Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Music • Calendar
JANUARY 2021
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Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Bonita Springs
Publisher’s Spotlight
New year, new shows
A new year brings some new shows to our local theatre stages, (even in a pandemic). Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers gets us started with Happy Days: A New Musical. It opens Dec. 31 and plays through Feb. 14. Exciting news from our friends at Seminole Gulf Railway. After 10 months of being dark, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train will roll again at the end of January. The Illusion of Death will play Jan. 27 through April 4 onboard the train. In Naples, TheatreZone continues its new Showstopper Series in January. Bravo Broadway plays Jan. 7 - 17 at the G & L Theatre in Naples. Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral will bring Little Shop of Horrors to its stage Jan. 7 through Jan. 17. At the Langdon Playhouse, the Charlotte Players are performing Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. The production will run Jan. 7 - Jan. 17. Gulf Coast Symphony is taking an aggressive performance schedule the next few months. Utilizing its new space off Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers, the Music and Arts Community Center will be the venue for I Do! I Do! The musical (with a score by Tom Jones) will be performed Jan. 20 - 30. Local thespian and music man Victor Legarreta is at it again. ‘Til Theft Do Us Part opens Jan. 14 at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre and plays through March 6. Gulfshore Opera will finally be able to present its production of La Boheme this month. The performance will be Jan. 24 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers. The Studio Players will bring The Waverly Gallery to its stage Jan. 15 31 at the Golden Gate Community Center in Naples. The Florida Rep will reprise its musical revue on its outdoor stage in downtown Fort Myers. Golden: A Tribute to the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre will be presented Jan. 5 - 10.
4 - JANUARY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
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Outdoor art festivals
January is looking to be a busy month for outdoor art festivals in Southwest Florida. The month begins with The Estero Art Show at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers Jan. 2 and 3. Naples Art will hold its annual Naples New Year Art Show Jan. 2 and 3 on 5th Avenue South. The Bonita Springs National Art Festival is set for Jan. 9 and 10 at Riverside Park. The Bonita Springs Art Walk at The Promenade will be Jan. 16 and 17. The United Arts Council of Collier County is planning the Uptown Art Fair for Jan. 23 and 24 on 10th Street South in Naples. The Art Festival at Mercato is scheduled for Jan. 30 and 31 in Naples.
art
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music
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dining
New book
Well, just when she thought she was finished learning new skills, my wife turns around and publishes a children’s book. Yes, Kathy, has written and illustrated a fun, colorful picture book entitled Julie and the Power of W.O.W. It’s written especially for newborns to preschoolers who can follow Julia through her wonderful journey of meeting new friends. Now, Kathy can add another line to her resume: Magazine publisher-owner, digital surrealism artist, art gallery owner .. and now author. I am so extremely proud of her and all of her accomplishments she has made. I could not ask for a better person to be my business partner and my partner in life. I am truly blessed. To find out more about her children’s book, please visit www.myfriendjulia.com.
Happy New Year
I think we can all agree 2020 was a difficult year on so many fronts. It is now behind us, and we have 2021 upon us. May it bring good health, prosperity and blessings to all of us. Rock on,
Jamie
46 Publishers & Owners
Jamie & Kathy Kuser
Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Dan Mearns, 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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PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902
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AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION Fort Myers home for original Americana music!
Check our Facebook page
Americana Community Music Association and our website
www.americanacma.org for updates on all Events
The ACMA continues to promote original music with Live Streaming and Concerts.
Happenings Magazine
JANUARY 2021 - 5
THEATRE
Murder Mystery Dinner Train returns
After 10 months of dark hours from Colonial Station cars, Seminole Gulf Railway in Fort Myers. has announced the return of Your five-course dinner its Murder Mystery Dinner consists of a shared appeTrain at the end of January. tizer platter, soup, choice of The 30th season of mursalad or fruit cup, choice of der begins Jan. 27 with slow roast prime rib, The Illusion of Death playpoached salmon, or naked ing Wednesday through chicken as your main Sunday from Jan. 27 entrée, and dessert, plus through April 4. An escape coffee, tea, and iced tea. A artist and showman extraorwide range of wine, beer, dinaire confronts the great cocktails and soft drinks are dare of all in this turn of the available for purchase on century (19th to 20th centuboard the train. Menu items Jan. 27 - April 4 ry that is) mystery. may change from month to The Murder Mystery month. Dinner Train is a one-of-aNew murder mystery kind theatrical shows open throughout the year. The and culinary 30th season also includes Sing Me a experience. Murder April 7 – June 20, Don’t Cry for Enjoy a fiveMe June 23 – Sept. 5, Murder course dinner Wrap Sept. 8 – Nov. 25, Wicked with a choice Winter Wonderland Nov. 26 – from three Dec. 24 and Murder Without A entrees, preClue Dec. 26, 2021 – March 13, pared fresh on 2022. board the train Murder Mystery Dinner while a live Trains depart promptly at 6:30 murder mystery p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Sundays and show is played certain holidays). out in the dinJoin the fun and become a ing cars during super sleuth as you try to solve your 40-mile “Who Dunnit?” During the comiround trip over cal murder mystery show that June 23 - Sept. 5 Sept. 8 3 and half plays out in the aisles of each 6 - JANUARY 2021
April 7 - June 20 dining car in between the courses of your meal. Each passenger receives a playbill, clue sheet, and pen to follow along with the live scripted show, writing down clues as they go. Clue sheets are collected before the final resolution act. Not a local to Fort Myers or other Southwest Florida communities? Not to worry. Seminole Gulf Railway has hotel packages to make your journey on board the real train a true Get-Away. Seminole Gulf Railway’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train is easily accessible from I-75 and US 41. Make your holidays even more special aboard the Murder Mystery Train. Some of the Special Events include the Sweetheart Express for Valentine’s Day, a Celtic Celebration of Food for St. Patrick’s Day, Ghost Trains with costume con- Nov. 25 test for Halloween, a New Happenings Magazine
Tom Jones musical on stage at new Music & Arts Community Center
Gulf Coast Symphony’s new Music & Arts Community Center (MACC) announces the inaugural performance of I Do! I Do! Jan. 20 - 30. The Tony nominated musical I Do! I Do! is a touching story of two soul mates navigating the ups and downs of 50 years of married life, set to a tuneful, charming score by Tom Jones (The Fantasticks). This intimate and nostalgic work has charmed audiences worldwide since its 1966 Broadway debut. I Do! I Do! kicks off a robust season of live concerts, performances and classes being offered at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers. Other upcoming performances include Reiko & Friends on
Jan. 24, Under the Stars: Broadway with a Twist Feb. 2 - 4, and the inaugural performance of the new Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra on Feb. 12. Later in the spring, look for jazz concerts, Elixir of Love (opera), Songs for a New World and other concerts. The MACC is also home to a suite of new educational programs. In-person and virtual classes include acrylics, film, nature photography, watercolors and more—perfect for any age and any skill level. The Music & Arts Community Center is located at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. For tickets and class registrations, visit online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or call 239-277-1700.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
England style turkey feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas Rail-Boat Trains during December and a New Year’s Eve Gala! For truly unique dining experience with all-around entertainment, spend an evening with the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Make your reservation today online at www.semgulf.com or call 239-275-8487. The station is located at 2805 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Happenings Magazine
JANUARY 2021 - 7
THEATRE
Bravo Broadway Larry Alexander
Carolina Ordonez
Adolpho Blaire
Whitney Winfield
Carolann Sanita
Gerritt VanderMeer
on stage at TheatreZone in Naples
TheatreZone will present Bravo Broadway! Jan. 7 - 17 as the second event of its Showstopper Series. “We are pleased to welcome audiences back to the theatre for our 16th season, although things look a bit different this year,” said founding artistic director Mark Danni. “We are proud to have created innovative ways to safely and responsibly present live entertainment this season, and we look forward to giving our audiences the great performing arts experiences we’re known for.” TheatreZone’s reimagined 2020-21 season is highlighted by the Showstopper Series. The Showstopper Series includes five 75- to 90-minute, themed concerts with professional, live music and choreography. The professional cast of Bravo Broadway! includes Larry Alexander (star of The Boy From Oz), Carolina Ordonez (star of Wonderful Town), Adolpho Blaire (star of Tonya & Nancy), Whitney Winfield (star of Tonya & Nancy), Carolann Sanita (Star of Mack & Mabel) and Gerritt VanderMeer (star of Sweet Smell of Success). Bravo Broadway! features Broadway’s most memorable show tunes, woven together by several TheatreZone “fan favorite” performers as they take the audience on a journey through the many decades and styles which make up Broadway’s incredible, enduring history. The Showstopper Series also includes At The Movies (Feb. 4 8 - JANUARY 2021
14); Those Were the Days (March 4 - 14); and The Best of Bacharach (April 15 25). January also marks the beginning of TheatreZone’s 2020-21 Concert Series with one-of-a-kind performances local audiences will thoroughly enjoy. On Jan. 18 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) at 4 and 7:30 p.m, TheatreZone will present Simon & Garfunkel: Live in Central Park, revisited. “My friend Lee Lessack has recreated this great concert around the country to sold-out audiences,” said Danni, “and we’re proud to present it on our stage on such a special day.” On Jan. 23 at 4 and 7:30 p.m., TheatreZone will present the world premiere of The Feud: Sinatra & Roselli, Two Guys from Hoboken, The Story & The Music. Told by Dennis DelleFave, Jimmy Roselli’s cousin and road manager, this concert focuses on the personal and professional rivalries between Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Roselli, two great singers who lived on the same block in Hoboken, NJ. The Feud’s got it all: the great Sinatra songbook, Italian songs that Roselli made famous, and much more from the ‘40s through the ‘70s. The Season 16 Concert Series also includes the return of the
extremely popular Mersey Beatles, who have sold out shows the past three seasons at TheatreZone, as well as Sinatra…my way and Mack is Back: The Music of Bobby Darin. In order to safely resume indoor live performances, TheatreZone instituted stringent protocols for all areas of operations. These guidelines, which are available on TheatreZone’s website, provide specific line-item mandates for all areas, from stage doors, back of house, restrooms, common areas, dressing rooms, hair and make-up, to front of house (including the box office, ushers and volunteers). For example, audiences are limited to a maximum of 108 patrons per performance, and masks are mandatory throughout the duration of each performance. Doors will open 45 minutes prior to show time and there are no intermissions, which aids in social distancing by reducing foot traffic. In the theatre, air conditioning units are equipped with hospital-grade filters and increased fresh air intake to aid in circulation and sanitation. Showstopper Series performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on weekends. Concert Series events will begin at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $50-65 with premium seats available at $85. Tickets for each event are available at www.theatre.zone or by calling the box office at 888-966-3352 x1. TheatreZone is located in-residence at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. Happenings Magazine
Cultural Park starts 2021 with optimism By Michael Moran After opening our 58th season in September, we continue into 2021 doing what we’re calling a pandemic-adapted performance series. We’re doing it show by show, because we just never know what tier we’re going to be in or how many people we’re going to be able to have in the theater. We continue for now only allowing 55 patrons into our 184Michael Moran seat theater to ensure social distancing in the audience, while still requiring face masks be worn all the time they are in the theater building and temperature checks for each performance. Though 55 seats are a fraction of our house, we hope that our safety measures continue to make our audience members who have returned to our theater to feel safe and well entertained as they visit our theater. At each performance, we ask our audiences about their experience in the theater. Afterwards we ask, “How did you feel? Did you feel comfortable? Did you feel safe” Everybody was overwhelmingly positive about the experience.
