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JANUARY 2020
JAMMIN ’ C P IN
ULTURAL
ARK
HOWIE MANDEL AT
SEMINOLE CASINO
SEASON OF
ART IN
SW FLORIDA
MARIA REYES-JONES
Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Key West
Publisher’s Spotlight
Theatre 2020
Wow, we have started another new year and a new decade. With that, let’s talk about local and live theatre for the first month of 2020. TheatreZone in Naples presents Wonderful Town Jan. 9 - 19 at the G & L Theatre. Alabaster continues through Jan. 26 at the Florida Rep’s ArtStage Studio Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. In Cape Coral, Nunsense will be staged Jan. 10 - 19 at Cultural Park Theater. Grumpy Old Men The Musical is at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers now to Feb. 8. In the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, Weekend Comedy opens Jan. 9 and runs through Feb. 22. The Laboratory Theater of Florida will bring us Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody playing Jan. 17 - Feb. 8 in Fort Myers. New Phoenix Theatre continues its second season with Time Stands Still. Performances will be Jan. 16 through Feb. 2 on the Fort Myers stage. In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse presents Native Gardens Jan. 11 through Feb. 2 at The Norris Center. Barefoot in the Park opens Jan. 10 at Florida Repertory Theatre. The Neil Simon hit runs through Jan. 29. Charlotte Players will stage Driving Miss Daisy at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte Jan. 8 - 19. The national tour of Hamilton comes to Southwest Florida in January, playing at Artis–Naples and Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The Naples Players present Making God Laugh Jan. 15 through Feb. 9 in Blackburn Hall. The Mountaintop is on the Theatre Conspiracy stage Jan. 16 - 26 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. In North Fort Myers, the new Players Circle Theatre will present The Dining Room Jan. 10 through Feb. 10. In LaBelle, Nunsense is on stage at the Firehouse Community Theatre Jan. 10 - 19. The Marco Players present The
4 - January 2020
Dixie Swim Club Jan. 2 - 19. And ... The Book of Mormon plays now through Jan. 4 at the Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW.
Art & music fests
January is an amazingly busy month for art, food and music festivals, too. Let me highlight some of them for you ... The Fort Myers Seafood and Music Festival is in the River District Jan. 3 - 5. The Estero Fine Art Show takes place Jan. 4 and 5 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. The Naples New Year’s Art Show is Jan. 4 and 5 on 5th Avenue South. The annual SW Florida Wood Art, Wood Carvers and Wood Turners Expo and Competition is Jan. 10 and 11 at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda. The first of three Bonita Springs National Art Festivals takes place Jan. 11 and 12 at Riverside Park. The Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival is Jan. 11 and 12 along Cape Coral Parkway. The Sanibel Community House Art Festival is Jan. 17 and 18. Art Fest Naples is set for Jan. 18 and 19 at Fleischmann Park. The Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival is Jan. 24 and 25 at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. Cape Coral Art League will hold its annual art fair Jan. 25 and 26. The Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum presents Jammin’ in Cultural Park Jan. 25. The Art Festival at Mercato is Jan. 25 and 26 in Naples. ClamJam Seafood and Music Festival will take place Jan. 25 and 26 in Cape Coral. The annual Gumbo Fest is Jan. 26 at The Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers. ArtFest Fort Myers is set for Feb. 1 and 2 in downtown Fort Myers with its preview night on Jan. 31. That should keep us all busy in January. Rock on,
Jamie
IN THIS ISSUE
theatre
6
art
18
music
46
dining
68 Publishers & Owners
Jamie & Kathy Kuser
Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Jeff Morrill & Aley Enterprises Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.
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THEATRE
Alabaster at Florida Rep
Florida Repertory Theatre presents National Geographic, which is set to air in Alabaster by Audrey Cefaly, as part of a early 2020. Her recent Florida Rep credits 10-theatre National New Play Network include Steel Magnolias, Hay Fever and rolling world premiere. Chosen from Disgraced, as well as the 2018 PlayLab Florida Rep's 2018 PlayLab Festival of reading of Alabaster. Morsey returns after New Works, Alabaster plays in the recent appearances in Steel Magnolias ArtStage Studio Theatre now through and Shear Madness. In addition to her Jan. 26. work on stage in Alabaster, Morsey is a Alabaster is an intimate portrait of folk artist, and is creating over 60 pieces survival where two extremely different of original outsider art for the production. women find common ground and disHer work will be on display at the Arts for cover the healing power of human conACT Gallery across the hall from the nection. When a noted big-city photogArtStage Studio during the month of rapher sets out to explore the topograJanuary. phy of “scars,� her journey lands her in A Birmingham native, Carolyn Messina the mysterious realm of an undiscovmakes her Florida Rep debut on the proered folk artist hiding from the world on duction, but has a long history working her farm near Alabaster, Ala. Audrey with the playwright. She's appeared in Cefaly's new play is a beautiful and Cefaly's works prior to Alabaster, and as a edgy character study that explores the dramaturg, has collaborated with Cefaly meaning and purpose of art and the on multiple projects, including Alabaster. struggle of the often lost, tortured souls New York actress Dana Brooke makes who seek to create it. her Florida Rep debut in the production, "Florida Rep's is committed to and is a company member at B Street developing new works and nurturing Theatre in Sacramento, Calif., where she playwrights," said artistic director Greg appeared in a reading of Alabaster as part Longenhagen, "and Audrey Cefaly's of the National New Play Network Annual Rachel Burttram, Dana Brooke & Carolyn Messina in new play is one of the most exciting Showcase of New Plays. Alabaster. Photos by Bryelle Dafeldecker. new works to cross my desk in a while. Florida Rep ensemble member and This play is both hopeful and heartassociate artistic director Jason Parrish breaking and features some of your directs the production after helming last time. This is not a show to miss." favorite Florida Rep Ensemble Members. We season's Steel Magnolias and Million Dollar Alabaster features ensemble members are honored to give this play its first of ten Quartet. Rachel Burttram and Sara Morsey alongside Rolling World Premiere productions and to Tickets are available online at newcomers, Dana Brooke and Carolyn welcome the playwright into the creative www.FloridaRep.org and through the box Messina. Burttram returns to the ArtStage after process as the story comes to life for the first office at 239-332-4488. her recent work filming The Right Stuff for 6 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
Nunsense on stage at Cultural Park Theater
By Michael Moran Billed as a wacky musical, Nunsense comes to the Cultural Park Theater Company stage on Jan. 10 and runs through Jan. 19. This musical comedy with music and lyrics by Dan Goggin captures, with all due respect, the essence of nun humor. The musical originally opened in December 1985, becoming the second-longest-running off-Broadway show in history. CPTC director Tony Saracino brings out the best of talent in the cast of five sisters of the Little Sisters of Hoboken. He is assisted by music director Cassy Huff, choreographer Bridey Kearns, wardrobe Laurie Strum and set designers Michael Moran and Deanna Enslin. This musical has an ad lib feel to it that is a lot of fun. A lot of the action takes place out in the audience when the nuns come out and interact with people. They have a little quiz thing that they do. They talk to the audience and interact with them. Nunsense opens on five sisters holding a talent show at the Mount Saint Helen’s school to raise funds and put deceased nuns to rest. Five of the 19 Little Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order, discover that due to a cooking accident, most of the convent sisters have died of botulism. The remaining sisters were off playing bingo. Before all the deceased could be buried, Mother Superior Sister Mary Regina (Cassy Huff) bought electronic equipment, leaving no money to bury the last four sisters who lie waiting in the convent freezer. What follows are hilarious planned and unexpected acts performed by the remaining nuns: Sister Hubert (Margie Bowman), Sister Robert Anne (Cassie Sampson), Sister Mary Amnesia (Aimie Naughton) and Sister Mary Leo (Katie Freeman). All of the sisters have secret aspirations to be on stage. The nuns have more probHappenings Magazine
lems when they learn the Jersey Board of Health has sent an inspector to the convent that afternoon. They receive a summons that they have to clean out the freezer. Only time will tell if the sisters solve all of their problems. This two-act comedy has an abundance of appealing songs such as “So You Want to be a Star,” “Turn Up the Spotlight,” “Holier Than Thou” and “So You Want to be a Nun.” Single show tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $16 for youth. Next up is Lou Villano who performs the hits of Paul Anka in a tribute show Jan. 24, 25 and 26. Lou Villano grew up in Brooklyn singing the songs of some of the most popular singers from the ‘50s & ‘60s Paul Anka was one of his favorites. While Lou was arranging his shows he remembered how many of his audiences would comment that his resemblance and vocal styling is very similar to Paul Anka. They asked “Why don’t you do more songs by Paul Anka?” That’s when Lou acted upon their advice. Lou becomes Paul Anka performing his hits – “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” “The Longest Day,” “My Hometown,” “Puppy Love,” “Destiny” and so much more. Within the show are songs Paul Anka wrote for singers like Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones plus hit songs from some of his fellow songwriters and friends Frankie Avalon & Bobby Rydell. Lou is receiving rave reviews and standing ovations from his audiences performing this show. It’s a show that you are going to remember as you walk out singing the songs that you loved so much by such a talented songwriter and singer. All tickets are $21. Performances will be Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Cultural Park is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. For information and ticket orders, call 239-772-5862 or go to www.culturalparktheater.com. Michael Moran is executive director of Cultural Park Theater
January 2020 - 7
THEATRE
Howard Nutt, Sue Schaffel, Michael Hennessey, Joann Haley and Stephen Stefanik.
Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody at Laboratory Theater The first licensed production of Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody opens Jan. 17 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers. A mysterious invitation finds Blanche Dubois on a train to New Orleans. She shares the train with hard-drinking couple George and Martha who are intent on depleting the entire bar car while delivering scathing advice on life and marriage before it arrives at its destination. Upon arriving in New Orleans, Blanche runs into the smoldering Stanley Kowalski and the hapless Willie Loman. When you add in a folksy narrator and a mashup of movie and theater jokes, you get deliciously-satirical farce with some of the most recognizable characters of the twentieth century, all sharing the same stage. Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody was written by Tim Sniffen, and the story was created by Tim Ryder, Tim Sniffen and The Second City. Artistic director Annette Trossbach says, “This is one of the funniest shows I've ever read, and I read a lot of plays. Audiences will be delighted by movie references from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf through The Breakfast Club and so much in between. It's smart, it's sassy, it's delightful!” Director Scott Carpenter adds, “Have you ever wondered what happened to Blanche Dubois after Streetcar Named Desire? Have you ever pondered if George and Martha stayed
8 - January 2020
together after Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ended? Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody answers these questions and more!” The play features Michael Hennessey, Sue Schaffel, Joann Haley, Robert B. Armstrong, Stephen Stefanik and Howard Nutt. The production crew also includes stage management by Casey Davis, set design by Michael Eyth, light and sound design by Jonathan Johnson, costumes and wigs by Kristen Wilson. There will be an opening night reception with hors d’oeuvres by The Gathering Place starting at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. For teens, there will be a cast and crew meet & greet with pizza donated by Downtown House of Pizza starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 followed by a complimentary performance for the teenagers; the tickets and pizza are free for teens but reservations are required. A half-price preview night is scheduled for Jan. 16. The theater has new seating: rows A, B and C are on the floor, while rows D and above are on risers. Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody plays Jan. 17 through Feb. 8 at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Tickets can be purchased at www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For more information, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.
Happenings Magazine
Time Stands Still
at New Phoenix Theatre
New Phoenix Theatre’s second season continues in January with Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies. Time Stands Still focuses on Sarah and James, a photojournalist and a foreign correspondent, trying to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy. Theirs is a partnership based on telling the toughest stories, and together, making a difference. But when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life. Performances of Time Stands Still will be Jan. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 19, 26 and Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. The new theatre group’s second season began in October with the cult classic,
The Rocky Horror Show, followed by Inspecting Carol in December. The raucous musical The Full Monty will be performed in February and March. The season ends with two powerful pieces, Terrence McNally’s Lips Together, Teeth Apart opening April 16 and comedian and movie star Steve Martin’s new comedy, Meteor Shower opening May 28. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. New Phoenix Theatre, located at 13211 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, is a notfor-profit community theater that was established in 2018. For more show information, go online to www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org or call 239-284-5214.
The Alliance for the Arts, in partnership with the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, will present the first ever Fringe Fort Myers Festival April 22 – 26, featuring 48 genre-defying performances on four different stages. Festival tickets go on sale in January. Fringe Fort Myers is the newest Fringe theatre festival in the United States and maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100 percent uncensored, 100 percent unjuried and 100 percent inclusive. Even better, 100 percent of ticket sales go directly to the artists. Out of 32 entries, 16 artists were selected at random, with six local performers, six state performers and four national and international performers. Fringe Fort Myers kicks off on April 22 with the fun and fre-
netic teaser show. The teaser show is a great opportunity for audiences to learn what the shows in the festival are about. Each performance group gets 3 minutes to sell their show to the audience, and how they do it is up to them. Over the next four days, they will play host to 48 performances on four different stages at the Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. After the final curtain, Fringe Fort Myers will host its first Fringe awards ceremony celebrating the artists that make Fringe an incredible experience. Florida Rep Education will also offer Kids Fringe, which will operate a family-friendly festival within Fringe Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-939-2787 or visit online at www.ArtInLee.org/Fringe.
Fringe Fort Myers Festival picks performers for debut April 22-26
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 9
THEATRE
Gulfshore Playhouse presents
Native Gardens Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples will kick off the new year with Native Gardens, one of the top new comedies taking the country by storm. The play will be presented at the Norris Center Jan. 11 - Feb. 2. Written by one of the nation’s top playwrights and also named on American Theatre’s “Top 20 MostProduced Playwrights of 2018-19,” Karen Zacarias’ Native Gardens has been wildly popular among regional theatres since it premiered in 2016 at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Directed by Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director for Gulfshore Playhouse, Native Gardens explores timely issues of culture and race in a captivating comedic setting, that’s also heartwarming. The play centers on two neighbors: Pablo and Tania, an ambitious young couple expecting their first child, who have just moved next door to community stalwarts Frank and Virginia and their prize-worthy English garden. What begins as a friendly civil dispute over a fence line erupts into a no-holds-barred turf war where cultures, classes and tastes hilariously clash. Nobody comes out smelling like a rose in this brilliant, smash-hit comedy of bad manners. In addition to Coury, the creative team for Native Gardens includes David Arsenault, scenic designer; Jimmy Lawlor, lighting designer; Renee Baker, costume designer; John Kiselica, sound designer; and John Patrick, vocal coach. The cast includes: - William Parry previously performed at Gulfshore Playhouse in the hit productions of All My Sons and My Fair Lady. Parry was in the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and went on to work with its celebrated director, Tom O’Horgan in some seven productions. He’s also originated roles
10 - January 2020
Maureen Silliman
William Parry
Armando Acevedo
Elizabeth Ramos
in the Broadway productions of the rock musicals, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road and Rockabye Hamlet, as well as several productions at the acclaimed Lincoln Center. Parry has also performed in the national tours of A Few Good Men, The King and I and Titanic. Film and television credits include In & Out, Domestic Disturbance, Spencer for Hire and One Life to Live, and several episodes of Law and Order and The Pretender. - Maureen Silliman is longtime Broadway veteran whose New York credits include Shenandoah, I Remember Mama and Is There Life After High School. Off-Broadway works include The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Marathon Dancing, Three Postcards and Reckless. She also previously toured nationally in
the productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Marigolds and The Gingerbread Lady, as well as numerous film and TV credits. Silliman’s previous work at Gulfshore Playhouse includes Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and My Fair Lady. - Elizabeth Ramos’ Off-Broadway credits include Then They Forgot About the Rest, The Surgeon and her Daughters, The Idea of Me and others. - Armando Acevedo recently appeared as Bill in Mamma Mia! at American Stage in the Park in St. Petersburg and as Amir in GableStage’s acclaimed production of Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer-winning Disgraced. Evening shows begin at 8 p.m.; matinees begin at 3 p.m. at the Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S. in Naples. Show subscriptions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events and discounted pricing. Tickets start at $45; $25 for students. All tickets are $38 two hours before a performance. Preview performances on Jan. 9 and 10 are also $38. For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 239-261-PLAY (7529). Free pre-show discussions take place Jan. 12, 15, 26 and 29 where Gulfshore Playhouse artistic staff lead conversations about themes and topics related to the production. Audience members can also stick around for post-show conversations on Jan. 16 and 19. The Script Club will meet on Jan. 14 for further indepth discussion on the play. Plans are currently underway for the new Gulfshore Playhouse Theatre and Education Center at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South, which will include two theatres and an education wing to support programming for children, adults and families.
Happenings Magazine
Grumpy Old Men: The Musical at Broadway Palm
Happenings Magazine
Broadway Palm presents Grumpy Old Men: The Musical playing Dec. 29 through Feb. 8. The musical adaptation of the popular 1993 Warner Bros. film tells the laugh-out-loud story of family, friendship, love and romance. Based in Minnesota, Grumpy Old Men centers around neighbors, Max and John, two grumpy retirees’ whose verbal, and sometimes physical, altercations date back to their high school days. The rivalry reaches its peak when the beautiful, eccentric, and charming Ariel moves into the neighborhood. Chaos, and laughter, ensues as deeprooted feuds are reopened, but with the help of Ariel’s love and compassion, Max and John have a chance to be re-united in friendship. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Tickets are $55 to $80 with group discounts available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
January 2020 - 11
Barefoot in the Park THEATRE
at Florida Repertory Theatre
Florida Repertory Theatre announces the opening of Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon, to kick off 2020. Barefoot in the Park plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre Jan. 10 to Jan. 29 with four previews Jan. 7 - 9. "Florida Rep is so excited to stage another classic from the beloved playwright, Neil Simon," said artistic director Greg Longenhagen, "Florida Rep has a long history of producing Simon's work. Over the past 22 seasons, Florida Rep has continued to bring Neil Simon's work to our audiences, including two productions of Rumors (2002 and 2011), Brighton Beach Memoirs, Fools and Biloxi Blues. We are thrilled to present the timeless and hilarious romantic comedy that is Barefoot in the Park!" Florida Rep salutes one of America’s most beloved playwrights, the late Neil Simon, with this hilarious and touching romantic comedy. Simon’s multiple Tony-nominated play follows Paul and Corie Bratter, newlyweds in every sense of the word: He is a straight-laced attorney and she is a spontaneous free spirit always in search of the latest fad. Their new apartment is her most recent find – too expensive with bad plumbing and a skylight that snows. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s loopy mother. The pair decide to play matchmaker during a dinner with their eccentric Brian Hatch neighbor-in-the-attic – where everything that could go wrong, does.
12 - January 2020
Brendan Powers
Hannah McKechnie
Barefoot in the Park features ensemble members Brendan Powers and V Craig Heidenreich alongside Brian Hatch (former Florida Rep acting intern, last seen in An Unexpected Guest.) Making their Florida Rep debuts are Katrina Ferguson, Hannah McKechnie, and long-time Florida Rep volunteer Mike Filipowski. Florida Rep ensemble member and artistic director Greg Longenhagen directs Barefoot in the Park after helming The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Barefoot in the Park features an expert creative team, including ensemble set designer Ray Recht (Native Gardens), costume designer Dina Perez (Sheer Madness), ensemble member lighting designer Todd Wren (Ken Ludwig's A Fox on the Fairway), sound designer Katie Lowe (An Inspector Calls) and ensemble
V Craig Heidenreich
Katrina Ferguson
Greg Longenhagen
Mike Filipowski
stage manager Amy Massari (Always...Patsy Cline). Tickets start at $55/$49 for regular performances and $35/$29 for previews. Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488. Subscriptions are also on sale now and offer the best seats at the most significant discount. Performances are Tuesday Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Again this season, Florida Rep's parking lot will open 2 hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry.
