Publisher’s Spotlight
Theatreseasonpreview
It’sonceagaintimeforourannual theatreseasonpreviewissueofour localartsmagazine.Inthe2024-25season,therearemorethan120different productionsat19ofourareatheatrical venuesinSouthwestFlorida.Wehave alreadystartedanotherfantasticseason,andagainwehavesomanychoicesforallthetheatrelovers.
So,withoutfurthertalk,let’ssee whatisonstageinthisnewseason.
FloridaRepertory TheatrehasBenButler, TheMurderofRoger Ackroyd,LuckyStiff,Boca, ShoutTheModMusical, ForeverPlaid,Fully Committed,Bloomsday andVenusinFur.
TheBelleTheatrepresentsEncore!ABroadway Revue,LastoftheRed HotLovers,SaturdayNight Fever,BeautyandThe Beast,ACharlieBrown Christmas,TheDaVinci Code,TheSoundofMusic,Harvey, DirtyRottenScoundrelsandThe39 Steps.
LaboratoryTheaterofFloridapresentsGutenberg!TheMusical!,Dracula: AComedyofTerrors,Christmaswiththe Crawfords,Piccadilly,GoodBadPeople, JesusChristSuperstarandThe Minutes.
TheCharlottePlayerswillpresent AlwaysABridesmaid,Bewarethe HouseonHauntedHill,NoSexPlease: It’sChristmas,FourOldBroads, DrinkingHabits,AMurderisAnnounced, SexPleaseWe’reSixtyandNanaDoes Vegas.
TheatreZonecelebratesits20thseasonwithHomefortheHolidays,Once, TheRink,JerseyBoysandGhost. FGCUTheatrewillpresentLettersto Sala,RadiumGirlsandTheWolves. OnthestageatBroadwayPalm TheatrewillbeTheMousetrap, Chicago,AChristmasCarol,Buddy:The BuddyHollyStory,CrazyforYou, Waitress,LegallyBlondeandAnnie. ArtsBonitawillofferHadestown Teen,TheHome...FortheHolidays, TheBoyfromBlock66,LoveLetters, AssistedLivingandJesusChrist Superstar.
Intheirnewlyrenovatedhome,The NaplesPlayershaveRumors,Almost Maine,AChristmasStory,ThePlay ThatGoesWrong,Deathofa Salesman,ManofLaMancha,The Half-LifeofMarieCurieandThe HallelujahGirls.
ArtsCenterTheatrehasThe Swingset,AFewGoodMen,Every ChristmasStoryEverTold,LastofThe RedHotLovers,TheOddCouple, BoeingBoeingandFourOldBroads.
TheBroadwaySeriesat Artis–NaplesincludesSomeLikeItHot, MammaMia,TheCherShow,MJthe MusicalandPrettyWomantheMusical.
GulfCoastSymphony offersForbiddenBroadway, Camelot,Murderfor2and Jerry’sGirls.
CulturalParkTheatre’s seasonincludesTheBig One-Oh!,Carriethe Musical,Sealedfor Freshness,RudolphJr., Grandma’sMurderClub, SomethingRotten, SouthernFriedFuneraland WhenBullfrogsSing.
Startinganewseason intheirnewbuilding,Gulfshore PlayhousewillpresentAnythingGoes, EveryBrilliantThing,DialMforMurder, TheLehmanTrilogy,NoisesOff,Lady DayatEmerson’sBar&GrillandSweet Charity.
TheOffBroadwayPalmTheatrewill stageBarefootinthePark,Another NightBeforeChristmas,Caughtinthe Net,SavannahSippingSocietyandHalf Baked.
TheStudioPlayerspresentIt’sOnly aPlay,DeadMan’sCellPhone,ANice FamilyChristmas,ComeBacktothe5 andDime,LendMeATenorand ProdigalSon.
TheBroadwaySeriesatBarbaraB. MannPerformingArtsHallhasJersey Boys,FunnyGirl,TheNeilDiamond Musical:ABeautifulNoise,ComeFrom Away,MJtheMusicalandLes Miserables.
TheatreConspiracy’snewseason includes5LesbiansEatingaQuiche, ClownBar2,JitneyandTomatoesTried toKillMe,ButBanjosSavedMyLife.
PlayersCircleTheaterwillpresent BedroomFarce,Greetings,Admissions, TheFantasticks,FlatlandersandThe BusinessofMurder.
How’sthatforsomegreattheatrein 2024-25.....
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T HEATRE
ForeverPlaidtostart season forFloridaRepertoryTheatre
FloridaRepertoryTheatrehasbegunsingleticketsalesfor the27thseason.
Thenine-show2024-2025seasonrunsSept.17through May18andfeaturesmusicals,comedies,dramasandnew works.
“Inseason27,ourprofessionallivetheatrewillrenewits commitmenttofeaturingamulti-talentedensembleofartists, top-tiertalent,andfirst-rateproductionvaluesinourhistoric andintimatevenues,”saidproducingartisticdirectorGreg Longenhagen.“Wearepleasedtoofferaselectionofplays andmusicalsthatshowcaseawidevarietyofstories,music, andhijinkschosentoprovokediscussions,liftspirits,and ticklefunnybones.”
OnSept.17,FloridaRep’s 27thseasonkicksoffinthe ArtStageStudioTheatrewith ForeverPlaid,directedand choreographedbyMichael Marottawithmusicaldirection byStevenZumbrun,anostalgic,funny–andheavenlymusicalrevuecelebrating musicfromthe1950s.When tragedystrikesonthewayto theirfirstbiggig,fouryoung singersgettoperformtheir show-stoppingconcertinthe afterlife.Thissmash-hitmusicalisfilledwithbarbershop quartetharmoniesandpitchperfectmelodiesandfeatures songslike“ThreeCoinsinthe Fountain,”“Momentsto Remember,”“SixteenTons,” andmore.Theshowwaswrittenandoriginallydirectedand choreographedbyStuart Ross,withmusicalcontinuity
andarrangementsbyJamesRaitt.TheproductionissponsoredbySamGallowayFord-LincolnandLighthouseWealth Management.PreviewswillbeSept.17-19;opensSept.20, andplaysthroughOct.27.
TheHistoricArcadeopenstopreviewsonOct.22,with BenButlerbyRichardStrandanddirectedbyGreg Longenhagen.Inspiredbytrueevents,BenButlerisahistoricallyhilariouscomedyaboutarunawayslavedemanding sanctuaryatFortMonroe.SetatthedawnoftheCivilWar, Gen.BenjaminButlerfacesanimpossiblemoraldilemma: followthelaworalterthecourseofU.S.history.Previewswill beOct.22–24;opensOct.25,andplaysthroughNov.10. Singleticketsstartat$67 forregularperformancesand $49forpreviews.Singletickets forLuckyStiffandShout!The ModMusicalstartat$71. Singleticketsarepriced dynamicallyandthevalue increaseswithdemand.Bseat-pricedticketsareavailableintheHistoricArcade Theatreat$65forplays,$67 formusicals,and$47forpreviewperformances.
Subscriptionsareonsale nowtorenewingpatronsand newsubscribers,andpackagesstartaslowas$246for sixshows.
Formoreaboutthe27th seasonandtodownloada subscriptionorderform,visit www.FloridaRep.org.
Toreneworbecomea newsubscriberoverthe phone,calltheboxofficeat 239-332-4488.
Christopher Bailey Jack Mastrianni
Caleb Funk
Steven Martella Steven Zumbrun
Michael Marotta
Gutenberg!TheMusical!isdirectedbyCarmenCrussardandfeaturesMiguelCintronasBud andLesEnglehartasDoug. PhotocourtesyofSiskMedia
Gutenberg!TheMusical! opensSept.13atLabTheater
TheLaboratoryTheaterofFloridawill presenttheSouthwestFloridapremiere ofGutenberg!TheMusical!byScott BrownandAnthonyKinginSeptember.
Inthisside-splittingmusicalextravaganza,audiencesaretransportedto15th centuryGermany,whereJohannes Gutenbergembarksonaquesttorevolutionizetheliteraryworldwithhisgroundbreakinginvention.Withanunending supplyofenthusiasm,BudandDoug singallthesongsandplayalltheparts intheirridiculoushistoricalepic,withthe hopethatoneoftheproducersinattendancewillgivethemthatelusive Broadwaycontract.
Packedwithcatchytunes,laugh-outloudmomentsandadoseofheartfelt sincerity,Gutenberg!TheMusical!isa theatricalgemthatcelebratesthepower offriendship,ingenuityandthewritten
word.Whetheryou'reahistorybuff,a musicalaficionado,orsimplylookingfor anightofnon-stopentertainment,this productionpromisestodelightaudiences ofallages.
Gutenberg!TheMusical!isdirected byCarmenCrussardandfeaturesMiguel CintronasBudandLesEnglehartas Doug.
ArtisticdirectorAnnetteTrossbach shares,“TheshowpokesfunatoverproducedBroadwaymusicalsbyhavingjust twoactorsplayalltheparts,includinga madmonkandaflirtatiousingenue, Helvetica.Thesincereandenthusiastic characterswilltrysohardtosellyou theirshow,setinSchlimmer,Germany. (“Schlimmer"translatesto“worse”in English)It'sanabsolutelydelightfuland funnyshow.”
Crussardsays,“Gutenberg!The
Musicalissomuchfun,andIcouldn’t haveabettercastthanLesandMiguel. Inatimewhenit’seasytobecaughtup inallthestressofanelectionyear,a showlikeGutenberg!TheMusical!is sucharelief.Welaughsomuchin rehearsals;it’samazingwegetanything doneatall.Ireallyhopeaudienceslove theshowandhaveasmuchfunaswe are.”
PerformancesareSept.13,14,19, 20,21,26,27and28at7:30p.m.and Sept.15,22and29at2p.m.Tickets are$42eachor$15forstudentswith validstudentIDs.Half-pricedpreviews areSept.11and12,andaThursday nightspecialticketpriceof$37eachfor adults.Fortickets,calltheboxofficeat 239-218-0481oronlineatwww.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.Thetheatreislocatedat1634WoodfordAve.inFortMyers.
T HEATRE
TheatreConspiracyseasonstarts Sept.5atAlliancefortheArts
TheatreConspiracyatthe AlliancefortheArtsisthrilledto announceits31stseason, beginningSept.5.
Thisseasonpromisesa dynamiclineupoffourdiverse theatricalperformances,rangingfromclassicfavoritesto contemporarycomedies,and award-winningplaysbyboth renownedandemergingplaywrights.
Additionally,thedatesfor themuch-anticipated2025 FringeFortMyershavebeen set.
Allregularseasonperformanceswilltakeplaceon Thursdays,Fridaysand Saturdaysat7:30p.m.,with Sundaymatineesat2p.m.on thefinalweekendofeachproduction.
DirectedbyStephanieDavis,thecastof5LesbiansEatinga QuicheincludesLucySundby,ShelleySanders,AnnaGrilli, MadelaineWeymouthandKarenGoldberg.
5LesbiansEatingaQuichebyEvanLinder andAndrewHobgoodwillbeperformedSept.5 –7and12–14at7:30p.m.andSept.15at2 p.m.In1956,amidstfearsofCommunistattack andhomosexualsubversion,theSusanB. AnthonySocietyfortheSistersofGertrude SteinmeetfortheirannualQuicheBreakfastin arevampedmeetinghall/bombshelter.As Sovietbombsfall,theSistersfacespendingthe nextfouryearsintheshelter,leadingthemto abandonsocialconventionsandembracetheir truelesbianidentities.5LesbiansEatinga Quiche,a2012NYInternationalFringeFestival sensation,isafarcical,audience-interactivecelebrationofsisterhoodandsurvival.DirectedbyStephanie Davis,thecastincludesLucySundby,ShelleySanders,Anna Grilli,MadelaineWeymouthandKarenGoldberg.
Theremainingseasonincludes:
ClownBar2byAdamSzymkowicztobeperformedDec. 12–22.DirectedbyBillTaylor,thisimmersiveexperience transformstheFouldsTheatreintoanactualfunctioningbar, theClownBar,plungingyouintothedarkandsecretworldof thesehilarious,yetfrightening,gangsterclowns.
AmurderhasonceagainrockedtheClownBar,anotoriouslairwhereundergroundclowncrimedominates.Amidst thestrictrulesanddarkhumor,agunshoterupts,leavinga bleedingstreamofconfettiinitswake.Inthisworld,thebest waytoserveacocktailiswithapunchline.
Oneyearlater,theClownBarhasfallenintodisrepairand Happyismissing.DidtheinfamousclowncowboyBrigham Billtakehimout,oristhereamoresinisterplotatplay?Two cops,whoonceknewHappyfromhisdaysontheforce,don theirdisguisesandgoundercoverasclownstouncoverthe truthbehindhisdisappearance.
Thebaropens45minutespriortoshowtimes.Knowledge
oftheprecedingshowisnot requiredtoenjoythissequel. Thisplayisopentothose21+ only.
JitneybyAugustWilsonwill bestagedFeb.13–23.The AllianceiscommittedtoperformingtheentireAmerican CenturyCycleofAugustWilson plays.Jitneyischronologically theeighthofthetenplays,and thesixthoftheperformances heldatAFTA.SonyaCarter directsthelocalproduction. Regulartaxicabswillnot traveltothePittsburghHill Districtofthe1970s,andso theresidentsturntojitneys— unofficial,unlicensedtaxi cabs—thatoperateinthecommunity.Jitneyportraysthelives ofthedriversatthestation ownedbyJimBecker.
Thiscompellingplayisrichwiththemesof familyconflict,thelingeringeffectsofthe VietnamWar,battleswithaddictionandthepervasivepresenceofracism.Itexplorestheintricatedynamicsbetweenfathersandsons,the shadowscastbywarandtherelentlessfight againstsocietalandpersonaldemons.
TomatoesTriedtoKillMe,ButBanjosSaved MyLifebyKeithAlessiwillbepresentedon TuesdaysfromMarch18–April22.Alessi shareshisexceptionaltruestoryofleavingthe corporateworldbehindtofollowhistruepassion—playingthebanjo!Whenfacedwithacancerbattle,hislifelongdreambecomesthekeyto savinghislife.Toldthroughauthenticstorytelling,heartfelt humorandmusic,thishighlyawarded,internationallytoured showisanupliftingstoryofchallenge,triumph,andthepower ofpositivity.Thisintimateeveningisonesuretoleaveyou feelingempowered,inspired,andreadytodustoffyourown longforgottendreams.
Individualticketpricesare$32,$15forstudentsor$27for Alliancemembers.Topurchaseticketsormoreinformation, calltheboxofficeat239-939-2787,visit10091McGregor Blvd.FortMyersorgoonlineatwww.ArtInLee.org/Theatre.
FringeFortMyers
FringeFortMyers2025willbetakingplaceMay29-June 1,2025.ApplicationswillopenSept.16toperformersinterestedinparticipatingatFringe.Allapplicationsmustbesubmitted byDec.9,2024at5pm.Thelivelotterydrawingselectingthe performerswhowillbeincludedatFringeFortMyerswillbe heldDec.17at6:30pm.FringeFortMyersmaintainslongstandingFringetraditionsofbeing100%uncensored,100% unjuriedand100%inclusive.Evenbetter,100%ofticketsales godirectlytotheartists.
CHARLOTTEPLAYERS
AlwaysaBridesmaidrunsSept.12-22; ComedyforaCausesetforSept.13
TheCharlottePlayerspresent AlwaysaBridesmaidSept.12-22 atLangdonPlayhouse.
Onthenightoftheirseniorprom, LibbyRuth,Deedra,Monetteand Charliepromisethattheywillbe bridesmaidsinoneanother’sweddings.Nomatterwhat.Now,thirty yearslater,theseSoutherngalsare stillmaking“thelongwalk”foreach other,determinedtohonorthatvow. ‘Forbetterorforworse’takesona wholenewmeaninginthiscomedy aboutoldfriends.Alwaysa BridesmaidbyJessieJones, NicholasHopeandJamieWooten willbeperformedSept.12–14and Sept.18–21at7:30p.m.andSept. 15and22at2p.m.
The12thannualComedyForA CausewilltakeplaceFriday,Sept.13 at5:30p.m.atTwistedFork,2208El JobeanRoadinPortCharlotte.
ThecastincludesLesleyBarton, SeanBurroughs,JessicaCline, ShawnGilstad,TobybethJohnson,
BertParsley,BrockReichardt, EmersonSchoonover,JosephTiseo andTaraZajas.EmceewillbeChris Hall,andChrisConstanceisthe improvdirector.
Theremainingseasonforthe CharlottePlayers: BewaretheHouseonHaunted HillOct.10-27
NoSexPlease:It’sChristmas Nov.21-Dec.15
FourOldsBroadsJan.9-26
DrinkingHabitsFeb.6-28
AMurderisAnnounced March13-30
SexPlease,We’reSixty April10-27
NanaDoesVegasMay15-25 Forticketsandinformation,call 941-255-1022orvisitonlineat www.charlotteplayers.org.The LangdonPlayhouseislocatedat1182 MarketCircle,PortCharlotte.
KristenCoury,founder, CEOandproducingartisticdirectorofGulfshore Playhouse,has announcedthecomplete 2024-2025season,the firstinthenewBaker TheatreandEducation Center.
Performancesbegin Oct.27.Astheonlyfully professionalLORT (LeagueofResident Theatres)theatrecompanyinNaples,Gulfshore Playhousewillwelcome castsandcreativeteams fromBroadwayand beyondtograceboththe Broadway-sizedMoran Mainstageandflexible, blackboxStruthersStudio.
“ItiswithutmostjoyandgratitudethatIgettosay: Welcometothe2024-2025seasonatGulfshorePlayhouse, ourinauguralseasonattheBakerTheatreandEducation Center,”saidCoury.“Finally,ourgranddreamisnolongerin thefuturetense,it’srightbeforeusinglorious,vibrantreality.”
