October 2024 Happenings Magazine

Publisher’s Spotlight

Curtainup

Readyornot,anewtheatreseasonisuponushereinSouthwest Florida.Itlookslikeitwillbeanother goodone...filledwithhitmusicals, greatcomedyandlotsofdrama.Here iswhatisonstagenoworwillbe soon.

TheNaplesPlayerspresentsNeil Simon’sRumorsintherenovated KizzieTheaterOct.2throughOct.20.

Chicagothemusical opensSept.27andruns throughNov.9onthe mainstageatBroadway PalmDinnerTheatrein FortMyers.

ForeverPlaidcontinuesthroughOct.27at FloridaRep’sArtStage StudioTheatreindowntownFortMyers.

InCapeCoral, CulturalParkTheatre presentsCarriethemusicalOct.18-27.

Couryforseeingherdreamcome true.Irememberwhenmywife, Kathy,andIfirstmetKristenforlunch some20yearsago,andshetoldus ofhergoalsandaspirations.It’sso rewardingthatallofherhardwork (andthatofothers)haspaidoff.It’s wonderfultoseethatthedreamhas becomerealitywiththeopeningofthe BakerTheatreandEducationCenter inNaples.

PlayersCircleTheaterinFort Myerskicksoffitsnewseasonwith BedroomFarcewhichrunsOct.22 throughNov.17.

TheOffBroadwayPalmTheatre seasonbeginsOct.10withNeil Simon’sBarefootinthePark.That runstoNov.16.

AtTheBelleTheatreinCape Coral,SaturdayNightFeverison stageOct.4-13.ThatwillbefollowedbyBeautyandTheBeastOct. 18-Nov.3.

Dracula:AComedyofTerrorsison stageOct.18toNov.9atThe LaboratoryTheaterofFloridain downtownFortMyers.

TheCharlottePlayerspresent BewaretheHouseonHauntedHill Oct.10-27attheLangdon PlayhouseinPortCharlotte.

FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresents BenButlerinthehistoricArcade TheaterOct.22throughNov.10.

TheNaplesPlayersnewPrice StudioTheaterwilldebutwithAlmost, MaineonstageOct.16toNov.10.

GulfshorePlayhouseunveilsits newfacilitywiththeofficialopening onNov.1ofAnythingGoes.That musicalwillrunthroughNov.24.

AspecialcongratulationstoKristen

Concertsgalore

Theareaconcertseasonisofftoagreatstart aswellwithsomerecent announcements.

Anewthree-dayfestivaliscomingtotheJohn JimmieRodeoGroundsin Immokalee.Harvest NightsMusicFestivalwill debutNov.22-24and featureBradPaisley,Def Leppard,Train,Don Felder,Tesla,Tyler Hubbardandmanymore.

SeminoleCasinoHotelin Immokaleeisbuildinganimpressive concertlineupwithmoretobeadded soon.Sofar,wehaveElleKing,The Tenors,98Degrees,TheOutlaws, LeeGreenwood,Kansasandthe 2025RockabillaqueFloridafestival.

CountryJamNaplesissetforNov. 16atParadiseCoastSportsComplex andwillfeaturecountryhitmaker JustinMooreasheadliner.

TheRanchConcertHalland SalooninFortMyersisalsobuilding itslineupfortheseason.TheirscheduleincludesCreedFisher,Switchfoot, RestlessRoad,FortunateYouth, Soulfly,HereComeTheMummies, StruggleJennings,ThomasMac, GavinAdcockandAshleyCooke.

HertzArenahasMercyMe,Bret Michaels,DeeSnider,NightRanger, Styxandmore.

Otherupcomingconcertsinclude AirSupply,BarenakedLadies, BlackberrySmoke,Newsboys, MatthewWest,KennyWayne Shepherd,LittleRiverBandand FrankieValliatBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHallatFSW.

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RumorsonstageOct.2-20 atTheNaplesPlayersKizzieTheater

TheNaplesPlayers(TNP) announcestheopeningoftheir falltheaterseasonwithNeil Simon’scrowd-pleasinguproariousfarce,Rumors,running Oct.2throughOct.20inthe newlyrenovatedKizzie Theater.

Thisproductionmarksthesecondperformance ofTNP's71stseasoninitsrenovatedtheater.

Rumorsisafast-paced,side-splittingcomedy thatshowcasesNeilSimon’sbrillianceincrafting wittydialogueandabsurdsituations.Thestory unfoldsatadinnerpartygoneawrywhenthehost isfoundinjured,andtheguestsareleftscrambling toprotecttheirreputations.

Asrumorsandmisunderstandingsspiraloutof control,theresultisahilariouseveningoftheatricalmayhem.

DirectedbyTNPveteranperformeranddirector JamesDuggan,thecastincludes(inalphabetical order)JodyCameron,PeterCaporal,Alanna Dachille,ShelleyGothard,TomRex,ArickaRode, MattSchwabauer,MarySeslar,AseemUpadhyay andCourtneyVanasse.

Ticketsareavailableonlineat NaplesPlayers.orgorbycallingtheTNPboxoffice at239-263-7990.Pricesrangefrom$41to$55. PerformanceswillbeWednesdaythrough Saturdayat7:30p.m.andSundaysat2p.m.

TheNaplesPlayersKizzieTheaterislocatedat 7015thAve.S.inNaples.

UnveilingTNP’s freshlyrenovated PriceStudio Theaterwillbeone ofthemostproducedplaysinthe world,Almost, Maine-ashowfor peoplewithbig heartsandendlesslove.Escapetothe enchantingtownofAlmost,Maine,where love,laughter,andunexpectedconnectionsilluminatethewintersky.Thisheartwarmingandwhimsicalcollectionoftales isacelebrationoftheextraordinary momentsthattransformordinarylives. DescribedbytheNewYorkDailyNewsas “sweet,poignant,witty,real,andperfect,” Almost,MainewillbeonstageOct16to Nov.10.

6-OCTOBER2024

MattSchwabauerandArickaRodeinNeilSimonʼsRumors.

Castmembersdoreadthroughsfortheupcomingproduction ofCarrietheMusicalatCulturalParkTheatreinCapeCoral.

CarrietheMusical atCulturalParkTheatre

CulturalParkTheatrein CapeCoralannouncedits upcomingproductionofCarrie theMusicalrunningOct.1820andOct.25-27.ThisgrippingadaptationofStephen King’sclassicnovelpromises tobeaspellbindingexperience foraudiencesofallages.

CarrietheMusicaltellsthe hauntingstoryofCarrieWhite, ahighschoolgirlwithatroubledhomelifeandextraordinarytelekineticpowers.Asshe navigatesthechallengesof adolescence,herstoryunfolds inapowerfulandunforgettable way.Withacompellingscore anddynamicperformances, thisproductionissettocaptivateandmoveaudiences.

Inadditiontothemusical, CulturalParkTheatreisexcited tohostaspecialHalloween Trick-or-TreateventonOct.31 from5:30to9p.m.Weinvite childrenandfamiliestocome incostumeandenjoyasafe andfuntrick-or-treatingexperienceatthetheatre.Therewill beplentyoftreatsandsurprisesinstore,makingitamemorableHalloweenforall.

Furthermore,CulturalPark TheatresupportsthecommunitythroughtheirOma’sHeart ToyDrive.Theywillbecollectingnew,unwrappedtoysfor childreninneedfromnowuntil Nov.18.Oma’sHeartisalocal organizationdedicatedtobringingjoytochildrenduringthe holidayseason,andtheyare honoredtocontributetotheir mission.Donationscanbe droppedoffatthetheatreduringregularbusinesshoursor atanyoftheirperformances.

“Wearedelightedtobring

CarrietheMusicaltoourstage andtoofferthesespecial eventsforourcommunity,”said RobinMurray,executivedirectorofCulturalParkTheatre.

“OurHalloweenTrick-or-Treat eventisawonderfulopportunityforfamiliestocelebrate together,andourtoydrivefor Oma’sHeartallowsustogive backtothoseinneed.We hopetoseemanynewand familiarfacesatthetheatrethis fall.”

Thelocalcastincludes MaeganLevesque(Carrie White),CassieHuff(Margaret White),BaileeGull(SueSnell), ShaelynCrabtree(Chris Hargensen),KeithWilliams (TommyRoss),TylerConnelly (BillyNolan),LaurenKurkimilis (MissGardner),BrianBlanks (Mr.Stephens/Preacher), AdriannaFarrugia(Norma), EstherZaercher(Frieda), SophiaGuth(Helen),David Hernandez(George),Cosmo Pina(Stokes),BradenOdum (Freddie)andensemblemembersEllieHertzandPeyton Eubanks.

Themusicalisdirectedby RobinMurraywithShaelyn Crabtreeasassistantdirector. MusicdirectorisCarrieGuffy andMaliyahMattisisassistant musicaldirector.NikkiKrokosz isstagemanager,andtechnicaldirectorisAustinMurray.

TicketsforCarriethe Musicalareonsalenowand canbepurchasedonlineatculturalparktheatre.org/orbycallingtheboxofficeat239-7725862.

Thetheatreislocatedat 528CulturalParkBlvd.inCape Coral.

GulfshorePlayhouseopens seasonNov.1atnewtheatre

KristenCoury,CEOandproducingartisticdirectorof GulfshorePlayhouse,has unveiledthestellarcastsetto dazzleaudiencesintheupcomingproductionofAnythingGoes.

Theseexceptionalperformers willbringtheirBroadwayexpertisetoNaples,promisingan unforgettabletheatricalexperienceatthebrandnewBaker TheatreandEducationCenter. AnythingGoesofficiallyopens Nov.1,withpreviewsstarting Oct.27,atthenewbuilding locatedat100Goodlette-Frank RoadS.inNaples.

"Iamthrilledtointroducethe extraordinarycastofAnything Goes,"saidCoury."Theybringa wealthoftalentandenergythat willigniteournewstageand bringthisspectacularmusicalto life."

LeadingthecastisSarahBowden (Broadway&nationaltour:Moulin Rouge)asRenoSweeneyandChristian Probst(Broadway&nationaltour:The BookofMormon;nationaltour:Disney’s TheLittleMermaid)asBillyCrocker.

AlsoappearingisSaraEsty (Broadway&NationalTour:AnAmerican inParis;Off-Broadway:AChorusLine) asHopeHarcourt,MikeLabaddia (GulfshorePlayhouse:Bedlam'sSt. Joan,Higher)asMoonfaceMartin,Maya Santiago(Nationaltour:OnYourFeet) asErma,MicheleRagusa(Broadway: Titanic,Ragtime,YoungFrankenstein; GulfshorePlayhouse:AFunnyThing HappenedontheWaytotheForum)as EvangelineHarcourt,DavidBaida (nationaltour:IntheHeights;Gulfshore

Playhouse:SheLovesMe)asElisha Whitney,andKiltyReidy(Broadway:In MyLife,TheDrowsyChaperone)asLord EvelynOakleigh.

ThecastalsoincludesJayAubrey JonesasCaptain,AbbeyFriedmannas Purity,MiyaHeulittasChastity,Kennedy PerezasVirtue,KirstyFullerasCharity, JoshLevinsonasSpit,andChristian DavidTinajeroasDippy.TheEnsemble includesAbbyLinderman,ValMoranto, AlexHaydenMiller,JackWunsch, GrahamKeen,DarrellT.Joe,Andrew Winans,andSarahDearstyne.

Eachmemberofthecastbringsa uniqueblendoftalentandexperienceto theirroles,promisingaproductionthat willcapturetheessenceofColePorter's timelessmusicandthisshow’shilarious storylines.

TheshowisdirectedbyGulfshore’s

KristenCourywithmusicdirectionby TrevorM.Pierce(Nationaltour:Anything Goes;GulfshorePlayhouse:Winter Wonderettes,Stompin’attheSavoy gala).Theshowwillbechoreographed bySaraBrians(Broadway:Matildathe Musical,BillyElliot,WhiteChristmas) andtheassociatedirectorisDannDunn (GulfshorePlayhouse:Winter Wonderettes,Midsummer).Scenic designisbyKellyJamesTighe(Paper MillPlayhouse,SanJoseRepertory Theatre,LagunaPlayhouse),costume designbyMaryFolino(WalnutStreet Theatre,MilwaukeeRepertoryTheatre), lightingdesignbyDaltonHamilton (GulfshorePlayhouse:SheLovesMe, IntotheBreeches,Camelot),andsound designbyVictoriaDeiorio(Oregon ShakespeareFestival,TheGoodman, SteppenwolfTheatre).

AnythingGoesrunsthroughNov.24. ThenewBakerTheatreand EducationCenterhousesa350-seat mainstagetheatreanda125-seatstudio space,inadditiontonumerousevents, rehearsalandeducationalspaces.

FormoreinformationaboutGulfshore Playhouseortopurchasetickets,visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.orgorcall239261-PLAY.

Maya Santiago Michele Ragusa

Kilty Reidy

Sara Esty

Sarah Bowden

Mike Labbadia

David Baida

Christian Probst

ForeverPlaidat Florida RepArtStageStudioTheatre

FloridaRepertoryTheatre’s27thseasonkickedoffSept. 17intheArtStageStudioTheatrewithForeverPlaid,directed andchoreographedbyMichaelMarottawithmusicaldirection byStevenZumbrun,anostalgic,funny–andheavenlymusicalrevuecelebratingmusicfromthe1950s.When tragedystrikesonthewaytotheirfirstbiggig,fouryoung singersgettoperformtheirshow-stoppingconcertinthe afterlife.Thissmash-hitmusicalisfilledwithbarbershop quartetharmoniesandpitch-perfectmelodiesandfeatures songslike“ThreeCoinsintheFountain,”“Momentsto Remember,”“SixteenTons,”andmore. Theshowwaswrittenandoriginally directedandchoreographedbyStuart Ross,withmusicalcontinuityand arrangementsbyJamesRaitt.

ForeverPlaidplaysthrough Oct.27.

“Inseason27,ourprofessionallive theatrewillrenewitscommitmentto featuringamulti-talentedensembleof artists,top-tiertalent,andfirst-rate productionvaluesinourhistoricand intimatevenues,”saidproducingartisticdirectorGregLongenhagen.“We arepleasedtoofferaselectionof playsandmusicalsthatshowcase awidevarietyofstories,music,and hijinkschosentoprovokediscussions,

liftspiritsandticklefunnybones.”

TheHistoricArcadeopenstopreviewsonOct.22,with BenButlerbyRichardStrandanddirectedbyGreg Longenhagen.Inspiredbytrueevents,BenButlerisahistoricallyhilariouscomedyaboutarunawayslavedemanding sanctuaryatFortMonroe.SetatthedawnoftheCivilWar, Gen.BenjaminButlerfacesanimpossiblemoraldilemma: followthelaworalterthecourseofU.S.history.Previewswill beOct.22–24;opensOct.25,andplaysthroughNov.10.

Singleticketsstartat$67forregularperformancesand $49forpreviews.SingleticketsforLucky StiffandShout!TheModMusicalstartat $71.Singleticketsarepriceddynamically andthevalueincreaseswithdemand.Bseat-pricedticketsareavailableinthe HistoricArcadeTheatreat$65forplays, $67formusicals,and$47forpreview performances.

Subscriptionsareonsalenowto renewingpatronsandnewsubscribers, andpackagesstartaslowas$246for sixshows.

Formoreaboutthe27thseasonand todownloadasubscriptionorderform, visitwww.FloridaRep.org.

Toreneworbecomeanewsubscriber overthephone,calltheboxofficeat 239-332-4488.

PicturedareChristopherBailey,CalebFunk,StevenMartellaandStephenChristopherAnthony. photobyJoeDafeldecker

SaturdayNightFever,Beauty&theBeast onstageatTheBelleTheatreinCapeCoral

ByTylerYoung

Readyforafun-filledfallof liveentertainmentrightin SouthwestFlorida?Wehaveit all,righthereatTheBelle.

KickingoffOctoberistheelectrifyingmusicalSaturdayNight Fever,basedonthemovieofthe samenamestarringJohn Travoltaandfeaturingthemusic oftheBeeGees.JoinTony Manero’sjourneyfromBrooklyn tothedanceflooronstageOct.4 toOct.13.SaturdayNightFever isahigh-energymusicalthat’s suretohaveyoudancinginyour “boogieshoes.”

Actorsdoreadthroughsforupcomingshows.

FollowingSaturdayNightFever,ourteamtellsa“tale asoldastime”withthebelovedDisneyclassicBeauty andtheBeast.Thisclassictaleofloveandtransformation promisestoenchantaudienceswithitsunforgettable scoreandheartwarmingstory.OnstageOct.18–Nov.3 BeautyandtheBeastisperfectfortheentirefamily.

AtTheBelle,wearededicatedtofosteringavibrant,

inclusivecommunitywherethe artsareaccessibletoall.Our “artsforall”philosophyisatthe heartofeverythingwedo,ensuringthateachproductionisacelebrationofcreativity,diversity,and communityspirit.

Iamthrilledtopresentthese twofantasticproductionswithour awesometeamoflocal,volunteer artistsandlookforwardtowelcomingyoutoTheBellethisfall. Weinviteyoutojoinusincelebratingtheartsinanenvironment wherecreativityandcommunity cometogether.

