomplimentary.
KCandTheSunshneBand-March18
Evelyn“Champagne”King-March18
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-69
TitoPuenteJr.
WillyChirino
GulfCoastSymphonyconcert kicksoffweekendforArtFest
JointheGulfCoastSymphonyonFriday,Feb. 3at7p.m.forSymphonyOnTheSoundConcert attheCaloosaSoundAmphitheaterindowntown FortMyers.
GulfCoastSymphonywillopenArtFestFort Myerswithaconcertattheamphitheater.
OnthefirstweekendinFebruary,ArtFestwill onceagainenliventheFortMyerswaterfront. Enjoyexceptionalartbymorethan200selected artists,pluslivelyentertainment,deliciousfood, andfunchildren’sartactivities.
OverlookingthebeautifuldowntownFortMyers riverfrontandyachtbasin,thisfreearteventwelcomesallmembersofthegreaterSouthwest Floridacommunity.
Formoreinfo,visitgulfcoastsymphony.org
ArtFestFortMyersFeb.4&5
Spendafewhours,allday,oraweekendsurroundedby imagination,inspiration,andincredibletalent.
ArtFestFortMyersbringsover200exceptionalprofessional artiststotheheartofdowntownFortMyersandencourages 300talentedlocalhighschoolartiststopursuetheirartistic dreamswhileprovidinganopportunityforthousandsofchildren,theirparents,andgrandparentstotrytheirhandatcreatingamasterpiece.JointhefunonFeb.4and5withanopeningnightpartyonFriday,Feb.3.
Meetthestarsoftheshow–theartists.Theseincredibly creativefolkstravelfromaroundthecountryandworldwideto sharetheirworkwithus.Amazingceramics,gorgeousjewelry, remarkableglass,uniquepaintings,wearableart,andmore. Theseartistsarethebestofthebest,asajurypaneloffive professionalartistsspendsanentiredayselectingthemfrom the900artistswhoapply.
Thisfamily-friendlyfestivalconnectsartandartistswithour communityinaunique way–thisisanartexperiencethatdelightsevery sense.Bringtheentire familytothisfreeoutdoor fineartfestival.Enjoyour talentedhighschool artists’workattheArt Under20Exhibitand Competition,andprepare tobeastonishedasthe studentscreatelarge streetpaintingsinthe ChalkBlock.
CheckouttheWeAre Overflowingexhibit,fea-
turingthemessageaboutrecycling,reuse,andupcycling, sponsoredbyLeeCountySolidWaste.Alwaysacrowdpleaser,thePublixArtYard,andCommunityStagearefullofopportunitiesforchildrenofallages.ArtforAll,sponsoredbyFlorida Blue,wherekids(andadults)withmotorskillchallengescreate largepiecesusingadaptivetoolsanddevicesthatturnwheelchairsintogiantpaintbrushesorchalkdrawers,makinglargeor smallworksofart.YoucanalsoregisterforPublixRunToThe Arts5Ktimedraceat8amSunday,Feb.5.Thecostis$35. VisitRunToTheArts.comtoregisteronline.
ThediningGallerieswillincludeavarietyoffoodtrucks, vendors,carts,andmorethisyear.Servingdiversedishes, suretopleasealltastebuds.
BecomeaVIPClubmemberandtakeadvantageof reservedweekendparking,admissiontotheFridayNight OpeningVIPClub,locatedatCaloosaSoundConvention Center,withdeliciousfoodanddrinks,plusunlimitedaccessto theVIPClubwithbreakfasttreats anddelightfullunchandbeveragesallweekendlong.Asan exclusiveVIPClubticketholder, youwillalsohavefront-rowseats atthe“SymphonyontheSound.” TheeliteVIPClubaccessis $125perperson,andyoursupportcontributestotheyear-round arteducationoutreachprograms ofArtFestFortMyers.
Formoreinformation,visit ArtFestFortMyers.com.
ThefestivalrunsFriday6to9 p.m.,Saturday10a.m.–5p.m. andSunday10a.m.to4p.m.
70-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine F ORT M YERS
R IVER D ISTRICT
Mrs.Edison’sHymm SingsetforFeb.7
CelebratetheEdison FestivalofLightandhelpfeed thehungrybyattendingMrs. Edison’sHymnSingTuesday, Feb.7atTheFirstPresbyterian ChurchindowntownFortMyers atthecornerofSecondStreet andLeeStreet.
