So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience Program

PROUDLY PRESENTS

So Good!

The Neil Diamond Experience CHRISTENSEN PERFORMANCE HALL on The Madeline Janis Courter Stage

FEBRUARY 29, 2024 8:00PM Graciously Sponsored By GUSTAV AND VIBEKE CHRISTENSEN

A Message for our Friends

BIG ARTS, now in its fifth decade, was created by and for the community. Time has not diminished our devotion to a fundamental purpose and principle: To provide a warm and welcoming place that celebrates the arts, and the artist in all of us, and helps remind us of our shared humanity.

Throughout the recent rough years of closures and cancellations, we never closed our doors. We flung them open to host several free gatherings, complete with entertainment, food and beverages, and to offer a space in which we can revel in the joy of being together again.

Now, a full season of great lectures, workshops, films, fine arts exhibits and performing artists is back! It is deeply rewarding for us to see the hallways, galleries, seats and classrooms filled with new and old friends enjoying all that BIG ARTS offers.

Our commitment to community extends to the stewardship of our donors’ dollars. While our foundation is strong, we took a financial “hit” during the canceled seasons. With a brand-new season up and running, we look to our loyal friends and patrons to help us weather the changes and continue to flourish.

Thank you for including BIG ARTS in your charitable giving.

Every dollar is deeply appreciated. Your support signals your belief in our mission and ensures that BIG ARTS continues to be a vibrant community partner in Sanibel and Captiva’s enduring quality of life – now and for decades to come.

Rene Savarise Chair of the Board

Lee Ellen Harder Executive Director

“

With his powerful presence, from the moment he struts on stage wearing trademark black, gray, and silver sequined jacket, Robert Neary, uncannily, resembles Neil Diamond at the height of his touring career in the ‘90s and 2000s.

”

SO GOOD! THE NEIL DIAMOND EXPERIENCE Robert Neary creates a one-of-a-kind tribute to one of the most successful musical artists in history. With 40 years in the entertainment industry, Robert’s credits include three Broadway leads and more than 60 major guest starring television and film roles.

Now, with half a million fans worldwide and counting, along with thousands of reviews all over the Internet and social media, “So Good!

The Neil Diamond Experience” is selling out venues across the country and being hailed as the most authentic and professional tribute to Neil Diamond, ever.

ROBERT NEARY

Robert Neary was born and raised on Long Island, NY. He gained immediate success as an actor, after moving to Los Angeles, when he was 20 years old. He began his acting career with a guest star role in the television series Fame, then earned a role opposite Jason Bateman in the film, Teen Wolf Too. After a two- year stint on General Hospital, as Officer Frank Marino, Robert moved to Nashville to pursue Contemporary Gospel music. He recorded two solo projects, before returning back to his first love of acting. He has since gone on to guest star in over 50 television shows, including Criminal Minds, Sons of Anarchy, The Closer, Grey's Anatomy, Blue Bloods, Justified, The Fosters, FBI: Most Wanted, Weeds, Medium, NCIS and NCIS New Orleans. He has also done over 25 national commercials and Motion Pictures.

Robert landed his first Broadway show in 1996, starring in Smokey Joe's Café.

There, he met his wife, Natasha. Together, they went on to tour in the Elton John and Tim Rice Broadway hit, Aida, in which Robert played the evil Zoser. .

In 2017, Robert returned to New York for a third time, when he understudied the lead role of Sonny in the Broadway smash, A Bronx Tale, The Musical, and got the chance to perform the famed role over a dozen times.

It has always been his dream to one day, perform a tribute show to Neil Diamond.

THE MYSTIC

The Mystic has been performing together for over 20 years. A collection of talented musicians with extensive resumes, including performing on Broadway’s Moving Out, in the television series, Rock Star Supernova, on stage with Billy Joel and Elton John and as a part of a Monday Night Jams with Richie Cannata. The band has traveled from coast to coast to perform at numerous weddings and private events. This amazing and versatile group can cover songs from every genre, perfectly.

Robert knew he found his band the very first time he ever heard them play.

“

If you close your eyes and listen to him sing any of the 22 classic Neil Diamond songs with the magnificent band behind him, you will swear you are listening to the Master himself.

