OCTOBER 2024
Performing
Arts Center
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
DEAR FRIENDS OF ARTS BONITA,
As we enter the vibrant month of October, I am thrilled to share the exciting lineup of performances and exhibitions we have in store for you at Arts Bonita. This month promises an incredible mix of music, comedy, and visual art that will captivate and inspire.
We begin with a night of laughter as we welcome Carmen Lynch, the acclaimed stand-up comedian, known for her clever wit and hilarious takes on life. For music lovers, October brings a spectacular variety of genres, starting with Sudamerica Latin Groove as they pay tribute to the legendary Luis Miguel, followed by the Grammy-winning Marlow Rosado performing his show Retro, a celebration of Latin rhythms with a modern twist. Blues enthusiasts will be treated to the soulful sounds of the Chris O’Leary Band, while jazz fans won’t want to miss Zach Bartholomew’s tribute to Wayne Shorter with Speak No Evil, featuring saxophonist Mark Small.
For rock fans, we are proud to present Martin Barre, guitarist of the iconic band Jethro Tull, in A Brief History of Jethro Tull—a journey through the band’s legendary catalog. And closing the month with Broadway magic, Mark Sanders will delight us with a performance of timeless songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Our visual arts exhibitions this October are equally exciting, featuring Unbound: Exploring Surrealism in Art, an imaginative dive into surrealist expression, AI: Artistic Intelligence by Bradford Hermann, exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence, and Masquerade, a celebration of mystery and creativity.
We are excited to bring this extraordinary variety of performances and exhibitions to our Arts Bonita community, and we hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an unforgettable month. Thank you for your ongoing support and passion for the arts.
Warm regards,
You may have heard that Florida State Arts and Cultural Grant programs have been slashed by $32 million. This devastating cut will have farreaching impacts on our area, threatening the vibrancy and richness of our local arts scene.
The arts are not just a luxury; they are an essential part of our community’s identity, diversity, and well-being. Without adequate support, we risk losing vital programming that educates, inspires, and unites us as a creative community. The loss of funding means fewer opportunities for local artists, reduced accessibility to arts education, and diminished cultural experiences for all.
At Arts Bonita, we are deeply committed to enriching our community despite these challenges. We provide over $100,000 in scholarships annually to our underserved community, ensuring that the arts are accessible to everyone. Our residency program supports local artists, giving them the resources and space, they need to thrive as creatives. Additionally, our art school is recognized as one of the best in the region, offering top-notch education to budding and established artists alike.
YOUR SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL STAND WITH ARTS BONITA
We were eligible to receive $150,000 from the state, and narrowing this gap is crucial for us to maintain our programs and support our community. Now, more than ever, we need your support to continue our mission. We kindly ask you to give a little more generously during this challenging time. Your contributions, participation, and advocacy are crucial in helping us navigate this difficult period.
THANK YOU
for being a valued member of the Arts Bonita family. Together, we can ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and vital part of our community.
JOIN
US
CARMEN LYNCH COMEDY
FRIDAY OCTOBER 4th 7:30 pm
FOR AN
UNFORGETTABLE EVENING OF COMEDY WITH CARMEN LYNCH AT ARTS BONITA!
With two brand-new specials – “Queef Week” in English on Mark Normand’s YouTube channel and “Carmen Lynch en Español” on her own YouTube channel –Carmen is taking the comedy world by storm.
You may recognize her from her numerous late-night TV appearances, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Carmen has also showcased her comedic talents on Inside Amy Schumer, That Damn Michael Che, Life & Beth, and the documentary Hysterical. Don’t miss this chance to see Carmen Lynch live, delivering her signature humor and unique perspective.
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
SUDAMERICAN LATIN GROOVE
LATIN MUSIC
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 10 th
7:30 pm
LUIS MIGUEL TRIBUTE
SLG pays tribute to Luis Miguel, one of the most influential Latin singers of all time. With a repertoire moving through diverse genres such as pop, bolero, mariachi, big band and ballads, SLG honors Luis Miguel’s more than thirty albums released throughout an extensive career that began in 1981.