Shecontinued,“Generousdonors,loyalpatrons,anda first-rateboardofdirectorsmadethisdreamareality. Countlessstaffmembersoverthepastdecadehavecontributedtheirexpertisetomakingitasexceptionalaspossible.Consultants,architects,andconstructionworkersturned itfromlinesonapageintothisstrikingfacilitywhichwewill sooncallhome.TheCityofNaplesacknowledgedthefact thatacommunitybenefitswhentheartsflourishandpartneredwithustoconstructapublicparkinggarageright acrossthestreet.Thebuilding,ofcourse,hasaphysical foundation,butit’struebedrockliesinthehearts,minds,and handsofthosewhomadeithappen.”
Inthebuildingaretwovenues:theMoranMainstageand theStruthersStudio,inadditiontoanentirewingdedicated toeducationalprograms,whichallowsGulfshorePlayhouse toserveinsomanyways,providingawidevarietyofprogrammingtoensureallaregettingthebestinartsandeducation.Theeducationalofferingswillexpandgreatlythisnext season,servingstudentsofallstagesoflife.
IntheMoranMainstage,therearefourproductionslined up.Launchingtheseasonisthebelovedmusicalcomedy, AnythingGoes.Courywilldirectthistoe-tapping,Broadwaysizedmusical.Fullofdazzlingmusicaltheatrespectacle,this istheperfectwaytokickofftheinauguralseasonandatidingofallgoodthingstocome.Inthewinterof2025,afresh adaptationofaHitchcockclassic,Dial“M”forMurder,directedbyJacksonGay,willgracethestage.Continuingtheseason,we’llproducetheoutrageous,timelesscomedy,Noises Off.WrappingupourdebutseasonisSweetCharity,directed
andchoreographedby ArtisticAssociateDann Dunn.Withahilarious bookbyNeilSimon,this musicalisacherryontop ofwhatwillbeavery memorabletheatrical cake.
IntheStruthers Studio,aflexibleblack boxspace,Gulfshore Playhousewilldesign threedifferentstageconfigurationsforthree thought-provokingproductions.Firstup,Every BrilliantThing,directed byRisaBraininandstarringJeffreyBinder,isan upliftingandinteractive one-manshowwherethe audiencewillhelpbring thestorytolife.Next,oneofthemostpopularplaysin America,TheLehmanTrilogy,highlightingthreegenerations oftheinfamousAmericandynastywillbedirectedbyJeffrey Binder.Last,we’lltransformthetheatreintoanatmospheric jazzclubforLadyDayatEmerson’sBarandGrill,ajukebox musicalaboutsongstressBillieHoliday,directedbyMarshall JonesIII.Guestswillbeabletogetadrinkatthebarright insidethetheatre.
EducationisatruepriorityforGulfshorePlayhouse,as demonstratedbytheupcomingslateofnew(andongoing) theatreeducationprogramsforpeopleofallages.Gulfshore Playhousewillcontinueworkinthecommunitywiththe ArtReachprogramming,educatingintheschoolswith ThinkTheatre,andtrainingpre-professionalstudentsthrough TheConservatory,allwhilecreatingnewopportunitiesforthe entirecommunityontheGulfshorePlayhousecampus. Expandededucationalprogrammingwillgivealltheopportunitytolearntheatreartsfromprofessionals,growself-confidence,andengagewithacommunityoffellowtheatrelovers.
Ticketscanbeorderedonlineatgulfshoreplayhouse.org orbyphoneat239-261-PLAY.Locatedatthecornerof Goodlette-FrankRoadand1stAvenueSouth,thenewfacility housesa350-seatmainstagetheatreanda125-seatstudio space,inadditiontonumerousevents,rehearsalandeducationalspaces.The2024-25seasonincludesthefollowing: MoranMainstage: AnythingGoesNov.1-Nov.24
Dial“M”forMurderJan.16-Feb.2
NoisesOffFeb.27-March16
SweetCharityApril10-May4
StruthersStudio: EveryBrilliantTingNov.14-Dec.15
TheLehmanTrilogyJan.30-March2
LadyDayatEmerson’sBar&GrillMarch20-April19
TheMousetrap
atBroadwayPalmtoSept.21
BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatre launchedits32ndseasonAug.16 withAgathaChristie’srenowned thriller,TheMousetrap,playingto Sept.21.
Havingoriginallypremieredin1952 atTheAmbassadorsTheatrein London,thisproductionholdsthedistinctionofbeingtheworld’slongestrunningplay,captivatingovertenmillionviewers.TheMousetrapremains thequintessentialmurdermysteryfrom thebest-sellingnovelistofalltime… caseclosed!
Inaseamlessblendofsuspense, sophisticatedhumor,andunforeseen twists,therenownedQueenof Crime,AgathaChristie,craftsacaptivatingtaleofmurdermystery.Setina remotecountrysideguesthouse,seven strangersfindthemselvessnowedin. Theirpredicamenttakesachillingturn whenapolicesergeantarrivesonskis, revealingthere’sakilleramongthem. Assuspicionsmountandtensionesca-
lates,eachguestunveilstheirmurky past,addinglayersofintriguetothe unfoldingdrama.
DirectedbyVictorLegarreta,the castincludesKateWhitworthasMollie Ralston,JamesArthelReillyasGiles Ralston,JordonRossWeinholdas ChristopherWren,ShannonConnolly asMrs.Boyle,RobertTullyasMajor Metcalf,DanielleStandiferasMiss Casewell,AlexDaggasMr.Paravicini andSeanFlemingasDetectiveSgt. Trotter.Swingcastmembersare RachelLord,SteffenWhortonand FrankHughes.
PerformancesareWednesday throughSundayeveningswithselect matineesavailable.Ticketpricesrange from$60to$85,withspecialratesfor groups.
ThemusicalChicagowillopen Sept.27onthemainstageandrun throughNov.9.Setamidsttherazzledazzledecadenceofthe1920s, ChicagoisthestoryofRoxieHart,a
housewifeandnightclubdancerwho murdersheron-the-sidelover. Desperatetoavoidconviction,she dupesthepublic,themedia,andher rivalcellmate,VelmaKelly,byhiring Chicago’sslickestlawyertotransform hermaliciouscrimeintoabarrageof sensationalheadlines.Hearfavorites “AllThatJazz,”“CellBlockTango,” “RazzleDazzle,”“Roxie”andmore.
TheOffBroadwayPalmTheatre’s seasonbeginsOct.10withBarefootin thePark(andplaysthroughNov.16). NewlywedsPaulandCoriereturnfrom asix-dayhoneymoononlytobegreetedbyasurprisevisitfromCorie’s eccentricmother.Duringdinnerwith theirattic-dwellingneighborVelasco, theyattemptmatchmakingwhere chaosensues,aseverythingthatcan gowrong,doesgowrong.
Ticketsareonsaleandcanbe reservedbycalling239-278-4422,visitingBroadwayPalm.com,orinperson at1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
CulturalParkopens62ndseasonwithfamilyhit
CulturalPark Theatreannounces theopeningofits 62ndseasonwiththe enchantingchildren’s production,Charley Maplewood’sBigOne Oh!
Thisdelightful showwillrunSept.20 toSept.29,offeringa magicalexperience foraudiencesofall ages.
Charley Maplewood’sBigOne Oh!tellstheheartwarmingstoryof Charley,ayoungboy whofindshimself questioningthetruemeaningoffriendshipasheplansfor his10thbirthdaycelebration.
Throughoutthisimaginativeadventure,Charleylearns valuablelessonsaboutfriendshipandself-discovery,all settoasoundtrackoflivelyandmemorablemusic.
Featuringatalentedensemblecastof30childrenand5 adults,thisproductionbringstolifeaworldfilledwith whimsicalimaginaryfriends,heartfeltmoments,andplenty offun.Theshow’svibrantmusicalnumbersandengaging
storylinepromiseto captivateandentertain bothchildrenand adults.
Directedby ShaelynCrabtree,the productionischoreographedbyReese Thurmerwithvocal directionbyMaliyah Mattis.
Showtimesare FridayandSaturdayat 7p.m.andSundayat 3p.m.Ticketsare availablenowandcan bepurchasedonlineat www.culturalparktheatre.orgoratthe CulturalParkTheatre boxofficeorcall239-772-5862.Don’tmissthisopportunity tojoinusforaspectacularstarttoour62ndseasonwitha productionthatcelebratesthejoyofchildhoodandthe importanceoftruefriendship.
CharleyMaplewood’sBigOneOh!isaperfectblendof imagination,music,andlifelessonsthatwillleavealasting impressiononaudiencesofallages.
CulturalParkTheatreislocated528CulturalPark TheatreBlvd.inCapeCoral.
ByTylerYoung
Assummercomestoanend,weareexcitedtobegin ourthirdthrillingseasonwithEncore!ABroadway Revue.
Encore!featuresfamiliarBroadwayfavoritesandnew worksthat’llbecomenewfavoritescreatingamusical celebrationofBroadwaythroughtheyears,onstage Sept.6-15.
FollowingEncore!isNeilSimon’sLastofTheRed HotLovers,ahilariousNeilSimonfarcethatwillhave youlaughingfromstarttofinishstarringSouthwest FloridalocalsGerrieBenzing,DonnaRichman,Madison TrippandLouisMonacoallunderthedirectionofTony Saracino.LastoftheRedHotLoverscenterson BarneyCashmanwho’soverweight,middle-aged,havingamid-lifecrisis,andafterbeingmarriedformore than20yearsdecidesafewone-nightstandsshouldfitthebill, whatcouldgowrong?FindoutwhenLastoftheRedHot LoverstakesthestageSept.20-29.
ThecastofEncore!ABroadwayRevue
Ifthat’snotenoughexcitement,therearetwoadditional showscomingsoontoourthirdseason...sostaytuned.
Nextonstage,Oct.4-13,SaturdayNightFevertakesus backtothe‘70swherediscoanddancingwereawayoflife. RightontheheelsofSaturdayNightFevercomesa“Tale AsOldAsTime”withDisney’sBeautyandtheBeastonstage Oct.18–Nov.3.Aperfectmusicalfortheentirefamilyandone oftheFINALchancestocatchBeautyandtheBeastlocally beforeit’sputbackintheDisneyvault!
OurthirdseasoncontinueswithACharlieBrownChristmas (Dec.18-22),TheDaVinciCode(Jan.3-19,2025),Dirty RottenScoundrels(Feb.28-March16)andAlfredHitchcock’s The39Steps(March28-April13).
Seasonticketsareonsalenow.Savemoney,enjoygreat entertainmentandsupporttheartsinSWFlorida.Ourthird thrillingseasonfeatures10greatshowsforjust$20/ticket whenyousubscribeatTheBelle.
Forticketsandmoreinformationaboutourupcomingproductionsandevents,visitusonlineat www.TheBelleTheatre.com,giveusacallat239-323-5533or stopbytheboxofficeat2708SantaBarbaraBlvd.#135in CapeCoralTuesday-Fridaynoon–4p.m.Wanttostayupto-dateonthelatesthappeningsatTheBelle?BesuretofollowusonFacebook(@thebelletheatre).
TylerYoungisfounderandexecutivedirector
TheBelleTheatrestarts thirdseasonwithrevue TheatreZonetocelebrate 20years
MarkDanni,foundingartisticdirectorof TheatreZoneinNaples,hasannouncedthe theatre’s2024-2025musicalproductions. Thetheatrecompanywillcelebrateits20th anniversaryin2025withayear-longobservationofitsmilestones.
Their2024-2025seasonbeginswithits traditionalopenerinDecember,Homefor theHolidays,andcontinueswiththeTony AwardwinningbestmusicalsOnce;Jersey Boys;theKanderandEbbtreasureThe Rink,andthemusicalversionofthehitfilm Ghost.
Musicalsareasfollows: HomefortheHolidays-Dec.20-22 TheatreZone’soriginalmusicalextravaganza,HomefortheHolidays,isa SouthwestFloridatraditioncelebratingits eighthannualproduction.Theshow delightsaudienceswithbelovedtraditional andpopularChristmassongs,sparkling andelaboratecostumes,andChristmasthemedscenery.
Once-Jan.9-19
Once,theTonyAward-winningBest Musicalof2012,tellsastoryofpassionfor music,heartbreak,intimacies,andwonder aboutthefuture.Themusical,basedon the2007filmofthesamenamebyJohn Carney,woneightTonyAwards.The BroadwaycastalbumwonaGrammyfor BestMusicalTheatreAlbum.
TheRink-Feb.6-16
Kander&Ebb’sTheRinkmadeits Broadwaydebutin1984andwasnominatedforfiveTonyAwards.ItstarredLiza Minnelli,JasonAlexanderandChitaRivera, whowontheTonyAwardforOutstanding ActressinaMusical.
JerseyBoys-March6-16
JerseyBoys,the2006TonyAward-winningBestMusical,wasablow-outsuccess dramatizingtheformation,success,and breakupof1960sgroupTheFourSeasons.
Ghost-June5-15
Ghost:TheMusicalisanadaptationof the1990AcademyAward-winninghitfilm. SamandMollyaredeeplyinlove.Their connectiontakesashockingturnwhen Samiskilledinamuggingthatturnsoutto beaplannedmurderbyacloseassociate ofthecouple.Unwillingandunabletoleave Molly,Samhoversbetweentwoworldsand learnsthetruthofhismurder.TocommunicatewithMolly,heturnstoastorefrontpsychic,OdaMaeBrown,acharacterwitha rapsheetforconningmoneyoutofvulnerablewidows.aboutaconnectionthateven deathcannotsever.
Tobooktickets,visitwww.Theatre.Zone orcalltheboxofficeat888-966-3352,ext. 1.TheatreZone,presentsitsmusicalperformancesintheintimate250-seatG&L TheatrelocatedinNaplesat13275 LivingstonRoad,onthecampusofthe CommunitySchoolofNaples.
Southwest Florida 2024-2025 SEASON THEATRE
Florida Repertor y Theatre
239-332-4488
Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers floridarep.org
In the Arcade Theatre
Ben Butler
Oct 22 - Nov 10
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Nov 26 - Dec 15
Lucky Stiff
Jan 7 - 26
Boca
Feb 11 - March 2
Shout: The Mod Musical
March 18 - April 13
In the ArtStage Studio Theatre
Forever Plaid
Sept 17 - Oct 27
Fully Committed
Dec. 10 - Jan. 12
Bloomsday
Jan 28 - March 2
Venus in Fur
April 15 - May 18
The Belle Theatre
239-323-5533
2708 Santa Barbara Blvd #135, Cape Coral thebelletheatre com
Encore! A Broadway Revue
Sept. 6 - 15
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Sept 20 - 29
Saturday Night Fever Oct. 4 - 13
Beauty and The Beast Oct 18- Nov 3
A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 18 - 22
The DaVinci Code
Jan 3 - 19
The Sound of Music
Jan. 24 - Feb. 9
Harvey Feb 14 - 23
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Feb 28 - March 16
The 39 Steps
March 28 - April 13
TheatreZone
1-888-966-3352
13275 Livingston Road, Naples theatre zone
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 20 - 22
Once
Jan 9 - 19
The Rink
Feb. 6 - 16
Jersey Boys March 6 - 16
Ghost
June 5 - 15
FGCU
Theatre
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers
239-745-4268 fgcu.edu/theatrelab
Letters to Sala Nov. 1 - 10
Radium Girls Feb. 14 - 22
The Wolves April 11 - 27
Broadway Palm
239-278-4422
1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com
The Mousetrap
Aug 16 - Sept 21
Chicago Sept. 27 - Nov. 9
A Christmas Carol Nov 22 – Dec 25
Buddy:
The Buddy Holly Story
Dec. 31 – Feb. 15
Crazy For You
Feb 21 - April 5
Waitress
April 11 - May 24
Legally Blonde
May 30 - June 28
Annie July 3 - Aug 9
Arts Bonita
239-495-8989
10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita artsbonita org
Hadestown Teen
Oct. 18 - 20
The Home...
