Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music
FREE
NOVEMBER 2017
High Valley
Vince Neil
Russell Dickerson
the voice of
Motley Crue
Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte
Publisher’s Spotlight
Theatre season in full swing
As hurricane recovery continues for many of us, our local theatre houses want you to know they are open and ready to entertain us. It’s a busy month of live theatre in Southwest Florida as we start a new season. After a delayed start to its season, Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples is presenting Leading Ladies Nov. 4 through Dec. 10 at The Norris Center. Sylvia continues through Nov. 15 on stage at the Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers. This Random World will debut at the FSW Black Box Theatre Nov. 2 - 11. In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater gives us The Mousetrap Nov. 10 - 19. The musical Pippin continues at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers through Nov. 18. A Tuna Christmas opens Nov. 16 at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre and runs through Dec. 25. In LaBelle, The Firehouse Community Theatre presents Sex Please, We’re Sixty Oct. 27 - Nov. 5. Veronica’s Room remains on stage through Nov. 4 at Laboratory Theatre of Florida in Fort Myers. The Lab Theater will then present An Act of God Nov. 17 through Dec. 9. The Naples Players production of Maple & Vine can be seen at the Sugden Theatre through Nov. 19. Miracle on 34th Street will open Nov. 29 and play through Dec. 23 in Naples. The Broadway Palm will stage A Christmas Story Nov. 23 through Dec. 25. The Marco Players are performing Sex Please, We’re Sixty now through Nov. 12. Florida Repertory Theatre gives us Disgraced Nov. 10 to Dec. 10 in its ArtStage Studio Theatre. On the main stage,
Florida Rep presents Last Night of Ballyhoo Dec. 1 through Dec. 17. The Charlotte Players will entertain us with Over the River and through the Woods Nov. 10 - 19 at the Langdon Playhouse. Theatre Conspiracy is staging Seven Guitars Nov. 3 - 18 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.
Crazy concert schedule
Oh my goodness do we have some great concerts coming to our part of the state in the coming months. With the seasonal weather changes looming, some of our upcoming concerts will take place outside. Here’s just a sample of some of the great artists who will be performing soon ... Chicago, Carly Pearce, Danielle Bradbery, Tyler Farr, The Outlaws, Jerrod Niemann, Dwight Yoakam, Cole Swindell, Gavin DeGraw, Shaggy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Dokken, Little River Band, Sebastian Bach, Foghat, Ambrosia, High Valley, Russell Dickerson, Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, David Crosby, John Prine, Vince Neil, Smash Mouth, Everclear, Granger Smith, JJ Grey & Mofro, Randy Newman, Kenny Rogers, Verlon Thompson, LeAnn Rimes, Gin Blossoms, Josh Turner, John Anderson, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, The Moody Blues, The Beach Boys, Clay Walker, Art Garfunkel, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Air Supply, The Family Crest, Paul Anka, Diana Krall, Justin Moore, Aaron Neville, The Righteous Brothers, Joe Satriani, Tanya Tucker, Chris Young, The Platters, The Coasters, Michael McDonald, Rick Springfield, Lee Greenwood, Little Big Town and more. Rock on,
Jamie
What’s Inside
Theatre
pages 6 - 16
Leading Ladies, Disgraced, The Mousetrap
Music
pages 18 - 27
Food and music festivals start season
In Concert
pages 30 - 33
Charlie Daniels, Ambrosia, Tyler Farr
Art
pages 34 - 41
Outdoor art festivals begin new season
River District
pages 44 - 47
Festival of Trees, Holidays Nights
Comedy Clubs
page 48
Comedy club schedules for November
Dining
pages 50 - 51
The Veranda and 12 other restaurants
Calendar
pages 52 - 59
November cultural events in SW Florida Publishers & Owners
Jamie & Kathy Kuser
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NOVEMBER 2017
Happenings A&E Magazine is published and distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc. Happenings Magazine is an independent publication. The reproduction of any material listed within is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Owned by KMK Publishing Inc.
Available at 525 locations in SW Florida Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Laurel Meny, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Theatre Leading Ladies opens Gulfshore Playhouse season in Naples ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Kicking off its 2017-2018 season a little later than originally planned, Gulfshore Playhouse presents Leading Ladies. Directed by Darren Katz and starring William Connell, Zach Martens and Erin Davie, this laugh-out-loud comedy will run Nov. 4 through Dec. 10. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Gulfshore Playhouse is offering $10 tickets for Leading Ladies preview performances on Nov. 2 and 3. “The special give back opportunity is our way of thanking the community for their support in the wake of Hurricane Irma,” said Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director for Gulfshore Playhouse. Leading Ladies shares the story of Jack (Martens) and Leo (Connell), two struggling actors who see an opportunity to end their woes when they hear of an elderly woman’s plans to leave her immense fortune to her late sister’s long-lost children, Max and Steve. What seems like a perfect plan quickly dis-
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Alex Michael Albrecht
William Connell
solves into mayhem as they discover that the woman’s relatives are not nephews, but nieces. Jack and Leo give their greatest performance yet as Maxine and Stephanie. Connell’s New York City and regional credits include A View From the Bridge, The Coast of Utopia, Nureyev’s Eyes and Alphabetical Order. His television and film work includes Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Not Fade Away and upcoming roles in Blindspot and The Tap.
Erin Davie
Michael Lawler
Zach Martens
Martens returns to the Gulfshore Playhouse stage where he played Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice. He has appeared both in Off-Broadway and regional productions of Sleep No More, The Nightingale, Three Sisters and The Full Monty. Television and film credits include Shades of Blue, The Daily Show and Hunting Season. Playing the lead role of Meg Snider in Leading Ladies, Davie is an American actress and singer best known for her performance as the young Edith Bouvier Beale in the Broadway production of the musical Grey Gardens. Davie appeared on the national tours for Swing! and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as the Off-Broadway production of Infertility. Most recently, Davie appeared in the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Additional professional actors starring in Leading Ladies include: - Hanley Smith as Audrey. Having previously appeared as Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest at Gulfshore Playhouse, Smith also serves as the education programs coordinator for the nonprofit, R.Evolucion Latina. Her stage credits include Vanda in Venus in Fur; Laura in The Glass Menagerie; Luisa in The Fantasticks; and Sally in The Voice of the Turtle. - Phillip Taratula as Duncan. Taratula previously appeared in Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of Hound of the Baskervilles and most recently starred as Cogsworth in
Hanley Smith
Phillip Taratula
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. - Michael Lawler as Doc. Regional theatre credits include Fiddler On The Roof, Pippin, My Fair Lady, Our Town, The Importance of Being Earnest, Noises Off, Company, Will Rogers Follies, Cabaret and Gypsy. - Alex Michael Albrecht as Butch. Making his Gulfshore Playhouse debut, Albrecht spent this past summer at the Little Theatre of the Rockies where he performed in the production of Peter and the Starcatcher, as well as in the Cabaret Company at the Weathervane Theatre Co. On Broadway, Katz served as resident director of The Lion King and associate director of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He will direct the upcoming 60th anniversary concert of West Side Story with The Phoenix Symphony. Leading Ladies was written by Ken Ludwig, the playwright of Fox on the Fairway and The Game’s Afoot. Leading Ladies is being dedicated to first responders, who will receive free admission with proof of identification throughout the entire run of the show. Evening shows begin at 8; matinees begin at 3 p.m. Show subscriptions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events and discounted pricing. For ticket information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111. All Gulfshore Playhouse productions are at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S. in Naples.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
This Random World debuts at FSW Black Box Theatre
Everything happens for a reason, or so we’d like to believe. Playwright Steven Dietz takes on this premise in his new play This Random World presented by the Florida SouthWestern State College Theatre program, opening at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2 in the FSW Black Box Theatre, Building L119, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. This Random World takes a touching and humorous look at the role chance plays in the lives of seven characters. FSW theatre professor Stuart Brown was so taken with the play that he contacted Dietz personally to ask for special permission to produce it. “The play is so new that the rights were only available for professional pro-
duction, so I wrote directly to Steven and convinced him that this play was the perfect piece for postIrma Southwest Florida, and we were the right folks to do it,” Brown said. This Random World makes its collegiate and Florida premier with the FSW Theatre program’s production. The production also features special guest actor Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan in the roll of Scottie. “It is wonderful for our young actors to have the experience of working with a seasoned pro like Nancy,” Brown said. “She is amazing to watch, and her presence raises everyone’s game.” The production runs Nov. 2-4 and Nov. 9-11. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com. Performances begin at 8 p.m. with additional matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
By Michael Moran Cultural Park Theater opens the month with The Mousetrap, the famous Agatha Christie whodunit murder mystery-thriller! Join us for the opening night reception Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in our lobby. Enjoy opening night hor d’ oeuvres, desserts, cast your ticket to win the raffle basket, and mingle with friends and family before the performance. In The Mousetrap, a group of strangers is stranded at a guest house during a blizzard. A policeman arrives by skis on the trail of a suspected killer. He probes the backgrounds of all present, rattling skeletons from the past, and then – murder. Will the killer be revealed before another victim is caught in the mousetrap? The Mousetrap will be performed at Cultural Park Theater from Nov. 10 through Nov. 19. The performances will take place on the following days and times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors $15 for students with a valid ID and can be purchased at our box office or by phone. Group rates are also available. The Mousetrap is under the direction of
Robert Cozza. The cast of this show includes Morgan Fitzgerald, as Mollie Ralston, Louis Monaco as Giles Ralston, Curtis Deterding as Sgt. Trotter, Brian Hann as Christopher Wren, Suzanne Davies as Mrs. Boyle, Gerrie Benzing as Miss Casewell, Patrick Shepherd as Major Metcalf and Robert Fliss as Mr. Paravicini. Cultural Park Theatre Company's productions continue to be known for bringing great performances to Lee County at reasonable rates. CPTC strives to produce high quality shows that stretch the creative talents of their actors and staff as well as surpass the expectations of their audience. Don’t miss your chance on Nov. 3, 4 and5 to see the Ultimate Rat Pack Tribute on stage. It is a trip back to the exciting atmosphere of the Rat pack era Las Vegas, with music, comedy and the camaraderie of three legendary friends that made history on the stage of Las Vegas showroom, and inspired this popular Rat Pack Tribute show performed by America’s three most sought-after Rat Pack Impersonators. Reminder: Concert performances are $21 for all tickets and will be on stage Friday, Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Call our box office at 239-772-5862 for tickets. Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral. Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.
Rat Pack tribute and The Mousetrap on stage at Cultural Park Theater
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Pippin at Broadway Palm
Experience the thrilling Tony Awardwinning musical Pippin at Broadway Palm now through Nov. 18. Described as “An eye-popping, jawdropping, visually stunning extravaganza. The thrill of the season!” by NY1, Pippin is the not-to-be-missed musical at Broadway Palm this year. Pippin is back and thrilling audiences after 40 years. With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a deathdefying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory. This captivating new production is directed by associates of Tony winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Hair and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess). It features sizzling choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation of breathtaking acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 doigts de la main (also known as 7 Fingers), the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces. Pippin is noted for many Broadway standards including Corner of the Sky, Magic To Do, Glory, No Time at All, Morning Glow and Love Song. Join Broadway Palm for this magical, unforgettable production the New York Times declared as “Astonishing! A Pippin for the 21st Century.” Performances are Tuesday through Sunday with select matinees.
Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS
A Tuna Christmas opens Nov. 16 at Off Broadway Palm
The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents A Tuna Christmas playing Nov. 16 through Dec. 25. This hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna is “So funny it could make a raccoon laugh affectionately at Davy Crockett...It's far too good for just Christmas." says The New York Post. It’s the holiday season in Tuna, Texas, the third-smallest town in the Lone Star State, and just two actors bring over twenty zany characters to life in this hilarious and heartwarming play. The annual Christmas Yard Display Contest sets the lunacy in motion and a mysterious phantom known for vandalizing the displays threatens to ruin the contest. All of this while one resident is trying to produce A Christmas Carol despite numerous obstacles and headaches. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $39 - $59 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Veronica’s Room By Ira Levin
Oct. 26, 27, 28 at 8 p.m. Oct. 29 & Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Nov. 2, 3 & 4 at 8 p.m.
An Act of God
Thinking TheaterTM
By David Javerbaum Nov. 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 at 8 p.m.
Nov. 26, Dec. 2, 3 & 9 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9 at 8 p.m.
www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com
239-218-0481
1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District
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Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Sylvia on Florida Rep stage through Nov. 15
Florida Repertory labradoodle named Theatre’s 20th anniverSylvia into their sary season continues home, all bets are with a revival of the off. Love and laughnow classic comedy ter are unleashed Sylvia by A.R. Gurney. as Sylvia quickly The production runs in becomes a bone of the Historic Arcade contention, testing Theatre now to Nov. 15. their marriage to Florida Rep ensemhilarious and touchble members Michelle ing effect. Damato and Carrie Michelle Lund return to the roles Damato and Carrie that garnered them Lund are joined by national acclaim in fellow ensemble 2011. Damato stars as member David the street-smart pooch, Breitbarth and Sylvia, and Lund as the guest artist John long-suffering wife who Ottavino. Damato must confront her husrecently appeared band’s mid-life crisis. in the one woman Michelle Damato in Florida Rep's Ensemble member show, I Loved, I production of Sylvia by A.R. Gurney. Maureen Heffernan Lost, I Made Photo by Chip Hoffman. also returns to direct Spaghetti and the after recently helming regional premiere of last spring’s world premiere of Doublewide The Dingdong. Also Florida Rep’s associate and two previous nationally acclaimed producer, Lund appeared in last season’s Florida Rep productions, Dancing at world premiere Doublewide and one-womanLughnasa (2009) and The Little Foxes sensation, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. (2013). Sarasota-based David Breitbarth returns after “I could think of no better way to celeappearing in hit comedies Lend Me a Tenor, brate our 20th anniversary than to revive this Rumors and Social Security, and New Yorkcomedy,” said producing artistic director based John Ottavino makes his second Robert Cacioppo. “In our 19-year history, appearance at Florida Rep after To Kill a Sylvia is the number one requested revival by Mockingbird earlier this year. our patrons, and Michelle Damato’s performMaureen Heffernan directs this production ance is legend in Fort Myers. I swear, our of Sylvia. patrons still bark at her to this day. It was New for the 2017-2018 season, weeknight after seeing the 2011 production that The performances in both performance venues Wall Street Journal critic Terry Teachout (Tuesday-Thursday) begin at 7 p.m. called Florida Rep ‘one of America’s top Weekend evening performances remain at 8 repertory companies,’ so it was a highlight for and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and us both artistically and critically. We are very Sunday are still set for the popular 2 p.m. excited to bring this play back with the same curtain time. director and two of the original stars!” Tickets are on sale through the box office Sylvia follows empty nesters Greg and at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floriKate who find themselves at a crossroads – darep.org. Florida Repertory Theatre perhis career winding down and hers is ramping forms in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the up. Now living in a Manhattan apartment, ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street Kate thinks the dog phase of her life is over, between Jackson and Hendry with limited but when Greg brings a street-smart free parking in the Fort Myers River District.
Sex Please, We’re Sixty continues at Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle
If you, (or anyone you know), have had menopausal hot flashes, sweats and erratic hormonal activity, you will relate and laugh yourself silly at Sex Please, We’re Sixty. This will be the first play of the Firehouse Theatre’s 25th season. Sex Please, We're Sixty is a comedy that is sure to hit your funny bone. The unexpected turn of events in this play will have you laughing and shaking your head in disbelief. The Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years. The guests (nearly all women) return year after year. The next door neighbor, the elderly, silvertongued, Bud "Bud the Stud" Davis believes the women come to spend time with him. The bed & breakfast owner reluctantly accepts the fact that "Bud the Stud" is, in fact, good for business. Another neighbor and would-be suitor, Henry Mitchell, is a retired chemist who has developed a blue pill called "Venusia," after Venus the goddess of
love, to increase the libido of menopausal women although the pill has not been tested. Bud gets his hands on some of the Venusia pills and the fun begins, as he attempts to entertain the women. You soon discover that the pills have a strange effect on men: it gives them all the symptoms of menopausal women, complete with hot flashes, mood swings, weeping and irritability. When the mayhem settles down, all the women find their lives moving in new and surprising directions. If you need an evening filled with laughter, this is a must-see play. Sex Please, We’re Sixty runs Oct. 27 through Oct. 29 and Nov. 2 through Nov. 5. For tickets, call the box office/ticket hotline at (863) 675-3066 or go online at www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com or email at info@firehousecommunitytheatre.com. Firehouse Theatre is located at 241 Bridge St. in LaBelle.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Disgraced opens Nov. 10 at Florida Repertory Theatre
Florida Repertory Theatre’s 20th anniversary season continues with Ayad Akhtar’s critically acclaimed work, Disgraced. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Disgraced is one of the most produced plays in America right now, and deals with issues ripped from the headlines. The production runs in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Nov. 10 to Dec. 10 with previews Nov. 7 - 9. Florida Rep ensemble member Rachel Burttram returns to the stage for a second time this season as Emily, an up-and-coming artist whose work focuses on Islamic themes and wife to Amir, a Muslim-American mergers and acquisitions lawyer living in New York played by guest artist and Off-Broadway actor Amir Darvish. "Disgraced is one of the most acclaimed plays of the last five years," says producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo, "and Florida Rep audiences are in for a very exciting night at the theatre. It is our mission to produce a wide variety of plays, and this one is one of the hottest plays in America right now. It deals with some very hard issues that need to be discussed." Disgraced is an engaging and provocative story of religion, race, and betrayal. Contemporary attitudes are put under the
microscope in this fearless play about a successful Muslim-American lawyer who has worked hard to achieve the American Dream. Amir is on track to attain his lifelong ambition to partner in his law firm, but when Rachel an innocent dinner party Burttram turns dangerous, he finds that success comes at a cost. Ensemble member Rachel Burttram returns to the ArtStage Studio Theatre after a successful run of the 20th anniversary season opener, Outside Mullingar. She is joined by both new and returning guest artists at Florida Rep: Amir Darvish, Mary E. Hodges, Imran Sheikh and Gregg Weiner. Darvish was recently seen in TV shows like The Blacklist and Person of Interest, and on stage in New York in Seen/By Everyone. Mary E. Hodges and Gregg Weiner both return to Florida Rep for a second time: Hodges was last seen on the Florida Rep stage in Best of Enemies by acclaimed author Mark St. Germain, while Weiner recently appeared in last season’s world premiere of
Amir Darvish
V Craig Heidenreich
Mary E. Hodges
Doublewide. Imran Sheikh comes from a production of Disgraced at Milwaukee Rep earlier this year, as well as Park Square Theatre’s Love Person and ACT/Artists Rep’s The Invisible Hand. Director V Craig Heidenreich (Best of Enemies) is joined by a team of designers including set designer Dennis Maulden (Twelve Angry Men), ensemble costume designer Stefanie Genda (Twelve Angry Men), lighting designer Rob Siler (Outside Mullingar), sound designer John Kiselica (Doublewide), and ensemble production stage manager Audrey M. Brown (A Christmas Story). New for the 2017-2018 season, weeknight performances in both performance venues
Imran Sheikh
Gregg Weiner
(Tuesday - Thursday) begin at 7 p.m. Weekend evening performances remain at 8 p.m. and matinees on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are still set for the popular 2 p.m. curtain time. Priced at $55 and $35 for previews, single tickets are on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the 2017-2018 season offer the best seats and the biggest savings, and packages start as low as $150 for six plays. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District.