Happenings Magazine
CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY
The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s
BROADWAY SERIES A Musical Comedy
Book, Music & Lyrics by Dan Goggin
Jan. 10th - 19th
Performances: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays at 3 p.m.
The Paul Anka
Songbook Tribute show with
Lou Villano
Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral
CALL FOR
TICKETS
239-772-5862
www.CulturalParkTheater.com
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 13
THEATRE
TheatreZone presents Leonard Bernstein’s
Wonderful Town
TheatreZone in Naples will present Leonard Bernstein’s Wonderful Town Jan. 9 - 19. In a change for its 15th season, all evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. will continue to be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Set in the summer of 1935, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of sisters Ruth and Eileen, one an aspiring writer and the other a dancer, who move from rural Ohio to seek success in Greenwich Village, New York. Together, the sisters take on the Big Apple, pursuing their dreams and finding love. The score, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Comden & Green, features “Ohio,” “Conga” and “One Hundred Easy Ways.” “The idea for Wonderful Town came from a conversation we had with Leonard Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie Bernstein,” said Mark Danni, TheatreZone artisCarolina tic director. “She Ordonez said ‘Wonderful Town is my favorite of my Dad’s musicals and I think it would be wonderful on your stage.’” The professional cast members include Carolina Ordonez, Noël Konken, Kara Noel Konken, Paulette Konken Oliva, Brooke Rosenbluth, Maxine Danni, Lila Prince, Matthew Alexander, Matthew Ryan Sather, Camerin Kubly, Bret Poulter, Christopher Holloway, Wayne Morton, Jack Norkeliunas, Jarret Ditch and Jeremy Giovanazzo. Wonderful Town originally played for 559 performances on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre starring Rosalind Russell as Ruth and Edith Adams as Eileen. It won Best Musical from the Tony Awards, New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards. The musical was revived on 14 - January 2020
Broadway in 2003 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where it played for 497 performances starring Donna Murphy and Jennifer Westfeldt. Also in January, Aaron Reeder will perform the Florida premiere of Beyond the Lights: Discovering Sammy Davis Jr., to be presented on Jan. 14 at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Coming directly from his Aaron performance in Reeder Porgy & Bess at The Met, Reeder was last seen on the TheatreZone stage last season as Mereb in Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. He developed the oneman show, embracing Sammy Davis, Jr.’s personal story with a mixture of song and music, embodiment and narration, Beyond the Lights is not a jukebox show but a visual storytelling of the man, his music and the impact of one voice. The concert features well-known classics, including “I Gotta Be Me,” “What Kind of Fool Am I” and “Candyman” as well as lesser-known gems such as “Who Can I Turn To” and “At the Crossroads.” In celebration of its 15th season, TheatreZone will present “Legends & Legacies: Growing up Broadway,” two unique events highlighting its 2019-2020 season productions with special guests including the children of Broadway legends and original cast members. “Our ‘Legends & Legacies: Growing up Broadway’ series features two unique events which theatre lovers absolutely won’t want to miss,” said Danni. “We are pleased to offer these rare evenings with very special guests sharing their stories and experiences and, as the series title indicates, growing up on Broadway.” On Jan. 15 at 6 p.m., the first Legends & Legacies event, titled “Together, Wherever We Go: Gypsy Rose Lee by her son, Erik Lee Preminger” will be held at TheatreZone. Erik Lee Preminger, the son of American burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee and legendary film director Otto Preminger, will serve as the event’s special guest. Preminger will present clips from several home movies narrated
by his mother, from her private collection, followed by a question-and-answer session with guests. In addition, attendees may purchase tickets for chances to win several raffle items, including a weekend at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and lunch for four at The French with Jamie and Alexander Bernstein, children of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The Bernsteins will be visiting Naples to attend TheatreZone’s proErik Lee duction of Preminger Wonderful Town. TheatreZone will also auction off an opportunity for a walk-on role in its production of Gypsy. The event is led by honorary chairpersons Dan and Linda Carp, who will be honored by TheatreZone for their longstanding support, the event will include an evening reception with wine and light hors d’oeuvres. Only 200 tickets, priced from $100 to $150 per patron, are available. The second event will be held on March 9. TheatreZone presents Broadway & Happy Hour Jan. 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. See the talented and personable TheatreZone professional actors “out of character” in a series of four cabarets throughout season. Cast members from each of TheatreZone’s Broadway shows will perform their favorite show tunes, sharing stories about the history of the music and their personal connections to the songs. A new cast will be featured on each date. The January cabaret will include the following members of Wonderful Town: Christopher Holloway, Noel Konken, Cameron Kubly, Paulette Oliva, and Matthew Sather. Guests will enjoy wine, prosecco, beer and hors d’oeuvres at a pre-concert reception. Open to the public, this event is held at the Moorings Park auditorium, 120 Mooring Park Drive. Tickets for each event are available at www.theatre.zone or by calling the box office, 888-966-3352 x1. TheatreZone is in-residence at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road. Happenings Magazine
THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
Sponsored by Art Zupko
JAN. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, FEB. 1, 6, 7, 8 at 8 p.m. Written by Tim Sniffen Story created by Tim Ryder, Tim Sniffen & The Second City
JAN. 19, 26 FEB. 1, 2, 8 at 2 p.m. Half price preview Jan. 16
www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com
239-218-0481
1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 15
Charlotte Players offers big shows in January THEATRE
The new year begins for the Charlotte Players on Sunday, Jan. 5 when mentalist Bill Gladwell takes the stage for a 2 p.m. show at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. “During his 90-minute performance, Bill will seemingly pull thoughts directly from your mind, predict what you’ll say before it comes out of your mouth, and read you like an open book,” said Charlotte Players executive director Sherrie Moody. Three days later on Jan. 8, director Gary Seddon brings his interpretation of Driving Miss Daisy to the Langdon Playhouse stage. The story takes place in Atlanta, Ga., in 1948, and concerns a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow who has her driving privileges taken away by her son after she demolishes another car. He hires Hoke, a thoughtful black man, to be her chauffeur. Over a span of 25 years, despite their differences, the two grow to be close friends, sharing laughs and tears, and realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible. Many will recall the Oscar-winning film star-
ring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman or the multiple award-winning play with Julie Harris, Jessica Tandy, Wendy Hiller, Vanessa Redgrave and Angela Lansbury as Miss Daisy at various times. “I’m delighted that our own Miss Daisy will be Paula Pender, a very talented actress and director who has been a Players supporter and volunteer for many years,” Moody said. As for Hoke, Miss Daisy’s chauffeur, Seddon cast Carl Bowman, who delighted audiences under Pender’s direction as one of the linguistics instructors in last year’s production of Singin’ in the Rain. American playwright Alfred Uhry adapted his Pulitzer Prize-winning play into the screenplay for the 1989 film, which featured Dan Aykroyd along with Tandy and Freeman. All three actors were nominated for Academy Awards, with Tandy winning as Best Actress. The film also won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Screenplay. Driving Miss Daisy runs through Jan. 19 for a total of 12 shows from Wednesday through Sunday, with evening performances at 7:30
and matinees at 2 p.m. Matinees and evening shows will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19. On Jan. 30, the Charlotte Players hosts the first of six shows at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center (CPAC), located on the campus of Charlotte High School at 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. The inaugural show, “Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute,” features Debbie Taylor and an eight-member band playing all the Carpenters’ hit songs, including “A Song for You,” “Superstar,” “Top of the World” and “Yesterday Once More.” Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $44 and $49. Tickets for Langdon productions are $22 for adults and $11 for students. A complete schedule is available at the Players website at www.charlotteplayers.org. Buy your tickets online or by calling 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Players is always on the lookout for actors and holds open auditions for talent. Auditions for Neil Simon’s Proposals – scheduled for March – will be held at the playhouse at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27.
Gulfshore Opera’s Passionate Puccini series begins Jan. 17 Gulfshore Opera’s sixth season kicks into high gear this month. The nationally recognized artists that serve as the professional artists in residence arrive and begin rehearsals in January with their first performance Jan. 17 with the Passionate Puccini concert series. Audiences who attended the Opera Meets Broadway Gala in season 5 will be delighted to hear soprano Robyn Lamp as the featured guest artist in this concert of scenes and arias from Tosca, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Gianni Schicchi and more. In addition, audiences will get a preview into the powerful romantic ensembles in our upcoming production of La Bohème. These artists along with featured guest artists will perform in our grand opera production of La Bohème March 13 at Charlotte Performing Arts Center and March 18 at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall. A favorite for GO audiences is the GO Cabaret Series. This season’s cabaret serves a Salute to Louis Armstrong. Our versatile Professional Artist in Residence will interpret songs made famous by Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Jazz composer and pianist Tony Viviano leads the jazz trio which includes FGCU professor of jazz studies Brandon Robertson, fresh off his album release “Bass’d on a True Story,” and drummer Rick Costa. For select performances Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 featured guest trumpet master Randy Sandke joins the ensemble. Sandke has performed with the likes of Benny Goodman, Mel Tormé, Rosemary Clooney, Cab Calloway, Billy Joel and Bette Midler. Gulfshore Opera is dedicated to bringing high quality artists to Southwest Florida for its productions. The professional artists in residence for season 6 bring a wealth of experience and talent to Southwest Florida: Hailed for her "warm, agile and full voice," soprano Chelsea Lehnea will be the soprano professional artists in residence performing in various concerts during high season. Lehnea joined the prestigious Merola Opera Program at the San Francisco Opera Center this year where she performed the roles of Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor Chelsea Lehnea 16 - January 2020
and Elisabetta in Maria Stuarda. In the 2019-2020 season, she returns to Bel Cantanti Opera with a role debut as Gilda in Rigoletto as well as make a house debut as Musetta in La bohème with Gulfshore Opera. Peter Lake is joining Gulfshore Opera as tenor professional artist. Lake is an internationally performing lyric-tenor who made his role and house debuts as Pinkerton in the ground-breaking EnglishJapanese production of Madame Butterfly with Pacific Opera Project and Peter Lake Opera in the Heights! this past April. In May of 2019, he made is role debut as Rodolfo in Natchez Music Festival’s production of La Bohème. Bass-baritone Neil Nelson returns to Gulfshore Opera as an artist in residence after portraying the Marquese in April’s La Traviata. His deep and resonant voice will be enjoyed by local audiences in various concerts from mid-January through March, including the role of Marcello in La Bohème. Nelson has performed operatic roles with Boston Lyric Opera, Neil Nelson Boston Symphony Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Berkshire Opera, Orlando Opera, The New York Harlem Opera Theater and the Tartar State Opera Theater in Kazan, Russia. Passionate Puccini will be presented Jan 17 at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda; Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island; Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at Daniels Pavilion, Artis Naples; and Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ. GO Cabaret will be performed Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Sanibel Community House; Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Naples Art Association; and Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Isles Yacht Club, Punta Gorda. Tickets are on sale at www.gulfshoreopera.org or 239-529-3925. Happenings Magazine
NEW PHOENIX THEATRE
Time Stands Still By Donald Margulies
Jan. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & Feb. 1 at 8 pm Jan. 19, 26 & Feb. 2 at 3 p.m.
Feb. 27 - Mar. 22
April 16 - May 3
May 28 - June 14
13211 McGregor Blvd. #1 & 2, Fort Myers
239-284-5214 • BUY TICKETS ONLINE
www.NewPhoenixTheatreFortMyers.org
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 17
ART
Fine art show Jan. 4 & 5 at JetBlue Park
The 23rd Estero Fine Art Show presented by HotWorks.org takes place Jan. 4 and 5 outdoors at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers off Daniels Parkway. Up to 120 quality juried fine art and fine craft artists will be selling art to the public. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the art show. Visitors will see many artists at this show who do not participate in other area shows. Institute for the Arts & Association is the associated 501c3 non-profit organization with focus on visual arts, cultural diversity, community enrichment, and fostering art education among youth. The Estero Fine Art Show is juried by art professionals with criteria for judging based on originality, technique/execution and booth appearance. Our emphasis is on quality, not quantity. There will be $1,500 in professional artist awards presented. Nathan Beard of St. Petersburg is the artist judge. Beard is an artist himself who works in drawing, collage and multi-layered painting. He draws influence from the density, variety and coloring of Florida fauna.
Elaine Lanoue
Show producer and director Patty Narozny has more than 30 years of media and event experience. Since 2003, she has gained an outstanding national reputation for quality juried fine art and fine craft shows and has three of the top 100 juried art shows in America that take place in Michigan and Florida. Narozny networks with local media to bring high-end patrons to spend on luxury art and other items. As part of the commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition is integrated within the show. Young artists in grades K - 8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her art that is publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. Students begin to learn the rules and are exposed to the entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. On Sunday, January 5 at 3pm, $250 in youth art awards is presented under the Youth Art tent. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art. This program is unique and one-of-a-kind within the art show. Show hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Art show admission is free; and a $5 parking fee supports Institute for the Arts & Education. For more info, visit online at www.hotworks.org
Sea Grape showcases Susan Krasny, Nancy Van Tassell
Sea Grape Gallery in Punta Gorda will be featuring two of their artists, Susan Krasny, oil, acrylic and mixed media artist, and Nancy Van Tassell, silver jewelry artist, from Jan. 9 through Feb. 6. Susan Krasny has had a passion for art ever since childhood. As an adult living in Illinois, she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Suburban Fine Arts Center, and Roosevelt University. However, pursuing a business career, Sue had to put art on hold until she retired to Florida. Being retired she now has the time to focus again on producing her art. Sue has traveled to France, Italy, Maine and other locations in the United States where she has taken workshops and studied with many prestigious artists. Susan’s travels provide the subject matter for many of her paintings. As Susan says, “I want my paintings to communicate a unique sense of place through the bold use of color and light and allows me to mentally revisit each location and express its special qualities”. Her oil paintings are primarily done with palette knife to create texture and layers of color and her collages incorporate various found objects and are often whimsical. It is no wonder that Susan’s paintings have won numerSusan Krasny 18 - January 2020
ous awards in highly acclaimed juried shows. Nancy Van Tassell has taken many art related classes but feels she is primarily self-taught. She spent many years in the paper art world creating altered books and rubber stamping until one day stamping a polymer clay pendant, she beaded a chain to hang her created pendant. This led her to realize designing jewelry was going to be her world. After retiring from the corporate world and moving to Florida from New York, she continued expanding her love for jewelry making. Her jewelry designs incorporate many different types of materials including natural stones, artisan glass and Swarovski crystals with precious metals. Nancy Van Tassell Nancy’s current passion is wire weaving where she uses sterling and fine silver to enhance the stone and glass in her beautiful and unique creations. In addition to creating jewelry, Nancy enjoys teaching jewelry classes at several locations and participating in art exhibits in SW Florida. Also in January, the gallery will showcase the works of guest artists Mary Cameron (mixed media) and Sarah Corey (papermaking). In addition, more of their art and the artworks of all Sea Grape artists can be viewed at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape is located at 113 W. Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941-575-1718. The gallery is also open until 8 p.m. during Punta Gorda’s “Third Thursday Wine Walk.” Happenings Magazine
ART
Plein air festival in Punta Gorda
The Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society are celebrating 25 years of Painting the Town. What began as an Annual Quickdraw competition for plein air artists has inspired an entire month of exciting events, ending with a reception and silent auction of historic framed mural renderings. Join us for outdoor paintouts, art receptions, history classes and more. Quickdraw Competition: Jan. 13, 9 am – 1 pm, find artists around downtown with balloons to watch them paint Quickdraw Luncheon: Jan. 13, 12:30 - 2:20 pm, awards and lunch reception with quickdraw artists, tickets $15 Plein air paint-out: Jan. 16, 4 – 6 pm, artists at work Downtown at Wine Walk Rooftop Sunset Painting: Jan. 23, view the Peace River painters at the Wyvern Hotel Plein Air Exhibit: Jan. 7 – 30, free and open to the public in main gallery Original Mural Rendering Exhibit and Silent Auction: Jan. 7 – 30, free and open to the public in Goff gallery Original Mural Rendering Exhibit Ribbon Cutting: Jan. 9, noon, free event at the Visual Arts Center
Audrey Chiradio, first place 2019 plein air fest. Plein Air Awards Reception: Jan. 15, 5 – 7 pm, free and open to the public in main gallery Downtown mural walking tours from 9 11:30 am Jan. 14, 21 & 28, tickets $15 Mural History Class: Jan. 28 & 30 at Isles Civic Association, tickets $18 or two for $30 25 Years of Painting the Town Reception and Silent Auction on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 pm in Goff Gallery at the Visual Arts Center, tickets are $20
Open house for classes Jan. 3 & 4
The Visual Arts Center will host an open house for new classes and instructors Jan. 3 and 4. Open house hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center will have complimentary mimosas both days. Visit with the talented instructors who will be presenting demonstrations in all different media including pottery, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry making and more as you learn about upcoming classes, workshops and art events. This season, the center is excited to introduce some new classes, in addition to the usual favorites. The VAC also hosts wine and painting parties “Anything But Canvas,” “Let’s Get Splashed” and “Etched Wine Glasses” on Wednesday evenings. In addition, six master workshops are planned for the busy upcoming season. The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda, and can be reached at 941-639-8810. For more details, visit www.VisualArtCenter.org.
