January 2025 Happenings Magazine

Publisher’s Spotlight

Theatreinanewyear

So,it’s2025andwehaveanenormousamountoflivetheatretotake in.I’mnotsureIcanfindatheatrein SouthwestFloridathatisdarkin January.Seasonisinfullswing,let’s getstartedandseewhatisonour areastages.

PlayersCircleTheaterinFort MyerspresentsAdmissionsJan.10 throughJan.26.

ThemusicalLucky Stiffwillbeonthemain stageatFlorida RepertoryTheatrein downtownFortMyers Jan.7-26.

CulturalParkTheatre inCapeCoralwillstage Grandma’sMurderClub Jan.24throughFeb.2.

BroadwayPalm DinnerTheatrekicksoff thenewyearwithBuddy: TheBuddyHollyStory Dec.31throughFeb.15.

MyersTheatreJan.9-12.

JerseyBoysrunsJan.7-12at BarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHall atFSW.Thatwillbefollowedby FunnyGirlJan.21-26.

LastoftheRedHotLoversison stageJan.8-26atMarco’sArts CenterTheatre.

InNaples,TaintedLovewillbepresentedJan.31throughFeb.16by TheStudioPlayers.

InNaples,TheatreZonepresents themusicalOnceJan.9-19atthe G&LTheatre.

TheCharlottePlayerspresent FourOldBroadsJan.9-26atthe LangdonPlayhouseinPortCharlotte.

IntheOffBroadwayPalmTheatre, thelaughsareaplentywithCaughtin theNet.ThatrunsJan.14through Feb.23.

FullyCommittedcontinuesitsrun throughJan.12intheArtStage StudioTheatreatFloridaRep.

TheNaplesPlayerswillpresent ThePlayThatGoesWrongJan.15 throughFeb.16.

GoodBadPeoplewillbepresentedatLaboratoryTheaterofFloridain FortMyersJan.24throughFeb.8.

InCapeCoral,TheBelleTheatre offersTheDaVinciCodeJan.10-18. ThatwillbefollowedbyTheSoundof MusicJan.24throughFeb.9.

DialMforMurderwillbestagedby GulfshorePlayhouseJan.16through Feb.6inNaples.

ArtsBonitapresentsTheBoyfrom Block66Jan.30-Feb.2.

NorthFortMyersHighSchool presentsPippinthemusicalonstage Jan.31throughFeb.2.

OldRingersisonstageatFort

Greatconcerts

Wow,dowehavesome fantasticconcertsontap thisyear.

TheHarvestNights MusicFestivalin ImmokaleeJan.10-12 welcomesDefLeppard, BradPaisley,Train,Don Felder,TylerHubbard, Teslaandmore.

TheSamGalloway ConcertSeriesatThe RanchConcertHallhasAshley Cooke,BraxtonKeith,Ole60and UncleKracker.

ThegrowingscheduleatSeminole CasinoHotelincludesthe Rockabillaquefestival,Lee Greenwood,Kansas,Ambrosia,John FordColey,PeterBeckett,Elliott Lurie,WalterEgan,WillieNelson, AaronLewis,Midland,The Temptations,TheFourTops, Christone“Kingfish”Ingram. SamanthaFish,MickyDolenzandthe SouthlandBluegrassMusicFestival. CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterhas ClayWalkerand38Special.

30thanniversary

HappeningsMagazinewillcelebrateits30thanniversaryin2025. Kathy(mywifeandbusinesspartner) andIwouldliketoexpressourdeep gratitudetoourreaders,advertisers, partners,pastandpresentteam membersandcollaboratorsforsupportingourmagazineovertheyears. Wecouldnothavedoneitwithout you,andwearetrulyblessedtolive, workandplayinSouthwestFlorida. Welookforwardtocontinuingto entertainarearesidentsandvisitors.

Rockon, Jamie 4-JANUARY2025

Contributors: JenFalk,DebJonsson, BobWilliams,BethPreddy, RachelApplegate,KathyBernier, ShaelynCrabtree,PaulaSisk Sales&Marketing: JamieKuser,LisaDoyle-Mitchell,

isowned,published &distributedmonthlyinLee,CollierandCharlotte countiesby

T HEATRE

FloridaReppresentsmusicalfarce

FloridaRepertoryTheatre presentsthemusicalLuckyStiff intheHistoricArcadeTheatre Jan.7throughJan.26.

LuckyStifffollowshapless EnglishshoesalesmanHarry Witherspoonwhogetscaughtina wildGoosechaseafterbecoming heirtoadistantuncle’sfortuneof rarediamonds.Willingtodoanythingtogethishandsonthejewels,Harryagreestofollowhis uncle’sfinalrequestsincluding wheelinghiswell-preserved corpsearoundMonteCarlofor onelastvacation.Meanwhile,ahostof shadycharacters(includingajiltedmob wife,adoggeddo-gooder,andan optometrist)arehotonhistrail!

Themusicalfeaturesbookandlyrics byLynnAhrensandmusicbyStephen Flaherty,theaward-winningteambehind OnceonThisIsland,MyFavoriteYear, Ragtime,Seussicalandothers.

“Audienceswillthoroughlyenjoythis zanymusicalperformedbyaverytalentedgroupofactors,”saidproducingartisticdirectorGregLongenhagen.“Wealso haveafewsurprisesplannedforselect performances,includinglocalofficials, businessleaders,andtheatreenthusiastsfulfillingawalk-onrole,ormore specifically,gettingrolledonasthe deceaseduncle.”

6-JANUARY2025

Thecastfeaturesreturningguest actorsChrissyAlbanese(ASherlock Carol),KimMorganDean(Beguiled Again),SamSherwood(HankinHank Williams:LostHighway),andGerritt VanderMeer(Ripcord;andmakingtheir FloridaRepdebuts,NewYork-based actorsNicholasCaycedo,Hannah McGinleyLemasters,andPatrick Richwood–eachwithnotableOffBroadway,regionaltheatre,television andfilmcredits.

Thecastalsofeaturesmembersof theFloridaRepseason27professional actinginterncompany:JJGibson(Ben Butler),JacquelineSt.Pierre(The MurderofRogerAckroyd)andNoah Warford(FloridaRepdebut).

FloridaRepassociateartisticdirector JasonParrishdirectstheshowandis

rejoinedbymembersofthecreativeteambehindHankWilliams: LostHighwayincludingset designerBertScott,lighting designerTylerM.Perryandsound designerKatieLowe.Theteam alsoincludeschoreographerand assistantdirectorKyleBrand(A Gentleman’sGuidetoLove& Murder),musicaldirectorandkeyboardaccompanistVictoria Casella(Beehive:The60’s Musical),costumedesignerand ensemblememberStefanie Genda(BenButler),andstage managerAliciaDigiorgi(Beehive:The ‘60sMusical).

SingleticketpricesforLuckyStiffstart at$71forregularperformancesfrom Jan.10throughJan.26,withdiscounted previewpricingforperformancesonJan. 7-9.Curtaintimesare7p.m.Tuesday throughSaturdaywith2p.m.matinees onWednesdays,Saturdaysand Sundays,and8p.m.fortheopening nightperformanceonFriday,Jan.10. FloridaRep'sparkinglotopenstwo hoursbeforeeachperformanceand offersguestsfreeparkingacrossthe streetfromtheArcadeTheatreonBay StreetindowntownFortMyers.Formore information,visitFloridaRep.orgorcall theboxofficeat239-332-4488ortollfreeat877-787-8053.

KimMorgan Dean

HannahMcGinley Lemasters

Patrick Richwood

Sam Sherwood

Gerritt VanderMeer

Chrissy Albanese

Nicholas Caycedo

Jason Parrish

Jacqueline St.Pierre

Justin Gibson

Noah Warford

Laughter,learning&more atCulturalParkTheatre

CulturalParkTheatreis thrilledtokickoff2025witha dynamicmixofentertainment andeducationforthecommunity.

ThisJanuary,audiences willbetreatedtoalaugh-outloudcomedy,enrichingclassesforallages,andasneak peekatwhat’stocomethis season.

Grandma’sMurderClub willbeperformedonstage Jan.24throughFeb.2.

Getreadyforawhirlwind ofhilaritywithGrandma’s MurderClub.Greedyguys threatenthepeacefullivesof threeFloridaretirees,but thesegrandmaswon’ttakeit lyingdown.Intheirquestto savethemselves,theyend upfillingafreezer,dodginga detective,andevenfinding romance.

Thisfast-pacedcomedic adaptationofFlorence Henderson’slastfilm,Bad Grandmas,isdirectedbythe talentedKristinWilsonand promisesadelightfulevening oflaughsandsurprises. Don’tmissthischarmingtale ofcourage,friendshipanda littlebitofchaos.

PerformanceswillbeJan. 24,25and31andFeb.1at 7p.m.MatineeswillbepresentedJan.26andFeb.2at 3p.m.

Educationalprograms

Theeducationalprograms arenowinfullswing. Whetheryou’reachildtaking yourfirststepsintotheperformingartsoranadultlookingtoenhanceyourskills, CulturalParkTheatreoffers somethingforeveryone.

Theseclassesprovideawelcomingenvironmenttolearn, grow,andexpressyourcreativity.Interestedinjoining? Contactthemtodayanddiscoverthejoyoftheatre.

SomethingRotten!

Lookingahead,Cultural ParkTheatreproudlypresentstheuproarious Broadwayhit,Something Rotten!inFebruary.This clevermusicalcomedyfollowsbrothersNickandNigel Bottomastheytrytooutshinetheirrival,thelegendaryWilliamShakespeare. Theirsolution?Writingthe world’sfirstmusical.

Withunforgettablecharacters,dazzlingmusicalnumbers,andplentyoflaughs, thisshowisaloveletterto thetheatreitself.Directedby ShaelynCrabtree,withchoreographybyReeseThurmer andvocaldirectionbyCarrie Guffy,SomethingRotten!will bringdownthehouseand leaveaudiencessingingall thewayhome.

SomethingRotten!willbe presentedonstageFeb.21 throughMarch2.

Fromtheuproariousantics ofGrandma’sMurderClubto thetoe-tappingbrillianceof SomethingRotten!anda hostofeducationalopportunities,CulturalParkTheatre hassomethingforeveryone.

Fortickets,enrollmentin educationalprograms,or moreinformationabout upcomingshows,visit www.culturalparktheatre.org orcall239-772-5862.

Thetheatreislocatedat 528CulturalParkBlvd.in CapeCoral.

LABORATORYTHEATEROFFLORIDA

Good Bad People

Theintenselyrawandthought-provokingplayGoodBadPeople,byYale DramaPrizewinnerRachelLynett, opensJan.24atTheLaboratory TheaterofFloridainFortMyers.

GoodBadPeopleopensduringthe aftermathofthedeathofAmiriJohnson, a23-year-oldBlackmanlivinginLos Angeleswhowasshotbyapoliceofficerwhiletakingoutthetrash.

HissisterJunereturnshometohelp herfamilyandfindsthatherfatherhas disappeared,hermotherisrefusingto leaveherbedroom,andhersister Audreisdoingeverythinginherpower tocontrolpublicperceptionsofAmiri’s death.

Oldresentmentsbegintoboilover asthethreewomen attempt,inverydifferent ways,tonegotiatetheir privategriefagainstthe publicoutragethat Amiri’sdeathhas sparked.

DirectorSonya McCartersays,“There's somethingcaptivating aboutseeingastory playoutonstagethat sparksmorequestions thanitanswers.Itreally makesyouthink,challengesyourviews,and invitesyoutoempathize withothers,evenifjust foralittlewhile.Good BadPeopledivesinto thetoughtopicoflosing alovedoneinaracially chargedincident,pushingustoreflectonhow society'stakeonthat

tragedyshapesourownexperienceofit.”

TheLaboratoryTheaterofFloridastageda Zoomproductionofthisplayduringthepandemic andisexcitedtobringthefullplaytolifeonstage. TheplayfeaturesReneeFreeman(Miriam),Delisa Smith(Audre),LoyseMichel(June),Emilie Baartman(Lucy)andChloeElliot-Chan(Camille).

PerformancedatesareJan.24,25,30,31and Feb.6,7and8at7:30p.m.Matineeswillbe stagedJan.26andFeb.1and2at2p.m.

HalfpricepreviewsarescheduledforJan.22 and23at7:30p.m.

Ticketsare$37eachor$10forstudentswith validstudentIDs.ThereisanewThursdaynight specialticketpriceof$32eachforadults.Fortickets,calltheboxofficeat239-218-0481oronlineat www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

LaboratoryTheaterislocatedat1634Woodford Ave.indowntownFortMyers.

ReneeFreemanplaysMiriaminRachelLynett's GoodBadPeople.

Lucy(EmilieBaartman)andJune(LoyseMichel)face offafterthedeathofJune'sbrotherinGoodBad PeopleatTheLab. photosbySiskMedia

Mysteryandmusical atTheBelleTheatre

ByTylerYoung

Readyforalittlemystery?Ringinthenewyearin mysteriousstylewithThe DaVinciCodeonstageJan. 10–18.BasedonDan Brown’sinternationalbestsellingnovel,it’sagripping mystery-thrillerthatfollows HarvardsymbologistRobert Langdonasheiscalledto theLouvreMuseuminParis toinvestigatethemurderof thecurator,Jacques Saunière.Soon,Langdon, alongwithcryptologist SophieNeveu,discovers thatSaunière’sdeathispart ofalargerconspiracy.This mysterypackedproduction promisestokeepyouonthe edgeofyourseat.

PerformancesofThe DaVinciCodewillbeJan. 10,11,12,16,17and18at 7:30p,m.Matineeswillbe performedJan.11,12and 18at2p.m.

Ourthirdseasonwill continuewithclassicand belovedproductionslikeThe SoundofMusic(Jan.24

throughFeb.9),Harvey (Feb.13–23),DirtyRotten Scoundrels(Feb.28–March16)andAlfred Hitchcock'sThe39Steps (March28–April13).

Partofourmissionat TheBelleiscreatingasafe placewhere“ArtsforAll”can takecenterstage,asthe endoftheyearapproaches youcanhelpsupportthat missioninsomanyways! ConsiderincludingTheBelle inyourendofyeargiving, yourdonationwillbeusedto improveprogramming, expandourreach,maintain highqualityentertainment, andprovidescholarshipsto studentsinoureducation programs.

Otherwaystosupport TheBelle,purchasetickets toanupcomingshow,givea BelleTheatregiftcertificate, volunteeratthetheatre,and tellyourfriendsaboutus.

Ticketsforourentire 2024-2025seasonarenow available.Visitourwebsite atTheBelleTheatre.comor callourboxofficeat239323-5533toreserveyour seatstoday.Stayconnected withusonFacebook(@thebelletheatre)forallthelatest updates.

TheBelleTheatreis locatedat2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135inCape Coral.

TylerYoungisfounder andexecutivedirectorof TheBelleTheatre Jan.24-Feb.9

TheatreZonepresentsOnce

TheatreZoneinNapleskicksoffits 20thseasononJan.9withitsproductionofOnce,the2012Tony Award-winningBestMusical.

Themusicalisaromancesetin Irelandwithamulti-talentedcastwho arealsotheshow’son-stageorchestra.

Once,basedonthe2007filmof thesamenamewrittenanddirected byJohnCarney,woneightTony Awardsandfeaturesanacclaimed scorebyGlenHansardandMarketa Irglova.TheBroadwaycastalbumwon aGrammyforBestMusicalTheatre Album.

OncetellsthepoignantstoryofGuy (CodyCravenonguitar),aDublinstreet performer,guitaristandsongwriter,and Girl(LexiRaeSmithonpiano),ayoung CzechwomanwhoappreciatesGuy’s talentandhelpspromotehiscareer.Her encouragementliftshisspiritswhenhe considersquittingmusictoworkinhis father’svacuumcleanerrepairshop.The coupledevelopfeelingsforoneanother andtheirtentativeromancefacescomplicationsthatwillkeepaudiencesinsuspense,hopingforahappyending.

ThemusicalwillbedirectedbyMark Danni,foundingartisticdirectorof TheatreZone,choreographedby TheatreZone’sassociateartisticdirector KarenMolnarDanni,withmusicdirectionbyCharlesFornara.

ThescoreofOnceischaracterized byfast-paced,jubilantIrishrhythms combinedwithlush,soulfulballads.The 12-personcastplayguitar,violin, ukulele,cello,mandolin,bass,accordion,anddrums.Thescorebuildsduringtheshowfrompianoandguitartoa fullorchestra.

“Ihavealwayslovedthemusicand storytoOnceeversinceIsawiton Broadway,”saidMarkDanni.“Iknewit wouldbeawonderfulmusicalfor TheatreZone’sstageandwehavean amazingcastofactor/musicians.”

CodyCravenismakinghis TheatreZonedebutwithhisroleasGuy inOnce.TheCalifornia-basedperformer, actorandmusicianhasdonetheshow somanytimes,he’sjokinglyreferredto as“Mr.Once,”;theTheatreZoneproductionwillbehissixthperformanceinthe musical.Hecommented,“Onceiscloser tomyheartthananyshow,andIwould

happilydoitfortherestofmylife.”

Cravenhasalsoplayedseveralroles inMillionDollarQuartet,mostrecentlyin IndianapoliswherehelearnedfromfellowactorsaboutTheatreZone’supcomingproductionofOnceandpraisefor TheatreZone’sintimatesetting.“The smallspacewillreallyaccentuatethe subtleandintimatedetailsofthestory,” hesaid.Likehischaracter,Cravenplays multiplestringinstrumentsaswellas drums.Theself-taughtmusicianwas playingmandolinatfouryearsold.An actor-musicianbytrade(hisfatheris internationalfolkmusicianJoeCraven), henowplaysandwritesmusicwithhis bandinNewYorkCityandotherregional venues.Hehasalsobeenseenperform-

ingatseaasanactorandmusician forcruiselinesincludingNorwegian, OceaniaandDisney.

LexiRaeSmithismakingher TheatreZonedebutinOnceinthe starringroleofGirl.TheChicago nativeisaprofessionalactress, singeranddancerbasedinFort MyerswhoearnedaBachelorof FineArtsfromPointParkUniversity inPittsburgh,Pa.Smithhashad Onceonherradarforalongtime afterseeingthemovieandstudying theshowincollege.Inher TheatreZonerole,shespeaksEnglish withaCzechaccent,usingherfacility withdialects,whichshestudiedincollegeandcontinuestopursuewithIPA (theInternationalPhoneticAlphabet).

AboutGirl,Smithcommented,“She hasastrongsenseofselfandseesthe bestineveryone.Sheisayoungmother, whichenhanceshersenseofempathy fortheheartbrokenGuyandwhich driveshertoencouragehimtowrite songsandrecord.”Once,sheadded, “…examinesthedifferentstagesoflove. Itismadeofsmallmomentsthatdon’t alwayslastalifetime,whichiswhyit’s calledOnce.”

Onceperformancesarescheduledfor 7:30p.m.fromThursday,Jan.9through Sunday,Jan.12andfromThursday,Jan. 16throughSunday,Jan.19.Matinee performancesareat2pm.onSaturdays andSundays,Jan.11,12,18and19.

Afterthefinalcurtaincallonthe eveningofThursday,Jan.16,theaudiencecansettlebackintheirseatsfora talkback,anopportunitytomeetthe show’scastanddirectorsforcandidand casualQ&As.Thetalkbackisofferedat noadditionalchargeandseparatetickets arenotrequired.Theaudiencecanenjoy thetalkbackwithrefreshmentsfromthe honorbar.

TheatreZone,celebratingits20thseasonin2025,presentsitsmusicalperformancesintheintimate250-seatG&L TheatreconvenientlylocatedinNaples at13275LivingstonRoad,betweenPine RidgeandVanderbiltBeachRoads,ina dedicatedbuildingnestledwithinthe campusoftheCommunitySchoolof Naples.

Topurchasetickets,visit www.Theatre.Zoneorcalltheboxoffice at888-966-3352,ext.1.

LexiRaeSmith CodyCraven

BuddyHollyStory atBroadwayPalm

Getreadytorockandroll asBroadwayPalmDinner TheatrepresentsBuddy:The BuddyHollyStory,running Dec.31throughFeb.15.

Thiselectrifyingproductiontellstheinspiringstoryof BuddyHolly’smeteoricrise tofame,celebratinghisoriginalsoundandremarkable talent.

Audienceswillbetreated toliveperformancesofover 20ofBuddyHolly’sgreatest hits,including“MaybeBaby,” “EveryDay,”“PeggySue,” “That’llBeTheDay,”“Oh Boy,”and“RaveOn,”aswell asRitchieValens’“La Bamba”andTheBig

GoodBadPeople

Boppers’“ChantillyLace.” Experiencetheenergy, music,andlegacyofatrue rock-and-rolllegendinthis unforgettablemusicaljourney.

TicketsforBuddy:The BuddyHollyStoryareonsale nowandcanbepurchased throughtheBroadwayPalm websiteat broadwaypalm.com,calling theboxofficeat239-2784422,orinpersonatthetheatrelocatedat1380Colonial Blvd.,FortMyers. Showandmealpricesstart at$85,withshow-onlyoptions available.Groupdiscountsare alsoofferedforpartiesof20 ormore.

FullyCommittedatArtStageStudioTheatre

FloridaRepertory TheatrepresentsFully Committed,ahilarious one-man,one-actplay byBeckyMode,playing intheArtStageStudio Theatrenowthrough Jan.12.

InFullyCommitted, 40wildcharactersare unleashedinadevastatinglyfunnyone-man, one-actplay.Thestory followsadayinthelife ofout-of-workactor, Sam,whomansthe red-hotreservationline atManhattan’s#1 restaurant.There,Sam navigatesbribesandintimidationfrom desperatecallerswhowillstopat nothingtoscoreatable.Meanwhile, Sam’svyingforajuicyroleina LincolnCenterproduction,andhis lonelywidoweddadwantshimto comehomefortheholidays.

FergusonportrayedSam.Theplay continuestobeahotdishinregional theatresaroundthecountrywitha varietyofactorstakingonthechallengingrole.

BeckyMode’sfiercelyfunnyplay madeBroadwaybuzzin2016when TV’sModernFamilyactorJesseTyler

“Audiencesareinforawildride withtour-de-forceactor,KraigSwartz, whohasplayedSammanytimeswith absolutelyhilariousresults,”saidproducingartisticdirectorGreg

Longenhagen.“Kraigalsowon aBarrymoreAward–Philadelphia’sTony-forhis portrayalofSamatthe PhiladelphiaTheatre Company,soaudiencesarein foratreat.”

SwartzreturnstoFlorida RepafterappearingasMiss TracyMillsinlastseason’s productionofTheLegendof GeorgiaMcBrideandpreviouslyinVisitingMr.Green.”Swartz hasbeennominatedfora DramaDeskAwardforhisoffBroadwayperformancesand earnedmultipleBarrymore Awardsforhisregionaltheatre work.Hehasalsoappeared ontelevision’sSNLandinthefilm WorldandTimeEnough. FloridaRep’sproductionofFully CommittedwillbedirectedbyGus Kaikkonen.

Fortickets,visitFloridaRep.orgor calltheboxofficeat239-332-4488or 877-787-8053.FloridaRepislocated intheFortMyersRiverDistrictonBay StreetbetweenJackson&Hendry.

Ordinaryjobs,extraordinarytalent: Theheartandpassionoflocaltheater

Oneofthemostremarkableaspectsofcommunitytheateristhepeople—neighbors,friends andfamiliarfaces—whobringstoriestolifeon stageandworktirelesslybehindthescenes. Theymightplayleadingrolesunderthespotlightorlendtheirhandstosets,costumes,and props.Offstage,they’rejustaslikelytobeyour dentist,electricianormailman.