Happenings Magazine
Our cost to operate the theater stands at about $30,000 a month. To help keep afloat, we have also been doing fundraising along side of each production. This has actually been a good opportunity for our theater to pivot, and not look at ourselves just as a performing arts venue but also a production facility to help people that want to get online and stream theatrical shows in streaming content. We are so grateful for our patrons and sponsors who have stepped forward to help this theater continue to survive the troubled times of 2020 and those still ahead. You are all the folks that have put the word “community” in community theater. Now on to 2021 …. Are you a live comedy-horror musical fan? I am now. For this tremendously funny musical, Little Shop of Horrors, is being performed at Cultural Park from Jan 7 through Jan. 17. The show is inspired by 1950s rock ’n’ roll and Motown, featuring lovable characters, and a mysterious singing plant with a plan to take over the world. Many of the theatre goers in the
audience may have seen the 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Steve Martin. (Is 1986 really 35 years ago?!) Many were introducing their young families to Little Shop of Horrors for the first time. And our production of this wonderful musical hit for sure, either way, will not disappoint. This season, our productions are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays at 3 p.m. With our priority of keeping everyone comfortable, safe and wonderfully entertained, the theater will open one hour before each show. When you come in to the theater, you will be able to go directly to your seats so not to crowd the lobby areas. We have suspended our meet and greet with the cast after productions. To reduce congested hallways, you will be able to exit the theater through several doors at the end of the performance. The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. Call 239-772-5862 for more information. Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.
JANUARY 2021 - 9
THEATRE
Happy Days A New Musical
Happy Days, A New Musical plays Dec. 31 through Feb. 14 at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. Photo courtesy Derby Dinner Playhouse.
Goodbye gray skies, hello blue. Happy Days, A New Musical is sock-hopping its way onto the Broadway Palm stage from Dec. 31 through Feb. 14. Based on the hit Paramount Pictures television series, Happy Days, this all new musical will bring you back to 1959 complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox fun. This family friendly musical will have you rockin' and rollin' all night long. Happy Days are here again with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable "king of cool" Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli. The famed drive-in malt shop and No. 1 hangout, Arnold's, is in danger of demolition. The gang comes up with a plan to save it with a dance contest and a TV-worthy wrestling match. Even Pinky Tuscadero, Fonzie's childhood sweetheart, returns to help and, what do you know, they rekindle their old flame. With delightful music from Oscar-winner Paul Williams and a book by the TV series original creator Garry Marshall, this is one trip down memory lane you will not want to miss. Broadway Palm is continuing to follow CDC guidelines while providing a delicious meal and exceptional entertainment in a safe and socially distanced environment. For a list of the extensive health and safety measures they have taken, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com. It is important to note that guests are required to wear masks while not eating or drinking. In addition, a temperature check will be performed on everyone that enters the building and admittance will not be allowed to anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Performances for Happy Days are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $48 to $73, with the exception of New Year’s Eve which is $125 per person. Children and group prices are 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.
‘Til Theft Do Us Part at Off Broadway Palm
The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents the premiere of Til Theft Do Us Part playing Jan. 14 through March 6. This laugh out loud comedy is written by Southwest Florida resident and Broadway Palm favorite Victor Legarreta. The all-new comedy tells of Winston Johnson, an investment banker who was sacked. He didn’t have the heart to tell his wife, so he resorted to theft, but when his conscience gets the best of him, he goes back to the homes he robbed to return what he stole. His “outings” cause his wife suspicion; so when she tries to “catch him in the act” his life gets turned upside down. 10 - JANUARY 2021
The Off Broadway Palm has adjusted its seating arrangement and is operating at a 50% capacity. For a list of the extensive health and safety measures the theatre has taken, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com. It is important to note that guests are required to wear masks while not eating or drinking
including during the performance. In addition, a temperature check will be performed on everyone that enters the building and admittance will not be allowed to anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Ticket prices range from $42 to $62. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Happenings Magazine
THEATRE
THE CHARLOTTE PLAYERS
Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End at Langdon Playhouse in January
ed by removing her books. In addition, renowned feminist Betty By Dan Mearns Friedan criticized housewife humor columnists. If you don’t know Erma Bombeck, get on Google right now, run “My twin and I were huge fans of Erma from a very young age,” to the library, and be sure to get tickets for the Charlotte Players’ Margaret Engel said. “We're also from Ohio, a little town called January production: Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Chagrin Falls, and we used to read her every day in the Cleveland You’ll meet Erma in this one-woman show in the person of Sandi Plain Dealer. So, when her agent asked us to do a play about Erma, Wood, one of the community theater’s most talented and accomwe jumped at the chance.” plished actors (Steel Magnolias, Hello Dolly, Smell of the Kill, Ivins and Bombeck thought of themselves as journalists first and Annoyance, Wife Begins at 40, Dixie Swim Club and Not Now humorists second, so a play about Darling). Erma was a perfect fit for the sisters. The same could be said of Paula “Despite being the most admired Pender, a leading lady who has woman in America for many years. emerged as one of the Charlotte Erma would never do endorsements,” Players’ top directors. Starting in Engel said. “And believe me, she got 2009, her directing resume includes asked. Every kitchen cleaner wanted Catch Me If You Can, Meet Me in St. Erma to speak for their product, but Louis, White Christmas, Annie, Last she felt rightly that she was a journalof the Red Hot Lovers, Singin’ in the ist first and she would never do that.” Rain and many more. Meanwhile, Bombeck died in April of 1996, she continues to demonstrate her before the Engels began the project, superb acting chops (Driving Miss but they were able to speak with Daisy, The Glass Menagerie, My Fair Bombeck’s husband, Bill (who died in Lady, Camelot and Mama Won’t Fly). 2018). Written by twin sisters Allison and “The family had moved to Phoenix Margaret Engel, Erma Bombeck: At from Dayton later in life,” Engel said. Wit’s End allows Erma to tell her own “We got to interview Bill and their story, leading the audience through three children. They were so helpful her years in Dayton, Ohio, as a and fun and excited about the project, 1950s housewife and mother whose so it was a true family effort.” musings on life in the suburbs Margaret Engel, center, co-author of the Charlotte Playersʼ The sisters read as many of evolved into a weekly newspaper col- January production of Erma Bombeck: At Witʼs End, poses Bombeck’s columns as they could umn called “At Wit’s End.” with director Paula Pender (left) and actor Sandi Wood find, as well as all her books. They “Those of us in the ‘Baby Boomer (right) who is playing Bombeck in the one-woman show. also did extensive research and interGeneration’ surely remember Erma views. Bombeck and her natural humor and “The play is not a compilation of all wit,” Pender said. “We read her of her greatest hits,” Engel said, “because anyone could go to the columns in the newspapers and heard her interviews on television. library and get that. We made her writing career as a jumping off She was part of every household in the 1950s and ’60s. point for a dramatic story of her life. We don't want people to just “Sandi and I come from different generations, yet Erma’s charm think that they’re going to get a raft of one-liners. That doesn’t tell and true-to-life experiences have survived both of those generations you about Erma's character and what she was like.” and are still relevant today. For instance, what I heard from children Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End opens Thursday, Jan. 7 for a 7:30 growing up in the ’50s and ’60s and what Sandi heard growing up in performance at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port the ’70s and ’80s – such as a whinny “mom” and “she/he hit me Charlotte. There are 11 shows in all, including Wednesday - Friday make her/him stop” – are still being heard by the mothers of today evening performances, evening and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, “The roles of moms and dads may differ slightly from those of Jan. 9 and 16, and Sunday matinees on Jan. 10 and 17. yesteryear and technology has certainly altered children’s activities,” Tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $11 for students and Pender added, “but the staples of everyday life from generations may be ordered at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255past still exist today, and I’m sure will go on ad infinitum.” 1022 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Audience members will So popular were Bombeck’s columns that she wound up enterhave their temperatures taken upon entering the theater, will be taining 30 million readers in 900 newspapers in the United States seated far enough apart to meet COVID-19 recommendations and and Canada. She captured the frustrations of her generation by askbe provided with masks (if needed). ing, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” The play was presented eight times around the country in 2020. In 1967, her newspaper columns were compiled and published The Charlotte Players event will be the first for 2021. by Doubleday under the title At Wit’s End. It was the first of her 22 Co-author Margaret Engel is expected to be on hand for one of books, and she was a correspondent for Good Morning America for the performances. She came to Port Charlotte last May to meet with 15 years. Pender, Wood and Charlotte Players executive director Sherrie She also became an activist on behalf of women, a position that Moody. came with some sacrifices. In 1978, she was involved in the “This is really a great privilege to be with the creators who are Presidential Advisory Committee for Women, particularly for the final going to bring this to life,” Moody said. “I think the people in implementation of the Equal Rights Amendment. Bombeck was Charlotte County are in for a very good time.” strongly criticized conservative figures, and some U.S. stores react12 - JANUARY 2021
Happenings Magazine
Naples Players, Naples Zoo team up for event on Jan. 21
The Naples Players announced the continuation of their outdoor, alternative arts and culture events in 2021 with the addition of Wild Culture, a collaborative event with the Naples Zoo slated for Thursday, Jan. 21. The outdoor, familyfriendly event features live performance stations throughout the zoo as well as zookeeper talks and an after-hours VIP animal encounter opportunity. General admission includes access to the Zoo and performances from 4 to 6 p.m. with the additional after-hours VIP animal encounter and cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m. The collaborative effort is part of the Discover Culture In Collier Outdoor Events Season launched by The Naples Players in September in response to the cancellation of their full-season of indoor performances due to COVID-19. Local volunteer actors and performers who would normally be on stage at The Naples Players’ iconic Sugden Community Theatre are again volunteering their time and talents to bring arts and culture to the Naples community. “We’ve continued to keep pivoting to provide opportunities for our community to safely experience arts and culture during this difficult
year,” said Bryce Alexander, CEO and executive artistic director at The Naples Players. “Working with the great team at Naples Zoo is just another way we are combining forces with other organizations that are feeling the effects of COVID, and together, we can be saving the arts and each other,” Alexander continued. Admission for children is $12, and adult admission is $18. Tickets for the VIP Encounter and cocktail hour are $150 and include zoo admission from 4 to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit The Naples Players, who have lost upwards of $1.6 million in revenue from the full cancellation of their nine-show season that was scheduled to run from September 2020 through May 2021. Leadership at TNP remains hopeful that with the vaccine rollout and additional facility safety and state-ofthe-art sanitation equipment recently installed that they will move forward with the spring 2021 production of the rousing comedy Calendar Girls as planned. For tickets and more info about the Wild Culture event and all of the Discover Culture in Collier events, visit www.NaplesPlayers.org or call the TNP box office at 239-263-7990.
CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY
The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s
BROADWAY SERIES
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman • Music by Alan Menken Based on the film by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Charles Griffith.
GALA PRODUCER YOUNG’S ELECTRIC
On stage
Jan. 7 to Jan. 17
Performances: Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
February 4 - 14
Performances: Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Special thanks to our theatre sponsors
Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral
CALL FOR
TICKETS Happenings Magazine
239-772-5862
www.CulturalParkTheater.com
JANUARY 2021 - 13
ART
Art festival Jan. 2 - 3 at JetBlue Park
Hot Works presents the 24th Estero Fine Art Show outdoors at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers Jan. 2 and 3. COVID safety precautions in place will include such things as all booths 6 feet apart, social distancing, face coverings recommended, etc. The focus is visual arts and features fine art and fine crafts created by award-winning artists with all discipline for sale – paintings, clay, glass, sculpture, fiber, wood, jewelry and more – all juried by art professionals. All artwork is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges, says Patty Narozny, owner of HotWorks.org. The associated 501c3 non-profit arm, Institute for the Arts & Education, focuses
Yoram Gal on visual arts, cultural diversity, community enrichment and fostering art education among youth. As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a
Youth Art Competition is integrated within the art show. This unique and one-of-a-kind program encourages students for ages 5-13 or grades K8 to enter his/her original art that is publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday at 3 pm, there is $250 Youth Art Awards presented at the show as young artists are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship of doing art shows for a living. JetBlue Park offers plenty of convenient parking and easy to access location at exit 131 off I-75, Daniels Parkway. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Great food from local restaurants and music add to the ambiance of this beautiful show. There is free admission; $5 parking supports IA&E. More info is available at www.artsandeducationinc.org. Narozny adds, “See art, love art, buy art. See you there.”
Lafe James exhibit at DAAS Co-Op Gallery
DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is starting the year right, presenting the works of multifaceted artist Lafe James in January. The exhibition will feature a selection of old Florida inspired works printed on wood, from the artist’s 1923 Trading Co. project. The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 8 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the rescheduled Fort Myers Art Walk. For James, creating art has always been a major part of his life, not only as a hobby, but also a career. “Spending the first half of my life working my way through the culinary arts, I was eventually lured away by the glow of a computer monitor. I've spent the past 18 years weaving through all facets of visual design: photography, print layout, web design, brand development, packaging design, and all the posters and tee shirt graphics in between. I currently serve as the art director for a Fort Myers based marine and paddle sport accessory development agency,” says James. “When I'm not designing for them, I'm running and working on my own business and projects. Those projects include my wood print project (1923 Trading Co.) and the clothing line (Nineteen Twenty Three),” adds the artist. 14 - JANUARY 2021
Lafe James
The art created for the 1923 Trading Co. Project and this exhibition is inspired by the old Florida way of life. This is a wood print project that features old Florida map designs, Florida wildlife photography, and vintage posters and postcard designs. The artist created a unique print process that gives the wood print a distressed, vintage aesthetic. Each print is 100% unique and individually handcrafted in Cape Coral. “I am a ‘90s kid raised on gangster rap and death metal, poisoned by television, guided by the internet, misled by society, educated through experience, self-medicated and overly analytical, but optimist and realistic with a mind polluted with images and information,” confesses James, whose personal artworks can be found online, along with his music project Massive Degree at www.lafejames.com. The exhibition will be on display through Jan. 30. DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815 Fowler St. in the Butterfly Estates complex in Fort Myers. The gallery’s temporary business hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information about the venue and how to become a member can be found at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645. Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
JANUARY 2021 - 15
ART
Sea Grape Gallery begins 2021 with guest
artists Eileen Amster and Pamela Jones
Sea Grape Gallery announces that during the month of January, it will be showcasing the artworks of both Eileen Amster, oil and acrylic artist, and Pamela Jones, “Buddhaquaries” Shrine artist. Eileen Amster’s father first placed a paint brush in her hands at the early age of three and at eight she won her first competition.
Pamela Jones
After graduating Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, Eileen attended Pratt Institute majoring in Fine Arts and Painting where she studied under two noted artists, Jake Laundau and Richard Lindner. Her art has been exhibited in such notable venues as Lincoln Center, Mari Gallery, and LaMouch in Manhattan. Eileen has been recognized as an “Accomplished Contemporary Artist”, registered with the National Registry of American Artist in D.C. She works primarily in oils and acrylics. As Eileen says, “I never use additives or driers in my media, and I prefer painting on virgin linen canvas which I stretch and prepare myself.” Her most recent paintings are of cats. She enjoys painting from photos that people send her of their own cats. Pamela Jones always wondered if she became an artist, what kind of art would she be drawn to creating. Since she always has been attracted to religious, ethnic and folkloric imagery, roadside memorials, home alters and shrines, she began making assemblages that reminded her of Catholic reliquaries. As Pam explains, “these little shrines that I design look like something a monk might have taken along on his journeys.” Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Pam has been designing “Buddhaquaries,” which are portable shrines that are meant to evoke feelings of peace, joy and hopefulness. Each of her artworks is designed
Eileen Amster
using old, discarded stuff and everyday odds and ends that she has picked up in her travels, even in parking lots. Many of Pam’s artworks are in private collections in Florida, Washington, D.C., New York City, and other major cities around the country. Both Eileen and Pam’s artwork can be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda. To learn more about Sea Grape’s guest artist program, call 941-575-1718.
Exploration exhibit at BIG ARTS Dunham Gallery
BIG ARTS is opening its doors to the community as it hosts Sanibel-Captiva Art League’s 45th annual juried Art Council of Southwest Florida exhibit themed “Exploration.” The exhibit, which opened Dec. 17, features exciting new works by regional artists. Hours of the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Masks are required to enter the building, and there is a 25-person limit in the gallery. There is also a virtual gallery available to view on www.bigarts.org. 16 - JANUARY 2021
David King
Michele Barron Buelow, who is the chairman of the Exploration exhibit and a SanibelCaptiva Art League board member, is particularly excited about this year’s exhibit. "The artwork submitted to this exhibit was varied and well done. There are several different mediums and many, many different styles used. This will be a beautiful exhibit appealing to everyone in some way," she said.. This year’s exhibit is juried by Barbara Hill who runs Hill Fine Art Consulting. The exhibit will be on display until Jan. 31 at BIG ARTS Dunham Gallery located at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. For more info, visit www.BIGARTS.org, or call 239-395-0900. Happenings Magazine
Hirdie Girdie Gallery welcomes
Ursula Cappelletti in January
Hirdie Girdie Gallery begins the new year by welcoming January guest artist Ursula Cappelletti. Ursula is originally from Germany, and was educated in Europe, including a six-year program of fiber arts at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Working with various materials such as fabrics, rope, wood, paper and wire gave Ursula an appreciation of texture in art. The opportunity to touch and feel the materials used, and then to cause color to flow in an exciting, momentous way is an integral part of Ursula’s creative process. Ursula’s current work combines paint on canvas, often with mixed media, to form abstract designs. She uses brushes, palette knives, diverse materials, and an array of tools, including her hands, to create additional texture. As important as texture is in her work, color is the prize that
Happenings Magazine
dominates each piece, and the interaction of colors is the primary objective of her painting. Whether the colors are bold or subtle, one can feel the flow of shapes intermingling or jumping off the canvas depending on how she has defined and interpreted the color selection. Ursula believes that color influences every aspect of our lives, and she developed her sense of color and design through never ending observation and practice. Ursula’s inspiration is influenced by embracing past experiences, living every day’s events, and focusing on the uniqueness of life that surrounds us. The results are beautiful abstract paintings that are a thoughtfully choreographed dance of color, texture, and movement. Hirdie Girdie Gallery is located at 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. For more about the gallery, call 239-395-0027 or visit www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com
Ursula Cappelletti
JANUARY 2021 - 17
ART
Danielle Branchaud, Ndola Pensy exhibits start the new year at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center offers two unique art exhibitions every month. In January, Visions of the Underworld by Danielle Branchaud will be featured in the Grand Atrium. In the Capital Gallery on the second floor, Sanctus Carnem by Ndola Pensy will be showing. The opening reception takes place on Friday, Jan. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Jan. 8 during the rescheduled Art Walk. After a lifetime of exploring the inner worlds of the mind, local artist Danielle Branchaud has built a tremendous body of work that brings personal and universal dreamscapes to life. For the first time each of her series’ will be represented in the same space, filling the main gallery of the Davis Art Center with an extraordinary and haunting narrative. Visions of the Underworld is not only intended as a retrospective of past works, but also the debut of a new painting series not yet fully witnessed. Take a journey into the depths of the human experience through the unique perspective of one of Southwest Florida’s most notorious surrealists, whom with every brushstroke is dedicated to sharing her visions of an alternate reality. Spectators are bound to be drawn by her ability to manipulate acrylics into realistic figurative paintings, and further mesmerized by the intense introspection and imagination behind every one of them. Watercolor, ink, gold and silver leaf are Ndola Pensy’s artistic tools. Since spending time in Russia as a child she has been fascinated by the power light has to transform a moment from ordinary to fearful 18 - JANUARY 2021
Danielle Branchaud
Ndola Pensy
awe. Exterior facades, rizas, or oklads are usually highly embellished and often multi-dimensional. The precious metals illuminated by candles and as momentary phenomena become distorted, gleaming lures for the imagination. Within her narrative, it is not, however, limited to the monumental decoration of church interiors and instead dances on the edge of the profane. Pensy’s work explores the relationship between light and meaningful introspection. With influences from the Macedonian and Palaeologan age, new stories are crafted from both constructed and discovered references. Within this work, what starts out as triumph soon becomes corrupted into a manifesto of grief, desperation, and heartache, leaving only a sense of nihilism and the possibility of a new beginning. Both shows will be on display through Jan. 27. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933. Happenings Magazine
Arts for ACT Gallery to
feature Shealee Dillinger
Arts for ACT Gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 8 for a new exhibit featuring artist Shealee Dillinger. The reception will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the rescheduled Fort Myers Art Walk. Shealee Dillinger began her art education in high school in Canada. After moving to the United States, she landed in Fort Myers and eventually settled in Port Charlotte. She is a regular exhibitor in the Fort Myers Art Walk. Shealee paints in acrylic and acrylic inks.