Ticketsforbothproductionsareavailableonlineat www.TheBelleTheatre.comorbycallingtheboxofficeat 239-323-5533orstopbytheboxofficeat2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.#135inCapeCoralTuesday-Fridaynoon –4p.m.Wanttostayup-to-dateonthelatesthappenings atTheBelle?BesuretofollowusonFacebook(@thebelletheatre).

TylerYoungisfounderandexecutivedirector

TheLaboratoryTheaterofFloridawillpresentthe SouthwestFloridapremiereofDracula:AComedyofTerrors byGordonGreenbergandSteveRosen.

Dracula:AComedyofTerrorsisanuproariousblendof

classichorrorandside-splittinghumor.ThiscomedicadaptationbreathesnewlifeintoBramStoker'siconicnovel,deliveringanunforgettabletheatricalexperiencethatwillleaveyou howlingwithlaughter.

JointhefearlessVanHelsing, thebumblingJonathanHarker, andacastofeccentriccharactersastheyconfronttheultimate vampirehimself,CountDracula, inabattleofwitsandwhimsy. Withcleverdialogue,ingenious sightgags,andplentyofsurpriseslurkingintheshadows, Dracula:AComedyofTerrorsis afang-tasticrompthat'sperfect forfansofcomedyandhorror alike.

Dracula:AComedyofTerrors isdirectedbyHeatherJohnson andfeaturesStevenCoeas Dracula,KatherineTaylorasDr. Westfeldtandothers,Anghela ChavezasLucyandothers, ChristianRiveroasMinaand others,andLiamTritaikas Harkerandothers.

ArtisticdirectorAnnette Trossbachadds,”DraculaA ComedyofTerrorslivesinthe sameveinasTheMysteryof IrmaVepandThe39Steps.Just rightfortheHalloweenseason, thisoversexedDraculawillbite anythingthatmoves,withhilariousresults.Getreadytosink yourteethintotheSouthwest Floridapremiereofthistwisted takeonatimelesstaleofterror.”

PerformancedatesareOct. 18,19,24,25,26,31andNov. 1,2,7,8,9at7:30p.m. MatineeswillbestagedOct.20, 27andNov.3at2p.m.

Ticketsare$37eachor$10 forstudentswithvalidstudent IDs.Therearehalf-pricedpreviewsonOct.16and17,anda newThursdaynightspecialticket priceof$32eachforadults.For tickets,calltheboxofficeat239218-0481oronlineatwww.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Thetheaterislocatedat1634 WoodfordAve.indowntownFort Myers.

CharlottePlayersofferhauntedmystery

October10-27atLangdonPlayhouse

TheCharlottePlayerspresent BewaretheHouseonHauntedHill Oct.10-27atLangdonPlayhouse. Cometothepartywherean eccentricmillionairepromisessix guestsamysteriousprizeifthey cansurvivethenightattheonly trulyhauntedhouseintheworld. Everyoneinvitedhasafewskeletonsintheirclosets,andscrewball scareslurkaroundeverycorner.

BewaretheHouseonHaunted HillbyMatthewByrdandKathryn FunkhauserisbeingdirectedlocallybyJenniElliottwithscenic designbyRonBates.

PerformancedatesareOct.10, 11,12,13,17,18,19,20,24,25, 26and27.

OnOct.5at2and7:30p.m., StarSearchJr.willtakeplaceat theLangdonPlayhouse.HelpdiscoverCharlottePlayers'nextJuniorStar! Contestantswillbecompetingina vocalcompetitiontowinthegrand

prize:a2025SummerDrama WorkshopScholarshipandaspotin theNov.1"AShiningStarisBorn" showcase.

One"vote"ticketwillbeincluded

withfullpriceticketpurchase. Additional"vote"ticketswillbe availableforpurchasethenightof theshowforanominalfee.

NoSexPlease:It’sChristmas byMichaelParkerwillbestaged Nov.21–Dec.15.It’sChristmas Eve,andabuilder,hasinvited prospectivebuyers,Fredand GladysMcNicoll,tospendtheholidaysin“Thehouseofthefuture,” inthehopesthatthe“spiritofthe season”willclosethedeal.Will theysignthecontract,orwillthe ChristmasEveshenanigansruin thebuilder’sdreamofoff-loading thishuge“WhiteElephant?”This “NaughtybutNice”Christmasplay willhaveyouho-ho-hoingtillthe veryend.

Forticketsandinformation,call 941-255-1022orvisitonlineat www.charlotteplayers.org.The LangdonPlayhouseislocatedat1182 MarketCircle,PortCharlotte.

CHICAGO

atBroadwayPalmTheatrethroughNov.9

BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatreis thrilledtoannounceitsupcoming productionofChicago,runningSept.27 toNov.9.

Setamidsttherazzle-dazzledecadenceofthe1920s,thishigh-energy productionbringstheglitzandglamour oftheRoaringTwentiestolifewith vibrantchoreography,sharpwit,and unforgettablemusic.

Chicagoisthelongest-running AmericanmusicalinBroadwayhistory andatimelessclassic.Winnerofsix TonyAwardsin1997,includingBest RevivalofaMusical,Chicagocontinues toenchantaudienceswithitsstoryof fame,fortune,andallthatjazz.The musicalfollowsRoxieHart,ahousewife andnightclubdancerwhofindsherself inthemediaspotlightaftercommittinga

crimeofpassion.Desperatetoavoid conviction,shemanipulatesthepublic, themedia,andherrivalcellmate,Velma Kelly,byhiringChicago’sslickestlawyer toturnhermaliciouscrimeintoasensationalheadline.

Audienceswillenjoyacollectionof belovednumberssuchas“AllThat Jazz,”“CellBlockTango,”“Razzle Dazzle,”and“Roxie.”Withitsspectaculardanceroutinesandcleverdialogue, Chicagopromisesaneveningofentertainmentlikenoother.

ThecastincludesEllieRoddyas RoxyHart,TaylorLaneasVelmaKelly, ConnorSullivanasBillyFlynn,Illeana “Illy”KirvenasMamaMortonand AndrewMetzgerasAmosHart.

Ensembleandswingcastmembers areLindsayAlhady,MalachiAlexander,

TimothyScottBrausch,FaithCandino, ChristopherCline,JoshEngland, RobertoFacchin,ZoieLee,ElizaLevy, SimeonRawls,AngellizMRosado Ramos,ChristinaYoungblood,Serena Kozusko,RyanMcInnesandBrad Weatherford.

DavidHyslopdirectstheproduction, withchoreographybyGregButler.Music supervisorisRobertBillig,whileBethany Hannaservesasproductionsupervisor.

Performanceswillbeheld WednesdaythroughSundayevenings andselectmatinees.Ticketpricesrange from$60to$85,withspecialratesfor groups.Ticketsareavailablenowand canbereservedbycalling239-2784422,visitingwww.BroadwayPalm.com, orinpersonat1380ColonialBlvd.in FortMyers.

NeilSimonclassicopensseasonatOffBroadwayPalm

BroadwayPalm DinnerTheatreis kickingoffitsOff BroadwayPalmseasonwithNeilSimon’s classiccomedy BarefootinthePark. ThisdelightfulproductionwillrunOct.10to Nov.16.

Barefootinthe Parkoffersahumorousandheartwarming lookattheupsand downsofnewlywed life.Theplaycenters onPaulandCorie Bratter,ayoungcouplestartingtheirmarriedlifeinacharming butchallenging Manhattanapartment. Theirhoneymoon blissisdisruptedbyanunexpectedvisitfromCorie’s eccentricmotherandadinnerwiththeirquirkyneighbor, Velasco.AsPaulandCorieattempttoplaymatchmaker,

aseriesofcomedic mishapsandmisunderstandingsensue, testingtheirpatience andlovewhilerevealingtherealitiesofmarriageandtheircontrastingpersonalities. Audiencescanlook forwardtoanevening filledwithlaughter, romance,andNeil Simon’ssignaturewit. Performanceswillbe heldatOffBroadway PalmTheatre Wednesdaythrough Sundayeveningsand selectmatinees.Ticket pricesrangefrom$60 to$85,withspecial ratesforgroups. Ticketsareavailable nowandcanbereservedbycalling239-278-4422,visitingwww.BroadwayPalm.com,orinpersonat1380 ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

FloridaReppresentswittytale

FloridaRepertoryTheatre willpresentBenButler,a historical,wittycomedyby RichardStrand,inthe HistoricArcadeTheatre Oct.22throughNov.10.

Inspiredbytrueevents, BenButlerisaCivilWartale packedwithsurprising humorandwit.WhenarunawayslavearrivesatFort Monroedemandingsanctuaryheforcesthenewly installed(andunconventional)Gen.BenjaminButlerto faceanimpossiblemoral dilemma:followthelawor alterthecourseofU.S.history.Part satire,partcomedyofmanners,this laugh-out-loud“battleofwits”tellsthe truestoryofhowalegalloophole helpedwintheCivilWar.

liantcomedicsettingforBenButler’s dramaticplottounfold.”

“RichardStrand’splayissmartlywrittentakingahumorouslookatapivotal momentinhistory,”saidproducingartisticdirectorGregLongenhagen.“Atits core,it’sasituationalcomedythat pokesfunatthesocietalnormsofthe day.Charactersoftenengageeach otherwithhystericalironycreatingabril-

ThecastfeaturesNewYork-based actorsBrandonHaagenson,Michael SeanMcGuinness,andBrandonPierce, allmakingtheirFloridaRepdebuts alongsidereturningguestartist,Larry Tobias,whoappearedinFloridaRep’s RingofFirein2023.

Singleticketpricesfor BenButlerare$67forregularperformancesOct.25 throughNov.10withdiscountedpreviewperformancesOct.22–24startingat $49.Studentticketsare availablefor$15.Curtain timesare7p.m.Tuesday throughSaturdaywith2p.m.matinees onWednesdays,Saturdaysand Sundays,and8p.m.fortheopening nightperformanceonFriday,Oct.25. FloridaRep'sparkinglotopenstwo hoursbeforeeachperformanceand offersguestsfreeparkingacrossthe streetfromtheArcadeTheatreindowntownFortMyers.

Ticketsmaybepurchasedonlineat www.floridarep.orgorbycallingthebox officeat239-332-4488ortoll-freeat 877-787-8053.

Longenhagendirectstheplayandis joinedbyanexpertcreativeteam includingsetdesignerJimHunter (Ripcord),costumedesignerStefanie Genda(KenLudwig’sAComedyof Tenors),sounddesignby BradenDowning(Forever Plaid),andlightingdesignby CharlesClark(FloridaRep directorofproduction)and stagemanagementbyArtie D’Alessio(TheMiracle Worker).

PlayersCircleTheaterkicksoff fifthseasonwithBedroomFarce

PlayersCircleTheaterannounces its2024-2025season.

“Planningatheatricalseasonis anartformandIamproudtocall PlayersCircle’s2024-2025ourmost excitingseasontodate,”cheered PlayersCircle’sartisticdirector RobertCacioppo.

PlayersCircle’sseasonkicksoff inOctoberwithahilariousfarcethat willsetthetonefortheentireseason, BedroomFarcewrittenbyAlan AyckbournanddirectedbyRobert CaciopporunsOct.22throughNov. 17.Thiswickedlyfunnyplayabout marriagetakesplaceinthreebedrooms.Ononeendlessnight,Trevor andSusannah,whosemarriageison therocks,inflicttheirmiserieson theirnearestanddearest,including Trevor’sparents.

Nextup,thelocaltheaterinvites audiencestocelebratethemostwonderfultimeoftheyearwithTom Dudzick’sGreetings(Nov.25–Dec. 22)directedbyTedWioncekIII.This miraculouslyfunnycomedyfollowsa Catholicboywhobringshomehis Jewish/atheistfiancéeforChristmas. Filledwithhumorandfantasy,this touchingandendearingplayisabout afamilyblessedwithamiracle.

Kickingoffthenewyearisthe DramaDeskandObieWinningBest Play,JoshuaHarmon’sAdmissions (Jan.7–Jan.26)directedbyRobert Cacioppo.Adramedyabout liberalparentsdesperateto gettheirchildrenintoanIvy Leagueschool,thisnoholds-barredlookatprivilege,power,andtheperilof hypocrisy.Thisplayisguaranteedtoleaveyou speechless.

PlayersCircle’sseason continueswiththeworld’s longestrunningmusical, TheFantasticks(Feb.4–March2),directedbyTed WioncekIII.“Tryto Remember’atimewhen thisromanticcharmer

wasn’tenchantingaudiences. Showcasingtheunforgettablemusic byHarveySchmidtandcaptivating bookandlyricsofTomJones,this classicaboutaboy,agirlandtheir twofathersisatimelessfablewith wisehumor,breathtakingpoetry,and beautifulmusic.

ASoutheasternUnitedStates premieretakesthestageinthe springbyrenownedplaywright,Bruce Graham.DirectedbyRobert Cacioppo,Flatlanders(March11–April6),isanewcomicrompthatall beginswhenacargetsstuckina Poconosblizzard.Tosurvive,acouplebreaksintoacabinbelongingto totalstrangers.Theydiscoversecrets abouttheirhostsandeachother.Will theyweatherthestorm?

Wrappinguptheseasonis RichardGarris’ingeniouswestend thriller,TheBusinessofMurder(April 15–May11)directedbyRobert Cacioppo.Runningeightyearsin London,thispsychologicalthriller centersonatrioofcharacters.Inthe traditionofAgathaChristie,nothingis asitseemsandastheplottwistsand turns,itbecomescleartheyareallin thesamebusiness…murder.

PlayersCircle,nowinitsfifthseason,willwelcomebacktothestage severalSouthwestFloridafavorites, includingCarrieLundCacioppo(Six DanceLessonsinSixWeeks,

ButterfliesAreFree,TheCocktail Hour,MiracleonSouthDivision Street),TedWioncekIII(MyWay:A MusicalTributetoFrankSinatra, ButterfliesAreFree,BreakingLegs,I LoveYou,You’rePerfect,Now Change),KimberlySuskind(MyWay: AMusicalTributetoFrankSinatra, Godspell,Ho!Ho!Ho!TheChristmas Show,TheCocktailHour),and HarveyEvans(ButterfliesAreFree, Admissions,TheCuriousIncidentof theDogintheNight-Time)andplans toshowcaseaplethoranewto PlayersCircle.

RobertCacioppoandTed WioncekIIIareslatedtodirectthe bulkofthe2024-2025seasonand arejoinedbyanexpertteamof designers,includingsetdesignby StevenMcLean(MyWay:AMusical TributetoFrankSinatra,Godspell, Proof,ButterfliesAreFree,Ho!Ho! Ho!TheChristmasShow,Breaking Legs);lightingbyWillGibbonsBrown (MyWay:AMusicalTributetoFrank Sinatra,Godspell,ILoveYou,You’re Perfect,NowChange)andParker Slaybaugh(13–TheMusical,ADay inHollywood/ANightonBroadway), costumedesignbySallyanne Bianchetta(Godspell,SixDance LessonsinSixWeeks,Proof, ButterfliesAreFree,Ho!Ho!Ho!The ChristmasShow).

Keepinganeyeonone-on-one patronrelationships, Cacioppoencourages everyoneto“Joinour Circle”andconcludes withPlayersCircle Theater’smotto,“We’re bigenoughtoserveyou andsmallenoughto knowyou.”

Formoreinformation, visitonlineat PlayersCircleTheater.com orcall239-800-3292. PlayersCircleTheater islocatedat13211 McGregorBlvd.inFort Myers.

NewexhibitsatAlliancefortheArts

TheAlliancefortheArtsinvitesthepublictoitsopeningreceptionforDaydreaminginthemaingalleryon Oct.4from5to7p.m.Thisexhibitionfeaturestheworks ofmembersoftheFortMyersBeachArtAssociation.

Meanwhile,theFouldsTheatreGalleryfeaturesthe showTheArtofMemory:MyChildhoodNostalgiaby VictoriaWebber.VibrantPortraitCollectionbySabrina KovacswillbefeaturedintheMemberGallery.Light refreshmentswillbeprovidedbyJayneBaker.These exhibitswillbeondisplayOct.4–26.

Incorporatedin1951,theFortMyersBeachArt Association(FMBAA)hasthrivedformorethan70years asanall-volunteer,member-operated,not-for-profit organization.Despitethelossoftheirbuildingto HurricaneIan,FMBAAremainsresilient,activelyraising fundsforrebuilding.Knownfortheirlaid-back,fun-loving,andart-drivenspirit,FMBAAfostersawelcoming anddown-to-earthenvironment.Theirworkingartgallery servesasacreativehubwheremembersgathertocreate,teach,learn,andsharetheirpassionforart.

Theshow’stitle,Daydream,wasthoughtfullychosen bytheteam.Althoughthethemeisopen,theconceptof 'daydreaming'perfectlycapturestheartisticmindset, invitingaglimpseintothecreativeprocessasartists visualizeandbringtheirideastolife.

VictoriaWebber'schildhoodpaintingsserveasartifactsreflectinghertruestselfandthejoyofherearly years.However,heradolescencewasdisruptedbya misdiagnosisofBipolarDisorderandothermentalillnessesattheageof14.Thisledtoyearsoftakingvariousmedications,includingahighdosageoflithiumequivalentdrugs,antidepressants,anti-anxietymedications,anti-psychotics,andsleepingpills.Nowmedication-free,Victoriaisonajourneytorediscoverher

authenticself,thoughtheeffectsofthedrugsandtraumahaveimpairedher memory.Toaidherlong-termmemory,shewritesdaily.

