January 2024 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Music • Calendar

JANUARY 2024

FREE

TheatreZone starts new season of exciting musicals

Bonita Springs

Art Festival

Tesla will rock

Seminole Casino

Lita Ford at

The Ranch

Rockabillaque back in SW Florida

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Bonita Springs

Publisher’s Spotlight

New on stage

Happy New Year to all of our fans, followers, partners and readers.

Hopefully, 2024 will bring good health and prosperity to each and everyone of you.

Now that we are in January, there’s not an empty seat in the auditorium as all of our theatres are up and running at full speed.

So, let’s look at what is on stage to start off this new year.

TheatreZone in Naples gives us Bonnie and Clyde the musical Jan. 11 - 21 at the G & L Theatre.

Elvis A Musical Revolution is on stage at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers Dec. 30 through Feb. 17.

In Cape Coral, James and the Giant Peach is on stage Jan. 18 - 28.

Theatre Conspiracy presents Which Way to the Stage? Jan. 18 Feb. 3 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

The Mountaintop continues now through Jan. 14 in Florida Rep’s ArtStage Studio Theatre in downtown Fort Myers.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents the world premiere of The Refugees Jan. 11 through Feb. 4 at The Norris Center in Naples.

The Naples Players give us Harvey Jan. 10 - 28 at McSpadden Hall at Naples United Church of Christ.

The Belle Theatre in Cape Coral performs Unnecessary Farce Jan. 5 through Jan. 21.

At the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers, Run For Your Wife plays Jan. 11 to Feb. 25.

Take a musical journey back to the 1960s when Florida Repertory Theatre presents Beehive Jan. 9 - 28 in Fort Myers.

The Charlotte Players present Neil Simon’s Rumors Jan. 12 - 28 at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte.

Players Circle Theater in Fort Myers has Butterflies are Free on stage Jan. 5 - 28.

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Stew will be staged Jan. 12 - 28 at Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers.

The Naples Players have extended the run of The Fantasticks. It will now play Jan. 18 - Feb. 11 at Beverly Hall at Naples United Church of Christ.

A Grand Night for Singing runs Jan. 17 - Feb. 3 at the Music and Arts Community Center in Fort Myers.

The Studio Players present The Lifespan of a Fact Jan. 19 - Feb. 4 in Naples.

Private Lives is on stage Jan. 3 - 21 at the Arts Center Theatre on Marco.

Hadestown plays Jan. 23 - 28 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers.

The musical Company is on stage Jan. 16 - 21 at Artis–Naples.

Art festivals return

With our cooler temperatures comes our season of outdoor art festivals in Southwest Florida.

The New Year’s Art Fair is Jan. 6 and 7 in Cambier Park in Naples.

The Bonita Springs National Art Festival is slated for Jan. 13 and 14 at Riverside Park. This will be the first of three monthly festivals between now and March.

The Naples Artcrafters have their season of monthly art fairs at Cambier Park. This month, the event is set for Jan. 13.

The Cape Coral Art Festival and Marketplace will be Jan. 13 and 14 along Cape Coral Parkway.

Art Fest Naples takes place Jan. 20 and 21 in Fleischmann Park.

ArtFest Fort Myers is slated for Feb 3 and 4 in the River District.

The Peace River National Art Festival will be held March 16 and 17 in Punta Gorda.

No matter your taste in fine art, these festivals offer a wide variety of creativity that can fit any budget .... large or small.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

music

dining

22

50

76

Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Jen Falk, Deb Jonsson, Bob Williams, Beth Preddy, Rachel Applegate, Kathy Bernier, Jillian Keith, Paula Sisk Sales & Marketing: Jamie Kuser, Lisa Doyle-Mitchell, Eric Raddatz

Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.

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Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical kicks off TheatreZone’s 2024 show lineup THEATRE

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical is the electrifying, true story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, set to a Tony Awardnominated musical score of power ballads and jazz and blues numbers by the legendary Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Civil War, Dracula).

The musical, to be performed by Naples’ TheatreZone Jan. 11 - 21, follows the arc of youthful fantasies gone terribly wrong.

The well-known history of Bonnie and Clyde will be imaginatively told in TheatreZone’s performance of Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical, from the book by Ivan Menchell. The production offers a perspective of the duo’s relationship against the background of extraordinary music.

Bonnie (Brittany Ambler) is a starstruck 20-year-old waitress dreaming of fame as an actress, poet and singer. Clyde (Robert Koutras) romanticizes Billy the Kid and Al Capone and imagines a life of wealth and ease obtained by store and bank robberies.

Brittany Ambler returns to TheatreZone where she previously played Sherrie in Rock of Ages and Ethel Levy in George M. Sherrie. Brittany is from Bloomington, Ill. Brittany’s career includes roles as Louise in Always Patsy Cline at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Ill.; Inga in Young Frankenstein at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Bigfork, Mon., and Kelli Mangrum in Hands on a Hardbody at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs, Col. Robert Koutras, based in Hollywood, Fla., grew up in Rochester, N.Y. Robert’s past performances with TheatreZone have included playing Lonny in Rock of Ages, King Arthur in Camelot and Jimmy Ray in Bright Star.

Bonnie and Clyde meet after Clyde breaks out of prison and is already on the run. They bond over their shared fantasies of larger-than-life destinies and fall in love.

With Clyde leading the way, they go on a robbery spree that turns to murder.

From two small-town nobodies to Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmare, the pair’s bold and reckless behavior turns their thrilling adventure into a downward spiral as they achieve the fame they sought, albeit ill-begotten. Forced to stay on the run, the infamous duo’s notoriety 6 - JANUARY 2024

grows, and their inevitable end draws near.

“Bonnie and Clyde are 20th Century legends whose criminal escapades captured the fascination of the country during the Great Depression,” said Mark Danni, founding artistic director of TheatreZone.

“The show depicts their criminal exploits as well as their backgrounds and romance, which are keys to understanding their characters. In addition, the relationRobert Koutras Brittany Ambler ship between Blanche Barrow (Rachael Lord) and Buck Bonnie & Clyde’s composer Frank Barrow (Matthew Blake Johnson), Clyde’s Wildhorn and lyricist Don Black received a sister-in-law and brother, is also expertly 2012 Tony Award nomination for Best drawn in the book by Ivan Menchell.”

Original Score and 2012 Drama Desk Danni adds, “The music in Bonnie & Awards nominations for Outstanding Music Clyde is rousing and dramatic. Power bal(Wildhorn) and Outstanding Lyrics (Black). lads and jazz and blues numbers evoke TheatreZone’s six-person band is conthe era and capture the relationships between the couples. The beautiful orches- ducted by Charles Fornara. Musicians include Joe Otero (guitar, banjo, mandolin); tration by John McDaniel uses guitar, manErik Berg (violin); Zachary Deeter (clarinet, dolin, banjo, violin, flute, and many more English Horn, flute, piccolo, alto sax, instruments to express the emotions in the soprano sax); Adam Costello (bass clarmusical.” inet, clarinet, tenor sax); Joe Choomack (bass) and Scott Crawford (drums).

On the second Thursday of the Bonnie & Clyde schedule, Jan. 18, the audience is invited to stay after the show for a talkback, an opportunity to meet the show’s cast and directors for candid and casual Q&As while enjoying refreshments from the honor bar.

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 - 14 and Jan. 18 - 21. Matinees will be performed at 2 p.m. Jan. 13 - 14 and Jan. 20 - 21.

Tickets are $50, $65 and $85 at www.theatre.zone.

TheatreZone stages its musical productions in the intimate 250-seat G&L Theatre conveniently located in Naples at 13275 Livingston Road, between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach roads, in a dedicated building nestled within the campus of the Community School of Naples.

For the lineup of 2023-2024 shows and concerts and to book tickets, visit www.Theatre.Zone or call the box office at 888-966-3352, ext. 1.

Happenings Magazine

Music, comedy, theatre at

Cultural Park in January

A spectacular January lineup at Cultural Park Theatre includes music, laughter and entertainment for all.

Get ready for an unforgettable month of entertainment at Cultural Park Theatre, where the stage comes alive with the electrifying music of the Champ Jaxon band and the side-splitting hilarity of the Clowning Around Comedy Show.

Champ Jaxon band will perform Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. The renowned Champ Jaxon band will grace Cultural Park Theatre’s stage, promising an enchanting musical experience that will resonate with fans of various genres. Known for their exceptional talent and dynamic stage presence, Champ Jaxon and the band are set to deliver a performance that transcends musical boundaries.

Clowning Around Comedy Show is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. Clowning Around Comedy Show features four incredibly funny comedians ready to tickle your funny bone.

The comedy show promises to

be a delightful mix of wit, humor and clever observations that will leave you in stitches.

Bring your friends, and get ready to share hearty laughs and unforgettable moments together. Comedians include Scott Novotny, Vien Phommachanh, Tara Zimmerman and Kathy McSteen.

James and The Giant Peach will be staged Jan. 18 – 28. Through a series of peculiar and magical happenings, James finds himself in a giant peach with a bunch of friendly giant insects for travelling companions. Determined to find a better life, the insects bite the great peach free from its tree and launch into an amazing journey to freedom.

Performances will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

More information and tickets can be found online at culturalparktheater.com or by calling the box office at 239-772-5862.

The theatre is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral.

Theatre Conspiracy presents

Which Way to the Stage?

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts presents the playful and profound comedy Which Way to the Stage? directed by Youth Theatre Director Carmen Crussard.

Performances are Jan. 18 - 20, 25 – 27 and Feb. 1 - 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

Which Way to the Stage? tells the story of Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy, who eagerly await their idol Idina Menzel after her performance in If/Then at the stage door every night. But when a sexy stranger enters the scene and upends their decades-long friendship, the musical theater aficionados have to go off-book to rewrite their own finale.

“I am so excited to be directing this play by Ana Happenings Magazine

Noguiera,” says director Carmen Crussard. “When I first read the script, I thought someone surely stood near me in a stage door line and recorded all my conversations with my best friends and turned them into a play. The dialogue is witty and fresh and relatable and sure to be a hit for all audiences, especially theater lovers!”

Which Way to the Stage? stars Cassie Sampson as Judy, TJ Albertson as Jeff, Steven Michael Kennedy as Mark and Tatiana Rodriguez in multiple roles.

For tickets or more info, call 239-939-2787, in person at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, or go online at www.artinlee.org/Theatre.

JANUARY 2024 - 7

THEATRE

Florida Repertory Theatre presents electrifying drama The Mountaintop

Florida Repertory Theatre's 26th season continues with The Mountaintop by Katori Hall.

The production runs in the ArtStage Studio Theatre now through Jan. 14 in downtown Fort Myers.

The Mountaintop reimagines the night before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. The play is set in the Lorraine

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Motel in Memphis where Dr. King stayed after delivering his most memorable speech. The story opens with an exhausted Dr. King calling room service for a cup of coffee as he struggles to write his next powerful speech. When a hotel maid arrives with his order, the two begin a conversation that prompts Dr. King to confront his life, his past, his legacy, and the plight and future of the people he represents.

Playwright Katori Hall’s play examines “what if” and applies magical realism to move the characters – and audience - through unexpected twists and turns. The dialog is reflective, touching and humorous at times.

Hall won an Olivier Best New Play award for The Mountaintop in 2010. More recently, Hall won a Pulitzer Prize for her play The Hot Wing King and wrote the book for the Tina Turner Musical.

“The Mountaintop is an electrifying drama full of theatricality and engaging dialog,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen.

“The play challenges audiences to consider Dr. King - the man - as he faces his humanity, addressing his fears, his frailties, and his passions.”

Florida Rep’s cast features Daniel Morgan Shelley (August Wilson’s Fences) and fellow New York-based actor Hope Ward making her Florida Rep debut.

Tickets start at $65 and may be purchased online at www.floridarep.org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877787-8053.

Happenings Magazine

Emilie Baartman excited to be in Naples production of Harvey THEATRE

Some people just can’t help but live and breathe theatre 24/7, and Emilie Baartman, playing Myrtle Mae Simmons in The Naples Players’ upcoming production of Harvey, is at the top of that list.

From a young age, Emilie remembers attending community theatre camps and watching her dad perform on stage. “I’ve been doing theatre since I was a kid. I was first inspired to perform because of my dad. At one point my dad was doing a show called The Sanders Family Christmas.

He was sitting in the living room practicing his guitar and singing and going over his lines and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I want to do what he’s doing. I want to be on stage with him.’”

“My first show was A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was a fairy, and I didn’t have any lines, but it didn’t matter. After that show, I knew that I wanted to do theater forever. I think even then I just knew that it was going to be a huge part of my life. It makes me feel more human and it’s had an incredible impact on my life.”

Through community theatre, Emilie began working with performers of multiple ability levels. “I love teaching people how to use theatre as a way to express themselves, build their confidence and communication skills, imagination, and help them grow.” Emilie says her background in inclusive performance has helped her in a multitude of ways. “It helped me as an educator and a performer, and discover what I want to do. I’m autistic, so for me to be able to do theater is something that has helped me grow so much, whether it's backstage, on stage, or working the front-of-house.”

She says, “When I went to college, I was set on becoming a film actor, but randomly one day I was given the opportunity to help out with an all ability production of The Wizard of Oz. I helped the actors backstage and during rehearsals. I had a friend who was in the hospital during the day of auditions, so I went to the hospital and filmed an audition video for her to send to the director. She ended up getting the role of Dorothy. That whole experience made me realize that I was really passionate about inclusive theatre and theatre education. This focus helped me get a job at Black Hills Playhouse right after graduation, and ultimately end up here in Naples.

To this date, I will find an opportunity to do inclusive theatre and provide an outlet for those who need theatre as a way to express themselves, and find their confidence and voice.”

For Emilie, there’s no one thing 10 - JANUARY 2024

that makes theatre special - but instead it’s a mixture, or “smorgasbord” of all of it. “Honestly, I can’t survive without theatre. It sounds cliche, but I absolutely need to do theatre every single second. Even when I catch myself thinking, ‘I need a break,’ I still somehow find myself coming back to it almost immediately. I can’t imagine not living and breathing theatre 24/7. Everything about it draws me in - the community, the cast, performing. When you’re on stage, you get to be a completely different person. You get to take a step away from reality and live in someone else’s shoes - see someone else’s perspective.

It’s really a gift that a lot of us actors overlook sometimes.”

The community here is one of the things that keeps Emilie involved. After moving to Naples in June of 2019 to work as the education assistant at Gulfshore Playhouse, Emilie quickly got involved with nearly every community theatre in the area - The Naples Players and beyond. “The art community within Naples is very intertwined. I love connecting with so many people and knowing their stories and them as human beings. It’s just an incredible feeling all being together. The patrons too! Everyone is so incredible and so supportive! It’s unlike anywhere else! Everyone here, regardless of wealth or background, loves the arts! Seeing everyone’s love for theatre and cooperation through writing, producing, directing, donating, volunteering - everything, collectively brings everyone together.”

After starring in Boeing, Boeing at TNP, and volunteering backstage on multiple occasions, Emilie has been itching for her next opportunity to perform on our stage. “I went into the rehearsal process for Harvey thinking that this would be just a kooky, fun comedy, like the movie. But on the first day of rehearsal, our director, Paul Graffy, pointed out that at the center of this show is a lot of heart. Despite being constantly told he’s crazy or wrong for seeing a six-foottall rabbit, Elwood P. Dowd shows kindness to everyone who he meets. He takes the time to talk to everyone, bring them flowers, and really acknowledge their presence. He’s the least selfish of anyone in the show and is the embodiment of compassion and being a good person. Paul’s whole perspective and direction of this show is really exciting, and I think will be a lot of fun for the audience to see. The characters are great. The actors are great. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have a great time!”

Harvey is on stage from Jan. 10 – 28 offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall while The Naples Players’ historic 5th Ave S building undergoes a $20 million renovation.

General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are offered a price of $39.

Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at 239-263-7990.

Happenings Magazine

Unnecessary Farce at The Belle Theatre

By Tyler Young As we step into a new year, we reflect on the year past and look forward to the year ahead.

As the leader of a brand new non-profit organization, I can’t help but think how grateful we are for our performers, our volunteers, our sponsors, supporters and community members who have shared the magic of theater with us over the past year and can’t wait to welcome you in the new year.

With the holidays behind us, we are ready to kick it into high gear at The Belle. Our second sensational season continues in January with the opening of Unnecessary Farce, a laugh-outloud, door slamming comedy of mistaken identities, embezzlement, and…the police!

Economy motel room, embezzling mayor, female accountant, two cops…what could go wrong? On stage Jan. 5 - 21, Unnecessary Farce is sure to leave you laughing from start to finish. Performances will be Jan. 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 2 p.m.