TakeBradGoetz,forexample,whoplays MaxintheupcomingproductionofThePlay ThatGoesWrongatTheNaplesPlayers(TNP). Bradisnotonlyatalentedperformerbutalsoa professionalartist,businessowner,and—believe itornot—yourfriendlyneighborhoodmailman.Infact, hedeliversmailtoTheNaplesPlayers,provingthatyou don’thavetolookfartofindstarsinyourowncommunity.

includesservinginthemilitary,consultingwith lightindustrialandmanufacturingcompanies, buildingfurnitureandmotorcycles,writingfor playsandmusicals,andcreatingmagicshows. He’sevenscriptedahauntedhouseproduction withacastof50.Atonetime,inasingleyear, heperformedinfiveshowswithanumberof localtheaters,includingTheNaplesPlayers.He evendirectedoneoftheshows.

“I’vealwayslovedmusicandtheater,”said Brad.“Writingcomeseasilytome.IwroteasixbooknatureseriesbeforeIenteredfirstgrade.” Ashecompletedschoolandstartedworking, hislifetookhimawayfromthearts.

Theseindividualsdedicatecountlesshoursoftime,talent,andenergytocreatetheshowswelovetowatch.It’s thisblendofpassionandcommitmentthatmakescommunitytheatersospecialandsoclosetohome.

AtransplantfromSeattle,BradmovedtotheNaples areanearly20yearsago.Hisdiversebackground

Afterabreakofmorethan10years,Bradisjumping backin.“Ireallyenjoyfilmandtheater.Ilovethisformof communications.Itcandeeplyimpactanaudience.Iam happywhenIknowaperformancereallymeantsomethingorwasparticularlyimpactfultotheaudience.”

Whilehedidnotstudytheaterinschool,hehasa massivelibraryandstudiesonhisown.“Iliketheworkof it,”saidBrad.“Formanyactorsandothersinvolvedina

T HEATRE

BradGoetz

production,itisabouttheattention— theadulation.Fameisnotsuper appealingtome.Iamalwaysaboutthe show,andhowIcanhelpmakeitthe verybestIcanbeforouraudience.”

Bradisexcitedtogetbackonstage withTheNaplesPlayersaftera12yearhiatusandisdiligentlypreparing forhisroleasMax.“Iwasattractedto playMaxbecauseheiscomplicated, withtwodifferentcharacters–itisa difficultandtechnicalrole.Intheplay, Maxisnotaverygoodactor.Itischallengingtoperformasabadactorwhen youhaveactingtalent.”

“TheNaplesPlayershasmore capabilitiesandisbetterstaffedthan manyprofessionaltheatersI’veworked with.Andtherenovatedtheaterwith newstate-of-the-artsoundandlighting haveaddedtomyexcitementtoreturn. Ialsosimplyenjoythepeopleinvolved. Ibelievethistheaterprovidesexcellent productions,withtheiramazingquality quiteoftenmeasuringuptothenationaltourgroups.Itisanhonortoreturn todomylittleparttocontinuemoving ourbelovedcommunitytheatertothe nextlevel.”

ThePlayThatGoesWrongruns Jan.15throughFeb.16atTheNaples Players’KizzieTheater.

TheNaplesPlayersprovidelaughterwith BroadwayhitThePlayThatGoesWrong

TheNaplesPlayersbringside-splittingcomedytothestagewiththeawardwinningBroadwayhit,ThePlayThatGoesWrong,runningJan.15through Feb.16inthenewlyrenovatedKizzieTheater.

Ariotousmixofphysicalcomedy,technicalmishaps,anddelightfullyclumsy performances,ThePlayThatGoesWrongfollowstheamateurtheatretroupeof theCornleyDramaSocietyastheyattempttostageamurdermystery.Withcollapsingsets,forgottenlines,anduncooperativeprops,chaosreignssupreme— leavingaudiencesinstitches.

Theproductionboastsanoutstandingcastoflocaltalent,includingCole Butcher,ChristianConn,JamesDuggan,KitFitzsimons,SarahGamblin,Brad Goetz,EricaJones,TinaMoroni,andMichaelSantos.Addingtothemagic,the creativeteamfeaturesTony-nominated sounddesignerJoshuaReid,whopreviouslylenthisexpertisetoTNP’ssummer2024productionof42ndStreet.

“WearethrilledtowelcomeJoshua ReidbacktoTNPforthisproduction,” saidBryceAlexander,CEOand ExecutiveArtisticDirectorofTNP.“His incredibleexpertise,pairedwiththetalentofourcastandcrew,ensuresthat ThePlayThatGoesWrongwillbea technicalandcomedicmasterpiece.

Ticketsareavailableonlineat NaplesPlayers.orgorbycalling239263-7990.TheNaplesPlayersKizzie Theaterislocatedat7015thAve.S., Naples.

GulfshorePlayhousepresentsDialMforMurder

KristenCoury,CEOandproducing artisticdirectorofGulfshorePlayhouse hasannouncedthecastandcreative teamforDialMforMurder,agripping thrillersettocaptivateaudiencesinthe MoranMainstageatthebrand newBakerTheatreand EducationCenterinNaples.

Thisfreshadaptationof theclassictalethatinspired AlfredHitchcock’siconicfilm promisesedge-of-your-seat suspense,atwistedwebof intrigue,andsurprisesthat willleaveaudiencesguessing untilthefinalmoments.

“Iamsothrilledtohaveonlyopened ournewBakerTheatreandEducation Centertwomonthsagoandtoalready beinthepositionofhavingtoextenda show,”saidCoury.“Itreallyisadream cometrue.”

Duetopopulardemand, DialMforMurderhasaddedperformancesintheschedule.Performances beginwithpreviewsonJan.12,14and 15,withtheofficialopeningnighton Thursday,Jan.16.Theproductionhas beenextendedandrunsthroughFeb.6. AddedperformancesincludeJan.19and 26at7:30p.m.;Feb.4at7:30p.m.;Feb. 5at2and7:30p.m.;andFeb.6at2and 7:30p.m.

Thisproductionis directedbyJacksonGay, whosepreviousworkon IntotheBreechesat GulfshorePlayhousehad Naplesaudiencesinstitches."Iamthrilledtobe returningtoGulfshore PlayhousewhereIonce againgettoworkwith Gulfshore'sstellarstaffand crewinoneofthemostbeautifulsettings intheworld,”saidGay.“Ilovedhearing theaudience'slaughterduringIntothe BreechesandnowIgettomakepeople jumpoutoftheirseatsastheyexperiencetheheart-thumpingDialMFor Murder.Treachery,greedandillicitlove affairsmakeuptheworldofDialMandit willbesomuchfuntosharethisfastpaced,clever,andterrifyingthrillerwith

CaughtintheNetatOffBroadway

theNaplescommunity."

ThecastincludesAshleyBufkin (GulfshorePlayhouse:IntheNextRoom (ortheVibratorPlay))asMaxineHadley, CaitlinClouthier(MiamiNewDrama: DangerousDays)asMargotWendice, LiamCraig(Broadway:Boeing,Boeing) asInspectorHubbard,LucasDixon(Yale Rep:Assassins)asTonyWendiceand ChristopherJoelOnken(Broadway:The Inheritance)asLesgate.

Thecreativeteambehindthisproductionfeaturessomeofthetheatre industry'smosttalentedprofessionals fromacrossthecountryincludingscenic designbyLindaBuchanan,costume designbyTracyDorman,lightingdesign byPaulWhitaker,sounddesignby DanielBaker,castingbyMichael Cassara,CSA,andproductionstage managerDannyKuenzel.

TheBakerTheatreandEducation Centerislocatedat100Goodlette-Frank RoadSouth,Naples.

Ticketscanbeorderedonlineat gulfshoreplayhouse.orgorbyphoneat 239-261-PLAY.

BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatreinvitesyoutolaugh outloudwithitsOffBroadwayPalmproductionof CaughtintheNet,runningJan.14throughFeb.23.

Thisside-splittingfarce,writtenbyRayCooney,isthe uproarioussequeltothehitcomedyRunforYourWife.

ThestoryfollowstaxidriverJohnSmith,whoisdesperatelytryingtokeephistwoseparatefamilies—and hisbigamy—asecret.Whenhisteenagechildrenfrom eachmarriageaccidentallymeetonline,chaoserupts, leadingtoawebofhilarity,mistakenidentities,andfranticcover-ups.

Enjoyanafternoonoreveningofnonstoplaughterin thecharmingOffBroadwayPalmTheatre.GetyourticketsnowforCaughtintheNetbyvisitingtheBroadway Palmwebsiteatbroadwaypalm.com,callingthebox officeat239-278-4422,orstoppingbythetheatreinpersonat1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

Showandmealpricesstartat$65,withshow-only optionsavailable.Groupdiscountsarealsoofferedfor partiesof20ormore.

ChristopherJoel Onken

Lucas Dixon

Ashley Bufkin

Caitlin Clouthier

Liam Craig

AdmissionsatPlayersCircleTheater

PlayersCircleTheatertacklesJoshua Harmon’saward-winningplay, Admissions,runningJan.10–Jan.26 withpreviewsJan.7-9.

Rippedfromthepagesoftoday’s headlines,Admissionsisadramedy aboutliberalparentsdesperatetoget theirchildrenintoanIvyLeagueschool. Ano-holds-barredlookatprivilege, power,andtheperilsofhypocrisy, Admissionsfeaturesrazor-sharpdialogueandhard-hittinglaughs.

“Thisplayexamineswhatitmeansto bewhiteinAmericatoday,aswellas whiteguilt,whiteanxiety,andtheprivilegeswehavewithbeingwhite,"says PlayersCircle'sartisticdirectorRobert Cacioppo.

"Thesubjectmattermaybeedgy.Yet, Harmon'sdramasareoftenreferredto byreviewersascomediesbecausethey areincrediblyfunny!Atitsheart, Admissionsisaboutfamily.”

AdmissionsfollowsSherriRosenMason,theheadoftheadmissions departmentataNewEnglandprep school,asshefightstodiversifythestudentbody.Alongsideherhusband,the school’sheadmaster,they’velargelysucceededinbringingastodgyinstitution intothetwenty-firstcentury.Butwhen theironlysonsetshissightsonanIvy Leagueuniversity,personalambitioncollideswithprogressivevalues,withconvulsiveresults.

“Harmon’sworkisknownforbeing

edgy,topical,anddownrightbrilliant.But whatIlovemostabouttheplayisthe three-dimensionalcharactershehascreated.Theyarenotevilpeople,norare theysaints.Likeus,theyliveinagray area,”addedCacioppo.

Admissionsreceivedthe2018Drama DeskAwardforOutstandingPlayandthe 2018OuterCriticsCircleAwardfor OutstandingNewOff-BroadwayPlay. TheNewYorkTimeshaileditas "Astonishinganddaring.Anextraordinarilyusefulandexcruciatingsatire-ofthe left,bytheleft,fortheleft-fortoday.”

TheproductionwelcomesbackseveralofPlayersCircleTheater'sensemble memberstothestage,includingproducingdirectorCarrieLundCacioppo (Greetings,BedroomFarce,SixDance

LessonsinSixWeeks,ButterfliesAre Free),HarveyEvans(Greetings, ButterfliesAreFree,TheCurious IncidentoftheDogintheNight-Time), BillMahone(TheCuriousIncidentofthe DogintheNight-Time)andBetty Nordstrom(TheLadywithallthe Answers,TheCuriousIncidentofthe DogintheNight-Time),aswellasintroducingPlayersCircle’sdirectorofvolunteerstothestage,KellyJoMadoian.

Thecastisjoinedbyanexpertteam ofbehindthescenes,includingset designbyStevenMcLean,sounddesign byTylerOmundsen,costumedesignby SallyanneBianchetta,technicaldirection byGavinWhiteandproductionstage managementbyMeaghanDaley.

Theproductionwillalsofeaturea20minutepost-performancetalkbackfollowingtheSaturday,Jan.183p.m.performance.TheTalkbackwillfeatureexclusive discussionswiththeentirecastandcreativeteambehindtheproduction,aswell asfieldquestionsfromtheaudience.

“Welovetogiveouraudiences somethinghipandnewthattheycan onlyseebyflyingtoNewYorkAdmissionsisoneofthehottestplays availableinAmericatodayandyoucan experienceitrighthereinFortMyers,” concludesCacioppo.

Forticketsandmoreinformation,visit PlayersCircleTheater.comorcall239800-3292.Thetheaterislocatedat 13211McGregorBlvd.inFortMyers.

TheBoyfromBlock66 atArtsBonitaMoeAuditorium

ArtsBonitaYoungActors Theatrepresentstheworld premiereofTheBoyfrom Block66,anewstageadaptationofLimorRegev’sinternationally-acclaimedwritten accountoftheHolocaust. Adaptedforthestageand directedbyArtsBonita’s StageDirectorinResidence, KodyC.Jones,thisproductionopensJan30,andwill runthroughFeb.2attheArts BonitaMoeAuditorium&Film Center.

TheBoyfromBlock66 tellsthetruestoryof14-yearoldMosheKessler,who’s traveledtoBuchenwaldconcentrationcampfrom Auschwitz-Birkenau.Asa youngboy,he’sassignedto barrackKinderBlock66. Moshe’scircumstances changedrasticallyafterjoiningthechildren’sblock–whichincludesthesecret resistancethatprotectsthe

kidsfromharm.

Jonesexplainswhyit’sso importantforthisstorytobe recreatedtothestage:“A novelandaplayaretwo completelydifferentformsof storytelling.Anovelinvitesus tovisualizeandinterpret, whereasaplayasksusto watch,listen,andjourney withanopenmind.Itcaptivatesyoursenses,challengesyourperspectives, andaffectshowyouviewthe worldaroundyou,muchlike anovelbutinamorevisceral way.”

Theshowwilldisplayto audiencestheyouthand adultlifeofMosheandhis journeyduringandfollowing theholocaust.YoungMoshe willbeplayedbyAiden JohnsonandAndreDegasas adultMoshe.

Formoreinfoandtickets, visitArtsBonita.orgorcall 239-495-8989.

FourOldBroads runsJan.9-26 atLangdonPlayhouseinPortCharlotte

CharlottePlayerswillopen2025 withlaughswhentheypresentFour OldBroads,aside-splittingcomedyby LeslieKimbell.TheplayrunsJan.9 throughJan.26attheLangdon PlayhouseinPortCharlotte.

Thisuproariousproductionfollows fourfeistyseniorwomenwhoare determinedtoshakeuptheirlivesin unexpectedways.Audienceswillbe

treatedtoquirkyanticsanddelightful twistsasthese"broads"faceadventuresthatincludeawhirlwindcruise, surprisingromances,andplentyof laughs.

Perfectforaudienceslookingto kickoffthenewyearwithhumor,Four OldBroadscelebratesfriendship, resilience,andthecourageto embracenewexperiencesatanyage.

RenaissanceFaire returnstoBonitaSpringsinJanuary

KingCaesarProductions,LLC, announcesthethirdannual VeneziaRenaissanceFaireiscomingbacktoBonitaSprings.

Preparefortwoweekendsof enchantment,excitementand immersiveMedievalfunasthe VeneziaRenaissanceFairegrows biggerandbetterthaneverbefore.

Thisyear,organizerswillhost SouthwestFloridanativesalongsiderenownedRenaissanceFaire starsfromacrossthecountry. Expectnewentertainmentacts, breathtakingshows,andaweinspiringspectaclesthatwilltransportyoutotheheartofagrand medievalcelebration.

TheRenaissanceFairewilltake placeSaturday,Jan.4and

Sunday,Jan.5from10a.mto5:30 p.m.Thefairewillalsobeheld Saturday,Jan.11andSunday,Jan. 12from10a.m.to5:30p.m.

Featuresofthefaireinclude: Highenergyjousting&tournaments:Witnessthethundering powerofreal-lifebattles,thrilling jousts,andaction-packed Hollywood-worthycombat.

ExpandedMedieval Marketplace:Exploreanevenlargercollectionofartisansshowcasing handcraftedgoods,jewelry,art, andperiodgarb.

Allnewstageperformances: Laugh,cheerandsingalongwith freshcomedicacts,talentedmusicalperformersanddramaticstorytelling.

Don’tmissthiscomedy,directedby GaryObeldobel,thathascaptured heartsacrossthecountryandpromisestoleaveeveryoneinstitches.

Ticketsareonsalenowandmay bepurchasedthroughtheCharlotte Playerswebsitewww.charlotteplayers.orgorattheLangdonPlayhouse boxofficeat1182MarketCircleinPort Charlotteorbycalling941-255-1022.

InteractiveMedievalgames&livechessmatch: Testyourskillsandtakepartinanunforgettablelifesizedchessbattle—whereonlyonecanclaimcheckmate.

Enterthecastlegatesandindulgeinauthentic medievalcuisine,fromsavoryfeaststosweettreats. RelaxintheexpandedMedievalDiningHalland quenchyourthirstwithaselectionofrefreshinglibationsfitforroyalty.

TheVeneziaRenaissanceFairewillbeheldat 28001Old41Road,BonitaSprings.Ticketsareavailableonlineatveneziarenaissancefaire.com.Kids under3yearsoldenterfreeofcharge.

Takeadvantageofonlinediscountsbyvisitingtheir FacebookpageVeneziaRenFaireforapromocode.

BonitaSpringsNationalArtFestival celebrating25thanniversary

ArtsBonitaannouncesthe25th anniversaryoftheBonitaSprings NationalArtFestival,oneofthecountry’s top-rankedfineartsjuriedfestivals.

Thisyear’smilestoneeventpromises tobeacelebrationofworld-classartistry, bringingtogetherastunningcollectionof artistsfromacrossthecountryand aroundtheglobe.Knownforitshighqualityselectionanditsabilitytoattract oneofthelargestaudiencestothe region,theBonitaSpringsNationalArt Festivalcontinuestosetthestandardfor excellenceinthefineartscommunity.

Forthesecondyearinarow,thefestivalwillfeaturePeople’sChoiceAwards, inadditiontotheprestigious“Bestof Show,”“Bestof2D”and“Bestof3D” awards,recognizingexceptionaltalent acrossvariousmediums.Thefestivalwill alsocontinueitstraditionofhonoring numerousdistinctionsforoutstanding work.Thisyearmarksthebeginningof MaureenRoberts’tenureasthenewfestivaldirector,bringingawealthofexperienceandarenewedcommitmentto ensuringonlythehighest-qualityartists arejuriedintothefestival.

“I'mhonoredtoleadthisiconicevent andworkwithourteamtopresentan unforgettableexperienceforartistsand visitorsalike,”saidRoberts.“Ourgoalis toshowcasethefinestworksofartand maintainthefestival’slegacyofexcel-

lencewhilealsosupportingcommunity initiativesthatmaketheartsaccessible toall.”

Incelebrationofthe25thanniversary, ArtsBonitawillholdanexclusiveartist receptionattheRooftopat RiversideJan.10at5p.m.,the festival’sleadsponsorand BonitaSprings'premiumfood parkdestination.Visitorsare invitedtomeettheartistsina relaxed,vibrantsettingbefore thefestivalofficiallyopens,providingauniqueopportunityto engagewiththecreativeminds behindtheartwork.

TheBonitaSpringsNational ArtFestivalisrenownedfor beingoneofthelargestand mostwell-attendedeventsin SouthwestFlorida.Asajuried event,artistsarecarefully selectedbyapanelofindustry expertstoensurethehighest caliberofworkisdisplayed. Thefestivalproceedsdirectly

supportArtsBonita’sscholarshipprogramsandeducationalinitiatives,benefitingunderservedstudentsinTitleI schools.Lastyear,ArtsBonitadistributed morethan$150,000inscholarships, makingasignificantimpactonartseducationinthecommunity.

"OurNationalArtFestivalsplayadual roleinservingourbelovedcommunity, first,bybringingthebestofnationaland regionalartiststotheheartofBonita Springs,"saidAlyonaUshe,executive directorofArtsBonita."Andbyraising crucialfundstoprovideopportunitiesfor ouryouthtoblossom."

Admissiontothefestivalisfree,however,a$10perpersondonationissuggestedtohelpArtsBonitaraisevital fundsforitsscholarshipprograms,which benefitunderservedyouthinthecommunity.

Withahistoryofover60qualityfestivalsinBonitaSprings,ArtsBonitapresentsthreefineartsandfinecraftsfestivalseachyear,continuingtobeabeaconofcultureandcreativityintheregion.

Thefirstofthreefestivalswillbeheld Saturday,Jan.11andSunday,Jan.12 from10a.m.to5p.m.atRiversidePark, 10450ReynoldsSt.inBonitaSprings. ThesecondshowwillbeheldFeb.8and 9,andtheartfestivalseasonwrapsup onMarch1and2.

Formoreinformationaboutthefestival,visitartsbonita.org/artfest/

DavidSandidge

ONTHECOVER:StephaneeAnn

PaulHenryDevoti

SonnyRomanoexhibitatDAASCo-OpGallery

InthemonthofJanuary,DAAS Co-OpArtGallery&GiftsisshowcasingtheartofSonnyRomano. Hisexhibition,entitled Thunderstruck,featuresrecent workscreatedusingtheartist’s twistonwoodburning.Theopeningreceptionisscheduledfor Friday,Jan.3from5:30to9p.m.

SonnyRomanoisatrailblazing artistbasedinSouthwestFlorida. Hisworkmergesscience,art,and naturewithhisowntwistona processcalledLichtenbergwood burning.Usinghigh-voltageelectricity,Romanocreatesintricate, one-of-a-kindpatternsonwood, evokingthebeautyoflightning, riversystems,andorganicforms foundthroughoutthenaturalworld. Alifelongmakerandmusician, Romano’sjourneybeganwithcustomwoodworkingandguitarbuildingin2018.Unsatisfiedwithconventionalmethodsoffinishinghisinstruments, hediscoveredLichtenbergwoodburning -arareandhazardoustechniquerequiringspecializedequipmentcapableof generatingthousandsof[electrical]volts forthepurposeofburningbeautifuland intricate,butrandompatternsontowood.

Withabitofresearchandsometinkering around,Romanowasconfidenthecould takethisprocesstoanew,moreartistic level.

Afterspendingthreeyearsonexperimentation,practice,andtheoccasional biteofelectricitytokeephimhonest, Romanodevelopedhisowntechnology andadaring,handsontechniquethat allowedhimtoharnessthechaosofa highvoltagecurrent,andcollaborate withit,resultinginbreathtaking,one-ofa-kindpiecesofart.AfterhurricaneIan in2022andasubsequentfiredestroyed hisstudio,Romanorebuiltandreturned withrenewedvigor,founding ThunderstruckWoodworxin2023.The exhibitwillbeondisplaythroughFeb.2.

OnJan.3,thefirstSip,Read, Connectbooksigningeventfeatures authorMagdianamyCarrilloSotomayor. Theauthorwillbesigningcopiesofher bookandtakingtheopportunitytotalk abouthermemoirandtheexperiences thatledtoitall.Herstoryremindsusof thestrengthwithinustoovercomelife’s challengesthroughperseverance,education,andself-discovery.Let’ssipcoffee,exploremeaningfulstories,andcelebratethebeautyofconnectionand creativity.Thebooksigningwillbeheld intheadjacentArts&EatsCafé,from 5:30to8p.m.

DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Giftsis locatedat10051McGregorBlvd.,suite 104,FortMyers.HoursareWednesday toSunday10a.m.to2p.m.

Findmoreinfoatdaascoop.comor call239-955-0422.

NudeNocturneexhibit atAlliancefortheArts

TheNudeNocturnefigurativefineartexhibition returnsasFortMyers'hottestcelebrationofthenude form.Featuringastunningarrayofworksbyartists fromacrossthenation,thismonth-longshowcaseisan immersiveexplorationofthehumanbodyasavessel ofidentity,emotion,andtransformation.