”

Save the Date!

BIG ARTS 45TH ANNUAL BENEFIT MARCH 22, 2024 Lavish pre-show buffets & open bars followed by post-concert desserts, dancing, drinks & more in the Malone Family Sculpture Garden!

THE DOO WOP PROJECT featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

Benefit Sponsorship Opportunities PRESENTING SPONSORS ($10,000)

8 complimentary event tickets VIP backstage photo with The Doo Wop Project artists VIP seating Plus Pacesetter additional benefits

PACESETTERS ($5,000) 6 complimentary event tickets Premium seating Name on event e-blasts Name on sponsor webpage Recognition on social media Plus Fan additional benefits

FANS ($2,500) 4 complimentary event tickets Plus Groupie additional benefits

GROUPIES ($1,500) 2 complimentary event tickets Preferred seating Complimentary valet parking Name on Benefit webpage Name listed in post-event “thank you” newspaper ad Name on printed invitation (print deadline January 22)

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TODAY! Contact Michelle Schweber, Director of Development mschweber@bigarts.org | 239.472.9700 ext. 308 | 404.441.2261

Benefit Sponsors EXCLUSIVE PRODUCERS

Gustav and Vibeke Christensen Jim and Gaye Pigott

EXCLUSIVE CORPORATE PRESENTER Bank of the Islands

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTERS James and Susen Berg Jim and Carmen Courter Barb and Tom Dunham

PACESETTERS

Edward and Catherine Anderson • Dick and Mary Butler • Jack and Fay Chestnut Linda and Gordon Coons • Jim and Dulce Doss • Susan and John Freund JoAnn and Bob Glick • George and Susan Heisler • Maureen and Gary Saage Sanibel Home Furnishings, Diane, Ray and Carl Knight Jeff and Rene Savarise • Robert and Betty Van Tassel

FANS

John and Mary Ann Boorn • Barry and Judy Bronstein Gift Shop Team: Anni, Jan, Libby & Linda • Don and Nancy Rolley Michael Samet & Elissa-Karasin Samet • Law Office of Janet M. Strickland P.A Ed & Virginia Stringer • Michael and Marilee Wood

GROUPIES

Charlie and Linda Adams • Melissa and Scot Congress • Lousie Sinclair Eastman Doug and Sherry Gentry • Mardi Glenn • John and Jean Halligan The Health Whisperer • Bill and Barbara Millar • David & Nora Mimms Robin and Barbara Lee • John and Barbara Lies • Phillip and Diane Olsson Rob and Mindy Pierce • Susan Ramser and Chris Bowman • Joyce and Don Rice Chip and Nancy Roach • Cathie and Bill Thiede • Tom and Linda Uhler Douglas and Priscilla Viets • Cathy and Joel Vogel • Molly and Ted Wiedeman Bob and Kathy Wiesemann • Penny Wilkinson & Dick Boehning Gene and Margaret Zelek Sponsors as of February 20, 2024

COMING UP AT BIG ARTS LATE NITE CATECHISM – SISTER’S SUMMER SCHOOL March 2, 8:00PM

SING & SWING

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS

March 9, 8:00PM Sponsored by Mike and Marilee Wood

THE HIT MEN March 15, 8:00PM Sponsored by Bob and Kathy Wiesemann & Charles and Gail Sheetz

Meet Our Supporters Thank you to our loyal donors.

Your support is needed now, as never before.

PREMIERE Gustav & Vibeke Christensen Leslie Fleischner Florida Department of State Ken Nees Jim & Gaye Pigott Bob & Kathy Wiesemann

PACESETTER Sanibel Captiva Trust Company Dr. Michael & Mrs. Marilee Wood

BENEFACTOR Bank of the Islands James C. & Susan H. Berg Ginny Bowen Andrew & Ruthelen Burns Dick & Mary Butler Congress Jewelers Janice Devitt Barb & Tom Dunham Kathleen & John Green Jr. Dorothy & Seth Hemming