Happenings Magazine

The Wizard of Oz is up next, with the classic story and iconic music of the beloved movie, we follow Dorothy and friends along the yellow brick road all the way to the Emerald City and back.

On stage Feb. 2 - 18, The Wizard of Oz is perfect for the entire family.

In addition to our main stage productions, we’re excited to offer a robust educational program with classes and production workshops for all ages. Our spring 2024 education productions include Shrek, JR, Jungle Book KIDS, and Peter Pan, JR! Be on the lookout for our spring break and summer camps which will be announced soon.

Questions? Ready to book tickets? Visit us online at TheBelleTheatre.com, give us a call at 239-323-5533 or stop by the box office, Tuesday - Friday noon to 4 p.m.

The Belle Theatre is located at 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral.

Tyler Young is founder and executive director of The Belle Theatre.

JANUARY 2024 - 11

Charlotte Players start new year with comedy THEATRE

The Charlotte Players start the new year laughing at the comedy antics of these comedians in an adult clean Florida Comedy Network production Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at The Langdon Playhouse. Comedians include Scott Novotny Cliff Hornsby and Kathy McSteen.

Neil Simon’s Rumors will be staged Jan. 12 – 28 by the Charlotte Players.

The deputy mayor of New York has just shot himself at a large townhouse.

Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. The local production is directed by Gary Obeldobel

with scenic design by Ron Bates.

Performances will be Jan. 12 – 14, 18 – 21 and 24 – 28.

Valerie Roy & Jim Rice will bring back the wonderful musical memories of Steve and Eydie on Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Grammy and Emmy winning artists’ careers spanned over five decades and are remembered for such hits as “We Got Us,” “I’ve Got to Be Me,” “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” “Too Close for Comfort” and “Blame it on the Bossa Nova.”

The Charlotte Players present Calendar Girls Feb. 8 – 25. When Annie's husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women's Institute

members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.

Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history.

For tickets and information, call 941-255-1022 or visit online at www.charlotteplayers.org. The Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

THE CHAMP JAXON BAND CONCERT

Saturday, Jan. 6

January 18 - 28

Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Cultural Park Theatre, Cape Coral

Saturday, Jan. 13

239-772-5862 • culturalparktheater.com info@culturalparktheatre.org

12 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

Ray Cooney farce on stage

at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Run For Your Wife playing Jan. 11 through Feb. 25.

Written by the “master of farce” Ray Cooney, this comedy is said to be one of the funniest and most popular of all his plays.

Run For Your Wife is the story of London cab driver John Smith who has two separate lives, complete with two wives, Mary and Barbara. He has successfully kept his two lives separate by spending mornings with Barbara and evenings with Mary.

Hilarity ensues when he is injured during a mugging and the police return him to the wrong home at the wrong time.

To complicate things further, John’s picture appears in the local paper and the police show up to investigate how two men named John Smith with two different addresses were

Nations # 1 Interactive DINNER SHOW both mugged on the same day.

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $55 to $70 with discounts available for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Butterflies Are Free at Players Circle Theater January 5 - 28

Leonard Gershe’s 1969 romantic comedy, Butterflies Are Free, will mark the third production at Players Circle Theater’s new home, located at 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

The play follows Don Baker, a blind young songwriter, who moves into his own apartment against the wishes of his overprotective mother. Jill Tanner, the sexy young actress next door, takes a liking to him and his meticulously kept apartment. As they begin a closer relationship, Don’s domineering mother, Mrs. Baker, enters to “help” her son navigate his new life. Chaos ensues and cultures collide in this classic romantic comedy that leads to hilarious and touching results.

“It is no wonder why the original Broadway production ran over a thousand performances,” says artistic director Robert Cacioppo, who directs Happenings Magazine

Get back on the dance floor at

the piece for the first time. “It is all at once funny, touching, and poignant.”

The role of Mrs. Baker is played by Players Circle Theater’s own producing director Carrie Lund-Cacioppo, who has produced and starred in over 100 productions throughout SW Florida in the past 35 years.

The production also features Ted Wioncek III (Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show, Breaking Legs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), and Harvey Evans (Admissions, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), and Philadelphiabased actress Darby Pumphrey.

Butterflies Are Free plays Jan. 5 – 28.

Tickets and info are available at PlayersCircleTheater.com or by calling the box office at 239800-3292.

It’s just like going to a real Italian Wedding.

You’re part of “The Family.”

Dance, Drink, Mingle, Eat enough food to choke your bookie! You might even catch the garter or the bouquet!

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OPENING NIGHT Saturday, January 13 BONITA-ESTERO ELKS 3231 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs

January 13 and 26 February 3, 11 & 24 March 9 & 23, April 6 RSVP Today, call 1-888-562-7537 Or visit us

ComedyItalianWedding.com $75 per person includes dinner Doors open 5:30 pm Dinner at 6:15 pm

JANUARY 2024 - 13

THEATRE

a musical revolution

E LV I S at Broadway Palm Broadway Palm is kicking off 2024 with an all new musical fit for The King, Elvis: A Musical Revolution playing Dec. 30 through Feb. 17.

This official Elvis Presley biomusical takes a closer look at the rock star and cultural icon whose impact shaped the history of music.

Spanning from his childhood in Tupelo, Miss., to his triumphant 1968 “Comeback Special” and his ascent to be “The King.” This new musical explores the pivotal moments in the

14 - JANUARY 2024

life of Elvis Presley through perspectives of the people who knew him best. You’ll hear iconic hits including “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and more.

Directing and choreographing Elvis: A Musical Revolution is the ever talented Amy McCleary.

Portraying the role of Elvis is William Draper who was last seen on the Broadway Palm stage perfecting the role of Prince Eric in Disney’s

The Little Mermaid.

Put on your blue suede shoes and hip swivel your way to Broadway Palm for Elvis: A Musical Revolution now through Feb. 17. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees.

Tickets are $70 to $95 with group and children’s prices available.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-2784422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Touring shows coming to Punta Gorda

Gold Entertainment has announced a series of concerts and special performances coming to the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring these top national touring shows to this amazing theater located right in the center of Punta Gorda. It’s only a few blocks from downtown and adjacent to Charlotte High School” says Jay Goldberg, president of Gold Entertainment. “Add to it comfortable indoor theatre seating and plenty of free parking, and you have a wonderful place to attend these specially selected performances we are bringing to Punta Gorda and SW Florida.”

Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton will be presented Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. The only authorized impersonator by the Red Skelton Estate, Brian Hoffman, is bringing his incredible Tribute to Red Skelton to The Charlotte Performing Arts Center. The award winning nostalgic trip down memory lane has Brian Hoffman recreating several characters including Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper, just to name a few. Mr. Hoffman's meticulous study of Red Skelton proudly shows through as he performs the one man skits and precise pantomimes.

Red Skelton tribute

Add a little splash of "Guzzlers Gin" along with Gertrude and Heathcliff, the two seagulls and you have a show sure to please audiences of all ages. The heartfelt endearing ending will have you laughing and crying at the same time. For "Baby Boomers”

this show is a must see. Tickets are $39.

Paul Rodriguez will be at CPAC on Feb. 2. Longtime comedian Paul Rodriguez has been making audiences laugh all over the world for nearly three decades with his unique brand of humor that is a perfect blend of his Latin heritage the American dream and his undeniable universal appeal.

As an actor and comedian Paul Rodriguez’s multi-faceted career includes starring roles and featured appearances in over 45 films and countless television series and comedy specials. Tickets are $49.

Peter Fogel’s Til Death Do Us Part ...

You First will be presented Feb. 14. Eternal Bachelor Peter Fogel has major commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. He senses his own mortality and after much soul searching he decides to revisit the scene of all his romantic disasters. Our hapless Lothario mixes his signature wit along with riotous relatable characters and takes us on a whirlwind comedic journey of searching for his soul mate and the meaning of a real commitment. Tickets are $39.

Tickets are available online at www.goldentertainment.us or call 800-514etix (3849). Parking is free at CPAC.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

STEW

By Zora Howard

A Pulitzer Prize Finalist

JANUARY 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm

JAN. 14, 21, 28 at 2 p.m.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

Matinees:

HALF PRICE PREVIEWS JAN. 10 & 11 - SPONSORED BY THE NORTH LAW FIRM 1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 15

THEATRE

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Refugees Alan Campbell

Jeffrey Binder

Margot White

Max Singer

Nuah Ozryel

Sarah Corey

World premiere production runs Jan. 11 to Feb. 4 at Norris Center in Naples

Gulfshore Playhouse is thrilled to unveil the talented ensemble cast for the world premiere of The Refugees, a daring new comedy that explores the impact of a civil war in the United States on a once well-to-do Connecticut family. The production promises to deliver equal parts hilarity and thought-provoking moments as it navigates themes of patriotism, identity and belonging.

After an unforeseen turn of events thrusts the Yates family into the heart of the Middle East during a civil war in the United States, the once charmed life of lawyer Yates, socialite Poppy, and their 17-year-old son Wynn takes an unexpected and comedic turn. In this fish-out-of-water tale, the family finds themselves at odds with their new surroundings and each other. As Yates becomes entan-

16 - JANUARY 2024

gled in a comical scheme to emigrate to Europe, the family is faced with a choice: embrace their new reality or attempt to return to the world they once knew.

The Refugees was part of the 2022 New Works Festival at Gulfshore Playhouse. This is the first professionally staged production of this play ever.

Playwright Brent Askari wrote the play after winning the National New Play Network’s Smith Prize for political theatre. He was part of HBO’s New Writers Project and has written screenplays for several companies including Paramount Pictures, Marvel Films, MTV, and Reveille Entertainment.

The Refugees will bring back some familiar faces. Tony Award nominee Alan Campbell, who starred in Gulfshore Playhouse’s first full main stage production Oleanna, will return to play Yates.

The production will also feature Broadway actor and former associate artistic director Jeffrey Binder.

The cast includes Alan Campbell as Yates, Margot White as Poppy, Max Singer as Wynn, Sarah Corey as Salma, Jeffrey Binder as Barry and Nuah Ozryel as Samir.

Under the direction of Marshall Jones III (Radio Golf, Mud Row), this world premiere written by Brent Askari promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor and introspection.

The Refugees marks a significant addition to Gulfshore Playhouse's commitment to presenting innovative and compelling theatrical experiences.

"We've been working on this script for nearly two years," said director Jones, "so we are thrilled to share it with the Naples community. There's no doubt the audience will understand and empathize with the plight of the Sutton family as this wealthy, privileged family must navigate a new reality as refugees in a foreign land."

Jones added, "I feel like the luckiest director in the world -- not only because Brent Askari has written a seminal play that meets the compelling times we are living in -- but because we have a dream team cast for this enthralling and surprisingly funny new play."

The creative team also includes scenic design by Dahlia AlHabieli (Dallas Theatre Center’s In the Heights), costume design

by Ivania Stack (Mud Row), lighting design by José Santiago (Mud Row and Radio Golf), original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones (Broadway’s Slave Play and Gulfshore Playhouse’s Mud Row), and production stage manager Kelli Karen.

The Refugees will run Jan. 11 to Feb. 4 at The Norris Center in Naples. Tickets can be purchased online at GulfshorePlayhouse.org or by calling 239-261-7529.

Tickets are on sale and start at $40. Discounted tickets are available for patrons under 35; Educators; Families composed of two adults and two children; Active military, veterans, first responders, and their immediate families. Tickets can be ordered online (gulfshoreplayhouse.org) or by phone at 239-261-PLAY. Happenings Magazine

Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian

Wedding returning to Bonita

you know,” she made the “We are back for our third season show like her own families at The Elks Club in Bonita,” says traditional weddings, Italian.

Darlyne Franklin.

At every Italian wedding, the Joey and Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding is an interactive dinner show dad chooses the music, the uncle sings Mack the that began in Boston in Knife, the grooms1992. man makes a revealIt was written by ing toast about the Darlyne Franklin, formerly groom, the Nonna a native East Bostonian, sings the wrong now full time resident of lyrics to Cellaluna, Bonita Springs. someone over The show was derived drinks, someone gets from her observing how a “weekend pass from jail” back in the 1990s people Darlyne from the governor, you know, a enjoyed the trending murFranklin regular Italian wedding! It’s a der mysteries and karaoke. blast.

Merging her comedy and It has run in over 19 major cities TV writing experience she decided to across the U.S. including Las Vegas, write an Italian comedy wedding.

Boston and New York. It is also An event where the audience is played in other countries, The UK, part of the show, they’re the invited Greece, Ireland, Australia and guests, they dance, drink, eat, mingle Canada. with each other and the bridal party.

Joey & Maria’s Comedy Wedding Believing “it’s best to write what

Happenings Magazine

opens Jan. 13 at The Bonita Elks, 3231 Coconut Road. Shows will run until April 6. Remaining shows are scheduled for Jan. 26, Feb. 3, 11 and 24, March 9 and 26 and April 6.

Tickets are $75 and include dinner.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner is at 6:15 p.m.

For tickets and information, call 1-888-562-7537 or visit online at comedyitalianwedding.com

JANUARY 2024 - 17

THEATRE

Julissa Jean-Bart (Lillian), Tijuanna Clemons (Mama), Bianca Barner (Lil Mama), Terroncia Simon (understudy for Mama), and Calah McCarter (Nelly). photo by Sisk Media

Stew: Laboratory Theater of Florida

to perform Pulitzer Prize finalist Stew by Zora Howard opens Jan. 12 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.

This fast-paced family dramedy bubbles and simmers like the titular meal that Mama, her daughter, and grandchildren work to make one important Saturday morning. Unease and tension grow with the heat of the kitchen with a twist at the end so clever you'll want to watch the show twice.

Director Sonya McCarter says, “Step into Mama's kitchen and celebrate the joys and pains of multi-generations cooking together. In Mama's kitchen, you'll find love, laughter, comfort, and a healthy dose of "You're doing it wrong! That's too much! and Just let me do it."

Producing artistic director Annette Trossbach says, "It's clear from the fun yet haunting, fast-paced language of the play why Stew was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. I laughed out loud and cried the first time I read it - it's so honest and sharp, with the conversation just crack18 - JANUARY 2024

Julissa Jean-Bart (Lillian), Tijuanna Clemons (Mama), Bianca Barner (Lil Mama), and Calah McCarter (Nelly) photo by Sisk Media

ling with old and new tensions but underpinned by an enormous love. Mama rules the house and loves everyone in it, though her memory seems to be slipping..."

Stew features Tijuanna Clemons (Mama), Calah McCarter (Nelly), Julissa Jean-Bart (Lillian), Bianca Barner (Lil Mama) and Terroncia Simon (understudy for Mama). Stage manager is Lauren Miller, with set design by Jonathan Johnson and Gabrielle Lansden.

Performance dates are Jan. 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and Feb. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be presented Jan. 14, 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Half price preview nights are set for Jan. 10 and 11. A sensory friendly performance will take place Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets, call the box office at 239218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

Beehive takes a musical journey back to the ‘60s THEATRE

at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre rings in the new year with a musical celebration of the unforgettable female voices of the 1960s in the musical Beehive: The 60s Musical.

The production runs in the Historic Arcade Theatre Jan. 12 – 28. Tickets start at $69, with discounted previews offered Jan. 9 - 11.

Beehive: The 60s Musical, created by Larry Gallagher, is a high-energy, nonstop musical that includes more than two dozen chart-toppers from iconic female artists such as The Ronettes, The Chiffons, The Supremes, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and more.

“The audience will be dancing in the aisles as our six extraordinary performing artists bring the iconic 60s songs to life on stage,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen, who also directs the production. “Complete with big hairdos and 60s fashions, the music from the decade of change is sure to entertain audiences of all ages and stir memories among those who lived it.”

The cast features six actresses making their Florida Rep debuts including Elizabeth Adabale, Natalie Brouwer, Renée Jackson, Bailey J. Reeves, Maria Reginaldi and Tyler Symone.

The performers are joined by a live band featuring Forrest Holcomb (bass), Peter Davis (trumpet), Matthew Koller (drums), Frank Sanders (reeds/saxophone)

20 - JANUARY 2024

and Tim Torres (guitar).

Director Longenhagen is joined by an expert creative team including musical director Victoria Casella (Let’s Fall in Love), set designer Bert Scott (Ring of Fire), costume designer Charlene Gross (Morning After Grace), lighting designer Tyler M. Perry (Ring of Fire), sound designer Katie Lowe (A Sherlock Carol), stage manager Alicia Digiori, and assistant stage manager Dane Urban.