TheArtofMemory:MyChildhoodNostalgiafeaturescompositepanelsof herchildhood,evocativeimagetransfersjuxtaposedwithabstraction,still framesofspecialmemoriesthatrepresenthercharacter,andwhatitfeels likeforhertopreserveandrecallmemories.

SabrinaKovacsisaportraitartistinspiredbybeautifulpeopleandliving thingssurroundingus.Throughtheuseofcolorandtexture,sheconveys diversitywithinthebeautyofwomen.Kovacscelebratesindividualism throughtheuseofmultiplecolorsthatrepresenteachpieceofus:childhood experiences,traumas,crucialevents,andpersonalitytraitsthatmakeus whoweare.Sheusesacrylicpaintwithapaintbrushorpaletteknife,and sometimesaddsnaturalstonesandalayerofepoxyresintocreateaform thatfurtherexploresthehumanexperience.Herpaintingsasktheviewerto considerthebeautyoflivingthingsthrougheachcolorthatrepresentsa smallpartoftheirsoulandpurposeonEarthandasksthequestion:What makesuswhoweare?

TheAlliancefortheArtsislocatedat10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers. TheAlliancecampusandgalleriesareopentothepublicfrom9a.m.to7 p.m.TuesdaythroughFriday,andfrom9a.m.to1p.m.onSaturdays.For moreinformation,call239-939-2787orvisitatwww.ArtInLee.org.

SabrinaKovacs

VictoriaWebber

JohnRizza

J.PentonatACTGallery

ArtsforACTGallerywillhostan openingreceptiononFriday,Oct.4 from5to9p.m.inconjunctionwith FortMyersArtWalk.Thismonth, ACTGallerywillfeaturethe abstractartofJ.Penton.

JosePentonwasborninCuba andraisedinMiami.

AfterlivinginPortland,Oregon, forseveralyears,hemovedto SouthwestFloridain2014.Hehas alwaysbeenartisticallyinclined (hereditary),winninghisfirstprize inkindergarten.Pursuinghisstudiesinartanddesign,heattended DesignandArchitectureSenior High,inMiami,withaprimary focusinarchitectureanddrafting. Helaterstudiedfashiondesignat TheInternationalFineArtsCollege, alsoinMiami.

Arthasalwaysbeenapartof hisdailyroutine,insomeshapeor form,frompaintingtodrawingto photography,butitwasnotuntil 2009thathebegansellingartwork professionallyunderthenameRed MoonStudioArt

(redmoonstudioart.com).Hisart hasbeenfeaturedindesignshows onHGTVandhisworkcollected

nationallyandinternationallyin placessuchasDubai,Sweden, FranceandCanada.

Withaneclecticstyle,hispieces areinfluencedbymoodandheavily inspiredbymusic.Hisaffinityfor architecturaldraftingisfrequently seeninhisworkthroughtheincorporationofelementssuchaslines andstripes.Favoriteartistsinclude BarnettNewmanandMarkRothko andhisstyletendstotoggle betweenmid-centurymodernto minimalistandattimes,industrial andgrittyinfeel.Hemostlyenjoys thefreedomofabstractexpressionism,blendingorderanddisorder andhighlightingimbalance. Artistically,hisgoalistocreate piecesthatarenotnecessarily “pretty”butstillbeautiful.

Thisexhibitcontinuesthrough Oct.28.

Galleryhoursare11:30a.m.to8 p.m.MondaythroughSaturdayand noonto6p.m.onSunday.Artsfor ACTGalleryislocatedat2265First St.indowntownFortMyers.

AnnualDarkArtexhibitOct.4-17 atSidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter

TheSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenterannouncestwoart exhibitionsthatwillopenduringFortMyersArtWalkon Friday,Oct.4.

ThisOctober,experience theinfamousannualDarkArt exhibitionintheGrandAtrium andWhispersoftheBayou: Voodoo&ForestMagicby SusieKrichbaumupstairsin theCapitalGallery.

Theartcenteriskicking offthefestiveseasonwith theannualDarkArt2024 exhibitionintheGrandAtrium fromOct.4-17.SBDAC’s DarkArtjuriedexhibitionis oneofSouthwestFlorida’smostpopularshowcasesduetoits openplatformforrawexpressionism.Theshowfeaturespainting,sculpture,photography,performances,andmixedmedia projectsdedicatedtocelebratingdarkerthemesinart.

Theartworksdisplayedrevelinthemysterious,the macabre,andthesurreal.

TheopeningnightoftheDarkArt2024Exhibitionwillbe heldOct.4from6to10p.m.Therewillbeanincrediblelineup ofperformancesforthisyear’sopeningreception.Forthis highlyanticipatedevent,therewillbeareturnofpastyear’s performers.TheGrandAtriumwillfeaturelivebodypaintingby OctoberWhispers.Attheheightofthenight,theaudiencewill beentertainedbyauniquelyenlightenedshortstoryand musicperformancebyIsraelAlpizarandNoreenAlam.The nextactwillhavethemysteriousandillustriouspresenceof AngelaHickswithastunningswordbalancingandteslacoil bellydance.

Thefinalactof theeveningwillbe anewanddelightfullybone-chilling runwayshowtitled “BloodMoon”by TonyaBarnes. Barnes’teamof performerswill portrayapocalypticentitiesasthey presentthemselvesindevastatingfashion-one byone.

Onthesecond floorintheCapital Galleryistheart exhibition Whispersofthe

Bayou:VoodooandForestMagic bySusieKrichbaum.Uponenteringthegallery,guestswillstep intoanenchantingrealmwhere themysticalwhispersofthe bayoucomealivethroughthe displayofintricatesculpturedolls. Thiscollection,inspiredbythe eeriebeautyofvoodootraditions andtheenchantingallureofforestmagic,invitesyoutoexplore aworldwhereartandmysticism intertwine.

Krichbaum’ssculptureworks ventureintotheextraordinaryand thebizarre,craftingpeculiarcharactersthatblurthelinebetween themysticalandtheordinary. Shedrawsherinspirationfromnature,folklore,mythology, andthewhispersofforgottentalesandinfuseseachpiece withadistinctpersonality,breathinglifeintotheinanimate. Attendeesareencouragedtowearcostumesduringthe openingreceptiononFriday,Oct.4.Onopeningnightduring ArtWalk,FridayNightsatSidney’swillpresentDJSkubiifrom 7-11p.m.TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterisat2301 FirstSt.intheFortMyersRiverDistrict.Formoreinformation, call239-333-1933orvisitthewebsiteatwww.sbdac.com

EsauRodriguez-DarkArt

TowerGallerywelcomesJohnRizza

TowerGalleryonSanibel isacooperativeconsistingof 25artistsintwo-dimensional andthree-dimensionalmediumssuchasoil,acrylic, watercolor,photography, ceramic,jewelry,fiber,wood, glassandmetal.

JohnRizzaisoneofthe newestartistsatTower.He joinedthelocalco-opgallery inAprilofthisyear.

JohnpermanentlyrelocatedtotheFortMyersBeach areain2019.Hehasretired aftera45yearcareerinthe golfindustryworkingtobeautifymanycourses. Retirementnowprovidesthe abilitytospendhistimewith hisfirstloveandpassioncreatingart.

Hisworkincludes“plein air”paintingsincludinglandscapesandwildlifeplushe enjoysdoingfigurative pieces,portraitsandcommissions.

John’seducationincludes NewYorkArtStudents

League,WoodstockArt SchoolandNewYorkState UniversityatNewPaltzworkingtowardabacheloroffine artsdegree.

Heisamemberofthe FortMyersBeachArt Association,SanCapArt LeagueandTheUnionArtist Studioswithhisstudiolocatedonthecampusofthe AlliancefortheArtsinFort Myers.

Seemoreofhisartonline athttps://rizzart.faso.com

TowerGalleryislocatedat 751TarponBayRoadon Sanibelandisopenseven daysaweekfrom11a.m.to 6p.m.

Formoredetails,callthe galleryat239-472-4557or visitatwww.towergallery.net

TowerGallerywillhold its18thAnnualArt fromtheAtticSale Oct.18,19and20 from10a.m.to4p.m.

ThisisfromJohnʼsWhiteBootsseries,recordingthe diversityofcommercial&recreationalfishingcommunity.

Obscuritygroupexhibit atDAASCo-OpGallery

InOctoberandNovember,DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts iscelebratingtheobscureandsinisterwithagroupexhibition andavendoreventattheirnewlocationintheAllianceforthe Artscampus.

Aselectionofartists,hand-pickedbycuratorDavidAcevedo, werechallengedtocreateworksexclusivelyforthisshowing. TheopeningreceptionisscheduledforFriday,Oct.4from5:30 to9p.m.TheexhibitionwillbeondisplaythroughDec.1.On Friday,Nov.1,theDiadeLosMuertosvendoreventwilltake theplaceofthegallery’straditionalfirstFridayreception.

TheartistsparticipatinginthisexhibitionareDanielle Branchaud,WillSoto,DavidMartin,AlexLago,JuliBobman, KeslerRoman,StanHuhn,XavierBrignoniandDavidAcevedo. Alltheseartistsweregiventhechoicetointerprettopicssuch asdarkness,mystery,horror,mysticism,theoccultornightmares,andutilizetheinspirationtocreateonelarge,twomediumorfoursmallpiecesforthisshow.

ArtteacherandartistDavidMartinisoneofthisyear’s Obscurecreators."Mygraphiteseriesdepictdeathasanentity, fallinginlovewithamanfromadistance,whichexploresthe relationshipbetweenlifeanddeaththroughtheirone-sidedlove story,”commentsMartin,whohasexhibitedasaguestartistat thegalleryinthepast.“IcreatedthesepiecesfortheObscurity

showtoofferadifferentperspectiveonhowweviewlife,death, andtheirconnection,"saysMartin,whosedetailedillustrative workbouncesbetweensurrealismandpopart.

“ThefourpiecesIampresentingforObscurityarefroma projectcalledHauntedPaintings.–saysartistAlexLago.These consistofagroupofpiecesinfluencedbyliteraryimages,art, moviesandAmericanculturalaspects,whichhaveimpactedme foraslongasIcanremember.”mentionstheCubanartist,who currentlyresidesinLehighAcres.BythetimeIreceivedthe invitationforthisexhibition,Ihadyettoconceiveofthese works.So,Itooktheproposalanddecidedtoshiftmyview towardsamoreghostlyimagery.Thedarknessisslightlysuggested,mixingreallifeandthemetaphysical,”saysLago.

TheDiadeLosMuertosvendoreventonNov.1startsat 5:30p.m.Itwillfeatureanarrayofcraftersandartisans,offering everythingfromjewelry,clothingandotherhandmadeitems–allundertheDayoftheDeadatmosphere.Forinformation aboutvending,visitthegallery’swebsite.

DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Giftsislocatedat10051 McGregorBlvd.,suite104,inFortMyers(adjacenttoArts& EatsCafé)ontheAlliancefortheArtscampus.Thegallery’s businesshoursareWednesdaytoSundayfrom10a.m.to2 p.m.Informationaboutthevenuecanbefoundonlineat www.daascoop.comorbycalling239-955-0422.

AlexLago

DavidMartin

ArtsBonitashowcasesBradfordHermann

ArtsBonitapresentstwonewexhibitionsopeningattheendofOctober. IntheMainGallerywillbeAI:Artistic Intelligence–TheArtofBradford ShawHermann.

Meanwhile,intheTranovich Gallerywillbeagroupshowentitled Masquerade.Anopeningreception forbothexhibitswillbeheldon Thursday,Oct.31from6to8p.m.in conjunctionwithaspecialholiday themedcampus-wideopenhouse andstudiotour,featuringunique Halloween-inspiredactivitiesforthe wholefamily.Thereceptionisfree andopentothepublic.Lightbites andbeverageswillbeserved.

ArtsBonitapresentstheuniquely complexandextraordinaryartworkof BradfordShawHermann. Transcendingmediumsandmaterials,thiscollectionofmulti-dimensionalmixedmediaworkspresentsan unforgettablevisualjourneyreflecting thehumanexperience,invitingviewerstodelveintothedepthsoftheir ownemotionsandperceptions.This exhibition,aptlytitled“AI:Artistic Intelligence,”isboundtobeathought-provokingandunexpectedvoyageforall,invokingnewconversationsonthe

beautyandcomplexitythatexists withinusandinthenaturalworld aroundus.

BradfordHermann,bornin 1974amongstthevibrantlandscapesofa50-acrehorsefarm nearAthens,Ga.,currentlycalls FortMyershome.Withaprominentartisticjourneyspanning24 years,Hermannhasdistinguished himselfasaself-taughtrecycle artist,passionatelyconveyinga powerfulmessagethroughhiscreations.

Forwellover9,000years,the artofcreatingmasksforritualor ceremonyhasbeeningrainedin culturesallovertheworld.Arts Bonitaaskedartistsofallages andskill-setstosculpt,paint,collage,build,and/orsewaunique maskinanystyleoftheirchoosing,usingmaterialsoftheir choice,incelebrationoftheseason.Thebestmasksintheshow willbechosenandawardedby guestartistBradfordHermann.

TheVisualArtsCenteris locatedat26100Old41RoadinBonitaSprings.Formore info,call239-495-8989orvisitwww.artsbonita.org

NewexhibitsopeninOctoberat VisualArtsCenterinPuntaGorda

TheVisualArtsCenterinPuntaGordahasanotherbusyscheduleinOctober.

TheannualBattleoftheBrushesfocusesonsixlocal“celebrities,”teamedwithprofessionalartiststocreateuniquecollectible artworkthatwillbeunveiledandauctionedattheGrandFinale RevealPartyonNov.23.

DuringthematchupeventOct.1at6p.m.,the“celebrities”will discovertheirartistpartnersandcollaborateontheirprojectplans. Onlythecelebrity'shandswillhandletheartwork,withtheircoach presenttoguideandteach.Thisyear’scelebritiesareBillComber, PaulaHarrison,RosaBenghtt,DoriHoltvoigt,RudyAskewand JackieThornberry.TheartistcoachesareBelindaDuclos,Steve Strunk,BirgitTode,DonnaPape,LoriPottsandLauraPommier. PineapplesinParadiseexhibitrunsnowthroughOct.11.This themedexhibitisallaboutthebeautyofthe“Paradise”thatweall areprivilegedtocallhome.Both2D&3Dartareondisplayand worksdonothavetoincludepineapples.

TravelingStorytellers,afiberdollexhibit,opensOct.1.This one-of-a-kindexhibitionfeatures14dollsthatjourneyedtoseven differentartisans,eachcontributingapieceofthenarrativeand artisticdetailsuntilthedollsreturnedtotheiroriginal"Birth Mother."Accompanyingeachdoll,scrollswillnarratetheiradventuroustales,allowingeveryonetoexploretheirjourneys.

ExpressionsofGratitudeexhibitopensOct.16andrunsto Nov.8.Thisexhibitfocusesonpositiveaffirmations,witheach contributionhelpingtofosteramorecompassionateandstronger community.Avarietyof2Dand3Dartworkswillbeshowcased acrossmultiplemediums.

TheStudentShowcaseexhibitalsoopensOct.16andrunsto Nov.8.CurrentandformerstudentsoftheVisualArtsCenterwere invitedtoshowcasetheirartworkintheGoffGallery.Theexhibit featuresboth2Dand3Dpiecesacrossarangeofmediums.

AnawardsandmeettheartistsreceptionwillbeheldOct.24 from5to7p.m.forExpressionsofGratitudeexhibit,aswellasa“People’sChoice” awardforboththe StudentShowand

Pineapplesin Paradise.The winnerswillbe determinedby receptionattendees,soarrive earlyandcast yourvoteforyour favoritepiece. Also,meetthe talentedartists behindthe Traveling Storytellersfiber dollexhibitandfeelfreetoinquireabouttheirtechniquesand distinctivecreations.

VisualArtsCenterislocatedat210MaudSt.inPuntaGorda. Formoreinfo,call941-639-8810orvisitwww.visualartcenter.org

JacquelinePhelp

NancyCunningham

FGCUhostsannualalumniexhibit

TheFGCUArt Galleriespresent twoexhibitions: theannualalumni exhibition,Note toSelf:Briena Harmening, QuinnMillerand CaitlinRososlen fromOct.18–Nov.21inthe WasmerArt GalleryintheArts Complexandthe secondannual publicartproject HeartandSoulby PaulFirminatthe northendofthe ArtsComplexontheFloridaGulf CoastUniversitycampus.

NotetoSelfexhibit(lefttoright)BrienaHarmening,IʼmListening,2024,Screen printonbeachtowel,acrylic,andknittedafghan;CaitlinRosolen,YouKnow WhatTheySayAboutJobs:WhenYouLoveWhatYouDo,YouNeverWorka DayinYourLife,2024,Stillfromperformancepieceprintedonstretchedfabric withyarnanddrapedchiffon;QuinnMiller,TheBirthofHekatonkheires,2021, Photograph

Art),andCaitlinRosolen(‘17,Art).