Marco Players present Sex Please, We’re Sixty The Marco Players’ production of Sex Please We’re Sixty is an American farce of charming and funny explorations into the secret desires of men and women over 60 who are determined to find what they seem to have lost – their libidos! The story takes place at Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast in New England, owned by Mrs. Stancliffe (Carol Clarke). The cottage attracts repeat business (mostly women), who return each year for, maybe a couple of reasons. Neighbor Bud “the Stud” (Kip Jones) enthusiastically welcomes his “chicks” (Mai Puccio, Rhonda Davis, and Cindy Hile) believing that the main reason these women return is to “romance” with him. In the meantime,
Since 1988, it ’ss where Naples goes for Ice Cream!
neighbor and chemist Henry (Joe Kelly), has developed a new pill designed to increase the libido of menopausal women. As you can imagine, there are unsuspected turns that result in eager seniors and a great deal of fun. Written by Michael Parker and Susan Parker, Sex Please We’re Sixty is directed by theater veteran Richard Joyce. Sex Please We’re Sixty is on stage now through Nov. 12 at The Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Shows are Wednesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.TheMarcoPlayers.com or by calling the box office at (239) 642-7270.
Plenty of Great Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt OPEN 7 DAYS L ATE 824 FIFTH AVE. S.
239.434.8181
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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY
The Ultimate
Rat Pack Tribute November 3, 4 & 5 NEIL ZIRCONIA The Ultimate Neil Diamond
Rob Green, Miguel Cintron and Dave Yudowitz in An Act of God.
An Act of God on stage Nov. 17 through Dec. 9 LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents An Act of God Nov. 17 – Dec. 9. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. This comedy is fresh from Broadway, where it starred Jim Parsons (and later Sean Hayes) as God. Flanked by his two archangels, Gabriel and Michael, God sets us straight about the Ten Commandments and tries to provide answers to some of the Bible’s trickier questions. An Act of God stars Miguel Cintron (Art) as The Creator himself, Rob Green (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: A parody of the horror) and Dave Yudowitz (55 and Over). The show explores religion's influence on some of society's most poignant tragedies, like alleged divinely-inspired homicides and prejudices against communities that don't conform to the heteronormative mold. As the
action unfolds, God clears up questions about his Ten Commandments with humor and poignancy. Playwright David Javerbaum has won 13 Emmys, 11 at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Currently a producer of The Late Late Show With James Corden, Javerbaum wrote for The Harvard Lampoon as an undergraduate, and then for The Onion, Late Show With David Letterman and The Daily Show” where he became head writer and executive producer. Performance are as follows: Nov. 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, 3, 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may ask about purchasing a 2017-2018 season pass. For more information for all shows, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, located in the River District, is at 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers.
BIG ARTS presents A Christmas Carol BIG ARTS kicks off its theatre season in December with A Christmas Carol Dec. 8 - 29 at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel. A lovely adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic by Christopher Schario with traditional English folk tunes and fiddle. A child’s reading of A Christmas Carol becomes a magical transformation when he is ushered into the real world of Dicken’s much loved characters. A warm and wonderful holiday must see and a joy for the whole family. For tickets and more info, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Tribute Experience
DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3 The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s
BROADWAY SERIES
Nov. 10 - 19
Directed by Robert Cozza
Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral
CALL FOR
TICKETS
239-772-5862
www.CulturalParkTheater.com NOVEMBER 2017
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A Christmas Story at Broadway Palm Just in time for the holidays, Broadway Palm brings the classic 1983 movie A Christmas Story to life at Broadway Palm from Nov. 23 through Dec. 25. Hailed by The Associated Press as “a joyous Christmas miracle,” The New York Times writes “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.” A Christmas Story is the perfect holiday entertainment for the entire family. Based on the wildly-popular holiday movie, A Christmas Story takes place in 1940s Indiana, where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. The infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, an irritable department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. The iconic scenes from the movie, delightful songs and splashy production numbers make this the perfect treat that is sure to warm your heart this holiday season. Join Broadway Palm for A Christmas Story – they triple-dog-dare ya. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with discounts for children and parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
A Christmas Story plays at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers Nov. 23 through Dec. 25.
Naples Players present Maple & Vine at Sugden Theatre through Nov. 19
Dan Bacalzo, Jesse Hughes, Tina Moroni and Jessica Walck in Maple & Vine at the Sugden Theatre in Naples.
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NOVEMBER 2017
The Naples Players present acclaimed playwright Jordan Harrison’s Maple & Vine now through Nov. 19. A young and successful, but stressed out New York couple, Katha (Tina Moroni) and Ryu (Dan Bacalzo), feel like prisoners in their perfectly imperfect 21st century lives. After they meet Dean (Jesse Hughes), a charismatic man from a community of 1950s re-enactors, they forsake cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties and surprise themselves by what they are willing to sacrifice for happiness. “I think we can all agree that our current society is more divided, more disconnected than any time in recent memory,” said TNP’s artistic director Bryce Alexander. “Perhaps this is why slogans like ‘Make America Great Again’ seem to have struck such a powerful chord within our communities. We yearn for a simpler time, where things felt more cut and dry, a little less daunting. Maple and Vine is an exploration in that desire. It asks us to look at what forces may be driving us apart. Has technology and the ease of the connection that it brings made us less aware? Has technology made tasks so easy that we no longer feel like we have purpose? Is there comfort in having limited options?” Maple & Vine is written by Jordan Harrison whose play Marjorie Prime, was a finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, with a film adaptation, directed by Michael Almereyda, that premiered in the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and is receiving critical praise as a sci-fi exploration of our inner lives. Maple and Vine premiered in the 2011 Humana Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville and went on to productions at American Conservatory Theatre and Playwrights Horizons. Dan Bacalzo, assistant professor of theatre at FGCU, plays the role of Ryu. Having served as a professional theatre critic in New York
City, Dan reviewed the original production of Maples & Vine at Playwrights Horizon. While you will be swept away by the nostalgic beauty of Maple & Vine’s 1950s era costumes, Harrison never lets you forget that the grass is not always greener on the other side of that vintage Cadillac Eldorado. Ryu’s career as a plastic surgeon is replaced by a monotonous post war factory job and Katha’s world is no longer constricted by packed schedules but is instead confined to the home, where having dinner ready for her husband is the focus of her day. While the limitations imposed by 1950s culture provide simplicity and order to this couple’s out of control life, humans are anything but simple and divergence from the cultural norms of this group, including their interracial marriage, can prove as isolating as their fast-paced, over-structured lives. “The play isn’t about picking a side, a decade, or a generation – it is about choosing now,” said Alexander. “Every decade has been beset by war or by social disruption – this play may even challenge some of your own ideals. But instead of looking back, or burying our heads in our phones, or in our TVs, imagine if we all chose to engage with the people with us now. Imagine how much could be accomplished if we all just tried to live together in the present.” The Naples Players’ production of Maple & Vine opened Oct. 25. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. in the newly renovated Tobye Studio. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990. Additional shows include Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters, in Blackburn Hall with performances through Nov. 5.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Naples Players to debut sensory friendly performance
Miracle on 34th Street opens Nov. 29
Just in time to spread holiday spirit, The Naples Players present the holiday musical Miracle on 34th Street Nov. 29 – Dec. 23 with a sensory friendly performance on Dec. 12. Based on the classic film, this heartwarming musical captures the true spirit of the season with the encouraging message that magic still exists if you just believe. Miracle on 34th Street is a heart-felt and powerful story adapted from the 1947 film into a musical by Meredith Willson in 1963. Willson is best known for his enduring story The Music Man and is responsible for holiday standard songs that include “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.” Directed by Adolpho Blaire and with musical direction and a live orchestra led by Charles Fornara, Miracle on 34th Street is certain to become a family favorite this holiday season. Miracle on 34th Street follows the no nonsense, divorced and disillusioned single mother Doris Walker (Elizabeth Marcantonio), who doesn’t want her six-year-old daughter Susan’s (Bella Antunes) head filled with romantic notions. Doris feels the safest course in life is to believe only what can be proven true. Their neighbor Fred Gailey (Bret Poulter) attempts to gain the attention and favor of Doris by taking her daughter Susan to see Santa Clause at Macys where her cynicism begins to unravel when she meets, Kris Kringle (Jim Heffernan), an old man in a retirement home who has taken a job as their holiday Santa. Kris unleashes a wave of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by suggesting parents shop alternate stores to find the toy their child has asked for. A Macy's junior executive tries to shut down Kris’s less than profitable behavior by having him committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. The unwitting and unsuspecting Kris ends up in a court competency hearing, putting young Susan’s belief in Santa in jeopardy. In a dramatic decision, the judge (Kevin Kennealy) confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. “This is truly a holiday show for every family in our community,” said TNP’s artistic director Bryce Alexander. “The cast includes an entire family in the ensemble – from the youngest son, to his older sisters, to mom and dad - and Miracle on 34th
Street is the first show in TNP’s history to include a sensory friendly performance. Miracle on 34th Street offers every family in our community the chance to come together to enjoy a show this holiday season.” Alexander oversaw the implementation of sensory friendly performances while he worked as artistic director with the Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver and has made increasing accessibility a priority since beginning as artistic director at TNP in October 2016. Sensory friendly performances are designed for families and patrons with autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing disorders, or for individuals who prefer a low-key, all-inclusive environment. Accommodations for sensory friendly performances include: Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds; Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance; A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience; Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance; Designated quiet areas within the theater; Space throughout the theater for standing and movement; theatre capacity capped at 50% to Limit crowds and visitors at the theatre during the day and timing of the performance; and staff and volunteers trained to be inviting and accommodating to families' needs. “The show will continue with the same artistic merit as any other show, but without the worry of disturbing other patrons,” said Alexander. “For many families, this will be the first opportunity to attend a cultural event as a complete family.” The Naples Players will partner with local disability specific non-profits to provide preparation support that will ensure proper adaptations are secured; that the correct population is being served; and distribute questionnaires after each performance to measure response, effectiveness and demographics. Performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. and Sundays 2:00pm. A sensory friendly performance is Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.
Steven Coe and Kate Dirrigl
Veronica’s Room plays through Nov. 4 in Ft. Myers
The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Veronica’s Room, a psychological thriller by Ira Levin. This chilling story by the author of Rosemary's Baby explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. Students Susan and Larry find themselves guests enticed to the Brabissant mansion by its dissolute caretakers, the lonely Mackeys. Struck by Susan's strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work, the older couple gradually induce her to briefly impersonate Veronica to solace the only living Brabissant, the addled sister who believes Veronica alive. Once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan? Directed by Nykkie Rizley, the local cast includes Dave Rod, Aricka Shuck, Steven Coe and Kate Dirrigl. Veronica's Room plays now through Nov. 4. Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.
Americana Community Music Association Inc.
Americana Acoustic Shows David Massengill OCT. 28 Joe Virga opens
New Guys HomeGrown:
Rick Hardeman, Ross Jordan & Paul Phillips NOVEMBER 4
Harpeth Rising
FRI., NOV. 17 Millie Van Horn opens
Verlon Thompson DEC. 2 Roy Schneider opens
Advance tickets available online & suggested. INFO: 239-691-4069
Verlon Thompson $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at the door. The ACMA is a not for profit and is funded by tax deductible donations. Please check website for more information and visit YouTube on any of these artists.
Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts 7 p.m.
www.AmericanACMA.org
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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TheatreZone takes us Home for the Holidays
From the “Most Wonderful Time of The Year” through “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” TheatreZone celebrates songs of the season during its annual Home for the Holidays show. TheatreZone fan favorites taking the stage to go through a “Winter Wonderland” and ask “Baby Please Come Home” include Adolpho Blaire, Steven Geyer, Juliet Jewett, Alex Jorth, Kara Konken, Haley Ondrejka, Carolann Sanita and Gerritt VanderMeer. The cast will change costumes for each song, wearing gorgeous faux fur-cuffed dresses, sparkling silver gowns and headdresses that light up. In the spirit of the season, guests are invited to bring a non-perishable item for donation to the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets range from $50 to $60 and may be purchased at theatrezone-florida.com or by calling 239-424-9500. TheatreZone performs at the G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road. In addition, at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9, TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni and assistant director Karen Danni will each lead behind-the-scenes tours. The 90-minute small group tours will include views of the dressing rooms, costume storage areas and
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behind the stage, as well as a brief presentation about the history of TheatreZone and the opportunity to watch actors preparing on stage with mic checks and vocal warm-ups before the afternoon’s performance. A ticket to that day’s show is not required. The ability to climb stairs is required, as elevator access is not available for all areas. Tickets for the tours are $35.
TheatreZone leads annual New York City theatre trip in spring
TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni will lead a group of up to 44 travelers to New York City on March 29 through April 2, 2018, to see four Broadway shows, enjoy fine dining and visit cultural sites. Danni, a veteran of six Broadway shows and eight national tours as both a percussionist and conductor, provides an insider’s view of The Great White Way. “I have always believed in the magic of live theater and especially musicals,” says Danni. “This small group trip is a great way for me to share stories about my time performing with shows such as Les Miserables and Chicago and actors including Colm Wilkinson and Louis Gossett Jr.” During the TheatreZone trip, travelers will see Hello Dolly, Come From Away, Carousel and The Band's Visit. “This is a terrific assortment of classics and new stories,” Danni says. “We will have time to discuss who we saw in lead roles during previous runs of Hello Dolly and consider the impact of powerful messages such as those in Come From Away.” The trip includes round-trip airfare from Ft. Myers, four nights at Le Parker Meridien, dinners and museum tours. A deposit is required in November. This trip has been offered annually for five years and has sold out each year. For more information or to register, contact Nancy Sant'Angelo Reyelt from Get Out of Town Travel at 239-596-4142 or nreyelt@yahoo.com.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
The Last Night of Ballyhoo opens Dec. 1 at Florida Rep
Florida Repertory Theatre’s appeared on the Florida Rep stage 20th anniversary season continas Juror Eight in Twelve Angry Men. ues with a revival of Alfred Also Florida Rep’s associate proUhry’s hit comedy The Last ducer, Lund appeared in last seaNight of Ballyhoo, winner of the son’s world premiere of Doublewide 1997 Tony Award for Best Play. and one-woman-sensation, Erma Florida Rep first produced Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Ballyhoo during its second seaDavid Friedlander has been Carrie son to great acclaim in the fall of seen on stage in New York Classical Lund 1999. The production runs in the Theatre’s production of Measure for Historic Arcade Theatre Dec. 1 to Measure or as a member of 17 with four nearly sold-out preComedySportz NYC. Britt Michael views Nov. 28 - 30. Gordon recently appeared in Florida Rep ensemble memAssasins at freeFall Theatre in St. bers V Craig Heidenreich and Pete; as well as Florida Rep's Carrie Lund return to the Florida Unexpected Guest and Tribes. Rep stage. Heidenreich stars as Olivia Howell was last seen on the businessman Adolph Freitag stage in regional productions of after recently helming this seaWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and son’s Disgraced and last seaSkin of Our Teeth. Jackie Schram V Craig son’s Best of Enemies. Lund comes from playing several roles in Heidenreich returns to the stage after recently PunchDrunk NYC’s Sleep No More, appearing in another Florida Rep hit and has been seen in numerous comedy revival this season, Sylvia. Florida Rep productions including Rumors in "I really wanted to pay homage to some 2012 and You Can't Take it With You in of our past hits to celebrate our 20th sea2010. Stacey Scotte was recently seen in an son," said producing artistic director Robert extended run of MAME at Riverside Theatre, Cacioppo, "and Alfred Uhry's romantic comand was last seen at Florida Rep in 2011's edy was a natural choice. Not only is it a hit August: Osage County. comedy, but it's also a very touching love With ensemble member Greg story and a family portrait of a family living Logenhagen (Twelve Angry Men) directing, in the American south just before the secthe production is joined by an expert team ond world war. Just like Uhry's other plays, of designers including set and lighting like Driving Miss Daisy, it is heartwarming, designer Bert Scott (The Unexpected poignant, and deals with some very serious Guest), costume designer Alice Neff (Over issues. I know our audiences will fall in love the River and Through the Woods), sound with it all over again." designer John Kiselica (Disgraced), and The Last Night of Ballyhoo tells the story production stage manager Josh Quinn of the winter of 1939: Gone with the Wind is (Best of Enemies). having its world premiere and Hitler is invadNew for the 2017-2018 season, weeking Poland. But in Atlanta, the city’s elite night performances in both performance German Jewish community is more convenues (Tuesday - Thursday) begin at 7 cerned with who is attending the social p.m. Weekend evening performances event of the season than with the mounting remain at 8 and matinees on Wednesday, tensions in the world. In this Tony AwardSaturday and Sunday are still set for the winning Best Play from the author of Driving popular 2 p.m.curtain time. Miss Daisy, a tender love story plays out Priced at $55 and $35 for previews, sinagainst the backdrop of impending war. The gle tickets are now on sale through the box Last Night of Ballyhoo is a touching romantic office at 239-332-4488 and online at comedy that is also a beautifully written porwww.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the trait of a Jewish family facing who they are 2017-2018 season offer the best seats and and where they come from as generations the biggest savings, and packages start as and cultures clash in the American South. low as $150 for six plays. Florida Repertory V Craig Heidenreich and Carrie Lund are Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade joined by a cadre of exceptional guest Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on artists: David Friedlander, Britt Michael Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with Gordon, Olivia Howell, Jackie Schram and limited free parking in the Fort Myers River Stacey Scotte. Heidenreich recently District.
Theatre Conspiracy to stage Seven Guitars
Theatre Conspiracy will present Seven Guitars by August Wilson on stage Nov. 3 – 18 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. After serving jail time on a trumped-up vagrancy charge, blues musician Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton sets out to win back his girl and reclaim his pawned guitar, hoping to make a new hit record. Set in 1948 in the backyard of a Pittsburgh apartment house, Seven Guitars follows Floyd’s circle of friends and neighbors—the play’s seven voices—as they spin a rich tale of the deck
that’s stacked against them, what they’ve lost and all they dream. This lyrical play is part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, which charts the African-American experience through each decade of the 20th century. Season subscriptions are available and range from $105 per person for five shows to $144 per person for all eight shows. Individual tickets to each show are $25, $11 for students or $22 for Alliance members. To purchase tickets, call 239-9392787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org/Theatre.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Over the River and Through the Woods at Langdon Playhouse
The Charlotte Players will present Over the River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro. The show will be performed Nov. 10 - 19 at the Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from N.J. His parents retire and move to Florida. He still sees both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner. He is then offered his dream job in Seattle. The news does not sit well with the grandparents. Thus begins series of schemes to keep Nick around including inviting a lovely, single girl as bait. Other Langdon Playhouse performances include Breaking Legs by Tom Dulack Jan. 5 - 14; Chick Soup by Janine Serden and Kitt Moran Feb. 1 - 11; Alone Together by Lawrence Roman March 1 11; and Wally’s Cafe by Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark April 6 - 15. Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Call the box office at 941-255-1022 for tickets. Main stage productions for the Charlotte Players this season include Noises Off by Michael Frayn Jan. 19 - 27; Monty Python’s Spamalot Feb. 9 - 18; and The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ludwig March 22 - 25. These productions are performed at The Cultural Center Theater at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte.
