November 2023 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Music • Calendar

NOVEMBER 2023

FREE

Fame

at Cultural Park

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

Publisher’s Spotlight

On stage

Ready or not, our theatre season is upon us and in full swing. It’s a very exciting time of the year. Stages that were dark for summer are lit up again.

Theatrical troupes have been rehearsing new songs and dances, and production folks are doing all their amazing tasks behind the scenes again.

So, let’s get started and take a look at what is on stage in Southwest Florida.

Cultural Park Theatre in Cape Coral is giving us Fame the musical Nov. 9 - Nov. 19.

Popcorn Falls is on stage at Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers until Nov. 18. That will be followed by A Doublewide, Texas Christmas playing Nov. 23 to Dec. 25.

In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse continues its run with 26 Miles through Nov. 5 at the Norris Center. They will follow that up with Winter Wonderettes on stage Nov. 18 through Dec. 17.

Misery is on stage at The Laboratory Theater of Florida in downtown Fort Myers now through Nov. 12.

The Lab Theater is also celebrating its building’s 100th birthday on Nov 18 during its annual fundraising event.

The Naples Players are on the road again in November as $20 million renovations continue at its downtown home. They give us Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Nov. 1 - 19 at McSpadden Hall at Naples United Church of Christ. Additionally, The Naples Players presents The Marvelous Wonderettes Nov. 9 - 26 at Beverly Hall at Naples United Church of Christ.

In Cape Coral, The Belle Theatre continues its run of Drinking Habits now through Nov. 5.

Elf the musical is on stage at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers Nov. 10 through Dec. 25.

Theatre Conspiracy is bringing back Clown Bar to the stage at The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. That show runs Nov. 9 - 26.

The Foreigner is being presented by the Charlotte Players Nov. 2 - 12 at

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Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte.

The Legend of Georgia McBride continues at the Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers now through Nov. 12.

On Marco Island, 39 Steps is on stage through Nov. 12. Then, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) will be presented Nov. 29 - Dec. 10 at Arts Center Theatre.

Players Circle Theater has Breaking Legs on stage now through Nov. 12 at its new location in Fort Myers.

Superior Donuts is on The Studio Players stage in Naples until Nov. 12.

Gulf Coast Symphony presents Snowbird Follies Nov. 29 - Dec. 23 at the Music and Arts Community Center in Fort Myers.

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn will be staged Nov. 9 - 12 at Cypres Lake High School Center for the Arts in Fort Myers.

Looking ahead, TheatreZone in Naples will start its season with Home for the Holidays Dec. 15 - 17.

Holiday season

It’s difficult to comprehend some times how years can fly by. It seems we just started 2023, and here we are getting close to wrapping it all up.

The annual Goodwill Festival of Trees will take place Nov. 30 - Dec. 3 at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.

Holiday Nights kicks off Nov. 24 at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers and runs through Dec. 31.

Over the next few weeks, cities and venues around SW Florida will be welcoming the holiday season with visits

by Santa Claus and tree and menorah lightings.

Please remember this holiday season to slow down, be kind to one another and find time to appreciate all the blessings you have. Even days or as much as a year after the storm, blessings can still be with us ... through our friends and families.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

art

music

dining

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68 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Jade Casper, Jen Falk, Deb Jonsson, Bob Williams, Beth Preddy, Rachel Applegate, Kathy Bernier, Jillian Keith, Paula Sisk

Sales: Jamie Kuser, Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.

NEW MAILING ADDRESS:

14520 Farrington Way #103, Fort Myers, FL 33912

(239) 278-5236

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THEATRE

Misery at Laboratory Theater Ryan Adair & Lauren Miller. photo by Sisk Media

Misery by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King, opened Oct. 20 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers.

From the creator of The Shining and It comes a twisted story about meeting your heroes. Paul Sheldon, famous author of the Misery romance series, gets into a terrible accident in the middle of nowhere. He wakes up being nursed to health by his "number one fan," Annie. However, when she reads his new manuscript, she'll do anything to get him to rewrite it... even if it means keeping him there forever.

Director Nykkie Rizley notes, "I have been attracted to the macabre for a very long time. Disturbed souls, dark woods, cliff-hangers, plot and psychological twists - I am a horrorphile. So, it is no wonder that no one seemed surprised that I would be directing Misery. It has been one of my dreams since before we started The Laboratory Theater of Florida. While Stephen King is well known for supernatural fiction, Misery is unique in that there are no scary monsters. No clowns hiding in a sewer. No girl with telekinesis.

No mysterious cemetery, or rabid dogs, or evil cars….

There’s just Annie Wilkes. Sweet, unassuming, book-loving Annie Wilkes.

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The terror is palpable because we know her. She doesn’t need superpowers to reign over her captive… a syringe will do just fine.”

Producing artistic director Annette Trossbach adds, “The tension between Annie and Paul, the love and fear of their relationship, is the center of this story. When Annie leaves the house, Paul explores, learning more about his captor, and the set turns with him, highlighting yet another outstanding set design by Gabrielle Lansden and Jonathan Johnson.

I'm thrilled that we are presenting the SWFL premiere of this exciting show, one of five premieres this season!"

Misery features Ryan Adair (Paul Sheldon), Lauren Miller (Annie Wilkes), and Scott Carpenter (Buster). Stage management is by Daniel Sabiston, set design by Jonathan Johnson and Gabrielle Lansden. Costumes are by Alena Stevenson.

Remaining performances are Oct. 26, 27, 28, Nov. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be presented Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.

For tickets, call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

THE NAPLES PLAYERS

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Nov. 1- 19

Cozy up with your favorite Pride and Prejudice characters and be swept into the sequel of one of the most beloved literary romances of all time with The Naples Players (TNP) production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.

Described as “an unstuffy, highly entertaining and warmspirited work, the kind of thing multiple generations can enjoy together,” by The Chicago Tribune, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is playing from Nov. 1 - 19 at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall.

Told with modern wit and period style, the holidaythemed, Jane Austen-inspired play will enchant Austen fans and newcomers alike.

Complete with teas from The Spice and Tea Exchange of Naples and a traditional holiday and Christmas tree-filled lobby for TNP’s fourth annual Trees and Teas Festival, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.

Two years after Mr. Darcy sweeps Elizabeth Bennet off of her feet in Pride and Prejudice, the Bennet family is celebrating Christmas at Pemberley, the Darcy residence. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected visitor joins the celebrations, sparking Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love, and forcing her and her sisters to change their Happenings Magazine

perspectives on life, love, and their role in society.

Director Julie Ewing is joined by the following team of industry professionals: scenic designer Kelli Harrod, lighting designer Chris Riley, sound designer Bradley Van Houten, costume designer Dot Auchmoody, properties coordinator, Amy Hughes, stage manager Jules Branche and assistant stage manager Nancy Hayer. The cast includes (in alphabetical order): Brayden Cloud (as Arthur de Bourgh), McKenna Cloud (as Mary Bennet), Christian Conn, Elizabeth Fincher, Sarah Gamblin, Gigi Kirton, Ashley Kosten and Aseem Upadhyay.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley will be performed offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall.

General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are $39.

For tickets, visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at 239263-7990.

McKenna and Brayden Cloud

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THEATRE

Fame at Cultural Park Theatre

By Jade Casper

What do you think is the most captivating part of this play for the audience? Is it the story, the dance numbers, or something else?

Edye: Definitely the story line. It starts with the main cast being freshman and then goes on through their high school years telling each of their stories--their challenges and how they were able to overcome them.

Cultural Park Theatre will present Fame the musical on stage Nov. 9 – 19 in Cape Coral.

Directing Fame at Cultural Park, Edye Button gives us insight into the creative process behind the scenes of this production.

What inspired you to take on directing "Fame" at the Cultural Park Theatre?

Edye: I have always loved Fame since I grew up in the ‘80s and now having the opportunity to direct this musical is a dream come true! It reminds me of going to Millikin University and working hard to get my BFA in musical theatre and now working with Cultural Park Theatre and inspiring future thespians in our community.

Were there any challenges while fine tuning this performance?

Edye: Honestly, the hardest challenge was choosing the best individuals for the show and working with a smaller cast. We only have 16 in the cast including 14 leads and two ensemble and almost all of them are dancing, singing, and acting throughout the entire show.

What is your favorite song from the musical?

Edye: “Bring on Tomorrow" at the end of the show when everyone comes on stage for graduation. It is such a beautiful moment that brings me to tears every time.

ON THE COVER: Lauren Kirkimillis (as Miss Greta Bell), Giovanna Blanco (as Carmen Diaz), Jordyn Button (as Serena Katz) and Jane Seth Balcer (as Nick Piazza) in Cultural Park Theatreʼs production of Fame the musical. photo by Jamie Kuser

Any fun moments that have happened during rehearsals that you want to mention?

Edye: We always have fun during our rehearsal--and especially when we were in the CPT lobby and it was decorated for Halloween! Lots of fun cast photos.

Anything else to add about Fame?

Edye: We are excited that CPT has brought this special musical to our local stage. Many people are not familiar with this show, or only remember the TV show or the movie from the ‘80s. They will be impressed with the professional talent of this cast of actors, dancers, and musicians. The audience will feel as if they are watching a Broadway show in sunny Southwest Florida!

Fame will run for eight performances, Nov. 9 – 12 and Nov. 16 – 19.

More info and tickets can be found on culturalparktheater.com or by calling the box office at 239-772-5846. The theatre is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral.

Lab Theater fundraiser celebrates building’s 100th birthday

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will host its annual fundraiser on Nov. 18 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. This year is special as the theater celebrates the building’s 100th birthday,

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Located in the heart of the Fort Myers River District, her doors were opened in 1923 as St. Luke’s Episcopal. Over the past century, and with a variety of owners, the building at 1634 Woodford Ave. has maintained a history of community service, a tradition that The Lab proudly continues.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida’s mission is to provide show-stopping entertainment, thought-provoking performances, and theatrical education that tantalizes, inspires, and empowers the community through theater!

This centennial birthday celebration hopes to bring the community together and increase awareness of our award-winning and diverse performing arts and educational theater options. The evening will feature

food, entertainment, and relaxation. Inside the historic venue, the theater will feature skits from past performances, and have lively and fascinating discussions with local historians about the history of this building and her addition to the historic register.

Outside will feature music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fun, and a few surprises!

The goal for this fundraiser is to raise $100,000 to be used for the replacement of the air conditioners, repair the parking lot, and begin to rebuild the Lab’s education building that was lost during Hurricane Ian. Sponsorships are currently available at every level, and every gift truly makes a difference.

For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com.

Happenings Magazine

THEATRE

Elf the musical brings holiday cheer

to Broadway Palm

This holiday season, Broadway Palm brings you the most magical gift of all; the smash hit Elf the musical playing Nov. 10 through Dec. 25.

Based on the popular film, this charming and whimsical musical comedy will spread holiday cheer for all to hear! The New York Times says Elf The Musical is “Splashy, Peppy, Sugar-Sprinkled Holiday Entertainment!”

This hilarious musical comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Buddy, a young orphan, crawls into Santa's bag and winds up in the North Pole where he is raised, unaware that he is human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. This modern day holiday classic is sure to bring out the true spirit of Christmas….after all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Elf The Musical is directed and choreographed by Amy Marie McCleary. Starring as Buddy The Elf is Zach Greer. Zach says he

is thrilled to be returning to Broadway Palm. He was last seen this summer as Willard Hewitt in Footloose. His other credits include Something Rotten! (Shakespeare); Head Over Heels (Musidorus); The 39 Steps (Clown). He earned a BFA in musical theatre at Missouri State University.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $70 to $95 with group and children’s prices available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Popcorn Falls keeps you laughing at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Popcorn Falls playing now through Nov. 18.

Written by James Hindman, Popcorn Falls is a mile-a-minute two person show that proves art can save the world.

Welcome to Popcorn Falls, a sleepy American town that is forced into bankruptcy when their only claim to fame, their namesake waterfall, dries up. Their only hope is a chance for a grant – if they can open a theater and put on a play. Just two actors play over 20 roles in this farce that BroadwayWorld called a “laugh-out-loud comedic genius.”

Directing Popcorn Falls is Off Broadway Palm artistic director Paul Bernier. The cast includes Jenny Smith who has appeared at the Off-Broadway Palm in Funny Money; Caught in the Net; Farce of Nature; Doublewide, Texas; Always a Bridesmaid.

Other theatre credits includes The 10 - NOVEMBER 2023

Schoolhouse Theatre, Theatre Conspiracy, St. Louis Actors’ Studio, Fort Peck Summer Theatre. Michael Weaver has appeared at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Over the River …, Social Security, Farce of Nature, Greater Tuna, Unnecessary Farce, and many others. He toured over two years in the international company of the Wizard of Oz playing the lower 48, China, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. His film work includes the cult classic horror movie, Tiki.

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate theatre, located off of the main lobby at Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select 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 239-278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

The Foreigner on stage for Charlotte Players THEATRE

The Charlotte Players continue their season with The Foreigner by Larry Shue Nov. 2 12 at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte.

What does a shy Englishman in search of rest do when he visits a fishing lodge in Georgia? Charlie Baker, a proof reader by day and a boring husband by night, adopts the persona of a foreigner who doesn't understand English. When others begin to speak freely around him, he not only becomes privy to secrets both dangerous and frivolous, he also discovers an adventurous extrovert within himself.

Directed by Jerry Jones and scenic design by Ron Bates, performances of The Foreigner will be Nov. 2 – 5 and Nov. 8 – 12.

Join Whitney Grace for a wonderful evening of the holiday classics on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. This high-

energy and feel-good Christmas show will have you tapping your toes and strolling down memory lane. A triumph of everything you want to feel during the holidays. In Holiday Showstopper, Whitney pulls out all her favorite characters: Groucho Marx, Shirley Temple and more. It will be an evening of live music, beautiful vocals, exciting costumes, and of course, the enchantment and light-hearted humor that everyone loves about Whitney.

Remaining season shows for the Charlotte Players include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dec. 14 – 17, Rumors Jan. 12 – 28, Calendar Girls Feb. 8 – 25, Nunsense II - The Second Coming Musical March 14 – 31, Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van April 17 – 28 and Morning After Grace May 16 – 26.