Bob & Marilyn Klaskin Dorothy Lichtenstein Northern Trust Sue Pick Jeffrey & Rene Savarise Charlie & Gail Sheetz Patricia Thurber Linda & Tom Uhler Linda & John Wulff

GRAND PATRON Edward & Catherine Anderson Lore Bahnik, The Bahnik Foundation David and Judy Baum Mary Buck Jack & Fay Chestnut Nancy Dehmlow David Filkins Doug & Sherry Gentry Laurie & Steve Hafener Melissa & Jason Halliburton George & Susan Heisler David Huggin Peter & Ann Lambertus

Vicky & John Lettmann Bruce & Antonette McDonald Philip & Roberta Puschel Richard & Nathalie Pyle Gary & Maureen Saage Vreni Scheu Dawn Schumann Chris & Crystal Smith Dr. Robert & Betty Van Tassel Anni & Jack Wellauer Penny Wilkinson & Dick Boehning Gene & Margaret Zelek

PATRON Charles & Linda Adams Brenda & Marty Harrity Elaine & T.P. August Tony & Angie Lapi John & Mary Ann Boorn William & Barbara Millar Barry & Judy Bronstein Stephanie Rahe Linda & Gordon Coons Dick & Peggy Raney Anonymous Don & Joyce Rice Mr. & Mrs. Manny Fernandez Chip & Nancy Roach Susan & John Freund Ed & Virginia Stringer Emily (Lee) Haines Morton & Betty Tavel Law Office of Janet M. Strickland, P.A.

ANGEL Hazel Barber Curtis A. Barton Lynn Bernard Walter & Wendy Berninger Naomi Bloom Robert & Dixie Bowden Philip & Helen Bradbury Dan & Donna Casey Ralph & Carolyn Clark

Aaron J. Cohen Coile Foundation Lillian Decker Dana DiCarlo Yvonne & Phillip Dressel Boomer Duvin Kim Eastman & Louise Sinclair Eastman Dave & Linda Essig Cecy Faster

ANGEL Anonymous Attila & Patty Molnar Mardi Glenn Vincent & Celina Monte-Sano JoAnn & Bob Glick Mr. & Mrs. John R. Morse Jean & John Halligan Pamela & Kevin Murray Albert & Sandra Hann Pam & Bob Norton Al & Sally Hanser Denis O'Connor Susan & Bill Hartz Rob & Mindy Pierce Herman Foundation Barbara Powers Peter & Donna Holden Eileen Kehoe & Bud Reinhold Deborah Jaeger Christine Schluter Jan Jaeger Lowell Schwab & Rae Carter Mary & Dick Jalkut Tom & Susan Sheridan Charles & Helen Ketteman Nancy & Steve Siegel Alan & Joan Klutch The Reverend Doctor Ellen Sloan Ray & Diane Knight Sheridan & Dick Snell The Health Whisperer Mary Snyder Robin & Barbara Lee Robert & Nancy Sperte John & Barbara Lies Merrill Taylor Calvin & Patricia Linnemann Nancy Traylor Dudley & Kristin Malone Carolyn & Gerald Wheaton Gene Massey Dr. Edward C. Wheeler & Anne Haslem Richard & Adele Mattern Barry & Fran Wilson Douglas McLemore & Judith Rittenhouse Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Yenkole Tom & Pam Miller Patty & Bill Zimmerman David & Nora Mimms Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation Kristen & Douglas Ryckman/Ryckman Family Charitable Fund

SUPPORTER Bob & Sharon Barton The Berger Foundation Robert & Lynn Bolz Mike & Pat Boris Tom & Pam Campbell Mr. & Mrs. William Cheney Michael & Laurie Chouinard Richard & Beth Davis Don & Gaither DeLuca Barb & Neil Demchick

The Dooling/Danussi Fund Molly B. Downing John & Pam Fridlington Christopher & Carol George Bob & Marvis Gillison Neal & Sherry Halleran Barry & Marilyn Humphries Kyle & Marybeth Jackson Hope & David Jeffrey Tom & Jan Knowlton