Journey back in history with annual Old Florida Festival Nov. 18-19 in Naples
The Collier County Museums and the Friends of the Collier County Museums present the 28th Annual Old Florida Festival Nov. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. An event that the entire family will enjoy, Old Florida Festival features authentic reenactors portraying the last 500 years of Florida’s history, two full days of music and special entertainment, demonstrations, local food vendors, and plenty of fun to go around. Reenactment portrayals include the Calusa, Spanish Conquistadors, Revolutionary War, Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Wars, American Civil War, Pioneer Florida, and World War II. Entertainment includes performances by the Eli Mosley Band, the Good Bad Kids and Karibbean Groove, storytelling from members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, clogging by Country Ribbon Cloggers and more.
Proceeds from Old Florida Festival benefit the Friends of the Collier County Museums and their mission to broaden community support for the Collier County Museums and to actively encourage their growth and development as educational and cultural institutions of excellence. For more information about the Friends of the Collier County Museums, visit www.FOCCM.com. For more information about the 29th Annual Old Florida Festival, contact (239) 252-8476 or visit www.colliermuseums.com.
ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS • FLORIDA FOLK BANDS • TRAM RIDES • BLACKSMITHING & MORE
32nd Annual
Lectures in 2018
Civilian Conservation Corps Festival November 11 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
th
Highlands Hammock State Park Share wisdom, history, folk life and skills across the generations!
5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872 Featured special guest speaker Florida Higwaymen artists Roy McLendon, Sr., and son Roy McLendon, Jr. will be joined by Mary Ann Carroll and Curtis Arnett
Dr. David J. Nelson
professor, author & former park ranger
Park entry fee of $6 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) and $4 per single occupant vehicle apply.
For more information, call 863-386-6094 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/Highlands-Hammock
Programs are sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the Florida Department State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Highlands Hammock State Park, and the Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park, Inc.
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Florida Series Four! A Tuesday evening lecture series free and open to the public in the park Recreation Hall. „Meet and Greet‰ informal book sales and signings at 6 pm, lectures at 7 pm.
Florida and World War II Gar y Mormino, Professor of History Emeritus, USF, St. Petersburg
January 9
Rain: A history for stormy times Cynthia Barnett, Florida Author and Journalist
February 6
The Legacy of Franklin RooseveltÊs WPA in Florida David Schmidt, Curator, Florida Civilian Conser vation Cor ps Museum
February 20
Florida Transportation History: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (& Steamboats, Too!) Steven Noll, Professor of Histor y, University of F lorida
March 6
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Music
Taste of the Town Nov. 5 at Alliance for the Arts
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The Junior of Fort Myers is gearing up for its 35th Annual Taste of the Town on Sunday, Nov. 5 - Southwest Florida’s original “taste” event and one of the largest outdoor food and entertainment festivals in the area. This is the signature fundraising event of the Junior League, which works tirelessly to build better communities through volunteerism, leadership, and education. Unlike many typical food festivals, all proceeds go back into the community, helping to fund community services programs of the Junior League, such as work with at-risk youth to programs in literacy outreach. “Not only are we excited to be at Alliance for the Arts this year,” said Laura Richardson, second year chair of the event, “But we have been working hard to bring aspects of our community and community service to the event itself. For instance, this year, we are accepting donations of toiletries at the event to support Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) of Fort Myers. In addition, other community partners will be at Taste of the Town to speak about their work with the Junior League of Fort Myers and have activities for children and families,” she adds. “I think after the storm, we all realize how important our community is. While many of us have started to get back to normal, there are still many people whose lives have been forever changed. I’m proud to be a part of an organi-
zation that works to better the community we live in and seeks to grow and improve the women, children, and families within it,” said Richardson. This year’s event will showcase over 20 restaurants, live music and much more. General admission to Taste of the Town is $10 at the door, with children 12 and younger free. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for purchase online at www.jlfm.org/vip-taste-of-the-town-tickets. No pets, coolers or weapons allowed. Live music will be provided all day. The Collective will play from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Soulixer will perform 1:45 – 3:15 p.m., and Charlie Moon is on stage 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. This year’s restaurants include Beached Whale, Blue Moon Pizza, Bonefish Grill, Currywurst Truck, Dixie Fish House, Doc Fords, Famous Daves, Hooters, Izzy's, Kona Ice, Love Boat Ice Cream, Matanzas on the Bay, Melting Pot, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Society and Tijuana Flats. Whether it's your first time at Taste of the Town, or whether you're a seasoned guest, join with your family and friends, to enjoy a day of food, fun and music in the sun. Giving back never tasted so good! The Junior League of Fort Myers and volunteers of the event work hard to serve the community and your attendance at Taste of the Town matters.
Soulixer The festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to Taste of the Town is $10. The Alliance for the Arts is located at the corner of McGregor and Colonial boulevards in Fort Myers. For more information about the JLFM, call 239-2771197 or visit www.jlfm.org. For more information about Taste of the Town, email tasteofthetown@jlfm.org or visit www.jlfmtaste.com
Southwest Florida Symphony opens season Nov. 4
Francesca Dego
The Southwest Florida Symphony opens its 57th season with Fanfare for the New World on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. Masterworks I: Fanfare for the New World is conducted by the Southwest Florida Symphony’s internationally renowned music director Maestro Nir Kabaretti. This concert features Copland’s bright and beautiful Fanfare for the Common Man, Dvořák’s powerful Symphony No. 9, the New World Symphony and Shostakovich’s triumphant Violin Concerto No. 1 featuring Deutche Grammophon recording star and critically acclaimed Francesca Dego. Dego performs on a rare and precious Francesco Ruggeri violin, made in 1697. In addition to experiencing her virtuosity, this is a unique opportunity to hear an instrument of this caliber used in a Southwest Florida Symphony performance. “Francesca’s musicianship is what you ordinarily find gracing stages in major metropolitan areas, being accompanied by world renowned orchestras,” says Southwest Florida Symphony executive director Amy Ginsburg. “We are so fortunate to have access to this caliber of talent through the relationships our maestro has built within the classical music community around the world. Year after year, we continue to enjoy world-class music from the comfort of our home in paradise.”
Celebrated for her sonorous tone, compelling interpretations and flawless technique, Francesca Dego is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young violinists on the international scene. Signed in 2012 by Deutsche Grammophon, her debut album of Paganini’s 24 Caprices and a subsequent complete survey of Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas received critical acclaim. Autumn 2017 sees the release of her highly anticipated first concerto disc featuring works by Paganini and Wolf-Ferrari. Born in Lecco, Italy, to Italian and American parents, Francesca regularly appears with major orchestras worldwide. The Nov. 4 performance happens at 7:30 p.m., with Maestro Kabaretti’s highly popular pre-concert lecture taking place at 6:30 p.m. These lectures are offered in order to better educate audiences about the pieces being performed and often feature a guest artist Q & A and demonstrations. Tickets cost between $29 and $89 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.
Benefit concerts kick off season for Mastersingers
November sees the start of a busy concert schedule for the ensembles of the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers. The City of Palms Youth Choir kicks off their season at the group’s Tea with the Mastersingers fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 5 at White Orchid House at Oasis, 3027 E Riverside Drive, Fort Myers. The Youth Choir, under the direction of Matt Koller, will provide entertainment at the afternoon high tea, as well as solos from this year’s DeMaster Scholarship winners. The Mastersingers Chamber Chorus presents Serenade to Music on Sunday, Nov. 19 with a 3 p.m. concert at the charming and intimate Edison Congregational Church in historic Edison Park, 1619 Llewellyn Drive, Fort Myers. Admission to the concert is free and a donation will be taken up to benefit
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the Edison Congregational Church. Later that night, the full Mastersingers chorus will join with the Gulf Coast Symphony to perform a free Concert for the Community at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. Audience members are strongly encouraged to bring non-perishable food, home supplies, pet food, or a check (fully tax-deductible) made out to the SWFL Community Foundation (with SWFL Hurricane Fund on the memo line). The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, United Way, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Community Cooperative, and Gulf Coast Humane Society will distribute these donations to local families affected by Hurricane Irma. “We are very proud to be one of 12 arts and business partners working together to make this benefit concert a reality for
our neighbors in need,” said Mastersingers Artistic Director Jeff Faux. “Using the choral arts to connect to and enhance life in Southwest Florida is part of the DNA of our organization.” The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, which created the SWFL Hurricane Relief Fund in partnership with the United Way to aid those affected by Hurricane Irma, will process and distribute 100% of all donations. The Concert for the Community begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. For more information, call 239-277-1700 or visit www.GulfCoastSymphony.org. The concert is free, but tickets must be ordered in advance online at www.bbmannpah.com, or by calling 239-481-4849.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
LCEC’s Killa-Watts performing at Taste of the Islands Nov. 12
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) announced the LCEC KillWatts will be providing live entertainment for the 36th Taste of the Islands on Nov. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park The event features live music and showcases Sanibel and Captiva Islands' vibrant and diverse restaurant community. New this year, guests can meet CROW's Animal Ambassadors in the Sanibel Community House. The LCEC Killa-Watts are a unique musical group. Started as a small fundraiser a few years ago, the band has grown to benefit many causes throughout the Southwest Florida community. “I have worked in the utility industry for many years and I love this work. At the same time, I love the joy that music brings to people’s lives. When an opportunity to bring the two together came about, I knew it was something that would make a difference,” said band leader Rusty Snider. The core Killa-Watts members have been true to the mission of making music, having some fun, and helping those in need by sharing their talent at little, or no cost to help raise funds for worthy causes. In the past, they opened for Lee Greenwood for a Veterans fundraiser, played dozens of United Way and
Chamber of Commerce events, and supported efforts to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other worthy causes. CROW welcomes Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands as the returning presenting sponsor for the 36th Taste of the Islands. This will mark the bank’s eighth year as the presenting sponsor for CROW's signature event. “We have an amazing line-up of restaurants this year” says Linda Estep, executive director for CROW. “There will be some very delicious dishes being served.” The restaurants will offer a mouthwatering array of menu items for six CROW Bucks or less while competing for honors in a variety of categories including “Best Appetizer,” “Best Seafood” and “Taste of the Taste.” Attendees of the Taste cast ballots to decide the winner of the coveted “People’s Choice” award. Admission to Taste of the Islands is $7, and children younger than 12 years of age are free. Proceeds from Taste of the Islands ensure CROW's continued success in providing the highest quality care and treatment of injured, ill and orphaned wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care. Funds also support public educational exhibits in the Visitor Education Center.
Remember the Pompadour and the Pixie? Happy Days are here again at Shalom Life Center in Fort Myers. Get ready and dress to impress in your best fabulous ‘50s style as you rock the music of the 1950s together. Join Cantorial soloist and Grammy nominated BMI Award winning composer/ producer Lawrence Dermer and the amazing Shalom Life Center band on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. for “Happy Days” - a musical tribute to the music of the fabulous ‘50s. Get ready to rock around the clock as
you sing and dance to the music of Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and more followed by a lavish, gourmet dessert reception after the show! Advance tickets are $18 for members and $22 for guests. Tickets at the door are $20 for members and $25 for guests. VIP tickets are $36 for members and $54 for guests. Reserve your seats at info@shalomlifecenter.org or call 239-218-3433. Shalom Life Center is located at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers (off Daniels Parkway)
The Lee County Community Band will begin its 132nd season with the first of six monthly concerts on Nov. 12 at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School. In keeping with tradition for the season's first concert, Director Richard Bradstreet has selected a program featuring spirited and patriotic American music by American composers and a salute to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The band will perform six concerts between November and April. The programs are free of charge (donations accepted), and open to the public; all will take place in the Cape Coral High School
auditorium, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, beginning at 3 p.m. Additional concert dates are Dec. 10, Jan. 21, Feb. 11, March 11 and April 8. Programs typically include a mix of energetic marches, Broadway hits, old favorites, patriotic songs, seasonal pieces, and sing-alongs with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones. The 50-member adult band rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael Lutheran School, Fort Myers. Persons interested in joining may phone Norman Jones at 239-995-2097. For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org
Musical journey back to the ‘50s on Nov. 18
Lee County Band to play Nov. 12
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Small Stage Symphonies From Baroque to Jazz
The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra and one of the oldest on Florida’s gulf coast, presents the first concert of its Small Stage Symphonies series, From Baroque to Jazz. This concert features an innovative yet accessible program spanning from the Baroque era through today. In addition to Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite and 20th century composer Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite, the program is punctuated with a unique jazz arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition performed by its arranger, Yaron Gottfried and his jazz trio. “The Southwest Florida Symphony continues to break new artistic ground in our community with programs like this,” says Southwest Florida Symphony executive director Amy Ginsburg. “Creative endeavors like these, combining genres and compositions, breathes new life and generates curiosity about classical composition.” Small Stage Symphonies are chamber orchestra concerts that take place at smaller venues throughout Lee County in order to provide patrons with a more intimate concert experience and an opportunity to sample an even broader variety of symphonic repertoire.
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Yaron Gottfried
The Southwest Florida Symphony’s From Baroque to Jazz Concerts take place at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers on Tuesday, Nov. 14, BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island Wednesday, Nov. 15 and at the Village Church at Shell Point on Thursday, Nov. 15. All three concerts start at 7:30 p.m.. Ticket prices start at $30 and vary by venue. They may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500. Tickets may also be purchased at each venue.
Symphonic Chorale starts its new season with concerts Nov. 17 & 19
The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida presents its first concert of the 2017 – 2018 season, Harvest Grain: A Banquet of Song, perfectly timed for the fall and harvest season. Harvest Grain will be presented twice: First on Friday, Nov. 17 at Sanibel Community Church at 7 p.m. The church is located at 1740 Periwinkle Way. The second concert will be presented on Sunday, Nov. 19 at Faith Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. The church is located at 4544 Coronado Parkway in Cape Coral. The Symphonic Chorale announced that each self-produced concert in its 2017 – 2018 season will be presented free-of-charge to the audience so that anyone in Southwest Florida can experience inspiring choral music at its finest. A free-will donation will be collected during the concert. Artistic director and conductor Dr. Trent Brown will lead the 65 voice Chorale in a selection of classical and contemporary works related to the harvest, food, drink and thanksgiving, but
also examines not only the many life cycles that make up our world but also includes songs that relate to the cycle of human life: birth to death. According to Brown, “If Music be the Food of Love, created by Minnesota composer David C. Dickau, is the centerpiece of the concert. It refers both to the food and drink themes that come up in numerous pieces, but also speaks to the joy of singing.” The concert will present an interesting mix of classical works such as the Second Movement from Brahms’ Requiem and Donizetti’s “Chorus of Wedding Guests” from Lucia di Lammermoor to contemporary choices such as Gwyneth Walker’s Crossing the Bar, and Eric Barnum’s There was a Time. The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida is the area’s only professional core community chorus and is the resident chorus of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. For more information on Harvest Grain: A Banquet of Song, or about the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida, go online to www.symphonicchoarle.org.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Gulf Coast Symphony to conduct free concert for hurricane relief
On Sunday, November 19, 2017 the Gulf Coast Symphony and Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will perform a free concert for the community at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. Audience members are strongly encouraged to bring non-perishable food, home supplies, pet food, or a check (fully taxdeductible) made out to the SWFL Community Foundation (with SWFL Hurricane Fund in the memo). The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Community Cooperative, and Gulf Coast Humane Society will distribute these donations to local families affected by Hurricane Irma. “Music can be a refuge and a unifier in distressing times, and the Gulf Coast Symphony created this event to celebrate the resiliency of our community, and help our neighbors in need,” said Andrew M. Kurtz, music and executive director. “There are twelve arts and business partners collaborating to make this concert a reality, and I am inspired and encouraged by their fast and enthusiastic response, as well as their willingness to support our community as it heals,” continued Kurtz. Community Cooperative, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Gulf Coast Humane Society will distribute food and supplies to the community. Donations of the following items are most helpful: • All sizes of socks and underwear for men, women, and children, and sports bras; • Diapers of various sizes, baby wipes, baby formula; • Sneakers for children and adults; • Toiletries (preferably travel sizes-shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, bug spray, toothbrushes, toothpaste); • Canned ready-to-eat items with pull up tops; • Protein in pouches or pull up tops (tuna,
beef stew, chili, canned chicken); • Peanut butter and snacks (granola bars, breakfast bars, etc.); • Paper goods • Cleaning supplies (mops, mop buckets, brooms, bleach wipes, powder laundry soap, bleach, garbage bags, paper towels) • Canned cat and dog food, pet toys, and kitty litter. The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, which created the SWFL Hurricane Relief Fund to aid those affected by Hurricane Irma, will process and distribute 100% of all donations. The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 647 are donating their services for this concert. The Gulf Coast Symphony and Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers are volunteering their time and talent for the concert, Creative SoundVision is donating videography services, Boost Creative is donating all design services, and Pride & Patriotism of Lee County is reaching out to area veterans. The concert will include patriotic songs, tunes from Broadway, and other light classics to make for an uplifting experience. A salute to First Responders for their bravery and dedication during and after the storm will be part of the evening, as will a tribute to the Armed Services. Artwork created for Pride & Patriotism in Lee County by students from the Lee County Public Schools/Lee County Charter Schools will be on display at the event. The Concert for the Community begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. For more information, call 239-277-1700 or visit www.GulfCoastSymphony.org. The concert is free, but tickets must be ordered in advance online at www.bbmannpah.com, or by calling 239-481-4849.
International recording artist JJ Grey and Mofro and North Mississippi Allstars are set to headline the rescheduled second annual Big Orange Music Festival on Nov. 18. There will be two stages and six bands including The Rolling Stones saxophonist Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Blues legend Tinsley Ellis Blues is Dead, Sean Chambers Band and Evan Taylor Jones.
The event will also incorporate food trucks, vendors and more. The Big Orange Music Festival will take place at Laishley Park in beautiful Downtown Punta Gorda. Doors open at 2 p.m. All previously purchased tickets will be honored with the new show date (Hurricane Irma reschedule) and location. Purchase your tickets online at www.BigOrangeMusicFestival.com
The Bonita Springs Concert Band, under the direction of Gary E. Smith, will open its 2017-2018 concert season on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. in Riverside Park on Old 41 in Bonita Springs. The program will consist of exciting and stirring patriotic music As always to thank those who have served, the band will present the Armed Forces Salute. Please stand
to be recognized and thanked when your service song is being played. This free concert lasts two hours and Royal Scoop Ice Cream will be there to sell refreshments. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the show. For more information, visit the band’s website at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com.