This time, it is a full-fledged musical, with a larger cast and many more vocal arrangements. The Hersman’s are the

worst kids in the history of the world-so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. You won’t believe the mayhem when the kids collide with the Christmas story. With book and lyrics by Jahnna Beecham and music and lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the musical is based on the play by Barbara Robinson. It will be directed locally by Taylor Dixon. Music director is Jeffrey Herbert, and scenic design is by Ron Bates.

For tickets and information, call 941255-1022 or visit www.charlotteplayers.org.

The Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

Theatre Conspiracy brings back Clown Bar to Alliance for the Arts

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts brings back the popular performance Clown Bar this November. An experience like no other, this clown noir play transforms the Foulds Theatre into an interactive, immersive bar. Drinks will be available for purchase, served by hilarious, yet frightening, gangster clowns.

Audiences follow along with the main clown, Happy, as his brother, Timmy, is found dead. Now Happy must return to his former life as a clown to ask a few questions. But will Happy be able to go home again without getting sucked into the seedy clown underbelly of vice and violence?

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Performances of Clown Bar take place starting Nov. 9 with the bar opening at 6:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 7:30 pm. Performances are Nov. 9 - 10, 16 - 18, 24 - 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. with the bar opening 45 minutes prior to show start. All performances sold out last season, so tickets are expected to be in high demand.

Tickets are $27 for members and $32 for non-members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 239-939-2787, visit in person at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers or go online at www.artinlee.org/Theatre.

Happenings Magazine

The Legend of Georgia McBride at Florida Rep The cast features an allFlorida Repertory Theatre's star lineup of New York26th season continues with a bigbased actors Caturah Brown, hearted comedy, The Legend of Sam Given and Michael Georgia McBride by Matthew Liebhauser, all making their Lopez.

Florida Rep debuts alongside The production runs in the ensemble member William Historic Arcade Theatre now McNulty (And Then There through Nov. 12.

Were None) and Kraig The Legend of Georgia Swartz, who returns to McBride follows Casey, an Elvis Florida Rep after appearing impersonator struggling to make a in Florida Rep’s 10th anniverliving in a Panama City Beach sary season production of dive bar. He’s young, broke, Visiting Mr. Green. behind on rent, and now his wife Director Jason Parrish is pregnant. To make matters (Ring of Fire) is joined by an worse, Casey gets fired, losing expert creative team includhis gig to a second-rate drag ing choreographer Kyle show. Before “the King” leaves Brand, scenic designer the building, however, a twist of Dennis Maulden, stage manfate and a makeover by some ager Ruth E. Kramer, cosfabulous new friends provides Kraig Swartz, Michael Leibhauser and Caturah Brown. tume designer Joseph Casey a second chance to make Photo by Joe Dafeldecker Shrope, sound designer it in showbiz.

Katie Lowe, lighting designer “This big-hearted and musicMario Raymond and drag consultant Andrew Spaulding – filled comedy is filled with snappy zingers and dance-worthy also known as Alyssa Lemay. numbers,” said producing artistic director Greg Tickets start at $65 and may be purchased online at Longenhagen. “At the core, it’s an entertaining story about www.floridarep.org or by calling the box office at 239-332friendship, acceptance, and finding family in the unlikeliest 4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053. of places.”

Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 13

THEATRE

Florida Rep gets into holiday spirit with A Sherlock Carol Florida Repertory Theatre rings in the holiday season with an inventive whodunit, A Sherlock Carol by Mark Shanahan. The production runs in the Historic Arcade Theatre Dec. 1 – 17 with discounted previews Nov. 28 – 30.

A Sherlock Carol is a mash-up of the worlds of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The story begins on Christmas Eve when a grown-up Tiny Tim makes a visit to the world’s foremost consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes. Timothy Cratchit, now a doctor, tries to enlist Holmes’ help to solve a mystery involving Ebenezer Scrooge.

Holmes, however, is in no mood for an investigation so it takes some convincing for the great detective to face the spirits of the past, present, and future, in order to get to the bottom of the crime.

“The play is a blend of two beloved classic tales,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen. “Audiences will be reunited with familiar characters freshly intertwined in a plot filled with intrigue, suspense, and holiday cheer.”

The play was featured at Florida Rep’s 2020 PlayLab Festival of New Works and is fresh off successful fully staged runs in London and New York.

Florida Rep’s cast features New Yorkbased actors Matt Lytle and Nicholas Wilder, making their Florida Rep debuts alongside ensemble members Jason Parrish (Santaland Diaries) and William McNulty (The Legend of Georgia McBride) plus returning guest artist Chrissy Albanese (A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love & Murder) and Jackie Schram (Cabaret).

Director Jeffrey Binder (New York-based with Southwest Florida roots) is joined by an expert creative team including musical director/pianist Gary Stroh (A Grand Night for Singing), set designer Robert F. Wolin (On Golden Pond), costume designer Stefanie Genda (Ripcord), sound designer Katie Lowe (The Legend of Georgia McBride), lighting designer Abby May and stage manager Janine Wochna (Beguiled Again).

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. A family holiday pass may be purchased by phone or at the box office for $150 and includes tickets for two adults and two children plus four house concessions.

Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional, live theatre in the Fort Myers River District.

Chrissy Albanese

Matt Lytle

William McNulty

Jason Parrish

Jackie Schram

Nicholas Wilder

Drinking Habits & more on stage at The Belle Theatre The Belle Theatre in Cape Coral presents Drinking Habits now through Nov. 5. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy with twists and turns throughout. Accusations, mistaken identities and romances run wild in this traditional, laughout-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent's doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail.

They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down.

The Belle Theatre is bringing the younger performers to the stage in November and December with productions of Wizard of Oz Youth Edition Nov.

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17 - 19 followed by Winnie the Pooh KIDS on stage Dec. 8 - 10. These productions are performed by the youth performers as part of the educational workshops at The Belle. Each show will delight theater-goers of all ages.

Soon after, Christmas in Paradise: World Tour hits the stage Dec. 13 - 17

and will include performers from every age group in this original musical extravaganza. The show promises to get the whole family in the Christmas Spirit! Looking for the perfect date night? Or a safe, fun place for the kids?

The Belle will host "After Hours: Next Gen Takeover" their second After Hours event for kids 7-14 on Dec. 23. This will be a fun-filled evening for the kids while parents can finish their last-minute shopping or wrapping.

The new year brings in a new laughout-loud comedy on the stage, Unnecessary Farce. Sure to entertain the adult crowd, this show is scheduled to open Jan. 5. As always check them out online for all of our current events, happenings and auditions too!

For tickets, call 239-323-5533 or visit www.TheBelleTheatre.com. The Belle Theatre is located at 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd #135, Cape Coral.

Happenings Magazine

Gulfshore Playhouse presents 26 Miles Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples presents 26 Miles by Tony Award-winner Quiara Alegria Hudes (In The Heights). The family drama directed

by Laura Moreno runs now through Nov. 5 at Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S., Naples.

Set in 1986, the semi-autobiographical play opens with a frantic, late-night phone call. When an estranged mother and daughter depart at midnight for a spontaneous cross country road trip, neither is prepared for what lies ahead. This story reminds us that the best souvenirs on the road of life are the relationships we make along the way. And that sometimes what it takes to find yourself is the power of family.

At the helm of this production is director Laura Moreno. Moreno is from Houston, Texas, where she is heavily involved in the Latinx theatre community. She is the founder of Women in Theatre - Houston, ¡Qué Onda! - LatinX Theatre Collective, and Artists for Change - Texas, as well as the Chief Representative for the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL) Houston Chapter.

Happenings Magazine

difficult to navigate at any age, but adolescence can be especially difficult. For Olivia, she’s navigating hormones, high school, and an inattentive father - when life finally feels so unbearably lonely she calls the mother she rejected eight years earlier in a custody battle.”

The cast of professional actors hails from the New York City area and Washington, D.C., and includes Iliana Guibert (OffBroadway’s Anna in the Tropics, Superstitions, and It’s Okay) as Beatriz, McKenzie SalvatierraCustin (The Transport Group’s Nine: In Concert, The New Theatre’s Freaky Friday, and The Rev’s Anne of Green Gables) as her daughter, Olivia.

Rounding out the cast is Danny Bernardy (Olney Theatre Center’s My Fair Lady, Florida McKenzie Salvatierra-Custin as Olivia and Studio Theatre’s Alabama Story) Iliana Guibert as Beatriz in 26 Miles. as Aaron and Rubén Flores Photo by Matthew Schipper.

(Broadway’s In the Heights, The “26 Miles is a beautiful story about Public’s Kingdom) as Manuel. self-discovery and acceptance through For tickets and information, visit the re-bonding of an estranged mother online at gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call and daughter,” said Moreno, “Life can be 239-261-PLAY.

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THEATRE

Breaking Legs at Players Circle Theater

Players Circle Theater have you rolling in the aisle. presents Tom Dulack’s hilariSet in the back of an Italian ous mafioso comedy, restaurant, Players Circle places Breaking Legs, now through the audience in the middle of the Nov. 12. This laugh-out loud action. “Even as you enter the theproduction marks the grand ater, you’ll smell the irresistible opening of Players Circle’s aroma of Italian cuisine,” shares new home located at 13211 Cacioppo.

McGregor Blvd.

The production stars an all-star “Breaking Legs is the perlineup, including Players Circle vetfect madcap comedy to open erans Natalie Brouwer (Laughter on our new theater! We invite you the 23rd Floor, I Love You, You’re to have fun, laugh, relax, and Perfect, Now Change) Ted Wioncek unwind,” says artistic director III (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Robert Cacioppo, who directs Change), Mitch Haley (The Curious the show for the 3rd time.

Incident of the Dog in the Night) “Cultures collide as the play and comedian RC Smith (Murder at masterfully turns the spotlight the Howard Johnson). Performer on theater, the mob, murder, James Heffernan makes his Thomas Marsh, Jim Heffernan, Natalie Brouwer and and menace. Just imagine if Players Circle debut.

Ted Wioncek III in Breaking Legs. photo by Mike Shapiro Neil Simon wrote The Players Circle Theater subscripSopranos!” tions and single tickets are now offia former student. The “family” turns out to Breaking Legs hilariously blends the cially on sale to the general public. Details be minor Mafia godfathers who are willing clashing worlds of the Mafia and the theregarding subscription packages are availto underwrite the play provided they never atre when a professorial playwright seeks able at PlayersCircleTheater.com or by callhave to read it. What happens next will funding for his new play from the family of ing the Box Office at 239-800-3292.

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Happenings Magazine

The Marvelous Wonderettes in Naples

Don’t be a drag - get in the groove and jive to your favorite nostalgic tunes of the ‘50s and ‘60s with The Naples Players’ (TNP) upcoming production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. Featuring nostalgic hits such as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “It’s In His Kiss,” and “Heatwave,” this comedic jukebox musical will have audiences laughing, crying, and singing in their seats.

Take a trip down memory lane and join the award-winning Wonderettes at their 1958 Springfield High School prom.

Here you’ll meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their lives, friendships, and loves, The Wonderettes invite prom goers to dance and sing the night away to classic 50s hits.

Fast forward a decade, and the Wonderettes have come together again to take the stage and perform at their 10-year reunion. Using popular 1960s songs, they reflect on their dreams from high school and the challenges and achievements the girls have experienced in the past decade and discover that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it together.

The award-winning duo of director and

Happenings Magazine

Jillian Keith

Gia Provinzino

Erica Sample

choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara and music director Charles Fornara are joined by the following team of industry professionals: scenic designer Michael Santos, lighting designer Chris Riley, sound designer Bradley Van Houten, costume designer Mollie Berman, props coordinator Amy Hughes, stage manager Taylor Matthews, and assistant stage manager Hannah Klein.

The all-star charming quartette of Naples favorites includes (in alphabetical order) Jillian Keith as Missy, Gia Provinzino as female swing, Erica Sample as Suzy, Vanessa Tarabocchia as Betty Jean and Lindsey Walsh as Cindy Lou. From Nov. 9 – Nov. 26, performances

Vanessa Tarabocchia

Lindsey Walsh

are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be no performance on Thanksgiving.

Instead, there will be an additional performance on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Marvelous Wonderettes will be performed offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in Beverly 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. Tickets include admission to the 4th Annual Trees and Teas Festival in McSpadden Hall. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at 239-263-7990.

NOVEMBER 2023 - 17

THEATRE

TheatreZone’s Home for the Holidays kicks off 19th season Dec. 15 - 17 in Naples

Kick off holiday festivities this December with a performance of Home for the Holidays Dec. 15 - 17, TheatreZone’s seventh annual production of its traditional season opener.

The popular holiday musical is a feast for the senses with memorable songs, exuberant choreography and colorful costumes.

Home for the Holidays will be performed on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $50 to $85, depending on seat selection.

The musical was created by TheatreZone’s founding artistic director Mark Danni in 2016. “I wanted to create a fun and festive show to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” Danni said. “It’s also our welcome to the seasonal residents of Southwest Florida returning for the winter and TheatreZone’s 19th season.”

The musical’s cast features 10 kids from ages five to 10 from Community School of Naples, which hosts TheatreZone on its campus in a dedicated building. Joining the adorable children are eight adult professional actors many of whom are members of the Actors’ Equity Association.

18 - NOVEMBER 2023

Together, the cast performs holiday songs and lively dance routines choreographed by TheatreZone’s associate artistic director Karen Molnar Danni.

A seven-piece professional band is directed by Charles Fornara. “Every year, our song lineup changes to mix in modern songs with classics,” Danni said. “New songs this year include “Christmas Morning Feeling” from the movie Spirited, “Disco Santa” and a Blake Shelton-Gwen Steffani duet, "You Make it Feel Like Christmas."

“The energetic cast, creative costumes, live band and funny skits and banter give the show a fun atmosphere,” Danni said.

