September 2023 Happenings Magazine

BOBBY TOMBERLIN

CATIE OFFERMAN

FRANK MYERS

Seasonpreview

It’stimeagainforourannualtheatre seasonpreviewissueofthemagazine. Inthe2023-24season,therearenearly 120differentproductionsat19different venuesinSouthwestFlorida.Wehave alreadystartedanotherwonderfulseasonoftheatreandwehavesomany choices...again.Withoutanyfurther chatter,let’sseewhatis onstagethisseason.

TheatreZoneinNaples hasHomeforthe Holidays,Bonnieand Clyde:themusical,Million DollarQuartet,LittleMe andCarrie:themusical.

FGCUTheatrepresentsHeathersthemusical (inconjunctionwith TheatreZone),SilentSky andTheLifeofGalileo.

InCapeCoral,The BelleTheatregivesus Let’sGototheMovies, Disenchanted,DrinkingHabits, ChristmasinParadise:WorldTour, FunnyGirl,UnnecessaryFarce,WeWill RockYouandSecondChances:The ThriftShopMusical.

FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresents BeguiledAgain,TheLegendofGeorgia McBride,ASherlockCarol,The Mountaintop,Beehive:the70smusical, TheGinGame,AComedyofTenors, HankWilliams:LostHighwayand Oleanna.

LaboratoryTheaterofFloridahas POTUS,NoisesOff,Misery,the24-Hour PlaywritingProject,YippeeKi-YayMerry Christmas,Stew,RidetheCycloneand CrocodileFever.

Artis–NaplesBroadwayseries includesFunnyGirl,Company,Tina,Six themusicalandToKillaMockingbird.

ArtsBonitapresentsACrackerat TheRitz,AHome...fortheHolidays,A ChristmasCarol:ALiveRadioPlay, BuyerandCellar,AssistedLivingthe musicalandJosephandtheAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat.

OnMarcoIsland,theArtsCenter TheatrewillstageTheMusicMan,The 39Steps,TheCompleteWorksof WilliamShakespeare(abridged),White Christmas,PrivateLives,TheQueenof BingoandVanities.

BroadwayPalminFortMyerspresentsMurderontheOrientExpress, Hairspray,Elf,Elvis:Amusical Revolution,Beautiful:TheCaroleKing

Musical,TheAddamsFamily,Swing andMaryPoppins.

TheNaplesPlayers(mostofiton theroadduringconstruction)offerus TheDiningRoom,MissBennet: ChristmasatPemberley,Harvey,Laugh, Cry,Pee,Repeat,TheProducersand ThePlayThatGoesWrong.

TheCharlottePlayerswillstageWild WomenofWinedale,MurderatThe HowardJohnson’s,The Foreigner,Rumors, CalendarGirls,Nunsense 2:TheSecondComing, TwoontheAisleThreein aVanandMorningAfter Grace.

InCapeCoral,Cultural ParkTheaterpresents BoeingBoeing,Footloose, Fame,James&theGiant Peach,ByeByeBirdie, SisterAct,IntotheWoods andMurderontheOrient Express.

GulfshorePlayhouseinNaplesoffers usitsNewWorksFestival,26Miles, WinterWonderettes,TheRefugees,Into theBreechesandSheLovesMe.

TheOffBroadwayPalmschedule includesPopcornFalls,ADoublewide, TexasChristmas,RunforYourWife, SweetDelilahSwimClubandPerfect Wedding.

InNaples,TheStudioPlayerspresentTheCemeteryClub,Superior Donuts,TheLifespanofaFact,Bus StopandDoubt.

PlayersCircleTheaterinFortMyers (intheirnewhome)willpresent BreakingLegs,Ho!Ho!Ho!The ChristmasShow,ButterfliesareFree, Proof,SixDanceLessonsinSixWeeks andGodspell.

TheatreConspiracyattheAlliance fortheArtshasSanctuaryCity,Radio Golf,ClownBar,WhichWaytothe StageandTheWomenWhoMapped Stars.

TheBarbaraB.MannPerforming ArstHallBroadwayseriesincludes Hadestown,JaggedLittlePill,ToKilla Mockingbird,Tina,Mrs.Doubtfireand Hamilton.

GulfCoastSymphonywillpresent SnowbirdFollies,AGrandNightfor Singing,Nunsense2:TheSecond ComingandRoute66.

Rockon, Jamie

FloridaRepkicksoffseasonwithamusical celebrationoftheRodgersandHartsongbook

FloridaRepertoryTheatre’s 26thseasonbeginswith BeguiledAgain,asalutetothe musicofRichardRodgersand LorenzHart.

Theproductionrunsinthe ArtStageStudioTheatreSept. 22throughOct.29.

BeguiledAgaintakesaudiencesonadazzlingjourney throughthesongbookof RichardRodgersandLorenz Hart.Theproductionfeatures overfiftyoftheduo’smost belovedhitsincluding “Bewitched,”“TheLadyisa Tramp,”“WhereorWhen,”“My FunnyValentine,”andmore. Theproductionwasconceived byJ.BarryLewis,Lynnette BarkleyandCraigD.Ames. MusicisbyRichardRogers, withlyricsbyLorenzHartand musicalarrangementsbyCraig D.Ames.

“BeguiledAgainisaglamorous,romantic,andnostalgicsalute tooneofAmerica’smostbeloved songwritingduos,”saidproducing artisticdirectorGregLongenhagen. “Ourproductionoffersaudiencesa uniquemusicalrevueexperience beautifullystagedinourintimate ArtStageStudioandperformedbya multi-talentedcastandmusicians.”

Theensemblecastfeaturesreturningartists,KimMorganDean (Ripcord)andCarolannM.Sanita (NightandDay),plusNewYork-based actorsJonathanBrugioni,Halley Daigle-Saez,MattGibson,andLogan

MarksallmakingtheirFloridaRep debuts.ThetroupewillbeaccompaniedbyAndrewSmithsononpiano andMiguelAzcuyondrums.

DirectorandchoreographerMichael Marotta(AnInspectorCalls)willbe joinedbyanexpertcreativeteam includingmusicaldirectorAndrew Smithson(AGrandNightforSinging), setdesignerAaronJackson(Florida Repdebut),costumedesignerBrad Musgrove(SteelMagnolias),lighting designerandensemblememberTodd O.Wren(TheImportanceofBeing Earnest),sounddesignerKatieLowe (RingofFire)andensemblestage

managerJanineWochna (LobbyHero).

Singleticketpricesfor BeguiledAgainare$65forregularperformancesonSept.22 –Oct.29.Curtaintimesare TuesdaythroughSaturdayat7 p.m.,Thursday,Saturdayand Sundayat2p.m.,and8p.m. fortheopeningnightperformanceonFriday,Sept.22.

FloridaRep'sparkinglotopens twohoursbeforeeachperformanceandoffersguestsfree parkingacrossthestreetfrom theArcadeTheatre.

Ticketsstartat$65andmay bepurchasedonlineat www.floridarep.orgorbycalling theboxofficeat239-332-4488 ortoll-freeat877-787-8053.

Subscriptionsforthe20232024seasonareonsalenow for6,7,8,ornineshowsand startaslowas$234forsix shows.

Discountedpreviewsareselling fastintheArtStageStudio,andpopularFlexPassesallowpatronstolock into$59ticketsbeforepricesgoup withdemand.Ticketsandinformation areavailablethroughtheboxofficeat 239-332-4488ortoll-freeat877-7878053.

Foundedin1998,FloridaRepertory Theatreisafullyprofessional,livetheatreintheFortMyersRiverDistrict. Performancesareheldinthe HistoricArcadeTheatreandthe ArtStageStudioTheatreonBayStreet betweenJackson&Hendry.

Halley Daigle-Saez Jonathan Brugioni

Carolann Sanita

Logan Marks Matt Gibson Kim MorganDean

NoisesOffopensSept.8atTheLab

TheLaboratoryTheaterofFlorida isthrilledtoopenits15thseasonwith MichaelFrayn’shilariousphysical comedyNoisesOff.

Actorlovetriangles,anineffective director,andaperpetuallydrunkactor arejustthebeginningofthechallengesaBritishtheatertroupeishaving.Astheytrytogettheirsexcomedyinfrontofanaudience,misunderstandings,andhottempersleadto messysituationsforthecast.Noises Offisaslapstickfarcewithoutrageousonstageandbehind-thescenesshenanigansthat'llleaveyou gaspingforair.

"Ifyou'veeverwantedtositinon arehearsalorbebackstagewhilea showisgoingon,NoisesOffgives youthatglimpseintothepatience, thestress,andtheartistryofthecrew

andcastastheypreparetotoura (terrible)littleplay.NoisesOffisa greatfarce,sittingsolidlyamongthe greatplaysofthe20thcentury.The physicalhumorisrobust,thebuffooneryisoutstanding,andyouneeda castthatunderstandscomedictiming -thiscastworksinabsolutecomedic sync,andIamdelightedtohave themasanensemble,"saysproducingartisticdirectorAnnette Trossbach.

DirectedbyAnnetteTrossbach, withTijuannaClemonsasassistant director,NoisesOfffeaturesSteven Coe(Freddy),HollyZammerilla (Dotty),MadelaineWeymouth (Belinda),ReubenMorgan(Lloyd), LesEnglehart(Tim),WanerDel Rosario(Garry),ArtKeen(Selsdon), JaniaBoucher(Poppy),andEmilie

Baartman(Brooke).

Theproductionalsoincludesstage managementbyToddLyman,set designbyJonathanJohnsonand GabrielleLansden.

PerformancesareSept.8,9,14, 15,16,21,22,23,28,29and30at 7:30p.m.andmatineesonSept.10, 17,24andOct.1at2p.m.

Half-pricepreviewnightswillbe Sept.6and7at7:30p.m.Teensget afreetickettotheSept.9performance(reservationrequired),anda sensoryfriendlyperformancewillbe stagedSept.21.

Fortickets,calltheboxofficeat 239-218-0481oronlineatwww.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Thetheaterislocatedatat1634 WoodfordAve.intheFortMyers RiverDistrict.

PicturedareEmilieBaartman(Vicky/Brooke),ReubenMorgan(Lloyd/Director),ArtKeen(Selsdon,Burglar), JaniaBoucher(Poppy),MadelaineWeymouth(Belinda/Flavia),StevenCoe(Frederick/Phillip),HollyZammerilla (Mrs.Clacket/Dotty),LesEnglehart(Tim)andWanerDelRosario(Gary/Roger)opentheLabʼs15thseasonwith NoisesOffbyMichaelFrayne. PhotobySiskMedia

TheatreZoneauditionsSept.9&10inNaples

Morethan200actorsfrom throughoutthecountrywillarrivein NaplesSept.9and10toauditionfor morethan50rolesinTheatreZone’s sixmusicalsforthe2023-24season, saysTheatreZone’sfoundingartistic directorMarkDanni.

“TheannualarrivalinNaplesof triple-threatperformers--gifted actors,singersanddancers–isa highlightofourseasonaswebuild towardourfirstshowinOctober,”said Danni.“TheycomefromNewYork City,throughoutthesoutheasternU.S. Texasandbeyond.”

TheatreZone’scovetedcontract withtheActors’EquityAssociationallowsittoattracttop professionalperformersfromthroughoutthecountry.“We areproudtobringnameactorstoNaplesstages,andto alsoofferavaluablevenueforEquityactorslivinginSouth Florida,”Dannicommented.

Non-Equityperformersarealsowelcometoaudition. TheatreZone’sEquitycontractallowsforacertainnumber ofnon-Equityactorsinitscasts.

TheauditionswillbeheldatTheatreZone’sG&L Theatre,locatedat13275LivingstonRoadonthecampus oftheCommunitySchoolofNaplesTheauditionswillbe

heldbyappointmentfrom10a.m.until 6p.m.onSaturday,Sept.9and Sunday,Sept.10.

Tosecureanappointment,actors shouldemailAuditions@Theatre.Zone withapreferreddateandtimerange. Equitymemberswithoutappointments willbeseenthroughoutthedayastime permits.

TheatreZone’s19thseasonfeatures lovestoriesfromthecomictotheedgy withmusicrangingfromrockabillyto showtunes.

AccordingtoMarkDanni,“Weare staginglightheartedstoriessuchas NeilSimon’sLittleMeandMillion DollarQuartet,anddarkerdramaslikeBonnie&Clyde: TheMusical,Heathers:TheMusical,andCarrie:The Musical,andfindinghilarityinhorror,andcomedyin tragedy.”

Nowenteringits19thseason,TheatreZone’s20232024musicalswillkickoffwithHeathers:TheMusical,a jointproductionwithFloridaGulfCoastUniversity’s (FGCU)BowerSchoolofMusic,tobestagedattheFGCU TheatreLabOct.12-15.

Forticketsandinformation,visitwww.Theatre.Zoneor calltheboxofficeat888-966-3352.

GulfshorePlayhouse: NewWorksFestivalwinners

GulfshorePlayhousehas announcedthewinnersofits upcomingNewWorksFestival. TheAnnualNewWorksFestival willtakeplaceatGulfshore PlayhousefromSept.15 throughSept.17attheNorris CenterinNaplesandwill includedevelopmentalworkshopsforthewinningplays,culminatingwithstagedreadings.

Followingamonths-long anonymousprocess,threewinners werechosenbythetheatre’sartistic team.AspartoftheNewWorksFestival, theseplaywrightswillreceiveaworkshop culminatinginastagedreadingbefore anaudience.

Thethreewinnersare:

CircleForward,byDebHiett

DirectedbyJeffreyBinder

Seventeenyearsafterthelossofher younghusbandfromcancer,Miameets ateenager,Ethan,whobelievesheis thereincarnationofherlatehusband. WhenEthanandhismomLexicometo Mia'shouseforlunch,Miamustfaceher doubts,herpast,andthewholetruth. Performance&Post-ShowTalkbackwill beSaturday,Sept.16at4p.m.

TheLionTamer,byIvanR.Lopez

DirectedbyMarshallJonesIII

Steve,adown-in-the-dumpsactor, landstheroleofalifetime—abizarre gigastheestrangedsonofbillionaire, JosephWellington.Theoldman'sfortunehasaffordedhimalifeofultimate control,buttheonethinghismoney couldneverbuywashisson'sobedience.WillStevelosehimselfintheillusionorwillhefinallylearntoplayhimself?Aplayaboutfathers,sons,andthe thingsweinherit.Performance&PostShowTalkbackwillbeSaturday,Sept.16 at7:30p.m.

Hrdza,byF.J.Hartland

DirectedbyKristenCoury

Theyearis1982.Inarustbelttown, theclosureofalocalmillhascaused

unemploymenttoskyrocket.Marek Strnad,laidofffromtheplace wherehisfamilyhadworkedfor generations,nowspendshisdays inlongunemploymentlinesand drinkingoncreditatthelocalbar. Asthepressureofunemployment takesagrowingfinancialandemotionaltoll,hemustfindanewway totakecareofhiscolorfulfamily whoarenavigatingtheirfairshare ofbothprofoundandmundane problems.Surroundedbyuncertainty, theymustdiscoverwhatmattersmostin thisplayaboutfamily,pride,andthe Americandream.Performance&PostShowTalkbackwillbeSunday,Sept.17 at3p.m.

Inadditiontothethreewinners, GulfshorePlayhousewillalsoworkshop oneplaythatwillbedevelopedasaproductionduringthe2023-24season: TheRefugees,byBrentAskari

DirectedbyMarshallJonesIII Inthemidstofacivilwarinthe UnitedStates,theultra-WASPySutton familyfromConnecticut–Yates,Poppy, andWynn-fleesthecountry,endingup intheMiddleEast.Friday,Sept.15at 7:30p.m.Visitgulfshoreplayhouse.orgto purchaseticketsorcall239-261-PLAY.

F.J.Hartland IvanLopez DebHiett

MurderonTheOrientExpress atBroadwayPalmthroughSept.16

ComeaboardtheluxuriousOrientExpressandfollowthetwistsand turnsofAgathaChristie’sclassicmurdermystery,MurderonTheOrient Express,playingnowthroughSept.16.

Thisplot-twistingmasterpiecefromtheworld’smostpopularmystery writerwillkeepyouguessing“whodunit.”

ThiscleveradaptationoftheAgathaChristieclassicboastsglamour, intrigue,suspense,andhumor.TheOrientExpressissurprisinglyfullforthe timeoftheyear,butbymorningthetrainisonepassengerfewer.

AnAmericantycoonliesstabbedtodeathwithhisdoorlockedfromthe inside.Isolatedandwithakilleramongthem,thepassengersrelyondetectiveHerculePoirottofindthemurdererbeforeheorshestrikesagain.

PerformancesareWednesdaythroughSundayeveningswithselect matinees.

Ticketsare$60to$85withgrouppricesfor20ormore available.Ticketscanbereservedbycalling239-278-4422, byvisitingBroadwayPalm.comorbystoppingbythebox officeat1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

WildWomenofWinedalekicksoff thenewseasonforCharlottePlayers

TheCharlottePlayerskickofftheirnewseasonwithTheWildWomenofWinedaleSept.7–17attheLangdonPlayhouseinPortCharlotte.

Thisjoyfulandexuberant,yetultimatelytouching,comedyfocusesonthreewomenatcrossroadsintheirlives.Thisfeistytriohavesupported andcheeredoneanotherthroughouttheirlives. Togethertheyproveit’snevertoolatetotake anotheroneoflife’spathsforagrandnewadventure.

ComedyforaCausewilltakeplaceSept.29 atCharlotteHarborEventCenterindowntown PuntaGorda.Don'tmissthe11thAnnualComedy ForACause.It'sthefunniestfundraiseraround. Enjoyadeliciousdinnerwhilelocalbusinesscelebsentertainwith side-splittingimprovisationalantics.The"CurtainCall-On-line Auction"returns.Auctionitemswillbeavailabletoviewandbidon Sept.25at6p.m.andendduringtheperformanceonSept.29at 8:30p.m.

MurderattheHowardJohnsonswillbestagedOct.5–15at LangdonPlayhouse.Isallfairinlove?Evenmurder?That'sthe questionposedbythislightandfunnysuspensecomedyabouta lovetriangleinaHowardJohnsonMotorInn.Theplaypresentsa lovetriangleinvolvingawoman,herlover,andherhusbandin

threescenes.Inthefirstscene,thewifeandher loverplottomurderthehusband.Inthesecond scene,thewifeandherhusbandareplottingto murderthelover.Thethirdscenehasthehusband andtheloverplottingtomurderthewife,butthis attempt,liketheothers,fails.

TheCharlottePlayerspresentTheForeigner Nov.2–12atLangdonPlayhouse.Whatdoesa shyEnglishmaninsearchofrestdowhenhevisitsafishinglodgeinGeorgia?CharlieBaker,a proofreaderbydayandaboringhusbandby night,adoptsthepersonaofaforeignerwhodoesn'tunderstandEnglish.Whenothersbeginto speakfreelyaroundhim,henotonlybecomes privytosecretsbothdangerousandfrivolous,healsodiscoversan adventurousextrovertwithinhimself.

RemainingseasonshowsfortheCharlottePlayersincludeThe BestChristmasPageantEverDec.14–17,RumorsJan.12–28, CalendarGirlsFeb.8–25,NunsenseII-TheSecondComing MusicalMarch14–31,TwoontheAisle,ThreeinaVanApril17–28andMorningAfterGraceMay16–26.

Forticketsandinformation,call941-255-1022orvisit www.charlotteplayers.org.TheLangdonPlayhouseislocatedat 1182MarketCircleinPortCharlotte.

TheatreConspiracyseasonbeginsatAlliancefortheArts

TheatreConspiracyattheAlliancefor theArtsstartedits30thseasonAug.17. Theseasonincludesclassicstocomedies, aswellasaward-winningnewplaysfrom boththemostpopularandunknownplaywrights.

SanctuaryCitybyMarya MajokwasperformedAug. 17–27atTheAlliancefor theArts.

Nextuponstagewillbe RadioGolfbyAugust Wilson.DirectedbySonya Carter,performanceswill takeplaceOct.19–21and Oct.26–29.