TheexhibitionopenswithapublicreceptiononJan. 10from5to7pmattheAlliancefortheArts(AFTA). GuestscanenjoylightrefreshmentsprovidedbyJayne Bakerwhileviewingcaptivatinglarge-scalenudeartworksintheMainGallery.Additionalsmallerworksand figuredrawingswillbedisplayedintheTheatreand MemberGalleries,offeringadiversecollectionfor attendeestoexperienceandpurchase.Theexhibition willbeondisplaythroughthemonthofJanuary.

The2025exhibitiontheme,Embody,delvesintothe profoundconnectionbetweenthehumanbodyandthe humanexperience.Artistswereaskedtosubmitupto fivepiecesthatinterpretthebodyasalivingexpression ofstrength,grace,vulnerability,andtransformation. Thisexplorationinvitesviewerstoreimaginethe dynamicnatureofthehumanformasbothacanvas andanarrative.

ThecelebrationcontinuesonJan.25,withthereturn ofNudeNocturne,anexclusive,ticketedeventfor guestsaged21andolder.

TheAlliancefortheArtsislocatedat10091 McGregorBoulevard,justsouthofColonialBoulevard inFortMyers.Fortickets,eventdetailsandadditional information,visitArtInLee.org.

AlliancefortheArts(AFTA)presentsthesecondannualNude NocturneEmbodyevent,acelebrationofthehumanformsetagainstthe backdropofartisticexpressionanduninhibitedrevelry.

Theeveningwillbeginat6p.m.andfeaturethreeseparateburlesque performances.Burlesqueperformanceswillbeat6,7and8p.m.Tickets arefortimedentrytoeachperformance.Alesserpricedticketoptionwill beavailableforan8p.m.entrytotheeventwhichwillnotincludethe burlesqueperformance.Allticketholdersareencouragedtostayand exploretheentiretyoftheevent.

NiceGuysPizzawillbepouringaselectionofsignaturecocktails especiallycuratedfortheeveningaswellaslocalfoodtrucks.Aselectionofmocktailsandnon-alcoholicbeverageswillalsobeavailable.

Thevenuewillincludelivemodelpainting,quickdrawfiguresketchingandmannequinpainting,offeringgueststheopportunitytoengagewiththeirown creativity.Theeveningwillalsofeatureperformances fromaerialartistsandtwoliveDJ’sthroughoutthe campus.

TheMainGallerywillshowcaseacaptivatingcollectionofnudeartworksselectedfromtheexhibition call.Complementingthis,additionalpiecesandfigure drawingswillbefeaturedinthetheatreandmember galleries,creatingadiverseandengagingexperience forattendeestoexploreandpurchase.

The2025exhibitiontheme,Embody,delvesinto theprofoundconnectionbetweenthehumanbody andthehumanexperience.Artistswereaskedtosubmituptofivepiecesthatinterpretthebodyasaliving expressionofstrength,grace,vulnerability,andtransformation.Thisexplorationinvitesviewerstoreimaginethedynamicnatureofthehumanformasbotha canvasandanarrative.

NudeNocturnewillbeondisplayJan.10-Feb.1.

TicketsfortheJan.25eventareavailableonlineat artinlee.orgstartingat$50.VIPtableoptionsarealso available.EachticketwillbetimedforoneBurlesque performanceexceptforoneticketingoptionavailable at$30foran8p.m.entrythatwillnotincludeaburlesqueperformance.Onlythose21andoldermay attendthisevent.

SWFloridaWoodArtExpoJan.10&11

TheannualSouthwestFloridaWoodArt,WoodCarversandWood TurnersexpoandcompetitionisscheduledforFriday,Jan.10and Saturday,Jan.11.

Thisisoneofthepremierwoodartshowsinthecountrysince1986. Adynamicshowwithhundredsofentriesforcompetition,vendorsofall kinds(wood,tools,blanks,dustequipment,artsuppliesandmore),demonstrations,raffle,carvingclasses,artists'displaysandsales.

TheshowwillbeheldattheCharlotte HarborEventCenter,locatedat75Taylor St.,PuntaGorda.

Doorswillbeopenfrom9a.m.to4 p.m.eachday.Admissionwillbe$10for eachday(12andunderarefree).Tickets areavailableatthedoorandonline.

Theshowfeaturesdemonstrations, silentauctions,carvingsupplies,carver sales&displays,vendors,uniqueraffle andaqualitycompetition.

Competitionfeeis$10forthefirstentry and$5foranysubsequententriesper division.Thisyear,theyhaveaddedchainsawcarving,CNC,andlasercarvingcategoriesalongwithanewfurnituredivision.

Commercialvendorsmaysubmitan applicationonlinefordisplayorsalesspace.Formoreinformation,tickets andforms,goonlinetowww.swflwoodartexpo.org.

HirdieGirdiewelcomesMarthaDodd,StanDzedzy

HirdieGirdiewelcomestwoguestartists inJanuary:Oilpainter MarthaDoddandclay sculptorStanDzedzy.

Besuretoattendthe gallery’s“meetand greet”duringtheir extendedhourson ThursdayJan.9from5 to8p.m.

MarthaDoddisa renownedlocalartistand shefindsinspirationall aroundherinFlorida. Thebountifullocalnaturalwildlife,horses,birds, andfishwerethefrequentsubjectsofher best-knownmurals.Her diverseworkencompassesmurals,portraits, fauxfinishingandlandscapesandisnotedforitsphotorealism,detailandpassion.

Martha'sbackgroundandherloveofarthistoryhelpedher recognizetheimportanceofartinthehometocreateamood andenhancethebeautyofthesurroundings.Notonlydoes arthavearoleofaddinginterestinthehome,butitmustlive inharmonywithitssurroundingsandthepeoplewholive there.Marthalovechallenges,andlovestohavefunwithher artaswell.Ithascometodefineherasaperson–shecan't imaginelifewithoutit!

SheisanotedportraitartistandamemberofthePortrait andFigurePaintersSocietyofSWFloridaandhasbeen activelyinvolvedinthestatewideart-scene.

StanDzedzy'sdragons,imaginativecreatures,andwhimsicalfigureshavecometocharacterizehishandcrafted stoneware.Stanbecameinterestedinclayincollegeandwas

particularlyfascinatedbythefactthat clay,withnoshape orformofitsown, canbeturnedinto justaboutanything withalittlebitofskill andcreativity.

Usingavarietyof stonewareand porcelainclays, mostofStan'swork beginsonthepotterywheelbyformingabasicshape andthenadding handsculptedforms tocreatehisindividuallyhandmade pieces.Avarietyof coloredstoneware claycombinedwith avarietyofself-formulatedglazesstainsandmetaloxidesareusedtocomplementandenhancehisfinishedwork

Hispersonalinterestinboththemysticalandwhimsical aspectsofthisworldarehisinspirationforhispieces.

HirdieGirdieisanartists'cooperative.Theiruniqueworks arecreatedbymemberartistsChrisChristian,TracyOwenCullimore,TamaraCulp,ReneeFarr,ZdenkaFiala,Maureen Ginipro,NancyGray,SueHousler,JoAnnLaPadula,Oliver Martin,ChristineMusic,NikkiTaylorPombrio,PennyRipley, GilbertoSanchez,SharonShaw,MartyShermanandKay Stammers.

HirdieGirdieislocatedat2490LibraryWay,Sanibel.Hours areMonday-Saturday10a.m.to5p.m.andSundays11a.m. to4p.m.Findoutmoreaboutthegalleryandanyschedule changesathirdiegirdiegallery.com

SueHavensexhibitatFGCUWasmerArtGallery

TheFGCUArtGalleriespresentthe upcomingexhibition,SueHavens, FindingForm:ThroughLinefromJan.17 –Feb.20intheWasmerArtGalleryin theArtsComplexontheFloridaGulf CoastUniversitycampus.

Anartisttalkwilltakeplaceon Thursday,Jan.16at5:30p.m.intheU. TobeRecitalHallintheMusicBuilding ontheFGCUCampus,followedbyan openingreceptionintheArtsComplex until7:30p.m.TheworkswithinFinding Form:ThroughLinewillcombinetwoandthree-dimensionalworkstocreate animmersiveinstallationinthegallery. Disparateinfluences—suchasthe lightsonamusementparkridesatthe statefair,dottedsidewalkpavers,paintedlinesinparkinglots,thriftstorefab-

rics,crackedpavement,Turkishkilims andruins,supermarketpackaging, miniaturegolfarchitecture,andtreebark —arebolsteredbyongoinginvestigationsofflatness,dimensionality,color, andpatternwithinpaintingandsculpture.Havenscreatesnewformsby cullingreferencesfromareaslivedin, placestravelled,andbyobjectsand ephemeracollected-sothatcontent mightberemembered,discovered,and felt.

Thehybridnatureofherexpanding practiceevolvesincycles,asshe exhaustspossibilitiesforpushingboundarieswithinmedia.

FGCUArtGalleriesareopen10a.m. to4p.m.Monday–Friday.Forfurther informationorgotofgcu.edu/artgalleries.

StanDzedzy

MarthaDodd

TheVisualArtsCenterinPunta Gordastartsoffthenewyearwithan openhouseJan.3and4from10 a.m.to2p.m.

Jointhemtoregisterforclasses, workshops,andartsocials.Engage withtheirexpertinstructors,inquire aboutcourses,andexplorethefacili-

ties.Enjoycomplimentarymimosas whileminglingwithfellowartenthusiasts.Allarewelcometocontributeto thevibrantartcommunitybyenrolling infallsessionclassesorgiftingart classestoothers.

ThreenewexhibitswillopenJan. 9andruntotheendofthemonth.

Color: Exhibitorswere askedto“ExpressYourself throughColor!”Thisisa juriedshowthatincludes 2D&3Dart.Prizesinclude $1,800first,second,& third,3MeritRibbons,and a$50People’sChoice whichwillbepresentedatthereceptionon Jan.16from5to7 p.m..Exhibitisfreeto view.

BlackandWhite: Thisexhibitisallabout thebeautyofBlack& Whiteasanartform. Both2D&3Dworkwill beincludedinthedisplay.A$500Bowles PortraitAwardwillbe presentedalongwith

threeMeritAwardswhichwillbepresentedatthereceptiononJan.16. Black&Whiteisfreetoview.

AfternoonDelight: Come&view theAlcoholInk&WaterMediaShow ondisplayinRebeccaHall.Vibrant colors,abstracts,andmoredefine thismedium.ArtistsmeetonFriday afternoonsforopenstudiofellowship &itisalwaysadelightfultime.Meet thematthereceptiononJan.16. TheVisualArtsCenterislocated at210MaudSt.inPuntaGorda. Formoreinfo,call941-639-8810 orvisitwww.visualartcenter.org

KathyWengel

MaryBoylan

Annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Market Place Jan. 11 & 12

The Rotary Club of Cape Coral is thrilled to announce the 40th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place, returning on Jan 11 and 12 in Downtown Cape Coral

Supported by title sponsor Lake Michigan Credit Union, this milestone year promises to be the largest and most exciting yet, with the addition of the premier artist area sponsored by Aubuchon Homes and a brand-new Boat Show and Outdoor Expo

The two-day event, running from 10 a m to 5 p m on Saturday and 10 a m to 4 p m on Sunday, will showcase more than 300 artists and artisans from around the globe, offering an extraordinary array of fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media, metalworks, and more

With free admission and free parking, the festival provides a can’t-miss opportunity to celebrate art, culture, and community right in the heart of Cape Coral.

This year, the festival introduces the premier artist area, an exclusive space dedicated to the most highly skilled and juried artists The premier artist area will feature enhanced amenities for artists and a curated experience for visitors, set along Cape Coral Parkway in front of the Holiday Inn Express

Adding to the excitement, the 40th anniversary will debut a Boat Show and Outdoor Expo, highlighting the best in boating, outdoor living and recreation Visitors can explore top-tier boats, outdoor equipment, and lifestyle products, making this festival a destination for everyone

In addition to the exceptional art displays, the festival’s popular Market Place will return, featuring local businesses, services and non-profits Attendees can also enjoy delicious food options, entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend

“For 40 years, the Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place has celebrated art, creativity and community,” said Christina Redman, festival chair “With the support of our incredible sponsors, Lake Michigan Credit Union and Aubuchon Homes, we are excited to enhance this year’s festival with new features like the Premier Artist Area and Boat Show and Outdoor Expo We can’t wait to welcome visitors to this milestone event ”

For more info about the festival, visit capecoralartfestival com

Happenings Magazine is a long-time cosponsor of this annual event

ACTGalleryshowcasesvolunteerartists

ArtsforACTGallerywillfeatureagroupexhibitwith over48artistsfeaturingHeartsandHandsexhibitfrom theirvolunteerco-opartists.Anopeningreceptionwith theartistwillbeheldFriday,Jan.3from5to9p.m.in conjunctionwiththemonthlyFortMyersArtWalk.

TheJanuaryexhibitisashowingofnewworksfrom theco-opartists,manyofthemarealsovolunteersthat openandcloseACTGallery.Attendeeswillseenew worksonavarietyof2-Dor3-Dart,withawidearrayof media,pastels,oils,collage,andmore.Thisgroupof over48creativeartistswillhavefurniture,shrines,sculpturesandwearablesandvisualwallart…Abstract,surrealism,stylized, naïve,minimalist, graphic,naturalistic,realistand more.Trulysomethingforeveryone. Allartwillfeature heartsandhands.

Thisexhibit continuesthrough Feb.3.

ArtsforACT Galleryislocated at2265FirstSt.in downtownFort Myers.

ThegalleryisownedbyAbuseCounselingand Treatment,Inc.Moneyraisedgoestodomesticviolence, sexualassaultandhumantraffickingparticipantsinshelterandoutreach. Formoreinfo,contactcgoode@actabuse.com.

DonnaChase

ShahHadjebi

DavisArtCenterpairspoets withartbyReynierLlanes

TheSidney&BerneDavisArt CenterannouncestwoartexhibitionsopeningduringArtWalkon Friday,Jan.3.

TheGrandAtriumhostsagroup exhibitiontitledBrewing Expression:Coffee,Paintings,and Poetry,curatedbyReynierLlanes.

ThesecondfloorCapitalGallery willexhibitthesecondseriesofan immersiveinstallationbyIsrael AlpizarandSBDACtitled Panoramica:CurioDream.

TheGrandAtriumhostsamultimediaplatformforpoetsalongside

theworksofReynierLlanes.His coffeeinkpaintingshavebeen describedasvividdreams,where spiritualityandtherhythmsofdaily lifeintertwinetoformanew mythology,asdescribedbyJanet Batetforthecollectioncatalogof theOlgaM.&CarlosASaladrigas ArtGalleryoftheIgnatianCenter fortheArtsBelenJesuit PreparatorySchool.

Thetranscriptionsofthehandwrittencompositionswillbeshowcasedalongsidethecoffee-infused artworks.PoetswithfeaturedwritingsincludeAntonioTillis,Ricardo Pau-Llosa,RosieInguanzo, RamonFernándezLarrea,Janet Batet,JacquesPierre,ReinaMaria Rodriguez,ErnestG.,Lemis Tarajano,LegnaRodriguez Iglesias,AsiahMae,KellyGrandall, LuisFelipeRojas,JoyMistovich, KatherineBisquet,CarlosPintado, JoséEmilioFernandezCepero, JoseKozer,andAlejandro Querejeta.

IntheCapitalGalleryIsrael AlpizarandSBDAChostaprojectioninstallationtitledPanoramica: CurioDreamthatwillimmerse viewerswitha360showcaseof visualdream-likeinterpretations.

BothshowsopenduringArtWalk,Jan.3from6 to10p.m.andrunthroughJan.30.SBDACwill alsofeaturelivemusicfrom7to11p.m.onSidney’s RooftopSculptureGarden.TheSidney&Berne DavisArtCenterisat2301FirstSt.inthehistoric downtownFortMyersRiverDistrict. Formoreinformationcall239-333-1933orvisit thewebsiteatwww.sbdac.com

NaplesArtcraftersshowinFleischmanParkJan.11

TheNaplesArtcrafterswillhosttheir nextjuriedfineartandcraftshowofthe seasononSaturday,Jan.11.

Theeventshowcasestheworkof juriedlocalartistsandcraftsmenwho willbesellingtheirpaintings,jewelry, pottery,artglass,sculpturesandmore.

TheJanuaryshowwillbeheldin FleischmannParkneartheNaplesZoo andCoastlandCenterMallinNaples.

TheFebruary,MarchandApril showswillmovebacktoCambierPark, whichislocatedon8thStreetSouth, justoneblocksouthof5thAveSouthin downtownNaples.

MeetwellknownandemergingNaples’artistsinthiscelebrationofcreativity.Itwillbeawonderfulopportunitytoshop localandsupportyourartists.

Admissionisfree,andfreeparking isnearby.Theshowrunsfrom10a.m. to4p.m.

TheNaplesArtcrafterswasfounded in1966asanon-profitorganization dedicatedtothesupportoflocalartists andtheencouragementofthedevelopmentofartisticendeavorsinthe Naplesarea.Thegroupprovideslocal artistsandcraftsmenavenuefordisplayingandsellingtheirworkbysponsoringjuriedoutdoorshowsduringthe season.

Theremaining2024-25seasonhas showsinCambierParkscheduledfor Feb.1,March8andApril12.

FormoreabouttheNaplesArtcraftersgroup,visitonlineat naplesartcrafters.com.

ReynierLlanes

NaplesFineArt ShowJan.25-26

TheNaplesFineArtShowbyHot Works.orgwillbeheldJan.25and26 attheNaplesItalian-American Foundation,locatedatthecornerof AirportPullingRoadandOrange BlossomBlvd.

Thishighlyanticipatedevent returnswithashowcaseoftop-quality,juriedartistsofferingoriginal,handmadeart.Withawiderangeof prices,there’ssomethingforeveryonetoenjoy!

Whileexploringtheshow,besure tovisittheboothofBobTriskoand IanLieberman.After50yearsofparticipatinginartshows,Bobsadly passedawaylastyear.Ianishonoringhislegacybybringingtheirunique sculpturaljewelrybacktoNaples—a collectionunlikeanythingyou’veseen before.

Don’tmissDanBarnes,anawardwinningmixed-mediaartistfrom Georgetown,KY,knownforhisstunningcombinationofmetalandglass art.Andthat'sjustthebeginning— manymoretalentedartistswillbefeaturedthroughouttheevent.

AspartofHotWorks’commitment toarteducation,studentsingrades K-8(ages5-13)areinvitedtosubmit theirartworkforpublicdisplayduring theshow.OnSunday,Jan.26at3 p.m.,$250incashawardswillbepresented,helpingyoungartistslearn thefoundationsofparticipatinginart showsasprofessionals.

Enjoygreatfood,familyfun,and inspiringartforall.Admissionisfree, andtheshowrunsfrom10a.m.to5 p.m.onbothSaturdayandSunday. Learnmoreatwww.hotworks.org.

DanBarnes

TowerGalleryshowcasesEliseSewall

TowerGalleryonSanibelisan artists’cooperativeconsistingof27 artistsintwo-dimensionaland three-dimensionalmediumssuch asoil,acrylic,watercolor,photography,ceramic,jewelry,fiber, wood,glassandmetal.

EliseSewallisoneoftheartists atTowerGallery.

EliseSewallgrewupintheNew Yorkmetropolitanarea,moving downtobeautifulSWFlorida15 yearsago.

HerearlycareerasafinejewelrydesignerworkingforHarry Winston,Bailey,BanksandBiddle, Zales,aswellasmanyothermanufacturers,whichspanned25 yearsandmanycontinents.

Havingalwayspainted,Elise studiedatRhodeIslandSchoolof Design,MichiganStateUniversity andArtsStudentsLeagueinNYC.

Asafulltimeartistworkinginoil onlinen,Elise’sworksincludelarge scalecontemporarystilllives,aswellas portraitsandlandscapes.Sheloves paintingthebeautysheseesineveryday

andmundaneobjects,especiallyones thatarewovenintoourlivesthatwetake forgranted.Asacolorist,Eliseisvery interestedintransparencyandreflection aswellashowcolorandlightinteract

andaffecteachother.

Sheisamemberoflocalart associationsaswellastheNational AssociationofWomenArtistsand showsbothlocallyandinternationally.

TowerGalleryartistsinclude JoAnneBedient,CharlieBrown, SteveBufter,MikeDanley,Kathleen Dennison,SallyDutko,Ludmila Evans,KatieGardenia,Shah Hadjebi,MeganKissinger,Ikki Matsumoto,CharlieMcCullough, KellyMorrison,CaroleNastars, MarianneRavenna,Christine Reichow,JohnRizza,Joan Roberts,SusanSadler,Ron Sebring,AnneSchroeder,Kathy Seguin,EliseSewall,AnisaStewart, BuckWard,LindaWigginsand ChristinaWyatt.

TowerGalleryislocatedat751 TarponBayRoadonSanibelandis opensevendaysaweekfrom10 a.m.to4p.m.

Formoreinformation,callthegallery at239-472-4557orvisitonlineat www.towergallery.net

ArtbyKimCarioto-Krugle,MarthaStevensoninCapeCoralLibrary

Changingexhibitionsinthe CapeCoralLibrary’sart galleryaresponsoredbythe FriendsoftheCapeCoral Libraryandaredesignedto affordlocalartiststheopportunitytosharetheirworkinthis publicforumandtoselltheir artdirectlywithoutcommissions.Thelibraryislocatedat 921SW39thTerrace,offof MohawkParkway,andthecurrentexhibitwillbeopenduring theirregularbusinesshours Jan.4throughFeb.27.

ArtworkbyKimCariotoKruglewillbeondisplayon thewallsofthelibrary’s gallery.Herworkisdone eitherinoilpaintorusingpaperpieces.Thepaintingsareoncanvasandexecutedwithbrushesand/orpaletteknives.Herunique paperartimagesarecomprisedofcutandtornpapers.Theyhave theiroriginsfromyearsofusingcutpaperdesignsandmosaic projectswithelementaryandhighschoolstudents.

BorninPittsburgh,shereceivedaBachelor’sofScienceinArt EducationfromIndianaUniversityofPAandaMaster’sin HumanitieswithaFineArtsconcentrationfromArcadiaUniversity inPA.Herartteachingcareerspanned36yearsinfourstatesand includedallgradelevelsincludingpre-schoolandK-12.

32-JANUARY2025

MarthaStevenson’s artworkwillbefeatured inthethreedisplay casesinthelibrary gallery.Hersmallpaintingsarerenderedwitha varietyofmedia(acrylic, watercolor,markers,pen andink….),onmanydifferentsurfaces,andof diversesubjectmatter. Allofthemarecheerful, colorfulandwhimsical. GrowingupinnorthernOhioandBuffalo, N.Y.,area,Marthawas anartistevenbeforesheknewshewasanartist!Withacreative fatherandanimaginativemother,schoolprojectsalwayshadlots ofvisualextras.Nowasanadult(andSWFloridaresidentsince 1984),Marthaneverstopspaintingandneverstopslearning,takingonlineclasseslocallyandfrominstructorsaroundtheworld. MarthaalsoteachesartclassesonlineusingZoom.Asateacher, Marthaisencouragingandsharing-alwaysleadingstudent painterstodiscovertheirownabilitiesandstyles.HerpreviouslifetimeexperienceasatechnicalclassinstructorendowedMartha withtheabilitytocommunicatecolorandtechniques;thuspainters neednotrelyonalinedrawing.

Forinfoaboutexhibits,contactartgallerychairMonicaRahman byemailtogallery@capefriends.orgorvisitcapefriends.org.