Cast members include TheatreZone favorites Robert Koutras (Rock of Ages, Bright Star); Alex Jorth (Copacabana, 9 to 5); Steve Geyer (Aida, Copacabana); Luke Danni (Mystery of Edwin Drood, Gypsy); Erica Sample (Rock of Ages, Escape to Margaritaville); Maya Senecharles (Heathers); Lindsey Walsh (Home for the Holidays), and Corinne Holland, whom TheatreZone welcomes for her debut performance with the company.

Following each performance, Mark Danni guides a backstage tour for

patrons to experience the inner world of theatre. Guests see where actors wait in the wings and the colorful costume areas where performers are transformed into their characters. A special sight is the orchestra area, which is on stage and can accommodate up to seven musicians performing the music for TheatreZone’s productions. Guests can bask in the limelight of center stage and vicariously feel a performer’s excitement.

The backstage tours are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance.

To buy tickets for Home for Holidays and book a backstage tour, visit www.theatre.zone.

Tickets are $50 to $85, depending on seat selection.

TheatreZone, celebrating its 19th season in 2023-2024, performs 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.

Visit www.theatre.zone for information and tickets or call the box office at 888-966-3352.

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Best of the Best Tribute Bands are Performing at THE STAGE

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SATURDAY, NOV. 11 Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Meat Loaf, Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15 John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Olivia Newton-John, Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton

SATURDAY, NOV. 25 Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Cher THURSDAY, NOV. 30 Tina Turner, Blues Brothers, KC & The Sunshine Band

THURSDAY, NOV. 2 Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkel, America

THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Almost ABBA and Mamma Mia

FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Fabulous Girls of Motown

FRIDAY, NOV. 17 Majesty of Rock: Journey and Styx

FRIDAY, NOV. 3 Tom Petty, Steve Miller, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Jersey Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Beach Boys

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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22 Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis - Johnny Rogers Band

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 Fabulous Girls of Motown THURSDAY, NOV. 9 Jersey Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Beach Boys

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 The Alter Eagles

THURSDAY, NOV. 23 Closed for Thanksgiving

FRIDAY, DEC. 8 Almost ABBA and Mamma Mia

FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Allman Brothers

SATURDAY, DEC. 9 Neil Diamond

THE STAGE FRIDAY, NOV. 10 The Rat Pack

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 Rolling Stones, Doobie Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Olivia Newton-John, Glenn Campbell, Dolly Parton THURSDAY, DEC. 14 Christmas Party, Santa, Fabulous Girls of Motown FRIDAY, DEC. 15 Private Party SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 TBA THURSDAY, DEC. 21 Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis - Johnny Rogers Band FRIDAY, DEC. 22 Tina Turner, Blues Brothers, KC & The Sunshine Band SATURDAY, DEC. 23 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

Mully, Stan art exhibits at SBDAC

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center announces two art exhibitions opening during Art Walk on Friday, Nov. 3.

This November, experience Glitch by the artist Mully in the downstairs Grand Atrium. The exhibit Kiss This Too by the artist Stan will be on display in the upstairs Capital Gallery.

Mully loves the energy of a new painting, not knowing how it will end up.

His process includes starting new paintings and then abandoning them to start another new piece. Once several paintings are in this abandoned state, he reclaims them and paints them all together, often setting one up to absorb paint from another, and then rotating to the next piece, bringing a cohesive body of work together. The studio could have anywhere from three to an infinite number in rotation. For the artist, it is all

Stan

20 - NOVEMBER 2023

ART

Mully

about layers and the experimental process of building up a painting. He even continues to add to pieces already hung on the wall, questioning whether they are ever really finished. The title ‘Glitch’ comes from the ever-growing state of technology. With the threat of AI as a new competitor in the art field, Mully embraces it and uses technology as a tool, a part of his process. Many of his paintings start in the raw form on the IPAD, using technology to enhance his references, blur, liquify, distort, use chromatic aberration, add layers of other images and so much more.

Artist Stan shares the story behind his paintings. They were all created with a deep love and a tragically beautiful tale of a little girl who spoke with angels.

Sadly, his daughter passed away in 2004 at just 11 years old- but her spirit lives on through the vibrant colors of his art. As a bereaved parent originally from Miami, Stan’s paintings as a former faux finish artist are not just a display of technique with color, but a representa-

tion of the journey to recover from the deep sadness and utter loneliness that comes with losing a child. A massive injury that could have easily sent the artist spiraling into a deeper depression ultimately inspired him to break free from the chains of PTSD and to create these heartfelt pieces. These paintings are a celebration of true inspiration, raw, colorful, and bold. They are a reflection of what feelings look like, and Stan has poured his heart and soul into each and every one of them.

Opening night for both exhibitions will be during Art Walk Nov. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. including music under the stars at Sidney’s Rooftop featuring the Nostaljah Band from 7 to 11 p.m. at Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden. Both exhibitions will be on display through Nov. 21.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First Street in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

For more information, call 239-3331933 or visit the website at www.sbdac.com Happenings Magazine

Macramedelrey at DAAS Co-Op Gallery

During the months of November and December, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts will host the amazing macrame art of social media star Reiniery Mariani, aka Macramedelrey.

There will be two opening receptions scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3, and Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk. The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 31. The artist will be present during the events for a meet and greet.

Macramedelrey is of Cuban-Italian descent and resides in Miami. At a very young age, he learned macrame, which is the art of creating handmade items through a process of decorative knots in a pattern.

His Italian Grandmother taught the technique to the young artist and together they made all sorts of macrame items such as curtains and table runners. “I instantly felt a connection with this art form, and it became a hobby that I really love and enjoy doing to this day,” says Mariani, who decided to follow his heart and turn his passion into a career, thus creating a business to share his macrame artwork with the world. “I decided to call myself Macramedelrey [Macrame del Rey] for the simple fact that my nickname is Rey and I make macrame art,” humorously comments the artist, who sometimes is referred to by his fans as the Macrame King; hinting at the word Rey (king in Spanish)

Happenings Magazine

and the macrame crown he wears on his social media posts.

During the Covid pandemic months, Mariani found himself home and unemployed. It was then that he decided to spend time working on his art and posting on social media platforms. Little by little he amassed a tremendous following and started receiving requests from customers all over the world. His popularity grew so much that he decided to open an online shop. Some of his most popular items are the plant hangers, curtains, and flags. He uses a variety of knots to execute his masterpieces. The collection presented at the gallery consists of multiple styles and decorative-yet-functional pieces. Most importantly, the exhibition is another example of DAAS’ out-of-the-box approach - introducing new and exciting art forms to our community. A macrame workshop with Macramedelrey will be announced by DAAS Co-Op soon. The info will be available at daascoop.com and the gallery’s social media pages.

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

The gallery’s new business hours are Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information about the venue and how to become a member can be found at daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.

NOVEMBER 2023 - 21

ART

Alliance for the Arts showcases Doug MacGregor in Whimsy and Wonder exhibit November 3 - 25 “Beyond Oz” by Doug MacGregor

trator and cartoonist for more than 45 years, working for newspapers and print publications across the US. MacGregor currently draws weekly editorial cartoons for The Naples Press and has been coordinator of the Arts in Healthcare program at Lee Health since 2012, bringing art, music and more to its patients. He has also published six children’s books.

Additional details on MacGregor’s artwork and children’s books can be found at Dougcreates.com.

In the Theatre Gallery, Imaginations

by Fort Myers Beach Art Association will be on display. This exhibit will feature work by 12 winners from the Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s 2022-23 season of exhibitions. Artists will include Carol Baskin, Michele Barron Buelow, Cheryl Fausel, Helen Kinkin, Sandi McCabe, Nancy Morgan, Julie Nusbaum, Patricia Payzant, John Rizza, Star Sherwood, Kathy Summer and Kathy Taylor.

In the Member Gallery, Michelle McDonald and Paul David will be featured.

Michelle J. McDonald was born in Jamaica, but has lived in the U.S. since she was a child. She is a mem“Hijinks on the Links” by Doug MacGregor

The Alliance for the Arts invites the public to its opening reception for Whimsy & Wonder on Friday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The free event features the works of Doug MacGregor as well as light refreshments provided by Jayne Baker. The exhibit will be on view from Nov. 3 - 25 at 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

With his pen, pencil and colorful brush, MacGregor introduces viewers to his creative world as an artist, cartoonist, and storyteller. Whimsical wildlife from land, sea and air will capture hearts and imaginations. (And, yes, pigs, octopuses and sea cows do fly!)

MacGregor has been an artist, illus-

22 - NOVEMBER 2023

ber of the Fort Myers Mural Society. She was involved in the Downtown Fort Myers River Basin Project and has a tile on display at the First Street Library. She attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts and then started a family.

Now that her children are grown up, she is able to pursue her own artistic endeavors. Her work comprises various styles using acrylic, oils, and collage. She aims to provoke a feeling in everyone who views her artwork.

Paul David Adamick, commonly called “Art Man,” is a retired elementary art teacher of 41 years. He grew up in Chicago and has lived in Cape Coral for 36 years. He has had four solo exhibitions at different galleries in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel. He is a mixed media artist combining clay, fused glass, and bent wire. He teaches a painting class at the Cape Coral Art Center where he also attended classes himself. Since retiring 9 years ago, he has been living his dream of creating art full time.

The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-939-2787, visit online at www.ArtInLee.org.

Happenings Magazine

Naples Artcrafters starting new season Nov. 11 in Cambier Park

The Naples Artcrafters will host their first juried fine art and craft show of the new season on Saturday, Nov. 11.

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. The

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

The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a non-profit 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 Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 9 and April 3.

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

NOVEMBER 2023 - 23

ART

Holiday displays at Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda

Judy Rehill

Bob Kozak

24 - NOVEMBER 2023

The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda gets into the holiday spirit in November.

The center is thrilled to announce the upcoming Visual Arts Center Holiday Showcase 2023, featuring art under $200. From Nov. 4 to Dec. 29, the Main and Goff galleries will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with unique and affordable art pieces perfect for holiday gifts. The best part? Admission is completely free.

Come browse the selection of artwork and find the perfect gift for your loved ones. With a wide variety of mediums and styles, there's something for everyone.

And with prices under $200, you can give the gift of art without breaking the bank. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support local artists and add some beauty to your home this holiday season. We can't wait to see you at the Visual Arts Center Holiday Showcase.

Additionally, the Visual Arts Center presents Holidays in the Hall from Nov. 4 to Dec. 29. This festive arts event is free to visit and features the work of 20 Debra Engel talented artists who have been given 5 feet of space to display their work.

Visitors can browse through an array of beautiful cards, ornaments, and small gifts that make perfect stocking stuffers. The event is being held in Rebecca Hall and is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting local artists. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations.

Market Day is set for Nov. 18 at the VAC. The holiday celebration features a fantastic art & craft show filled with handmade cards, ornaments, and small gifts. The event is free to attend and will take place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda.

The Visual Arts Center is participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance, handing out candy canes to children and taking photos. They will also have hot chocolate available to warm you up & get you in the holiday spirit. In addition to the holiday festivities, they will be offering special sales & drawings. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting a local business.

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 Mindy McGirr

Happenings Magazine

Raul Rubio

Meet Raul Rubio by appointment at his studio located at Riverside Park Cottage #5 in Bonita or at his main studio located at 3570 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs.

Raul Rubio’s artwork is also on display at COCO Naples Art Gallery at Coastland Mall, COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point Mall in Estero and Waffle Monkey Restaurant, 27975 Old 41 Road, suite 106, Bonita Springs

239-304-6051

Instagram: @rubioartstudio

www.rubiopintor.com

Facebook: Rubio Art Studio Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 25

ART

Q. Miller exhibit, Holly Daze

& more at Cape Coral Art Center

or simply a way to unwind and The Cape Coral Art Center relax after a busy week. Put invites the public to be a part of your worries aside and let your the growing arts community by creativity flow in a fun and supparticipating in November events portive environment. All materiincluding a photography exhibit by als are included. Guests are Quinn Miller, workshops, classes welcome to bring drinks and and its annual holiday fine art snacks. sale.

Workshops are $27 per perIntangible: A solo exhibition by son. Registration is required by Q. Miller Photography will be on calling 239-574-0802. display Nov. 3 – 21. An opening Winter 1 class session runs reception is planned for Nov. 10 Nov. 13 – Dec. 23. The Cape from 5 to 7 p.m.

Coral Art Center offers yearQuinn Miller was born and round classes and programming raised in Clewiston. He discovin fine arts and fine crafts for all ered his love for photography durages. Choose from various ing middle school when exposed classes, including acrylic paintto the work of Erik Johansson. ing, watercolor, oil painting, potThis led him to pursuing an edutery clay/raku, stone sculpture, cation in the arts, where he found silversmithing, jewelry, precious himself at South Florida metal clay, glass bead-making, Community College and Florida glass fusing, wire wrapping, Gulf Coast University, attaining a stained glass, copper enamelbachelor's in the arts. He currently ing, and more. Classes for chilresides in Lake Worth and teachdren and teens include clay. es art at the high school level.

Studios are well equipped, and classes are available from “My style relies on surreal elements, and the incorporaintermediate to advanced levels. Classes are offered on varition of obscured faces to promote the idea of anonymity so ous days and times to fit into your schedule. No membership that viewers can insert themselves into the images,” Miller is required. Registration for a specific class is says. required to save your place. Supplies are availGalleries are free and able for purchase on-site, and students receive open to the public Monday a 10% discount on all purchases in the Art through Saturday 9 a.m. to Supply Store. Registration is required by calling 4 p.m.

239-574-0802.