Annual Big Orange Music Festival moves to Nov. 18 Bonita Springs Concert Band opens new season on Nov. 5
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Shell Point starts new concert season Shell Point Retirement Community has announced the lineup of performances and activities in store for its 20172018 concert series, beginning early November. Segmented into four distinct musical programs: Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Concerts and Conversations, and Southwest Florida Symphony, the 2017-2018 concert series will bring a variety of local and international performers to the Thomas Pandolfi Shell Point campus. The Fine Arts program includes two events that feature one-of-a-kind items or artwork presented by the talented residents of Shell Point: Holiday Artist and Artisan Bazaar – Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2018 Shell Point Art Show and Sale – Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. The Performing Arts program introduces a variety of talent-filled musical ensembles to the Village Church Auditorium. This year’s performances include: All Is Calm – Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Glenn Miller Orchestra – Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Barrage 8 – Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The StepCrew – Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. My Sinatra, Starring Cary Hoffman – Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Presented in an intimate setting at the Grand
Cypress Room at The Woodlands, the Concerts and Conversations series offers a selection of performances for classical music enthusiasts to enjoy, each followed by fellowship and a dessert reception with the musicians. Featured artists include Thomas Pandolfi, Pianist– Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Evan Drachman, Cellist – Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. Washington Saxophone performs Nov. 9 Quartet – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Vega String Quartet – Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Shell Point has once again partnered with the Southwest Florida Symphony to present several performances that showcase the orchestra’s symphonic repertoire. Held at the Village Church on The Island, performances include: From Baroque to Jazz – Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Holiday Pops: A Charlie Brown Christmas – Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For the Love of Beethoven – Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. From Copland to the Classics – Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Shell Point Retirement Community is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers. Events are open to the public, with tickets available online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239454-2067.
Diaz Trio kicks off chamber series at Davis Art Center
This season, chamber music’s masters return to downtown Fort Myers for the Chamber Music Series. On Friday, Nov. 17, enjoy the first chamber music concert with cocktails at 7 p.m. and an inspiring performance by The Díaz Trio at 8 p.m. One of the few professional string trios in existence today, the Díaz Trio has become one of the finest chamber ensembles in the United States. Composed of three internationally acclaimed artists, Andrés Cárdenes, Roberto Díaz and Andrés Díaz, the trio performs regularly in recital and at festivals around the world. In 1993 at the invitation of Isaac Stern, the trio performed at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall to celebrate the next one hundred years of music-making at Carnegie Hall. Other appearances include performances in Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Boston, El Paso, Austin and Lincoln Center in New York, as well as the Mostly Mozart Festival at Kennedy Center, Newport Festival, St. Augustine Festival, Cape and Islands Chamber Music Festival, Festival de San Miguel de
Diaz Trio
Allende in Mexico, St. Cyprien International Festival of the Arts on France, the Kuhmo Festival in Finland and an extensive tour of Chile. Their debut tours of Canada, in collaboration with Canadian pianist Angela Cheng and guitarist Norbert Kraft, were a resounding success. For several years, the Díaz Trio was the trio in residence at the Brevard Music Center. Tickets are $35 in advance, and $40 the day of the show. Visit www.sbdac.com for info and tickets. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Come for the food. Stay for the dancing!
TRIBUTE BANDS gs
prin in Bonita S
OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS
& OTHER MUSIC ACTS
Nov. 16 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher and Lady Gaga tribute
Oct. 26 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher and Lady Gaga tribute
Oct. 27 - Jersey Boys tribute
Nov. 17 - Jersey Boys tribute
Nov. 2 - Beach Boys tribute
Nov. 22 - Jimmy Buffett tribute
Oct. 28 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute
Nov. 18 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute
Nov. 3 - Elton & Elvis tribute
Nov. 23 - Full Thanksgiving Dinner - $10
Nov. 4 - ABBA tribute
Nov. 24 - Doobie Brothers, America, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton tribute
Nov. 8 - Customer Appreciation Party with the Blu Tones Band (50s-70s)
Nov. 25 - The Eagles tribute
Nov. 9 - Neil Diamond tribute
Nov. 10 - Temptations/Four Tops tribute
Nov. 11 - Rod Stewart, Meatloaf, T. Jones tribute Nov. 15 - Tina Turner & Blues Brothers tribute
239-405-8566
Nov. 29 - Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin tribute
Nov. 30 - The Beach Boys tribute
Dec. 1 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute
www.thestagebonita.com
9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
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(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
ACMA welcomes Harpeth Rising, Verlon Thompson
With many new faces and new voices, the Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) is growing week by week. So, they’ve put three new ACMA songwriters on the stage together. Locals Rick Hardeman, Ross Jordan and Paul Phillips will play on Nov. 4. Rick opened for NUMR11 last November, Paul opened for Bill Bynum in June, and Ross seems to be at every open mic in the area. Join the ACMA for the New Guy Homegrown Songwriters Round for an exciting night of original songs and the stories behind the songs. After "lifetimes" living on both sides of the country, singer/songwriter Rick now brings his four decades of music and storytelling experience to audiences around the Gulf Coast of Florida. Built solidly on the ‘70s-’80s acoustic folk/rock tradition, Rick's writing delivers what one writer called "intelligent and emotionally moving songs….songs that are about something…..songs that take you somewhere." His intricate and subtle acoustic finger-picking style, combined with his engaging lyrics, sense of humor, and mellow baritone voice make for a unique and entertaining musical experience. Rick’s second record (working title: “What Windows Do”) is scheduled for release in fall of 2017. Ross Jordan has been playing and writing music for a long time. He studied classical guitar at Rutgers University and has played his original songs from New Jersey to San Francisco to South Dakota and now to Southwest Florida. His songs reflect influences from these varied regions. Paul Phillips trained musically, American Songbook, on a Hammond organ, but switched to guitar in a Vermont college, where he was also introduced to Americana music, and folk music. Living on the South Shore of Boston, he was a high school literature teacher and then president of the teachers union. He played guitar pretty much every night in his cellar studio, and for friends at events and weddings; but not for the public. Retiring from union thuggery, he moved to Florida, where he found there are no cellars, and so began playing above ground in his home studio, at open mics, and at song circles in the Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda area; and joined ACMA at the suggestion of friends. He loves his five guitars, two keyboards and getting friends to listen. The ACMA welcomes Harpeth Rising on Friday, Nov. 17. Millie
Harpeth Rising
Vanhorn will open the show. Harpeth Rising was a sold out show last year, and they are expecting the same this year. The three musicians each hold classical performance degrees from some of the most venerated schools in the world: Indiana University, Oberlin, Eastman School of Music. But their classical background is only one dimension of this trio’s powerful musical voice. Hailing from vastly different parts of North America, each member of Harpeth Rising brings different influences to the core sound. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Maria Di Meglio began the cello in 4th grade, and developed her playing style studying both classical music and traditional songs of her families’ ancestry across Western Europe and the Caucasus. Michelle Younger of Charlottesville, Va., comes by her modern spin on old-time infused banjo authentically; her family has been in the United States for generations, and she is a direct descendent of Cole Younger, a member of the James-Younger Gang. Jordana Greenberg, violin, grew up listening to the sounds of Stan Rogers, Leonard Cohen and Natalie McMaster in her native
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Canada before moving to Southern Indiana as a child. She studied classical violin by day through the pre-college program at Indiana University, and spent her nights learning the folk tunes and classic rocks songs that her family plays at the annual postPassover jam session. All three women began singing after they completed their instrumental studies, and found a passionate new musical avenue. They developed their voices and arrangements to bring life to the lyrical expressiveness of their original songs. Hallmarks of their music include expansive three-part harmonies, consummate musicianship and a deft, yet soulful, lyrical perspective. Millie Van Horn has her own special story to tell and she does it through song. Millie is the winner of the "People's Choice" award songwriter contest at the 2017 Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers Verlon Thompson will perform in Fort Myers on Dec. 2. Opening act will be Roy Schneider. This will be a special ticketed event at the ACMA with limited availability at the door. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. General public is $20. Tickets are available www.AmericanACMA.org. Thirty years as a professional songwriter and traveling troubadour serve as credentials. As a solo performer, and as the trusted sidekick of Texas Americana songwriting icon Guy Clark, Verlon has viewed the world from stages everywhere from Barcelona to Binger (his hometown in Oklahoma). Along the way, Verlon Thompson compositions have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson, Anne Murray, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Trisha Yearwood and many more. Equally important in his songwriting and live performances, Verlon's guitar work cannot go unnoticed. His guitar can be heard on recordings by Restless Heart, Pam Tillis, and many more, including, and especially Guy Clark. Roy Schneider has found his true calling in writing and performing his “Blue-Twangled Folk & Roll” music. The ACMA is a non-sectarian, not for profit organization. Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 p.m.
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BIG ARTS unveils sensational schedule of performances
BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island was created by and for the community in 1979 and owes its rich history to a small band of dedicated artists who drew inspiration from each other and from the breath-taking island beauty that infused their work with grace and authenticity. They set out to Frisson Ensemble Orchestra will perform Jan. 25 create a special gathering place where artistic and educational Broadway smash hit Million Dollar experiences were accessible to all. Quartet on Jan. 6, celebrating the night BIG ARTS leadership has carried and when Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry expanded that vision through the genLee Lewis and Elvis Presley jammed erations to create what today is a together -- to dance sensation vibrant center jammed-packed with Pilobolus on Feb. 21, the esteemed more than 200 workshops, four profesNew York Philharmonic String Quartet sional theater productions, 16 fabulous on Feb. 1, the red hot Hot Sardines on internationally recognized artists, 11 Feb. 17, amazing Nashville bluegrass fine arts exhibits, and dozens of stimuband Balsam Range on Jan. 27, and lating panels and timely lectures from the official Eagles tribute: Hotel national thought leaders on everything California on March 23. That’s just a from health to geo-politics taste of some of the inspiring, enterThe 2018 performing arts series of taining and enriching experiences 16 major artists and five professional found nowhere else in Southwest plays promises to be the most diverse Florida. and exciting in BIG ARTS history. Check out the entire sensational From “One Night In Memphis” perseason at www.bigarts.org or call 239formed by the cast members of the 395-0900 for tickets.
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Jazzy Nights Nov. 10 features Kate Davis
Jazzy Nights returns with a pretty much every notable club concert from renowned perin NYC. Kate became a New former Kate Davis. On Friday, York transplant in 2009, when Nov. 10, hear Kate Davis pershe enrolled at Manhattan form hits from David Bowie, School of Music. Since, she’s Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell had the opportunity to collaboin Songwriters of the 70s, fearate with many of NYC’s finest turing guitarist Gabe Schnider. musicians and artists. The music of multi-instruAfter falling in love with the mentalist and singer Kate guitar at age 10, Gabe Davis has been turning heads Schnider has performed/recordin New York’s music scene ed with artists such as Wynton since 2012. Whether she’s Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Bill T. crooning rootsy ballads or pluckJones, Damian Woetzel, Arturo Kate Davis ing bright riffs from her bass, the O’Farrill, Jon Batiste and Stay gutsy songstress from Portland, Human, Ben Folds, Christian Oregon, puts a fresh spin on Scott aTunde Adjuah and Dee the standards and brings a Dee Bridgewater, among othcanonical sensibility to her own ers. He is a regular perlush tracks. former/bandleader at Jazz at Lauded by MTV as one of Lincoln Center and has worked 2014’s “15 Fresh Females in New York City and beyond at Who Will Rule Pop,” Kate grew venues including Carnegie Hall, up with an instrument in her The Jazz Standard, The arms and a head full of invenStaples Center, The Blue Note, tive lyrics. Her lifelong training The Kennedy Center, and the makes for smart, warm pop Newport, Monterey, Montreux, that’s as musically nuanced as Marciac, Montreal and Toronto it is addictive. If you put a midInternational Jazz Festivals, as career Jenny Lewis album in a well as the 2016 American Folk room with Regina Spektor’s Festival. coloring, Joanna Newsom’s Doors open at 7 p.m., and lyric poetry, and a dose of Tina the performance begins at 8 Fey’s sharp wit—then added a p.m. Tickets are $35 in Gabe Schnider couple decades of rigorous musiadvance and $40 day of show. cal education—Kate Davis might For tickets, visit come strolling out. www.sbdac.com. She’s performed at such illustrious venues as The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is locatThe Kennedy Center, The Bowery Ballroom, ed at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall—as well as Myers River District.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Trucks Gone Wild to offer exciting weekend Nov. 9-12
Muddy Water Entertainment, Florida’s biggest producer of off-road and mud events, welcomes mud enthusiasts from around the country to the Trucks Gone Wild Fall Classic at Redneck Mud Park. This Nov. 9 - 12 weekend-long event is often billed as The Biggest Mud Party in the South. It’s designed to celebrate the country and mudding lifestyles, with trucks, 4-wheel vehicles, and “Mudders” from across the U.S. attending. Activities include the thundering Mega Mud Truck Races, mud bogging, trail riding, truck pulls, camping, live entertainment every evening, and much more. “Every year, we grow bigger and bigger”, said Muddy Water Entertainment sales and marketing director Dave Kelly. “Creating an outstandingly muddy outdoor experience where our guests can let loose and have a great time in a safe, secure environment is our top priority. We look forward to welcoming thousands of mud-loving visitors from
around the world to Charlotte County for this huge Trucks Gone Wild weekend. And thanks to Hurricane Irma, we have over 880 acres of perfect mud conditions – we can’t wait to get Trucks Gone Wild underway,” says Kelly. As an extra exciting aspect of this year’s event, the folks from Textron Off-road will be on hand to show off their new vehicle models on the Textron Off-Road Demo Track. Park guests will be able to get a hands-on experience and see what vehicles such as the Wildcat, Prowler and Alterra can do in actual real-life muddy conditions. To top off all the fun, the Muddy Water Entertainment stage will host the Miss Muddy Butt contest on Saturday night, offering $500 in cash to the lady who shows off the muddiest butt. The park is located at 44570 Bermont Road in Punta Gorda. To learn more, visit www.muddywaterentertainment.com or call 239-823-3542.
Annual Lighting of the Village set for Nov. 18 in Punta Gorda
Fishermen’s Village will herald in the holiday season with a spectacular Lighting of the Village on Saturday, Nov. 18. This celebration is the official kick off of the annual Festival of Lights, a display of more than one million lights and themed decorations. Local residents and visitors will enjoy beautiful traditional themed holiday décor and lights both inside and outside Fishermen’s Village. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm. with an official ribbon cutting with Santa and City of Punta Gorda officials. The Lee County Pipes and Drums Band will then parade through the Village, followed by a rousing performance in Center Court. Other festivities include holiday music by The Suncoast Statesmen Barbershop Harmony, live music/dancing with the Shane Duncan Band, Juggling/balloon creations by Jeff the Juggler, Finest Face Painting by MaryRose, pictures with Santa
(bring your camera!), complimentary refreshments courtesy of village merchants, and live radio remote with Jeff Collins “The Golden Hippo.” Patrons are being asked to bring toilet paper, toiletries and canned goods to be donated to “Share The Blessings Ministry”, an all-volunteer, nonprofit charity benefiting those in need in Charlotte County. Their mission is to provide hygiene, cleaning and nonperishable food items which serve over 500 individuals and 150 families each month. Their current critical need is for paper hygiene products. Due to the popularity of this event, parking will fill up fast, so arrive early. Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort and Marina is located on Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. Call 941-639-8721 for more information or visit online at www.fishville.com.
Festival features folk bands Nov. 11 at Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring is celebrating the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the 32nd Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival on Nov. 11. Known for its beautiful old-growth hammock and thousand year old oaks, the park is one of eight original CCC parks and home to the State of Florida CCC Museum. Docents interpret the history of Franklin Roosevelt’s “Tree Army,” the thousands of unemployed young men who went to work planting trees and building parks across the country during the Great Depression.
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The park’s signature event honors returning CCC alumni and features an antique car show, arts and craft vendors, historical and environmental exhibits, tram rides, pony rides and heritage demonstrations of blacksmithing, pine needle basketry, and quilting. Hopscotch, jacks, tiddlywinks, marbles and cat’s cradle are ongoing at the Kid’s Corner. Florida folk bands fill the air with toe tapping music and end the festival with an all bands jamboree. Featured Florida bands include Scotty & Mandy Kromel (10:30 -11:30 a.m.), Larry Mangum (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.),
Back Porch Revival (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.) and Jackson Creek (2:30 – 3:30 p.m.) All bands Jamboree will take place from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Highlands Hammock is located at 5931 Hammock Road in Sebring, an easy day trip from Southwest Florida communities. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park entry fees of $6 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) and $4 per single occupant vehicle apply. For more information, call 863-386-6094 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/Highlands-Hammock.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Some of the places to hear live music in Southwest Florida.
Backstreets
915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral • 239-945-7555
The Barrel Room
2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-333-2225
Bert’s Bar & Grill
4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232
Blue Monkey Bar & Grille
7550 Mission Hills Drive suite 326, Naples 239-597-2583
Buckingham Blues Bar 5641 Buckingham Road Fort Myers • 239-693-7111
The Buddha Bar
12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-8565
Cape Cabaret
4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral • 239-549-3000
The Cigar Bar
Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers • 239-267-6020
The Colosseum
2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060
The Cottage
1270 Estero Blvd., Ft Myers Beach • 239-765-5440
Dixie Roadhouse
1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral • 239-541-7900
Fathoms
5785 Cape Harbour Drive Cape Coral • 239-542-0123
Fishermen’s Village
1200 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda • 941-639-8721
Hotel Indigo
The Rhythm House
Hurricane Charley’s
Seminole Casino Hotel
1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446 300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • 941-639-9695
Jacaranda
1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771
The Keys Bar & Grille
9905 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers • 239-433-3323
Lakehouse Bar & Grill
3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs • 239-948-4400
Lansdowne Street
24851 S. Tamiami Trail #7 Bonita Springs • 239-495-3800
Mike’s
17200 S. Tamiaimi Trail Fort Myers • 239-454-8454
The Nauti Mermaid
5961 Silver King Blvd. Cape Coral • 239-541-5600
Nervous Nellie’s 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077
Old Naples Pub
255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200
Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key
1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral • 239-540-8454
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-3257
Pete’s Time Out
1005 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5900
16440 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-466-8326
506 S. 1st St., Immokalee • 800-218-0007
The Shell Factory
2787 N. Tamiaimi Trail North Fort Myers • 239-995-2141
Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos Blvd. For Myers Beach 239-463-3474
Sneaky Pete’s
3465 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs • 239-498-8887
The Stage
9144 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs • 239-405-8566
Ter-Tini’s
1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-344-6147
Tiki at Wyndham Garden 6890 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711
Tiki Bar at Days Inn
18051 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-267-7900
Twisted Vine Bistro
2214 Bay St., Fort Myers • 239-226-1687
The Village Pub
4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707
Whiskey Park
3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples • 239-263-6777
Yucatan Beach Stand
250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach • 239-333-4386
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Maiden Cane at Cape Coral Bike Night Oct. 14.