SUPPORTER Anonymous Charles Krahmer Mrs. Gloria Lagrassa Tom & Susan McCully Sue & Ted Merrick Michael & Mary Miller Moreland and Devitt, LLC Edward & Carol Mosel Gar & Nicole Murtha Robert & Elizabeth Nanovic Jim & Mary Nelson Donna Oberhill Dave & Karen Paulin Jeffrey H. Pierce Robert & Susan Ross

Jennifer & Daniel Sager Patricia Schwarz AJ & Sunny Scribante Hank & Linda Spire Art Stevens Kathi Straubing Jim & Josie Urbelis Joel & Cathy Vogel Annie Wainwright Richard & Gloria Waterhouse Carol Watkins Martin & Deborah Watz Tommy & Trudy Williams Mark & Debbie Wimmer

CONTRIBUTOR Robert M. Allen David & Diann Frantz Teresa Anzalone Ted Gasteyer Richard & Carol Arnould Phyllis K. Gresham Doug & Lu Bannerman Ed & Sharon Hannon Christopher Berman Madeline Etkin & Jeff Hayward Laurence Bettcher Mr. & Mrs. Richard Healey Douglas & Meg Born Mark & Paula Henry Donald Breitner & Debbie Gurman Becky Higbie Pamela Z. Brislin Jo-Ann & Robert Hilliard John & Sarabess Cahill Norma Hoppenfeld Reynolds & Barbara Challoner Doug & Janie Jacobson Nancy Clark Louis & Mary Kahn David & Robyn Cook Roger & Christine King Peter & Sue Danford Donna & Jim Kraft James & Maggie Davis Linda Kramer Robin & W. Patrick Dickson Bob & Helen Lambiase Jim & Catrina Drotleff Donna Leahy Ron & Jeannie Ellington Brenda & Matt Levatich Carolyn & Oliver Esman Dale Luchsinger Mary & Millard Everhart Ann McCarthy Myra Fisher Don & Joan McDonald Greater Milwaukee Foundation James and Mary LaVelle Fund

CONTRIBUTOR Mark McQuade & Ellen Mayeron Howard & Ruth Menken Scott & Arlene Mowry Robert & Mary Ellen Paulson Steve & Susan Peltzman Carol & Ron Periard Mike & Anna Puma Mr. & Mrs. David Rappaport Robert & Lorraine Rippe Cecily I. Robinson Scott & Marianne Rogers Lawrence & Phyllis Sager Marcel & Jane Saghir Sanibel Historical Museum & Village

Francie & Larry Schenck Shirley Schlossman Howard & Pam Shaw Frank & Jeanne Speizer Chris & Janis Swain August & Maureen Thoma Nancy Trimbur Ken & Virginia Trudell Thomas & Kathleen Veratti Douglas H. & Priscilla B. Viets John & Beverly Voorhees Ellen Wersan The Buckman Family George C. Witte

FRIEND Don & Betty Abbott Cindy Bixler Borgmann Corrine & Art Addie Dick & Victoria Bourdow Judith Adler Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Susan Ahlcrona Raymond L. Brennan Clare Almack John & Catherine Bridge Amejo Amyot Kathryn Brintnall Judie Anderson Jo & Arthur Brisbane Leslie & Joe Anding Leslie Brunn Susan Andrews Peter & Connie Bukowick Mary S. Arceneaux Rodger & Mary Jo Bunnell Dr. Donald Bachman & Dr. Karen Back Deborah Butler Suzanne & Randy Baker Melissa & Mark Calkin Charles & Ann Balch Richard & Marcy Calkins George & Molly Barbee Mr. & Mrs. John Campbell Dr. Ann Tice & Dr. Joe Barkmeier Ron & Janice Chaddock Richard & Madeline Baron Carl & Mary Ann Chambers Mary & Dan Bell Mrs. Marcia Chauvet & Mr. John Dolan Tom & Laura Bernhardt Leslie Cimino Kathryn Bielefeld Michele Classe Virginia Bisby Janice Udesen Cohen PJ Blankenhorn & Tony Wagner Robin & David Coleman Mark & Doreen Bolhuis & Maureen Corpron-Vel