Sudamerica Latin Groove (SLG), formerly known as The Funky Tones, is a dynamic band renowned for seamlessly blending funk, jazz, rock, pop, world music, classical, and latin rhythms. Founded in 2013 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, the band has evolved into a musical powerhouse celebrating the cultural fusion of South and North American influences. Now based in Naples, Florida, SLG features a lineup of seasoned musicians from diverse South American backgrounds: Dorian Mendez (Argentina) music direction and bass, Everton Vidal (Brazil) on guitar, Alejandro Yaguaracuto (Venezuela) on drums, Renan Gerstenberger (Paraguay) on keyboards, and Kevin Morato (Bolivia) as vocalist, complemented by sound engineer Ezequiel Soliz (Bolivia). Renowned for their infectious music that exudes vitality, Sudamerica Latin Groove seamlessly merges traditional and contemporary elements. Their electrifying performances have positioned them as an emerging force in the SWFL music scene, creating a distinctive and vibrant sound that deeply resonates with diverse audiences.
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
MARLOW ROSADO LATIN MUSIC
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 11th
7:30 pm
RETRO
Rosado’s second album, Retro, earned him the American Grammy for Best Tropical Album.
Get ready for a night of high-energy, eclectic and amped-up music with Marlow Rosado’s Retro at Arts Bonita! This two-time Grammy-winning Latin artist, producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings over two decades of experience in the music industry to the stage. With 16 Grammy nominations and numerous other accolades, Rosado is a powerhouse in Latin music and a leading figure in the salsa scene.
With 16 Grammy nominations and various other awards and recognitions, Rosado is a driving force in Latin music and a leading figure in the salsa scene.
Marlow Rosado was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Miami to attend Florida Atlantic University on a full scholarship where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education. After Graduation, Marlow went on to work as a Music teacher for the Miami Dade County School Board where for ten years he dedicated his life to bringing quality music education to the students he taught. These efforts earned him a 2014 proclamation by the superintendent of MDCPS and then in 2015, he earned the Distinguished Alumnus award from the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at FAU.
Rosado’s musical career spans multiple genres, from salsa and Latin jazz to rock and pop. He has released seven studio albums, with his debut album Salsalsa drawing so much attention from the salsa scene, that he would become the first artist in almost 20 years to be signed by the legendary Fania Records.
Advertising in the Arts Bonita 2024-2025 Playbill. With a dynamic nine-month season running from September through May, our playbill reaches an audience of 65,000 enthusiastic arts patrons each season. Your ad will not only appear in our printed playbill but also be available online, expanding your reach even further. REACH AN AUDIENCE
CHRIS O'LEARY BLUES
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 12th 7:30 pm
RENOWNED FOR HIS MASTERY IN BLUES
AND
SOUL MUSIC.
As a resident performer at Levon Helm’s Classic
American Café in New Orleans, O’Leary perfected his craft, captivating audiences with his harmonica mastery.
Chris O’Leary is a force to be reckoned with. From his early days immersed in the sounds of Chicago blues, to his years as a Marine, and his rise in the local music scene of Poughkeepsie, New York, O’Leary’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion.
O’Leary’s professional debut came in 2003, playing on blues legend Hubert Sumlin’s “About Them Shoes.” Seven years later, his debut album “Mr. Used to Be” garnered a Blues Music Award nomination and won the Blues Blast Award for Best New Artist Debut. With five albums to his name, his latest release, “The Hard Line,” is his most raw and reflective work yet, capturing the essence of his life experiences from his military service to his countless performances.
Chris O’Leary’s music is rich with complexity and emotion. His heartfelt lyrics and passionate performances create a deep connection with his audience, promising a night you won’t soon forget.
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
THEATRE
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
OCTOBER 17th -20 th, 7pm
OCTOBER 20 th, 2pm
A HELL-RAISING JOURNEY TO THE UNDERWORLD AND BACK.
“Sumptuous… Gorgeous… As good as it gets… You wish you could live in the glowy moment forever.” – The New York Times
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love.