ArtSocial evening workHolly Daze annual fine art sale begins Nov. shops with George Hobbs 21 and runs to Dec. 21 at the art center. is scheduled for Nov. 2 Holly Daze is an annual holiday fine art sale and 16 at 6 p.m. The art showcasing our local artist community. This is center believes in expandthe chance for local artists, art center students, ing your creative horizons and instructors to display and sell their work. and providing you with The public can shop this annual sale and get a new skills to add to your jump start on the holiday shopping season. toolbox. With George Artists can participate by registering prior to Hobbs as your guide, each receiving day which is Nov. 20. Call 239-574month you'll have the 0802 for more information about selling your opportunity to learn a work during Holly Daze. brand-new skill and Holly Daze is open to the public for shopping unleash your inner artist. during regular business hours Monday through This November, particiSaturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. pants will create paper The Cape Coral Art Center is part of the City beads, a fantastic way to of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department transform simple paper and is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway in into stunning jewelry Rubicond Park. For more information on any of pieces. these programs and exhibits, call 239-574-0802 ArtSocial is the perfect or visit on Facebook @CapeCoralArtCenter or excuse for a girls' night Holly Daze fine art sale runs Nov. 21 - Dec. 21. by e-mail artcenter@capecoral.gov. out, a unique date night,

26 - NOVEMBER 2023

Happenings Magazine

Hirdie Girdie showcases Renee Farr, Linda Lucas

Hirdie Girdie welcomes new fused glass artist Renee Farr.

Renee’s interest in glass began in the early ‘90s when she wanted to add glass components to her jewelry designs and took a class. She quickly realized that she preferred glass to jewelry and since then has taken workshops and classes nationwide to perfect her craft.

Renee is inspired by life’s beauty and likes order and symmetry in her artwork.

Her love of color is evident in every piece.

Linda Lucas

Renee has won numerous awards in exhibitions throughout Southwest Florida, and she also teaches at the Cape Coral Art Studio.

Renee believes in giving back and is a member of several non-profit groups that promote the arts through scholarship, workshops, and events.

Guest artist for the month of November is mixed media painter Linda Lucas.

Linda holds a fine arts degree from The Rochester Institute of Technology, with additional studies in Fiber Arts and Surface Design. She creates her awardwinning art in watercolor and acrylic inks on paper, as well as acrylic on canvas, and painting on silk. Linda has taught painting at various locations in Southwest Florida, as well as in New York, and she conducts workshops throughout the

Renee Farr

country. Nature is Linda’s inspiration, and her experience as a florist is reflected in her joyful art that is characterized by bright colors, shapes and surfaces that are woven together to create engaging forms in both traditional and impressionistic art.

The public is invited to a reception featuring the artwork of Renee Farr and Linda Lucas on Nov. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. Join the Hirdie Girdie artists for an enjoyable, evening with wine, light refreshments, and live music by Bob Housler. The gallery is located at 2490 Library Way on Sanibel.

For more info, call 239-395-0027 or visit hirdiegirdiegallery.com

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Crafts Show

Saturday, November 11th 10 am to 4 pm

Free Admission & Parking

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 27

Elaine Weissborn exhibit at Cape Coral Library ART

Changing exhibitions in the Cape Coral Library’s expansive art gallery are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists the opportunity to share their work in this public forum. The library is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace, off of Mohawk Parkway, and the current exhibit will be open during regular business hours from Nov. 2 through Dec. 27.

For information, contact art gallery chairperson Monica Rahman at gallery@capefriends.org or visit www.capefriends.org.

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

The walls of the library gallery feature paintings by award winning artist Elaine Weissborn. She has been interested in art and nature from an early age. Art classes in elementary and middle school were always a bright

28 - NOVEMBER 2023

spot in her day. She briefly considered studying medical illustration as a way of combining her interests in both art and science.

However, the need to obtain gainful employment led her to a bachelor's degree in medical technology, and later in life to a master's degree in library information and science.

After over 20 years of service with the Lee County Library System, she retired from librarianship and was finally able to seriously pursue the creative arts.

In addition, beautiful origami created by multitalented Elaine Weissborn will be in the display case.

Origami has also been a passion for Elaine from an early age. She particularly enjoys the complex models of John Montroll; 3-D geometric origami; and the modular origami of Tomoko Fuse.

Happenings Magazine

Clyde Butcher exhibit at Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita presents Americaʼs Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher on display now through Jan. 2 at both of its Bonita Springs locations.

This is a collection of the iconic photography of renowned artist and respected conservationist, Clyde Butcher. His photography transcends political boundaries, challenging us to work together to protect natural places everywhere. The Visual Arts Center is located at 26100 Old 41 Road and the Performing Arts Center is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. For more info, call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artsbonita.org

Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 29

ART

Augusta Crane

Flora and Fauna exhibition showcases art inspired by nature

The Shell Point Gallery of Tribby Arts Center will be transformed into a naturalistic setting when “Flora & Fauna: Artworks Inspired by Nature” opened in October and runs through the end of the year.

The exhibition, which will be on display through Dec. 23, presents paintings by Renée Chastant and Betsy Conrad, ceramics by Augusta Crane and Martha Grattan, and bronzes and glassworks by Annie Wainwright. Most of the exhibition’s 67 works will be on view for the first time in this display.

Four of the participating artists (Chastant, Conrad, Crane and Wainwright) are Fort Myers residents, while Grattan works as a professional artist in upstate South Carolina.

Tribby Arts Center curator Marge Lee said the artworks will be presented in a series of spaces evoking natural regions, including a garden, the shore, the wilds and a Florida pond environment.

The paintings by Renée Chastant and Betsy Conrad complement each other.

Chastant will display engaging images of animals—a subject for which she is particularly known—while Conrad’s canvases are dominated by floral motifs that transport the viewer to a garden setting.

The bodies of work by the exhibition’s ceramicists similarly complement each other in supporting the exhibition theme.

Augusta Crane is displaying works depicting floral themes, including spectacular water lilies. Martha Grattan—who sees her works as ambassadors of the natural 30 - NOVEMBER 2023

world—is showing a group of ceramic Florida animals, including a bobcat, fish, heron, several frog varieties, a pair of snails, and a trio of woodpeckers.

Annie Wainwright’s body of work includes whimsical glass birds, bees, and dragonflies that will suspend in the air, bronzes supporting both the floral and fauna motifs, and glass art influenced by the sea and sky.

To heighten the exhibition experience, says Lee, the objects will be presented in a dense installation enhanced by faux foliage, vide, and special lighting effects.

In Tribby Art Center’s second floor gal-

Pat Meredith

leries and opening concurrently with “Flora & Fauna” is “Pat Meredith: Art of the Quilt.”

A Legacy Gallery exhibition honoring contribution to the arts community of Shell Point, Art of the Quilt presents the works of Shell Point resident Pat Meredith. Meredith served for eight years as president of the Shell Point Quilters and played a leading role in the development of the Tribby’s Quilting Studio.

The body of work on display in Art of the Quilt, says Lee, demonstrates Pat Meredith’s remarkable needlework talent and keen eye for design.

Eight large quilts and seven smaller textiles made by Meredith will be on view, along with her knitted nativity scene for which this artisan even spun and dyed some of the yarn.

The exhibition also includes several interesting textile-related artifacts from the extensive collection that Meredith and her late husband, Phil, collected over the years.

Among the latter are two spinning wheels, and a video in the exhibition will show Pat Meredith operating the smaller of the two.

Both exhibits are open free of charge to all. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

Tribby Arts Center, on the campus of the Shell Point Retirement Community, is located at 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers.

For more information about gallery exhibitions and events, call 239-415-5667 or visit www.tribbyartscenter.com.

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NOVEMBER 2023 - 31

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

WED - 1

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 The Naples Players - Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Through Nov. 19 McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990 Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Clyde Butcher exhibit Through Jan. 2 Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Reception at 6 p.m., 239-495-8989 Popcorn Falls Through Nov. 18 Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Florida Repertory Theatre: The Legend of Georgia McBride Through Nov. 12 Historic Arcade Theatre, Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers 239-332-4488

Legends Concert Series presents Elton John, Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffett tributes at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N, Naples, from 5 - 10 p.m. For tickets, visit online at www.legendsconcertseries.com 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 Breaking Legs Through Nov. 12 Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-800-3292 Gulfshore Playhouse presents 26 Miles Through Nov. 5 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 239-261-7529

High Tide 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

Slim Gillian MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Neil Diamond tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Singo Bingo - 6:30 p.m.

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

Eagles tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Salsa Dance Social - 6 p.m.

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

THU - 2

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

Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkel and America tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Drinking Habits Through Nov. 5 The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd. #135, Cape Coral 239-323-5533

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Mercato Nights Music Series: Unlimited Devotion Mercato event lawn 9110 Strada Place, Naples 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com Sol Real The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Black Dog Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jeff Pifher Jazz Quintet Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989

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

Glitch: Mully exhibit Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening 6 p.m., exhibit runs through Nov. 21 in grand atrium, Nostaljah band performs on rooftop 7 - 11 p.m. 239-333-1933

Concert in the Park: Dennis Caravello Jaycee Park, 4215 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. www.capecoral.gov

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

JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Arts for ACT reception Arts for ACT Gallery 2265 First St., Fort Myers 6 p.m., 239-337-5050

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Misery Nov. 2 - 5 Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

Preston Hamilton MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Charlotte Players present The Foreigner Nov. 2 - 5 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 Nisita Concert Series: Andrus Madsen & Susan Ogata U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-745-4268

FRI - 3

Legends Concert Series presents Elton John, Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffett tributes Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N, Naples 5 - 10 p.m. www.legendsconcertseries.com Tom Petty, Steve Miller, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6:30 & 9 p.m. 239-277-1700 Reiniery Mariani exhibit DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, Opening 6 - 9:30 p.m., exhibit runs through Dec. 31, 239-590-8645 Happenings Magazine

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

Rupert Wates SATURDAY, NOV. 4

Gareth Rockliffe opens, 7 pm

Grant Peeples SATURDAY, NOV. 18

Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 5 - 9 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Kiss This Too: Stan exhibit Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening 6 p.m., exhibit runs through Nov. 21 upstairs 239-333-1933 Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4:30 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Nathan Wallace Comedy - 7 p.m.

Tony David - 6 p.m.

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

David Hintz opens, 7 pm

Hank Woji SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Chakula opens, 7 pm

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 6:30 pm Tickets at door ($12 member/$18 public)

Patchouli Carlene Thissen opens

John Housley Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Doug MacGregor exhibit Nov. 3 - 25 Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Reception 5 - 7 p.m., 239-939-2787

SAT - 4

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

SUNDAY, NOV. 5

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

NOVEMBER 2023 - 33

NOVEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 4 continued

Everglades City Music Festival Rod & Gun Club, 200 W. Broadway, Everglades City noon, www.eshp.org

Cooking for the Arts Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-333-1933

Frank Bang Four Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-772-5862

Latin Nights: Caesar Vera & The Nuevoson Sextet Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-277-1700

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

David Lynn Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 6 p.m., 239-549-3000

Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band River Park Community Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples 2 p.m. www.naplesjazzsociety.com

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

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

WINK Taste of the Town Nov. 4 - 5 Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 11 a.m. both days, bscevent.com

The Alter Eagles The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Brian Beardman MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Coral Stone Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Albert Cummings Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989 WINK Taste of the Town Nov. 4 - 5 Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 11 a.m. both days, bscevent.com Here Come the Mummies with special guest Perpetual Groove Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com Sam Galloway Concert Series presents Ernest in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 ACMA: Rupert Wates in concert All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., Gareth Rockliffe opens, www.americanacma.org 34 - NOVEMBER 2023

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

SUN - 5

Bryan Spainhower Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856 ACMA presents Patchouli Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Carlene Thissen opens. 3 p.m., 239-939-2787 Tide Up The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, 2 p.m., bonitaspringsconcertband.org ACMA Songwriters Circle All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 p.m., www.americanacma.org Roy Schneider MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 13 South Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6:30 & 9 p.m. 239-277-1700 Frank Sinatra tribute - 7 p.m.

Randy and Brad - 6 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Lukas Nelson and POTR in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

MON - 6

Deena The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Film: I Walked with Heroes Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 Lisa Vazza 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 JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Fort Myers Film Festival: TGIM Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6:30 p.m., 239-333-1933

TUE - 7

BethAnne The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Marley’s Chain The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Gallery opening reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral, 6 - 8 p.m., featured artists JoAnn LaPadula and Lois Johnston, harbourviewgallery.com

Jazz and Blues Jam Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 6:30 239-549-3000 OMB - Open Mic Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989 Anthony Picone MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

WED - 8

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Randy and Brad Coconut Point Courtyard, 23160 Fashion Drive, Estero 5 p.m., randybradduo.com Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Fabulous Girls of Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Slim Gillian MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 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 Charlotte Players present The Foreigner Nov. 2 - 5 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 COCO Art Gallery reception COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 5 - 7 p.m. 239-949-3073 Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER CALENDAR WED - 8 continued

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

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6:30 & 9 p.m. 239-277-1700

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

FGCU Percussion Chamber Ensemble Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., free, 239-745-4268

Dave Keller Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989

Erich Dance Party - 6:30 p.m.

Salsa Dance Social - 6 p.m.

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

Elf the musical Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422

THU - 9

Sheldon Upchurch The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 John Housley Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856 South Shore Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Incorrigibles Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989 Nisita Concert Series: Daniel Lochrie & Michael Baron U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-745-4268 Christopher Cross in concert Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com Fame the musical Nov. 9 - 12 Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Nov. 9 - 12 Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts, 6750 Panther Lane, Fort Myers cypresslaketheatre.com Elton John tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Dueling Pianos - 6:30 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 36 - NOVEMBER 2023

The Patina Turners

The Patina Turners will perform as part of Shaka on the Roof at the Mercato parking garage in Naples on Nov. 9.

The Boots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jersey Boys, Linda Ronstadt and Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Theatre Conspiracy presents Clown Bar Nov. 9 - 25 Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Misery Nov. 9 - 12 Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 The Naples Players presents The Marvelous Wonderettes Through Nov. 26 Beverly Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 239-263-7990 Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-277-1700 Evening on Fifth 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-248-4151

Art Gallery reception Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel Artists Enee Farr and Linda Lucas, 4 - 6 p.m., 239-395-0027 Shaka on the Roof Mercato parking garage, 9110 Strada Place, Naples 5 - 8 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

FRI - 10

Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4:30 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Michael Jay Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Intangible exhibit reception Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway Reception 5 - 7 p.m., exhibit runs Nov. 3 - 21 239-574-0802 Preston Hamilton MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Hot Buttered Nuggets Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933 Randy and Brad Snook Inn, 1215 Bald Eagle Drive Marco 6 p.m., 239-394-3313 Jim Brown and Derek St. Holmes Bert’s Back Porch Live, Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte VIP gates at 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. twistedfork.freshtix.com

SAT - 11

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

Goldtones - 6:30 p.m.