EliseSewall

MarthaStevenson

LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents

ONGOING

FullyCommitted ThroughJan.12

ArtStageStudioTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488

AnnualEdisonHolidayNights ThroughJan.5

EdisonandFordWinterEstates 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-334-7419

HorizonArtInstallation ThroughFeb.16

MercatoEventLawn,Naples www.experiencemercato.com

Buddy:TheBuddyHollyStory ThroughFeb.15

BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422

WED-1

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

LatinNightwithAngela RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers lessons6:30p.m.,party8p.m., 239-333-1933

THU-2

JoeyFiato TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FrankieValli,BeeGeestribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

ClassicrockbandStyxwillperformJan.10atHertzArenainEstero.Forticketsandmoreinfo,visit onlneathertzarena.com photobyJasonPowell

FRI-3

FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 5-9p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

CoralStoneBand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

Deb&TheDynamics-6p.m. DiscoDanceParty-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

Panoramica:CurioDreamexhibit ThroughJan.30 CapitalGallery, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Reception6p.m.,239-333-1933

TinaTurner,RodStewart andTomJonestribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Sip,Read,Connect Arts&EatsCafe, 10051McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers, BooksigningbyMagdianamy CarrilloSotomayor5:30-8p.m., 239-955-0422

HeartsandHandsgroupexhibit ArtsforACTGallery 2265FirstSt.,FortMyers reception5-9p.m.,239-337-5050

Thunderstruck: SonnyRomanoexhibit DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104, FortMyers,openingreception5:30 -9p.m.,239-955-0422

BrewingExpressionexhibit ThroughJan.30

GrandAtrium, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Reception6p.m.,239-333-1933

CelebratingBroadway withMarkSanders PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

LastTrain TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-10p.m.,239-540-8454

FortMyersSeafood andMusicFestival ThroughJan.5 CentennialPark, 2000W.FirstSt.,FortMyers Friday4-10p.m.,Saturday11a.m. -10p.m.,Sunday11a.m.-6p.m., paragonfestivals.com

VisualArtCenterOpenHouse Friday&Saturday VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 10a.m.-2p.m.,941-639-8810

MyraRoberts’ ArtTakesFlightexhibit ThroughJan.30 SanibelCommunityHouse, 2173PeriwinkleWay,Sanibel 239-472-2155

TheBoots Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 7p.m.,941-235-3675

SAT-4

ACMA:RecklessSaints AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers TheBernardisopen,7p.m., www.americanacma.org

Sixxes

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-10p.m.,239-540-8454

K-Luv&UnitedFunkFoundation Spoonmen(ChrisCornelltribute) SignsofSacrifice(Creedtribute) Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 1,6:30&8:30p.m.,941-235-3675

VeneziaRenaissanceFaire Saturday&Sunday 28001Old41Road,BonitaSprings 10a.m.-5:30p.m. venezianrenaissancefaire.com

DonnatheBuffalo PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

RobertGonnelli-6:30p.m.

SmokinAces-6:30p.m.

YachtRocktribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

CelebrationintheSky FireworksShow SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 9p.m.,free,moreinparadise.com

RelentlessFire TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WallofEchoes:

PinkFloydtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

SUN-5

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

NewYorkRhythm TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

JoshRowand TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

13South-12:30pm. MatthewCurry-2:30p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675

GulfCoastSymphony HarmonyinSensation Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 3p.m.239-277-1700

Leather&LaceDuo-5p.m. Atilio&Diane-5p.m. NeilDiamondand BarryManilowtribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

MON-6

RustyandLaurieWright TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FortMyersFilmFestivalT.G.I.M. SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933

SheldonUpchurch

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,5-9p.m.,239-540-8454

TUE-7

WendyRenee TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

LuckyStiff ThroughJan.26

ArcadeTheatre,FloridaRepertory Theatre,2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488

TheFirmJazz,Blues-6:30p.m. FleetwoodMactribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

Admissions ThroughJan.26

PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-800-3292

Galleryopeningreception

HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,featuredartists KathleenTayloradJimCrawford, www.harbourviewgallery.com

JerseyBoys Jan.7-12

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 239-481-4849

CandlelightConcerts: TributetoAdele-6p.m. TributetoQueen-8:30p.m. Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700

WED-8

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TheTemptationsand TheFourTopstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Martin PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

SATURDAY,JAN.4

TheBernardisopens,7pm RecklessSaints

TheLostLakersopens,7pm ShannainaDress

SATURDAY,JAN.18

RayCerboneopens,7pm VerlonThompson

SATURDAY,FEB.1

ALLFAITHSUNITARIANCONGREGATION

2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers,Doors6:30pm.Ticketsatdoor.

GraceMorrison,MarcDouglasBerardo

THURSDAY,JAN.9at7pm

CalusaNatureCenterPlanetarium

3450OrtizAve.,FortMyers•Ticketsatcalusanature.org

BobPatetta,RayCerbone&Chakulla TUESDAY,JAN.14 at6pm

CornogPlaza,FortMyersLibrary,Downtown FREE-Bringchair,blanket.Showmovesinsidedependingonweather

HouseofHamill

SUNDAY,JAN.26 at3pm

10091McGregorBlvd.FortMyers•TicketsatArtinLee.org AlliancefortheArts

VisitourFacebookpageandwebsite formoreinfo&fullcalendarofevents www.americanacma.org

WED-8continued

WednesdayNightMarket AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 5-8p.m.,239-939-2787

RandyandBrad DogtoothSportsandMusicBar, 5310ShirleySt.,Naples 6:30p.m.,239-431-7004

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. Eaglestribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

THU-9

ACMAatthePlanetarium:Grace Morrison,MarcDouglasBarardo CalusaNatureCenterPlanetarium, 3450OrtizAve.FortMyers 7p.m.,www.calusanature.org

CharlottePlayerspresents FourOldBroads Jan.9-12 LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

Queentribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7:30p.m.,239-549-3000

EveningonFifth 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.,239-248-4151

MeettheartistsatHirdieGirdie HirdieGirdieArtGallery, 2490LibraryWay,Sanibel 5-8p.m. www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com

DannyMasters TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJones,MeatLoaftribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

APPEARINGINJANUARY

1/2SpringRun(private)

1/5Valencia,Bonita(private)

1/8Dogtooth,Naples-6:30p.m. 1/11TheCenterBar,BonitaSprings-7p.m. 1/15PelicanBay(private)

1/17Giuseppe&TheLion,Naples-6:30p.m. 1/22FortMyersRVPark(private)

1/24TheCenterBar,BonitaSprings-7p.m. Moredatestocome. www.RandyBradDuo.com

IanMaksin:AmorRenatus Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.239-277-1700

ZachBartholomew: RodolfoZuniga’sSurfaces PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

HarlemGlobetrotters HertzArena,11000Everblades Parkway,Estero,7p.m. www.hertzarena.com

TheatreZonepresentsOnce Jan.9-12

G&LTheatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 888-966-3352

LatinNightwithDJJC RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

RevelationinRhythm: ArtInspiredbyMusicexhibit ThroughFeb.20 HinmanGalleryintheRound, PerformingArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings Reception6p.m.,239-495-8989

OldRingers Jan.9-12

FortMyersTheatre, 16120SanCarlosBlvd.,FortMyers 239-323-6570

FRI-10

AnnualSouthwestFlorida WoodArtExpo FridayandSaturday CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 9a.m.-4p.m.941-833-5444 www.swflwoodartexpo.org

NudeNocturneexhibit ThroughFeb.1 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers Openingreception5-7p.m., 239-939-2787

NeilDiamondand BarbraStreisandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Revolution5677Princetribute Ter-Tini’sMusic&EventHall, 1901CrystalDrive,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-344-6147

HarvestNightsMusicFestival: Train,DonFelder&more JohnJimmieRodeoGrounds, 1195SeminoleXingTrl,Immokalee BenAllenBand5p.m.,TerriClark6 p.m.,DonFelder7:45p.m.and Train9:25p.m.thecharitypros.org

Leather&LaceDuo-6p.m. JimmyKeysComedy-7p.m. Elvistribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JohnnyCaribe TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

StyxandLoverboyinconcert HertzArena,11000Everblades Parkway,Estero,7:30p.m. www.hertzarena.com

JazzyNightsMusicSeries: JumaaneSmith

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

DancingDream:ABBAtribute FridayandSaturday TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

RockCandy

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-10p.m.,239-540-8454

TheDaVinciCode Jan.10-12

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

AlexLopezTrio-6p.m. MeatLoadTribute-8p.m.

Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675

SAT-11

ChrisMannSingsTonyBennett BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel 7:30p.m.239-395-0900

DukesofBrinkley Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675

ComedianBrianBates TheWorkshopatLuminaryHotel& Co.,2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6&8p.m.,239-314-3723

SAT-11continued

BonitaSprings NationalArtFestival SaturdayandSunday RiversidePark, 10450ReynoldsSt.,BonitaSprings 10a.m.-5p.m.artsbonita.org

MeatLoaftribute-7:30p.m.

TheTapMonkeys-6p.m. ChicagoHeat-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

HarvestNightsMusicFestival: DefLeppard,Tesla&more JohnJimmieRodeoGrounds, 1195SeminoleXingTrl,Immokalee MaidenCane3:15p.m.,Casey Bishop&RockRepublic4:45p.m., TimMontana6:15p.m.,Tesla7:45 p.m.,DefLeppard9:15p.m. thecharitypros.org

NaplesArtcrafters

FineArt&CraftsShow FleischmanPark, 1600FleischmannBlvd.,Naples 10a.m.-4p.m., www.naplesartcrafters.com

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

GulfCoastSymphony: ASoldier’sTale&DeadElvis Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7:30p.m.239-277-1700

40thAnnualCapeCoral ArtFestivalandMarketPlace SaturdayandSunday CapeCoralParkway,CapeCoral Saturday10a.m.-5p.m. Sunday10a.m.-4p.m. www.capecoralartfestival.com

RandyandBradDuo TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FleetwoodMacand StevieNickstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

OneHotMess

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

NashtoNaplesSongwriterFest CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples, 6-9p.m.www.nashtonaples.com

HomeandGardenShow SaturdayandSunday CaloosaSoundConventionCenter, 1375MonroeSt.,FortMyers 10a.m.-4p.m.,855-321-2110

VeneziaRenaissanceFaire Saturday&Sunday 28001Old41Road,BonitaSprings 10a.m.-5:30p.m. venezianrenaissancefaire.com

SUN-12

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

HarvestNightsMusicFestival: BradPaisley,TylerHubbard JohnJimmieRodeoGrounds, 1195SeminoleXingTrl,Immokalee JackBlocker3p.m.,WillMoseley4 p.m.,AlanaSpringsteen5:15p.m., TylerHubbard6:45p.m.andBrad Paisley8:15p.m.thecharitypros.org

LeeCountyCommunityBand MarinerHighSchool, 701ChiquitaBlvd.,CapeCoral 3p.m.,www.leecountyband.org

SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

GulfCoastSymphony: ASoldier’sTale&DeadElvis Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 3p.m.239-277-1700

Bluegrass:TheFlatlanders AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 3-5p.m.,239-939-2787

IntheEnd:LinkinParkExperience TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

NisitaConcertSeries: JamesGiles,piano U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.S.,Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-745-4268

Blues and Bloodys Concert Series

The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Amanda Fish 1 - 3 p m , Tommy Z Band 3:30 - 5:30 p m , www thecenterbar com

MON

- 13

John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell tribute

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

Ross Brown

The Center Bar,

The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p m , www thecenterbar com

Sheldon Upchurch

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

TUE - 14

Caught in the Net Through Feb 23

Of f Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers 239-278-4422

Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz

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

Fort Myers Community Concerts presents Czech National Philhar monic Orchestra

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

The Fir m Jazz, Blues - 6:30 p.m. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga tribute - 7:30 p.m. Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd , Cape Coral 239-549-3000

Solomon Eichner

Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd , Fort Myers, 7 p m , 239-415-5667

ACMA: Songwriters on the Plaza Fort Myers Librar y, Cornog Plaza, First Street, Downtown Fort Myers 6 p m , Bob Patetta, Ray Cerbone and Chakulla, free www americanacma org

Bill Beck

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

WED - 15

Latin Dance Social - 6 p.m.

Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears tribute - 7 p m

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd , Cape Coral 239-549-3000

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute

Lobby Bar at Luminar y Hotel & Co , 2200 Edwards Dr , Fort Myers 6 - 9 p m , 239-314-3723

The Naples Players: The Play That Goes Wrong Through Feb 16

Kizzie Theater, The Naples Players, 701 5th Ave S , Naples 239-263-7990

Charlotte Players presents Four Old Broads Jan 15 - 19

Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022

Josh Rowand

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

Johnny Rogers Band: Country legends tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p m 239-405-8566

Wine & Paint, Rooftop Karaoke Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St , Fort Myers Paint 6:30 p m , Karaoke 8 p m , 239-333-1933

Sudamerica Latin Groove: SLG’s Girl Power Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p m , 239-495-8989

Candlelight Concerts:

Tribute to Adele - 6 p.m. Tribute to Ed Sheeran - 8:30 p.m. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-277-1700

THU - 16

Clay Walker in concert

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 6 p m caloosasoundamp com

TheatreZone presents Once Jan 16 - 19

G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352

THU-16continued

ABBAtribute

CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

Artexhibitsreception VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5-7p.m.,941-639-8810

JoeyFiato

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

ArtandPoetryNetworkingEvent SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

RickHoward:MudboneJam PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

FabulousGirlsofMotownand ExcitingLadiesofDiscotribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

AlmostEagleswith LindaRonstadttribute Ter-Tini’sMusic&EventHall, 1901CrystalDrive,FortMyers Buffet5:30p.m.,show6:45p.m., 239-344-6147

GulfshorePlayhouse presentsDialMforMurder ThroughFeb.6

MoranMainstage,BakerTheatre andEducationCenter, 100Goodlette-FrankRoad,Naples 239-261-7529

TheDaVinciCode Jan.16-18

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

Jazz:ZachBartholomew Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-277-1700

ReggaeSunsetJams RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

SueHavensexhibit ThroughFeb.20

WasmerArtGallery,ArtsComplex, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers, openingreception5:30p.m., 239-590-7199

FRI-17

FortMyersMusicWalk DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

ComedianGidPool FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-332-4488

WillJohns

Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgatesat6p.m.,MikeImbasciani opens,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

RandyandBrad Giuseppe&TheLion, 1585PineRidgeRoad,Naples 6:30p.m.,239-592-0050

CandlelightConcerts: TributetoBadBunny Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6&8:30p.m.239-277-1700

MarlowRosado: SalsaMeetsDisco PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

CompletelyUnchained: VanHalentribute

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

PuntaGordaSeafood andMusicFestival ThroughJan.19

LaishleyPark, 120LaishleyCt.,PuntaGorda Friday4-10p.m.,Saturday11a.m.10p.m.,Sunday11a.m.-6p.m., paragonfestivals.com

FRI-17continued

FrankieValli,FourSeasons,Jersey Boys,BeeGeestribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Legacy TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

Skeletens

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

BuddyHolly,RoyOrbison, RayCharlestribute Ter-Tini’sMusic&EventHall, 1901CrystalDrive,FortMyers Buffet5:30p.m.,show6:45p.m., 239-344-6147

Leather&LaceDuo-6p.m. GirlKrush-7p.m. RCSmithComedy-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

SAT-18

LorettaLynntribute BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel 7:30p.m.239-395-0900

SmokinAces-6:30p.m. DoobieBrothers andSantanatribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

AnnualRockabillaqueFlorida SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 11a..m.,www.moreinparadise.com

FamilyArtLab

AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.-noon,239-939-2787

TheLucianoPavarottiFoundation OperaNaplesInternationalVoice CompetitionFinals U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.S.,Fort Myers,7p.m.,free,239-745-4268

Nightbird-TheUltimate TributetoStevieNicks TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

AllanHarris PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

RadioRoad

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454

ACMA:ShannainaDress AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers TheLostLakersopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org

OneNightStand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TheTravelingWilburystribute

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

InternationalCultureFest Fishermen’sVillage,1200W.Retta Esplanade,PuntaGorda noon-6p.m.,941-639-8721

SUN-19

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

BonitaSpringsConcertBand RiversidePark,Old41Road, BonitaSprings,2p.m. bonitaspringsconcertband.org

NewYorkRhythm

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

RatPacktribute

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

PhenomenalAnimal

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

FRIDAY,DEC.27

AlmostABBAandMammaMia

SATURDAY,DEC.28

AlterEagles

SUNDAY,DEC.29

BeeGees,Simon&Garfunkel, Crosby,Stills,Nash&Young

MONDAY,DEC.30

RollingStones,DoobieBrothers andSteveMillerBand

TUESDAY,DEC.31

NEWYEAR’SEVESHOWBANDS: Eagles,TomPetty,LynyrdSkynyrd, CreedenceClearwaterRevival

FRIDAY,JAN.3

TinaTurner,RodStewart,TomJones

SATURDAY,JAN.4

WallofEchoes-PinkFloyd

WEDNESDAY,JAN.8

TheTemptations,TheFourTops

THURSDAY,JAN.9

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJonesandMeatLoaf

FRIDAY,JAN.10

NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand

SATURDAY,JAN.11

FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks

MONDAY,JAN.13

JohnDenver,JimmyBuffett, OliviaNewton-John,DollyParton andGlenCampbell

TUESDAY,JAN.14

MikeImbasciani&HisBluezRockerz tributetogreatestguitarplayers

WEDNESDAY,JAN.15

JohnnyRogersBand: CountryLegendsTribute

THURSDAY,JAN.16

FabulousGirlsofMotown andExcitingLadiesofDisco

FRIDAY,JAN.17

FrankieValli,FourSeasons, JerseyBoysandBeeGees

SATURDAY,JAN.18

TheTravelingWilburysShowBand

SUNDAY,JAN.19

RatPack:DeanMartin, FrankSinatraandSammyDavisJr.

MONDAY,JAN.20

EltonJohn,BarryManilow,BillyJoel

TUESDAY,JAN.21

DonnaSummer,OhioPlayers, Kool&TheGanag,ChakaKhan

WEDNESDAY,JAN.22

TomPetty,Americaand CreedenceClearwaterRevival

THURSDAY,JAN.23

RollingStones,DoobieBrothers andSteveMillerBand

FRIDAY,JAN.24

BrassEvolution:EarthWind&Fire, Chicago,BloodSweat&Tears

SATURDAY,JAN.25

AlterEagles

SUNDAY,JAN.26

NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand

MONDAY,JAN.27

TheTemptations,TheFourTops

TUESDAY,JAN.28

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJonesandMeatLoaf

WEDNESDAY,JAN.29

KennyRogers&DollyParton

THURSDAY,JAN.30

LynyrdSkynyrd,ZZTop

FRIDAY,JAN.31

MajestyofRock: MusicofStyx&Journey

SATURDAY,FEB.1

TaylorSwift,CarrieUnderwood

SUNDAY,FEB.2

BuddyHolly,Elvis,JerryLeeLewis, RoyOrbison,BrendaLee&PatsyCline

SUN-19continued

10thAnnualLineDanceWorkshop

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, 9a.m.-4p.m..,239-985-9839

ChicagoTransit

PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

GulfCoastSymphony presentsRegenerationX

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 7p.m.,239-481-4849

MON-20

RustyandLaurieWright

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

EltonJohn,BarryManilow andBillyJoeltribute

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

AppalachianRoadShow PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

SheldonUpchurch

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

TUE-21

YoungConcertArtistsonTour BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel 7:30p.m.239-395-0900

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

DuelingPianos-6:30p.m. TheFirmJazz,Blues-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

WendyRenee

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FunnyGirl

Jan.21-26

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 239-481-4849

DonnaSummer,Kool&theGang, OhioPlayers,ChakaKhantribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

SoapyTuna TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-10p.m.,239-540-8454

WED-22

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

CharlottePlayerspresents FourOldBroads Jan.22-26

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

TomPetty,America,Creedence ClearwaterRevivaltribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

LeeGreenwoodinconcert SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,www.moreinparadise.com

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. Beatlestribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

THU-23

DannyMasters TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

Echoband CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

CandlelightConcerts: TheBestofTheBeatles Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6&8:30p.m.239-277-1700

AnythingButOrdinaryexhibit ThroughMarch6 VisualArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings Openingreception6p.m., 239-495-8989

GrandPIanoSeries:TrioBohemo Artis–Naples, 5833PelicanBayBlvd.,Naples 3p.m.239-597-1700

RollingStones,DoobieBrothers, SteveMillerBandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

GavinAdcockinconcert TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

JudyCarmichaelTrio TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

MonroeCrossing PerformingArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

IndieMusicNights

RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

FRI-24

DavinaandTheVagabonds BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel 7:30p.m.239-395-0900

Grandma’sMurderClub Jan.24-26 CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

Sixxes

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

FRI-24continued

ComedianMarkKlein

FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-332-4488

Leather&LaceDuo-6p.m.

