SEPTEMBER 2024
Performing
Arts Center
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
DEAR FRIENDS OF ARTS BONITA,
As we step into September, I am thrilled to welcome you to a month of unforgettable performances here at Arts Bonita. This season brings an exciting array of shows, each carefully curated to capture the heart and soul of our diverse artistic community.
From the powerful sounds of jazz with Zach Bartholomew, to the lively rhythms of Sudamerica Latin Groove, our stage will come alive with music that spans genres and continents. We're also proud to present Martin's debut concert, showcasing the best of country, alongside the ever-enchanting Mark Sanders, who will transport us to Broadway with melodies that celebrate the magic of autumn.
One of the highlights of this month is a performance by the Sugarhill Gang, the pioneers of hip-hop who revolutionized the music world with their iconic hit "Rapper’s Delight." This is an incredible opportunity to witness the group that brought hip-hop to the global stage, and we can’t wait to share this historic event with you.
In addition, we’ll take you on a unique journey through the Florida Everglades with Everglades Blues – Stories from the Swamp, blending soulful music with the stories and history of this magnificent natural wonder.
We look forward to sharing these extraordinary performances with you. Your continued support allows us to bring these incredible experiences to our community, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
With warmest regards,
Executive Director, Arts Bonita
You may have heard that Florida State Arts and Cultural Grant programs have been slashed by $32 million. This devastating cut will have far-reaching 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.
SUPPORT US
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
ZACHARY BARTHOLOMEW
JAZZ
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12th 7:30-9:30 pm
MILES DAVIS: KIND OF BLUE
Featuring Trumpeter James Suggs
The second season of Zachary Bartholomew’s Resident Artist Concert series is kicking off with a banger: The music from “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis. This is arguably the most famous and influential jazz album of all time and this concert will present all of the compositions from the record in a brand new light. Featuring trumpet virtuoso James Suggs and an all-star band, come hear the music of Miles Davis as you’ve never heard it before! As a bonus, audiences will get to hear brand new original music inspired by Miles Davis written specifically for this show!
Throughout his career, James has had the distinct honor of sharing the stage with such musical legends as Kenny Burrell, Jason Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Rosanno Sportiello, The Emmet Cohen Trio, Maria Schneider, Sean Jones, Billy Hart, Frank Foster, Allen Vizutti, Robin Eubanks, Eric Alexander, The Jeff Hamilton Trio, Chuck Mangione, John Lamb and Bob Brookmeyer among others.
His first album under his name, was recently released on Arbors Records. “You’re Gonna Hear From Me”, was recorded in the summer of 2018 at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey and features jazz giants- Lafayette Harris, Lewis Nash, Peter Washington and jazz legend Houston Person on saxophone as well as album producer.
James Is currently a professor at the University of South Florida, where he teaches jazz trumpet and leads jazz ensembles.
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
SUDAMERICAN LATIN GROOVE
LATIN MUSIC
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 13th
7:30-9:30 pm
WORLD MUSIC CELEBRATION VOLUME 1
ARTS BONITA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW RESIDENT ARTISTS SLG!
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).
COUNTRY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14th 7:30-9:30 pm
ARTS BONITA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW RESIDENT ARTIST MARTIN!
JOIN HIM FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OF COUNTRY HITS.
Martin is a versatile singer-songwriter known for his poignant lyrics and soulful melodies. With a career spanning over a decade, he has captivated audiences with his unique blend of country and rock influences.
Martin's songs often explore themes of love, loss and personal growth, resonating deeply with listeners. His heartfelt performances and charismatic stage presence have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim in the music industry. Whether performing solo or with a band, Martin's authentic and emotive music continues to inspire and connect with people around the world.
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
MARK SANDERS CABARET
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 20 th
7:30-9:30 pm
CELEBRATING BROADWAY
The music of Broadway comes alive in this exciting new concert series by stage veteran and South Florida favorite Mark Sanders.
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.
He has shared the concert stage with Broadway stars Lisa Vroman, Stephanie J. Block, Christiane Noll, Melissa Errico, Jason Graae, Christina Bianco, Morgan James, Doug LaBreque, Stephen Buntrock and Judy McLane.
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
ARTS BONITA
RESIDENT ARTIST
MARLOW ROSADO LATIN MUSIC
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 21st
7:30-9:30 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.
SUGARHILL GANG
HIP-HOP
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 27th 7:30-9:30 pm
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF HIP-HOP HISTORY
Don’t miss your chance to witness the group that started it all.
When you mention LEGENDS in the music industry, you have to mention “The Sugarhill Gang”. HIP HOPS first superstars and pioneers. The Sugarhill Gang made history in 1979 with their debut 12” Rap Single “Rappers Delight”! Their song “Rappers Delight” was the first commercial rap record ever made and later went on to become the largest selling 12” single of all time with over 15 Million Records sold!
The Sugarhill Gang who were put together by legendary Recording Artist/Producer/ Record Owner Sylvia Robinson who named the group after her Record Label Sugarhill Records, revolutionized the music industry by introducing a new art form of music and culture throughout the world. Hip hop/rap music has now become a multi billion dollar industry and many record companies and Rap Artist today give The Sugarhill Gang credit for creating this music phenomenon!
The Sugarhill Gang was the first rap group to tour throughout the world. In addition, The Sugarhill Gang has received numerous gold and platinum 12” singles and albums status under their belts such as: 8th Wonder, Showdown, Kick It Live From 9 to 5, Livin’ In The Fast Lane and Apache.
In May 2012, Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" was added To The Library Of Congress National Recording Registry.