Frank Henriquez, Ehren Gerhard at Davis Art Center The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center kicks off 2020 with two new art exhibitions. The Grand Atrium will feature visual artist Frank Henriquez, a native of Cuba with a solo exhibition titled Archangels. On the second floor, showing in the Capital Gallery is the mixed media works of Ehren Fritz Gerhard with his show titled Heat Stroke The opening reception takes place during Art Walk on Friday, Jan. 3 from 6 - 10 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Many artists have been influenced by street art methods and techniques and are utilizing less conventional mediums for their creations. Frank Henriquez’s exciting and provocative exhibition, Archangels, takes us for a stroll down an alley where urban expressionism and traditional painting meet. His use of unconventional materials such as stencil cutouts with spray paint on recycled materials like glass, windows, doors, and plywood is an ode to urban street art. Henriquez immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba at the age Frank Henriquez 20 - January 2020
of 20 where he embarked on a journey of artistic expression and self-discovery. He was fascinated by the visual arts from a very early age and it was in Cuba where he began his formal training. After moving to the United States he discovered that his interests would serve him well in the tattoo industry and he began serious training as a tattoo artist, where he utilized his artistic skills to create permanent works of art on his clients. Simultaneously, he was working on his style and evolution as a visual artist and he used street art as an outlet with subjects like urbanization, homelessness, animal cruelty, and other social issues creating social consciousness and awareness in the comEhren Gerhard munity. Gerhard completed his master of fine arts from Arizona State University in 2013. He is an adjunct professor of art at Florida Gulf Coast University and gallery director of the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Gerhard has created a series of mixed media oil and acrylic paintings bursting with tropical plants, fruit trees and edible landscaping for his show Heat Stroke. Over the past three years, Gerhard has been planting and landscaping his property to provide habitat for wildlife and food for his pantry. Gerhard depicts the natural world with an emotional range of colors, textures and markmaking. By placing emphasis on the expressive qualities of his medium, he guides the viewer into an immersive experience that overwhelms the visual senses. Both shows will be on display through Jan. 31. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933. Happenings Magazine
ART
New exhibits, annual art festival in Bonita
The Center for Visual Arts long interest in lace and textile in Bonita Springs has three arts. new art exhibits and its first The annual members only art festival of the season in exhibit opens Jan. 31 with a January. reception from 6 to 8 p.m. A The Black & White exhibit dynamic exhibition of aweopens Friday, Jan. 3 with a inspiring artwork in a wide reception from 6 to 8 p.m. array of media. Enjoy a truly What can an artist say by phenomenal display of work removing the impact of color by our talented members. from their process of creEach year just gets better and ation? Emphasis is placed better. Help the center celeon textures, lines, and combrate 29 years of great memposition as the foundation of ber art. a powerful image or sculpThe first of three Bonita ture. For this exhibition, Springs National Arts Festivals artists are asked to submit will be held Jan. 11 and 12 at their most intriguing works Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 using only black and white in Road in Bonita Springs. any medium. Subsequent juried outdoor Also on Jan. 3, the Cheri festivals will be held in Dunnigan exhibit opens. February and March. The fesCheri Dunnigan is a master tival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. goldsmith and nationally recboth days. ON THE COVER - Artist Maria Reyes-Jones is scheduled to participate ognized landscape painter. The Center for Visual Arts in the national art festival Jan. 11 - 12. She worked for many years is located at 26100 Old 41 as a designer craftsman, Road, Bonita Springs. For maintaining a retail studio more details, call 239-495This exhibit will feature new works from and showroom in Hopkinton, Mass. 8989 or visit www.artscenterbonita.org her Woven Collection born out of her life-
Cape Coral Art League’s annual Art Fair Jan. 25-26
The Cape Coral Art League indoors at the gallery and in a large (CCAL) will hold it 10th annual indoor studio and gallery. The low Art Fair at the league building at cost of the booth rental and the 516 Cultural Park Blvd. on absence of commissions allows Saturday, Jan 25 and Sunday, many of the artists to offer special Jan 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. pricing just for this event. both days. Admission is free. Again, there is no admission The show will offer a variety charge and parking is free, plentiful of artwork by all local artist from and close-by. paintings, photographs, jewelry The CCAL is a 501(c3) nonand pottery. Even if the weather profit membership organization that is not ideal, everyone can still receives no funding from the city or enjoy the art in complete comany other government agency. The fort. league relies on member dues, Visitors can enjoy some delidonations, proceeds from classes, cious homemade ice cream, and workshops, events and the generCarmen Sprague cookies, snack and soft drinks at ous commitment of volunteers to a variety of vendor booths. Raffle fulfill its mission of promoting the prizes and children’s arts and advancement of the art in Cape crafts will add to the fun. Coral and neighboring areas. This festival is unique and differs from other art events in sevMore information about the event and the league may be eral ways. CCAL artists and artisans will be displaying their work found at www.capecoralartleague.org or call 239-772-5657. 22 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
Harbour View Gallery will showcase Norman Cannon, Tom Higgins Jan. 7
Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Norman Cannon (photography) and Tom Higgins (salvage ships) at a reception on Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. Norman Cannon has been interested in photography since being allowed to use the family camera as a teenager. Unfortunately, life interfered with this hobby. Now life has allowed time to indulge. He pursues this new avocation mostly In Florida. His style is eclectic operating on the premise if it looks good shoot it. “Photoshopping” is not in his vocabulary as he believes in showing life’s beauty even if it includes defects. He has been selected by jury to display in the Cape Coral Arts Festival and the Estero Arts Festival. Beyond that, he displays in a few small craft fairs locally. He has also been selected to display in his bank. He invites one and all to come and meet him and will do his best to answer all questions. Tom Higgins is a selftaught artist who has worked in a variety of mediums for Norman Cannon over 50 years. The inspira-
Happenings Magazine
tion for the salvage ships came from a simple driftwood wall hanging he saw on the Internet. He took the concept and created his own design using discarded wood from construction sites and adding recycled or little-used items and found objects. He uses items resembling working parts of ships such as rubber washers for life preTom Higgins servers and grommets as portholes. Born and raised in southern New Jersey, he graduated from Waynesburg College in PA and eventually settled in the Chicago area. He retired from working at the Chicago Tribune in 2006 and moved to Cape Coral in 2012. “Over the years, I have worked in clay, stone sculpture, stained glass and have done woodworking. I’ve also enjoyed drawing cartoons, making clocks and creating textured acrylic paintings,” concluded Tom. Their work will be on display through January. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, in the Shops at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral.
January 2020 - 23
ART
DAAS Co-Op Gallery presents Cheryl Fausel’s art
DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts Society and the Tri- State Watercolor features the work of international artist Society. She is also a member of the Cheryl Fausel throughout the month of Florida Artists Group and the National January. The exhibition is a collection League of American Pen Woman and of meticulously designed watercolors the National Association of Women and other mediums, created within the Artists. She is published in years. Watermedia of America Vol. II, A Walk The opening reception is schedinto the Abstract Vol. II and Splash 17, uled for Friday, Jan. 3 from 6 to 10 published July 2016, and The Art of p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Watercolour Dec. 2017. Fort Myers Art Walk. The pieces will The gallery invite all Southwest be on display through Jan. 25. Florida art collectors, supporters and Cheryl Fausel combines realism enthusiasts to join them for the openwith abstraction. There is a pursuit of ing reception. As always, the gallery control with a heavy emphasis on will be filled with the most beautiful design and composition. Color is inventory of art, fine crafts, apparel, important to this artist, and is based sculptures, pottery and jewelry, all proon the values needed to develop the duced here by the member artists. painting. At the same time, a painting DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815 should tell a story, not immediately Fowler St., Unit 3, in downtown Fort evident. She seeks an emotional reacMyers. Business hours are Tuesday to Cheryl Fausel tion, as well as an interpretation of an Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. idea is presented through design. The gallery also opens to the public Fausel’s work is collected nationally on the first Sunday of every month as well as internationally. She has signature status in the from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information about gallery and how to National Watercolor Society, the American Watercolor Society, become a member can be found at www.daascoop.com or by the Southern Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor calling 239-590-8645.
ArtSmack Jan. 10 at Neenie’s House
On Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 pm, Neenie's House will host the next artist showcase. ArtSmack is a new venue for local artists to exhibit their work. Janeen Vanko, the owner of Neenie's House is a neighborhood activist in her East Palm area. She is bringing arts and music and local culture to her very cool space, that is located in a mixed ethnic commercial area. ArtSmack2 will showcase the work of
Rose Jung, a mixed media artist from Southwest Florida. Her art is inspired by her travels and cultural experiences. Her travels have taken her to all seven continents of the planet. She has lived in Hawaii and the Marianas Islands. While living on Saipan, she was selected as a participant for the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture. Rose has exhibited at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Alliance for the Arts, Arts for ACT Gallery, Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda and the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs. ArtSmack2 will also have entertainment and
refreshments celebrating Chinese New Year 2020 - the year of the rat - which is a good thing. Support Janeen's efforts to bring a diversified arts scene to the East Palm Neighborhood. Neenie's House is also the home of Love Your Rebellion's Zine Library. Her shop also sells artsy gifts and social justice T-shirts. And of course, reloved stuff. Every weekend is the Mercado, an outdoor market, with vendors selling a variety of products. Her backyard, Peace Plaza, is also available as a rental event space. Call Janeen at 224-678-4901 for additional information or visit online at www.neenieshouse.com. Neenie’s House is located at 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers (just off Palm Beach Boulevard).
The East Palm Mercado
24 - January 2020
Rose Jung
Every Saturday and Sunday Diane’s Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, Fleamarket & Garage Sale items, Plants, Art, Jewelry, Fresh Produce 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Rain or Shine, Booth Space Available for $10. 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 224-678-4901. Free event, families welcome Happenings Magazine
Paul David Adamick
at Hirdie Girdie
Hirdie Girdie Gallery will feature Paul David Adamick as its January guest artist, with an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. Paul was an elementary school art teacher for 41 years, and now in retirement is living his dream of joyfully creating art. Paul is very active at the Cape Coral Arts Center, where he teaches art to adults and children, and also takes classes in fused glass and raku fired clay. He often combines these two mediums in his sculptures. On canvas, Paul’s primary medium was airbrush, but then he discovered bent wire art, which ties in with his love of drawing. He ”draws” with wire by shaping it on an airbrushed canvas, combining it with sculpture, or using it as a singular medium. Paul will be exhibiting both canvas wall art and sculpture at Hirdie Girdie. Paul’s creations are brightly colored and
Paul David Adamick
playful, with simple motifs, and his art can be described as fun and whimsical. Paul is also active with the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild, and he has had three recent very successful one-man shows at area art organizations. Hirdie Girdie Gallery is located at 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. For more info about the gallery, call 239-395-0027 or at www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com
Photo show at Cape Coral Library An exhibition of new work by four French Connection photographers will be featured in the gallery of Cape Coral Library Jan. 4 – Feb. 28. The show marks a return engagement of the talented group who are French-Canadian snowbirds spending winter in Cape Coral. This time their library exhibit, which has become a highly anticipated annual event, will include images from recent travels as well as photographs of flowers. The award-winning photographers are Claude Chalut, Estelle Chartrand, Marie Elise Mathieu and Andree Morin. The Cape Coral Library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace, and the current exhibition may be viewed during regular library Happenings Magazine
business hours. Changing exhibitions are sponsored by the Friends of Cape Coral Library.
January 2020 - 25
ART
COCO Art Gallery showcases multiple artists COCO Art Gallery located at 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero, in the Coconut Point Mall (next to Panera Bread) will showcase Art Quilters Unlimited Jan. 7 to Jan. 21. The gallery’s monthly reception is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Complimentary wine, food, and entertainment will be provided. Janie Duke and Jan Pronko are the featured artists the weekend of Jan. 11 and 12. Janie Duke is one of a handful of artists that specialize in an old French technique called Pate De Verre, or paste of glass. She considers her work representative of Earth, Sky and Oceans. The effect she strives for is a serenity and calming effect on the viewer. Janie has studied and worked in Pate De Verre for over 8 years. Janie opened the Glass Duchess Studio in Port Charlotte in 2018. Duke teaches beginning and advanced glass fusing techniques at her studio and the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda. She has been awarded Emerging Artist of 2017 from the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda. In 2018, Janie's work was chosen out of thousands of international artists to display her work in the Morean Art Center in St Petersburg. She is a participating member of GAS, Glass Artists Society and a member of the Visual Arts Center Janice Pronko in Punta Gorda.
Janie Duke
Faye Ormseth is the featured artist the weekend of Jan. 25 and 26. Gallery artist participation requires membership in at least one of the 22 Art Council of SW Florida affiliations. For more gallery information, call 239-949-3073 or visit www.cocoartgallery.com.
Leila Mesdaghi exhibit at Cape Coral Art Center
The Cape Coral Art Center will feature a solo exhibit by artist Leila Mesdaghi entitled “Love Cannot Alter It” Jan. 3 through Jan. 23. An opening reception will be held Jan. 10 from 5 – 7 p.m. Leila Mesdaghi is an Iranian-Colombian artist living in Fort Myers. To her, making art is a combination of emotional experiences and social responsibilities. Leila seeks to connect with her viewers in a visceral, evocative, and emotional manner; she stands on uncomfortable grounds and challenges how we observe, react, respond, and ease into conversations that take us to vulnerable places that possibly hold our understandings. In “Love Cannot Alter It,” a title inspired by a sentence from Anne Carson’s book “Nox,” Leila thinks about the “emotionscapes” of fears of abandonment, physical26 - January 2020
Leila Mesdaghi
ly and psychologically. To her, sometimes the only choice we have is to sit with our pain, embrace ourselves, and experience aloneness. Facing what we fear and maneuvering through the narrow paths of not knowing leads us to deeper places that will become familiar. This exhibition is an invitation to look
into things we cannot change, words we cannot take back, and feelings that hold us back. The Cape Coral Art Center will also feature the Vision 2020 exhibit to celebrate Cape Coral’s 50th anniversary. The Cape Coral Art Center joins the City of Cape Coral in celebrating 50 years as an incorporated city. Vision 2020 depicts this history through visual representation. Artists are invited to submit artwork that unravels life in Cape Coral. Entries to include history of the city, personal experience, environmental or other portrayals that commemorate Cape life. This is a judged and juried show. The art center is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway. For more information about the art center and its programs, call 239-574-0802 or visit www.capeparks.net. Happenings Magazine
Don McCoy participating in two local art fests Sanibel Community House Art Festival Jan. 17 - 18; Art Festival at Mercato Jan. 25 - 26
As both a gem carver and goldsmith, Don McCoy is able to achieve artistic interpretations of the beauty of natural forms. He is the sole creator of every facet of the jewelry he produces and a purist who believes every aspect of a piece should be handmade by the artist. He uses use diamond tools, many of which he has to make by hand to cut, carve and polish the gemstones. He incorporates alloy 24K gold into 14K, 18K or 22K and rolls out his own sheet and wire, etc. to use in his hand fabricated gold work. Australian Opal, Diamonds, Tourmaline, Topaz, Fire Opal, Citrine and Amethyst are some of the gemstones he uses. Exaggerating nature’s beauty is a principal theme of Don McCoy’s jewelry and an essential quality of his inspiration. The California and Florida-based artist’s perception of the world is emboldened and vivified through his craft, where seemingly simple, his hand made work is quite complex. Don makes every single component of his pieces by hand. Imagine a gold link chain where each link is made by hand, by soldering the gold together link by link. It is rare. Dramatically brought to life as the shapes, colors, shadows and textures of each precious stone is carefully selected. By grouping together each stone and gem to create a matching set of pieces they take on both
Donald McCoy magical and majestic features. To create this effect, Don uses classical jewelry making techniques. Specifically, he adds them to each fully handmade design. The process can be like witnessing a flower bloom, a butterfly take flight, or a cloud dissipate into thin air. Jewelry created in this way allows him to look at a subject more sculpturally, noting each twist and turn, and amplify and enhance the design rather than worrying about its realistic interpretation. His work is sculptural and engaging. From the Latin “resplendere,” meaning “to shine back,” his collection is about the con-
SW Florida Wood Art, Wood Carvers & Wood Turners Expo & Competition
tinually growing splendor of the natural world rather than a literal artistic interpretation of sheen or luster. His work is in continuous exploration of transition and transformation, and the brilliance of each piece imparts feelings of promise and wonder. Timeless works of art that capture a sense that beauty is a continuum. Don purposefully looks for the intricacies of evolution and dynamism that touch on the human experience. The idea of impermanence, even instability, reflects the reality of the world we live in, but hope is always at the core of each design. He feels a profound sense of intimacy through the act of combining rare gemstones and precious metals, reinterpreting them in a way that sparks the imagination, and conveys an evocative story to each individual. “The inspiration is right in front of me. I don’t have to make anything up. My craft allows me to breathe my subjects into being, which is at once thrilling and brings enormous gratitude.” Don McCoy’s fantastic jewelry will be on display at The Sanibel Community House Art Festival Jan. 17 and 18 on Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island and also the following weekend Jan. 25 and 26 at The Art Festival at Mercato in North Naples. For further information and for details on the festivals, go to www.boulderbrook.net or call 239-293-9448.
Always New Art,
Always New Artists
Friday & Saturday
JANUARY 10 & 11 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Charlotte Harbor Event Center 75 Taylor St. Punta Gorda Competition fee $5 per entered piece Competition • Demonstrations • Raffle
Wood art sales, displays & vendors $7 one day, $10 both days • 12 & under free
www.flwoodartexpo.com • 716-628-7042 Download forms, find directions and more online
Happenings Magazine
Tom Higgins
Monthly receptions for featured artists
Pottery Glass Art Jewelry Handbags Fabric Art
Reception Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 6 - 8 p.m. Nor man Cannon - photography & Tom Higgins - salvage ships
Watercolor Paintings Sand Castings Acrylic Paintings Photography Oil Paintings
5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral
10% OFF your next purchase with this ad www.harbourviewgallery.com • 239-540-5789
January 2020 - 27
ART
Southwest Florida Wood
Art Expo Jan. 10 & 11 Naples Artcrafters show Jan. 11 in Cambier Park The Naples Artcrafters will host their third juried fine art and craft show of the season on Saturday, Jan. 11. The event showcases the work of 90 juried local artists and craftsmen who will be selling their paintings, jewelry, pottery, art glass, sculptures and more in lovely Cambier Park, which is located on 8th Street South, just one block south of 5th Ave South in downtown Naples. Meet well known and emerging Naples’ artists in this celebration of creativity. It will be a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support your artists.
Admission is free, and free parking is nearby. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of local artists and the encouragement of the development of artistic endeavors in the Naples area. The remaining 2019-20 season has shows in Cambier Park scheduled for Feb. 8, March 14 and April 11. The March 14 show will be in Fleischman Park. For more about the artcrafters group, visit online at www.naplesartcrafters.com.
Rand Adler exhibit at FGCU
The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts presents “Presence: Ran Adler,” with an opening reception, artist talk and performance by the Jazz Combo on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Wasmer Art Gallery in the Arts Complex. The exhibition runs through Feb. 27. Each year the FGCU Art Galleries curates an exhibition with the goal of not
28 - January 2020
only exhibiting the work of an outstanding artist, but of also connecting the artist to the region of Southwest Florida in a unique way. This year’s artist, Ran Adler, brings an established and deep connection to the natural environment of Southwest Florida. Adler’s exhibition will transform the gallery into a world of natural materials transformed into large-scale sculpture and installations.
The annual Southwest Florida Wood Art, Wood Carvers and Wood Turners expo and competition is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 11. This is one of the premier wood art shows in the country since 1986. A dynamic show with hundreds of entries for competition, vendors of all kinds (wood, tools, blanks, dust equipment, art supplies and more), demonstrations, raffle, artists' displays and sales. The show will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, located at 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission will be $7 for one day or $10 for both days. Children 12 and under are admitted free. The show features demonstrations, silent auctions, carving supplies, carver sales & displays, vendors, unique raffle and a quality competition. Competition fee is $5 per piece.
Ted Beebe
For more information, go to www.flwoodartexpo.com or call 716-628-7042.
Group promotes the artistry of working with hot and cold wax
Artists Madeline Sugerman and Sherry DeGennaro started a local chapter of I.E.A. (International Encaustic Artists) in 2018 called SWFL WAX. Their mission is to promote, inspire and support the varied interests of encaustic artists in SW Florida through monthly meetings, demonstrations, workshops, group critiques and exhibitions, thereby raising an interest in encaustic art. Encaustic is a Greek word (enkaustikos) which means “to heat or burn in.” Heat is used to melt the beeswax, damar resin and pigments and to fuse the layers of wax. Encaustic today is used in a more contemporary way through paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media.There is also a cold wax process. The most significant difference between encaustic and cold wax is that the wax in the encaustic paints must be molten to work with and in cold wax painting there is no heat involved.