Tony David - 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Katie Dietz Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 The Boots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jukebox Saturday Night Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers 4 and 7 p.m., 239-415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.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 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com Nu Breed and Jesse Howard of Outlaw Nation in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 South Florida Jazz Orchestra: Veteran’s Day Concert Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989 Brian Beardman MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Russell Dickerson, Parmalee and Niko Moon in concert Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Hand & Harvest Artisan Market Mercato, suite 3135 9110 Strada Place, Naples noon - 4 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com Dazzling Del Rays - 7 p.m.

Pearl - 6 p.m.

Scott Novotny & Cliff Hornsby comedy - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Gulf Coast Symphony Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-481-4849

Happenings Magazine

SUN - 12

Katie Dietz Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., 239-314-3856 Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 6 p.m., 239-540-8454 Punta Gorda Symphony: Dvorak Symphony No. 9 Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Road, Punta Gorda 3:30 p.m. www.pgsymphony.org 941-205-5996 Blues and Bloodys Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Kat Higgins and the Blues Revival at 1 p.m., Billy the Kid and the Regulators at 4 p.m. www.thecenterbar.com Naples Concert Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 2 p.m. naplesconcertband.org ACMA Songwriters Circle All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 p.m., www.americanacma.org Darin & Buble: Paul Todd Jr. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-277-1700 Roy Schneider MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Randy and Brad Dogtooth Sports & Music Bar, 5310 Shirley St., Naples 6:30 p.m., 239-431-7004 Edwards Twins Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

MON - 13

Deena The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., free, 239-745-4268 Bob Lynch The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

NOVEMBER 2023 - 37

NOVEMBER CALENDAR MON - 13 continued JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Tyler Kluesner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Open Mic at the Night Market Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 5 p.m., 239-939-2787

TUE - 14

BethAnne The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 FGCU Symphonic Band U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., free, 239-745-4268 Frank Torino 6:30 p.m.

Jazz and Blues Jam - 6:30 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Flying Hasslehoffs Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Anthony Picone MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Vega String Quartet Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.com

WED - 15

John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Olivia Newton-John, Glen Campbell & Dolly Parton tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Grand Piano Series: Martin Garcia Garcia St. Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs 3 p.m. grandpianoseries.org 38 - NOVEMBER 2023

Bruce Hornsby

Seminole Hotel Casino presents An Evening with Bruce Hornsby - Spirit Trail - 25th Anniversary Tour on Nov. 16. Get tickets at www.moreinparadise.com Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Randy and Brad Giuseppe ad the Lion, 1585 Pine Ridge Road, Naples 5:30 p.m., 239-592-0050

FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., free, 239-745-4268

Slim Gillian MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

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

THU - 16

High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Foreigner, Styx tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Salsa Dance Social - 6 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Wine and Paint, Rooftop Karaoke Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers paint 6:30 p.m., karaoke 8:30 p.m.

239-333-1933

Sheldon Upchurch The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 FGCU Symphonic Band Gateway High School, 13820 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers 7 p.m., free, 239-745-4268 Fame the musical Nov. 16 - 19 Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Rock the Block: Thunder Beach Mercato, Strada Place near Chipotle, Naples 6 - 9 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com John Housley Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

Sol Real The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Almost ABBA and Mamma Mia tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Bruce Hornsby’s Spirit Trail 25th Anniversary Tour Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 8 p.m., www.moreinparadise.com Charley Crockett in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Ehnes String Quartet with pianist Andrew Armstrong Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-333-1933 Happenings Magazine

In This Moment, Ice Nine Kills in concert Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 6:15 p.m. 239-948-7825 Jazz at The MACC Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-277-1700 Rewind Band - 7 p.m.

Singo Bingo - 6:30 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Winter Wonderettes Nov. 16 - Dec. 17 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 239-261-7529

FRI - 17

Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4:30 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 ABBA tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Jimmy Keys comedy - 7 p.m.

Tony David - 6 p.m.

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

Happenings Magazine

Fort Myers Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Bryan Spainhower Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Randy and Brad The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Majesty of Rock: Music of Journey and Styx The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Sam Galloway Concert Series presents Demun Jones in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 Zach Bartholomew Trio: The Music of Bud Powell Reimagined Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989

A Night with Jimmy Wayne Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda 7 p.m., 941-575-5790 Preston Hamilton MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 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

SAT - 18

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723 Market Day at the VAC Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 941-639-8810 Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Paul Mezzanotte Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

ACMA: Grant Peeples in concert All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., David Hintz opens, www.americanacma.org Tales & Cocktails: A Centennial Celebration of The Lab Theater building Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 3:30 - 8 p.m., 239-218-0481 WildFire The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Blood Sweat & Tears tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Frontiers (Journey tribute) Bert’s Back Porch Live, Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte VIP gates at 6 p.m., Carnival of Soul opens at 6:30 p.m. twistedfork.freshtix.com

NOVEMBER 2023 - 39

NOVEMBER CALENDAR SAT - 18 continued

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

Cape Coral Music & Arts Fusion Walk SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-573-3128

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

Erich Dance Party - 6:30 p.m.

Jazz and Blues Jam - 6:30 p.m.

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

Smokin Aces Band - 7 p.m.

Classis II Duo - 6 p.m.

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

Movies on the Lawn: Knives Out Mercato event lawn 9110 Strada Place, Naples 5:45 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com

Holiday Nights

Tito Puente Jr. with orchestra Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m., 239-495-8989

The annual Edison and Ford Holiday Nights opens Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 31.

Brew-Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival Mercato event lawn, 9110 Strada Place, Naples 5 - 8 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com

Danny Masters Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454

Brian Beardman MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Roy Schneider MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

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

AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

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

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

Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-277-1700

SWFL Rock the Stage Semifinals The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-985-9839

Garden Festival Nov. 18 & 19 Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 239-334-7419

SW Florida Concert Band South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers 2 p.m., southwestfloridaconcertband.org

SUN - 19

Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 2 p.m. www.naplesjazzsociety.com

Cars and Coffee 239 Mercato event lawn 9110 Strada Place, Naples 9 - 11 a.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com Bluegrass with Frank Corso & Justin Mason and Blue Night Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 3 p.m., 239-939-2787 40 - NOVEMBER 2023

ACMA Songwriters Circle All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 p.m., www.americanacma.org Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 3 p.m. 239-277-1700

Frankie Valli and Bee Gees tribute - 7:30 p.m.

RC Smith comedy - 7 p.m.

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

MON - 20

Deena The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Laurie and Rusty Wright 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 Southern Raised Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.com Film: Waiting for Guffman Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m., 239-495-8989 JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

TUE - 21

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

Marley’s Chain The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Anthony Picone MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Holly Daze fine art sale Nov. 21 - Dec. 21 Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway 239-574-0802

WED - 22

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Thunder Beach band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Michael D’Amore - 7 p.m.

Salsa Dance Social - 6 p.m.

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

Slim Gillian MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Rooftop Karaoke Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

THU - 23

Devon Meyers Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856 Sheldon Upchurch The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Doublewide, Texas Christmas Through Dec. 25 Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

Happenings Magazine

FRI - 24

Tina The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4:30 - 8 p.m., 239-995-2141 Robert Gonnelli - 6:30 p.m.

The Jersey Beat - 6:30 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Katie Dietz Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Allman Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Annual Holiday Nights Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Opening celebration 5:30 - 9 p.m., 239-334-7419 Simply-Fi The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Last Train Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Preston Hamilton MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Tropical Jazz Group Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

SAT - 25

Charles Meyers Pool deck at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers noon - 3 p.m., 239-314-3723 Sase the Singer The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Paula Canon Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Johnny Caribe The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute - 7:30 p.m.

Wayward Souls - 7 p.m.

Classics II Duo - 6 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Collaboration band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Brian Beardman MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Hand & Harvest Artisan Market Mercato, suite 3135 9110 Strada Place, Naples noon - 4 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com

NOVEMBER 2023 - 41

NOVEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 26

Thomas O’Brien Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3856

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

Tribute to Motown - 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Heat - 6:30 p.m.

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

New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jacob’s Ladder - 7 p.m.

Murder Mystery Show - 6 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Bad Habits Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3 - 7 p.m., 239-540-8454 ACMA Songwriters Circle All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 2 p.m., www.americanacma.org Roy Schneider MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 SW Florida Blues Society: All Star Blues Blowout Nauti Parrot Oasis, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers doors open 11 a.m. 239-217-9594

MON - 27

Deena The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 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 JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221

TUE - 28

Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show Through Dec. 24 Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-800-3292 42 - NOVEMBER 2023

Sol Real The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The annual Goodwill Festival of Trees runs Nov. 30 - Dec. 3 at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.

BethAnne The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Flying Hasslehoffs Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Florida Repertory Theatre: A Sherlock Carol Through Dec. 17 Historic Arcade Theatre, Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Anthony Picone MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Randy and Brad Nauti Parrot Oasis, 17200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6 p.m., 239-217-9594 Jazz and Blues Jam Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000

WED - 29

CJ and Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Michael Dutra - Sinatra tribute Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dueling Pianos - 6:30 p.m.

Salsa Dance Social - 6 p.m.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theatre, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 Slim Gillian MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Bob Seger, Lady Gaga, Cher and Billy Joel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Festival of Trees Preview Party Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6 - 8 p.m., 239-333-1933 Snowbird Follies Nov. 29 - Dec. 23 Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-239-277-1700

Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Tina Turner, Blues Brothers and KC & The Sunshine Band tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Sam Galloway Concert Series: Chase Matthew in concert The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839 Lee Greenwood: A Tennessee Christmas in concert with special guest Ben Allen Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers gates at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. www.caloosasoundamp.com JD Ingall MudBugs Cajun Kitchen 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 5 - 9 p.m., 239-472-2221 Festival of Trees Through Dec. 3 Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 239-333-1933 Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting Cape Coral City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 6 p.m., www.capecoral.gov

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Cirque Experience Mercato 9110 Strada Place, Naples 5 - 8:30 p.m., 239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com

Oops! We’re a Troupe comedy Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., 239-939-2787

THU - 30

FGCU Wind Orchestra Concert U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m., free, 239-745-4268

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

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Grand Piano Series launches new season

By Sue Wade

Now in its eighth season, the Grand Piano Series continues to captivate audiences with new artists, chamber music, and now, a delightful smattering of storytelling, jazz, film, and Broadway.

With its mission of preserving extraordinary musical repertoire, the series not only showcases award-winning rising stars and world-renowned artists. It also educates the public with personally engaging online programs and reaches into the community to bring the love of music into its schools.

The Grand Piano Series is both expanding and laserfocusing its reach this season, now performing all concerts at the St. Leo Auditorium, centrally located just off U.S. 41 in Bonita Springs, on the campus of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

Designed for performance, the venue offers excellent acoustics, giant projection screens that bring the pianists up close to everyone, and a seating capacity large enough to accommodate any audience comfortably yet cozy enough for intimacy.

This season’s mix of matinees and evening performances also offers more options for everyone.

The new season brings local debuts of internationally renowned performers, as well as comebacks for a few, all touring the United States while here.

"This year, we are bringing back some of our beloved crowd favorites," said president and artistic director Milana Strezeva.

"Eric Lu graced our series in 2018 and has since earned international recognition by winning the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition and performing with such renowned orchestras as the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony and London Philharmonic.

Eric Lu - Dec. 14

44 - NOVEMBER 2023

Martin Garcia Garcia - Nov. 15

“Ying Li amazed audiences at our ChamberFest last year with a captivating rendition of Stravinsky's Firebird. Joining her onstage this year is Shannon Lee, a wonderful violinist and top prize winner of the Queen Elizabeth Competition in Belgium," said Strezeva.

Virtuoso Spanish pianist Martín García García, 26, brings extraordinary international experience to Bonita Springs Nov. 15.

Top prize winner of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition and winner of the Cleveland International Competition, he traveled to 70 international venues from New York to Tokyo in 2022 alone Versatile variety marks the Dec. 14 program of Eric Lu. Framing Mendelssohn and Chopin between Bach’s delightful Capriccio and a Prokofiev wartime masterpiece, he runs the gamut of music history in a single evening.

This season, the Grand Piano Series continues to go beyond the piano, pairing it with an exceptional chamber quartet and, later, the sweet violin of Shannon Lee. January features a top-tier performance by series director Milana Strezeva, a founding member of the award-winning Manhattan Piano Trio, on piano with the American-Canadian Callisto Quartet — four musicians who share a passion for spreading chamber music worldwide. Praised for their “lush intensity and bravado,” they are also dedicated educators who believe in the importance of mentoring students and connecting with audiences.

Educational programs this season will provide even more community engagement between Grand Piano Series artists and Title I elementary school students in Lee and Collier counties. Guest artists initially introduce students to various composers

and musical styles, then perform for the children, followed by an engaging Q & A session.

“It’s an opportunity these kids have never had before,” said Strezeva. “Our aim is to introduce young individuals to excellence, and each of our artists possesses remarkable talent. Witnessing someone excel in any field can be a source of inspiration for children to thrive in their own passions."

The season’s concluding concerts promise a popular potpourri mixed up by raconteurs Clayton Stephenson and Konstantin Soukhovetski; Florian Noack, a transcriber of classical favorites into new musical experiences; and the dazzling young piano-violin duo of Ying Li and Shannon Lee. The charismatic 2022 Gilmore Young Artist, American pianist Clayton Stephenson, has been described as “not just a remarkable virtuoso, but a poet, a dramatist and a master storyteller.” His performance will lead the audience from the worlds of Scarlatti and Bach to the bluesy beauty of Gershwin’s jazz age classics.

Soukhovetski delivers original paraphrases of beloved operas (“La Bohème”), Broadway hits by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and film music (“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”), all in a Vegas-style narrated experience that puts him in an entertainment league all his own.

Purchase single tickets at $45 ($50 at the door), or save $105 with a seven-concert discounted season package for $210, at grandpianoseries.org. For assistance, call 469-333-3231. All concerts are in St. Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs.