For the Holidays
Dec. 21 - 22
The Boy from Block 66
Jan. 30 - Feb. 2
Love Letters
Feb. 14
Assisted Living March 29 - 30
Jesus Christ Superstar
April 11 - 19
The Naples Players
239-263-7990
701 5th Avenue S , Naples naplesplayers org
Rumors
Oct 2 - 20
Almost, Maine Oct. 16 - Nov. 10
A Christmas Story Nov 20 - Dec 22
The Play That Goes Wrong Jan. 15 - Feb. 16
Death of a Salesman
Feb 5 - March 2
Man of La Mancha
March 12 - April 13
The Half-Life of Marie Curie
April 2 - 27
The Hallelujah Girls
May 7 - 25
Arts Center Theatre
239-394-4221
1089 N Collier Blvd. #432, Marco marcoislandart.org
The Swingset
Sept 6 - 15
A Few Good Men
Oct 4 - 13
Every Christmas Story Ever Told Dec 4 - 22
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Jan. 8 - 26
The Odd Couple
Feb. 5 - 23
Boeing, Boeing
March 5 - 23
Four Old Broads
April 2 - 13
Laborator y Theater of Florida
239-218-0481
1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida.org
Gutenberg! The Musical Sept 13 - 29
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Oct 18 - Nov 11
24 Hour
Playwriting Project Nov 16
Christmas with the Crawfords
Dec 6 - 22
Piccadilly Dec. 28 - 30
Good Bad People
Jan 24 - Feb 8
Jesus Christ Superstar Feb 21 - March 23
The Minutes April 11 - 27
Artis– Naples
239-597-1111
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples artisnaples.org
Some Like It Hot Dec 24 - 29
Mamma Mia! Feb. 4 - 9
The Cher Show
March 4 - 9
MJ the Musical
March 25 - 30
Pretty Woman the Musical April 9 - 13
Charlotte Players
941-255-1022
1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte charlotteplayers org
Always A Bridesmaid
Sept. 12 - 22
Beware the House on Haunted Hill
Oct 10 - 27
No Sex Please: Itʼs Christmas
Nov 21 - Dec 15
Four Old Broads
Jan 9 - 26
Drinking Habits
Feb 6 - 28
A Murder is Announced
March 13 - 30
Sex Please, Weʼre Sixty
April 10 - 27
Nana Does Vegas
May 15 - 25
Gulf Coast Symphony
13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers 239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
Forbidden Broadway Nov 20 - 23
Camelot
Jan. 29 - Feb. 1
Murder for 2
Feb 26 - March 1
Jerryʼs Girls
April 9 - 12
Cultural Park Theater
239-772-5862
528 Cultural Park Blvd , Cape Coral culturalparktheatre org
The Big One-Oh! Sept. 20 - 29
Carrie the musical Oct. 18 - 27
Sealed for Freshness
Nov 15 - 24
Rudolph Jr. Dec. 11 - 15
Grandmaʼs Murder Club
Jan 24 - Feb 2
Something Rotten
Feb 21 - March 2
Southern Fried Funeral
March 21 - 30
When Bullfrog Sings Opera
May 23 - June 1
Off Broadway Palm
239-278-4422
1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com
Barefoot in the Park
Oct 10 - Nov 16
Another Night Before Christmas
Nov 28 - Dec 25
Caught in the Net
Jan 14 – Feb 23
Savannah Sipping Society
Feb 28 - April 13
Half Baked
April 18 - May 24
Gulfshore Playhouse
1-239-261-7529
100 Goodlette Frank Road, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse org
Anything Goes Oct. 27 - Nov. 4
Every Brilliant Thing Nov 10 - Dec 15
Dial M for Murder
Jan 12 - Feb 2
The Lehman Trilogy
Jan 26 - March 2
Noises Off Feb. 23 - March 16
Lady Day at Emersonʼs Grill
March 16 - April 19
Sweet Charity April 6 - May 4
The Studio Players
239-398-9192
4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples thestudioplayers org
Itʼs Only A Play
Aug 23 - Sept 8
Dead Manʼs Cell Phone Oct. 4 - 13
A Nice Family Christmas Nov 29 - Dec 8
Come Back to the 5 & Dime
Jan. 31 - Feb. 16
Lend Me A Tenor
March 18 - April 13
Prodigal Son
May 16 - June 1
BarbaraB.Mann
PerformingArtsHall
239-481-4849
13350FSWPkwy,FortMyers bbmannpah.com
JerseyBoys
Jan.7-12
FunnyGirl
Jan.21-26
TheNeilDiamondMusical: ABeautifulNoise
Feb.18-23
ComefromAway Feb.25-March2
MJtheMusical April1-6
LesMiserables April15-20
TheatreConspiracy
239-939-2787
10091McGregorBlvd,FortMyers artinlee.org
5LesbiansEatingaQuiche Sept.5-15
ClownBar2 Dec.12-22
Jitney Feb.13-23
TomatoesTriedtoKillMe, ButBanjosSavedMyLife March18-April22
FringeFortMyers May29-June1
239-800-3292
13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers PlayersCircleTheater.com
BedroomFarce Oct.22-Nov.17
Greetings Nov.25-Dec.22
Admissions
Jan.7-26
TheFantasticks Feb.4-March2
Flatlanders March11-April6
TheBusinessofMurder April15-May11
ACTGalleryshowcasesKateWarner-Swanstrom
ArtsforACTGallery,located at2265FirstSt.indowntown FortMyers,willhostanopening receptiononFriday,Sept.6from 5to9p.m.duringtheFortMyers ArtWalk.
InSeptember,ACTGallery willfeaturetheACTartistKate Warner-Swanstrom.Meetthe artistfrom6to8p.m.anddiscussherworks.Refreshments willbeserved.UmbrellaMafia willbesetupoutsideoftheACT Gallerywitharedcarpetand manyfunandinteractivedance umbrellas,chilloutzoneand muchmore.
TheopeningofIlluminating Lifeisasoloexhibitionfeaturing thecaptivatingworksofaspiring artistKateWarner-Swanstrom. Theexhibitionwillbeonview Sept.6–30.
Kate’screationsareacombinationofwhimsicalandabstract artistry,atruedreammaker whoseworkstransportvisionariesintofantasticalrealms.Their uniquestylecombinesplayful elementswithintricateabstractions,creatingpiecesthatare bothenchantingandthoughtprovoking.Eachartworkisa vividexplorationofimagination, invitingaudiencestolosethemselvesinaworldwheredreams andrealityintertwineseamlessly.
InIlluminatingLife,Kate explorestheharmoniousblend ofdelightandabstraction,celebratingthebeautyandessence ofnaturethroughadream-like lens.Theartist’suniqueperspectiveinvitesviewersintoaworld wheretheplayfulandfantastical elementsofnaturecomealive. Throughabstractformsand vibrantcolors,theworksevokea deeprespectandappreciation forthenaturalworld,transformingordinarylandscapesinto enchanting,otherworldlyexperiences.
Throughoils,acrylics,pencil,mixedmediaandfound objects,Kateemploysadiverserangeofmediumstobring hervisionstolife,creatingadynamicinterplayoftextures andforms.Together,thesemediumscreateacohesivebody ofworkthatisbothvisuallycaptivatingandthematicallyprofound,celebratingtheessenceofnaturethrougharich
tapestryofartisticexpression. ACTGalleryiscuratedbyClaudiaGoodewiththehelpof ACTartistsandvolunteers.
Thegalleryiscurrentlyseekingvolunteersandnewartists. Ifyouloveartandwanttohelpagreatorganization,contact cgoode@actabuse.com.It’sagoodthing! Galleryhoursare11:30a.m.to8p.m.Mondaythrough Saturdayandnoonto6p.m.onSunday.
CeramicsofDavidHammelatDAASCo-Op
InSeptember,DAASCo-Op ArtGallery&Giftsishostinga newguestartistexhibitionattheir newlocationontheAlliancefor theArtscampus.
ArtistDavidHammelpresents animpressivecollectionofceramicsinspiredbyFlorida’swildlife. TheopeningreceptionisscheduledforFriday,Sept.6from5:30 to9pm.Theexhibitionwillbeon displaythroughSept.29.
Hammel'sfamilyfirstsettledin Floridainthemid-1800s.The artistwasraisedinFortMyers wherehegraduatedfromFort MyersHighSchool,laterattendingEdisonCommunityCollege. Hammelthenenrolledatthe RinglingCollegeofArt&Design whereheearnedhisbachelor’sin finearts.WhileatRingling,he studiedillustration,movingtofine artwherehestudiedpainting, beforemergingintopotteryand sculpture.
DuringhisRinglingyears, Hammeltaughtatthesummerart campprogram,whichledtoa positionastheartteacheratSt.
Martha'sCatholicSchoolinSarasota. Hehasbeenacontractteacherfor thestateofFloridaandvariouscountiesteachingspecialpopulationssuch asphysicallyandmentallychallenged individuals,atriskteens,juvenilelockupsandvarioussummercamps. Hammerhasbeenapotteryinstructor forlocalartstudiosinCapeCoral, NaplesandFortMyers.Currently,he isemployedasanarttherapisttothe elderlyinSarasota,wherehelives withhiswifeandtwoawesome daughters.
Hammel’srecentseriesofceramic vasesarecreatedusingseveraltechniques,includingslabbuilding,relief sculpture,illustration,andpainting. Thefocusofthemajorityofthevases istheFloridawildlifetheme.
DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Giftsis locatedat10051McGregorBlvd., suite104inFortMyers(adjacentto Arts&EatsCafé)intheAlliancefor theArtscampus.Thegallery’sbusinesshoursareWednesdaytoSunday from10amto2pm.Information aboutthevenueand/orhowto becomeamemberisfoundatdaascoop.comorbycalling239-955-0422.
NelsonJalil,DavidHatchettexhibits atSidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter
TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter announcestwoartexhibitionsopeningon Friday,Sept.6.TheGreatLeapbyNelson JalilwillbeondisplayintheGrandAtrium. OnthesecondfloorintheCapitalGalleryis areflectiveshowcaseofDavidHatchett.
Openingnightforbothexhibitionswill beduringFortMyersArtWalkonSept.6 from6to10p.m.includinglivemusicby DouglasCoventryfrom7to11p.m.at Sidney’sRooftopSculptureGarden.
TheGreatLeapexhibitshowcasesart workconnectingNelsonJalil’slifeexperiencesintotwomeaningfulcontextsof Cubanculture,HavanaandMiami.These piecesmanifesthistransitionfromonecity toanotherandhisrelationshipwithboth places.Theselectionofworksindiscriminatelyencompassesnotionsofcensorship,memory,andfreedom.Theexhibitiontitlewasinspiredbyaworkrelatedto hisseriestitledTheBigJump,whichwill alsobeondisplay.Theimageportraysa bird’seyeviewofaswimmingpoolwith nobottomandatrampoline.Thepainting isavisualmetaphorforfacingthe unknownandtheprocessofemigration. Therearethreeseriesintheexhibition titledAmnesia,TheCountryofEmpty Pools,andBadDayforaPoetinMiami.
InthefirstseriesAmnesia,Jalilunveils aworldwherelibrariesandarchivesface therawpowerofnatureandhuman destruction.Scenesofvulnerabledocumentsareportrayedbeingengulfedby fire,wind,water,andlushvegetation.The ideaofthisserieswascreatedduringhis timeinCubaandbasedonhistorical eventswherelocallibrarieswereburned
down.Theshowdemandsfocusontheturmoilofwhenthoseinpowerdenythepublicaccesstovaluableinformationandhow theactofburningbooksisoneofthemost conspicuousformsofcensorship.Jaliloften describeshisworktobeinspiredbyaterm hecreatedcalled“TheTorquemadaeffect” withinCubanculture.Theseriesintroduces themessuchasmemory,lossorimpermanence,andhowhistoricalaccountscanbe manipulatedbyindividuals’perspectivesof worldeventswithmajoromissionsoradditions.
TheseriesTheCountryofEmptyPools isbasedonJalil’sobservationofhowall publicswimmingpoolsinCubaaredilapidatedorcompletelydestroyed.Hevisited severaloftheseabandonedpoolsand decidedtopaintfragmentssuchasold drainswithrustormissingtiles.Theabandonedanddecayingplacesstandasa backdroptothemetaphorofemptyswimmingpoolsbeingareflectionofCuba’scurrentsituation.
OnthesecondfloorintheCapital Galleryisanexhibitionshowcasingthe workofthelateDavidHatchett.Hatchett hailsfromaremarkablelineageofartists. Hisfather,DuayneHatchett,transitioned frombeingajetpilottoanacclaimedartist, creatinganextensivecollectionofmeticulouslycraftedsculptures,paintings,and prints.DuaynewasapioneerofMidCenturyModernconceptualminimalism,a movementexemplifiedbythe"Sculptureof theSixties"showatMOMA.Hislegacyset ahighbar.
However,DavidHatchettforgedhisown path.Divergingfromhisfather'sstyle, David'searlyworks,whichmayappear haphazardandrandom,revealasurprising depthofbeautyandvision.Hislatestpaintingsbuildonhischildhoodart,showcasing anovelapproachtousingpaint.Heconstructedanentireworldthroughhissculptures,paintings,songs,andnovels,each pieceburstingwithoriginalityandextraordinarycreativity.David'sartisinfusedwith hiswickedsenseofhumor,enthusiasmfor life,anddeepspirituality.
Bothexhibitswillbeondisplaythrough Sept.26.TheSidney&BerneDavisArt Centerislocatedat2301FirstSt.inthe FortMyersRiverDistrict.Formoreinfo,call 239-333-1933orvisitwww.sbdac.com
NelsonJalil
NelsonJalil
DavidHatchett
SmithsoniantravelingexhibitatCapeCoralLibrary
Thepublicisinvitedto attendtheribbon-cuttingat10 a.m.Friday,Sept.13,toopen “VoicesandVotes: DemocracyinAmerica”a SmithsonianMuseumon MainStreettravelingexhibitionhostedbytheCape Coral-LeeCountyPublic Library,921S.W.39th Terrace,CapeCoral.The exhibitionisfreeandopento thepublicduringregular libraryhours.
FloridaHumanities,the statewide,nonprofitaffiliateof theNationalEndowmentfor theHumanities,selectedand awardedfundingtoCape Coral-LeeCountyPublic Libraryasoneoffivelocations tohosttheexhibitionduringits20242025FloridaTour.
NationalWomanʼsPartymarchforwomanʼssuffrage, Washington,D.C.February14,1917 Photograph,giftofAlicePaulCentennialFoundation, NationalMuseumofAmericanHistory
“VoicesandVotes”exploresthe nearly250-year-oldAmericanexperimentofagovernment“of,byandfor thepeople”andtheaction,reaction, vision,andrevisionthatdemocracy demandsasAmericanscontinueto askandanswerquestionsthatshape
thecountry.Themultimediadisplay, availabletothepublicfromSept.14 toNov.8,featureshistoricalandcontemporaryphotosandvideo,engagingmultimediaandhistoricalobjects likecampaignsouvenirs,votermemorabiliaandprotestmaterial.
Theribboncuttingwillfeaturebrief remarksbyLeeCountycommission-
ersandotherofficialsfollowedbythefirstlookatthis impressivedisplay.Inaddition totheSmithsonianexhibit, theinstallationwillinclude localhistoryandartifacts courtesyoftheCapeCoral MuseumofHistory,Lawrence KearnyChapter,National SocietyDaughtersofthe AmericanRevolution,andthe LeeCountySupervisorof Elections.
“Theexhibitallowsusto reflectonourregion'shistory andexplorewhatitmeansto beanactiveparticipantinthe governanceofnotonlythe countrybutourcommunityas well,”saidMindSimon,directoroftheLeeCountyLibrary System.“Thelibraryisofferinga seriesofpubliceventsandactivities forallagesthroughSeptemberand Octobertocomplementtheexhibition andhighlightitscentralthemesof civicresponsibilityandengagement.”
Acalendarofeventsisavailable onlineatwww.leelibrary.net
OpenhouseSept.6&7inPuntaGorda
Anopenhouseisscheduledfor Sept.6and7from10a.m.to2 p.m.attheVisualArtsCenterin PuntaGorda.
Jointhemtoregisterforart classes,workshops,andcreate andsipartsocials.Engagewith theirexpertinstructors,inquire aboutcourses,andexplorethe facilities.Enjoycomplimentary mimosaswhileminglingwithfellow artenthusiasts.Allarewelcometo contributetothevibrantartcommunitybyenrollingintheirfallsessionclassesorgiftingartclasses toothers.
PineapplesinParadiseexhibit willopenSept.12andrunthrough Oct.11.Thisthemedexhibitisall aboutthebeautyofthe“Paradise” thatweallareprivilegedtocallhome.Both2D&3Dartwillbe ondisplayandworksdonothavetoincludepineapples.
TheexhibitaimstocapturetheessenceofPuntaGorda, showcasingitsvibrantlandscapes,richculture,andunique charm.Visitorswillfindadiversearrayofpiecesrangingfrom paintingsandphotographstosculpturesandmixedmedia works,eachtellingitsownstoryofthisbelovedlocale.
Artistsfromallwalksoflifehavecontributedtheirtalents, bringingtogetherarichtapestryofperspectivesandstyles. Whetherit'saserenesunsetovertheharbor,abustlingmarket
scene,oranabstractinterpretation oftheregion'sspirit,there'ssomethingtoresonatewitheveryviewer.
SurfandTurf,Seascapes& LandscapesexhibitbyLance HendersonalsoopensSept.12 andwillbeondisplaytoSept.27.
FloridanativeLanceHenderson isanartistwithapaintingcareer spanningoverthreedecades. DespitehisBachelorofScience degreefromLibertyUniversity, Lancehasnotpursuedformal traininginthefinearts.Hisartistic skillshavebeenhonedthrough self-teachingviaonlinetutorials, books,andoccasionalartclasses, reflectinghisbeliefthatsuchproficiencyisattainablethroughdedication.
Asaprofessionalartistforthepastthreeyears,Lancehas garneredrecognitionforhisexceptionalbodyofwork,primarily showcasedinCharlotteCounty.Specializinginoilpaintingsof landscapesandseascapesondiversesurfaces,Lanceaspires foreachpiecetoembodytheessenceofPsalm19:1,aiming toconveyGod'smagnificencethroughhisartistry.
Anawardsandartistsreceptionforbothexhibitswillbeheld Sept.19from5to7p.m.VisualArtsCenterislocatedat210 MaudSt.inPuntaGorda.Formoreinfo,call941-639-8810or visitwww.visualartcenter.org
TwonewexhibitsopeninSeptemberinBonitaSprings
TwonewexhibitsopenSept.12at theVisualArtCenterinBonitaSprings andrunthroughOct.24.
BlackandWhiteexhibition
Whatcananartistsaybyremoving theimpactofcolorfromtheirprocessof creation?Emphasisisplacedontexture,line,andcompositionasthefoundationsofapowerfulimageorsculpture limitedtograyscale.Forthisexhibition, artistsareaskedtosubmitablack& whiteartwork,whichmayincorporateno morethan10%color.Opentoallmedia types,2-Dand3-Dworks.
SymphonyofColor
TheArtofKarenGozzoNolan
“Musicistheinspirationforherart.It beginsbyselectingmusicforthepiece, andlayingoutthemediumbeforeme. Theemotionofthemusicwillchoose thepalette,alongwithanassortmentof tools.Theprocessisveryprivate,exhil-
KarenGozzoNolan
arating,yetexhaustinginagoodway. Disappearingintotheartmytools becometheinstruments,thepaint becomesthemusic.Onceapiecehas begun,itmovesforwardwiththesame musicalartistuntilcomplete.Ihavebeen labeledanabstractexpressionistbymy peers.Mypaintingsareintuitiveand emotionallyvibrant,paintedbrightlywith thepassionofthesong.Asfarasmy memorygoes,connectingmusicwith colorwassomethingIthoughteveryone did.Atdifferentperiodsinmylife,Iwould paintthisconnection.Imagine,color, connectingwithsound.Creatingartprofessionallyhasbeenmydreamsince childhood.Thepathtothisdreamhas beenrewardingbutbumpy,”saysNolan.