Happenings Magazine
She paints almost daily and her works can be seen at The Gathering Place Cafe and Mayrahkee salon. She paints a vast variety of subjects from sea turtles to abstracts. For the new year, artist members of Arts for ACT Gallery will be having an art sale in the white gallery. Come see what the creative artists are willing to part with for an incredibly low price. This exhibit continues through Monday, Feb. 1. Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-337-5050 for more details.
JANUARY 2021 - 19
ART
Naples Art reopens building, begins outdoor festival season
Although 2020 will be seen by most individuals and organizations as a difficult year, we’ve hopefully learned and grown from the experience and have emerged stronger and smarter. Like every arts organization, Naples Art has been challenged by the demands of adapting to the realities of COVID-19. And NA faced an additional challenge – their air conditioning system gave up and had to be replaced. In recent weeks, the entire system has been replaced making Naples Art delightfully cool once again. The lobby received a fresh coat of paint and new lighting and is now more welcoming and brighter. Watch for the reopening of Originals, the Naples Art Gift shop – a destination in itself – featuring the work of a selective group of jewelry, gift, and other artists and artisans from across the country who will sell exclusively at Naples Art. Taking full advantage of these months of enforced ‘down time’, they have regrouped, re-envisioned, rethought, and will reemerge as the new Naples Art! And they’re just getting started. Naples Art classrooms are humming with classes for adults and youth learning and working on a fantastic array of subjects. Whether you’re a curious beginner, weekend painter, or accomplished artists, Naples Art has something for you! A sampling: Paint Naples, Paint Like Monet, Abstract Painting, Beginning Drawing, Clay Hand Building, Therapeutic Finger painting, Collage, Watercolor, Pastels, and so much more. One- and two-day adult workshops have begun as well, with subjects like Watercolor Out Loud, Beginning Seascapes, Encaustic Encounter, Cold Wax, Abstracting Landscapes, and Painting Mangroves. NA’s youth offerings include Art for Kids, Art for Teens, Clay for Kids, Elementary Art Adventure, and Junior Art Adventure. Reduced class size allows for generous social distancing. Naples Art has initiated enhanced cleaning protocols, mandatory mask wearing, extensive signage, sanitizers, and comprehensive protocols for keeping students, teachers, and staff safe. Online registration for the February session and the rest of the season is open. Visit www.naplesart.org/classes/.The details page for adult classes & workshops indicates the level; youth classes indicate the age range. Each session is 4 weeks; classes meet once a week. For decades, Naples Art has hosted 20 - JANUARY 2021
Michael Solomon is a regular participant in Art in the Park in Naples. The Englewood artist was part of the Dec. 5 event. The next Art in the Park will be Saturday, Jan. 2 in conjunction with the annual New Yearʼs Art Show on 5th Avenue South Jan. 2 and 3. To find out more about Michaelʼs art, visit www.michaelsolomonart.com
seasons of some of Naples’ – and the nation’s – favorite and best outdoor art shows. This popular Naples tradition looks a bit different this year to ensure that artists and visitors are safe. There will be 6’ between every artist; masks will be required of artists, and visitors will be encouraged to wear masks. Naples Art welcomes 40 juried, local artists to Art in the Park along with about 200 juried artists in the national shows - all held in the beautiful streets and parks of downtown Naples. Art in the Park takes place on the first Saturday of each month, November through April, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with original painting, jewelry, ceramics, photography and more. Naples Art’s national outdoor shows begin this month. These shows consistently win the most prestigious awards in the country, including the Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best for 2020. Kick off the new year with the 25th Annual Naples New Year’s Art Show Jan. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along 5th Avenue South. The show features 170 artists from across the county working in 17 different media. The 42nd Annual Naples New Year’s
Art Show is set for Feb. 20 – 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along 8th Street South and Cambier Park with 170 artists from across the county working in 17 different media. An exciting, socially distanced series of outdoor art shows, to be sure. Visit www.naplesart.org for complete schedules and details. New this year, Naples Art Presents “Driven by Karen Barrow with Artists Karen Shapiro, Jennifer Greylock and Shah Hadjebi.” The exhibition of automotive art, in cooperation with HW Gallery and the SW Florida Ferrari Club will be open during Cars on Fifth and will feature an Opening Reception, raffles for original automotive art, and a snazzy Ferrari parked on the plaza at the entrance to Naples Art. Exhibit runs Jan. 15 - Feb. 7. Naples Art’s ultra-chic Scene To Be Seen will take its place once again this season. Long one of the community’s favorite social events it’s set for Feb. 5 at Naples Art. “STBS” showcases 15 artists and 33 fabulous wearable-art ensembles that will be presented as a live model show. Tickets for the live event as well as the virtual version are available at: www.naplesart.org/scenetobeseen/ Happenings Magazine
Area artist writes, illustrates children’s book
Southwest Florida artist Kathy Kuser can add another line to her impressive resume: children’s book author and illustrator. Her new book, Julia and the Power of W.O.W., takes you on a colorful and rhyming journey. “Join our fabulous Julia and her magical friend Willy on a journey to discover the importance of friendship and the power of W.O.W.,” says Kathy. The co-owner of two local event magazines, Kuser has written a fun, brightly colored picture book for newborns to preschoolers. She is the publisher of Lee Family News & Kid Events magazine which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. Additionally with her husband, she co-owns Happenings Magazine. The grandmother of seven, Kathy began her artistic
Artist, publisher & author Kathy Kuser has written a childrenʼs book. Photo by Making Memories Portraits
Naples Fine Art Studio & Gallery
paintings by Edward Park
career nearly 10 years ago when she became a digital surrealism artist. Her art became so popular, she and her husband opened Reverie and Rock Art Gallery in downtown Fort Myers in 2012. The successful gallery closed five years later in September of 2017 as a result of Hurricane Irma. Kathy’s new children’s book is available in hard back as well as an electronic version. Parents can buy the book and other items at www.MyFriendJulia.com. Kathy will be participating in the local author marketplace at this year’s Southwest Florida Reading Festival in March (www.ReadFest.org). Julia and the Power of W.O.W. is also available online at Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Apple Books, Kobo, Etsy, Saxo, Ebay and Google Books.
Variety of Unique Original Art in All Price Ranges
27 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
113 W. Marion Ave. • Downtown Punta Gorda (941) 575-1718 • www.SeaGrapeGallery.com JANUARY 2021 - 21
ART
Art Festival at Mercato
The Art Festival at Mercato in late January will feature the work of nationally acclaimed artist David E. Gordon. David Gordon has been working exclusively as a fine artist since his graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received a B.F.A. in Painting & Printmaking. During the late 1990s, David was a personal studio assistant for the worldrenowned artist Helen Frankenthaler. The creative process for David is varied and yet finite. He has his boards and canvas, paint, and solitude that all stimulates him. For David painting is a private, intimate and passionate obsession. He feels blessed to have time to create a piece of art that someone else can enjoy. The mind is not always at peace and the body is not always at rest and yet when he paints the soul wills itself to transcend. To put shape and form to sunshine, flowers and trees with liquid color and bristle. What a magnificent release from the tides of time where the mind reassigns thoughts and creativity emerges. Everything that is gathered from years of effort and result, some good and some not so good, is crucial to the process of his creations. The rhythm of rising and falling are essential to the flow of his art. How will this piece look, the next...; a question always asked and usually answered. He is not the one to judge, though,
22 - JANUARY 2021
David E. Gordon
the universe will. Why does he paint? This question can only be answered with “I just know that I have to.” We all have our work and we all have our play. David’s inner strength and vision comes from having both simultaneously. Since graduating in 1982 from VCU, he has worked exclusively as a fine artist, developing a market for his work throughout the United States and abroad. He became something of a pioneer in contemporary serigraphy and, after more than 15 years of hand-printing, he turned his attention to painting. After exploring silk screen
ink as a paint medium, he began to include acrylic, ink washes, oils, pastels and pencils to his repertoire. His passion for his craft helps him to stay creative, enthusiastic and energized so that he can hopefully be responsive to new ideas and challenges. Technically, David was trained both as a painter and a printer, and as such, he has sought to combine the influences of each. When the properties of a painting and graphic are combined, there is an instantaneous and striking contrast. Simplified lines and planes are combined with dramatic gesture of color and free form to give each piece its special visual power. He relies on imagination for the most part. He may use a reference such as wildflowers, but his work becomes personal interpretations of these images, not scientifically accurate copies. If he can capture the feeling that transcends from an image, the feeling will ultimately last longer than the image itself. David E. Gordon will be displaying and selling his work at The Art Festival at Mercato on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. alongside dozens of the nation’s finest artists. The Mercato Shops are located at 9123 Strada Place in Naples. Call 239-293-9448 for info. For more about the festival, visit www.boulderbrook.net.
Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
JANUARY 2021 - 23
JANUARY CALENDAR FRI - 1
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Smoking Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Happy Days Through Feb. 14 Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers Performances Tuesday - Sunday 239-278-4422 Kathy Gibbs and Koriann Designs exhibit Through January Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral www.harbourviewgallery.com Danielle Branchaud, Ndola Pensy exhibits open Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening 6 - 10 p.m. Second reception on Jan. 8, On display through Jan. 27. 239-333-1933
Florida Repertory Theatre is offering a limited January run of its showstopping musical revue, Golden: A Tribute to the Golden Age of Musical Theatre. Performances are Jan. 5 through Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. with two added 2 p.m. matinee performances Jan. 8 and 9. Tickets for a four-person 12' x 12' square range from $60 to $120. Attendance is limited in the new outdoor venue which is situated on Edwards Drive and Jackson Street on the lawn next to the Hall of Fifty States. Tickets at www.FloridaRep.org or by calling 239-332-4488.
Legends Concert Series: Elton John, Billy Joel tribute Sugden Park, Naples 5 - 10 p.m. www.legendsconcertseries.com
Naples New Year Art Show Saturday and Sunday 5th Avenue South, Naples 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday’s show includes the monthly Art in the Park artists www.naplesart.org
SAT - 2
Journey, Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
CHI Girls The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Drag Karaoke Brunch The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-219-6463
SUN - 3
Half Step Down Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
Country Sunday with Brian The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141
Fine Art Festival Saturday and Sunday JetBlue Park, Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.hotworks.org
The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454
Trevor Earl Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m., 239-990-9901
Blues Concert Series: Albert Castiglia Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901
24 - JANUARY 2021
MON - 4
Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
TUE - 5
Sound Machine with Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Golden: A Tribute to the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre Jan. 5 – 10 Florida Rep Outdoor Theatre, Edwards Drive and Jackson Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488
WED - 6
Art Alive Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours, Look for the magenta and white art flags. 1 - 6 p.m. Go to www.NaplesArtDistrict.com for directions and like us on Facebook
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smoking Aces Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901
THU - 7
Charlotte Players present Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End Jan. 7 - 17 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle., Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Happenings Magazine
Barbara B The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Deb & The Dynamics Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901 Smoking Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Bee Gees tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Drag Queen Bingo The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers dinner 6 p.m., bingo 7 p.m. 239-219-6463 TheatreZone: Bravo Broadway Jan. 7 - 17 G & L Theatre, 13274 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352 x1 All Abstract exhibit opens Through January Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5657 Little Shop of Horrors Thursday - Sunday Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 SWFL Symphony Open House Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, 7500 College Parkway, Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m., 239-418-1500
FRI - 8
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 9 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 -10 p.m. www.explorefortmyers.com
ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Shealee Dillinger exhibit, 6 - 9 p.m. 239-337-5050 Drag Queens Live The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-219-6463 The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Yappy New Year Hour Bell Tower, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers courtyard, 6 - 8 p.m. www.belltowerfl.com Soapy Tuna Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Neon Summer Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 7 - 10 p.m., 239-990-9901
SAT - 9
CHI Girls The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Drag Karaoke Brunch The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-219-6463 Corvettes on the Gulf Auto Show Bell Tower, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.belltowerfl.com Home and Garden Show Saturday and Sunday Caloosa Sound Convention Center, Monroe Street, downtown Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 855-321-2111 x 20
Lafe James exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, 6 - 9:30 p.m., 239-590-8645
Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park 580 8th Street South, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com
Inspire exhibit Through Feb. 25 Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral 239-574-0802
Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Happenings Magazine
JANUARY 2021 - 25
JANUARY CALENDAR Smoking Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
SAT - 9 CONTINUED
Ben Allen Appreciation Concert Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero 7 p.m. www.hertzarena.com
Deb & The Dynamics Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901
Not Guilty Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
Drag Queen Bingo The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers dinner 6 p.m., bingo 7 p.m. 239-219-6463
Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Dazzling Del Rays - 7 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901
Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Bob Seger, Cher tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Center Bar at The Promenade at Bonita Bay features live music Wednesday through Saturdays. Catch Fire & Ice perform at The Center Bar on Jan. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more info, visit www.thecenterbar.com
‘Til Theft Do Us Part Through March 6 Off Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers Performances Tuesday - Sunday 239-278-4422
Bonita Springs National Art Festival Saturday and Sunday Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989
TUE - 12
FRI - 15
SUN - 10
Temptations, Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
Bike Night on Broadway: Bad Latitude The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. 239-219-6463
Country Sunday with Brian The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Collaboration Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Blues Series: Biscuit Miller, Kellie Rucker & Steve Arvey Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901 Veg Fest Bell Tower, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.belltowerfl.com
MON - 11
Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
26 - JANUARY 2021
Sound Machine with Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
The Naples Players Drive-In Movie Night: Singin’ In the Rain Jan. 12 and 13 The events are hosted in the 50-car lot located at 300 8th Street S., just north of the 5th Avenue South home of The Naples Players community theatre. Soundtracks will be broadcast over short-range FM radio. 8 p.m. Tickets in advance. www.naplesplayers.org David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
WED - 13
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Ferguson and Rogers Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901
Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Florida’s Best exhibit The Nature of Blue exhibit Jan. 13 - Feb. 10 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 941-639-8810 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Girls of Motown tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
THU - 14
Barbara B The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Fire & Ice The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Little Shop of Horrors Thursday - Sunday Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Cahlua & Cream The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Fort Myers Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.explorefortmyers.com Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 9 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Music & Art Night Lorne’s Gallery, Marina Village at Tarpon Point, unit 105, Cape Coral Featured artist Lorne Hosack, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-945-0866 Torched Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Iconic Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 7 - 10 p.m., 239-990-9901 Sheena Brook The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. 239-219-6463 Happenings Magazine
JANUARY CALENDAR FRI - 15 CONTINUED
James Carothers The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 www.theranchfortmyers.com
SAT - 16
CHI Girls The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 SW Florida Symphony Bell Tower, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers courtyard, 5 p.m. www.belltowerfl.com Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Johnny Orr - 4 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901 Drag Karaoke Brunch The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-219-6463 Spin Zone The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 ZOSO - Led Zeppelin Experience The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 www.theranchfortmyers.com Best of Broadway with Jodi Keogan Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, 7 p.m., 941-205-8545 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Salute to the Brave Music Festival Top Rocker Field at Rockstar HarleyDavidson, 9510 Thunder Road, Fort Myers, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. 305-761-8860 www.bigboytoyzexpo.com 28 - JANUARY 2021
SUN - 17
Country Sunday with Brian The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 Thunder Beach Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454
Rod Stewart tribute Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901
THU - 21
Barbara B The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Blues Concert Series: Sean Chambers Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901
Sean Paxton The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
MON - 18
Bike Night - Torched The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141
TheatreZone: Simon & Garfunkel: Live in Central Park, Revisited G & L Theatre, 13274 Livingston Road, Naples 4 and 7:30 p.m., 888-966-3352 x1
The Naples Players: Wild Culture at the Zoo Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples 4 - 6 p.m. general public 6 - 7 p.m. cocktails and animal encounter, 239-263-7990 www.naplesplayers.org
Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
TUE - 19
Sound Machine with Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
WED - 20
Smoking Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Deb & The Dynamics Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Drag Queen Bingo The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers dinner 6 p.m., bingo 7 p.m. 239-219-6463
Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Dover String Quartet Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933
Gulf Coast Symphony presents I Do! I Do! Jan. 20 - 30 Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-277-1700 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
FRI - 22
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Drag Queens Live The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-219-6463
Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 9 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Flora Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Collaboration Band Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 7 - 10 p.m., 239-990-9901 Best of ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Tribute Band Festival Jan. 22 and 23 Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, Friday 5 - 9 p.m., Saturday noon - 8 p.m. www.bscevent.com
SAT - 23
The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Drag Karaoke Brunch The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-219-6463 Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Joel Fry - 7 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901 Johnny Rogers rock and roll history tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Tony Jackson The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 www.theranchfortmyers.com Uptown Art Fair Jan. 23 and 24 380 10th St. South, Naples 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.uaccollier.com Happenings Magazine
TheatreZone presents The Feud: Sinatra & Roselli G & L Theatre, 13274 Livingston Road, Naples 4 and 7:30 p.m., 888-966-3352 x1 Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Appalachian Road Show Center for Performing Arts, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 CHI Girls The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
SUN - 24
Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 2 p.m. bonitaspringsconcertband.org ACMA: Patchouli & Terra Guitarra Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 4 p.m. www.eventbrite.com One of These Nights: Eagles tribute Jan. 24 and 25 Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Girls of Motown Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Blues Concert Series: Rusty Wright Band Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901
Happenings Magazine
Country Sunday with Brian The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 Gulf Coast Symphony presents Reiko & Friends Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-277-1700 Gulfshore Opera presents La Boheme Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m., 239-529-3925 www.gulfshoreopera.org
MON - 25
Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Stardust Memories Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation 239-823-7240
TUE - 26
Sound Machine with Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chicago, Doobie Brothers, America, Eric Clapton tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 7 - 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation 239-823-7240
JANUARY 2021 - 29
JANUARY CALENDAR WED - 27
Allie Colleen The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open at 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 www.theranchfortmyers.com
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Never Stop Believin’ Journey tribute Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, 7 p.m., 941-205-8545
CSNY and America tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
SUN - 31
Country Sunday with Brian The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141
High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Florida Keys Band Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901 The Illusion of Death Jan. 27 - April 4 Murder Mystery Dinner Train 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-275-8487 www.semgulf.com
THU - 28
Barbara B The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Drag Queen Bingo The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers dinner 6 p.m., bingo 7 p.m. 239-219-6463 Smoking Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Deb & The Dynamics Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-990-9901 Rolling Stones, Creedence tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566