AFTAiscommittedto performingtheentire AmericanCenturyCycleof AugustWilsonplays.Radio Golfischronologicallythe lastofthe10plays,andthe fifthoftheperformancesat AFTA.RadioGolfisafast-paced,dynamic andwonderfullyfunnyworkabouttheworld todayandthedreamswehaveforthe future.SetinPittsburghinthelate1990s, it’sthestoryofasuccessfulentrepreneur whoaspirestobecomethecity’sfirstBlack mayor.Butwhenthepastbeginstocatch upwithhim,secretsgetrevealedthatcould behisundoing.

ClownBarbyAdamSzymkowiczwillbe

stagedNov.9-10,16-18,24-25at7:30 p.m.andNov.19,26at2p.m.Thebar opens45minutespriortoshow.This immersiveexperiencetransformsthe FouldsTheatreintoanactualfunctioning bar,theClownBar,plunging youintothedarkandsecret worldofthesehilarious,yet frightening,gangster clowns.

Happy'sbrotherTimmy isfounddead.NowHappy mustreturntohisformerlife asaclowntoaskafew questions.ButwillHappybe abletogohomeagainwithoutgettingsuckedintothe seedyclownunderbellyof viceandviolence?The localproductionisdirected byBillTaylor.

WhichWaytotheStage byAnaNoguierawillbe presentedJan.18-20,25-27andFeb.1 -3at7:30p.m.andJan.28at2p.m. DirectedbyCarmenCrussard,itisaplayful yetprofoundcomedyaboutfriendship, ambition,andwhathappenswhendreams falljustoutofreach.

BroadwaysuperfansJeffandJudy eagerlyawaittheiridolIdinaMenzelafter herperformanceinIf/Thenatthestage dooreverynight.Butwhenasexystranger

entersthesceneandupendstheir decades-longfriendship,themusicaltheateraficionadoshavetogooffbookto rewritetheirownfinale.

TheWomenWhoMappedtheStarsby JoyceVanDykewillbeperformedasa fundraiserforandattheplanetariumat CalusaNatureCenterinFortMyers. PerformanceswillbeFeb.8-10,15-17at 7:30p.m.andFeb.18at2p.m.Five womenastronomersworkingtogetherat theHarvardObservatoryhelptoshapethe developmentofastrophysics.Cecilia Payne,thecentralcharacter,makesthe revolutionarydiscoverywhilestillagraduatestudentthatthestarsaremadeof Hydrogen.Inthistime-bending,non-linear play,theaudienceexperiencestherivalries andfriendshipsoffiveverydifferentwomen astheybuildoneachother’swork,feed eachother’sdreams,exultinthethrillof discovery,struggleforrecognition,and openthedoorsforthosewhocomeafter them.

Individualticketsare$32,$14forstudentsor$27forAlliancemembers.Audio describedshowsareavailableonselected dates(headsetreservationrequiredpriorto show.)Forticketsormoreinfo,call239939-2787,visit10091McGregorBlvd.,Fort Myers,orgotowww.ArtInLee.org/Theatre.

Additionally,FringeFortMyers2024will takeplaceMay30-June2.

RadioGolfwillbethenext TheatreConspiracyproduction onstageOct.19-29.

TheDiningRoomwillbenextstage productionforTheNaplesPlayers

TheNaplesPlayers(TNP)areofficiallyenteringtheirdynamic 70thseasonwithpublicaccesstoindividualticketsforallupcomingproductions.

Learnmoreaboutwhat’snexttocomeatTheNaplesPlayers astheyperformontheroadduringthemajorrenovationstotheir hometheatre.

A.R.Gurneymasterfullyweavestogether60differentcharactersfromdifferent families,timeperiods,andbackgrounds inthesecondshowoftheseason,The DiningRoom.Eachofthesepieces bringslife,laughter,andtogethernessto theplacewherefamiliesgather:The DiningRoom.Catchthisclassicfamily comedyfromOct.4toOct.22in McSpaddenHallatNaplesUnitedChurchofChrist.

CelebratetheholidaysinstylewithMissBennet:Christmasat Pemberley,playingNov.1toNov.19inMcSpaddenHallatNaples UnitedChurchofChrist.TwoyearsafterMr.Darcysweeps ElizabethBennetoffofherfeetinPrideandPrejudice,theBennet familyiscelebratingChristmasatPemberley,theDarcyresidence. Whenanunexpectedvisitorjoinsthecelebrations,thesistersare forcedtochangetheirperspectivesonlife,love,andtheirrolein society.

Fortwonightsonly,celebrateChristmasindowntownNaples

withIt’saWonderfulLife:ALiveRadioPlayDec.8-9.Thisbeloved Americanholidaystaplecomestocaptivatinglifeasalive1940s radiobroadcast.Withthehelpofanensemblethatbringsafew dozencharacterstothestage,thestoryofidealisticGeorgeBailey unfoldsasheconsidersendinghislifeonefateful ChristmasEve.

FromJan.10-28inMcSpaddenHallatNaples UnitedChurchofChristwillbeMaryChase’sclassic play,Harvey.Inthisshow,friendshipcomesinall shapesandsizes-atleast,that’swhat47-year-old ElwoodP.Dowdandhisverybestfriend,Harvey, believe.Theonlychallenge?Harveyisaninvisible,6-foot-tallrabbit.Madepopularbythemovie starringJimmyStewart,followtheduointhehilariousPulitzer prize-winningshowaboutloyalty,friendship,andacceptance.

FromFeb.14-March3inMcSpaddenHallatNaplesUnited ChurchofChrist,TheNaplesPlayerswillhighlightlocaltalentin theformofthelaugh-out-loudcomedy,Laugh,Cry,Pee,Repeat!

FromMarch13-April7,TheNaplesPlayerswillreopenthe5th AvenuebuildingwithMelBrooks’classicmusical,TheProducers, presentedonthenewly-renovatedKizzieTheaterstage(previously BlackburnHall).

Tocompletetheseason,ThePlayThatGoesWrongwillbe presentedontheKizzieTheaterstageMay1-26.

Fortickets,visitNaplesPlayers.orgorcall239-263-7990.

Boeing,BoeingopensSept.8atCulturalPark

Thebustlingstageand electricenergyoftheCultural ParkTheatreatmusicalauditionsAug.12,promiseda busy–andexciting–61st theatricalseasontocome.

Actorsandactressesofall agestooktothestageto auditionforthefollowing upcomingmusicalstobeperformedonstageatthe Theatre:Footloose,Fame andJamesandtheGiant Peach.“Theexcitementwas palpable,”saidRobinMurray, artisticdirectorattheCultural ParkTheatreCompany.Onelittlegirl seemedtobeastonisheduponseeing thetheatre’sstage.

“Shehadneverseenastagelikeours before.So,whenshehadwalkedinto theauditorium,sheturnedtohermom andsaid‘They’retherealdeal,mom!’”

WhileRobinMurrayisconsistently involvedonalllevelswithanytheatrical production–aswellascountlessother innerworkingsoftheCPTC,CarrieGuffy

willbedirectingallofthemusicalproductionsalongsidetheindividualtheatrical directorsforeachplay.Guffyhasperformed,directedandmusicallydirected overfiftymusicals.ShehasaBSin musiceducation,amastersinmusic education,andisadoctoralcandidatein musicalarts.Withsuchesteemedcredentials,themusicalsshehelpstodirect aredestinedtobeoutofthisworld.No mattertheexperienceofthedirector, castingshowsisalwaysdifficult,espe-

ciallywithsuchagifted groupofauditioners.“The talentthatcameoutmade itprettyhardforthedirectorstomakequickchoices,”saidMurray. Eventually,everyrolewas filledwithanactoror actressthatfitthecharacterperfectly.

TheCulturalPark TheatreCompanywillbe presentingFootloose, Fame,andJamesandthe GiantPeachinSeptember, November,andJanuary, respectively.Beforethemusicalsgoon stage,however,thetheatrewillpresent itsfirstplayoftheregularseason. Boeing,BoeingisonstageSept.8-17, FridaythroughSunday.

FootloosethemusicalopensSept.28 andplaysthroughOct.8.

Ticketscanbepurchasedbyvisiting culturalparktheater.comandnavigatingto the“onlineticketsales”page,orbycallingthetheatreat239-772-5862.

BelleTheatrestartsseasonwithmusicalrevue

TheBelleTheatreinCapeCoralwill launchitssecondseasoninSeptember.

Let’sGototheMovieswillkick thingsoff.Thisisanoriginal musicalrevuecelebrating moviemusicalsfromthebig screentothestagefeaturing classicstonewworksand perfectforthewholefamily. TherevueplaysSept.1–10.

Disenchanted–Anew musicalcomedywillhitTheBelle TheatrestageinlateSeptember. Theoriginalstorybookheroinesarenone toohappywiththewaythey’vebeenportrayedintoday’spopculture,sothey’ve tossedtheirtiarasandhavecometolifeto settherecordstraight.Forgettheprincessesyouthinkyouknow–theseroyalrenegadesareheretocomicallybeltoutthe truth.DisenchantedplaysonstageSept. 22–Oct.8.

TheBelleTheatrepresentsDrinking HabitsOct.13–Nov.5.Thisisalaughout-loudcomedywithtwistsandturns throughout.Accusations,mistakenidentitiesandromancesrunwildinthistraditional,laugh-out-loudfarce.Twonunsatthe SistersofPerpetualSewinghavebeen secretlymakingwinetokeeptheconvent's

doorsopen,butPaulandSally,reporters andformerfiancées,arehotontheir trail.Theygoundercoverasa nunandpriest,buttheirpresence,combinedwiththe additionofanewnun, spursparanoiathroughouttheconventthat spieshavebeensent fromRometoshutthem down.

Kickofftheholiday seasonFloridastylewith ChristmasinParadise.Takea triparoundtheworldwiththecastof SouthwestFloridalocalsastheyexplore thedifferentcelebrationsthattakeplacein countriesnearandfar.Theperfectwayto getintheChristmasspirit,Christmasin ParadisewillbepresentedDec.14–20.

Thegreateststar,theultimatepeople person...thestoryofbelovedcomedienne FannyBricebeginswithherirrepressible youthinNewYork’sLowerEastSide, wherethestage-struckteenagerclowns herwaythroughburlesqueandvaudeville, withdreamsofmakingitbig.It’samusical theatreclassicwhichcelebratestheexuberantandelegantflavorofBroadwayin the1910s&20s.FunnyGirlrunsJan.5–21.

UnnecessaryFarcewillbeonstage Feb.2–18.Twocops.Threecrooks.Eight doors.Go.Inacheapmotelroom,an embezzlingmayorissupposedtomeet withhisfemaleaccountant,whileinthe roomnext-door,twoundercovercopswait tocatchthemeetingonvideotape.

WeWillRockYouisbasedonthemusic ofQueen.Thishigh-octanemusicalisset 300yearsinthefutureinafuturisticand globallycorporateworld.PlanetEarthhas beenrenamedPlanetMallandiscontrolled bytheGlobalsoftCorporation.WeWill RockYoufollowstworevolutionariesas theytrytosaverock‘n’rollinapost-apocalypticworld.Featuringmorethan20Queen hits,thisfist-pumping,foot-stompingproductionisaperfectanthemtoindividuality. ItrunsMarch8-24.

SecondChances:TheThriftShop MusicalwrapsuptheseasonApril5–21.A touchingandinspirationaloriginalmusical comedyaboutquirkycharacterswhorun theSecondChancesThriftShop.Whenthe churchthriftshopisthreatenedtobesold forcondos,theteampullstogethertosave thestore.

Fortickets,call239-323-5533orvisit www.TheBelleTheatre.com.TheBelle Theatreislocatedat2708SantaBarbara Blvd#135,CapeCoral.

Southwest Florida 2023-2024 SEASON THEATRE

TheatreZone

1-888-966-3352

13275 Livingston Road, Naples theatre zone

Home for the Holidays

Dec. 15 - 17

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical

Jan 11 - 22

Million Dollar Quartet

Feb. 8 - 18

Little Me

March 7 - 17

Carrie: The Musical

April 25 - May 5

FGCU Theatre

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers

239-745-4268

fgcu edu/theatrelab

Heathers the musical

Oct. 12 - 15

Silent Sky

Feb. 16 - 25

The Life of Galileo

April 12 - 21

The Belle Theatre

239-323-5533

2708 Santa Barbara Blvd #135, Cape Coral thebelletheatre com

Letʼs Go to the Movies

Sept. 1 - 10

Disenchanted

Sept 22 - Oct 8

Drinking Habits

Oct. 13 - Nov. 5

Christmas in Paradise: World Tour

Dec 14 - 20

Funny Girl

Jan. 5 - 21

Unnecessary Farce

Feb 2 - 18

We Will Rock You

March 8 - 24

Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical

April 5 - 21

Happenings Magazine

Florida Repertor y Theatre

239-332-4488

Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers floridarep org

In the Arcade Theatre The Legend of Georgia McBride

Oct 27 - Nov 12

A Sherlock Carol

Dec. 1 - 17

Beehive the 60s musical

Jan 12 - 28

A Comedy of Tenors

Feb. 17 - March 5

Hank Williams: Lost Highway

March 22 - April 14

In the ArtStage Studio Theatre

Beguiled Again

Sept. 22 - Oct. 29

The Mountaintop

Dec 15 - Jan 14

The Gin Game

Feb. 2 - March 3

Oleanna

April 19 - May 19

Laborator y Theater of Florida

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave , Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida org

POTUS

Aug. 4 - 20

Noises Off

Sept 8 - Oct 1

Misery

Oct. 20 - Nov. 12

24 Hour

Playwriting Project

Dec 2

Yippee Ki-Yay Merry

Christmas

Dec 8 - 28

Stew

Jan. 12 - Feb. 3

Ride the Cyclone

Feb. 23 - March 17

Crocodile Fever

April 12 - May 5

Artis– Naples

239-597-1111

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples artisnaples.org

Funny Girl

Dec 26 - 31

Company

Jan. 16 - 21

Tina:

The Tina Turner musical

Feb 20 - 25

Six the musical

March 19 - 24

To Kill a Mockingbird

April 9 - 14

Arts Bonita

239-495-8989

10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita artsbonita.org

A Cracker at The Ritz

Sept. 12 & 26, Oct. 10 & 24

A HOME... for the Holidays

Dec. 2 & 3

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play

Dec 7 - 10

Buyer and Cellar

March 7 - 9

Assisted Living the Musical

March 22 & 23

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

April 26 - 28

Arts Center Theatre

239-394-4221

1089 N Collier Blvd #432, Marco marcoislandart.org

The Music Man

Oct 18 - 21

The 39 Steps

Oct 25 - Nov 12

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

(abridged)

Nov 29 - Dec 10

White Christmas

Dec. 13 - 17

Private Lives

Jan. 3 - 21

The Queen of Bingo

Feb 7 - 25

Vanities

March 13 - 30

Broadway Palm

239-278-4422

1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm com

Murder On The Orient Express

Aug. 18 - Sept. 16

Hairspray

Sept 22 - Oct 28

Elf

Nov 10 – Dec 25

Elvis: A Musical Revolution

Dec 30 – Feb 17

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Feb 23 - April 6

The Addams Family

April 12 - May 25

Swing!

May 31 - June 22

Mary Poppins

June 28 - Aug 10

The Naples Players

239-263-7990 naplesplayers org

The Dining Room

Oct 4 - 22

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

Nov 1 - 19

Harvey

Jan 10 - 28

Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat

Feb 14 - March 3

The Producers

March 13 - April 7

The Play That Goes Wrong

May 1 - 26

Charlotte Players

941-255-1022

1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte charlotteplayers org

Wild Women of Winedale

Sept. 7 - 17

Murder at the Howard Johnsonʼs

Oct 5 - 15

The Foreigner

Nov. 2 - 12

Rumors

Jan 12 - 28

Calendar Girls

Feb 8 - 25

Nunsense II: The Second Coming

March 14 - 30

Two on the Aisle

Three in a Van

April 18 - 28

Morning After Grace

May 16 - 26

Gulf Coast Symphony

13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers

239-277-1700

gulfcoastsymphony org

Snowbird Follies

Nov 29 - Dec 23

A Grand Night for Singing

Jan. 18 - Feb. 3

Nunsense II: The Second Coming

Feb 22 - March 9

Route 66

April 10 - 28

Cultural Park Theater

239-772-5862

528 Cultural Park Blvd , Cape Coral culturalparktheater com

Boeing, Boeing

Sept. 8 - 17

Footloose the musical

Sept 28 - Oct 8

Fame the musical

Nov. 9 - 19

James & The Giant Peach

Jan 18 - 28

Bye Bye Birdie

Feb 29 - March 10

Sister Act

March 28 - April 7

Into the Woods

May 23 - June 2

Murder on the Orient Express

June 14 - 23

The Studio Players

239-398-9192

4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples thestudioplayers org

The Cemetery Club

Aug. 4 - 20

Superior Donuts

Oct 27 - Nov 12

The Lifespan of a Fact

Jan 19 - Feb 4

Bus Stop

March 8 - 24

Doubt

May 3 - 19

Gulfshore Playhouse

1-239-261-7529

755 8th Ave S, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse org

New Works Festival

Sept 15 - 17

26 Miles

Oct. 12 - 29

Winter Wonderettes

Nov. 16 - Dec. 17

The Refugees

Jan 11 - Feb 4

Into The Breeches

Feb 15 - March 10

She Loves Me

March 21 - April 21

Off Broadway Palm

239-278-4422

1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com

Popcorn Falls

Oct 11 - Nov 18

A Doublewide, Texas Christmas

Nov. 23 - Dec. 25

Run For Your Wife

Jan 11 – Feb 25

Sweet Delilah Swim Club

Feb 29 - April 14

Perfect Wedding

April 18 - May 19

BarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHall

239-481-4849

13350FSWPkwy,FortMyers

bbmannpah.com

Hadestown

Jan.23-28

JaggedLittlePill

Feb.13-18

ToKillaMockingbird

Feb.20-25

Tina: TheTinaTurnermusical

Feb.27-March3

Mrs.Doubtfire

March26-31

Hamilton

April23-May5

TheatreConspiracy

239-939-2787

10091McGregorBlvd,FortMyers

artinlee.org

SanctuaryCity

Aug.17-27

RadioGolf

Oct.19-29

ClownBar

Nov.9-26

WhichWaytotheStage

Jan.18-Feb.3

TheWomenWho MappedtheStars

Feb.8-18

PlayersCircle Theater

239-800-3292

13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers

PlayersCircleTheater.com

BreakingLegs

Oct.17-Nov.12

Ho!Ho!Ho!

TheChristmasShow

Nov.28-Dec.17

ButterfliesAreFree

Jan.2-28

Proof

Feb.6-March3

SixDanceLessons inSixWeeks

March12-April7

Godspell

April16-May12

AlliancelooksbackonHurricaneIan withavarietyofexhibitsandevents

TheAlliancefortheArts(AFTA)presentsajuriedexhibitioninconjunctionwith itsStormStoriesoralhistoryprogramabout HurricaneIananditsaftermath.Theshow willfeature53worksofartfromFlorida artists.Artistswereaskedtocreateartwork abouttheirexperiencesduringorafterthe storminanycapacity.Itmaybestoriesof resilienceortraumaorloss.

September’sexhibitionwillhostan openingreceptiononSept.1from5to7 p.m.Therewillbeaclosingreceptionon Sept.28,from5to7pm,tomarkandhonor theone-yearanniversaryofHurricaneIan makingland-fall.Theclosingreceptionwill featurelightrefreshmentsprovidedby JayneBaker,aswellasauthors,artistsand eventsponsorsinattendance.

SelectedexhibitingartistsareRobert Allen,StefanieBabb,CharlesBaker,Laura Ball,ElitaBarfield,AustinBell,Linda Benson,MeaganBonesteel,LauraBorror, DanielleBrant,StaceyBrown,Leslie Brunn,JuneBurke,RamonChirinos,Tracy OwenCullimore,SharynDahn,Dana Donkle,MarianFuller,DavidGiansante, JulieGriffin,SherryHaney,SueHigginsFerrell,PeterHoran,RoseJung,Jane Lane,LeomaLovegrove,PamLowe,Doug MacGregor,DaveMancini,YingMcLane, SusanMiller,RichardPlummer,Nanci Polomski,DennisPorter,CarolePrice, EllenPrior,JoseyPrior,VickieResor,John Rizza,SharonRodgers,LeahSchneider, LynneSchwartz,NancySearle,JulieSiler Olander,PatSt.Onge,DominickTascher, EricTaubert,ChristopherTuscan,John Warminski,AlexWilkinsonandDeborah Zwetsch.

FollowingHurricaneIan,AFTAteamed

upwiththeGulfCoastWriters Association(GCWA)tolaunchthe oralhistoryproject,StormStories, whereanyonecouldsubmittheir storyfromHurricaneIan.Those collectedstorieshavebeencompiledintoaprintedbook,andavailableforpurchaseatAFTAduring themonthofSeptember.Abook launchwillbeheldintheFould’s TheatrewithGCWAonSept9at7 p.m.Theeventisfreeandopento thepublicandwillfeaturecontributingauthorsaswellaslightrefreshments.TicketsarefreeandavailableonEventbrite.

Saturdaysthroughoutthemonth willalsofeatureafree,15-minute healingmassageorReikitothose affected.Eacheventislimitedto twohoursanddesignatedforcertainmembersofthepublic(i.e.first responders,teachers,etc.)For moreinformationortoreservea spot,visitartinlee.org/storm-stories/.

Saturday,Sept16,isamonthly freeFamilyArtLabfrom10a.m.noonthatwillbefocusedon rememberingandcontinuingtoheal fromHurricaneIan.Childrenandfamilies willparticipateinthecreationofAFTA’s ResiliencyGarden.

Saturday,Sept.23from11a.m.to2 p.m.willbeameditationworkshop designedtobeafunfilledexperience whereparticipantsexplorethemagicof breathworkandcreativity.Tofindoutmore andregister,visitartinlee.org//creative-healing-workshop/.

IntheTheatreGallery:Hope:The OtherSideofHurricaneIanby KinfayMorotiwillbeondisplay.

Hope:TheOtherSideofHurricane Ianshowshowthedeadlystorm unitedpeopleintheonethingthat couldn’tbedestroyed.KinfayMoroti leadsHopefulImages-aninitiative thathelpsorganizationssharetheir storiesthroughphotojournalism, messagingandstorytellingcampaigns.

IntheMember’sGallery:Tamara Culp&JodiEndersexhibit TamaraCulpmovedfromthe highdesertcountryofColoradoto Floridatobeclosertowaterin2015.

Sincechildhood,waterhasheldaspecial placeinherheartasasanctuaryanda haven.JodiEndershasalwaysbeenpulled towardexploration,aplacewheretheconstantrunningofthemindhalts.Shecan enjoysimplepleasuresandenrichmentby analyzingtheworldonadeeperlevelthan theaverageindividualmaygrantthemselvesthetimetodo.

IntheFouldsTheatre:ForThoseofUs wholiveattheshorelinebySashaWortzel. SashaWortzelisavisualartistandfilmmakerusingvideo,installation,sculpture, sound,andperformancetoexplorehow thiscountry’spastandpresentareinextricablylinked.Wortzel’sworkisinthepermanentcollectionsoftheBrooklyn Museum,StudioMuseumofHarlem,Leslie LohmanMuseumofArt,andMiami-Dade CountyArtinPublicPlaces.

TheAlliancecampusandgalleriesare opentothepublicfrom9a.m.to7p.m. TuesdaythroughFriday,andfrom9a.m.to 1p.m.onSaturdays.Itislocatedat10091 McGregorBlvd.inFortMyers.

Formoreinfo,call239-939-2787,visit www.ArtInLee.org.

DeborahZwetsch

DAASpresentstheabstract artofKarenGozzoNolan

InthemonthofSeptember,DAAS Co-OpArtGallery&Giftspresents theabstractartofKarenGozzo Nolan.Theopeningreceptionis scheduledforFriday,Sept.1from6 to9:30p.m.inconjunctionwiththe monthlyFortMyersArtWalk. Theexhibitionwillbeondisplay throughOct.1.

KarenGozzoNolanlivedin Connecticutuntilshewas28years old,laterrelocatingtoVermont.She hasbeencreativesincechildhood, alwaysaloverofart.Asasingle mother,lifedidn'tallowhertofollow thedreamsofbeingaprofessional artist.WhilelivinginVermont,she wasthemanagerofahomedecoratingcenterforover13years.She workedcloselywithcontractors, selectinginteriorandexteriorproductsandcolorpalletsfornewhomes andcondominiumconstructionprojects.Sheproducedartallthroughout herlifeandafterbattlingararedisease,shevowedtofollowherlife-

longpassion.Itwasn'tuntilrelocating toRotondaWest,Floridain2013, thatshewaswellenoughtopursue herdream.

Paintingisanoutletofescapefor theartist,orassheputsit,“herdistractionfromlife,andaplaceoftotal meditationandpeace.”

GozzoNolanisprimarilyselftaughtasanabstractexpressionist. Herpaintingsareinfluencedby music,theemotionthatcomesfrom it,andherloveforvibrantcolor."The paintandbrushbecomemyinstrumentandmyartisthesongitplays," addstheartist.

DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts islocatedat1815FowlerSt.inthe ButterflyEstatescomplexindowntownFortMyers.Thegalleryhours areWednesdaytoSundayfrom10 a.m.to3p.m.

Moreinformationaboutthevenue andhowtobecomeamembercan befoundatdaascoop.comorbycalling239-590-8645.

NewexhibitsatVisualArtCenterinPuntaGorda

TheVisualArtsCenterinPunta GordawillhostanopenhouseSept.8 and9fro10a.m.to2p.m.eachday.

Visitorscanmeettheinstructors, signupforclasses&workshops,renew membership,tourthegalleries,shopthe giftgalleryandartsupplystore. Complimentarymimosasandlight snackswillbeprovidedforguests.

The5X5VIPfirstchoicebuyers receptionwillbeheldSept.13starting at5:55p.m.Thisextravaganzawillfeatureacateredmenu,champagne,and lotsoffun!Itisa“sneakpeek”thatwill allowaselectfewtohavetheirchoice oftheofferedworksofart.Only55ticketsareavailableat$100each. Purchaseticketsonline.

The5X5muralfundraiserwillrun Sept.14-Oct.31.Thisinauguralpresentationof5X5willbenefitthemission toinspire,create,explore,andpromote

thevisualarts.TheVACinvitedartists toparticipatebycreatingoriginalworks ofart,inavarietyofmediums,on5"x 5"canvases.Collectedcanvaseswillbe hungtogethertocreatebeautiful murals.

Someoftheartistsparticipating includeSusanFraley,Lance Henderson,ChristineKeyworth,Lionel Lewis,KittMoran,PauletteMorrissey, JudiRoth,NancySearle,Joanne Stramara,BirgitTodeandmanymore.A publicreceptionwillbeheldSept.21at 5p.m.Afterthereception,buyerswillbe abletotaketheirarthome(for$55).

TwoexhibitswillopenSept.12.They includethestudentshowintheGoff Galleryandthe“HurricaneIan-The Healing”exhibitinRebeccaHall.

TheVisualArtsCenterwillshowcase theNationalArtExhibition(NAE),a highlyanticipatedartexhibitionthatdis-

playseverytwoyears,inearly2024.

Oneofthenation’smostprestigious juriedexhibitionsoftwo-dimensional media,thisshowishostedbytheVisual ArtsCenter,locatedintheheartof PuntaGordaalongbeautifulCharlotte Harbor.Totalprizemoneywillbemore than$10,000.

TheexhibitionwillbejuriedbyJean Pederson,whohasbeenrecognizedfor hermanyhonorsandawardsforconsistentlyexceptionalpainting,andforher internationalwritingtopromotearteducation.

AcalltoartistsbeganJuly24,and thedeadlinetoregisterisDec.4.Artists willbenotifiedbyDec.29.Theexhibit willbeondisplayFeb.16–April12.

TheVisualArtsCenterislocatedat 210MaudSt.inPuntaGorda.Formore details,call941-639-8810orvisitonline atwww.visualartcenter.org

The5X5muralfundraiserrunsSept.14-Oct.31.

“TheSilenceAfter”byBirgitTodeispartoftheHurricane Ian–TheHealingexhibitwhichopensSept.12.

Bloom&WallaceDigital ArtsLabopensatAlliance

TheAlliancefortheArts (AFTA)launchedtheinnovativeBloom&WallaceDigital ArtsLabonAug.23.

ThefirstofitskindinLee County,theBloom&Wallace DigitalArtsLabaimstoprovideopportunitiesforthepublicofallagesandabilities withanoverarchinggoalto increasedigitalliteracyand continuetoeliminatebarriers toartsparticipationincommunitiesthroughoutLee County.

TheBloom&Wallace DigitalArtsLabwillprovide thecreativecommunitythe opportunitytolearnandcreateonelevencomputers equippedwithstate-of-theart hardwareandafullsuiteof Adobesoftware,DaVinci ResolveandComputer-Aided Design(CAD).Theseprogramswillexpandarts instructioninresponseto communityneedsandpro-

videeducationalsupportfor futurecareersandtakethe Alliancetonewheights.

Additionalprogramsand classeswillbeenactedforall studentstoexploreandhone skillsinwriting,filmmaking, podcasting,digitaldesign, computergeneratedpaintings,photography,digitally createdmusic,e-books,3D design,editingandothercreativeapplications.

Bloom&WallaceDigital ArtsLabbenefactorNaomi BloomandAFTAexecutive directorMollyRowan-Deckart willofferremarksaboutthe importanceandimpactofthe digitalartsofferingstothe community.

TheAlliancecampusis locatedat10091McGregor Boulevard,justsouthof ColonialBoulevard,inFort Myers.Formoreinformation, call239-939-2787,visitonline atwww.ArtInLee.org.

WildGardenexhibitatFGCU

WildGarden:JenClay,CynthiaMason,LucaMolnar,Grace RamseyandAnastasiaSamoylovaexhibitionisondisplay nowthroughSept.28attheWasmerArtGallery,ArtsComplex, FGCU.ThisexhibitionisfreeandopentothepublicMonday throughFridayfrom10a.m.-4p.m.Call239-590-7199orvisit fgcu.edu/artgalleriesformoredetails.PicturedisBaker-Miller PinkbyLucaMolnar.

MiguelVazquez,MaryLaGarde exhibitsopenSept.1atDavisArtCenter

TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter announcestwoartexhibitionsopeningduringArtWalkonFriday,Sept.1.

Digital(C)age:RecyclingandArtInA NewDimensionbyartistMiguelVazquezwill beondisplayintheGrandAtrium,where recyclingandartcometogethertocreatea newdimensionofcreativityandinnovation.

InthesecondfloorCapitalGallery,The ShapeshiftingArtistwillbedisplayedasa soloexhibitionbyNaples-basedartistMary LaGarde.Openingnightforbothexhibitions willbeduringFriday,Sept.1from6to10 p.m.includingmusicunderthestarswithDJ Julzfrom7to11p.m.atSidney’sRooftop SculptureGarden.

Digital(C)age:RecyclingandArtInA NewDimensionisasoloexhibitionpresentingthegroundbreakingworksofMiguel Vazquez.Vazquezhaspursuedanewand innovativeapproachtoartthatplacesan emphasisonsustainabilityandthepreservationoftheplanet,twovitalstatementsthat arecrucialintoday’sworld,wheretheimportanceofrecyclingcannotbeoverstated.Itis acrucialsteptowardspreservingourplanet andensuringasustainablefuture.Butwhatifrecyclingcould alsobeaformofart?InartistMiguelVazquez’scollection,recyclingandartcometogethertocreateanewdimensionofcreativityandinnovation.Usingrepurposedmaterialsthatwould otherwiseendupinlandfills,fromsculpturesmadeofrecycled metaltopaintingscreatedwithreclaimedwood,theartistcreatesstunningworksofartthatnotonlylookbeautifulbutalso carryapowerfulmessage,craftingabeautifulharmonybetween artandrecycledmaterials.Butit’snotjustaboutcreatingsomethingvisuallyappealing.Recyclingandartalsohavethepower

toeducateandinspire.

Additionally,duringArtWalk,Vazquezwillpresentalive demonstrationofhiswaterbottlerecyclingprocess,ingeniously transformingcrushedplasticintoafilamentmaterialusingan extruder.Thisfilamentwillthenbefedintoacutting-edge3D printer,whichwillbringtolifeanawe-inspiringsculptureinreal time.Witnessthebirthofamasterpiecethatembodiesthespirit ofcreativity,resourcefulness,andenvironmentalconsciousness. Vazquez'sartistrywillundoubtedlyremindusoftheboundless possibilitiesthatliewithintherealmofart.

MaryLaGarderefusestobecategorizedasonestyleof artist.Sheshiftseasilybetweenimpressionism, cubism,figurativerealism,narrativeart,landscapes, photorealismandsculpturedependingonherideas andherinspiration.LaGarde’sreluctancetobe pigeonholedasanartistisreminiscentofPicasso whowasdescribedasthe“ultimateshapeshifter” becauseherefusedtosettleonatidy,signature styleandstickwithit.LaGarde’sexhibitionwillbe showcasingherpowerfulstatementsonmajortopics suchasnature,strongwomen,NativeAmericans, celebrities,popularculture,religion,mythology,internationaltravel,andmore,allofwhichdisplayher astoundingabilitytoadaptandadjustherartistic skillsbasedonherever-changingthoughtsand ideas,allbySouthwestFlorida’sowntalented shapeshiftingartist.

Bothartexhibitionswillbeondisplaythrough Sept.28.TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenteris locatedat2301FirstSt.inthehistoricdowntown FortMyersRiverDistrict.

Formoreinformation,call239-333-1933orvisit thewebsiteatwww.sbdac.com

MaryLaGarde

MiguelVazquez

DedicatedArtistsofSWFLatCapeCoralLibrary

Awidearrayofbeautifultwoand three-dimensionalworkbymembersof theDedicatedArtistsofSouthwest FloridaInc.(DASF)willfillthegallery wallsanddisplaycasesoftheCape CoralLibrarySept.2throughOct.30.

Thismarkstheseventhtimethe localclubofartistswillbefeaturedat thelibrarylocatedat921SW39th Terrace,offMohawkPkwy.

DASFmembershavebeenworking onnewpiecesofarttodisplay,andthe varietyoftheirdesignsandthesurfaces onwhichtheypaintisextensive.That’s nodoubtwhytheclub’sexhibitofmembers’latestartworkiseagerlyanticipatedbylibrarypatronsandvisitors.

TheDedicatedArtistsofSouthwest Floridaisalocalclubwithapproximately 60memberswhoarefullorpart-time residentsofvariouscitieswithinthe localtri-countyarea.Peopleofallages andlevelsofability-fromthosewithno experienceuptoaccomplishedartistsarewelcometojoin.DASFmembers attendmonthlymeetings(heldinthe CapeCoralArtLeaguebuilding)that featuredifferentpaintingprojectsin acrylic,oil,watercolororcoloredpencil andareconductedbytalentedinstructors.Formoreinformationaboutmem-

bership,meetingschedules,location, projects,seminarsandeventsvisit www.DASFartists.com.

Whilelearningandteachingtheart ofpaintingisintegraltotheclub,they alsoperformanimpressiveamountof communityoutreach.Tosupportitscommunityprojects,DASFholdsanannual winterluncheonfundraisinggalaat LegendsGolf&CountryClub.The2023 luncheonisscheduledforDec.9.Itwill includeasilentauctionofDASFmem-

bers'artworkandthemebaskets,plusa boutiquewithstockingstuffersforsale. Formoredetailsabouttheluncheon, visitwww.DASFartists.com,gotoHOME onthemenu,thenfillouttheformunder “ContactUs.”

Changingartexhibitsinthelibrary’s galleryaresponsoredbytheFriendsof theCapeCoralLibraryandare designedtoaffordlocalartiststhe opportunitytosharetheirworkinthis publicforum.

CarolBlankenship

MadonnaWilliams

ArtisticcouplereopensFrame Gallery&GiftsinCapeCoral

BarbandLorneHosackarehappyto announcethereopeningoftheirlargest galleryinCapeCoralaftersustaining majordamagebyHurricaneIan.

Themaingallery,that’sbeenlocated onDelPradoBoulevardinCapeCoralfor over30years,isacrossfromWal-mart andapproximately5,000squarefeet.For thosecustomerswhohaveahardtime decidingwhatimagetheywilllikeintheir home,theyoffersomethingcalleda24 hourcheckout.Thisallowsthebuyerto takeaframedpieceofarthomeorseveralandlookatthatthemintheirownenvironment.Thisreallyhelpsanindividual findtheperfectpiecefortheirhome.

Thecouple’ssecondartspaceinCape Coral,Lorne’sGalleryissituatedatThe WestinandnextdoortoPinchersCrab ShackatTarponPointMarina.

GalleryownersBarbaraandLorne Hosackhavespentmostoftheirlivesproducingandsellingcoastalart.Thisfamily operationlocatedatTarponPointMarina isanextensionoftheirimagination.

Asidefrombeingextremelyinteresting topassthroughandlookatallthesundriesatLorne’sGallerytheviewofallthe wonderfulboatsandrestaurantsissomethingthatlookslikeitshouldbeinNaples. Ifyouspendfiveminutessauntering throughthe3,000square-footgallery,you won’thaveseenitall.There’ssomuchto see.Withover500picturesstackedhere inthereandover20,000imagesinprint exclusivetoLorne’sGalleryandtheir

othergallery,FrameGalleryandGifts, there’stoomuchtocomprehend.

Additionally,thegalleriesofferhigh endprinting.Theyhavethousandsof imagesthatareexclusivetothem.“That meansthatweowntheoriginals,weown theprintingrights,andwedotheprinting ourselves,”saysLorne.“Thenewest processiscalledgicleeprinting.After scanningtheoriginalandcolorcorrecting itinthecomputer,weareabletochange thesizeandcolorofanythingthatthey print.Andthenafterprinting,theyarethe framersweframesmallweframebigand weframewithourcustomersinmind.We arepickywithourartandwiththeframingprocess.”

Headds,“Forexample,wedosmall things,wedobigthings,wedothehard jobsthatmostpeopleshutteraboutdoing; wemakeiteasy.Barbaraisexcellentat colormatching.Shecanfindtheright

colorblendofmatstoproduceawonderfulextensionoftheartworkthatyouwant framed.”

Lornesays,“Oneofourfavoritepieces ofartthatwedoisourlocalcharts.These chartsarenauticalchartsthatweputartworkon.…It’snotjustamap,it’sapiece ofartthenweprintandframethiswonderfulpieceofart.Theendresultis somethingthatisinformativebecauseyou canshowyourguestswherethenames areofalltheplacesyouwanttogoandit stilldecorative.”

Themonthlymusicandartnightwill takeplaceSaturday,Sept.30from5to8 p.m.atLorne’sGalleryatTarponPoint.It willfeaturemusicbyTommyDeeandDee andtheartofLorneHosack.Lorne’s Galleryisopen10a.m.-4p.m.Monday throughFridayinthesummer.

FrameGalleryandGiftsislocatedat 1830DelPradoBlvd.inCapeCoral,and canbereachedbycalling239-574-5111. Businesshoursare10a.m.-5p.m. sevendaysaweek.

Lorne’sGalleryislocatedinunit105at theMarinaVillageatTarponPointinCape Coralandcanbereachedbycalling239945-0866.

TheHosacksalsohavetwogallery locationsatFleamastersinFortMyers. ThoseareopenFriday,Saturdayand Sundayfrom9a.m.-5p.m.

FormoreaboutBarbandLorneand theirfourartspaces,visitonlineat www.framegalleryandgifts.com

TowerGallerywelcomesartloverstoSanibel

ByEliseSewell

HurricaneIanhitSanibelIslandlast Septemberanddevastatedeverythinginits path.Therewasconstantcontrastofthe soundofrescuehelicoptersoverheadand silence.Noonecoulddrivetotheislanddue tothebridgehavingbeendestroyed.

Weworriedaboutourartistfriendswho hadn’tevacuatedandourcharming108year oldbuildingthatheldourbeautifulgallery.We worriedthatthepaintings,sculpturesandjewelrythathadbeenleftwouldbefound destroyed.

Onebyoneweheardthatourartistfriends wereokay.Alloftheirhomeswereflooded anddestroyedbuttheywereokay.

Thedayfinallycamethatsomeonecould gocheckoutthestateofourbeautifulgallery. Thenewswastrulyincredible.TowerGallery wasvirtuallyuntouchedbythestorm.The backdoorwasblownopen.Theairconditionerwasfloodedout.Treesweredown.Our treesculptureinfrontofthegallerywasbent butthebuildingwasintactandourartworkwasvirtually untouched.Ourgallerylived.Miraclesdohappen.

Pleasecomevisitus!Weare20+artistsstrong.Our workrangesfromoil,acrylic,andwatercolorpainters, textileartists,beautifulpottery,woodworking,metalwork,

finejewelryandmore.

TowerGalleryisopen10a.m.to5p.m.Tuesday throughSaturdaythroughthesummerandislocatedat 751TarponBayRoadonSanibelIsland.

Visitwww.towergallery.netorfollowthemon FacebookandInstagram.

TowerGalleryislocatedat751TarponBayRoadonSanibel.

LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents

FRI-1

ChuckPeterson

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

FortMyersArtWalk

DowntownFortMyers

6-10p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

MurderonTheOrientExpress

ThroughSept.16

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

ArtsforACTreception

ArtsforACTGallery

2265FirstSt.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-337-5050

KarenGozzoNolanexhibit

DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 1815FowlerSt.,unit3,FortMyers, Opening6-9:30p.m.,exhibitruns throughOct.1,239-590-8645

S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR

CompletelyUnchained,theultimateVanHalentribute,willperformSept.8atBertʼsBackporchLive atTwistedFork,2208ElJobeanRoadinPortCharlotte.VIPdoorsopenat6p.m.Generaladmission isfree.BuyVIPticketsatwww.twistedfork.freshtix.com

BlackDog

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

JerseyBoysand

LindaRonstadttribute

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

MaryLagardeexhibit

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Opening6p.m.,exhibitruns throughSept.28upstairs 239-333-1933

Let’sGototheMovies

ThroughSept.3

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

ILoveSWFLexhibitand

CeramicsTheFarSideexhibit

ThroughSept.21

VisualArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings ReceptionSept.8at6p.m., 239-495-8989

MiguelVazquezexhibit

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Opening6p.m.,exhibitruns throughSept.28ingrandatrium 239-333-1933

StormStories:ajuriedexhibition Sept.1-30

AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers ReceptionSept.1and28from5-7 p.m.,exhibitrunsthroughSept.30, 239-939-2787

80-HD

Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 7p.m.,941-235-3675

SAT-2

SasetheSinger

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

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

BadLatitude

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

FleetwoodMacand StevieNickstribute

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

NaplesJazzmasters

DixielandBand

TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 1p.m.,239-213-3058

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

BullsandBandsfeaturing CraigMorgan,MarkChesnutt andCraigCampbell

MosaicArena, 2450NERoanSt.,Arcadia gatesopen3p.m. 1-800-749-6733

SUN-3

Tina

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141

WilderPalooza-BattleoftheFans

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen6p.m.,performances bySoapyTuna,A200,GeekSkwad, 4:20Brothers,RadioGhost,Smack DaddyandCrowley’sAlibi,proceedsbenefitlocalmusicianJames Wilder,239-985-9839 www.theranchfortmyers.com

BobLynch

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

Silverfish

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

MON-4

Deena

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TylerKluesner

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

FortMyersFilmFestival:TGIM

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,239-333-1933

TUE-5

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

BethAnne

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

BillBeck

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

COLDinconcert

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

WED-6

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800

CJandPearl

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

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

HighTide

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

LatinDancewithAngela, RooftopDanceDJDreamJay SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Lesson6:30p.m.,party8p.m., 239-333-1933

THU-7

SheldonUpchurch

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert SouthRegionalLibrary, 8065LelyCulturalParkway,Naples 4p.m.www.artisnaples.org

AURA

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

SmokinAces

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

Let’sGototheMovies

ThroughSept.10

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

THU-7continued

JohnnyRogersBand

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings

7:30p.m.239-405-8566

CharlottePlayerspresent WildWomenofWinedale

Sept.7-10

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

Songs&StorieswithDennyLaine AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-939-2787

HalfwaytoSt.Paddy’sDay featuringTheRowdyBards

Mercatoeventlawn, StradaPlace,Naples 6:30p.m.,experiencemercato.com

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert TrinitybytheCove, 553GalleonDrive,Naples 7p.m.www.artisnaples.org

S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR

ACracker atTheRitz

FRI-8

ChuckPeterson

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

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

BestofABBAand

MammaMiatribute

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

FallNightMarket Collaboratory, 2031JacksonSt.,FortMyers

LivemusicbyTheLineUpBand, storytellers,foodtrucks,vendors andmore,6p.m.,239-274-5900 www.collaboratory.org

ArtsBonitapresentsComptonandBennettʼsACracker atTheRitzSept.12and26andOct.10and24.For tickets,call239-495-8989orvisitwww.artsbonita.org

CompletelyUnchained (VanHalentribute) Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-235-3675

S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR

FRI-8continued

SoapyTuna

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

Boeing,Boeing

Sept.8-10

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

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert

NaplesUnitedChurchofChrist, 5200CraytonRoad,Naples 2p.m.www.artisnaples.org

Exhibitopeningreception

VisualArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings 6-8p.m.,239-495-8989

TheLaboratoryTheater ofFloridapresentsNoisesOff ThroughSept.10

LaboratoryTheater

1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

FridayNightwithDJSmash

Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

OpenHouse

Sept.8&9

VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 10a.m.-2p.m.,941-639-8810

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert VanderbiltPresbyterianChurch, 1225PiperBlvd.,Naples 7p.m.www.artisnaples.org

IslandHopper SongwriterFest

SAT-9

SasetheSinger

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

N2LTrio TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com

TheTemptationsand TheFourTopstribute

TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings

7:30p.m.239-405-8566

James“Blood”Ulmer HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

BrandonRobertsonQuartet TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.com

ACMApresentsBobSimaand ShannonPlummerinconcert AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.BillFreyopens www.americanacma.org

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

CountryBumpinTour

TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,DustinLeigh, BezzBelieve,JamieRayandBubba Sparxxx,239-985-9839

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert HeadquartersRegionalLibrary, 2385OrangeBlossomDr,Naples 2p.m.www.artisnaples.org

Singer-songwriterTylerJamesBellingerreturnstoIslandHopperSongwriterFestivalthisyear.He willbeamongtheartiststoperformonCaptivaIslandSept.22-24.Getthecomplete10-dayfestival scheduleatwww.islandhopperfest.com photobyJamieKuser

SUN-10

Tina

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141

BluesandBloodysConcertSeries

TheCenterBar,ThePromenadeat BonitaBay,26811S.BayDrive, BonitaSprings,noon,LCWilliams andTheDriverat1p.m.,Doug DemingandtheJeweltones4p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

SmokinAces

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

NaplesPhilharmonic ChamberMusicConcert Artis–NaplesSignatureEventSpace, 5833PelicanBayBlvd.,Naples 7p.m.www.artisnaples.org

MON-11

Deena

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TylerKluesner

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

TUE-12

BethAnne

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TheStudentShow, HurricaneIanexhibitsopen VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda ReceptionSept.21at5p.m., 941-639-8810

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

Compton&Bennett: ACrackeratTheRitz

MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

WED-13

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800

CJandPearl

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

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

HighTide

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

WednesdayNight withDJDonFresh

Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

5x5VIPFirstChoicereception VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5:55p.m.,ticketsonlineat www.visualartcenter.org 941-639-8810

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

THU-14

SheldonUpchurch

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

DannyMastersDuo

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

CharlottePlayerspresent WildWomenofWinedale ThroughSept.17

LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022

DonnaSummer,EttaJames, Madonna,PointerSistersand ArethaFranklintribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

ThomasRhettinconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesPkwy,Estero 7:30p.m.239-948-7825

TheLaboratoryTheater ofFloridapresentsNoisesOff ThroughSept.17

LaboratoryTheater 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

TheBoots

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

THU-14continued

JalenBakerQuartet

MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings

7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

FGCUWindOrchestraconcert

U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers

7:30p.m.,free,239-745-4268

LatinNightwithDJJC

Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

EveningonFifth

5thAvenueSouth,Naples

Livemusicupanddownthe sidewalks,6:30-9:30p.m. 239-692-8436

FRI-15

GulfshorePlayhouse presentsNewWorksFestival

Sept.15-17

TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR

IslandHopper SongwriterFest

SouthwestFloridasinger-songwritersClaireLiparuloandJoeyMcGeereturntoIslandHopper SongwriterFestivalthisyear.TheywillbeamongtheartiststoperforminCapeCoralSept.25-26 anddowntownFortMyersSept.27-28.DownloadtheIslandHopperapporgetthecompletefestival scheduleatwww.islandhopperfest.com photobyJamieKuser

ChuckPeterson

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

FortMyersMusicWalk

DowntownFortMyers

6-10p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com

SolReal

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

TigerBlue

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

TinaTurner,KC&theSunshine BandandBluesBrotherstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

TheBluesBeatles

HinmanAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

DuelingPianoswith TommySmithandPaulNicodemi SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

Boeing,Boeing Sept.15-17

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

Jaded-TributetoAerosmith andJack’dUp

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

SAT-16

SasetheSinger

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

SouthShoreBand

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

NisitaConcertSeries: VoiceFacultyRecital

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

FortMyersLatinMusicFestival CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, EdwardsDrive,FortMyers noonto10p.m., www.niceguysproduction.com

TheBoots

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

FamilyArtLab

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

SUN-17

Tina

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141

ObeGonzalez

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

DannyMastersBand

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

FGCUJazzEnsembleconcert

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

HispanicHeritageCelebration AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 11a.m.-5p.m.,239-939-2787

CarsandCoffee239

Mercato,StradaPlace,Naples 9-11p.m.,experiencemercato.com

MON-18

Deena

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TylerKluesner

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

FilmasFineArt:Entertainment MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

TUE-19

BethAnne

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

FGCUSymphonicBandconcert

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

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

TUE-19continued

ACMAandShellPoint presentBrianSmalley

TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-415-5667 www.tribbyartscenter.com

WED-20

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800

CJandPearl

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

HighTide

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

WineandPaint

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers

6:30p.m.,rooftopkaraokeat 8:30p.m.239-333-1933

S

C ALENDAR

IslandHopper SongwriterFest

Singer-songwriterNelsonCadereturnstoIslandHopperSongwriterFestivalthisyear.Hewillbe amongtheartiststoperformonFortMyersBeachSept.29-Oct.1.Getthecomplete10-dayfestival scheduleatwww.islandhopperfest.com photobyJamieKuser

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

THU-21

SheldonUpchurch

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

AURA

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

SmokinAces

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

BobSeger,LadyGaga, CherandBillyJoeltribute

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

MercyMeand

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

TheLaboratoryTheater ofFloridapresentsNoisesOff ThroughSept.24

LaboratoryTheater

1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

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

5x5publicreception

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

FRI-22

ChuckPeterson

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

Hairspray

ThroughOct.28

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

13South

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

WaywardSouls

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

MajestyofRock: ThemusicofJourneyandStyx

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

BrettYounginconcert

HertzArena, 11000EverbladesPkwy,Estero 8p.m.239-948-7825

SamGallowayConcertSeries

presentsTylerBradeninconcert

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

RetroRooftopDanceParty

Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

Disenchanted

ThroughOct.8

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

FloridaRepertoryTheatre presentsBeguiledAgain

Sept.22-Oct.29

ArtStageStudioTheatre, BayStreet,DowntownFortMyers 239-332-4488

IslandHopperSongwriterFest

Sept.22-24

Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsonCaptivaIsland www.islandhopperfest.com

SAT-23

SasetheSinger

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

SimplyFi

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

CollaborationBand

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

NeilDiamondtribute

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

MarlowRosado

MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

NaplesJazzmasters

DixielandBand

TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 1p.m.,239-213-3058

SAT-23continued

KeyLimeandTropicalFest

Fishermen’sVillage,1200W.Retta Esplanade,PuntaGorda noon,941-639-8721

ReikoandFriendsconcert

CulturalParkTheater, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-772-5862

SUN-24

Tina

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,3p.m.,239-995-2141

LaurieandRustyWright

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

BadHabits

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

NisitaConcertSeries: WoodwindQuintet

U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 3p.m.,239-745-4268

RedJumpsuitApparatus

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

SWFloridaPeaceDay CasaShanti, 2052CottageSt.,FortMyers Livemusic,vendors,food,kidsactivities,dancers,demosandmore, free,10a.m.-5p.m. 239-560-5224

CommunityConcertAssociation

MON-25

Deena

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TylerKluesner

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

IslandHopperSongwriterFest

Sept.25&26

Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsinCapeCoral www.islandhopperfest.com

DinnerwithCharlieWorsham Gather,5971SilverKingBlvd., suite116,CapeCoral 6:30p.m., www.islandhopperfest.com

TUE-26

BethAnne

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

SeanPaxson

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

Compton&Bennett: ACrackeratTheRitz MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989

WED-27

MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3800

IslandHopperSongwriterFest Sept.27&28

Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsindowntownFortMyers www.islandhopperfest.com

CJandPearl

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

HighTide

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

KyivVirtuosiSymphonyOrchestrawillperformMarch19atBarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHall atFSWaspartoftheFortMyersCommunityConcertAssociation2024season.Formembership information,visitwww.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.

WED-27continued

JoshRowand

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

IslandHopperFestSinger

SongwriterACMAShowcase

SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers

7:30p.m.,239-333-1933

THU-28

SheldonUpchurch

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

TheAlterEagles

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

WendyRenee

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

SmokinAces

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

TheLaboratoryTheater ofFloridapresentsNoisesOff ThroughOct.1

LaboratoryTheater

1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481

S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR

ZacharyBartholomewtrio celebratesChickCorea

MoeAuditorium,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989

StormStoriesclosingreception AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 5-7p.m.,239-939-2787

MaryChapinCarpenterand

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

Footloosethemusical ThroughOct.8

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

FRI-29

ChuckPeterson

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

ThunderBeach

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

TigerBlue

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

TheGratefulDeadtribute

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

IslandHopper SongwriterFest

returnstoIslandHopperSongwriterFestivalthisyear.Hewillbe amongtheartiststoperforminCapeCoralSept.25-26and downtownFortMyersSept.27-28.DownloadtheIslandHopper apporgetthecomplete10-dayfestivalscheduleonlineat www.islandhopperfest.com photobyJamieKuser

CharlottePlayerspresent ComedyforaCause CharlotteHarborEventCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 941-255-1022

FridayNightwithDJSelectaAJ

Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933

IslandHopperSongwriterFest

ThroughOct.1

Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsonFortMyersBeach www.islandhopperfest.com

SAT-30

SasetheSinger

TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4p.m.,239-995-2141

SolReal

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

DeltaCrossing

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

EricClapton,BobDylan,Stevie RayVaughan,JimiHendrix, Santana,AllmanBrotherstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566

NaplesJazzmasters

DixielandBand

TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 1p.m.,239-213-3058

MusicandArtNight

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

CapeCoralFestaItaliana GermanAmericanSocialClub,2101 SWPineIslandRoad,CapeCoral BenefitstheCapeCoralMuseumof History,festivalnoon-5p.m.,dinner,danceandshow6-9.p.m.

FitMixFest

FloridaRepertoryTheatrelot, 2254EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 8:30a.m.-3p.m. www.fitmixfest.com

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

MeatLoaftribute

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

MusicontheMoundwithSheena BrookandBrianSutherland MoundHouse,451ConnecticutSt., FortMyersBeach,2p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com

ForeignerbringstheirFarewellTourtoBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHallatFSWinFortMyersonMarch13.Forticketsandinfo,visitwww.bbmannpah.comorcall239-481-4849.

Singer-songwriterBillyMcKnightofSoulCircusCowboys

AnnualSouthwestFlorida

PeaceDaySept.24

The16thannualSouthwestFlorida PeaceDayBlockPartywillbeSunday, Sept.24onCottageStreetinFort Myers.

Theeventwillrunfrom10a.m.to5 p.m.intheareasurroundingCasaShanti, 2052CottageSt.,FortMyers.

Forthepast15years,SWFloridahas witnessedtheevolutionofPeaceDay thatbeganwithasmallgrassrootscelebrationatJayceeParkinCapeCoral, withafewhundredpeopleattending, andhasgrowntoincludethousandsof peoplewhocomeoutforadayofpeace withourcommunity.

AsPeaceDayexpanded,thevenue haschangedafewtimestosupplymore parkingspaces,asuddennewlocation duetodamagefromHurricaneIrma,and eventofindwaystoconnectandcelebratewhenwecouldn’tgatherinperson duetoCOVID-19.

Lastyear,HurricaneIancausedwide destructioninourarea,andthemost recentvenue,Wa-Ke-HatcheePark,is notyetavailableforevents.

“ArewegoingtolethurricanedamagestopPeaceDay?No,wearenot! Flowingwithchangeispartofbeing alive,andweknowthatpeaceisalive andwellinourcommunity,”saysorganizerZachariVanDyne.

“WeareholdingthefirstPeaceDay BlockPartyneardowntownFortMyers onCottageStreet,”headds.

“Thestreetwillbeclosedatbothends forvisitorstofullyenjoythefunactivities,

vendorbooths,andopportunitytoconnectwiththecommunityandwe’reexcitedtoevenmoreshareinthesensation ofthatbeautifulgrassrootscommunity feeling.Wecordiallyinviteyoutocome andkeepthespiralofpeaceexpanding andgrowingwithinourhearts,homes andcommunity,”VanDynesays.

Therewillbeamazingfoodtrucks, vendorandartistbooths,livemusic, entertainment,andfunforthewhole family.“Therearemanymoresurprises yettoberevealed,socomeandfindout foryourselfandstepintothePeaceDay Magick!Thisyear’sthemeisCommunity: FlowwithIt!GrowwithIt!”

PeaceDayisafreefamilyeventand ispetfriendly.

Here’swhat’shappeningatPeace Day:

•AmazingVendorandArtisanBooths

•DeliciousFoodandSweetTreats: Vegetarian,Vegan&Omnivore

•LiveMusicandDJsthroughoutthe dayhostedbyJenniBofAllSmiles

Entertainment

•LiveEntertainment

•WaterStationsforourFurryFriends

•Massage,Reiki,&CrystalBowl SoundBaths

•LocalNon-profitOrganizations

•FoodandSuppliesDriveforACT

•PeaceBloodDrive

•FamilyTimeMusicSingalong

•MorningTimeTaiChi

•Yogaforallages

•BounceHouse,Kids’Activities&Art

•FacePaintingandGiveaways

•ButterflyTent

•MocktailsandKid-Friendly DrinksbyMillennialBrewing

•CommunityLiveArt, Henna&Readings

PerformersincludeLunaMoonz,Luna Muni,PoetsRealm,FamilyMusicTime, CalendarGirls,EvanBarrero,David Phillips,David“Bear”DelliPaoli,Barbara CantrellRae,HulaConnectionSWFL, ColtusBlack,VioletMidnightandadrum circletoendthenight.

Ifyouwouldliketobecomeasponsor orvendor,emailSWFLPeaceDay Celebrationsatswfl4peace@email.com orcallZachariVanDyneat239-560-5224 orLizLoredoat239-839-4482

Followtheeventandmarkattending onFacebookat16thAnnualSWFL

PeaceDayCelebrationspageandbe suretoinviteyourfamilyandfriends.

CalendarGirls

LunaMuni

David“Bear”DelliPaoli

VioletMidnight

LunaMoonz

MaryChapinCarpenter,ShawnColvin atSeminoleCasinoHotelSept.28

MaryChapinCarpenterandShawnColvinbringtheirGrammyAwardwinning countryandfolkmusictoSeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleeThursday,Sept.28 at8p.m.

Withhitslike“PassionateKisses”and“HeThinksHe’llKeepHer,”Mary ChapinCarpenterhaswonfiveGrammyAwards(with16nominations),twoCMA awards,twoAcademyofCountryMusicawardsandisoneofonly15female membersoftheNashvilleSongwritersHallofFame.Overthecourseofher acclaimedcareer,Carpenterhassoldmorethan16millionrecords.In2020, Carpenterrecordedtwoalbums–“TheDirtAndTheStars”releasedinAugust 2020,and“OneNightLonely,”recordedlivewithoutanaudienceatthelegendaryFileneCenteratWolfTrapinVirginia --duringtheCOVID-19shutdown.“One NightLonely”wasnominatedfor“BestFolk Album”atthe64thGrammyAwardsin2022. ShawnColvinstoppedtheindustryinits trackswithherarresting1989debut“Steady On.”Thefollowingspring,Colvintookhome theGrammyAwardforBestContemporary FolkAlbum,establishingherselfasamainstayinthesinger-songwritergenre.Inthe ensuing30years,Colvinhaswonthree GrammyAwards,released13superlative albums,writtenacriticallyacclaimedmemoir,maintainedanon-stopnationalandinternationaltouringschedule,appearedon

countlesstelevisionandradioprograms, hadhersongsfeaturedinmajormotionpictures,andcreatedaremarkablecanonof work.

Ticketsare$59or$89fromTicketmaster oratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendees mustbe21yearsold.Parkingisfree.

MaryChapinCarpenter

ShawnColvin

ArtsBonitaconcertseries continuesthroughSeptember

ArtsBonitacontinuesitsexhilaratinglineupofsummershows tocaptivateaudiencesofallages andentertainmenttastes.

FromjazzandLatinrhythms tosoulfulbluesandrock'n'roll, thiseclecticseriespromisesto beamusicaljourneylikeno other.

Thesummerconcertseriesat ArtsBonitafeaturesanextraordinaryarrayofworld-classperformers,includingrenowned artistsJames“Blood”Ulmer,The BluesBeatles,MarlowRosado, JalanBaker,Zachary Bartholomewandmore.These exceptionaltalentswillgraceour stageanddeliverunforgettable performancesthroughoutthe summer.

Youwillbecaptivatedas renownedguitarvirtuosoJames "Blood"Ulmerbringshissoulful andinnovativesoundtoArts BonitaonSept.9at7p.m.Don'tmiss yourchancetowitnessanelectrifyingperformancebyatruelivinglegend.Ulmeris aworld-famousAmericanjazz,free-funk, andbluesguitaristandsingerwhohas forgedhisownsoulfulstylebasedlargely onAfricanAmericanvernacularmusictraditions.Withhisunique,jagged,andstingingguitarsounds,Ulmerhaselevatedthe artformtoaninspirationallevel.

TheJalenBakerQuarterwillperform Thursday,Sept.14at7:30p.m.ThequartetincludesJalenBaker,vibraphone;Paul Cornish,piano;GavinMoolchan,drums; andGabrielGodoy,bass.Jalenisa Houston-basedvibraphonistwhohas touredandperformedwithmusicianssuch asUlyssesOwensandJeremyPelt.

Jalen’squartethasperformedatJazz ShowcaseinChicago,CezanneJazzClub inHouston,TimucuaArtsinOrlando,and GoodTimesJazzClubinSavannah,Ga.

TheBluesBeatlesareabluesband thatmixesthemelodiesoftheBeatles withtraditionalbluesarrangements,amix thathasbeenwinninginBrazil,theUSA, andEurope.Andtheybecomean“instant sensation”everywheretheyplay:USA (NewYorkCity,LasVegas,Chicago, Memphis,Orlando,Charlotte, Montgomery,Chattanooga),Denmark (Aarhus,Randers,Esbjerg,Skanderborg, Skagen,AAbybro,Agger)Brasilia, Goiania,RiodeJaneiro,SaoPaulo,Belo Horizonte...it'salonglist!

Themashupstartedduringthebreaks betweenrehearsalsofToday,anoriginal bandthatMarcosViana,FlavioNaves, LancasterFerreira,BrunoFalca o,and FredBarleystartedin2010.TheBlues BeatlesperformFriday,Sept.15at7:30 p.m.

Two-timeGrammy-winningLatinmusic sensationMarlowRosadomakeshis BonitadebutonSept.23.Getreadyto experienceahigh-energynightoftropical SalsamusicwithRosadoandhis8-piece band,upcloseandpersonalintheMoe Auditorium.

ArtsBonitaresidentartistZachary Bartholomew,arisingstarpianovirtuoso, willdazzleaudiencesthroughouttheseasonwithhisdynamicjazzperformances includinganendearingandinteractive musicalperformancebyhisjazztrio, rememberinglegendarymusicianChick Corea,onSept.28.

"WeareecstatictopresentthisexceptionallineupofsummershowsatArts Bonita,"saidAlyonaUshe,executive directorofArtsBonita."Fromjazztoblues, Brazilianrhythmstorock'n'roll,wehave carefullycuratedaseriesthatcelebrates thediversityandbeautyofmusic.We inviteeveryonetojoinusforanunforgettablesummerfilledwithextraordinaryperformancesthatwillinspireanddelight."

MoeAuditoriumislocatedat10150 BonitaBeachRoadinBonitaSprings.For ticketsandmoredetails,call239-4958989orvisitwww.artsbonita.org

TheBluesBeatles

JalenBaker

James“Blood”Ulmer

MarlowRosado

ZachBartholomew

SawyerBrown comingtoSeminole

CasinoHotelNov.18

SawyerBrown,described as“theRollingStonesof CountryMusic,”willbring theirenergeticliveshowto SeminoleCasinoHotel ImmokaleeonSaturday, Nov.18at8p.m.

TherecipientsofnumerousCMA,ACMandCMT awards,SawyerBrownhas released23albumswith morethan50chartsingles includingthreenumber ones:“StepThatStep,” “SomeGirlsDo”and“Thank GodForYou.”

Thebandhasearnedits placeasoneofthepremier liveactsinmusic.Sawyer Brownbeganbyplaying 275-300nightsayearfor thefirstdecadeormoreof itscareerandhasnever comeofftheroad.Known fortheirhigh-energy,noholds-barredapproachtothe

concertstage,thebandcontinuestofillvenuesacross thecountrywiththesame enthusiasmtheyhavehad fromdayone.

SawyerBrown’slive showsarelegendary.The bandboundsontothestage nightafternight,deliversits ownuniquebrandofhighenergyentertainment,and remainsaperennialfavorite atfairs,festivals,theatres, andcasinos.

Bandmembersinclude ShayneHillonleadguitar, JoeSmythondrums/percussion,GreggHubbardon keys/pianoandMarkMiller onleadvocals.

Advanceticketsstartat $59andareavailablenow fromTicketmasterorat www.moreinparadise.com. Attendeesmustbe21. Parkingisfree.

SawyerBrownbandmembersincludeShayneHillonlead guitar,JoeSmythondrums/percussion,GreggHubbard onkeys/pianoandMarkMilleronleadvocals.

BobSima,ShannonPlummerat ACMAlisteningroomSept.9

TheAmericanaCommunityMusicAssociationpresentsBob SimaandShannonPlummerinconcertonSaturday,Sept.9at7 p.m.attheirlisteningroominFortMyers.

Bobisanmusicianwhoallowshismusictoroamfreeof rules.Hisunbridleddesireistoarticulateapathofawarenessto theheartofhumanitythroughhissongs.Heisasongwriternot intentonentertainment,yetheisentertaining.Heaccomplishes inafour-minutesongwhataskilledoratorcreatesinanhourlongspeech.Thesongsgentlyholdyourhand,slowlyinfiltrating youroldwaysofthinking-likeaguidethatyoudidnotinvite,yet youwouldneverasktoleave.Thesongsasknothingofyou,yet youcannotavoidactingontheemotionstheycreatewithinyou.

Bobhaswonmaysongwritingawardsandacrossvarious musiccommunitiesincludingFolk;KerrvilleFolkFest(2Time NewFolkFinalist),WildflowerSongwritingContest(GrandPrize Winner),Mid-Atlantic(multipleawards),Mainstream;Positive MusicAssociation(5awardsand12nominations),andmore. Hissongsjustreachpeople,plainandsimple.

Bobperformswithhiswife,ShannonPlummer.Theytravel extensivelyofferingconcerts,workshops,experientialretreats. TheyfoundedWheretheLightGetsInMinistries,a501(c)3 whosemissionistoprovidepersonalgrowthprogramsartsprogramstoreachunderservedpopulationsandyouth.

OpeningforBobandShannonisACMAmemberBillFrey. Billstartedplayingguitar/harmonicaandsongwritinginthe 1960s.InfluencedbyMilesDavis,BillieHoliday,ChuckBerry,

HarryLeahey,JimmySmith,KennyBurrell,BobDylan,John Pilla,PaulButterfield,andBBKing,hismusicalstyleremains eclecticbutbluesbased.Hehasrecordedandplayedvenuesin NYC,Philadelphia,upanddowntheJerseyShore,the Hamptons,BostonandBurlington,Vermont.Hiscareerhas includedstintswithTheFloydMorganBluesBand,TheBristol Flamesandforthepast30yearsleadingtheDeepFreyedBlues collective.

TicketsfortheSept.9concertwillbeavailableatthedoor. Doordonationsare$12formembersand$18forgeneralpublic. Doorsopenat6:30p.m.TheACMAlisteningroomislocatedat AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation,2756McGregorBlvd.,Fort Myers.FormoredetailsandACMAschedules,visitonlineat www.americanacma.orgorfollowthemonFacebook

BrandonRobertson,BrianSmalley atShellPoint’sTribbyArtsCenter

ShellPoint’sConcertSeriescontinues atTribbyArtsCenterwithapairof SeptemberconcertsinConnieBrown Hall.

BrandonRobertsonandhisprestigiousquartetperformonSaturday,Sept.

9at7p.m.,withatributeconcerttothe bassandpianolegendsofjazzfeaturing themusicofChickCorea,Herbie Hancock,OscarPeterson,RayBrown, RonCarter,PaulChambers,andmany more.Ticketsare$25.

AmericanaCommunityMusic AssociationwelcomesBrian SmalleybackatShellPointbypopulardemandonTuesday,Sept.19 at7p.m.Thepopularsinger-songwriterisalsoavirtuosoguitarist. Havingplayedguitarallhislife, Brianhasdevelopedsomeskillon thegit-box,andpossessingacreative(andsomewhatdisturbed) imagination,heisamasterstoryteller.Before‘CHOSEN,’he’d recordedsixhome-grownprojects. Hisacousticnovel“ChickensPigs” receivedtheBestFloridaFolkCD awardfromTheFloridaTimes Unionin2013.Ticketsare$25.

TribbyArtsCenterislocatedinShell Point,at17281OnParBlvd.inFort Myers.Topurchasetickets,visit TribbyArtsCenter.comorcalltheTribby BoxOfficeat239-415-5667.

ShannonPlummerandBobSima

PuntaGordaSymphony announcesMasterworksseason

ThePuntaGorda Symphonyannouncedits Masterworksconcertseriesfor the2023-24season,presentinganexcitingfusionoftraditionalandmoderncomposers, includingDvorák,Mussorgsky, Mahler,Mendelssohn,Mozart, GershwinandJohnWilliams.

Fourguestartistswillbe featuredduringtheseason, including:RexRichardsonon trumpet;world-renowned sopranoHannahCelesteLu; TheGaudiTrio;andthe Symphony’sConcertmaster, MingGao,onviolin.The orchestrawillalsobejoinedby theCharlotteCountyHigh SchoolWindOrchestraatthe Octoberperformanceofthe StarWarsSuite.

Inaddition,theaudiencewill betreatedtothreehighlyaccomplishedguestconductors duringtheseason.

Thisexceptional Masterworksprogramwas craftedbythePuntaGorda Symphony’snewartistic/music directorRichardStoelzel,who wasthesymphony’sprincipal trumpetforseveralyears.

RichardwasthepopsconductorattheHaridConservatory, andhasbeentheartistic/music directoroftheFloridaWind SymphonyandtheLakeshore ConcertBandinQuebec, Canada.Hehasconducted throughouttheworld,including Europe,Asia,SouthAmerica, Canada,andtheUnitedStates, receivingravereviews.Under Richard’sdirection,thiswillbe oneofthesymphony’smost creativeandcompellingseasons.

Allperformanceswillbe heldat3:30p.m.onSundays attheCharlottePerformingArts Center,701CarmalitaSt.in PuntaGorda.

Seasonsubscriptionsand individualconcertticketswillgo onsalebyearlySeptember, andcanbepurchasedonlineat www.pgsymphony.orgorby callingtheSymphonyOfficeat 941-205-5996.

Premiumseatsare$65for adultand$15foryouth/student.Regularseatsare$35for adultand$15foryouth/stu-

dent.Subscriberstotheentire seasonsave10%.

Masterworksseasonata glance(Additionalworkswillbe performedateachconcert):

Oct.22:JohnWilliams,Star Wars-AGalaxyFar,FarAway

GuestArtists:CharlotteHigh SchoolWindOrchestra

Thisconcertwillfeaturea FamilyFunDaywithlobby activitiesincludingmusical adventurezone,trick-or-treating,costumecontest,and more.

Nov.12:Dvorák,Symphony No.9,“FromtheNewWorld”

GuestSoloist:Rex Richardson,Trumpet

Dec.3:HolidaySpectacular –ACollectionofHoliday Favorites

Jan.14:Mussorgsky, PicturesatanExhibition Mendelssohn,ViolinConcerto

GuestSoloist:MingGao, Violin

GuestConductor:Miriam Burns,TheOhioState University,Directorofthe Orchestras

Feb.18:Mahler,Symphony No.4andMozart,Symphony No.29and“Exsultate,jubilate”

GuestArtist:Hannah CelesteLu,Sopranoand

GuestConductor:DeltaDavid Gier,TheSouthDakota SymphonyOrchestra,Music Director

March17:Gershwin, RhapsodyinBlue,

GuestArtist:TheGaudiTrio

GuestConductor:Sean O'Loughlin,Composer, Arranger,andConductor

PuntaGordaSymphonyʼsnew artistic/musicdirector,Richard Stoelzel. PhotobyJimAustin

ChrisJansontoheadline2023 IslandHopperSongwriterFest

Withnewlocationsaddedtothelineupandnewexperiencesformusic lovers,theninthIslandHopper SongwriterFestpromisestobeeven strongerafterHurricaneIanin2022.

“WeareexcitedtobringIsland HoppertoCapeCoralthisyear,giving peoplefourlocationsinLeeCountyto catchperformancesbyNashvillesingersongwriters,”saidTamaraPigott,executivedirectoroftheLeeCountyVisitor& ConventionBureau.“AlongwithdowntownFortMyers,CaptivaIslandandFort MyersBeach,it’sagreatadditiontoan eventthatcontinuestogrowandcelebratewhat’sbestaboutLeeCounty.”

IslandHopperSongwriterFestival runsSept.22throughOct.1.

IslandHopperSongwriterFestwelcomesChrisJansonwhowillperformat thePinkShellBeachResort&Marina poolpartyonFortMyersBeachSunday, Oct.1.KristianBushofSugarlandwill alsoperformthatday.Ticketsareonsale now.

“In2023,wearegoingtobebringing inanexcitingnewgroupofwriters,along withsomefavoritesthatcomeback everyyear.Addinafewnewvenues plusagreatcloserwithChrisJanson

andit’sgoingtobeanexcitingfestival,” saidLouisKaplan,vicepresidentprogramminginSWFloridaforiHeart Media.

ChrisJanson,proudmemberofthe GrandOleOpryandmulti-platinumsongwriterandartist,ispartofcountry’snew breed.Intouchwiththelightersideoflife withself-pennedNo.1s“FixADrink,” “GoodVibes,”andthetripleplatinum “BuyMeABoat,”aswellasthemore thoughtfultruthsof“Done,”“ThingsYou Can’tLiveWithout,”andtheCMASong oftheYearnomineeandACMVideoof theYear“DrunkGirl.”Both“Boat”and “Girl”werenamedtotheNashville SongwritersAssociationInternational’s prestigious“SongsIWishIWishI’d Written”list,whichiswhyartistslikeTim McGraw(“TruckYeah,”“HowI’llAlways Be”),JustinMoore(“OffTheBeaten Path”),CodyJohnson(“Let’sBuildA Fire”),andtheiconicHankWilliamsJr. (“GodFearin’Man,”“ThoseDaysAre Gone”)reachforJanson’ssongsfortheir ownprojects.Beyondhisartistryarehis liveshows,whereallthatheart-on-thefour-wheelersongwritingmeetsthefans wheretheycometorock.

RollingStoneproclaimedJanson“a livelegacyinthemaking.”

KristianBushisamultiplatinum-selling,two-timeGrammyAwardwinner mostknownforbeinghalfoftherecordbreakingCountryduoSugarland.The

Sevierville,Tenn.,native launchedhisprofessionalmusic careerin1994withthefolk-rock duoBillyPilgrim.Withinthe decade,Kristianmovedonto formSugarlandwithJennifer Nettles.Thepair,whoreleased debutsingle"BabyGirl”in2004 wentontochartfiveNo.1hits and12Top10songsincluding "StuckLikeGlue,""WantTo" and"Stay."HisSouthern Gravitysolodebutin2015producedTop20hit"TrailerHitch." Kristian'snew52-song,four-volumesoloalbum,52,isrolling outthenext12-18months."52 -ATLxBNA,"thefirstinstallment,isavailablenowalong withhisaccompanyingweekly podcast"52-ThePodcast."

Kristianmadeaforayinto televisionthemesongsin2016with "ForeverNow(SayYes),"whichhe pennedandperformedforTLC'spopular show"SayYestotheDress."ThemultiinstrumentalistisalsoafoundingmemberofRockJambandDarkWateralongsidehisbrotherBrandonBushand esteemedguitaristBenjiShanks.

Thefourlocationsanddatesinclude: CaptivaIslandSept.22–24;CapeCoral Sept.25–26;downtownFortMyers Sept.27–28;andFortMyersBeach Sept.29–Oct.1.

Whilemostshowsarefree,newthis yeartoIslandHopperwillbemoreways toenjoyunique,ticketedliveperformances.

AsongwritercruisewithTimJames andAngieK.onSept.24hasalready soldout.

AsongwriterdinnerwithCharlie WorshamwillbeheldSept.25atGather inCapeCoral.

TheACMASongwriterShowcasewill takeplaceSept.27attheSidneyand BerneDavisArtCenterinFortMyers.

MusicontheMoundwithSheena BrookandBrianSutherlandissetfor Sept.30atMoundHouseonFortMyers Beach.

“BMIhasbeenaproudsponsorofthe IslandHopperSongwriterFestsinceits inception,andlastyearwasoneofthe mostsuccessfuleverwithpacked continuedonpage51

ChrisJanson

KristianBushofSugarlandreturnstothe festivalthisyear.HewillperformOct.1at thePinkShellpoolpartywithChrisJanson. photobyJamieKuser

MeetsomeoftheIslandHoppersongwriters

CatieOfferman BobbyTomberlin

CMA,ACMand Grammynominee

BobbyTomberlin wasraisedin Luverne,Al., wherehewasa discjockeyatthe ageof11,interviewingiconslike JohnnyCash, Waylonand TammyWynette. BobbywasdiscoveredbyMelTillis andrecentlycelebratedhis26thyearasastaffsongwriterfor CURBWordMusic.Bobbyco-wrote"OneMore Day",recordedbyDiamondRio,Darryl Worley’sTop10hit,"AGoodDayToRun”and thenewWillieNelson/BarbraStreisandsingle, “I’dWantItToBeYou”.Bobbyhasalsohad songsrecordedbyBlakeShelton,FaithHill, JoshTurner,KennyRogers,JoeNichols,Dolly Parton,RodneyAtkins,JoeDiffie,DylanScott, PamTillis,MoPitney,JameyJohnson,Jerry LeeLewis,ChrisYoung,TheOakRidgeBoys, ThompsonSquare,BillAnderson,actorChris Pine,MoeBandy,CraigMorgan,TerriClark, JohnSchneider,LeeGreenwood,BobbyBare, JeannieSeely,SteveWariner,RhondaVincent andmanyothers.Bobbywasoneofthecast membersoftheCMThitseries,TheSinging Bee,forfourseasonsandhasappearedon numeroustelevisionshowsincludingCountry’s FamilyReunion,OpryBackstageandAuthentic America.BobbyhasalsobeenfeaturedinseveralfilmsincludingWheeler,costarringKris KristoffersonandStephenDorff.Bobby’s2016 release,OutOfRoad,featuredguestvocalsby VinceGill,BillAndersonandBobbyBare.Like hiscurrentsingle,Bobbyreallyhaslivedcountrymusic.

continuedfrompage50 venuesandsold-outhotels,”saidDan Spears,BMI’sVPofIndustryRelations. “Immediatelyfollowinglastyear’ssuccess,HurricaneIandecimated SouthwestFloridaandaffectedmanyof thebusinessesthathostedthefestival’s songwriterperformances,whichmadeus evenmoredeterminedtocomebackto helpthecommunitythathasbeenso welcomingtousovertheyears.Once again,we’rethrilledtobeshowcasing someofourmosttalentedsongwriters whilesupportingBMI-licensedbusinesses,andthisfestivalgivesustheperfect opportunitytodoboth.”

Morethan70songwritersarescheduledtoperformincludingAdamEzra, AprilCushman,BillyMcKnight,Bobby

CatieOffermanmaybeanewnametocountry musicfans,butshe'salreadygainingareputation asoneofthegenre'smostskilledplayersand promisingmoderntraditionalistsandNashville's musiccommunityisresponding.Originallyfrom NewBraunfels,Texas,Offermangrewupona horseranch.Homeschooledbyherfatherinthe tackroomoftheirbarn,shegravitatedtowards musicatayoungage.Offermangraduatedfrom BerkleeCollegeofMusicattheageof19and signedherpublishingdealwithUniversalMusic GroupPublishingaboutfiveyearslater.Offerman wasfeaturedinTheHighwomen's"Redesigning Women"video,inkedherrecorddealwithUniversalMusicGroupin2020. Offermanspent2022ontheroadopeningshowsforParkerMcCollum,Ashley McBrydeandLeeAnnWomackaswellasinthestudiowithfamedproducerDann Huff,workingonherdebutproject.CatiehasbeennamedPandora’sOnesto Watchfor2023andalsoincludedinCMT’s“NextUp”classof2023.Herfirstsingle “IJustKilledAMan”shipstoradioinearlysummer.

FrankMyers

FrankJ.MyersmovedtoNashvillein1981topursueacareerinmusic.HegothisstartinNashvilleas bandleader,roadmanagerandleadguitaristfor EddyRavenin1981andworkedwithEddyfor9 years.ItwaswithEddythatFrankstartedwriting, playingandco-producingsessions.Theyhad2numberones,5numbertwosand3toptenswithsongs suchasIGotMexico,BayouBoys,YouShould’ve BeenGoneByNow,SometimesALadyandmany others.Itwasin1982though,thatFrankhadhisfirst single(asonghewrotebyhimself)withYouAndIfor EddieRabbittandCrystalGaylewhichstayednumberoneforfourweeksCountry,numbertwoforsix weeksACandnumber6forfourweeksPop. ItwasduringhistimewithEddyRaventhatFrankmetGaryBaker.Theyhad theirfirstnumberonetogetherin1993withOnceUponALifetimebyAlabama. GaryandFrankrecordedonealbumforMCG/CurbRecordsasBaker&Myers andwere3timenomineesforDuoOfTheYearattheACM’sandCMA’s.Their greatestaccomplishmentaswriterstogethercamewhenJohnMichael MontgomeryrecordedISwearwhichwasnumberonefor4weeksontheCountry charts.ThesongwasthenrecordedbyAll4Oneandwenttonumberoneonthe Popchartsandstayedtherefor11weeks.

Tomberlin,BrianSutherland,Ben Burgess,CatieOfferman,ClaireLiparulo, ClintDaniels,CharlieWorsham,Clare Cunningham,ElstenTorres,Essex County,CorettaKing,FrankMyers, DannyMyrick,DaveGibson,Dylan Altman,EmilyShackleton,JoeyMcGee, SheenaBrook,SoniaLeigh,Phil O’Donnell,TimJames,EmilyShackleton tonameafew.

Twenty-onevenueswillhostsongwriters

InCapeCoral,theyareGather,High TideSocialHouseandNautiMermaid DocksideBar&Grill.

VenuesonCaptivaincludeTween WatersIslandResort,CaptivaCruises, MuckyDuck,RCOtter’s,SouthSeas IslandResortandTheGreenFlash.

DowntownFortMyersvenuesareCity Tavern,LuminaryHotel&Co.,Social House,TheBanyanHotelandthe Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenter.

VenuesonFortMyersBeachare BaysidePark,CabanasBeachBar& Grille,LighthouseTikiBar&Grill, MatanzasontheBay,MoundHouseand PinkShellBeachResortandMarina.

Forthefulllineupandticketinfo,visit islandhopperfest.comordownloadthe app.

IslandHopperSongwriterFestispresentedbyBMI,FortMyers–Islands, BeachesandNeighborhoods,iHeart RadioandtheFloridaRestaurantand LodgingAssociation.

HappeningsMagazineisagaina sponsorofthefestival.

MeetmoreoftheIslandHoppersongwriters

CharlieWorsham BryanRuby

BryanRubyisatrailblazingprofessionalbaseballplayerandrising countrymusicartistbased inNashville.InSeptember of2021,hebecamethe onlyactiveprofessional baseballplayertocome outasgay,andhisstory wasfeaturedinUSA

Todayaswellas100+ mediaoutletsaroundthe worldincludingCBS,Yahoo,BleacherReportand TeenVogue.Asasongwriter,Bryanhaspennedsongs thathaveappearedontheTexasCountryTop50chart andtheiTunesCountryTop25(#16),andsongshe haswrittenhavebeenfeaturedonbothHuffington PostandPeopleMagazine.Asanartist,hewonseason7ofthetalent-searchcompetitionNashvilleRising Song,andispreparingforthereleaseofhisdebutEP in2022.Bryan'sfirstsingleofftheEP,'LeftField' (releasedJune8,2022)wasfeaturedonTheTODAY ShowonNBCandaddedtorotationonSiriusXM CountryPride,aswellastheAcademyofCountry Music'sUltimatePridePlaylist.Rubyiscurrentlyona StadiumToursingingtheNationalAnthemandperformingpregameandpostgameconcertsatballparks aroundthecountry.

ClintDaniels

BorninPanamaCity, Florida,ClintDanielsisan Americancountrymusic singerandsongwriter.He wassignedasasolo artistwithAristaNashville in1998.There,Daniels releasedfoursongs,two ofwhichchartedon Billboard’sHotCountry Songs.In2003,Daniels signedwithEpicRecords butneverreleasedan album.HavingalreadycowrittenhisfirstNumber OnesingleforJoeNichols(Brokenheartsville),he focusedhiscareeronsongwritingandhasbeenprimarilyknownforhissongwritingandperformingatshowcasesacrossthecountry.

AsaBMIaward-winningsongwriter,Danielshas co-writtenNumberOnesinglesforJoeNichols, MontgomeryGentry(RollWithMe)andmostrecently, EricChurch(SomeOfIt).Hissongshavehelped shapecountrymusicforalmost20yearsandhave beenrecordedbyGeorgeStrait,AlanJackson,Brooks &Dunn,ClayWalker,EastonCorbin,JonPardi, BrandyClarkandothercountryacts.

In2019,Danielssignedaco-venturepublishing dealwithBMGandPorchlightMusic.In2020,hewas bothnominatedforaGrammy(countrysongofthe year)andanACMforthesong,SomeOfIt.

CharlieWorshamhastheentire MusicCitycreativecommunityinhiscorner,andthat’sneverbeenmoreapparentthanwithhisupcomingproject Compadres.Thefive-cutalbumfindsa handfulofhisfriendsandadmirersputtingtheirstampofapprovalonanartist whomakeshigh-valuemusicwitheven higher-valueintent.Thefirsttrack,“How ILearnedToPray”(withLukeCombs), wasdueoutAug.18.Worsham’s decade-longcareerhasearnedhim unparalleledpraisefromNPR,TheWall StreetJournal,USAToday,The Tennessean,Billboard,RollingStone, Forbes,AmericanSongwriterandmore.Inadditiontocreatinghisown music,theproudMississippinativehasrecentlycontributedhistalentsas bothavocalistandinstrumentalisttoprojectsfromCombs, LaineyWilson,EricChurch, BrandyClark,VinceGill,Kacey Musgraves,HaileyWhitters, MartyStuart,CarrieUnderwood andKeithUrban,amongothers. Hecontinuestotouraspartof DierksBentley’sband,andhe washonoredwiththeACM AwardforAcousticGuitar PlayeroftheYear.Worshamis alsothehostofPickersRadio onAppleMusicCountry,celebratingthelinernotelegends whocreatethemagicbehind yourfavoriterecords.

SoniaLeigh

SoniaLeigh’smusicalstylecannot beputinabox.FromHip-Hopto CountrytoPopandRockandRoll, Sonia’smeticulouslycraftedlyricstell storiesthattranscendgenreandleave thelistenerfeelingengagedand empowered.Sonia’sdedicationtoher fansisunprecedentedandshehas builtaloyalfanbasethatkeepsheron theroadwhensheisnotinthestudio. Leighmadehercountrycatapulton ZacBrown'sSouthernGround Recordsin2011withmajordebut record1978December.Hersingle“MyNameIsMoney”landed#36on billboardhot100charts.ZacBrownBand’sGrammyAwardwinningrecord ‘Uncaged'featurestwosingleswrittenbyLeigh,“GoodbyeInHerEyes” and“SweetAnnie”,bothreached#1ontheBillboardCountryAirplay chartsconcurrently.

Island Hopper Songwr iter Festival r uns Sept. 22 thr ough Oct. 1.

Captiva Island Sept. 22 – 24; Cape Coral Sept. 25 – 26; Downtown Fort Myers Sept. 27 – 28; and Fort Myers Beach Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.

JazzClubofSarasotapresentsSpyroGyra

SpyroGyraheadlinestheopening eventoftheJazzClubofSarasota's 2023-24seasononFriday,Oct.13 attheCircusArtsConservatoryat 2075BahiaVistaSt.,Sarasota.

SpyroGyrahaslongbeenknown toitspeersinthecontemporaryjazz worldasa“welloiledroadmachine” duetoitsrelentlessscheduleof48 yearsofperforming.Todate,they haveloggedmorethan10,000shows onsixcontinentsandreleased35 albums,garneringplatinumandgold recordsalongtheway.Theevening promisestobeanotherspecial eveningforSarasotajazzandmusic lovers.

Kickingofftheeventat6p.m.is theJeremyCarterQuartet.Inthe 2019SarasotaJazzFestival,Carter's Quartetwowedaudiencesonthefestival'scontemporaryjazzstage. Widelybelievetobethenext"hotrisingjazzartist"toemergefromtheSt. Petersburgscene,Jeremyplaysa lyricalandsoulfulsaxophonewhich runsthefullrangefromastraightaheadclassicalstyle,toblues,toa moreprogressivevibeandcontemporaryflavor.

Ticketsstartat$60.Thereis a20%discountforJazzClubof Sarasotamembers.Ticketsare availableatwww.eventbrite.com

TheJazzClubofSarasota beganasthebrainstormofHal Davis,whoretiredtoSarasota in1978withhiswife,Evelyn. Halwaspresidentofa Manhattanadvertisingagency andbeganhispublicrelations careerinthepublicitydepartmentofCBS.Hehandledthe bigbandsoftheeraandmanagedBennyGoodman’stoursof Asia,EuropeandtheSoviet Union.

WhenhecametoSarasota, hesawthattherewasan orchestra,operaandtheatre…butsomethingwasmissing–jazz.HeandEvelyninvitedpeopleovertolistento musicintheirapartment–and that’showitstarted.

TheJazzClubofSarasotais oneofthelargestandmost activejazzorganizationsinthe U.S.Formoreabouttheclub, visitwww.jazzclubsarasota.org

SpyroGyraincludes(seated)LionelCordewandJay Beckenstein,(standing)ChrisFischer,JulioFernandez andScottAmbush. PhotobyDavidWhitePhotography

MatchboxTwenty,DonFelder atHurricaneHeroesconcertatHammondStadiumOct.7

AsthefirstanniversaryofthedevastationofHurricaneIanapproaches, theCharityProsareannouncingtheir “HurricaneHeroes”All-StarConcert eventonOct.7atHammondStadium inFortMyers.

Themassivestormdestroyedover 5,000homes,wipedouthundredsof businesses,includingover30live musicvenues,andseverelydamaged tensofthousandsofhomes.

Internationallyacclaimedrock bandMatchboxTwentywillheadline theeventbringingtheirdecadesof smashhitsthathavedominatedthe radioairwavesandcharts,garnering multipleGrammyAwardnominations, producingbillionsofstreams,and sellingover40millionrecords.

Specialguest,RockandRollHallofFamemember,andfourtimeGrammywinnerDonFelder,formerlyoftheEaglesforover 27years,willalsobetakingthestage.Theco-writerof“Hotel California”willperformallhisgreatesthits.

“Thiseventwillbringthecommunitytogethertohelphonor heroesofHurricaneIan,”saysMeganMaloney,founderofthe CharityPros.“Inadditiontotheheroismofourbravefirstresponderssavingthelivesofthousandsofpeopleandanimals,thereare somanyincrediblestoriesofregularfolks,unsungheroes,that haveexhibitedincredibleactsofhumanity,kindnessandgenerosityoverthispastyear,”explainsMegan.

SWFloridarockbandRedHannahwillkickofftheirall-starset, featuringspecialappearancesbylocalprofessionalmusicians MattyJolie,SheenaBrookandmoresurprises.JayAllenofNBC’s TheVoiceisalsoscheduledtoperform.Proceedsfromthisspecial eventwillhelpsupportMusicAliveSWFL,theTabarriniChildren’s OutreachFoundation,andtheCharityPros“Megan’sWish”program.

“Youdon’twanttomissthisincredibleshow;itwillbeavery specialtributetomanythathavesacrificedandsufferedfromthis storm,”saysBradMaloney,vicepresidentofoperationsand eventsfortheCharityPros.“Ithasbeenmanyyearssincethere hasbeenaconcertonthefieldatHammondStadium;wearevery proudtobeworkingtogetherwiththeMightyMusselsorganization andLeeCountyParksandRecreationtobringthisshowtothe communityforagreatcause.”

Localheroeswillbehonored attheconcertonOct.7.Lee CountySheriffCarmine MarcenoandtheLee CountySheriff’sOfficewere recognizedasheroesfor theireffortsintheaftermath ofHurricaneIan,particularly theworkincoordinatingthe LeeCountySheriff’sOffice withoutsideagenciesand searchandrescuemissions thattookplaceafterthe storm’sdevastation.

MayorDanAllersofFort MyersBeachhasbeen namedaheroforhisworkin

thedevelopmentandrecoveryof FortMyersBeach.Allerswas appointedmayorofFortMyers Beachtwomonthsafter HurricaneIanandhasspentthe past10monthsleadingthe islandbacktoastateofrecovery.Danandhisbusinesspartneratthetime,TimRyan,turned theirgolfcartbusinessat820 ButtonwoodDriveintoalocation forpeopletodropoffdonations andsuppliesforvictims.The locationisnowhometoFort MyersBeachStrong,aregistered501(c)(3)organization.

EdandKimRyan,founders ofBeachTalkRadio,assistedin raisingmorethan$300,000for FortMyersBeach.Thepaircollecteddonationsandheldfundraisers,usingthefundscollectedtopurchasesuppliestodonateto victimsofIan.TheyprovidedinformationtoFortMyersBeachresidentsandhomeownersacrossthecountrythroughoutthehurricane’sjourney.

PastorsShawnandMallieCritserofBeachBaptistChurchwere recognizedforestablishingtheirchurchasacentralresourceand adisasterrecoverycenterforFEMA,thenturningitintoalongtermrecoveryresourcecenterforthecommunity.Thechurchcontinuestoprovidegroceries,supplies,buspasses,giftcardsand moredailytothosestillinneedaswellaspastoralcounselingand Sundaychurchservice.

DougMillerandAmyEldridge,ownersofFKYourDiet,have beennamedheroesforprovidingmorethan500,000mealsand countlesstruckloadsofsuppliestothoseaffectedbyIan.Their restaurantscontinuenevertoturnawayanyoneneedingameal, whethertheycanpayornot.OriginallyfoundedtohelpFosterKids &Families,FKYourDietcontinuestosupportlocalneighborhoods heavilyimpactedbythestormbydeliveringgroceriesandsupplies everyweek.

“Therearesomanystoriesandunsungheroesoutthere.We willtrytohonorallwecanattheconcertevent,”saidBrad Maloney.“Aneventlikethistakesanentirecommunitycoming together.OurgoalistomakethepublicawarethatHurricaneIan reliefeffortsareongoing,andthisisn’tover,somanyfolksstill needhelp.”

Forticketsandmoreinfo,gotowww.thecharitypros.org

Pictured,fromlefttoright,areEdRyan,DougMiller,AmyEldridge, MeganMaloney,BradMaloney,MayorDanAllersandPastorMallie Critser

MatchboxTwenty

DonFelder

HereComeTheMummiesat SeminoleCasinoHotelNov.4

GOLDEntertainment presentsthenine-piece funk-rockbandHere CometheMummieswith specialguestPerpetual Grooveliveinconcertas partof“TheHarmonic GravityTour”atSeminole CasinoHotelImmokalee onSaturday,Nov.4at8 p.m.withgatesopeningat 7p.m.

HereComethe Mummies(HCTM),whose bandmembersare5,000year-oldEgyptian Mummies,isknownfor high-energyliveperformancesof“TerrifyingFunk fromBeyondtheGrave.”Sincetheirdiscovery,HCTM hasbeendirectsupportforP-Funk,AlGreen,Mavis Staples,KCandtheSunshineBand,andCheapTrick;

FRIDAY,SEPT.1

JerseyBoys&LindaRonstadt

SATURDAY,SEPT.2

FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks

THURSDAY,SEPT.7

Elvis,RoyOrbison,BuddyHolly& JerryLeeLewis-JohnnyRogersBand SEASONSOFTOPENINGPARTY

FRIDAY,SEPT.8

BestofABBAandMammaMia

SATURDAY,SEPT.9

Temptations&FourTops

THURSDAY,SEPT.14

DonnaSummer,EttaJames,Madonna, PointerSistersandArethaFranklin

FRIDAY,SEPT.15

TinaTurner,KC&TheSunshineBand andtheBluesBrothers

SEPT.16- PrivateParty

THURSDAY,SEPT.21

BobSeger,BillyJoel,LadyGaga,Cher

FRIDAY,SEPT.22

MajestyofRock:JourneyandStyx

rockedSuperBowl Village;becomea regularonTheBob andTomShow; playedmassivefestivalslikeSummer Camp,Common Ground,Voodoo Fest,Musikfest, Suwannee Hulaween,and Riverbend.

Ticketsforthis outdoorconcertare onsalestartingat

$52forgeneral admissionand$72 forVIPupfront reservedseating andtwodrinkticketsforbeer,wineorsoda.Ticketsare availablefromTicketmasterorat www.moreinparadise.com.

SATURDAY,SEPT.23

NeilDiamond

THURSDAY,SEPT.28

TheAlterEagles

FRIDAY,SEPT.29

TheGratefulDeadShowBand

SATURDAY,SEPT.30

EricClapton,BobDylan, StevieRayVaughan, JimiHendrix,Santana andAllmanBrothers

THURSDAY,OCT.5

JerseyBoys&LindaRonstadt

FRIDAY,OCT.6

RodStewart,TomJones,MeatLoaf

SATURDAY,OCT.7

FabulousGirlsofMotown

THURSDAY,OCT.12

MichaelJackson, JustinTimberlakeandPink

FRIDAY,OCT.13

BrunoMars(EarthtoMars)

SATURDAY,OCT.14

BestofABBAandMammaMia

HispanicHeritageMusicFestival,BruceHornsby andMarieOsmondoncasinoconcertschedule

SeminoleCasinoHotel

ImmokaleewelcomesBruce HornsbyonNov.16,Marie OsmondonDec.12andthe HispanicHeritageMusicFestival featuringTitoNievesinOctober.

SeminoleCasinoHotel

ImmokaleewillhosttheHispanic HeritageMusicFestivalfeaturing headlineperformerTitoNieves Saturday,Oct.7at2p.m.with gatesopeningat1p.m.General admissionticketsforthisoutdoor concertstartat$39;VIPtickets startat$69andincludeupfront seatingandtwodrinkticketsfor beer,wineorsoda.Inadditionto Nieves,festivalperformersinclude RobertoTorres,Cachao’sMambo All-Stars,CortaditoandBajoZero.

SeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleewelcomesBruce Hornsby’s“SpiritTrail:25thAnniversary”tourNov.16at8 p.m.Ticketsstartat$30.

Incelebrationofthe25thanniversaryofHornsby’s1998 album“SpiritTrail,”eachticketwillincludeacopyofthe “SpiritTrail:25thAnniversaryEdition”three-CDboxsettobe pickedupattheshow.

Hornsbyfirstrosetonationalprominencewith“TheWay ItIs,”his1986Grammy-winningdebutalbumwithThe Range.Thetitletrackbecamethemost-playedsongon Americanradioin1987whileTupacShakur’stimelesssong “Changes”buildson“TheWayItIs”andsetthestagefor manysubsequentversionsofthetrack.In1991HornsbycollaboratedwithBonnieRaitt,playingonhericonichit“ICan’t MakeYouLoveMe.”Additionally,Hornsbywasapart-time

memberoftheGratefulDeadfromSeptember1990toMarch 1992,performingmorethan100concertsinAmericaand Europe.The13-timeGrammynomineehasalsosolidifiedhis statusasahighlysought-aftercollaborator.Hornsby’sown23 albumshavesoldover11millioncopiesworldwide,andhe hasappearedonmorethan100recordsincludingreleases withBobDylan,DonHenley,theGratefulDead,StevieNicks, RickySkaggs,BobSeger,ChakaKhan,BonIver,Brandon Flowers,BonnieRaitt,Sting,MavisStaples,WillieNelson andmore.Hismostrecentstudioalbum,“‘Flicted,”was releasedinMay2022.

MarieOsmondperformsliveaspartofherOrchestral ChristmasTourwithspecialguestDavidOsmondDec.12at 8p.m.Ticketsare$129.

MarieOsmondhasspentmorethansixiconicdecadesin theentertainmentbusinessasasuccessfulsinger,television performerandtalkshowhost,dancer,actor, author,entrepreneurandpublicspeaker.She hascontinuedtomaintainrelevance,remaininganinstantlyrecognizablefigureacrossthe globe.

Herdebutsingle,“PaperRoses,”reached thenumberonespotontwoBillboardcharts, afeatthatnotonlyplacedheramonganelite classofmusicalroyalty,butalsoinstantlycatapultedherintointernationalsuperstardom.

MarieOsmondisamultiplegoldandplatinum sellingartistandCMAwinner,garnering numerousBillboardchart-toppingsinglesand albums,andwritingthreeNewYorkTimes bestsellingbooks.Shehasentertainedmillionsthroughouttheworldthroughtelevision, radio,film,literature,liveconcertsand Broadwayperformances.

Ticketsfortheseperformancesare availableatTicketmasteroronlineat www.moreinparadise.com

MarieOsmond

TitoNieves

BruceHornsby(secondfromleft)andtheNoisemakers photobyJeffFasano

HotelCaliforniareturnstoPuntaGordaOct.27

HotelCalifornia–ASalutetoThe Eaglesisbringingtheiruniquesound backtoSouthwestFloridathisfallwhen theyperformFriday,Oct.27at7p.m.at theCharlotteHarborEventand ConferenceCenterindowntownPunta Gorda.

Aspiritedblendoforiginalityandthe pursuitofexcellencehavetakenHotel California“ASalutetotheEagles”toa levelofrecognitionnormallyreservedfor goldandplatinumrecordingartists.

ByrespectfullyandaccuratelyreproducingtheGrammyAwardwinning soundsofourgeneration'sGreatest AmericanSongbook,thislegendary SouthernCaliforniagrouphastouched theheartsoffansallovertheworld,

Themostsuccessfulandlongestrunningshowofitskind,HotelCalifornia“A SalutetotheEagles,”istheonlyshowto haveeverreceived“OfficialAuthorization” toperformtheEaglescatalogofmusic.

Ticketpricesrangefrom$42to$64.20forreserveseating.

Sojointhemonatripdownadarkdeserthighway... Feelthecoolwindinyourhair...

It’stimetocheckinto…TheHotelCalifornia. Forticketsandmoreinformation,visitonlineat www.charlotteharborecc.comorcall941-833-5444. CharlotteHarborEventandConferenceCenterislocatedat75TaylorSt.inPuntaGorda.

Songs&StorieswithDennyLaine

AlliancefortheArtswelcomesback DennyLaine,two-timeGrammyAward winner,RockandRollHallofFame inducteeandfoundingmemberofboth TheMoodyBluesandPaulMcCartney’s post-BeatlesbandWingsonThursday, Sept.7at7p.m.

The90-minute“Songs&Stories” showfeaturesDennyperformingsolo acousticversionsofsongsfromhis expansivecareerincludinghisdayswith TheMoodyBlues,GingerBaker’sAir Force,Wingsandothers.He’llshare songsbysomeoftheartiststhatinspired himasayoungmusicianaswellas songshehadahandinthatearnedhim aplaceinrockandrollhistory.Anatural storyteller,Dennyrecountsbehind-thescenesanecdotesaboutsomeofthelegendarymusicianshehasworkedwith andtheplaceshehasbeenthroughouthis remarkablecareer.

In2018,Dennywasinductedintothe RockandRollHallofFameasafounding memberofTheMoodyBlueswhowere oncetouringmateswithTheBeatles.After theMoodyBlues,LainewentontojoinThe ElectricStringBand,Balls,AirForceand WingswithbothPaulandLindaMcCartney.

AfterDennydepartedTheMoodyBlues, heformedTheElectricStringBand,writing

thehit“SayYouDon’tMind,”andopened showsforJimiHendrixinLondon.Denny joinedthebandBallsaswellasGinger Baker’sAirForce,singingleadonthe memorable“ManofConstantSorrow.” Dennyhasworkedwithvariousmembers ofTheBeatles,TheWho,LedZeppelin, Cream,ELO,TheZombies,TheHollies andmanymore.

AstheonlymemberofWings,besides Paul&LindaMcCartney,tobewiththe groupforitsentirerun,Dennyenjoyed

tremendoussuccessthroughoutthe‘70s. Thegroupbecameoneofthebiggest bandsofthedecade.Theincomparable BandontheRunalbumsoldsixmillion copies,reaching#1intheU.S.threedifferenttimesandwasthetopsellingBritish albumof1974.Thetitletrackwas#1in theUKforsevenweeks,andin1975won aGrammy®Award.Thatwasfollowedby another#1albumandmorehitsingles withthe1976releaseofWingsatthe SpeedofSound.

Thebiggestcommercialandcritical successofDenny’scareerwouldcomein 1977withthehit“MullofKintyre,”which heco-wrotewithMcCartney.Itwould reach#1intheUK’sGuinnessChartsof BritishHitsSinglesthatyearandbecame theUK'shighest-sellingsingleeveratthat timeaswellasthefirstUKsingletopass twomillionsales.

His“Songs&Stories”showisaunique opportunitytoexperiencethemusicofone ofRock’smostenduringvoicesinaway you’veneverheardhimbefore.Hisprevious2022showattheAlliancesoldout.

Ticketsare$49andcanbepurchased bycalling239-939-2787oronlineat www.artinlee.org.TheAlliancefortheArts islocatedat10091McGregorBlvd.just southofColonialBoulevardinFortMyers.

ToptouringshowscomingtoPuntaGorda

GoldEntertainmenthasannouncedaseriesofconcertsand specialperformancescomingtotheCharlottePerformingArts CenterinPuntaGorda.

“Wearethrilledtobeabletobringthesetopnationaltouring showstothisamazingtheaterlocatedrightinthecenterofPunta Gorda.It’sonlyafewblocksfromdowntownandadjacentto CharlotteHighSchool”saysJayGoldberg,presidentofGold Entertainment.“Addtoitcomfortableindoortheatreseatingand plentyoffreeparking,andyouhaveawonderfulplacetoattend thesespeciallyselectedperformanceswearebringingtoPunta GordaandSWFlorida.”

BrianHoffman'sRememberingRed-ATributetoRedSkelton willbepresentedJan.19at7p.m.TheonlyauthorizedimpersonatorbytheRedSkeltonEstate,BrianHoffman,isbringinghis incredibleTributetoRedSkeltontoTheCharlottePerformingArts Center.Theawardwinningnostalgictripdownmemorylanehas BrianHoffmanrecreatingseveralcharactersincludingFreddiethe FreeloaderandClemKadiddlehopper,justtonameafew.Mr. Hoffman'smeticulousstudyofRedSkeltonproudlyshows throughasheperformstheonemanskitsandprecisepantomimes.Addalittlesplashof"GuzzlersGin"alongwithGertrude andHeathcliff,thetwoseagullsandyouhaveashowsureto pleaseaudiencesofallages.Theheartfeltendearingendingwill haveyoulaughingandcryingatthesametime.For"Baby Boomers”thisshowisa mustsee.Ticketsare$39.

PaulRodriguezwillbeat CPAConFeb.2.Longtime comedianPaulRodriguez hasbeenmakingaudiences laughallovertheworldfor nearlythreedecadeswith hisuniquebrandofhumor thatisaperfectblendofhis LatinheritagetheAmerican dreamandhisundeniable universalappeal.Asan actorandcomedianPaul Rodriguez’smulti-faceted careerincludesstarring rolesandfeaturedappearancesinover45filmsand countlesstelevisionseries andcomedyspecials. Ticketsare$49.

RedSkeltontribute

PeterFogel’sTilDeathDoUsPart...YouFirstwillbe presentedFeb.14.EternalBachelorPeterFogelhasmajor commitmentissuesastheloveofhislifehasjustbroken upwithhimonValentine’sDay.Hesenseshisownmortalityandaftermuchsoulsearchinghedecidestorevisitthe sceneofallhisromanticdisasters.OurhaplessLothario mixeshissignaturewitalongwithriotousrelatablecharactersandtakesusonawhirlwindcomedicjourneyof searchingforhissoulmateandthemeaningofarealcommitment.Ticketsare$39.

TedVigil’sRememberingJohnDenverwillcometo CPACFeb.23.TedVigilisasinger,songwriterandatributeartist.HewasborninSeattleandraisedintheOlympia area.Hehasbeenperformingfromtheageoftenthroughoutschoolinconcert,symphonicandjazzbandsdevelopinghistalentsasadrummerandsinger.Lastyear,Ted wasawardedtheRisingLegendAwardbytheNational TraditionalCountryMusicAssociation.Tedalsoperformed withSteveWiesberg,JohnDenver’sleadguitarplayerfrom the‘70s.Ticketsare$39.

Ticketsareavailableonlineat www.goldentertainment.usorcall800-514-etix(3849). ParkingisfreeatCPAC.Purchaseticketstothecomplete seriesoffourshowsandreceivea25%discount.

CommunityConcertAssociationannouncesseason

Internationally-acclaimedperformers fromtheUkraine,Spain,Bulgariaand Canadawillheadlinethefiveconcerts plannedfor2024bytheFortMyers CommunityConcertAssociation.

Ticketsarenowonsaleforthefiveperformanceseason,whichorganizers saybringsthebestinsymphonyorchestras,songanddancetoSouthwest Florida.

Allperformanceswillbeatthe

BarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHall

ontheFloridaSouthWesternState CollegecampusinFortMyers.

Allfiveconcertsareincludedinone ticketprice,whichrangesfrom$165for primeorchestraandmezzanineseatsto $155forotherorchestraandmezzanine seats,$85forlowerbalconyseatingand just$65forupperbalcony.

PerformancesincludeCanadian BrassonJan.7,SofiaPhilharmonic OrchestraonJan.16,GreatVoicesfrom OperatoBroadwayFeb.5,Barcelona

FlamencoBalletMarch7andKyiv

VirtuosiSymphonyOrchestraMarch19.

Formembershipinformation,visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.orgor emailMLMannConcerts@aol.com.

TheFortMyersCommunityConcert Association,nowinits74thconcertseason,isanall-volunteernot-for-profit organizationfoundedbythelegendary BarbaraB.Mannin1949tobringworldclassentertainmenttoSouthwestFlorida ataffordableprices.

JohnDenvertribute

PaulRodriguez

TheLettermenperform theirclassichitsFeb.9

GOLDEntertainment presentsTheLettermenperformingtheirclassichitslive atSeminoleCasinoHotel ImmokaleeonFriday,Feb.9 at8p.m.withdoorsopening at7p.m.

TheLettermenhavekept themeaningofharmony alivewiththeirsoft,romantic,harmonicblendofmusic whichisaspopularwith theirfanstodayasitwasin 1961whenthegroup recordedtheirfirsthit,“The WayYouLookTonight.”

Theirsecondsinglethat yeardidevenbetter.“When IFallInLove,”anotherballadhitNo.7,establishing TheLettermenasthemost

romanticsinginggroupofa generation.

TheLettermenhave recordedmorethan75 albums–numerouscertified gold–andamyriadofhits including“WhenIFallIn Love,”“ComeBackSilly Girl,”“ThemeFromA SummerPlace,”“Goin’Out OfMyHead/Can’tTakeMy EyesOffOfYou,”“PutYour HeadOnMyShoulder,” “HurtSoBad,”and “Shangri-La.”

Advanceticketsareon salenowfor$79from Ticketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendees mustbe21yearsold. Parkingisfree.

TheLettermen

LegendsConcertSeriesseasonstarts

TheLegendsConcert

SeriesSeason3starts“rockin” thefirstFridayonNov.3with the#1tributeconcertinthe U.S.A.forEltonJohnandBilly Joel.

LegendsConcertSeries

bringsthe#1tributebandsto performersandbandsthat havebeeninductedintothe RockNRollHallofFameand CountryHallofFame. “Legendsofmusic”tohonor ourlegendsoffirstresponders, lawenforcement,militaryandveterans-“our legends.”

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

TheLegendsConcertSeriesisaproductionofTheGoldLionAgency,andtheconcertswillbeheldattheParadiseCoast SportsComplex,3940CityGateBlvd.North, inNaples.Foodtruckswillbeonsite.

ThefirstFridaysinNovember2023and January,February,March,AprilandMayof 2024willbethedatesfortheLegends

ConcertSeries.Timeswillbefrom5:30to 9:30p.m.,andgateswillopenat4p.m. Parkingisfree.

Ticketsmustbepurchasedonlineat www.legendsconcertseries.com.Notickets willbesoldatthegate.Kids12andunder arefreewithapaidadultticket.

Anyfirstresponder,lawenforcement,militaryorveterancanreceiveonefreegeneral admissiontickettooneconcertoftheir choice.TheymustemailthereIDorinformationtoinfo@thegoldlionagency.comwiththe concertoftheirchoice.Theywillbeemailed backwiththeirfreeticket.

Formoreinformationandtickets,go towww.legendsconcertseries.comorcall 209-442-3155

The2023-24tribute concertschedule:

NOVEMBER3

EltonJohn andBillyJoel

JANUARY5

ABBAand TheBeeGees

FEBRUARY2

TheCars andJourney

MARCH1

ChicagoandEagles

APRIL5

DefLeppard andQueen

MAY3

Brooks/Dunn andGarthBrooks

JoseFelicianoatSeminoleCasinoHotelDec.5

SeminoleCasinoHotel

Immokaleewelcomeslegendary singer/songwriterJoseFelicianoon Tuesday,Dec.5at8p.m.

Felicianoisrecognizedasthe firstLatinartisttoeffectivelycross overintotheEnglishmusicmarket, openingthedoorsforotherartists whonowplayanimportantrolein theAmericanmusicindustry.He’s beenawardedmorethan45Gold andPlatinumrecords,has19 Grammynominations,andwonnine GrammyAwardsincludingtheLatin RecordingAcademy’sLifetime AchievementAward.

ThreesongshavebeenmilestonesforFeliciano:“LightMyFire,” whichtoppedthechartsgloballyin 1968and,accordingtothesong’s publisher,isnowastandard becauseofFeliciano’sinterpreta-

tion;“CheSarà”the1971San RemoMusicFestivalentrythat becameamega-successfor FelicianothroughoutEurope,Asia andSouthAmerica;and“Feliz Navidad,”theChristmassongthat hasnowbecomeatraditionworldwideduringtheholidayseason.

Feliciano’sotherhitsongs include“Rain,”“Chicoandthe Man,”“CaliforniaDreamin’,” “Destiny,”“Affirmation,”“The SoundofVienna,”“AyCariño,” “PonteACantar,”“CuandoEl AmorSeAcaba,”“PorqueTe TengoQueOlvidar?”andmany more.

Advanceticketsstartat$65 andareavailablefrom Ticketmasteroratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmustbe21. Parkingisfree.

I N C ONCERT

PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA

SEP14

ThomasRhett

HertzArena,Estero

SEP21

MercyMeand

MatthewWest

HertzArena,Estero

SEP22

BrettYoung

HertzArena,Estero

TylerBraden

TheRanch,FortMyers

SEP24

TheRed JumpsuitApparatus

TheRanch,FortMyers

SEP28

MaryChapin Carpenter &ShawnColvin

SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

OCT1

ChrisJanson

PinkShell,FortMyersBeach

OCT4

AaronLewis

BBMannHall,FortMyers

OCT6

JonPardi

HertzArena,Estero

OCT7

JonLangston

TheRanch,FortMyers

TitoNieves

SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

MercyMe

OCT7

MatchboxTwenty, DonFelder,JayAllen HammondStadium,FtMyers

OCT13

GovʼtMule

BBMannHall,FortMyers

CradleofFilth &DevilDriver

TheRanch,FortMyers

SpyroGyra

SailorCircusArena,Sarasota

OCT14

TheFrontmen TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT20

ZachWilliams

BBMannHall,FortMyers

Hardy HertzArena,Estero

CooperAlan

TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT21

CommonKings TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT27

JustinMoore

HertzArena,Estero

OCT28

TheExpendables

TheRanch,FortMyers

OCT31

CelticThunder

BBMannHall,FortMyers

NOV4 Ernest TheRanch,FortMyers

HereCome

TheMummies

SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

NOV11

RussellDickerson

HertzArena,Estero

NuBreed&Jesse

Howard-OutlawNation

TheRanch,FortMyers

NOV16

BruceHornsby SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

InThisMoment &IceNineKills

HertzArena,Estero

NOV16

CharleyCrockett

TheRanch,FortMyers

NOV17

DemunJones

TheRanch,FortMyers

NOV18

SawyerBrown

SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

DEC1

JoeBonamassa

HertzArena,Estero

DEC2

TheLACS

TheRanch,FortMyers

DEC5

JoseFeliciano SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

DEC9

DierksBentley, LittleBigTown, GinBlossoms

LiveFest,Naples

DEC12

MarieOsmond

SeminoleCasino,Immokalee

DEC13

SteveMillerBand

HertzArena,Estero

JAN19

Kansas

BBMannHall,FortMyers

FEB2

DiamondRio

TheRanch,FortMyers

FEB3

JayAllen

TheRanch,FortMyers

MercyMeandMatthewWestwillperformatabenefitconcertat HertzArenainEsteroonSept.21.Forticketsandmoreinformation,visitwww.hertzarena.com

TheRanchConcertHall offersrockandcountryshows

TheRanchConcertHall& SalooninFortMyerswelcomes awidevarietyofnational artiststhroughouttheyear.

Here’swhat’sonthescheduleatpresstime:

TheSamGallowayFord ConcertSeriespresentsTyler BradenonSept.22,Jon LangstononOct.7,The Frontmen(RichieMcDonald, LarryStewartandTim Rushlow)onOct.14,Cooper AlanonOct.20,Erneston Nov.4,DemunJonesonNov. 17,TheLACSonDec.2, DiamondRioonFeb.2and JayAllenonFeb.3.

OtherupcomingshowsatTheRanchConcert Hall(notpartoftheGallowayseries)include WilderPalooza:BattleoftheFansonSept.3, COLDonSept.5,TheCountryBumpinTouron Sept.9,RedJumpsuitApparatusonSept.24, CradleofFilthandDevilDriveronOct.13, CommonKingsonOct.21,TheExpendableson Oct.28,NuBreedandJesseHowardofOutlaw NationonNov.11,CharlieCrockettonNov.16, Nightbird-TheUltimateTributetoStevieNickson Jan.13andAdrianVandenbergonFeb.24.