THE SWAMP BLUES BAND
BLUES
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 28th 7:30-9:30 pm
EVERGLADES BLUES
Stories from the Swamp
Everglades blues – Stories from the swamp, ventures into the Florida Everglades for forgotten stories and songs, as told by first hand accounts of pioneer families and travelers who call it home. It also celebrates and supports every effort to protect and preserve the Florida everglades and its magnificent wildlife habitat.
Musically, the swamp blues genre can be found particularly in the South East but Florida has its distinctive signature. Strong percussive rhythms, legendary chorus, soulful singing and a no-frills-just-blues approach everybody loves.
The Swamp Blues Band is made of Antonio Correia on guitar/vocals and Robert Ritter on guitar/percussion.
Antonio is a songwriter, performer and educator, living in Fort Myers, Florida for almost 20 year. Throughout his professional career, Antonio has always been exploring music as a community-building tool, maintained a regular performance schedule and a private multimedia production company. For the last decade Antonio has been working with local historic societies in the preservation of oral tradition storytelling, through award winning video documentaries and performing engagements.
Robert (Bayou Bobby) is a native Michigan living in Lehigh Acres, Florida for almost 25 years. Bobby is an accomplished guitar player, percussionist and drummer. A manager at Lowe’s Bobby is also a does-it-all handy-man with an impeccable work ethic.
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
Candice Rosen
Don Thomson
Cheryl Wellman
George Zalucki Liaison, Village of Estero Community
Executive Team
Alyona Ushe
Executive Director
Jon Artigo
Senior Education Director
David Maidment Finance Director
Kathy Saldivar IT & Operations Director Team
Nora Bernstein
Patron Services & Education Assistant
Danielle Branchaud Curator
Joseph Brauer
Theatre Artistic Director
Janko Bujila
Facilities
Gillian Cardec Marketing Associate
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
Jarad Settles Box Office
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
Partners in Hope
($10,000 to $49,999)
Collaboratory
Karin Moe
Thomas, Beverly, Stephen & Leah Tranovich
Partners in Success
($1,000 to $9,999)
Bebe & Bob O’Toole
Danna Eisman
Lena Neal & Keith Hynes
Patt & Mark Suwyn
Marilyn Lightner
Dean & Alice Fjelstul
DLMC Foundation
Loretta & Greg Menuez
Jill & Peter Stern
Lucile & Maurice Pollak Fund
Gulfshore Private Home Care
Richard & Pam Stolz
Scott Hansen State Farm
Amy Samoylenko Russian
Alyona Ushe
Arthur B. Brisker, Hazel M. Brisker
& Alicia J. Brisker
Cynthia Nesson
Dan & Pat Jorndt
Donna Elliott Family Foundation
Drs. Jitendra & Saryu Desai
Fred Darling
Jill Augustine
Joel Shapses & Gerald Pyser
Lena Neal
Linda Cummings
Michael & Nancy Beebe
Scott Macdonough
Theresa Conelias
Vicki & Michael Konover
Joy Ammerman-Frank & Denis Frank
Society of Friends
($500 to $999)
Marena Loeffler
Gregory & Loretta Menuez
BJ Cooper
Amy & James Matesich
Carl & Diana Grissom
Donna & Ron Kuhnen
HLH Law Group
Jeannette & Paul Flickinger
Julie Spencer Groves & Bruce Groves
Mary K & Ken Walter
Michael and Julia Milone
Michele Olsen
Nancy & Howard Cohen
Rosmary Lipman
Sustainer Circle
($250 to $499)
Judith & Tom Maish
Judy Tobey
John & Nancy Rittenhouse
Gisselle Calleja
Christine Brewer
Louis & Kathleen Liguori
Timothy & Dennison Carroll
Maureen Rennie
Diane & Peter Jones
Kathy Breitowich
Roger & Marjory Gelfenbien
Rose Greytak
The Art Guild of Naples
Don Grule
Gary & Kellie Weilheimer
Barbara Brenton
Jane Harris
Margaret Spitzer
Carol & Scott LaClair
Dee & Alan Harris
George Davis & Norma Swan
Jason Poulin
Kathy & Alvin Krug
Linda Wingard
Marilyn & Craig Douglas
Teres & John Lucot
Circle of Friends
($100 to $249)
Barbara Worden
John Jackson
Julie Held
Evelyn LaBriola
Brenda Abbott
Cherrill Cregar
Elizabeth Buscaglia
Eric Bornquist
Judith & Wolfgang Diehl
Sandra Apple
Sara O. Edwards
William & Nancy Hunt
Beverly Tippmann
Shelley Anderson
Mary Beth Lachmann
Richard Romano
Russell Jones
Donna Marcotte
Jacquelyn Snyder
David Allen
Grace & Larry Becker
Majken Elgaard
Donald & Kimberly Thomson
Tom Skiles
Barbara Shapiro
Alan & Eve Hyatt
Beverly Friese
Carol Klein
David & Vivian Maletzky
Debbie & Scott Gutterson
Debra Allegretto
Dolores Claeys
Donald A. Insul
Dorothy Campbell
Elizabeth Graves
Georgia Strange
Glenda Madden
Jan Cabana
Jean Mador
Jerome & Ann Marie Hiznay
John & Lisa Spear
John Ribas III
Joyce Waddell Bailey
Julia Olander
Julio & Joanne D’Antonio
Larry Goldman
Linda & Franklin Edwards
Marjory Rubacky
Maxime & Jay Freilich
Penny & Gordon Allen
Rcihard Niehaus
Robert & Ingrid Bornstein
Robert Gagnon
Robert Uroda
Ruthe Sholler
Victoria & Edward Novak
BLACK & WHITE
The Atelier Program follows the classical academic tradition of studying the human form from life. It includes four interdependent courses: cast drawing, figure study, feature anatomy and still life focusing on pencil and charcoal drawing. Open to all skill levels.