Lita Ford at Cape Coral Bike Night Oct. 14.
Lita Ford at Cape Coral Bike Night.
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NOVEMBER 2017
Reverie Lane at the fourth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 22 - Oct. 1.
The Village People at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Oct. 21.
Photos by Jamie K Kuser
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net
INCONCERT
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PERFORMANCES
IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
November 1
Carly Pearce and Danielle Bradbery
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
November 3 Tyler Farr
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
November 4 The Outlaws
SW Florida Event Center, Bonita
November 5
Jerrod Niemann
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Dwight Yoakam Artis–Naples
November 9 Cole Swindell
Germain Arena, Estero
November 10 Shaggy
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
Ambrosia
SW Florida Event Center, Bonita
Coconut Fest: High Valley and Russell Dickerson Sun Splash, Cape Coral
November 11
Charlie Daniels Band and Marshall Tucker Band
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
Coconut Fest: Vince Neil Sun Splash, Cape Coral
Smash Mouth, Everclear City Marketplace, Punta Gorda
November 18
Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and the Jack Michael Band live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 80, Daniels has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need. The Charlie Daniels Band has populated radio with such memorable and timeless hits as “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” and of course, his signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979 as well as single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. Over the course of his career, Daniels has received numerous accolades, including his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2016), the Musicians Hall of Fame and becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was presented the Pioneer Award by the Academy of Country Music and was honored as a BMI Icon in recognition of his songwriting. He also received a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. With hit singles like "Heard It In a Love Song," "Fire On The Mountain," "Can't You See," and "Take The Highway," The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) earned seven gold and three platinum albums while they were on the Capricorn Records label. During the
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
December 15
Top Rocker Field, Fort Myers
December 29
Gary Puckett & Union Gap SW Florida Event Center, Bonita
January 13
Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee Charlie Daniels 1990s, the MTB scored four hit singles on Billboard's country chart and one on Billboard's gospel chart. More than 40 years after forming, The Marshall Tucker Band continues to tour, performing more than 130 live dates each year. The Jack Michael Band features original artist Jack Michael from Punta Gorda performing original music as well as country and rock cover songs. Advance tickets for this outdoor performance are on sale now for $55. A limited number of $125 VIP tickets are available, with a private section directly in front of the stage with seating, private bar and two beverages. Since this show is an outside event, attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs. However, no coolers or pets will be permitted. This is a rain or shine event. For more details, visit www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com
Clay Walker
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
January 14
The Moody Blues
Germain Arena, Estero
Art Garfunkel Artis–Naples
January 19
The Lovinʼ Spoonful
SW Florida Event Center, Bonita
January 26 Air Supply
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
January 27
The Family Crest
Top Rocker Field, Fort Myers
January 28 & 29 Paula Anka Artis–Naples
January 31 Diana Krall
Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
February 2 Joe Satriani
November 21
Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Randy Newman Artis–Naples
NOVEMBER 2017
Gin Blossoms
Josh Turner
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
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December 8
December 17
JJ Grey & Mofro
Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Artis–Naples
SW Florida Event Center, Bonita
The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers
Kenny Rogers
LeAnn Rimes
John Anderson
Granger Smith
November 25
December 4
February 3 Marshall Tucker Band
Tanya Tucker
Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Vince Neil, High Valley headline Coconut Fest
The annual Coconut Festival is slated for Nov. 9 - 12 and features a full weekend of great national and local entertainment. Vince Neil, the legendary voice of Motley Crue, will headline the stage on Saturday, Nov. 11. The 96K Rock evening will also include performances by On the Border (an Eagles tribute band) and Refugee (a Tom Petty tribute band). Vince Neil, the legendary front man of Mötley Crüe, is an international superstar, accomplished businessman and heartfelt philanthropist. His unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of a generation including “Wild Side”, “Shout at the Devil,” Vince “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol’ Situation” and many others. Neil continues to perform all the classic Mötley Crüe hits with select cuts from his three solo albums. Additionally, this badass performer is working on new music, and has hinted about performing some of it during this tour: “I’ll say that we are recording some stuff for a new record this year,” he said in a Loudwire interview in January. “You often hear some surprises at our shows. I don’t want to give away some of those surprises…The music is exciting. It’s good, fun, nasty, raw energy and great songs.” Friday night is Cat Country 107.1’s Young Bucks of
Country featuring High Admission is $7 on Friday, Valley, Russell Saturday and Sunday ($5 with colDickerson, Walker lege ID). Gate entry is free on Hayes and Grayson Thursday. Rogers. High Valley's The Cape Coral Coconut major label debut single Festival started in 2005 at Sun "Make You Mine" Splash Festival Grounds and has (Atlantic / Warner come to be known as the city's sigMusic Nashville) is an nature event. exercise in balance and Over the last decade, attenpurity of expression. By dance has grown significantly, combining their bluehosting more than 20,000 people. grass roots with a modThis nutty event with national perern pulse, brothers formers, community entertainment, Brad and Curtis carnival rides, fireworks, and great Rempel have created food offers a long weekend full of High Valley something that feels family fun for residents and visisimultaneously fresh tors from all over. Highlights of the Neil and timeless. Beginning with a burst of party include two nights of national entertainment on the turbocharged acoustic guitar, the tune main stage with classic rock and country nights and an builds momentum with a four-on-the-floor kick drum and amazing fireworks display just before the headliner each rousing group choruses that beg to be shouted at full-volnight. ume. This energetic attack is mirrored by the determination Other highlights of the event include the Achieva Credit and confidence in the lyrics, aimed at winning over a "soul Union Coconut 5K, the great All-American carnival foods we miner's daughter." Also remarkable is how "Make You Mine" love, amazing carnival rides for the whole family and enterrefuses to be overwhelmed by electric instrumentation, staytainment including Polynesian dancers, acrobats, and stilt ing close to its acoustic core. That was a very conscious walkers on the Coconut Stage in the midway area. decision, according to mandolin player/harmony vocalist A craft beer garden has been added. Located in the main Curtis. tent, enjoy a variety of craft beer selections and the signature On both Friday & Saturday nights, enjoy an amazing fireCoco Fest beer, Coconut Cream. works display just before the headlining acts. For more festival details, visit www.cocofest.com.
SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES
Tyler Farr, Granger Smith to play The Ranch The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues with more national artists at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers this fall. The month begins with a show featuring Carly Pearce and Danielle Bradbery on Nov. 1. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are only $5 at the door for this all ages show. Tyler Farr returns to The Ranch on Nov. 3. Columbia Nashville’s Tyler Farr released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Suffer In Peace, in 2016. Suffer In Peace made its debut in the top 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums and Billboard Country Albums Charts. Previously with the release of his debut Tyler Farr - Nov. 3 Granger Smith - Nov. 18 album Redneck Crazy, which released in 2013, landing Farr at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and #5 on the Billboard Top 200 made Farr the only solo male country artist in the last 10 years music trailblazer Granger Smith is the flagship artist on BBR to have his first two studio albums debut in the top-5 on the Music Group’s imprint, Wheelhouse Records. With sold-out Billboard 200 Chart. His #1, platinum-selling title-track national tours, a social media following of more than 6.5 million, “Redneck Crazy” was called the “song of the summer” by The and YouTube views exceeding 100 million, Granger Smith has New York Times and projected Farr forward to celebrate backamassed a rabid audience, while building a truly groundbreakto-back #1 singles, including his first #1 as a songwriter, with ing career. Granger’s current album, Remington, released his Gold-certified hit “Whiskey in my Water.” March 2016 via Wheelhouse Records, claimed the No. 1 spot The Missouri native’s dry wit and energetic live show have on the iTunes country album chart on release day and garnered earned him industry recognition as a 2014 CRS New Faces of him the No. 1 debut for first week sales via Nielson Soundscan Country Radio and 2014 Music Row “Breakthrough Artist of the (3/14). The album, produced by Granger Smith and Frank Year” nominee. Tyler has appeared on the Today Show and Rogers, features the hit single “Backroad Song,” which landed Fox & Friends’s All American Summer Concert Series. Tyler’s the No. 1 spot at country radio (Billboard Country Airplay, first single off the newly released Suffer In Peace album, “A Mediabase and Music Row charts). Granger also received a Guy Walks into a Bar,” is proving to be Farr’s third radio hit, BMI Country Award for writing, producing, publishing (Climbing currently residing in the Top 5 at country radio, and is now RIAA Windmills) and performing “Backroad Song.” The follow up Certified gold. smash, “If The Boot Fits,” reached the Top 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets Granger was nominated in the Best New Country Artist catare $30 in advance and 35 at the door. Ben Gallaher will open egory for the 2017 iHeartRadio Awards. Advance tickets are the show that night. $20. The Ranch welcomes Granger Smith on Nov. 18. Country Other upcoming shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Gin Blossoms - Dec. 8 include Gin Blossoms on Dec. 8 and Clay Walker on Jan. 13. Also scheduled to appear at The Ranch Concert Hall are Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime on Nov. 2 and Shaggy on Nov. 10. The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community, says Brian Tidwell, general sales manager of Sam Galloway Ford. The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue. Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community, Tidwell said. For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch. For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
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Shaggy at The Ranch Nov. 10
SW FL Event Center welcomes Ambrosia, The Outlaws & more Ambrosia
The Southwest Florida Event Center, now under new ownership and management, is lining up some great entertainment for season. The center offers a diverse lineup of high end music of all genres, dinner shows and performances featuring international, national and local artists. Located in Bonita Springs, the SWFL Event Center will welcome several national artists in the coming months such as The Outlaws on Nov. 4, Ambrosia on Nov. 10, Young Dubliners on Nov. 17, John Anderson on Dec. 15, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap on Dec. 29, The Lovin’ Spoonful on Jan. 19, Sponge on Feb. 8, Don McLean on Feb. 23 and Ana Popovic on March 6.
Some of Ambrosia’s hits from the 1970s and ‘80s include “How Much I Feel,” “Biggest Part of Me,” “You’re the Only Woman (You & I),” “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” and “Magical Mystery Tour.” The center also has a diverse lineup of tribute artists: Michael Jackson on Nov. 12, Everly Brothers on Nov. 16, Journey on Nov. 18, Jimmy Buffett on Dec. 9, Tina Turner on Jan. 6, Bruce Springsteen on Jan. 24, The Beatles on Jan. 26, Billy Joel on Feb. 1, Bee Gees on Feb. 17 and Neil Diamond on March 3. The SW Florida Event Center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE. For tickets and info, call 239-245-9910 or visit www.swfleventcenter.com
DeutermanProductions.com in his success. association with Ineffable Music In 1993, Shaggy exploded on the Group present Shaggy in concert music scene with his debut album “Pure Friday, Nov. 10 at The Ranch Pleasure.” His remix of the Ska classic Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Oh Carolina from that album was an Myers. instant hit in England and other counWith a commanding presence, tries. Shaggy followed up with his sophoa distinctive voice that is recogmore album “Boombastic” in 1995. nizable throughout the world and “Boombastic” went certified platinum, titles such as artist, businessman, won a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best philanthropist and Grammy Award Reggae Album and topped an impressive winner, Shaggy is and has been a chart list that included the Top 40 Shaggy forced to be reckoned with. A son Rhythmic charts, Hot 100, Billboard 200, of the brambly streets of Kingston, among others. Jamaica, his discipline, which he credits to his Doors open at 7 p.m. of this 18 and up show. military background, has been the foundation of For tickets, visit www.EventBrite.com.
The Family Crest to headline WGCU’s Twisted Strings Jan. 27
The Family Crest will headline the 2018 Twisted Strings Music Festival on Saturday, Jan 27 at Top Rocker Field, Six Bends HarleyDavidson in Fort Myers. In its second year, Twisted Strings is WGCU Public Media’s outdoor festival bringing together classically trained musicians who fuse their years of musical training on stringed instruments with the sounds of jazz, blues, soul, rock, hip-hop and world music. With lead vocalist Liam McCormick, The Family Crest blends classical romantic music with horn-laden Roaring ‘20s sounds. This San Francisco based seven-piece band was named
#13 on Pastes magazine Best New Bands of 2014 noting that “Even with just seven people on stage, The Family Crest’s sweeping orchestral pop can hardly be contained.” The gates will open at 4 p.m. for an evening of music, food and fun. Back by popular demand and performing as guests arrive will be Southwest Florida’s Hot-Buttered Nuggets. The festival opener is SW Florida’s Bradford Leary Quintet. The national opener will be Simply Three. Tickets are on sale at www.twistedstrings.org. General admission is $35 per person or two tickets for $60. VIP tickets are $150 per person.
Exclusive VIP Acoustic Event presented by Happenings Magazine
A Very Special Evening With
Author Rhonda Nelson & Little River Band's Wayne Nelson Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5pm doors open at 4pm
An intimate, interactive evening of stories and songs! With special guests Greg Hind & Chris Marion, also members of Little River Band
Rhonda will talk about life on the road and her book “A Different Life” with acoustic music presented by members of Little River Band.
To reserve tickets, call Happenings Magazine at 239-278-5236 2210 Bay Street The Barrel Room /Downtown Fort Myers 32
NOVEMBER 2017
Limited seating
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Rock Fest 80s Nov. 4 & 5 features weekend of hits
Get ready to “Surrender” to the relentless rock royalty lineup set to ignite South Florida this fall for the second annual Rock Fest 80s. The epic two-day event is coming to C.B. Smith Park on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5. A total of 16 bands will grace the Rockfest stage at this fan-favorite festival event. This year’s spectacular lineup features three Rock and Roll Hall of Famers: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, as well as Sebastian Bach, Dokken, Foghat, Lita Ford, The Outlaws, Little River Band, Steelheart, Jack Russell’s Great White, Quiet Riot, South Florida’s local hero’s Mr. Nice Guy and Coral Springs local rockers Stellar Revival.
C.B. Smith Park, located at 900 N. Flamingo Road in Pembroke Pines, is a 299acre site and is one of Broward County Parks and Recreation's most diverse parks, as well as one of its most popular. Along with a water park that includes water slides and a tube ride, the park offers a large RV campground, a tennis complex, a family golfing center and many other amenities. Doors open noon to 10:30 p.m. each day. General admission tickets for Rockfest 80s are on sale. VIP tickets and (one or two-day) packages are available for music fans seeking that ultimate Rockfest 80s experience. To purchase tickets or more information about RockFest 80s, visit online at www.Rockfest80s.com or email info@rockfestconcerts.com
Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment presents country music star Jerrod Niemann live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. A prolific Nashville singersongwriter known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, Niemann’s most recent release is the romantic single, “God Made A Woman,” now impacting country radio. Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, Niemann is digging deeper with his forthcoming Curb Records album featuring an uplifting duet, “A Little More Love,” with good friend and label mate Lee Brice. Niemann last topped country charts with his Platinum-certified, multi–week No. 1 anthem “Drink to That All Night” from the album “High Noon,” on which he co-wrote eight of the 12 tracks. Niemann first burst onto the country music
scene in 2010 with his criticallyacclaimed major-label debut, “Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury,” which featured Platinum-certified No. 1 smash “Lover, Lover” and Gold-certified Top 5 hit “What Do You Want.” His second release, “Free The Music,” included the Top 15 hit “Shinin’ On Me” and the poignant ballad “Only God Could Love You More.” From Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and CMT Award nominations, to headlining and touring with some of country’s hottest acts like Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, Niemann continues to make his mark by creatively pushing boundaries all while offering a sincere nod to the legends before him. Advance tickets are on sale now for $60 and are available at the casino, on www.jaytv.com or by calling 800-218-0007. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & IT$ NOT OBER YET Productions present Air Supply in concert. The super duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. A “Lost in Love” VIP ticket package also will be available for $159 per person and will include one premium reserved seat in the first 12 rows, an invitation to sound check with a meet & greet to follow for photo opportunities with Air Supply, and an exclusive VIP swag bag. Air Supply was already a hit in their native Australia when they burst onto the American music scene in 1980 with the chart-topping single “Lost in Love,” which was quickly followed by “All Out of Love.” Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The Beatles' run of consecutive top
five singles. The albums “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Now & Forever,” and “The Greatest Hits” sold in excess of 20 million copies. "Lost in Love" was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles, sold more than 10 million copies. Singles "Lost in Love", "All Out of Love", "The One That You Love", "Sweet Dreams", and "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. Air Supply’s trademark sound – Hitchcock's soaring tenor voice and Russell's simple yet majestic songs – delights audiences around the world as the duo continue to tour on a regular basis. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available now starting at $85 for general admission can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com, at the casino or by phone at 800-514-ETIX(3849).
Jerrod Niemann to play at Seminole Casino Hotel Nov. 5
Air Supply to perform Jan. 26
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
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Art
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •
Estero Fine Art Show moves to Gulf Coast Town Center Join Hot Works for the 20th bi-annual Estero Fine Art Show to be held Nov. 18 and 19 at a brand new location, at Gulf Coast Town Center next to Bass Pro Shop. The boutique style, two-day outdoor art juried fine art and fine craft show is voted in the top 100 art shows in the nation – the last three years - and attracts some of the country’s finest artists. Among them will be watercolor and mixed media artist Gwendolyn Redfern, whose original painting, “Color Girls,” serves as the poster art for the show. Painting has always been part of Redfern’s life, but she also discovered pottery while completing her B.F.A. in painting at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She initially chose ceramic classes to fill in her schedule, but pottery quickly became another vehicle for her creative expression. Today, her pottery has become synonymous with sleek design, spectacular glazes and intricate carving. However, it is through her oil and watercolor work that she challenges viewers to embark upon vivid journeys to other dimensions. Redfern has no interest in rendering representational portraits, preferring instead to craft psychological studies that focus on the emotions reflected in the faces of everyday people she encounters as she goes about her daily routine. “My art represents my life experiences – hidden secrets, experiences forgotten or wished forgotten - experiences that move the soul so hard that they entice a warm smile or bring on laughter,” Redfern confesses. The disjointed forms, daubs and smears of pigment and excited coloring give her paintings a dynamically expressive quality. These and other artistic devices force her audiences to
Gwendolyn Redfern
Annual Arts for ACT auction and gala to be held Nov. 11
The Arts for ACT 2017 gala and fine art auction is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. The annual benefit will feature live and silent auctions, raffle, dining, dancing and entertainment by “The Original Studio 54” Band. Doors open at 5 p.m. for registration, silent auction, raffle and cocktails. Dinner will be at 6:15 p.m., and the live auction starts at 7 p.m.
Entertainment and dancing starts at 9 p.m. This year, guests are encouraged to wear purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence, says event chair Stephen Blancett. The event benefits the programs and services provided by Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc. Tickets are $150 each. For tickets and more information, call 239-939-2553 or visit online at www.artsforactfineartauction.com
Fine Arts Festival in Punta Gorda
The 2017 Fine Arts Festival will celebrate Pablo Picasso, the famous artist whose work transformed modern art and permeated our culture. Picasso (1881-1973) introduced cubism and explored different theories and techniques, namely the imagination, opening the door for artist to explore a whole new dimension of creativity. The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and large-scale mural reveal Oct. 30 at noon at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, kicking
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off the start of the Fine Arts Festival and all the events that follow through Nov. 30. Following the unveiling of the large-scale mural painted by Sue Welch, several educational and festive events will take place in November. The month-long celebration leads up to the grand finale: A Tapas Night, a Spanish inspired evening of dancing, drinks and delicious tapas. For events requiring tickets, call (941) 639-8810 to purchase. The center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda.