30 - JANUARY 2021
The Charleston-based Grammy Award-winning Ranky Tanky will perform Jan. 30 at 4 and 8 p.m. at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. For tickets,visit www.bigarts.org
FRI - 29
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Gulfshore Opera: World of Lloyd Webber United Church of Marco Island, 320 N. Barfield Drive, Marco 7 p.m., 239-529-3925 www.gulfshoreopera.org Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 9 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Jazzy Nights with Glenn Crytzer Quartet Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933 Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Collaboration Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Rhythm on the River: Michael Dutra & The Strictly Sinatra Band Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 6 p.m., 239-334-7419
High Voltage Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 7 - 10 p.m., 239-990-9901
SAT - 30
Annual Gumbo Fest Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Ft Myers Live music with Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, plus The Porch Dogs, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 239-995-2141 Sinatra & Streisand tribute Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422
CHI Girls The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Charlotte Players: Mind Games with Bill Gladwell Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle., Port Charlotte 2 p.m., 941-255-1022
The Art Festival at Mercato Jan. 30 and 31 Mercato, 9123 Strada Place, Naples 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. www.boulderbrook.net
Drag Me to Church The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers Brunch, 9 a.m., meet and greet 11 a.m., show at noon 239-219-6463
Drag Karaoke Brunch The Standard Restaurant, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-219-6463
Gulf Coast Symphony presents Aretha: A Tribute Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-277-1700
Gulfshore Mustang Club of SWFL Car Show Bell Tower, Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers noon - 4 p.m. www.belltowerfl.com Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Trevor Earl - 1 p.m. Electric Lipstick - 7 p.m. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-990-9901
Gulfshore Opera: World of Lloyd Webber Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 4 p.m., 239-529-3925 www.gulfshoreopera.org Blues Concert Series: JP Soars & the Redhots Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 1 - 4 p.m. 239-990-9901 Naples Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 2 p.m., 239-213-3058 Happenings Magazine
MUSIC
Ben Allen to perform at Hertz Arena Jan. 9
Hertz Arena, the largest band, The Ben Allen Band. indoor entertainment venue The Ben Allen Band is now in Southwest Florida, will be one of the most popular hosting an appreciation conbands in Southwest Florida, cert for Ben Allen, semifinalist performing at local spots like on NBC’s The Voice. The Ranch Concert Hall and Local Southwest Florida Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and artist Ben Allen will perform Grill. at Hertz Arena on Saturday, By competing on NBC’s Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The Voice, Allen took the Tickets are on sale step toward a solo career. through Ticketmaster. Tickets Allen finished as a semi-finalare $20, and parking will be ist on NBC’s The Voice and free, courtesy of Hoffmann has returned to his home Family of Companies. town of Estero to continue Ben Allen of Estero, pursuing his music career. began competing on season The Jan. 9 show will also 19 of NBC’s The Voice in feature The DepLoRableS, a October. Country star and local band from Naples. They judge Blake Shelton originally are a rock band playing Ben Allen Band turned his chair and added today’s hard rock, ‘90s altBen Allen to his team. After an grunge, ‘70s classic rock and elimination round, pop star ‘80s classic rock. and judge Gwen Stefani saved Ben and added him to her team. To ensure the safety of patrons, Hertz Arena has implemented After some fierce competition, Ben Allen was part of the final a mandatory mask policy throughout the facility. Masks must be nine semifinalists before being voted off. worn at all times while inside the facility. Patrons may remove Allen found his passion for singing during an open mic night their masks at their seats while actively eating or drinking. at the age of 31. After trying out as a duo, Allen founded his For more details, visit www.hertzarena.com
Gulf Coast Symphony to pay tribute to Aretha
Gulf Coast Symphony will present A Tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin featuring Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace” and many more. The concert will be Sunday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. Capathia Jenkins most recently starred as Medda in the hit Disney production of Newsies on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, where she created the role of Harriet Jackson. She then starred in the Off-Broadway 2000 revival of Godspell, where she wowed audiences with her stirring rendition of ‘Turn Back, O Man’ which 32 - JANUARY 2021
Capathia Jenkins
Ryan Shaw
can still be heard on the original cast recording. She returned to Broadway in The Look of Love and was critically acclaimed for her performances of the Bacharach/David hits. Jenkins then created the roles of ‘The Washing Machine’ in Caroline, Or Change and ‘Frieda May’ in
Martin Short-Fame becomes me where she sang ‘Stop the Show’ and brought the house down every night. Ryan Shaw is a three-time Grammy nominated artist. He most recently appeared as Judas in the Lyric Opera House’s (Chicago) U.S. debut of the critically acclaimed London’s Regents Park production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which won the Oliver for “Best Musical Revival.” He also starred as the original Stevie Wonder in Motown the Musical on Broadway. He has also starred on London’s Wes End as the Soul of Michael Jackson in Thriller Live. As a recording artist, Ryan has toured the world and shared the stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Rait, Joss Stone, John Legend, B.B. King, Bruce Hornsby, Jill Scott to name a few. For tickets, visit www.bbmannpah.com. Happenings Magazine
Gulfshore Opera extends al fresco concerts
Gulfshore Opera has adjusted to these challenging times by offering an “Opera al Fresco” concert series which, by popular request, is extended into high season. General director Steffanie Pearce explained, “The open air concerts introduced this fall have met with such warm reception that we decided to extend the series by offering some of our high season concerts in an outdoors setting. We are particularly grateful for St. Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs for the use of various locations on their campus.” The company plans two touring concerts and a spring production in addition to the rescheduled Barbara B. Mann Hall debut production of La Bohème on Jan. 24. All concerts and events will have limited seating with social distancing, and safety protocols will be in place.
World of Lloyd Webber
Gulfshore Opera presents World of Lloyd Webber for an opera meets Broadway concert. A dynamic trio of versatile artists will perform songs and ensembles from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Evita, Aspects of Love, and Jesus Christ Superstar. The featured artist is award-winning American tenor John Riesen who has been impressing audiences all over the country with his "heartfelt" singing. John performed the role of Alfredo in the season 5 production of La Traviata. Other recent roles include Tony in West Side Story with the New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly (Pensacola Opera), Rodolfo in La Bohème (Shreveport Opera) and Frederic in Pirates of Penzance (Opera Ithaca, Shreveport Opera). Joining him will be sopranos Nadia Marshall and Lauren Davis accompanied on piano by Brian Holman. World of Webber will be presented Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at Church
Happenings Magazine
and love-hate relationships. A quartet of noted opera artists will present excerpts from Il Trovatore, Aida, Othello, Requiem and other works to ensure both a musically and emotionally appealing evening of opera highlights. The featured artist is returning dramatic soprano Robyn Marie Lamp who joined GO for Passionate Puccini last year and performed the title role of Lucrezia Borgia in the Season 5 Gala to great acclaim. Of her Verdi, one reviewer wrote, “Robyn Lamp has a radiant soprano voice which she handles with great expertise and ease. She plucked bell-like high As, Bs, and Cs out of some celestial sphere, always interpreting the text with deep-felt emotion." Viva Verdi will be presented Feb. 18 - 23 at various venues.
Tenor John Riesen
of Marco Island, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. at Sanibel Community House, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Naples Art and Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Gulf Theater in Punta Gorda.
A Night in Italy
Almost every Italian town has a beautiful piazza where everyone goes for an evening stroll and to enjoy some outdoor music making. Gulfshore Opera artists will transport you to Italy with an all Italian program of great arias, duets, and songs followed by a wine reception in a piazza setting complete with fountain and night lights on the campus of St. Leo Catholic Church on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.
Viva Verdi
Nineteenth century Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi created 26 operas with rich themes and lifelike characters, vividly illustrating conflicts
The Batʼs Revenge
Gulfshore Opera will mount a new concept of “The Bat’s Revenge” or Die Fledermaus, moving the action to a time period modern audiences can relate to, the Golden Age of Hollywood. With this new setting and libretto for Die Fledermaus, director and librettist Josh Shaw hopes to make a little more sense of things with the use of movie magic. It's not so hard to believe that an actress would have access to her Hungarian Princess costume from a recent picture, that her maid is an aspiring chorus girl, that a mysterious Russian playboy has come to town to throw around some money, or that a matinee idol has a panache for the ladies and is in a little hot water with the local police. This production will tour Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties March 11 through March 14. Gulfshore Opera is accepting reservations for some events that are to be confirmed. Make a reservation or purchase tickets by visiting www.gulfshoreopera.org or calling 239-529-3925.
JANUARY 2021 - 33
Dover String Quartet at Davis Art Center Jan. 21 MUSIC
The phenomenal Northwestern University, Dover String Quartet catArtosphere, the Amelia apulted to international Island Chamber Music stardom following a stunFestival, and Peoples’ ning sweep of the 2013 Symphony Concerts in Banff Competition, at New York. which they won every Among the group’s prize. honors are the Avery The Dover has Fisher Career Grant, become one of the most Chamber Music in-demand ensembles in America’s Cleveland the world and on Jan. 21, Quartet Award, and they will make their Lincoln Center’s Hunt Sidney & Berne Davis Art Family Award. The Center debut. An unforDover Quartet has also gettable evening of live won top prizes at the and live-streamed chamWigmore Hall ber music from worldInternational String class string instrumentalQuartet Competition and ists as the Dover String the Fischoff Chamber Quartet comes to The Music Competition. River District. Cocktails begin at Dover String Quartet includes Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Camden Shaw, Hailed as “the next 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Bryan Lee and Joel Link. Photo by Roy Cox Guarneri Quartet— Jan. 21, and the concert they're that good” is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets (Chicago Tribune) and “the young American string quartet of are $45 in advance and $50 day of show (students $10). the moment,” (New Yorker), in addition to its faculty role as the The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 inaugural Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence at the First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Curtis Institute of Music, the Dover Quartet holds residencies For more information call 239-333-1933 or visit the website with the Kennedy Center, Bienen School of Music at at www.sbdac.com
Bonita Springs Concert Band Jan. 24
The next free concert with the Bonita Springs Concert Band will be Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Downtown Old Bonita Springs. Ryan Little, an accomplished French Horn player will perform “Serenade for Horn.” Ryan Little was born in Burke, Va., to a musical family. He began studying piano at age 3 before switching to viola, then to the trumpet and finally to the horn at age 10. Ryan received his master’s of music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2017. In 2015, he received his bachelor’s of music degree from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University,. Ryan has performed with the Chicago Arts Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, The Florida Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony. The band will play “The Best of Chicago,” with some great tunes from the 34 - JANUARY 2021
Ryan Little
Heather Ivy
‘70s. And you’ll hear “Santana in Concert,” which is sure to bring back great memories. Heather Ivy with be our guest vocalist. Heather Ivy is a classical crossover soprano, headlining entertainer and performance coach. Her vocal quality and storytelling are equally moving as they are entertaining and her genuine warmth shines through everything she does. She enjoys connecting with audiences both on
and off the stage, and sharing her gifts with emerging artists. She has performed with the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and was headliner onboard Holland American and Princess Cruise lines. She’ll perform “The Girl in 14G.” The band is half its normal size because of Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing. Members are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band. This is the 7th season that Gary has led the band. Gary says, “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 15 to 94.” Become a “Friend of the Band” for just $50. Find out more online at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. The concert will also be available on Facebook at Bonita Springs Concert Band. Bring a lawn chair and a friend Sunday, Jan. 24. Be sure to wear a mask into the park and socially distance per CDC guidelines. Happenings Magazine
Gumbo Fest Jan. 31 at Shell Factory
Shell Factory and Nature Park will hold its annual Gumbo Fest on Sunday, Jan. 31. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. Live entertainment will be provided by headliner Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, and The Porch Dogs will perform. Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin hails from one of the most influential Zydeco
Dwayne Dopsie
Happenings Magazine
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 and over for hours until it was right. The knowledge of Dwayne’s musical ability along with Zydeco Hellraisers band members 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
The Porch Dogs
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. A highlight of the day is always the gumbo cook-off. A $5,000 reverse raffle will also be held that day. 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.