SheenaReaganComedy-7p.m. Disco54Band-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

CandlelightConcerts: TributetoColdplay

Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6&8:30p.m.239-277-1700

GrandPIanoSeries:TrioBohemo Artis–Naples, 5833PelicanBayBlvd.,Naples 7:30p.m.239-597-1700

CaloosahatcheeCelticFestival CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, 2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers Gatesat5:30p.m.MusicbyCage O’Hanlon,WestofGalway,Guns& HosesPipes&Drum,AllythePiper, ScreamingOrphansand Albannach,239-321-7529 www.ticketleap.com

TheU.S.BeeGees Ter-Tini’sMusic&EventHall, 1901CrystalDrive,FortMyers Buffet5:30p.m.,show6:45p.m., 239-344-6147

EmpireTrio: FromHollywoodtoBroadway PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

Grandma’sMurderClub Jan.24-26 CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

Hardwired:ATributetoMetallica Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgatesat6:30p.m.,Disaster Piecealsoperforms,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

RandyandBradDuo TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

BrassEvolution:EarthWind&Fire, BloodSweat&Tears,Chicagotrib TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

TheWeightBand

ArstBonitawelcomesTheWeightBandJan.30at7:30p.m. atthePerformingArtsCenter,10150BonitaBeachRoad. Forticketsandinfo,call239-495-8989orvisitartsbonita.org

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: GoodBadPeople

Jan.24-26

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

JazzyNightsMusic

Series:EkepNkwelle

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

TheSoundofMusic

Jan.24-26

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

SAT-25

WilJohns

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

RonnieBakerBrooks

PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

CaloosahatcheeCelticFestival CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, 2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers Gatesat11:30a.m.Guns&Hoses Pipes&Drum,WestofGalway, ScreamingOrphans,AllythePiper, Albannach,KellynIrishDancers, CageO’Hanlon239-321-7529 www.ticketleap.com

AlterEagles

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

MusicandArtNight Lorne’sGallery,TarponMarina 5591SilverKingBlvd.,CapeCoral MusicbyTommyDeeandDee, 5-8p.m.239-945-0866

SecondAnnual NudeNocturneEmbody AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-939-2787

NaplesFineArtShow SaturdayandSunday NaplesItalianAmericanFoundation, 7035Airport-PullingRoad,Naples 10a.m.-5p.m.hotworks.org

RetroRooftopDanceParty RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

Kansasinconcert SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,www.moreinparadise.com

TheBoots TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

TheTapMonkeys-6p.m. JerseyBeat-6:30p.m. KISStribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

SUN-26

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

NeilDiamond andBarbraStreisandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

CaptainMike&TheShipwrecked: AtributetoJimmyBuffett Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgatesatnoon,TheKollectionsat 12:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

ACMAatTheAlliance: ACMApresentsHouseofHamill AlliancefortheArts,10091 McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 3p.m.,BobWilliamsopens, www.artinlee.org

NisitaConcertSeries: KirstenChambers,soprano, MichaelBaron,piano U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding FGCU,10501FGCUBlvd.S.,Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-745-4268

JoeyFiato-1p.m. NewYorkRhythm-6p.m. TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, www.thecenterbar.com

OneHotMess TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,4-7p.m.,239-540-8454

NaplesConcertBand StarsOverNaples CambierPark,5808thSt.S,Naples 2-4p.m.naplesconcertband.org

VoicesofNaples: Ludwig,LennonandLesMis VanderbiltPresbyterianChurch, 1225PiperBlvd.,Naples 4p.m.,voicesofnaples.org

MON-27

TheTemptationsand TheFourTopstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

BobLynch TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

MON-27continued

JohnPizzarelliTrio TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

SheldonUpchurch TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,239-540-8454

StardustMemoriesBigBand presentsBigBandClassics CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples,7p.m. stardustmemoriesbigband.com

TUE-28

BillBeck TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TheFirmJazz&BluesQuintet CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJones,MeatLoaftribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

StardustMemoriesBigBand presentsBigBandClassics RiversidePark,10450ReynoldsSt., BonitaSprings,7p.m. stardustmemoriesbigband.com

WED-29

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. Queentribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

KennyRogers,DollyPartontribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Lerner&Loewe’sCamelot ThroughFeb.8 Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700

J ANUARY C ALENDAR

MajestyofRock: TheMusicofStyxandJourney TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Grandma’sMurderClub Jan.31-Feb.2

CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

TheSamGallowayFordConcertSerieswelcomesUncleKracker onApril6toTheRanchConcertHallandSalooninFortMyers. Forticketsandmoreinfo,visitwww.theranchfortmyers.com

THU-30

LynyrdSkynyrd,ZZToptribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: GoodBadPeople ThroughFeb.8

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

TheEdwardsTwins

CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

ComedyHourLounge

RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-333-1933

Everclearinconcert

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

TheWeightBand

PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

FleetwoodMactribute Ter-Tini’sMusic&EventHall, 1901CrystalDrive,FortMyers Buffet5:30p.m.,show6:45p.m., 239-344-6147

Chicagoinconcert

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 8p.m.,239-481-4849

PaulAllodi TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

DuelingPianos

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

TheBoyfromBlock66 ThroughFeb.2 PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 239-495-8989

FRI-31

TheBarricadeBoys BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel 7:30p.m.239-395-0900

SamGallowayFordConcertSeries presentsAshleyCooke TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,GreylanJames opens,239-985-9839

Grandma’sMurderClub ThroughFeb.2

CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

VenturinoComedyClub: LarryVenturino&Friends LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 7:30p.m.,941-255-1022

JohnnyCaribe TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

BluegrassMusicSeries: TwistedPine RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

Pippinthemusical ThroughFeb.2

NorthFortMyersHighSchool 1856ArtsWay,NorthFortMyers Jan.31andFeb.at7p.m., Feb.2at3p.m.,239-997-2131 www.ticketleap.com

SalsaDanceParty-5:30p.m. Leather&LaceDuo-6p.m. BobSegertribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

TheSoundofMusic ThroughFeb.9

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

RhythmontheRiverConcert Series:Liz“Honey”Heath EdisonandFordWinterEstates 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,239-334-7419 edisonford.org

EnglewoodSeafood andMusicFestival ThroughFeb.2

DearbornStreetPlaza, 348W.GreenSt.,Englewood Friday4-10p.m.,Saturday11a.m.10p.m.,Sunday11a.m.-6p.m., paragonfestivals.com

ArtFestFortMyers ThroughFeb2

HendryStreetandEdwardsDrive, DowntownFortMyers Friday6-9p.m.,Saturday10a.m.5p.m.,Sunday10a.m.-4p.m. artfestfortmyers.com

StardustMemoriesBigBand embarkson11thseasonofgreatmusic

TheStardustMemoriesBigBand(SMBB)returnsforits 11thseasonperformingoutdoor,eveningconcertsinCambier ParkinNaplesandRiversideParkinBonitaSprings.

ThebandplaysthemusicofthelegendaryAmericanbig bandsincludingGlennMiller,TommyDorsey,Benny Goodman,CountBasie,ArtieShaw,WoodyHerman,Duke Ellington,StanKenton,BuddyRich,DocSeverinsenandThe TonightShowBand,andmanymore.

The2025outdoorseriesconsistsofsixdifferentthemebasedshows,eachofwhichisperformedatCambierParkin Naples(Mondaynights)andatRiversideParkinBonita Springs(Tuesdaynights)foratotaloftwelveperformances.

“BigBandClassics”Jan.27and28 “BigBandGoestoBroadway”Feb.10and11 “AnEveningwithSal‘TheVoice’Valentinetti”Feb.24&25 “ClassicFemaleVocals” (featuringMichelleAmato)March10&11 “TheLighterSideofBIgBand”March24and25 “AudienceRequestShow”April7and8

Seetheband’s2025OutdoorScheduleadvertisement containedinthisissue,oronthe“Shows”pageofitswebsite www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com.

Allshowsarefrom7to9p.m.A$5perpersoncontributionissuggestedateachoutdoorconcert.

TheSMBBisthevisionoffounderandbandleaderCraig Christman,andbringstogethersomeofFlorida'sfinestjazz professionals(Naples,FortMyers,Tampa,Sarasota, Orlando,Miami).

Theseworkingprofessionalshaveacollectiveresumethat includesTheTommyDorseyOrchestra,TheWoodyHerman Band,TheJayLenoTonightShowBand,TowerofPower,

TheCountBasieOrchestra,TheAirmenofNote,Gordon Goodwin’sBigPhatBand,WayneCochranandtheC.C. Riders,Chicago,TheNaplesJazzOrchestra,andperformanceswithartistsincludingFrankSinatra,TonyBennett,Doc Severinsen,QuincyJones,JohnnyMathis,RodStewart, NathalieCole,SteveandEydieGorme,NatKingCole,Lady Gaga,AnnHamptonCallaway,TomJones,LouRawls,Barry Manilow,TheTemptations,TheFourTops,andnumerous orchestrasandBroadwayshows.

Theband’sprimarymissionistoprovidethehighestqualitybigbandentertainmentavailabletoaudiencesin SouthwestFlorida.

Recentwrittencommentsreceivedfromaudiencemembersinclude:

“Idon’tthinkthereisanybetterqualityormoreprofessionalgroupinthecountrythatplaysbigbandmusiclikeThe StardustMemoriesBigBand”

“NeverhaveIbeenexposedtothislevelofstellarmusicians.”

“AttendanceatStardustMemoriesBigBandshowsisby farthehighlightofourwinters”

TheSMBBisorganizedasa501(c)(3)non-profitcorporation,andfor2025thebandwillcontinueitsimportantmission objectiveofprovidingdirectfinancialsupporttoMusicfor MinorsFoundation,andTheMusicFoundationofSWFlorida. Thesetwolocalareanon-profitorganizationsprovideinstruments,summertrainingcamps,andscholarshipstoyoung, aspiringmusiciansfromourlocalschools.

Tolearnmoreabout,andlistentoTheStardustMemories BigBand,visitwww.stardustmemoriesbigband.com

Asktogetontheiremaillistfordetailspriortoeachshow, byemailingthematinfo@stardustmemoriesbigband.com

ArtsBonitaoffersrock,blues, jazzandbluegrassinJanuary

ArtsBonitakicksoffthenewyear withanotherbusymonthofgreat showsinJanuaryatthePerforming ArtsCenterinBonitaSprings.

CelebratingBroadwaywith Mark Sanders –BroadwayJukeboxis scheduledforJan.3at7:30p.m.

DonnatheBuffalo willtakethe stageJan.4at7:30p.m.Thankstoa misunderstandingoftheiroriginal name“DawnoftheBuffalo,”Donna theBuffalohavebeenactivelycreatingmusicandperformingforover30 years.Thisgroupofmusicianshas dippedtheirtoesintomanydifferent genresofmusic,includingcountry,folk rock,reggae,roots,andmanymore.

Nashvillerecordingartist Martin willperformJan.8at7:30p.m.

ZachBartholomew: RodolfoZuniga’s “Surfaces”featuringsaxophonistJeff EllwoodisscheduledforJan.9at7:30p.m.

SudamericaLatinGroove presents SLG’sGirlPowerJan.15at7:30p.m.

MudboneJam comestoArtsBonitaon Jan.16at7:30p.m.BiscuitMiller,Rachelle CobaandMikeImbascianijoinRick Howard,JoshRowand,JerryFierro,BilleE. PetersonandChrisStephensonforanight ofbluesyouwon’tsoonforget.

MarlowRosado presentsSalsaMeets DiscoonJan.17at7:30p.m.

Jazzartist AllanHarris willperformJan. 18at7:30p.m.BorninBrooklyn,Harris’contributionstothejazzgenrehasmadehima three-timewinneroftheNewYorkNightlife Awardfor“OutstandingJazzVocalist,”twotimehonoreeforHotHouseJazzMagazine’s “BestMaleJazzVocalist”andhasbeen praisedbybig-timeoutletssuchasTheNew YorkTimes,TheWallStreetJournal,andThe Atlantic.

ChicagoTransit takesthestageJan.19 at7p.m.Therearealotofbandsdoinga tributetothebandChicago,butbackinthe early‘90s,whenPowerhousedecidedtoput togethertheirChicagoTransittributeact, theywerethefirstintheworldtodoso.And theyremaintodayasthelongestrunning Chicagotributebandandtheonlyoneto carryfiveleadvocalists,justastheband Chicagodoes.

AppalachianRoadShow willperform Jan.20at7p.m.Thistalentedgroupbrings therichtraditionsofAppalachiancultureto

life,blendingclassicAmericana,bluegrass,andfolkmusicwithfreshideas andoriginalsongs.Thegroupfeatures Grammy-nominatedbanjoplayer BarryAbernathy,Grammy-winningfiddlerJimVanCleve,andwell-known vocalistandmandolinplayerDarrell Webb,whohasperformedwithlegendslikeDollyParton.

Bluegrassband MonroeCrossing isscheduledforJan.23at7:30p.m. Thoughtheyhaveaheavyinspiration fromBillMonroe,theFatherof Bluegrasshimself,MonroeCrossing hasmadeanameforthemselveswith originalmusicandperformances.Theywere awardedthe“BluegrassAlbumoftheYear” bytheMinnesotaMusicAcademyandwere inductedintoMinnesota’sMusicHallof Famein2016.

EmpireTrio presentsFromHollywoodto BroadwayonJan.24at7:30p.m.

Blueslegend RonnieBakerBrooks will performJan.25at7p.m.BornRodneyDion BakerinChicago,Ronniefirstplayedguitar alongsidehisfatheratagenine.Hisdebut album,Golddigger,producedbyJanet Jackson,earnedhimaBluesMusicAward nomination.Knownforhisferociousstyle andacclaimedalbumslikeTheTorch, Ronniehassharedthestagewithblues greatsandperformedattopfestivalsworldwide.

TheWeightBand wrapsopthemonth withaperformanceonJan.30at7:30p.m. TheWeightBandoriginatedin2013inside thefamedWoodstock,N.Y.,barnofLevon HelmwhenJimWeiderandRandyCiarlante —bothformermembersofTheBand—performed“SongsofTheBand”withBand founderGarthHudson.Inspiredtocarryon therockband’slegacy,Weider(guitar,mandolin,vocals),andCiarlantebeganperformingfanfavoritesfromTheBandcatalogto audiencesacrossthecountry,invitingBrian Mitchell(keyboards,organ,accordion, vocals)tocompletetheirsound.TheWeight BandlateraddedAlbertRogers(bass, vocals),MattZeiner(keyboards,vocals),and MichaelBram(drums,vocals)tomakeup theircurrentlineupwithWeiderandMitchell.

ThePerformingArtsCenter,islocatedat 10150BonitaBeachRoadinBonitaSprings. Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisitonline atwww.artsbonita.org.

AllanHarris-Jan.18

DonnatheBuffalo-Jan.4 RonnieBakerBrooks-Jan.25

LeeGreenwoodreturnstoSWFloridaJan.22

GoldEntertainment presentsLee Greenwood,singerand writerofoneofthemost recognizablecountry songsever,performing liveatSeminoleCasino HotelImmokalee Wednesday,Jan.22 withdoorsopeningat7 p.m.andtheshow beginningat8p.m.

Greenwoodisan Americancountryartist whobridgedthegap betweentraditionaland contemporarycountry music.Heisbestknown forhispatrioticanthem “GodBlesstheUSA.” Thislegendarysonghas beeninthetopfiveon thecountrysingles chartsthreetimes(1991, 2001and2003)givingit thedistinctionofbeingtheonlysongin anygenreofmusictoachievethatfeat.

Anaward-winningartist,Greenwood haswontheGrammyAwardforBest

The#1TributetoABBArecreatesthemagicandnostalgiaofABBAina stunningcostumed,choreographed,audienceinteractiveexperience. AlmostABBAhasperformedforTheU.S.Military,NBC/Universalandthe releaseofMAMMAMIA!Theyperformforaudiencesaslargeas50,000 andwererecentlyaskedtoopenforCheronher"HereWeGoAgain"Tour ofAustralia.Withtheirsoundalikeperformance,intricateharmoniesand top-notchmusicianship,theytrulyliveuptotheirname,AlmostABBA! BuyTickets: Ticketmaster.com or VintageVinylProductions.com/events

Forinfo&tourdates,pleasevisitwww.AlmostABBA.com

Ticketsare$74andareavailable fromTicketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmustbe21. Parkingisfree.

MaleCountryPerformance,twoCMA AwardsforMaleVocalistoftheYear, theCMASongoftheYearaward,and theACMMaleVocalistoftheYear award.Hehas32charted singles,fourgoldalbums, twoplatinumalbums,and hasscoredsevennumber onehits:“Somebody’s GonnaLoveYou,”“Going, Going,Gone,”“Dixie Road,”“IDon’tMindthe Thorns(IfYou’rethe Rose),”“Don’t UnderestimateMyLoveFor You,”“HearsAren’tMadeto Break(They’reMadeto Love)”and“Mornin’Ride.” Greenwoodcontinues totouracrossthecountry andperformsformany charitableevents,lending histimeandnameto numerousorganizations includingHelpingAHero, whichprovidesspecially adaptedhomesforwoundedwarriorsandtheirfamilies.

LeeGreenwood (photobyJamieKuser)

DefLeppard,BradPaisley,Train atHarvestNightsMusicFestivalJan.10-12

ThestarswillshineonJan.10-12 assomeofthebiggestnamesinentertainmentwilltakethestageattheJohn JimmieRodeoGroundsinImmokalee (nearSeminoleCasino).

CountrymusicsuperstarBrad Paisley,Rock&RollHallofFame inductedDefLeppard,andGrammy Award-winningbandTrainwillallheadlinethethree-daycharityevent.

"The"HarvestNightsMusicFestival" isthepremiermusiceventoftheyearin SWFL,"saysMeganMaloney,president oftheCharityPros,aFortMyersnonprofitorganization."Thisiswherewe bringsomeofthebestartistsandbands

togetherwiththeirfansandthecommunity,allforawonderfulcharitable cause."

TheCharityProshasselectedthe ImmokaleeFoundation,Guadalupe Center,andtheCancerAllianceNetwork asbeneficiariesofthisyear'sannual Festival."Welovetheworkthatallof theseorganizationsdoforthechildren andfamiliesintheircommunity,"continuesMegan,"theirmissionsalignwith oursattheCharityProsinmakingadifferenceinachild'slife."

Theentertainmentcontinuesall weekend,featuringDonFelder,formerly oftheEagles,TylerHubbardofFlorida

GeorgiaLine,multi-platinumrockband Tesla,TerriClark,AlanaSpringsteen, TedMontana,AmericanIdolfinalistsWill Moseley,JackBlockerandCasey BishopwithRockRepublic,theBen AllenBandandMaidenCane.

Friday’sschedulesincludesTrainat 9:25p.m.,DonFelderat7:45p.m.,Terri Clarkat6p.m.andtheBenAllenBand at5p.m.

Saturday’slineupisDefLeppardat 9:15p.m.,Teslaat7:45p.m.,Tim Montanaat6:15p.m.,CaseyBishop withRockRepublicat4:45p.m.and MaidenCaneat3:15p.m.

Sunday’sscheduleincludesBrad Paisleyat8:15p.m.,TylerHubbardat 6:45p.m.,AlanaSpringsteenat5:15 p.m.,WillMoseleyat4p.m.andJack Blockerat3p.m.

TheHarvestNightsMusicFestival willfeatureaFestivalVillagewithlive entertainmentbeforeandafterthemain stageconcerts,anarrayofartsand craftsbooths,localbusinessactivations, andvariousfoodtrucks.On-sitecampingisalsoavailableforRVs,trailers,and campers.

Thecharityeventofferssingle-day andthree-daytickets,includingpremier VIPseating,apartypit,reservedseating,agrandstand,andlawnseating.

Concerttickets,prepaidparking,and campsitesareallavailableonlineat thecharitypros.org.

DefLeppard

BradPaisley

BIGARTSannounces performingartslineup for2024-2025season

BIGARTSonSanibelhas announcedanotherfantastic scheduleofperformingarts forthe2024-25season:

Saturday,Jan.11

ChrisMannSingsthe TonyBennettSongbook: FromGershwintoGaga!

Saturday,January18

AlwaysLoretta–The UltimateLorettaLynnTribute, StarringEmilyPortman&The CoalminersBand

Tuesday,January21

YoungConcertArtists (YCA)onTour

Friday,January24

Davinaandthe Vagabonds

Friday,January31

TheBarricadeBoys

Thursday,February6

DavidShifrin&Miro Quartet

Saturday,February8

AuthenticUnlimited

Thursday,February13

JupiterandJasper Quartets

Friday,February14

PhatCatSwinger

Thursday,February20

IlyaYakushev

Wednesday,February26

AileyII

Thursday,February27 Fandango!

Saturday,March1

LateNiteCatechism:The HolyGhostandOther TerrifyingTales

Saturday,March8

GeorgeMichaelReborn

Friday,March14

JazzatLincolnCenter Presents:NewOrleans Songbook

Thursday,March20 PekingAcrobats

Saturday,March22

BIGARTSAnnualBenefit FeaturingShadowsofthe 60s

Saturday,March29

ThePlayers:Former membersofChicago

BIGARTSislocatedat 9800DunlopRoad. Forticketsandmoreprograminformation,visitonline atwww.bigarts.orgorcall 239-395-0900.

ABBAtributestartsnewyearatTribbyArtsCenter

ShellPoint’sTribbyArtsCenter’s 2024-2025Fine&PerformingArtsseasoncontinueswithanarrayofholiday performancesalongwithjazzandclassicalconcerts.

DancingDream:ABBATributeis scheduledforbothFriday,Jan.10and Saturday,Jan.11at7p.m.Getreadyfor anightofpurenostalgiawiththeultimate tributetoABBA:DancingDream!This sensationalhomagetotheiconicpop supergroupfromSwedenwillhaveaudiencesofallagesdancingintheaislesto timelesshitslike“MammaMia,”“Dancing Queen,”“TakeaChance,”“Fernando” andmanymore.Ticketsare$60.

SolomonEichnerwillperformon Tuesday,Jan.14at7p.m.Acclaimed Polish-AmericanconcertpianistSolomon Eichnermakes histriumphant returntothe

Tribby’sstage. Eichnerhascaptivatedaudiencesaround theglobewith hisbreathtaking performances. Hismasteryof thepiano,coupledwithhisprofoundmusicality, createsanunforgettableexperienceforaudienceswherever heperforms. Ticketsare$55.

JudyCarmichaelTrioisscheduledto takethestageonThursday,Jan.23at7 p.m.Grammy-nominatedpianistJudy Carmichael—oneoftheworld’sleading interpretersofstridepianoandswing— captivatesaudienceswithherextraordinarytalentanddynamicperformances. Nicknamed“Stride”bythelegendary CountBasie,Carmichaelisknownfor herappearancesonAPrairieHome Companion,NPR’sMorningEdition,CBS NewsSundayMorning,andmanyother popularshows.Ticketsare$60.

TheTribbyArtsCenterwelcomestheJohnPizzarelliTrioon Monday,Jan.27at7p.m. CelebratedbytheBostonGlobefor “reinvigoratingtheGreatAmerican Songbookandre-popularizing

jazz,”acclaimedguitaristandsinger JohnPizzarelliisrenownedasaleading contemporaryinterpreterofthistimeless repertoire.Pizzarellialsobringshis uniquetouchtothemusicofPaul McCartney,JoniMitchell,NeilYoung, TomWaits,AntônioCarlosJobim,and theBeatles.Ticketsare$60.

TribbyArtsCenterislocatedon 17281OnParBoulevardinFortMyers. Topurchaseeventtickets,visit TribbyArtsCenter.comorcalltheTribby BoxOfficeat239-415-5667.

SolomonEichner-Jan.14

JohnPizzarelliTrio-Jan.27

DancingDream:ABBATribute-Jan.10&11

JudyCarmichaelTrio-Jan.23

KansasatSeminoleCasinoHotelJan.25

Kansaswillperformtheiriconic hitsongsatSeminoleCasino HotelImmokaleeSaturday,Jan. 25withgatesopeningat7p.m. andtheshowbeginningat8p.m.

Withalegendarycareerspanningfivedecades,Kansashas firmlyestablisheditselfasoneof America’siconicclassicrock bands.This“garageband”from Topekareleasedtheirdebut albumin1974afterbeingdiscoveredbyWallyGold,whoworked forDonKirshner,andhavegone ontosellmorethan30million albumsworldwide.

Composingacataloguethat includes16studioalbumsandfivelivealbums,Kansashas producedeightgoldalbums,threesextuple-Platinumalbums (Leftoverture,PointofKnowReturn,BestofKansas),oneplatinumlivealbum(TwofortheShow),aquadruple-Platinumsingle,“CarryOnWaywardSon,”andthetriple-Platinumsingle “DustintheWind.”KansasappearedontheBillboardcharts forover200weeksthroughoutthe1970sand1980sand playedtosold-outarenasandstadiumsthroughoutNorth America,EuropeandJapan.“CarryOnWaywardSon”continuestobeoneofthetopfivemostplayedsongsonclassicrock radio,and“DustIntheWind”hasbeenplayedontheradio morethanthreemilliontimes.

Thesummerof2020marked thereleaseof“TheAbsenceof Presence,”theband’s16thstudio album,whichdebutedat#10on Billboard’sTopCurrentAlbums chart.Thewide-rangingprogressiverockalbum,releasedby InsideOutMusic,follows-up2016’s “ThePreludeImplicit,”which debutedat#14onBillboard’sTop 200Albumschart.

Alongwithconstanttouring, Kansascontinuestoremainafixtureofclassicrockradioandpopularculture.

Thebandreachesawholenew audiencethroughtheirunmistakablepresenceinvariouscommercials,livesportsbroadcasts, popularvideogames(RockBand,GuitarHeroandGrandTheft Auto),theband’sdocumentaryfilm“Kansas:MiraclesOutof Nowhere,”andaguestappearanceonTheCW’stelevision showWalker.

Theband’ssongshavealsobeenincludedinvarioustelevisionshowssuchasSupernatural,Reacher,AllEliteWrestling, SouthPark,TheOfficeandTheSimpsons,aswellasblockbusterfilmsincludingOldSchool,TheSuicideSquad, Anchorman,PitchPerfectandHappyGilmore.

Ticketsforthisoutdoorconcertareavailablefrom Ticketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com.Parkingisfree.

RecklessSaints,ShannainaDress

TheAmericanaCommunityMusic Associationkeepsthelivemusicgoingin 2025withintimateconcertsattheirlisteningroominFortMyers.