NOVEMBER 2017
Joan Mikelsons
Polly Matsumoto
consider self and spirit, and to question the influences of powers greater than our own. “My paintings are also packed with surprises and hidden content,” she reveals. “One of my early influences was John Biggers (an artist renowned for his meticulous humanistic depictions of African and African-American life). Every time I looked at one of his murals, I saw something different. That’s what I strive for in my own oil and watercolor paintings as well.” Redfern’s work defies categorization. However, her work expands upon the legacy created by van Gogh, Picasso and Chaim Soutine, including their impulsive, often turbulent brushstrokes and knack for creating highly-charged movement through form, color and shape. Her visual storytelling is also influenced by the Native American side of her lineage. There’s a story behind “Color Girls,” as well. Although the painting now serves as the poster art for November’s Estero Fine Art Show, the composition was originally conceived for a local performance of The Vagina Monologues that a friend produced and directed. “She used it in the playbill for the show,” notes Redfern with a lilt in her voice. You can meet Gwendolyn Redfern and view her art at the Estero Fine Art Show on Nov. 18 and 19. Show hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will find the show outdoors at the Gulf Coast Town Center next to Bass Pro Shops. The Estero Fine Art Show is produced by Hot Works, LLC, which has been producing quality, perennially top-100 art fairs and festivals since 2003. For more information, visit www.hotworks.org or email patty@hotworks.org.
BIG ARTS opens season on Sanibel
BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island was created by and for the community in 1979, and owes its rich history to a small band of dedicated artists who drew inspiration from each other and from the breath-taking island beauty that infused their work with grace and authenticity. They set out to create a special gathering place where artistic and educational experiences were accessible to all. BIG ARTS leadership has carried and expanded that vision through the generations to create what today is a vibrant center jammed-packed with more than 200 workshops, 4 professional theater productions, 16 fabulous internationally recognized artists, 11 fine arts exhibits, and dozens of stimulating panels and timely lectures from national thought leaders on everything from health to geo-politics BIG ARTS welcomes back fiber artists Eliza Brewster, Donna Kjonaas, Vicki Kessler, and Polly Matsumoto in a group exhibit called Material Matters and is on display Nov. 29 - Dec. 29 in Phillips Gallery. With the use of fibers, textiles and other materials, each artist will explore their own ideas with a variety of elements. The Buy it Off The Wall exhibit in Founders Gallery will run Nov. 29 - Dec. 29. Just in time for the holidays! Art lovers and buyers will appreciate this juried “cash and carry” exhibit featuring BIG ARTS members. Come by Founders Gallery to see a wide variety of artists, mediums, and subject matter. Whether you love traditional or contemporary art you are bound to see something inspiring. Offerings include but are not limited to painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. An artists reception will be held Dec. 8 form 5:30 - 7 p.m. for both shows. To find out more about the exciting new season at BIG ARTS, visit online at www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
ART COUNCIL OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Connecting artists and the arts in Southwest Florida since 1963
8074 Mediterranean Drive • Estero 239-949-3073
THE CO-OPERATIVE ART GALLERY at Coconut Point Mall (beside Panera Bread)
Highlighting the work of the ar tists and ar tisans of Southwest Florida Showcasing contemporary and traditional painting, photography, fused glass, ceramics, pottery, wood carvings and more.
November: Tues. - Sat. 11 am - 5 pm, Sun. noon - 5 pm December: Mon - Sat. 11 am - 5 pm, Sun. noon - 5 pm Come join us for our monthly receptions on Nov. 9 and Dec. 7. Meet and greet the artists. Refreshments and entertainment.
www.ACSWF.org
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Annual Sandsculpting Championship Nov. 17 - 26 on Fort Myers Beach
Bonita Bay Art Festival Nov. 18 & 19 KC Collins
The Bonita Bay Invitational Art Festival will be held at The Promenade in Bonita Bay Nov. 18 and 19 from 1 to 7 p.m. This boutique art festival will showcase the best works of 24 of the nations finest artists, both local and national. The Promenade is home to the famous DeRomo's Gourmet Market & Restaurant, The Center Bar, Roy’s and a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and professional service options, perfect for locals and visitors to Southwest Florida. The Bonita Bay Invitational Art Festival will be part of The Promenade’s season kick off.
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NOVEMBER 2017
Artists will be demonstrating and displaying their works of art along the pathways of the shopping center. You will be able to stroll along the wonderful walkways and browse the artist’s works and visit the local shops and restaurants. The restaurants will be presenting special menus during the event and the wonderful and unique shops will be offering special sales items. Come dance under the lights after you take in this truly special event. Join other art lovers for gourmet food, delicious cocktails, fabulous artwork and some of the areas finest shopping. For more details, call 239-293-9448 or visit promenadeshops.com.
The 31st annual American Sandsculpting Championship will take place Nov. 17 - 26 on Fort Myers Beach. Hosted by Wyndham Garden, the event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily on the beach behind Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd. Attendees can see more than 40 sculptures. The event features contests, vendors, live music, lessons and demonstrations and kids activities. Admission is $7. Kids 4 and under are admitted free.
Free parking and shuttle are available from Lover’s Key. For more information about this annual event, visit www.fmbsandsculpting.com
Davis Art Center group show features four photographers Explore the many sides of Fort Myers in City of Palms, a group art show featuring works by Dennis Church, Larry Massing, Roy Rodriguez and Sandra Yeyati. This showcase interprets The City of Fort Myers slogan through a photographic exhibition. Each artist will display 30 images depicting their unique vision of the diverse symbolism of this ubiquitous tree, and perhaps to explore why this iconic plant has become a symbol for paradise. The opening night celebration is set for Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. during Art Walk. The exhibit closes Nov. 21. Dennis Church is a native Iowan, and is a self taught photographer. He is a former commercial and freelance photographer with national magazine clients and many regional commercial clients in the Midwest. His fine art photographs have been exhibited in a number of galleries in the U.S., and been featured in many online and hardcopy publications in the U.S. and Europe. Larry Massing attended Southern Illinois University and obtained a Bachelor of Science Photography (1973) with concentrations in fine art photography, journalism and environmental sciences. Following graduation, Massing’s professional work began at Schwartz Studios in Dayton, Ohio as an advertising/illustration photographer and then as a partner in Massing Patterson Studios. Five and a half years later, Massing moved to Florida and worked as a part time photographer working for Robert Rauschenberg’s Untitled Press archiving Rauschenberg’s
Roy Rodriguez
work. Massing continued this work for 25 years, a time Massing describes as artistic growth for via the mentoring friendship and support of Bob Rauschenberg and others within the Rauschenberg organization. Roy Rodriguez began working in studio photography at the Cleveland Museum of Art and pursued personal exploration of photography for several years. Rodriguez's photographs work with light, forms, shadows, textures, and space. In addition, Rodriguez’s works attempt to clarify an ongoing examination of a theme which are best characterized as being "on the edge of recognition." Sandra Yeyati is an award-winning photographer and digital artist. A number of her pieces have been juried into local and national competitions, including the Camera USA national photography competition, and displayed in Naples and Fort Myers galleries. Her photographs have also appeared in several publications. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Co-operative Art Gallery at Coconut Point kicks off new season Nov. 9
The Co-operative Art Gallery at Coconut Point will hold a reception on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m., highlighting the official kickoff the gallery’s in-season schedule of art sales and activities. The gallery, located at the mall next to Panera Bread, exclusively represents the work of local artists and craftspeople who are members of one of the 19 art organizations affiliated with the Art Council of Southwest Florida. The work they present at the gallery ranges across the entire visual arts: painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more. The reception, featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres, provides a chance to browse the gallery and
talk to many of the artists. The November reception will also feature a book launch. Lisa Batch will be on hand to discuss her latest children’s book, “The First Song,” featuring 35 watercolors by the author. The book tells the story of a little girl living in a past age just on the brink of language, and discovering that music can bring together both people and animals. Live entertainment at the reception will be provided by two young people performing songs that enhance the plot of “The First Song.” The gallery is an entirely volunteer effort with participating artists always on hand to discuss the work on display and handle sales. For info about gallery participation or sales, call 239-949-3073.
Calling all art aficionados to join organizers at Paint the Beach, Nov. 7-12 on Fort Myers Beach. At this eighth annual event, hosted by Fort Myers Beach Art Association, artists are invited to paint throughout the town of Fort Myers Beach from Main Street to Lovers Key Park on Nov. 7 9 then show the work in the festival tent in Santini Plaza from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Art will be for sale. On Wednesday, Nov. 8 there will be a special “Sundowner” painting event in front of Junkanoo as the sun is setting. Artists start at 4 and end at 6 with a gathering at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association across the street immediately after-
ward. Meet the artists and see the art all in one place. Fort Myers Beach Art Association is at 3030 Shell Mound. Join the artists at the Collectors Preview and Awards Reception on Nov. 10, from 5 - 8 p.m. under the tent at Santini Marina Plaza, 7205 Estero Blvd. Tickets $10 for this reception are available at www.paintthebeach.com. The art will be on display for the first time at the reception and prizes will be awarded. The art will on display until 2 p.m. on Nov. 12. A great opportunity to watch artists again is at the Quick Draw held Nov. 11 at Times Square. Artists will have from 9 – 11 a.m. to create a painting. For more info, visit www.PainttheBeach.com.
Annual Paint the Beach Nov. 7 - 12
FGCU showcasing art of Barbara Balzer, Linda Hall
The Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University present “Untethered, Stories Come Like Charms: Barbara Balzer and Linda Hall” in the Wasmer Art Gallery now through Nov. 16. The works of Barbara Balzer and Linda Hall playfully draw on art history and mythology using ceramics and soft sculpture. Their fantastical and sometimes humorous works are being shown together for the first time, providing two distinct viewpoints that revisit age-old stories. More than 30 sculptures and installations ranging from the intimate to monumental will guide viewers through the space. “As artists, we shepherd fragile ideas into intimate forms, both human and animal, both real and unreal,” say Balzer and Hall in a joint statement. This exhibition is curated by gallery director John Loscuito and Barbara Balzer, Les Diplomates (left) and Linda gallery coordinator Anica Hall, Sometimes The Earth is Sky (right) Sturdivant. The Wasmer Art Gallery is in the Arts Complex on FGCU’s main campus at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Parking is available in Lot 7 for gallery For more information on this exhibivisitors. Regular viewing hours are 10 tion and others, go online to www.arta.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, gallery.fgcu.edu or call (239) 590-7199.
MORE THAN 90 LOCAL JURIED ARTISTS
Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show
SATURDAY, NOV. 11TH 11am - 5pm
Cambier Park
580 8th Street South, Naples just south of 5th Avenue
Free Admission & Parking
www.NaplesArtcrafters.com 38
NOVEMBER 2017
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Dedo, Justin Markley at ACT Gallery
Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will feature the work of artists Dedo and Justin Markley in November. Dedo was born in his first semester at Tampa Tech in 1995 where he received a degree in graphic design. He moved on to sculpture and continued design while taking courses at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, the Cultural Center and at Ringling. Working on constructions using recycled materials has become a favorite pastime, which continues today. In 2014, he had the opportunity to create something different for couture runways shows in Naples, Fort Myers and St. Pete. This became the foundation for body masks, photography props and a continuing fascination with body and face casting. Dedo’s current art is reverse collages where figurative abstract images are filled with text and patterns from newspapers and magazines. He has exhibited at DAAS Gallery, Creations Gallery and the Farmeadow Gallery in St. Pete. A book of his work, “Dedo the Art of John Cristina,” was published by Book-Broker Publishers of Florida in 2016. Justin Markley is not a traditional artist, but an angler. A fisherman with creativity and talent to capture his animated moments from the water onto canvas. His ability to skillfully, intertwine his two greatest passions, fishing and art, by drawing upon his encounters with aquatic life is what has led to his successful art career. Justin's move to Southwest Florida two years ago has given him the opportunity to embrace the tropical culture and beautiful beaches, which are inspirations for his recent pieces. ACT Gallery is also featuring new works by over 25 co-op artists. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 during Fort Myers Art Walk. Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers.
Justin Markley
Dedo
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
DAAS Co-Op Gallery to showcase Carmelo Perez
In November, DAAS drawings. Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts Usually abstract will get INKdecent with the designs that are colorful, art of guest artist Camilo complex and structured. Perez. The exhibition, entiThe artworks are mostly tled INKdecent Break, executed in watercolors highlights the artists amazand ink on embossed ing compositions of patpaper. The layout concept terns and colorful illustrais fragmented to simulate tions. the effect of a stained The opening reception glass design.” – comcoincides with the monthly ments the artist regarding SoCo Second Saturday, his medium of preferheld at the SoCo Cultural ence. “Their meaning to District (Alliance for the me is that of life's comArts and Royal Palm plexity and diversity, their Square block) on societal meaning derived Saturday, Nov. 11 from 6 from the observation of to 10 p.m. how each element of the Perez has always been artwork is a separate a creative being. “I believe building block, defined by I started drawing the first boundaries yet an importime I was given a pencil tant part to a larger strucas a child.” – says the ture. That’s what I believe Carmelo Perez artist, who focuses on is the role of each human minuscule details, repeatbeing in society,” says ed in form and shape throughout his crePerez, who will be present during the recepations. “Nothing feels better to me than using tion to meet and greet all attendees. colors as a form of expression, and all I have For more information about the gallery, to do is look around in nature for all the inspivisit www.daascoop.com or call 239-590ration I need.” – adds the artist. 8645. DAAS COo-Op Art Gallery is located in Born in Honda, Tolima, Colombia (South the Royal Palm Square at 1400 Colonial America), Perez moved to the United States Blvd., suite 84, in Fort Myers. during his late teens. “As an artist, expressing Season hours are Tuesday to Saturday my creativity takes shape in the form of line from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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High fashion meets fine art Nov. 2
Imagine the glamour and tive on the typical runway energy of New York Fashion show. We are thrilled to Week combined with the offer NAA supporters a sophistication and exclusivity front-row seat for this of Naples and you have engaging and exciting exhiScene to be Seen: An Art bition,” said Aimee Schlehr, Runway Show presented by Naples Art Association the Naples Art Association. CEO and executive direcThis inaugural wearable art tor. experience, chaired by Before the fully-staged Amanda Jaron of A.JARON runway show, guests will Fine Jewelry, will take place enjoy a dynamic welcome on Nov. 2 at Volvo Cars of reception complete with Naples and will showcase the delicious hors d'oeuvres talent of more than 25 local and signature cocktails all and internationally-recognized in an immersive atmosartists on models strutting the phere allowing the opporturunway. nity to socialize and experiFor artist Leeann Kroetsch ence the artists’ process that means using non-tradiand work first-hand. After tional seamless felting techthe show, artists from Los niques to combine 10 yards of Scene to be Seen will include Angeles, New York, hand-dyed chiffon and habotai Philippines, and Italy as Mariapia Malerba, a talented, silk fabric, 12 shades of meriwell as right here in Italian-American artwear no wool fiber, and silk fiber for Southwest Florida will designer. embellishments to create a have their work, including spectacular swing coat. men’s and women’s gar“Over the years, the intensity of my artistic ments; accessories; jewelry; and more, on disendeavors has continued to grow with my choplay and available for purchase. And, the sen medium in textile arts, specifically felting. night wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous I am most inspired and captivated by the after-party with music and a cash bar provided magic which happens while I make fabric out by Shula's Steakhouse of Naples. of wool fiber. I seek materials from all sources Scene to be Seen: An Art Runway Show and I am most thrilled when I can regenerate a will take place on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 vintage thrift store find into a renewed and p.m. at Volvo Cars of Naples. Tickets are $150 uniquely beautiful new element,” said per VIP ticket; $75 per general admission tickKroetsch. et; and $25 per student ticket and may be pur“By utilizing materials and found objects chased by visiting www.naplesart.org/scene-tonot often associated with high fashion, these be-seen-a-runway-art-show/ or by calling 239artists are able to create a fresh, new perspec262-6517.