Sherry DeGennaro and Madeline Sugerman of SWFL WAX
SWFL WAX will be offering a class in January and two workshops in February at Naples Art. To register, visit www.naplesart.org. The group currently has an exhibit on display now through Feb. 15 at the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs. COCO Art Gallery in Estero will host “Exploring Encaustic Art” exhibit March 17 - 30, with a reception on March 18. To find out more about this art group, visit www.swflwax.com. Happenings Magazine
Cape Coral Art League
ART FAIR 10th Annual
Carmen Sprague
Naples Fine Art Studio & Gallery
INDOOR & OUTDOOR VENDORS! SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! paintings by Edward Park
SATURDAY
JANUARY 25
10 am to 4 pm both days
SUNDAY
JANUARY 26
ART DEMOS, BAKE SALE, RAFFLE PRIZES
26 Year Anniversary Special January - March 1719 Trade Center Way, Suite 9, Naples
(north of Pine Ridge Road, west of Airport-Pulling Road)
239-293-8237
(cell) Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday appointment only
www.edwardparkfineart.com Happenings Magazine
Original Artwork, Sculpture, Crafts, Photography, Jewelry, Pottery and More
CAPE CORAL ART LEAGUE 516 Cultural Park Blvd. CAPE CORAL
(239) 772-5657
capecoralartleague@gmail.com
Free Parking & Free Admission www.CapeCoralArtLeague.org
January 2020 - 29
ART
ACT Gallery welcomes Shah Hadjebi
Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will host an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. for the exhibit for Shah Hadjebi in the main gallery and in the White Gallery, a group exhibit with Pam Jones, Dedo and Sara Morsey. Shah is a full-time watercolor artist residing on Sanibel Island. He graduated from Syracuse University in the late 1980s and comes from a family of artists: fine artists, architects, interior designers, industrial designers and furniture designers. Although he has been painting for the past 20 years, he started off as a musician but discovered that painting is his most natural outlet and passion. His subjects range from animals to still life and realism. Living on Sanibel has supplied him with an endless array of subjects; Wading birds on the beach and at Ding Darling wildlife refuge, classic automobiles at car shows on Periwinkle Place and popular landmarks around the island. Shah's main goal is to bring some presence and mindfulness into this hectic world and to live a life where inner and outer purposes are aligned. Pamela Jones grew up in St. Louis and now resides in Punta Gorda. Her work consists of carefully detailed assemblages made
30 - January 2020
Shah Hadjebi with found objects, thrift store treasures and random stuff. When she was married to an artist, Jones wondered what kind of art she would create, given the opportunity. She always was attracted to religious, ethnic and folkloric imagery, roadside memorials, home altars, New Mexican cemeteries and shrines. Finding a trove of vintage rubber clown heads inspired Jones to create the Bad Clowns series, reflecting many people's fear and loathing of clowns.
Dedo was born in the winter of his 45th year in Tampa, becoming a full-time artist. Sculpting using paper pulp he set out to create unique figurative abstracts in a popdeco style. He is considered foremost a sculptor and in a previous life a faux finisher. Along his journey he created art for couture runway shows and performing artists. The art comes alive when it is moving, burning or exploding. To that end, he learned body and face casting and became a member of the Assoc. of Lifecasters International (ALI). Many works are created from dreams. He paints with epoxies and explores shapes and colors in a very graphic manner. Most of his art is a mixture of paint and collage. Sara Morsey is a professional regional theatre actor in the U.S. She is also an Outsider Artist and narrates audiobooks from her home studio. Sara has been making art her entire life. Her visual art has homes all over the United States and in England, Bulgaria, Germany, New Zealand and Canada. She is also a mail artist and a member of the International Union of Mail Artists. This exhibit continues to Monday, Feb. 3. Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in Fort Myers, For more details, call 239-337-5050.
Happenings Magazine
Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival set for Jan. 11-12
The Cape Coral Arts & Music Festival returns to South Cape Coral for its 35th year. More than 100,000 patrons are expected on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Cape Coral Parkway in South Cape Coral between Del Prado Boulevard and SE 10th Place. Admission and parking are free for festival attendees. Festival goers will delight in world-class art and craftsmanship from artists carefully selected from entries submitted from all over the United States with a chance to meet and talk to the creators of the work displayed. Rated the 8th Best Art Festival in the nation, entry to the show is highly competitive and very sought after. Only 300 exhibitors will showcase their fine art, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more. Returning this year, local merchants and non-profits will be in the Marketplace section on the western end of the festival. Visitors can also enjoy live music as The Arts & Music Festival is partnering with iHeart Radio to bring musical acts from every genre to the stage. Inspired by artist Jim Morgan, a former teacher and carpenter who was rendered totally blind after he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle, the festival is now accessible to the visually Happenings Magazine
impaired. Morgan designs clocks in his mind and then devises the method to build them by feel alone. To showcase his incredible talent and ingenuity, the Rotary Club invited him to be in the Festival. The Rotary Club has asked all participating exhibitors whose work can be enjoyed by touch to place a special banner in their booth to welcome sightless visitors. “This is a first for the festival and we hope that this opportunity for the visually impaired to enjoy art and interact with the creators of that art will be very popular,” says John Jacobsen, founder and chair of the festival. The 2020 event sponsors include Destination Boat Clubs, Direct Impressions, Downtowner Car Wash, Experience Real Estate, Happenings Magazine, Lamar, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, Waste Pro and Wonderland Realty. Learn more online at www.capecoralfestival.com or call 239-699-7942.
A Variety of Unique Original Art
by 20 Award Winning Artists
Celebrating 32 years as your fine art gallery
113 W. Marion Ave. • Downtown Punta Gorda (941) 575-1718 • www.SeaGrapeGallery.com
Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Crafts Show
Saturday, January 11th 10 am to 4 pm
Free Admission & Parking
Cambier Park
Robin Rebeck
580 8th Street South, Naples
www.NaplesArtcrafters.com January 2020 - 31
ART
Naples New Year Art Show Jan. 4 & 5
nationally recognized artists that By Aimee Schlehr explore a broad range of themes Welcome to an ARTand materials. Cost is $10 at the filled 2020. Naples Art is door. Coffee and danish will be thrilled to be kicking off served. the new year with so Little Things - An Exhibition many new opportunities. Celebrating Small Works will be Naples Art is offering a on display Jan. 14 through Feb. new membership pro16. The annual small works show gram, featuring wonderful is a celebration of the amazing opportunities, from private yet little works of art. A reception invitations and guest lecfor Little Things and The Human tures to free event tickets Spirit will be held Jan. 16 from and VIP programs. Visit 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Naples Art. naplesart.org/membership The exhibit is viewable Monday to learn more. Sunday 10 am – 4 pm at Naples The keystone howevArt, 585 Park Street, Naples. er, of this year’s offerings Dinner with Artists will be held from Naples Art, is the Jan. 15 at Venue Naples featurArtist Business ing local celebrity chef Brian Entrepreneurship Roland and extraordinary paper Program: the ABE artist Denise Cummings. Her colProgram. lections have sold at Barneys For over 66 years, and the Museum of Natural Naples Art has underHistory and she is Artist in stood that artists are Patti and Bob Stern participated in the Dec. 7 Art in the Park. They will Residence at the W Hotel in essential members of also be participating in the Naples New Year Art Show Jan. 4 and 5. For NYC. Tickets are available society, contributing to the more about their art, visit online at www.theperfectview.com. online. creative economy, revitalThe Human Spirit in African izing neighborhoods, and and African American Art exhibit are crucial to social, civic, will open Jan. 17 and run and business innovation. and lectures allowing artists of all disciplines through Feb. 23. This exhibition celebrates As the visual arts leader, we want to ensure to develop and refine business skills that suspeople in African and African American art every artist has the opportunity and skill sets tain their place in an evolving arts industry. with paintings, drawings, carved wood and needed to support themselves through the The added marketing opportunity that is availadditive sculpture. The exhibit can be seen creation of their art. Naples Art, clear in their able allows artists to expand their reach and Monday - Sunday at Naples Art. understanding of the obligation to their artists, showcase their work. To learn more, visit our In partnership with the Collier County developed this one-year program that prowebsite. Supervisor of Elections, Naples Art proudly vides professional-development workshops The exhibition and show calendar offers a features the winners of the Art for Democracy diversity of riches from one of the best outcontest Jan. 17 – Feb. 27. The contest runs door art shows in the nation to a passionwithin the Collier County School System filled artistic dining experience at Dinner with including all elementary, middle and high Artists. Learn more about these and other schools. There are three Naples Art events online. categories to participate: The annual Naples The History of Democracy, New Year’s Art Show will the Voting Process and be held Jan. 4 and 5. Important Figures in Naples Art’s nationally Democracy. Twelve winranked multi-award winners with be selected and ning, juried outdoor art featured at Naples Art. The show on 5th Avenue reception for the Art for South will run from 10 Democracy exhibition is a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6 to The monthly Art in the 7:30 p.m., a free event Park will be part of the with light refreshments. New Year’s Art Show on For more information Saturday. about any of the shows, Art Focus with John events, lectures, classes, Loscuito will take place workshops or exhibitions Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. John that Naples Art offers, visit Loscuito is the Florida www.NaplesArt.org Gulf Coast University Art Gallery director. During Aimee Schlehr is exechis six years at FGCU, utive director of Naples he has curated over 18 Art. Elyssa Chevalier exhibitions featuring Andrew Diggz 32 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 33
JANUARY CALENDAR WED - 1
Grumpy Old Men Through Feb 8 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, 239-278-4422
A Guy, A Girl, And A Piano Jan. 3 - 5 The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers, Theresa Quinn and Randy Kramer piano cabaret. 239-218-0481
Hamilton Jan. 1 - 12 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111
Exhibition-Black & White Center for the Arts 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-495-8989
Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Exhibition-Cheri Dunnigan Center for the Arts - Tranovich Gallery, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-495-8989
Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy Live music on the beach from 3 pm to sunset. There will also be food trucks, vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, gift items & much more! Free admission. 239-574-0806 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Chris G, noon-4 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Alabaster Through Jan. 26 Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488
THU - 2
Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Concert will feature J. Roberts and Brent Moyer. 3:45 p.m. www.friendsofloverskey.org www.americanacma.org Jory Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Wildfire Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 The Wildlings Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 34 - January 2020
The national tour of Hamilton is at Artis–Naples and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in January. Photo by Joan Marcus Majesty of Rock: The Music of Journey & Styx Mercato 9132 Strada Pl, Naples 6 – 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 Peter & Will Anderson Jazz Trio Grand Cypress Room Shell Point Retirement Community, 15101 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers, 7 p.m. $30. 239-454-2067 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Paul Roush, Noon-3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m. Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
FRI - 3
Friday Night Concert SeriesThe Bill Colletti Band Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero The best of jazz, Latin, pop, disco, funk and Motown, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 -10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Punta Gorda Snowbird Arts and Crafts Show Jan 3 – 5 The Market Place, 115 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.mypromotions.com Archangels exhibit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Visual artist Frank Henriquez 6 p.m. 239-333-1933 Ragay Lapsey - 1 p.m. Rockin Horse - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Heat Stroke Jan 3 - 31 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Heat Stroke by Ehren Fritz Gerhard. 239-333-1933 Neapolitan Opry - Cluster Pluckin Norris Center Theater 755 8th Avenue South Capt. Joe and the Bottom Feeders, Bill Metts, Richard Perron, Bill Bussing, Andy Wahlberg, Frank Corso, and Friends! 7 p.m. 239-213-3049 Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival January 3-5 The River District in downtown Fort Myers, Friday 4 -10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. General admission is free. www.seafoodfestivals.com
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Mark Gorka, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 AC/DC & Led Zep tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Artists Shah Hadjebi, Pam Jones, Dedo, Sara Morsey, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk 239-337-5050 VAC Open House Jan 3 & 4 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 941-639-8810 Cheryl Fausel exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, Opening reception, 6 10 p.m. 239-590-8645
SAT - 4
Neapolapalooza The Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples Hosted by The Woodwork. 7 p.m. 239-213-3049 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 The Del Prados DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Roy Schneider & The Reckless Saints, Pearl Street Band ACMA @ All Faiths, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org 80 Caliber Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Annual Big Swamp Smoke Off Collier Fairgrounds 751 39th Ave NE, Naples Ben Allen Band, Admission is free! Gates at 10 a.m. www.bigswampsmokeoff.com Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Majesty of Rock - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Saturday Music Series Koreshan State Park - Art Hall 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero This week features the Jarretts. 2:30 p.m. 239-992-0311 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music featuring Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, noon-4 p.m. and Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Art in the Park Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesart.org Annual New Years Art Show Jan. 4 - 5 5th Avenue South, Naples 10 a.m. www.naplesart.org Journey & Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Brandon Robertson Quintet Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 GreenMarket Every Saturday Lee County Alliance for the Arts. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Enjoy live entertainment and activities 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 23rd Estero Fine Art Show Jan 4 - 5 JetBlue Park at Fenway South, Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.hotworks.org Happenings Magazine
SUN - 5
Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Concert Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 p.m. 239-263-1113 Girls of Motown Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Estero Concert Series Koreshan State Park’s Historic Art Hall, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero 3 p.m. 239-596-8404
TUE - 7
Plein Air exhibit The Plein Air Exhibit and Quickdraw features local scenes painted outdoors, or en plein air. The Plein Air Exhibit and Quickdraw Competition artwork will be on display January 7-30 in the Visual Arts Center’s Main Gallery, located at 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda (Across from Fishermen’s Village) Gallery & gift shop hours: Mon Fri, 9am-4pm & Sat, 10am-2pm. For more info visit visualartcenter.org or call 941-639-8810.
Reggae The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Visiting Artist Reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Suite 104, Cape Coral Reception for Norman Cannon and Tom Higgins 6 – 8 p.m. www.Harbourviewgallery.com
Marlinaires Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901
Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Dia de Los Reyes Festival Bell Tower Shops 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers 1 - 5 p.m. 239-489-1221
Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Mark Gorka, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Ehnes Quartet Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails 7 p.m. Concert 8 p.m. 239-333-1933
Kenny Giardino Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Harvey & The Hurricanes The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141
MON - 6
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music featuring Tiki Tom Watson, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Laurie & Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Watch short indie films and get a look at how the Fort Myers Film Festival views submissions for independent films and participate in the selection process..Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 239-333-1933 Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Happenings Magazine
Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Water's Edge Concert: Krossing Jordan Friendship Point Amphitheater Shell Point Retirement Community 15101 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers 6 - 8 p.m. Free. 239-454-2282 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Carpenters Remembered We've Only Just Begun Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Mural Renderings Viewing January 7 – 30 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda, Mural renderings from the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society will be on view. 941-639-8810 Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
WED - 8
Chris MacDonald's Memories of Elvis Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849
AMERICANA COMMUNITY M USIC ASSOCIATION ort Myers home for original Americana music!
F
Roy Schneider &
Malcolm Holcombe
JANUARY 4
JANUARY 11
The Reckless Saints
Roy Schneider opens ($20)
Kyshona
Lara Herscovitch
JANUARY 17
JANUARY 25
with Shannon Labrie
The Dunn Deal opens
Shows at All Faiths Unitarian Cong., 2756 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m. $15 donation at door
ACMA on the ROAD
Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park JAN. 2 at 3:45 pm - FREE J Robert, Brent Moyer
Songwriters at South County Librar y - Estero JAN . 11 at 2 pm - FREE
Glen Sabatka, David Stanley, Christine Scholtus
Songwriters on the Plaza Downtown Fort Myers Librar y
JAN. 14 at 6 pm - FREE
Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz, Mar y Dahl
Indoors if needed
Songwriters at Captiva Librar y JAN . 29 at 2 pm - FREE Bill Metts, David Hintz
info 239-691-4069
www.AmericanACMA.org January 2020 - 35
JANUARY CALENDAR Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
WED - 8 CONTINUED Art & Soul Community Night Shangri-La Springs, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 – 9 p.m. 239-949-0749
Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Ben Allen - 8:30 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901
Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Iconic Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sinatra and Martin tribute Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Art & Soul Nights Shangri-La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road Bonita Springs 6 to 9 p.m. 239-949-0749 Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours - ART ALIVE Art District of Naples “ART ALIVE” evening consists of over 50 professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. Meet the artist, party and bring home unique treasures for your home. Look for the magenta and white art flags. 5-8 p.m. www.NaplesArtDistrict.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Mark Gorka performs, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941575-3007 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Charlotte Players: Driving Miss Daisy Jan. 8 - 19 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022
THU - 9
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village,1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Paul Roush, Noon-3 p.m. & Singer Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
36 - January 2020
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment welcomes Tanya Tucker Jan. 22 to Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. For tickets, visit www.jaytv.com All Abstract exhibit Cape Coral Art League 516 Cultural Park, Cape Coral Reception: 5 - 7 p.m. 238-772-5657 Slightly Soapy Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paul David Adamick exhibit Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel Opening reception 5 - 8 p.m. 239-395-0027 Dave and Lisa The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Weekend Comedy Jan. 9 - Feb. 22 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Limited Edition Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 TheatreZone presents Wonderful Town Jan. 9 - 19 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, 888-966-3352 x1
Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 COCO Art Gallery reception Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 5 - 7 p.m. 239-949-3073
FRI - 10
Friday Night Concert SeriesRockin Horse Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Leila Mesdaghi reception Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway Love Cannot Alter It exhibit runs Jan. 3 - 23. Reception Jan. 10 from 5 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0802
2020 Florida Winter National Wood Art Expo & Competition Jan. 10 - 11 Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 716-628-7042 Absolute Queen Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails 7 p.m. Concert, 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Staged Readings Center for Performing Arts 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, A celebration of short plays and highlighting three Florida playwrights, 7:30 p.m. 239) 495-8989 Reveries of A Tropical Heart Jan. 10 – Feb. 2 Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers Opening reception Jan 10 5-7 p.m. See it first, see it free. Gallery walk and talk Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. Free to attend. 239-939-2787 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
SAT - 11
The Sunset Celebration - MFYF Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 The Del Rays DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 ACMA Concert South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Glen Sabatka, David Stanley, Christine Scholtus, 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Not Guilty Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Elton John, Billy Joel tribute Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Motown, Latin and Santana tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Fort Myers Home and Remodeling Show Jan. 10 -12 The Lee Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers, 239-543-8368
Malcolm Holcombe ACMA Listening Room @ All Faiths, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org
Nunsense Jan. 10 – 19 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-772-5862
Villalobos Brothers Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989
Bee Gees & Stones tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Gulfshore Playhouse: Native Gardens Jan. 11 - Feb. 2 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 239-261-7529
Barefoot In The Park Jan. 10 - 29 Florida Repertory Theatre Historic Arcade Theatre 2268 Bar Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488
Bee Gees tribute Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147
ArtSmack 2 Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Artist showcase featuring Rose Jung, 7 p.m. 224-678-4901 www.neenieshouse.com Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
High Lonesome The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839
Happenings Magazine
JANUARY CALENDAR SAT - 11 CONTINUED 35th Annual Cape Coral Arts and Music Festival Jan 11 - 12 On Cape Coral Parkway Produced by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, this is a celebration of national and local fine art, fine craft and music. www.capecoralfestival.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Southwest Florida Symphony: MW2 The Romantix Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Saturday Music Series Koreshan State Park - Art Hall 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero This week features Silvia & Pete. 2:30 p.m. 239-992-0311 SWFL Food Fest & Auto Show 8655 Piper Rd, Punta Gorda 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.joinfproxy.com Bonita Springs National Art Festival Jan.11 - 12 Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.artcenterbonita.org Ragay Lapsey - 1 p.m. Deb & The Dynamics - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Scared Scriptless Comedy The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-218-0481
38 - January 2020
Naples Artcrafters Art & Craft Show Cambier Park, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com National Anthem Auditions Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Compete to sing the Anthem at a 2020 Minnesota Twins Spring Training game on Feb. 26. Registration will take place prior to start time. 1 to 3 p.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store 239-948-3766
SUN - 12 Gulf Coast Big Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 p.m. 239-877-6090
The Real Florida exhibit Guess-Fisher Gallery, 810 12th Ave. S., Naples Meet the artists and see their works focusing on the real reasons we're here. Live music by Acoustic Road, 5 – 8 p.m. www.Guess-FisherGallery.com Blues & Bloody’s Concert The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
8th Annual Woofstock Mercato 9132 Strada Pl, Naples Live music by The Woodwork, craft beer provided by RipTide Brewing Company, raffles, other rescue organizations and a local vendor market. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door and children under 12 are free! 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-254-1080 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Nagel, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Lee County Community Band Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org Harvey & The Hurricanes The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141
MON - 13
Johnny Rogers Band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
The Punta Gorda Quickdraw competition Downtown Punta Gorda. Competition is from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets to the luncheon with artists are $10 at www.visualartcenter.org. The Quickdraw will be on display Jan. 7-30. 941-639-8810 www.visualartcenter.org
Archer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454
Faded Roots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Electric Lipstick - 1 p.m. Variety Show - 6 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901
Naples Big Band Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. www.naplesbigband.com
Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute North Fort Myers Public Library 2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, 2 p.m. 239-479-4636
Alan Small The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
TUE - 14
Songwriters on the Plaza Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers ACMA’s Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz and Bill Veach. 6 p.m. 239-479-4636 Cape Coral Historical Society meeting Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 2:30 p.m. 239-772-7037 Ave Maria Arts & Crafts Festival Jan. 14 – 16 Ave Maria, Annunciation Circle Free, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 239-3523903 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Kenny Giardino Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Northwest Regional Library 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral, 6 p.m. 239-479-4636 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Bob Seger, Lady Gaga, Cher, Billy Joel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Florida Rep Theatre Event South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Meet artistic director Greg Longenhagen from the Florida Rep Theatre. A Q&A session with the actors will follow the presentation. Registration required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Hamilton Jan 14 - 26 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
Happenings Magazine
TheatreZone presents Beyond The Lights Discovering Sammy Davis Jr. G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, 5 & 7:30 pm 888-966-3352 x1
WED - 15
Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Captiva Memorial Library 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva 3 p.m. 239-479-4636 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Nagel, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Temptations, Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 TheatreZone Legends & Legacies: Together Wherever We Go: Gypsy Rose Lee by Erick Lee Preminger G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, 6 p.m. 888-966-3352 x1 Marlinaires Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 All that Jazz Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples The Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is joined by saxophonist Jerry Weldon for a night of sizzling jazz in Daniels Pavilion. 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Naples Players present Making God Laugh Jan. 15 through Feb. 9 Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 239-263-7990 Opening Wine & Cheese Reception for The Plein Air Exhibit and Quickdraw Visual Arts Center 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda, 5 p.m. www.visualartcenter.org 941-639-8810.