ThenewyearscheduleattheACMAlisteningroomincludesRecklessSaintson Jan.4,ShannainaDressonJan.18, VerlonThompsononFeb.1,Lipbone ReddingonFeb.8,DarrenNicholsonBand onFeb.22,HankWoji&FriendsonMarch 1,PatchoulionMarch15,RodAbernathy onMarch29,RebeccaFolsomonApril12 andTannerBingamanonApril26.

TheACMAwelcomesTheReckless SaintsonJan.4.TheBernardiswillopen theshowthatnight.

RoySchneiderandKimMayfieldare thecoreduoandsongwritersofReckless Saints.Partnersinmusicandlovesince 2003,theybeganrecordingandtouring fiveyearslater.“BlueTwangledFolk'n' Roll'istheanswerRoyprovidedtothe question"Whatkindofmusicdoyou play?"TheFortMyersbasedduodecided tousehisanswerasthealbumtitlefor theirnewrelease,whilealsoadoptingthe titleoftheir2018releaseRecklessSaints astheirnewbandmoniker.

Kim&Roymetonlinein2003,whenit wasstillawkwardtoadmittosuchinpublic.Ontheirfirstdate,RoyhadKimplaying afewchordsonthemandolinandtheir musicalcollaborationbegan.Roywas makingalivingperforminginlocalvenues atthetime,butwasreluctanttosharehis originalsongsashefeltnoonewasreally listening.Kimsuggestedtheybookasummertour,playinganyvenuethatwould havethem,sotheycouldfocusonplaying theirownsongsforalisteningaudience. Royagreed,andtheduospent6weekson theroadpullingatinycamper.Theinaugu-

raltourgavethemconfidencetocontinue seekingabiggerlisteningaudienceand ledtohigherprofilebookingsandtwo Europeantours.

ShannainaDressisyourquirkybest friendwhorefusestowearpants.Shesays whateveryoneisthinking,butnooneelse willsayandyou'llgetanuncensoredjourneyofcleverhumorandheartbreakwitha heftysideofentertainmentathershows. Thiswittywordsmithisknownformaking audienceslaughandcry,sometimesinthe samesong.ThinkJasonMrazmixedwith IngridMichaelsonwithatwistofPhoebe BuffayfromFriendsallwrappedupina sweetvoiceaccentedbyguitar,piano,and ukulele.

Shannadescribeshermusicas"quirky folkpopfromaclevermillennialwhosucks atdating."

Shannastartedhercareeratthe UniversityofVirginia,bikedacrossthe countryandfellinlovewithColorado wheresheresidedforeightyears,andnow keepsherfunmusicflowingoutof NashvilleunlesssheistouringtheUSor Europe.Youcan'tgetthesameShannain

aDressshowtwicewithherspontaneous banterandplayfulstagepresence.She managestoteeterthelinemasterfullyof takingoncomplexsubjectmatterwith smartyetaccessiblelyrics.Hersongsare ladenwithcleverwordplayanddelight audiencesofallages.

In2020alone,Shannawasawinner intheKerrvilleNewFolkCompetition, wontheGreatRiverFolkFestSong Competition,wasnamedasemi-finalistin SongwriterSerenadeandaGrassyHill emergingArtistatthefalconRidgeFolk Festival.

TheLostLakerswillopentheshowon Jan.18.

TheACMAwelcomesVerlon ThompsonbacktotheirstageonFeb.1. RayCerbonewillopenthatnight.Thirty yearsasaprofessionalsongwriterand travelingtroubadourserveascredentials. Asasoloperformer,andasthetrusted sidekickofTexasAmericanasongwriting iconGuyClark,Verlonhasviewedthe worldfromstageseverywherefrom BarcelonatoBinger(hishometownin Oklahoma).

AlongthewayVerlonThompsoncompositionshavebeenrecordedbyJimmy BuffettandAlanJackson,DierksBentley, AnneMurray,TheNittyGrittyDirtBand, KennyRogers,RandyTravis,Del McCoury,SamBush,TrishaYearwoodand manymore.Verlonhasco-producedGuy Clark’sGrammynominatedCD“ColdDog Soup”aswellas“TheDark,”“Workbench Songs”and“SomedaystheSongWrites You.”

Doorsopenat6:30p.m.formostlisteningroomshows.TheACMAlisteningroom islocatedatAllFaithsUnitarian Congregation,2756McGregorBlvd.,Fort Myers.Formoredetailsandschedules, visitwww.americanacma.orgorfollowthem onFacebook.

TheACMAandtheCalusaNatureCenterinFortMyershavepartneredtopresent MusicUnderTheStarsinsidethePlanetarium.ThesecondconcertoftheseriesisheadlinedbyGraceMorrisonandMarcBerardoandisscheduledforJan.9at7p.m.ACMA memberD'hruvaStephensonopens.

BornandraisedontheshoresofCapeCod,Grace’suniquebrandof“saltwatercountry”hasestablishedherasaconfident,refreshingvoiceincountry-pop.

Singer-songwriter,performerandkeenobserver,MarcDouglasBerardo'ssongsare sharplydrawnandcastanetonunusualandbeguilingcharactersandplacesthatbring tomindJamesTaylor,JimmyBuffett,GuyClark,andSteelyDanwithatouchofMark TwainorHunterS.Thompson.

Ticketsareavailableonlineatcalusanature.org MusicUndertheStarsatCalusaPlanetarium

TheRecklessSaints-Jan.4

TheFlatlanders,HouseofHamill atAlliancefortheArtsinJanuary

LivemusicisbackattheAlliancefortheArts(AFTA)withan excitinglineupofconcerts,featuringperformancesbythe AmericanCommunityMusicAssociation(ACMA)artistsand livelybluegrassshows.

Ticketsarepricedat$18forAlliancemembersand$20for non-members.Toensureanintimateexperience,seatingislimitedto132attendees.Incaseofinclementweather,concerts willberelocatedindoorstokeepthemusicgoing,rainorshine.

Thebluegrassconcertseriescontinuesinthenewyearwith TheFlatlandersperformingonSunday,Jan.12at3p.m.outdoors

TheFlatlandersareoneofNorthFlorida’stopbluegrassand gospelbands,deliveringtightharmoniesandaharddrivingtraditionalsoundwithacontemporaryedge.Establishedinearly 2020,thesememberswerealreadyseasonedveteransinthe genre,andareexcitedtosharetheirgiftsasaband.Theband consistsofBrianAndrews,JoeyLazio,AndyKennanandMatt Melton.

LowGroundisnextintheserieswithaperformancesetfor Sunday,Feb.9at4p.m.LowGroundisadynamic,bluegrassinspiredbandfromSouthFlorida,knownforblendingtraditional styleswithmoderncreativity.Theirliveperformancesshowcaseapassionformusicandacommitmenttohonoringthe richhistoriesofbluegrass,swing,folk,rock,blues,jazzand

jam,whilepushingsonicboundaries.ThebandfeaturesPaddy Kingonfiddle,AmandaAccardionuprightbass,IsaacTaylor onbanjo,TrevorKlutzonmandolin,andNicholasKiriazison guitar.

TheAmericanCommunityMusicAssociationConcertSeries presentsHouseofHamillindoorsonSunday,Jan.26at3p.m.

HouseofHamillformedunexpectedlywhenRoseBaldino andBrianBuchananfirstperformedtogetheratthe2014Folk AllianceInternationalConferenceafterweathercanceledflights forRose’sbandmates.Theiron-stagechemistrywasimmediate,leadingtofurthercollaborations.Fouryearslater,they expandedintoatriowhenalast-minutelineupchangeatafestivalintroducedthemtobassistCarolineBrowning.Basedin Pennsylvania,HouseofHamillnowperformsatmajorfolkfestivalsacrosstheU.S.,earningrecognitionwiththeirhit“Pounda WeekRise”andviralsuccesswithaviolincoverof"Sweet ChildO’Mine,"whichhasover16millionviews.

LocalACMAsingersongwriterBobWilliamswillopenthe showonJan.26.

TheAlliancefortheArtsislocatedat10091McGregorBlvd. justsouthofColonialBoulevardinFortMyers.Ticketsforall theseshowsareavailableonline.Formoreinfo,call239-9392787,visitonlineatwww.ArtInLee.org.

BonitaSpringsConcertBandJan.19

TheBonitaSpringsConcertBandwill presentitsnextconcertoftheseasonon Sunday,Jan.19at2p.m.atRiverside ParkinDowntownOldBonitaSprings. Theband’sveryspecialguestvocalist willbeJamesJones.JoneswillsingAl Jarreau’s“SoGood,”andGeorge Gershwin’s“Summertime.”

Thebandwillalsoperformthe“The RifleRegiment”byJohnPhilipSousa, “WhenYouWishUponaStar”and “PiratesoftheCaribbean.”

Attheageof12,Jamesknewhe

wantedtobeasinger,afterseeingthe FabulousJamesBrownperformatthe ApolloTheatre.Althoughstillvery young,helandedajobattheUniversity ofConnecticutasapart-timedrama instructor.Duringhisjunioryear,he switchedmajorstoattainabachelor’s degreeinClinicalPsychology.Hehas hadthefortunateopportunitiestowork withKoolandTheGang,Jonathan Butler,MarionMeadowsandmanyothers.

Membersofthebandareunderthe

directionofGarySmithwhoretiredafter 24yearsasconductoroftheUniversity ofIllinoisMarchingIlliniBandand SymphonicBand.Thisisthe11thseasonthatGaryhasledtheband.Gary says“thetalentofthesemusiciansis tremendous,ranginginagefrom16to 90.”

Becomea“FriendoftheBand.”Find outmoreatwww.bonitaspringsconcertband.org.Theconcertwillalsobe replayedlaterintheweekonFacebook atbonitaspringsconcertband.

TheFlatlanders-Jan.12

HouseofHamill-Jan.26 photobySarahSnyder

Christone‘Kingfish’Ingram,SamanthaFish toperformatSeminoleCasinoHotelMarch28

GoldEntertainmentannouncedanunforgettablenightoflivebluesmusicwithChristone “Kingfish”IngramandSamanthaFish,twoof thegenre’sbrighteststars,takingthestageon March28.

TheoutdoorconcertatSeminoleCasinoHotel inImmokaleewillshowcasetheincredibletalentof thesetworenownedmusiciansandprovidean excitingopportunityforfanstoexperiencetheir electrifyingperformancesundertheFloridasky.

Grammy-winningguitarist,vocalistandsongwriterChristone“Kingfish”Ingramhasquickly becomethedefiningbluesvoiceofhisgeneration. FromhishometownofClarksdale,Mississippito stagesaroundtheglobe,theyoungbluesstarhas alreadyheadlinedmultipleU.S.andEuropean tours,andamazedfansinAustralia,NewZealand, andIndia.Sinceheburstontothescenein2019, Ingramhasbeennominatedfor10BluesMusic Awardsandwonthemall.RollingStonedeclared, “Kingfishisoneofthemostexcitingyoungguitaristsinyears,withasoundthatencompasses B.B.King,JimiHendrixandPrince.”

Asanartist,singer,songwriter,andguitarist, Grammy-nominatedSamanthaFishhasearned numerousaccoladesforheruniqueself-expression,whichshechannelsthroughexplosiveriffs, visceralrhythms,andspine-tinglingvocals.Her talenthasbeenrecognizedbynoneotherthan EricClapton,whoinvitedhertoperformathis

Crossroads2023inLosAngeles. ShealsohelpedkickoffSlash’s S.E.R.P.A.N.T.Tour,andiscurrently performingintheHendrix ExperienceTour.

“Expecttobeblownawayatthe talentlightingupthestageunderthe stars,”saysJayGoldbergofGold Entertainment,“thisisacan’tmiss showforallintheSouthwestFlorida area!”

Ticketsareavailableinadvance onlineatwww.moreinparadise.com orwww.goldentertainment.us. Reservedseatticketsstartat$49. Theshowbeginsat8p.m.and gatesopenat7p.m.

Allagesarewelcometothisoutdoorconcert,andplentyoffree parkingisavailableonsite.

SamanthaFish (photobyDougHardesty)

Christone“Kingfish”Ingram (photobyColinHart)

TrioBohémowillperformJan.23at3p.m.andJan.24at7:30p.m.atArtis–Naples

GrandPianoSeriesringsin yearwithglobalsuperstars

BySueWade

Thebirthofaworld-renowned pianotriodoesn’tnormallyrequire lockdowntogether.

ThatGrandPianoSeries’first chamberensembleofthenewyear didsowithoutcomingtoblowsisa testamenttotheirmusicalteam dynamic.

Shortlyafterformingin2019,the Czechviolin/cello/pianoTrioBohémo enteredthepandemiclivingtogether inthesamebighouse.They emergedasanawardwinnercelebratedfor“precision,dedicationand asparkofmagic”(Aulakonzerte G ttingen).

Today,they’refreshfromcapturingprizeafterprizeinworldwide chambermusiccompetitionsand havegracedstagesfromtheVienna MusikvereintoLondon’sWigmore Hall.TheircurrentAmericantour comesontheheelsofadebutCD that’salreadyreceivinginternational kudos.

ThesethreeremarkablemusicianslaunchGrandPianoSeries’ newyearwiththreeiconiccomposersandthreedistinctsoundscapes:Haydn’sclassicalperfection, Smetana’swistfultendernessand

Brahms’Romanticlyricism.

Nextup,onValentine’sDayeve, isafirecrackerpianistwhomcritics noteforher“powerhousesound, forcefulmusicalpersonality,and sheervirtuosity.”

ExhibitingwhatTheGuardian called“avirtuositywhichseemed bothjoyfulandnatural,”VanCliburn InternationalPianoCompetition 2022silvermedalistAnna Geniushenechannelsvirtuosictranscriptionsfromsuperstar pianist/composersofthepast— fromHandel’smagnificentChaconne toVerdi’sbelovedoperaticmelodies andStravinsky’sblockbusterballet TheFirebird.

Marchbringsastar-studdedperformanceincludingseriesdirector MilanaStrezeva,afoundingmember oftheaward-winningManhattan PianoTrio.Strezevajoinsoneofthe biggestnamesinchambermusic today—thePrague-basedPavel HaasQuartet—inanall-Dvo ák programfeaturingtwomasterpieces thatfusehisnativeCzechfolklore withtheformalperfectionheinheritedfromBrahmsandBeethoven.

BBCMusicMagazinefetedthe Czechensembleonits20thanniver-

sarybynamingitoneofthemagazine’s10greateststringquartetsof alltime.Thegrouphaswonfive GramophoneClassicalMusic Awardsforrecordingsincluding Dvo áktrios,quartetsandquintets. TrioBohémowillperformJan.23 at3p.m.andJan.24at7:30p.m. GrandPianoSeriesLecturer-inResidenceMagdalenaBaczewska willholdanonlinepreconcertlecture onthepianotrioJan.7from4to5 p.m.

AnnaGeniusheneperformsFeb. 13at7:30p.m.,precededby Baczewska’spreconcerttalkonthe pianovirtuosoJan.30at4p.m.

ThePavelHaasQuartetwith MilanaStrezevawillperformMarch 6at3and7:30p.m.,withapreconcerttalkonAntonínDvo ák’s “AmericanSound”Feb.20from4to 5p.m.

Allperformancestakeplaceat Artis—Naples,5833PelicanBay Blvd.,Naples. Purchasesingleticketsat $59atgrandpianoseries.orgor artisnaples.org.

Forassistance,callGrandPiano Seriesat469-333-3231orArtis— Naplesat239-597-1900.

Ambrosiatoheadline YachtRocktheDockFeb.1

SeminoleCasinoHotel

Immokaleehosts“YachtRockthe Dock,”featuringtheoriginal artistsinconcertplayingiconic hitsfromoneofRock’sgreatest eras,onSaturday,Feb.1at8 p.m.withdoorsopeningat7p.m.

Ambrosia,JohnFordColey, PeterBeckett(TheVoiceof Player),ElliotLurieofLooking Glass,andWalterEganwillcome togetherforamagicalnightperformingtheir1970sand1980s BillboardTop40hits.

The“YachtRock”songsthat arethesoundtracktoagenerationandclassicrockradiostaplesacrossthecountryemerged primarilyfromsouthernCalifornia duringoneofthegreatestperiodsofmusic.Asyoungergenerationsofmusicfansfallinlove andembracetheseclassicrock/softrockhits,thesesongs arebecomingbiggernowthanatanytimesincetheirheyday, whichstretchedbetween1976and1983.

AmbrosiafoundingmembersChristopherNorth (keys),JoePuerta(leadvocalsandbass)and BurleighDrummond(vocalsanddrums).

YachtRocktheDockwillfeaturethefollowingperformers: Ambrosia, thebandknownandlovedbyamultitudeof fanssincethe1970s,isnowmorealiveandcompellingthan ever.Thisfive-timeGrammy-nominatedensembleisexploringnewmusicalterritoryandbringinganexceptionalmusical performancetostageseverywhere.AmbrosiafeaturesfoundingmembersJoePuertaonbassandvocals,Christopher NorthonkeysandvocalsandBurleighDrummondondrums andvocals.AlsointhebandareDougJackson(guitarand vocals),MaryHarris(keysandvocals)andKippLennon (leadvocals).Ambrosiahitsongsinclude“Holdingonto Yesterday,”“HowMuchIFeel,”“BiggestPartofMe,”“How Long,”“You’retheOnlyWoman”andmore.

JohnFordColey ismostreveredashalfofthe GrammynominatedduoEnglandDanandJohn FordColey. Churningout manymemorable hitsduringthis era,someofJohn FordColey’s songsare:“Love IsTheAnswer,” “GoneTooFar,” “I’dReallyLove ToSeeYou Tonight,”“We’ll NeverHaveTo SayGoodbye Again,”“Nights AreForever

WithoutYou”and“SadToBelong.”

PeterBeckett, knownas“TheVoice ofPlayer,”istheoriginalleadsinger andsongwriterofthebandPlayer, votedbyBillboardMagazine’shonor rollasBestNewSingleArtistfor1978 fortheirinternationalnumberonehit “BabyComeBack.”Asafollowupon therecordcharts,BeckettandPlayer alsoenjoyedgreatsuccesswiththeir hit“ThisTimeI’mInItForLove.”

ElliotLurie isasingerandsongwriterbestknownforthehit“Brandy (You’reAFineGirl).”Recordedby LookingGlassfeaturingLurieonvocals andguitar,“Brandy”wasreleasedin thesummerof1972.LookingGlass chartedonemoretime,with“Jimmy LovesMaryanne”in1973.Reaching number33,therecordhasbecome somethingofacausecélèbreamong some1970smusicfans.Featuring Lurie’sdistinctivevocalsandproducedbythelegendaryArif Mardin,somefeelit’samoredistinguishedrecordingthan “Brandy.”

WalterEgan isamassivelyfamousrockstarwhostruck goldinthe1970swithhissmashhit“MagnetandSteel” whichappearedon“NotShy,”hissecondalbum.Asidefrom “MagnetandSteel,”Egan’ssong“HotSummerNights”wasa massivehitaswellandwasalsocertifiedGold.Ithitthe number18spotontheU.S.BillboardTop100chart,number threeontheAustralianChart,number21inBelgium,number 23ontheCanadianSingleschart,number28ontheNew Zealandchart,andnumber13ontheSouthAfricanchart.

Advanceticketsareonsalefor$75fromTicketmasteror atwww.moreinparadise.com.

Attendeesmustbe21.Parkingisfree.

WalterEgan

MidlandatSeminoleCasinoFeb.22

DoubleGrammynomineesMidlandbringtheir TheGetLuckyTourwith openingactPug JohnsontoSeminole CasinoHotelImmokalee Saturday,Feb.22at8 p.m.withgatesopening at7p.m.

Midlandhavesought toreintroducethe Westernplains,Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield andLoneStarjukejoints toCountrymusicsince comingtogetherata friend’sweddingover commoninfluencesand theneedforareturnto thissortofpost-Urban CowboyCountry.

Forleadsinger/guitaristMarkWystrach,bassist/vocalist CameronDuddyandleadguitarist/vocalistJessCarson, thedoubleplatinumhit“Drinkin’Problem”setthestagefor theircriticallyacclaimed“OnTheRocks”andNo.1 BillboardTopCountryAlbumsdebut“LetItRoll”tounite classiccountryfans,hipstersandmediaincluding EntertainmentWeekly,GQ,TheWashingtonPost,Vogue, Esquire,Variety,RollingStoneCountryandNPR.

BasedinDrippingSprings,Texas,thetrioofsongwriters

whodevelopedtheirsound atTornillo,Texas’storied SonicRanchhavebeen buildingafollowingthat’s sold-outtheHoustonRodeo andLivestockShow, packedamultiple-night standatFt.Worth’siconic BillyBob’sandre-opened NorthHollywood’slegendaryPalominoClubfor onenightonly.Bringinglistenersaresurgenceoftheir thickharmonies,sad melodies,tartlyrics,and steelguitarwiththeirlatest album“TheLastResort: GreetingsFrom”(Big MachineRecords),the retro-Nuevotriohasgrown frombarbandtoanin-demandheadlinerwhohaveeven puttogethertheirowncruise.

PugJohnsongrewupontheoutskirtsofBeaumont, Texas,listeningtothemulticulturalsoundtrackofacity flankedbyLouisiana,theBigThicket,andtheGulfCoast. Withhissecondalbum,“ElCabron,”Johnsonsaluteshis homeland'straditionswhilecreatinghisownmusicalgeography.

Ticketsareonsaleandstartat$55fromTicketmasteror www.moreinparadise.com.Parkingfortheconcertisfree.

MIdland

JazzyNightsSeriesatDavisArtCenter: JumaaneSmith,EkepNkwelle

TheSidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter JazzyNightsSeriesbeginsthenewyear withtwoconcerts.

JumaaneSmithappearsJan.10,and EkepNkwelleperformsJan.24.

Smithspentthelast18yearstouring andrecordingwithMichaelBubléaslead trumpeter,vocalistandfeaturedsoloist.He wasamemberofHarryConnickJr.’shouse bandforthesyndicateddaytimeTVshow “Harry,”andthefeaturedguestsoloistfor JackieEvancho’s,“SongsoftheSilver Screen”worldtourbackedbya60-piece symphonyorchestra.

Smithtouredwithhisownbandto world-classvenueslikeJazzAtLincoln

EkepNkwelle-Jan.24

Center,VailJazzFestival,JavaJazz Festival,BirdlandJazzClub,NorthStar Festival,Joe’sPub,RochesterInternational JazzFestival,CatalinaIslandJazzFestival, andmanymore.Throughouthiscareer, Smithworkedwithmusicallegendssuchas QuincyJones,HerbieHancock,Aretha Franklin,ChristianMcBride,Barbra Streisand,AliciaKeys,KamasiWashington, JonBatiste,TheoCroker,EtienneCharles, andmanymore.Asafullscholarship recipientattheJuilliardSchoolofMusic’s JazzStudiesprogram(2001-2005),Wynton MarsaliswasSmith’sprimarytrumpet instructor.

Hiscritically-acclaimeddebutalbum,“I OnlyHaveEyesForYou,”featuresspecial guestsMichaelBublé,JackieEvancho,and Naturally7.Hissophomorealbum,“When You’reSmiling,”wasreleasedtomuch praiseinJanuary2020.

Nkwelleisa24-year-oldCameroonianAmericanjazzvocalist,whocarvedher musicalpathfromthevibrantstreetsof Washington,DC,totheheartofNewYork City’sjazzscene.Herjourneythroughthe esteemedDukeEllingtonSchoolofthe Arts,HowardUniversity,andTheJuilliard Schoolhasbeenextraordinary.