JANUARY 2021 - 35
MUSIC
SW Florida Symphony plans open house, mini masterworks concerts
Though they set up shop in their new administrative office space in August, the Southwest Florida Symphony is comfortably settled in and will host an open house on Thursday, Jan. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. to introduce the community to its new home. Guests are invited to tour the space located in the Sanibel Captiva Community Bank building at 7500 College Parkway, suite 200, Fort Myers and enjoy performances by several Southwest Florida Symphony musicians and Youth Orchestra students throughout the afternoon and evening. Capacity is limited to 12 visitors at a time. Temperature checks will be done upon visitors’ arrival and masks are required for entry. In addition to introducing the community to the orchestra’s new home, visitors are encouraged to bring donations of hygiene products for the Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties. “We’ve been hosting a food drive at our opening Masterworks for several years, but the needs of local fami-
lies must still be met after the holidays. Our community is still suffering from the effects the pandemic. We’ve been hit particularly hard since Southwest Florida’s service industry provides a living to so many people. Hygiene products tend to be overlooked when supply donations are sought, so we’re hoping to fill that void at our housewarming party,” said executive director Amy Ginsburg said. The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 60th concert year was scheduled to commence on Oct. 26, but alternative performance plans have been developed as a result of the pandemic. The orchestra will perform concerts consisting of much smaller ensembles throughout 2021. Performances of MiniMasterworks: Death and the Maiden happen on Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at Bell Tower and Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House. Details about concerts for the symphony's season are available on its website. Tickets are available by calling 239-418-1500 or visiting online at www.swflso.org.
The SW Florida Symphony performed Dec. 5 at Bell Tower and will do so again Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.
Glenn Crytzer Quartet at SBDAC
Glenn Crytzer
36 - JANUARY 2021
The 2020 - 2021 Jazzy Nights Concert Series brings on the rhythm with the Glenn Crytzer Quartet on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Glenn Crytzer is a New York City based bandleader, arranger, composer, guitarist and vocalist who is in love with the music of the jazz age and swing era. While completing his formal training in classical composition and cello at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Florida State University, Glenn took up dancing the Lindy Hop as a hobby. Through the Lindy, his love of early jazz grew, but he lamented that there were so few musical groups that specialized in authentic performance of his favorite kind of
music. Glenn decided to put his musical training to use, taught himself guitar, banjo, and jazz arranging, and set about bringing to life the music he loved. Now in his mid 30s, Glenn has become a staple in New York City’s jazz scene as a guitarist and bandleader. He has released eight albums with his big band and combos and dozens of his recordings have been featured in films and TV shows seeking to evoke the sound of the golden age of radio. In 2017 his big band was named Best Group in New York in the NYC Jazz Awards. General admission is $45 in advance, and $50 day of show. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 239-333-1933 or visit online at www.sbdac.com Happenings Magazine
Gulfshore Opera presents La Boheme Jan. 24
The rescheduled date for Gulfshore Opera’s presentation of La Boheme is set for Sunday, Jan. 24 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. For this highly anticipated new production, Gulfshore Opera has hired a vibrant young director from California, and a creative team from across the United States to bring Puccini’s timeless classic to Southwest Florida. In describing this original production, director Josh Shaw explains, “La Bohème is a timeless story with themes as relevant today, as they were in the original setting. Young people continue to face the same problems the Bohemians faced. In the late 1880s Paris was filled with a concentration of larger than life characters -- Van Gogh, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and others. The Impressionist movement was in full swing with artists who rebelled against classical subject matter and embraced modernity, creating works that reflected the world in which they lived. It is easy to imagine Puccini's Bohemians moving in the same circles as these greats. The colorful style of Van Gogh offers a vibrant canvas on which to paint Puccini's masterpiece in a heightened, but believable setting.” Set designer Ardean Landhuis, projections and lighting designer Tlaloc Lopez-Waterman and costume designers Steffanie Pearce and Amanda McGee are using the great
Happenings Magazine
impressionists as muses for their design concepts. Much like the world of impressionism, the characters become more of a snapshot of a larger reality. Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night (1888) becomes the inspiration and actually comes to life as the Café Momus in the Latin-Quarter of Paris on Christmas Eve. Maestro Greg Ritchey will conduct a 30-piece orchestra, with a cast of nationally renowned singers. Soprano Sarah Tucker and tenor Peter Lake perform the naïve lovers Mimì and Rodolfo. Sarah Tucker is fresh off a debut with the San Diego Opera, having previously performed at San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera, Santa Fe Opera and being a national semifinalist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Peter Lake sang the role of Pinkerton in the acclaimed Japanese-English production of Madame Butterfly with the Pacific Opera Project and Opera in the Heights, directed by Josh Shaw. He has performed with the Savannah VOICE Festival and Natchez Festival. Playing the hot and cold lovers Musetta and Marcello are Chelsea Lehnea and Kenneth Stavert. The Bohemians are rounded out by Coline Ramsey as Colline, and Mitchell Hutchings as Schaunard. Tickets are available by visiting www.gulfshoreopera.org or www.bbmannpah.com or calling 239-529-3925.
JANUARY 2021 - 37
MUSIC
Weekly blues at Coconut Falls
Biscuit Miller Following on the success of Wishbone comes his fourth studio album, Chicken Grease. This time around Biscuit has teamed up with producer Ben Elliot, who has recorded, mixed and produced artists for over 25 years. Ben is known for his expertise in diverse musical genres, having recorded classic artists such as Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, and specializes in the blues genre. Biscuit and his band, The Mix, have been touring extensively ever since winning his first BMA in 2012.
Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill in Fort Myers keeps the blues alive every Sunday. The popular blues concert series continues in 2021 with Albert Castiglia on Jan. 3; Kellie Rucker, Steve Arvey and Biscuit Miller on Jan. 10; Sean Chambers on Jan. 17; The Rusty Wright Band on Jan. 24 and JP Soars & the Redhots on Jan. 31. All shows run Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 with $5 off your entree purchase.
Albert Castiglia As most artists will attest, the most unexpected circumstance can spark artistic inspiration. That’s a fact that hasn’t been lost on singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Albert Castiglia. With his latest album, the aptly named Masterpiece, he celebrates an unforeseen triumph -- a connection with a daughter he never knew he had..
Steve Arvey
Kellie Rucker Kellie Rucker’s command of the blues harp and her powerful singing voice have made her a key ingredient on recordings and live shows with legendary blues guitarist B.B. Chung King and Grammy nominee, Jon Butcher. Her work can also be found on discs by such diverse artists as L.A. Guns, Corey Stevens, B.B. Chung King and the Buddaheads, TV Commercials and film. Born in Oklahoma City, Rucker and her family moved often, making stops in Texas, Virginia and the Florida Keys before settling in Mystic, Ct. Steve Arvey Steve Arvey began his career playing the Chicago blues circuit during the ‘70s. During that period he shared the stage with many of the legendary blues masters from the Windy City. Now living in Florida, Steve is a fixture at major festivals and nightclubs throughout the South, Europe and the Caribbean. He is also considered by many to be one of the top cigar box guitar players in the world today. 38 - JANUARY 2021
Biscuit Miller
Rusty Wright
Sean Chambers Florida born Sean Chambers began his career in the blues back in 1998 when he toured with the legendary Hubert Sumlin as his guitarist and band leader until 2003. During Sean’s tenure with Sumlin, Britain's own Guitarist magazine named Chambers as “One of the top 50 blues guitarists of the last century.” In 2018, Sean Chambers released his seventh album Welcome To My Blues.
For guitarist and singer Rusty Wright, it’s “all about the moment,” commanding the stage to deliver the musical heat, the infectious grooves and penetratingly sincere songs that have earned the Florida musician a national audience and recognition as a master blues artist in the International Blues Hall of Fame. Wright's progressive sound hints of iconic blues legends while staying contemporary and vibrant. Story songs, fiery improvisations, catchy duets with soulful, soaring vocals and sly, tongue-in-cheek lyrics are the trademark of this guitar slinger's blues-infused muse. JP Soars J.P. Soars is soaring high, touring the world after releasing a new studio album last fall, Let Go of the Reins, produced by Tab Benoit on Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou label. Soars was also nominated for “Blues Rock Artist of the Year” in the 40th annual Blues Music Awards. Coconut Falls Tiki Bar and Grill is located at 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers. For more info, call 239-990-9901, visit www.coconutfalls.com or follow them on Facebook.
Kellie Rucker
Rusty Wright
Happenings Magazine
Patchouli & Terra Guitarra to play at the Alliance on Jan. 24
The Americana Community Music Association and the Alliance for the Arts present Patchouli and Terra Guitarra on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. in Fort Myers. Founding ACMA members Bruce Hecksel and Julie Patchouli have been with the ACMA from the beginning and we've been happy to host them whenever their travels bring them our way.... Patchouli & Terra Guitarra have performed over 5,000 shows, toured a million miles on the road supporting 22 CD releases, performed on TV, film and are played on radio programs around the world. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited, and attendees will purchase a pass for a 6 Ă— 6 foot square space on the GreenMarket lawn. Guests are required to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. A pass for a 6 Ă— 6 space is $12.50 for one person, $25 for two people or $50 for a group of four people. The Alliance campus is located at the corner of Colonial and McGregor Blvds. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com.