Theopeningreceptionandartist talkswilltakeplaceonThursday,Oct. 17from5to7p.m.intheArts Complex.TheworkswithinthisNoteto Selfcelebratethecreativejourneysof theArtProgramalumni,featuringthe introspectiveandautobiographical worksofthreetalentedartists:Briena Harmening(‘05,Art),QuinnMiller(‘15,

NotetoSelfshowcasesarichvarietyofartisticmediums,includingtextile art,printmaking,photography,and painting,offeringvisitorsadiverse paletteofcreativeexpression.Each artistbringsauniqueperspectiveto theexhibition,reflectingonpersonal narrativesandexperiencesthathave shapedtheirartisticpaths.

Thisyear’sexhibitionnotonlycele-

bratestheindividual journeysof Harmening,Miller, andRosolenbut alsohighlightsthe diversecareertrajectoriesofFGCU alumni,demonstratingthelasting impactoftheirartisticeducation.Heart andSoul,apublic artprojectbyPaul Firmin(‘23,Art). runsfromOctober 2024toOctober 2025,thistwo-part muralisinstalled outsidethenorth endoftheArtsComplex.Firmin's mural,craftedwithacrylicpaint,serves asavisualtestamenttotheArts ComplexatFGCU,embodyingits heartandsoul.Featuringfigurespaintedinthecolorsoftheheartandthirdeyechakras,themuralsymbolizesthe intertwiningofbreath,nature,water, andtheocean.Itaimstoprovidea healingandrestorativeenergytoall whopassthroughtheArtsComplex.

LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents

ONGOING

MethodtotheMadnessexhibit ThroughOct.3

WasmerArtGallery,ArtsComplex, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 239-590-7199

Black&Whiteexhibit KarenGozzoNolanexhibit ThroughOct.24

VisualArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings 239-495-8989

ForeverPlaid ThroughOct.27

ArtStageStudioTheatre atFloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488

VoicesandVotesexhibition ThroughNov.8 CapeCoralLibrary 921S.W.39thTerrace,CapeCoral www.leelibrary.net

Chicagothemusical ThroughNov.9

BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422

TUE-1

Galleryopeningreception HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,featuredartists RuthRenshawandKoriAnnEvens, www.harbourviewgallery.com

DuelingPianos-6:30p.m. TheFirmJazz&Blues-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

WendyRenee TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WED-2

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

TheNaplesPlayers:Rumors ThroughOct.20 KizzieTheater,TheNaplesPlayers, 7015thAve.S.,Naples 239-263-7990

O CTOBER C ALENDAR

Obscuritygroupexhibit ThroughDec.1

DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104, FortMyers,Reception5:30-9p.m. 239-955-0422

DaydreamingexhibitbyFort MyersBeachArtAssociation Oct.4-26

AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers Openingreception5-7p.m. 239-939-2787

MajestyofRock: MusicofStyxandJourney

LatinLegendstribute

andShakiraatSeminoleCasinoHotelinImmokaleeonSaturday, Oct.5at8p.m.Forticketsandmoreinformation,visitonlineat www.moreinparadise.comorwww.goldentertainment.us

LatinDancewithAngela RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Lesson6:30p.m.,Partyat7:30p.m. withDJJulz,239-333-1933

Deb&TheDynamics-6p.m. LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

THU-3

ABBAtribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

Temptations,FourTopstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

MercatoNightsMusicSeries featuringThunderBeach Eventlawn,Mercato, 9110StradaPlace,Naples 6:30-8:30p.m. www.experiencemercato.com

JoeyFiato TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

NormaJeaninconcert

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

FRI-4

FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 5-9p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

Imbalance:J.Pentonexhibit ArtsforACTGallery 2265FirstSt.,FortMyers reception5-9p.m.,239-337-5050

13South TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454

DarkArtShow Oct.4-17

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Reception6p.m.,239-333-1933

BillPence-6p.m. ComedianSheenaRegan-7p.m. BobSegerandAllman Brotherstribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

ComedianCarmenLynch PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

TheExploited,TotalChaos, TarahWho?inconcert

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen2p.m.,239-985-9839

SaturdayNightFever Oct.4-6

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

SusieKrichbaumexhibit Oct.4-17

CapitalGallery, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers reception6p.m.,239-333-1933

CoralStoneBand

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

BelltoberBeerFestival

BellTowerShoppingCentre, 13499S.ClevelandAve.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,www.unitedwaylee.org

SAT-5

NeilDiamond, BarbraStreisandtribute

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7p.m.239-405-8566

LatinLegends: SelenaandShakiratribute SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,www.moreinparadise.com

ACMA:LukeBulla

AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers SteveWaterburyopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org

RobertGonnelli

CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000

PureCountry Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

JesseDayton PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

SmackDaddy

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

SamGallowayFordConcert SeriespresentsCreedFisher TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

CharlottePlayersStarSearchJr. LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 2and7:30p.m.,941-255-1022

AnnualQuiltShow EdisonandFordWinterEstates 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.–2p.m.,239-334-7419

ArtsforACTGalaandAuction CaloosaSoundConventionCenter, MonroeStreet,FortMyers 5p.m.239-939-2553 www.actabuse.com

SouthShoreBand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SUN-6

Leather&LaceDuo-5p.m. LatinDanceSocial-5p.m. BrunoMarsand LadyGagatribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org

LastTrain

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

Chamber&UniversityChoirs, BelCanto&CantabileConcert NaplesUnitedChurchofChrist, 5200CraytonRoad,Naples 3p.m.,free,239-745-4268

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

Simply-Fi

BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org

NewYorkRhythm

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

MON-7

FortMyersFilmFestivalT.G.I.M. SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933

EdZiehm

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TUE-8

DuelingPianos-6:30p.m. TheFirmJazz&Blues-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

BillBeck

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WED-9

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

WednesdayNightMarket AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 5-8p.m.,239-939-2787

WednesdayswithDJDonFresh RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. Eagletribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

SteveWaterburyopens,7pm LukeBulla

SATURDAY,OCT.5

ChuckWilliamsopens,7pm JonShain

SATURDAY,OCT.26

MattHannamopens,7pm JeffersonRoss

SATURDAY,NOV.2

ALLFAITHSUNITARIANCONGREGATION 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers

Doorsopenat6:30pm.Ticketsatthedoor.

MusicUnderTheStars

BillMetts,RoySchneider,BrianSmalley

THURSDAY,OCTOBER17at7pm

CalusaNatureCenterPlanetarium 3478OrtizAve.,FortMyersTicketsatcalusanature.org

HeatherPiersonDuo

THURSDAY,OCT.10

TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint

17281OnParBlvd.FortMyers•7pm

Tickets$30attribbyartscenter.com

VisitourFacebookpageandwebsite formoreinfo&fullcalendarofevents www.americanacma.org

O CTOBER C ALENDAR

THU-10

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

SudamericaLatinGroove LuisMigueltribute PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

RodStewart,TomJones, CelineDion,MeatLoafand LindaRonstadttribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7p.m.239-405-8566

EveningonFifth 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.,239-248-4151

ACMA:HeatherPiersonDuo TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

SaturdayNightFever Oct.10-13

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

NisitaConcerts:JeanieDarnell (soprano),MichaelBaron(piano) U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-745-4268

MercyMeinconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesPkwy,Estero 7p.m.,239-948-7825

CharlottePlayers:Bewarethe HouseonHauntedHill Oct.10-13

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

BarefootinthePark ThroughNov.16 OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422

LatinNightwithDJJC RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

RickPerdueBand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

PhenomenalAnimal

Formedinlate2023,thebandPhenomenalAnimalhasbeenkeepingbusyplayingvenuesallover SouthwestFlorida.BandmembersincludeMichaelWeezus(guitarandvocals),MikeBrophy (drums),AndrewGromiller(bassandvocals)andChrisStephenson(keysandvocals).Catchthem Sunday,Oct.20from3to6p.m.atDolphinKeyResortʼsTikiHutBarandGrillinCapeCoral.For moreaboutthebandandschedule,visitwww.phenomenalanimalband.comorfollowonFacebook.

FRI-11

SoapyTuna

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454

FabulousGirlsofMotown

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

CowboyKidRocktribute andDukesofBrinkley Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

DiscoDanceParty-6p.m. TonyDavid-6p.m. EdenBrentblues-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

Departure:JourneyTributeBand CaloosaSoundConventionCenter, 1375MonroeSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,caloosasoundamp.com

Skeletens

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SAT-12

JoeVolpe TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7:30-10:30p.m., 239-540-8454

Frontiers-TributetoJourney Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

CapeCoralBikeNight SE47thTerrace,CapeCoral SchoolofRockbandat5p.m.,Red Hannahat6:30p.m.,Shoot2Thrill AC/DCtributeat8:30p.m. www.ccbikenight.com

ChrisO’Leary PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

MikeImbasciani

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

Switchfootinconcert TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

Broadway’sRockofAgesBand BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 8p.m.,239-481-4849

MusicandArtNight Lorne’sGallery,TarponMarina 5591SilverKingBlvd.,CapeCoral MusicbyTommyDeeandDee, 5-8p.m.239-945-0866

RockyHorrorPictureShow AlliancefortheArts,outdoors 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6-10p.m.,239-939-2787

ChicagoHeat-6:30p.m. DazzlingDelRays-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

Simply-Fi TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

InternationalCultureFest Fishermen’sVillage, 1200W.RettaEspl.,PuntaGorda noon-6p.m.941-621-6046

SUN-13

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org

SUN-13continued

RockCandy

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

DaveMatthewsBandtribute

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

LatinDanceSocial-5p.m. FrankieValliand

BeeGeestribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoeYeomanBand BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org

MON-14

AURA

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TUE-15

RodStewarttribute-7p.m.

TheFirmJazz&Blues-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

WendyRenee TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WED-16

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

O CTOBER C ALENDAR

NotetoSelfexhibitreception WasmerArtGallery,FGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers reception5p.m.,exhibitruns Oct.18-Nov.21,239-590-7199

BeeGees,Simon&Garfunkel, CrosbyStillsNash&Youngtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

CharlottePlayers:Bewarethe HouseonHauntedHill Oct.17-20

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

GOLDEntertainmentpresentscomedianPaulRodriguezat SeminoleCasinoHotelinImmokaleeonFriday,Oct.25at8p.m. Forticketsandmoreinformation,visitwww.moreinparadise.com orwww.goldentertainment.us

Deb&TheDynamics-6p.m. LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

TheNaplesPlayers: Almost,Maine ThroughNov.10

PriceStudioTheater,TheNaples Players,7015thAve.S.,Naples 239-263-7990

WineandPaint-6:30p.m. RooftopKaraoke-8p.m. RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 239-333-1933

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

Film:ThisWorldisNotMyOwn AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-939-2787

THU-17

Boston&Styxtribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

ACMAMusicUndertheStars: BrianSmalley,BillMetts andRoySchneider

CalusaNatureCenter& Planetarium,3450OrtizAve., FortMyers,7p.m., www.calusanature.org

FGCUWindOrchestraConcert U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,free,239-745-4268

ReggaeSunsetJams RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

JoeyFiato

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FRI-18

Rocker

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

FortMyersMusicWalk

DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

AnnualArtfromtheAttic Oct.18-20

TowerGallery, 751TarponBayRoad,Sanibel 10a.m.-4p.m.239-472-4557

CarrieTheMusical Oct.18-20

CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

TonyDavid-6p.m. SmokinAces-6:30p.m. RCSmithcomedy-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

TomPetty,America,Creedence ClearwaterRevivaltribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

CapeCoralOktoberfest Oct.18-20

GermanAmericanSocialClub,2101 SWPineIslandRoad,CapeCoral Friday4p.m.-midnight,Saturday noon-midnight,Sundaynoon-8 p.m.,239-283-1400 www.capecoraloktoberfest.com

GulfCoastSymphony: MusicofStarWars Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6:30and9p.m.,239-277-1700

StoneTampaPilots (tributetoStoneTemplePilots) Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675

VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

BackLotRaveandRockCircus

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Backparkinglot,7p.m., 239-333-1933

BeautyandTheBeast Oct.18-20

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Dracula:AComedyofTerrors Oct.18-20

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

Rewindband TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

LegendsofOblivion

HauntedAttraction

Oct.18-Nov.2

LeeCivicCenter,11831Bayshore Road,NorthFortMyers www.hauntedswfl.com

SAT-19

PeacekeepersMemorialConcert: ABrother’sRevival andMatthewCurry Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 5:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

JimmyNightclub-6:30p.m. TheTapMonkeys-6p.m. GarthBrookstribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

ClassicCarFest

CapeCoralMuseumofHistory 544CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 10a.m.-1p.m.,trunkortreat, costumeparade(11:30a.m.), food,music,games,vendors, 239-772-7037

SamGallowayFordConcert SeriespresentsRestlessRoad TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

BadLatitude TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

FleetwoodMacand StevieNickstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

FamilyArtLab

AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.-noon,239-939-2787

FloridaRhythmKings TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

SUN-20

ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

LeatherandLaceDuo-5p.m. DiscoDanceParty-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

SUN-20continued

RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org

PhenomenalAnimal

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

SoapyTuna

BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org

FGCUSymphonyOrchestra U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 3p.m.,free,239-745-4268

ReginaBonelli TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

O CTOBER C ALENDAR

MON-21

EdZiehm TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TUE-22

BarenakedLadies, ToadtheWetSprocketinconcert BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 7:30p.m.,239-481-4849

BenButler ThroughNov.10

ArcadeTheatre atFloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488BedroomFarce ThroughNov.17

SeminoleCasinoHotelinImmokaleewelcomesElleKingwith specialguestTheBandLoulainconcertonOct.26.Fortickets andinfo,visitwww.moreinparadise.com.

PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-800-3292

TheFirmJazz&BluesQuintet CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000

BillBeck

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WED-23

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. Foreigner,Styxtribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

JoshRowand

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

THU-24

SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

ZachBartholomew: MusicfromWayneShorter PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

Awards,meettheartistsreception VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5-7p.m.941-639-8810

Echo CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

WickedWalk ThursdayandFriday SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 239-333-1933

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Dracula:AComedyofTerrors Oct.24-26

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

MikeImbasciani &HisBluezRockerz TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

MurielAnderson TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

FortunateYouthinconcert

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

FGCUWindChambersChoir U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,free,239-745-4268

SWFloridaSymphony:RockStar SeancewithAndrewLipke BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 7:30p.m.,239-481-4849

BeautyandTheBeast ThroughNov.3

TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533

LaurieandRustyWright TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

FRI-25

Riverside TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

JohnnyRogersBand: CountryLegendstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

ComedianPaulRodriguez SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,www.moreinparadise.com

Carpool: UltimateTributetotheCars

Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com

TonyDavid-6p.m.

JimmyKeys-7p.m. Elvistribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

CharlottePlayers:Bewarethe HouseonHauntedHill Oct.24-27

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

MartinBarreBand PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

GulfCoastSymphony: MusicofHarryPotter Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6:30and9p.m.,239-277-1700

FRI-25continued

60sRocknRollRevival

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers BobbyMiranda&TheHappenings, TheBrooklynBridge,TheDuprees, MichaelD’AmoreandBrianHyland, 7p.m.,239-481-4849

CarrieTheMusical Oct.25-27

CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862

CapeCoralOktoberfest Oct.25-27

GermanAmericanSocialClub,2101 SWPineIslandRoad,CapeCoral Friday4p.m.-midnight,Saturday noon-midnight,Sundaynoon-8 p.m.,239-283-1400 www.capecoraloktoberfest.com

RandyandBrad TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

O CTOBER C ALENDAR

CelebratingBroadway withMarkSanders PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

HalloweenSpooktacular-3p.m. EveningonFifth-5p.m. CambierParkand 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 239-248-4151

ClassicrockbandStyxwillperformJan.10atHertzArenain Estero.Forticketsandmoreinfo,viistwww.hertzarena.com photobyJasonPowell

NaplesInternationalFilmFestival Oct.25-27

AlamoDrafthouseCinema, Mercato,9110StradaPlace,Naples www.experiencemercato.com

SAT-26

3HourTour TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454

ACMA:JonShain AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers ChuckWilliamsopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org

Salsalegendstribute-6p.m. TheTapMonkeys-6p.m. JerseyBeat-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

BonitaSpringsFallArtFestival Saturday&Sunday PromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings Saturdaynoon-7p.m., Sunday10a.m.-5p.m. www.promenadeshops.com

Foreigner,Aerosmith andBadCompanytribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

SolReal TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

ElleKinginconcert

SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,www.moreinparadise.com

Soulflyinconcert

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839

FallFestival

EdisonandFordWinterEstates

2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 9a.m.–4p.m.,239-334-7419

SUN-27

ACMASongwritersCircle

AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org

RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org

TheMorganBrakeBand AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 3p.m.,239-939-2787

LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. TheFirm-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

GulfshorePlayhouse presentsAnythingGoes ThroughNov.24

MoranMainstage,BakerTheatre andEducationCenter, 100Goodlette-FrankRoad,Naples 239-261-7529

DirtyWork

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454

NisitaConcertSeries:TrioMakari U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 3p.m.,239-745-4268

GulfCoastSymphony

BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 2p.m.,239-481-4849

AURA

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 5-8p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

MON-28

RossMead

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TUE-29

DanielMaltz TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667

TheFirmJazz&BluesQuintet CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000

SeanPaxson

TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

WED-30

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723

Deb&TheDynamics-6p.m. LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

Hallowine Mercato,9110StradaPlace,Naples 6-9p.m.experiencemercato.com

JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

THU-31

SmokinAces

TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Dracula:AComedyofTerrors ThroughNov.9

LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

RooftopHalloweenParty RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

FrankSinatratribute withTonySands CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000

FloridaRhythmKings TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

ArtsBonitalineupincludesJesse Dayton,ChrisO’Leary,MartinBarre

ArtsBonitakicksoffanotherstrongmonthof greatmusiconOct.3withaperformanceby MartinatthePerformingArtsCenterinBonita Springs

Withacareerspanningoveradecade,Martin haswonoveraudienceswithhisuniqueblendof countryandrockinfluences.Hissongsdelveinto themesoflove,loss,andpersonalgrowth, touchingtheheartsoflistenerseverywhere.