Areceptionforbothexhibitswillbe heldThursday,Sept.12from6to8p.m.
TheVisualArtsCenterislocatedat 26100Old41RoadinBonitaSprings. Formoredetails,call239-495-8989or visitwww.artsbonita.org
LanceHenderson
TowerGalleryshowcasesChristineReichow
TowerGalleryonSanibelisa cooperativeconsistingof25 artistsintwo-dimensionaland three-dimensionalmediumssuch asoil,acrylic,watercolor,photography,ceramic,jewelry,fiber, wood,glassandmetal.
ChristineReichow,a SouthwestFloridaartistinEstero, isknownforherrealisticwatercolorpaintingsofnaturesubjects alongwithherflawlessgradient backgrounds.
Usingtransparentwatercolor paint,Christineappliesmanythin layersofcolortoachievehergradientbackgrounds.
Sheisasignaturememberof theAmericanWatercolorSociety, NationalWatercolorSociety, TransparentWatercolorSociety, SouthernWatercolorSociety, FloridaWatercolorSocietyand WatercolorWest.Shehasexhibitedfrom2018–2024at FabrianoinAcquarello InternationalExhibitionin Fabriano,Italy.
Christine’sartcanbeseenat
TowerGalleryonSanibel,Island VisionsGalleryinFortMyers andonherwebsiteat www.christinereichow.art.
TowerGalleryislocatedat 751TarponBayRoadon Sanibelandisopensevendays aweekfrom11a.m.to6p.m.
Formoredetails,callthe galleryat239-472-4557orvisit onlineatwww.towergallery.net
LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents
ONGOING
TheMousetrap ThroughSept.21
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
ProgenitorofLife:Artwork InspiredbyWaterexhibit ThroughSept.26
HinmanGalleryintheRound, PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 239-495-8989
MethodtotheMadnessexhibit ThroughOct.3
WasmerArtGallery,ArtsComplex, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 239-590-7199
Allegories&Illusions byKathleenKinkopfexhibit ThroughSept.28
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers DanielleBranchaudexhibitintheatregalleryandTaniaAlvesexhibit inmembergallery,239-939-2787
SUN-1
TaylorRea OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
13:TheMusical PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 3p.m.,239-800-3292
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
Charlie TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
JimBrown,FlatWater Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 1p.m.,941-235-3675
JoeYeomanDuo TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR
TheAllegoriesandIllusionsexhibitfeaturestheartofKathleenKinkopfattheAlliancefortheArtsin FortMyersnowthroughSept.28.Formoreinfo,call239-939-2787orvisitwww.artinlee.org.
Remedy BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org
TUE-3
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
Galleryopeningreception HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,featuredartists MaryWidmerandRickAliperti, www.harbourviewgallery.com
TheFirmJazz&BluesQuintet CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000
AURA
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
WED-4
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723
CJ&Pearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
LatinDanceLessons&Social CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6p.m.,239-549-3000
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
LatinDancewithAngela RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Lesson6:30p.m.,Partyat7:30p.m. withDJJulz,239-333-1933
THU-5
DannyMasters TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheatreConspiracy: 5LesbiansEatingaQuiche Sept.5-7 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-939-2787
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
TomPetty&Heartbreakerstribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7:30p.m.,239-549-3000
FRI-6
FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 5-9p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
TonyDavid-6p.m. Aerosmithand Carstribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
DavidHammelexhibit ThroughSept.29
DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104, FortMyers,Reception5:30-9p.m. 239-955-0422
KathleenKinkopf
FRI-6continued
KateWarner-Swanstromexhibit ArtsforACTGallery
2265FirstSt.,FortMyers 5-9p.m.,239-337-5050
Tina
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4:30-8p.m.,239-995-2141
TheGreatLeap: NelsonJalilexhibit ThroughSept.26
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers GrandAtrium,Reception6p.m., 239-333-1933
JoshRowandDuo
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
MajestyofRock:
TheMusicofStyxandJourney Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com
S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR
13South
Sudamerica LatinGroove
SudamericaLatinGroovewillperformWorldMusic CelebrationVol.1Sept.13at7:30p.m.atthePerforming ArtsCenter,10150BonitaBeachRoadSE,Bonita Springs.SudamericaLatinGroove(SLG),formerlyknown asTheFunkyTones,isadynamicbandrenownedfor seamlesslyblendingfunk,jazz,rock,pop,worldmusic, classicalandLatinrhythms.Forticketsandinfo,call 239-495-8989orvisitwww.artsbonita.org
FRIDAY,SEPT.20
JohnnyRogersBand:Elvis,Roy Orbison,BuddyHolly,JerryLeeLewis
SATURDAY,SEPT.21
FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks
FRIDAY,SEPT.27
AlterEagles
SATURDAY,SEPT.28
RollingStones,SteveMiller BandandDoobieBrothers
THURSDAY,OCT.3
TheTemptations,TheFourTops
FRIDAY,OCT.4
MajestyofRock-Journey&Styx
SATURDAY,OCT.5
NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand
THURSDAY,OCT.10
RodStewart,LindaRonstadt, TomJones,MeatLoaf,CelineDion
FRIDAY,OCT.11
FabulousGirlsofMotown
SATURDAY,OCT.12
TBA
THURSDAY,OCT.17
BeeGees,Simon&Garfunkel, Crosby,Stills,Nash&Young
FRIDAY,OCT.18
TomPetty,America, CreedenceClearwaterRevival
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
Encore!ABroadwayRevue Sept.6-8
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
ComedianRCSmith Sept.6and7
PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-800-3292
HatchettArtexhibit ThroughSept.26
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers CapitalGallery,Reception6p.m., 239-333-1933
VisualArtsCenterOpenHouse Sept.6and7 VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 10a.m.-2p.m.941-639-8810
SATURDAY,OCT.19
FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks
THURSDAY,OCT.24
MikeImbasciani&HisBluezRockerz
FRIDAY,OCT.25
JohnnyRogersBand:CountryLegends
SATURDAY,OCT.26
BadCompany,Foreigner,Aerosmith
SAT-7
Sase
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
SmokinAces-6:30p.m.
RobertGonnelli-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
EdZiehm
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
NisitaConcertSeries: AstralisChamberEnsemble U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.239-745-4268
BadLatitude
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
SUN-8
ClaireLiparulo OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
ACMASongwritersCircle
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
Charlie
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
ChasingAva
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
WaywardSouls
BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org
LatinDanceSocial-5p.m. Ladies&Gentlemen ofMotown-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
TUE-10
ErichDanceParty-6:30p.m. TheFirmJazz& BluesQuintet-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
BillBeck
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
WED-11
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723
LatinDanceSocial-6p.m.
TheEaglesandAllman Brotherstribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
CJ&Pearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
JoshRowand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
WednesdayNightMarket AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 5-8p.m.,239-939-2787
THU-12
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
AURA
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
Encore!ABroadwayRevue Sept.6-8
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
ZachBartholomew:Musicfrom KindofBluebyMilesDavis PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
CharlottePlayerspresents AlwaysABridesmaid Sept.12-15
LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022
SATURDAY,SEPT.14
JaneFallonopens,7pm
ALLFAITHSUNITARIANCONGREGATION 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers
Doorsopenat6:30pm.Ticketsatthedoor.
WEDNESDAY,SEPT.25
Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenter DowntownFortMyers ACMAmembers:BruceGallant, RoySchneider,KarenCohen, RobertBidneyandBillMetts
Ticketsatwww.sbdac.comoratthedoor • Doorsopen6:30p.m.Show7:30p.m.
Reckless Saints
THURSDAY,SEPT.19
SINGER-SONGWRITERCIRCLE-Sundays2pm-AllFaiths
VisitourFacebookpageandwebsite formoreinfo&fullcalendarofevents www.americanacma.org
THU-12continued
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TSOLinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
EveningonFifth
5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.,239-248-4151
Black&Whiteexhibit
KarenGozzoNolanexhibit ThroughOct.24
VisualArtsCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings reception6-8p.m.,239-495-8989
TheatreConspiracy: 5LesbiansEatingaQuiche Sept.12-15 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-939-2787
LatinNightwithDJJC RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
FRI-13
TonyDavid-6p.m. EchoBand-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
EdZiehm
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR
IslandHopperSongwriterFestivalcelebratesits10thanniversarythisyear.The10-dayfestivalstarts inCaptivaIslandSept.20-22,thenmovestoCapeCoralSept.23-24.ThefestmigratestodowntownFortMyersSept.25-26andwrapsuponFortMyersBeachSept.27-29.Thefestivalfeatures morethan80nationalandlocalsongwriters.AwardwinningsongwriterBobbyTomberlin(above) returnstoCaptivathisyear.Forperformancesschedules,artistbiosandmoredetails,visitonlineat www.islandhopperfest.comordownloadtheIslandHopperapp. photobyJamieKuser
SudamericaLatinGroove: WorldMusicCelebrationVol.1 PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
VoicesandVotesexhibition ThroughNov.8 CapeCoralLibrary 921S.W.39thTerrace,CapeCoral Ribboncuttingat10a.m.Sept.13 www.leelibrary.net
SamGallowayFordConcert SeriespresentsDillonCarmichael andGeorgeBirgeinconcert TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
IslandHopper SongwriterFest
Tina
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4:30-8p.m.,239-995-2141
SoapyTuna
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Gutenberg!TheMusical! Sept.13-15 LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481
CharlottePlayers: ComedyforACause TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6p.m.,941-255-1022
FridayNightwithDJSelectaAJ RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
SAT-14
Sase
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
ArtisEssentialBash: DamonFowler AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-939-2787
Simply-Fi
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
DiscoDanceParty-6p.m. TheDazzlingDelRays-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
FiestaBonita2024
SaturdayandSunday RiversidePark, 10450ReynoldsSt.,BonitaSprings noon-8p.m.eventbrite.com
CompletelyUnchained: TheUltimateVanHalenTribute Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com
RevivetheVibeFestival MossMarinaandBaysidePark, OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 11a.m.-10p.m.,239-666-4043
JoeVolpe TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
ACMA:ChelseaSaddler AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers JaneFallonopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org
Martin PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
CandlelightConcert: ATributetoBridgerton-6p.m. ATributetoAdele-8:30p.m. Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700
SUN-15
CarlingWitt OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
SalsaDanceParty-6p.m. NeilDiamondand BarryManilowtribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
ACMASongwritersCircle
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
PhenomenalAnimal
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
Charlie
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
Pepperinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen6p.m.,239-985-9839
Jacob’sLadder
BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org
TUE-17
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
HEDP.E.inconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
TUE-17continued
WendyRenee
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheFirmJazz&Blues-6:30p.m. MichaelD’Amore-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
ForeverPlaid ThroughOct.27
ArtStageStudioTheatre atFloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 5-7p.m.239-332-4488
FGCUSymphonicBandConcert U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.free,239-745-4268
WED-18
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723
S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR
CJ&Pearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. DuelingPianos-6:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
CharlottePlayerspresents AlwaysABridesmaid Sept.18-22
LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022
WineandPaint-6:30p.m. RooftopKaraoke-8p.m. RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 239-333-1933
THU-19
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
BenAllenBand
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-549-3000
MartiniRussa TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
RecklessSaints
TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
Awards,meettheartistsreception VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5-7p.m.941-639-8810
SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TheExpendablesinconcert TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Gutenberg!TheMusical! Sept.19-22 LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481
GulfCoastLeisurepresents ArtandPoetryNetworkingEvent SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
FGCUWindOrchestraConcert U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.free,239-745-4268
FRI-20 SmokinAces-6:30p.m. TonyDavid-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
FortMyersMusicWalk
DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
Tina
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4:30-8p.m.,239-995-2141
Elvis,RoyOrbison,BuddyHolly andJerryLeeLewistributewith theJohnnyRogersBand TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
TheBigOne-Oh!TheMusical Sept.20-22
CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
Rocker
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
BonitaBlues
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
WarrenHaynesBandinconcert BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 8p.m.,239-481-4849
ShortsoftheFortFilmFestival AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6-10p.m.,239-939-2787
TheAmericanStones andTheMonsoons
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 VIPattwistedfork.freshtix.com
MarkSanders:Celebrating BroadwayinAutumn PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
LastoftheRedHotLovers Sept.20-22
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
IslandHopperSongwriterFest Sept.20-22
Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsonCaptivaIsland www.islandhopperfest.com
FridayNightwithDJSkubii RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
49Winchesterinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
SAT-21
Sase
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
SalsaLegendsDance-6p.m. ComedianRCSmith-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
RossMead TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
SongwriterCruisewithBrian SutherlandandBobbyTomberlin CaptivaCruises,3:30p.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
ReggieKing
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
MusicandArtNight Lorne’sGallery,TarponMarina 5591SilverKingBlvd.,CapeCoral MusicbyTommyDeeandDee, 5-8p.m.239-945-0866
FleetwoodMac andStevieNickstribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Ballyhoo!and MadCaddiesinconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
MarlowRosado-Retro PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
KeyLimeandTropicalFest Fishermen’sVillage, 1200W.RettaEspl.,PuntaGorda noon-9p.m.941-621-6046
SUN-22
JohnHousley OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
Riverside
BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 4-7p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org
SUN-22continued
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org
PhenomenalAnimal
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
Charlie
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
LatinDanceSocial-5p.m. TheFirmSoul &DanceRevue-6p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
MON-23
IslandHopperSongwriterFest Sept.23and24
Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsinCapeCoral www.islandhopperfest.com
SongwritersDinneratGather GatherRestaurant,5971SilverKing Blvd.#116,CapeCoral,6:30p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com
TUE-24
BethAnne
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
SongwriterCruisewithSheena BrookandMeganLinville FromTheNautiMermaid, CapeCoral,11a.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
BillBeck
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
SusanO’Halloran: EveryoneHasaStory WasmerArtGallery, ArtsComplex,FGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 6p.m.free,239-745-4268
S EPTEMBER C ALENDAR
OpenHouse
FloridaRepertoryTheatrewillholdanopenhouseSept.30from 5to7p.m.Theeventisfreeandopentothepublic.Guestswill enjoyafreeglassofchampagneandgetasneakpeekbehind thescenesofFloridaRepertoryTheatreʼsHistoricArcadeand ArtStagetheatrespaces.ThereisnofeetoattendFloridaRepʼs “ToasttoSeason27”openhouse,howeverRSVPisappreciated. Sendanemailtomarketing@floridarep.org.
TheFirmJazz&BluesQuintet
CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 6:30p.m.,239-549-3000
WED-25
IslandHopperSongwriterFest Sept.25and26
Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsindowntownFortMyers www.islandhopperfest.com
WineDinnerinThe Workshop:EssexCounty TheWorkshopCulinaryTheaterat LuminaryHotel,FortMyers,6p.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
LatinDanceSocial-6p.m. FleetwoodMactribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
IslandHopperSongwriter FestivalACMAShowcase SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
SusanO’Halloran:PotofGoldIrish StoriesandSongs WasmerArtGallery, ArtsComplex,FGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 6p.m.free,239-745-4268
CJ&Pearl
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
MichaelDutra-Sinatratribute LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 6-9p.m.,239-314-3723
THU-26
SheldonUpchurch
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
IslandHopper:JeffreySteele andGulfCoastSymphony FloridaRepertoryTheatre,BayStreet, downtownFortMyers,7p.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
EltonJohnandBillyJoeltribute CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 7:30p.m.,239-549-3000
LastoftheRedHotLovers Sept.26-29 TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
JoeyFiato TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
YngwieMalmsteeninconcert
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida: Gutenberg!TheMusical! Sept.26-29
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-218-0481
FRI-27
IslandHopperSongwriterFest ThroughSept.29
Singer-songwritersatvarious locationsonFortMyersBeach www.islandhopperfest.com
Tina
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4:30-8p.m.,239-995-2141
DuelingPianos
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
TheBigOne-Oh!TheMusical Sept.27-29
CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
Jacob’sLadder TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TonyDavid-6p.m. JimmyKeysComedy-7p.m. Elvistribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
SugarhillGanginconcert PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
Riverside TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
MusicRow@Margaritaville: KristianBush,KassiAshton andShaneProfitt MargaratitavilleBeachResort, FortMyersBeach,7:30p.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
Chicagothemusical ThroughNov.9
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
36-SEPTEMBER2024
TheAlterEagles
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
FridayNightwithDJJulz RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
SAT-28
Sase
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
Auditions:SealedforFreshness CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral Auditions10a.m.-2p.m.,show datesNov.15-24,239-772-5862
Skeletons
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,www.thecenterbar.com
TheJerseyBeat-6p.m. TonyDavid-6p.m.
HeartandLed Zeppelintribute-7:30p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
RetroRooftopDanceParty
RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
TheSwampBluesBand PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
RollingStones,DoobieBrothers andSteveMillerBandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
CandlelightConcert: ATributetoQueen-6p.m. ATributetoAdele-8:30p.m. Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700
MusicontheMoundwith SheenaBrookandJeffCohen MoundHouse,451ConnecticutSt., FortMyersBeach,2:30p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com
Luminence
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, CapitalGallery, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-333-1933
RedHannah
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-11p.m.,239-540-8454
SUN-29
BloodyMaryBar@Cabana’s: EarlBudLeeandChasSandford DiamondheadBeachResort, FortMyersBeach,10a.m., www.islandhopperfest.com
BryanSpainhower OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
IslandHopperSongwriterFest poolpartywithScottyMcCreery andKatrinaCain PinkShellBeachResortandMarina, 275EsteroBlvd.,FortMyersBeach, 5p.m.www.islandhopperfest.com
Leather&LaceDuo-5p.m. DanceParty-6p.m. MajestyofRock:Styx andJourneytribute-7p.m. CapeCabaretDinnerTheatre, 4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
RocktheStageSWFLauditions SchoolofRockFortMyers 6900DanielsParkway#39, FortMyers,10a.m.-4p.m. Signupwww.rockthestageswfl.org
Charlie
TheShellFactory&NaturePark, 16554N.ClevelandAve.,N.Fort Myers,4-7p.m.,239-995-2141
DirtyWork
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
GuiltyPleasure
BaysidePark,OldSanCarlosPark &1stStreet,FortMyersBeach 5p.m.,fortmyersbeach.org
FGCUJazzEnsembleConcert U.TobeRecitalHall, MusicBuildingFGCU, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 3p.m.free,239-745-4268
MON-30
FloridaRepTheatreOpenHouse FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 5-7p.m.239-332-4488
DamonFowleratAllianceArtBash
TheAlliancefortheArts (AFTA)announcedacclaimed bluesartistDamonFowlerwill performattheArtisEssential BashSept.14at7p.m.
TampanativeDamonFowler bringshisaward-winning,soulfulblendofAmericanroots musictothisoutdoorconcert.
InJuly,AFTAlaunchedits ArtisEssentialcampaign.This concertfeaturingDamon Fowlercelebratesthesustainingdonorswhohavecommittedtomonthlycontributionsin responsetostatewidefunding cutsbyGov.DeSantis.Thisinitiativeaimstosecuresustainablesupportfortheartscommunityandensurethecontinuationofvitalprogramsand services.TheconcertisfreeforsustainingdonorsoftheArtis Essentialcampaign,andticketsarealsoavailableforpurchase.
MollyRowanDeckart,executivedirectoroftheAlliancefor theArts,expressedhergratitudeandoptimism,stating,"Inthe faceofadversity,wecelebratetheresilienceandgenerosityof ourcommunity.Thisconcertisourheartfeltthankyoutothe donorswhostoodbyusandcontributedtothe'ArtisEssential' Campaign.Together,weaffirmthattheartswillalwaysfinda
waytothrive,inspireandunite usall."
Jointhemonthe GreenMarketlawnforafunfilledeveningsupportingthe artsinSouthwestFlorida.There willbeafullbarofferingawide selectionofbeer,wineand mixeddrinksavailableforpurchaseaswellasalocalfood truckonsite.Bringyourchairs andenjoyanunforgettableperformancebyDamonFowler.
Aharddrivingtroubadour, Fowler’smusicissteepedwith soulandrepresentativeofthe manystylesthatmakeupthe rootsofAmericanmusic.He gainedtherespectofhispeers givenhisfeaturedslotinButch Truck’sFreightTrainbandand hissidegigasguitaristintheDickeyBettsBand.Criticshave comparedFowler’sguitarworktoJohnnyWinterandJeffBeck, whilehisslideguitarisreminiscentofthelateDuaneAllman.
Ticketsare$20formembers,and$25fornon-members andavailableatwww.artinlee.orgEntryisfreeforsustaining donorsoftheArtisEssentialcampaign.
TheAllianceForTheArtsislocatedat10091McGregor Blvd.justsouthofColonialBoulevardinFortMyers. Call239-939-2787formoredetails.
AuditionsbeginSept.22forannualmusiccompetition
ThefourthannualRocktheStagemusic competitionforallagesiscomingto SouthwestFlorida.
It’sthelargestmusiccompetitionin SouthwestFloridaandcommunityevent andfundraiser,presentedbytheLewisP. TabarriniChildren’sMusicOutreach Foundation.
Singers,songwritersandbandsare encouragedtoaudition.Anyoneofanyage andgenrecanparticipate;asoloorgroup, performingcoversororiginalmusic.It’san opportunitytotaketheirmusicaljourneyto thenextlevel.Allparticipantsauditioning willreceivevaluableinputfromourpanelof judges/professionalmusicianstohelpthem growasmusicians.
LiveauditionswillbeheldeverySunday from10a.m.to4p.m.Sept.22through Oct.27forthreedivisions:Singers,songwritersandbands.
Scheduleyourauditionatwww.rockthestageswfl.comorcall239-932-7625. Videosubmissionsareacceptedatrockthestage2021@gmail.com
Thoseauditioningwill performinfrontofsomeof thebestSouthwestFlorida musicianstotryandclaim theirspotinthesemifinals.
Videoauditionsubmissionsareacceptedand highlyencouragedas spaceandtimewillbelimited.Submissionscanbe emailedtorockthestage2021@gmail.com throughOct.27.
Thetop12fromeachagegroupwill performandshowcasetheirtalenton Sunday,Nov.24atRocktheStagesemifinalsatTheRanchConcertHallinFort Myers.Generaladmissionticketsare$20. VIPticketsare$100andincludepreferred seating,VIPonlybar,achancetovotefor yourfavoriteperformers,andaninvitation totheVIPAfterParty.
Thetopfivefromeachagegroupwill competeinthefinalsonDec.7atthe4th annualRocktheStagefinals,afamily-fun
eventandfundraiserat PickleNPub(Miner’s Plaza),inFortMyerswith toplocalandnational acts,vendors,food, drinksandmore. Availableticketsinclude generaladmission$20 (bringyourownchairs), andVIP$50includespreferredshadedVIPseating bythestage,VIPonlybar access,meetandgreetwithcelebrity judges,accesstoVIPloungewithseating, shadeanddedicatedserver.
Thewinnerineachdivisionreceives recordingsessiontimefromastate-of-theartrecordingstudio.Theywillalsoreceive anartistdevelopmentpackagethatwill includeoneyearofcoachingatSchoolof RockFortMyers,acustompresspack fromS2RStudios,paidgigsandmore! Formoreinfo,tobuyticketsandsponsorshipopportunities,visitonlineat www.rockthestageswfl.com.
DamonFowlergroup
ChelseaSaddlerSept.14 atACMAlisteningroom
TheAmericanaCommunityMusicAssociationkeepsthe livemusicgoingwithintimateconcertsattheirlisteningroom inFortMyers.
TheupcomingscheduleattheACMAlisteningroom includesChelseaSaddlerSept.14,LukeBellaonOct.5,Jon ShainonOct.26,JeffersonRossonNov.2,DavidC.Smith onNov.16,BlueCactusonNov.23andCliffEberhardtwith LouiseMosrieonDec.7.
TheACMAwelcomesChelseaSaddleronSept.14. Dubbed“ThesecondcomingofJoniMitchell,”Chelsea Saddlerhasbeenhailedasthequeenofwomensongwriters –pastandpresent(FloridaTimesUnion).Herlyricalcontent arisesfromadeepwelloflifeexperiencesasaqueerwoman, adventure,andheartache.
OriginallyfromJacksonville,Chelseahasbeenperforming inthesoutheastforthepasttwodecadeswiththreeoriginal albumsunderherbelt.Shehasopenedfornationaltouring artistsChrisPureka,MelissaFerrick,ElephantRevival,Mount Moriah,DavidOnley,CliffEberhardt,andSusanWerner.As ChelseaplayedaonehoursetonNPR’s“Rootsand Branches”inTennessee,shedescribedhergreatestinfluencesasLightningHopkins,LeonardCohen,andMadeline Adams.
WinnerofthecityofSt.Augustine’sandTheGamble RogersFolkFestivalSongwritingCompetitions,Chelseaalso placedfirstinBokehBar’sComedyCompetitionin2017.
Chelsea’slong-awaitedfull-lengthoriginalsoloalbumThe Offeringisavailablenow.
ACMAmemberandsinger/songwriter,JaneFallonopens theSept.14show.
Doorsopenat6:30p.m.formostlisteningroomshows.
TheACMAlisteningroomislocatedatAllFaithsUnitarian Congregation,2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.Formore detailsandschedules,visitwww.americanacma.orgorfollow themonFacebook.
ShellPoint’sTribbyArtsCenterEncore!Seasoncontinues withanotherAmericanaconcertinSeptember.
InpartnershipwiththelocalAmericanaCommunityMusic Association,theRecklessSaintsarescheduledtoplay Thursday,Sept.19at7p.m.
RoySchneiderandKimMayfieldareRecklessSaints’ coreduoandsongwriters.Partnersinmusicandlove since2003,theybeganrecordingandtouringfiveyears later.“BlueTwangledFolkn’Roll”isRoy’sanswertothe question,"Whatkindofmusicdoyouplay?"TheFort Myers-basedduodecidedtousehisanswerasthealbum titlefortheirnewreleasewhilealsoadoptingthetitleof their2018releaseRecklessSaintsastheirnewband moniker.Ticketsare$30.
Topurchaseeventtickets,visitonlineat TribbyArtsCenter.comorcalltheTribbyBoxOfficeat239415-5667.TheTribbyArtsCenterislocatedat17281On ParBlvd.,FortMyers,atShellPointRetirement Community.
ACMAIslandHopper FestivalSinger-Songwriter Showcaseisscheduled forSept.25at7:30p.m.at theSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenterindowntown FortMyers.Fortickets, visitwww.sbdac.com
ArtsBonitawelcomes SugarhillGang
ArtsBonitaannounceditscelebrationofthe50thanniversaryofhip-hopwithpioneersofthegenre,theSugarhill Gang,onSept.27at7:30p.m.Thegroupgainednotability withtheirsingle“Rapper’sDelight,”whichwasthefirstsingle ofthehip-hopgenretobecomeaTop40HitontheBillboard Hot100Chart.
TheSugarhillGangiswidelycreditedwithbringinghip hopintomainstream.Theinfatuationfor1970sdiscobegan tofade,andtheSugarhillGangemergedwithanewsound thatcapturedtheattentionofageneration.Theimpactthat pastmusichadonthem,asmemberHenDoggstateswhile reminiscingon50yearsofhiphop,“Therewasneveranother rapgroupatthetime,soourinfluenceswereMarvinGaye andEarth,Wind&Fire.”
Theimpactthattheyhadwouldgoontoinfluenceartists andgenresforyearstocome.
“Thislegendaryactrepresentsapivotalmomentinmusic history,andtheirinfluenceresonatesacrossgenerations,” saidAlyonaUshe,ArtsBonitaexecutivedirector.“AtArts Bonita,wearecommittedtoexpandingourrichmenuof
genres,andincludinghiphopinourrepertoireisasignificant stepforwardinthatmission.BywelcomingtheSugarhill Gang,wecontinueourtraditionofofferingdiverseandculturallysignificantperformancesthatengageandinspireour community.”
OtherconcertsinSeptemberincludeZachBartholomew onSept.12,SudamericaLatinGrooveonSept.13,Martinon Sept.14,MarkSandersonSept.20andMarlowRosadoon Sept.21andEvergladesBluesonSept.28.
PerformingArtsCenter,HinmanAuditoriumislocatedat 10150BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings.
Ticketsareavailableforpurchaseonlineoratthebox office.moreinformationandticketreservations,visit ArtsBonita.orgorcall239-495-8989.
LegendsConcertSeriesseasonbegins
Nov.1atParadiseCoastSportsComplex
TheLegends ConcertSeriesSeason 4starts“rockin”the firstFridayonNov.1 withthe#1tributeconcertintheU.S.A.for Brooks&Dunnand GarthBrooks.
LegendsConcert Seriesbringsthe#1 tributebandstoperformersandbands thathavebeeninductedintotheRockNRoll HallofFameandCountryHallofFame. “Legendsofmusic”tohonorourlegendsof firstresponders,lawenforcement,militaryand veterans-“ourlegends.”
certswillbeheldat theParadiseCoast SportsComplex, 3940CityGate Blvd.North,in Naples.Foodtrucks willbeonsite.
ThefirstFridays inNovemberand Decemberof2024 andJanuary, February,March, AprilandMayof2054willbethedatesforthe LegendsConcertSeries.Timeswillbefrom7 to9:15p.m..Ticketsmustbepurchased onlineatwww.legendsconcertseries.com.
The2024-25tribute concertschedule: NOVEMBER1
Brooks/Dunn andGarthBrooks DECEMBER6
BillyJoel&EltonJohn JANUARY3
TobyKeith FEBRUARY7
Concertseriesorganizerswillhonor“our legends”offirstresponders,lawenforcement, militaryandveteranswithaveryspecialsegmentduringeachandeveryconcertofthe six-monthconcertseries,andeachmonthwill bedifferentandspecial.It’samustattend event.
TheLegendsConcertSeriesisaproductionofTheGoldLionAgency,andthecon-
Anyfirstresponder,lawenforcement,militaryorveterancanreceiveonefreegeneral admissiontickettooneconcertoftheirchoice. TheymustemailthereIDorinformationto info@thegoldlionagency.comwiththeconcert oftheirchoice.Theywillbeemailedbackwith theirfreeticket.
Formoreinformationandtickets,go towww.legendsconcertseries.comorcall 239-227-9696
TheEagles MARCH7
JimmyBuffett APRIL4
Temptations &FourTops MAY2
BonJovi
SugarhillGang-Sept.27
SeminoleCasinowelcomes98Degrees
SeminoleCasino HotelImmokaleewelcomesinternationally acclaimedvocalgroup98 Degreesliveinconcert Tuesday,Nov.19with gatesopeningat7p.m. andtheshowbeginning at8p.m.
98Degreesisamultiplatinum,multi-award winningandnominated vocalgroup,comprising brothersNickandDrew Lachey,JeffTimmons andJustinJeffre.The grouphassoldover15 millionalbumsworldwide withfourTop5Billboard chartingradiosingles includingmega-hitssuch as“TheHardestThing,” “IDo,CherishYou,”“BecauseofYou,”andthenumberonehitsinglefeaturingMariahCareycalled“ThankGodI FoundYou.”98Degrees’albumshavereachedgoldor platinumstatusinmorethan60countriesaroundthe worldandtheirfirstChristmasalbumentitled“98Degrees ThisChristmas,”hassoldmorethantwomillioncopies,
whichiswidelyrecognizedasoneofthemost successfulholiday albumsofalltime.Their latestholidaysingle,“The FirstNoel,”wasreleased in2023andchartedwithintheTop10
Withcountlessconcert performances,singingin frontofmillionsoffans, thegrouphasalsoperformedattheWhite House(twice)andmade appearancesonThe Grammys,SoulTrain, MotownLive,TheTonight Show,TheAmerican MusicAwards,TheTeen ChoiceAwards,MTV’s TRLandDickClark’s NewYear’sRockin’Eve, tonameafewhighlights.Theyarecurrentlyworkingon newmusicwithplanstoreleasetheirforthcomingstudio albumin2024. Ticketsforthisoutdoorconcertstartat$49andare availablefromTicketmasterorat www.moreinparadise.com.Parkingisfree.
Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenter announcesnewseasonofmusic
TheSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenterannouncesitsfull seasonofmultidisciplinary artsprogramswithexciting concerts,artexhibitions,educationprogramsandanew rooftopseries.
SBDACwillpresentvenerablenamesinthemusic industryincludingGrammy, Gramophone,andIBMA awardwinningartists.The seasonwillincludethe ChamberConcertSeries, PullingStringsBluegrass ConcertSeries,andJazzy NightConcertSeries.These internationallytouringmusical artistsareboundtokeepyou at“TheEdgeofYourSeat,” whichisSBDAC’Sthemefor thisseasonaspatronscansit backandenjoyselectperformancesfromtheirbrandnewtheater stylecushionedchairs!
TheChamberConcertSerieswill includetheannualAmericanVirtuosi ConcertaswellastheAmericanVirtuosi Dinner&ConcertGalatobenefit SBDAC.ChamberConcertsstartin NovemberwithViolinLegends:Ysaÿe LegacyincludingBenjaminBeilman, JenniferFrautschi,ArnaudSussmann, BethGuterman,MichaelStephenBrown, andNickCanelakis.InMarch,Curtison TourGuitarQuartetfeaturesJason Vieaux,RobertoDíaz,andguests.The finalChamberconcertwillbeWit& Whimsy:TriosofMozart&FrancaixperformedbyArnaudSussmann,Paul Neubauer,andPaulWatkins.
Thisyear,theBluegrassConcert Serieshasanewtwist,PullingStrings. It’sgoingtobeamustseeserieswith performancesbythreetimeGrammy AwardwinnerMichaelClevelandalong withthreetimeGrammyAwardwinner JasonCarter,TwistedPine,Remedy Treeandmore.TheJazzyNightConcert SerieswillhavefivetimeGrammyAward winnerJumaaneSmith,EkepNkwelle (featuredonNPRMusic),Grammy AwardwinnerNicoleZuraitis,thelocal favoriteDannySinoffTrio,andtheurban catsthatcaptivatednotonlysocialmedia buttheSBDACaudience,NewJazz Underground.
Theeducationprogramhasrapidly grownoverthepastfewyearsat SBDAC.Thereareyearlyrunningclassesforyouthintwodepartments,The DavisSchoolofMusicandTheDavis SchoolofVisualArts.Adultscanalso takelessonsinthesedepartmentsortry movementclassessuchasbellydancing,yoga,andsalsadancing.Coming backthisyearistheFamousAuthor LectureSeries.Readingenthusiastscan enjoyalunch,lecture,Q&Aandbooksigningwithbestsellingauthorsonselect fourMondaysuntilApril2025.The famousauthorsincludeAnnabelle Tometich,LisaBlack,JamesSwainand ScottEyman!