Thepowerofhervoiceresonatedwith jazzluminariessuchasWyntonMarsalis andtheJazzatLincolnCenterOrchestra,

JumaaneSmith-Jan.10

RussellMalone,CyrusChestnut,andPeter Washington,alongwithyoungstarslike EmmetCohenandEndeaOwens,leading tocountlesscollaborations.Herperformanceshavegracediconic,internationally renownedvenues,fromtheillustrious RadioCityMusicHall,wheresheshared thestagewithclassicalvirtuosoLangLang incollaborationwithDisney,toTheLibrary ofCongress,Marian’sJazzroom,The KennedyCenter,andLincolnCenter.Her presencealsoilluminatedmajorfestivals, includingNewport,Montclair,Hudson,and DCjazzfestivals.

Doorsforbothconcertsopenat6:30 p.m.andtheperformancebeginsat7:30 p.m.Ticketsare$45inadvance,or$50 dayofshow.

TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenteris locatedat2301FirstSt.intheFortMyers RiverDistrict.Fortickets,visit www.sbdac.comorcall239-333-1933.

BluegrassseriesatSBDACwelcomesTwistedPine

TheSidneyandBerneDavis ArtCenterBluegrassConcert Series“PullingStrings”begins thismonthwiththedynamic groupTwistedPine.Theconcert willbeheldintheGrandAtrium onFriday,Jan.31.

PraisedbyNPRfortheir “upbeat,poppyvibe;energetic, drivingrhythms;andvirtuosic solos,”TwistedPinereleased theirsophomorefull-lengthRight Nowin2020(SignatureSounds Recordings).Exploringasound theycallAmericanafunk,Twisted Pinetakestraditionalmusicin exhilaratingdirections.Bassist ChrisSartoriwrites,“Thisalbumiseasiertofeelthandescribe. We’rerootedinbluegrass,continuallyinspiredbyexplorerslike BelaFleck,JerryDouglas,andSierraHull.RightNowtakes thisheritageintoanewdimension.Ourbluegrassisjazzy,our indiefolkispoppy,ourgroovesarefunky.”

TwistedPine(KathleenParks, fiddle;DanBui,mandolin;Chris Sartori,bass;AnhPhung,flute) grooveswithfearlessimprovisation andintricatearrangements.“They wereoncebluegrass,”wroteThe BostonGlobe,“but…thisBoston bandhasbecomesomethingelse, awiderversionofstringband, boundaryjumpersakintooutfitslike PunchBrothers,NickelCreek,and CrookedStill.”

Doorsfortheconcertopenat 6:30p.m.andtheperformance beginsat7:30p.m.Ticketsare$45 inadvance,or$50dayofshow. Tablesoffourare$225andtables ofeightare$450.Seriesticketsandt-shirtsareavailablefor purchase.

TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterislocatedat2301 FirstSt.inthehistoricdowntownFortMyersRiverDistrict.For tickets,visitwww.sbdac.comorcall239-333-1933.

SWFloridaAgExpo Feb.27toMarch9

LeeCountyinvitesthecommunitytogetreadyfor “AnAg-citingAdventure”attheSouthwestFloridaAg ExpoFeb.27toMarch9attheLeeCountyCivic CenterComplex,11831BayshoreRoad,NorthFort Myers.Thisyear’seventpromisestobeafamily-friendlyadventurefilledwithfun,learningandexcitementfor allages.

“Thisismorethanjustanevent—it’sanAg-citing Adventureforthewholefamily,”saiddirectorMack YoungofLeeCountyParks&Recreation."We’re thrilledtoofferarangeofinteractiveexhibits,thrilling rides,deliciousfoodandanup-closelookatagriculturethat celebratesthehardworkanddedicationofourcommunity’s youth.”

•Delicioussweetandsavorytreatsfromavarietyoffood vendors

TheAgExpocontinuestohighlighttheworkof SouthwestFlorida’syouthinvolvedin4-H,FFAandother programs.Theeventwillopenwithatraditionalribbon-cuttingceremonyat3:30p.m.onThursday,Feb.27.Thelivestockeventskickoffthateveningwiththepopulargoatagility showandwillcontinueuntiltheconclusionofthehorse awardsonMarch9.

Thisyear’sexpowillfeaturearangeofactivitiesand attractions,including:

•Livestockexhibitionsshowcasinglocaltalentandagriculturalexpertise

•Craftingandcreativelivingdisplaystoinspirevisitors

•Midwaythrillswithridesandattractions

LeeCountycommissionersremaincommittedtoensuring theAgExporemainsabelovedcommunityexperience. Countystaffwillagainmanageandruntheevent,ensuringa seamlessandexcitingexperienceforallattendees.

Megapassticketsare$30untiltheExpobegins.The megapassincludesgateadmissionandawristbandfor unlimitedmechanicalridesononedayofyourchoice.

Advanceticketsforgeneralgateadmissionwillalsobe availableforpurchaseatwww.swflagexpo.com.General admissionis$10foradultsand$5forchildrenages4to11, whilechildren3andunderreceivefreeentry.Activeand retiredmilitarypersonnelcanenjoyfreegateadmissionall day,everyday,withpropermilitaryID.

Formoreinfo,visitswflagexpo.comorfollowonFacebook

RockabillaqueFloridaJan.18

FloridaWeeklypresents RockabillaqueFloridaatSeminole CasinoHotelwiththemaineventon Saturday,Jan.18beginningat11a.m.

RockabillaqueFloridaisthebiggest festivalofitskindinFlorida,celebrating mid-centuryand1950sAmericana.This action-packeddayandnightfeatures nationalandregionalmusicalacts,a classiccarandvintagebikeshow,contestsincludingpin-up,tattoo,andbeard andmoustache,plusavendors’ market,foodtrucksandmore.

"It'shardtobelieve RockabillaqueFloridaisalready celebratingour5thanniversary. Wearesoexcitedtopartner withtheSeminoleCasinoHotel againandbringouractionpackedfestivalbacktothecasino.Youdon'twanttomissour 2025celebrationofmid-century Americanawithamodern-day twistfeaturinganepicClassic CarandVintageBikeShow,a rockin'musiclineupfromall overthemap,contestsincluding ourpopularpinupcontest,an eclecticvendormarketandso muchmore,"saidfestivalproducerSimonCantlonofViveLe RockProductions."Asalways thefestivalisfreetoattend,day andnight.Sohittheroadand joinusforanotheramazing year,youwon'twanttomiss whatwehaveinstore!"

TheRockabillaqueFlorida 2025Kick-OffPartywillbeheld Friday,Jan.17inZigZag LoungeandwillfeatureDoug

Deming&TheJewelTonesandShanda &TheHowlers.

OnSaturday,Jan.18,themainstage entertainmentlineupfeaturesfreeperformancesfromco-headlinersLes Greene&TheSwayzees,Pokey LaFarge,TheRhythmShakers,The Bellfuriesplusothernationalacts SouthernCultureOnTheSkids,The Surfarajettes,MozzyDee,andthe FloridabasedHillbillyHellcats.

Inaddition,ZigZagLoungewillhost performancesbyJeffVitolo&The QuarterMileRebels,ThePatinaTurners, TheeStillnites,LittleRachel,Sasquatch andtheSick-A-Billys.

Thenight’smusicallineupendsinthe ZigZagLoungewithspecialperformancesbyCMWolfAndTheBackbones,the newmusicalprojectfromChris Moinichen,formerleadsingerofThe DeltaBombers,followedbylegendary nationalpsychobillymusicact, theKoffinKats,andclosesout withFlorida’sSlipandthe Spinouts.Anewadditiontothis year’sscheduleisaBurlesque showfromMissNatrix’sRitzGlitz RevuefeaturingfourBurlesque performersdoingtwoshowson bothFridayandSaturdaynights intheZigZagLounge.

Classiccarsandvintage bikeswillbeondisplayfrom11 a.m.to4p.m.Multiplecontests willbeheldthroughouttheday includingaBeardandMustache competition,thelegendaryMiss RockabillaquePin-Upcontest, andaTattoocontest.Thisyear alsooffersaFridaynightkick-off partyattheZigZagLoungefeaturinglivemusic.

Allconcertsarefree. Attendeesarewelcometobring chairsandallagesarewelcome. Awideselectionoffoodtrucks andmerchantswillbeatthe event.Coolers,backpacksand petswillnotbepermittedduring thisevent.Formoreinformation, visitFLROCKS.com.

PokeyLaForge

SouthernCultureontheSkids

SouthlandBluegrassMusic FestivalreturnsonApril6

SeminoleCasinoHotel Immokaleewelcomesthe fourthannualSouthland BluegrassMusicFestival Sunday,April6startingat noon.ThefreefestivalwillfeatureoutdoorconcertswithconcertsintheZigZagLounge bothbeforeandafterthefestival,aswellasavarietyoffood trucks.

Theoutdoorentertainment lineupannouncedhighlights freeperformancesfromheadlinersRhondaVincent&The Rage,DelMcCoury,The InfamousStringdusters,The Travelin’McCourysand AlligatorAlley.ZigZagLounge performanceswillbe announcedatalaterdate.

Allconcertsarefreewith themainfestivalperformances heldoutdoors.Attendeesare welcometobringchairsandall agesarewelcome.Alarge selectionoffoodtruckswillbe attheevent.Coolers,backpacksandpetswillnotbepermitted.

Outdoorfestivalperformers: RhondaVincent&TheRage Itwasherpivotalbluegrass album“BackHomeAgain”that transformedRhondaVincent intotheAll-AmericanBluegrass GirlandcrownedhertheNew QueenofBluegrassbyThe WallStreetJournalin2000.A multi-awardwinner,witha 2017GrammyforBest BluegrassAlbum,an EntertaineroftheYear2001, SongoftheYear2004,seven consecutiveFemaleVocalistof theYearawardsfromthe InternationalBluegrassMusic Association2000-2006,andan eighthwinofIBMAFemale VocalistoftheYearin2015. Herlifelongdreamcametrue whenshewasinvitedtobea memberoftheGrandOleOpry onFeb.28,2020.Rhonda waitedan345daysandwas officiallyinductedasamember oftheGrandOleOpryonFeb. 6,2021.

DelMcCouryBand

Evenamongthepantheon ofmusic’sfinestartists,Del McCourystandsalone.From thenascentsoundofbluegrass thatcharmedhardscrabblehill-

billyhonkytonks,ruralschoolhousestages,andthecrowninggloryoftheGrandOleOpry tothepresent-dayculture-buzz ofviralvideosanddigital streams,Delisthelivinglink. Onprimetimeandlate-nighttelevisiontalkshows,thereisDel. Fromheadliningsold-outconcertstomusicfestivalsofall genres,includingonecarrying hisnamesake,thereisDel. Whereaudiencesnumberin thetensofthousands,and admirersasdiverseascountryrockiconSteveEarleandjambandroyaltyPhishcountas twoamonghundreds,thereis Del.NowhelmingtheDel McCouryBand,withsons RonnieandRob,theensemble didandcontinuestorepresent inalarger,growingmusical communityapeerlesstorchbearerfortheentiresweepand scopeofbluegrasshistory.

TheInfamousStringdusters

TheInfamousStringdusters areacelebratedAmericanprogressivebluegrassbandknown fortheirvirtuosicmusicianship, innovativearrangements,and genre-blendingstyle.The GrammyAward-winning Americanaquintethavemusicalinfluencesthattrulyrunthe gamut.

TheTravelinʼMcCourys

TheMcCourybrothersRonnie(mandolin)andRob (banjo)-werebornintothe bluegrasstradition:theirfather, Del,isamongthemostinfluentialandsuccessfulmusiciansin thehistoryofthegenre.Years ontheroadwiththeirfather encouragedtheduotoimagine howtraditionalbluegrasscould cutinnovativepathwaysinto 21stcenturymusic.

AlligatorAlley&

FloridaBluegrassExpress

FormedinSouthFloridain 2014,AlligatorAlleyboastsfour talentedsingers,musiciansand songwriterswhoeachbring theirownflavortotheband’s sound.ThreeMiamiboysand onemanfromtheBronxmake uptheband,bringingthathigh energyBluegrasssoundfrom themountainstothecoast.

Formoreinformation,visit www.moreinparadise.com.

PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA

JAN6

LosLobos Artis–Naples

JAN10

Styx,Loverboy HertzArena,Estero Train,DonFelder JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

JAN11

DefLeppard,Tesla JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

JAN12

BradPaisley, TylerHubbard JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

JAN16

ClayWalker CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers

JAN18

RockabillaqueFlorida SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

JAN22

LeeGreenwood SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

JAN23

GavinAdcock TheRanch,FortMyers

JAN25

Kansas SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

JAN30

Chicago BBMannHall,FortMyers

I N C ONCERT

Little River Band

LittleRiverBandcelebrates50yearsoftouringin2025withtheir HappyAnniversaryTourcomingtoBarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSWinFortMyersonMarch20.Picturedislead singerandbassistWayneNelsonwhohasbeenwithLRBnearly 45years.Forticketsandinfo,visitonlineatbbmannpah.com. photobyJamieKuser

JAN30

Everclear TheRanch,FortMyers

JAN31

AshleyCooke TheRanch,FortMyers

FEB1

TobyMac BBMannHall,FortMyers

Ambrosia, ElliotLurie, JohnFordColey,Peter Beckett,WalterEgan SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

FEB5

KennyWayne Shepherd BBMannHall,FortMyers

FEB7

AliceCooper BBMannHall,FortMyers

WheyJennings EvergladesSeafoodFest

FEB8

ConfederateRailroad EvergladesSeafoodFest

MAR2

TheBeachBoys Artis–Naples

MAR7

TheTemptations &TheFourTops SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

MAR10

ZZTop BBMannHall,FortMyers

MAR12

LovinSpoonful,Gary Lewis&ThePlayboys, TheClassicsIV BBMannHall,FortMyers

FEB13

ChrisBotti BBMannHall,FortMyers

WillieNelson&Family SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

FEB15

AaronLewis SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

FEB20

BraxtonKeith TheRanch,FortMyers

FEB21&22

TheDrifters Artis–Naples

Midland,PugJohnson SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

FEB23

PaulAnka Artis–Naples

FEB27

Ole60 TheRanch,FortMyers

MAR14

38Special CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers

MAR20

LittleRiverBand BBMannHall,FortMyers

MAR22

SoundsofJazz&Blues CoralOaksGolf,CapeCoral

MAR28

ChristoneIngram, SamanthaFish SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

APR3

RascalFlatts HertzArena,Estero

APR5

MercyMe HertzArena,Estero

APR6

UncleKracker

TheRanch,FortMyers

AshleyCooke,BraxtonKeith atTheRanchConcertHall&Saloon

TheRanchConcertHall&SalooninFortMyersshowcases nationalcountryandrockartists.

Here’swhat’sonthescheduleatpresstime:

TheSamGallowayFordConcertSeriespresentsAshley Cooke(withopenerGreylanJames)onJan.31,BraxtonKeith onFeb.20,Ole60onFeb.27andUncleKrackeronApril6.

WithBigLoud/BackBlocksMusiccountryartistAshley Cooke,it'sbesttoknowwhatyou'regettinginto–because thisemergingstaristhedefinitionofmorethanmeetstheeye. Agracefulexteriormatchedbyacasual-coolnature.Skillfully craftedlyricsandaknackforunforgettableperformance. Effortlessvocalbeautyandaboldsenseofinternalgrit,freely mixingitupwiththeboyswhilesheralliesthegirls.Andmost important,apassionforcapturingthemagicbetweenheartbeats,eachmomentasuniqueassheis.Stillearlyinherjourney,beingherselfhasalreadyservedCookewell.

Hernextchaptercontinueswithher 2023debutalbumshotinthedark.

Unfoldingasiftheywererippedfrom pagesofherpersonaljournal,Cooke's sun-kissedblendoftwo-lanepop countryisonfulldisplayinthecollection's24tracks,inspiredbytruetales oflove,heartbreakandallthe momentsinbetween.

CookewentontowinherfirstCMT AwardforBreakthroughFemaleVideo oftheYearatthe2024CMTAwards beforebeingnominatedforACMNew FemaleArtistoftheYear,addingto previousrecognitionasoneofMusic Row's2023DiscoveryArtistofthe YearandNextBigThingaswellas iHeartCountry'sOnTheVergeartist.

BraxtonKeithispartofanewgenerationofcountrysinger-songwriters

“lightingupthecountrymusicworld”(RFD-TV)andleadinga revivalofitscorecreativetenants.ATexasnativewhothese dayssplitstimebetweenSanAntonioandNashville,Keithwas borninMidland,Texas,steepedincountrymystique.

Featuringanearnestloveofthe‘80scountryaesthetic–andallbutaddictedtotherushofthestage–Keithhasspent thelastfewyearsoflifeasaproudroaddog,schoolingnew fansofthetimelesspowerofarevvedupbandandrich organictwang.Blendingthrowback-tonkwithasharp,barbedwirevocalrecallingstarslikeTracyLawrence(plusalittleborderlandbuzzofSanAntonioSpanishinfluence),Keithbecame aregularfaceinvenuesallacrosshishomestate.

AlsoinJanuary,the10thannualLineDanceWorkshopwill beheldJan.19from9a.m.to4p.m.

OtherupcomingshowsatTheRanchConcertHall(notpart oftheSamGallowaySeries)includeNewYear’sEvewith PureCountryonDec.31,IntheEndLinkinParkExperienceonJan.12, CompletelyUnchained-VanHalen TributeonJan.17,Nightbird-The UltimateTributetoStevieNicksonJan. 18,GavinAdcockonJan.23(soldout), EverclearonJan.30,theReverend Peyton’sBigDamnBandonFeb.7, TexasTwister-ZZToptributebandon Feb.28,KipSweeny-GarthBrookstributeonMarch8,FakeFestonMarch22, JoshMeloyonMarch29andRedwith AdelitasWayonApirl18.

Forticketsandmoreconcertinformation,visitonlineattheranchfortmyers.com.

TheRanchConcertHallandSaloon canbereachedbycalling239-985-9839. Formostshows,doorsopenat7p.m.at TheRanchConcertHall&Saloonlocated at2158ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

F ORT M YERS R IVER D ISTRICT

ClayWalker atamphitheaterJan.16

Countrymusicfansareinforanunforgettablenightasmulti-platinumsellingartistClay WalkertakesthestageJan.16atCaloosa SoundAmphitheaterindowntownFortMyers.

Renownedforhissoulfulvoiceandtimeless hits“IfICouldMakeaLiving,”“SheWon’tBe LonelyLong”and“What’sIttoYou,”Walkerhas beencaptivatingaudiencesfordecadeswithhis heartfeltlyricsandelectrifyingstagepresence. Thisspecialperformancepromisestodeliver hissignaturetraditionalcountrysoundandan eveningmusicfanswon’twanttomiss.

Ticketscanbepurchasedonlinewithgeneral admissionstartingat$50andVIPticketsstartingat$80.Doorswillopenat6p.m.withthe openingactbeginningat7p.m.

Concertgoerscanmaketheireveningevenmorespecial withpre-concertperksbyshowingtheirconcertticketat ChipsSportsPub,TheSilverKingOceanBrasserie,Oxbow Bar&Grill,orBeaconSocialDrinkeryonthedayoftheconcerttoreceivea10%discountofftheirbill.Formoredining options,browseLuminaryHotel&Co.’sofferings.Barsand snackswillalsobeavailableonsiteforpurchasesbefore andduringtheshow.

Guestslookingtoavoidpost-concerttrafficcanstaythe

nightatLuminaryHotel&Co.bybookingaroomandenjoy theconvenienceofbeingjuststepsawayfromthevenue. (Concertticketsarenotincludedwithhotelbookingsand mustbepurchasedseparately.)

Gatesopenat6p.m.,andtheshowbeginsat7p.m.on Jan.16.CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterislocatedat2101 EdwardsDrive,FortMyers(adjacenttotheLuminaryHotel &Co.)

Purchaseticketsonlineattixr.com.

Foradditionalinformation,visitCaloosaSoundAmp.com

38SpecialreturnsinMarch

Southernrocklegend 38Specialreturnstothe stageatCaloosaSound AmphitheaterindowntownFortMyerson Friday,March14.

Havingreleasedmore than15albumssince 1976,38SpecialcontinuestobringtheirsignatureblastofSouthern Rocktomorethan100 citieseachyear.

Fanscanexpectto heartheband’sarenarocksmashhits,including“HoldOnLoosely,” “Rockin’IntotheNight,” “CaughtUpinYou,”“FantasyGirl,”“IfI’d BeentheOne,”“BackWhereYou Belong,”“ChainLightnin’,”“Second Chance,”andmore–alltimelesshits thatremainastapleofradio,immediately

recognizablefromthefirstopening chord.

Thecurrentlineupfor38Special includesguitarist/vocalistDonBarnes (anoriginalmember),keyboardist/vocal-

istBobbyCapps,drummer GaryMoffatt,bassistBarry DunawayandguitaristJerry Riggs.

Ticketscanbepurchased onlineatwww.tixr.comor caloosasoundamp.com.A selectionofVIP,reserved seating,andgeneraladmissionticketswillbeavailable. Concertgoerscanenjoyfood anddrinksservedinside CaloosaSoundAmphitheater; outsidefood,drinks,and coolersareprohibited.Small lawnchairsandblanketsare permittedinthegeneral admissionlawnarea.

38Speciallastperformedatthe amphitheateronJan.4,2024. CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterislocatedat2101EdwardsDriveindowntown FortMyers.

ACMASongwriters onthePlazaset forJanuary14

TheFortMyersRegional Libraryhasjoinedwiththe AmericanaCommunity MusicAssociation(ACMA), toofferfreeconcertsofall originalmusicbylocal artists.Concertswilltake placeintheamphitheater, whichislocatedonSouth CornogPlaza,2450First St.intheFortMyersRiver District.

Thefreeseasonalevent runsNovemberthrough May.

OnTuesday,Jan.14, BobPatetta,RayCerbone andChakullawilltakethe outdoorstageat6p.m.

Bringachairorablanket.Allshowswillbemoved tothemeetingroomslocatednexttotheamphitheater ifneededdependingon weather.

BobPatettaisasingersongwriterspecializingin blues,rockandfolk,and hasbeenperformingand recordingonguitar,harmonicaandvocalsforover50 years.Bornandraisedin NewJerseywherehestartedoutsingingandplaying inrockbands,hehasalso workedextensivelyalong theGulfCoastofFlorida, playingharmonicaand washboardwithRosie O'Grady'sDixielandBandin Pensacola,guitarandblues harpinthegreaterTampa areaandLeeCounty,and inOhiosince1990.Heis currentlyperformingwith theHotPotatoesbandin Ohio,andwithWildlifeDrive inFlorida,aswellasmakingmanysoloappearances. Heisalsoknownformaking ajoyfulnoiseonSunday morningsatmanyUnityand UCCchurches.

RayCerboneisoneof thefoundingmembersof theACMA.Raybeganplay-

ingguitarduringthelate ‘60sfolkscene.Withthe supportandinspirationof fellowlocalandtouring musicians,hebeganwriting andplayinginearnestin 2010.Travelingalongroad inashorttime,hismusic encompassesmanygenres, includingAmericana,folk, blues,ballads,andalittle bitofcountry.Hisstoryteller styletakesthelistenerto anotherplaceintime,his musicandlyricsbringing evocativeinsightsintothe manysidesoflife.Rayis alsoasinger-songwriter’s song-singer.Hisinventive fingerstyleguitarisuniquely diverseandeasy-on-theears.Ray’srecently releasedCD,HowMuch Time”hasreceivedglowing reviewsstatesideandoverseas.