It’sthe33rdanniversaryof thehymnsing,whichissponsoredbytheGallowayFamily ofDealershipsandSusan BennettMarketing&Media. Becauseoftheoverwhelming popularityoftheevent,twoperformancesareplannedat1and 4p.m.Thedoorswillopen30 minutespriortoeachperformance.
Admissionisfree,but becauseoftheincreasedneed forfoodforthehungry,organizersarerequestingthatthose whoattendbringcansofnonperishablefoodandavoluntary cashdonation,ifpossible,to benefitSam’sCommunity Kitchen&CafeofCommunity Cooperative.
“WeneedtohelpTheSoup Kitchenbydonatingasmuch cannedgoodsandcashaswe cantohelpfamilieswhomost needitinourcommunity,especiallyafterHurricaneIan,”said theRev.Dr.PauldeJongof FirstPresbyterianChurch.
CommunityCooperativeis aninnovativenonprofitorganizationmadeupofsocialserviceentrepreneursfightingto endhomelessnessandhunger inourcommunity.Itprovides morethan28,000mealseach monththroughitsCommunity
Cafés,MealsonWheelsprogramsandschoolprograms, distributesmorethan2.5million poundsofgroceriesthroughits MobileFoodPantriesandfeedingprograms,andserves9,000 individualsandfamilieswith homelessandcomprehensive casemanagementservices throughitsSocial&Education ResourceCenters.Aproud UnitedWaypartner,Community CooperativeservesFortMyers andthegreaterLeeCounty area,includingBonitaSprings, CapeCoral,LehighAcres,Fort MyersBeachandnorthCollier County.
“Theneedhasneverbeen greaterwithsomanypeople strugglingafterthedevastation causedbyHurricaneIan.The foodthatisdonatedwillgo immediatelytothoseinour communitywhodesperately needit,”saidDr.deJong.
Cashdonationsareespeciallyneededbecause CommunityCooperativecan buyfivetimesasmuchfoodfor thesameamountofmoneythat residentsspendatlocalgrocery stores.
Thisyear’seventwillfeature theFirstPresbyterian SanctuaryChoirandmany othersingers,alongwitha piano-organcombination.
Formoreinformation,call 334-2261orvisitonlineat www.fpcfortmyers.org.
FormoreaboutCommunity Cooperative,call239-332SOUPorvisitonlineat communitycooperative.com.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-71
TheMollyRingwalds atamphitheaterFeb.9
CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterisexcitedtobringa bitof1980snostalgiatodowntownFortMyerswith TheMollyRingwaldsperformingThursday,Feb.9.
ThebandfromSheffield,England,willrollouta playlistthatincludeshitsfromsomeofthemost belovedmusicalactsofthe1980s,includingthe BeastieBoys,BonJovi,MichaelJackson,Princeand more.Withadazzlingcombinationofshowmanship, stagecraft,uniqueactsandalightshow, TheMollyRingwaldsperformcoversthatdraw audiencesintothemoment.Concertgoersare encouragedtoweartheirfavorite‘80sgear.
Ticketscanbepurchasedonlineat CaloosaSoundAmp.com,withgeneraladmission startingat$20andVIPticketsstartingat$40.VIP ticketsincludeaccesstoprivatebarsandrestrooms, aswellasonecomplimentarydrinkticketfor$40VIP ticketholders,andtwocomplimentarydrinkticketsfor$50 frontrowVIPticketholders.
Doorswillopenat6p.m.andlocalclassicrockband
TheRosadaProjectwillopentheshowat7p.m.Attendees canenjoyfoodtrucksandbarsonsiteduringtheevent,as wellasavarietyoffoodandbeverageoutletslocatedat LuminaryHotel&Co.beforeoraftertheshow.
Muralinstallationbeginsaroundriverbasin
TheFortMyersMuralSocietybegan installinga57-piecemuralprojectinlate Decemberaroundtheperimeterofthe waterretentionbasinontheeastsideof theLuminaryHotelintheFortMyersRiver District.
ThiscollaborationbetweentheFort MyersMuralSociety,FortMyersPublicArt Committee,HistoricPreservation
CommissionandtheCommunity RedevelopmentAgencybeganinJuly 2022.Themuralprojectdepictsthehistory oftheFortMyersriverfrontanditscontributiontothedevelopmentofthecity.
Agroupof40localartistsandMural Societyartistmembersindividuallycreated thepictorialhistoryusinghistoricphotographs,postcardsandnewspaperarticles.
Eachmuralpanelwillbeonthebaseof everylamppostaroundthebasin.The muralsarepresentedinawidevarietyof artisticstylesandpresentedinmuseum formatwithanaudioapptitledOtocast tellingthestoryofeachpieceinEnglish andSpanish.