THU - 16
Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Art and Poetry Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Take part in the monthly Art and Poetry Networking Event from Gulf Coast Leisure! Experience the best talent SWFL has to offer. 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute Village Church Auditorium Shell Point Retirement Community 15101 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers 7 p.m.. $40. 239-454-2067 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Paul Roush 12 Noon - 3 p.m. Singer Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Third Thursday Wine Walk (formerly Alive After Five) Downtown Punta Gorda 5 - 8 p.m. 941-391-4856 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Mountaintop Jan. 16- 18, 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. Lee County Alliance for the Arts. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 Girls of Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Experiments: Digital Media Workshop January 16-February 13 ArtLab in the west side of the Library building, FGCU, This exhibition is free and open to the public Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 239-590-7199 or fgcu.edu/artgalleries Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Beethoven’s Triple Concerto Jan. 16 & 17 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Bike Night Shell Factory & Nature Park 16554 N Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers, 5 p.m. 239-995-2141 Time Stands Still Jan. 16 - Feb. 2 New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214
FRI - 17
Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454
Friday Night Concert Series The Ex-Bachelors Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, 6 to 9 p.m. in Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766
Collaboration Band Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901
Neil Diamond tribute Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 39
JANUARY CALENDAR Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
FRI - 17 CONTINUED Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 5-9 pm., center court. 941-575-3007
Open Casting Call for Nana’s Naughty Knickers January 18- 19 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., in Cape Coral, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 239-772-5862
Collaboration Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. www.fortmyersmusicwalk.com Jazzy Nights | Dan Miller and Lew DelGatto Quintet Featuring Kenny Washington Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Doors, 7 p.m. Concert, 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Bite The Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Ragay Lapsey - 1 p.m. Iconic - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Death of A Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody Jan. 17 - Feb. 8 Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Gulfshore Opera: Passionate Puccini First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, 7 p.m. 239-529-3925 Kyshona and Shannon Labrie ACMA Listening Room @ All Faiths, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org Naples Community Orchestra Jan. 17 & 18 Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive in Naples 239-676-0077 40 - January 2020
Long-time air guitar competitor John J. Healy (aka Crusher) will host an air guitar competition at The Edge Nightclub, 1528 Hendry St. Fort Myers, on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets ae $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Sanibel Community House Art Festival Jan. 17 & 18 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-293-9448
SAT - 18
We Are Rocking and Rolling South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, Music by Tommy Barr. Bring a folding chair or blanket. During inclement weather, outdoor concerts will be moved inside. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 J Salay & Wildfire Band DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326 Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Gulfshore Opera: Passionate Puccini Rose History Auditorium, Marco Island, 7 p.m. 239-529-3925 Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Bombshell - 7 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 5th Annual Bacon Jam Centennial Park, Fort Myers 11 am to 6 pm. www.96krock.com
Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival Jan 18 – 19 Sullivan Street from the Retta Esplanade to Virginia Avenue, Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 941-639-3720 Fall Home and Garden Show Jan.18 - 19 Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 941-833-5444 Wing Fest Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 1 - 6 p.m. 239-947-1000 Pink Floyd tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Celebration in the Sky Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St, Immokalee Largest land-based fireworks show in SW Florida. Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to bring their chairs. 9 p.m. 239-658-1313 NightBird-The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Righteous Brothers Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours 50 professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.NaplesArtDistrict.com
Ford’s Factory Annual Art Show - Exhibit Opening Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers 6 p.m. Members free; nonmembers included with admission 239-334-7419 Saturday Music Series Koreshan State Park - Art Hall 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero This week features Scott Ritter. 2:30 p.m. 239-992-0311 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Art Fest Naples Jan. 18 & 19 Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.artfestnaples.com
SUN - 19
Mandy Patinkin Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Harvey & The Hurricanes The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141 Justin Ross The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute The Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda, 7 p.m. 941-637-0459 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Dan Meadows, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Howie Mandel Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 8 p.m., 800-514-ETIX Bluegrass Indoor Concert Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m. 239-939-2787 Kremer Plays Chopin and Franck Jan. 19 & 21 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1111 Naples Concert Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240 Alley Katz Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901 Fort Myers Mastersingers Music in Transition Unitarian Universalist Church, Shire Lane, Fort Myers 3:30 p.m. 239-288-2535 Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 SW Florida Concert Band South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, 2 p.m. www.swflconcertband.com
MON - 20
Johnny Mathis Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jodie DeSalvo Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Happenings Magazine
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom Watson, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Free Play Reading of "Day of Absence" Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St, Fort Myers In celebration of MLK Day, Florida Rep will host a free play reading of "A Day Of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward in the Historic Arcade Theatre at 6 p.m. 239- 332-4488 Colton The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Tina Turner, Blues Bros. tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
TUE - 21
Florida Repertory Theatre Event Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers Meet Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen from the Florida Rep Theatre. Find out more about what's to come in Season 22. Registration is required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636
Happenings Magazine
Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Bad Latitude Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 The Doo Wop Project Jan. 21-25 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1111 Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901
Jersey Boys tribute (2 shows) The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
WED - 22
My Guitar Captiva Memorial Library 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva Guitar soloist Jane Rosenbohm. 3 p.m. 239-479-4636 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Beatles and Stones tribute Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147 Alan Small The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Classix Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Nagel, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-5753007
Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Temptations, Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Slightly Soapy Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Tanya Tucker Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, 8 p.m., 800-514-ETIX.
Stradi-Various Village Church Auditorium Shell Point Retirement Community, 15101 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers, 7 p.m. $25 239-454-2067
SWFL Symphony: Stradi – Various Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933
THU - 23
Song-Chasers in the Americana Roots Music Tradition Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 National touring artists Suzanne and Jim have brought Americana Roots Music to appreciative audiences for 25 years. Award-winning vocals with five-string banjo, guitars, flute, autoharp, courtship dulcimer, a smattering of spoons and homespun humor are all woven together. Registration is required. 239-479-4636
New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Electric Lipstick Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Paul Roush, Noon-3 p.m. & Singer Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007
January 2020 - 41
JANUARY CALENDAR Fleetwood Mac, Heart tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
THU - 23 CONTINUED Gulfshore Opera: Passionate Puccini Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Steven Scheschareg, baritone Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts. 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Lara Herscovitch: In Concert Northwest Regional Library 519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 Singer-songwriter-poet, performer and advocate Lara Herscovitch’s highly original contemporary folk music is spiced with blues, pop and jazz influences. 239-479-4636
FRI - 24
Lara Herscovitch: Folk Music Reimagined Bonita Springs Public Library 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, 2 p.m. A singer-songwriter-poet, performer and advocate, Lara Herscovitch’s highly original contemporary folk is spiced with blues, pop and jazz influences. 239-479-4636 Back to the 80s tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Lovers Key Boat Show, Market and Seafood Fest Jan 24 - 26 Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach loverskeynauticalmarket.com Karibean Sound Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
42 - January 2020
Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Lara Herscovitch in concert and The Dunn Deal opens ACMA Listening Room @ All Faiths, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment welcomes The Marshall Tucker Band Jan. 26 to Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. For tickets, visit www.jaytv.com Trio Gaspard Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Founded in 2010, Trio Gaspard is one of the most sought-after piano trios of its generation, praised for their unique and fresh approach to the score. Cocktails, 7 p.m. Concert, 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 239-333-1933 Beach Boys tribute Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147 Tommy Decarlo of Boston The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, 239-985-9839 Englewood Seafood & Music Festival January 24-26 Pioneer Park, Englewood Friday evening 4 -10 p.m. and continues Saturday 11a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free! www.seafoodfestivals.com Lou Villano Presents The Paul Anka Songbook Tribute Show Jan. 24 - 26 Cultural Park Theater, Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 528 17th Annual Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival Jan 24 – 25 Centennial Park, 2000 W First St., Fort Myers
Gaither Vocal Band 2020 Tour
First Assembly of God 4701 Summerlin Rd, Fort Myers, The Gaither Vocal band is coming on their Good Things Take Time Spring 2020 Tour to Fort Myers, FL on January 24th. They will be at First Assembly of God so go ahead and make your plans to join us for a special night of worship with the legendary Gaither Vocal band, 7 p.m. 239-936-6277 Friday Night Concert SeriesThe Silver Sneakers Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce Neumann & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Deb & The Dynamics - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901
SAT - 25
CCAL 10th Annual Art Sale Jan. 25 & 26 Cape Coral Art League 516 Cultural Park, Cape Coral 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days www.capecoralartleague.com
Continuous music! Family friendly! Authentic Celtic food and drink, merchandise & jewelry for sale. www.celticheritageproductions.com
The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Alter Ego DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-466-8326
Relentless Fire Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Charlotte Harbor Chili Challenge & Beer Fest Laishley Park, Punta Gorda 11 a.m. www.puntagordachilifest.com Tribute Band Festival Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs noon - 8 p.m. www.bscevent.com Jammin' in Cultural Park Cape Coral Historical Society & Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral 11 a.m. 239-772-7037 Appalachian Road Show Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Slide Guitar Champion Kraig Kenning, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 pm., center court. 941-575-3007 Dave Bray USA with opening act Nate Winkler Military Heritage Museum 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda 7 p.m. 941-575-9002 Festival of Beers Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. Fort Myers 2 - 6 p.m. 239-768-4210 ClamJam of Southwest Florida Seafood & Music Festival Jan 25 - 26 German-American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral Two full days of Arts & Craft Vendors, Fresh Local Pine Island and Southwest Florida Seafood and other Great Foods, Live Music and Contests for all ages, family event offers Kids Games and Rides. www.clamjamswfl.com
Time for Joy–Mally Khorasantchi Exhibit Jan. 25 – March 1 BIG ARTS Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island Mally Khorasantchi, primarily known as an abstract painter, describes her work as largescale contemporary art inspired by nature. Artists Reception: Saturday, January 25 at 5:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 Saturday Music Series Koreshan State Park - Art Hall 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero This week features Peaceful Easy Feeling Band. 2:30 p.m. 239-992-0311 Casting Call for the The Owl and the Pussycat Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-772-5862 Sunset Celebration with Thorn Birds Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 The Second City Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Ragay Lapsey - 1 p.m. Limited Edition - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 The Art Festival at Mercato Jan. 25 & 26 9123 Strada Place, Naples 239-293-9448 BIG ARTS Open House 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Noon - 4 p.m. 239-395-0900 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
SUN - 26
SWFL Big Band Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza Enjoy listening to music from the Big Band era performed by Southwest Florida Big Band. 239-948-3766 Grease, Barry Manilow, Elvis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Happenings Magazine
The City of Fort Myers and Celtic Heritage Productions present
Celtic Festival JANUARY 24 5 to 10 p.m.
Rathkeltair Albannach
The Screaming Orphans West of Galway Blue Skye Pipes & Drums
Albannach
ADMISSION $5
JANUARY 25 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Albannach Rathkeltair
The Screaming Orphans Marcille Wallis & Friends House of Hamill Kellyn Celtic Dancers
Screaming Orphans
House of Hamill
ADMISSION $12
Children under 12 free
(accompanied by paying adult)
Two day festival pass only $15
Lawn chairs encouraged. No coolers.
Live music, food,
drinks & craf t vendors
West of Galway
Gates open at 11 am Saturday
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Kellyn Celtic Dancers
C e lti c H e r it a ge P r o d u c ti o n s . c o m For more information call
239-321-7530 941-625-8544
JANUARY CALENDAR Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
SUN - 26 CONTINUED Spin Zone The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Elephant Storytelling Showcase: Stories You’ll Never Forget Lee County Alliance for the Arts. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Ten storytellers perform tales of laughter, tears, fun and excitement. 7 p.m. 239-939-2787
All Star Music Fest Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, noon 239-990-9901
Afro-Cuban Jazz Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Galen Abdur-Razzaq is a riveting speaker with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of jazz and a master flutist. 6 p.m., 239-479-4636
The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454 Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, 2 - 4 p.m. www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com Riverside Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers Noon - 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Marshall Tucker Band Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, 8 p.m., 800-514-ETIX. Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Nagel, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Gumbo Fest Shell Factory & Nature Park 16554 N Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 239-995-2141 Island Jazz BIG ARTS Garden 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the tunes of the ever-popular Island Jazz musicians. 3 - 5 p.m. 239-395-0900 Naples Big Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-3240 The Cleveland Orchestra Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1111 Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda 4 p.m. 941-833-5444 Piano Man Generations Jan. 26 - 27 Broadway Palm 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Harvey & The Hurricanes The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141 44 - January 2020
The Rand Adler exhibit opens Jan. 30 at FGCU and runs through Feb. 27.
MON - 27 Hope by Song Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-479-4636
Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Stardust Memories Big Band Concert Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 p.m. www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com Justin Ross The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Faded Roots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chicago, Doobie Bros. tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
TUE - 28
Miami City Ballet Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 A Star Is Born: The Concert Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Cahlua and Cream The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Kenny Giardino Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com Red Hannah’s Bob & Joe Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Larry D The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Pearl & Nicole DJ’s Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Robin Williams tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
WED - 29
ACMA: Bill Metts, David Hintz Captiva Memorial Library 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Mike Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Women in Jazz Pine Island Public Library 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 Learn about women in jazz and enjoy the music of Galen, a flute player, who starts and ends this lecture-based program with a flute performance. 239-479-4636 Art After Hours The Baker Museum and Hayes Hall Galleries 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 to 9 p.m. With live music performed by local musicians, concessions at the cafe and free admission to all museum exhibitions. 239-597-1111 Orlando Transit Authority - Chicago Tribute Concert Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda 7 p.m. 941-833-5444 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
THU - 30
Mural Rendering Exhibit and Silent Auction event Visual Arts Center 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda 6 p.m. Tickets $20 at visualartcenter.org. the (Across from Fishermen’s Village) For more info visit visualartcenter.org or call 941-639-8810 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Happenings Magazine
Wildfire Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-990-9901 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Top Of The World: LIVE The Charlotte Performing Arts Center! 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda, Top Of The World A Carpenters Tribute 7:30 p.m. 941-637-0459 That Golden Girls Show Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 Presence: Ran Adler opening reception Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU This event is free and open to the public. 5 p.m. 239-590-7199 fgcu.edu/artgalleries Stars of the Sixties with Herman's Hermits & More Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com CSNY, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
FRI - 31
Rhythm on the River with Steve Farst Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers Edison Ford members $25; non-members $35; at the door price: $40. 6 p.m. 239-334-7419 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Eagles tribute - The Long Run Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, Dinner 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. 239-344-6147 Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Happenings Magazine
David Mayfield Parade Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Doors, 7 p.m. & Concert, 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Ghost Walk Play Koreshan State Park 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Shows at 6:45 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 7 and 8. Tickets $25 each with a limit of 30 tickets per performance. www.friendsofkoreshan.org Steve Lippia in Simply Sinatra Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Ragady Lapsey - 1 p.m. Iconic - 8 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 239-990-9901 Abbado Conducts Beethoven Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 100 Years of Comedy The Norris Center 755 8th Avenue South, Naples Humorist Lenny Dave traces the roots and branches of American Comedy. 1 p.m. 239-213 -3049 Presence: Ran Adler Exhibit Jan. 31 - Feb. 27 Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU 239-590-7199 Gulf Coast Symphony: To Whitney with Love Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Friday Night Concert Series-The Collaboration Band Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Motown meets R&B, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Gullet Band, 5 - 9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 The Steel Woods The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Styx - 2020 World Tour Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW 13351 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 SW Florida Symphony: Music of Queen Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda 7:30 p.m. 239-418-1500
January 2020 - 45
MUSIC
Stardust Memories Big Band ready to kick off sixth season
The Stardust Memories Big Band returns for its sixth season. The band opens its 2020 outdoor concert series on Jan. 27 in Cambier Park in Naples, and Jan. 28 in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. The opening show, “Greatest Hits of the Big Band Era,” features many of the legendary arrangements made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and many others. The 2020 outdoor schedule consists of five different shows, each of which is performed at Cambier Park, Naples (Monday nights), and at Riverside Park, Bonita Springs (Tuesday nights) for a total of ten performances. Those shows will include “Greatest Hits of the Big Band Era,” “Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw,” “SINATRA” featuring Walt Andrus, “Quincy Jones and Sammy Nestico” and “Best of the Season by Request.” See the band’s full 2020 outdoor schedule advertisement (on page 3) contained in this magazine, or on the “Shows” page of the band’s website at www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com. All shows are from 7 to 9 p.m., and each show will be advertised in the Naples Daily News “In the 239”, in The Bonita “Banner and on WAVV 101.1FM. A $5 per person contribution is requested at each concert. The band is the vision of founder and band leader Craig Christman, and brings together some of Florida's finest jazz
46 - January 2020
musicians (Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Miami). These working professionals have a collective resume that includes The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under Buddy Morrow, The Si Zentner Big Band, The Chick Corea World Tour, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Airmen of Note, and performances with artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, Nathalie Cole, Steve and Eydie Gorme, Nat King Cole, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and numerous orchestras and Broadway shows. The band’s primary mission is to provide the best big band entertainment available to audiences in SW Florida. Recent written comments received from audience members include: “The City of Naples is extremely fortunate to have this kind of highquality big band perform-
ing in our city. They are a rarity in the performing arts in the U.S. today” “I don’t think there is any better quality or more professional group in the country that plays big band music like The Stardust Memories Big Band” “Never have I been exposed to this level of stellar musicians.” “Attendance at Stardust Memories Big Band shows is by far the highlight of our winters” The band, organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, recreates the sounds of the legendary American Big Bands including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and the more contemporary big bands of Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Band, and many more. For 2020, the SMBB will continue an important mission objective by providing direct financial support to Music for Minors Foundation, and The Music Foundation of SW Florida. These two local area nonprofit organizations provide instruments, summer training camps, and scholarships to young and aspiring musicians from our local schools. To learn more about and listen to The Stardust Memories Big Band, visit www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com. Happenings Magazine
Ehnes Quartet to perform Jan. 5 at Davis Art Center
Kick off the new year with world renowned Chamber music this January. The first concert in the Chamber Music Series brings the Ehnes Quartet to downtown Fort Myers on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. The quartet is comprised of four internationally acclaimed string musicians: two time Grammy winning violinists James Ehnes and Amy Schwartz Moretti, violist Richard O’Neill and cellist Edward Arron. Experience the group that was hailed as “an important new force in the chamber music arena” with a “dream-team lineup” by Strings Magazine. The Ehnes Quartet was formally established in 2010, but each musician in the group has spent over 20
Happenings Magazine
years performing classical music. The quartet’s highly refined, sensitive, and articulate performances have delighted audiences and critics across North America, Europe, and Asia, and have made them one of the most sought after chamber groups performing today. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933 for info and tickets.