Hereʼs the season at a glance:

Nov. 15, 3 p.m. – Martín García García, Music of Chopin and Liszt Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. – Eric Lu, Music of Bach, Chopin, Handel, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. – Callisto Quartet and Milana Strezeva, Music of Mozart, Ravel and Franck Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. – Clayton Stephenson, Music of Scarlatti, Bach, Scriabin, Stravinsky and Gershwin Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m. – Konstantin Soukhovetski, Music of Puccini, Massenet, Legrand and Andrew Lloyd Webber March 20, 3 p.m. – Florian Noack, Music of Shubert, Bach, Liszt, & Lyapunov April 24, 3 p.m. – Ying Li and Shannon Lee, Music of Schubert, Poulenc, Liszt, and Beethoven

Happenings Magazine

Jukebox Saturday Night - Nov. 11

Three November concerts

at Tribby Arts Center

At Shell Point, the Tribby Arts Center kicks off season with a selection of concerts in November.

Jukebox Saturday Night performs a musical review of the great Big Bands from 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Performances are at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $55.

Southern Raised - Nov. 20 Vega String Quartet, Emory University’s quartet-in-residence, is cultivating a new generation of chamber music lovers through dynamic performances. The quartet performs Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.

Southern Raised brings their Ozark mountains-based bluegrass band trademark sound to town at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20. Tickets are $55.

Tribby Arts Center is located within Shell Point, at 17281 On Par Boulevard in Fort Myers. To purchase concert tickets, visit TribbyArtsCenter.com or call the Box Office at 239-415-5667.

Vega Quartet - Nov. 14

Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 45

MUSIC

Jeff Pifher

Albert Cummings

Dave Keller

Tito Puente Jr.

November shows at Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita continues its stellar lineup of shows to captivate audiences of all ages and entertainment tastes.

Jeff Pifher Jazz Quintet performs Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

An award-winning saxophonist, composer, and producer, Jeff Pifher recently received wide recognition with the release of a short documentary In the Same Direction: Jeff Pifher & Socrates’ Trial (2020), which chronicles Jeff and his band’s latest projects garnering 24 “Best Documentary” and “Best Music” awards from film festivals worldwide. With his band, Jeff has released three studio recordings and one live recording since 2018: Socrates’ Trial (2018), Alternate Futures/Past Realities (2019), Anthem (2019), and Live at Bluewhale (2020).

Tickets are $35.

Blues guitar superstar Albert Cummings is on stage Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

There are few that can master two crafts and be considered world class in both.

Albert Cummings’ hands produce highly decorated, award-winning homes and undeniable blistering, uniquely muscular yet polished guitar wizardry. Cummings’ soulful and explosive vocals lay another layer on his pyrotechnic on-stage barrage of Blues rock. His blitzkrieg guitar style is a true Blues Lover’s auditory feast that leaves his audiences yearning for more. Whether playing a Rolling Barrel House, a rowdy Roadhouse, a jumping back road Juke Joint or an awesome Auditorium, for 10 or 10,000, Albert gives his audiences every ounce of his energy. The fortitude of his blues, the wild, flawless quality of his guitar work and the rapturous boldness of his vocals are enough to satisfy any blues enthusiast.

Cummings’ masterful guitar wizardry 46 - NOVEMBER 2023

has drawn comparisons to iconic axe legends Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, and even his own musical inspiration, Stevie Rau Vaughan. He has graced the stage with esteemed luminaries like Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Susan Tedeschi, Sheryl Crow, and B. B. King, who called Cummings “a great guitarist.” Tickets are $42 and $49.

The Incorrigibles will bring their total rock n roll recall to the stage on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The nostalgic yet electrifying supergroup features three of the area’s most respected and requested musicians: Darrell Nutt (drums), Susie Hulcher (bass & vocals), and Ricky Howard (guitar & vocals), plus special guest artist Matt Baxley (keyboards & vocals). Known for their high-quality performance, versatility, and charismatic stage presence, this tightknit group covers pop, rock, and R&B from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. They play the songs you love, and their playlist is huge.

You might hear the Moody Blues, the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Cyndi Lauper. Tickets are $35.

Three-time Blues Music Award nominee Dave Keller brings his electrifying soulful sounds to Arts Bonita on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Known as a “magnificent soul singer” by Elmore Magazine and praised by Living Blues as a “songwriting genius,” Dave Keller has been captivating audiences across the United States and Europe with his exceptional talent and soulful tunes. His remarkable voice and stellar guitar skills have earned him a reputation as one of the finest blues musicians of our time. Keller has shared the stage with legends like Mighty Sam McClain, Ronnie Earl, and Johnny Rawls, making a name for himself in the blues and soul music

scene. Tickets are $35.

A Veteran’s Day concert is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the South Florida Jazz Orchestra performing Big Band music with very special guest vocalist Lisanne Lyons, a former member of The United States Air Force Band. The concert will feature your favorite hits from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Artie Shaw, and more. Tickets are $42 and $49.

The Music of Bud Powell Reimagined will be performed Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by award-winning pianist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew and his trio, experience an interactive and exciting concert showcasing the brilliant compositions of one of the most influential pianists and composers of jazz: Earl “Bud” Powell.

Along with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell changed the landscape of jazz creating the genre known as Bebop. His piano playing style has impacted how pianists approach the instrument and he is widely considered the first modern jazz pianist. Tickets are $35.

Tito Puente Jr. and his orchestra will perform Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. In honor of his father’s 100 birthday anniversary, Tito Puente, Jr. will celebrate the life and legacy of American “Nuyorican” musician and internationally renowned entertainer Tito Puente. A multi-talented artist of Puerto Rican descent, Puente was a percussionist, composer, songwriter, recording artist, and bandleader. With a career spanning five decades, he is often referred to as “The King of Latin music.” Tickets are $42 and $49.

Performing Arts Center is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. For tickets and more details, call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artsbonita.org Happenings Magazine

SBDAC welcomes Ehnes String Quartet

On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center welcomes back the illustrious James Ehnes String Quartet with special guest pianist Andrew Armstrong for an evening of astounding music-making to debut the center’s new Steinway Model D concert grand piano.

The SBDAC brings some of the most celebrated musicians in the classical genre from around the country to the area for intimate chamber concerts in its Chamber Music Series.

Praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, pianist Andrew Armstrong has delighted audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States, including performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw’s National Philharmonic. Andrew’s orchestral engagements across the globe have encompassed a vast repertoire of more than 60 concertos with orchestra. He has performed with such conductors as Peter Oundjian, Itzhak Perlman, Günther Herbig, Stefan Sanderling, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, and Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, and has appeared in solo recitals and in chamber music concerts with the Ehnes, Elias, Alexander, American, and Manhattan String Quartets, and as a member of the Caramoor Virtuosi, Boston Chamber Music Society, Seattle Chamber Music Society, and the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players. Armstrong’s boundless energy, enthusiasm, and expression make for consistently unforgettable performances.

Hailed as “an important new force in the chamber music arena” with a “dream-team line-up” (Strings Magazine), the Ehnes Quartet is comprised of four internationally renowned string musicians: violinists James Ehnes and Amy Schwartz Moretti, violist Che-Yen Chen, and cellist Edward Arron. Formally established in 2010 at the Seattle Chamber Music Society, where they maintain a yearly residence, the members of the Ehnes Quartet have played chamber music together in various formations for more than 20 years. The quartet’s highly refined, sensitive and expressive performances have delighted audiences and critics across North America, Europe, and Asia, and have made them one of the most sought after chamber groups performing today.

James Ehnes has established himself as one of the most celebrated violinists on the international stage. He is the artistic director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Academy of Music, and a member of both the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada.

Ehnes plays the “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715.

Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti is equally versatile as chamber musician, concertmaster, soloist, and educator. Former concertmaster of the Florida Orchestra and Oregon Symphony, she has been Director of the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University since its inception in 2007, where she holds the Caroline Paul King Chair and has developed and curates the Fabian Concert Series. She has premiered concertos for GRAMMY winner Matt Catingub and her Mercer colleague Christopher Schmitz and has served as guest concertmaster for such symphony orchestras as Atlanta, Houston, and Pittsburgh.

Che-Yen Chen is the first prize winner of the 2003 Primrose Viola Competition. As the founding and former member of the Formosa Quartet, he won the first prize in the 2006 London Happenings Magazine

International String Quartet Competition. A professor of music at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, his previous positions include principal viola of the San Diego Symphony, Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and professor of viola at USC’s Thornton School of Music. He has given maste classes and appeared as guest principal viola with various major orchestras across North America.

A native of Cincinnati, cellist Edward Arron made his New York recital debut in 2000 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and has since appeared in recital, as a soloist with major orchestras, and as a chamber musician throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He is the artistic director of the Performing Artists in Residence series at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Arron has served on the faculty at University of Massachusetts Amherst since 2016.

The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 and the performance is at 7:30. Tickets are $45 in advance. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown River District. For tickets and information, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933.

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 NOVEMBER

11/3 11/5 11/8 11/10 11/12 11/15 11/17 11/28

The Center Bar, Bonita Springs - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, Cape Coral - 6 pm Coconut Point Courtyard, Estero - 5 pm Snook Inn, Marco - 6 pm Dogtooth, Naples - 6:30 pm Giuseppe & The Lion, Naples - 5:30 pm The Center Bar, Bonita Springs - 7 pm Nau Parrot Oasis, Fort Myers - 6 pm

More dates to come. www.RandyBradDuo.com NOVEMBER 2023 - 47

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Rupert Wates, Grant Peeples, Hank Woji & friends at ACMA

The Americana Community Music Association welcomes the return of Rupert Wates on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at their listening room in Fort Myers.

Rupert Wates was born in London and studied at Oxford University. He has been a full time songwriter since the late 1990s, when he signed a publishing contract with Eaton Music Limited. In London he worked with some of the best performers in the city. Moving in 2001 to Paris, Wates formed his own quartet and began playing live regularly.

In fall 2006, he came to the Rupert Wates - Nov. 4 (photo by Randy Bradbury) U.S. He is now based in New York City and Colorado. Since sharp socio-political tunes, raucous coming to the U.S., he has won more humor and heart-gigging ballads. than 50 songwriting and performing He is the recipient of the Focus awards.

Foundation Award for Creative His music is an eclectic mix of Excellence, which cited the “humor, acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of compassion and wisdom of his songs,” jazz, Vaudeville and cabaret. He has and their “unflinching social insight and released 12 solo CDs. cultural acuity.” Grant tours coast to The opener for Rupert Wates is coast and is a regular performer at The ACMA member and singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, the 30A Gareth Rockliffe.

Songwriters Festival, and The Florida, The ACMA and Alliance for the Arts Folk Festival, along with the prestigious present Patchouli on Sunday, Nov. 5 Kerrville Folk Festival. with Carlene Thissen opening the show He has been a keen observer of at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online at the American condition for five artinlee.org decades, ever since a friend introGrant Peeples is back on the ACMA duced him to the music of Bob stage Nov. 18. He is known for his axeDylan. Through many years on the road, running a night club/music venue in Tallahassee, and after a ten-year stint on an isolated island off the coast of Nicaragua, Peeples turned to writing with a vengeance.

Opening the show is David Hintz. David is a founding ACMA member and singer-songwriter.

The final concert of the year at the All Faiths venue will be Hank Woji on Dec. 2.

Touring musician and ACMA member Hank Woji takes the stage with Hank Woji - Dec. 2 (photo by Tony Drewry)

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a merry band of friends, including Rob Pastore on pedal steel and bass, and Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield, on guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro and vocals.

A self described “Jersey Shore Ex-Pat turned West Texas Desert Rat,” Hank cut his musical teeth in the vibrant Asbury Park, N.J., music scene of the 1980s & ‘90s. In the spring of 2001, Hank moved to Houston, TX, and found his new musical voice as a Singer Songwriter, but it was his chance move, in 2009, to the far West Texas desert town of Terlingua, that has most reshaped his life and his music.

Opening the show for Hank is ACMA member musician Chakulla of Punta Gorda.

Door donations for ACMA listening room shows are $12 for members and $18 for general public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

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

Grant Peeples - Nov.18

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Here Come The Mummies at Seminole Casino Hotel Nov. 4

GOLD Entertainment presents the ninepiece funk-rock band Here Come the Mummies with special guest Perpetual Groove live in concert as part of “The Harmonic Gravity Tour” at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 7 p.m.

Here Come the Mummies (HCTM), whose band members are 5,000-year-old Egyptian Mummies, is known for high-energy live performances of “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave.” Since their discovery, HCTM has been

Christopher Cross

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 Summer Camp, Common Ground, Voodoo Fest, Musikfest, Suwannee Hulaween, and Riverbend.

Tickets for this outdoor concert are on sale starting at $52 for general admission and $72 for VIP upfront reserved seating and two drink tickets for beer, wine or soda. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com.

at Seminole Casino Hotel Nov. 9

Christopher Cross, winner of multiple Grammy Awards and an Oscar, will perform live at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Nov. 9 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m.

Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including – for the first time – the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

In a career spanning more than five decades, Cross has sold over 10 million albums. His music has garnered five Grammys, an Oscar for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe and five Top 10 singles. His enduring hit songs include “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Say You’ll Be Mine,” “Arthur’s Theme” and more.

Advance tickets start at $60 and are available now from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com.

Attendees must be 21. Parking is free.

Christopher Cross

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Jason Bonham (photo by Mike Corrado)

Jason Bonham Nov. 11 Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Saturday, Nov. 11 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m.

When Jason Bonham was a small child and was called on to entertain, the family friends he played his drums for could be anyone from Jimmy Page to some of the guys from the group Bad Company. That's what happens when your father is drummer John Bonham, one of the original members of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin.

At the age of 5, Jason could play the drums – at least a scaled-down set of them – with skill. When he was 17, he was a member of the band Air Race.

The group signed a record contract with Atlantic Records,

recorded one album, and opened for big names like Queen, Meat Loaf, Ted Nugent, and AC/DC. John Bonham died in 1980, but Jason, who has marked a few places in music history himself, has stepped in from time to time to help keep his father's memory alive.

In 1988, Jason took his father's spot in the televised, first-ever Led Zeppelin reunion at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert, which included Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. On Dec. 10, 2007, Jason played drums at the Led Zeppelin reunion at London's O2 arena with surviving members Plant, Page and Jones.