FRIEND Anonymous Tom & Barbara Cooley Raymond & Nancy Cooper Carmen & Jim Courter Foundation Julie Cronin Cheryl & Tom D’Altrui Patricia David John & Linda DeFrancisco Laura & Chris Denick Andrea & Daniel Derrington Nicole Dewoolfson Richard & Deborah Donahue Marlene Donaldson Nancy Donaldson Bob & Ellen Dugan Mary Dunnavan Barbara & Jim Egan Angela & Brian Ellacott Kathryn Engle John & Judy Evans Anonymous Bill & Virginia Fellows Bev Forslund George Foster Shirley & Byron Frank Raf & Bonnie Frankel John W. Fredericks Barbara Hill Freeman Dorothy C. Fritze Rabbi Stephen & Rabbi Victoria Fuchs Beverly Gaabo Walter & Methel Gale Fred & Barbara George Brenda A. Pommerenke & Larry George Maureen & Andy Ginipro Lisabet & Gertrude Girr Nancy & Clivie Goodwin Ron & Joan Gould Carol Gregg

Bill & Shelley Greggs Lois Gries Buzz & Mary Jo Griffin Kathy & Alan Grundei Richard & Jane Guelich Lyder & Charlene Gulbrandsen John & Betty Gundersdorf Roberta Gutwein George & Audrey Hagerman Ella Hall Miriam Pepper Gloria Hammersley Gene & Jo Hardy Karen Bush Havrilla Dale & Suzette Heeres Susan Marie Herrmann Linda J. Hooper Libby & Rob Hoops Richard & Stephanie Huddleston Janet Hurley Louise Huyck Don & Stefanie Irwin Andrew & Teresa Jacob John & Lana Jacobs Bob & Amy Johnson Paul & Janet Johnson Norm Johnston Thomas J. Juedes Petra & Wolfgang Kaiser Stanley & Jo Ann Katz Jack Kennedy Mally Khorasantchi John & Wendy Kindig Candy & Steve Klare Carl Knight Mark & Kristen Koelmel Susan Kolson Julian Korn Jack & Cathy Kozik Kathy Kuck

FRIEND Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Erich Pfanzelt Thomas LaFond Dr. Allen & Wendy Pois Melissa Laidlaw & Menashe Ben-David Isabella Rasi Linda Laird Marianne Nyhan Ravenna Virginia & Tim Lattner Debra & David Ray Mr. & Mrs. Paul R. Lawrence James Reynolds Annie Layman Jan Rice Ann Lindberg Rob & Debbie Rizzo Karen Holder & Randy Lisk Carlos & Mary Roche Maryann L. Loh Carol & Bill Rosenberg Gary & Margot Long Margaret Ross Howard Lorsch & Tracy Dwyer Carolyn Ruff David & Kelly Lowden Jolene & Kooroush Saeian David & Jackie Lurio Di Saggau Janet MaGirl Mr. & Mrs. Peter Saltz Marla Manning Michael Samet & Elissa Karasin-Samet Joan M. Martyn Pat Santucci, M.D. Pamela M. Mascio David Scheiber John & Jennifer Masters Laurence & Jeanie Schiffer Roy & Judith McCloskey John & Lisa Schmidlin John & Janet McLaughlin Craig & Lynn Schneider Dana Mehlig Bob & Caren Schoen Michele Messenger Steve & Laurie Schulz Sarah Ashton & Jim Metzler Walter & Betsy Schuman Eleanor Miller Michelle Schweber Rene & Margarethe Miville Debbie Scray Joseph & Linda Mondelli Mr. Terry See & Mrs. Theresa Shea-See Mike & Debbie Morgan Mr. Juan Serret & Mrs. Karen Serret Mary Beth & Scott Morrison Jack & Karen Shaw Drs. John & Gwendolynn Newman Sally & Dwight Shelton Randall & Marilyn Niehoff Bradford Shingleton Fred C. Nordstrom Joseph Shuster & Barbara Bazzone Mr. & Mrs. John L.S. Northrop Karen Shutway Jim & Barbara O’Hare Cathy Simon Bruce & Catherine Odlaug Dennis & Brooke Simon Tom & Barbara Olson Anonymous Carl Ordemann Joyce & Joe Sirkin Enid Packard Ellen Smiley & David Bollinger Jim & Nancy Patterson Jon & Kathryn Sternburg Mica Pennington Priscilla Stevens Nathan Perkins Betsy Sugerman Dr. Anjanette Stoltz & Mr. Anthony Bango