CarmenLynchwillpresentaneveningof comedyOct.4.

Getreadyforanunforgettablenightwith JesseDaytononOct.5at7:30p.m.,atowering figureinoutlawcountryandamasterstoryteller whodefiesgenreboundaries.Withacareer spanningdecades,Daytonhasmadehismark asachart-toppingsongwriter,guitarvirtuoso, author,frontman,sideman,producer,andrelentlessroadwarrior.Fromhisearlydayswiththe RoadKingstohiscollaborationswithlegends likeJohnnyCash,WaylonJennings,andKris Kristofferson,Daytonhasbeenatrailblazerin modernAmericanmusic.

JoinusasDaytonbringshisinnovative soundtothestage,blendingrock,country,and blueswithhissignatureoutlawspirit.Hislatest album,“TheHardWayBlues,”co-producedwith Grammy-winnerShooterJennings,showcases hisversatilityandartistryinapowerful,melodic collectionthatpayshomagetohisdiverseinfluences.Experiencetheelectrifyingenergyofa trueroots-rockrenaissancemanasJesse

Daytondeliversaperformancethatpromisesto beasunforgettableasitisgenre-defying.

SudamericaLatinGroovewillperformaLuis MiguelTributeOct.10at7:30p.m.

BluesmaestroChrisO’Learywilltakethe stageOct.12at7:30p.m.Renownedforhis masteryinbluesandsoulmusic,O’Learyisa forcetobereckonedwith.Fromhisearlydays immersedinthesoundsofChicagoblues,tohis yearsasaMarine,andhisriseinthelocalmusic sceneofPoughkeepsie,NewYork,O’Leary’s journeyisatestamenttohisdedicationandpassion.AsaresidentperformeratLevonHelm’s ClassicAmericanCaféinNewOrleans,O’Leary perfectedhiscraft,captivatingaudienceswith hisharmonicamastery.

O’Leary’sprofessionaldebutcamein2003, playingonblueslegendHubertSumlin’s“About ThemShoes.”Sevenyearslater,hisdebut album“Mr.UsedtoBe”garneredaBluesMusic AwardnominationandwontheBluesBlast AwardforBestNewArtistDebut.Withfive albumstohisname,hislatestrelease,“The HardLine,”ishismostrawandreflectivework yet,capturingtheessenceofhislifeexperiences fromhismilitaryservicetohiscountlessperformances.

ZachBartholomewperformsWayneShorter: SpeakNoEvil(featuringsaxophonistMark Small),Oct.24at7:30p.m.

TheMartinBarreBandperformsOct.25at 7:30p.m.Thedefiningsoundoftherockband

JethroTullwasfromnoneother thanMartinBarre,theband’skey guitaristfrom1968,alltheway uptotheirfinaltourin2014.After theendofJethroTull,Barre immediatelybeganhissolo career.Hetransitionedhissound slightlyoncebecomingasoloist, performingingenressuchas rock,blues,andacoustic. Despitehisshiftinsound,his technicalyetemotionalpresentationofmusicstayedthesame. Hisuniquepresentationhaswon himmanyawards,themost notablebeingaGrammyAward forBestHardRock/Metal Performancein1989.

Themonthwrapsupwith CelebratingBroadwaywithMark SandersOct.26at7:30p.m.

ThePerformingArtsCenter,is locatedat10150BonitaBeach RoadinBonitaSprings.Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisit onlineatwww.artsbonita.org.

MartinBarre-Oct.25

JesseDayton-Oct.5

ChrisOʼLeary-Oct.12

LukeBellaandJonShain onACMAlisteningroomschedule

TheAmericanaCommunity MusicAssociationkeepsthelive musicgoingwithintimateconcertsattheirlisteningroomin FortMyers.

Theupcomingscheduleatthe ACMAlisteningroomincludes LukeBellaonOct.5,JonShain onOct.26,JeffersonRosson Nov.2,DavidC.SmithonNov. 16,BlueCactusonNov.23and CliffEberhardtwithLouiseMosrie onDec.7.

TheACMAwelcomesGrammy AwardwinnerLukeBellaonOct. 5.Touringwithandsinginginhis familybandfromagefour,Luke Bullatookupthefiddleatseven. EnteringNashville’sGrand MasterFiddleChampionshipat ageten,Lukedistinguishedhimselfbybeingtheyoungestpersontohavemadethetopten.

Inadditiontoviolin,Luke playsguitarandmandolin,and singsandwritessongs.Inthe springof1999,Lukemovedto Nashvilletoestablishhimselfasafull timemusician.Hespenthisearlyyears inTennesseeplayingfiddleinRicky Skaggs’band,KentuckyThunder,which earnedhimhisfirstGrammyAward.

MorerecentlyLukehasperformed and/orrecordedwithBrandiCarlile,Jim Lauderdale,DarrellScott,Alison Krauss,JerryDouglas,SamBush, EdgarMeyer,BelaFleck,BryanSutton, KevinCostner&ModernWest,Russ BarenbergTrio,ShawnColvin,Tony Rice,ChrisThile,PeterRowan,Patty Griffin,GlenPhillips,RodneyCrowell, andEarlScruggs,tonameafew.

OpeningforLukeBullaonOct.5is ACMAmemberandsinger-songwriter SteveWaterbury.

JonShainwillperformOct.26atthe ACMAlisteningroom.Shainisaveteransinger-songwriterwho’sbeenturning headsforyearswithhiswords,hisfiery acousticguitarwork,andhisevolved musicalstyle–combiningimprovised piedmontblueswithbluegrass,swing, andragtime.Heisthe2019winnerof theInternationalBluesChallengeinthe solo/duocategory.Shain'smostrecent solodisc,Gettin’HandywiththeBlues:

ATributetotheLegacyofWCHandy, wasreleasedin2018.Shain’slatest releasesrecordedalongwithlong-time collaboratorFJVentrearethegorgeous rootsalbum,TomorrowWillBe YesterdaySoon(2019)andNever FoundAWaytoTametheBlues(2021).

OpeningtheshowonOct.26willbe ACMAmemberandsinger-songwriter ChuckWilliams.

TheACMAwelcomesbacktheir favoriteBaptizeroftheGumbo,with arichwhiskeyvoice,JeffersonRoss onNov.2.Southernfolkartist JeffersonRossisasongwriter, singer,guitarslingerandpainter weavingstoriesfortheearsandthe eyes.BasedinThePeachState, Jeffersontravelsthroughoutthe U.S.andEuropeperforminghis originalmusicanddisplayshisartat festivalsandgalleriesacrossthe South.

Doorsopenat6:30p.m.formost listeningroomshows.TheACMA listeningroomislocatedatAll FaithsUnitarianCongregation,2756 McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.For moredetailsandschedules,visit www.americanacma.orgorfollow themonFacebook.

ACMAatThePlanetarium

MusicUndertheStarswillkick offOct.17attheCalusaNature CenterandPlanetariuminFort Myers.Theindoorconcertwillfeature BrianSmalley,BillMettsandRoy Schneider.Fortickets,visitonlineat www.calusanature.org

TribbyArtsCenter

ShellPoint’sTribbyArtsCenter Encore!Seasoncontinueswithanother AmericanaconcertinOctober.

Inpartnershipwiththelocal AmericanaCommunityMusic Association,theHeatherPiersonDuois scheduledtoplayThursday,Oct.10at 7p.m.HeatherPiersonisapianist, singer-songwriter,songleaderandperformerwithapassionforcultivatingjoy, bothonstageandoff.Herupliftinglive performanceswithherbassist/partner ShawnNadeaudelveintoNewOrleans jazz,blues,andfolk.Bestknownforher easeatthepianoandherbell-tone vocals,Heather’ssongsandtheduo’s musicianshipembodyhonesty,playfulness,andadesiretosharefromthe heart.Topurchasetickets,visitonlineat TribbyArtsCenter.comorcallthebox officeat239-415-5667.TheTribbyArts Centerislocatedat17281OnPar Blvd.,FortMyers,atShellPoint RetirementCommunity.

98DegreesatSeminoleCasinoNov.19

SeminoleCasinoHotel Immokaleewelcomesinternationallyacclaimedvocalgroup 98Degreesliveinconcert Tuesday,Nov.19withgates openingat7p.m.andthe showbeginningat8p.m.

98Degreesisamulti-platinum,multi-awardwinningand nominatedvocalgroup,comprisingbrothersNickand DrewLachey,JeffTimmons andJustinJeffre.Thegroup hassoldover15million albumsworldwidewithfour Top5Billboardchartingradio singlesincludingmega-hits suchas“TheHardestThing,” “IDo,CherishYou,”“Because ofYou,”andthenumber-one hitsinglefeaturingMariah Careycalled“ThankGodIFoundYou.”98Degrees’albums havereachedgoldorplatinumstatusinmorethan60countriesaroundtheworldandtheirfirstChristmasalbumentitled “98DegreesThisChristmas,”hassoldmorethantwomillion

copies,whichiswidelyrecognizedasoneofthemostsuccessfulholidayalbumsofall time.Theirlatestholidaysingle, “TheFirstNoel,”wasreleased in2023andchartedwithinthe Top10

Withcountlessconcertperformances,singinginfrontof millionsoffans,thegrouphas alsoperformedattheWhite House(twice)andmade appearancesonTheGrammys, SoulTrain,MotownLive,The TonightShow,TheAmerican MusicAwards,TheTeen ChoiceAwards,MTV’sTRL andDickClark’sNewYear’s Rockin’Eve,tonameafew highlights.Theyarecurrently workingonnewmusicwith planstoreleasetheirforthcomingstudioalbumin2024.

Ticketsforthisoutdoorconcertstartat$49andareavailablefromTicketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com. Parkingisfree.

LeeGreenwoodreturnstoSWFloridaJan.22

GOLDEntertainment presentsLeeGreenwood, singerandwriterofoneof themostrecognizable countrysongsever,performingliveatSeminole CasinoHotelImmokalee Wednesday,Jan.22with doorsopeningat7p.m. andtheshowbeginningat 8p.m.

Greenwoodisan Americancountryartist whobridgedthegap betweentraditionaland contemporarycountry music.Heisbestknown forhispatrioticanthem “GodBlesstheUSA.”This legendarysonghasbeen inthetopfiveonthe countrysinglescharts threetimes(1991,2001 and2003)givingitthedistinctionofbeingtheonly songinanygenreofmusictoachieve thatfeat.

Anaward-winningartist,Greenwood haswontheGrammyAwardforBest

MaleCountryPerformance,twoCMA AwardsforMaleVocalistoftheYear, theCMASongoftheYearaward,and theACMMaleVocalistoftheYear

award.Hehas32charted singles,fourgoldalbums, twoplatinumalbums,and hasscoredsevennumber onehits:“Somebody’s GonnaLoveYou,”“Going, Going,Gone,”“Dixie Road,”“IDon’tMindthe Thorns(IfYou’rethe Rose),”“Don’t UnderestimateMyLove ForYou,”“HearsAren’t MadetoBreak(They’re MadetoLove)”and “Mornin’Ride.”

Greenwoodcontinues totouracrossthecountry andperformsformany charitableevents,lending histimeandnameto numerousorganizations includingHelpingAHero, whichprovidesspecially adaptedhomesfor woundedwarriorsand theirfamilies.

Ticketsare$74andareavailable fromTicketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmustbe21.

LeeGreenwood (photobyJamieKuser)

TheManinBlackFeb.8

SeminoleCasinoHotel ImmokaleewillhostTheMan inBlack:ATributetoJohnny CashSaturday,Feb8at8 p.m.Withhisstrikinglysimilar looks,baritonevoice,and spot-onmannerisms,Shawn Barker’suncannyresemblancetotheoriginal“ManIn Black”revitalizesthetrue characterandspiritofMr. Cashhimself,oneof America’sgreatestmusical icons,foratrulyone-of-akindshow.

TheenergeticshowfeaturesBarkerincharacter throughouttheentire evening,walkingtheaudiencethrougheacheraof

Cash’slifeandmusic,includinghitslike“FolsomPrison Blues,”“IWalkTheLine,”“A BoyNamedSue,”“Hurt”and “RingofFire,”completewith afullbackingband.

Barker’sfirstManIn Blackshowwasheldin2004 atacasinoinNiagaraFalls andhehassinceperformed over1,000showsin12countries,sellingmorethanhalfa millionticketsoverthecourse ofhiscareer.

Ticketsstartat$68and areavailablefrom Ticketmasteroronlineat www.moreinparadise.com. Attendeesmustbe21and older.Parkingisfree.

CountryJamNaplesNov.16

Americancountrymusic singer-songwriterandmultiplatinumhitmakerJustinMoore willheadlinetheinaugural CountryJamNapleson Saturday,Nov.16atParadise CoastSportsComplex.

OpeningforMooreare “grungecountry”artistAustin SnellandcountrybreakouttalentWalkerMontgomery. CowboyTroy,knownforinventingauniquecountryrapgenre brandedas“hickhop”andtouringwithBig&Rich,willserve asemcee.Gatesopen4p.m.

Ticketsrangefrom$75for

generaladmissionto$160for aVIPexperienceandcanbe purchasedat CountryJamNaples.com.

Moore’sNo.1hitsinclude “You,Me,andWhiskey,”“Point atYou,”“Lettin’theNightRoll,” “IfHeavenWasn’tSoFar Away,”“SmallTownUSA,”and “TillMyLastDay,”amongothers.

ParadiseCoastSports Complexislocatedat3865 CityGateBlvd.South,off CollierBlvd.,ahalfmilenorth ofI-75.Formoreinfo,visit PlayParadiseCoast.com.

ECityMusicFestivalNov.2

Savethedateforagreat gatheringofFloridafolkmusiciansonSaturday,Nov.2at theRod&GunClubinhistoricEvergladesCity.

Amongtheheadlinersare RaifordStarke,Marie Nofsinger,KenCrawford,and RitaYoungman.Thewillbe joinedbylocalstarCharlie Paceandlong-timeresident ParkerOglesby.Thelistof performerskeepschanging becausetheyaredonating theirtimeandtalentstosave theoldBankofEverglades building

Tostarttheday,the weeklyFloridaFolkShowon RadioSt.Petewillbebroad-

castlivefrom10a.m.Host PeteGallagher,whohelped organizethisjamboree,plans tointerviewsomeoftheperformersandlocaldignitaries aswellasspinningsongs.

TheECityMusicFestival beginsaroundnoonwithrafflesandauctionsofmeals, toursandartworkscontributedtohelpthefundraisingwhileaddingtothefun. Attendeescanalsoenjoya freshseafoodsandwichor otherdeliciousitemsoffthe menuontheporchofthe Rod&GunClub.

Forinfoandtickets,visit www.eshp.orgorphone239719-0020.

AnnualCapeCoralOktoberfest setforOct.18-20andOct.25-27

It'stimeonceagainforthe communitytocometogether andenjoySouthwest Florida’sbiggestparty…the 39thAnnualCapeCoral Oktoberfest.

TheGermanAmerican SocialClubisexcitedlygettingreadyforMunichinCape Coral.TheSouthwestFlorida CommunityisinvitedtoTHE eventfilledwithfun,delicious food,Germanbeerandspirits,livemusic,laughter,and dancing—everythingfrom PolkatoFliegerlied,andof course,theBobband ChickenDance.Simplyput, OktoberfestrepresentsGermanheritage atitsfinest,alsoknownasGerman Gemütlichkeit.ItisatimetheGerman AmericanSocialClublooksforwardto everyyearwhenitcaninvitethecommunitytocomeonoutandcelebratewith theirclanorcrew,significantother,orto justcomealone–everyoneisboundto meetsomefantasticpeople.

ZimmererKapelle,thebig bandfromthesmalltownof Biberach,Germany.Thisband justlovesourcommunityand isreturningonceagaintobea partofthefun.Alsoflyingin fromGermanyareDieFlotten Oberkrainer,featuredoftenon Germany’sTraumschiff,their versionofLoveBoat.

Withmusic-makersflowninfrom Germany,alongsideperformancesby localfavorites,Germanfood,beer,and entertainmentforallages,thereisplenty offuntoenjoy.So,dustoffyourdirndls, launderyourlederhosen,andjoinusfor anEPICtimeofsteinslurpingwithyour besteFreunde,eventhoseyou’vejust met.