Tickets start at $64 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com.

Happenings Magazine

SW Florida Concert Band season starts Nov. 19 The 40-member Southwest Florida Concert Band with guest vocalist Kathy Jenkins will perform Salute to our Veterans on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Road in Fort Myers.

The dramatic program will be a musical salute to the dedication and sacrifices of our service members. Veterans will be recognized and can stand for the playing of their branch marches with the Armed Forces Salute.

The Homefront contains memorable songs from the second world war. The

Happenings Magazine

Nathan Hale Trilogy will salute that hero’s patriotic sacrifice during the American Revolutionary War. The music The Light Eternal is inspired by the touching story of four U.S. Army chaplains who heroically sacrificed their lives during World War II and is based upon the well-known hymn God Of Our Fathers. The band will play Arlington (where sleeping giants lie) which commemorates the service members buried there. Our guest vocalist is a veteran US Air Force Band singer who will sing Someone To Watch Over Me,

You Raise Me Up and They Can’t Take That Away From Me. The show will finish with a rousing Stars and Stripes Forever featuring the piccolo section.

It is a not to be missed performance by one of the newest community concert bands in the USA. All concerts are free with donations accepted. Information on the group, the scholarship program, and other performances can be found on the website.

For more info, visit www.SouthwestFloridaConcertBand.org

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MUSIC

Everglades City music festival Nov. 4 The Music Festival in Everglades City is one of the first events in the busy fall season and one of the last in 2023 to celebrate the Collier County Centennial.

The venue is appropriate because Everglades was the first county seat in 1923 and the first commissioners met at the Rod & Gun where the festival will

take place from noon onwards.

Popular local musicians will be donating their time and talents on Saturday, Nov. 4, on the lawn behind this historic building. Besides live entertainment, there will be arts & crafts for sale and for auction.

The music festival benefits the

Everglades Society for Historic Preservation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the area’s unique heritage.

Tickets are already available on their website www.eshp.org where you can book a reserved seat.

For info, phone Marya at 239-4510265 or email ESHP@hotmail.com.

Sawyer Brown performing at Seminole Casino Hotel Nov. 18

Sawyer Brown, described as “the Rolling Stones of Country Music,” will bring their energetic live show to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.

The recipients of numerous CMA, ACM and CMT awards, Sawyer Brown has released 23 albums with more than 50 chart singles including three number ones: “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do” and “Thank God For You.” The band has earned its place as one of the premier live acts in music. Sawyer Brown began by playing 275-300 nights a year for the first decade or more of its career and has never come off the road. Known for their high-energy, no-holds-barred approach to the concert stage, the band continues to fill venues across the country with the same enthusiasm they have had from day one.

Sawyer Brown’s live shows are legendary. The band bounds onto the stage night after night, delivers its own unique brand of high-energy entertainment, and remains a perennial favorite at fairs, festivals, theatres, and casinos.

Band members include Shayne Hill on lead guitar, Joe Smyth on drums/percussion, Gregg Hubbard on keys/piano and Mark Miller on lead vocals.

Advance tickets start at $59 and are available now from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21.

Parking is free.

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Sawyer Brown band members include Shayne Hill on lead guitar, Joe Smyth on drums/percussion, Gregg Hubbard on keys/piano and Mark Miller on lead vocals.

Happenings Magazine

Bonita Springs Concert Heather Ivy

Band opens season Nov. 5

The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its first concert of the season Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Downtown Old Bonita Springs. The concert will honor our Armed Forces.

Performing with the band will be guest vocalist Heather Ivy, who will sing “A Tribute to Whitney,” “America, the Dream Goes On,” and “Armed Forces Salute.”

Heather Ivy, internationally acclaimed soprano, has made a headlining career on both land and sea cruising through multiple styles and genres of music.

From Bocceli to Broadway, Heather’s versatility and genuine warmth shines through everything she does. Shortly after moving to NYC, her professional career began with the Broadway international tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and she has since appeared in musicals such as Off-Broadway’s Christmas Wrappings, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Happenings Magazine

Little Women, as well as operas Don Giovanni, and Elisir D’amore and Le Nozze di Figaro.

Other songs the band will play in tribute to our Veterans and active duty service men and women and their families include “The Soaring Eagle”, “Portrait of Freedom,” “Voices of the Battlefield” and “Remembering Pearl Harbor.”

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 available streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bonitaspringsconcertband NOVEMBER 2023 - 53

MUSIC

Carl Palmer

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

GOLD Entertainment presents The Return of Emerson, Lake and Palmer at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Wednesday, Feb. 21 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and show begins at 8 p.m.

Emerson, Lake and Palmer was an English progressive rock super group formed in London in 1970. The band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards) of the Nice, Greg Lake of King Crimson (vocals, bass, guitar, producer), and Carl Palmer of Atomic Rooster (drums, percussion).

With nine RIAA-certified gold record albums in the United States and an estimated 48 million records sold worldwide, they are one of the most popular and commercially successful progressive rock groups of the 1970s, with a musical sound including adaptations of classical music with jazz and symphonic rock elements, dominated by Emerson's flamboyant use of the Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer, and piano.

Their final performance occurred in 2010 at the High Voltage Festival in London to commemorate the band's 40th anniversary. Emerson and Lake both died in 2016, leaving Palmer as the only surviving band member.

Through the wonders of modern technology and using previously unseen footage of the band at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1992, The Return of Emerson, Lake and Palmer reunites the band. The show incorporates Palmer drumming live alongside giant split-screen video walls of Emerson and Lake.

Created by Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the estates of Emerson and Lake.

Advance tickets start at $69 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. In addition to the regular reserved seat ticket price, a 15% discounted price of $58.65 is available for drummers, which requires the password DRUMMERGOLD. Attendees must be 21. Parking is free.

Croce Plays Croce 50th anniversary tour Jan. 28

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Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes multi-faceted singer-songwriter A.J. Croce and his “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary” tour Sunday, Jan. 28 with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m.

The “Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary” show features A.J. Croce celebrating two of his father Jim Croce’s legendary albums, 1973’s “Life and Times” and his final release, “I Got A Name,” in addition to songs from “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” The show also features a legendary band and a moving multimedia presentation accompanying

Jim’s songs such as memorable hits, “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels),” “Time in a Bottle,” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” among others.

While Jim Croce’s indelible music catalog still resonates on classic radio, streaming platforms, and more recently on hit films and TV shows like “Django Unchained” and “Stranger Things,” it is A.J.’s unique showmanship that has helped enliven Jim’s amazing legacy.

Advance tickets start at $79 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21. Parking is free.

Happenings Magazine

Patchouli to perform at

Alliance for the Arts Nov. 5

Bruce Hecksel & Julie Patchouli

The American Community Music Association and the Alliance for the Arst present Patchouli on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are available at artinlee.org. Carlene Thissen will open the outdoor show.

Advance tickets are recommended. 134 are available. If weather threatens the advance ticket holders will have seats indoors. Walkups on the day of the show are welcome if the show stays outdoors.

Mercato hosting multiple

festivals in November

A season of festivities awaits at Mercato in Naples with some great events planned for November.

Mercato presents Shaka on the Roof Thursday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. Join them on the fourth floor of the parking garage for a sunset celebration featuring live music from surf/rockabilly band The Patina Turners, a live perThe Patina Turners formance from Mad Man Dan & a special surprise from the shores of Polynesia. Plus check out Sky Gallery exhibiting surfboard art from award-winning artist Jake Jones. Enjoy specialty cocktails, beer & wine provided by The Pub. Be sure to grab a tiki cocktail from the bar before 5:40 p.m. for a special sunset toast.

Rock the Block on Thursday, Nov. 16 will feature live music by the Thunder Beach band. That event runs 6 to 9 p.m. at Strada Place near Chipotle. They are bringing a variety of rock classics from artists you forgot you loved, and performed the way you remember them. Purchase beer, wine, liquor, soda & water at the SNIP Collier tent and learn all about how they help domestic and stray dogs and cats in Collier County.

The Brew-Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival returns on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Mercato event lawn. Beer lovers unite for an evening filled with unlimited sampling of 50 plus craft beers, live music from West Wave, food trucks, games, contests & more benefitting PACE Center for Girls. Advance general admission is $50, and VIP is $85. For tickets, visit experiencemercato.com For more info, call 239-254-1080 or experiencemercato.com Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 55

MUSIC

Rockabillaque Florida

returning in January

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

Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys

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Messer Chups

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

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.

Deke & the Whippersnappers

Happenings Magazine

Alliance welcomes

JJ Grey & Mofro for Arts on Tap Dec. 1 The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) announced its annual fundraiser Arts on Tap, featuring a live outdoor concert by Florida native JJ Grey & Mofro. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 1 and includes local craft beer, breweries and food trucks.

Both longtime fans and those about to become dedicated followers of JJ Grey should purchase tickets early as Arts on Tap will sell out. Certain to be a memorable night, this event is only made better knowing that proceeds from Arts on Tap fund the Alliance’s programs, which ensure access to the arts for Lee County throughout the year.

JJ Grey & Mofro is an American Southern soulrock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Their first studio album Blackwater was released in 2001 is full of songs inspired by the surroundings of where JJ Grey grew up. The band later went on to produce six other albums, the latest one being 2015’s Ol’ Glory. JJ Grey & Happenings Magazine

Mofro’s music has been described as a combination of blues, funk, soul, and rock.

Pre-sale tickets for the event are now on sale to Alliance members. Individual memberships are $55 and are available at artinlee.org/membership. A limited number of VIP tickets are available at $150. VIP includes reserved seating for the outdoor concert, indoor restrooms, unlimited local craft beer tasting, cash bar, food.

General admission tickets are $85 and include access to local craft beer, food trucks and open lawn seating. General admission guests are asked to bring their own chairs.

This event is open only to those 21 and older.

Food trucks or breweries interested in being part of the event can reach out to Danny Noelizaire at events@artinlee.org.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Chris Szep at chris@artinlee.org NOVEMBER 2023 - 57

MUSIC

Hurricane

Heroes Concert

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

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Don Felder

The Charity Pros hosted its Hurricane Heroes Concert Oct. 7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers to mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian and recognize some local heroes. Matchbox Twenty headlined the benefit event which also featured Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles. Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally and drummer Eric Darken (both of Jimmy Buffettʼs Coral Reefer Band) opened the show.

Other performers included Sheena Brook, Jay Allen, Casey Bishop, Red Hannah, Matty Jollie, Jason Polly, Tim Rossi of Blackfoot and Joe Best of Smokin Aces. photos by Jamie Kuser

Mac McAnally of Jimmy Buffettʼs Coral Reefer Band

Happenings Magazine

Rock the Stage semifinals to be held Nov. 19 at The Ranch

The third annual Rock the Stage music competition for all ages is back in Southwest Florida.

It’s the largest music competition in Southwest Florida and community event and fundraiser, presented by the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation.

Singers, groups, bands, instrumentalists, choirs and more have been auditioning the past few weeks. Live auditions were held every Sunday from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29 for two divisions: Under 18 and 18 and over.

Rock the Stage semifinals include the top 12 from each division perform. The top 12 from each age group will perform and showcase their talent on Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, Fort Myers.

General admission tickets are $20. VIP tickets are $100 and include preferred seating, VIP only bar, a chance to vote for your favorite performers, and an invitation to the VIP after party. Get tickets for the semi finals at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-stage-2023-semi-finals-tickets-678516139037?aff=erelexpmlt Rock the Stage finals will feature performances by the top five from each division. The top five from each age group will compete in the finals on Dec. 10 at Miner’s Plaza (near Pickle-n-Pub), Fort Myers, with top local and national acts, vendors, food, drinks and more. Available tickets include general admission for $20 (bring

Happenings Magazine

your own chairs), and VIP for $50 includes preferred seating, private VIP bar, and use of indoor VIP restrooms.

Music lineup that day also includes Deb & the Dynamics, Roxx Revolt & the Velvets, Bargain Bin Heroes, School of Rock House Band, the winners from 2022 Rock the Stage, Adriana McDonald and Martini Russa, and more to be announced. Get tickets for the finals at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-stage2023-finals-tickets-678519007617?aff=erelexpmlt The winner in each division receives recording session time Farmadelica Sound or House Immortal Recording Studios. They will also receive an artist development pages that includes one year of the coaching at School of Rock Fort Myers, a custom logo and (EPK) press pack from S2R Studios, and more.

Find out more at www.rockthestageswfl.com Not every kid that wants to play music gets the chance to because of lack of financial resources, or music programs being cut from school curriculums for lack of funding. The Tabarrini Foundation’s goal is to enrich and transform the lives of deserving children in Southwest Florida, by nurturing them in the joy of making music through group guitar lessons. The Tabarrini Foundation survives solely on donations and fundraisers with no government grants or assistance. Find out more at tabarrinifoundation.org

NOVEMBER 2023 - 59

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

JAN 11 Tesla

IN SW FLORIDA

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

JAN 19 Kansas

OCT 28

The Expendables

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Pablo Cruise, Atlanta Rhythm Section Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples

OCT 31

Celtic Thunder

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

NOV 4

Here Come The Mummies

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Ernest

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Lukas Nelson & POTR

NOV 5

The Ranch, Fort Myers

NOV 9

Christopher Cross

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

NOV 11

Russell Dickerson Hertz Arena, Estero

Nu Breed & Jesse Howard-Outlaw Nation The Ranch, Fort Myers

Jason Bonhamʼs Led Zeppelin Evening

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Jimmy Wayne

A Night with Jimmy Wayne will take place Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda. The inspiring evening of songs and stories will help raise awareness about foster care and foster kids. The event will benefit Crossroads Hope Academy. For tickets and info, visit www.crossroadspg.org or email kbrownmayes@google.com or call 941-575-5790.