FRIEND Dennis Sutherland Al & Monica Taylor Kathleen Taylor & Bruno Notari Lynn Thelen Kersti Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Timson Kay Trainor Karr & Joan Van Nordstrand Janice VanBuskirk Kelli Vestal Gary & Linda Vroegindewey David Waks & Sandra Teger Anne Walter Bob & Roberta Washlow James Weddell

Ina Weissblatt Lyman & Deana Welch Lynne Wesolowski Berta & Carroll Wetzel Helene Weyant Brian & Susan White Patricia Pombo Wilson Elaine & Sanford Winer Linda & Jim Winn J Pamela Weiner & James Wittenberg E. Blake Wood The Dunham Children Nancy Zeedyk Mr. & Mrs. Jeffry Zimmer

LEGACY SOCIETY Jack T. Bailey Jerry Churchill K. Ann Dempsey Elizabeth Eagleton Ruth F. Frank Roni Freer

Deborah & John La Gorce Kenneth L. Nees Don & Joyce Rice John Schork Penny Wilkinson & Dick Boehning

Please remember BIG ARTS in your estate planning.

GIFTS IN HONOR OF Chuck Bonser Donna Leahy The Dunham Family Kris Gurall Patrick Harder David and Ann Hedges George & Susan Heisler Ken Nees

Dan & Gerri Perkins Jim & Gaye Pigott Carol Rosenberg Elmer Stilbert Janet M. Strickland, P.A. Monica Taylor Ellen Whitten

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Suzanne Crawford Blake Devitt Henry Foltz Dave Havrilla Beth Murphy Dr. Laurence Oberhill Bea Pappas

Tom Pick Paul Powers Karen Shaw Davis Thurber Ronald Glenn Wallace Pat Whitaker

IN-KIND DONORS Landgraphics Sanibel-Captiva David M. Platt, PA DONOR LIST AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023

Gifts can be made in many forms. For information on how to support BIG ARTS and all its programs, contact Michelle Schweber, Director of Development mschweber@bigarts.org | 239.472.9700 ext. 308

Meet Our Staff

Lena Baranova - Staff Accountant Denise Dillon - Events Assistant Marina Dowling - Office Manager Barbara Freeman - Executive Assistant Meghan Govoni - Marketing Manager Melody Hampton - Database and Information Manager Lee Ellen Harder - Executive Director Charlotte Hardt - Customer Service Associate Wendy Harriman - House Manager Aimee Harrison - Workshops Manager Richard Jones - Technical Director David Kolson - Chief Financial Officer Greg LeBlanc - Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor Kelly Lowden - Customer Service Associate Wilson McCray - Gallery Director Michelle Schweber - Development Director Olga Semreen - Staff Accountant

Meet Our Board Chair - Rene Savarise Vice Chair - Bob Wiesemann Treasurer/Secretary - David Lowden Past Chair - Don Rice Gustav Christensen Scot Congress Mike Wood

Great communities create great organizations – not the other way around. In 1979, BIG ARTS was created, by, and for the community, and owes its rich history to a small band of dedicated artists who drew inspiration from each other and from the breathtaking island beauty that infused their work with grace and authenticity.

They set out to create a special gathering place where artistic and educational experiences were accessible to all. Today that vision is alive and well. With the help of our loyal donors and supporters, BIG ARTS will carry that vision forward – providing joy, inspiration and a sense of community for generations to come.

Vision

To create great arts, entertainment and learning experiences that always inspire, enrich and delight.

Mission

Provide an array of quality entertainment, arts and education programs that enrich and nurture the lives of Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors through: • professionally led arts and enrichment classes and workshops for students of all ages • stimulating and informative lectures and group discussions with renowned national thought leaders and educators • dynamic visual and performing arts presentations of the highest caliber

INFORMATION & TICKETS:

IN PERSON: 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida 33957

BY PHONE: 239.395.0900 ONLINE: BIGARTS.org