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Harbour View Gallery to showcase artists Shirley Hales and Bev Spana Southwest Florida 2010 Angels Harbour View Gallery in Cape of the Arts, Arts Organization Coral will welcome featured Leader of the Year Award. In artists Shirley Hales (watercolors) 2013, she was one of seven and Bev Spana (acrylics) at a Cape Coral artists selected for reception on Tuesday, Nov. 7 the Alliance of the Arts Annual from 6 to 8 p.m. Art Studio Tour. Shirley has worked as a proBeverly Spana Funktional Art fessional artist for 15 years. She began in 1997 with her first began her art career in the experience in glass painting. Washington, D.C., area before Finding her inspiration for that moving to Florida in 2005. turned her to furniture painting, Although proficient in numerfloor cloth painting, some jewelry ous art mediums, her medium of making, and glass fusing. choice is watercolor. Shirley’s At Harbour View Gallery, she paintings capture her enjoyment is featuring glass painting. With of nature with her passion for emphasis on the glass painting, artistic realism in a wide range of each piece is painted by her. subjects. Her favorites include Shirley Hales French porcelain paints created landscapes, brilliant sunsets, nauspecifically for glass and porcelain are used in tical scenes and wildlife. Shirley’s award-winthe process. After the painted glass cures it ning work has been featured in major publicarequires a low temperature firing for permations, in juried exhibits and is held in private nence and durability to hold up to and corporate collections around every day use. Because of this the world. She has produced process the items can be placed watercolor illustrations for a in the dishwasher. The more deliworld-wide public relations firm cate glass should be hand and readily accepts commiswashed in order to avoid breaksioned work for her clients. age. Shirley is the founder and past Bev is originally from president of Harbour View Massillon, Ohio, and was transGallery. She recently retired from planted to Nokomis, Fla., in 1966 Harbour View Gallery and is conwith her family. She’s been a ressidering new artistic endeavors. ident of Cape Coral since 1978. Her creation of the gallery and Their work will be on display introduction of the first annual through November. The gallery is 2010 “Paint the Cape” plein air located at 5789 Cape Harbour competition and exhibition resultDrive, Cape Coral. ed in her nomination for the Bev Spana
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Sanibel Art Festival Nov. 24 & 25
Highwayman artists at CCC Festival in Sebring on Nov. 11
Florida Highwaymen artists Roy McLendon Sr. and son, Roy, Jr., (above) will be among the artists at this yearĘźs Civilian Conservation Corps Festival Nov. 11 at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring. Other Florida Highwayman artists will include Mary Ann Carroll and Curtis Arnett. The 32nd annual festival will also feature arts & crafts vendors, blacksmithing, pine cone quilting and folk art. The fest runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.floridastateparks.org or www.friendsofhighlandshammock.org for more details.
set spot. Her full-time job became A ripple in the ocean. That's part-time and allowed her one day where their eyes instinctively go off each week, which she decided when they look up from the to spend at the beach. The plan shore every so often to see how was to walk the beach for an hour, far out mom has wandered. then go home and adult by doing Then the water shoes emerge housework until it was time to pick from the center of that ripple, up the kids from school. Then then a bit more leg. Mom's those beach walks started evolving practically mastered the underinto beach treasure hunts as Ali water hand-stand by now, had to stop every other step to though its not particularly gracepick up whatever ocean refuse lay ful like yoga, nor is it a sight to before her: barnacle-covered sunbehold like synchronized swimglasses, frayed rope, a stormming. It's just mom's preferred tossed crab cage, a plastic green method of shell seeking. Bright army man, a unique sea shell, you yellow mask on tight, she combs name it. After a few months of the ocean floor, eye to shark's beachcombing, it was the sea eye, emerging a moment later-shells that really captivated her sometimes gasping for air--but most. Ali joined a few shell collecalmost always grasping a handtor groups on social media to start ful of treasures. Ali Mick identifying shell names and variOn the shore, the kids play in eties, then began learning from the the sand, or sometimes go on a local experts the best places, hunt for shells they know mom times, and methods to find these nautical treasures. will love, or for a rare piece of frosty sea glass. When mom Ali adorns herself with flair that reflects her love of the finally emerges from the water dragging a shell bag heavy with ocean and the nautical life: shell bracelets, necklaces, rings-loot, the kids identify every shell with ease: the freckly coveted shiny mermaid bling! There's definitely no shortage of mermaid spots of the alphabet cones, the vibrant hues of the zigzag accessories out there, and Ali had always been the happy conscallops, the crazy spikes of the spiny jewel box... the list goes sumer of this flair. But in early 2017, after taking a jewelry class on ... and Ali Mick relishes them all. with a girlfriend, she decided to put her collection to use and Of course the kids know to save any fragment of the elusive craft her own beachwear baubles. Junonia. But Ali's personal favorite find is Florida’s state shell See Ali's work at The Sanibel Masters Art Festival Nov. 24 a bright orange horse conch. and 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Sanibel Community House, Ali's been spoiled by the gorgeous beaches of Naples and 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Sanibel, her hometown, her entire life. But it wasn't until 2014 For further information, call 239-293-9448 or go to that she really started becoming acquainted with the local www.boulderbrook.net. beaches as something more than a quick stop-to-see-the-sun-
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Parrot Heads & power boat races
Several thousand fans of singer/songwriter/author Jimmy Buffett, known as Parrot Heads, make an annual pilgrimage to the subtropical island that inspired many of Buffett’s hits. The 26th Annual Parrot Heads in Key West, Meeting of the Minds takes place Nov. 1 through Nov. 5. Parrot Head club members focus on charitable, environmental, educational and humanitarian activities. Highlights include concerts by Buffett band members and friends, plus notable “trop” rockers. Casa Marina is the host hotel for the festival. While most events are open only to registered Parrot Heads, the public is invited to the musical Margaritaville Street Fest on famed Duval Street. That event will take place Friday, Nov. 3 at the corner of Fleming and Duval streets from noon to 5:30 p.m. Scheduled performers include Jimmy arris and the 2015 powerboat races photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau Waves at noon, the Yong Rebel Goombas at 2 p.m. and Howard Livingston and Mile Marker at 4 p.m. For more info about the fest, visit www.phip.com. p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, with a parade of race boats on famed Duval Meanwhile, high-speed action and high-level competition are Street in the island’s historic downtown. to keep spectators’ adrenaline pumping at the Key West World The competition builds through the week with races Championships set for Sunday through Sunday, Nov. 5 - 12. Wednesday, Nov. 8; Friday, Nov. 10; and Sunday, Nov. 12. Races The 37th annual championship series is to feature boats are scheduled at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on raced by leading American and international teams. Competitors all three days with most featuring boats from multiple classes. roar over a 4.5-mile-per-lap course that includes Key West On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the boats, Harbor and provides unparalleled viewing for fans of skill and watch in-water testing runs and mingle with racers and crews at speed. the race village on Key West’s Truman Waterfront, which lies Boats typically face both rough and calm water conditions beyond the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and during the season-ending event, dubbed the Indianapolis 500 of Truman Annex. the offshore powerboat racing circuit. The rigorous course is a General admission tickets are available, as are all-inclusive primary reason for Key West’s reputation as one of the world’s VIP spectator passes for the Truman Waterfront grandstands and top racing venues. hospitality tent. Other popular viewing areas include waterfront The spectator-friendly course layout means boats sometimes hotels and Key West’s Mallory Square. thunder past within 50 yards of fans, enabling them to almost feel For more information, visit online at www.superboat.com. For the salt spray as racers jockey for position. Key West visitor information, go to www.fla-keys.com/keywest or The Key West World Championship series is to kick off at 4 call 1-800-LAST-KEY
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UPCOMING EVENTS
IN KEY WEST
Key West Film Festival
Nov. 15 - Nov. 19 Showcasing films that exhibit excellence in storytelling, the festival’s lineup is to feature screenings and special events hosted at landmark venues throughout Key West, including the San Carlos Institute, Studios of Key West and Key West Theater. The four-day program is to include several films from multiple genres and categories as well as social events with filmmakers, actors and film lovers. www.kwfilmfest.com
Key West Holiday Fest
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Each year a wide range of seasonal celebrations takes place throughout Key West during the month of December. Events include the lighting of the Harbor Walk of Lights, tours of historic decorated inns, a holiday parade and much more. www.keywestinns.com
Key West Grand Prix of the Sea
Dec. 8 - Dec. 10 Experience non-stop racing action as SeaDoo, Yamaha, and Kawasaki personal watercraft racers take to the water averaging 75 mph. This race is the final round in 2017 and serves as the overall championship for the PRO Enduro and International Amateur Championship. Jetcross Jet Ski stand up races will also be a part of this family friendly event free to the public. www.p1aquax.com
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
River District
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Goodwill Festival of Trees opens Nov. 29 at the Davis Art Center
Ring in the holiday season at the 11th Annual Festival of Trees! Get into the holiday spirit from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 when Festival of Trees takes over the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. A preview party is planned for Nov. 28 from 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 239-6521613 for tickets. Local businesses and organizations decorate unique Christmas trees to be raffled and auctioned. The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is the beneficiary of the Festival of Trees. The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation is dedicated to providing a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment by providing opportunities to achieve independence. Supporting the mission of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, the Foundation works to ensure long-term funding is available for programs and services as needs escalate in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For more info on Goodwill Industries of SWFL, visit www.goodwilltrees.com. Plus, enjoy a throwback Christmas concert from the Nowhere Band on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. The Nowhere Band is a Florida-based Beatles tribute band utilizing vintage, historically accurate equipment to flawlessly recreate the Beatles' most
Christmas Carol Sing set for Dec. 5
Celebrate the holidays and help feed the hungry by singing at the 27th Annual Christmas Carol Sing sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. The Christmas Carol Sing will be Tuesday, Dec. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers, between Lee Street and Royal Palm Avenue. Admission is free, although organizers request voluntary donations of at least two cans of non-perishable Eddygrace food for The Soup Kitchen, operated by Community Cooperative, and a voluntary cash donation, if you can. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, three sing-alongs are planned at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to
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show time. Hymn Sing organizer Sam Galloway, Jr., has made feeding the hungry part of his life’s work. “Our community has done so much to help our neighbors, but we need to do even more, especially with so many people still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Irma. If we each just gave the equivalent of what we would spend on a meal – either at home or in a restaurant – those few dollars could feed a family of four for an entire Bernhard week.” Galloway said. The Christmas Carol Sing is a festival of holiday music and family fun. 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-a-longs.
iconic performances. Setting them apart from the competition is their eye for detail and obsession with accuracy sets them apart from the competition. Then, Santa makes a special stop in downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Santa’s Block Party. Enjoy holiday entertainment provided by numerous groups of children from around Lee County. Plus, purchase brunch from one of many local food trucks. Then, join Santa for arts and crafts, Christmas card coloring, letters to Santa, cookie decorating with Publix, and building a fun wood craft with Home Depot. Play games and have fun in a bounce house from Bounce4Less. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Annual Edison Garden Festival Nov. 18 & 19
On Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will hold its Edison Garden Festival. Dozens of vendors from all over the state of Florida will have exotic and tropical plants and trees, along with garden art and supplies for sale. Vendors and Edison Ford horticulturists will be on site to assist with plant selection and answer gardening questions. The Edison Ford Garden Shoppe will be open and stocked with unusual, native and heritage plants that have been proven to thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flower pots, garden art
and gardening gift items will also be available. Plant vendors will have palms, vegetables, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cactus and many hard-tofind species, as well as garden supplies and gift items, including mulch, trellises, pottery, cut flowers, hats and jewelry available for sale. The festival will also feature live music and refreshments. Parking and admission to the Garden Festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and lab are not included). For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Join us on The Rooftop for Happy Hour & Sunsets every day!
Ivy Cottage Antiques & Treasures 2259 Widman Way
(formerly Peck Street)
Fort Myers River District
(239) 226-0025
ENTERTAINMENT EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Explore our venues to host your next party. AN IHG HOTEL ®
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www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl
1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers
6,000 square feet filled with treasures
Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by. Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more.
Tuesday through Friday 11 - 5, Saturday 11 - 4 DIRECTIONS: Downtown Fort Myers ... Take MLK ... Look for the Oasis Restaurant. Turn on to Hendry Street, then left on Widman Way (formerly Peck St). We are directly one block BEHIND the Oasis Restaurant. FREE PARKING.
FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH
(rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM
Artist Lisa Freidus at Arts for ACT Gallery in October.
The next Art Walk is
Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 - 10 p.m.
and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Artist Jet Victory at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in October.
RIGHT: Artist Pat Cleveland at Arts for ACT Gallery in October.
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Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!
1520 Broadway • Suite 105
DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Tel: (239) 334-6991 • Fax (239) 334-6591 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com 46
NOVEMBER 2017
Located at the entrance to the
Hotel Indigo
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Holiday Nights opens Nov. 24 at the Edison & Ford Estates
and will showcase some of the most Edison & Ford Winter Estates will interesting artifacts. It will also provide kick off its 42nd celebration of Holiday visitors with a narrative on how Edison, Nights on Nov. 24. The winter estate Ford, and others built on earlier innovahomes of Thomas Edison and Henry tions to create their own inventions. Ford will be decorated with thousands of Guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be lights and decorations. This event has offered at 6 and 7 p.m. nightly and become a tradition in Southwest Florida Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours on and a top destination for visitors around Tuesday nights, starting Nov. 28 at 6:30 the globe. Opening Night festivities will p.m. A sightseeing river cruise and sunstart at 6 p.m. with the annual tree lightset cruise are offered through Pure ing ceremony. The Waltzing Waters Liquid Fireworks Florida at the Marina at Edison Ford. Holiday Nights tickets for adults are light show will return and there will be $20, teens (13-19) are $10, children (6holiday carolers. History characters Mr. 12) are $2 and children 5 and under are and Mrs. Edison and Mr. and Mrs. Ford free. Edison Ford members are also will host a special Holiday Tea on Dec. admitted free. Guided Holiday Tradition 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, For children, local artist Doug children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford MacGregor will be on site drawing cartoons on Nov. 24, Dec. 9, 16 and 23 and members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Santa will be visiting on select nights. Visitors are able to view the lights Children are invited to make holiday from 5:30 – 9 p.m. nightly from Nov. 24 postcards that will be sent to military to Dec. 31, except Christmas Eve and personnel. The Children’s Tree Trail Christmas Day. To confirm tour times, opens on Nov. 20 and includes more visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org than 60 trees with hand-made ornaor call 239-334-7419. ments from local school children. The Edison Ford Museum and Botanic Research Laboratory, as well as the Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night and refreshments will be available for purchase. The museum features two new exhibits, including the Smithsonian Spark!Lab exhibit and the Timeline of Innovation. The Smithsonian Spark!Lab is a hands-on, interactive exhibit for families and children. A series of rotating stations with themes from vehicle construction to understanding sound waves will challenge visitors to place themselves in the mindset of an inventor. The Timeline of Innovation is a chronological exhibit of both Edison's and Ford's major innovations. The timeLong-time Edison & Ford Estates president and CEO line highlights Chris Pendleton (far right) will be retiring at the end of achievements in dozens of fields the year after 16 years.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
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Comedy Clubs NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY - 1
Danny Bevins 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
THURSDAY - 2
Kenny Smith 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Lavell Crawford 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
SATURDAY - 4
Kenny Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Lavell Crawford 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Danny Bevins 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUNDAY - 5
Danny Bevins 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Lavell Crawford 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Kenny Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Carmen Cir icillo 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
FRIDAY - 3
Lavell Crawford 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Danny Bevins 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Laugh In Comedy Cafe 8595 College Parkway Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com
Off the Hook Comedy Club
2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com
The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant
2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net
WEDNESDAY - 8
Dale Jones 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
THURSDAY - 9
Jimmie JJ Walker 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jake Iannarino 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
FRIDAY - 10
Jimmie JJ Walker 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Josh Blue 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SATURDAY - 11
Jimmie JJ Walker 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Josh Blue 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dale Jones 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUNDAY - 12
Jake Iannarino 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
WEDNESDAY - 15
Doug Canney 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Derek Richards 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
THURSDAY - 16
Chris Cope 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Erik Myers 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Derek Richards 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
FRIDAY - 17
Chris Cope 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Erik Myers 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Derek Richards 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SATURDAY - 18
Chris Cope 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net
Jimmie JJ Walker at Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Jimmie JJ Walker will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Nov. 9 - 11. Jimmy Walker symbolized the ‘70s American dream of success -- the former kid from the ghetto who rose to wisecracking TV superstardom. While in his element as the broadly strutting, gleamy-toothed J.J. Evans of the popular urban-styled sitcom Good Times (1974), Jimmie Walker lived the extremely good life. Following the series' demise, howev-
er, reality again checked in. Still and all, he has not self-destructed as others before him have and continues to enjoy a comedy career now approaching four decades. The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 11. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-479-5233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com
FRIDAY - 24
Saturday - 18 continued
Er ik Myers 8 & 10 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Br ian Glowacki 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Derek Ric hards 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Janet Williams 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
SUNDAY - 19
Greg Mor ton 8:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Er ik Myers 8:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
SATURDAY - 25
TUESDAY - 21
Br ian Glowacki 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Greg Mor ton 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
WEDNESDAY - 22
Janet Williams 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Janet W illiams 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
Greg Mor ton 6 & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Zone
Greg Mor ton 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
SUNDAY - 26
Ben Hague 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe
Janet Williams 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy
WEDNESDAY - 29
Al Romas 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
THURSDAY - 30
Jim Florentine 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Erik Grif fin 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Al Romas 8 p.m. The Comedy Zone
* schedules subject to change
Suncoast Security Professional Security
Licensed, educated employees
Specializing in ...
• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts
Se Habla Espanol
• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties
(239) 415-7007 Serving all of Florida
St. Lic. # B2000112
WWW.SUNCOASTSECURITY.BIZ
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NOVEMBER 2017
• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured
Email: SUNCOASTSCRTY@AOL.COM
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
DINING PICKS FOR SEASON 1st Street Deli at Seminole Casino Hotel
reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches,
Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill at The Shell Factory
Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like: shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings. Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice. Capt’n Fishbones opens daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily from 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows are held every Monday 4 - 7 p.m. 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market
Nestled in the heart of Florida, lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A departure from a busy day, a place to be with friends, a place to share laughs and great memories. Relax and take it all in! Welcome to Deep Lagoon Seafood, A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual. Deep Lagoon Seafood features a wide variety of menu options sure to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company, based out of Pine Island. Now offering Happy Hour from 2 - 7 pm featuring small plates from $5 - $8. The restaurant is another family owned and operated brand from the Phelan Family, the same company behind local favorites Pinchers and Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House. Reservations accepted. 10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 www.deeplagoon.com
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
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NOVEMBER 2017
EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Hotel EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole
Casino Immokalee is your place for downhome favorites. The Grill is serving up a delicious new menu featuring gluten-free and organic items, such as the gluten-free Cobb Salad and savory Organic Herb Roasted Chicken. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is open 24/7 and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread. Closed for renovations. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
GameTime
at Gulf Coast Town Center
At GameTime, you can play and eat in style! With a wide variety of menu selections including appetizers like Ahi Tuna Crisps and Fried Mac N' Cheese Balls; entreés that include Baby Back Ribs, Churrasco, Salmon and Pasta dishes; great kid’s meals; healthy Salads and delicious Sports Bar staples like Chicken Wings and Nachos, you are certain to have a fantastic dining experience while everyone has a great time! We offer a full liquor Sports Bar and 2-4-1 all day every day on any individual beer and wine. 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-204-5964 www.gametimeplayers.com
Ichiban Japanese & Chinese Located at the entrance to the
Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open seven days a week.
1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com
Lucky Mi
at Seminole Casino Hotel
Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees. The new Hot Rocks House Specials include Mixed Seafood (sea scallops, tiger shrimp, king salmon, Asian vegetables), Beef Tenderloin (thinly sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables) and Surf and Turf (cold water lobster tail, sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables), all served with steamed rice and lemon-ginger vinaigrette, hoisin sweet soy and Thai sweet chili dipping sauces. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
The Veranda
The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-of-thecentury homes, combined with our Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff will provide you with the most unique dining experience in SW Florida. Celebrating more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area. 2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com
Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse
Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro
Treat your taste buds to simply prepared fish, premium steaks, an impressive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails. Dine indoors or outside on the patio and savor your favorite dish al fresco while overlooking the breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River, The Gulf of Mexico and Tarpon Point Marina. Happy Hour Daily from 4 – 7 p.m.