Yesterday concert Jan. 26
By popular demand, a return engagement featuring Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles will perform Jan. 26 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Based in Las Vegas and endorsed by both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles has toured around the world portraying the musical icons of the four young lads from Liverpool, transporting its audience to a bygone era of magical innocence. This production is a spell binding enactment of the best loved pop group in the history of modern music. Just close your eyes and “Yesterday” will effortlessly transport you back to the timeless music of The Beatles, showcasing their songs which will forever be an emblem of the 1960's. The show is rich in memories, with superior showmanship, flawless voices and exceptional musical abilities; a notto-be-missed performance. Proceeds from this benefit con-
cert will support The Charlotte Chorale's mission of bringing quality choral music to Charlotte County. The chorale also provides scholarships to promising young musicians to aid in their pursuit of a degree in music. Your attendance at the “Yesterday” benefit concert will help the group in these endeavors. The concert will be at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. Ticket prices vary by seat selection and are on sale by calling the center at 941-833-5444 or by going to www.charlotteharborecc.com.
January 2020 - 47
MUSIC
Jammin’ in Cultural Park Jan. 25
The Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum will host its annual music festival on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Cultural Park from
Sheena Brook
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the city’s 50-year anniversary celebration. Formerly known as the Bluegrass Jamboree, this year’s event has been rebranded as Jammin’ in Cultural Park and will feature local musical acts Signal III (opener), Soulixer and headliner Sheena Brook. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the music begins at noon. Food trucks and vendors will be on site and as an added bonus, the museum will also be open to all ticket holders during the event. Jammin’ is a chance for families to gather at the museum for an afternoon of wonderful music, great food and fascinating history. VIP tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the gate and include a meal, dessert, two drink tickets and a seat in the VIP tent. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children's tickets (aged 4-12) are $5. Children aged 3 and under are free. Advance ticket sales end Jan. 22. Ticket sales benefit the Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum Tickets are available for purchase at the museum, by phone at 239-772-7037 or online at www.capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org The park is located at 544 Cultural Park Blvd. (behind the Cape Coral Historical Museum) Cape Coral.
Soulixer
Signal III
Mastersingers present free concert as part of Edison Festival of Light
The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers presents its first full-chorus concert of 2020 as a sanctioned event of the Edison Festival of Light. Artistic director Shannon Arnold leads the 80-voice chorus in another of the imaginative programs that, along with well-loved masterworks, have become the ensemble’s trademark. This concert focuses on noteworthy inventions in history while the Mastersingers perform music written in the years those advances appeared. The program will be performed on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 3595 Broadway, Fort Myers. There is no fee for admission as this concert is presented in partnership with St. Michael’s Church for the benefit of the community. Director Arnold speaks to a program to help celebrate Fort Myers’ most famous citizen. “The importance of Thomas Edison as 48 - January 2020
an inventor inspired this entire program. Life-altering inventions such as the airplane, the internet, and Edison's incandescent light bulb will be represented through music written at the time of these advancements.” She continues, “Just as inventions have paved the course of history, choral literature has evolved in the same way. We're excited to portray the history of science and music through a choral time warp experience!” Arnold adds, “We are also thrilled to be able to bring this type of event to our community and as a part of the Edison Festival of Light.” The listener will indeed be treated to a choral time warp as selections run from Haydn and Beethoven through to modern day composers Michael Dellaira and Abbie Betinis with stops in between for Bruckner and Britten. The choral compositions are as diverse as the inventions being highlighted.
Accompaniment for the program will be provided by the group’s masterful collaborative pianist, Janet Carter. In addition to the adult chorus, winners of the 2019 DeMaster Scholarships, another of the Mastersingers’ community outreach programs, will sing at this event. The DeMaster Scholarship program is in its sixth year and is open to aspiring soloists from 6th through 12th grades. Each April, auditions are held and scholarships for voice lessons are awarded. To date, the organization has distributed nearly $20,000 in scholarships through the program. The 2020 auditions will be held on Saturday, April 25 at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers. Information on how to take part in the DeMaster auditions or other Mastersingers’ community programs, and the group’s concert schedule can be found on the website at www.mastersingersfm.com. Happenings Magazine
Appalachian Road Show
Villalobos Brothers
Brandon Robertson Quintet
Brandon Robertson Quintet, Villalobos Brothers and Appalachian Road Show bring diverse sounds to the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs in January
The Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs continues to offer wonderful music events in January. Brandon Robertson Quintet performs at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4 at Hinman Auditorium. Joining the Brandon Robertson Quintet is renowned trumpeter James Suggs, saxophonist Zach Bornheimer, drummer Paul Gavin, and pianist John O’Leary III. Brandon Robertson is an Emmy nominated music director and bassist originally from Tampa. Musical Moments: EuroTour will be presented Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. in Moe Auditorium. Who are the best classical composers of all time? The three composers that consistently appear in the top three places are Bach, Mozart and Beethoven—opinions vary on the rest. The Villalobos Brothers perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Hinman Auditorium. Acclaimed as one of today’s leading contemporary Mexican groups, the original compositions and arrangements of The Villalobos Brothers masterfully fuse and celebrate the richness
of Mexican folk music with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music. The ensemble’s virtuosic performances have delighted audiences throughout Latin America, India, Russia, Canada and in more than 30 states across the U.S. Appalachian Road Show will be in concert Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Hinman Auditorium. With Appalachian Road Show, Barry Abernathy, Darrell Webb and their talented compadres (including fiddle beast Jim VanCleve, legendary upright bassist Todd Phillips and guitar phenom Zeb Snyder) seek to honor the music, traditions and history of the great Appalachian people and region. Additionally, the group takes influences from other sources and applies that Appalachian style, as they’ve done with their first radio single, a grassy version of the Steve Miller Band’s “Dance, Dance, Dance.” Both auditoriums are located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. For tickets and information, call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org
BIG ARTS Band
BIG ARTS Chorus
BIG ARTS open house Jan. 25
BIG ARTS is opening the doors of its new home and the community is invited to join the celebration. BIG ARTS will be hosting a community open house on Saturday, Jan. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. The open house is free and will feature live music performed by the popular Island Jazz and the BIG ARTS Community Band and Chorus, as well as food provided by Rib City. Guests will be able to tour the garden area, art gallery and experience the brand new state of the art performance hall. “We’re thrilled to finally be able to open our doors and show off this gorgeous new facility to the public,” exclaimed Don Rice, co-chair of the board of directors. “BIG ARTS mission is to provide quality arts and entertainment to Happenings Magazine
the Sanibel and Captiva community, and we couldn’t think for a better way to celebrate our opening than with the much loved talent from our own community.” The event will begin at noon with Island Jazz performing in the garden. The gallery which will be open all day featuring the first fine arts exhibit of the year, “Time for Joy” by renowned artist Mally Khorasantchi. At 1 p.m., guests will get a chance to experience the new state of the art performance hall with the BIG ARTS Community Chorus. Island Jazz will perform in the garden all day and the finale is the BIG ARTS Concert Band at 3 p.m. Throughout the day, guests will be able to move freely around the facility and enjoy BBQ chicken and pork sliders, potato salad and
coleslaw as they take in the sights and sounds of the day. “This is a celebration of not just the new facility, but the amazing people who make up the Sanibel and Captiva community who have supported the arts on the island throughout the years” said Susan Heisler, board co-chair. “We hope guests get a chance to experience everything the new building has to offer, grab a bite to eat and most importantly enjoy the art and music.” The BIG ARTS open house will be held at 900 Dunlop Road. Guests are encouraged to beat the traffic and ride a bike as ample bike parking will be provided at city hall. To learn more about the new home of BIG ARTS and the “2020 Dream Season” visit www.BIGARTS.org or call 239-395-0900. January 2020 - 49
MUSIC
Roy Schneider, Malcolm Holcombe, Kyshona, Lara Herscovitch at ACMA
others to enjoy the healing The Americana Community properties of songwriting, and Music Association is Fort Myers keeping her thoughts to herhome for original Americana self. When you're a music thermusic, is back in full swing for apist to incarcerated and instiJanuary with eight shows this tutionalized adults and school month. Four will be at the ACMA children with emotional behavlistening room at the All Faiths ior disorders, artistic considerCongregation on McGregor ations aren't even on the table. Boulevard in Fort Myers. The Armstrong had focused on other four shows are free and will oboe at the University of be on the road: Songwriters at Georgia — that and steel Sunset at Lovers Key State Park drums, which she played in the Jan. 2, Songwriters at South college's Hawaiian-shirt-sportCounty Library in Estero Jan. 11; ing ensemble, Tropical Breeze. Songwriters on the Plaza in But since neither instrument downtown Fort Myers Jan. 14; was all that well suited to coaxand Songwriters at Captiva ing patients into musical selfLibrary Jan. 29. expression, she got into Shows at the ACMA listening Malcolm Holcombe will play at the ACMA listening room in Fort singing, playing acoustic guitar room in January: Myers Jan. 11. Photo by Steve Scarborough. and songwriting. The ACMA is pleased to welLara Herscovitch comes to come back Roy Schneider and the ACMA stage for the first Kim Mayfield to open the 2020 It’s a place of paradoxes, where poverty time on Jan. 25. The Dunn Deal will open music season as The Reckless Saints on is handed down from one hardscrabble genthat night. Lara Herscovitch is a modern Jan. 4. There's a special story behind the eration to the next in towns passed over by American songwriter-poet-performer gem, connection with them and the ACMA. the New South progress that gives a city like creating masterful contemporary folk with Beyond that they always bring a wonderful Asheville its bourgeois charm. It’s a resilient blues, pop and jazz influences. Former vibe and special music to the stage. This pocket of wilderness where a small band of Connecticut State Troubadour, she writes, year brings Tom Cahill to the stage as one Cherokee once disappeared into the misty sings and leads with authenticity, integrity, of the Saints. Here's a bit about the band. hollers to wait out the white man’s ire, back humor and heart, delivering performances Troubadour and formerly syndicated carin the deep woods where old growth timber that inspire, inform, uplift and entertain. toonist Roy Schneider has developed a blocks out the sunlight and compass neeSound Waves Magazine described her devoted fan base for his flavor of Americana dles sometimes spin crazily and the trapmusic as “expertly written prose… songwritmusic since 2008, through international pings of civilization give way to things ing at its best… good for your ears AND radio airplay and consistent touring with lifebeyond human understanding. your soul.” Delivered with a voice Performer and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Known in On the cusp of releasing his 13th studio Magazine called “clear and smooth like festival circles as the Reckless Saints, album — “Come Hell or High Water,” singerexpensive liquor.” Schneider and Mayfield have brought their songwriter Malcolm Holcombe is a both a Acoustic Live in New York City added, musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and part of and apart from those Blue Ridge “She possesses not only a huge reservoir of sweet to delighted audiences across the hills, a Southern folk golem brought to life by musical talent and a voice with a bell-like USA and abroad, exploring and expanding the deeper mysteries that give these hills so clarity, but a keen sense of global concern their musical horizons with every performmuch of their folklore. and a fierce intellect... It might seem too ance. His songs belong in the same Western good to be true, but true it is.” Schneider’s songs have earned praise in North Carolina echelon of mysteries like the Singer songwriters circle are held every the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Brown Mountain Lights or the ghostly Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. at All Faiths Competition (TX), Telluride Blues & Brews apparitions along Helen’s Bridge or the Unitarian Congregation. The circle is for Acoustic Blues competition (CO), and phantom choir of Roan Mountain — things acoustic songwriters of all levels. Songs and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist that surpass conventional explanation but experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, showcase (NY). The duo has performed offisummon forth a combination of awe and pricasual atmosphere. No membership cial showcases at Folk Alliance conferences mal longing, an ache to understand the required. All are welcome to come and play in New York, Austin TX and Asheville NC. great questions of the human condition. or just to listen. Other notable venues include Nashville’s The ACMA welcomes Kyshona on Friday, The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for Bluebird Cafe, Northern England’s MAD Jan. 17 with special guest Shannon Labrie. profit organization. Most concerts are held at Fest, and season 5 of NBC’s The Voice. For a singer-songwriter, there's no more All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 Opening is The Pearl Street Band, Fort basic function than getting onstage and getMcGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open Myers Beach favorite original band. ting something personal off your chest. The at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 p.m. Malcolm Holcombe hits the ACMA stage therapeutic qualities of the experience have For more information visit www.americanacon Jan. 11, and Roy Schneider opens. This seduced countless confessional composers, ma.org show has a special pricing of $20. On the some of whom make known that they hold North Carolina side of the Southern unfiltered expression as their highest artistic Appalachians, the land still retains its ACMA GOES ON THE ROAD: See aim. secrets. related articles on pages 54 and 64. Kyshona Armstrong started out enabling 50 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
ClamJam Seafood & Music Fest Jan. 25 & 26
ClamJam of Southwest Florida Seafood & Music Festival will be held Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the German American Social Club, 2101 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. The music on Saturday starts at 10 a.m. with Jason Bonham, Girls of Motown professionally known as "Thunderbear" is a singer songwriter originally from Ohio. In 2014, he won a conThe Girls of Motown (formerly The Galaxy test on 96K-Rock winning an opening slot on Band) will perform at 4 pm. Saturday. They a 3 Doors Down show. Afterwards he traveled are known for their ability to keep the floor to Nashville to record songs (Dangerous dancing. The Girls of Motown not only perAddiction, Set Me Free, and Popcorns A form Motown, but also music from the ‘50s, Smokin) with Greg Upchurch and Chet ‘60s and a hint of current pop. The group capRoberts of 3 Doors Down. italizes on “The Girls Of Motown Tribute.” The Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. will be band performs a tribute to The Shirelles, The Southbound 75 who was just named one of Supremes, The Marvalettes, The Ronettes, Reverb nation’s “Top Emerging Country Acts” and many more. and was included on the “Top Emerging The music starts at 11 a.m. Sunday with Country Artist” playlist, “Chart Topping Brother Love. The band features Corky on Country Artist Playlist” & “Best New Country guitar and vocals; Todd on bass guitar and Music Playlist.” Singer-songwriter Mark vocals; Sticks on drums and vocals and Gary Lorenzo’s songs have been used on TV on trumpet and vocals. shows, sports programming, DVDs, cartoons At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the stage will see 24 and more. Carat perform. Band members include Craig
24 Carat Houser, guitar and vocals; Johnny Bell, bass and vocals; Ken Schwartz, drums and vocals. Pre-sale discount tickets are available at The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce on Pine Island Road and Ad & PrintCraft in Bokeelia or online www.ClamJamSWFL.com. Regular tickets can be purchased at the gate. Children 12 and under are free, plus there will be free onsite parking and program guides. ClamJam will be held rain or shine and there are no coolers and no pets permitted on the grounds (service dogs only). Vendors and sponsors are still welcome and can email: Chair@ClamJamSWFL.com Visit www.ClamJamSWFL.com for more information.
Thinking of Starting a Career in
Audio or Video Production? Audio Technology Certificate Program
Courses include
Bee Gees tribute 1/10
Elton John and Billy Joel tribute 1/11
Neil Diamond tribute 1/17
Beatles/Stones tribute 1/22
Beach Boys tribute 1/24
Eagles tribute 1/31
Audio Recording & Production Video Editing & Production
Lee Campus, Fort Myers
Happenings Magazine
For more details 239-432-5203 kelly.o’neil@fsw.edu
Ter-Tini’s 1901 Crystal Dr., Fort Myers
Doors/Dinner 5:30 pm, Shows 7 pm Chefs carve (usually prime rib) with a fish (stuffed flounder/fish bella vista), chicken (marsala or piccata) buffet with sides, salad, rolls
These shows have full bands. More show updates online!
For tickets: www.Ter-Tinis.com or 239-344-6147
January 2020 - 51
Symphonic Chorale seeks singers for annual fest MUSIC
Adult and student singers from the community are invited to “join the chorus” for its 8th Annual Sing Out! SWFL Choral Festival on Friday and Saturday, Feb 21 and 22. Sing Out! is a popular community engagement event, which attracts both locals, national tourists, and even a few international visitors each year. Called Sing Out! FUSION, the 2020 festival will be led by award-winning contemporary classical composer Timothy Takach. He will serve as workshop clinician and conductor of the festival chorus concert on Saturday night, made up of Chorale members and volunteer singers from the community. His wife, Jocelyn Hagen, who is also a successful composer, will perform with Tim during the first half of the festival concert followed by the festival chorus performance. For the first time this event will be held in Cape Coral at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, as part of their Faith Concert Series. “We are excited to have Tim Takach as our Sing Out! clinician and conductor this year,”
said Dr.Trent Brown, artistic director of The Symphonic Chorale. “Tim and his wife, Jocelyn, who will perform during the concert, are amazingly talented and gifted musicians and we are honored to have them at our festival. We are also grateful to Faith Presbyterian Church for hosting Sing Out! to expand the Festival’s reach this year into the Cape Coral community,” Dr. Brown said. Timothy Takach, is a full-time composer based in Minneapolis, MN. His music has broad appeal that fuses contemporary themes and musical elements with traditional choral approaches. In reviews, his music is applauded for its melodic lines and rich, intriguing harmonies. His compositions have been performed on A Prairie Home Companion, The
Boston Pops holiday tour, at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center and many more significant venues around the world. Registration is required for singer participants and Workshop sessions begin on Friday, Feb 21 at 6 p.m. and go through the day on Saturday, Feb. 22, culminating with the festival concert at 7:30 pm. The concert is open to the public with free admission. Open to all community singers without audition, Sing Out! FUSION is supported in part by the LAT Foundation, which provides for students (15 yrs+) to participate without cost. Support for the Festival is also provided by the Lee County Arts & Attractions Marketing Grant awarded through the SWFL Community Foundation. For more information about Sing Out! FUSION, visit www.SymphonicChorale.org or call 239-560-5695. Registration is required to participate as a singer. Students can register to participate without cost and admission to the festival concert on Saturday night is free.