DIRECTED BY *Kody C. Jones
CHOREOGRAPHED BY Eric Ortiz
MUSIC DIRECTED BY Rosalind Metcalf & Joseph Brauer
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
ZACHARY BARTHOLOMEW
JAZZ
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 24th 7:30 pm
SPEAK NO EVIL
The Music of Wayne Shorter (Featuring Saxophonist Mark Small)
Get your jazz fix and celebrate the Halloween season on the same night with this spooky-themed concert featuring the music of saxophone legend Wayne Shorter and his critically acclaimed album “Speak No Evil.” Wayne Shorter was one of the most influential composers and saxophonists in the history of jazz, and this eerily themed album features some of his best work. Hear compositions such as “Witch Hunt,” “FeeFi-Fo-Fum,” “Speak No Evil,” and “Dance Cadaverous” in this hauntingly beautiful concert. Plus, this show will debut brand new original music written by saxophonist Mark Small for the Arts Bonita audience! The music will be so good it’s scary!
SAXOPHONE Mark Small
TRUMPET Austin Muthyala
BASS Marty Quinn
DRUMS Brandon Lee Lewis
Resident Artist Dr. Zachary Bartholomew is an award-winning pianist, composer and music educator who maintains a highly active performance career as one of the most heavily sought-after pianists, accompanists and sidemen in all of Florida. Since 2021 he has been awarded the prestigious “Artist Performance on Tour'' grant from the state of Florida for his “Jazz Access Tour,” an outreach program that aims to provide underserved communities and schools in Florida with world-class public performances and educational programs.
MARTIN
BARRE BAND
ROCK
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 25th 7:30 pm
THE DEFINING SOUND OF LATE ROCK BAND JETHRO TULL WAS FROM NONE OTHER THAN MARTIN
BARRE,
the band’s key guitarist from 1968, all the way up to their final tour in 2014.
Come watch A Brief History of Jethro Tull with Martin Barre at Arts Bonita!
After the end of Jethro Tull, Barre immediately began his solo career. He transitioned his sound slightly once becoming a soloist, performing in genres such as rock, blues, and acoustic. Despite his shift in sound, his technical yet emotional presentation of music stayed the same.
His unique presentation has won him many awards, the most notable being a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 1989.
A Brief History of Jethro Tull captivates those who enjoyed the band in its prime and beyond, and those who just enjoy a good, old fashioned rock concert or live music. If you are in any of these categories, this is a show that you will not want to miss!
MARK SANDERS CABARET
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 26th
7:30 pm
CELEBRATING BROADWAY
Andrew Lloyd Webber is an industry titan and musical theatre giant who has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. Join Mark and special guest Carolann Sanita as they celebrate music from The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and more!
Mark Sanders grew up in Marion, IL, spent 15 years in NYC and now makes Ft. Myers his home. He has appeared in numerous productions and concerts around the world. Mark was seen as Perchik on the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof starring Theodore Bikel and has become a favorite soloist with the Gulf Coast Symphony in Fort Myers as well as the Naples and Bonita Springs Concert Bands. Regional Credits include: Mamma Mia (Harry), Memphis, Bridges of Madison County (Bud), Passion (Col. Ricci), Ragtime (Father), Murder Ballad (Michael–Carbonell Award), Next to Normal (Dan), Merrily We Roll Along (Charlie), The Secret Garden (Archibald), Music Man starring Jeff Goldblum, Jesus Christ Superstar and Blood Brothers starring Andrea McArdle. Mark is currently touring his solo show, ONE VOICE: The Music of Barry Manilow, for which he wrote and conceived. His brand-new CD of Manilow’s incredible music is now available. Find out more at MarkSandersNYC.com and social media: @MarkSandersOneVoice
Becoming a member is the easiest way to support Arts Bonita.
Receive up to a 25% discount on classes and performances with an Arts Bonita Membership.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Individual/Individual + NARM*
$97/$145
•Class, workshop & performance discounts •15% Percent discount on art supplies
•Subscription to E-News announcements •Discount on fee to apply for Juried Exhibitions
•Invites to participate in Open House events •Exclusive invitations to members only events
Artist–Individual/Artist–Individual + NARM*
$125/$165
•All the benefits of Individual •25% discounted advertising in playbills
•Opportunity to sell your work online
•Greater commission at the Arts Boutique (75%/25%)
•Larger discount on fee to apply to Arts Bonita Juried Exhibitions
•Opportunity to be featured in Spotlight Arts Bonita Newsletter
•Discounted tent space at Arts Bonita Festivals and Art Fairs (excluding the National Art Festival)
•Exclusive invitations to participate in pop-up art exhibitions at partner galleries/venues
•Exclusive invitations and discounts to Professional Development and Enrichment event series
Family/Family + NARM*
$135/$175
•Includes all the benefits of Individual, for 2 adults and children under 17 in household
Student (High School/College, Ages 15-25)
$35
•Includes all the benefits of Individual. Must register in-person and present current student I.D.