Updatesontheprojectwillbeposted continuallyuntilcompletion.Visitthewebsiteatwww.fortmyersmuralsociety.comfor moredetails.
F ORT M YERS R IVER D ISTRICT 72-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
EdisonFestivalof LightFeb.11-19
TheannualEdisonFestival ofLightreturnsinfullfashion Feb.11-19inFortMyers.
Thecelebrationbeginswith STEMtasticDayofDiscovery Feb.11attheCaloosaSound ConventionCenter.Other eventsthatdayincludeMutt Struttat11a.m.,foodtrucks andcraftbeerfromnoonto6 p.m.andbedracesat4p.m.
Sunday,Feb.12isJunior Daywithactivitieslikethe JuniorFunRunatnoon,the JuniorParadeat1:30p.m.and
JuniorCourtCoronationand paradeawardsat2:30p.m.
Thefollowingweekend includesCraftsontheRiver Feb.17from5-10p.m.,Feb. 18and19from10a.m.to5 p.m.,the5KRunonFeb.18at 5p.m.andtheGrandParade onFeb.18at7p.m.
Theclassiccarshowisset forFeb.19from10a.m.-3 p.m.Formoredetailsabout VIPticketedevents,mapsand participation,visitwww.edisonfestival.org
ThePearlStreetBandFeb.14
atSongwritersonthePlaza
TheFortMyersRegional Libraryhasjoinedwiththe AmericanaCommunityMusic Association(ACMA),tooffer freeconcertsofalloriginal musicbylocalartists.Concerts willtakeplaceintheamphitheater,whichislocatedonSouth CornogPlaza,2450FirstSt.in theFortMyersRiverDistrict.
Nextuponthescheduleis ThePearlStreetBandwhich includesMikeMcMillian,Bob Williams,BillVeachandClark Johnson.Theywillperform Tuesday,Feb.14at6p.m.
Bringachairorablanket. Allshowswillbemovedtothe meetingroomslocatednextto theamphitheaterifneeded dependingonweather.
TheACMAisaFortMyers
basednotforprofitpromoting localartistswhoperformoriginalsongs.Whattoexpect,you willhearsinger-songwriters sharingalifetimeofexperiencesinsongandtheinspirationbehindthesongs.Bepreparedtoenjoyaneveningof professionalqualityacoustic Americanamusic.Americana musicisacomingtogetherof blues,roots,folk,bluegrass andcountry.
Here’stheseason: March14:BobWilliams, DavidHintz,RobertBidney April11:KarenCohen,Dan Philgreen,BruceGallant May9:ACMAshowcase Formoreinfo,visitthewebsiteatamericanacma.organd followthemonFacebook.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-73
NumerousbandswillbeinthegrandparadeFeb.18.
Bluegrass withNitrograss
MainsailLodgingand Developmentbroughtthe2023 BluegrasswithNitrograssconcert tourtodowntownFortMyersin January.
Theacousticbluegrassgroup fromHighlands,N.C.,performed Jan.18atCaloosaSound AmphitheateratLuminaryHotel& Co.indowntownFortMyers.
ConsistingofmembersCharles Wood,DarrenNicholsonand ColbyLaney,Nitrograssisknown foritscarefreeyetexcitingbrand ofbluegrassandsonicallyunique andvisuallyappealingacoustic performances.
photosbyJamieKuser
74-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
ORT M YERS R IVER D ISTRICT
F
DarrenNicholson
ColbyLaney
CharlesWood
EveningwiththeAuthorssupports annualSWFloridaReadingFestival
TheLeeCountyLibrarySystem offersbook-lovingfansachanceto meetandminglewithSouthwest FloridaReadingFestivalauthorsduringAnEveningwiththeAuthors fundraiserattheEdisonRestaurant& EventCenterfrom5:30to8:30p.m. Friday,March3.
Paidreservationsarerequiredfor thisopportunitytodinewithanddiscovermorethan20SouthwestFlorida ReadingFestivalauthorsduringabuffetdinneroverlookingtheFortMyers CountryClub.Ticketsare$75perpersonandavailableforpurchaseonline atwww.ReadFest.orgthroughFeb.15.
“Thisreallyisanunforgettable opportunityforfanstomeetthe authorsbeforeourbigfestival.The dinnerisapersonalgatheringwiththe writersandwithoutthecrowdsthat festivaldaywillbring.Ourguestshave auniquechancetointeractwiththe authorsandquitelikelylearnfunfacts, too”saysfestivalcoordinatorMelissa Baker.