Thisyear'sfestivaldatesareOct.1820andOct.25–27,thelasttwofull weekendsofthemonth.Justlikein

Munich,thewholecommunitywillcome togetherforsomeGaudi(leg-slapping, joyousfun)andGemütlichkeit(thatwarm feelingofbelongingandbeingapartof somethingspecial).Whetheryou’resittingwithfamily,dancingunderthebig tent,orrelaxingunderbrightumbrellasin theBavarianGardens,thereisaplace foreveryone.Thefestivalkicksoffon Fridaysfrom4pmandgoestomidnight andopensagainonSaturdaysfrom noonuntilmidnightandonSundaysfrom noonuntil8pm.

Afteritssuccessin2023,ourVIPprogramisback,featuringexclusiveseating, drinkspecialsfromoursponsor Jägermeister,asit-downmealintheVon SteubenHall,abeersteinwithrefills, andmuchmore.

Welcomingbackasthemainband fromGermanyisonceagainthe

Theeventwillalsofeature localfavoriteslikeTheBoots, Deb&theDynamics, A’Finnity,andaward-winning actssuchasPureCountry andMartiniRussa,aninternationalbluesandrockband, plusSchuhplattlerdancing performedbytheSunshineState Trachtenverein.Also,CapeCoral’sown Hafenkapelle,ManniDaumTrio,and manymore!Therewillbenon-stopfoottappingmusiconthreestagesunderthe tent,inthegardens,andinsideinthe EdelweissHall;somethingforeveryone toenjoy.

Featuringoutdoorexhibitors,food vendorsthatofferbothGermanfoodand international,orasit-downdinnerinthe VonSteubenHall,Oktoberfesthasso muchtooffer.Lookingforaphotoopportunity?StopforaphotoshootwithMs. Oktoberfest2024Alexandra Reifschneider!

TheGermanAmericanSocialClubis locatedat2101SWPineIslandRoadin CapeCoral.

Formoredetails,call239-283-1400or visitwww.capecoraloktoberfest.com

SWFloridaSymphonypresentsRockStarSeanceOct.24

TheSouthwestFloridaSymphonyhaspartneredwithBarbara B.MannPerformingArtsHallandtheAlliancefortheArtstobring guestconductorAndrewLipkebacktoSouthwestFloridatolead theorchestraonitsopeningnight,Thursday,Oct.24,foranother creativefusionconcert,RockStarSéance.

Powerhousesinger-songwriterMaliaCivetzandelectrifying singer-songwriterandmulti-instrumentalistNaeemahZ.Maddox sharethestagewithMaestroLipkeandthesymphony,servingas “spirithosts”forthesoulsofdearlydepartedrockstarslikePrince, KurtCobain,AmyWinehouse,BobMarley,JanisJoplin,Jim Morrisonandmore.

ThisconcerttakesplaceatBarbaraB.MannHallandbeginsat 7:30p.m.Onehourpriortotheconcert,Tarotcardreadingswillbe offeredinthelobbybyDowntownFt.Myers’new-agebookstore andcrystalsource,Quartz&Clover,andagiantspiritboardwillbe availableforguestswhowanttoattempttocommunicatewiththeir celebritycrushesintheafterlife.InthespiritofHalloween,patrons arealsoencouragedtocomedressedastheirfavoritedearly departedrockstars.

TicketsforRockStarSéancestartat$25.VIPticketscost $200.Ticketsmaybepurchasedatwww.bbmannpah.comorby calling239-418-1500.

TheOutlawsbringGreen GrassandYuletideJamto SeminoleCasinoonDec.7

SouthernrocklegendsTheOutlawsbringtheir 10thannualGreenGrassandYuletideJamto SeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleeonSaturday, Dec.7at8p.m.

“TheGreenGrassandYuletideJam,whichstarted outasaoneanddonehometownshow,hasturned intoanannualholidayseasonevent,”saidfounding singer/songwriter/guitaristHenryPaul.“Mysenseof connectiontowhereTheOutlawscamefrom,andwherethey stillresideintheheartsofourfans,isultimatelyrewardingand appreciated.”

thatTheOutlawsstillmatter,andthatSouthernRockwill alwaysmatter.It’samessagewe’reproudtobringintothe 21stcentury.”

ForTheOutlaws,it’salwaysbeenaboutthemusic.For morethan40years,theSouthernRockiconscelebratedtriumphsandenduredtragediestoremainoneofthemostinfluentialandbest-lovedbandsofthegenre.Today,TheOutlaws havereturnedwithnewmusic,newfocusandanuncompromisingnewmission:It’saboutabandofbrothersbound togetherbyhistory,harmonyandtheroad.It’saboutagroup thatrespectsitsownlegacywhilerefusingtobedefinedbyits past.Butmostofall,it’saboutpride.

“It’sAboutPride”wasalsothetitleoftheband’sacclaimed 2012album,universallyhailedastheirvictoriouscomeback. “BecauseTheOutlawshadbeenoutofthepubliceyeforso long,itwasalmostlikestartingover,”explainedPaul.“But becauseoftheband’shistory,wedigdeeper,writebetter, performstronger.Everythingwedoistoreinforcethenotion

FormedinTampain1972,TheOutlaws–knownfortheir triple-guitarrockattackandthree-partcountryharmonies–becameoneofthefirstactssignedbyCliveDavis(attheurgingofRonnieVanZant)tohisthen-fledglingAristaRecords. Theband’sfirstthreealbums“TheOutlaws,”“LadyInWaiting” and“HurrySundown”–featuringsuchrockradiofavoritesas “ThereGoesAnotherLoveSong,”“GreenGrass&HighTides,” “KnoxvilleGirl”and“FreebornMan”–wouldbecomeworldwide goldandplatinumlandmarksoftheSouthernRockera.Known as“TheFloridaGuitarArmy”bytheirfans,TheOutlawsearned aformidablereputationasanincendiaryliveacttouringwith friendsTheAllmanBrothers,LynyrdSkynyrd,TheMarshall TuckerBandandTheCharlieDanielsBand.

Ticketsstartat$53andareavailablefromTicketmasteror atwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmustbe21andolder.

Bluegrassconcertseriesreturns Oct.27atAlliancefortheArts

LivemusicisbackattheAlliancefortheArts(AFTA) withanexcitinglineupofnineconcerts,featuringthree performancesbytheAmericanCommunityMusic Association(ACMA)artistsandsixbluegrassshows. Ticketsarepricedat$18forAlliancemembersand$20 fornon-members.Toensureanintimateexperience, seatingislimitedto132attendees.Incaseofinclement weather,concertswillberelocatedindoorstokeepthe musicgoing,rainorshine.

BluegrassConcertSeries

TheMorganBrakeBand Sunday,Oct.27at3p.m.(inside)

TheMorganBrakeBand,originallyknownasDuck WallowLane,isasmalltownbluegrassbandcomposedofyoung,accomplishedFloridabluegrassmusicianswhohaveattainednationalexposureandrecognition–includingNashville.MorganBrakeispartofthe nextgenerationofupandcomingBluegrassmusicians takingflight.Sheisafantasticsingersongwriterandis alreadymakingwavesinBluegrassandAmericana acrossthecountry.

HWY41SouthSunday,Nov.24at3p.m.(inside)

HWY41Southhasperformedatnearlyeverymajor bluegrassfestivalinFlorida,surpassingtheirownexpectations asaband.They'vehadtheopportunitytomeetandplayalongsidetheirbluegrassheroes,backingupartistslikeJamesKing andsharingthestagewithtopperformerssuchasClaireLynch andJimLauderdale.

BillMettsandFrankCorso-Dec.15at3p.m.(inside)

BillMettsisaseasonedmusicianwhostartedhiscareer playingAmericanFolkandBluesonfingerstyleguitar.Aftersix yearsinaclassicrockband,hespent15yearsperforming songsfromthe1930sand1940sinnursinghomes,wherehe witnessedthetransformativepowerofmusic,especiallyfor seniorswithdementiaandAlzheimer’s.Nowfocusedonwriting hisownsongs,Billisastrongadvocateforthebeliefthatmusic canmaketheworldabetterplace.

FrankCorsoisamulti-talentedartistwhothrivesasbotha painterandmusician.Believinginthesynergybetweenmusic andpainting,hehasperformedacrosstheU.S.andinItaly, specializinginCountryBluesandRagtimeonfingerstyleguitar. Additionally,FrankplaysTinPanAlleytunesontheukuleleand SouthernClawhammerstylesonthebanjo.

TheFlatlanders-Sunday,Jan.12at3p.m.(outdoors)

TheFlatlandersareoneofnorthFlorida’stopbluegrassand gospelbands,deliveringtightharmoniesandaharddrivingtraditionalsoundwithacontemporaryedge.Establishedinearly 2020,thesememberswerealreadyseasonedveteransinthe genre,andareexcitedtosharetheirgiftsasaband.Theband consistsofBrianAndrews,JoeyLazio,AndyKennanandMatt Melton.

LowGround-Sunday,Feb.9at4p.m.(outdoors)

About:LowGroundisadynamic,bluegrass-inspiredband fromSouthFlorida,knownforblendingtraditionalstyleswith moderncreativity.Theirliveperformancesshowcaseapassion formusicandacommitmenttohonoringtherichhistoriesof Bluegrass,Swing,Folk,Rock,Blues,Jazz,andJam,while pushingsonicboundaries.ThebandfeaturesPaddyKingon fiddle,AmandaAccardionuprightbass,IsaacTayloronbanjo, TrevorKlutzonmandolin,andNicholasKiriazisonguitar,deliveringafreshsoundthatappealstobothtraditionalistsand thoseseekingsomethingnew.

SwingingBridge-Sunday,March9at3p.m.(inside)

SwingingBridge,establishedin1997,isafive-memberbluegrassandclassiccountrygroupfromVenice,Florida,performingregularlythroughoutSouthwestFlorida.Theband,featuring AlanColpitts,ChrisBryson,DougRowe,JRDavis,andBobby Martin,isapopularfixtureatlocalbluegrassfestivalsandthe monthlySouthwestFloridaBluegrassAssociationJam/Fests.In 2003,theyreleasedtheirdebutCD,RoughEdges,whichwas well-receivedbytheirgrowingfanbase.Knownfortheirstrong leadvocals,tightharmonies,andlivelystagepresence, SwingingBridgedeliversamixoftraditionalandcontemporary bluegrassandcountry,creatingengagingandmemorableperformances.

TheACMAConcertSeriesincludesHouseofHamillJan.26, GrantPeeplesFeb.16andTheHoneyBadgersMarch23. TicketsareavailableonlineatArtInLee.orgorbycalling 239-939-2787.

MorganBrakeBand-Oct.27

Weeklyauditionsforannualmusiccompetition

ThefourthannualRockthe Stagemusiccompetitionforall agesisbackinSouthwestFlorida. It’sthelargestmusiccompetition inSouthwestFloridaandcommunityeventandfundraiser,presented bytheLewisP.TabarriniChildren’s MusicOutreachFoundation.

Singers,songwritersandbands areencouragedtoaudition.Anyone ofanyageandgenrecanparticipate;asoloorgroup,performing coversororiginalmusic.It’san opportunitytotaketheirmusical journeytothenextlevel.Allparticipantsauditioningwillreceivevaluableinputfromourpanelof judges/professionalmusicianstohelp themgrowasmusicians.

Liveauditionswillbeheldevery Sundayfrom10a.m.to4p.m.now throughOct.27forthreedivisions: Singers,songwritersandbands.

Scheduleyourauditionatwww.rockthestageswfl.comorcall239-932-7625. Videosubmissionsareacceptedat rockthestage2021@gmail.com

Thoseauditioningwillperformin frontofsomeofthebestSouthwest

Floridamusicianstotryandclaimtheir spotinthesemifinals.

Videoauditionsubmissionsare acceptedandhighlyencouragedas spaceandtimewillbelimited. Submissionscanbeemailedtorockthestage2021@gmail.comtoOct.27.

Thetop12fromeachagegroupwill performandshowcasetheirtalenton Sunday,Nov.24atRocktheStage semifinalsatTheRanchConcertHallin FortMyers.Generaladmissiontickets are$20.VIPticketsare$100and

includepreferredseating,VIPonly bar,achancetovoteforyour favoriteperformers,andaninvitationtotheVIPAfterParty.

Thetopfivefromeachagegroup willcompeteinthefinalsonDec.7 atthe4thannualRocktheStage finals,afamily-funeventand fundraiseratPickleNPub(Miner’s Plaza),inFortMyerswithtoplocal andnationalacts,vendors,food, drinksandmore.Availabletickets includegeneraladmission$20 (bringyourownchairs),andVIP $50includespreferredshadedVIP seatingbythestage,VIPonlybar access,meetandgreetwithcelebrityjudges,accesstoVIPloungewith seating,shadeanddedicatedserver. Thewinnerineachdivisionreceives recordingsessiontimefromastate-ofthe-artrecordingstudio.Theywillalso receiveanartistdevelopmentpackage thatwillincludeoneyearofcoachingat SchoolofRockFortMyers,acustom presspackfromS2RStudios,paidgigs andmore!

Formoreinfo,tobuyticketsand more,visitwww.rockthestageswfl.com.

ShellFactory&NatureParkto closepermanently,sellproperty

After86yearsofservingthecommunityasa family-friendly,entertainmentdestination,theShell Factory&NatureParkin NorthFortMyershas announceditsplansto close.

Thepark’sfinaldaysof operationwillbetheweekendofSept.27–29from 11a.m.to4p.m.,after whichalloperationswill closetothepublic.During thistime,theNaturePark andGiftShopwillbeopen andthepark’sonsite restaurants,theSouthern GrillandTommy’sOutdoor Café,willservealimited menuwhilesupplieslast.

TheFunParkclosedSept.16.

EstablishedinNorthFortMyersin 1938,the18-acre,old-Floridaroadside attractionhasentertainedmultiplegenerationswithamusement-stylerides, arcadegames,miniaturegolf,50,000 squarefeetofgiftshops,a4.5-acre natureparkwithover400animals,birds, reptilesandfish,andmuchmore. Despiteeffortstofindabuyertotake overthepark’sexpansiveoperations, long-timeownerPamCronin,whohas workedtirelesslytopreservetheproperty anditsproudtraditionsforthepast27 years,hasmadethedifficultdecisionto closetheShellFactoryandselltheproperty.

“Thishasbeenanincrediblyhard decisionforme,andonethatwasnot madelightly,astheShellFactoryhas beensuchabigpartofthecommunity andmylifeformanydecades,”said Cronin.“WearesoproudofthecountlessjoyousexperiencesthattheShell Factoryhasprovidedforresidentsand visitorsofourcommunity,aschildren andfamilieshavelaughedaboardthe bumperboats,triedaroundofmini-golf, flewonthezipline,learnedaboutour loveableanimals,enjoyeddeliciousfood andsweettreats,discoveredmany uniquetreasuresfromourstoreandso muchmore.”

In1997,Croninandherlatehusband, Tom,tookthehelmofthepropertywhen

itwasunderforeclosureandlovingly transformeditfromaroadsidetourist spottoasought-outdestinationfor locals,seasonalresidentsandtourists. Overtheyears,thecouplemadeextensiveinvestmentsandupgradestothe property,createdtheNaturePark,an animalrescue,andfoundedTheNature ParkEnvironmentalEducation Foundation,a501(c)3nonprofitorganization.Thepropertyhastworestaurants, theSouthernGrillandTommy’sOutdoor Café.AdjacenttotherestaurantisThe CarouselCabaret(anoutletforcommunityinvolvementinthearts),asmall venue,hosttoweddings,eventsand receptionsofallkinds.Theparkhasalso supportedmanylocalnonprofitsbyservingasthehostvenueforcountless fundraisersandeventsthatralliedthe communitytogetherinsupportofimportantcommunity,animalandwildlifemissions.

Throughouttheyears,thecouple workedtoovercomehardshipsincluding hurricanes,therecession,financialchallengesandfires.Afterherhusband’s passing,Cronincontinuedtoownand operatetheShellFactory,leadingthe organizationthroughtheimpactsofthe pandemicandmultiplehurricanes. However,withanypropertythatisover 86yearsoldandofthismagnitude, ongoingmaintenanceandnecessary repairsarecostly.WhileCroninhas

madesignificantinvestmentstosustaintheShell Factory’scontinuedoperations,thesadrealityis thattheparkisnolonger viableinitscurrentform.

“Thisisanunfortunate, yetnaturalevolutionthat wehaveseencountless oldFloridaroadside attractionslikeoursface. Manyotherclassictourist destinationsthatwere onceboominghavecome andgoneovertheyears,” Croninsaid.“Havingwitnessedthesechanges withinourindustry,Ifeel proudthattheShell Factoryhasachieved suchalong-lasting,86yearhistorythathastouchedthelivesof somany,andI’mgratefulfortheincrediblejourneyandenduringlegacywe leavebehind.”

Croninisdedicatedtosupportingthe employeesduringthistransitionand ensuringtheyhaveaccesstothe resourcesandassistancetheyneed,as wellasworkingcollaborativelywith wildlifeofficialstosafelyre-homethe park’s400-plusanimals.