Chakullaisanindividual, expressinghismusicwith anorganicgroveofworldly rhythm's,uniqueguitar cords,catchyandmemorablemelodies.Hesings outwithanacousticguitar usingalooppedalenabling leads,harmonica,marimba, congas,percussion,and vocalpercussionlinesto manifestonthespotand live.Inhisfourdecadesof writingandplayingmusic Chakullahassharedhis musicatconcertvenues seating60,000people,and inclubs,athouseconcerts, festivals,TVandradio appearances,andsinging outinthestreets.

Theremainingdatesare Feb.11,March11,April8 andMay13.Formore abouttheAmericana CommunityMusic Association,visitonlineat www.americanacma.organd followthemonFacebook forupdates.

CelticFestivalJan.24-25

Getreadytodonyourkiltsandembracethemagicof Celtictraditionatthemuch-anticipated2025Caloosahatchee CelticFestival.

TheCityofFortMyersinvitesyoucelebratetheEmerald IslesintheCityofPalmsJan.24and25atthe21stAnnual CaloosahatcheeCelticFestivalatCaloosaSound AmphitheaterindowntownFortMyers.

Theweekendfestivitiesinclude:

FRIDAY,JAN.24 -Gatesopenat5:30p.m.Thelineup includesCageO’Hanlon(5:35p.m.),WestofGalway(6:10 p.m.),Guns&HosesPipes&Drum(6:55p.m.),AllythePiper (7:05p.m.),ScreamingOrphans(8:10p.m.),andAlbannach (9:20p.m.).Ticketsstartat$10.

SATURDAY,JAN.25 -ThegatesatCaloosaSound Amphitheaterwillopenat11:30a.m..PerformersincludePipes andDrum(11:35a.m.),WestofGalway(12:25and5:15p.m.), ScreamingOrphans(1:30and7p.m.),AllythePiper(2:35 and9:15p.m.),Albannach(3:30&8:15p.m.),CageO’Hanlon (6:15p.m.)andKellyn IrishDancers(4:30 p.m.).Ticketsstartat $10.

Tosatisfythe appetite,thereisCeltic faresuchasfishand chipsandmeatpies, alongwithtraditional Americanfestivalfood. Bothdomesticand importedbeerswillbe served.

Dozensofmerchandisevendorswillbe

offeringeverythingCeltic.

OrganizersareexcitedtowelcomebacktheBritishCar ClubofSWFloridatohosetheirBritishCarShowatthisyear's CaloosahatcheeCelticFestival.ComeseethebestofBritish craftsmanshipandthebeautyofSWFlorida'sfinestAston Martin,RollsRoyce,Jaguar,Bentley,Lotus,McLaren,MG, Mini,Morgan,Triumph,andAustinHealey.Toregisteryourcar, contactHermannSchaller-941-564-5638orathermannschaller@msn.com.

FestivalsponsorsincludeMcGregor'sIrishPub,Guinness, HendersonFranklinPA,B103,96KRock,andSunny106.3 andHappeningsMagazine.

Formoreinformation,call239-321-7529orbuyticketsin advanceathttps://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/cityftmyersrecreation/2025-caloosahatchee-celtic-festival

Kidsunder12arefree.Lawnchairsandblanketsare encouraged.Nopets,glass,alcoholorweaponsallowed.The amphitheaterislocatedat2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers.

AllyThePiper

Albannach

PineIslandSoundMysteries

*** JUSTRELEASED ***

The9thnovelbySouthwest FloridaauthorJohnD.Mills

CaptivaCoven: Fouryoungwomenfromdifferentpartsoftheworldbecomefriends whileworkingatSouthSeasResortonCaptivain2002.Duringtheirfriendship,they discovertheyhaveanuncannybond–theyallcomefromalegacyofwitches.One nightwhilecampingonadesertedbeachunderafullmoon,theydecidetoformtheir owncoventobindthemtogetherforever.Theyagreetoreturneverytenyearsto celebratetheirfriendshipcementedbyformingtheirowncoven.Overthenext20 years,twoofthewitchesaremurderedinsadisticways.Whenthepolicearenotable tosolvethemurders,thetworemainingmembersoftheCaptivaCovendecidedto findtheresponsiblepersonandadministertheirownversionofjustice.

NATIO NAL BO OKFE ST AWAR DS WINN ER

fo r 3r d

JohnD.Millsisa fifthgeneration nativeofFort Myers,Florida.He grewupfishingthe watersofPine IslandSoundand it'sstillhisfavorite hobby.ThroughouttheyearsJohn hassupportedandsponsoredmany oflocalfishingtournamentsbenefitingthePineIslandcommunity. Hisbooksaresoldinsomeofthe mosticonicdestinationsinthebarrierislands.Readerswillgetarare andseldomheardhistorywrapped innail-bitingthrillermysteries.He iscurrentlyconcentratinghislaw practiceoncriminaldefenseand domesticviolenceinjunctioncases.

HisNineNovelsare:

LauraA.-5outof5stars-Devouredthisbook!!! IwillreadanythingbyJohnDMillsnowthatIʼvereadCaptivaCoven.I wasinthemoodforsomethingwitchy,giventhetimeofyear.Thisone, aboutfourwitcheswhocometogetherinfriendshipuntiltwoofthemare murdered,isphenomenal.Iwasdrawntotheintrigueofadoublemurder (Imean,what'sbetterthanawhodunittimestwo!)andthemysteryabout whathappenedtothem.Youʼllneverguess!!!Thesurvivingfriends'journeystoplotrevengeonthekillerisanepicridefilledwithsurprises. Thereʼsabeachreadfeelingtothestory,buttherearealsomoretwists andturnsthananylightheartedbookIʼvebroughttotheocean. Still,Ifinisheditquicklyandtheendingisverygood. Ijustthoughtthecharacterswerewonderfulandtheplotissogood.I decidedIhadtojumponboardandreadMills'sotherwork.Iʼmhavinga greattime.JohnDMills'sbooksaresuspenseful,fun,andthrilling!!!

TheTrophyWifeDivorce

PinelandGold

CayoCostaCross CaptivaCoven

Caleb Willis - 5 out of 5 stars - John Mills weaves the perfect Summertime vacation story. Beaches, witches, and murder mysteries; what could be a better combination as the Summer comes to an end? Mills expertly combines the sometimes cheesy, always unassuming environment of a tropic vacation destination with the fun and dark tropes of witchcraft, divorce lawsuits and police work. There is also an excellent blend of calm, relaxing beach scenes and action-packed drama. I have never encountered a book that can so seamlessly moves through fantastical magical experiences, to murderous true-crime-style plots, to the over-the-top romantic dramas where the levels of greed and deception never seem to end. This reads like a romance, detective novel, and fantasy adventure all packed into one. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an easy and action-packed read that also provides a good reminder of warm days and relaxation as we head into Autumn.

ArtFestFortMyers marks25thanniversary

Jan.31-Feb.2,2025

ArtFestFortMyerscelebratesit25thanniversaryatthe2025artfestival.ArtFestFortMyers founderSharonMcAllisterwelcomeseveryoneto anartfulweekend.“Canyoubelieve2025isthe artfestival’s25thanniversary.After25yearsof leadingtheartfestivalIlookforwardtothisevent everyyear.Theartschangelifeforthebetterand aresoimportanttoourcommunity inSouthwestFlorida.”Sharoncontinued“Iamproudtobeapartof thisnationally-award-winningart festival.”

Spendafewhours,alldayora weekendbeingsurroundedby imagination,inspirationandincredibletalent.ArtFestFortMyersbrings over200exceptionalprofessional artiststotheheartofdowntownFort Myers;encourages300talented localhighschoolartiststopursue theirartisticdreams;providesan opportunityforthousandsofchildren,theirparentsandgrandparentstotrytheirhandatcreatinga masterpiece.JointhefunonFeb.1&2(from10a.m.to5 p.m.)withanopeningnightonFriday,Jan.31(6to9p.m.).

Meetthestarsoftheshow–theartists.Theseincredibly creativefolks,travelfrom39statestosharetheirworkwith us.Amazingceramics,agorgeousjewelry,remarkableglass, uniquepaintings,wearableartandsomuchmoreawaityouat ArtFestFortMyers.Thisfamily-friendlyfestivalconnectsart andartiststogetherwithourcommunityinawaythatisso muchfun–thisisanartexperiencethatdelightseverysense!

Attendeesofask“Howdothe200festivalartistsgetchosen?”Ajurypaneloffiveprofessionalartistsspendsdays selectingthemfromthe700artistswhoapply.

Besuretobringtheentirefamilytothisfreeoutdoorfine artfestival.Taketimetoenjoyourtalentedhighschoolartists’ workattheArtUnder20ExhibitandCompetitionandprepare tobeastonishedasthestudentscreatelargestreetpaintings intheChalkBlock.Alwaysacrowdpleaser,thePublixArt YardandCommunityStagearefullofopportunitiesforpeople ofallages.Thedininggallerieswithtastyfoodandfunbeveragesprovidearelaxingbreak.

DoyouwanttobeinvolvedbehindthesceneswithArtFest FortMyersandsupportthearts?“Ourvolunteerteamcomes fromallwalksoflife,andtheyhavefunworkingtogetherfestivalweekend,toensurethatfestivalattendees,professional artists,ourgeneroussponsorsandVIPsallhaveagreat experienceatArtFestFortMyers,”McAllisteradds“joiningus iseasyjustgotoArtFestFortMyers.comandclickonVolunteer button.”

RelaxincomfortandstyleintheVIPClubandenjoythree daysofexclusivebenefitsandconvenientreservedparking

juststepsfromtheartfestival.VIP Clubhasaspectacularlocationin theCaloosaSoundConvention Centerintheheartoftheartfestival.

OnFridayevening,Jan.31,join themintheVIPClubfortheOpening NightSilverAnniversaryPartyand enjoyculinarydelightsfromsomeof ourarea’sfinestrestaurants,dessert towerbyPublix,champagnetower, wine,andbeer.Bruno’sofBrooklyn, TheStandard,SunquDelightsOf Peru,ThePawnbroker,Peppers Burrito,SoEventfulandmoreserving upyummyappetizers!

Theeveningincludestheopportunitytoshopat65ofthefestivalartistsseeingthebest-of-thebestartoptions.Enjoyfront-rowseatsattheCaloosaSound AmphitheaterforSymphonyontheSound,anexceptional popsconcertbyGulfCoastSymphonyfrom7:15to8p.m.

OnSaturdayandSunday,enjoyalightbrunchwithgrazing stationsfrom11:30a.m.-1:30p.m.andbottomlessmimosas. VIPClubmemberscanstopbyanytimeforsnacksandbeveragesincludingwine,beer,coffee.

FormoreinformationvisitArtFestFortMyers.com.

GulfCoastSymphonyandArtFestFortMyerspresent SymphonyontheSound,anexceptionalpopsconcert,on theopeningnightoftheannualartfestival.Enjoythemusic underthestarsonFriday,Jan.31from7:15to8p.m.atthe CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterindowntownFortMyers.

Manybestsellingauthors comingtoLeeCountyfor annualReadingFestival

Twenty-fiveacclaimedand bestsellingauthorsarecomingtoLeeCountytotalkto fansandsignbooksatthe 26thannualSouthwest FloridaReadingFestivalfrom 10a.m.to4p.m.Saturday, March1.

Thefestivaltakesplaceat theFortMyersRegional Library,2450FirstSt.,and bringsininternationallyrecognizedauthorsforadults, teensandchildrentocelebratethepowerofreading, promoteliteracyandlibrary servicesandencouragea communitywidecultureof readingforrecreationand personaldevelopment.

Thefestivalisadaylong eventfilledwithdiverseand dynamicauthorpresentations,booksignings,lively activitiesforteensandchildren,thelatestlibrarytechnology,youthwritingaward presentations,foodtrucks andmore.Plus,everychild andteenattendingtheevent willreceiveafreebookof theirchoosing,madepossible byfundingfromfestivalsponsorSuncoastCreditUnion.

“Seeingalltheexcitement centeredaroundreadingis sucharewardingexperience,”LeeCountyLibrary SystemdirectorMindiSimon said.“Kidshavegrownup withtheannualtraditionof attendingtheSouthwest FloridaReadingFestivaland theLeeCountyLibrary Systemishonoredtobepart oftheirliteracyjourney.”

AnEveningwiththe Authors,thereadingfestival’s featuredfundraiser,takes placeFridayevening,Feb. 28.Thisticketedeventgives attendeesachancetomeet andminglewiththeauthors aspartofanunforgettable diningexperienceatthe BurroughsHomeand

Gardens.Theeveningalso includesasilentauctionwith proceedssupportingthefestivalandgivinggueststhe chancetosnagspringtrainingbaseballgametickets, weekendgetawayhotelpackagesandmore.Ticketsare availableonthefestivalwebsite,readfest.org.

Thisyear’simpressive line-upbringsinfestival favoriteDebbieMacomber andotherstellaradult authorslikeReedFarrel ColemanandLisaGenova. Featuredyouthauthors includeMeganMcDonald, creatorofthewildlypopular “JudyMoody”and“Stink” series,alongwithMollyIdle andRenéeAhdieh.From mysteryandsuspenseto crimethrillers,fiction,nonfiction,romance,fantasy, humorandmemoirs,there willbesomethingforevery reader.

Thefulllistofscheduled authors,listofrelatedfestival events,directionsandmore isavailableonthelatestversionofthefestival’smobile app“SWFLReads,”thefestivalwebsiteorbycalling239479-4636.Attendeesalsocan signupforthenewfestivalenewsletteronthewebsiteto receivemonthlyupdates.

TheSouthwestFlorida ReadingFestivalisfreeand community-supportedthrough generousdonations,sponsorshipsandgrants.Tohelp ensurethecontinuationof thisamazing,annualevent visitthefestivalwebsiteto makeasecureonlinedonation.Fundingisprovidedin partthroughaFlorida HumanitiesBookFestival Grantwithfundsfromthe NationalEndowmentforthe HumanitiesandinpartnershipwithLeeCountyLibrary System.

D ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA

1stStreetDeli

AnauthenticNewYork-styledelicatessen,1st StreetDelibringsadistinctlyuniquediningconcept tothecasino,featuringdelipickles,freshbread andsandwichesbiggerthanyourappetite.Thehot deliplattersectionfeaturesthreenewfavorites: housemademeatloafwithYukongoldmashed potatoesandbrowngravy;potroastdinnermade withslowbraisedbeefshortrib;andchicken Marsala.

Opendailynoon–8p.m. 506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com

CapeCabaret DinnerTheater

CapeCabaretDinnerTheaterisabeautiful upscalevenuededicatedtodining,dancing,live musicandcomedyshows.Wefeatureacomplete dinnermenu,threefullbars,twolargedining roomswithhardwooddancefloorsandalargeoutdoorpatio.Ourentertainmentincludeslivemusic fromthe60’stothe90’sandthebesttributeband showsinSWFL.Wespecializeinhostingyourprivateeventsandpartiesfor24to350guests. ExecutiveChefPabloFelixandhisstaffprepare deliciousappetizers,entreesanddessertsdailyfor yourenjoyment.Walk-insarewelcome,butreservationsarerecommended.Reserveonlineorcall. 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.com

EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill

TheEE-TO-LEET-KEGrillfeaturescontemporaryregional cuisinesutilizingthefreshest selectionsofsteaks,seafood,and anarrayoflocallysourcedproduce.ThestartersmenunowfeaturesSouthwesttenderlointacos withpicodegalloandchipotle aioli;chickenquesadillawithblack beans,roastedcornandpepper jack;andgrilledpeachsaladwith arugula,candiedpecans,goat cheeseandlemon vinaigrette.Newadditionstotheentréeselectionsincludebeerbatterfishand chipswithcoleslawandtartarsauce;blackenedFloridasnapper;crabcakes withroastedcornsalsa;grilled12-ounceribeyewithsofritoandgarlicpuree; andabeefBourguignonmadewithtenderlointips,pearlonions,mushrooms& redwine.Opendaily8a.m.–midnight.

506South1stSt.,Immokalee

800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com

EllaMae’sDiner

Nostalgiaservedwithasmile.Afun retro-inspiredeateryservingcomfort foodandclassicdinerfare.Slideintoa boothorpulluptothecounterfora burgerandmilkshakeorthebestall-day breakfastyou’veeverhad.EllaMae’s providesawelcometwisttotheclassic southerndiner.CelebratingDr.EllaMae Piper’slegacy,it’sherethecommunity comestogethertosharestoriesasthey enjoyamealamidstvintage-inspired finishesandabrightcolorpalette.Ella Mae’sDineratLuminaryHotel&Co.is afunretro-inspiredeateryservingup comfortfoodandclassicdinerfare. Slideintoaboothorpulluptothe counterforaburgerandmilkshakeor thebestall-daybreakfastyou’veever had.EllaMae’sisopendailyfrom7am to2pm.Servingbreakfastalldayandlunch. LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854www.LuminaryHotel.com

LuckyMi

AnAsian-inspiredupscale restaurant,LuckyMiNoodle Houseispresentedasanopenkitchenconceptandfeaturesa noodlebar,diningroomandprivatefunctionarea.Chefsblend traditionalingredientswithcontemporaryinfluencestocreate newinterpretationsfordishes suchasVietnamesePho NoodleSoupandKoreanBeef andBroccoli.

506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

OxbowBarandGrill

CasualdocksidediningonthedoorstepofDowntownFort Myers.PanoramicriverfrontviewsontheCaloosahatchee.A boater’sretreatwithanupbeatnauticalvibe.Servingcoastal cuisineandmoreforbrunch,lunchanddinner.Retailand rentalstoigniteyourspiritofadventure.Diveintofresh seafood,oystersonthehalfshell,steaks,signaturesandwiches,freshsalads,localcraftbeersandcuratedcocktails. OurhoursareMonday-Thursday11a.m.-10p.m., FridayandSaturday11a.m.-11p.m.andSunday11a.m.9p.m.WenowofferbrunchonSaturdaysandSundays 11a.m.-3p.m.

1300HendrySt.FortMyers

239-314-3856www.oxbowfortmyers.com

SilverKingOceanBrasserie

Acoastal,chef-drivenmenuunlikeanyotherrestaurantin FortMyers.Complementedbyastrikinginteriorthat’sas appealingtotheeyesasthedishesaretothepalette.Asthe Luminary’ssignaturerestaurant,TheSilverKingOcean Brasserieoffersamenushowcasingthequalityoffresh seafoodthroughclean,simplepreparationsusingclassic techniquesforamodernpalate.Centeredonanopen kitchen,thesophisticatedrestaurantfeaturesacoastalinspiredmenuandadditionaloutdoorseatstorelaxand indulgeinthefinestlocalseafoodinSouthwestFlorida. NestledwithinSilverKing,you’llfindTheFloridaRoom,aprivatediningspacethatseats14guests,perfectforintimate gatheringsandcelebrationsandnamedafterFlorida Heitman.Ifyourgroupislarger,wefeatureavarietyof venueswithentertainingoptionsavailablefromuniqueseatingtotailoredmenus.HoursareTuesday-Saturdayfrom 5-10p.m.

LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3855www.LuminaryHotel.com

TikiHutBar&Grill atDolphinKeyResort

There'salwayssomethingtodoattheTikiHutBar&Grillat theDolphinKeyResort.LocatedinDowntownCapeCoral,the biggestTikibarintheworldoffersliveentertainmentWednesday throughSunday,KeyWestStyleRelaxWednesdayandThursday, Lightoutdooratmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfour leggedarewelcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFloridaSpecials,pool table,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate.

1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454www.dolphinkeyresort.com

TwistedFork

TheTwistedForkisahot-rodandmoto-culturethemedrestaurantfeaturingascratchkitchenandcustomcocktails.Afamily friendlyspaceadjacentBert'sBackPorchconcertvenuewith loadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecomeCharlotteCounty's hottestplacetoeat,drinkandhavefun!"

2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675www.twistedfork.net

WheyJenningsisscheduledtohit thestageonFriday,Feb.7

LEFT:ConfederateRailroadwillperform Saturday,Feb.8attheSeafoodFestival.

ConfederateRailroadtoheadline

EvergladesSeafoodFestival

theCadillacKind"whichbecameaNo.1videoaswell."Elvis andAndy"and"SummerinDixie"wouldfurtherestablishthe Railroadasoneofthemostversatileactsinthebusiness. Theyhavehad18chartedhitsandfivemillionalbumssold.

Scheduleataglance

Hereisasummaryoftheentertainment:

Friday,Feb.7

4p.m.CharliePace

MadepossiblethroughgeneroussupportfromtheNaples, MarcoIsland,EvergladesConventionandVisitorsBureau (CVB)andlocalsponsors,thefestival willincludelivemusic,creativeworksby localartisans,anarrayofseafood,a varietyofbeveragesandcarnivalrides. Thecompleteentertainmentscheduleis forthcoming.

4:15p.m.NationalAnthemMaddieBrenner

4:20p.m.Ever.CitySchoolcheerleaders

4:40p.m.GabrielKey

6p.m.SamLowe

7:30p.m.JakeHairBand

9p.m.WheyJennings

Saturday,Feb.8

10a.m.Openingceremony

11:30a.m.JaydenDecker

12:45p.m.FloridaStraights

2:15p.m.CharliePace

3:45p.m.GatorNate

5:15p.m.WesShipp

6:45p.m.PureCountry

Sunday,Feb.9

TheEvergladesSeafoodFestival,presentedbytheFlorida StoneCrabbersAssociation,issettocommenceFriday, Feb.7at4:30p.m.,justoutsideEvergladesCityHallat102 CopelandAve.North.Thefestwillconcludeat6p.m.Feb.9. Thisyear’smusicheadlinerisConfederateRailroad. ConfederateRailroadfirstrolledontothenationalcountry musicsceneintheearly90swith itsuniquestyleandsound. Headedbyfounderandfrontman DannyShirley,theformerbackup bandforbothDavidAllanCoeand JohnnyPaycheckgottheirbig breakbysigningwithAtlantic Records.Thefirstsinglefromtheir debutalbumwas"SheTookItLike AMan."ItwenttoNo.26,apreviewofwhatwastocome.The nexttwosingles,"Jesusand Mama"and"QueenofMemphis" wenttothetopofthecharts. Threemorehugehitsfollowed, "TrashyWomen,""WhenYou LeaveThatWayYouCanNever GoBack"and"SheNeverCried." "Trashy"wouldleadtoaGrammy nominationandbecometheirsignaturesong.Thatalbumwithsix hitsandnearlythreemillionsales broughtConfederatetheAcademy ofCountryMusic'sBestNew GroupAwardin1993aswellas numerousnominationsfromthe CountryMusicAssociationandthe BritishCountryMusicFoundation. Thesecondalbum,Notorious, producedoneofthegroup'smost popularsongs"DaddyNeverWas

9p.m.ConfederateRailroad

8:45a.m.ChokoloskeeChurchband

9:30a.m.AydinHolt

10:30a.m.JonPrestige NoonPickleMoney

1:30p.m.JackShealyBand

3p.m.RockRepublic

4p.m.FleetwoodMacTributeBand

Eachyear,tensofthousandsofvisitorsconvergeonEvergladesCitytopartakeinthreedaysoffestivitiestobenefit thecommunity.Proceedsfromthe2024 festivalaidedstate-widehurricane recoveryefforts,thoughrestorationis ongoing.Financialassistancewasalso extendedtotheEvergladesCitySchool, OurDailyBreadFoodPantryandother localorganizations.

Thefestival'shoursareasfollows: Friday,Feb.7:4:30-10p.m. Saturday,Feb.8:10a.m.-10p.m. Sunday,Feb.9:10a.m.-6p.m.

Attendeescangainadmissionon Fridayeveningbymakingacanned fooddonation.SaturdayandSunday’s adultadmissionwillbea$10minimum cashdonation.

Beverageandcarnivalridetickets willbeavailableforpurchasewithcash (only),andATMswillbeavailable onsite.

Formoreinformation,visitonlineat evergladesseafoodfestival.org