Sidney’sRooftop&SculptureGarden haditsgrandopeninginApril2021. Sinceitsopeningattendeeshavebeen abletocelebratestapleholidayswithup closeviewsoffireworks,entertaininglive music,andweeklyFridaynightmusic. Thevenuethenimplemented Wednesdaynightswherepatronscan enjoyfreesalsaclasses,danceto Caribbeanmusic,listentoliveacoustic shows,andparticipateinkaraokecontests.NowSidney’sRooftopwillbeopen tothepubliceveryThursdaynightin additiontotheirpopularandentertaining schedule.Therewillbesomethingto enjoyforeveryone!Theeventlineup includesCountryLineDancingeveryfirst
Thursday,LatinDanceNight everysecondThursday, ReggaeSunsetJamsevery thirdThursday,IndieMusic NighteveryfourthThursday, andComedyHourLounge onselectfifthThursdays. Musicalartistsandothertalentinterestedinperforming ontherooftopcansubmit theirportfoliothrough www.sbdac.com.
TosupporttheSidney& BerneDavisArtCenter’s missiontherewillbeseveral fundraisingeventshosted throughouttheseason.Most oftheseeventsaresoldout inadvancesoit’sbesttoget yourticketsassoonasthey becomeavailable!In October,WickedWalkisa collaborationwithThe FoundationforLeeCountyPublic SchoolstocelebratetheartsinLee Countyandtheachievementsofstudent artistswithaspookytwist.
InNovember,CookingfortheArtsisa signatureinteractivedinnerexperience thatfeaturesthebestinfood,friends, andwinewhilesupportingSBDAC’Sprogramming.Decemberstartsoffwithholidaycheerasthe18thAnnualFestivalof theTreescelebrateswiththesought aftertreeraffle,Santa’sBlockParty,and liveconcertstoraisefundsforGoodwill ofSouthwestFlorida&SBDAC.In March,therewillbeaGalafeaturingan eveningofglamor,intrigue,andhigh stakesexcitementattheCasinoRoyale GalaFundraiser.Thiseventembraces theeleganceandsophisticationofAgent 007’sworldwhilesupportingagood cause.
Membershipsareavailableforpurchasewithperksthatwillhavediscount packages,drinktickets,merchand couponstolocalbusinesses.Thereare packagesforstudents,teachers,individuals,families,partners,aswellaspremiereandcorporate.
Formoreinformation,call239-3331933orvisitthewebsiteat www.sbdac.com
TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter islocatedat2301FirstSt.intheFort MyersRiverDistrict.
LeeGreenwoodatSeminoleCasinoJan.22
GOLDEntertainmentpresentsLee Greenwood,singerandwriterofoneofthe mostrecognizablecountrysongsever,performingliveatSeminoleCasinoHotelImmokalee Wednesday,Jan.22withdoorsopeningat7 p.m.andtheshowbeginningat8p.m.
GreenwoodisanAmericancountryartist whobridgedthegapbetweentraditionaland contemporarycountrymusic.Heisbestknown forhispatrioticanthem“GodBlesstheUSA.” Thislegendarysonghasbeeninthetopfiveon thecountrysingleschartsthreetimes(1991, 2001and2003)givingitthedistinctionofbeing theonlysonginanygenreofmusictoachieve thatfeat.
Anaward-winningartist,Greenwoodhas wontheGrammyAwardforBestMaleCountry Performance,twoCMAAwardsforMale VocalistoftheYear,theCMASongoftheYear award,andtheACMMaleVocalistoftheYear award.Hehas32chartedsingles,fourgold albums,twoplatinumalbums,andhasscored sevennumberonehits:“Somebody’sGonna LoveYou,”“Going,Going,Gone,”“DixieRoad,”“IDon’t MindtheThorns(IfYou’retheRose),”“Don’t UnderestimateMyLoveForYou,”“HearsAren’tMadeto Break(They’reMadetoLove)”and“Mornin’Ride.”
Greenwoodcontinuestotouracrossthecountryand performsformanycharitableevents,lendinghistime
andnametonumerousorganizationsincludingHelping AHero,whichprovidesspeciallyadaptedhomesfor woundedwarriorsandtheirfamilies. Ticketsare$74andareavailablefromTicketmaster oratwww.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmustbe21. Parkingisfree.
LeeGreenwood (photobyJamieKuser)
LatinlegendstributeshowOct.5
GOLDEntertainmentpresentsLatinLegends:Selena andShakira,alivemusical tributetotheiconicsingers appearingatSeminoleCasino HotelImmokaleeSaturday, Oct.5withdoorsopeningat7 p.m.andtheshowbeginning at8p.m.
ThiselectrifyingperformancewillignitethestageduringHispanicHeritageMonth, celebratingtheunparalleled contributionsoftwoofLatin music'smostlegendarystars.
LatinLegendswillshowcaseanextraordinarymusical showdownfeaturing“Amor Prohibido–TributetoSelena” and“LatinLoba–Tributeto Shakira,”eachbringingtheir exceptionaltalentandpassion tohonortheseworld-renowned artists.
NiraPerez,whowillportray Selena,capturestheessence
oftheQueenofTejanowith anuncannyresemblance, impeccablemannerisms, andanidenticalvocalperformance.Hertributeisa heartfelthomagetoSelena’s lastingimpactonLatin musicandculture.
Ontheothersideofthe stage,SunnyHaymesdeliversabreathtakingtributeto Shakira,embodyingthe Colombiansuperstar'sdistinctivelook,dynamic vocals,andsignaturedance moves.Haymes’performancepromisestobeamesmerizingcelebrationof Shakira’sglobalinfluence.
Ticketsare$49andare availablefromTicketmaster orat www.moreinparadise.comor www.goldentertainment.us. Attendeesmustbe21. Parkingisfree.
HarvestNightsMusicFestival bringingthestarstoSWFlorida
ThestarswillshineNov.22-24assomeofthebiggest namesinentertainmentwilltakethestageattheSeminole RodeoGroundsinImmokaleeforathree-daymusicand campingfestival.
"WeareexcitedaboutbringingthiseventtoImmokalee," saysMeganMaloney,executivedirectoroftheCharityPros,a FortMyersnon-profitorganization."Wearesothankfultothe SeminoleTribeforwelcomingustotheirbeautifullandand allowingustobringthesetalentedartistsandbandstogether withtheirfansandthecommunity,allforagreatcausetosupportourlocalcharitypartners."
GrammyAwardwinningbandTrainisthefirstheadliner thathasbeennamed,withtwomoremajoractstobe announcedsoon.DonFelder(formerlyoftheEaglesfor26 years),MacMcAnallyofJimmyBuffet'sCoralReeferBand, AlanaSpringsteen,WillMosely,BenAllenBand,Maiden Cane,CaseyBishopwithRockRepublic,andJackBlocker arejustsomeofthesupportactsonthefestival.
TheCharityProshasselectedtheImmokaleeFoundation, GuadalupeCenter,andtheCancerAllianceNetworkasbeneficiariesofthisyear’sannualfestival.“Welovetheworkthat alltheseorganizationsdoforthechildrenandfamiliesintheir community,”continuesMegan,“alloftheirmissionsalignwith oursattheCharityProsinmakingadifferenceinachild’slife.”
HarvestNightsMusicFestivalwillfeatureafestivalvillage withliveentertainmentbeforeandafterthemainstageconcerts,anarrayofartsandcraftsbooths,localbusinessactivations,andvariousfoodtrucks.On-sitecampingisalsoavailableforRVs,trailers,andcampers.
VIPseating,reserved seating,partypit,grandstand andlawnseatingareall availableforsingledayand three-daytickets.Concert tickets,prepaidparkingand campsitesareallavailableat www.thecharitypros.org
Food&beveragevendor applicationsandmoreinfois availableatwww.thecharitypros.org
Youcansupporttheevent andallofthecharityorganizationsthroughfestivalsponsorshipopportunitiesbycontacting:Chante@chanteconnects.com
DonFelder
ScottyMcCreerytoheadline10-year celebrationofIslandHopperFestival
IslandHopperSongwriterFest celebratesits10-yearanniversaryin 2024with10daysofoutstanding performancesSept.20–29.
“We’reexcitedtocelebrate10 yearsofIslandHopperwith10ticketedexperiencesandmorethan 100performances.Fromcruisesto winedinnersfeaturingawardwinningsongwriterstherewillbesomethingforeveryonetoenjoy.Weare gratefulforourcontinuedpartnershipwithBMIandiHeartRadioin deliveringthislivemusicfestivalto ourcommunity,”saysTamaraPigott, executivedirectoroftheLee CountyVisitorandConvention Bureau.
Thisyear’sheadlinerisBMIsingersongwriterScottyMcCreery,whosehit song,“CabinaSolo,”currentlytopsthe countryradiosingleschart,accordingto Mediabase.
OnSunday,Sept.29,McCreerywill wrapupIslandHopperwithapoolparty performanceatPinkShellBeachResort &MarinaonFortMyersBeach.
Americansouthwest.
YoumayrememberScottyMcCreery astheteenwhowonSeason10of “AmericanIdol.”Now,he’s30andaseasonedcountrymusicveteran.Hissixth album,“RiseandFall,”isdueouton May10.OnApril20,McCreeryfulfilleda dreamandofficiallybecameamember oftheGrandOleOpry.Theaward-winning,singer-songwriter’smostrecenthit, “CabinaSolo,”waspennedwithFrank Rogers,AaronEshuis andDerekWells.It’sa tear-in-your-beerballad sungtoaplasticcupof redwine.
“Tenyearsago,BMI helpedcreatetheIsland HopperSongwriterFest, whichhassincegrown intooneofthemost respectedmusicfestivals inthecountry,”saidDan Spears,VP,Industry Relations,BMI.
“It’salwaysbeen importanttoustosupporttheBMI-licensed barsandrestaurantsof
SouthwestFloridawhohavebeenso generousinhostingsomeofourmost talentedsongwritersovertheyears. Fromunforgettableperformancesby MarenMorris,KristianBush,Parmalee andmanymore,tosomevery challengingobstacleslike devastatinghurricanes andredtides,thisfestival hasalwaysbeenabout bringingpeopletogether throughgreatmusic, greatfood,andgreat timesinoneofthemost beautifuldestinationsinthe country.I’mlookingforwardto celebratingtenyearsofthe IslandHopperwithmyBMIfamilyofsongwritersandourpartnersat iHeartRadio’sCatCountry107.1,Florida Restaurant&Lodging AssociationandFort Myers–Islands,Beaches, andNeighborhoods,”said Spears.
AnativeTexan,shewasbornin Dallas,raisedinasmallNew Englandtown,andhasmovedover 20times.Sincereturningtoher Texasroots,shehascalledthis statehomelongerthananyother place,andintendstostayforgood thistime.KatrinaCain’smusichas beendescribedasmanygenres fromAmericana,tocountry,tofolk. Sheismostknownforherstandout performancesonSeason15of NBC'sTheVoice,withherhaunting renditionof“Rhiannon”. WhilemostIslandHopperperformancesarefree,theMcCreery performances,alongwithafew experiences,willbeticketed.
“TheIslandHopperSongwriterFest hasbeensuchalaborofloveforallof usinvolved.Fromthehighsofexposing SouthwestFloridatosomanytalented songwritersandthegreatperformancestotakingandovercoming everythingthatmothernature hasthrownatusovertheyears. It’sexcitingtobecelebratingour 10thyearand,alongwithmany ofourfavoriteartistsreturning, we’llbeintroducinganewgroupof extraordinarywriter/performers.It’s alsonicetowelcomebackfansof thefestivalthatreturnyearafteryear fromallpartsofthecountry,”addsLouis Kaplan,vicepresidentprogramming–SouthwestFloridaforiHeartMedia.
Forthefulllineupandticketinformation,visitIslandHopperFest.comor downloadtheIslandHopperapp.More than80songwritersarescheduledto performthisyear.
KatrinaCainwillalso performSept.29atPink Shell.KatrinaCainisan Austin-basedartistand songwriter.Steepedin Americana,sheaimsto useherbloomingwriting voicetoanswerthequestion:whatdefinesbelonging?Katrina’sownjourney hasunfoldedonboth coastsandinthe
BesuretocatchaliveIslandHopper performanceatthesefourlocations: CaptivaIslandSept.20-22
CapeCoralSept.23-24
DowntownFortMyersSept.25-26
FortMyersBeachSept.27-29
IslandHopperSongwriterFestispresentedbyBMI,iHeartRadio’sCat Country107.1,FloridaRestaurant& LodgingAssociationandFortMyers–Islands,BeachesandNeighborhoods. HappeningsMagazineisalong-time mediapartnerofthe10-daymusicfest.
KatrinaCain ScottyMcCreeryperformsSept.29
MeetsomeoftheIslandHoppersongwriters
BridgetteTatum
FrankMyers
It’shardtodenythepuretalentandpassion forhercraftthatisclearlythedrivingforce behindmanyofartistBridgetteTatum’shigh profilecareermilestones.In2009,thisnativeof Florence,S.C.,co-wrotetheMostPlayedSong onCountryradiostationsacrosstheUnited States.Atremendous achievementforany songwriter,thesong, “She’sCountry” (recordedandreleased byPlatinum-selling countrysuperstar JasonAldean),held the#1positiononthe chartfortwoconsecutiveweeks,reached twomillionplays,and outsoldeverygenres ringtones,allofwhich arerareaccomplishments,aswell.In2010, Tatum’ssong,“Loud”wasselectedasthe OfficialThemeSongforACCFootball’s2010 Season.Thisfast-pacedanthemcelebratesthe excitementandenergyofACCFootball,capturedinaraucousmusicvideothatwasseenin allACCMarkets,resultinginexposurefor Bridgettetotalingover27millionhouseholds.
FrankJ.MyersisoriginallyfromDayton,Ohio,but movedtoNashvillein1981topursueacareerinmusic. HegothisstartinNashvilleasbandleader,roadmanagerandleadguitaristforEddyRavenin1981andworked withEddyfor9years.ItwaswithEddythatFrankstarted writing,playingandco-producingsessions.Theyhad2 numberones,5numbertwosand3toptenswithsongs suchasIGotMexico,BayouBoys,YouShould’veBeen GoneByNow,SometimesALadyandmanyothers.It wasin1982though,thatFrankhadhisfirstsingle(a songhewrotebyhimself)withYouAndIforEddie RabbittandCrystalGayle whichstayednumber oneforfourweeksCountry,numbertwofor sixweeksACandnumber6forfourweeks Pop.ItwasduringhistimewithEddyRaven thatFrankmetGaryBaker.Theyhadtheir firstnumberonetogetherin1993withOnce UponALifetimebyAlabama.GaryandFrank recordedonealbumforMCG/CurbRecordsas Baker&Myersandwere3timenomineesfor DuoOfTheYearattheACM’sandCMA’s.Their greatestaccomplishmentaswriterstogether camewhenJohnMichaelMontgomeryrecordedI Swearwhichwasnumberonefor4weeksonthe Countrycharts.ThesongwasthenrecordedbyAll4 OneandwenttonumberoneonthePopchartsand stayedtherefor11weeks.
IslandHopperSongwriterFest MusicRow@ Margaritaville
IslandHopperSongwriterFestcelebratesits10-year anniversarywith10daysofoutstandingperformancesSept.20 throughSept.29.
MakeplansnowtogetyourticketstofourofIslandHopper SongwriterFest’smust-seeperformances.
Here’saquicklookatthelineup:
Sept.25:ACMAshowcaseatSidney&BerneDavisArt CenterindowntownFortMyersincludesperformancesbyBMI singer/songwritersBillMetts,RobertBidney,KarenCohen, BruceGallantandRoySchneider.AmericanaCommunity MusicAssociationisthelocalassociationofsingersandsongwriters.
Sept.26:Five-timeGrammynomineeandBMIsinger-songwriterJeffreySteelewilljointheGulfCoastSymphonyinalive performanceattheFloridaRepertoryTheatreindowntownFort Myers.
Sept.27:MusicRow@MargaritavillestillhasVIPtickets available.TheshowtakesplaceatMargaritavilleBeachResort onFortMyersBeachandincludesperformancesbyBMI singer-songwritersKristianBush,KassiAshtonandShane Profitt.
Sept.29:ScottyMcCreerywillwrapupIslandHopperwith apoolpartyperformanceatPinkShellBeachResort&Marina onFortMyersBeach.TheBMIsinger-songwriterisknownfor hishitsongs,“YouTime,”“DamnStrait,”“RiseandFall,”“Cab inaSolo”andmanymore.
KristianBushisamulti-platinum-selling,two-timeGrammy Awardwinnermostknownforco-foundingtherecord-breaking countryduoSugarlandwithJenniferNettles.
Thisyear,Kristianiscelebratingthe22ndanniversaryof Sugarlandwithaco-headliningarenatourwithLittleBigTown andthe34thyearofhisfolk-rockduoBillyPilgrim,whichjust madeitsGrandOleOprydebut.He'ssettoembarkonan internationaltourinthecomingmonths.
Lastsummer,Bushdrovehisstripedumbrellainthesand, stakinghisspotinsummertimebeachmusicwithhisEP"Drink HappyThoughts."
Withalittlebitofrock,ahellofalotofsoul,andathrowbackR&Bgroove,KassiAshtonhascrashlandedoncountry
KristianBushatthe2023festival photobyJamieKuser
radio.“DatesInPickupTrucks,”herirresistibledebutradiosingledroppedinFebruary,ontheeveofherown28thbirthdayin 2022.“Itfeelspowerful,”shesaysofthemoment’salignment. Speakingaboutthesong’splayfulness,sheadds,“Iwantitto showthattherearemanysidestome.”HeralbumMadefrom theDirtisscheduledforreleaseSept.20.
Asalt-of-the-earthsouthernerwithastraight-shootingswaggerandkindsmile,ShaneProfitt’smusicaltoolboxisfullofallnaturaltalent.Attheendof2021,hewasstillpullingovertime athisjobwiththecity,bustinghisbackaboutanhoursouthof Nashvilleandlivingfortheweekend—withafewdecadesleft togo.Butnow,the24-year-oldisrockingsold-outcrowdsat thehistoricRymanAuditorium,earningstandingovationsatthe GrandOleOpry,andwritingmoderncountrytunessogenuine, theysliponlikeapairofbroken-inworkboots—becauseno onehastotellthissinger-songwriterwhatablue-collarlifeisall about.
IslandHoppergivesfanstheopportunitytoseesinger-songwritersperforminsmallervenueswithatropicalsettingasthe backdrop.BesuretocatchaliveIsland Hopperperformanceatthesefour locationsaroundSWFlorida: CaptivaIslandSept.20-22
CapeCoralSept.23-24 DowntownFortMyersSept.25-26 FortMyersBeachSept.27-29
Forthefulllineup,lodgingdealsand ticketinformation,visit IslandHopperFest.com.IslandHopper SongwriterFestispresentedbyBMI, iHeartRadio’sCatCountry107.1,Florida Restaurant&LodgingAssociationandFort Myers–Islands,BeachesandNeighborhoods.
ShaneProfitt KassiAshton
MeetsomemoreIslandHoppersongwriters
ChasSandford
ChasSandfordisanacclaimedartist/songwriter/producer/engineer/guitaristandworld-classstudioowner.Asa hitsongwriterandpublisher,Sandfordistherecipientof12 ASCAP"MostPerformedSongs"awards,includingthe multi-platinumhits"MissingYou"byJohnWaite,"What KindofManWouldIBe"byChicagoand"TalkToMe"by StevieNicks.Hissongshave beenrecordedby:TinaTurner, RodStewart,Melanie,Roger Daltrey,Berlin,MillieJackson, Brooks&Dunn,Alison Krauss,Rick Springfield,Sammy Hagar,JimmyBarnes, DonJohnson,David Wilcox,TylerHilton, SheilaB.Devotion andmanyothers. ChasisnowaBMI writer/publisher.The mostrecentcheckof airplayfor"MissingYou"alonehasover8million documentedplays,makingitoneofthemostplayed songsofalltime.Asaproducer,Chashasworkedwith Chicago,StevieNicks,RodStewart,RogerDaltrey, Berlin,WillieNelson,RonWood,BonnieRaitt,StevieRay Vaughan,GeneLovesJezebel,JimmyBarnes,DanHill, GinaSchock,DonJohnsonandothers.
JulianneAnkley
JulianneAnkley'ssoulfulAmericana,Blue Country,Rootsstylehailsfromasmall Michiganbordertownclosetotheshoreof LakeHuronandwithinearshotofthemusical influencesofDetroit.Ankley’snewlyreleased musicvideofor”TheGhostoftheFortGratiot Lighthouse"isafictionalstorysongabouta lightkeeperthatwasmurderedandnow hauntstheoldestlighthouseinthestateof Michiganforevermore.Thesong wasreleasedonher album"WithLovefrom LakeHuron"in2020 andwonthe2021
DetroitMusicAwardforOutstandingCountry Recording.With14DetroitMusicAwards, JulianneAnkleyhasbeenwritingheartfeltsongs anddeliveringelectricperformancesforyears.To dateshehasreleased4soloalbumsand4singles.Hersongshavebeenusedonnationaltelevision(WXYZABC)fortheannual“WoodwardDream Cruise”special,sheperformedliveonthenationally televised“America’sThanksgivingDayParade(WDIV NBC),andbyHomeAidofAmericaforPSAcampaigns toraisefundsforhousingthehomeless.Juliannetours nationallyasaperformer/speakerandalsosplitshertime betweenwritingandrecordinginNashvilleandherhomein Michigan.
KansasatSeminoleCasinoJan.25
KansaswillperformtheiriconichitsongsatSeminole CasinoHotelImmokaleeSaturday,Jan.25withgatesopeningat7p.m.andtheshowbeginningat8p.m.
Withalegendarycareerspanningfivedecades,Kansas hasfirmlyestablisheditselfasoneofAmerica’siconicclassic rockbands.This“garageband”fromTopekareleasedtheir debutalbumin1974afterbeingdiscoveredbyWallyGold, whoworkedforDonKirshner,andhavegoneontosellmore than30millionalbumsworldwide.
Composingacataloguethatincludes16studioalbums andfivelivealbums,Kansashasproducedeightgold albums,threesextuple-Platinumalbums (Leftoverture,Pointof KnowReturn,Bestof Kansas),oneplatinum livealbum(Twoforthe Show),aquadruplePlatinumsingle,“Carry OnWaywardSon,” andthetriple-Platinum single“Dustinthe Wind.”Kansas appearedonthe Billboardchartsfor over200weeks throughoutthe1970s and1980sandplayed tosold-outarenasand stadiumsthroughout NorthAmerica,Europe andJapan.“CarryOn WaywardSon”continuestobeoneofthe topfivemostplayed songsonclassicrock radio,and“DustInthe Wind”hasbeen
playedontheradiomorethanthreemilliontimes.
Thesummerof2020markedthereleaseof“TheAbsence ofPresence,”theband’s16thstudioalbum,whichdebutedat #10onBillboard’sTopCurrentAlbumschart.Thewide-rangingprogressiverockalbum,releasedbyInsideOutMusic,follows-up2016’s“ThePreludeImplicit,”whichdebutedat#14 onBillboard’sTop200Albumschart.
Alongwithconstanttouring,Kansascontinuestoremaina fixtureofclassicrockradioandpopularculture.
ElleKingtoperformOct.26
SeminoleCasinoHotelImmokaleewelcomesmulti-genresingersongwriterElleKingandherBabyDaddy’sWeekendtourSaturday, Oct.26withdoorsopeningat7p.m.andtheshowbeginningat8p.m. KingisthefirstfemaleartistinhistorytohavescoredradioNo.1singlesonfourdifferentformats,includingAdultPopSongs,Adult AlternativeSongs,AlternativeSongs,andCountryAirplaycharts.Her debut,4xplatinum-certifiedsingle“Ex’s&Oh’s,”earnedhertwo Grammynominations,andheraward-winning“Drunk(AndIDon’tWantToGo Home)”withMirandaLamberthasnearly 300millionworldwidestreams.
Thebandreachesawholenewaudiencethroughtheir unmistakablepresenceinvariouscommercials,livesports broadcasts,popularvideo games(RockBand, GuitarHeroandGrand TheftAuto),theband’s documentaryfilm “Kansas:MiraclesOutof Nowhere,”andaguest appearanceonTheCW’s televisionshowWalker.
Sherecentlyreleasedhernewsingle, “BabyDaddy’sWeekend,”whichbringsall theswaggerKingisknownfor.Herunique blendofmusichasfoundheradiverse fanbase,andshetourswithmulti-genre artistslikeJellyRoll,TylerChilders,Dierks Bentley,MelissaEtheridgeandThe Chicks.
Ticketsstartat$69andareavailable fromTicketmasteroronlineat www.moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmust be21.Parkingisfree.
Theband’ssongshave alsobeenincludedinvarioustelevisionshowssuch asSupernatural,Reacher, AllEliteWrestling,South Park,TheOfficeandThe Simpsons,aswellas blockbusterfilmsincluding OldSchool,TheSuicide Squad,Anchorman,Pitch PerfectandHappy Gilmore.
Ticketsforthisoutdoor concertstartat$120and availableFriday,July12 fromTicketmasterorat www.moreinparadise.com. Parkingisfree.
PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA
SEP12
T.S.O.L. TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP13
DillonCarmichael &GeorgeBirge TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP15
Pepper TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP17
HEDP.E. TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP19
TheExpendables TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP20
49Winchester TheRanch,FortMyers
WarrenHaynesBand BBMannHall,FortMyers
SEP21
Ballyhoo &MadCaddies TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP26
JeffreySteele ArcadeTheatre,FortMyers
YngwieMalmsteen TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP27
KristianBush Margaritaville, FortMyersBeach
SugarhillGang ArtsBonita
I N C ONCERT
NOV19
98Degrees
SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
NOV22-24
BlackberrySmoke
BlackberrySmokewillperformSaturday,Nov.9at7p.m.at BarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHallatFSWinFortMyers.For ticketsandinfo,call239-481-4849orvisitwww.bbmannpah.com
SEP29
ScottyMcCreery PinkShell,FortMyersBeach
OCT3
NormaJean TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT4
TheExploited TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT5
CreedFisher TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT10
MercyMe HertzArena,Estero
OCT12
Switchfoot TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT19
RestlessRoad TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT22
BarenakedLadies, ToadtheWetSprocket BBMannHall,FortMyers
OCT24
FortunateYouth TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT25
60sRock NRollRevival BBMannHall,FortMyers
OCT26
Soulfly TheRanch,FortMyers
ElleKing SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
NOV8
HereCome TheMummies TheRanch,FortMyers
NOV9
BlackberrySmoke BBMannHall,FortMyers
NOV10
TheTenors SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
NOV15
AirSupply BBMannHall,FortMyers
ColeSwindell CharlotteCo.Fairgrounds
NOV16
BrantleyGilbert CharlotteCo.Fairgrounds
HarvestNights MusicFestival JohnJimmieRodeo Grounds,Immokalee
DEC7
TheOutlaws SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
DEC13
BretMichaels,Dee Snider,NightRanger HertzArena,Estero
DEC14
OldDominion, GooGooDolls, LaurenAlaina TheRitz-Carlton,Naples
JAN22
LeeGreenwood SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
JAN25
Kansas SeminoleCasino,Immokalee
JAN31
AshleyCooke TheRanch,FortMyers
FEB13
ChrisBotti BBMannHall,FortMyers
MAR20
LittleRiverBand
BBMannHall,FortMyers
APR11
FrankieValli
BBMannHall,FortMyers
Dailyconcertupdatesat HappeningsMagazine.net
Rockandcountryshowsat TheRanchConcertHall
TheperformancescheduleatThe RanchConcertHall&SalooninFort Myersfeaturesnationalcountryand rockartists.
Here’swhat’sonthescheduleat presstime:
TheSamGallowayFordConcert SerieswelcomesDillonCarmichael andGeorgeBirgeonSept.13,Creed FisheronOct.5,RestlessRoadon Oct.19andAshleyCookeonJan. 31.
GoldEntertainmentisbringing HereCometheMummiesbackto SouthwestFloridaonNov.8.Rolling throughontheirRoadTripFallTour, HereComeTheMummieswillbe joinedwithfunpartybandThe Toxhards.
HereCometheMummiesisan eight-piecefunk-rockbandof5,000 year-oldEgyptianMummieswitha one-trackmind.Their"TerrifyingFunk fromBeyondtheGrave"issureto getyouintothem(andpossiblyvice versa).Somesaytheywerecursed afterdefloweringagreatPharaoh’s daughter.OthersclaimtheyarereincarnatedGrammy-Winningstudio musicians.Regardless,HCTM’smysteriouspersonas,cunningsong-craft, andunrelentingliveshowwillbend yourbrain,andmeltyourface.
OtherupcomingshowsatThe RanchConcertHall(notpartofthe SamGallowaySeries)includeThe OriginalWailersonAug.29,Shaw Davis&TheBlackTiesonAug.31, T.S.O.L.onSept.12,Pepperon
Sept.15,HedP.E.onSept.17,The ExpendablesonSept.19,49 WinchesteronSept.20,Ballyhoo& MadCaddiesonSept.21,Yngwie MalmsteenonSept.26,NormaJean onOct.3,TheExploitedonOct.4, SwitchfootonOct.12,DaveMatthews TributeBandonOct.13,Restless RoadonOct.19,FortunateYouthon Oct.24,SoulflyonOct.26,Struggle JenningsonNov.14,Badfish-A TributetoSublimeonNov.16, Hardwired-ATributetoMetallicaon Nov.29,King’sXonDec.8,BlackFlag
ionDec.12,IntheEnd-LinkinPark ExperienceonJan.12,Completely Unchained-VanHalenTributeonJan. 17,andNightbird-TheUltimateTribute toStevieNicksonJan.18.
Forticketsandmoreinformation, visittheranchfortmyers.com.
TheRanchConcertHallandSaloon canbereachedbycalling239-9859839.
Formostshows,doorsopenat7 p.m.atTheRanchConcertHall& Saloon,whichislocatedat2158 ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
DillonCarmichael-Sept.13
HereCometheMummies-Nov.8
GeorgeBirge-Sept.13
AshleyCooke-Jan.31
F ORT M YERS R IVER D ISTRICT
ACMAshowcaseatIslandHopperSept.25
FivemembersofthelocalAmericanaCommunityMusic Association(ACMA)willparticipateinaspecialperformance Wednesday,Sept.25attheSidneyandBerneDavisArt CenterindowntownFortMyersaspartoftheannualIsland HopperSongwriterFest.Doorsopensat6:30p.m.,andthe showstartsat7:30p.m.Fortickets,visitwww.sbdac.com. MeetthefiveACMAsongwriters:
BillMetts
BillMettsstarted singingandplayingguitar duringtheCountryBlues revivalofthe1960sand fellinlovewiththeartof finger-styleguitar.Hehas performedattheprestigiousMississippiJohn HurtBluesFestival,the worldfamous"Ground Zero"inClarksdale Mississippi,attheWill McLeanFestivalin BrooksvilleFloridaand numeroustimesinthe BMIsponsoredIsland HopperSongwriter Festival.Forfouryears hehostedtheweeklySongwriterCircleattheAmericana CommunityMusicAssociationlocatedinFortMyers.Though heoccasionallywilldoselectedcovers,originalsarehis preference.
RobertBidney
BruceGallant
Forover40years,Bruce Gallanthasbeenwritingsongs, usingthemasajournaltoreflect thedifferenttimesinhislife."I startedwritingsongsinmylate 20sandhaveneverstopped. Anythingofimportanceinmylife isinoneofmysongs.Writingis essentialformysurvival.”Bruceis alsoontheboardofthe AmericanaCommunityMusic Association,andhoststheweekly Singer-SongwritingCircle.
songs.Karen’srootsrun deepinpre-warfingerstyle Blues,60’s&70’sFolk musicandshehasan affinityforwomenguitar playersofthoseeras.She WillhaveyouLeaningIn! KarenlivesinPunta Gorda.Sheiscurrently performingatmultiplefolk festivalsaroundFlorida, ACMAeventsandcommunityshowcases.
56-SEPTEMBER2024
KarenCohen
KarenCohen’seclecticguitarplayingwill perkupyourears,while hersingingandsongwritingwilldovetailyour heart.Hervoicecapturestheemotional essenceofhersongs andresonateswithour ownpersonalexperience.Herwritingisfull ofimageryandher melodiesareasdiverse asthestoriesbehindthe
RoySchneider
RobertBidneyisasingersongwriterwhosemessagesare asstrongashismelodies.Aseasonedperformer,Bidneyconnects withhisaudiencesthroughhis infectiousenergyandemotional performances.Hehasrecorded threestudioalbumstodate.An eclecticarrayofartistsaroundthe worldhavecoveredhissongs, andhe’screditedwithanumber ofnationalradioandTVjingles. “ThankGoodness,”Bidney’sthird album,wasamongthe50mostplayedalbumsonfolkradiouponitsreleasein2023.Bidneywasa winnerinthe2023firstannual“MusicforHumanity”songwritingcontestandwasafinalistinthe2023InternationalAcousticMusic Awards.Bidney’sworkhasbeenpraisedbyBenFong-Torresof RollingStone,LeeZimmermanofGoldmineMagazineandJonStein ofWTBQ93.5FMinNewYork,amongothers.
FoundingmemberoftheAmericanaduoRecklessSaints,Roy Schneiderhasbeenperforminghisoriginalmusicthroughoutthe UnitedStatesandabroadforthepasttwodecades.Hissongshave thricemadehimaNewFolkFinalistattheKerrvilleFolkFestival (TX),acontestantonNBC'sTheVoice-Season5andplacedhimin theTellurideAcousticBluescompetition(CO).NoDepressioncalled him“AsongwriterinthegrandesttraditionofSteveEarle,Lucinda Williams,GuyClarkandLyle Lovett,butwithavoice,songwritingskill,stagecraftand instrumentaltalentallhisown.” InApril2023RoyandReckless Saintspartner,KimMayfield, releasedanewalbumtitled ‘BlueTwangledFolk’n’Roll,and arecurrentlymakingpreparationsforanewlive-in-studio recordfor2025."
Followthe ACMAonFacebook forscheduleupdates.
JeffreySteele,GulfCoast SymphonyperformSept.26
atIslandHopperFestival
IslandHopper
SongwriterFestcelebratesits10-year anniversaryin2024with 10daysofoutstanding performancesSept.20–Sept.29.
Thisyear’sheadliner isBMIsinger-songwriter ScottyMcCreery.On Sept.29,McCreerywill wrapupIslandHopper withapoolpartyperformanceatPinkShell BeachResort&Marina onFortMyersBeach.
IslandHopperwelcomesfive-timeGrammy nomineeandBMIsingersongwriterJeffrey Steele.OnSept.26, SteelewilljointheGulf CoastSymphonyinalive performanceattheFlorida RepertoryTheatreindowntownFortMyers.Ticketsare onslaenowthroughteh IslandHopperapp.
ed.Ticketsareonsalenow.
JeffreySteelewrote“What HurtstheMost,”performed byRascalFlatts,anditwas nominatedin2006forBest CountrySongattheGrammy Awards.Afewofhisother chart-toppingsongsinclude “Raise’EmUp,”“Knee Deep,”“Here,”“TheseDays,” and“TheCowboyinMe.” Steelehaswrittensongsfor KeithUrban,EricChurch, ZacBrownBand,Jimmy Buffett,MontgomeryGentry, Cher,RascalFlatts,Bob Segerandperformedwith VinceGill,EmmylouHarris, JameyJohnsonandothers.
IslandHoppergivesfans theopportunitytoseesingersongwritersperforminsmallervenueswithatropicalsettingasthebackdrop.
WhilemostIslandHopper performancesarefree,the McCreeryandSteeleperformances,alongwithafew experiences,willbeticket-
Forthefulllineupandticketinformation,visit IslandHopperFest.comor downloadtheIslandHopper app.