Evening performances are offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturdays, with an opening night performance beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. Matinee performances are offered at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, all new this season, 2 p.m. matinees on the second and third Fridays (Arcade Theatre productions only). Florida Rep's parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.floridarep.org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877787-8053.

Founded in 1998, Florida Repertory Theatre is a professional, live theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson & Hendry.

Subscriptions for the 2023-2024 season

Bailey Reeves

Elizabeth Adabale

Maria Reginaldi

Natalie Brouwer

Renee Jackson

Tyler Simone

are on sale. Popular Flex Passes allow patrons to lock in $59 tickets before prices go up with demand.

Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org to view the full season lineup of comedies, dramas, musicals, and new works.

Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes insight, special offers, and more.

Happenings Magazine

ART

Cape Coral

Art Festival

Jan. 13 & 14

The Rotary Club of Cape Coral announces the eagerly anticipated 39th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place, a landmark cultural event set to captivate art enthusiasts on Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14.

As we approach this celebration of creativity and community, exciting opportunities for sponsorship and volunteer engagement remain available, with Lake Michigan Credit Union leading the way as the title sponsor.

The Cape Coral Art Festival & MarketPlace has been a beacon of artistic brilliance, drawing diverse talents and a vibrant community spirit for nearly four decades. From stunning visual arts to unique crafts, this event has consistently showcased the best in the world of creativity.

We invite businesses and organizations to be part of this esteemed event by becoming sponsors. Align your brand with a celebration of culture and creativity, with Lake Michigan Credit Union leading the way as our title sponsor. Various sponsorship packages are tailored to suit different needs, providing valuable exposure to an engaged audience. Don't miss the chance to support the arts and reinforce your commitment to community enrichment. For sponsorship inquiries, visit CapeCoralArtFestival.com Volunteer and be a pillar of artistic excellence - The heartbeat of this festival is the dedicated volunteers who contribute to its success.

Join our team and play a crucial role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for artists and attendees. Whether you're passionate about the arts or eager to contribute to a community event, volunteering is a fulfilling way to get involved. To volunteer, sign up online.

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Art, culture, and community unite Jan. 13 and 14 as the 39th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place promises a weekend of artistic wonders and community celebration. Engage with local and national artists, explore unique crafts, and immerse yourself in the transformative power of art.

The festival on Cape Coral Parkway is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The Cape Coral Art Festival & MarketPlace, organized by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, is an annual celebration of artistic excellence that attracts over 140,000 art enthusiasts nationwide. It provides a platform for artists and businesses to connect with a diverse and engaged audience while promoting the arts and culture in the Cape Coral community.

Happenings Magazine is a long-time co-sponsor of this festival.

Happenings Magazine

ACT Gallery showcases Shah Hadjebi Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will host an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk.

This month, ACT Gallery will feature artist Shah Hadjebi.

Shah is an award winning Southwest Florida watercolor artist. He graduated from Syracuse University in the late 1980s and comes from a family of artists: fine artists, architects, interior designers, industrial designers, photographers and furniture designers.

Although he has been painting for the past 20 years, his first artistic outlet was music, but in time he realized that painting was his most natural artistic expression and passion. He paints a wide variety of subjects from animals and portraits to classic automobiles, still life and architecture.

Living in Southwest Florida has supplied him with an endless array of topics; Wading birds on the beach and at

Happenings Magazine

wildlife sanctuaries, classic automobiles at local car shows as well as popular architectural landmarks all around.

Shah's main goal is to bring some presence and mindfulness into this hectic world and to live a life where his inner and outer purpose are aligned.

This non-profit gallery is devoted to representing the distinctive and offers premium quality original works of art! The monies raised support Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc., the domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking center serving Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.

Come view these creative artworks and support ACT Gallery.

This exhibit continues through Jan. 29.

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

For more gallery details, call 239-337-5050.

JANUARY 2024 - 23

The Paper Songs exhibit ART

at DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery

During the month of January, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is hosting artworks from multiple guest artists, as well as members of the cooperative, for their very first juried exhibition of the year.

The exhibition entitled The Paper Songs will have its opening reception on Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk. The exhibition will be on display through Jan. 28.

The exhibition prospectus challenged artists from Southwest Florida and beyond to celebrate the freedom of mixed media approaches on paper surfaces. All pieces comply with the specifications proposed for size and medium application, creating a cohesive and

soothing atmosphere in the place. All pieces are hung with wooden pins on threads, spanning from one wall to another in the exhibition space. The vision is of a clean, flowy spectacle, where all the pieces dance together, mimicking a clothesline of beautiful creations on paper.

The gallery’s administration will award Best in Show, First and Second prizes, plus Honorable Mentions. These will be revealed during the opening reception.

DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is located at 1815 Fowler St. in the Butterfly Estates complex in Fort Myers.

As an award-winning venue, it hosts artworks from some of the best local artists

in Southwest Florida. The venue is also available for private functions and events. Contact the venue via email to info@daascoop.com for more information.

The gallery’s business hours are Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information can be found online at daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.

Hirdie Girdie celebrates 30 years Hirdie Girdie Gallery welcomes photographer Quinn Sedam as a new member artist.

Quinn is a storm chaser who specializes in capturing quality fine art images of tropical storms and lightning. He uses his extensive background in meteorology and his self-taught style of low light photography to produce stunning images of the electrifying drama of tropical storms.

His current project “Storms over the Cape” offers storm images over Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the surrounding areas and is the result of four years of chasing local storms. This collection features spectacular images of storms over bays, rivers, swamps, lakes, The Gulf of Mexico and metro areas.

Jannine Primus has explored many facets of art during her career, including wearable art and children’s book illustration. She is now again concentrating on watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media paintings, and most recently, collage and assemblage art. She has exhibited and taught in the Minneapolis and Pittsburgh areas, and now in Florida.

Her work has received many awards, been juried into numerous national, regional and local shows and is included in corporate, public and private collections nationwide.

Subject matter is secondary to Jannine, who views her art as a means of personal expression through the manipulation of color, texture, and value to create a cohesive composition. The resulting non-specific landscapes and florals encourage the viewJannine Primus 24 - JANUARY 2024

Quinn Sedam

er to participate in the creative process and allow each painting to be perceived subjectively. Jannine states that she does not paint things, but rather moods and illusions.

The gallery will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at a gala reception on Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Quinn Sedam’s dramatic photography and Jannine Primus’ diverse artwork will be featured. Everyone is invited to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music by Bob Housler.

Hirdie Girdie Gallery is located at 2490 Library Way on Sanibel. For more info, call 239-395-0027 or visit hirdiegirdiegallery.com Happenings Magazine

SW Florida Wood Art Expo Jan. 12 & 13

The annual Southwest Florida Wood Art, Wood Carvers and Wood Turners expo and competition is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12 and Saturday, Jan. 13.

This is one of the premier wood art shows in the country since 1986.

A dynamic show with hundreds of entries for competition, vendors of all kinds (wood, tools, blanks, dust equipment, art supplies and more), demonstrations, raffle, artists' displays and sales.

The show will be held at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center, located at 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda.

Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission will be $10 for each day. Tickets are available at the door.

The show features demonstrations, silent auctions, carving supplies, carver sales & displays, vendors, unique raffle and a quality competition.

Competition fee is $15 each after Dec. 12. Forms are available online.

Commercial vendors may submit an application online for display or sales space. Fees start at $115.

For more information and forms, go online to www.swflwoodartexpo.org.

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 25

Annual fine art festival in ART

Bonita Springs Jan. 13 & 14 The Center for Visual Arts in Bonita Springs will hold its first national art festival of the season in January.

The first of three Bonita Springs National Arts Festivals will be held Jan. 13 and 14 at Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Discover artistic excellence at the Bonita Springs National Art Festivals!

This is a fantastic celebration of creativity where national and international artists converge to present a diverse and sophisticated visual arts showcase. Set in downtown Bonita Springs, these festivals allow patrons to engage with the creative process, explore curated installations, and acquire unique pieces from a discerning artisan marketplace.

With live music providing a harmonious ambiance, attendees can connect with the artists behind the masterpieces, making this cultural event a refined experience for art enthusiasts of all ages.

Join us in the heart of Bonita Springs for an elevated celebration of the arts that transcends ordinary experiences.

Subsequent juried outdoor festivals will be held Feb. 10 and 11 and March 2 and 3. The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The Center for Visual Arts is located at 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs.

For more details, call 239-495-8989 or visit online at artsbonita.org

CROW benefit auction at Tower Gallery Jan. 11

Tower Gallery is having a huge silent auction benefit for CROW, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

CROW is a teaching hospital and education center dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education, and conservation medicine.

Tower Gallery artists are donating their art to benefit the amazing work that CROW does every day.

Tower Gallery is located at 751 Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel Island.

For more about the event or the gallery, call 239-579-0659 or 239-472-4557 or visit online at www.towergallery.net.

Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

26 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

Hubcap art on display Marla McLean, Maryland

at Tribby Arts Center

Shell Point kicks off the new year in Tribby Arts Center with a new exhibition.

“On the Road Again: The Hubcap as Art” opens in the Tribby Arts Center galleries on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Concern for the environment inspired this exhibition of more than 200 artworks, each one incorporating one or more discarded hubcaps and created by full-time professional artists across the globe.

The exhibition was originally paired with the Smithsonian Institution exhibition Waste Not and presented in 2014 as “Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art” in the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Va. Following that venue, a greatly abbreviated version of the exhibition toured nationally. This is the first time in 10 years that the collection as shown in the “Second Time Around” exhibition will be on public display in nearly its original, dazzling and fascinating entirety.

Tribby Arts Center exhibitions are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tribby Arts Center is located within Shell Point, at 17281 On Par Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Jeff Gaither, Kentucky Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 27

ART

Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda starts new year with three shows

The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda is starting the new year with new exhibits.

Three shows full of art that evokes blazing, fiery themes and colors. Each show will have $800 in prize money plus five merit awards. This is a big show that involves a lot of artists and a lot of art.

Through the Fire features pottery and glass in the main gallery. A celebration of art that is made through fire. Through the Fire will be on display from Jan. 9 to Feb. 1 showcasing a stunning array of glass and pottery pieces with fiery, blazing colors. Each piece has been painstakingly crafted using a unique technique that harnesses the power of fire to create stunning visual effects. This exhibit is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of handmade art.

Ice will feature jewelry in Rebecca Hall. A whole show of jewelry, it features a wide variety of unique and handcrafted pieces. From Jan. 9 to Feb. 1, you can admire and purchase a stunning collection of jewelry made from sterling, bronze, brass, gold, and stainless steel metals, adorned with gems, pearls, and charms. Talented artists use wire wrapping and metalsmithing techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't find anywhere else.

Fire features 2D art on the walls of main & Goff galleries Jan. 8 to Feb. 1. This exhibit will be showcasing 2D fine art pieces that are inspired by fire. Expect to see breathtaking artwork that features fiery, blazing colors such as red, yellow, and orange.

A reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 87 p.m. for all of the shows.

The Visual Arts Center is proud to sponsor the prestigious National Art Exhibition, featuring artwork from all over the world

Bonnie Walker

28 - JANUARY 2024

Birgit Tode

including Hong Kong, UK, Canada, and the USA. This biennial event will be on display from Feb. 16 to April 12 and will showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. In addition to the exhibition, there will be numerous workshops and talks associated with the event, providing a unique opportunity to learn from established artists and industry professionals.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda. For more details, call 941-639-8810 or visit online at www.visualartcenter.org

Kathy Wengel

Jack McLennen

Happenings Magazine

Kim McAninch exhibit at the Alliance The Alliance for the Arts invites the public to its opening reception for It Makes Me exhibit on Friday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The free event features the works of Kim McAninch as well as light refreshments provided

by Jayne Baker.

Kim McAninch is a Sarasotabased painter. She earned a B.F.A. in surface pattern design from Miami University, Ohio in 1982. Her 20-year career as a wallpaper, fabric and interior designer laid the groundwork for her unique painterly style.

Her process begins as pure fiction, allowing limitless possibilities. Fueled by wonder and curiosity of what may emerge, she employs multiple tools and media. It is through this process that she extracts order, creating the exact balance between figuration and abstraction. Without a premeditated outcome, the compositions naturally emerge. She seeks harmony of color, rhythm, depth and energy, and most important to her goal, offers a

Kim McAninch

visual invitation to enter. Each painting is an opportunity to be immersed in a personal moment. The color and energetic and gestural markings intentionally offer more information with less detail, leaving just enough space in which a viewer may wander.

It Makes Me Wonder will include paintings from each of her series, on which she has simultaneously worked for the past 14 years. Her work aims to convey a positive world. The exhibit will be on view from Jan. 5 to 27 at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Kim is an award-winning member of the National Association of Women Artists. Her artwork is in select galleries and is collected worldwide.

Everyday by Anna “Forrest” Fischler will be on display in the theatre gallery. This exhibition holds a year’s worth of experiences in small glass frames, and Anna’s hope is that visitors will walk away with a new appreciation for tiny, beautiful moments, feeling inspired to dive into their own daily practice, art-related or not.

Keith Chamberlain and Pat St. Onge will be showcased in the member gallery.

For more info, call 239-939-2787 or visit online at www.artinlee.org

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Crafts Show

Saturday, January 13th 10 am to 4 pm

Free Admission & Parking

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 29

Joan Sonnenberg, Lesley Morrow ART

exhibits at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

musicians, poets, royal The Sidney & Berne houses, and religions. This Davis Art Center exhibition is a mysterious, announces two art exhibiseductive, and fun explotions opening during Art ration of the dynamic color Walk on Friday, Jan. 5. ranges and emotions that Street Walking Artist have best described the

by Joan Sonnenberg will feminine mystique. Morrow be featured in the downwas influenced by her prostairs Grand Atrium and fessional illustrator parents, artist Lesley Morrow’s and then focused on phoPaint Me Like One of tography and attended The Your French Girls will be School of Visual Arts in on display in the upstairs New York City and City Capital Gallery.

College of San Francisco, Artist Joan Brechin California. Yet, Lesley Sonnenberg received a found her voice painting youth scholarship to contemporary portraiture study at the Carnegie Art later. Her paintings are Institute in Pittsburgh, Pa. bold, raw, and sensitive to Her mother, a sculptor the eye. Lesley is an artist and a singer, and father, in residence at the Union an industrial engineer Joan Sonnenberg Artist Studios in Fort who worked on the Myers, Florida where she Manhattan Project, pronow breathes her passion through acrylic, oil, airbrush, and vided major creative influences. Lively conversations often mixed media. Her work can be found in public and private colrevolved around religion, politics, and the human condition, but lections locally and internationally. invariably, the three found a middle ground. As a college stuOpening night for both exhibitions will be Jan. 5 from 6 to 10 dent at Carnegie Mellon University, Sonnenberg was a staff p.m. including music under the stars at Sidney’s Rooftop feacartoonist for Tartan, the campus newspaper. After graduation, turing Chris Bepko from 7 to 11 p.m. at Sidney’s Rooftop she continued with independent studies in printmaking techSculpture Garden. Both exhibitions will be on display through niques. Joan Sonnenberg has won multiple Best of Show Jan. 25. awards throughout her career including in 1976, with exhibiThe Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 tions at the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio.

First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For Sonnenberg’s work has been honored with 57 major awards more information call 239-333-1933 or visit the website at in art exhibitions throughout the United States – Pennsylvania, www.sbdac.com Washington D.C., Ohio, North Carolina and Florida, with multiple solo exhibitions from 2004 scheduled through 2024. Her large-scale etchings, paintings, and murals have been included in 18 major corporation collections in Japan, Brazil and throughout the U.S. A mother of four grown children, Joan Sonnenberg moved to the east coast of Florida in 1997 and since 2000 has been based in Naples. Petite, but with robust energy and insatiable curiosity, Sonnenberg maintains her lifelong studio practice working every day with sustained vigor. Her daily walks with a canine companion in tow continually inspire new ideas. Every day, she looks forward to painting and learning something with each newly completed work. For her, art is an ongoing passion that gives meaning to life – transcending and encompassing the doctrines of abstraction in realism – and realism in abstraction – which harmoniously coexist in life and art.

Featured upstairs in the Capital Gallery for January's exhibition, artist Lesley Morrow’s Paint Me Like One of Your French Girls is a whimsical, vibrant, feminine-inspired show. From the beginning of humankind, the female aura has captivated artists, Lesley Morrow 30 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

New exhibits, workshops at Cape Coral Art Center

The Cape Coral Art Center invites you to be a part of our growing arts community by participating in January events.