Pinchers
5961 Silver King, Cape Coral 239-541-5600 www.Marker92.com
at The Marina at Edison Ford
Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style. Pinchers has 11 Florida locations including Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center. 2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-245-7049 www.pinchersusa.com
Tiki Hut Bar & Grill
at Dolphin Key Resort
There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light Rock and Country to listen and dance to Friday and Saturday, and then of course, let’s really dance Sunday afternoon to Brylcream with Doo Wop and Motown for the real dancers. The Tiki is a dog friendly bar, offers an 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
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat. This is True Texas Barbeque. They smoke meats a minimum of 12-14 hours creating mouth-watering, fall off the bone goodness for Baby Back and St. Louis Style Ribs and succulent brisket, pork and tenderloin. All meats are hand sliced to order ensuring the freshest and tastiest “Q” in town allowing it to be consistently voted as the Best Barbeque in Southwest Florida. 4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 www.texastonys.com
Twisted Vine Bistro & The Barrel Room
Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass. Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden! We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners. Dinner is served seven nights a week. We are open Monday through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Join us for brunch in our courtyard garden. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu. The Barrel Room now offers a jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com
Put your restaurant in our
DINING SHOWCASE Call 239-278-5236 or email swfhappenings@earthlink.net NOVEMBER 2017
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Wednesday -1 Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours Inside grouping of galleries inside Taylor Road & Trade Center Way, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-289-5070 www.NaplesArtDistrict.com Carly Pearce and Danielle Bradbery The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Miami City Ballet with the Naples Philharmonic Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Joe Delaney’s Latin Caribbean Jazz Project The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Thursday -2 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m. by Coffee Café & Muttini Mingle, 5:30 - 8 p.m. with Michael Hirst. 941-575-3007 The Appleseed Collective Concert Mercato Shops, 9132 Strada Place, Naples Appleseed Collective is poised to become the new sound of string music. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 Badfish: A tribute to Sublime The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together. Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 This Random World Through Nov. 11 FSW Black Box Theatre, Building L-119, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers www.brownpapertickets.com
Friday -3 Off the Wall exhibit
Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454
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Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 City of Palms – Group Art Show Through Nov. 21 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening during Ar Walk, 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 Tyler Farr The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Opera Naples -Madama Butterfly Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-963-9050 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Reception for exhibits featuring artists Dedo and Justin Markley, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 Sex Please, We’re Sixty Through Nov. 5 Firehouse Theatre, 241 N. Bridge S., LaBelle 863-675-3066 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Bikers for Babies Through Sunday Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers and Naples Harley-Davidson, 3645 Gateway Lane, Naples Bikers for Babies will include three days of live music, celebrations and activities! 239-271-2564 Holiday Artist and Artisan Bazaar Through Nov. 4 The Village Church on The Island at Shell Point, 15101 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 239-489-8472 Terry Lynn Spry's Painting Class Exhibit The Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral, Displays through Nov. 30. A reception to meet the artist Nov. 3 from 5 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0802. Kinfay Moroti exhibit Rene Miville Gallery, 220 First St. Fort Myers Opens during Art Walk, 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-3130 The Ultimate Rat Pack Tribute Through Sunday Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 20th Annual American Indian Arts Celebration Through Saturday Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.ahtahthiki.com Albert Castiglia Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Theatre Conspiracy presents Seven Guitars Through Nov. 18 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon - 3 p.m., Center Court, Singer Chris G, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Kollections Band, 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007
Elton John & Elvis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Saturday -4 SWFL Symphony Masterworks I:
Fanfare For The New World Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 ACMA concert - Rick Hardeman, Ross Jordan & Paul Phillips All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. www.americanacma.org The Outlaws SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 239-245-9910 Autumn Night Concert 506 S 1st St, Immokalee Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will host the Autumn Night concert with doors to the event opening at 10 p.m. Admission is free for Seminole Wild Card program members; anyone who’s 21 or older can join – it’s fast, free and easy. 239-658-1313 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Improv Tonight! Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium & Film Center 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $15, 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 The Sunset Celebration - Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Vallie, noon - 4 p.m., Musician Steve Flagg, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Kollections Band, 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Art in the Park Naples Art Association, 585 Park St, Naples 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 239-262-6517 Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 am to 4 pm year round for those who just can’t get enough of First Friday! Roads remain open for the event. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Brews For The Birds Everglades Wonder Gardens 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs Celebration of local craft beers, food trucks and live Indie music. 3 – 7 p.m. 239-992-2591 Taste of Lee Centennial Park, Downtown Fort Myers Over 50 local restaurants and businesses will be featured. 11 a.m. – Sunset www.winknews.com Bucklers Craft Fair Through Sunday The Lee Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Road, Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.bucklercraftfair.com High Five Friday Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
FGCU Wind Orchestra Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Cooking for the Arts: An Evening in Athens Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 The Gulf Coast Harmonizers Cabaret Show The German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 2 p.m. 239-462-8444 Gulfshore Playhouse presents Leading Ladies Through Dec. 10 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 866-811-4111 The Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida, Inc.36th annual Show and Sale Through Sunday Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-561-3058 Backtrack Blues Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225
Sunday -5 Jerrod Niemann
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee 506 South First St., Immokalee 7 p.m. 800-218-0007 Vivaldi, Haydn and Schubert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Nov 5 & 7 at 3 p.m. 239-597-1111 Dwight Yoakam Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111
Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Musical Moments: Go for Baroque Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium & Film Center 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $25, 3 p.m. 239-495-8989 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Autoberfest - Food Truck Wars Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 11 a.m. 239-594-5000 Gulf Coast Big Band Cambier Band Shell, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090 Car Cruise-In Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near WINK Playland See all the favorite makes and models of classic, exotic and custom cars. 239-948-3766 The Sanibel Blues & Jazz Festival Behind Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel Island noon to 6 p.m. www.sanibelbluesandjazzfest.org Paul & Quintin The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Taste of the Town – Junior League Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 239-939-2787
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 2 - 6 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007
Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Shirley Hales and Bev Spana, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789
Tea with the Mastersingers White Orchid House at Oasis, 3027 E. Riverside Drive Fort Myers 2 p.m. 239-560-9512
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007
Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 2 p.m. www.bonitaspringsconcertband.com
Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Monday -6 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice 4 - 7 pm Center Court. 941-575-3007 TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers Come watch fresh indie short films and get a view of how we view submissions with local celebrity judges. 6:30 - 9 p.m. 239-333-1933 The Giver Florida Repertory Theatre, Bay Street, Fort Myers Performance and post show discussion with author Lois Lowry and playwright Eric Coble, 6 p.m. 239-332-4488 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Tuesday -7 Cirque Broadway
Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Nov 7 - 11. 239-597-1111
Life’s a Beach: Weather and Waves exhibit Through Dec. 3 Englewood Art Center, 350 S McCall Road Opening reception Nov. 11 from 2 - 4 p.m. 941-474-5548
Wednesday -8 MusicWorks benefit
The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers An event benefiting the MusicWorks! program for children in Harlem Heights. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live auction and a performance by the MusicWorks! students. MusicWorks! was launched by the Gulf Coast Symphony and provides instruction in string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments to youth. 5:30–9 p.m. 239-482-7706 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 4-7 p.m., Center Court 941-575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
NOVEMBER 2017
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NOVEMBER
Thursday -9 Eaglepalooza: Cole Swindell Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825
Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Thomas Pandolfi Shell Point: Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands, 15101 Shell Point Blvd. Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-454-2067. Coconut Festival Through Nov. 12 Sun Splash Family Waterpark 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m., Free Festival Gate. Friday, 5 p.m. to Midnight, Coco Country Night with Grayson Rogers, Walker Hayes, Russell Dickerson, High Valley. Saturday, Noon to Midnight, Coco Rock Night with Vince Neil. Sunday – Noon to 10 p.m., Coco Family Day. www.cocofest.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m., Center Court, Leslie DaCosta, noon - 3 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days & The Express Trio, 5 - 8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together. Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073
Friday - 10 Mystery Walk
Downtown Fort Myers 6-8 p.m. Registration begins at First and Hendry Streets in front of Iberia Bank. Free to play. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Ambrosia SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 239-245-9910
The Mousetrap Through Nov. 19 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Namaste Music & Arts Festival Hendry Street, Downtown Fort Myers Music and arts event hosted by Namaste Music, Arts, Wellness, & Education, Inc. 8 p.m.- Midnight. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon - 3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Kate Davis: Songwriters of the 70s Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 Rachelle Coba Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Disgraced Through Dec. 10 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Charlotte Players: Over the River and Through the Woods Through Nov. 19 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022
Saturday - 11 The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and the Jack Michael Band Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee 506 South First St., Immokalee 8 p.m. 800-218-0007 Englewood Art Center Open House 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 350 S McCall Road, Englewood 941-474-5548 Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival Highlands Hammock State Park, 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring Arts and crafts vendors, Florida folk bands, blacksmithing, tram rides and more, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 863-386-6094
Four Tops & Temptations tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Art After Dark Crayton Cove, Naples The Galleries of Crayton Cove feature live music and art by artists and artisans. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S. meet. 6-9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com
Hester Prynn Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
Carmelo Perez exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645
Shaggy The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839
Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
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Rod Stewart, Meatloaf & Tom Jones tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Bike Night Downtown Fort myers 6-10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 SoCo Second Saturdays South of Colonial, Fort Myers Occurring every Second Saturday of the month starting at 6 p.m. and extending through the night, SoCo Second Saturday features scheduled performances, talks, short plays, open houses, artist demonstrations, gallery openings, wine tastings and other activities. Visitors can shop, dine, and explore local art spaces. www.SoCoSWFL.com Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Naples Artcrafters - Fine Art and Craft Show Cambier Park, 580 8th Street South, Naples 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 a lovely park setting. This is the 51st season for the renowned Naples Artcrafters. It is a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support our artists! Free Admission. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com Arts & Ends Holiday Sale Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers The art sale will also feature activities throughout the day, including a community collaboration project, holiday card making, artist’s demos and live music. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 239-939-2787 Salute to the Brave Six Bends Harley-Davidson-Top Rocker Field 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers Salute to the Brave features a dignified ceremony, monstrous vehicle rebuilds, a lifted truck show, food, music and a grueling obstacle course challenge, with proceeds benefitting AVOW. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TopRockerEvents.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dick & Kammy, noon - 4 p.m., & John McDonald, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. Peace River Car Club Car Show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Nigel Mack & The Blues Attack The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225
Sunday - 12 Comedian Jeanne Robertson
Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz Music by Leslie DaCosta, 2 - 6 p.m., Center Court. Mustang Car Club Car Show, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 941-575-3007
Lee County Community Band Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvrd 3 p.m. www.leecountyband.org Michael Jackson tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 239-245-9910 Americana - JL Fulks The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Naples Concert Band Cambier Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 513-582-4031 Taste of the Islands Sanibel Community Park 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Noon - 5 p.m. 239-472-3644 Paul & Quintin The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Monday - 13 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Naples Big Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-3240 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Tuesday - 14 Small Stage Symphonies-From Baroque to Jazz Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St. , Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court .941-575-3007 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Wednesday - 15 Small Stage Symphonies-From Baroque to Jazz BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island Southwest Florida Symphony. 7:30 p.m. 239-3950900 All That Jazz Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Southwest Florida Storytellers Project Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers We have invited some passionate foodies – think local chefs, restaurant owners, farm-to-table entrepreneurs and just about anyone who has a love affair with food – to share their stories. The focus will be on food and how it connects a family during the holidays, or anytime! In Southwest Florida Storytellers, we’ll provide the full course and make sure there’s room for dessert! 7 p.m. 239-939-2787 Tina Turner & Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER
Wednesday - 15 continued Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Happy Days - Top Hits of the 50s Shalom Life Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-218-3433
Friday - 17 Male A Cappella Group-Straight No Chaser Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849
Thursday - 16 A Tuna Christmas
Young Dubliners SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 239-245-9910
Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422
Symphonic Chorale - Harvest Grain Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.symphonicchorale.org
Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225
The Díaz Trio Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St. , Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-1933
Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Third Thursday on Third 3rd Street South Shopping District, Naples The courtyards of Third Street South resound with music. 5 - 8 p.m. 239-649-6707
The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
Alive After Five Downtown Punta Gorda , Punta Gorda, Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 the downtown merchants bring you live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment through out downtown. We have many restaurants, pubs and places whereby you can duck in and out of the heat or rain. 941-391-4856 Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St. , Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer George Voss, noon - 3 p.m., Good ‘Ole Days & Singer Paul Roush, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Midori Plays Sibelius Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Nov. 16 & 18. 239-597-1111 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher & Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together. Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m. Everly Brothers tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs 239-245-9910 Sundown Stroll Tarpon Point Marina Village 5991 Silver King Blvd., Cape oral Fun, family friendly event on the third Thursday every month. Live music, 4 p.m. to sunset. www.tarponpoint.com
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Bite the Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Through Nov. 26 Wyndham Garden Hotel 6890 Estero Blvd Fort Myers Beach 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. fmbsandsculpting.com Rhythm on the River-Memory Makers Big Band Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Big band tribute ensemble playing music from the 1930s and 1940s. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cash bar available. $15. 239-334-7419 An Act of God Through Dec. 9 The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Enjoy the sounds of Hester Prynn, Southwest Florida's premier cover band, featuring favorite Classic Rock, New Rock and Country hits. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-948-3766 Military Ball Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd. Cape Coral Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. & Show Starts at 7 p.m. COST: Free for Veterans, $10 Per Member, $15 per Non-Member. 239-574-0575 ACMA concert - Harpeth Rising All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Millie Van Horn opens. www.americanacma.org Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon - 3 p.m. & Musician Steve Flagg, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007
Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Brandon Santini The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Tim Allen Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Saturday - 18 Decades Rewind Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 28th Annual Old Florida Festival Saturday & Sunday Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 239-252-8476 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Journey & Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Granger Smith The Ranch Concert Hall 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 The Del Prados The Shell Factory & Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. . wwwshellfatory.com The Sunset Celebration - Riverside Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Lighting of the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Illumination of more than one million lights and decorations, music, dancing, family fun & Santa. 5:30 - 9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours Inside grouping of galleries inside Taylor Road & Trade Center Way, Naples 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 239-289-5070, www.NaplesArtDistrict.com Garden Festival Through Nov. 19 Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 239-334-7419 Annual Holiday Bazaar First Congregational Church 312 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 239 549-7938 Kara Grainger The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Big Orange Music Festival Laishley Park, Punta Gorda 2 p.m. www.bigorangemusicfestival.com
Estero Fine Art Show Through Sunday Gulf Coast Town Center 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers 10 a.m. www.hotworks.org/esterofineartshow Bonita Bay Art Festival Saturday & Sunday The Promenade at Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs Noon - 7 p.m. 239-293-9448
Sunday - 19 Bluegrass Music
Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers A sensational fusion of American country music; Irish, Scottish and English ballads and traditional dance music; with a heaping helping of jazz influence makes our bluegrass concerts a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time. 2 - 5 p.m. 239-939-2787 Symphonic Chorale - Harvest Grain Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral 4 p.m. www.symphonicchorale.org Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 2 - 6 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Paul & Quintin The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Mastersingers - Serenade to Music Edison Congregational Church, 1619 Llewellyn Drive, Fort Myers 3 p.m. 239-560-9512 Concert for the Community Gulf Coast Symphony and Mastersingers Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Fort Myers 7 p.m. , 239-481-4849
Monday - 20 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Cottrell, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Christmas on 3rd 3rd Street South, Naples Third Street South, full of twinkly lights and wonderful red & silver decorations, launches the Holiday Season as the Mayor lights the official Christmas tree and...the snow falls - which it continues to do every evening during this week long celebration as well as each Thursday throughout the holiday season. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-649-6707 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Tuesday - 21 FSW Big Band Jazz and Jazz Combo Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Randy Newman Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1111
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER
Tuesday - 21 continued Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Chris G, 4 - 7 p.m. Center Court. 941-575-3007 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Florida Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition Through Dec. 28 Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Recognized as one of the top water media exhibits in the country, the Florida Watercolor Society annual exhibition provides Florida artists the opportunity to exhibit with their fellow watercolorists from around the state. Judged and juried by nationally known water media experts, this exhibition displays some of the highest quality and innovation in contemporary water media. 239-495-8989 Celebration of lights 3rd Street South, Naples 21 through saturday, 25 Third Street South continues the holiday week long celebration with musical performances and snowfalls! 5 - 8 p.m. 239-649-6707
Wednesday - 22 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon - 3 p.m. by Good ‘Ole Days & Leslie DaCosta, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jimmy Buffett tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Thursday - 23 A Christmas Story - The Musical Through Dec. 25 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422
Friday – 24 Holiday Nights Opening Night Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Tree lighting at 6 p.m. $20. 239-334-7419 Grand Illuminations Village on Venetian Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples Join us at The Village for our annual Grand Illuminations Tree Lighting Ceremony. 7 p.m. 239-261-6100 Doobie Brothers, America, Steely Dan tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon - 3 p.m., Center Court, Tiki Tom and L.A. 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Boogiemen Band, 8 p.m. at Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007
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Ragedy Lapsey Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Rusty Wright Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Sanibel Masters Art Festival Friday & Saturday Sanibel Community House 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 239-293-9448
Saturday - 25 Kenny Rogers Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Brandon Robertson Duo - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Sunset Celebration - Relentless Fire Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Square One Improv Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sons of Beaches, noon - 4 p.m., Hot Flashz Dancers, 2:30 p.m., Singer Michael Hirst, 5 - 9 p.m. Center Court & The Boogiemen Band, 8 p.m., Harpoon Harry’s. 941-575-3007 Venetian Village Holiday on the Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples Snow show starts at 7 p.m. 5 - p.m. 239-961-2975 Marty Stokes Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Sunday - 26 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach, 2 - 6 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225
Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers From classic to cool, downtown streets are lined with the sight of these show cars on the fourth Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Music, food and more! Free to the public with many venues featuring additional specials. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Wednesday - 29 Writers Read BIG ARTS - Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island Part poetry slam, part nostalgia trip, part funny and heart-wrenching stories, Writers Read is a unique experience for the ears. 7:30 p.m. 239-472-6862
Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band Six Bends Harley-Davidson 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers 239-275-4647 www.sixbendshd.com for times
Celine Dion, Pasy Cline, Connie Francis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566
Naples Jazz Society Cambier park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 p.m. 239-263-1113
Art After Hours The Baker Museum, Naples Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. A local band offers musical entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the galleries and learn from our docents. 239-597-1111
Americana - Brian Sutherland The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Wayward Souls Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Paul & Quintin The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Monday - 27 Live Music in the Village
Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sons of Beaches perform holiday & variety favorites, 4 - 8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Tuesday - 28 FSW Orchestra and Choir
Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 The Nutcracker Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Nov. 28-29 at 7 p.m. 239-597-1111 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 4 - 7 p.m. Center Court. 941-5753007 11th Annual Festival of Trees Nov 28 - Dec 3 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers We kick things off with a Preview Party & Breakthrough Awards on Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Other great events during the week, including an Ugly Sweater Contest on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 and Painting with a Purpose on Thursday, Dec. 1, highlight is The River District Art Walk and Holiday Stroll, capped off by a concert by the Nowhere Band. Saturday, December 2, features the Children's Holiday Workshop at Santa's Block Party, day of arts and crafts for the kids. Kids can meet St. Nick and even get their photo taken with the Jolly Ol' Elf!n addition, enjoy a wonderful breakfast where Santa will make a special appearance during Santa’s Block Party on Dec. 2. 239-333-1933
Material Matters: Brewster, Kjonaas, Kessler & Matsumoto Exhibit BIG ARTS - Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 29 through Dec. 29 BIG ARTS welcomes back fiber artists, Eliza Brewster, Donna Kjonaas, Vicki Kessler, and Polly Matsumoto in this group exhibit. 239-395-0900 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Buy It Off the Wall BIG ARTS - Founders Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 20 through Dec. 29 Just in time for the holidays! Art lovers and buyers will appreciate this juried “cash and carry” exhibit. 239-395-0900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 4 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Naples Players - Miracle on 34th Street Through Dec. 23 The Naples Players Community Theatre 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-263-7990
Thursday - 30 FSW Concert Band Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141
Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Leslie DaCosta, noon - 3 near Good ‘Ole Days & Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together. Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE