September 2019 Happenings Magazine

ANNUAL THEATRE SEASON PREVIEW FOR 2019 - 2020

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2019

ISLAND HOPPER

SONGWRITER FEST

THE LITTLE MERMAID AT

CULTURAL PARK THEATER

LEE BRICE AT THE

RANCH

ONCE AT

BROADWAY PALM

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Key West

Publisher’s Spotlight

Island Hopper

Hard to believe that 2019 marks the sixth year of the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. It seems like only yesterday when organizers gathered for “a working lunch” several years ago to discuss the idea of creating this cool event.

This year’s festival runs Sept. 20 29. It starts on Captiva Island, moves to downtown Fort Myers and ends on Fort Myers Beach. More than 80 songwriters are on the schedule.

While most of these performances are free, there are a few that are ticketed. Keeping up with technology, you need the Island Hopper app to buy tickets. The app also allows you to stay updated on the festival schedule.

The ticketed shows include headliners Jerrod Niemann, Rodney Atkins, Gone West, Ryan Hurd and Kristian Bush with the Gulf Coast Symphony. These ticketed events sell fast, so don’t delay.

As for the bulk of the performances, they are free to attend. What’s great about this type of festival is that two songwriters are paired up and alternate playing a song they wrote. Some of those songs have made it big. Others may be heard on the radio some day.

Between the songs, the artists tell you a little bit of info behind the song.

That’s the coolest part, in my book.

Hearing what inspired someone to write something so beautful or clever or snappy or popular or sorrowful. Was it a bad relationship? A great love story? A sad event in their life? Or maybe just hope for a brighter future? No matter what, they are telling a story through their music.

A big round of applause for the festival organizers ... the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, iHeart Media and BMI (which stands for Broadcast Music Inc). We are happy to again be among the featured sponsors of this great event that showcases our local venues, national and local talent and our wonderful area.

Kathy and I hope to see you and your friends at one of the many performances on Captiva, downtown Fort Myers or Fort Myers Beach.

For those who want more songwrit-

4 - September 2019

ers after our local festival is finished, a new festival is set to debut in downtown St. Petersburg Nov. 1 - 3.

New season

Every September, we put together a roundup of the area’s theatrical season schedules. In this month’s magazine, you will find four pages showing more than 140 different plays and musicals at 22 different theatrical venues. Wow, that’s a lot of costumes and make-up, not to mention a phenomenal amount of choices for all you ticket buyers.

We are blessed to have so many theatre groups in our region of Florida. Whether it be black box or small, intimate performances space or large auditoriums, the options are almost endless.

Most, if not all, of our theatres offer incentives for season passes and group discounts. Live theatre is affordable in Southwest Florida, and I encourage you to take full advantage of what all these organizations have to offer.

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

20

music

38

dining

New website

For those who follow our magazine online, you may have noticed a major change in our website. That’s right, we’ve made it easier for you to read all the stories in our monthly magazine online. Besides the 40 plus new stories each month, you can also read our event calendar, comedy club calendar and concert calendar to see what you want to do today. Additionally, we now showcase our restaurant partners online.

On top of that, all of the stories and such are linked right to the theatres, comedy clubs, concert halls, restaurants and more. It’s like a one-stop shop for tickets to your favorite events. The site also lists the hundreds of locations where you can pick up your free copy of the magazine.

For our Facebook followers, you will notice we are posting more events every week. So no matter how you read our magazine, you can see us in print, on the web, on your mobile device and in social media.

Remember, Happenings Magazine has been entertaining Southwest Florida since 1995.

Rock on,

Jamie

60 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

swfHappenings@earthlink.net

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA 2019 - 2020 Season

The Crucible

PREVIEW SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE: $85 covers 6 shows Sept 2019 - April 2020

By Arthur Miller

Sponsored by Ella Nayor and Jeffrey Cull

Sept. 20, 21, 26 - 28 Oct., 3 - 5, 10 - 12 at 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 & 29, Oct. 6, 12 at 2 p.m.

PERFORMANCE SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES:

REGULAR SEASON PASS (June 2019 - May 2020) $310 - includes all shows & special events.

SNOWBIRD SEASON PASS (December 2019 - April 2020) $185 includes 6 shows and the special events.

INDIVIDUAL ticket prices are $28 for adults and $10 for students for nonmusical performances) and $35 for adults and $15 for students for musicals.

GROUP DISCOUNTS are available for parties of 10 or more, reserved in advance.

Feb. 21 - March 14

D e c. 6 - 2 2

March 27 - April 18

FIRST TIME IN U.S.

FLORIDA PREMIERE

Oct. 25 - Nov. 16

SW FL PREMIERE

FLORIDA PREMIERE

FIRST TIME IN U.S.

Plus these exciting shows in our 11th season

Jan. 17 - Feb. 8

24-Hour Playwriting Project Nov. 23

A Guy, A Gir l & A Piano Jan. 3 - 5

Kehilla

April 26 - 30

Check out our award-winning EDUCATION PROGRAM with classes in playwriting, improv, physical movement & more.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com 1634 Woodford Ave.

239-218-0481

Downtown Fort Myers

Gulfshore Playhouse announces finalists for New Works Festival THEATRE

Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples has announced the finalists for its seventh annual New Works Festival, which brings together playwrights, actors and directors from across the country for a week long workshop culminating in a series of staged readings.

Hosted at The Norris Center from Sept. 13 to 15, the New Works Festival invites audiences to experience a weekend’s worth of new works and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the process of creating a new play. Audiences will have the opportunity to take part in staged readings and live post-show Q&A sessions with the playwrights, including a free panel discussion with the winning playwrights on Thursday, Sept. 12.

This year’s finalists are: • Wonderland by Michael Scanlan: The times are changing in 1968 – from politics, and religion, to society. Some think these cataclysmic upheavals are for the good, while others are convinced that the world is on the eve of destruction. “Wonderland” explores the changing culture through the eyes of the Lynch family, who grapple with it through anger, fear, courage, and humor. Will their love for each other take them safely through the chaos, or will they be crushed by the changes that threaten their way of life? The play is written by Michael Scanlan, a teacher, director and playwright who has written the book and lyrics for three innovative musicals. A dozen of his plays for young adults have been published by Samuel French and enjoy active production throughout the United States. In addition, several have been translated into other languages and have been performed in Africa and Europe. Wonderland will be directed by Gulfshore Playhouse founder and artistic director Kristen Coury, and presented Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.

• Near Nellie Bly by Mark Loewenstern: Nellie Bly, an aspiring daredevil reporter, went undercover in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island (now Roosevelt Island) in New York City in 1887.

There, she befriended a patient named Anne Neville. After 10 days, Nellie was released. Anne stayed. “Near Nellie Bly” tells the story from Anne Neville’s perspective. The play is written by Mark Loewenstern, winner of the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and a three-time finalist for the Heideman Award. His commissioned play for California Stage Company about real-life 59year old female con artist and serial killer Dorothea Puente will pre-

Stephen Spotswood & Kristen Coury at a previous festival.

6 - September 2019

Karis Danish and Jeffrey Binder at a past festival.

miere in January 2020. Staged readings of “Near Nellie Bly” will be presented Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. and directed by Gulfshore Playhouse associate artistic director Jeffrey Binder.

• Picasso in Paris by Rich Rubin: It’s 1906 in Paris and 25-year old Pablo Picasso is an emerging artist living with model Fernande Olivier, his mistress, in a small and cluttered studio. He’s just beginning to emerge from abject poverty when he’s introduced to Henri Matisse, an artist of growing renown. The two begin to engage in an intense, complicated rivalry. Meanwhile at home, things aren’t perfect between Picasso, Fernande and their recently adopted daughter either. Personal and artistic firestorms flare with life-altering consequences. The play is written by Rich Rubin, who has produced throughout the U.S. as well as internationally in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. His full-length plays include “Swimming Upstream,” winner of the Todd McNerney Playwright Award; “Shakespeare’s Skull,” winner of the Portland Civic Theatre Guild New Play Award; “Assisted Living,” winner of the Neil Simon Festival New Play Contest; and “Cottonwood in the Flood,” winner of the Fratti-Newman Political Play Award. Picasso in Paris will be presented Sunday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m.

“The New Works Festival is one of the most important ways we can contribute to the national landscape of theatre by fostering the birth of new plays, and encouraging emerging playwrights,” said Gulfshore Playhouse founder and producing artistic director Kristen Coury. “It also provides even the most seasoned playwrights an opportunity to workshop an idea or a newly-created play away from the spotlight of their more familiar residences. In some cases, the writers haven’t heard their work read aloud, and having a professional director and actors gathered around the table sharing their talents is an incredible gift to the playwright.”

The finalists were selected by a corps of volunteer readers from a pool of 150 blind submissions. Upon submission, information about the playwright is redacted from the script to ensure anonymity.

Tickets to attend staged readings are $15 each, with discounts for multiple shows. Two-show admission is $25; three-show admission is $35. To purchase tickets, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or call the box office at 866-811-4111.

Happenings Magazine

Cultural Park Theater goes ‘Under the Sea’ and visits a haunted house in September

By Michael Moran

The film of The Little Mermaid, which premiered in 1989, was an immediate hit and remains so in the heart of people of all ages. It is a story that Cape Coral’s Cultural Park Theater has wanted to tell. We are proud to open our 20192020 season with The Little Mermaid.

CPT will bring you the full Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. While others in the area have done the junior production at high schools, youth groups and churches, we're the first to do the Broadway production. It just became available, and we asked.

We're so happy to be able to do it.

Directed by Tyler Young and Samantha Pudlin with choreography by Bridey Kearns, Disney's The Little Mermaid features a cast of 36 actors; spectacular costumes and top-notch scenery.

Based on a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Disney's The Little Mermaid tells the story of a beautiful mermaid princess, Ariel, who dreams of becoming human. Ariel falls for Prince Eric and, of course, her dreams of marrying Eric do not easily come about. As is the case in so many fairy tales, there is evil with which to deal, in this case in the form of Sea Witch Ursula.

Songs from the musical (original music was written by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater) include "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl," "She's In Love" and the ever-popular "Under the Sea." The Little Mermaid” is on stage Sept. 13 through Sept. 22.

Next up on Sept. 27 through Oct. 6 is the anxiously awaited Florida premier of Joe Simonelli’s The Ghost in Happenings Magazine

the Meadow.

The Ghost in the Meadow, under the direction of Joy Ursillo, follows two sisters, Sheila and Kylie Roberts, who move from the bustling streets of New York City to a rural country relic of a house.

Three hours away from their previous lives, Sheila hopes to focus on her career as a painter while Kylie tries to understand Sheila’s fascination with the rundown house. Despite the houses decrepit condition, Sheila finds inspiration within the peeling wallpapered walls of the third floor guest room. But when her boyfriend, Julian Shaw, visits for the weekend, despite Sheila’s desired separation, and strange occurrences start happening in her favorite room, poor Sheila finds herself over her head in spooks, apparitions, and complicated relationships.

With the spirit of the forsaken boy appearing in the meadow outback and apparitions lingering outside Sheila’s third story window, not to mention strange noises coming from the locked attic, how is an artist supposed to work? Then, at Julian’s request, arrives Antoinette Owens, psychic extraordinaire, to help them get to the bottom of this country haunting and, hopefully, make it through the weekend.

Cultural Park Theatre Company is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. Tickets cost $22 for adults, and $10 for children under 12, $16, students with ID and $19 for seniors. For further information or to purchase tickets, call 239-7725862.

Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

September 2019 - 7

THEATRE

Florida Rep opens season with tribute to country music icon

Florida Repertory Theatre Heffernan is joined by musical announces the opening of director Alex Shields (Cabaret), set Always...Patsy Cline in the designer Tim Billman (Too ArtStage Studio Theatre to kick Marvelous for Words), costume off its new season. designer Kristina Tollefson (Florida Created and originally directRep debut), sound designer Katie ed by Ted Swindley, Lowe (Million Dollar Quartet) and Always...Patsy Cline plays in the ensemble stage manager Amy intimate 120-seat venue Sept. 27 Massari (Native Gardens). to Nov. 24.

Always...Patsy Cline is already Becky Bethany Gwen Maureen The run features four nearly breaking box office records in the Barta Perkins Heffernan sold-out discounted preview perArtStage Studio Theatre, and the formances Sept. 24 to 26. run is already extended to Nov. 24 This heartfelt and compelling due to overwhelming demand. true story celebrates the most Tickets start at $55 for regular perpopular female country singer in formances and $35 for discounted and Bethany Gwen Perkins as Patsy recording history and is told through the previews. For this musical, on stage cafe Cline, and both New York actresses have eyes of her biggest fan and unlikely best table seating is available for $75, and a history with the musical. Perkins reprisfriend, Louise Seger. Patsy Cline’s legincludes two drinks per person and table es her role after a recent appearance at endary voice and rise to stardom took service. Tickets are available online at The Depot Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y., and America by storm, and from her early perwww.FloridaRep.org and through the box Barta's appearance at Florida Rep marks formances in dusty Texas honky-tonks to office at 239-332-4488. her 30th production of the musical. Barta sell-out concerts at the Grand Ole Opry, Subscriptions are also on sale now has played both Patsy and Louise in proPatsy’s music left an indelible mark on and offer the best seats at the biggest ductions across the country since her country music and American culture. This discount. Packages for six to nine shows appearance in the original Off-Broadway musical tribute features all of her most are now on sale and start as low as $174 production. beloved songs, "Walkin' After Midnight," "I for six plays. The popular six-show Florida Rep ensemble member Fall to Pieces" and the number one Arcade Theatre Rush Pass is now on Maureen Heffernan directs the production Jukebox hit of all time, “Crazy!” sale for $175 and offers the best available after recently helming Florida Rep's The "What a delight to open our new seaseats in the Historic Arcade Theatre 90Miracle Worker, Sylvia and others. son with a musical salute to minutes before any performone of the greatest female ance. Subscriptions are availrecording artists in American able through the box office at music history," said Florida 239-332-4488 or toll-free at Rep artistic director Greg 877-787-8053.

Longenhagen. "This musical Performances are premiered Off-Broadway over Tuesday - Thursday at 7 30 years ago, and it remains p.m., Friday and Saturday at one of the most popular and 8 p.m., and Thursday, most beloved not only Saturday and Sunday at 2 because it's packed with all of p.m.

Patsy's greatest hits, but Again this season, Florida because it is filled with humor, Rep's parking lot will open 2 hope, and is a love-letter to hours before each performthe power of friendship. We've ance and offers guests free also assembled an all-star parking across the street from cast, including one of the origithe Arcade Theatre. nal cast members, Becky Florida Repertory Theatre Barta, who's performed both performs in the Historic roles extensively across the Arcade Theatre and the country since its original New ArtStage Studio Theatre on York run. You are in for a treat Bay St. between Jackson & - if you can get a ticket."

Hendry with limited free parkAlways...Patsy Cline stars ing in the Fort Myers River Becky Barta as Louise Seger District.

8 - September 2019

Happenings Magazine

Southwest Florida 2019-2020 SEASON

THEATRE

Florida Repertory Theatre

239-332-4488 Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers floridarep.org In the Arcade Theatre

The Fox on the Fairway Nov. 1 - 20

Broadway Palm

Artis–Naples

239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com

239-597-1111 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples artisnaples.org

Aug. 22 - Sept. 28

Jan. 1 - 12

Once

Finding Neverland Oct. 3 - Nov. 16

Hamilton

Hello, Dolly!

Feb. 4 - 9

An Inspector Calls

Sounds of Christmas

Come From Away

Jan. 10 - 29

Dec. 29 – Feb. 8

April 14 - 19

Dec. 6 - 20

Barefoot in the Park

A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love & Murder Feb. 14 - March 4

A Dollʼs House, Part 2 March 20 - April 8

Ripcord

April 24 - May 10

In the ArtStage Studio Theatre

Always ... Patsy Cline Sept. 27 - Nov. 24

Alabaster

Dec. 20 - Jan. 26

Every Brilliant Thing Feb. 28 - March 29

10 - September 2019

Nov. 21 – Dec. 25

Grumpy Old Men Kinky Boots

Feb. 13 – April 4

Something Rotten April 9 – May 16

Swing

May 21 – June 20

The Sound of Music June 25 – Aug. 8

Lehigh Publick Theatre

donatocolucci43@gmail.com

The Comedy of Errors Nov. 11 - 23 Veterans Park, Lehigh

March 24 - 29

A Bronx Tale

Off Broadway Palm 239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com

Dames at Sea Sept. 19 - Nov. 2

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Paly Nov. 14 - Dec. 25

Weekend Comedy Jan. 9 – Feb. 22

Always a Bridesmaid Feb. 27 – April 19

Love, Sex and the IRS June 4 - July 26

Happenings Magazine

Naples Players 239-263-7990 701 5th Ave. S, Naples naplesplayers.org In Blackburn Hall

Mamma Mia!

June 26 - July 28

The Great Gatsby Oct. 2 - 27

TheatreZone

1-888-966-3352 13275 Livingston Road, Naples www.theatre.zone

Home for the Holidays Dec. 13 - 15

Wonderful Town Jan. 9 - 19

She Loves Me

Tonya & Nancy The Rock Opera

Jan. 15 - Feb. 9

March 5 - 15

Nov. 27 - Dec. 22

Making God Laugh Bye Bye Birdie March 4 - April 5

Calendar Girls April 29 - May 24

In the Tobye Studio

Escanaba in Da Moonlight Oct. 23 - Nov. 17

Silent Sky

Feb. 5 - March 1

Becky始s New Car April 1 - 26

The Studio Players 239-398-9192 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples thestudioplayers.com

Venus in Fur

Aug. 23 - Sept. 8

Church & State Oct. 4 - 20

Three One-Act Comedies Nov. 22 - Dec. 8

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Feb. 21 - March 15

The Waverly Gallery April 10 - 26

Happenings Magazine

Feb. 8 - 16

Gypsy

I Love My Wife April 16 - 26

Gulfshore Playhouse

1-866-811-4111 755 8th Ave S, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Bedlam始s Saint Joan Oct. 19 - Nov. 3

It始s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Nov. 16 - Dec. 29

Native Gardens Jan. 11 - Feb. 2

The Lady Demands Satisfaction Feb. 15 - March 15

The Lion in Winter March 28 - April 19

The Niceties May 2 - 17

Happenings Magazine

PRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL

Laboratory Theater of Florida 239-218-0481 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida.org

The Crucible

Sept. 20 - Oct. 12

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man Oct. 25 - Nov. 16

Let Nothing You Dismay Dec. 6 - 22

A Guy, a Girl, A Piano Jan. 3 - 5

Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody Jan. 17 - Feb. 8

How to Transcend a Happy Marriage Feb. 21 - March 14

In the Heights

March 27 - April 18

Kehilla

April 26 - 30

FGCU Theatre

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers 239-745-4268 fgcu.edu/theatrelab

Mystery Cycles Oct. 25 - Nov. 3

Water Stories Dec. 6 - 8

The Importance of Being Earnest Feb. 14 - 23

Charlotte始s Web April 17 - 26

September 2019 - 11

THEATRE SEASON PREVIEW

New Phoenix Theatre

13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214 newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org

The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 10 - Nov. 3

Inspecting Carol Dec. 5 - 22

Venice Theatre

941-488-1115 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice venicestage.com

The Jungle Book Sept. 6 - 15

Born Yesterday Sept. 20 - Oct. 6

The Bikinis

Time Stands Still

Sept. 27 - Oct. 20

Feb. 27 - March 20

Good People

Jan. 16 - Feb. 2

The Full Monty

Lips Together, Teeth Apart April 16 - May 3

Meteor Shower May 28 - June 14

Firehouse Community Theatre 863-675-3066 241 N. Bridge St, LaBelle firehousecommunitytheatre.com

Four Old Broads Nov. 1 - 10

Theatre Conspiracy 239-936-3239 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers theatreconspiracy.org

Harvey

Aug. 15 - 25

Engagement Rules Sept. 20 - Oct. 6

ItĘźs a Beautiful Wound Sept. 23

Mamma Mia!

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche

Nov. 1 - 17

Jan. 16 - 26

Oct. 25 - Dec. 1

Assisted Living the musical Nov. 29 - Dec. 22

A Christmas Carol Dec. 13 - 21

Gulf View Drive Jan 10 - 26

Menopause the musical Jan. 10 - Feb. 2

Yard Sale

Feb. 7 - March 8

Guys and Dolls

Oct. 24 - Nov. 3

The Mountaintop

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Feb. 13 - 23

King Hedley II March 5 - 15

The Roommate May 7 - 17

Ghostbird Theatre Company

Feb. 21 - March 22

Various Venues ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org

Nunsense

March 27 - April 19

Aug. 1 - 10

Feb. 7 - 16

Blackbird

Thistleto Cabaret

May 15 - 24

March 1

A Nice Family Christmas Dec. 6 - 15

Jan. 10 - 19

Hamlet

Chicago

Butterflies are Free

April 17 - May 3

March 13 - 22

Matilda the musical

Til Beth Do Us Part

A Murder Has Been Renounced April 17 - 26

12 - September 2019

May 1 - 17

3 by James Brock October House Oct. 31 - Nov. 9 Dec. 17

24 Hour Festival

Ori by Barry Cavin April

Happenings Magazine

Charlotte Players: Langdon Playhouse

941-255-1022 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte charlotteplayers.org

Don始t Dress for Dinner Sept. 6 - 15

Mama Won始t Fly Oct. 10 - 20

Jack of Diamonds Nov. 7 - 17

Driving Miss Daisy Jan. 8 - 19

My Husband始s Wild Desires Almost Drove Me Mad Feb. 7 - 23

Proposals

March 12 - 29

Baggage

April 16 - 26

Wedding Belles May 15 - 24

Barbara B. Mann

Performing Arts Hall 239-481-4849 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers bbmannpah.com

Hamilton

Jan. 14 - 26

CATS

Feb. 18 - 23

Marco Players

239-642-7270 1089 N Collier Blvd #432, Marco themarcoplayers.com

Old Ringers

239-495-8989 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita artcenterbonita.org

Nov. 20 - Dec. 8

Stage It Play Festival

Oct. 16 - Nov. 3

A Doublewide, Texas Christmas

The Dixie Swim Club Jan. 2 - 19

Tango at Two-Thirty Feb. 5 - 23

Come From Away April 21 - 26

Happenings Magazine

Cultural Park Theater

April 15 - May 3

Sept. 13 - 22

Sylvia

Murder Mystery Dinner Train 239-275-8487 Colonial Station, Fort Myers semgulf.com

For Whom the Siren Wails July 5 - Sept. 7

The Murderer as Red as Blood Aug. 7 - Oct. 13

Viva Las Killer Sept. 13 - Nov. 23

Murder Wrap

Oct. 16 - Nov. 28

Dec. 26 - March 8

April 7 - 12

March 20 - 22

March 11 - 29

April 1 - 5

Waitress

Oct. 24 - 27

239-772-5862 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral culturalparktheater.com

The White Christmas Killer

Escape to Margaritaville

Cause and Affection

Born Yesterday

Miss Saigon March 10 - 15

Center for Performing Arts

Nov. 29 - Dec. 24

In the Dead of Noir Sing Me a Murder Jan. 24 - April 18

Dead and Deader March 11 - May 17

The Little Mermaid

The Ghost in the Meadow Sept. 27 - Oct. 6

On Golden Pond Oct. 25 - Nov. 3

Spectacular Christmas Dec. 11 - 15

Nunsense Jan. 10 - 19

Same Time Next Year Feb. 7 - 16

Urinetown

Feb. 28 - March 8

The Owl & Pussycat March 20 - 29

Nana始s Naughty Knickers April 3 - 12

A Passage to Ireland April 24 - May 3

Happenings Magazine PRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL

September 2019 - 13

THEATRE

The Crucible Pictured are (back, rom left) Isabel Isenhower and Ruthgena Augustin; (front, from left) Emmie Spiller, Kinley Gomez, and Madeline Brown.

Laboratory Theater opens season with Arthur Miller’s The Crucible will open the 11th season at The Laboratory Theater of Florida Sept. 20. Not only is The Crucible the season opener, but it marks a milestone as the 100th production put on by the theater.

Things take a deadly turn when Reverend Parris finds a number of young women inappropriately dancing in the forest.

To save themselves from punishment, they claim they’ve been bewitched by various townspeople. Once these girls, who have never had any voice or control, get a taste of the power that their claims wield, is there anything they won’t do to get everything they desire?

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is as relevant today as it was when it was first released in 1953, not long after the playwright had himself had been accused of un-American activities and communism by the McCarthy Commission. One of the original theater reviewers offered up this tidbit when asked his thoughts: “Arthur Miller’s The Crucible...is one of the great plays of American theater. A powerful and searing indictment of bigotry and ignorance, its depiction of the Salem Witch Trials of exactly 260 years ago is inescapably applicable to events today,” wrote Robert Hilliard, a Brooklyn Daily drama critic in 1953. (reaffirmed 2019.)

14 - September 2019

Assistant director Kendra Weaver says, “The theme of this play can be paralleled to any time frame, whether is 1692 or 2019.

The Crucible is now!!"

Artistic director Annette Trossbach adds, “I would like to thank Robert Hilliard for his guidance and urging for the theater to produce this award-winning play by Arthur Miller. It is a great honor and a challenge to direct such a seminal, time-honored,and award-winning show. It has dramatic, supernatural, heart-wrenching, comedic, and profound moments that are expertly woven into a story that continues to have meaningful impact in our modern times. I am blessed to be working with an outrageously talented cast and crew, each member of which had this play in his or her bucket list.”

The play features Steven Coe, Imani Williams, Paul Graffy, Melanie Payne, TJ Albertson, Kinley Gomez, Casey Davis, Lauren Miller, Todd Lyman, Ruthgena Augustin, Patrick Ashton, Art Keen, Daniel Sabiston, Heather Johnson, Mike Dinko, Corey Kane, Isabel Isenhower, Elizabeth Mora, Emmie Spiller, and Tamicka Armstrong.

Directed by Annette Trossbach, the production team also includes assistant directors Rachel Burttram Powers and Kendra

Weaver, stage manager Misha Ritter Polomsky, set designer Michael Eyth, light and sound designer Jonathan Johnson, costume designer Kristen Wilson and stage combat by Annette Trossbach.

There will be an opening night reception starting at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, courtesy of Publix. For teens, there will be a cast and crew meet & greet with pizza generously donated by Downtown House of Pizza starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, followed by a complimentary performance for the teenagers. Reservations are required. There will be an audience talkback immediately after the performance on Sunday, Sept. 29. Florida teachers are offered buy-one-get-one tickets for this production, and teachers are urged to call 239218-0481 to make their reservations.

The Crucible plays from Sept. 20 – Oct. 12. Performance dates are Sept. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and Oct. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 12 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 20192020 season pass. For more info, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or 1634 Woodford Ave. in the River District.

Happenings Magazine

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

The 502’s

Grant Peeples

SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 14

Carlene Thissen opens

David Hintz opens

ACMA Songwriters Showcase at The Barrel Room SEPTEMBER 24

Cliff Eberhardt

Friction Farm

OCTOBER 5

OCTOBER 12

Louise Mosrie opens

Mike Laureanno Keith Parker opens

OCTOBER 19

Paul Phillips opens

Doors open 6:30 p.m.

Show 7 p.m.

Shows at All Faiths Unitarian Cong., 2756 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers info 239-691-4069 www.AmericanACMA.org $15 donation at door

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 15

THEATRE

September means comedy for the Charlotte Players If you find yourself on the floor on Friday, Sept.13, don’t blame Jason or any Friday the 13th superstition. Instead, the reason will be Comedy for a Cause, and the floor will be at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center.

The hilarious fundraising evening returns for the seventh time with a new chair and a new cast of Community Business Leaders now rehearsing for the night of improv in the style of “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Charlotte County Commissioner Dr. Chris Constance returns as director.

The cast members are: • Jesse Cantwell – Life Care Center business development director • Bill Gladwell – Entertainer, speaker, trainer • Mike Hearn – Publisher of Florida Weekly • Chuck Matos – R.N. at Bayfront Health • Mike Moody – Sales manager at Sun Broadcasting, Inc. • Kim Seals Parks – Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce • Kelly Rittenhouse-Pomerville – Charlotte Behavior Health Care director of marketing and public relations • Amanda Stahl-Stacey – Trilogy Home Health The event benefits the Charlotte Players many programs, including the Charlotte County Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Kids OnStage. A Silent Auction, prize drawings and character photo spots will be part of the festivities.

Marie LaBrosse, who created the night of improvisational comedy, stepped down as chair of the event. Fortunately, prominent local photographer Steve Lineberry stepped up as Marie’s replacement.

“Marie did a fantastic job over the last six years, as Comedy for a Cause grew more popular and successful year after year,” said Charlotte Players executive director Sherrie Moody. “With Marie scaling back on some of her impressive community involvement, we’re delighted that Steve has stepped up and taken over the program.”

VIP tickets at $85 include dinner table seating and show tickets.

Show only tickets are $30. Tickets are available online at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling the office at 941-255-1022. The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center is at 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Due to the improvisational nature of the show, it has been rated for adults only.

The Charlotte Players laughs actually begin a week earlier, on Sept. 6, when the 2019-20 theatrical season begins with Don’t Dress for Dinner.

Directed by Ken Crisp, the slapstick comedy, will have eight performances at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. The play demonstrates how lies and deceit can turn a relaxing weekend away into a catastrophe, with multiple alleged affairs, cooks and cooks, mistresses, miscommunication and bribery. Crisp says the cast can hardly make it through a rehearsal without breaking up.

Mentalist Bill Gladwell brings his show to the Langdon Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.

Gladwell is not a mind-reader, psychic or magician. He calls himself a “thought-reader,” having mastered the unique art of reading and influencing people. Tickets for Gladwell’s show are $22, and Don’t Dress for Dinner tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students. Tickets for all Charlotte Players productions are available at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

September wraps up with auditions for another comedy, Jack of Diamonds. Director Jenni Elliott will see actors at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, and Monday, Sept. 23, at the Langdon. This play involves four residents of a retirement home who have had their life savings stolen by a smooth-talking financial advisor. Pandemonium ensues as the four retirees try to find a way to exact their revenge, recoup their losses and keep the authorities from discovering their plans.

OFF BROADWAY PALM THEATRE

Dames at Sea opens Sept. 19

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents Dames At Sea playing Sept. 19 through Nov. 2.

This long-running Off Broadway production that brought stardom to Bernadette Peters is a campy show based on the nostalgia of Hollywood musicals of the ‘30s. The New York Times called it “A Winner! A gem of a musical!”

Sami Amy Victor Dames at Sea is a tap-happy Doherty McCleary Legarreta musical parody of the golden era of Hollywood musicals. Ruby heads to New York to become the next becomes sick, Ruby has the chance to Broadway star, but after landing a job in the jump in and save the day. chorus, her dreams are almost shattered Directing Dames at Sea is the Off when the theatre is set for demolition. With Broadway Palm’s artistic director Paul the help of two sailors, the show is moved Bernier, and choreography is by Amy Marie to their ship and when the leading lady McCleary.

16 - September 2019

The cast includes Broadway Palm favorites Sami Doherty as Joan, Amy Marie McCleary as Mona and Victor Legarreta as Hennessey/Captain. Also in the performance will be Shannon Conboy, Daniel Fetter and AJ Foggiano.

The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $42 to $62 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 2784422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 17

THEATRE

Once on stage

at Broadway Palm

Once, the musical that broke new ground on Broadway, is on stage now through Sept. 28 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers.

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. The musical is based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film of the same name which was written and directed by John Carney, and starred Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, with original music and lyrics by Hansard and Irglová.

Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments on stage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. It’s emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, and Once draws you in from the very first note. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us. This tour will include the preshow onstage bar atmosphere where the performers play random selections each night, and the audience can be on stage with their drinks and interact with the musicians.

J. Michael Zygo, who performed in the Broadway production as the Emcee, will be recreating the original staging and movement by John Tiffany and Steven Hoggett, respectively. As an original Broadway and Off-Broadway cast member, he feels a special attachment to the incredible work realized by the original cast and creative team. Zygo’s recent credits include director of Once at Pittsburgh CLO, music director / associate choreographer of Once at The 18 - September 2019

Fulton Theatre / Virginia Repertory Theatre. He was also featured on the Grammy Award winning cast album of Once.

The cast is led by Jack Gerhard as Guy and Mariah Lotz as Girl.

Jack is a recent graduate of Rider University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Previous regional credits include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan. Mariah is also a graduate of Rider University and has premiered numerous new shows in New York and was part of the Rising Star program at Fifth Avenue Theatre. The ensemble includes Todd Aulwurm (Bank Manager/Cello/Guitar), Carrie Lyn Brandon (Swing), Carlos Castillo (Andrej/Guitar/Bass Guitar/Ukulele), Trevor Craft (Svec/Mandolin/ Guitar/Drums/Banjo), Richard Daniel (Da/Mandolin), Elleon Dobias (Ex Girlfriend/ Violin), Emily Gregonis (Reza/Violin), Caleb Hartsfield (Emcee/Guitar), Jody Alan Lee (Swing), Sam Saint Ours (Swing), Jon Patrick Penick (Billy/Guitar), Marta Rymer (Swing), Matthew Staley (Eamon/Guitar/Piano/Cajon) and Tracy Thomas (Baruska/Accordian).

The production features scenic and costume design by Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (Aida, An American in Paris, Carousel, Mary Poppins) with additional designs by Southwest Florida BroadwayWorld winner Evan Adamson (Mamma Mia), lighting design by Russell A. Thompson (international tour of The Wizard of Oz, US tours Million Dollar Quartet, Fiddler on the Roof) and sound design by David Temby (Clearwing Productions/national tour of Memphis).

After its run at Broadway Palm, the traveling portion of the tour begins at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers on Oct. 5. Once is produced by APEX Touring.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

The

Ghost in the

Meadow

SEPTEMBER 13 - 22

SEPTEMBER 27 to OCTOBER 6

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

Enroll Now for

2019-2020 BROADWAY SERIES

Children & Adults

FALL Classes Broadway Babies (ages 4 - 7) Starts Sept. 14

Musical Theater (ages 7 - 16) Starts Sept. 11

October 25 to November 3

December 11 - 15

Broadway Song & Dance (10 & up) Starts Sept. 10

January 10 - 19

February 7 - 16

Adult Acting (17 & up) Starts Sept. 9

Advanced Adult Acting (17 & up) Starts Sept. 12

Taking applications for

Technical Director February 28 to March 8

March 20 - 29

April 24 to May 3

April 3 - 12

TICKETS: adults $22 • seniors $19 students $16 • children under 12 $10

ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW

CULTURAL PARK THEATER 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Technical Director is responsible for all activities surrounding the technical requirements of main stage productions and special events. Reports To: Executive Director.

SUPERVISES: Production volunteers HOURS: Part-Time, flexible schedule, nights and weekends required.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and education.

CPTC entertains thousands of patrons each year and produces 10 productions from September through May, with a 6 production concert series and a 6 production Summer Series.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and sample portfolio pictures (if available) via mail or email to: Michael Moran, Executive Director 528 Cultural Park Blvd. 33990 or email to moranftmyrs@aol.com Equal Opportunity Employer.

ART

Four Cuban American artists

at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center has two new exhibits opening during Art Walk on Sept. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. and showing through Sept. 26.

On display in the main gallery is Motus en Tempus, a captivating exhibition featuring the work of four Cuban American artists united by their culture and heritage.

In the Capital Gallery upstairs, Through Their Eyes will feature 36 local artists capturing one another in portraits, ranging in a wide variety of styles.

The creative legacy featured in Motus in Tempus is a statement of unification, evolution, and fearless expression. This exciting and captivating exhibition features the work of four Cuban American artists, Dayron Gonzalez, Julio Figueroa Beltran, Reynier Ferrer and Reynier Llanes, united by their culture and heritage and the realities of immigration and assimilation into a new culture. These artists approach painting as their personal language, their poetics have a deep relationship with the common per-

Julio Figueroa Beltran 20 - September 2019

Reynier Llanes

sonal stories of the past in Cuba, and the political and cultural connotations of all who have left their homeland. These artists show paintings of strong expressive character that denote beauty from an unorthodox perspective inviting us to meditate and reflect.

One can examine in Motus in Tempus that their need to express comes from an emotional response to their realities. These often portrayed in their works through human figures, animals, abstractions and distortions.

Subjects include universal themes such as fantasy, spirituality, history, philosophy, humor, violence, social customs, and nature. The strong use of metaphor lies in the core of this exhibition as the most eminently unifying theme, we can experience each artist’s personal reflection depicted through their subjects and choice of medium. Their works showcase a variety of mediums including oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, coffee, and bleach.

In the show Through Their Eyes, artists sought to capture the spirit of an individual, so that they may be seen through a creative lens as something transcendent. Portraiture has become an inclusive genre for a wide variety of media, from traditional painting to sculp-

ture to photography. "Ever since the advent of artistic endeavor, portraiture has been vital to its evolution.

The depiction of individuals was of great importance to posterity, especially early in human history before one had mirrors or reflective materials to see oneself accurately. Yet, the art of portraiture has evolved beyond a simple realistic depiction of a person, beyond religious iconographs and beyond royal families.

In this exhibition, 36 local artists specializing in a wide variety of styles and media have captured one another in their own unique fashion.

Each artist will create a work of art featuring a randomly selected fellow artist, in order to present their own inimitable perspective – through their eyes. Both exhibitions are curated by Cesar Aguilera.

Admission to te exhibits is a $1 donation. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933.

Daniel Venditti Happenings Magazine

Neenie’s House to open Love Your Rebellion Zine Library in the East Palm neighborhood

Fort Myers Zine Fest Oct. 19

Love Your Rebellion celeare seeing a resurgence among brates the grand opening of artists and writers who are tired the Zine Library at Neenie’s of mass market publishing.

House on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Celebrate the grand openThe Love Your Rebellion ing of the LYR Zine Library at Zine Library will feature DIY Neenie’s House on Oct. 19 artist and writing books from all from noon to 5 p.m. LYR and over the country that will be Neenie’s House will host the kept in a permanent collection Fort Myers Zine Fest featuring at Neenie’s House. zine vendors from all over the Neenie’s House owner state selling their original art Janeen Vanko and Love Your and writing books, plus original Rebellion founder Angela Page artists and food and beverage teamed up to create more vendors. Also enjoy DJs spinaccess to art and writing in the ning all day long, readings East Palm neighborhood. The from zine makers, and the Zine Library will provide the unveiling of the LYR Zine East Palm community a public Library murals. For more info library of small press art and about the Love Your Rebellion writing books. Guests to the Zine Library, visit www.loveylibrary can browse the catalog ourrebellion.org/lyr-zine-library. free of charge and even purFor more about Neenie’s chase certain titles. The zines House, visit online at will be purchased by Neenie’s www.neenieshouse.com.

House from small press distribNeenie’s House is located utors and directly from zine at 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers. makers. The LYR Zine Library is the first of its kind in Southwest Florida.

Zines are a do-itNeenie's House presents the yourself magazines or East Palm Mercado featuring Alice books that showcase art and/or writing. They & Rose Boutique, Diane's Garden range in size, content, of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream and subject matter, but Creations by Vilma, fleamarket, they all have one thing in garage sale, items, plants, art, jewcommon: they’re a elry and produce. Sellers inside & method of self-publicaoutside. Booth space available for tion. Zines have been $10. 224-678-4901 around since the 1960s, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., rain or shine. but were popularized in 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers the 1990s. Today, zines

Mercado every Saturday & Sunday

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 21

ART

Tattoo artist Mully featured at DAAS Co-Op Gallery

In the month of September, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts features the work of visual and tattoo artist Mully. The artist, originally from Braintree, Mass., moved to Florida in 2003 to pursue his artistic career.

The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 28.

Mully has been producing fine art painting since 2007.

He has a refined, yet loose approach to all his art, creating his own recognizable style full of many drips, a bit of chaos, or what he considers “happy little accidents” - quoting the iconic painter Bob Ross. The artist enjoys using acrylic paint, combined with a plethora of mixed media materials to give each piece different contrast and textures, giving each piece its own uniqueness.

Before exploring his artistic talents, Mully studied business management and worked in the financial field as an accountant.

He immediately recognized that the corporate world was not for him and sought the opportunity to become a tattoo artist. This lead to a career, which allowed him to produce fine art and experiment with multiple mediums. “First, came wood burning and then painting with acrylics and oils.”

– says the artist, who finds the use of various mediums as the outlet for his creativity. “I think it is important to stay in a creative mindset and be inspired by bringing what I learn from each medium to my paintings,” adds Mully, whose artwork style ranges from tattoo inspired, to classical portraiture and figurative work.

More information about Mully can be found at www.mullytattoo.com.

DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815 Fowler St., Unit 3, in Fort Myers. New business hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm.

The gallery also opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 10 am to 3 pm. More information can be found at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.

Shop Hop event returns to Gardner’s Park Sept. 14

It started last year in the Gardner’s Park area. The Shop Hop returns, now with more shops, giveaways, surprises and more. This year, three lucky guests will win a fantastic basket full of exquisite products from the participating venues. Just as last year’s event, a District Passport will be provided to every visitor and their mission is to visit as many shops as possible, in order to enter the contest.

The 2019 Shop Hop is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Joy Schwartz, owner of Shoppe Around the Corner, created the event in 2018 and hopes to make it a yearly partnership between the businesses of the area. “We had a tremendous success during the first event and we want to make it even better this year,” says Schwartz.

Sophisticated Seconds store owner Jennifer Jahn is excited to be part of the event this year. “Last year, so many shoppers stated they had no idea such cute shops were available in the area. The Shop Hop definitely spreads the word about the unique stores in the Gardner's Park district.” – states Jahn, 22 - September 2019

who features an exquisite artist up-cycled and consignment shopping experience at her store, located on Fowler Street. “Our newest arrival is the Jolie Line of paints and supplies and we also carry Sweet Pea Naturals soaps, candles & lotions, clothing, shoes, jewelry, furniture and home décor.”

The popular Remedies Parlor will also be headlining the event this year. This boutique and wine bar is one of the neighborhood’s favorites. For this event, owner Tyna Swingler is offering a free gift with purchase. Also, the famous Buddha Blends food truck will be offering their scrumptious selections in their garden.

One of the newest shops in the block is DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts. As the only art gallery in the district, their inventory is filled with amazing creations by working emerging and established artists living in southwest Florida. For the Shop Hop event, the gallery will offer refreshments, special discounts and gifts with every purchase. “We heard about the event last year and knew that once we relocated to Gardner’s Park, we wanted to be

part of it,” says co-founder and vice president Xavier Brignoni. “Since moving our gallery to this area, we’ve had nothing but great experiences and we look forward to this and many more collaborative events.”

The 2019 Shop Hop venues are Thrifty Garden, Remedies Parlor, Shoppe Around the Corner, Sirena del Sol, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, Bullig Coffee and Bites, Rust Never Sleeps, Florida Native Butterfly Society, Sophisticated Seconds, Belle Fille, Wisteria Tea Room and Millennial Brewing Company – all located in the Garners Park District of Fort Myers. The event Passports can be obtained at any of the participating venues, on the day of the event. No purchase is necessary to participate in the contest, but a visit to all the shops is encouraged.

The Gardner’s Park District is bordered by the Caloosahatchee River to the North, Fowler Street to the West, Park and Evans Avenue to the East and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the south, all within a minute from Downtown Fort Myers. For more information about the area, visit garnerspark.com.

Happenings Magazine

Selections from Permanent

Collection opens at FGCU

Open to Interpretation: Selections from the Permanent Collection will be on display at the Wasmer Art Gallery at FGCU Aug. 29 – Oct. 3.

A reception and curators' talk will take place Thursday, Aug. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m.

In celebration of new donations to the FGCU Art Galleries, guest curators were asked to activate the FGCU Permanent Collection through their own lens. Open to Interpretation provides insight into how the collection has been formed and is Mally Khorasantchi, being used. The exhiRoots of Feeling VIII, 2015 bition has three parts; Recent Gifts, Three Rooms, and Unexpected Forms. displayed in his home.

Recent Gifts features The 18 artworks are a artists who have recently small selection of Feir’s exhibited at FGCU such as bequest to the Permanent Jen Ray, Mally Khorasantchi Collection. Unexpected and Linda Hall. On display is Forms is a selection of works also a new sculpture by from the Permanent Nancy Wilkins and a print by Collection curated by FGCU Édouard Manet from a gift by Art major, Farrah Alkhadra.

Edwin L. and Marlene Lyons Artists in the exhibition to the FGCU Library Archives include Tom Nakashima, and Special Collections.

Arturo Alonzo Sandoval and Three Rooms are three Joyce Crain. arrangements of artworks For more info, call 239that mimic how art collector 590-7199 or visit Robert Feir has the works www.fgcu.edu/artgalleries

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September 2019 - 23

ART

Two shows on display at Naples Art

By Aimee Schlehr September at Naples Art is all about celebrating local artists with the beloved and completely unique Your Choice 2019 and ARTScool exhibitions, while also gearing up for season.

The Your Choice 2019 exhibition provides an opportunity for 80 exhibiting artists to present their artwork to a large audience with no jury process requirement.

Artists and viewers alike decided the winners by casting their vote in a true-to-form election setup overseen by the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office, who named Naples Art as a special precinct for the reception held in August. Each of the artists has delivered an original piece of artEmily Allain work to Naples Art for the event Denise Cummings and were listed as “candidates” on an official ballot. Visit Naples Art to see the exhibition and learn who the winners of the official election London, England, the art world center in the mid 1970s. He was were. The exhibition is sponsored by Jean Devine, Moran Wealth accepted with a four-year scholarship to the Royal Academy of Arts Management, The Naples Daily News and Spotlight Magazine. in London in 1975 and within the next few years he would meet peoThe Your Choice 2019 exhibition continues through Sept. 25 at ple like the Astors and great art collectors like Paul Mellon.

Naples Art, 585 Park St., and is free and open to the public, Monday For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.NaplesArt.org. through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dinner with Artists series is sponsored by éBella Magazine, Florida Also showing is the ARTScool curated exhibition. This exhibition Weekly, Happenings Magazine, Spotlight Magazine, Dragon Horse highlights the extraordinary accomplishments of our young budding Ad Agency, 90.1 WGCU, WAVV 101.1, 96.9 WINK FM, FOX News artists that attended our annual summer program ARTScool. Our 92.5, and Sunny 106. young and adored ARTScool Intern David Paul curated the ARTScool Naples Art is having a call for artists for the 53rd Founders exhibition. He is a long-time participant in the ARTScool program. “I Exhibition, a national juried awarded exhibition honoring the founding started ARTScool classes when I was 7 years old,” said David Paul. of the Naples Art Association in 1954. The exhibition will be on view “Once I turned 15, I became an ARTScool intern. When senior year from Dec. 6 - Jan. 9 and is open to all media, subject matter and rolled around, I began to think last summer might have been the last genres of artwork. Cash awards total $3,500. Enter one or two origitime I got to be at Naples Art. Then I remembered the opportunity nal artworks. Deadline is Oct. 7. Go to naplesart.org for more inforavailable to high school students when they graduate which is to mation or to apply. become the ARTScool Head Intern and so I went for it.” The Naples Art prides itself in continuing to offer a sought-after array ARTScool exhibition is on view now through Sept. 19 at Naples Art. of art instruction for beginners, hobbyists and advanced practitioners.

In October, we host our first in a series of three Dinner with Artists We offer more than 200 professional studio classes and workshops - Oct. 23 at Alexander’s restaurant featuring Chef Alexander himself in painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, glass, jewelry, and more and internationally recognized artist Marco Bronzini. for adults and youth, all taught by seasoned professional artist Chef Alexander Bernard, founder and owner of Alexander’s instructors. Register for classes online.

Restaurant, has been serving his avid folSeveral extraordinary ticketed events lowers from across the globe for more are scheduled in the coming season, the than 25 years. His innovative, farm to famed Scene to be Seen held at the table organic dishes reflect his annual Flexjet private terminal hanger in California sabbaticals and his traditional November, Dinner with Artists in October, European training. The Johnson & Wales January and April and For the Love of Art graduate is known for menu favorites in March. Tickets can be purchased at such phyllo-wrapped fried shrimp, naplesart.org. Naples Art is actively seekmacadamia nut crusted grouper, and ing sponsors to join Happenings seafood risotto with chunks of Maine lobMagazine, éBella Magazine, Florida ster, scallops and shrimp. Classics such Weekly, Spotlight Magazine, Dragon as crispy duck with lingonberries, veal Horse Ad Agency, 90.1 WGCU, WAVV tenderloin and Steak Au Poivre share the 101.1, 96.9 WINK FM, FOX News 92.5, page with pasta and vegetarian dishes. A and Sunny 106 in support of the arts, European-style dining room and an educational programs and these events. award-winning, pet-friendly garden patio For more information, contact Patrick accommodate diners for lunch and dinner.

Blake Renda of Dragon Horse Agency at At age 16, Marco Bronzini was intro305-306-3992 or by email at pbr@dragduced to British sculptor John Skeaping, onhorseagency.com and he went from provincial Beaucaire, Amy Schlehr is CEO and executive his hometown in the South of France, to Val Wright director of the Naples Art Association.

24 - September 2019

Happenings Magazine

Dedicated Artists of SW Florida to exhibit at Cape Coral Library

An exceptional array of two- and three-dimensional work by members of the Dedicated Artists of Southwest Florida Inc. (DASF) will fill the gallery walls and display cases of the Cape Coral Library from Sept. 4 through Oct. 29. This marks the fifth year that the local club of artists will be featured at the library located at 921 SW 39th Terrace, off Mohawk Pkwy.

“We’ve invited these skillful artists back each fall, because the variety of their designs and surfaces on which they paint is so exciting,” explained Monica Rahman, art gallery chair for the Friends of the Library. “And that is no doubt also the reason their annual exhibition is so eagerly anticipated by our regular gallery visitors.”

The Dedicated Artists of Southwest Florida is a local club of 75 members who come from various towns and cities in Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties to attend monthly meetings (held in the Cape Coral Art League building) that feature different painting projects conducted by talented instructors. Mediums may include acrylics, oil, watercolor and colored pencils. For more

Martha Stevenson Happenings Magazine

Madonna Williams information about the club’s meeting schedule, projects and seminars visit their website at www.DASFartists.com.

While an important focus on learning the art of painting is integral to the club, there is also an impressive facet of community outreach. As a 501(c)(3) public charity, DASF philanthropic projects support the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities pop tab collections, a $500 annual scholarship for a Lee County high school senior, a Suitcase Project that provides decorated cases for the Children’s Network of SW Florida and a Memory Box Project that donates handpainted boxes to hospitals for families to hold remembrances of a child lost to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Art exhibitions in the library’s gallery are sponsored by the Friends of Cape Coral Library and are designed to afford local artists the opportunity to share their work in this public forum without fees or commissions.

September 2019 - 25

Del Holt, Pam Trent at ACT Gallery ART

Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will host an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. for its featured artists Del Holt and Pam Trent.

The Wonderful World of Del Holt will be on display in the main gallery.

Del Holt, a fine artist and illustrator, was educated in Sweden, Hawaii, California, Arizona and Ohio. He spent more than 10 years teaching Pam Trent art in Arizona and California, and his impressive body of work includes mural, graphic design projects, album and book covers, furniture, and various painting media.

Holt paints his creatures, which range from dogs, to birds to monkeys, within familiar and almost human settings. His canvases refer to our world, often in whimsical and thought-provoking ways.

Holt’s art can be found in the impressive collections of Malcom Forbes, Jan Goodall, William Paley, John Houseman, and H. David.

Come to ACT Gallery to explore the wonderful world of Del

Holt. Talk with him about his whimsical surrealism…his sense of humor is as great as his art.

In the white gallery will be The Wicked Apple art of Pam Trent. Pam Trent was born and raised in Albuquerque, N.M., and moved to Florida in 2008, then eventually to Fort Myers in 2015.

She created artworks since childhood. Art has been an imperative part of her life forever. She is highly skilled in painting, face painting, body painting, special FX, textiles, Henna, street painting (chalk art).

Some of her accomplishments include an instructor for face painting, Henna and Special FX for the International Face and Body Art Convention, award winner for Advanced Face Painting – International Face and Body Art Convention, instructor for Henna and Special FX for Academy of Glam, body painting artist for Artserve, raw artist winner for Performance Art, body painting for Art Walks the Runway and body painting for Scene to Be Seen.

It is hard to believe but Pam Trent admits that this is her first ever-solo show.

Come talk with Pam Trent and see the diversity in her art. You will be amazed or amused with the Wicked Apple art of Pam Trent.

Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For more details, call 239Del Holt 337-5050.

Color, Black & White exhibits at Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda

A variety of new exhibits are opening in are The Art Guys! View their impressive work be on display Oct. 7 - 31 in the main gallery.

September and later this fall at the Visual Arts Oct. 5 – Nov. 8 at the Visual Arts Center.

The FUN Arts Festival is the annual fall Center in Punta Gorda.

This year will be the 30th and last Harvest exhibit fundraiser celebrating artists of the The possibilities are endless when artists of Art, the Visual Arts Center's annual juried past on display at the Visual Arts Center express themselves through Color, on display exhibit of traditional two-dimensional media.

Nov. 4 – Dec. 4.

Sept. 10 – Oct. 3 at the Visual Arts Center.

The last show will View the Florida Color is splashed Watercolor Society, on across all types of 2D display at the Visual Arts and 3D media, from Center Nov. 12 – Dec. 5 paintings to sculptures, at the Visual Arts Center. pottery, jewelry and The Visual Arts more.

Center's galleries, gift Sometimes it's shop, and art supply store about what you leave are situated across from out. Black and White Fishermen’s Village at will be on display Sept.

210 Maud St. in Punta 10 – Oct. 3 at the Gorda.

Visual Arts Center.

For more info, visit Ralph LaGro, Doug www.visualartcenter.org Carol Wyckoff Jill Lindsay Michalski, David Scott or call 941-639-8810.

26 - September 2019

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 27

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 1

Musical Moments Back to School the Future Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Paul and Renata Rozmus are originally from Poland and graduated from prestigious Katowice Conservatories of Music. Singers, songwriters and instrumentalists, they’ve charted numerous albums all the way to the top. Join Paul and Renata and their band as they take the stage. With different characters in their band, their resulting sound is very original – a unique musical experience, a sweet combination of showmanship, musicianship and originality with a dance edge.

3 - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Once, the musical Now through Sept. 28 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Galaxy Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Pioneer Days Events and Labor Day Parade Sept. 1 – 2 West Dearborn St., Englewood, The festivities will include a parade, diaper derby, eating contests, history tours, car show, cardboard boat races, vendors, food and more. Sun noon - 8 p.m., Mon 8 a.m.-3 p.m. www.englewoodpioneerdays.com New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Dan Meadows, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

MON - 2

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 28 - September 2019

The national tour of Once, the hit musical, is on stage at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers now through Sept. 28. For tickets, call 239-278-4422.

Travelling Exhibition- Small Wonders: Insects in Focus Sept. 2 - Oct. 18 Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs In the air, water, and even under foot, insects inhabit every domain of our daily lives, performing essential functions that balance our fragile ecosystem on earth.

239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Mondays at TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers.

Watch short indie films downtown every first Monday. The house opens for cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. in the Grand Atrium of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com

TUE - 3

Jazz Jam Session Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000

WED - 4

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

Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141

Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

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

Concert on the Lawn: The Woodwork Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples Local favorites, The Woodwork, is a widely acclaimed band with a jazzinfused indie sound composed of his and her harmonies, fingerstyle guitar, classical and Latin jazz bass punctuated by percussion.

6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080

Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 5

Waterfront Music Jam Session Guitar Army at Gilchrist Park 400 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Every thursday night musicians of all kind gather along the Charlotte Harbor waterfront to jam at Punta Gorda’s Guitar Army. Casual, Comfortable, and Cool along the Harbor. Relax and enjoy a diverse eclectic mix of guitar, bluegrass, jazz, folk and country music in a setting. 6 - 10 p.m.

DJ Savage - Music Trivia Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Chamber Music North Naples Church 6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Chamber Music Naples Regional Library 650 Central Ave., Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Top Shelf Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 The Studio Players: Venus in Fur Through Sept. 8 Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples 239-398-9192

Laurie & Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Happenings Magazine

FRI - 6

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Featuring Alice & Rose Boutique, Diane's Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, fleamarket, garage sale, items, plants, art, jewelry, produce.

Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901

Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials.

Rain or shine. 6 -10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Chamber Music Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church 1225 Piper Blvd, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Mully exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers Opening reception, 6 - 10 p.m.

239-590-8645 Joey Fito The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Artists Del Holt and Pam Trent, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk.

239-337-5050 Jerry Seinfeld Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. 239-489-3033 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Sugarhill Gang & Furious5 The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Steepwater Band Center for Performing Arts Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Charlotte Players: Don’t Dress for Dinner Through Sept. 15 Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022

30 - September 2019

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Sept. 7 and 8 JetBlue Park, Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days www.travelingwall.us 239-738-0601 Open to Interpretation: Selections from the Permanent Collection is on display now through Oct. 3 at FGCU Art Galleries. Above is “Logic Array” by Joyce Crain.

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live music featuring Tiki Tom, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Motus en Tempus exhibit Sept. 6 - 26 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers This exciting and captivating exhibition features the work of Cuban American artists united by their culture and heritage and the realities of immigration and assimilation into a new culture. 239-333-1933 Through Their Eyes exhibit Sept. 6 - 26 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 36 local artists specializing in a wide variety of styles and media capture one another in their own unique fashion. Each artist will create a work of art featuring a randomly selected fellow artist, in order to present their own inimitable perspective – through their eyes.

239-333-1933 Frankie Valli tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

The Shape of Things: Carve Stone & Pat Zalisko Sept. 6 – 28 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Spark your imagination. Enter the abstract world of shapes in this thought-provoking exhibit of contemporary art forms from intricate, color rich collages and acrylic paintings to graceful carved marble sculpture and silhouettes. There’s a story to be found and to be told in each work of art. Opening reception: Friday, September 6 from 5-7 p.m. Conversational gallery tour with artists: September 7 at 10 a.m. during the Alliance GreenMarket.

239-939-2787 Dr. Hobbs Live in concert Ter-Tini's 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers Dr. Hobbs is a new rock trio that draws its material from the history of the band’s musicians. Dinner and show options available, 7 p.m.

239-277-5475 Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

SAT - 7

Los Rehenes The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839

Family Activity Day Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs Family Activity Day and Opening Reception of the Travelling Exhibition "Small Wonders Insects in Focus."

Art project Insect Terrarium Art, participate in a fun art project for the whole family themed for the exhibition, explore the gallery, take in the art and enjoy light snacks and drinks. It is sure to be a fun time for the whole family. Free of charge. 10 a.m. - noon. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Dr. Hobbs benefit concert Galloway Direct, 15565 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Rock trio featuring Larry Hobbs, Randy Jackson and Steve Luongo.

Bring a canned food items for Community Cooperative for free admission. Food trucks on site. Free concert at 7 p.m. www.gallowaydirect.com Naples Jazz Society Concert Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave, Naples Join us at the Norris Community Center - There’s nothing happier than a toe-tapping Dixieland tune – and nothing sadder than a sorrowful blues. These are truly American culture at its best!

The Naples Jazz Society Inc. favors all sorts of “jazz,” but gives priority to the late 1930s. Our work requires financial support, and we invite you to help us. 1 p.m. www.naplesjazzsociety.com Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Happenings Magazine

TUE - 10

Chamber Music Moorings Park 120 Moorings Park Dr, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900

Chamber Music South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900

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

Jazz Jam Session - 6:30 p.m.

Michael D’Amore - 7 p.m.

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

Atilio Marinelli - 6 p.m.

Alter Ego - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Chamber Music Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 North Fort Myers Library Grand Opening North Fort Myers Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers The ACMA is excited to have the Smokey Daytona Band represent the ACMA at the Grand Opening Celebration of the new North Fort Myers Library. The event starts at 10 a.m. the Smokey Daytona Band performs at 1 p.m. Games, programs and activities for all ages, featuring youth performers and live music! 239-479-4636 ACMA: The 502s in concert with Carlene Thissen ACMA Listening Room @ All Faiths 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Sunny Jim White, Noon-4 p.m. & Singer Bob Schiele, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Happenings Magazine

Chamber Music Trinity By The Cove 553 Galleon Dr, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 The monthly Fort Myers Music Walk takes place the third Friday of every month in downtown Fort Myers, starting at 6 p.m.

Sunset Celebration: Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 80s Night with 80 Caliber Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, Best dressed 80s outfit winner gets free night stay at resort, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Limited Edition Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

Ultimate Reggae Festival Featuring Wayne Wonder Live The Charlotte County Fair, 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte 4 - 11 p.m. 941-500-3720

Blues & Bloods Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Noon - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

SUN - 8

MON - 9

Chamber Music Daniels Pavilion 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

Chamber Music Headquarters Library 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 3 p.m. 239-597-1900

WED - 11

New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Shakespeare Auditions for The Comedy of Errors Sept. 11, 13 and 14 Savior Lutheran Church, 215 Richmond Ave. N., Lehigh Acres Auditions Sept. 11 from 4 – 9 p.m.; Sept. 13 from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.; and Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Performances Nov. 11-23. Send resume, headshot, or email to donatocolucci43@gmail.com Greg Miller & the Tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

September 2019 - 31

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR THU - 12

Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers Enjoy a monthly mystery by solving the family friendly clues while exploring downtown with a chance to win cash prizes! Starting clue card given out at 6 p.m. All players finished by 8 pm entered into the drawing. 6 - 8 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

Evening on 5th 5th Avenue South, Naples An array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of 5th Avenue South, plus dining, shopping and more. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. www. fifthavenuesouth.com Quarter Action The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141

SAT - 14

Electric Car Show Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is hosting a free electric car show. Owners of electric vehicles will be on hand to answer questions and give rides to visitors. The event will take place in the estates overflow parking lots on Larchmont Avenue.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free 239-334-7419

DJ Savage - Music Trivia Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Rod Stewart tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

FRI - 13

Funny Shorts LIVE! Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Five plays will be performed this evening. Each of the plays will be funny. Each of them will be short, with run times of approximately 10minutes each. At least one of the “Funny Shorts” will have been written by a local playwright. Best of all, wearing your own funny shorts is completely optional.

Encouraged, but optional. 7 p.m.

239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 David and Lisa V The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 32 - September 2019

The sixth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs Sept. 20 - 29 in Captiva, downtown Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.

Songwriter Lockwood Barr (above) returns this year to perform on Fort Myers Beach. Download the Island Hopper app for schedules and details. Photo by Jamie Kuser

2019 Comedy for a Cause Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda A cast of Community Business Leaders will perform improv in the venue of "Whose Line is It Anyway?"

This hilarious fundraising evening will benefit the Charlotte Players many programs including the Charlotte County Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Kids OnStage. 6 p.m. 941-833-5444

Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Sept 13 - 22 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Johnny & Patti - 6 p.m.

Girls of Motown - 7 p.m.

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Gulfshore Playhouse: New Works Festival Sept. 13 - 15 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 866-811-4111

The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Featuring Alice & Rose Boutique, Diane's Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, fleamarket, garage sale, items, plants, art, jewelry, produce.

Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dazzling Del Rays Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Gardner's Park Shop Hop Gardner's Park, Downtown Fort Myers · Stop by any one of the shops below to pick up your passport! Get a stamp from at least 14 of the participating businesses, and turn in your completed passport at your last stop for a chance at winning prizes from the participating shops! 10 a.m. 239-590-8645 Happenings Magazine

Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 BBQ Pub Crawl Cape Coral Entertainment District, Cape Coral Don't miss this premiere trolley event! You'll take the trolleys and party buses to 12 awesome locations serving up drink & appetizer samples. Try local staples as well as one-of-a-kind concoctions.

7 p.m. www.southcapeentertainment.com Comedy Night The Naples Players 701 5th Avenue South, Naples Join us one weekend night each month for some of Southwest Florida’s best family-friendly comedy. Featuring Stage 2 Improv, each show will consist of improvisational comedy games and songs from topics suggested by the audience.

Frequently including special guest appearances by local celebrities, each month is an exciting new theme! Be as involved in the show as you’d like, and come back each month for more and more laughs.

8 p.m. 239-263-7990 SummerJazz on the Gulf Concert Series-Ari & The Alibis Naples Beach Hotel 851 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-261-2222 ACMA; Grant Peeples in concert with David Hintz ACMA Listening Room @ All Faiths 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org 22nd Annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival Sept. 14-15 331 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.artfestival.com Live Music and Nick’s Kid Show & Safety Day Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Nick’s Kids Show brings enjoyment and laughter to all ages. The Punta Gorda Police K9 Unit will present demos with “Chase” during Nick’s Kids Show intermissions. “Sparky” the Fire Pup from the PG Fire Department will be available for a meet and greet and photos! Also, balloon creations, magic show, juggler and more. noon-4 p.m.

Highway 1 Trio will be performing 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007

Happenings Magazine

TNP Comedy Nights Tobye Studio Theatre “Trivia Theme Night” The Naples Players 701 5th Avenue S, Naples The Naples Players and Stage2 Improv and Riptide Brewery present TNP Comedy Night one weekend night each month for some of Southwest Florida’s best familyfriendly comedy. Featuring Stage 2 Improv, each show will consist of improvisational comedy games and songs from topics suggested by the audience. Frequently including special guest appearances by local celebrities, each month is an exciting new theme! Be as involved in the show as you’d like and come back each month for more and more laughs. 8 p.m. Tickets $20; 239-263-7990 or NaplesPlayers.org Open Auditions for She Loves Me Naples Players 701 5th Avenue S, Naples The Naples Players is holding open auditions from noon - 4 p.m.

Auditions are free and walk-ins are always welcome!

239-434-7340 ext. 125 or cbutcher@naplesplayers.org The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 SWFL SteamCon Crowne Plaza Hotel 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers Meet authors, brilliant cosplay performers and artists; along with like minded steampunk enthusiasts.

Relish and rejoice in the artistry and talents of musicians Bernwell & DeGraff, For Love or Money & Mark Rossmore's Escape the Clouds.

Shop till your hearts content among the many vendors and crafters awaiting your patronage of their creations and wares. Revel in the steampunk themed activities and contests available for your entertainment – including a Costume Contest, Hamster Wars, Parasol Duelling, Tea Duelling & The Splendid Teapot Race. Admission $10 for ages 13+, ages 4-12 $5.

10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. www.swflsteamcon.com Funny Shorts LIVE! Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts - Moe Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Five plays will be performed. Each of the plays will be funny. Each of them will be short, with run times of approximately 10-minutes each. At least one of the “Funny Shorts” will have been written by a local playwright. 2 - 4 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org September 2019 - 33

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 15

The Crucible Through Oct. 12 Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

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

J Balvin - ARCOIRIS Tour Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454 Laurie & Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

TUE - 17

Jazz Jam Session Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000

WED - 18

Drop the Mic Music Open Mic Night Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Calling all musicians! It’s time to turn the stage over to you. Plug into your local music community for a night of jamming, jiving and jazzing during Drop The Mic! Grab your guitar, vamp up those vocals and hit the stage for a night of talent from local melomaniacs. Seasoned performers and newcomers welcome! Sign-ups are at the door, so slots will be filled first come, first play! Free to attend, but a $5 suggested donation keeps programming affordable and accessible.

7 - 9 p.m.239-939-2787 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

34 - September 2019

Terry Sylvester of The Hollies will perform Sept. 21 at Hinman Auditorium at the Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs. For tickets, call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org

Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141

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

Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Dames at Sea Sept. 19 - Nov. 2 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422

THU - 19

Symphonic Band Concert Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero This concert is free and open to the public. 7:30 p.m. fgcu.edu/concerts Third Thursday Wine Walk Downtown Punta Gorda Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 the downtown merchants bring you live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment through out downtown. We have many restaurants, pubs and places whereby you can duck in and out of the heat or rain. Merchants stay open till 8 p.m. for your shopping pleasure. 5 - 8 p.m. 941-391-4856 Pearl & Sase Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 DJ Savage - Music Trivia Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Disturbed Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7:30 p.m. 239-948-7825 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

FRI - 20

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 20 - 22 Enjoy free shows at intimate venues on Captiva Island www.islandhopperfest.com

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers The River District comes alive on the third Friday of the month as local and regional musicians line the streets. From jazz and blues to rock & roll, many genres can be heard and vary each month. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials.

6 - 10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Jimmy NiteClub - 6 p.m.

Electric Lipstick - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Jory Lyle & Co. The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Lucky Joe The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-985-9839 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Adam Mac, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Julio Iglesias Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Theatre Conspiracy: Engagement Rules Through Oct. 5 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787

SAT - 21

Terry Sylvester of the Hollies Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 - 10 p.m. 239-495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org Happenings Magazine

The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Featuring Alice & Rose Boutique, Diane's Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, fleamarket, garage sale, items, plants, art, jewelry, produce.

Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach, 4-8 p.m., Center court. 941-575-3007

Robert Gonnelli - 6 p.m.

Neil Diamond tribute - 7 p.m.

Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

12th Annual SWFL Peace Day Celebration Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers A community event in honor of the International Day of Peace… a FREE event for the Whole Family, including our Furry Friends! There will be amazing live talent from local musicians, artists, entertainers, gardeners, and unique vendors who amaze you with their creativity and love for our community! FUN for the whole family, with crafts, workshops, activities for kids of all ages, yoga and meditations, sing-alongs, education, key note speakers and more! In addition. there will be food trucks bringing their incredibly delicious vegetarian, vegan and omnivore meals, treats and beverages!

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 239-208-9872

Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Soulicide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Del Prados The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6:30 p.m., 239-995-2141 Naples Jazz Society Concert Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave, Naples Join us at the Norris Community Center - There’s nothing happier than a toe-tapping Dixieland tune – and nothing sadder than a sorrowful blues. These are truly American culture at its best. The Naples Jazz Society Inc. favors all sorts of “jazz,” but gives priority to the late 1930s.

1 p.m. www.naplesjazzsociety.com Lee Brice The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

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

Due to health issues with Gary Owen, Alabama has suspended its 50th anniversary tour. Alabama will not perform Sept. 28 at Hertz Arena in Estero. All tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled show when it is announced. www.hertzarena.com.

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Dinner Dance Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy.

Music by Erich, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

Reservations required, ccscreservations@gmail.com, 813-419-3613 www.capecoralsocialclub.org,

Viva Fort Myers Centennial Park, Downtown Fort Myers This Latin Inspired fiesta is a family event with plenty of entertainment for both adults and children, including a lively Latin Concert and delicious Hispanic foods. Cost of admission is $10 for ages 3+, which includes unlimited kids activities, such as rock wall climbing and inflatables. 2 - 10 p.m. 239-418-1441 www.hispanicchamberflorida.org

Senior Prom Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, $10 per person.

7 - 9 p.m. 239-574-0575

The Sunset Celebration - MFYF Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

SUN - 22

The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Kristian Bush of Sugarland and Gulf Coast Symphony Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com

MON - 23

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 23 - 26 Enjoy free shows at various venues in Downtown Fort Myers www.islandhopperfest.com

September 2019 - 35

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR MON - 23 CONTINUED

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

It’s a Beautiful Wound written and performed by Rich Orloff Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers The true story of Rich’s adventures in underground therapy using MDMA (a.k.a. Ecstasy) and psilocybin mushrooms. These sessions, based on cutting-edge experiments to help people heal from deep psychological wounds, propel Rich beyond his ego and defenses into a journey that both challenges his perceptions and reveals possibilities he never before considered. 7:30 p.m. 239939-2787

Soul System Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

TUE - 24

Jason Baker, marimba Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Ft Myers Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts. 7:30 p.m.

239-745-4268 Jazz Jam Session Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 6:30 p.m., 239-549-3000 ACMA Songwriters Showcase The Barrel Room, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 6 p.m., www.americanacma.org

WED - 25

Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Goldtones Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Captain Paulie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Gone West & Ryan Hurd Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com 36 - September 2019

Wynonna and The Big Noise perform Oct. 26 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee. For tickets, visit www.moreinpaadise.com

THU - 26

Nosotros: Adriana Flores & Felipe Maldonado opening reception ArtLab in the west side of the Library, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-7199 Elvis & more tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Thunder Bay Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141

Hardy with Cody Weaver The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

FRI - 27

SAT - 28

Dane Cook: Tell It Like It Is Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-489-3033

Nosotros: Adriana Flores & Felipe Maldonado Sept. 27-Nov. 7 ArtLab in west side of the Library, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Ft Myers Free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

239-590-7199 or online at fgcu.edu/artgalleries

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

Always ... Patsy Cline Sept 27 - Nov. 24 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-332-4488

Thursday Night L!VE Summer Concert Series!

Bell Tower Shops 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers Center Court, Brian Markley & Co, from 6 - 8 p.m. Be sure to bring the lawn chairs and the entire family, plus enjoy a beer and wine bar for purchase from Grimaldi's! & Remember as always, entry is free!

239-489-1221

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 27 - 29 Enjoy free shows at various venues on Fort Myers Beach www.islandhopperfest.com

DJ Savage - Music Trivia Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

The Ghost in the Meadow Sept. 27 – Oct 6 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Purple Tie Ball The Club at Pelican Preserve, 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers The event will include a live and silent auction, dinner and entertainment by Carla Del Villagio, a Barbara Streisand tribute artist. 6 11 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit purpletieball.com or 239-628-1774 The East Palm Mercado Every Saturday & Sunday Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Featuring Alice & Rose Boutique, Diane's Garden of Bromeliads & Edibles, Ice Cream Creations by Vilma, fleamarket, garage sale, items, plants, art, jewelry, produce.

Sellers inside & outside, booth space available $10. Rain or shine, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

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

Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

The Bare Facts Band Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000.

Tropical Fun-Shine Polynesian Show Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral This Polynesian dance show will have your heart pounding to tantalizing Tahitian beats. Swaying hula dancers will mesmerize you as they tell a story with their hula hands to the music of the islands. Come watch some of the finest Polynesian performers in Southwest Florida.

Luau-type refreshments are included, BYO wine. $25 in advance or $35 at the door (if available) 8 p.m.239-549-4606

Naples Jazz Society Concert Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave, Naples 1 p.m. www.naplesjazzsociety.com Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m., 239-995-2141 Scott Stapp The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Special guest Messer, Sunflower Dead and Emerge. 239-985-9839 Alabama with Don McLean Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Dan Meadows, noon-4 p.m. & Tiki Tom, 5-9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

SUN - 29

Mastersingers Chamber Chorus Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Ft Myers Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and are available at fgcu.edu/concerts. 3 p.m.

239-745-4268 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 4-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Sidewalk Prophets - These Simple Truths Tour Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 7 p.m. 239-472-2684

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Jerrod Niemann & Rodney Atkins Pink Shell Resort, 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 4:30 p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 4 - 8 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 30

Hope by Song Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers The Hope by Song's mission is to help those whose stories of abuse, addiction, homelessness or PTSD have not been heard by inspiring them to tell their stories. Their words are used to create songs of struggle and hope. The songs are used to educate others dealing with similar issues to encourage new, more beneficial ways of thinking about their lives and to foster a greater awareness and a deeper understanding of those in less fortunate situations. 6 p.m. 239-479-4636

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September 2019 - 37

MUSIC

Bridgette Tatum will perform at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest on Captiva Island this year. Above is Bridgette at last yearʼs festival at Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Jamie Kuser

ISLAND HOPPER

Songwriter Fest Sept. 20 - 29 The sixth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns Sept. 20 to Sept. 29 to fill the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel with music and fun at a number of tropical venues.

The festival will take place over 10 days on Southwest Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands and in the historic River District. It’s also a chance for fans to hear popular songs they’ve heard on country radio performed by the actual songwriters. Most of the performances are free.

The festival kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 20 22, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 22 - 26, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 27 - 29.

Headliners this year include Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Gone West, Ryan Hurd and Kristian Bush.

Tickets to these ticketed shows are available on the Island Hopper app.

More than 80 songwriters have been confirmed so far: Angie Keilhauer, Ava Suppelsa, Ayla Lynn, Badger & Rose, Bill Labounty, Bill Metts, Billy McKnight, Bobby Tomberlin, Brandon Kinney, Bridgette Tatum, Bryce Mauldin, Caleb Neff, Cassidy Daniels, Carlene Thissen, Carlo Colasacco, Carly Tefft, Chas Sandford, Clint Daniels, Daniel Ross, Danny Myrick, Dave Pahanish, Dylan Altman, Earl Bud Lee, Even Stevens, Frank Myers, Gabrielle Macafee, Gianna Minichiello, Gary Hannan, Hayden Coffman, Heidi 38 - September 2019

Raye, Hunter Smith, James Gadon, James Slater, Jamie Lee Thurston, Jared Mullins, Jason White, Jenna Paulette, Jim McCormick, Johnny Bulford, Jordan Minton, Joshua Singleton, Joybeth Taylor, Judy Blank, Julianne Ankley, Karleen Watt, Katie Lyon, Keefe Klug, Kennedy Kuntz, Kim Mayfield, Kostas, Kyle Anne, LaLa Deaton, Lance Carpenter, Lena Stone, Lockwood Barr, Madeline Finn, Marie Nofsinger, Mark Mulch, Meg Williams, Megan Linville, Melanie Sandford, Phil O’Donnell, Rachele Lynae, Ray Cerbone, Robert Bidney, Robert Counts, Roscoe & Etta, Roy Schneider, Sam James, Sarah Peacock, Sawyer Fredricks, Sheena Brook, Sheridan Gates, Stephanie Quayle, Striking Matches, Tammy Renee, Tim McGeary and Wynn Varble.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Happenings Magazine is again a partner with the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. Other sponsors include Landshark, Pinchers, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, Victory Layne Chevrolet, DiamondHead Resort, BOSE, Blue Chair Bay Premium Rum and Zoom Tan. For more info and a schedule of performances, visit online at www.islandhopperfest.com.

Happenings Magazine

Meet some more Island Hopper songwriters ...

Since moving to Nashville a few years ago, Rachele Lynae has rapidly earned the respect of her peers and the support of a growing legion of fans. Her high energy stage show spotlights her continual growth as a performer, but it’s the richness of her voice and depth of her songwriting gift that are distinguishing the singer/songwriter from other country newcomers. She has shared stages with Keith Urban, the Band Perry, Kelsea Ballerini, Randy Houser among others, and she’s garnered a 12 million plus audience on country radio.

Rachele Lynae

Sam Williams

Tennessee native Sam Williams is the spitting image of his grandfather, Hank. Sam writes a wide range of music and signed a development and publishing deal with Kobalt Music in 2018.

Growing up on his family’s catalog, as well as 21st century mainstream music, his lyricism and style makes one pay attention to how a lineage of music grows over time. Songs like his next single, “Happy All The Time” leave the listener wondering how history has a way of repeating itself.

Sawyer Fredericks

Singersongwriter Sawyer Fredericks, hailing from his family's farm in central New York, is fast establishing himself as an authentic original, Americana artist with an old soul.

His deep, beyond-his-years lyrics and melodies, raw, soulful vocals, and powerful live performances have attracted an ever growing number of devoted fans of all ages, selling out shows throughout the US. As a folk/blues singer-songwriter, who cut his teeth at local farmers markets, open mics, and iconic New York venues, Sawyer seemed an unlikely match for reality TV, but quickly won over broad audiences with his genuine delivery and unique arrangements of classic songs, going on to win season 8 of NBC's The Voice.

Songwriter fest debuts Nov. 1 - 3 in St. Petersburg

This November, Cox Media Group and BMI will partner to host the first-ever Downtown St. Petersburg Songwriters Festival presented by Funky Buddha Brewery.

The three-day festival will be held Nov. 1 - 3, and will feature some of BMI’s most promising upand-coming songwriters and hitmakers in intimate live music settings at more than 10 venues throughout Downtown St. Petersburg.

The DTSP Songwriters Festival is largely free to the public to attend, with the exception of a few select shows that will feature headlining artists.

So far, artists include Warren Brothers, Aaron Barker, David Fenley, Jann Klose, Jeff Cohen, Jimmy Nash, Maddie Medley, Tim James, Sinclair, Striking Matches, Hank Compton, Liz Cooper, Ella Jet, John Ford Coley, Our Fire, Luke Preston, Lydia Luce, Stela Cole, T Hardy Morris, Marc Scibilia and Joseph Patton For more details, visit online at www.dtspsongwritersfestival.com.

Thinking of Starting a Career in

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Lee Campus, Fort Myers

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For more details 239-432-5203 kelly.o’neil@fsw.edu September 2019 - 39

MUSIC

AMERICA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

The 502s, Grant Peeples, local showcase

Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez.

The Americana Community Music From Woodstock memories to her passion Association has a great lineup for for Immokalee's farm workers, Carlene's September. music will take you back and may even The ACMA provides a venue for local inspire you to go change the world. and touring artists, many are award winGrant Peeples returns to the ACMA ning performers in the Americana/Folk stage on Sept 14. He loves the concept of a community. All shows are in a quiet, intilistening room .... and he has a lot to say. mate setting and every show is a meet His shows are a roiling mix of funny stuff and greet with the artists. YouTube any of and not-funny stuff. He doesn’t do a lot of these artists and be prepared to be love songs. When appropriate...he’s been impressed by the talent that is available to known to play a few “off-color” tunes. you all year round for a cost of a $15 He has made ten studio records, three donation. The headliners are touring live recordings and two poetry books. He “under the wire, should be famous” musitours coast-to-coast, primarily as a solo cians. Each show has a local songwriter artist, but often with a side man. He usually that performs at a professional level open plays festivals with his band The Peeples for the headliner. The ACMA rents the All Republik.

Faiths Congregation on McGregor He lived on a small island off the Miskito Boulevard in Fort Myers for most shows.

Coast of Nicaragua for eleven years. And The ACMA welcomes The 502s on much of what he writes about today is Sept 7. Once again, the high energy indie informed by that experience. Gurf Morlix, folk group will crowd onto the ACMA who has produced Lucinda Williams, Mary stage to bring a little of everything to the Gauthier, Ray Wiley Hubbard, Robert Earl local stage. They were a hit last year, Keen, and Slaid Cleaves---has produced bringing new faces and songs into the four of Grant’s Records, including his most venue. recent, “Settling Scores Vol II” (2018).

"The 502s are a charismatic indie folk Grant Peeples David Hintz opens for Grant Peeples. band from Maitland, Florida and they've David Hintz has been performing and writgot enough energy to take on the world," ing songs since the mid 1960s. For reaaccording to No Depression. sons he will never quite understand, he put away pen and guitar for Listening to their light-hearted gang vocals and buoyant trumpet many years until the early 21st century. So after a 25 year hiatus, lines, you could certainly slap The 502s with an ambiguous indie label.

David was coerced into going to an open mic in Fort Myers. David is a Their loosely boondock, on-the-road-again acoustic tenor makes them local favorite and valued member of the ACMA. David has two CDs: a fit with the Americana crowd. And with their big, open strumming patRode Hard and Put Away Wet (2013) and Out With a Bang (2015). terns, finger-picked banjo, and mildly twangy vocal flair, it would be As part of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, the ACMA will put on easy to call them a folk band, throw on a plaid shirt, and compare them a Sing Songwriter Showcase on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Barrel Room to The Lumineers or The Avett Brothers. in downtown Fort Myers. The ACMA has put together a mix of some of Since 2015, The 502s have taken their swaggering blend of the best local songwriters, touring and non-touring. You will not want to Americana across the USA. The band recently gained an international miss this free show featuring Kim Mayfield, Ray Cerbone, Robert following thanks to a viral Facebook video of their song "What To Do" Bidney, Bill Metts and Roy Schneider. with over 750,000 views. Their album is a heartfelt invitation to good Kim Mayfield started playing music on the family piano at age nine. old-fashioned fun, and they have been celebrating 2018 with a 50-conShe played for herself for years before learning to play with others. As cert tour across 19 US states, the UK, Ireland, Germany and the a member of the trio “Reckless Saints” Kim has picked up guitar and Netherlands. mandolin, as well as learning to play keyboard without “notes.” She is Opening for the 502 is a Carlene Thissen. She is a singer, songin her 11th year of touring nationally and internationally with her huswriter and author from Naples. Her voice reminds us of her influences,

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band and music partner Roy Schneider. Kim was a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition.

Ray Cerbone is one of the founding members of the Fort Myer’s ACMA. Ray began playing guitar during the early ‘70s folk scene.

With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time, his music encompasses many genres, including Americana, folk, blues, ballads, and a little bit of country.

His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is, he does interpretive covers of other great originals by little-known but very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears.

Ray’s recently released CD, How Much Time, has received glowing reviews and is being featured on KEOS Radio in Austin, Texas, 98.1 in S. Florida as well as others.

He has shared the stage with Jaime Michaels, Pierce Pettis, Muriel Anderson, Rebecca Folsom, Jefferson Ross as well as Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield (The Reckless Saints), and Robin O’Herin.

Ray fronted The Apocalypse Blues Revue, a hard hitting blues rock band formed by Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola of Godsmack fame. The band was signed to Mascot/Provogue records and released two full length records, the first of which reached number two in the blues charts. Over six

Happenings Magazine

years the band played blues festivals and blues venues on both coasts.

Robert Bidney is a singer / songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. His music is relatable and has a strong commercial sensibility. His songs have been covered by an eclectic group of recording artists around the world, plus his work has been on several national radio and TV commercials. Bidney’s second album Rush of Hope, released in May 2019, addresses universal themes through a lens of optimism.

With its message of love instead of hate, the music resonates in today’s social climate.

Rush of Hope, in its first few months after release, has received positive album reviews, airplay in the U.S., Scotland, Amsterdam and London. He is an active member of the Americana Community Music Association and lives in Southwest Florida Bill Metts started playing guitar during the country blues revival of the ‘60s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. He began his writing career after moving to South West Florida and regularly attending open mics in Fort Myers, notably the (sadly) no longer operating "Nita's Sweet Bean Café" where many local singer songwriters cut their teeth. Shortly after, he was asked to served on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association and hosted their weekly Songwriter Circle for four years. He has also, for seven years through a not for profit organization called Hope by Song, been composing songs from the writings of people dealing with great emotional trauma in order to help them heal through the

power inherent in music.

He has performed at the prestigious Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival, the world famous "Ground Zero" in Clarksdale Mississippi and twice at the Island Hopper Festival Songwriter Fest. He has also opened for such greats as award winners Doug MacCleod and Jon Shain, and is scheduled to open for the legendary Roy Bookbinder.

Roy Schneider, a troubadour and formerly syndicated cartoonist, has developed a devoted fan base for his particular flavor of Americana music since2008, through international radio airplay and consistent touring with life-and-stage partner Kim Mayfield. Playfully dubbed “Blue-Twangled Folk‘n’ Roll” in a 2014 No Depression interview, Schneider has brought his musical blend of the gritty, fun, soulful and sweet to delighted audiences across the U.S. and abroad.

In October, the ACMA presents Cliff Eberhardt on Oct. 5, Friction Farm on Oct. 12, Mike Laureanno on Oct. 19 and Omar & Violet on Oct. 26.

A singer-ongwriter circle is held every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No membership required. All are welcome to come and play or just to listen.

Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at pm. For more information visit www.americanacma.org

September 2019 - 41

MUSIC

Steepwater at Center for the Performing Arts in Bonita Springs

The music continues at the their influences, absorbing everything Center for Performing Arts in Bonita from Psychedelia to Americana, from Springs. A variety of musical events, jazz to ‘50s rock n’ roll. They have comedy, theatre and films are toured and shared the stage with acts scheduled through the summer and such as Gov't Mule, Buddy Guy, Wilco into the fall. and many more.

The Centers for the Arts of Their latest album Shake Your Bonita Springs hosts its regular Faith has a wide range of sounds “Musical Moments” series. Musical from straight ahead rock n roll to a Moments presents Back to the psychedelic samba, and lyrical direcFuture on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. tion that extends from love to murder. in Moe Auditorium. This program This album is the true meaning of just highlights outstanding student perthat. An album - a collective piece of formers throughout the Southwest music that’s meant to be heard front Florida region, including competition to back. Saylors adds “The way the winners. Delicious complimentary whole record flows, it’s like one long tastings are served during intermissong… takes you on a little journey.” sion. Tickets are $25.

Tickets for Steepwater Band start at The Steepwater Band is sched$20.

The Steepwater Band uled to perform Friday, Sept. 6 at 8 Terry Sylvester, formerly of The p.m. in Hinman Auditorium Hollies, will perform Sept. 21 at 8 Formed in Chicago back in 1998, The Steepwater Band’s signap.m. Tickets start at $25. ture sound is a nod to early British blues, combined with a modern, To purchase tickets and for more event information, call 239raw and gutsy musical approach. Although the band got their start 495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org. The Center for as devotees of delta blues, they have since been expanding on Performing Arts is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita.

Dr. Hobbs to play benefit concert Sept. 7 at Galloway Direct Galloway Direct presents the musical stylings of Dr. Hobbs on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. The concert will take place at Galloway Direct, on South Tamiami Trail, just two miles south of the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.

Food trucks will be on site to provide drinks, snacks and meals.

There is no charge for admission, but each guest can enter with a minimum donation of one can of food. The food donations will go to support Community Cooperative, an innovative nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area.

Dr. Hobbs is a recently formed rock act that features Randy Jackson from Zebra and Jefferson Starship, Larry Hobbs from the Robin Zander Band and Steve Luongo from the John Entwistle Band, Leslie West from Mountain (Mississippi Queen).

At 4 p.m., a select few will be permitted to watch Dr. Hobbs perform a pre-show sound check prior to the concert, as well as participate in a special VIP meet and greet with the band members.

Guitarist Randy Jackson is a rock musician from New Orleans, and best known for his role as front man for the band Zebra. He was born

Larry Hobbs

42 - September 2019

and raised in New Orleans. In addition to his career with Zebra, he is a Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductee, a Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, and has toured with Jefferson Airplane and orchestra tributes to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Doors.

Bassist Larry Hobbs comes from a jazz background. A wonderfully schooled musician who can read or improv with the best of them. In the rock ‘n’ roll world Larry is best known as the bassist in the Robin Zander Band. When Robin decided to form a solo project, Hobbs was the only musician considered to fill the bass slot. Larry toured with The Robin Zander Band for three years.

Drummer Steve Luongo spent his life touring the world with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including John Entwistle (The Who), Todd Rundgren, Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Leslie West (Mountain), Eddie Money, and Jack Bruce (Cream). Steve Luongo is one of the most respected and influential drummers of his day and has recently completed work on the third album from Bruce Bumstead.

For more event details, call Galloway Direct at 888-504-7635 or visit www.gallowaydirect.com.

Steve Luongo

Randy Jackson

Happenings Magazine

Symphony launches new series to attract new, diverse audience

The Southwest Florida Symphony opens its 59th season with Brave New Music; a new concert series that crosses musical genres, incorporates audiovisual and performance art components that, in some cases, have never been seen before on the symphonic stage and it employs music as was often intended by so many composers, as a platform for social justice, equality and tolerance.

As Florida’s demographic becomes younger and more diverse, the Southwest Florida Symphony has made great strides to acclimate to the state’s ever-changing cultural landscape. In an effort to evolve with its community, a new concert series called Brave New Music was born. This series is not exactly pops, though features popular music, and not exactly classical, though typically features classical repertoire, is designed to encourage dedicated, knowledgeable classical music enthusiasts to examine familiar works through a new lens and to remove classical music’s historic intimidation factor for audiences that are not ordinary classical music consumers.

Brave New Music is the product of a sociological litmus test – an experiment that succeeded.

In 2016, the symphony presented an indie rock-classical crossover concert with Glen Phillips, the lead singer and songwriter of 90s band, Toad the Wet Sprocket. The concert was met with mild curiosity. Though attendance was light, 85% of its patrons never attended an orchestral performance before and 15% of them traveled more than 50 miles to experience this world premiere concert.

In 2018, the symphony tried again, inviting singer/composer/ conductor/arranger Steve Hackman to lead the orchestra in his groundbreaking classicalgrunge fusion of Brahms Symphony No. 1 and 90s rock band Radiohead’s album, OK Computer. This was met with significant sponsor interest and greater attendance, once again attracting audiences from outside of Lee County. Ending the symphony’s 58th season, Steve Hackman returned with his fusion of Beethoven Symphony No. 3 and the music of millennial Happenings Magazine

pop band, Coldplay. This performance received even greater press coverage, sponsor interest and ultimately, an impressive audience that expressed a deep desire for more programs like this one.

Launching its 59th season with Brave New Music, the symphony combines the art of film with live orchestral performance with its screening of the classic horror movie Psycho shown in tandem with the orchestra playing Bernard Hermann’s infamously chilling score. This performance happens in two cities; Punta Gorda at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 25 and Fort Myers at the Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW on Saturday, Oct. 26.

As add-on options to the Brave New Music Series, patrons can include tickets to another Steve Hackman production on Saturday, February 29 at Barbara B. Mann Hall called Mashupalooza, a program that fuses movements from great symphonic works by Beethoven, Mahler, Stravinsky, Bach and other revered composers, with the music of Adele, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, John Mayer and other current pop, rock, soul and urban music artists. Also offered as an add-on, masterfully weaving next season’s Brave New Music and Masterworks programming together, the symphony is presenting classically trained pianist/composer and indie-rock superstar Ben Folds to perform his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra on May 2.

The symphony’s final Brave New Music concert and season finale goes big and bold with SymPHABULOUS!: A Symphonic Drag Show, featuring drag artist and NBC’s The Voice finalist, Chris Weaver and his drag alterego, Nedra Belle, on Saturday, May 16 at Barbara B. Mann Hall.

Tickets to all SW Florida Symphony performances cost between $25 and $114 and are available by calling the symphony box office at 239-418-1500, by visiting the symphony box office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall box office at 239-481-4849 or online at www.swflso.org.Tickets are also available at the door one hour before the performance.

September 2019 - 43

MUSIC

Mastersingers to open season with chamber concert at FGCU Sept. 29

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers open their 19th season with a performance at Florida Gulf Coast University’s U. Tobe Recital Hall on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m.

The concert will feature the organization’s Chamber Chorus under the direction of Artistic Director Shannon Arnold. The program entitled Music in Transition features selections written by composers facing challenges and changes in their lives.

The imaginative theme behind this program mirrors the Mastersingers’ season as they work with a new conductor this year while seeking to build on the growth and successes of the recent past. Reflecting Director Arnold’s desire to add more female composers to the Mastersingers’ repertoire, the program includes works by Abbie Betinis, Maddelena Casulana, and Mendelssohn’s sister, Fanny Hensel. When asked about the season, Ms. Arnold replied, “The Chamber Chorus is proud to present Music in Transition as our first concert for the 2019-2020 season. We are going back in time, starting in the Renaissance period, acknowledging composers who used choral music to overcome challenging times in their lives.” She added, “I am very excited to start the season with such a great mix of selections in such a wonderful hall to make music.”

The ensemble will sing music as diverse as a William Byrd piece from the 16th century, works of Bach, Mozart, and 44 - September 2019

Beethoven, to contemporary selections composed by Susan La Barr and Mastersingers’ Vice-President and FGCU faculty member, Dr. Jason Bahr.

Says Dr. Bahr about the concert, “I am very pleased to have one of my pieces included in the Music in Transition program. All persons will face trials in their lives, but how does one respond? For a composer, often the answer is to create music.” He continues, “My work, Song of Praise, was written at a particular moment of crisis for me. Doctors had recently discovered a major congenital heart defect which required extensive surgeries to repair. Between two open heart surgeries, I wrote this piece. On the chamber singers' program, I will be making music with my friends, including this piece I wrote about my faith -- what can be better than that?”

Tickets for the Sept. 29 concert are $10, $7 for students, and can be purchased at the door the day of the event or by going online to www.mastersingersfm.com.

The full Mastersingers chorus begins rehearsals for the season on Monday, Sept. 9 at Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. Auditions are being held for singers in all voice parts. For information on how to audition for the group, for the Mastersingers’ season calendar, or for more information on the Music in Transition concert visit www.mastersingersfm.com.

Happenings Magazine

Ari & the Alibis wraps up jazz series Sept. 14

A popular Southwest Florida tradition concludes its 34th season as The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club hosts its final 2019 installment of the annual SummerJazz on the Gulf concert series in September.

The fun, free concert series combines a diverse array of musical entertainment with beautiful views of the gulf, breathtaking sunsets, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere. Each concert is held on the AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort’s scenic Watkins Lawn overlooking the gulf.

SummerJazz on the Gulf takes place one Saturday evening per month June to September, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The summer series wraps up this year with Ari & The Alibis on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The previous three summer concerts featured Alter Eagles, Late Night Brass and Pocket Change.

“We will conclude this year’s SummerJazz with another new addition, Ari & The Alibis, which will put on a very fun, high-energy show. It promises to be a terrific concert series,” according to Susan Savino, director of conference services at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club and organizer of the annual concert series.

Performing at SummerJazz for the first time, Happenings Magazine

the gifted 5-piece band has been receiving impressive accolades since it formed in 2013, which includes being nominated for “Best Local Band” in the Tampa Bay area, and powerhouse vocalist Arielleh “Ari” McManus for “Best Jazz Vocalist” in the Tampa Bay area. Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues, Soul and Rock, the band has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Hotel guests will receive complimentary parking at the resort. For those not staying at the resort there will be parking just north of the hotel at Lowdermilk Park, with free parking provided to those with a Naples beach sticker, and free trolley service to the resort and back. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, however no outside food and beverage is allowed. Call (239) 261-2222 for additional information and directions.

In addition, all concerts will feature full bar service in several locations and a food concession with a selection of snack items and freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches.

Those interested in staying at the resort during the final SummerJazz weekend can contact the resort for best available rates and packages by calling (800) 237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, or online at NaplesBeachHotel.com .

September 2019 - 45

MUSIC

Broadway Palm concert series

Broadway Palm’s annual concert series will feature five concerts.

All evening concerts begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and concert at 7:30 p.m.

All Sunday twilight concerts begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.

The matinee concerts begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and concert at 1 p.m. All concert tickets are $80 for dinner and the show or $60 for the show only. The concert series includes:

Piano Men: Generations

Sunday, Jan. 26 - twilight Monday, Jan. 27 - mat. and evening Two men, two pianos and the music of two legends: Billy Joel and Elton John! Celebrate the musical influences of these two piano men, brought to you by the amazing father and son duo Terry and Nick Davies. The classic hits include “New York State of Mind,” “The Piano Man,” “She’s Got A Way,” “Your Song,” “Daniel,” “Rocket Man” and “Candle in The Wind.”

Dwight Icenhowerʼs Tribute to the King

Monday, Feb. 3 - mat. and evening Back by popular demand is one of the best Elvis tributes in the country!

Award-winning impersonator Dwight Icenhower has the look, the voice and the hip-swiveling dance moves of the King himself! Hear Elvis favorites such

as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Hound Dog” and so many more.

One of These Nights: A Tribute to The Eagles

Sunday, Feb. 23 - twilight Monday, Feb. 24 - mat. and evening One of These Nights reproduces the sounds of one of the most successful rock bands of all time, The Eagles. You’ll experience an unforgettable night featuring the band’s greatest hits including “Desperado,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It Easy,” “Life In The Fast Lane,” “Already Gone,” “Hotel California” and more.

Not Fade Away: Buddy Holly

Sunday, March 8 - twilight Monday, March 9 - matinee and eve.

Celebrate the Winter Dance Party with this not-so-typical Buddy Holly tribute. Not only will you be twirling down memory lane to the unforgettable sounds of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, but you’ll also hear hits from Bill Haley, The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles and more.

December ʼ63: The Tribute to the Jersey Boys

Sunday, March 22 - twilight Monday, March 23 - mat. and eve.

The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons comes to life in this one-

Dwight Icenhower

of-a-kind concert experience. Hear all your favorite classics along with the most popular singles from the Broadway-blockbuster The Jersey Boys such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man and Candy Girl.

Individual tickets for Broadway Palm’s 2020 Concert Series are on sale now. For more information, visit BroadwayPalm.com, call (239) 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Gulfshore Opera announces its exciting sixth season

Gulfshore Opera announces its sixth season with a vibrant new production of La Bohème. As announced this past January, Gulfshore Opera brings its grand-scale opera productions to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 18. The new venue provides Gulfshore Opera the opportunity to bring Puccini’s timeless masterpiece to life in a thrilling new production that is sure to wow audiences. A preview performance will be staged at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center Friday, March 13.

Metropolitan Opera baritone Nathan Gunn and his wife, collaborative pianist Julie Gunn are the featured artists for the Gulfshore Opera Gala, Sunday, Feb. 16. Joined by GO’s Professional Artists in Residence during the first half of the program, they will present popular opera scenes including Mr. Gunn’s famous Papageno’s Suicide scene from The Magic Flute. In the second half, Nathan and Julie Gunn will perform a program of American music.

Before high season, Gulfshore Opera will present the family-classic Amahl and the Night Visitors. Menotti’s one-act opera takes us back to the birth of the Christ Child and the journey that the Three Kings make to meet him. Along their way, they stop at the home of Amahl, young, crippled shepherd boy and his mother. In this 45-minute opera, we learn that through love alone a miracle can happen. In the spirit of Christmas, a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit homeless shelters in the community. Friday, Dec. 27 at the St. Leo Catholic Church Parish Life 46 - September 2019

Center in Bonita Springs, Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Salvation Army in Naples, and Sunday, Dec. 29 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Punta Gorda.

Not to be missed this season is the Passionate Puccini concert.

Audiences who attended the Opera Meets Broadway Gala in season 5 will be delighted to hear soprano Robyn Lamp as a featured artist in this concert. The concert will feature scenes and arias from Puccini operas that explore the themes of love, death, familial and societal pressures. In addition, audiences will get a sneak peek into the upcoming production of La Bohème.

New to season 6 is Opera Goes to Church. Gulfshore Opera presents a program of prayerful pieces from great opera, traditional sacred music, gospel arrangements, and inspiring songs from American music theatre. GO Professional Artists in Residence are joined by the music program at North Naples Church to present this celebratory concert.

Perennial favorites for Gulfshore Opera audiences are the GO Cabaret and Taste of Opera series. GO Cabaret features nostalgic hits performed by GO’s Professional Arts in Residence and a jazz trio featuring Tony Viviano on piano. The Taste of Opera series includes elegant dinners and arias and duets from opera and classic musical theatre. The two series tour throughout Southwest Florida in January and February. Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.gulfshoreopera.org or calling 239-529-3925.

Happenings Magazine

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

Backstreets

SW FLORIDA

915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 239-945-7555

The Barrel Room 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-333-2225

Bert’s Bar & Grill 4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha 239-282-3232

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

7550 Mission Hills Dr suite 326, Naples 239-597-2583

Buckingham Blues Bar

5641 Buckingham Rd Fort Myers 239-693-7111

The Buddha Bar

12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-8565

Cape Cabaret

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

The Cigar Bar

Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers 239-267-6020

The Center Bar at The Promenade 26811 S. Bay Drive Bonita Springs 239-325-3583

Coconut Falls Tiki 17200 S. Tamiami Tr. Fort Myers 239-990-9901

Fishermen’s Village Seminole 1200 W. Retta Esplan.

Casino Hotel Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Hurricane Charley’s

300 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda 941-639-9695

The Jac

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

9905 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers 239-433-3323

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs 239-948-4400

Lansdowne Street

24851 S. Tamiami Tr #7 Bonita Springs 239-495-3800

The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral 239-541-5600

2787 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

3465 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs 239-498-8887

The Stage

9144 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs 239-405-8566

Ter-Tini’s

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 239-344-6147

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key 1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral 239-540-8454

Dixie Roadhouse

5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-542-0123

The Shell Factory

Old Naples Pub

Pete’s Time Out

Fathoms

1410 Pine Ridge Road Naples 239-435-9333

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral 239-541-7900

South Street

Nervous Nellie’s

The Cottage

1270 Estero Blvd., Ft Myers Beach 239-765-5440

506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007

2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3257 1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

DJ’s Rhythm House

16440 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers 239-466-8326

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

18051 S. Tamiami Tr Fort Myers 239-267-7900

Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples • 239-263-6777

Yucatan Beach Stand

250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach 239-333-4386

Some of the places to hear live music in SW Florida.

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 47

MUSIC

Feb. 20, 2020

Jan. 14, 2020

Feb. 18, 2020

TheatreZone concerts pay tribute to Judy, Liza, Sammy and The Beatles TheatreZone’s concert series for the 2019-2020 season includes the return of the very popular Mersey Beatles, who have sold out shows the past two seasons at TheatreZone; and the Florida premiere of two new shows, Beyond the Lights: Discovering Sammy Davis Jr. and Judy & Liza at the Palladium.

Beyond the Lights: Discovering Sammy Davis Jr. will be presented on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Beyond the Lights: Discovering Sammy Davis Jr. was developed by Aaron Reeder, last seen on the TheatreZone stage this past season as Mereb in Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. He will bring his glorious voice and ineffable charm and warmth to TheatreZone again for the Florida premiere of his one-man show.

Embracing Sammy Davis, Jr.’s personal story with a mixture of song and music, embodiment and narration, Beyond the Lights is not a jukebox show but a visual storytelling of the man, his music and the impact of one voice.

The concert features well-known classics, including “I Gotta Be Me,” “What Kind of Fool Am I” and “Candyman” as well as lesser-known gems such as “Who Can I Turn To” and “At the Crossroads.”

Currently a Berlin-based performer and creative consultant, Reeder is a recipient of the Roger Sturtevant Musical Theatre Award given by Actor’s Equity Association.

Noted as “one of greater Washington DC area’s finest young talents” (The Gazette) and possessing “a voice that soars” according to The Washington Post, Reeder has performed with music luminaries from Dave Brubeck to Renee Fleming to Kristen Chenoweth.

The Mersey Beatles will perform on Feb. 18 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

48 - September 2019

This FABulous Beatles tribute band returns to the TheatreZone stage with an all-new “Hits” show for 2020.

The performance will start as the lads appear in the familiar suits of Beatlemania and grow older via several quick costume changes. They will take audiences on a trip featuring 30 of the greatest Beatles hits from all eras.

Like the original Fab Four, The Mersey Beatles are a band from the great city of Liverpool. They are childhood friends who share a love of Beatles music.

Since 1999, they have been recreating the sights and sound of the Beatles worldwide. Their ten-year residency at the world famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles started out, helped to home their skills and expanded their repertoire.

Beautifully designed costumes and replica guitars, amps and drums help to create the look and sound of the Beatles.

For an authentic sound, they use VOX and Ludwig gear whenever possible. The boys use replica Beatles guitars including Hofner, Rickenbacker and Gretsch.

The real showstopper is the way in which The Mersey Beatles perform around 40 of The Beatles greatest songs so naturally. All eras are covered and played in the recorded key.

Judy & Liza at the Palladium will be presented on Feb. 20 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

Put on your red sparkly shoes, click them together three times, and join TheatreZone for Judy & Liza at the Palladium. Celebrate the music that brought the audience to their feet in November of 1964 when Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli teamed up for an unforgettable concert at London’s famed Palladium Theatre. Maestro Michael Berkowitz, who toured with Liza, will be conducting from

the drums. Professional actresses Joan Ellison and Carolann Sanita, who played Judy and Liza, respectively, in The Boy From Oz at TheatreZone, will belt out the songs of those original dynamic divas, including “Once In A Lifetime,” “Just In Time,” “Gypsy In My Soul,” “Cabaret,” “New York, New York,” and, of course, “Over The Rainbow.”

Joan Ellison has been praised for her "vocal prowess... (and) organic grasp of the classic songs" by Michael Feinstein, who recently asked her to serve as editor of the Judy Garland Carnegie Hall Concert Restoration Project for the Judy Garland Heirs Trust. Ellison made her Cleveland Pops debut in 2005 and has since sung more than 35 concerts with orchestras across the country, as well as playing classic leading-lady roles in regional theatre.

Carolann M. Sanita toured as Marian in the first national tour of The Music Man and internationally as Maria in the European and Asian tours of West Side Story. She was back-up to Linda Eder at the Palace Theatre on Broadway and has performed in numerous regional theatre productions.

Michael Berkowitz was the music director/conductor/drummer for Liza Minnelli, working with her on the Tony Award-winning, "Liza's At The Palace" on Broadway and in concerts around the world. He is now in his 15th year as the principal pops conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony in Santa Rosa, CA. Tickets for all concerts range from $50 to $75 and are on sale now online at www.theatre.zone and 888-966-3352 x1.

TheatreZone is located at 13275 Livingston Road in the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 49

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

NOV. 16

The LACS, Black Stone Cherry, The Josephines

IN SW FLORIDA & SUN COAST

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

SEP. 6

The Alarm, Modern English

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Sugarhill Gang

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

NOV. 20

John Oates

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

NOV. 22

Disturbed

Randy Houser

SEP. 14

Amy Grant

Disturbed performs Sept. 19 at Hertz Arena in Estero. For tickets and info, visit www.hertzarena.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

SEP. 19

Disturbed

SEP. 28 continued Creedʼs Scott Stapp

OCT. 26

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

SEP. 29

Big Orange Music Fest

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita Hertz Arena, Estero

Tiffany

SEP. 20

Julio Iglesias

Hertz Arena, Estero

SEP. 21 Lee Brice

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Terry Sylvester

Hinman Auditorium, Bonita

SEP. 22

Kristian Bush

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest at Florida Rep, Ft Myers

SEP. 25 Tesla

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Gone West and Ryan Hurd

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest at Pinchers, Fort Myers

SEP. 27 Hardy

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

SEP. 28

Alabama, Don McLean Hertz Arena, Estero 50 - September 2019

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Rodney Atkins & Jerrod Niemann

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest at Pink Shell Resort

Wynonna & Big Noise Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

OCT. 30

OCT. 2

Here Come the Mummies

OCT. 5

Casey Donahew Band

NOV. 1

OCT. 9

Love & Theft

NOV. 2

OCT. 11

John Abbott Band

Godsmack

Hertz Arena, Estero

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Marty Stuart

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

OCT. 18

ZZ Top & Cheap Trick Hertz Arena, Estero

Mitchell Tenpenny

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

OCT. 19

Billy Currington

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Sebastian Bach

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Sammy Hagar, Night Ranger

Hertz Arena, Estero

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Alice Cooper

NOV. 3

B.B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

NOV. 15

Iron Butterfly

Hinman Auditorium, Bonita

NOV. 15 - 17

Mindi Abair Wine & Music Festival

Downtown Punta Gorda

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

NOV. 24

Marc Anthony

Hertz Arena, Estero

DEC. 4

Mavis Staples

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

DEC. 8

Trisha Yearwood Artis–Naples

DEC. 13

Lee Greenwood

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

DEC. 14

Darius Rucker & Lady Antebellum Tiburon, Naples

DEC. 19

The Gatlin Brothers Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

JAN. 18

Righteous Brothers Artis–Naples

JAN. 19

Mandy Patinkin Artis–Naples

JAN. 20

Johnny Mathis Artis–Naples

JAN. 26

Marshall Tucker Band Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Sugarhill Gang, Lee Brice, Hardy coming to The Ranch

This fall’s performance schedule is filling up at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series presents The Sugarhill Gang on Sept. 6, country artists Lee Brice on Sept. 21, Hardy on Sept. 27, the Casey Donahew Band on Oct. 5, Mitchell Tenpenny on Oct. 18, Josh Abbott Band on Nov. 2, The Lacs & Black Stone Cherry on Nov. 16 and Randy Houser on Nov. 22.

Rocker and former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will perform as part of the concert series on Nov. 1.

Other shows scheduled at The Ranch (not part of the Sam Galloway series) are Creed’s Scott Stapp on Sept. 28, Billy Currington on Oct. 19, Badfish (a tribute to Sublime) on Nov. 7, ZOSO;The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience on Nov. 15 and Pig Floyd on Dec. 21.

When Lee Brice isn’t selling out arenas, writing and recording songs, or building a new brand like American Born whiskey — you’ll find him with his wife Sara, two young boys, Takoda and Ryker, and daughter, Trulee Nanette. With more than 12 million in RIAA certified sales, Lee has achieved Gold and Platinum on every album and single released, with “A Woman Like You” reaching Double Platinum status.

Gold album certifications include: Love Like Crazy, Hard2Love and I Don’t Dance.

Single certifications include “I Don’t Dance” and “A Woman Like You,” with “That Don’t Sound Like You” reaching double Platinum.

With well over 2 billion spins on Pandora, Lee Brice was inducted into the streaming service’s ‘Billionaires Club’ on June 8. The “Rumor” singer, who is now among the Top 25 most-streamed country artists of all time on Pandora, is only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque and puts Lee in

Hardy Happenings Magazine

Lee Brice company with not only Urban, but legends including Johnny Cash and Fleetwood Mac, and pop phenoms such as John Legend.

Big Loud artist Hardy grew up on classic rock in Philadelphia, Miss., a town of about 7,500 in the country setting of Neshoba County. So when fans hear the music on his four-song EP for the label, This Ole Boy, they’re getting the real deal. The songs are bold and proud, the voice is commanding and the lyrics are centered on farms, in the backwoods and mostly in America’s heartland.

“I love that lifestyle, and that’s what I want to talk about,” he says unapologetically. “I’m not really a love song dude. If I’m going down that road, it’s a song like ‘This Ole Boy’ where it’s a redneck-in-love kind of thing. People that are like me, or people who still live in small towns, still love that and want to hear that. That’s why I’m who I am as an artist.”

Hardy’s artistic identity is notably focused on This Ole Boy. His voice is gritty in “4×4,” soulful in the background vocals of “This Ole Boy” and edgy in the stack of Hardy harmonies in “Rednecker.”

Texas music sensation Casey Donahew has painstakingly carved out an impressive niche for himself on the country music scene over the past decade, attracting a solid base of loyal fans who flock to his legendary live shows. Building his career from the ground up one show at a time, he’s managed to perform on countless stages night after night in front of thousands, topped the Texas music charts several times, released four albums independently

to critical acclaim, and forged a path all his own through the music scene without the aid or muscle of a major record label or power-suit management company. And the release of his latest CD, “Double Wide Dream,” may just push him to heights he never could have imagined when he first plugged in on stage at the Thirsty Armadillo bar back in Fort Worth’s Stockyards in the fall of 2002.

Sebastian Philip Bierk, known professionally as Sebastian Bach, is a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved mainstream success as front man of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. He continues a solo career, acted on Broadway, and has made appearances in film and television.

Sebastian Bach’s Nov. 1 stop in Fort Myers is part of his 30th anniversary tour in which he performs the first record “Skid Row” in its entirety.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community. The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue.

Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community. For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch.

For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Casey Donahew Band September 2019 - 51

IN CONCERT

Set sail with Cheap Trick,

America, Don Felder & more

In addition to live performances, the artists on the 70s Rock and Romance Cruise interact with fellow cruisers. Above, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Buckley of America answer audience questions on the 2018 cruise. America is among the many artists on the February 2020 cruise.

Cabins are selling fast for the Feel Good Party at Sea Feb. 15 - 22, 2020, sailing out of Miami onboard Celebrity Infinity.

The cruise features live performances by Cheap Trick, America, Don Felder, Randy Bachman, Todd Rundgren, John Lodge, Jason Scheff, Jefferson Starship, Rita Coolidge, Ambrosia, Pablo Cruise, Stephen Bishop and more.

Save hundreds on your cabin by using the promo code “Happenings.” Call 844-355-7625 or online at www.rockandromancecruise.com/happenings

Blackberry Smoke, Allman Betts Band at Big Orange Music Fest

This year’s Big Orange Music Fest will feature Blackberry Smoke, the Allman Betts Band, Joanne Shaw Taylor, J Edwards, JD Simo and Champ Jaxon.

Set for Oct. 26, the festival takes place in Laishley Park in downtown Punta Gorda.

General admission is $45, and VIP tickets are available for $100.

For tickets, go online to www.bigorangemusicfestival.com

Blackberry Smoke

Allman Betts Band

Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum in Naples Dec. 14

Darius Rucker

52 - September 2019

Tournament officials announced the addition of Live Fest to the QBE Shootout schedule, when the PGA Tour event returns to Naples Dec. 11-15.

Headlining this premier music experience on Saturday, Dec 14 will be Grammy Award winning acts Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker with two more bands to be announced later this summer. The concert, to be staged outdoors on the spacious driving range at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, will start following the second round of the QBE Shootout at 4 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m.

Live Fest will offer general admission tickets, prime stage front seating and shared and private VIP hospitality experiences. Tickets are on sale at www.LiveFest.com.

Lady Antebellum

Happenings Magazine

Island Hopper fest welcomes Gone West, Jerrod Niemann, Rodney Atkins and Ryan Hurd

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off its sixth year with an impressive lineup of talented singer-songwriters.

Headliners include country music hit singer-songwriters Rodney Atkins and Jerrod Niemann; Gone West, a new rock-country quartet featuring Colbie Caillat, in a show with special guest Ryan Hurd.

Atkins and Niemann will perform on the final night of the festival, Sept. 29, at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

His fifth studio album, Caught Up in the Country, shows off what Atkins calls the most daring collection of his career. This follows six No. 1 singles, eight top five singles and more than 13 million units sold. Country Aircheck calls his 2006 single, “Watching You,” the No. 1 song of the decade.

After almost a decade as a major-label artist, prolific Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann has put his heart on his sleeve like never before with the patriotic anthem, “Old Glory.” Describing the resolute ballad as “100 percent heart, zero percent politics,” the singer-songwriter wrote the track in honor of U.S. soldiers following the 2017 Tongo Tongo ambush in Niger.

Known for clever wordplay and attentiongrabbing lyrics, Niemann topped country charts with his platinum-certified anthem “Drink to That

Gone West

John Tesh

Jerrod Niemann

Rodney Atkins

All Night.” Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his #1 major-label debut, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury, which skyrocketed on the strength of his platinum-certified #1 smash “Lover, Lover” and gold-certified Top 5 “What Do You Want.”

Gone West and Ryan Hurd will perform at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 25. Caillat, a two-time Grammy Award winner, has sold more than six million albums worldwide and more than 10 million singles. Hurd has written songs for Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw and others. He has also penned songs for his wife, Maren Morris, who headlined Island Hopper in 2016.

Nashville-based Gone West consists of two couples, Caillat and her fiancé and singer-songwriter Justin Young, and married songwriters, multi-platinum, singersongwriter Jason Reeves and ACM and CMT nominated Nelly Joy. While most of the fest performances are free, ticketed shows are available on the Island Hopper Ryan Hurd app.

Kristian Bush, Gulf Coast Symphony Sept. 22

Kristian Bush, half of the multi-platinum selling country duo Sugarland, will perform Sept. 22 with the Gulf Coast Symphony as part of the sixth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.

Bush, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, and the symphony, celebrating its 25th anniversary, will perform on stage at Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers.

“We’re excited to showcase our community’s outstanding Gulf Coast Symphony with the star power and talent of Kristian Bush,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

“This addition to this year’s Island Hopper lineup can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime performance, not to be missed.” Kristian Bush was part of the first and second festivals in 2014 and 2015.

Tickets are available on the new version of the Island Hopper mobile app.

Find out more fest details at www.islandhopperfest.com.

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

Happenings Magazine

John Tesh to play Seminole Casino Hotel on Feb. 27

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with John Tesh live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Whether at the piano solo, with a 12-piece 'big band' or an 80piece orchestra, Tesh’s ability to create a unique journey for concert fans with music and storytelling has taken him from the Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Coliseum in Rome to Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. His live television concerts, including the seminal ‘Live at Red Rocks,’ have raised more than $20 million for Public Television. Tesh has won six music Emmys, received two Grammy nominations and three gold records, hosted seven Public Television specials and sold more than eight million records.

Twenty five years and 50 plus recordings into his multi-faceted, ever-evolving musical and broadcast career, Tesh’s highly successful and varied career path also includes a string of #1 radio hits, a Keyboard Magazine Performance award, 12 years as an investigative journalist for the CBS TV Network, a 10-year run as anchor on Entertainment Tonight, broadcast host and music composer for the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, and the unique distinction of composing what critics have hailed as “The greatest sports theme song in television history,” the NBC Sports’ NBA basketball theme.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $69 and are available at the casino, on www.jaytv.com/florida or by calling 800-514-etix.

September 2019 - 53

SEPT SUN - 1

Mitch Fatel 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 4 RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Anthony Rodia 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

THU - 5

Bob DiBuono 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Phil Hanely 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Warren 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 6

Bob DiBuono 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Phil Hanely 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Warren 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 7

Bob DiBuono 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Phil Hanely 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Greg Warren 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 8

Phil Hanely 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

* schedules subject to change 54 - September 2019

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR WED - 11

SUN - 15

SAT - 21

Frankie Paul 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WED - 18

Pablo Francisco 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Sheena Reagan 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

THU - 12

Kevin Lee 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Adam Ferrara 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frankie Paul 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 13

Kevin Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Adam Ferrara 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frankie Paul 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 14

Kevin Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Adam Ferrara 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 19

Alex Hooper 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Pablo Francisco 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 20

Alex Hooper 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Pablo Francisco 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Adam Ferrara 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Frankie Paul 7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Off the Hook Comedy Club 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net

Comedy Club calendar online at

HappeningsMagazine.net

Alex Hooper 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 22

Pablo Francisco 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 25

Gary Conrad 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Taylor Mason - 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Miguel Colon Jr. 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 26

Steve Lazlow 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Taylor Mason 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Miguel Colon Jr. 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 27

Steve Lazlow 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sheryl Underwood 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy K. Trevor Wilson 7 & 10 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 28

Steve Lazlow 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sheryl Underwood 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy K. Trevor Wilson 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Happenings Magazine

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Singer-songwriter Frank Myers performed Aug. 8 at the Island Hopper preview party at Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford. A regular participant of the annual festival, Myersʼ hits include “You and I,” “I Swear,” “I Got Mexico,” “Bayou Boys,” “You Shouldʼve Been Gone By Now,” “Sometimes A Lady” and many others. Frank Myers will play Captiva Island Sept. 20 - 22 and Downtown Fort Myers Sept. 23 - 26. Photo by Jamie Kuser.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns

The 2019 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Sept. 20 through Sept. 29.

This showcase, now in its sixth year, is a great way to see singer-songwriters perform in intimate settings on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and historic downtown Fort Myers.

This year’s headliners include Gone West with special guest Ryan Hurd who will perform Sept. 25 at The Marina at Edison Ford. Additionally, Kristian Bush of Sugarland will perform with the Gulf Coast Symphony Sept. 22 at the Florida Repertory Theatre. Both of these are ticketed events, and tickets are available through the Island Hopper app.

This award-winning festival includes more than 100 live performances (most of them are free) and more than 80 songwriters.

The sixth annual music fest will continue to give fans the opportunity to meet the talented artists who write songs for country and rock superstars.

Attendees can listen to their favorite songs at live music venues on Captiva Island Sept. 20 - 22 at several island venues.

In downtown Fort Myers, performances will take place at The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, City Tavern, Pinchers and Florida Repertory Theatre Sept. 23 - 26.

56 - September 2019

Songwriters scheduled to perform in downtown Fort Myers include Angie Keilhauer, Ayla Lynn, Badger & Rose, Bill Metts, Billy McKnight, Caleb Neff, Danny Myrick, Frank Myers, Gabrielle Macafee, Gianna Minichiello, Gone West, Judy Blank, Julianne Ankley, Kim Mayfield, Kristian Bush, Kyle Anne, Lala Deaton, Mark Mulch, Megan Linville, Ray Cerbone, Robert Bidney, Roy Schneider, Ryan Hurd and Sarah Peacock.

The festival will wrap up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 27 – 29 with artists playing at various venues.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Festival featured sponsors include Happenings Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Pinchers, Landshark, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, BOSE, DiamondHead Resort, Blue Chair Bay Premium Rum and Zoom Tan. For more information, visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

Follow the festival with #islandhopperfest on Twitter and other social channels.

Editor’s Note: Artists’ schedules are subject to change during the festival.

Happenings Magazine

Meet some songwriters

scheduled to perform

downtown Sept. 23 - 26

Averaging a grinding 10-15 shows a month year-round, Angie K has played over 1,000 live high energy shows all over the US and Central America. She has opened for country greats Tanya Tucker, Jordan Davis, Chris Janson, Sammy Kershaw, Jake Owen and more! In 2016, she landed a spot on Blake Shelton’s team on NBC’s The Voice after an audition that had him exclaiming “There is something so undisciplined about the way you perform…you are WILD!” Since then, the Latin American country singer has already independently released two original albums, both of which landed top five on iTunes. Her last single, collaboration with pop artist Jordan Fisher for Walt Disney World, has already surpassed 3 million streams on Spotify alone. Named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone Country and fresh off of Jake Owens’ “LIfe’s Watcha Make It” tour, Angie is excited to be working on new music to be released later this year!to stadiums.

Angie Keilhauer

Ayla Lynn is a young hard working country singer/songwriter from Cape Coral. She is a native Floridian attending Lee County Virtual School with ambitions of attending Belmont University in Nashville in 2020 to study Entertainment Law. At the tender age of 11 she began writing her own original songs.

Ayla Lynn’s first debut year in 2017 she performed over 100 shows. In 2018 she closed out with 140 shows. Some of Ayla Lynn’s highlights include performances with legendary singer Barry Manilow and Kristin Chenoweth.

She also opened up for Diamond Rio at the Country Fest 2018 in Port Charlotte. In 2019 so far Ayla Lynn and her band opened up for Chris Lane, Neal McCoy and Doug Stone. Ayla was also featured performer three times at the world famous Bluebird Café in Nashville. Her first EP is set for release in the summer 2020.

Ayla Lynn

A little bit muddy water Mississippi, a little bit California beach bum, Danny grew up playing, singing and writing for his family gospel band while being consumed with 70’s FM radio.

He achieved his first #1 gospel song as a writer at age 17 before moving to Nashville and spending the 90’s singing lead in country rock band, Western Flyer. After Western Flyer disbanded, Danny’s vocal talent lead to singing 100’s of songwriter demos as well as adding background vocals to numerous albums by the likes of Blake Shelton, Montgomery Gentry and Keith Anderson before focusing on his passion for writing songs. As a writer, Danny’s musical diversity has lead to cuts by artists ranging from Gloriana to Joe Cocker and he has celebrated numerous hit songs, including Craig Morgan’s “International Harvester” Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah”, 2009’s most played country song, “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean and the recent Locash hit song “I Love This Life.”

Danny Myrick

Happenings Magazine

September 2019 - 57

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

ArtFest Fort Myers artist application deadline Sept. 10 ArtFest Fort Myers is currently accepting applications from professional artists for participation in its 2020 juried show.

Featuring the work of 200 artists, ArtFest Fort Myers will bring thousands of art lovers and collectors to one of the largest outdoor festivals in Southwest Florida on the first weekend in February.

Artist application deadline is Sept. 10.

Creating an artwork-selling festival for artists is the focus of our year-round professional staff, with 20 years of consistent management.

Targeting art buyers throughout Southwest Florida and beyond - from Marco Island to Sarasota and east to West Palm Beach – the promotional campaign includes all forms of media.

Each October, ArtFest Fort Myers brings together a panel of professional artists who view submitted images and score each applying artist. The artists with the highest scores are then invited to participate in ArtFest.

For artist application information, contact ArtFest Fort Myers at 239-768-3602, email info@ArtFestFortMyers.com or visit the website at www.ArtFestFortMyers.com

The next Art Walk is

Friday, Sept. 6.

FIRST FRIDAYS

EVERY MONTH (rain or shine) 58 - September 2019

6 - 10 PM

Russell Yerkes, Best of Show 2019

THIRD FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH

6 - 10 PM

The next Music Walk is

Friday, Sept. 20.

Happenings Magazine

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine Ask about our

High Definition SUSHI Special

Six Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Tel: (239) 334-6991 • Fax (239) 334-6591 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com Happenings Magazine

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

September 2019 - 59

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily.

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

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches.

Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners, special events and meetings.

We’re open daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials.

Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

Cape Cabaret

Cape Cabaret offers dining, dancing and live music Tuesday through Saturday.

We feature a full dinner menu prepared by executive chef Ryan Cook, two full bars, two hardwood dance floors and live music from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. See your favorite bands perform on our 30-foot stage equipped with the latest state of the art sound and light systems. Have your next private party or corporate event in our ballroom or banquet room. Happy Hour & Early Bird Specials 4 to 5:30 p.m. Entrees, house wines, wells all at 50% discount. Walk-ins always welcome or call reservation hotline.

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

60 - September 2019

Deep Lagoon Seafood

Nestled in the heart of Florida lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual, we feature a wide variety of menu options to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company. Happy Hour from 3 to 6 pm featuring small plates from $6 - $9.

10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 14040 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-689-5474 www.deeplagoon.com

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled a completely redesigned EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill that enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections. The new interior design of the EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is elegant yet comfortable and features a theaterstyle kitchen that allows for transparency as chefs prepare dishes “from scratch” to the table. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill menu features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. The wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including award- winning fajitas, pork osso bucco and the ever-popular braised short rib pot roast.

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

Lucky Mi

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

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

Happenings Magazine

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort

Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner.

They are open six days a week (closed Sundays).

1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style. Pinchers has 13 Florida locations including Key West, Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center.

2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-245-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late.

1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse

With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat.

4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 738 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 239-347-7033 www.texastonys.com

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LeeFamilyNews.net September 2019 - 61

KEY WEST

Fantasy Fest Oct. 18 - 27

In tune with one of most off-key celebrations on the planet, revelers are to gather in Key West to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fantasy Fest, the island’s internationally renowned masking and costuming festival.

Scheduled Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 27, the exotic extravaganza features masquerade balls, costume competitions, street fairs, performance art, glamorous galas and an over-thetop grand parade.

Themed “In Tune But … Off Key,” the festival includes musically themed merriment in genres from rockabilly to salsa — and even a mobile cocktail party featuring a quirky ukulele band.

Fantasy Fest organizers encourage people to march to the beat of their own drum, designing their costumes and parade floats around everything from memories of bebop and “glam” rock to operatic daydreams and campy Broadway musicals.

The festival’s official kickoff is the two-day Goombay Celebration in Key West’s Bahama Village.

Held Oct. 18 and 19, the Caribbean-flavored Goombay pulses to a reggae beat with nonstop entertainment, island-style food and arts and crafts.

Also Oct. 18, the Fantasy Fest King and Queen are to be crowned at the Royal Coronation soiree and stage show, capping a two-month fundraising effort by candidates to benefit the Florida Keys nonprofit A.H. of Monroe County.

Among the dozens of events Revelers portraying casino showgirls prance up Duval Street during the “Oh ... The Games We orchestrated for fantasy fans are Play”-themed Fantasy Fest Parade Oct. 27, 2018, in Key West. the wacky Pet Masquerade, a Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Key News Bureau Fantasy Fest favorite for costumed pets and their people that takes place Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The following day brings the Key West Business Guild’s Headdress crawl, Fun House featuring famed circus acrobats, waterfront Ball, where “headliners” compete for prizes in huge and elaboWoodstock takeoff and hippie costume contest, daily BART bar rate masks and cowls. and art strolls, street performances and a “Living Art” competition Plans call for the medley of madness to take to the streets for painted bodies.

Friday, Oct. 25, with a freewheeling Masquerade March of cosSaturday night, Oct. 26, nearly 70,000 spectators are expecttumed characters. Marchers are encouraged to bring whistles, ed to line Whitehead and Duval streets for the spectacular Bud noisemakers and percussion instruments to add to the exciteLight Fantasy Fest Parade. A dazzling procession of large-scale ment as they strut through part of Key West’s Old Town. floats, costumed marching groups and bands, the parade disRevelers can also “trumpet” their fondness for festivities at plays the off-key creativity and exuberant spirit that have kept events including the family-friendly Zombie Bike Ride, rocking party lovers “tuning in” to the festival for 40 years.

Beatles tribute show and look-alike bash, tutu party and bar For more event details, visit www.fantasyfest.com

62 - September 2019

Happenings Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual Brewfest

Womenfest

Amy Grant in concert

SoMo Marathon & Half Marathon

Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 Nearly 200 beers and micro-brews are on tap at this “tasty” annual event that benefits the charitable efforts of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic. Events from beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event (Aug. 31) are some of the offered activities. www.keywestbrewfest.com Sept. 15 Amy Grant has been strumming her way through a 30-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, television host and speaker. Grant was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. In April 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her first pop hit, “Baby Baby,” with a worldwide release of a new version of the song featuring pop sensation and fellow Capitol Music Group recording artist Tori Kelly. www.thekeywesttheater.com

Happenings Magazine

IN

KEY WEST

Sept. 4 - 8 Each year thousands of ladies come together over the Labor Day weekend and stay for a wide range of activities and events during four days of revelry and fun. Key West welcomes women from across the globe to an annual celebration that has become one of the largest gatherings of lesbians and friends in North America’s Womenfest. www.gaykeywestfl.com

Oct. 10 & 11 This event is one of a kind!

Imagine running through the southernmost island in the United States while enjoying a break from the ordinary. The Southernmost Marathon & Half promises just that- 26.2 or 13.1 miles of ocean and gulf views, as well as iconic Key West landmarks. A full weekend of events including a 10k and 5k are planned. www.somomarathon.com

S.L.A.M. Tournament

Sept. 6 - 8 In the first of three tournaments in the annual Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series, also called The Trilogy, anglers target tarpon, permit and bonefish to achieve the coveted “flats grand slam.” The event raises funds for the fight against cystic fibrosis. A number of celebrities show their support by taking part in the tournament each year. Celebrity competitors have included Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs, former Denver Broncos football player Mark Cooper and former NASA space shuttle astronaut Bruce Melnick. www.redbone.org

Goombay Festival

Oct. 18 & 19 Held in Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood, the lively, familyfriendly Goombay is known for its islandstyle food, arts and crafts, nonstop live entertainment and dancing in the streets.

Visitors can experience sights, sounds and flavors recalling Key West’s Bahamian heritage. Free event, noon to midnight both days. www.fantasyfest.com

September 2019 - 63