Recognizingtheconnectionbetween theShellFactoryandthegreatercommunity,Croninwishestoleavealegacy ofhappymemoriessharedattheShell Factoryon Facebook.com/ShellFactoryNaturePark usingthehashtag #MyShellFactoryMemories.

“Onbehalfofourentireteamatthe ShellFactory,wearedeeplygratefulfor theunwaveringsupportandcherished memoriescreatedbyourvisitors, employeesandcommunitymembers throughouttheyears,includingmany whohavecherishedtheirownchildhood memoriesattheShellFactoryandgone ontocreatenewmemorieswiththeir childrenandgrandchildreninthesesame belovedspaces,”saidCronin.“Whilewe bidfarewelltothischapter,theShell Factoryteamremainscommittedtopreservingtherichlegacyofourlandmark andexploringwaystohonoritshistory andimpactonthecommunity.”

LegendsConcertSeriesseasonbegins Nov.1atParadiseCoastSportsComplex

TheLegendsConcertSeriesSeason4 starts“rockin”thefirstFridayonNov.1with the#1tributeconcertintheU.S.A.for Brooks&DunnandGarthBrooks.

LegendsConcertSeriesbringsthe#1 tributebandstoperformersandbandsthat havebeeninductedintotheRockNRollHall ofFameandCountryHallofFame. “Legendsofmusic”tohonorourlegendsof firstresponders,lawenforcement,military andveterans-“ourlegends.”

Concertseriesorganizerswillhonor“our legends”offirstresponders,lawenforcement,militaryandveteranswithaveryspecial segmentduringeachandeveryconcertofthe six-monthconcertseries,andeachmonthwill bedifferentandspecial.It’samustattend event.

TheLegendsConcertSeriesisaproductionofTheGoldLionAgency,andtheconcertswillbeheldattheParadiseCoastSports Complex,3940CityGateBlvd.North,in Naples.Foodtruckswillbeonsite.

ThefirstFridaysinNovemberand Decemberof2024andJanuary,February, March,AprilandMayof2054willbethedates

fortheLegendsConcertSeries.Timeswillbe from7to9:15p.m..Ticketsmustbepurchasedonlineat www.legendsconcertseries.com.

Anyfirstresponder,lawenforcement,militaryorveterancanreceiveonefreegeneral admissiontickettooneconcertoftheirchoice. TheymustemailthereIDorinformationto info@thegoldlionagency.comwiththeconcert oftheirchoice.Theywillbeemailedbackwith theirfreeticket.

Formoreinformationandtickets,go towww.legendsconcertseries.comorcall 239-227-9696

The2024-25tribute concertschedule: NOVEMBER1

Brooks/Dunn andGarthBrooks DECEMBER6

BillyJoel&EltonJohn JANUARY3

TobyKeith FEBRUARY7

TheEagles MARCH7

JimmyBuffett APRIL4

Temptations &FourTops MAY2

BonJovi

BradPaisley,DefLeppard,Train headlineHarvestNightsMusicFestivalNov.22-24

ThestarswillshineonNov.22-24 assomeofthebiggestnamesinentertainmentwilltakethestageattheJohn JimmieRodeoGroundsinImmokalee. CountrymusicsuperstarBradPaisley, Rock&RollHallofFameinductedDef Leppard,andGrammyAward-winning bandTrainwillallheadlinethethree-day charityevent.

"The"HarvestNightsMusicFestival" isthepremiermusiceventoftheyearin SWFL,"saysMeganMaloney,president oftheCharityPros,aFortMyersnonprofitorganization."Thisiswherewe bringsomeofthebestartistsandbands togetherwiththeirfansandthecommunity,allforawonderfulcharitable cause."

TheCharity Proshas selectedthe Immokalee Foundation, Guadalupe Center,andthe Cancer Alliance Networkas beneficiariesof thisyear's annual Festival."We lovethework thatallofthese organizations

doforthechildrenandfamiliesintheir community,"continuesMegan,"their missionsalignwithoursattheCharity Prosinmakingadifferenceinachild's life."

Theentertainmentcontinuesall weekend,featuringDonFelder,formerly oftheEagles,MacMcAnallyofJimmy Buffet'sCoralReeferBand,Tyler HubbardofFloridaGeorgiaLine,multiplatinumrockbandTesla,TheGlorious Sons,AlanaSpringsteen,AmericanIdol finalistsWillMoseley,JackBlockerand CaseyBishopwithRockRepublic,and localfavoritestheBenAllenBandand MaidenCane.

Friday’sscheduleincludesBrad

Paisley,TylerHubbard,Alana SpringsteenandWillMoseley.

Saturday’slineupisDefLeppard, Tesla,TheGloriousSons,MaidenCane andCaseyBishopwithRockRepublic.

Sunday’sschedulesincludesTrain, DonFelder,MacMcAnally,BenAllen BandandJackBlocker.

TheHarvestNightsMusicFestival willfeatureaFestivalVillagewithlive entertainmentbeforeandafterthemain stageconcerts,anarrayofartsand craftsbooths,localbusinessactivations, andvariousfoodtrucks.On-sitecampingisalsoavailableforRVs,trailers, andcampers.

Festivalticketsareonsalenow.The charityeventofferssingle-day andthree-daytickets,including premierVIPseating,apartypit, reservedseating,agrandstand, andlawnseating.Concerttickets,PrepaidParking,and Campsitesareallavailableat www.thecharitypros.org.

Food&BeverageVendor applicationsandmoreinfois availableatwww.thecharitypros.org

Youcansupporttheevent andallofthecharityorganizationsthroughfestivalsponsorshipanddonoropportunitiesby contactingChante@chanteconnects.com

DefLeppard

Train

BradPaisley

BestoftheBestTributeBandsarePerformingatTHESTAGE

CATERING•WEDDINGS•EVENTS•PRIVATEPARTIES

FRIDAY,SEPT.27 AlterEagles

SATURDAY,SEPT.28

RollingStones,SteveMiller BandandDoobieBrothers

THURSDAY,OCT.3

TheTemptations,TheFourTops

FRIDAY,OCT.4

MajestyofRock-Journey&Styx

SATURDAY,OCT.5

NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand

THURSDAY,OCT.10

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJones,MeatLoaf,CelineDion

FRIDAY,OCT.11

FabulousGirlsofMotown andExcitingLadiesofDisco

SATURDAY,OCT.12

LynyrdSkynyrd,ZZTop,TedNugent, BandofHeathens,GaryClark&more performedbyMikeImbasciani

THURSDAY,OCT.17

BeeGees,Simon&Garfunkel, Crosby,Stills,Nash&Young

FRIDAY,OCT.18

TomPetty,America, CreedenceClearwaterRevival

SATURDAY,OCT.19

FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks

THURSDAY,OCT.24

MikeImbasciani&HisBluezRockerz tributetogreatestguitarplayers

FRIDAY,OCT.25

JohnnyRogersBand:CountryLegends

SATURDAY,OCT.26

BadCompany,Foreigner,Aerosmith

THURSDAY,OCT.31 Halloween-closed

FRIDAY,NOV.1

TheRatPack

SATURDAY,NOV.2

FabulousGirlsofMotown andExcitingLadiesofDisco

THURSDAY,NOV.7

ABBA

FRIDAY,NOV.8

TheTemptations,TheFourTops

SATURDAY,NOV.9

RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJonesandMeatLoaf

THURSDAY,NOV.14

JohnnyRogersBand:BuddyHolly, RoyOrbison,Elvis,JerryLeeLewis

FRIDAY,NOV.15

NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand

SATURDAY,NOV.16

MajestyofRock-Journey&Styx

WEDNESDAY,NOV.20

TomPetty,America, CreedenceClearwaterRevival

THURSDAY,NOV.21

AlterEagles

FRIDAY,NOV.22

RollingStones,SteveMiller BandandDoobieBrothers

SATURDAY,NOV.23

FrankieValli,FourSeasons, JerseyBoys,BeeGees

THURSDAY,NOV.28

Thanksgiving-closed

FRIDAY,NOV.29

DonnaSummer,EttaJames,Madonna PointerSisters,ArethaFranklin

SATURDAY,NOV.30

TinaTurner,CelineDion,Cher

WEDNESDAY,DEC.4

TheTemptations,TheFourTops

THURSDAY,DEC.5

FabulousGirlsofMotown andExcitingLadiesofDisco

I N C ONCERT

OCT3

NormaJean TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT4

TheExploited TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT5

CreedFisher TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT10

MercyMe HertzArena,Estero

OCT12

Switchfoot TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT19

RestlessRoad TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT22

BarenakedLadies, ToadtheWetSprocket BBMannHall,FortMyers

OCT24

FortunateYouth TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT25

60sRockNRollRevival BBMannHall,FortMyers

OCT26

Soulfly TheRanch,FortMyers

ElleKing SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

Dailyconcertupdatesat HappeningsMagazine.net

PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA 52-OCTOBER2024

TheTenors

VocalsupergroupTheTenorswillperformNov.10atSeminole CasinoHotelImmokalee.Forticketsandmoreinformation,visit www.moreinparadise.com

NOV8

HereCome TheMummies TheRanch,FortMyers

NOV9

BlackberrySmoke BBMannHall,FortMyers

NOV10

TheTenors SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

NOV14

StruggleJennings TheRanch,FortMyers

NOV15

AirSupply BBMannHall,FortMyers

ColeSwindell CharlotteCo.Fairgrounds

NOV16

BrantleyGilbert CharlotteCo.Fairgrounds

NOV19

98Degrees SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

NOV21

Newsboys BBMannHall,FortMyers

NOV22

BradPaisley, TylerHubbard JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

AmyGrant Arts–Naples

NOV23

DefLeppard,Tesla JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

NOV24

Train,DonFelder JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee

DEC7

TheOutlaws SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

DEC10

MatthewWest BBMannHall,FortMyers

DEC13

BretMichaels,Dee Snider,NightRanger HertzArena,Estero

DEC14

OldDominion, GooGooDolls, TheRitz-Carlton,Naples

DEC14

ThomasMac TheRanch,FortMyers

DEC18

MindiAbair

CharlotteHarborEvent Center,PuntaGorda

JAN6

LosLobos Artis–Naples

JAN10

Styx HertzArena,Estero

JAN22

LeeGreenwood SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

JAN23

GavinAdcock TheRanch,FortMyers

JAN25

Kansas SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

JAN31

AshleyCooke TheRanch,FortMyers

FEB5

KennyWayne

Shepherd BBMannHall,FortMyers

FEB13

ChrisBotti BBMannHall,FortMyers

FEB23

PaulAnka Artis–Naples

MAR2

TheBeachBoys Artis–Naples

Countryandrockshowsat TheRanchConcertHall

TheperformancescheduleatTheRanchConcertHall& SalooninFortMyersshowcasesnationalcountryandrock artists.

Here’swhat’sonthescheduleatpresstime: TheSamGallowayFordConcertSerieswelcomesCreed FisheronOct.5,RestlessRoadonOct.19,ThomasMac onDec.14andAshleyCookeonJan.31.

GoldEntertainmentisbringingHereCometheMummies backtoSouthwestFloridaonNov.8.Rollingthroughon theirRoadTripFallTour,HereComeTheMummieswillbe joinedwithfunpartybandTheToxhards.

HereCometheMummiesisaneight-piecefunk-rock bandof5,000year-oldEgyptianMummieswithaone-track mind.Their"TerrifyingFunkfromBeyondtheGrave"issure togetyouintothem(andpossiblyviceversa).Somesay theywerecursedafterdefloweringagreatPharaoh’s daughter.

OthersclaimtheyarereincarnatedGrammy-Winningstudiomusicians.Regardless,HCTM’smysteriouspersonas,

cunningsong-craft,andunrelentingliveshowwillbendyour brain,andmeltyourface.

OtherupcomingshowsatTheRanchConcertHall(not partoftheSamGallowaySeries)includeNormaJeanon Oct.3,TheExploitedonOct.4,SwitchfootonOct.12,Dave MatthewsTributeBandonOct.13,FortunateYouthonOct. 24,SoulflyonOct.26,StruggleJenningsonNov.14, Badfish-ATributetoSublimeonNov.16,Hardwired-A TributetoMetallicaonNov.29,King’sXonDec.8,Black FlagionDec.12,IntheEnd-LinkinParkExperienceon Jan.12,CompletelyUnchained-VanHalenTributeonJan. 17,Nightbird-TheUltimateTributetoStevieNicksonJan. 18andGavinAdcockonJan.23(soldout).

Forticketsandmoreconcertinformation,visitonlineat theranchfortmyers.com.

TheRanchConcertHallandSalooncanbereachedby calling239-985-9839.Formostshows,doorsopenat7p.m. atTheRanchConcertHall&Saloon,whichislocatedat 2158ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

ThomasMac-Dec.14

JourneytributebandatCaloosa SoundConventionCenterOct.11

LuminaryHotel&Co.andthe CaloosaSoundConventionCenter willberockingwithaJourneytributebandonOct.11at8p.m.

Foronenightonly,Departure: TheJourneyTributeBandwillbring backthelegendaryhitsandepic anthemsthatdefinedageneration, including“Don’tStopBelievin’,” “Who’sCryingNow,”“Faithfully”and manymore.Themostrespected Journeytributebandinthecountry, Departure’shigh-energyshowflawlesslybringsbackthelook,sound, andfeelofthe‘70sand‘80swhen therocksupergroupruledtheradio.

Ticketscanbepurchasedonline withgeneraladmissionstartingat

$29andVIPticketsstartingat$54. Doorswillopenat7p.m.forgeneraladmissionticketholders,while VIPticketholderswillenjoyearly accessat6p.m.,includingan exclusivesoundcheckandameet &greetwiththeband.

Concertgoerscanmaketheir eveningevenmorespecialwith pre-concertperksbyshowingtheir concertticketatChipsSportsPub, TheSilverKingOceanBrasserie, OxbowBar&Grill,orBeacon SocialDrinkeryonthedayofthe concerttoreceivea10%discount offtheirbill.

Formorediningoptions,browse LuminaryHotel&Co.’sofferings.

Barsandsnackswillalsobeavailableonsiteforpurchasesbefore andduringtheshow.

Guestslookingtoavoidpostconcerttrafficcanstaythenightat LuminaryHotel&Co.bybookinga roomandenjoytheconvenienceof beingjuststepsawayfromthe venue.Notethatconcertticketsare notincludedwithhotelbookings andmustbepurchasedseparately.

CaloosaSoundConvention Centerislocatedat1375Monroe St.indowntownFortMyers. Purchaseticketsonlineat www.tixr.com.

Foradditionalinformation,visit CaloosaSoundAmp.com.

PineIslandSoundMysteries

JUSTRELEASED

The9thnovelbySouthwest FloridaauthorJohnD.Mills

CaptivaCoven: Fouryoungwomenfromdifferentpartsoftheworldbecomefriends whileworkingatSouthSeasResortonCaptivain2002.Duringtheirfriendship,they discovertheyhaveanuncannybond–theyallcomefromalegacyofwitches.One nightwhilecampingonadesertedbeachunderafullmoon,theydecidetoform theirowncoventobindthemtogetherforever.Theyagreetoreturneverytenyears tocelebratetheirfriendshipcementedbyformingtheirowncoven.Overthenext twentyyears,twoofthewitchesaremurderedinsadisticways.Whenthepoliceare notabletosolvethemurders,thetworemainingmembersoftheCaptivaCoven decidedtofindtheresponsiblepersonandadministertheirownversionofjustice. HisNineNovelsare:

JohnD.Millsisa fifthgeneration nativeofFort Myers,Florida.He grewupfishingthe watersofPine IslandSoundand it'sstillhisfavorite hobby.ThroughouttheyearsJohn hassupportedandsponsoredmany ofthelocalfishingtournaments benefitingthePineIslandcommunity.Hisbooksaresoldinsomeofthe mosticonicdestinationsinthebarrierislands.Readerswillgetarare andseldomheardhistorywrappedin nail-bitingthrillermysteries.Heis currentlyconcentratinghislaw practiceoncriminaldefenseand domesticviolenceinjunctioncases.

Reviewby KirkusIndie

Amurdermystery engulfsthree friendsona coastalFlorida islandinthislatest novelfromMills(The Objector,2016,etc.).

Thistensecourtroom dramacentersondarkeventsinvolvingthreeformerUniversityofFlorida roommatesandtheirfriendsasthey vacationonFloridaʼsPineIsland.

LacyTurner,nicknamed“theHooker” byherfriendsbecauseofherloveof gamefishing;SusanKelly,called“the Dancer”becauseofherloveofdoing soatclubs;andPatriciaHendricks, dubbed“theNun”because “sheremainedavirginduringhercollegeyears,”are closefriendswhenreaders firstmeetthemintheopeningchapter,setin1995.But inthefollowingchapter,in 2015,everythinghasstarkly changed:anincident occurredonaPineIsland houseboat,Turnerisontrial forKellyʼsmurder,and Hendrickshasdisappeared. Turnerprotestsherinnocence,but prosecutorFrankPowershas amassedadamningcaseagainsther.