ProceedsfromAnEveningwiththe AuthorsbenefittheSouthwestFlorida ReadingFestival,afree,all-agesoutdooreventindowntownFortMyers wherefansareinvitedtolistentoand meetadiverseline-upofbestselling authors,explorethelatestinbooks andtechnologyandparticipatein craftsandactivities.Inadditionto authorappearancesandautograph sessions,therewillbeafreebookfor everychildandteen,storytellingprograms,youthwritingcontestawards andfoodtruckvendors.
Severaladultauthorpresentations alsowillbelivestreamedthroughthe festival’smobileapp“SWFL ReadFest,”availableattheAppStore orGooglePlay.
The24thannualSouthwestFlorida ReadingFestivalwillbeheld10a.m.–4p.m.Saturday,March4onthebeautifulFortMyersRegionalLibrarycampuslocatedat2450FirstSt.Thetalentedauthorlineupfeaturesbestsellingauthorsforadults,teensand
children,includingNewberyAward winningyouthwritersMegMedinaand LaurenWolk.
Featuredteenauthorsinclude FloridaTeensReadfantasywriter KalynnBayronandhistoricalfiction crossovernovelistRutaSepetys.
AdultauthorsincludeKristan Higgins,AlkaJoshiandthrillerwriters likeKendraElliot,JosephFinder, GreggHurwitzandMelindaLeigh. Withmorethan20authorstochoose from,thereissomethingforeveryone atthisannualevent.
TheSouthwestFloridaReading Festivalisfreeandcommunity-supportedthroughdonations,sponsorshipsandgrants.Tohelpensurethe continuationofthisfreecommunity eventwhichpromotesreading,literacy andlibraryservices,pleasevisit www.ReadFest.orgtomakeasecure onlinedonation.
Moreinformationisavailableat www.ReadFest.orgorbycalling239533-4832.
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-75
ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA
1stStreetDeli
Thisaward-winning 112-seatauthenticNew York-styledelicatessen (theonlyonein SouthwestFlorida)is opendailyservingbreakfast,lunchanddinner.1st StreetDelibringsadistinctlyuniquedining experiencetothe SouthwestFloridamarket formerlyfoundonlyin NewYorkCity.Hereyoucangrabasandwichthatisbiggerthan yourappetite.OfferingsattheDeliincludepiledhighpastramiand cornedbeefsandwiches,reubens,hotpaninis,hamburgersandsalads.Opendaily1–8p.m.
506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com
CapeCabaretDinnerTheater
CapeCabaretDinner Theaterisabeautiful upscalevenuededicated todining,dancing,live musicandcomedy shows.Wefeaturea completedinnermenu, threefullbars,twolarge diningroomswithhardwooddancefloorsanda largeoutdoorpatio.Our entertainmentincludes livemusicfromthe60’s tothe90’sandthebest tributebandshowsinSWFL.Wespecializeinhostingyourprivate eventsandpartiesfor24to350guests.ExecutiveChefPabloFelix andhisstaffpreparedeliciousappetizers,entreesanddesserts dailyforyourenjoyment.Walk-insarewelcome,butreservations arerecommended.Reserveonlineorcall.
4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000www.capecabaret.com
EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill
TheEE-TO-LEETKEGrillatSeminole Casinofeaturescontemporaryregional cuisinesutilizingthe freshestselectionsof Primeagedbeef,fresh seafood,andanarray oflocally-sourcedproduce.Itswide-ranging menuofferspastas, housemadesoups, steaks,seafoodandchefspecialtyitemsincludingaward-winning twinlobstertails,smotheredchickenandtheever-populargrilled ribeye.Opendaily9a.m.–midnight.
506South1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com
EllaMae’sDiner
Nostalgiaserved withasmile.Afun retro-inspiredeatery servingcomfortfood andclassicdinerfare. Slideintoaboothor pulluptothecounter foraburgerandmilkshakeorthebestalldaybreakfastyou’ve everhad.EllaMae’s providesawelcome twisttotheclassic southerndiner. CelebratingDr.Ella MaePiper’slegacy,it’s herethecommunity comestogetherto sharestoriesasthey enjoyamealamidstvintage-inspiredfinishesandabright colorpalette.EllaMae’sYogurtParfaitincludesfreshseasonalberries,granola,andadrizzleofhoney.EllaMae’sDiner atLuminaryHotel&Co.isafunretro-inspiredeateryserving upcomfortfoodandclassicdinerfare.Slideintoaboothor pulluptothecounterforaburgerandmilkshakeorthebest all-daybreakfastyou’veeverhad.EllaMae’sisopendaily from7amto2pm.Servingbreakfastalldayandlunch.
LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854 www.LuminaryHotel.com
OxbowBar&Grill
Casualdocksidediningonthe doorstepof DowntownFort Myers.Panoramic riverfrontviewson the Caloosahatchee. Aboater’sretreat withanupbeat nauticalvibe. Servingcoastal cuisineandmore forbrunch,lunch anddinner.Retail andrentalsto igniteyourspiritofadventure.Diveintofreshseafood,oystersonthehalfshell,steaks,signaturesandwiches,fresh salads,localcraftbeersandcuratedcocktails.Ourhoursare Monday-Thursday4-10p.m.,FridayandSaturday11a.m. -11p.m.andSunday11a.m.-9p.m.Wenowofferbrunch onSaturdays,too.
1300HendrySt.FortMyers 239-314-3856 www.oxbowfortmyers.com
76-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
D
SilverKingOceanBrasserie
Acoastal,chef-drivenmenuunlikeany otherrestaurantin FortMyers. Complementedbya strikinginteriorthat’s asappealingtothe eyesasthedishesare tothepalette.Asthe Luminary’ssignature restaurant,TheSilver KingOceanBrasserie offersamenushowcasingthequalityof freshseafoodthroughclean,simplepreparationsusingclassic techniquesforamodernpalate.Centeredonanopenkitchen, thesophisticatedrestaurantfeaturesacoastal-inspiredmenu andadditionaloutdoorseatstorelaxandindulgeinthefinest localseafoodinSouthwestFlorida.NestledwithinSilverKing, you’llfindTheFloridaRoom,aprivatediningspacethatseats 14guests,perfectforintimategatheringsandcelebrationsand namedafterFloridaHeitman.Ifyourgroupislarger,wefeatureavarietyofvenueswithentertainingoptionsavailable fromuniqueseatingtotailoredmenus.HoursareTuesdaySaturdayfrom5-10p.m.
LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3855 www.LuminaryHotel.com
SouthernGrill
TheSouthernGrillattheShellFactoryisafullrestaurant includingliquor, beerandwine. Wehaveanoutdoorbarand partyvenue. Thereisno entryfeetoget intotheShell Factorystoreor restaurants. Parkingisfree. Whileyouare herevisittheNaturePark,FunPark,CarouselandSoaring EagleZipline. 16554N.ClevelandAve.,NorthFortMyers 239-995-3999 www.shellfactory.com
TikiHutBar&Grill atDolphinKeyResort
There'salwayssomethingtodoattheTikiHutBar& GrillattheDolphinKeyResort.LocatedinDowntownCape Coral,the biggestTiki barinthe worldoffers liveentertainment Wednesday through Sunday,Key WestStyle Relax Wednesday andThursday, Lightoutdoor atmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfourleggedare welcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFloridaSpecials,pool table,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate. 1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com
TwistedFork
CharlotteCounty'shottestplacetoeat,drinkandhavefun!" 2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675
HappeningsMagazine FEBRUARY2023-77 •Armed •Unarmed •Uniformed •Licensed •Insured ProfessionalSecurity (239)415-7007 Licensed,educatedemployees SPECIALIZINGIN... •CrowdControl •SportingEvents •Concerts •Arena/Stadium •Banquets/Halls •BlockParties ServingallofFlorida SeHablaEspanol St.Lic.#B2000112 SuncoastSecurity SuncoastSecurity www.SuncoastSecurity.bizEmail:SuncoastScrty@aol.com
TheTwistedForkisahot-rodandmoto-culturethemed restaurant featuringa scratch kitchen andcustomcocktails.A family friendly space adjacent Bert's Back Porchconcertvenue withloadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecome
www.twistedfork.net
Fake Fest
FakeFestwasheldJan.14 attheAlliancefortheArtsin FortMyersandfeaturedaday fulloftributebands.Produced byNiceGuysProduction,the festfeaturedBadfish:Tributeto Sublime;RhyminNStealin,a tributetoBeastieBoys; Nightrain,theGunsNRoses Experience;SlipperyWhen Wet(BonJovitribute); CompletelyUnchained(Van Halentribute);KISSAlive, NirvannaandtheFortMyers SchoolofRockHouseBand.
SlipperyWhenWet
Nirvanna Nightrain,theGunsNRosesExperience 78-FEBRUARY2023 HappeningsMagazine
PhotosbyJamieKuser