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NOW OPEN! Come for the Food.
prings Stay for the Dancing!
in Bonita S
TRIBUTE BANDS
DEC 28 - Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet tribute DEC 29 - Best of ABBA tribute DEC 30 - Fabulous Girls of Motown tribute DEC 31 - Jersey Boys tribute (mat & eve) JAN 2 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute JAN 7 - Bee Gees tribute JAN 8 - Eagles tribute JAN 9 - Neil Diamond tribute JAN 12 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute JAN 13 - Fabulous Girls of Motown tribute JAN 14 - Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute JAN 16 - Fleetwood Mac tribute JAN 21 - Jersey Boys tribute
JAN 22 - Best of ABBA tribute JAN 23 - Johnny Rogers rock & roll history JAN 26 - Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton, America tribute JAN 27 - CSNY and America tribute JAN 28 - Rolling Stones, Creedence tribute JAN 29 - Eagles tribute FEB 3 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute FEB 4 - Bob Seger, Cher, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga tribute FEB 5 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute FEB 11 - Best of ABBA tribute FEB 12 - Jersey Boys tribute FEB 13 - Fabulous Girls of Motown tribute
www.thestagebonita.com 239-405-8566 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
JANUARY 2021 - 39
IN CONCERT
PERFORMANCES IN SW FLORIDA,
APR 3
The LACS, Demun Jones
The Ranch, Fort Myers
SUN COAST & KEY WEST
38 Special
Key West Amphitheater
JAN 15
James Carothers
APR 10
JAN 16
APR 30
Craig Morgan
The Ranch, Fort Myers
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Rosanne Cash
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
JAN 23
Tony Jackson
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JAN 30
Allie Colleen
The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB 5
Rodney Carrington The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB 6
Jim Messina
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Tracy Byrd
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Toby Keith
Allie Colleen
Americana folk country artist Allie Colleen will perform at The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon in Fort Myers on Jan. 30. For tickets, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com
FEB 19
Christopher Cross
MAR 12
FEB 20
MAR 13
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Los Lobos
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
FEB 23
Spyro Gyra
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Little River Band
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Immokalee Bluegrass Festival Seminole Casino
Red Clay Strays
The Ranch, Fort Myers
America
FEB 8
FEB 27
MAR 17
FEB 10
MAR 5
MAR 18
Jonny Lang
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Buckcherry
The Ranch, Fort Myers
FEB 12 & 13 TobyMac
Hertz Arena, Estero
FEB 13
Easton Corbin
The Ranch, Fort Myers 40 - JANUARY 2021
Matt Stell
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Gino Vannelli
Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
Parmalee
The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR 6
Slaughter and L.A. Guns
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Collie Buddz
The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR 19
Tracy Lawrence
The Ranch, Fort Myers
MAR 25
Casting Crowns, Matthew West Hertz Arena, Estero
Hertz Arena, Estero
MAY 4
Old Dominion
Key West Amphitheater
MAY 25
Mike Tramp, John Corabi
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JUN 11 Alabama
Hertz Arena, Estero
JUN 17
Kix, Vixen
The Ranch, Fort Myers
JUL 2
Sebastian Bach
The Ranch, Fort Myers
AUG 6
Slightly Stoopid
Key West Amphitheater
AUG 20
Tedeschi Trucks Band BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Due to COVID-19, concert dates subject to change Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net
Happenings Magazine
James Carothers - Jan. 15
Tony Jackson - Jan. 23
Rodney Carrington - Feb. 5
The Ranch Concert Hall ready for 2021
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon is ready for the new year with a robust schedule of rock and country artists in the first six months of 2021. The updated Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series welcomes country artists Tony Jackson on Jan. 23, Allie Colleen on Jan. 30, Rodney Carrington on Feb. 5, Tracy Byrd on Feb. 6, Easton Corbin on Feb. 13, Matt Stell on Feb. 27, Parmalee on March 5, The Red Clay Strays on March 13, Tracy Lawrence on March 19, The LACS and Demun Jones on April 3 and Craig Morgan on April 10. Other concerts at The Ranch Concert Hall (not part of the Galloway series) include James Carothers on Jan. 15, Buckcherry on Feb. 10, Slaughter with L.A. Guns on March 6, Collie Buddz, Keznamdi and 4th & Orange on March 18, Mike Tramp and John Corabi on May 25, Kix and Vixen on June 17 and Sebastian Bach on July 2. Nashville honky-tonk crooner James Carothers is known best for his stonecountry originals and spot-on impressions of several of country music’s greatest icons. In 2015, James left a technician job at the Los Alamos
Easton Corbin - Feb. 13
Happenings Magazine
National Laboratory in New Mexico and returned to his native state of Tennessee to pursue a country music career at the unlikely ripe-oldage of 33. George Jones’ own widow, Nancy, personally hired James for his first steady gig at the George Jones Museum in Nashville, allowing him to make a living playing music and to hone his hobby-turnedprofession in an accelerated fashion. James released a new album called Songs and Stories on Nov. 22, 2019. Previous releases include Still Country, Still King: A Tribute to George Jones (2018), his first fulllength original album Relapse (2017), and an EP Honky Tonk Land (2014). Is it premature to see Hall of Fame material in a guy who’s just releasing his first album? Not if that guy is Tony Jackson. To put it plainly, Jackson is the most talked singer in Nashville today and one of the most gifted singers ever to grace country music. Rolling Stone magazine cited Tony Jackson’s latest single, “County Road,” naming it among the 10 Best Country and Americana Songs to Hear Now stating — “fiddle, harmonica, pedal steel guitar fill this less-known James Taylor salute to the rolling ribbons of backwoods blacktop, but it’s Tony Jackson’s voice – which could easily pass for Taylor’s classic croon—that packs the biggest punch.” Since his highly praised May 2017 debut album release, Tony Jackson, the affable singer has already been invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry (multiple times) and CMA Fest, and has appeared on several important national TV shows. Allie Colleen is an Americana folk country artist from Owasso, Oklahoma, currently residing Nashville. Allie is a graduate from Belmont University with a degree in songwriting and music Business. She has been performing since she was 14 years of age and now since graduating in 2018 she has been
Tracy Byrd - Feb. 6
on the road sharing her talent with audiences of all different kinds. Her first single debuted July 10, 2019, on her grandmother Colleen’s birthday. She is the daughter of Garth Brooks. Rodney Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the top 10 highestgrossing touring comedians for the past two decades. A platinum-recording artist, Rodney’s recorded eight major record label comedy albums, followed by three albums on his own record label, Laughter’s Good Records. His last album “Here Comes the Truth” (released 2017) climbed to #3 on the comedy charts, accruing tens of millions of streams on Spotify and even spawned a Netflix special. The Ranch is still adhering to limited capacity for concerts and events. Schedules are changing constantly, and ticket buyers are advised to always check with the venue before the event. For tickets & details, visit online at www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. JANUARY 2021 - 41
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Donna Chase was the featured artist at Arts for ACT Gallery on First Street in December. The next Fort Myers Art Walk has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 8 in the River District.
42 - JANUARY 2021
Happenings Magazine
SW Florida Reading Festival goes fully virtual After more than 20 years celebrating the power of reading in the community, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival will carry on its traditions in a new way this March by adopting a fully virtual format. Nearly 30 acclaimed and bestselling authors are scheduled to give virtual presentations and participate in live, interactive Meet & Greets on the event website from March 1-13, 2021. All of the virtual author presentations will be recorded for on-demand viewing throughout the month of March. The event website will be available the week of Feb. 22 to familiarize attendees with the new, online Event Hub platform. In addition to engaging with the bestselling authors, this year’s attendees can enjoy activities for all ages, including an online reading challenge, grab-and-go crafts, and online S.T.E.A.M. contests challenging participants to create masterpieces with LEGO and art materials. As in previous years, the festival will provide each participating child and teen with a free book. This year, the free books will be distributed in age-appropriate grab-and-go craft bags, which can
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be requested from any of the 13 Lee County Library System branches starting Feb. 22, while supplies last. “We are pleased to be able to continue Reading Festival traditions in a new and engaging online format this year,” states event coordinator Melissa Baker. “The expanded timeline will allow all of our attendees to enjoy the content from wherever they are and at their own pace.” The lineup of award-winning authors scheduled to attend the festival includes adult authors Jennifer Chiaverini, Gregg Hurwitz, Jayne Ann Krentz and Kyle Mills, as well as youth and teen authors
J.C. Cervantes, Greg Pizzoli, Julie Berry and Ryan LaSala. The complete list of authors can be found at www.ReadFest.org. Another feature adapting to the online format is the return of the Local Author Marketplace, which for years was a hallmark of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. A select number of approved authors will be granted virtual vendor booths on the event website to promote and sell their work and engage with attendees using video and text chat functionality. Local authors will have the opportunity to participate in the interactive “Author Hour” Meet & Greets offered from 1-3 p.m. the first two Saturdays in March. Interested authors should apply online to book an event space at https://eventhub.net/events/SouthwestFlorida-Reading-Festival-_2158. The SW Florida Reading Festival is free and community-supported through donations, sponsorships and grants. To help ensure the continuation of this free community event, visit online at www.ReadFest.org to make a secure online donation. More information is available by calling 239-533-4832.
JANUARY 2021 - 43
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Rachel Pierce was the featured artist in the Capital Gallery at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in December. The next Fort Myers Art Walk has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 8 in the River District.
44 - JANUARY 2021
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JANUARY 2021 - 45
DINING
IN
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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, wings, a mac bar, our signature coconut bowl, sandwiches, pasta and of course tropical themed dinner plates. We are introducing catering. Your beer is sure to be ice cold with our 12 tap glycol system and bottles kept on ice. We also feature a cigar bar under tiki roof, with cigars and accessories for sale. 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
EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee’s EETO-LEET-KE Grill enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections. The interior design of the EE-TOLEET-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
Le Macaron French Pastries
Our true French macarons are the perfect delicacy, original and elegant made with Gluten Free ingredients; French gelato, French pastries, European style beverages and more! They can simply be described as "Little luxuries that make people smile"
1540 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers 239-789-1155 www.lemacaronfortmyers.com
46 - JANUARY 2021
Southern Grill
The Southern Grill at the Shell Factory is a full restaurant including liquor, beer and wine. We have an outdoor bar and party venue. There is no entry fee to get into the Shell Factory store or restaurants. Parking is free. While you are here visit the Nature Park, Fun Park, Carousel and Soaring Eagle Zipline.
16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-995-3999 www.shellfactory.com
The Standard
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, The Standard Restaurant Downtown has something for everyone. Walk through the doors and immediately be treated as a part of The Standard family. From drag queen bingo, drag karaoke brunch, live music, and a scratch kitchen serving a wide variety of delicious options for all to enjoy including homemade sausage, corn beef and pastrami, as well as house cut steaks and fresh seafood. Open 7 days a week!
1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers 239-219-6463 www.thestandardfortmyers.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
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