AuthorMills,aformer prosecutor,unfolds theplotinaseriesof detailed,well-realizedcourtroom scenes.Thestory veryeffectivelymixes theFloridaatmosphereofJohnD. MacDonaldʼsTravis McGeenovelswiththepointedmurder-trialgive-and-takeofScott TurowʼsorBarryReedʼsworkand convincinglyaddscontemporaryelements,suchasFacebookandtext messages.Powersfrequentlyborders onflatstereotype,buttheportraitsof thethreeyoungwomenatthecenter ofthemysteryarerefreshinglythreedimensional,andMillsslowly revealstheirpersonalities andsecretsinthecourseof thetrial.Itʼsatestamentto theauthorʼsdramaticabilities thathesmoothlyconveysso muchoftheactionusingdialoguealone.Eachofthe characterswhoparades throughthecourtroom—witnesses,experts,lawyers,the judge—feelsrealanddistinct,andtheauthorhandles aseriesoflast-minuterevelations withagooddealofcontrol. Ataut,effectiveFloridacrimethriller.

F ORT M YERS R IVER D ISTRICT

FounderJimGriffithleavingSidney&BerneDavis

TheSidney&Berne DavisArtCenter (SBDAC)announced thatJimGriffith,its chiefexecutiveofficer andfounder,willbe steppingdownfromhis roleeffectiveOctober.

Griffithhasaccepted thepositionofexecutivedirectoratthe SantaFeChamber MusicFestivalinSanta Fe,N.M.,markinga newchapterinhisdistinguishedcareerinthe arts.

VeteranartsexecutiveJimGriffithisa highlyaccomplished musicadministrator withover30yearsof experienceinentrepreneurialartsmanagement.Aviolistand graduateofThe JuilliardSchool,Griffith combinesexpertise, strongvision,limitless determination,anda deeppassionformusic withexceptionalbusinessacumen.

Hiscareeruniquely blendsseniorleadership intheartswithextensiveexperienceinconstruction,historic preservation,andpropertymanagement.Hehasoverseen thedevelopmentofadedicatedboardofdirectorsandastellarstaff,alwaysfosteringanorganizationalculturedefinedby innovation,excellence,integrity,tenacity,loyaltyandmerit.

In1997,GriffithfoundedFloridaArts,Inc.,anonprofit organizationbasedinFortMyersanddedicatedtocreatinga culturalhubinSouthwestFlorida.Hisvisionexpandedto includevisualandperformingarts,aimingtorejuvenatea strugglingcitybystimulatingeconomicgrowththroughinvestmentsindevelopmentandredevelopmentprojectsand enhancedaccessibilityofthearts.

In1989,Griffithbegana33-yeartenureasaviolistwith theNaplesPhilharmonic.

Griffithrealizedhisvisionandservedasfounder,president andCEOofboththeSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterand FloridaArts,Inc.forthelast27years.Herevitalizedthe abandonedhistoricformerFederalBuildingindowntownFort Myersbysecuringa99-yearleasewiththeCityofFortMyers andraisingmorethan$14millionthroughacapitalcampaign.Hetransformedthespaceintothestate-of-the-art Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenterofferingpremiervariedpro-

gramming.

Withinthecenter, heledthedevelopmentofSixFingers RecordingStudios, theDavisSchoolof MusicandVisualArts, andSidney’sRooftop SculptureGarden. Thisfacilitynow standsasaleading venueforvisualand performingartsand educationinthe region,catalyzingeconomicrevitalization andestablishingFort Myersasaprominent culturaldestination. UnderGriffith’sleadership,effortstorevitalizeaformerlyblighted historicdistrictearned FortMyersrecognition asoneofthe"Best CitiesontheRise"by SouthernLiving Magazine.

Previously,Griffith co-foundedthePalm BeachChamber MusicFestival,Gulf CoastMusicSchool, andtheNewArts Festival.TheNewArts Festival,amultidisciplinaryfestivalforchambermusic,theater,andmoderndance(andaprecursoroftheSBDAC), broughtesteemedperformingartiststoFlorida.Eachsummer,over150studentsfromaroundtheglobetraveledto downtownFortMyerstostudyunderthefestival'sdistinguishedfacultyandenjoyworld-classperformancesand instruction.

JimGriffithwasborninJacksonville.HeearnedhisundergraduatedegreeattheManhattanSchoolofMusicandhis master’sdegreeatTheJuilliardSchool.Hedebutedat CarnegieHallwiththeNewYorkProArteChamberOrchestra andhastouredEuropeandtheFarEastwithvariousNew Yorkorchestras.AtJuilliard,hestudiedwithLillianFuchsand PaulDoktorandhonedhischambermusicskillswithFelix Galimir,DorothyDelay,andtheJuilliardStringQuartet.His timeinNewYorkCityallowedhimtocollaboratewithleading soloandchambermusicians.Hespentsummersatthe AspenMusicFestivalandasafacultymemberatthePoint CounterpointChamberMusicCampinMiddlebury,Vt.

JimGriffith’srichfoundationequippedhimwiththeknowledgeandexpertisehehaseffectivelyappliedasavisionary leaderandentrepreneurialmanager.Hehasfosteredcom-

JimGriffith

munityunityandbetterment throughprivate,andcivic partnerships;established thrivingprograms;and developedapremierarts centerthatdrawsenthusiasticaudiencestoperformancesbytop-tierartistsinchambermusic,jazz,andbluegrass;embracesthevisual arts;andprovidesoutstandingentertainmentand engagementopportunities forresidentsandvisitorsto SouthwestFlorida.

“Wearedeeplygrateful forJim’sexceptionalleadershipandunwaveringcommitmenttotheSidney& BerneDavisArtCenter,and ourentirecommunity,”said SBDACBoardchairandformerMayorRandy Henderson.“Hisimmeasurablecontributionshavesignificantlyenhancedthelivesof somanyFortMyersresidents.Whilewewillmiss himandKara,hiswife’s, presence,wecelebratetheir accomplishmentsandare excitedforthemasthey embarkonnewopportunities withtheSantaFeChamber MusicFestivalandputdown rootsinthatluckynewcommunity.”

Griffith’snewroleatthe SantaFeChamberMusic Festival,enteringits52nd season,willseehimatthe helmofoneofthecountry's mostesteemedmusicfestivals,knownforexceptional

performancesanddedication tochambermusic.His extensiveexperienceinarts managementandpassion formusicalexcellencemake himanidealfitforthisrole.

“Iamincrediblyhonored tohavebeenapieceofsuch adynamicandpassionate teamwhobuilttheSidney& BerneDavisArtCenterfrom thegroundup,withsomuch helpandenthusiasmfrom theentirecommunity,” Griffithstated.“Ithasbeena privilegetoworkalongside somanytalentedindividuals andtocontributetotheculturalvitalityofFortMyers.I amthrilledaboutthenext chapter,joiningtheSantaFe ChamberMusicFestivaland thatcommunity.Ilookforwardtoallofthenewprofessionalandpersonal opportunitiesitwillbringto meandmyfamily.”

TheSBDACBoardof DirectorshasappointedcurrentassistantdirectorDevon ParkerastheinterimCEO andpresident,whichwill ensureasmoothtransition forthecenter’songoingprogramsandinitiatives.An announcementregarding Griffith’spermanentsuccessorwillbemadeinthecomingmonths.

Formoreinformation abouttheSidney&Berne DavisArtCenterandits upcomingevents,visit www.sbdac.com

Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenter photobyVitoPalmisano

On-streetparkingfreeonweekends

AsofSept.7,theCityofFort Myersimplementedfreeon-street parkingalldayonweekendsand anindefiniteextensiontothefree after5p.m.weekdayon-street parkingindowntownFortMyers.

AttheSept.3FortMyersCity Councilmeeting,forbothonstreetandCityHallparking,a motionunanimouslypassedby councilmemberstoindefinitely extendfreeafter5p.m.weekdays andenactfreeparkingalldayon weekends.

On-streetparkingwillremain freealldayonholidays.Digital signageontheparkingkiosksand mobileapplicationswillinform usersthatnopaymentisrequired after5p.m.orontheweekend.

Thechangesexcludeparking garagesandwillremainineffect unlessotherwisedeterminedin thefuturebyCityCouncil.

AttheAug.5FortMyersCity Councilmeeting,councilmembers votedtotemporarilyextendthe

freeon-streetparkingafter5p.m. MondaytoSaturdaythroughSept. 30,whiletheCaloosahatchee Bridgewasclosedforrenovations. Previously,on-streetparkingwas alreadyfreealldayonSundays.

Duringtheoff-seasonand year-round,cityofficialsinviteresidentsandvisitorstoexperience downtownFortMyersandsupport businessesandspecialevents,as wellasencouragedowntownbusinessownersandemployeesto utilizetheRoyalPalmlotpermittingprogramtokeepon-street parkingavailableforpatrons.

Themoniesgeneratedfrom paidparkingareusedtofundthe operationsandmaintenanceof thegarages,relatedequipment, on-streetparkingprogram,debt repayments,capitalimprovements,andpossiblefunding towardanewgarage.

Tolearnmore,visitonline atwww.parkftmyers.comor www.cityftmyers.com/parking.

AiringofthequiltsOct.5atEdisonFordEstates

OnOct.5,from10a.m. to2p.m.,EdisonandFord WinterEstateswillhostthe annual"AiringoftheQuilts" QuiltShow.

Dozensofquiltsfromthe SouthwestFloridaQuilters Guildwillbeondisplay,suspendedfromclotheslines betweenthepalmsinfrontof thehistorichomes.Quilters Guildparticipantswillalso havequiltsavailableforsale.

Certifiedquiltappraiser LarsCainwillbeonsiteand conductingappraisalsfrom 10a.m.to2p.m.Hisvast experienceincludesthe LibraryofCongressandthe SmithsonianInstitution.He hasbeensharinghisexpertiseformanyyearsandhasspokentomorethan1,500quilt groupsthroughouttheMidwest,NewEnglandareaandsouth toFlorida.

Since1977,hehasappraisedmorethan20,000quilts.

Visitorsmaybringantique quiltsforassessment. Verbalappraisalswillbe offeredfor$25andthefee forawrittenappraisalwillbe $35perquilt.

Quiltshavealonghistory withtheEdisonandFord families.HenryFordandhis wife,Clara,collectedquilts andotherhistoricalobjects thatwerecreatedandused bypeoplefromallacross theUnitedStates.Thequilts wereoftenmadefrommodestscrapsofmaterial, demonstratingtheresourcefulnessofAmericanwomen.

Thequiltshowisincludedwithadmission.Tickets maybepurchasedonlineat EdisonFord.orgorattheticketcounter.Admissionisfreefor EdisonFordmembers.

EdisonandFordWinterEstatesislocatedat2350 McGregorBlvd.inFortMyers.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH (rainorshine) 5PM

ThenextArtWalkissetforOct.4.

THIRD FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH 6PM

ThenextMusicWalkisOct.18.

D ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA

1stStreetDeli

AnauthenticNew York-styledelicatessen, 1stStreetDelibringsa distinctlyuniquedining concepttothecasino, featuringdelipickles, freshbreadandsandwichesbiggerthanyour appetite.Thehotdeli plattersectionfeatures threenewfavorites: housemademeatloafwithYukongoldmashedpotatoes andbrowngravy;potroastdinnermadewithslowbraised beefshortrib;andchickenMarsala. Opendailynoon–8p.m. 506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com

EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill

CapeCabaretDinnerTheater

CapeCabaretDinner Theaterisabeautiful upscalevenuededicatedtodining,dancing, livemusicandcomedy shows.Wefeaturea completedinnermenu, threefullbars,twolarge diningroomswithhardwooddancefloorsanda largeoutdoorpatio.Our entertainmentincludes livemusicfromthe60’stothe90’sandthebesttributeband showsinSWFL.Wespecializeinhostingyourprivateevents andpartiesfor24to350guests.ExecutiveChefPabloFelix andhisstaffpreparedeliciousappetizers,entreesand dessertsdailyforyourenjoyment.Walk-insarewelcome,but reservationsarerecommended.Reserveonlineorcall.

4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000

www.capecabaret.com

TheEE-TO-LEET-KEGrillfeaturescontemporaryregional cuisinesutilizingthefreshestselectionsofsteaks,seafood,andan arrayoflocallysourcedproduce. Thestartersmenunowfeatures Southwesttenderlointacoswith picodegalloandchipotleaioli; chickenquesadillawithblack beans,roastedcornandpepper jack;andgrilledpeachsaladwith arugula,candiedpecans,goatcheeseandlemonvinaigrette.Newadditionstotheentréeselectionsincludebeerbatterfishandchipswith coleslawandtartarsauce;blackenedFloridasnapper;crabcakeswith roastedcornsalsa;grilled12-ounceribeyewithsofritoandgarlic puree;andabeefBourguignonmadewithtenderlointips,pearlonions, mushrooms&redwine.Opendaily8a.m.–midnight.

506South1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com

EllaMae’sDiner

Nostalgiaservedwithasmile.Afun retro-inspiredeateryservingcomfort foodandclassicdinerfare.Slideintoa boothorpulluptothecounterfora burgerandmilkshakeorthebestalldaybreakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sprovidesawelcometwisttothe classicsoutherndiner.CelebratingDr. EllaMaePiper’slegacy,it’sherethe communitycomestogethertoshare storiesastheyenjoyamealamidstvintage-inspiredfinishesandabrightcolor palette.EllaMae’sDineratLuminary Hotel&Co.isafunretro-inspired eateryservingupcomfortfoodand classicdinerfare.Slideintoaboothorpulluptothecounterfora burgerandmilkshakeorthebestall-daybreakfastyou’veeverhad. EllaMae’sisopendailyfrom7amto2pm.Servingbreakfastallday andlunch.

LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854www.LuminaryHotel.com

LuckyMi

AnAsian-inspiredupscale restaurant,LuckyMiNoodle Houseispresentedasanopenkitchenconceptandfeaturesa noodlebar,diningroomandprivatefunctionarea.Chefsblend traditionalingredientswithcontemporaryinfluencestocreate newinterpretationsfordishes suchasVietnamesePhoNoodle SoupandKoreanBeefand Broccoli.

506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

OxbowBarandGrill

Casualdocksidedining onthedoorstepof DowntownFortMyers. Panoramicriverfrontviews ontheCaloosahatchee.A boater’sretreatwithan upbeatnauticalvibe. Servingcoastalcuisine andmoreforbrunch, lunchanddinner.Retail andrentalstoigniteyour spiritofadventure.Divein tofreshseafood,oysters onthehalfshell,steaks,signaturesandwiches,freshsalads, localcraftbeersandcuratedcocktails.OurhoursareMondayThursday11a.m.-10p.m.,FridayandSaturday11a.m.-11 p.m.andSunday11a.m.-9p.m.Wenowofferbrunchon SaturdaysandSundays11a.m.-3p.m.

TikiHutBar&Grill

atDolphinKeyResort

1300HendrySt.FortMyers 239-314-3856www.oxbowfortmyers.com

SilverKingOceanBrasserie

There's alwayssomethingtodoat theTikiHut Bar&Grillat theDolphin KeyResort. Locatedin Downtown CapeCoral, thebiggest Tikibarinthe worldoffers liveentertainmentWednesdaythroughSunday,KeyWest StyleRelaxWednesdayandThursday,Lightoutdoor atmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfourleggedare welcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFloridaSpecials,pool table,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate.

1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

Acoastal,chef-driven menuunlikeanyother restaurantinFortMyers. Complementedbyastrikinginteriorthat’sas appealingtotheeyesas thedishesaretothe palette.AstheLuminary’s signaturerestaurant,The SilverKingOcean Brasserieoffersamenu showcasingthequalityof freshseafoodthrough clean,simplepreparationsusingclassictechniquesforamodernpalate.Centeredon anopenkitchen,thesophisticatedrestaurantfeaturesacoastalinspiredmenuandadditionaloutdoorseatstorelaxandindulge inthefinestlocalseafoodinSouthwestFlorida.Nestledwithin SilverKing,you’llfindTheFloridaRoom,aprivatediningspace thatseats14guests,perfectforintimategatheringsandcelebrationsandnamedafterFloridaHeitman.Ifyourgroupislarger,we featureavarietyofvenueswithentertainingoptionsavailable fromuniqueseatingtotailoredmenus.HoursareTuesdaySaturdayfrom5-10p.m.

LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3855www.LuminaryHotel.com

TwistedFork

The Twisted Forkisa hot-rod andmotoculture themed restaurant featuringa scratch kitchen andcustomcocktails.A familyfriendlyspaceadjacentBert'sBackPorchconcert venuewithloadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecome CharlotteCounty'shottestplacetoeat,drinkandhave fun!"

2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675

www.twistedfork.net

IslandHopperSongwriterFest

DannyMyrick

BobbyTomberlin

HoltandCabe

BridgetteTatum

MeganLinville

Thetenthannual IslandHopper SongwriterFestwas heldSept.22-29.It startedonCaptiva, thenmovedtoCape Coralfortwodays, downtownFort Myersfortwodays andwrappedupon FortMyersBeachthe lastthreedays.

The10-dayfest featuredmorethan 85nationalandlocal songwriters.Pictured aresomeofthe songwriterswho performedon CaptivaSept.20-22 atAlisonHagerup BeachPark,Tween WatersIslandResort andSpa,Captiva Cruises,Jensenʼs TwinPalmResort& Marina,KeyLime Bistro,MuckyDuck, RCOtterʼs,South SeasIslandResort &TheGreenFlash. photosbyJamieKuser

SheenaBrookandBrianSutherland