The Cape Coral Art Center offers yearround classes and programming in fine arts and fine crafts for all ages. Choose from various classes, including acrylic painting, watercolor, oil painting, pottery clay/raku, stone sculpture, silversmithing, jewelry, precious metal clay, glass beadmaking, glass fusing, wire wrapping, stained glass, copper enameling, and more. Classes for children and teens include clay.

Studios are well equipped, and classes are available from intermediate to advanced levels. Classes are offered on various days and times to fit into your schedule. Winter session 2 runs Jan. 8 – Feb. 17 and spring 1 session runs Feb. 20 – March 20. Registration is required by calling 239-574-0802.

Let It Be gallery exhibit will be on display Jan. 5 – 25 with a reception on Jan. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Let It Be showcases a diverse range of styles, mediums, and themes created by artists and members of our nonprofit partner, the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery in a juried exhibition as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery

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(FMBAAG) is a community partner that has shown how art can inspire hope and bring people together. After the devastation of Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022, they have continued their art adventures, using their creativity to help rebuild their community.

Inspire Gallery exhibition will be on display Jan. 5 – Feb. 22 with a reception on Jan. 12. This annual exhibit showcases the work of our incredible Cape Coral Art Center instructors. These gifted artists

change the lives of their students by inspiring them to try new techniques and concepts to push the limits of their imagination.

Community is built around the values of arts and culture. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet our talented faculty and ask them about their artistic process, philosophy and techniques.

Galleries are free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ArtSocial with George Hobbs will be Jan. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. With George Hobbs as your guide, each month you'll have the opportunity to learn a brand-new skill and unleash your inner artist. This January you will create squeegee art masterpieces.

Plein air painting workshop with Dyann Miller will be Jan. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. Using acrylics amidst the picturesque landscapes of nature in the June Bennett Pathway to Creativity, participants will learn techniques for capturing the essence of natural light, color and texture. Workshops are $27 per person. Supplies included. Registration is required by calling 239-574-0802.

The Cape Coral Art Center is part of the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department and is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral in Rubicond Park.

JANUARY 2024 - 31

Weavers of Char-Lee at Cape Coral Library ART

An array of unique creations by members of Weavers of Char-Lee will be on exhibit during library hours from Jan. 4 through Feb. 27 in the art gallery of the Cape Coral Library, located at 921 SW 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Pkwy.

The gallery committee is excited to welcome back the Weavers, whose creations have been so popular with library visitors over the years. This time a collection of recent work will feature weavings, spinning, collage and other fiber pieces by Char-Lee guild members. The exhibit will also include information on the processes involved in the fiber arts. In addition, samples of weaving and spinning tools and equipment will be on display in the mirrored glass cases.

On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Weavers guild members will be recognizing Roc Day, also known as Saint Distaff's Day, when women during the Middle Ages traditionally resumed their spinning and household duties after the 12 days of Christmas.

Visitors can stop by the meeting room of the library between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. that Saturday to learn about spinning and weaving and even experience some handson demonstrations.

are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists and artisans the opportunity to share their work in this public forum. For information contact Monica Rahman, art gallery chairperson at gallery@capefriends.org or visit www.capefriends.org.

Follow “Friends of the Cape Coral Library” on Facebook.

Originally guilds were set up by likeminded individuals for mutual interest and benefits – to share knowledge and techniques, preserve heritage, and encourage high standards of workmanship. The Weavers of Char-Lee also welcome beginners or anyone simply interested in weaving or spinning to join their group. As their website www.weaversofchar-lee.com describes themselves: “We are masters and learners of an ancient art. We share, teach and love the threads that bind us as members…. It’s a gift to pass on to future generations.”

Changing exhibits in the library’s gallery

Naples Artcrafters next show set for Jan. 13 in Cambier Park

The Naples Artcrafters will host their third juried fine art and craft show of the new season on Saturday, Jan. 13.

The event showcases the work of juried local artists and craftsmen who will be selling their paintings, jewelry, pottery, art glass, sculptures and more in lovely Cambier Park, which is located on 8th Street South, just one block south of 5th Ave South in downtown Naples.

Meet well known and emerging Naples’ artists in this celebration of creativity. It will be a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support your artists.

Admission is free, and free parking is nearby.

32 - JANUARY 2024

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of local artists and the encouragement of the development of artistic endeavors in the Naples area.

The group provides local artists and craftsmen a venue for displaying and selling their work by sponsoring juried outdoor shows during the season.

The remaining 2023-24 season has shows in Cambier Park scheduled for Feb. 10, March 9 and April 3.

For more about the Naples Artcrafters group, visit online at naplesartcrafters.com.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 33

JANUARY CALENDAR Live Music, Theatre, Art Exhibits, Concerts and Special Events

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

ONGOING

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Clyde Butcher exhibit Through Jan. 2 Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Reception at 6 p.m., 239-495-8989

Lee Birchfield - 1 p.m.

Pan Dave Steel Drums - 5 p.m.

Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-790-5786

Elvis - A Musical Revolution Through Feb. 17 Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422

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

Florida Repertory Theatre: The Mountaintop Through Jan. 14 ArtStage Studio Theatre, Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers 239-332-4488

MON - 1

Tyler Kluesner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Maria Simic Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Fort Myers Film Festival: TGIM Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

TUE - 2

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

34 - JANUARY 2024

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

Canadian Brass

Fort Myers Community Concert Association presents Canadian Brass on Jan. 7 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-481-4849 or visit bbmannpah.com The Flying Hasslehoffs Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Frank Torino Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Butterflies Are Free Through Jan. 28 Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-800-3292

Gallery opening reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral, 6 - 8 p.m., featured artists Beth Blewett and Rosemary Collins, harbourviewgallery.com

WED - 3

Eddie Montgomery and John Michael Montgomery in concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849

Latin Dance with Angela, Rooftop Dance Party Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Lesson 6:30 p.m., party 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

THU - 4

Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Wilburys Show Band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 John Housley Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

Happenings Magazine

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

Arts for ACT reception Arts for ACT Gallery 2265 First St., Fort Myers 5 - 9 p.m., featured artist Shah Hadjebi, 239-337-5050

38 Special in concert Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers gates at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. www.caloosasoundamp.com

Lesley Morrow exhibit Jan. 5 - 25 Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Reception 6 p.m., capital gallery, 239-333-1933

COCO Art Gallery reception COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 5 - 7 p.m. 239-949-3073

FRI - 5

Unnecessary Farce Jan. 5 - 7 The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. #135, Cape Coral 239-323-5533

Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141

It Makes Me Wonder exhibit Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Reception 5 p.m., exhibit runs through Jan. 27, 239-939-2787

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

Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

The Paper Songs exhibit DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, Opening 6 - 9:30 p.m., exhibit runs through Jan. 28, 239-590-8645

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

Happenings Magazine

Paula Canon Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Endless Summer Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Legends Concert Series presents ABBA & Bee Gee tributes Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N, Naples 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. www.legendsconcertseries.com Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 5 - 9 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Joan Sonnenberg exhibit Jan. 5 - 25 Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Reception 6 p.m., grand atrium, 239-333-1933 Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-277-1700

SAT - 6

Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Johnny Caribe & The Hurricanes The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Carmen Lundy Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989 Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 ACMA: Reckless Saints All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., Ken Dunn opens, www.americanacma.org Laughing at The Langdon: Scott Novotny and Friends Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 7:30 p.m., 941-255-1022

JANUARY 2024 - 35

JANUARY CALENDAR SAT - 6 continued

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723 Emanual Zuckerman II Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Nash to Naples Songwriter Fest Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 6 p.m., nashtonaples.com The Champ Jaxon Band Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-772-5862 Last Train Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jacob Engelking Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Callisto Quartet

Grand Piano Series welcomes Callisto Quartet with Milana Strezeva Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Leo Auditorium in Bonita Springs. For tickets, call 469-333-3231 or visit www.grandpianoseries.org American Made Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

Southwest Florida Symphony Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849

Thomas O’Brien Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856

New Year’s Art Fair Saturday & Sunday Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.Naplesart.org

Fort Myers Community Concert Association: Canadian Brass Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849

Randy and Brad Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 6 p.m., 239-549-3000

SUN - 7

Charlie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-995-2141 Elvis tribute Naples Hilton, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. 5:30 and 8 p.m. shows www.thegoldlionagency.com New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Lee Birchfield - 1 p.m.

Pan Dave Steel Drums - 5 p.m.

Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-790-5786 36 - JANUARY 2024

MON - 8

Sean Paxson The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Tyler Kluesner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Maria Simic Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Film as Fine Art: The Ox-Bow Incident Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989

TUE - 9

Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Florida Repertory Theatre: Beehive: The ‘60s Musical Through Jan. 28 Arcade Theatre,Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Compton & Bennett: A Cracker at The Ritz Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 The Flying Hasslehoffs Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Levi John Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 ACMA Songwriters on the Plaza: Fred Ball, Matt Hannam and J.D. Lashley Cornog Plaza, Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Downtown Fort Myers, 6 p.m., indoors if bad weather, www.americanacma.org

WED - 10

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Lee Birchfield - 1 p.m.

Pan Dave Steel Drums - 5 p.m.

Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-790-5786 The Naples Players: Harvey Jan. 10 - 14 McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990 Tom Petty, Steve Miller Band and Crosby Stills Nash & Young tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Wednesday Night with DJ Don Fresh Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY CALENDAR WED - 10 continued

COCO Art Gallery reception COCO Art Gallery at Coastland Center, 1758 Tamiami Trail, Naples 5 - 7 p.m. cocoartgallery.com

Run For Your Wife Through Feb. 25 Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422

Latin Night with DJ JC Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

Wednesday Night Market Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 5 - 8 p.m. 239-939-2787

Tesla in concert Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com

Evening on Fifth 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-248-4151

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

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Refugees Through Feb. 4 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 239-261-7529

THU - 11

Sol Real The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com TheatreZone presents Bonnie & Clyde The Musical Jan. 11 - 14 G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road 888-966-3352

The Alter Eagles The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Boots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Katie Dietz Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

3th Anniversary Art Gallery reception Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel Artists Quinn Sedam and Jannine Primus, 5 - 7 p.m., 239-395-0027 Silent Auction benefit for CROW Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel 5 - 8 p.m., 239-472-4557 The Jazz Trio: Music of Oscar Peterson Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-277-1700

FRI - 12

Southwest Florida Wood Art Expo Friday and Saturday Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.swflwoodartexpo.org Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Majesty of Rock: The Music of Styx and Journey The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 South Shore Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Stew Jan. 12 - 14 Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

Classic & Contemporary Rock from the ‘60s to Today...with a Song List for All Ages!

Randy & Brad We’re back for the 2024 season!

APPEARING IN JANUARY

1/3 Wiggins Bay Villas (private) 1/5 The Center Bar, Bonita Springs - 7 pm 1/6 Cape Cabaret, Cape Coral - 6 pm 1/10 Pelican Bay (private) 1/12 Club at Rapallo (private) 1/13 Highland Woods (private) 1/14 Snook Inn, Marco Island - 6 pm 1/17 Fort Myers RV Park (private) 1/20 Giuseppe & The Lion, Naples - 5:30 pm 1/24 Coconut Point Center Court, Estero - 5 pm 1/25 Dogtooth, Naples - 6:30 pm 1/28 Snook Inn, Marco Island - 6 pm

More dates to come. www.RandyBradDuo.com

38 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

Bluegrass Series: Della Mae Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

Fabulous Girls of Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

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

Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Carling Witt Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Jacob Engelking Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

The Charlotte Players: Rumors Jan. 12 - 14 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022

Naples Artcrafters Fine Arts & Craft Show Cambier Park, 580 8th St. S., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. naplesartcrafters.com

Nostaljah Band Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933 Let It Be and Inspire exhibits reception Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway Reception 5 - 7 p.m., Let It Be exhibit runs Jan. 5 - 12, Inspire exhibit runs Jan. 5 - Feb. 22 239-574-0802

Happenings Magazine

Croce Plays Croce

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee presents Croce Plays Croce on Jan. 28. For tickets and info, visit www.moreinparadise.com Unnecessary Farce Jan. 12 - 14 The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. #135, Cape Coral 239-323-5533 Endless Summer Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

SAT - 13

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

Celebration in the Sky Fireworks Show Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 9 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com Bonita Springs National Art Festival Saturday and Sunday Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. artsbonita.org

JANUARY 2024 - 39

JANUARY CALENDAR SAT - 13 continued

John Housley Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding Bonita-Estero Elks, 3231 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs 6:15 p.m. dinner, 888-562-7537 Nightbird - The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 ACMA: Seth Walker All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., Dhruva’ Stephenson opens, www.americanacma.org Clowning Around Comedy Show Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-772-5862 Steve Luongo Project Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. concert, 239-333-1933 Just 4 Fun Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

Fort Myers Community Concert Association presents Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra on Jan. 16 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-481-4849 or visit online at www.bbmannpah.com

SUN - 14

Charlie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-995-2141 Kat Orlando Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723

Blues and Bloodys Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 5 p.m., Mark Telesca Band at 12:30 p.m., Sean Chambers at 3:30 p.m. www.thecenterbar.com

The Greatest Piano Man BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 8 p.m., 239-395-0900

Michael Jay Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856

Gulf Coast Symphony: Beethoven Symphony No. 4 Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-277-1700

Lee County Community Band Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral 3 p.m. leecountyband.org

Cape Coral At Festival & Market Place Saturday and Sunday Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days 239-699-7942 www.capecoralartfestival.com Lee County Community Band Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral 3 p.m. leecountyband.org

40 - JANUARY 2024

Punta Gorda Symphony Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Road, Punta Gorda 3:30 p.m. www.pgsymphony.org 941-205-5996 Naples Concert Band: Cinemagic Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 2 p.m. naplesconcertband.org Gulf Coast Symphony: Beethoven Symphony No. 4 Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 3 p.m. 239-277-1700

Randy and Brad Snook Inn, 1215 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco 6 p.m., 239-394-3313

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

Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-540-8454

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

MON - 15

Ed Ziehm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Maria Simic Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton-John and Glen Campbell tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Screaming Orphans Tribby Arts Center, 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-415-5667 Tyler Kluesner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 16

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

Pan Dave Steel Drums Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. 239-790-5786 Fort Myers Comm. Concert Assoc: Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849

WED - 17

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Lee Birchfield Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 The Naples Players: Harvey Jan. 17 - 21 McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990 Wine and Paint, Karoake Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers class at 6:30, karaoke 8:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY CALENDAR WED - 17 continued

Unnecessary Farce Jan. 18 - 21 The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. #135, Cape Coral 239-323-5533

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

Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Pink tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com A Grand Night for Singing Through Feb. 3 Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-277-1700 Rob Norum Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

The Lettermen

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee presents The Lettermen on Feb. 9. For tickets and info, visit www.moreinparadise.com

THU - 18

Theatre Conspiracy: Which Way to the Stage?

Through Feb. 3 Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787

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

Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933 The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Stew Jan. 18 - 21 Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 TheatreZone presents Bonnie & Clyde The Musical Jan. 18 - 21 G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road 888-966-3352

Best of the Best Tribute Bands are Performing at THE STAGE UPCOMING TRIBUTE SHOW SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JAN. 4 The Wilburys Show Band

FRIDAY, JAN. 12 Majesty of Rock: Styx & Journey

FRIDAY, JAN. 5 Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand

SATURDAY, JAN. 13 Fabulous Girls of Motown

SATURDAY, JAN. 6 Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood

MONDAY, JAN. 15 John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton-John, Glen Campbell

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10 Tom Petty, CSNY, Steve Miller

JAN. 16 & 17 Absolute Queen THURSDAY, JAN. 18 Michael Jackson, Justin T., Pink

THE STAGE THURSDAY, JAN. 11 The Alter Eagles

FRIDAY, JAN. 19 Earth to Mars (Bruno Mars)

SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Jersey Boys

FRIDAY, JAN. 26 Rolling Stones, Creedence, Doobies

SUNDAY, JAN. 21 Rat Pack

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks

MONDAY, JAN. 22 Donna Summers, Ohio Players, Kool & The Gang, James Brown, KC & The Sunshine Band

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand

TUESDAY, JAN. 23 Almost ABBA & Best of Mamma Mia WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24 Bee Gees, America, Simon & Garfunkel THURSDAY, JAN. 25 The Alter Eagles

MONDAY, JAN. 29 Bob Seger, Lady Gaga, Cher, Billy Joel TUESDAY, JAN. 30 Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis - Johnny Rogers Band WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31 Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Meat Loaf, Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline

Catering - Weddings - Events - Private Parties StageBonita.com • TheStageEventsCenter.com 9144 Bonita Beach Road SE • Sunshine Plaza • Bonita Springs • 239-405-8566

42 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

Jeremy Denk BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 7:30 p.m., 239-395-0900 Art Gallery reception Visual Arts Center, 210 Maude St., Punta Gorda 5 p.m., 941-639-8810 Grand Piano Series: Callisto Quartet & Milana Strezeva St. Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, 7:30 p.m. grandpianoseries.org James and the Giant Peach Jan. 18 - 21 Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-772-5862 The Naples Players: The Fantasticks Jan. 18 - 21 Beverly Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990

Fort Myers Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Bruno Mars tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Lita Ford in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 Randy and Brad The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Kansas in concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-481-4849

John Housley Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

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

The Charlotte Players: Rumors Jan. 18 - 21 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022

Katie Dietz Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION Fort Myers home for original Americana music!

Reckless Saints SATURDAY, JAN. 6 Ken Dunn opens, 7 pm

Seth Walker

SATURDAY, JAN. 13 Dhruva’ Stephenson opens, 7 pm

Dan Navarro SATURDAY, JAN. 20 Andy Getch opens, 7 pm

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

The Lineup Band Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets at the door.

Sam Galloway Concert Series presents Taylor Austin Dye The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

Comedians from Comedy Zone at Florida Rep Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-332-4488

Fred Ball, Matt Hannam, J.D. Lashley JAN. 9

Zach Bartholomew Trio Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989

The Alter Eagles Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m., 239-344-6147

FRI - 19

Bluegrass Series: David Mayfield Parade Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

SAT - 20

Cornog Plaza, Fort Myers Library, Downtown

Rockabillaque Florida Festival Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 11 a.m., www.moreinparadise.com

Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda 7 p.m. 800-514-3849

Family ArtLab Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - noon, 239-939-2787

at 6 pm

FREE - Bring chair or blanket. Show moves indoors depends on weather

Flagship Romance & The Rough and Tumble

SUN, JAN. 21

Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Endless Summer Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Happenings Magazine

SONGWRITERS ON THE PLAZA TUESDAY

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS Tickets at ArtinLee.org

10091 McGregor Blvd.

Fort Myers • 3 pm

Visit our Facebook page and website for more info & full calendar of events

www.americanacma.org

JANUARY 2024 - 43

JANUARY CALENDAR TUE - 23

SAT - 20 continued

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723 ACMA: Dan Navarro All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., Andy Getch opens, www.americanacma.org

Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Levi John Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Music and Art Night Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Marina 5591 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral Music by Tommy Dee and Dee, 5 - 8 p.m. 239-945-0866

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

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

A Toast to Steve and Eydie Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 7:30 p.m., 941-255-1022

Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Gulf Coast Symphony: Gershwin A Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849 Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Jay Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Cape Coral Museum of History presents Classic Car Fest Cultural Park, 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 10 a .m. - 2 p.m., 239-772-7037 Art Fest Naples Saturday and Sunday Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-634-2337 Randy and Brad Giuseppe and the Lion, 1585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples 5:30 p.m., 239-592-0050

SUN - 21

New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 44 - JANUARY 2024

Syr

Syr are among the many artists peforming at the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival Jan. 27 and 28 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.

Charlie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jenny Ve Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856 Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 2 p.m., bonitaspringsconcertband.org ACMA: Flagship Romance, The Rough and Tumble Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 3 p.m., www.artinlee.org Kat Orlando Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Stage 2 Improv Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Super Natural Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 22

Sean Paxson The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Maria Simic Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Donna Summer, Ohio Players, Kool & The Gang, James Brown, KC & The Sunshine Band tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Tyler Kluesner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Film as Fine Art: Little Shop of Horrors Director’s Cut Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 Stardust Memories Big Band: Big Band Classics Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples, 7 p.m. stardustmemoriesbigband.com

The Flying Hasslehoffs Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Compton & Bennett: A Cracker at The Ritz Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 Hadestown Jan. 23 - 28 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Stardust Memories Big Band: Big Band Classics Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 7 p.m. stardustmemoriesbigband.com

WED - 24

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Lee Birchfield - 1 p.m.

Pan Dave Steel Drums - 5 p.m.

Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-790-5786 The Charlotte Players: Rumors Jan. 24 - 28 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Happenings Magazine

The Naples Players: Harvey Jan. 24 - 28 McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990

Dueling Pianos Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-333-1933 Devon Meyers Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Bee Gees, America, Simon & Garfunfel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Randy and Brad Coconut Point Center Court, Estero 5 p.m., randybradduo.com Rob Norum Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Naples Players: The Fantasticks Through Feb. 11 Beverly Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990

Happenings Magazine

Anthony McGill (clarinet), Susanna Phillips (soprano) and Myra Huang (piano) BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 7:30 p.m., 239-395-0900

Albannach

Albannach are among the many artists peforming at the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival Jan. 27 and 28 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.

Rooftop Karaoke with Manny Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

THU - 25

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

James and the Giant Peach Jan. 25 - 28 Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-772-5862 Sol Real The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Southwest American Legion’s Rock & Roll Fest The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 6 p.m., JR and The Stingrays, The Grass Roots, Jackson Haney, The Voice of Rare Earth Peter Rivera, 239-985-9839 The Alter Eagles The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Stew Through Feb. 3 Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

JANUARY 2024 - 45

JANUARY CALENDAR THU - 25 continued

Johnny Caribe & The Hurricanes The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Off The Walls Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 p.m., 239-495-8989

Rooftop Retro Dance Party Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi Tribby Arts Center, 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-415-5667

Randy and Brad Dogtooth Sports & Music Bar, 5310 Shirley St., Naples 6:30 p.m., 239-431-7004

FRI - 26

Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Endless Summer Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786 Almost ABBA Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m., 239-344-6147

The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Doobie Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding Bonita-Estero Elks, 3231 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs 6:15 p.m. dinner, 888-562-7537 Vinyl Vibes Series: Jaded - Aerosmith tribute Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

John Housley Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Jacob Engelking Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Comedians from Comedy Zone at Florida Rep Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-332-4488

Simply-Fi 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

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723

SAT - 27

Elvis and Johnny Cash tribute Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 2:45 p.m., 239-344-6147

Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival Saturday and Sunday Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers gates at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday cityftmyersrecreation.ticketleap.com

Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Paula Canon Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION GRAMMY AWARD WINNING

Jim Lauderdale

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 at 7:30 pm

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers

Purchase tickets at

eventbrite.com 46 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

Sam Galloway Concert Series presents Ernest The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

Randy and Brad Snook Inn, 1215 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco 6 p.m., 239-394-3313 Paul Razmus Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

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

Taylor Rae Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856

Judith Hill BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 8 p.m., 239-395-0900

Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Show Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com

SUN - 28

Charlie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-995-2141 Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Sunday Chamber Music: Beaux Arts Trio Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-277-1700

Happenings Magazine

Gumbo Fest

Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers return to headline the 2024 Gumbo Fest on Feb. 4 at Shell Factory and Nature park in North Fort Myers. The annual event will run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details, call 239-995-2141 or visit www.shellfactory.com

Laurie and Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Silverfish Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454 The King’s Brass Cypress Lake United Meth. Church, 8570 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers 4 p.m., 239-482-1250

JANUARY 2024 - 47

JANUARY CALENDAR MON - 29

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

The Players

TUE - 30

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

Bluegrass with Dunlap & Mabe Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda 7:30 p.m., 941-255-1022

Frank Torino Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

Maria Simic Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 1 - 4 p.m. 239-790-5786

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

Bob Seger, Lady Gaga, Cher, Billy Joel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita, 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

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

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

The Players, starring former members of Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire, will hit the stage Feb. 9 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers. Pictured is Jeff Coffey, former bass player and lead singer of Chicago. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com

BodyTraffic BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 7:30 p.m., 239-395-0900

WED - 31

Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Lee Birchfield - 1 p.m.

Pan Dave Steel Drums - 5 p.m.

Rumrunners, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-790-5786 CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Meat Loaf, Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Rob Norum Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Sheena Brook Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933 48 - JANUARY 2024

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Stardust Memories Big Band

The Stardust Memories Big Band (SMBB) returns for its 10th anniversary season performing outdoor, evening concerts in Cambier Park in Naples and Riverside Park in Bonita Springs.

The band plays the music of the legendary American big bands including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen and The Tonight Show Band, and many more.

The 2024 outdoor series consists of six different themebased shows, each of which is performed at Cambier Park (Monday nights) and at Riverside Park (Tuesday nights) with a total of 12 performances.

Performance dates and themes: “Big Band Classics” - Jan. 22 and 23 “10th Anniversary Show” – Band Favorites - Feb. 5 and 6 “Famous Arrangers” - Feb. 19 and 20 “The Great American Songbook” - March 11 and 12 Featuring Michelle Amato and Danny Sinoff “Mel Torme and Rosemary Clooney” - March 25 and 26 Featuring David and Michele Pruyn “ Audience Request Show” - April 8 and 9 See the band’s 2024 outdoor schedule advertisement contained in this issue, or on the “Shows” page of its website www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com.

All shows are from 7 to 9 p.m. A $5 per person suggested contribution is requested at each show.

The SMBB is the vision of founder and band leader Craig Christman, and brings together some of Florida's finest jazz professionals (Naples, For Myers, Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Miami). These working professionals have a collective resume that includes The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Woody Herman Band, The Jay Leno Tonight Show Band, 50 - JANUARY 2024

Tower of Power, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Airmen of Note, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Riders, Chicago, The Naples Jazz Orchestra, and performances with artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, Rod Stewart, Nathalie Cole, Steve and Eydie Gorme, Nat King Cole, Lady Gaga, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Byron Stripling, Carmen Bradford, and numerous orchestras and Broadway shows.

The band’s primary mission is to provide the highest quality big band entertainment available to audiences in SW Florida.

Recent written comments received from audience members include: “I don’t think there is any better quality or more professional group in the country that plays big band music like The Stardust Memories Big Band” “Never have I been exposed to this level of stellar musicians.”

“Attendance at Stardust Memories Big Band shows is by far the highlight of our winters” The SMBB is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and for 2024 the band will continue its important mission objective of providing direct financial support to Music for Minors Foundation, and The Music Foundation of SW Florida.

These two local area non-profit organizations provide instruments, summer training camps, and scholarships to young, aspiring musicians from our local schools.

To learn more about, and listen to The Stardust Memories Big Band, visit www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com Ask to get on the email list for details prior to each show, by emailing at info@stardustmemoriesbigband.com Happenings Magazine

Brotherly Love Tour Jan. 3 Eddie & John Michael Montgomery concert to support Pace Center for Girls

a Dance" to the soul-stirring The Charity Pros number-one hits like "I announced that the highly Swear," "I Can Love You anticipated Brotherly Love Like That," "Be My Baby Tour, featuring the extraorTonight" and "Sold," John dinary talents of John Michael Montgomery has Michael Montgomery and created one of country Eddie Montgomery, is commusic's most storied ing to Barbara B Mann careers.

Performing Arts Hall on As one half of the awardJan. 3. winning duo Montgomery Two of Nashville's best Gentry, Eddie Montgomery will share the stage for this found incredible success fundraiser concert event to with hits like "My Town" and help support the Pace number-one songs like Center for Girls of Lee "Where I Come From," County. Special guest "Something To Be Proud Of" Sheena Brook, Fort Myers's Eddie Montgomery John MIchael Montgomery and "Lucky Man." own singer-songwriter and More information and VIP "The Voice” alumni, will pre-show cocktail party tickets kick off the show at 7:30 p.m. cially when our missions align so closely, are available at www.thecharitypros.org "We are very excited to partner with like helping to provide young girls and Concert Tickets are available at the Pace Center for Girls on this event," women with an opportunity for a better Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, by says Megan Maloney, founder and execfuture." calling 239-481-4849 or online at utive director of The Charity Pros. "We From the heartwarming tune of "Life's www.bbmannpah.com love to support local organizations, espe-

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 51

MUSIC

Bluegrass series presents Della Mae, David Mayfield at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center presents another great bluegrass series, including Della Mae on Friday, Jan. 12, followed by David Mayfield Parade on Friday, Jan. 19.

Della Mae is a Grammy-nominated all-woman string band founded by lead vocalist/guitarist Celia Woodsmith and twotime Grand National champion fiddle player Kimber Ludiker.

Rounding out the current touring lineup are guitarist Avril Smith, and bassist Vickie Vaughn. Della Mae is one of the most charismatic and engaging roots bands touring today.

Their mission as a band is to showcase top female musicians, and to improve opportunities for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, programming, and performDella Mae - Jan. 12 ance. Della Mae imbues their songs with the unshakable sense of purpose they’ve embodied since first getting Boston Globe, Grammy & Emmy-nominated producer David together. Formed in Boston in 2009, with ambitions of disMayfield mesmerizes on guitar, mandolin, and vocals. rupting the male-dominated bluegrass scene, the band has Mayfield is joined by two-time National Bluegrass Banjo proven undeniably ahead of their time placing women at the Champion, Steven Moore, and former member of “The forefront — an element evident in the origin of their name.

Railsplitters”, Christine King on fiddle and vocals, multi“Della Mae is a woman who pops up in a lot of bluegrass instrumentalist Andrew Bonnis on bass and vocals and a forsongs and who’s a victim of physical abuse—she done her mer member of “Cadillac Sky.” Together, they parade into man wrong, and now he’s gonna get her,” Ludiker explains. town for a light-hearted, fun-filled night of harmony, hot licks, “From the beginning, this band has been about reclaiming and laughs the whole family can enjoy. her story and changing the conversation for women, espeDavid Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his cially those whose stories haven’t been told.” family’s bluegrass band. As a teenager Mayfield established Over the years, Della Mae has worked toward that goal himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his by teaming up with the U.S. State Department and traveling dexterity on guitar and mandolin, and his knack for colorful to over 30 countries in an effort to improve opportunities for performances was immediately evident. He oozes personaliwomen all across the globe. "Advocating for women's rights ty on stage, a trait that makes him a natural frontman. is the backbone of this band, and we realized that adding Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer, public service work to something his father instilled in him our touring was an in the family band, he certainly important way we could makes an impression in his live make a difference." performances. But it’s the strength The following week, of his songwriting and musicianSidney & Berne Davis Art ship, combined with that charm Center welcomes back and personality that keep audithe fan-favorite David ences consistently clamoring to Mayfield Parade on Jan. join the parade.

19.

Both concerts are $45 each in The boundless energy advance or $50 at the door. and enthusiasm for perPerformances are at 7:30 p.m., forming music and and the doors open at 6:30 p.m. engaging audiences are Future concerts in the series evident at every David include Mamma Said String Band Mayfield Parade concert. on March 15 and Michael Back with high acclaim, Cleveland & Flamekeeper on April this outrageous band is 12. memorable to any who The Sidney & Berne Davis Art have previously attendCenter is located at 2301 First St. ed. Once described as “a in the historic downtown Fort dynamic combination of Myers River District. music and comedy worFor more information visit thy of a traveling www.sbdac.com or call 239-333Vaudeville act ” by The David Mayfield Parade - Jan. 19 1933.

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Happenings Magazine

Bonita Springs Concert Band

at Riverside Park Jan. 21

The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its monthly concert Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Downtown Old Bonita Springs. Guest soloists include C.J. Greer and Nick Dalton.

C.J. Greer, a fan favorite, will perform “The Prayer,” and George Gershwin’s “Strike up the Band.” Nick Dalton will sing “Some Enchanted Evening” and will do a duet with C.J. on “The Prayer.”

Other songs the band will play include “The Hits of Jimmy Buffett,” “Song of Hope” and “Joy.” C.J. Greer has been singing for over 25 years both professionally and recreationally. After 15+ years performing in the Broadway/Music Theatre community, she chose to teach the next generation of MT performers. With an MFA and MM from Penn State, she now teachs at the University of Nevada, Reno, developing a new BA Music Theatre program.

She’s a singer, music theatre vocal teacher, vocal coach/director/arranger, music director/conductor, Happenings Magazine

researcher, and as she says “some other stuff.”

She has performed around the world from theme parks to Broadway to Carnegie Hall.

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 10th season that Gary has led the band. Gary says “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 16 to 90.”

Become a “Friend of the Band.” Find out more at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. The concert will also be replayed later in the week on Facebook at bonitaspringsconcertband.

CJ Greer JANUARY 2024 - 53

MUSIC

Music & dance on stage

at BIG ARTS in January

Jeremy Denk - Jan. 18

McGill, Phillips, Huang - Jan. 25

Judith Hill - Jan. 27

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BIG ARTS kicks off one of its best performing arts seasons in history with a spectacular January lineup.

The Greatest Piano Men will hit the stage Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. This electrifying production celebrates the world’s greatest pianists and showmen including Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and all the way to Beethoven and Liberace.

Jeremy Denk is set to perform Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists. He was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Returning frequently to Carnegie Hall, Denk has appeared with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra and toured with The Academy of St Martin in the Fields and at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms.