Morethan80songwriters havebeenconfirmedforthis year’sfestival.
Besuretocatchalive IslandHopperperformanceat thesefourlocationsaround SouthwestFlorida:
CaptivaIslandSept.20-22 CapeCoralSept.23-24
DowntownFortMyers Sept.25-26
FortMyersBeachSept. 27-29
IslandHopperSongwriter FestispresentedbyBMI, iHeartRadio’sCatCountry 107.1,FloridaRestaurant& LodgingAssociationandFort Myers–Islands,Beaches andNeighborhoods.
HappeningsMagazineis againamediapartnerofthe 10-daymusicfest.Visit IslandHopperFest.com. Followthefestivalhashtag #islandhopperfestaswellas InstagramandFacebook.
JeffreySteele
Ar tis ts named for Innovation Walk
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency in partnership with the Edison Awards have selected four creative visionaries and their proposals to create engaging, transformational art installations to be built along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers
The goal of Innovation Walk is to marry art with innovation, transforming and populating a meandering, mile-long waterfront park pathway with enduring installations and experiences that intrigue curiosity and celebrate human creativity Innovation Walk builds upon the legacy of imaginative invention in Lee County –think Thomas Edison and Hendry Ford –and melds the past with future-forward thinkers
Artists must design, produce and install projects within eight months of receiving the award The goal for full completion of the project is February 2025
Meet the creative visionaries and the installations selected for Innovation Walk:
“Take Off” is an installation inspired by the human desire to fly and the ongoing quest to harness air and defy gravity The installation invites visitors to walk inside and up the interior ramp, imagining themselves as a bird gathering speed to take off in flight As the visitor walks up the ramp, dramatic views frame the sky and the Caloosahatchee River, which is home to various shorebirds The installation includes a fun surprise at the end of the ramp: a slide that invites momentary exhilaration and quick return to the ground
“What’s endearing about humans is
that we’re essentially landlubbers with airborne aspirations,” says artists, Marisa Morán Jahn and Rafi Segal Jahn is a Senior Researcher at MIT and Director of Integrated Design at Parsons/The New School Jahn’s work exemplifies the possibilities of art as social practice and explores civic spaces and the radical art of play
Segal is an architect and Associate Professor of Architecture and Urbanism at MIT where he directs the Future Urban Collectives lab His current work focuses on how emerging notions of collectivity can impact the design of buildings and cities
In addition to “Take Off,” he is working on designs for new communal neighborhoods in Israel, Boston, Rwanda and the Philippines
“The Blue Lights” will consist of strategically placed solar-powered ground lights tracing the path of the Innovation Walk The lights will have a blue iridescent sculpted surface, reminiscent of seashells, and feature embossed designs The installation celebrates light, not only as a source of illumination, but also as a representation of a liminal space between day and night, and consciousness and unconsciousness The title, “The Blue Lights,” is inspired by blues music and the writings of Clyde Woods, representing the resilience and creativity of black culture
It’s a great homage to co-creation of Edison and Latimer
Artist, Adrian Burrell is a US Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute and Stanford University He is a third-generation
Oakland artist utilizing photography, installation, experimental media, storytelling and intergenerational dynamics to portray the complex interconnectedness of society today His work is in the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
“Put Yourself in the Picture Fort Myers” is a public sculpture installation that celebrates the Calusa indigenous Native Americans, featuring cultural hieroglyphics of their everyday life and shell technologies Public sculpture is one of the most accessible forms of art and an opportunity to engage the surrounding community “Put Yourself in the Picture Fort Myers” will allow visitors the opportunity to walk inside a sculpture and observe the piece and paintings at multiple angles and vantage points
“It’s a dream come true to create a sculpture for the Ft Myers Innovation Walk,” says Roberto Lugo, the visionary behind “Put Yourself in the Picture Fort Myers ” Lugo is a ceramicist, poet and educator who graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute and Penn State Lugo is based in Philadelphia, but the state of Florida has significance in his life as an artist – it's where, at 25 years old, he took his first art class at a community college
“Put Yourself in the Picture Fort Myers” is a tribute to his family and the AfroLatinx community in Fort Myers “Our survival and strength are a testament to creativity and the ability to innovate and adapt in the face of hardship,” Lugo states
PineIslandSoundMysteries
JUSTRELEASED
The9thnovelbySouthwest FloridaauthorJohnD.Mills
CaptivaCoven: Fouryoungwomenfromdifferentpartsoftheworldbecomefriends whileworkingatSouthSeasResortonCaptivain2002.Duringtheirfriendship,they discovertheyhaveanuncannybond–theyallcomefromalegacyofwitches.One nightwhilecampingonadesertedbeachunderafullmoon,theydecidetoform theirowncoventobindthemtogetherforever.Theyagreetoreturneverytenyears tocelebratetheirfriendshipcementedbyformingtheirowncoven.Overthenext twentyyears,twoofthewitchesaremurderedinsadisticways.Whenthepoliceare notabletosolvethemurders,thetworemainingmembersoftheCaptivaCoven decidedtofindtheresponsiblepersonandadministertheirownversionofjustice.
JohnD.Millsisafifth generationnativeof FortMyers,Florida.He grewupfishingthe watersofPineIsland Soundandit'sstillhis favoritehobby. Throughouttheyears Johnhassupportedand sponsoredmanyofthe localfishingtournamentsbenefitingthe PineIslandcommunity. Hisbooksaresoldin someofthemosticonicdestinationsinthe barrierislands.Readers willgetarareandseldomheardhistory wrappedinnail-biting thrillermysteries.Heis currentlyconcentrating hislawpracticeon criminaldefenseand domesticviolence injunctioncases.
ReviewbyKirkusIndie Asordiddivorcecaseleadstoviolenceand anexplosivecourtroomtrial. ThelatestFlorida-basedlegalthrillerby Mills(TheObjector,2016,etc.)beginswith aconfrontationalltoofamiliarin thelitigious21stcentury:anacrimoniousdivorce.Dr.StanJacoby makesanunexpectedreturnhome fromagolfingvacationtosurprise hiswifeofsevenyears,Karen, withanexpensivegift.Relations havebeentensebetweenthem lately,sinceKarendiscovered affairsStanhadbeencarryingon. Turnaboutbecomesfairplay: whenhegetsbackhome,he walksinonherinflagrantedelicto withanotherman.Mutuallyincensed,they proceedtocourt,whereKarenisrepresentedbydivorceattorneyBethMancini,who quicklycomestoenjoyherclientʼstart tongueandfriendlynature.WhenBethasks Karenwhattraitsshedesiresinhernext husband,shereplies:“Iwanthimtobeclosertomyage.Hedoesnʼtneedtobeasrich asStan,butIstillwantfinancialsecurity. Andmostimportantly,hecanʼtbeanasshole,likeStan.”Thetwotakeabreakfrom legaltensionsatKarenʼsbeachcottage, wheretheyʼreconfrontedbyanarmed, maskedattackertheynaturallyassumeis
Stan.Intheresultingcriminaltrial,long-suppressedsecretsfrombothsidesoftheaisle getdraggedintotheopen.Asinhispreviousnovel,Millseffectivelymoveshisplot along—thisisagenuinepage-turnerdespite sometimes-pedestrianwritingon theline-by-linelevel.Twoofthe taleʼsatmosphericstaples,the Floridasettingandthegive-andtakeofacourtroom,areconfidently,vividlyrealizedthroughout.Mills isespeciallyadeptatcapturinga senseofplace,nomeanfeateven inastateasoft-chronicledas Florida.Thenatural,unforcedpicturehepaintsofthesometimesspiky,unevenfriendshipbetween KarenandBethisthemostmemorablywrittenstrandofthestoryandmakes thetense,final-actrevelationsandplot twistsfeelgrounded.Theclimacticcourtroomsequencesarewell-servedbythe authorʼsexperienceintheFloridalegal world;theynotonlyfeelentirelybelievable, butcracklewithdramaticenergyaswell. Thetricksofthosescenes—unexpectedrulingsfromthebench,surpriserevelationson thewitnessstand,etc.—shouldbefamiliar toanyreaderwhoʼsseenaLaw&Order repeatonTV,butMillsmakesthemhisown. Agrippinglegalthrillerpittingacheating husbandagainstacheatingwife.
D ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA
1stStreetDeli
AnauthenticNewYorkstyledelicatessen,1stStreet Delibringsadistinctlyunique diningconcepttothecasino, featuringdelipickles,fresh breadandsandwichesbiggerthanyourappetite.The hotdeliplattersectionfeaturesthreenewfavorites: housemademeatloafwith Yukongoldmashedpotatoesandbrowngravy;potroastdinner madewithslowbraisedbeefshortrib;andchickenMarsala. Opendailynoon–8p.m.
EllaMae’sDiner
506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com
CapeCabaretDinnerTheater
CapeCabaretDinner Theaterisabeautifulupscale venuededicatedtodining, dancing,livemusicandcomedyshows.Wefeaturea completedinnermenu,three fullbars,twolargedining roomswithhardwooddance floorsandalargeoutdoor patio.Ourentertainment includeslivemusicfromthe 60’stothe90’sandthebest tributebandshowsinSWFL.Wespecializeinhostingyourprivateeventsandpartiesfor24to350guests.ExecutiveChef PabloFelixandhisstaffpreparedeliciousappetizers,entrees anddessertsdailyforyourenjoyment.Walk-insarewelcome,but reservationsarerecommended.Reserveonlineorcall.
4725VincennesBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.com
EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill
Nostalgiaservedwithasmile.A funretro-inspiredeateryserving comfortfoodandclassicdiner fare.Slideintoaboothorpullup tothecounterforaburgerand milkshakeorthebestall-day breakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sprovidesawelcometwistto theclassicsoutherndiner. CelebratingDr.EllaMaePiper’s legacy,it’sherethecommunity comestogethertosharestoriesas theyenjoyamealamidstvintageinspiredfinishesandabrightcolor palette.EllaMae’sDinerat LuminaryHotel&Co.isafunretro-inspiredeateryservingup comfortfoodandclassicdinerfare.Slideintoaboothorpullupto thecounterforaburgerandmilkshakeorthebestall-daybreakfastyou’veeverhad.EllaMae’sisopendailyfrom7amto2pm. Servingbreakfastalldayandlunch. LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854www.LuminaryHotel.com
LuckyMi
AnAsian-inspired upscalerestaurant,LuckyMi NoodleHouseispresented asanopen-kitchenconcept andfeaturesanoodlebar, diningroomandprivate functionarea.Chefsblend traditionalingredientswith contemporaryinfluencesto createnewinterpretations fordishessuchas VietnamesePhoNoodleSoupandKoreanBeefandBroccoli. 506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
TheEE-TO-LEET-KEGrill featurescontemporaryregionalcuisinesutilizingthefreshestselectionsofsteaks, seafood,andanarrayof locallysourcedproduce.The startersmenunowfeatures Southwesttenderlointacos withpicodegalloandchipotle aioli;chickenquesadillawith blackbeans,roastedcornand pepperjack;andgrilledpeachsaladwitharugula,candied pecans,goatcheeseandlemonvinaigrette.Newadditionstothe entréeselectionsincludebeerbatterfishandchipswithcoleslaw andtartarsauce;blackenedFloridasnapper;crabcakeswith roastedcornsalsa;grilled12-ounceribeyewithsofritoandgarlic puree;andabeefBourguignonmadewithtenderlointips,pearl onions,mushrooms&redwine.Opendaily8a.m.–midnight.
506South1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com
OxbowBarandGrill
Casualdocksidedining onthedoorstepof DowntownFortMyers. Panoramicriverfrontviews ontheCaloosahatchee.A boater’sretreatwithan upbeatnauticalvibe. Servingcoastalcuisine andmoreforbrunch,lunch anddinner.Retailand rentalstoigniteyourspirit ofadventure.Diveinto freshseafood,oysterson thehalfshell,steaks,signaturesandwiches,freshsalads,local craftbeersandcuratedcocktails.OurhoursareMondayThursday11a.m.-10p.m.,FridayandSaturday11a.m.-11p.m. andSunday11a.m.-9p.m.WenowofferbrunchonSaturdays andSundays11a.m.-3p.m. 1300HendrySt.FortMyers 239-314-3856www.oxbowfortmyers.com
SilverKingOceanBrasserie
TikiHutBar&Grill
Acoastal,chef-driven menuunlikeanyother restaurantinFortMyers. Complementedbyastrikinginteriorthat’sas appealingtotheeyesas thedishesaretothe palette.AstheLuminary’s signaturerestaurant,The SilverKingOcean Brasserieoffersamenu showcasingthequalityof freshseafoodthrough clean,simplepreparations usingclassictechniquesforamodernpalate.Centeredonan openkitchen,thesophisticatedrestaurantfeaturesacoastalinspiredmenuandadditionaloutdoorseatstorelaxandindulgein thefinestlocalseafoodinSouthwestFlorida.NestledwithinSilver King,you’llfindTheFloridaRoom,aprivatediningspacethat seats14guests,perfectforintimategatheringsandcelebrations andnamedafterFloridaHeitman.Ifyourgroupislarger,wefeatureavarietyofvenueswithentertainingoptionsavailablefrom uniqueseatingtotailoredmenus.HoursareTuesday-Saturday from5-10p.m.
LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3855www.LuminaryHotel.com
SouthernGrill
TheSouthernGrillat theShellFactoryisafull restaurantincluding liquor,beerandwine. Wehaveanoutdoorbar andpartyvenue.There isnoentryfeetogetinto theShellFactorystoreor restaurants.Parkingis free.Whileyouarehere visittheNaturePark, FunPark,Carouseland SoaringEagleZipline.JoinusforallyoucaneatFishFryevery Tuesday&Friday$10.95.
16554N.ClevelandAve.,NorthFortMyers 239-995-3999 www.shellfactory.com
atDolphinKeyResort
There's alwayssomethingtodoatthe TikiHutBar& Grillatthe DolphinKey Resort.Located inDowntown CapeCoral,the biggestTikibar intheworld offersliveentertainment WednesdaythroughSunday,KeyWestStyleRelax WednesdayandThursday,Lightoutdooratmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfourleggedarewelcome.Greatfood menu,withFloridaSpecials,pooltable,TVs.Open7days. Kitchenopenlate.
1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com
TwistedFork
The TwistedForkis ahot-rodand moto-culture themedrestaurantfeaturinga scratchkitchen andcustom cocktails.A familyfriendly spaceadjacent Bert'sBack Porchconcert venuewith loadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecomeCharlotteCounty'shottest placetoeat,drinkandhavefun!"
2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675
www.twistedfork.net
SizzleDiningSept.5-25 at116localrestaurants
SouthwestFlorida residentsandvisitors areinvitedtodinewith apurposeduringthe region’sbiggestculinaryeventoftheyear, SizzleDining.
SetforSept.5Sept.25,arecordbreaking116restaurantsinLee,Collier andCharlottecounties areservingspecially pricedprix-fixemenus includingtwo-course lunchesfor$19or$29, andthree-coursedinnersstartingat$29, $39or$49.Newthis year,SizzleDiningis introducingapop-up brunchserieseach SaturdayandSunday duringthethree-weeklongevent,foratotalof sixeventsatsixdifferentrestaurantsacross SouthwestFlorida.For afulllistofSizzle Diningrestaurantsand theirmenus,visit SizzleDining.com.
Onedollarfrom eachmealpurchased fromtheSizzleDining menuwillbedonated totheSouthwestFloridaChapterof BlessingsinaBackpack.Onedollarat atime,morethan$90,000hasbeen raisedthankstolocaldinerswhoparticipatedinSizzleDining.Blessingsina Backpackusesthedollarsraisedtofill backpackswithfoodforlocalfood-insecureelementaryschoolstudentstoeat overtheweekendwhenschoolprovidedmealsareunavailable.Overthepast threeyears,SizzleDininghashelped morethan700localchildrenbyensuring25,000hunger-freeweekends.
anopportunetimeforpatronstoexperienceSouthwestFlorida’svibrantculinaryscenewithspecialpricingand withoutlongwaittimes,”saidGuy Clarke,founderofSizzleDining.“New thisyear,weareexcitedtooffera brunchseriesonSaturdaysand Sundaysatparticipatingrestaurants andtowelcome39newrestaurantsto theSizzleDininglineup.FromMarco Island,throughoutCollierandLee CountiesextendingintoBocaGrande, weareexcitedtoofferthebiggest SizzleDiningexperienceyet.”
menusthathighlighttheirchef’simpressiveculinaryskills.Themenusare offeredataffordablepricestoencouragevisitorstotryavarietyoflocal restaurants.Thiseventhelpsdrumup businessforourlocaldiningsceneduringoneoftheslowestmonthsofthe yearinSouthwestFlorida.Ontopofthe much-neededboosttoourlocalculinary industry,SizzleDininggivesbacktothe communityinanevenmoreimpactful way.
Inadditiontomakingadifferencein thelivesofhundredsoflocalchildren, SizzleDiningcomesatatimewhenthe localculinaryindustryneedsthesupportofthecommunity.
“Septemberistraditionallytheslowestmonthoftheyearfortherestaurant industryinSouthwestFlorida,offering
SizzleDiningbeganin2016,asa week-longdiningeventinNaples.Year afteryear,ithasgrownsubstantially thankstothecommitmentoflocal restauranteursandSizzle’sfounders, GuyandErinClarke.Eachyear,participatinglocalrestaurantscreatemouthwateringprix-fixelunchanddinner
Foreverymealpurchased,restaurantownersdonate$1oftheirproceeds toBlessingsinaBackpackof SouthwestFlorida,anincredibleorganizationthathelpsfeedourlocalelementaryschoolchildrenovertheweekends.
Formoreinformationandthefulllist ofparticipatingrestaurants,visit www.sizzledining.com