Forticketsandmoreinformation,visitonlineat www.theranchfortmyers.com.TheRanchConcert HallandSalooncanbereachedat239-985-9839.

Formostconcerts,thedoorsopenat7p.m.at TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon,whichislocatedat2158ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.

CooperAlan-Oct.20

JonLangston-Oct.7

TylerBraden-Sept.22

TheFrontmen(RichieMcDonald,LarryStewart,TimRushlow)-Oct.14

DiamondRio-Feb.2

FortMyersLatinMusicFestival debutsSept.16atCaloosaSoundAmphitheater

Latinmusicloverswillrocktheday andnightawaySaturday,Sept.16 whenwell-knowninternationallyacclaimedartistsfromCuba,Puerto RicoandSouthAmericaperformat thefirst-everFortMyersLatinMusic FestivalattheCaloosaSound AmphitheateronEdwardsDrivein downtownFortMyers.

Thefamily-friendlyeventwill includemusic,foodtrucks,andakids’ zonewithfourbouncehousesandwill runfromnoonto10p.m.

Headliningthemusicfestivalwillbe someofthemostwell-knownartistsin Latinmusicalongwithrisingstarsin themusicindustry.Amongtheperformerswillbe:

OsmaniGarciaisapopularCuban singerandsongwriterknownforthe catchyandupbeatreggaetonandLatin music.GarciaparticipatedintheNational FestivalofCubaandreceivedseveral awards.Heco-foundedElDuode Cristal,whichplayedthreedomestic Cubantourswithsongsreachingnumber oneontheCubancharts;

LucyGrauisaMiami-basedsinger andsongwriterwhohasbeendubbed the“LatinDiscoQueen”forhersoulful andelectrifyingperformances.ShemastersbothEnglishandSpanishasshe provesinherhits“LastDance”and“On theRadio”(salsaversion),theDonna Summerclassicsshechoseasarenditiontothelatesinger.

TheCeliaCruzAll Starsisagroupof musiciansand singerswhoonce playedwiththelegendary“Queenof Salsa,”CeliaCruz. Fanscallthegroup “classicCelia”witha funky,contemporary twist.

BiancaLeonywas borninMiamiof Cuban-Americanparentswhomadethe Latinrhythmpartof hersoul.HergrandmotherBiancaVarela

wasarenownedoperasingerin Cubaandistheinspirationfor Leony’smusic.

ThefestivalalsowillfeaturesomerisingFloridaLatinstars,includingJoe HernandezysuOrchestraClassica, Sessi,AivyandDJLEXX.

Thefestivalwillshowcaseavarietyof Latinmusicgenres,includingsalsa, bachata,merengue,reggaeton,and more,accordingtoorganizers.

“AttendeescanenjoyLatincuisine, shopforuniquecraftsandsouvenirsand experiencethevibrantandcolorful atmosphereofthefestival,”saidorganizerEddieLatourofNiceGuys Productions.“The festivalpromisesto beafun-filledcelebrationofLatinculturethatwillbring peopletogetherand createlastingmemories.”

Aportionofthe proceedsfromthe festivalwillsupport localnon-profit organizationMusic aLIVESWFL,formed inOctober,2022,in theaftermathof HurricaneIantopreserveandpromotelive

musicinSouthwestFlorida.MusicaLIVE SWFLwillprovidefinancialassistance, educationandothersupporttolocal musiciansandothersthatsupportthe livemusicindustry,Latoursaid.

Ticketsare$40presaleand$50at thedoor.Childrenunderage5arefree. VIPticketscost$150.

Ticketscanbepurchasedonlineat https://outertix.com/niceguys/20 Formoreinformation,visit www.niceguysproduction.com

LucyGrau

OsmaniGarcia

BiancaLeony

CeliaCruzAllStars

Thepubicartprojectoriginallyinstalledin2010onthe LeeCountyJusticeCenterparkinggaragewasrecently restored.Timeandweatherhadfadedtheartinstallation createdbyNewYorkartistMarilynDintenfass.Parallel Parkincludes23images,each33feethighand23feet wide.TheoriginalprojectwasacollaborationoftheCity ofFortMyersandLeeCounty.

ACMAshowcaseatIslandHopperSept.27

FivemembersofthelocalAmericanaCommunityMusic Association(ACMA)willparticipateinaspecialperformance Wednesday,Sept.27attheSidneyandBerneDavisArtCenterin downtownFortMyersaspartoftheannualIslandHopper SongwriterFest.Doorsopensat6:30p.m.,andtheshowstartsat 7:30p.m.Fortickets,visitwww.sbdac.com.

MeetthefiveACMAsongwriters:

BillMetts

BillMettsstartedplaying guitarduringthecountry bluesrevivalofthelate60s andfellinlovewiththe musicofTajMahall, MississippiJohnHurt,Doc Watsonandothersofthat ilk.In2011hehadthe honorofbeingaskedto performattheannual MississippiJohnHurtBlues FestivalinAvalon Mississippi.Uponmovingto SouthwestFloridain2004, Billfoundawelcoming musiccommunityandwas encouragedbyfriendstotry hishandatsongwriting. He’sbeenwritingever since.BillhostedtheAmericanaCommunityMusicAssociation's weeklysinger/songwritercircleforfouryearsandco-founded,with NitaFlores,awonderfulnotforprofitorganizationcalledHopeby SongInc.whichiswherehisloveformusicandwritingfounda truehome.

RayCerbone

Oneofthefounding membersoftheFortMyers ACMA,Raybeganplaying guitarduringthelate'60s folkscene.Withthesupportandinspirationoffellowlocalandtouringmusicians,hebeganwritingandplayinginearnestin2010.Traveling alongroadinashorttime,hismusicencompassesmanygenres, includingAmericana,folk,blues,ballads,andalittlebitofcountry. Hisstorytellingstyletakesthelistenertoanotherplaceintime,his musicandlyricsbringingevocativeinsightsintothemanysidesof life.Rayisalsoasinger/songwriter’ssong-singer.Thatis,hedoes interpretivecoversofgreatoriginalsbyothertalentedsinger/songwritersusinghisowncreativetouch.Hisinventivefingerstyleguitarisuniquelydiverseandeasy-on-the-ears.Ray’srecently releasedalbum,“HowMuchTime,”hasreceivedglowingreviews statesideandoverseas.

KimMayfield

KimMayfield,isbetter knownashalfofthe AmericanaduoRoySchneider &KimMayfield(nowcalled RecklessSaints.)Reviewers havedescribedhermusicas “pearlyandsashaying,”“pleasantlyinvokingthelegendary TammyWynette,”“mostlike EilenJewell,”and“hauntedby PatsyCline.”Mayfield'ssong, “RingAroundtheMoon,”made herasemi-finalistinthe2019 InternationalSongwriting Competition.Sheiscurrently atworkonanewReckless Saintsprojecttobefollowed byherfirstsolorecording.

RobertBidneyhasbeen connectingwithaudiencesfor years,performinghisoriginal songswithinfectiousenergy andemotion.Hissongshave beenrecordedbyartistsin theU.S.,Canada,Franceand theU.K.,andairedonradio andnationalTVcommercials. Hehastwoalbums,Rushof HopeandIt’sAllAboutthe Love,bothproducedinL.A., andhisnew2021single, “ThankGoodnessforthe GivingPeople,”hasbeen enjoyingairplayintheU.S., CanadaandtheU.K.

RoySchneider

RoySchneider,foundingmemberoftheAmericanaduo RecklessSaints,hasbeenperforminghisoriginalmusicforthe pasttwodecades.HissongshavemadehimaKerrvilleNewFolk finalist,andin2013acontestantonNBC’sTheVoice.No DepressiondescribedSchneideras‘asongwriterinthegrandest traditionofSteveEarle,LucindaWilliams,GuyClarkandLyle Lovett,butwitha voice,songwriting skill,stagecraft, andinstrumental talentallhisown.’ Heiscurrentlyat workonanew RecklessSaints recording.

Followthe ACMAon Facebook forschedule updates.

RobertBidney

RayCerbone

KimMayfield

RobertBidney

RoySchneider

BillMetts

Meetsomesongwritersscheduled fordowntownSept.27and28

TheannualIslandHopperSongwriterFestivalcomes todowntownFortMyersSept.27&28andfeatures numerouslocalandnationalsongwritersatfivedifferent venues.Findtheentire10-dayfestivalscheduleat www.islandhopperfest.comorsimplydownloadtheapp.

DannyMyrick

MuddywaterMississippipreacher’skidDannyMyrickgrewupplaying, singingandwritingforhisfamily gospelbandinsouthMississippiand hadhisfirst#1gospelsongattheage of17.UponmovingtoNashville, Dannyhadseveralmoresouthern gospelandContemporaryChristian hitsbeforefounding‘90scountryrock bandWesternFlyer,withwhomhe hadnumeroustop40hits.Dannyhas goneontohavecutsonadiverserangeofartistsfromMontgomery GentrytoJoeCockertoMaddie&Taeandhascelebratedmanyhits, suchasCraigMorgan’s“InternationalHarvester,TimMcGraw’s“Truck Yeah”,LoCash’s“ILoveThisLife”and2009’smostplayedcountry smash,“She’sCountry”.In2020,DannyreleasedhisfirstsoloEP “KingOfJonesCounty”,featuringtheacclaimedsongandvideo“God IsAGun”,andproducedrecent#1albums“LoveOutOfTime”byThe VoiceSeason17winnerJakeHootand“Company’sComin’by Actor/Comedian/SocialInfluencerLeslieJordanfeaturingChris Stapleton,DollyParton,BrandiCarlile,TJOsborneandmore.

Clare Cunningham

Irish-bornsingersongwriter, ClareCunninghamisanindependent,award-winningsinger-songwriter,performing,touring,and recordingartist.Herraspy,Celtic, soulfulvoice,withtheabilitytospan acrossamultitudeofgenres,iswhat leadshertobeanextremelyunique artist.HerGrandOleOprydebut (March18,2023)wasasold-outshowandanaccomplishmentthat’s extremelyrareasacompletelyindependentartist.Asurpriseadd-on tothebillonthenightwasherchildhoodidol,GarthBrooksandTrisha Yearwood.ClarealsoperformedwithSteveEarle,singinghisinfamous‘GalwayGirl’asaduet.Clarealsosharedthebillalongside VinceGillforthe14thannualDinnerofChampionseventfor VolunteersofAmericaonJune4.

SamBlasko

SamBlaskoisasongwriterfrom Youngstown,Ohio.Sincemovingto Nashvillein2019towritecountrymusic, she'sbeenworkingwithothersongwritersandartiststoputtheirstoriesinto songs.Shebringsaclever,conversationallyricandthoughtfulstorytellingtoevery roomshe’sin.Attheendoftheday,she believesit'sallaboutthesong,thestory, andthewayitmakesyoufeel.Withover2.5millionstreamsasa songwriterandasongfeaturedonFOX’s“CallMeKat”,Samisonly justgettingstartedinNashville.ShehasplayedshowsatTheBluebird CafeandTheListeningRoom,ispartoftheSongSuffragettescollective,andhasperformedwithSofarSounds.

D ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA

1stStreetDeli

Thisaward-winning112seatauthenticNewYorkstyledelicatessen(theonly oneinSouthwestFlorida) isopendailyservingbreakfast,lunchanddinner.1st StreetDelibringsadistinctlyuniquediningexperience totheSouthwestFlorida marketformerlyfoundonly inNewYorkCity.Hereyou cangrabasandwichthatisbiggerthanyourappetite.Offerings attheDeliincludepiledhighpastramiandcornedbeefsandwiches,reubens,hotpaninis,hamburgersandsalads.Opendaily1–8p.m.

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

EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill

TheEE-TO-LEET-KE GrillatSeminoleCasino featurescontemporary regionalcuisinesutilizing thefreshestselectionsof Primeagedbeef,fresh seafood,andanarrayof locally-sourcedproduce. Itswide-rangingmenu offerspastas,house madesoups,steaks, seafoodandchefspecialtyitemsincludingaward-winningtwin lobstertails,smotheredchickenandtheever-populargrilledribeye.Opendaily9a.m.–midnight.

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

EllaMae’sDiner

Nostalgiaservedwithasmile. Afunretro-inspiredeateryserving comfortfoodandclassicdiner fare.Slideintoaboothorpullup tothecounterforaburgerand milkshakeorthebestall-day breakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sprovidesawelcometwistto theclassicsoutherndiner.

CelebratingDr.EllaMaePiper’s legacy,it’sherethecommunity comestogethertosharestories astheyenjoyamealamidstvintage-inspiredfinishesandabright colorpalette.EllaMae’sDinerat LuminaryHotel&Co.isafun retro-inspiredeateryservingupcomfortfoodandclassicdiner fare.Slideintoaboothorpulluptothecounterforaburgerand milkshakeorthebestall-daybreakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sisopendailyfrom7amto2pm.Servingbreakfastallday andlunch.

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

LuckyMi

Asian-inspired upscalerestaurant

LuckyMiNoodleHouse atSeminoleCasino HotelImmokaleehas unveiledseveralcreativenewmenuitems thatfurtherenhancethe diningexperience.In additiontoAvocado Tempura,SesameSearedTuna,andShanghaiRibs,Lucky Mihasaddedhotrockshousespecialsthatallowgueststo cooktheirownentreestoperfectionatthetableonvolcanic rockheatedto575degrees.

506South1stStreet,Immokalee800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

MudBugsCajunKitchen

MudBugsCajun KitchenonSanibelIsland offersaflavorfuljourney intoCajuncuisine. Nestledinatropicalparadise,thisrestaurant servesupatantalizing arrayofdishesinfluenced byLouisiana'srichculinarytraditions.From classiccrawfishboilsand gumbotopo'boysand jambalaya,MudBugsdeliversanauthentictasteoftheSouth. Withalaid-backatmosphereandvibrantflavors,it'samustvisitspotforseafoodenthusiastsandthoseseekingataste ofSoutherncomfort.Therestaurant'sdedicationtocapturing theessenceofCajuncookingaccompaniedbylivemusic dailymakesitastandoutdestinationonSanibelIsland'sdiningscene.

1473PeriwinkleWay,Sanibel 239-472-2221www.mudbugssanibel.com

OxbowBarandGrill

CasualdocksidediningonthedoorstepofDowntownFort Myers.PanoramicriverfrontviewsontheCaloosahatchee.A boater’sretreatwithanupbeatnauticalvibe.Servingcoastal cuisineandmoreforbrunch,lunchanddinner.Retailand rentalstoigniteyour spiritofadventure.Dive intofreshseafood,oystersonthehalfshell, steaks,signaturesandwiches,freshsalads, localcraftbeersand curatedcocktails.Our hoursareMondayThursday11a.m.-10 p.m.,Fridayand Saturday11a.m.-11 p.m.andSunday11a.m.-9p.m.Wenowofferbrunchon SaturdaysandSundays11a.m.-3p.m.

1300HendrySt.FortMyers 239-314-3856

www.oxbowfortmyers.com

SilverKingOceanBrasserie

Acoastal,chef-drivenmenuunlikeany otherrestaurantin FortMyers. Complementedbya strikinginteriorthat’s asappealingtothe eyesasthedishesare tothepalette.Asthe Luminary’ssignature restaurant,TheSilver KingOceanBrasserie offersamenushowcasingthequalityof freshseafoodthroughclean,simplepreparationsusingclassic techniquesforamodernpalate.Centeredonanopenkitchen, thesophisticatedrestaurantfeaturesacoastal-inspiredmenu andadditionaloutdoorseatstorelaxandindulgeinthefinest localseafoodinSouthwestFlorida.NestledwithinSilverKing, you’llfindTheFloridaRoom,aprivatediningspacethatseats 14guests,perfectforintimategatheringsandcelebrationsand namedafterFloridaHeitman.Ifyourgroupislarger,wefeatureavarietyofvenueswithentertainingoptionsavailable fromuniqueseatingtotailoredmenus.HoursareTuesdaySaturdayfrom5-10p.m.

LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers

239-314-3855

www.LuminaryHotel.com

SouthernGrill

TheSouthernGrillattheShellFactoryisafullrestaurant includingliquor, beerandwine. Wehaveanoutdoorbarand partyvenue. Thereisno entryfeetoget intotheShell Factorystoreor restaurants. Parkingisfree. Whileyouare herevisittheNaturePark,FunPark,CarouselandSoaring EagleZipline.

16554N.ClevelandAve.,NorthFortMyers 239-995-3999

www.shellfactory.com

TikiHutBar&Grill

atDolphinKeyResort

There'salwayssomethingtodoattheTikiHutBar& GrillattheDolphinKeyResort.LocatedinDowntownCape Coral,the biggestTiki barinthe worldoffers liveentertainment Wednesday through Sunday,Key WestStyle Relax

Wednesday andThursday, Lightoutdoor atmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfourleggedare welcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFloridaSpecials,pool table,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate.

1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454

www.dolphinkeyresort.com

TwistedFork

TheTwistedForkisahot-rodandmoto-culturethemed restaurant featuringa scratch kitchen andcustomcocktails.A family friendly space adjacent Bert's Back Porchconcertvenue withloadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecome CharlotteCounty'shottestplacetoeat,drinkandhavefun!"

2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675

www.twistedfork.net

SizzleDiningSept.7-27

SizzleDining(restaurantweek)isa3-week long,annual,community-driveneventthatcelebratestheculinarylandscapeinbothLeeand Colliercountiesbyoffering3-coursedinners and2-courselunchesatadiscounted,setprice.

Over20,000Sizzlemealsweresoldlast yearevenafterlosingthelastfewdays becauseofthehurricane.

HeldeverySeptember,thisyeartheybroke theirpreviousrecordof69restaurantsparticipatingwith95ofthebestrestaurantsfrom CapeCoral&SanibeldowntoMarcoIsland andeverywheretastyinbetween!(seelistat end)

ThisyearfromSept.7throughSept.27, eachoftheparticipatingrestaurantswilloffera 3-courseprixfixedinnermenuforjust$29,or $39or$49,andsomerestaurantswillalsooffer a2-courselunchforonly$19or$29.

Showingsupporthasneverbeensodelicious!!Forevery SizzleDiningmealpurchasedduringthethree-weekevent,each participatingrestaurantwilldonate$1 directlytoBlessings inaBackpackof SouthwestFlorida,a local501c3charity thatfeedslocalfoodinsecureelementary studentseveryweekendduringtheschool year.

#DineWithPurpose

Ourgrowingfood scenehasalottocelebrate,andthisevent encouragespeopleto

leavetheircomfortzonesand checkoutnew-to-themrestaurants.SizzleDiningbringspeopletogethertorelax,converse, andenjoytheirdiningexperience,atanaffordableprice.But didyouknowthatitalsohelps ourcommunityduringtheslowestmonthoftheyear?

Here’show...

1.SizzleDiningpromotes localbusinessesandboostsour economybyover$2million!

2.Therestaurantsarebusier, sotheservers&staffmake moretipsandgetmorehours!

3.Withtheincreaseindiners goingout,thelocalvendors, farmers,andfoodpurveyorssellmore!

4.Itattractstouristsandvisitorstothearea,generatingadditionalrevenueforlocalbusinesses!

5.Itfostersasenseofcommunityprideandidentity,aswe cometogethertocelebrateandsupportourlocalrestaurantsduringtheslowestmonthoftheyear!

6.Theeventstimulatesjobgrowthwithintherestaurantindustry,creatingemploymentopportunitiesthathaveapositiveimpact onourcommunity.

7.Itencouragesresidentstoexploreandtrynewrestaurants intheircommunitywhichcanleadtolong-termcustomerloyalty andnottomentionhappybellies!

8.TheSizzleDiningeventservesasaplatformforcharitable initiatives,suchasdonatingaportionoftheproceedsofeach mealsold,toalocalnon-profit.

FormoreinformationaboutSizzleDiningandtoviewtheparticipatingrestaurantmenus,visitwww.SizzleDining.com. Participatingrestaurantsandmenuswillbeupdatedastheyare received.

SizzleDiningfoundersGuy&ErinClarke