Anthony McGill (clarinet), Susanna Phillips (soprano) and Myra Huang (piano) will perform Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Metropolitan Opera star and New York philharmonic clarinet and piano virtuosos will dazzle and delight the audi-

ence with their artistry. This concert showcases this rare and gorgeous combination of musical voices.

Judith Hill hits the BIG ARTS stage on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m.

Grammy award-winning vocalist, and The Voice finalist, Judith Hill brings her dazzling talent to Sanibel! Come see what drew artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Spike Lee and George Benson to her. She has toured with Ringo Starr, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, and was featured in the GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning film, “20 Feet from Stardom.”

The month wraps up with a performance by BODYTRAFFIC on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Led by artistic director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC has conquered the contemporary dance world with its stunning performers, technical mastery, and commitment to the most challenging repertoire. Bursting with cuttingedge “vivid theatricality,” BODYTRAFFIC takes the stage with compelling works that embody the company’s energy, sophistication, and sheer joy in dancing.

Information and tickets for all events are available at BIGARTS.org or by calling 239395-0900. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel.

BODYTRAFFIC - Jan. 30

Happenings Magazine

Gulf Coast Symphony: Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue Jan. 20

As part of a nationwide initiative, the Gulf Coast Symphony presents the Florida premiere of Peter Boyer’s Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 pm at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.

Boyer’s piece was commissioned to honor the 100th Anniversary of Gershwin’s groundbreaking Rhapsody in Blue, and this concert will also be a celebration of Gershwin’s genius. Program include Gershwin favorites Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, Girl Crazy, Music from Porgy & Bess and more.

Pianist Jeffrey Biegel created the Rhapsody National initiative to celebrate the centennial of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue’ and hired the accomplished composer Peter Boyer to compose this new work for piano and orchestra. “Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue” is inspired by the iconic masterpiece, and over the next three years, the new work will be performed in all 50 states, celebrating our diversity and unity through music.

“When the world went silent during Covid, I decided to bring our country together, reflecting its incredible diversity and unity through the power of music. The

Happenings Magazine

American flag and the centennial of Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ seemed the best way to go with a new ‘Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue’!” said Biegel.

The world premiere of “Rhapsody of Red, White, and Blue” was on June 30, 2023 with the Utah Symphony, and to date 44 states (48 orchestras) have signed up and growing.

Jeffrey Biegel is a pianist, composer and professor at Brooklyn College. He created the first Classical livestreams in 1997, and has recorded the complete Sonatas for Piano by Mozart, the Grammy Award-winning Piano Concerto by Kenneth Fuchs with the London Symphony, JoAnn Falletta conducting, and the World Premiere of “Rhapsody in Blue” -critical edition- with the Adrian Symphony, Bruce Kiesling conducting. He composed a piano concerto, “Three Reflections: Freedom (JFK), Justice (RBG, Equality (MLK), and has created more than two dozen commissioning projects with living composers in America and abroad. Unable to hear nor speak until age three, Biegel has carved a unique career in classical, pop and jazz music.

Peter Boyer is one of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers of his generation. His works have received over 600 public performances by more than 200 orchestras, and tens of thousands of broadcasts by classical radio stations around the United States and abroad. .

For tickets to the Jan. 20 concert, visit gulfcoastsymphony.org or bbmannpah.com or call the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Box Office at 239481-4849.

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MUSIC

Carmen Lundy, John Primer

in musical lineup at Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita continues its diverse lineup of shows to captivate audiences of all ages and entertainment tastes in in the new year.

Carmen Lundy will perform Saturday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in John Primer Bonita. A two-time Grammy nominee pianist/composer Dr. Zachary Bartholomew feafor Best Jazz Vocal Album singer and tures FGCU’s director of jazz studies Brandon composer, Carmen Lundy has been Robertson and drummer-composer Max Marsillo. making her mark in New York City’s Two-time Grammy-nominated blues legend John jazz scene since 1978. Her debut Primer has been added to its lineup of distinguished album, artists for the upcoming year. A celebrated band “Good Morning Kiss” dominated leader and former guitarist for iconic figures such as the Billboard chart for 23 weeks.

Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Magic Slim & The Beyond her solo success, Carmen Teardrops, Primer’s unparalleled contributions to contributed to Grammy®-winning the world of blues have garnered him a Lifetime projects, received a Lifetime Carmen Lundy Achievement Award, solidifying his status as an Achievement Award in Jazz, and is a American blues legend. The much-anticipated concert is scheduled prolific composer with over 150 published songs. Recognized for Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. by the Jazz Times and The New York Times, Carmen Lundy’s Performing Arts Center is located at 10150 Bonita Beach legacy is one that transcends genres, spanning music, acting, Road in Bonita Springs. and mixed media art.

For tickets and more details, call 239-495-8989 or visit Zach Bartholomew Trio performs Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The www.artsbonita.org all-star trio led by resident artist and award-winning

The Temptations, The Four Tops at casino March 16

Legendary singing groups The Temptations and The Four Tops will perform their iconic hit songs at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m.

The Temptations, often referred to as “American Music Royalty,” are worldrenowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. The Temptations, throughout the group’s evolution, have produced 53 Billboard Hot 100 Hit singles, including four that became #1 Pop singles: “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”

Additionally, they released 43 Top 10 R&B hit singles, 14 of which were #1 R&B hits, including timeless classics such as “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” and songs influenced by their funk/psychedelic soul sound including “Happy People,” and “Shakey Ground.” The group also has 16 56 - JANUARY 2024

The Temptations

#1 R&B Albums. The Temptation’s 60-year history spans both the 20th and 21st centuries and their music transcends generations.

The Four Tops had their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, making them stars. Their 1960s track record on the label is indispensable to any retrospective of the decade. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” a no. 1 R&B and Pop smash in 1965, is one of Motown’s longest-running chart toppers; it was quickly followed by “It’s The Same Old Song” (#2 R&B/#5 pop).

Their commercial peak was a romantic

The Four Tops

trilogy: the #1 “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” (#2 R&B/#6 pop) and “Bernadette” (#3 R&B/#4 pop), an extraordinary run of instant Holland-Dozier-Holland classics. Other top hits include “Ask The Lonely,” “Something About You,” “You Keep Running Away,” covers of “Walk Away Renee” and “If I Were A Carpenter,” “When She Was My Girl,” “It’s All In The Game,” “Still Water (Love)” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got).”

Advance tickets are on sale now, starting at $85 and are available from Ticketmaster or at moreinparadise.com.

Happenings Magazine

Rumrunners in Cape Harbour to celebrate 20th anniversary Jan. 7

Rumrunners Waterfront Restaurant, a Cape Coral landmark, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of serving the community with delicious seafood, live music, and waterfront views.

Rumrunners invites its loyal customers and new visitors to join the festivities and concert by American Made, a famous classic rock band, on Sunday, Jan. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Rumrunners opened its doors on Nov. 12, 2003, at 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, in the beautiful Cape Harbour community at the south end of Chiquita Boulevard.

Rumrunners is grateful for the warm welcome and support from the community and is proud to give back by sponsoring these free events.

Rumrunners is situated on a spec-

Happenings Magazine

American Made

tacular waterfront property in Cape Coral. Rumrunners offers fresh seafood, daily brunch, lively events, and live music seven days a week in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Rumrunners Waterfront is a Florida icon that has stood the test of time.

Come and see why they have been

here for 20 years.

Rumrunners is open 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Rumrunners offers online takeout and delivery at rumrunners.cc Rumrunners features a glass wall along the back of the restaurant that looks out on the waterway and protected mangroves across the channel. Diners can also eat and take in the view alfresco on the decks along the water.

Surrounding Rumrunners is a treasure trove of antiques, memorabilia, activities including a beach, mobile tiki bars, and much more.

Those who come to Rumrunners have free parking or boat dockage at Rumrunners’ docks.

The 20th anniversary celebration events are free and open to the public. There will also be free giveaways.

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ACMA listening room starts new year with Reckless Saints, Seth Walker, Dan Navarro MUSIC

The Americana Community Music Association starts up the year with several shows at their listening room in Fort Myers.

The January schedule includes Reckless Saints on Jan. 6, Seth Walker on Jan. 13 and Dan Navarro on Jan. 20.

Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield are the core duo and songwriters of Reckless Saints. Partners in music and love since 2003, they began recording and touring five years later. “Blue Twangled Folk 'n' Roll' is the answer Roy provided to the question "What kind of music do you play?" The Fort Myers based duo decided to use his answer as the album title for their new release, while also adopting the title of their 2018 release 'Reckless Saints' as their new band moniker.

Joining The Reckless Saints on stage will be Susie Hulcher. Susie has been a musician for longer than she cares to remember. She happily joins Roy and Kim for this event as bassist and vocalist to Serve The Song.

Ken Dunn will open the show on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. Door donations are $12 for members and $18 for general public.

The ACMA welcomes Seth Walker to their stage Jan. 13. Walker is often cited as one of the most prolific contemporary Americana artists on the scene today.

He’s a multi-dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric along-

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Reckless Saints

side a rich, Gospel-drenched, Southerninflected voice with a true blue knack for getting around on the guitar. His new studio album, I Hope I Know, produced by Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers, and a string of singles, including “We Got This,” “Spirits Moving” and a cover of Van Morrison’s classic “Warm Love” further build upon this reputation.

In 2021, Walker added published author to his oeuvre with his first memoir, ‘Your Van Is On Fire.’ A riotous and charming melange of a touring musician’s life, the book is comprised of many short essays, poems and paintings he’d accumulated over a near 30-year career.

Dhruva’ Stephenson will open the show at 7 p.m. Door donations are $15 for members and $20 for general public.

Dan Navarro’s long and eclectic resume includes songwriter, recording artist, singer, voice actor, road warrior and arts advocate in its extensive range of credits.

His former acoustic duo, Lowen & Navarro, released 13 albums from 19902008, enjoyed widespread Triple A radio airplay and performed 1,500 shows before Eric Lowen’s retirement in 2008 and passing from ALS in 2012. Dan set out solo in 2006.

Dan's new album, "Horizon Line," released in 2022, reunited Dan with Grammy winning producer Jim Scott, who helmed six L&N albums. Dan Navarro’s music probes life at its most resonant. In his rich baritone, he sings songs of heart and insight, steeped in experience, soulful tales from a long road well-traveled.

Andy Getch will open the Jan. 20 show at 7 p.m. Door donations are $18 for members and $20 for general public.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. for listening room shows. The ACMA listening room is located at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

For more details and ACMA schedules, visit www.americanacma.org or follow them on Facebook.

Dan Navarro Happenings Magazine

The Rough & Tumble, Flagship Romance at Alliance on Jan. 21

ACMA@The Alliance for the Arts presents Flagship Romance and The Rough & Tumble on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.

Get ready for more great music. A rare double bill featuring Flagship Romance and The Rough and Tumble. The two dynamic duos will bring their musical magic to The Green Market Stage at The Alliance For The Arts.

Flagship Romance is an unforgettable alternative folk duo known for their breathtaking vocal harmonies, inspired songwriting, dynamic live show, and a remarkable on and off-stage chemistry that will leave you with the feeling that you made two new best friends. Married singers-songwriters Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson effortlessly fuse technical precision in their impeccably tight vocal blend with an invigorating sense of emotional abandon in their energetic live persona. Performing each show as if it could be their last, this duo will have you questioning how their larger-than-life sound can come from just two voices and an acoustic guitar.

Flagship Romance has released four critically acclaimed full-length albums, 100% funded by their enthusiastic fanbase.

The Rough & Tumble

Happenings Magazine

Flagship Romance

The Rough & Tumble make music that’s progressive folk style, rooted in acoustic bluegrass, with lyrics that are provocative and sensitive on each side as you flip the coin.-Americana Highways The Rough & Tumble, a dynamic duo comprised of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of dumpster-folk and thrift store-Americana for over a decade. The Pennsylvaniaborn Graham and Central California's Tyler have a knack for weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy, and drama in their music, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, the band is set to release Only This Far, a 12-song collection drawing from the highs and lows of their lived experiences over all those years.

Advance tickets are highly recommended for this outdoor show. If weather threatens, the first 132 ticket holders will have seats indoors. If the show remains outdoors, walk up tickets will be available. Bring a lawn chair or blankets and enjoy the show.

Tickets are $15 for Alliance members and $16 for non members and available at www.artinlee.org. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-9392787 for more details.

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MUSIC

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears at Seminole Casino Hotel Feb. 15

GOLD Entertainment announced Blood, Sweat & Tears will perform Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.

Blood, Sweat & Tears is not the first band to ever use a horn section, but they are the first to fuse it with rock, jazz and some blues thrown in for good measure.

From the first ensemble in the late sixties practicing in a loft on Bleeker Street in New York’s Greenwich Village and having crowds clapping on the street below between songs, founding

member and drummer Bobby Colomby knew they were on the right course.

Since then, the band has never stopped touring for over 50 years.

Blood Sweat & Tears has had many configurations over its 50 plus years of touring but one thing for sure is that the music is timeless, and fans are never disappointed. Blood Sweat & Tears takes young musicians and prepares them for life in the music industry. Members of BS&T are proud of the fact that over the past 50 years the majority of musicians that have passed through BS&T have

gone on to fame as players ,producers, arrangers and solo performers more than any other band on the planet.

To this day, founding member Bobby Colomby still hand picks the musicians for every tour. Keith Paluso, alumni of “The Voice,” has been recognized by critics to be the best singer in the group since David Clayton-Thomas. ClaytonThomas was the singer most recognized in the early days of BS&T. Tickets are available online at www.goldentertainment.us or www.moreinparadise.com

Return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer at casino Feb. 21

GOLD Entertainment presents thesizer, and piano.

The Return of Emerson, Lake and Their final performance occurred Palmer at Seminole Casino Hotel in 2010 at the High Voltage Festival Immokalee on Wednesday, Feb. 21 in London to commemorate the with doors opening at 7 p.m. and band's 40th anniversary. Emerson show begins at 8 p.m. and Lake both died in 2016, leaving Emerson, Lake and Palmer was Palmer as the only surviving band an English progressive rock super member. group formed in London in 1970.

Through the wonders of modern The band consisted of Keith technology and using previously Emerson (keyboards) of the Nice, unseen footage of the band at Greg Lake of King Crimson (vocals, London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1992, bass, guitar, producer), and Carl The Return of Emerson, Lake and Palmer of Atomic Rooster (drums, Palmer reunites the band. The show percussion). incorporates Palmer drumming live With nine RIAA-certified gold alongside giant split-screen video Carl Palmer record albums in the United States walls of Emerson and Lake. and an estimated 48 million records Created by Palmer and his mansold worldwide, they are one of the most popular and comagement, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the mercially successful progressive rock groups of the 1970s, estates of Emerson and Lake. with a musical sound including adaptations of classical music Advance tickets start at $69 and are available from with jazz and symphonic rock elements, dominated by Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com Emerson's flamboyant use of the Hammond organ, Moog synAttendees must be 21. Parking is free.

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Happenings Magazine

Vinyl Vibes series welcomes Aerosmith tribute

part of Joey Kramer on drums The Sidney and Berne Davis and he brought along a former Art Center presents Jaded student, Chad Mason, to play Aerosmith Tribute on Friday, Tom Hamilton on bass. With the Jan. 26 as part of its Vinyl Vibes line up set, the band quickly Series, a retro records series devised a set list that encomthat features some of the passed enough of the 45 year nation's best tribute acts. history of Aerosmith to be repreVinyl Vibes is a retro records sentative of the actual experiseries that features some of the ence. These players have, nation's best tribute acts! It’s a through the study of the music rare thing to look, sound, and being reproduced, discovered a even command the stage like a true love for this first truly legend.

American Rock and Blues answer Jaded Aerosmith Tribute has to The British Invasion's Rolling mastered a set list that brings to Stones and Led Zeppelin, and life 45 years of music to recrefeel that shines through in each ate seeing the band Aerosmith performance! Most importantly, live. Jaded began one day in Jaded Aerosmith Tribute is about early 2015 in Ft. Lauderdale, having a good time with good Florida as a bright idea by guimusic and good friends. tarist Pete Lauria (Brad The show starts at 7:30 p.m., Whitford) after noticing that his Jaded Aerosmith Tribute photo by Cassandra Pugliese and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

‘Mainstreet Band’ singer and Advance tickets are $50 for genfellow transplanted Bostonian eral admission and $65 for VIP. Prices increase day of show.