The British Are Coming to SW Florida!
JANUARY 26
at 4 p.m.
From La Vegas - Yesterday: A Tribute to the Beatles Endorsed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Star
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda Benefit concert for Charlotte Chorale • Tickets $35 - $51
941-833-5444 • www.charlotteharborecc.com 52 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
American Idol finalist celebrates
great ladies of song on Jan. 31
When she rose to fame on Season 6 of American Idol, LaKisha Jones, who bears a vocal and physical resemblance to Aretha Franklin, blew away judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson LaKisha with Aretha’s “Think” and “Until You Come Back to Me.” Jones is again taking center stage with an unbelievable evening celebrating great chanteuses like Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, and the one and only Whitney Houston, when she belts out the hits in To Whitney with Love on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. with the Gulf Coast Symphony at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. From sound stages or con-
cert halls around the world, LaKisha Jones has got them swaying in the aisles with showstoppers like “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “You Give Good Love,” and more. LaKisha Jones Jones was a single mother and bank employee originally from Flint, Michigan who always dreamed of making it big in the music business, when she auditioned for Season 6 of American Idol. Later, in her Broadway debut, Jones played two roles in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple, the “church lady” and the pivotal character, “Sophia.” Tickets for the Jan. 31 concert may be purchased by calling the 239-481-4849 or online at www.GulfCoastSymphony.org
Saturday
JAN. 25 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sheena Brook
Beach Boys tribute show
Jan. 16 at Shell Point
Shell Point Retirement Community continues the performing arts program of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance by Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute taking place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 at The Village Church auditorium on The Island at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers. Featuring Wyatt Funderburk, Mike Williamson, Paul Runyon, Matt Thompson and Jason Brewer, Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute will focus on songs by famed American band The Beach Boys. The group’s memHappenings Magazine
bers have performed with musicians from Brian Wilson’s band, The Zombies, Earth Wind & Fire, Cheap Trick and Mark Lindsay. They have also produced records for Micky Dolenz. In 2018, “Sail On” performed over 70 concerts across the country, including three nights filling in for Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys while accompanied by the famous Nashville Symphony. Tickets for this event cost $40 and can be purchased online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.
Soulixer
Signal III
544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral This special concert is part of Cape Coral’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Ticket sales benefit the Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum
TICKETS
VIP: $40 advance, $50 gate Adults: $15 advance, $20 gate Kids 4-12: $5 / 3 & under free
CC50events@capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org 239-772-7037 www.CapeCoralHistoricalMuseum.org January 2020 - 53
MUSIC
Lee County Band Jan. 12
Celebrate the arrival of 2020 with the Lee County Community Band as the 50-member ensemble presents a New Year Band Bash on Sunday, Jan. 12. Clap your hands and tap your feet as the band plays lively marches, uptempo dance tunes, old favorites, and more beginning at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School. Under the direction of Richard Bradstreet, the band will delight the audience with a tribute to Irving Berlin, Big Bands in Concert, a medley of familiar tunes including “For Me and My Gal,” and “Pretty Baby;” and then transport them to romantic Austria as Norman Jones sings “Vienna, City of My Dreams.” The band performs at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., beginning at 3 p.m. The concerts are free (donations welcome) and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org
SW FL Concert Band Jan. 19
The Southwest Florida Concert Band will perform The Best of Broadway concert on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2:00 p.m. at South Fort Myers High School 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers The 40 member community band will perform a concert of memorable Broadway selections that is certain to entertain all audiences. The concert will include selections from The Music Man, The Lion King, West Side Story, Oliver, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera and more. All concerts are free with donations accepted. For more info on the group, visit www.SWFLConcertBand.org
Bonita Concert Band Jan. 26
The next free concert by the Bonita Springs Concert Band will be Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Old Bonita. Guest soloist Jennifer Gilmore will perform “Selections from The Sound of Music,” and “Skyfall.” The Bonita Springs Concert Band will perform John Philip Sousa’s “Bullets and Bayonets,” “Whistle Stop Junction,” and highlights from “The Game of Thrones.” The Greek dancers from St. Katherine’s Orthodox Church will perform as the band plays the “Greek Folk Song Suite.” The 90 band members are under the direction of Gary Smith. More details about the band can be found at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com 54 - January 2020
Gatlin Brothers at Seminole Casino Hotel Grammy Award winning Gatlin Brothers performed a Christmas concert Dec. 19 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. Photo by Jamie Kuser
ACMA goes on the road
Songwriters at Sunset returns Jan. 2
The Americana Community Music Association goes on the road four times in January. The four shows are free and and include Songwriters at Sunset at Lovers Key State Park Jan. 2, Songwriters at South County Library in Estero Jan. 11; Songwriters on the Plaza in downtown Fort Myers Jan. 14; and Songwriters at Captiva Library Jan. 29. FOLKS (Friends of Lovers Key, Inc.) has joined with the ACMA to offer free acoustic concerts of all original music at the state park just south of Fort Myers Beach. The concerts will take place in the large gazebo located right on the beach. Seating is available for the first 80 people. Additional seating is also available on the sand. Show starts 3:45 p.m. Come early to enjoy a variety of the local food trucks. Park entry fee is $8 per vehicle (2-8 people), and $4 for single person in vehicle.
The first Songwriters at Sunset of 2020 will be on Thursday, Jan. 2 and feature fiddler and songwriter J.Robert and guitarist and songwriter Brent Moyer. The ACMA’s Songwriters at South County Library in Estero will be Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and feature Glen Sabatka, David Stanley and Christine Scholtus. This concert will be indoors. The Songwriters on the Plaza is at the library in downtown Fort Myers on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. This outdoor show will be moved inside depending on the weather. The January concert features Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz and Mary Dahl. The month ends with Songwriters at Captiva Memorial Library on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. featuring the talents of Bill Metts and David Hintz. For more information, visit online at www.americanacma.org
Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 55
MUSIC
Gumbo Fest Jan. 26 at Shell Factory Shell Factory and Nature Park will hold its 18th annual Gumbo Fest on Sunday, Jan. 26. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. Live entertainment will be provided by Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers and The Porch Dogs. Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world. Although inspired by tradition, Dwayne has developed his own high energy style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st century Zydeco music. This singer/songwriter and accordionist has performed all over the world since debuting his band, Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, at age 19. The Louisiana native writes both the lyrics and music for his songs and describes the upcoming album as soulful with a touch of blues and old time zydeco feel. Dopsie grew up in Lafayette, La., teaching himself how to play accordion watching videos of his father and Clifton Chenier and recording himself with a video camera and going back and watch it and playing over
Dwayne Dopsie
and over for hours until it was right. The knowledge of Dwayne’s musical ability along with Zydeco Hellraisers band mem-
bers are combined to have over 100 years of experience playing Zydeco music and it shows in every performance. The energy, true talent, and exuberance that Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers emit from stage makes it obvious that there is no competition for this band. Not only has Dwayne’s band mastered zydeco music but he’s a two-time Grammy nominee 2012-2018. Their music reaches everyone and is for everyone. They also add a bit of rhythm and blues, funk, rock and roll, reggae and pop to their performances, making them a very versatile choice for any audience. The highlight of the day is always the gumbo cook-off. A $5,000 reverse raffle will also be held that day. Kids get free admission to the Nature Park with one paid adult admission. All event proceeds will benefit the Nature Park & Environmental Education Foundation. The Shell Factory and Nature Park is located at 2787 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. For more details, visit online at www.shellfactory.com or call 239-995-2141.
Come for the Food.
prings in Bonita S
Stay for the Dancing! SUNDAY BRUNCH Jan. 12, 19 & 26
TRIBUTE BANDS
JAN 2 - Uptown Express - 50s/60s JAN 3 - AC/DC & Led Zeppelin tribute JAN 4 - Journey & Bon Jovi tribute JAN 7 - Rod Stewart, Roy Orbison tribute JAN 8 - Jersey Boys tribute JAN 9 - Eagles tribute JAN 10 - Bee Gees, Rolling Stones tribute JAN 11 - Motown, Latin, Santana tribute JAN 12 - Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and country legends tribute JAN 13 - Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin, Barry Manilow trib. JAN 14 - Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute JAN 15 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute JAN 16 - Fabulous Girls of Motown
JAN 17 - Neil Diamond tribute JAN 18 - Pink Floyd tribute JAN 19 - Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett trib. JAN 20 - Tina Turner, Blues Bros. tribute JAN 21 - Jersey Boys tribute (mat & eve) JAN 22 - Rat Pack, Barbra Streisand trib. JAN 23 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute JAN 24 - Back to the 80s tribute JAN 25 - Fleetwood Mac, Heart tribute JAN 26 - Grease, Manilow, Elvis tribute JAN 27 - Chicago, Clapton, Doobies trib. JAN 28 - Robin Williams comedy tribute JAN 29 - ABBA tribute JAN 30 - James Taylor, CSN and Simon & Garfunkel tribute JAN 31 - Eagle tribute
www.thestagebonita.com 239-405-8566 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
56 - January 2020
Happenings Magazine
LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN
Backstreets
SW FLORIDA
915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 239-945-7555
The Barrel Room 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-333-2225
Bert’s Bar & Grill 4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha 239-282-3232
Blue Monkey Bar & Grille
7550 Mission Hills Dr suite 326, Naples 239-597-2583
Buckingham Blues Bar
5641 Buckingham Rd Fort Myers 239-693-7111
The Buddha Bar
12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-8565
Cape Cabaret
4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000
The Center Bar at The Promenade 26811 S. Bay Drive Bonita Springs 239-325-3583
Coconut Falls Tiki 17200 S. Tamiami Tr. Fort Myers 239-990-9901
The Cottage
1270 Estero Blvd., Ft Myers Beach 239-765-5440
Dixie Roadhouse
1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral 239-541-7900
Fathoms
5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-542-0123
Fishermen’s Village
1200 W. Retta Esplan. Punta Gorda 941-639-8721 Happenings Magazine
Hurricane Charley’s
300 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda 941-639-9695
The Jac
1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771
The Keys Bar & Grille
9905 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers 239-433-3323
Lakehouse Bar & Grill
3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs 239-948-4400
Lansdowne Street
24851 S. Tamiami Tr #7 Bonita Springs 239-495-3800
The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd. Cape Coral 239-541-5600
Nervous Nellie’s 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077
Old Naples Pub
255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200
Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key 1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral 239-540-8454
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill 2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3257
Pete’s Time Out 1005 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900
DJ’s Rhythm House
16440 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers 239-466-8326
Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007
South Street
1410 Pine Ridge Road Naples 239-435-9333
The Shell Factory 2787 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers 239-995-2141
Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos For Myers Beach 239-463-3474
Sneaky Pete’s
3465 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs 239-498-8887
The Stage
9144 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs 239-405-8566
Ter-Tini’s
1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 239-344-6147
Tiki at Wyndham Garden 6890 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711
Tiki Bar at Days Inn 18051 S. Tamiami Tr Fort Myers 239-267-7900
Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-226-1687
The Village Pub
4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707
Whiskey Park
3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples • 239-263-6777
Yucatan Beach Stand
250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach 239-333-4386
Some of the places to hear live music in SW Florida. January 2020 - 57
IN CONCERT
PERFORMANCES
IN SW FLORIDA
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
JAN. 12 Poco
FEB. 28
Oak Ridge Boys
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
JAN. 18
Righteous Brothers
Celtic Woman
Artis–Naples
JAN. 19
Mandy Patinkin Artis–Naples
Mary Wilson
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Howie Mandel
Artis–Naples
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JAN. 22
Tanya Tucker
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Jesse Cook
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Fortunate Youth
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JAN. 23
Robert Cray
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Styx
Credit Union Arena, Ft Myers
The Steel Woods
FEB. 4
Lucinda Williams
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
FEB. 5
Marc Cohn
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
FEB. 6 Kansas
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Jamey Johnson
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JAN. 24
FEB. 7
JAN. 26
FEB. 8
Tommy Decarlo
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Marshall Tucker Band Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
JAN. 29
Robert Earl Keen
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
JAN. 30
Hermanʼs Hermits
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net
58 - January 2020
FEB. 29
Legendary rock band Styx will perform Jan. 31 at the Sun Coast Credit Union Arena at FSW in Fort Myers. For tickets, visit www.bbmannpah.com
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Johnny Mathis
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Styx
JAN. 31
JAN. 20
John Tesh
FEB. 27 continued
Asleep at the Wheel BIG ARTS, Sanibel
Ryan Upchurch
The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB. 9
Phil Vassar
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
FEB. 14
Jason Scheff
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Night Ranger
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
FEB. 16
Jon Secada
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Beach Boys Artis–Naples
FEB. 17
The Commodores
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Clay Walker
The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR. 1
Gladys Knight Artis–Naples
MAR. 4 Kenny G
Artis–Naples
MAR. 6 MercyMe
Hertz Arena, Estero
Diana Ross
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
FEB. 20
Matt Stell
Jim Messina
Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws
Willie Nelson
Hertz Arena, Estero SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
FEB. 21
Billy Ocean
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
Frank Foster
The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB. 22
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
FEB. 26
Candlebox
The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB. 27
John Lodge
SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita
The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR. 7
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
MAR. 8
Josh Groban
B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
MAR. 8 & 9 Paul Anka Artis–Naples
MAR. 12
Adam Sandler
Hertz Arena, Estero
MAR. 13
Colt Ford, Koe Wetzel The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR. 14
Joe Nichols
The Ranch, Fort Myers Happenings Magazine
Joe Diffie
Clay Walker
THE RANCH CONCERT HALL & SALOON
Craig Morgan
Joe Diffie, Clay Walker, Craig Morgan, Decarlo, Steel Woods & Frank Foster,
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers has a great schedule of concerts to start the new year. The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series presents Tommy Decarlo of Boston on Jan. 24, The Steel Woods on Jan. 31, Frank Foster on Feb. 21, Clay Walker on Feb. 29, Matt Stell on March 6, Colt Ford and Koe Wetzel on March 13, Joe Nichols on March 14, Craig Morgan on March 20, Easton Corbin on March 27, Allie Colleen on April 11, Tony Jackson on April 25, Aaron Watson on May 2 and Joe Diffie on May 16. Other upcoming concerts at The Ranch: NightBird, a tribute to Stevie Nicks, will perform Jan. 18. Fortunate Youth is scheduled to play Jan. 22. Jamey Johnson will perform Feb. 6 at The Ranch. Ryan Upchurch is scheduled for Feb. 8. Candlebox will rock the stage Feb. 26, and Collie Buddz is set for March 19. Tommy DeCarlo was simply a fan of the legendary band Boston, like millions of others. Like those millions of fans around the world, Tommy was devastated over the untimely death of Boston frontman Brad Delp. He felt that he needed to do something. He just had to help the band that provided him so much joy over the years. So Tommy offered to help, in 2007 is when his journey begins….with just one thought of doing good. One day Tommy is a Home Depot associate. The next day he becomes the frontman of one of the most iconic bands in music history – Boston. Every show Tommy pays homage to Brad Delp – with that golden voice. Tommy DeCarlo and his band DeCarlo – they are the real deal and they’re ready to rock you with the Boston hits and the best classic rock. Acting as his own record label, man-
Happenings Magazine
agement, booking agency and publishing company, Frank Foster has managed to find success that some major label artists may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oil field man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched. His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation. To follow that up, in the late summer of 2012, he released his second album, Red Wings and Six Strings. Each and every song from both of those albums have become nightly sing-alongs at his shows. Foster’s next 5 albums all debuted on the Billboard country charts. Certain artists just seem to have an innate sense of what it takes to please an audience. Clay Walker is one of those artists. Whether on stage or in the recording studio, Walker never gives less than a hundred percent, and it’s that kind of dedicated work ethic combined with God-given talent that have made him one of the most successful country acts of the past decade. He first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993
Frank Foster
with “What’s It to You” and followed with his second consecutive No. 1 hit, “Live Until I Die.” Since then he’s placed 31 titles on Billboard’s singles chart including such additional chart toppers as “Dreaming with my Eyes Open,” “If I Could Make Living,” “This Woman and This Man” and “Rumor Has It.” While his singing on such hits as the multi-week Number One “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “International Harvester,” “Bonfire,” “This Ole Boy” and “Wake Up Lovin’ You” was exemplary, Craig Morgan has somehow found a new level and vocal range in the studio. On his forthcoming LP, his third with label home Black River Entertainment, he’s making the most relevant, authentic and moving music of his career. It’s a point that “When I’m Gone” drives home, as Morgan sings about living life with no regrets. The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community. The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue. Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community. For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch. For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
January 2020 - 59
IN CONCERT
SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL
Crystal Gayle, Charlie Daniels, The Outlaws, The Orchestra, John Tesh & The Guess Who
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment has a jam-packed schedule at the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee in early 2020. Upcoming shows include Tanya Tucker on Jan. 22, Howie Mandell Jan. 19, The Marshall Tucker Band on Jan. 26, comedian Louie Anderson on Feb. 1, Jon Secada on Feb. 16, John Tesh on Feb. 27, The Oak Ridge Boys on Feb. 28, the Charlie Daniels Band with special guests The Outlaws on March 7, The Orchestra on March 19, Crystal Gayle on March 27 ad The Guess Who on March 31. From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. The Charlie Daniels Band has populated radio with such memorable and timeless hits as “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and of course, his signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979 as well as single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. Formed in Tampa in 1972, The Outlaws – known for their triple-guitar rock attack and three-part country harmonies – became one of the first acts signed by Clive Davis (at the urging of Ronnie Van Zant) to his then-fledgling Arista Records. The band’s first three albums “The Outlaws,” “Lady In Waiting” and “Hurry Sundown,” feature such rock radio favorites as “There Goes Another Love Song,” “Green Grass & High Tides,” “Knoxville Girl” and “Freeborn Man.” The albums would become
The Guess Who - March 31
worldwide gold and platinum landmarks of the Southern Rock era. Other hits for The Outlaws include “Riders In The Sky,” “Song For You,” and “Hurry Sundown.” Tickets start at $40 for this outdoor concert. The Orchestra, starring former members of Electric Light Orchestra, has a pedigree that stretches back over many years, with roots reaching to the 1970s and 1980s with Electric Light Orchestra, the 1990s with ELO Part II and from 2001 to the present as The Orchestra, heralding a continuing era of unparalleled symphonic rock Following Bev Bevan's retirement at the end of 1999 and their triumphant sell-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall and Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and Gordon Townsend regrouped as The Orchestra. The new name acknowledged each member's illustrious former membership of the Electric Light Orchestra and/or ELO Part II but also forges
ahead a future utilizing the spectacular symphonic rock sound for which they are unequalled. The Orchestra’s current lineup includes Kaminski, Clark, Troyer, Huxley, and Townsend, as well as Glen Burtnik. Of Crystal Gayle’s 35 top-10 country hits to date, 13 have become sizable pop and/or adult-contemporary hits as well, so while she is one of the 10 biggest hitmaking country female artists of all time, she is also familiar to millions of noncountry listeners. “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” “Ready For the Times to Get Better,” “Half the Way,” her Eddie Rabbitt duet “You and I” and the rest of her hit repertoire have brought Gayle a trophy case full of honors. They include a Grammy, two CMA awards, four American Music Awards and five ACM accolades. For her first album in 15 years, “You Don’t Know Me,” Gayle has created an entire collection of classic country sounds. Tickets are $89. With 14 Top 40 hit singles, two of which went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and a long running record of proven successful live shows, The Guess Who are Canada's first international rock superstars. The band’s string of hits began with the recording of the album “Wheatfield Soul” and the release of the single “These Eyes,” which reached number 1 in Canada and number 7 in the United States in the spring of 1969. That year, the group’s second album, “Canned Wheat Packed By The Guess Who,” also charted, as did “Laughing,” the B-side of “These Eyes,” itself a Top 10 hit, and “Undun,” which reached number 22 in the U.S. Tickets are $79. Tickets for all these shows are available at the casino, on www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com or by calling 800-514-ETIX.