In This Moment & Ice Nine Kills

NOV 16

Hertz Arena, Estero

Charley Crockett

The Ranch, Fort Myers

NOV 17

Demun Jones

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Jimmy Wayne

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda

NOV 18

Sawyer Brown

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

NOV 30

Lee Greenwood

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, Downtown Fort Myers

FEB 2

DEC 8

Colt Ford

FEB 3

DEC 9

FEB 7

Seminole Casino, Immokalee The Ranch, Fort Myers

Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Gin Blossoms Live Fest, Naples

DEC 12

Marie Osmond

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

NOV 16

JJ Grey & Mofro

Bruce Hornsby

Seminole Casino, Immokalee 60 - NOVEMBER 2023

Alliance for Arts, Fort Myers

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Jose Feliciano

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Hertz Arena, Estero

JR & The Stingrays, Jackson Haney, Peter Rivera, The Grass Roots

DEC 5

The Ranch, Fort Myers

DEC 1

Joe Bonamassa

JAN 25

The LACS

Covenant Church of Naples

Guy Penrod

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

JAN 28

Chase Matthew

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Rockabillaque Florida

DEC 2

DEC 13

NOV 12

JAN 20

Steve Miller Band Hertz Arena, Estero

Croce Plays Croce

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Diamond Rio

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Jay Allen

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

FEB 9

The Lettermen

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

FEB 15

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Daniel OʼDonnell

FEB 21

DEC 30

FEB 22

Jerrod Niemann

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Carl Palmer

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Tracy Byrd

The Ranch, Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

Diamond Rio - Feb. 2

Nightbird: Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks Jan. 13

The Ranch Concert Hall features rock and country

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers performance schedule is filled with national rock and country artists.

Here’s what’s on the schedule at press time: The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series presents Ernest on Nov. 4, Demun Jones on Nov. 17, Chase Matthew on Nov. 30, The LACS on Dec. 2, Colt Ford on Dec. 8, Jerrod Niemann on Dec. 30, Diamond Rio on Feb. 2, Jay Allen on Feb. 3 and Tracy

Chase Matthew - Nov. 30 Happenings Magazine

Byrd on Feb. 22.

Other upcoming shows at The Ranch Concert Hall (not part of the Galloway series) include The Expendables on Oct. 28, Lukas Nelson & POTR on Nov. 5, Nu Breed and Jesse Howard of Outlaw Nation on Nov. 11, Charlie Crockett on Nov. 16, Rock the Stage semifinals on Nov. 19, 10 Years on Dec. 7, Sam Morril on Dec. 9, Nightbird - The Ultimate Tribute to Stevie Nicks on Jan. 13, SW American Legions Rock & Roll Fest

Ernest - Nov. 4

(with JR & The Stingrays, Jackson Haney, The Voice of Rare Earth Peter Rivera and The Grass Roots), Adrian Vandenberg on Feb. 24 and Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple on Feb. 27.

For tickets and more information, visit online at theranchfortmyers.com.

The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon can be reached by calling 239-9859839. 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.

Colt Ford - Dec. 8 NOVEMBER 2023 - 61

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Festival of Trees Nov. 30 - Dec. 3

The 17th Annual Festival of Trees returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in November. Experience the winter wonderland of trees gorgeously decorated and generously bedecked by local businesses to raise money for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and SBDAC, plus many events all taking place Nov. 30 to Dec. 3.

Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, Festival of Trees is a huge holiday destination downtown where beautiful trees decorated and adorned with presents on, under and around the trees by local businesses are raffled off to help raise money for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

Offering family events for every age, the seasonal celebrations begin with a ticketed preview party on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Come get into the holiday spirit with a sneak preview of the Festival of Trees and celebrate with hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and wine pull.

A holiday themed wine and paint night will be a ticketed offering on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. ‘Tis the season to get creative with one of SW Florida’s favorite local artists, Dharma Lefevre. This talented and quirky elf will demonstrate how to create a gorgeous wintery landscape.

Each artist will be supplied with canvas, 62 - NOVEMBER 2023

paint, brushes, and of course… wine.

Mayor Kevin Anderson will continue the annual tradition of lighting the massive wreath gracing the loggia of the SBDAC followed by live music out on the street from Rosaline - a free event happening Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Santa’s Block Party will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join Santa for family fun and holiday festivities! Santa’s Block Party is an opportunity for kids to enjoy student performers, create holiday art, color Christmas and holiday cards, decorate yummy cookies from Publix Super Markets, enjoy a train ride, and write letters to Santa and our military service members! Free entry, with Kids Workshop Bags available for purchase at the event.

Lee Schools Holiday Showcase will be featured on the outdoor stage later that evening, another free event, on Dec. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The popular Tree Raffle Drawing when all trees and gifts will be raffled off to the lucky winners is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Except for the tree being donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital, all trees are valued at over $1,750 each and will be making spirits bright in their new locations.

Notified winners will receive the themed tree plus all of the gifts on and around,

including delivery and set up.

Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate and get free admission to the festival. Friends of Janet Foundation, FOJ, is a 501(c)(3) foundation formed in loving memory of Janet and Ann to honor their service to others and to build a legacy of giving in their names.

Janet Wilson and her sister, Ann Wilson, were long-time residents of Southwest Florida devoted to community and giving back. Janet often pulled together friends to help support her various charities, who jokingly called themselves the ‘friends of Janet’. Just before their tragic car accident in 2019, they were gathering toys to be given away during the holiday season. Toys will be collected at all Festival of Trees events, and at various other partner businesses, and will then be distributed to local children's charities.

The Festival of Trees general admission is $2 per person, (5 and under free) for viewing, voting for favorites, and purchasing raffle tickets ($10 each, 3/$25, 10/$50, 25/$100).

For more information call 239-3331933 or visit the website at www.sbdac.com for details, tickets and to check for possible schedule changes. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

Lee Greenwood at amphitheater Nov. 30

Caloosa Sound Amphitheater and Luminary Hotel announce Lee Greenwood will present A Tennessee Christmas on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. with special guest Southwest Florida singer-songwriter Ben Allen doing a solo acoustic set.

Music has always been a part of Lee Greenwood’s life. He started playing the piano when he was seven and the saxophone at 12. In junior high, he started his first group called the Moonbeams. His sister Patricia was the piano player in the band. By the time, he finished High School he played most all the instruments in the orchestra and was the Drum Major for the marching band.

Greenwood was born in Los Angeles and finished high school in Sacramento in June 1960. He passed on track & music scholarships to the College of the Pacific along with a professional baseball career to pursue his passion for music. He also elected to skip his high school graduation ceremony to begin work at the Golden Hotel & Casino in Reno Nevada with his own band, the “Apollos”. That turned out to be a great choice.

The California native was discovered in

Happenings Magazine

1979 by Larry McFaden, who saw him performing in a show at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada. Larry was the bass player and bandleader for Mel Tillis. He brought the singer to Nashville and got him signed to the Halsey Agency, who booked The Oak Ridge Boys. He began working with producer Jerry Crutchfield who would record with Lee for the next 20 years.

“Choosing songs to record is always exciting,” says Greenwood. “I’m a songwriter as well and I love lyrics that have depth and emotion. I’m thankful for the many writers & artists who have contributed to my career.”

With seven #1 songs & 25 charted singles to his credit, choosing songs proved to be a success for Greenwood. His country hits include: “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Ring On Her Finger Time On Her Hands,” ”She’s Lying,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns If You’re The Rose,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going Going Gone,”

“You Got A Good Love Comin,” “Fools Gold,” and “Mornin Ride” while he already garnered several crossover hits such as “Touch & Go Crazy,” “IOU” and the duet with Barbara Mandrell “To Me.” 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.

“God Bless the USA” went far beyond what Greenwood expected when he wrote it in the back of his tour bus in 1983. The song has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat.

For tickets, visit CaloosaSoundAmp.com

NOVEMBER 2023 - 63

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest The ninth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest was held Sept. 22 - Oct. 1. It started on Captiva, then moved to Cape Coral for two days, downtown Fort Myers for two days and wrapped up on Fort Myers Beach the last three days. The 10-day fest featured more than 75 national and local songwriters.

Pictured are some of the songwriters who performed Sept. 27 & 28 in downtown Fort Myers. photos by Jamie Kuser

April Cushman, Crystal Marie and Jerry Lemmon at Social House.

Billy McKnight and Frank Myers at Luminary Hotel & Co.

64 - NOVEMBER 2023

Autumn Nicholas at City Tavern

Tony Saint Tone at City Tavern

The 2024 dates are Sept. 20 - 29.

Happenings Magazine

Foghat rocks riverfront

Foghat kicked off the new concert season Oct. 12 at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. Opening act was Southwest Floridaʼs Maiden Cane. Next up at the amphitheater is Lee Greenwood on Nov. 30. Pictured are (left) Foghat founding member Roger Earl; (right) Foghat band members Scott Holt, Rodney OʼQuinn and Bryan Bassett. photos by Jamie Kuser

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA HOSTS

Tales & Cocktails

A Centennial

Celebration of the Lab Theater Building

November 18th 3:30 - 8 p.m.

Music, food, cocktails, skits, surprises & more!

The theater is celebrating the building’s 100th birthday at the annual fundraiser. www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 65

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Holiday Nights opens Nov. 24

at Edison and Ford Estates

On Friday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 48th annual Holiday Nights celebration with a tree lighting ceremony.

Guests will have an opportunity to participate in the countdown with Dave Elias from NBC-2 when the Christmas tree on the Ford property is lit with thousands of animated lights choreographed to holiday music.

Female vocalists, the American Sirens, will perform shortly after the tree lighting.

This year's theme is "Holidays on Wheels" and will incorporate many different types of wheels, especially car wheels because of the connection to Henry Ford, and also other wheels such as wagon wheels, bicycle tires, ships steering wheels, and train wheelsets. Holiday Nights will run nightly through Dec. 31 (will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas night).

Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night except opening night or visitors can choose to meander at their own pace on a self-guided tour. Inside-the-Homes tours will be offered on Nov. 29, and Dec. 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a special up-close look at the homes' decorated interiors.

Additional lights with new technology are being installed this year. Throughout the property, many of the displays will have

more lights than ever before. The palms will have animated "magic lights" that will change colors, and for the first time, the historic pond near the river pavilion will be lighted and there will be lights on the waterfall that are animated and choreographed to music.

The family-oriented event includes the Children's Tree Trail, which features 50 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children. On Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting, and on Dec. 3 and 10, children can get their face painted (additional charge for face painting). Then, on Dec. 16 and 23, there will be a teddy bear booth, where children can make a bear (additional charge).

There will also be music on several

nights, including strolling carolers, a pianist, and tenor saxophone and trumpet players. In addition, The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform on December 13. An antique circus car (a Calliope) with a built-in pipe organ will be played at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Curators will be on hand to answer questions about the car, which is a modified 1914 Model T Ford.

Guests can shop for gift items during Market Mondays, when multiple craft and holiday vendors will have booths around the Banyan tree from 49 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, and 18. In addition, the Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night of Holiday Nights and will be stocked with unique gift items for that hardto-buy-for loved one. Refreshments will be available for purchase on select nights.

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) are $10, children (6-12) are $2, and $10 for Edison Ford members.

Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18, and $15 for Edison Ford members. Inside-theHomes Holiday Tours are $50 per person.

Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission on Monday nights (cannot be combined with other offers). To purchase tickets or view the nightly schedule, visit the website at EdisonFord.org.

Christmas Carol Sing Dec. 5

Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 32nd Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C. The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St. in downtown Fort Myers. Admission is free, although organizers request voluntary donations of at least two cans of non-perishable food for The Soup Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative, and a voluntary cash donation, if you can.

Because of the overwhelming popularity 66 - NOVEMBER 2023

of the event, two sing-alongs are planned at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

Cash donations are especially needed because Community Cooperative can buy five times as much food for the same amount of money that residents spend at local grocery stores.

This year’s 90-minute performance will feature the First Presbyterian Church Choir, soloists and other special guests singing favorite holiday carols with audience sing-alongs.

For more information, call 239-334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org.

Happenings Magazine

DINING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

This award-winning 112seat authentic New York-style 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.

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 locallysourced 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.

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theater

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen

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

Cape Cabaret Dinner Theater is a beautiful upscale venue dedicated to dining, dancing, live music and comedy shows. We feature a complete dinner menu, three full bars, two large dining rooms with hardwood dance floors and a large outdoor patio. Our entertainment includes live music from the 60’s to the 90’s and the best tribute band shows in SWFL. We specialize in hosting your private events and parties for 24 to 350 guests. Executive Chef Pablo Felix and his staff prepare delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts daily for your enjoyment.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

Reserve online or call.

4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.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

68 - NOVEMBER 2023

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

MudBugs Cajun Kitchen on Sanibel Island offers a flavorful journey into Cajun cuisine.

Nestled in a tropical paradise, this restaurant serves up a tantalizing array of dishes influenced

by Louisiana's rich culinary traditions. From classic crawfish boils and gumbo to po'boys and jambalaya, MudBugs delivers an authentic taste of the South.

With a laid-back atmosphere and vibrant flavors, it's a mustvisit spot for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Southern comfort. The restaurant's dedication to capturing the essence of Cajun cooking accompanied by live music daily makes it a standout destination on Sanibel Island's dining scene.

1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-472-2221 www.mudbugssanibel.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

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

Happenings Magazine

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

NOVEMBER 2023 - 69

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Clare Cunningham and Sam Blasko at Marker 92 in Cape Coral.

Charlie Worsham at The Westin in Cape Coral.

Rob Snyder at Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach.

Billy Buchanan at High Tide Social House in Cape Coral.

Essex County at Yucatan Beach Stand on Fort Myers Beach.

70 - NOVEMBER 2023

Kristian Bush at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

Happenings Magazine

The ninth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest was held Sept. 22 - Oct. 1. It started on Captiva, then moved to Cape Coral for two days, downtown Fort Myers for two days and wrapped up on Fort Myers Beach the last three days. The 10-day fest featured more than 75 national and local songwriters.

Pictured are some of the songwriters who performed Sept. 25 & 26 in Cape Coral and Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 on Fort Myers Beach. photos by Jamie Kuser

Country star Chris Janson headlined the final event of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. The pool party concert was held Oct. 1 at Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Kristian Bush of Sugarland opened the show.

The 2024 songwriter festival dates are Sept. 20 - 29.

Happenings Magazine

NOVEMBER 2023 - 71