Tommy Braga really loved imitating Steven Tyler during their The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 shows. Pete enlisted John Aubrey, a former guitarist from the First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

‘Wonderbread Band’ and ‘The Adequates’ to be their Joe For more information call 239-333-1933 or visit the webPerry. site at www.sbdac.com A close friend recommended Tom Gress, who took on the

Happenings Magazine

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MUSIC

Lonestar to headline Everglades

Seafood Festival in February The Florida Stone Crabbers Association (FLSCA) will present the 54th annual Everglades Seafood Festival Feb. 2 – 4 at 102 Copeland Ave. North (just outside Everglades City Hall).

The musical headliner for the 2024 event will be Lonestar. Not every musician has the opportunity to revisit and even potentially improve upon their biggest hits. But on the forthcoming Ten to 1 record, the award-winning band Lonestar— Dean Sams (keyboards, acoustic guitar, background vocals), Michael Britt (lead guitarist, background vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums) and Drew Womack (lead vocals, guitar)—are taking a fresh look at all 10 of their chart-topping country songs.

This streak started in 1996 with the band's second single, the rockedged "No News," and continued with the following year's "Come Cryin' to Me" and “Everything’s Changed.”

The band's quadruple-platinum 1999 album Lonely Grill spawned four No. 1 hits (including the beloved global smash"Amazed") and established Lonestar as music's preeminent pop-country band—a status 62 - JANUARY 2024

Schedule at a glance

Following is a summary of the festival entertainment:

Friday, Feb. 2, 4 – 10 p.m.

4:30 p.m.— Opening Ceremony, National Anthem 5 p.m. — Ayden Holt 6:15 p.m. — Florida Straits 7:40 p.m. — Pickle Money 9 p.m. — Collaboration Band

Saturday, Feb. 3 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Opening Ceremony, National Anthem 12 – 1 p.m. — Gator Nate 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Little Jack 3 – 4 p.m. — Rock Republic 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Drew Baldridge 6 – 7:15 p.m. — Tuesday’s Gone (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) 8 – 9:30 p.m. — Lonestar

Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

10 – 10:10 a.m. — National Anthem 10:05 – 10:35 a.m. — Chokoloskee Church 11a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sam Lowe 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — Marron Chaplin 2 – 3 p.m. — Jack Shealy Band 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Charlie Pace 5 – 6 p.m. — Whey Jennings

they maintained through the 2000s and beyond.

With these re-recordings, the band members were mindful of striking a balance between preserving the sonic elements fans were familiar with—and not repeating them.

Fittingly, TEN to 1 record reflects the ways Lonestar's hits have evolved over the years during the band's rousing, high-energy concerts. Such talent has contributed to the band winning many of music’s top honors, including Academy of Country Music Awards for New Vocal Group in 1996, Single and Song of The Year in 2000, along with Humanitarian of The Year in 2002.

They also won the Country Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year and International Artist Achievement award in 2001. All told, Lonestar has sold more than 10.5 million records since its formation.

Lonestar will perform Saturday, Feb. 3.

Friday’s festival admission is a canned food donation. Saturday and Sunday adult admission is a $10 minimum donation.

For more infomration, visit online at evergladesseafoodfestival.org Happenings Magazine

Ruben and Clay in Punta Gorda Feb. 3

Due to overwhelming demand, and on the heels of the first leg of their critically acclaimed “Twenty Years • One Night” Tour, multi-platinum recording artists and American Idol favorites Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken are hitting the road again for the second leg of their reunion tour. Called by many a pitch perfect and flawless show.

Twenty Years • One Night Tour highlights the music that made Ruben & Clay American Idol favorites and household names.

The vocal duo will perform two shows on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

Gold Entertainment announced the addition of another top national concert with a special performance coming to the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. “We are excited to be able to bring top national touring shows to this amazing theater located right in the center of Punta Gorda. It’s only a few blocks from downtown and adjacent to Charlotte High School” says Jay Goldberg, president of Gold Entertainment.

“Add to it comfortable indoor theatre seating and plenty of free parking, and you have a wonderful place to attend these specially selected performances we are

Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard

bringing to Punta Gorda and SW Florida”.

From Clay’s iconic rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to Ruben’s soulful single ”Flying Without Wings”, join America’s favorite odd couple for an unforgettable evening of music and memories, spanning two decades, delivered as only these true superstars can.

Ruben & Clay are thrilled to reunite 20 years after captivating audiences during their historic run on the second season of Fox’s American Idol in 2003. Both plucked from the relative obscurity of their hometowns in the South, the unlikely pair quickly became audience favorites instrumental in helping propel Idol to the top of the Nielsen

ratings, nearly tripling the viewership of the previous season, and securing its place as one of the most consequental TV series in American history.

Combined they have recorded 12 albums, sold more than eight million albums worldwide, toured the country 14 times, starred together on Broadway, won four Billboard Music Awards, an American Music Award, and have been nominated for two Grammys.

All seats are reserved, and tickets are just $59. Tickets are available online at www.goldentertainment.us . To order tickets by phone, call 800-514-etix (3849). The center offers plenty of free parking.

Charlotte Harbor Event Center 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda

MARCH 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Almost ABBA - The #1 Tribute to ABBA recreates the magic and nostalgia of ABBA. They have performed for The U.S. Military, NBC, the release of MAMMA MIA and for crowds as large as 50,000.

For info & tour dates, please visit www.AlmostABBA.com

Tickets: VintageVinylProductions.com/events or Ticketmaster.com Happenings Magazine

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MUSIC

SW Florida Concert Band performs Feb. 4 The Southwest Florida Concert Band will perform The Best of Broadway Concert, with feature vocalist Janna Braun and the Brass Monkeys quintet on Sunday Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers.

The 40 member community band will perform a concert to celebrate the music of Broadway. The concert will start with selections from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musicals Jesus Christ Super

Star, Evita, Cats and Phantom of the Opera.

Attendees will hear “America” from Bernstein’s West Side Story and a dramatic medley of music from Les Misérables.

Janna Braun will sing familiar songs from The Sound of Music, “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of OZ and “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman.

The Brass Monkeys quintet will play

music by Gershwin, the band will play some Beatles music and of course there will be a march to enjoy. One of the highlights of this show will be Dr. Tim Yontz from F.G.C.U. conducting Gustav Holst’s master work “Jupiter” from The Planets Suite.

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

Here Come The Mummies in Punta Gorda February 17 Big Star Event Services and Gold Entertainment announce the return of the funky undead band of 5000 year old mummies, Here Come the Mummies, who will perform Feb. 17 at Laishley Park in downtown Punta Gorda with special guest Chicago Blues guitarist, Frank Bang.

Their "Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave" is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa).

Since their discovery HCTM has been direct support for P-Funk, Al Green, Mavis Staples, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Cheap Trick; rocked Super Bowl Village; become a regular on The Bob and Tom Show; played massive festivals like played massive festivals like Summer Fest, Summer Camp, Common Ground, Musikfest, and Suwannee Hulaween; and sold tickets by the thousands across large swaths of North America. Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter.

Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious

Frank Bang

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Here Come The Mummies

personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face.

2022’s Pyramid Scream Tour was legendary, with triumphant shows at Summerfest in Milwaukee (with a packed house of 5,000), and Illinois’ Summer Camp, among others! Special This busy year also saw the release of “House Party,” a 14 song live record/ Blu-ray featuring all new songs. HCTM appeared on Season 2 of That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon Holiday Special.

Opening the night will be former guitarist for Buddy Guy, Chicago bluesman Frank Bang. With Buddy, he toured the

world and shared the stage with the likes of Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. As a solo artist, Frank has released four critically acclaimed albums under the names Frank Bang and the Secret Stash and Frank Bang and the Cook County Kings. He currently has numerous songs in regular rotation on B.B. King’s Bluesville Station on Sirius/XM. Doors open at 6 p.m., and show time will be 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $45. General admission, party pit and VIP tickets are available at www.goldentertainment.us or by phone at 800-514-3849.

Happenings Magazine

Screaming Orphans - Jan. 15

Screaming Orphans kick off

new year at Tribby Arts Center Shell Point kicks off the new year in Tribby Arts Center with a pair of concerts.

Monday, January 15: Screaming Orphans, a charttopping all-sister Celtic folk and pop band from Donegal, perform at Tribby Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets $55.

Thursday, January 25: Pioneers in the use of four-

hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi perform at Tribby Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets $55.

To purchase tickets, visit TribbyArtsCenter.com or call the Tribby Box Office at 239415-5667.

Tribby Arts Center is located within Shell Point, at 17281 On Par Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi - Jan. 25

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 65

MUSIC

Rockabillaque Florida

returning January 20

Florida Weekly presents Rockabillaque Florida at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee with the main event on Saturday, Jan. 20 beginning at 11 a.m. This festival is free and open to all ages.

Rockabillaque Florida is the biggest festival of its kind in Florida, celebrating mid-century and 1950s Americana. This action-packed day and night features musical acts from all over the country, a classic car and vintage bike show, contests including pin-up, tattoo, and beard and moustache, plus a vendors’ market, food trucks and more.

“The festival is returning for our fourth year at Seminole Casino Hotel with our biggest year yet. We are bringing in more major music acts from around the world than ever before. This festival has grown so much in the last few years, and we are excited to celebrate with everyone again.

The weekend’s schedule will include over 20 music acts, our popular pinup contest

plus other competitions, the epic classic car and vintage bike show with more than 400 vehicles, atomic splash pool party, vendor market, food trucks, dancing, and so much more,” said festival producer Simon Cantlon of Vive Le Rock Productions. “Plus, it’s free to attend day and night. You just can’t beat the good times we are bringing.”

The entertainment lineup features free performances from headliners JD McPherson (California), Hillbilly Moon Explosion (Switzerland), plus even more national and international acts including Peter & The Wolves (Canada), The Rock-A-Sonics (Maryland), and Messer Chups (Russia). In addition, Rockabillaque Florida will feature an invasion of bands from California including Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers, Reckless Ones, Abby Girl and The Real Deal, The McCharmlys, The Centuries. Regional

Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys

Deke & the Whippersnappers

66 - JANUARY 2024

Hillbilly Moon Explosion

JD McPerson

music acts The Patina Turners, The Intoxicators!, Jared Petteys & The Headliners, and Skinny McGee and the Handshakes also will perform with more to be announced soon.

Classic cars and vintage bikes will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Multiple contests will be held throughout the day including a Beard and Mustache competition, the legendary Pin-Up contest, and a Tattoo contest. This year also features the return of the Friday night kick-off party at the Zig Zag Lounge featuring live music and the Atomic Splash Pool Party (ticketed) on Sunday with a vintage swimsuit competition, live music and more. The Car and Bike Show is hosted by Born To Ride Media, Viking Customs, and 5 Points Motor Club.

All concerts are free. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs and all ages are welcome. A large selection of food trucks and merchants will be at the event. For more information, visit FLROCKS.COM.

Messer Chups

Happenings Magazine

ACMA welcomes Jim Lauderdale March 21

The Americana Community Music Association in Fort Myers announced multi Grammy Award winning Jim Lauderdale will be performing live in concert on Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

At any given time, you’re likely to find Jim Lauderdale making music, whether he’s laying down a new track in the studio or working through a spontaneous melody at his home in Nashville. And if he’s not actively crafting new music, he’s certainly thinking about it.

“It's a constant challenge to try to keep making better and better records, write better and better songs. I still always feel like I'm a developing artist,” he says.

This may be a surprising sentiment from a man who’s won two Grammys, released 36 full-length albums, and taken home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award. But his forthcoming album Game Changer is convincing evidence that the North Carolina native is only continuing to hone his craft.

Operating under his own label, Sky Crunch Records, for the first time since 2016, Lauderdale recorded Game Changer at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville, co-producing the release with Jay Weaver and pulling from songs he’d written over the last several years.

“There's a mixture on this record of uplifting songs and, at the same time, songs of heartbreak and despair—because that's part of life as well,” he says. “In the country song world

Happenings Magazine

especially, that's always been part of it.

That’s real life.”

Lauderdale would know: He’s been a vital part of the country music ecosystem since 1991, when he released his debut album and began penning songs for an impressively long roster of country music greats. “When I was a teenager wanting to be a bluegrass banjo player, I never would have imagined that I would get to work with people like Ralph Stanley and Robert Hunter and George Jones and Elvis Costello and John Oates,” he muses. “Getting to work with them inspires me greatly to this day, and I know it always will.”

From rollicking guitar riffs on “That Kind of Life (That Kind of Day)” to the slow, sweet harmonies of “I’ll Keep My Heart Open For You,” Game Changer shows off Lauderdale’s ingenuity as a singer, songwriter, and producer— while reestablishing him as one of Americana’s most steadfast champions. "Country music is constantly evolving, but I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for steel guitar and a Telecaster," he says. "I have done my job on this record if people who love classic country feel like they can put it on, or have it in their collection, and it would fit right in."

The ACMA listening room is located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For more details and ACMA schedules, visit online at www.americanacma.org or follow them on Facebook.

For tickets to the Jim Lauderdale show on March 21, visit www.eventbrite.com.

JANUARY 2024 - 67

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

IN SW FLORIDA

MAR 5

JAN 3

MAR 8

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

MAR 9

Celtic Woman

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Eddie Montgomery, John Michael Montgomery

JAN 4

38 Special

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, Downtown Fort Myers

JAN 11 Tesla

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

JAN 18

Taylor Austin Dye

The Beach Boys

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top

Tesla

Hertz Arena, Estero

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes Tesla on Jan. 11.

For tickets and info, visit www.moreinparadise.com

FEB 2

Tanya Tucker

FEB 21

Jay Allen

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Milly Quezada & Melina Leon

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Carl Palmer

MAR 13

Tracy Byrd

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Foreigner

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

The Ranch, Fort Myers

FEB 3

FEB 22

Priscilla Presley

JAN 19

Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken

John Ford Coley

MAR 14

Kansas

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Lita Ford

The Ranch, Fort Myers

JAN 20

Rockabillaque Florida

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

JAN 25

JR & The Stingrays, Jackson Haney, Peter Rivera, Grass Roots The Ranch, Fort Myers

The Ranch, Fort Myers Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda

The Ranch, Fort Myers TheatreZone, Naples

Lonestar

FEB 23

FEB 7

Willie Nelson & Family

FEB 24

Kenny Wayne Shepherd BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Sheila E

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Everglades Seafood Fest Seminole Casino, Immokalee

FEB 8

Randall King

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Adrian Vandenberg The Ranch, Fort Myers

Aaron Lewis

FEB 25

The Ranch, Fort Myers

FEB 9

FEB 27

JAN 28

Ian Munsick

MAR 2

JAN 27 Ernest

Croce Plays Croce

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Diamond Rio

FEB 2

The Ranch, Fort Myers 68 - JANUARY 2024

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

The Lettermen

Seminole Casino, Immokalee The Ranch, Fort Myers

FEB 15

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

John Lodge

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Glenn Hughes

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Ashanti

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Little River Band

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

MAR 15

Steve Hackett

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

MAR 16

The Temptations & The Four Tops

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

MAR 21

Jay & The Americans, The Classic IV, The Shades of Blue BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Kylie Morgan

The Ranch, Fort Myers

MAR 23

The Commodores and WAR

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Ernest - Jan. 27

Diamond Rio - Feb. 2

The Ranch Concert Hall features rock & country

and The Grass Roots) on Jan. 25, Ian The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Munsick on Feb. 9, Sleep Theory with Fort Myers performance schedule is Keith Wallen of Breaking Benjamin on filled with national rock and country Feb. 10, Donavon Frankenreiter on artists.

Feb. 16, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple Here’s what’s on the schedule at on Feb. 27, Larry Fleet on March 15, press time: Flatland Cavalry on April 6, Walker The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Wheeler Jr. on April 26 and Series presents Jerrod Niemann on Queensryche on May 12.

Dec. 30, Ernest on Jan. 27, Diamond For tickets and more information, Rio on Feb. 2, Jay Allen on Feb. 3, visit online at theranchfortmyers.com.

Tracy Byrd on Feb. 22, Randall King The Ranch Concert Hall and on Feb. 23, Adrian Vandenberg on Saloon can be reached by calling 239Feb. 24, Kylie Morgan on March 21 985-9839. and Kameron Marlowe on May 23.

Other upcoming shows at The Ranch Concert Hall (not part of the Galloway series) include Suicidal Tendencies on Dec. 29 Nightbird - The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks on Jan. 13, Lita Ford on Jan. 19, SW American Legions Rock & Roll Fest (with JR & The Stingrays, Jackson Haney, The Voice of Rare Earth Peter Rivera Jay Allen - Feb. 3 Kylie Morgan - March 21

Happenings Magazine

For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, which is located at 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Lita Ford returns to The Ranch Jan. 19 photo by Jamie Kuser

JANUARY 2024 - 69

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater welcomes 38 Special Jan. 4

The 2024 Rockin’ on the River Concert Series continues with a bang as southern rock legend 38 Special takes the stage at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.