Teacher (K-12th Grade) $50
•Includes all the benefits of Individual. Must register in-person and present current teacher I.D.
Patron Circle + NARM* (Individual or Business)
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
•10% discount in the Arts Boutique
$350
•Two free tickets to performance of your choice
Contributors Circle + NARM* (Individual or Business)
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
$700
•Four free tickets to performance of your choice
•15% discount in the Arts Boutique •Recognition in playbills & class catalogs
•One discounted rental annually
Directors Circle + NARM* $1,250
•All the benefits of Individual-NARM
•Six free tickets to performances of your choice
•20% discount in the Arts Boutique •Recognition in our Annual Report
•Two discounted rentals annually
*NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association network)
When you join Arts Bonita at the Individual-NARM or FamilyNARM levels, you automatically gain reciprocal member benefits in hundreds of museums, galleries, botanical gardens and zoos in Bermuda, Canada, El Salvador, Mexico and the U.S.
BECOME A MEMBER
Officers
David Pryor
Chairman of the Board
Kenneth Mack
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Patt Suwyn
Acting Secretary
Fred Weinman
Immediate Past Chairman
Directors
Wendy Aguilera
Elizabeth Buscaglia
Chris Corrie
Jill Fuselli
Shana Helsel
Cindy Kerker
Candice Rosen
Don Thomson
Cheryl Wellman
George Zalucki
Liaison, Village of Estero Community
Executive Team
Alyona Ushe
Executive Director
Jon Artigo
David Maidment
Finance Director
Kathy Saldivar
IT & Operations Director
Staff
Nora Bernstein
Patron Services & Education Assistant
Danielle Branchaud Curator
Joseph Brauer
Theatre Artistic Director
Janko Bujila
Facilities
Gillian Cardec
Marketing Associate
Aaron Fulwood
Assistant Producer & Patron Services
Anna Gliwski
Patron Services
Kevin Goode
Technical Director
Kody C. Jones
Resident Theatre Director
Wojciech Jankowski
Marketing Director
Marina Lindquist Patron Services & Boutique Assistant
Sabrina Molano
Patron Services
Ryan Mucko
Facilities
Elena Murray Box Office Supervisor
Chris Pastir
Graphic Designer
Maureen Roberts
National Fine Art Festival Director
Jarad Settles Box Office
Carly Zekanoski
Membership & Development Manager
Faculty Chairs
Susan Berry Glass
Carol Broman Atelier
Kel Campbell Visual Arts
Marissa Jankowski Dance
Terrie Mertens
Stone
Seeking to serve the educational and cultural needs of our diverse communities, Arts Bonita offers year-round programming in visual and performing arts. We facilitate opportunities by providing artistic experiences—classes, workshops, panel discussions, lectures, performances and educational art events like our National Art Festivals. We empower by creating a platform for progress, supporting the work of artists of all ages, encouraging an inclusive dialog and promoting equality for all.
Arts Bonita is Supported in Part by:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS
Partners in Excellence
($50,000 to $100,000)
John & Anne Roberts
Sharon Hendry Foundation
Larry & Beverly Hinman
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($10,000 to $49,999)
Collaboratory
Karin Moe
Thomas, Beverly, Stephen & Leah Tranovich
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($1,000 to $9,999)
Bebe & Bob O’Toole
Danna Eisman
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Lucile & Maurice Pollak Fund
Gulfshore Private Home Care
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Scott Hansen State Farm
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Alyona Ushe
Arthur B. Brisker, Hazel M. Brisker
& Alicia J. Brisker
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($500 to $999)
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($250 to $499)
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($100 to $249)
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Rcihard Niehaus
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Robert Gagnon
Robert Uroda
Ruthe Sholler
Victoria & Edward Novak