Suncoast Security Professional Security Licensed, educated employees
SPECIALIZING IN ...
• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts
Se Habla Espanol
• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties
Serving all of Florida
(239) 415-7007
St. Lic. # B2000112
www.SuncoastSecurity.biz 60 - January 2020
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Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com Happenings Magazine
Night Ranger
at Seminole Casino Feb. 14
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee presents Night Ranger live in concert on Friday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. With more than 17 million albums sold worldwide, more than 3500 live performances, and a radio audience that exceeds one billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. With multiple songs that have significantly impacted popular culture, Night Ranger continues to expand their ever-growing fanbase. Night Ranger has earned widespread acclaim that includes multi-platinum and gold album status while leaving their indelible mark on the music charts with a string of best-selling albums: “Dawn Patrol,” “Midnight Madness,” “7 Wishes,” “Big Life” and “Man In Motion”. Their popularity is fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as "Sister Christian," "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," "When You Close Your Eyes," the anthemic "(You Can Still) Rock In America," along with "Sentimental Street," "Goodbye," "Sing Me Away"
Happenings Magazine
and "Four in the Morning." Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of media and popular culture. The band was one of the first big "video" bands on MTV, with over 10 number one hit videos. Night Ranger songs can be heard in TV shows like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey's Anatomy and Parks & Recreation. The band has also had music featured in video games such as “Rock Band,” “Guitar Hero” and “Grand Theft Auto,” plus the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Night Ranger can also be heard throughout JBL’s "Hear The Truth" brand campaign. Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (lead & rhythm guitars). Tickets are on sale now for $59 and are available via www.Ticketmaster.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
January 2020 - 61
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Celtic Festival returns Jan. 24 and 25 The City of Fort Myers and Celtic Heritage Productions invite you to “don your tartan� and bring your family and friends out to enjoy the 17th Annual Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival in downtown Fort Myers. The weekend festivities include: FRIDAY, JAN. 24 - First up is the Kick-Off Party at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers at 5 p.m. with performances by Rathkeltair, Albannach, The Screaming Orphans, West of Galway and Blue Skye Pipes & Drums. Admission is only $5.
Screaming Orphans
62 - January 2020
Albannach
SATURDAY, JAN. 25 - The gates at Centennial Park will open at 11 a.m. with many hours of non-stop Celtic music from Albannach, Rathkeltair, The Screaming Orphans, Marcille Wallis & Friends, House of Hamill and the Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dancers. To satisfy the appetite, there is Celtic fare such as fish and chips and meat pies, along with traditional American festival food. Both domestic and imported beers will be
served. Dozens of merchandise vendors will be offering everything Celtic. Admission on Saturday is $12 for adults, and kids under 12 are free. Bring your blankets and/or lawn chairs and plan to join a great Fort Myers tradition. A two-day festival pass is only $15. For more information, call 239321-7530 or 941-625-8544 or visit online at www.celticheritageproductions.com.
Happenings Magazine
ICHIBAN
Japanese & Chinese Cuisine
OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m. Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!
1520 Broadway • Suite 105
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS (239) 334-6991
www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com
Happenings Magazine
Located at the Entrance to the
Hotel Indigo
January 2020 - 63
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
ACMA Songwriters on the Plaza Jan. 14
The first Songwriters on the Plaza of 2020 will be Tuesday, Jan. 14. This is the ACMA’s popular songwriters showcase on Cornog Plaza at the Fort Myers Regional Library on First Street. This free show runs the second Tuesday of the month now through April. The Lee County Library has joined with the ACMA to offer free acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, shows will be moved indoors depending on weather. If needed, the show will be indoor in the South Building that is attached to Talking Books Library. The address is 1651 Lee St. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate songwriters showcase. The Jan. 14 event features Robert Bidney, Annie Wenz and Mary Dahl. Robert Bidney is a singer-songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. His music is relatable and has a strong commercial sensibility. His songs have been covered by an eclectic group of recording artists around the world, plus his work has been on several national radio and TV commercials. Bidney’s second album “Rush of Hope,” released in May 2019, addresses universal themes through a lens of optimism. With its message of love instead of hate, the music resonates in today’s social climate.
A seasoned performer, Bidney connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotional performances. He is an active member of the Americana Community Music Association and lives in Southwest Florida. Annie Wenz has shared her songs and stomped her dusty musical ankle shakers through 25 countries around the world … from some of the most known festivals in the US, to rallys, street corners, schools & arts centers, refugee camps in Pakistan, spas in Malaysia, ESPN videos, Independent Film & theater scores, & blaring speakers at Major League Ballparks, Sirius XM & radio stations internationally. She has collaborated musically with Dr. Jerri Nielsen of the “Icebound” book, Author Robert Macomber , baseball legend Bill Spaceman Lee, & Roy “Futureman” Wooten
of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones! Annie is known for her Kerouac-ish magnifying glass-ified lyrical portrait story songs & her unique way of blending roots, multi-cultural influences & funky rhythms... She has eight recordings on her own indie label "Island Gypsy" including her all instrumental CD "Rain on Bare Skin" used by yoga & wellness practitioners around the world, & her buzzed about, played on SiriusXM radio CD, "Ride The Sky" penned at stoplights while twirling about dusty back Americana roads on her Harley. Mary Dahl has performed throughout MD, PA, and DC for 20 years with a quartet known as The Lite Side. Bragging rights include performing at the White House on six separate occasions, for two different administrations. Her favorite experience, was a Christmas candlelight reception for visiting dignitaries which included a private tour of the White House. They performed for 10 years at Hershey Park Chocolate World opening the Christmas season festivities. However, she is particularly proud to boast that they opened for a sold out concert by the Kingston Trio and were permitted to accompany the Trio in their performance . Carolyn Stanley will be accompanying Mary with her sharp harmonies and proficient playing style on guitar. For more information, visit online at www.americanacma.org
ArtFest Fort Myers Feb. 1 & 2
Cheri Kudja
64 - January 2020
ArtFest Fort Myers celebrates it 20th anniversary at the 2020 art festival. Spend a few hours, all day or a weekend being surrounded by imagination, inspiration and incredible talent. ArtFest Fort Myers brings more than 200 exceptional professional artists to the heart of downtown Fort Myers, encourages 300 talented local high school artists to pursue their artistic dreams while providing an opportunity for thousands of children, their parents and grandparents to try their hand at creating a masterpiece. Join the fun Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An opening night party is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Meet the stars of the show – the artists. These incredibly creative folks, travel from 35 states and foreign countries to share their work with the festival. Amazing ceramics, a gorgeous jewelry, remarkable glass, unique paintings, wearable art and so much more await you at ArtFest Fort Myers. This family-friendly festi-
val connects art and artists together with the community in a way that is so much fun – this is an art experience that delights every sense. Attendees often ask “How do the 200 festival artists get chosen?” These artists are the best of the best as a jury panel of five professional artists select them from the 900 artists who apply. Bring the entire family to this free outdoor fine art festival. Take time to enjoy the talented high school artists’ work at the Art Under 20 Exhibit and Competition and prepare to be astonished as the students create large street paintings in the Chalk Block. Check out the We Are Overflowing sculptural exhibit, featuring the message about recycling, reuse and upcycling. Always a crowd pleaser, the Publix Art Yard and youth stage are full of opportunities for children of all ages. The dining galleries and craft beer experience provide a relaxing break. For more festival details and VIP experiences, call 239-768-3602 or visit online at www.artfestfortmyers.com
Happenings Magazine
Seafood & Music Festival Jan. 3 - 5
The second annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival will be held Jan. 3 – 5 on the waterfront in historic downtown Fort Myers. The event is produced by Paragon Festivals in partnership with the Fort Myers River District Alliance. Festivities begin Friday 4 to 10 p.m. and continue Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. General admission is free. Enjoy foods cooked fresh on site (seafood, meat, vegetarian) with a variety of side dishes and of course – desserts. Seafood is from Florida’s coastal waters, a sustainable and renewable resource. For drinks, choose from alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks. While eating, listen to the captivating sounds of live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents
Happenings Magazine
from such genres as R&B, jazz, rock, reggae and Caribbean sounds. Performers in 2020 will be, on Friday: RJ Howson (R&B, blues, rock), JP Soars & The Red Hots (soul, blues), Fleetwood Max (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band). Saturday performances include Bryan Spainhower (Musica Eclectica: fusion of flamenco, jazz, rock and country), Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio (rock, soul), the Billy Rice Band (country rock), Ari & The Alibis (funk, jazz, samba), and the Aretha Franklin tribute band. Performers on Sunday will be West Coast Steel Pan Band (jazz, Caribbean), the Verge (classic rock ‘70s to present) and Reverend Barry & The Funk (funk, soul). Please check back as the event nears to confirm performers and performance times. For more info, visit online at www.seafoodfestivals.com
January 2020 - 65
JAN WED - 1
Jamie Morgan 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
THU - 2
Sean Finerty 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jared Freid 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
FRI - 3
Sean Finerty 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jared Freid 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SAT - 4
Sean Finerty 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jared Freid 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUN - 5
Jared Freid 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
WED - 8
Jimmy Keys 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Ryan Goodcase 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Rob Little 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone 66 - January 2020
COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR
THU - 9
THU - 16 continued
FRI - 24
THU - 30
Josh Wolf 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
John Heffron 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Darrell Hammond 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Mike Quu 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Dat Phan 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Rob Little 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
FRI - 10
Dat Phan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Josh Wolf 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Rob Little 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SAT - 11
Dat Phan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Josh Wolf 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Rob Little 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUN - 12
Dat Phan 7 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Josh Wolf 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
TUE - 14
Cindy Kaza 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
WED - 15
Cindy Kaza 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy John Heffron 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
THU - 16
Kevin Lee 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Bobby Collins 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
FRI - 17
Kevin Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Bobby Collins 6 & 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy John Heffron 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SAT - 18
Kevin Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Bobby Collins 6 & 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy John Heffron 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUN - 19
Bobby Collins 6 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
WED - 22
Jamie Morgan 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Paramore 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Steve White 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Justin Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Steve White 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SAT - 25
Justin Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Darrell Hammond 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Steve White 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
TUE - 28
FRI - 31
April Macie 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Diane Ford 6 & 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Bobby Collins 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
WED - 29
Mike Quu 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Laugh In Comedy Cafe 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com
Off the Hook Comedy Club
THU - 23
Darrell Hammond 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
at Visani Restaurant
Steve White 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Bobby Collins 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Mike Quu 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com
Justin Smith 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
April Macie 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
The Comedy Zone 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net
* schedules subject to change
Comedy Club calendar online at
HappeningsMagazine.net
Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
January 2020 - 67
DINING
IN
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
1st Street Deli
Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily.
506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill
Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners, special events and meetings. We’re open daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.
2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com
Cape Cabaret
Cape Cabaret offers dining, dancing and live music Tuesday through Saturday. We feature a full dinner menu prepared by executive chef Ryan Cook, two full bars, two hardwood dance floors and live music from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. See your favorite bands perform on our 30-foot stage equipped with the latest state of the art sound and light systems. Have your next private party or corporate event in our ballroom or banquet room. Happy Hour & Early Bird Specials 4 to 5:30 p.m. Entrees, house wines, wells all at 50% discount. Walk-ins always welcome or call reservation hotline.
4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.com
68 - January 2020
Coconut Falls Tiki Bar & Grill
We are a family owned tiki bar and grill. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where you can have a mini vacation. We offer a wide range of American food with a tropical twist including appetizers, salads, soups, raw bar, sandwiches, entrees, and deserts. Also, you can enjoy our all you can eat breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Your beer is sure to be ice cold with our 12 tap glycol system and bottles kept on ice. Last, but definitely not least, we offer a wide range of entertainment to ensure there is never a dull moment.
17200 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901 www.coconutfalls.com
Deep Lagoon Seafood
Nestled in the heart of Florida lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual, we feature a wide variety of menu options to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company. Happy Hour from 3 to 6 pm featuring small plates from $6 - $9.
10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 14040 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-689-5474 www.deeplagoon.com
DJ’s Rhythm House
DJ’s Rhythm House is a restaurant and nightclub located in Fort Myers. At The Rhythm House, we strive to provide Great Service, Top Quality Food and Drinks as well as Live Entertainment. Featuring Excellent Food as well as well-known Local Talent! We offer live music weekly. We have the best hard wood dance floor and Sound Systems in the area! Come and relax. Listen to great music, enjoy an excellent dinner and a couple of drinks with your friends, neighbors or colleagues and experience the love of music for yourself. All bands start at 6:30 and conclude at 9:30 p.m. Reservations required for all shows.
16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-466-8326 www.therhythmhousefortmyers.com
Happenings Magazine
EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled a completely redesigned EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill that enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections. The new interior design of the EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is elegant yet comfortable and features a theater-style kitchen that allows for transparency as chefs prepare dishes “from scratch” to the table. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill menu features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. The wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including award- winning fajitas, pork osso bucco and the ever-popular braised short rib pot roast.
506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Lucky Mi
Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees.
506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Ichiban Japanese & Chinese
Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open six days a week (closed Sundays).
1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com
Happenings Magazine
Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford
Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style. Pinchers has 13 Florida locations including Key West, Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center.
2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-245-7049 www.pinchersusa.com
Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort
There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late.
1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com
Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse
With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat.
4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 738 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 239-347-7033 www.texastonys.com
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KEY WEST
Key West home tours honor
60 years of preservation in 2020
Architectural highlights on the continental United States’ southernmost island range from charming 19th-century cottages to ornate period mansions decorated with intricate wooden “gingerbread” trim. Visitors can explore homes embodying this stylistic heritage as well as contemporary gems during weekend home tours in January, February and March 2020. Now in their 60th year, the annual tours are presented by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation, which was established in 1960 to promote the restoration and preservation of Key West’s historically significant buildings. The 2020 home tours are among events celebrating the OIRF’s 60th anniversary of safeguarding the island city’s architectural and cultural traditions. Tours are planned Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18, Feb. 14-15 and March 13-14. Each tour showcases five homes chosen for their contribution to the Key West community as significant historic buildings, creative renovations or examples of the Florida Keys lifestyle. Key West’s Old Town contains what is believed to be the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the United States with almost 3,000 structures. Many were constructed by shipbuilder-carpenters and cigar manufacturing barons in the 1800s, so the island’s architecture reflects the building styles and
cultures of its early inhabitants. In part because of the OIRF’s work in raising awareness about the historic value of Key West structures, today scores of lovingly restored properties flourish as single-family homes, bedand-breakfast guesthouses and museum attractions. The historic district and its restorations have drawn attention and honors from organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation. During the house tours, OIRF volunteers serve as guides at each tour stop, informing visitors about each featured house’s history, architecture, décor and other elements. Tour participants can discover unique interiors filled with art collections and antiques as well as lush gardens and imaginatively designed outdoor living areas. January’s tours also run 3 - 7 p.m. and offer the option of traveling aboard selected Conch Tour Trains. The February and March tours are slated for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with participants responsible for their own transportation. Tickets for each tour cost $35 per person ($45 with Conch Train transportation or on tour days) and can be purchased in advance at www.keywesthometours.com. VIP tickets for the entire series can be purchased for $112 per person. For more tour information, visit online at www.oirf.org or www.keywesthometours.com or call 305-294-9501
Literary seminar will explore literature of sports Jan. 9-12
Kool & the Gang Feb. 21
Rams Head Presents - Key West announced upcoming concerts at the Key West Amphitheater. The ampitheater shows include Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Feb. 9, Willie Nelson Feb. 17 (sold out), Kool & The Gang with The Village People Feb. 21, Old Dominion May 5 and Rebelution June 14.
Located at the Truman Waterfront, the Key West Amphitheater is situated near Fort Zachary with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from the top of the lawn. Buy tickets online at www.keywestconcertseries.com.
70 - January 2020
More than 20 acclaimed contemporary writers are to explore the literature of sports during the 38th annual Key West Literary Seminar. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 9 - 12, the seminar is themed “Reading Between the Lines: Sports and Literature.” The novelists, journalists, poets, essayists and others scheduled to speak include Buzz Bissinger, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the classic “Friday Night Lights”; New York Times bestselling writer Jane Leavy, known for her biographies of baseball greats including Babe Ruth; former elite swimmer Leanne Shapton, who penned
the memoir “Swimming Studies”; Joyce Carol Oates, whose book “On Boxing” investigates the controversial sport; and Geoff Dyer, renowned humorist who has applied his offbeat humor and insights to the worlds to tennis and soccer. According to seminar director Arlo Haskell, presentations and panels will analyze the pivotal role sports can play in shaping social issues, effecting cultural change and inspiring personal growth and transformation. All presentations are to take place at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. For seminar information and schedule, visit www.kwls.org Happenings Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS
15th annual Seafood Festival
Food & Wine Festival
35th annual Craft Show
Third Annual Mile 0 Fest Key West
Jan. 18 & 19 A family-friendly event with local fresh Keys seafood, drinks, marinerelated crafts, youth activities, and live music. $5 admission per person; hours open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at Bayview Park, Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive. floridakeysseafoodfestival.com Jan. 25 & 26 The Key West Craft Show is a two day juried outdoor craft festival. This nationally recognized Craft Show brings over 100 fine and skilled craft artists to this beautiful historic area of Key West. Tens of thousands of attendees browse and buy among juried artisans and crafters who gather to display their talents at this popular outdoor festival on lower Whitehead Street in historic Old Town Key West. keywestartcenter.com
Happenings Magazine
IN
Jan. 26 - Feb. 2 Top chefs and restaurateurs display culinary creativity and the Keys’ indigenous cuisine in a flavorful schedule of events for food lovers. Highlights include the lively “Old Town Uncorked,” neighborhood wine strolls, food and wine pairings, intriguing seminars, winemaker dinner series and a grand tasting. keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 Mile 0 Fest Key West is a “must see” music festival in the burgeoning Red Dirt & Americana music scene. Take in big shows at Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheatre, a stateof-the-art facility located blocks off the hopping streets of Duval, or get into a stripped down acoustic set with your favorite band leader at one of the theaters or bars off Duval. Many activities and memorable experiences await. mile0fest.com
KEY WEST
Half Marathon & 5K
Jan. 15 - 20 Recognized by Runners World magazine as one of the 10 great half-marathons of the winter season, the race follows a 13.1-mile course that includes Old Town Key West and the scenic waterfront. The race typically attracts American and international runners to compete in Key West’s balmy January climate. Named as one of the United States’ leading winter half marathons, Best Destination Half Marathons and Bucket List Best Half Marathons, is ranked among 13 must-do U.S. half-marathons by Competitor.com. keywesthalfmarathon.com
58th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest
Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 An island tradition for over 50 years, this unique contest celebrates the historic importance of conch in the Keys and features contestants in several age categories attempting to make “music” with fluted conch shells. Contest located in the garden of the Oldest House, 322 Duval Street, free and open to all ages. Registration begins at 10 a.m., contest starts at noon. oirf.org
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