Having released more than 15 albums since 1976, 38 Special continues to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to more than 100 cities each year.

Fans can expect to hear the band’s arena-rock smash hits, including “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You

70 - JANUARY 2024

Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more – all timeless hits that remain a staple of radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord.

The current lineup for 38 Special includes guitarist/vocalist Don Barnes (an original member), keyboardist/vocalist Bobby Capps, drummer Gary Moffatt, bassist Barry Dunaway and guitarist Jerry Riggs.

Special guest Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band with Rex Bongo will open the show.

Tickets can be purchased online at

www.tixr.com or caloosasoundamp.com.

A selection of VIP, reserved seating, and general admission tickets will be available, ranging from $30 general admission (seat not provided) to $500 VIP Reserved Four Person High-Top. • VIP Reserved Four Person High-Top ($500) includes one 30-inch round hightop, four stools, dedicated high-top section bartender, and access to private restrooms and bar. This package is only sold by tables of four. Tables cannot be moved, and chairs cannot be added.

• The VIP front row ($98) includes a reserved seat directly in front of the stage and access to a private VIP bar and restrooms.

• VIP pit ($85) includes a reserved seat directly behind the front row and access to a private VIP bar and restrooms.

• Reserved lawn seats ($68) include a reserved seat in the front lawn area.

• General admission tickets are also available for just $30 (no seat provided).

Concert goers can enjoy food and drinks served inside Caloosa Sound Amphitheater; outside food, drinks, and coolers are prohibited. Small lawn chairs and blankets are permitted in the general admission lawn area.

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater is located at 2101 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

ACMA Songwriters on the Plaza Jan. 9 Fred Ball, Matt Hannam, JD Lashley

The Lee County Library has joined with the Americana Community Music Association (ACMA), to offer free concerts of all original music by local artists.

Concerts will take place in the amphitheater located on South Cornog Plaza on First Street.

Bring a chair or a blanket; shows will be moved to the meeting rooms located next to the amphitheater if needed depending on weather.

The series kicked off its new season in December and resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. featuring local songwriters Fred Ball, Matt Hannam and JD Lashley.

Fred Ball started off in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s during “The Great Folk Scare.” He played primarily folk music until the late ‘60s when he started playing in a wedding band. In 2005, Fred recommitted himself to his music when he moved to Florida in 2018 and started running the open mic at George and Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grill until COVID shut it down. You can find Fred out and about performing local gigs at Woody’s, Hooked, The Perch at The Wyvern in Punta Gorda, and The Paradise Deli.

Songwriting has become Fred’s passion as well as photography in videoing other musicians.

Matt Hannam is a cover artist and songwriter who performs as a solo artist, and with his six piece band The Collective. Matt is a former school teacher that has worked in the telecommunications industry for the past 21 years. He has been a member of the ACMA since

Happenings Magazine

the founding year, and is a former board member of both the ACMA and Hope by Song. Past regular solo and duo performances include World of Beer University Parkway (2016 to 2019), and Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant (2016 to 2020).

He has also played at various other local establishments.

Since The Collective’s formation in 2015, his band has shared the stage with such national artists as Fuel, Buckcherry, Cracker, Filter, 10 Years, Cinder and Smile Empty Soul.

If singer songwriter/ troubadour Todd Snider had dropped his kid brother on his head, he’d have probably wound up a lot like J.D. Lashley. J.D. works hard and writes harder, trying to pluck jokes and rhymes out of the grind. His style is heavily influenced by Americana and Roots music, and he’s not afraid to sneak in a little hip hop… Something for everyone.

The ACMA is a Fort Myers based not for profit promoting local artists who perform original songs. What to expect, you will hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences in song and the inspiration behind the songs.

Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music.

Americana music is a coming together of blues, roots, folk, bluegrass, and country. Lots of room to spread out; so bring a friend.

The remaining dates are Feb. 13, March 12, April 9 and May 14. For more about the ACMA, visit the website at americanacma.org and follow them on Facebook for updates.

JANUARY 2024 - 71

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Authors announced for SW

Florida Reading Festival

The Lee County Library System has announced the lineup of authors for the 25th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, which happens the first weekend in March 2024.

Authors scheduled to attend the reading festival include suspense authors Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Unger and Ben Coes, along with historical fiction writers Sarah Penner and Charles Todd. Award-winning writer, artist and animated series creator Dan Yaccarino tops the list of youth authors, which also includes Sunshine State Young Readers Award winners Karina Yan Glaser, Karen Kilpatrick, Laura Martin and Joe McGee. Featured teen authors include Florida Teens Read award-winning writer Lamar Giles and fantasy novelist Adalyn Grace.

From romance to thrillers, sci-fi to humor, and graphic novels to nonfiction, an array of genres are represented. The mix of authors will meet fans and showcase their

72 - JANUARY 2024

books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2. The free event will be held on the downtown outdoor campus of the Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St. The Southwest Florida Reading Festival features author presentations and book signings for all ages, writing awards, digital resource demonstrations, crafts and more.

In fulfilling the festival’s mission to promote reading, literacy and library services, every child and teen in attendance will receive a free book at the event.

“I am thrilled the library system’s signature event has reached this amazing milestone of 25 years promoting reading, literacy and library services in Lee County,” said Mindi Simon, director of the Lee County Library System. “Having attended every event, I am so impressed by the range of authors we’ve brought to the community and the dedication of library staff and volunteers who create this world-class event each year.”

Attendees can garner additional access to this year’s festival authors by attending “An Evening with the Authors” on Friday, March 1. This signature fundraising event gives attendees time to mingle with the authors while enjoying dinner in an idyllic setting. The event is held at the historic Burroughs Home and Gardens on the Caloosahatchee River. Tickets are $80 per person and available for purchase online at ReadFest.org through the end of January.

“This really is an unforgettable experience getting to meet the authors before the festival in a relaxed and elegant setting.

True fans wanting to get more one-on-one time with their favorite authors won’t want to miss it,” festival coordinator Melissa Baker said.

Another way to be involved with this year’s festival is to sponsor authors’ meals, hotels, flights and other event costs.

Opportunities range from $25 to $1,000, and contributions can be made securely

Happenings Magazine

An Evening with the Authors will be March 1.

For tickets, visit www.readfest.org

online through the festival website. The new program is called “Adopt An Author.” Visit ReadFest.org for a full list of participating authors and biographies, along with additional event and donation information. More info also is available by calling 239-533-4832.

ADULT AUTHORS (scheduled to appear) Mary Kay Andrews is The New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels including “The Homewreckers,” “The Newcomer,” and “Hello, Summer.”

Cara Black is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 21 books in the “Private Investigator Aimée Leduc” series and two World War II-set novels featuring American markswoman Kate Rees.

Jane K. Cleland writes both fiction and nonfiction, including the award-winning and long-running Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and non-fiction bestsellers, “Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot” and “Mastering Plot Twists.”

Ben Coes is The New York Times bestselling author of international espionage thrillers, including “Power Down,” “Bloody Sunday,” and his latest release, “The Island.”

Jeffery Deaver is an international #1 bestselling author of more than 40 novels.

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of 13 novels including “The Ancestor” and “The Mentor” along with the “Runaway Train” series and “The Great Gimmelmans,” which was released in November.

Heather Graham is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 250 novels and novellas including suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel and Christmas family fare.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling, award-winning author of Happenings Magazine

more than 65 romantic suspense & contemporary romance novels.

Katherine Howe is the author of The New York Times bestsellers “The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane” and “Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty” with Anderson Cooper.

Sarah Penner is The New York Times and internationally bestselling author of “The Lost Apothecary” and “The London Séance Society.”

Nick Petrie is the author of eight novels in the “Peter Ash” series, most recently “The Price You Pay.” Joe Posnanski is The New York Times bestselling author of six books, including “The Baseball 100,” “Paterno,” “The Secret of Golf” and his latest, “Why We Love Baseball.”

Matthew Quirk is The New York Times bestselling author of “Inside Threat,” “The 500” and “The Night Agent,” now a hit television series on Netflix.

Viola Shipman is the pen name of Wade Rouse, an awardwinning memoirist and bestselling author of 12 books, which have been selected as Indie Next and Michigan Notable Books.

Charles Todd is The New York Times bestselling author of the “Inspector Ian Rutledge” series and the “Bess Crawford” series.

Lisa Unger is The New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 20 novels, including “Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six” and “The New Couple in 5B,” a March 2024 release.

JANUARY 2024 - 73

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Lee Greenwood Lee Greenwood performed A Tennessee Christmas Nov. 30 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers.

Lee Greenwood has won numerous industry awards including Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association in 1983 & 1984 and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.” The CMA also named “God Bless The U.S.A.” its Song of the Year in 1985.

Opening act was Southwest Floridaʼs Ben Allen (right).

74 - JANUARY 2024

photos by Jamie K Kuser

Happenings Magazine

Celtic Festival Jan. 27 - 28

3:05 & 7 p.m.), Cage O’Hanlon The City of Fort Myers (4:05 p.m.) and West of Galway invites you celebrate the (4:45 p.m.). Tickets start at $10.

Emerald Isles in the City of To satisfy the appetite, there Palms Jan. 27 and 28 at the is Celtic fare such as fish and 20th Annual Caloosahatchee chips and meat pies, along with Celtic Festival at Caloosa traditional American festival Sound Amphitheater in downfood. Both domestic and importtown Fort Myers. ed beers will be served. Dozens The weekend festivities of merchandise vendors will be include: offering everything Celtic.

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Festival sponsors include Gates open at 11:30 a.m. The Henderson-Franklin-Starnes & lineup includes Cage O’Hanlon Holt PA, Guinness, B103, 96K(11:35 a.m. & 6:15 p.m.), West rock, Sunny 106.3 and of Galway 12:25 & 5:15 p.m.), Happenings Magazine.

Screaming Orphans (1:30 & 7 For more information, call p.m.), Syr (2:35 & 8:15 p.m.), 239-321-7529 or buy tickets in Albannach (3:30 & 9:15 pm.) advance at https://cityftmyerand Kellyn Irish Dancers (4:30 srecrep.m.). Tickets start at $10.

The Screaming Orphans ation.ticketleap.com/2024SUNDAY, JAN. 28 - The caloosahatchee-celtic-festival/ gates at Caloosa Sound Lawn chairs and blankets Amphitheater will open at are encouraged. No pets allowed. The amphitheater is locatnoon. Performers include Pipe and Drum (noon), Syr (12:55 ed at 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers. & 9:15 p.m.), Screaming Orphans (2 & 5:45 p.m.), Albannach

Happenings Magazine

JANUARY 2024 - 75

DINING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

This award-winning 112seat authentic New Yorkstyle delicatessen (the only one in Southwest Florida) is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1st Street Deli brings a distinctly unique dining experience to the Southwest Florida market formerly found only in New York City. Here you can grab a sandwich that is bigger than your appetite. Offerings at the Deli include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Open daily 1 – 8 p.m.

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

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. Its wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including award- winning twin lobster tails, smothered chicken and the ever-popular grilled ribeye. Open daily 9 a.m. – midnight.

506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com

Ella Mae’s Diner

Nostalgia served with a smile.

A fun retro-inspired eatery serving comfort food and classic diner fare. Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s provides a welcome twist to the classic southern diner.

Celebrating Dr. Ella Mae Piper’s legacy, it’s here the community comes together to share stories as they enjoy a meal amidst vintage-inspired finishes and a bright color palette. Ella Mae’s Diner at Luminary Hotel & Co. is a fun retro-inspired eatery serving up comfort food and classic diner fare. Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm. Serving breakfast all day and lunch.

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3854 www.LuminaryHotel.com

76 - JANUARY 2024

Lucky Mi

Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees.

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

Oxbow Bar and Grill

Casual dockside dining on the doorstep of Downtown Fort Myers.

Panoramic riverfront views on the Caloosahatchee. A boater’s retreat with an upbeat nautical vibe.

Serving coastal cuisine and more for brunch, lunch and dinner. Retail and rentals to ignite your spirit of adventure. Dive in to fresh seafood, oysters on the half shell, steaks, signature sandwiches, fresh salads, local craft beers and curated cocktails. Our hours are Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. We now offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

1300 Hendry St. Fort Myers 239-314-3856 www.oxbowfortmyers.com

Rumrunners

Our award-winning waterfront restaurant, where the beauty of the water meets the deliciousness of our cuisine, offers a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes for every foodie type.

Offering daily brunch, lunch, and dinner with a full bar and the best views in Cape Coral! We feature daily live music (rain or shine), boat docking, and doggie menus for your furry friends. Call to book your reservation or visit our website for more information on upcoming events, private event space, and catering services. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

5848 Cape Harbour Drive Cape Coral 239-790-5RUM (5786) www.rumrunners.cc

Happenings Magazine

Silver King Ocean Brasserie

A coastal, chef-driven menu unlike any other restaurant in Fort Myers.

Complemented by a striking interior that’s as appealing to the eyes as the dishes are to the palette. As the Luminary’s signature restaurant, The Silver King Ocean Brasserie offers a menu showcasing the quality of fresh seafood through clean, simple preparations using classic techniques for a modern palate. Centered on an open kitchen, the sophisticated restaurant features a coastal-inspired menu and additional outdoor seats to relax and indulge in the finest local seafood in Southwest Florida. Nestled within Silver King, you’ll find The Florida Room, a private dining space that seats 14 guests, perfect for intimate gatherings and celebrations and named after Florida Heitman. If your group is larger, we feature a variety of venues with entertaining options available from unique seating to tailored menus. Hours are Tuesday Saturday from 5 - 10 p.m.

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3855 www.LuminaryHotel.com

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

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

Twisted Fork

The Twisted Fork is a hot-rod and moto-culture themed restaurant featuring a scratch kitchen and custom cocktails. A family friendly space adjacent Bert's Back Porch concert venue with loads of outdoor space, it has rapidly become Charlotte County's hottest place to eat, drink and have fun!"

2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte 941-235-3675 www.twistedfork.net

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Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com JANUARY 2024 - 77

Margaritaville Resort on Fort Myers Beach Margaritaville Beach Resort officially opened Dec. 8 to locals on Fort Myers Beach.

Following an exclusive locals-only weekend, in celebration of resilience, and ribboncutting ceremony attended by dignitaries, community partners and area residents, the resort opened for stays, dining and spa services Dec. 11.

Located at 251 Crescent St., the newest Margaritaville Beach Resort sits on 7.25 acres along Fort Myers Beach with direct beach access and views of the Gulf of Mexico. The property features 254 guest rooms and six restaurants, including signature concepts such as JWB Grill, License to Chill Bar & Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill. All restaurants, as well as the 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace, are open to the public. The property offers food and beverage service across 19,000 square feet of sandy beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Valet parking is available for guests and the public at a daily rate.

“It’s official Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is now open and we are ready to transport guests to a vacation state of mind,” said David Cesario, general manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. “After a difficult few years for the community, our new resort is the ultimate place to kick back and relax and we are thrilled to bring our casual-luxe destination to the residents and visitors of Southwest Florida.”

In celebration of its opening, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is offering a “Wastin' Away on Fort Myers Beach” exclusive discount, valid for stays now through Jan. 31, 2024. To redeem, guests may use the code ESCAPE when booking. More details are available at MargaritavilleResorts.com/Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-FortMyers-Beach/Exclusive-Offers/Wastin-Away-On-Fort-MyersBeach. For more information or to book, visit MargaritavilleResorts.com-Beach-Resort-Fort-Myers-Beach.

Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor Sunseeker Resort held a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 15 in Charlotte Harbor.

Florida’s newest luxury resort located

78 - JANUARY 2024

in Charlotte Harbor is the first resort property of Sunseeker Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company.

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor occupies over 22 waterfront acres with 785 guest rooms, including 189 Signature Sunsuites.

Set upon the Peace River and Florida Gulf Coast, this premier resort offers 20 original dining and bar concepts; including seven stand-alone restaurants and a multi-dining experience. Additional hotel amenities include a waterfront boardwalk, two unique rooftop and waterfront pool experiences, 60,000 square feet of combined convention space, a full-service spa and salon, a 7,100-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center with four group exercise studios with specialty instructor-led classes, three retail and market shops, and an 18-hole championship level golf club exclusive to hotel guests only.

Allegiant Air provides service from more than 50 destinations direct into Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and even more from Sarasota (SRQ) and St. PeteClearwater (PIE). For more information, visit www.SunseekerResorts.com.

Happenings Magazine