
Center for Visual Arts
26100 Old 41 Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Center for Performing Arts
10150 Bonita Beach Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Center for Visual Arts
26100 Old 41 Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Center for Performing Arts
10150 Bonita Beach Rd.
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Contact Information: Gillian Cardec 239-495-8989
gillian@artsbonita.org
Bonita Springs, FL –Oct. 18, 2024- In response to the significant impacts left from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, Arts Bonita is joining forces with The Foundation of The Bonita Springs Rotary Club Inc. and The Collaboratory to host the “Milton Benefit Concert” on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2:30 to 7:30 PM. This event aims to raise much-needed funds for those affected by the recent storms, with all proceeds going directly to support recovery efforts in the southwest Florida region. Attendance is free, but registration is required to ensure seating for all attendees. Donations are strongly encouraged both online and in person.
The benefit concert will feature an extensive lineup of live performances, showcasing the wide-range talents of Arts Bonita's Resident Artists:
2:30 PM–3:15 PM: Sudamerica Latin Groove (Latin)
3:30 PM–4:15 PM: Rick Howard (Classics)
4:30 PM–5:15 PM: Mark Sanders (Broadway)
5:30 PM–6:15 PM: Zach Bartholomew & Brandon Robertson (Jazz)
6:30 PM–7:15 PM: Martin Short (Country)
“We invite everyone to come together in the spirit of camaraderie and support our community while enjoying live performances by some of region’s top artists,” said Alyona Ushe, Executive Director of Arts Bonita. “We will celebrate our collective strength and make a lasting difference in the lives of those rebuilding after back-to-back hurricanes.”
In show of support, The Foundation of The Bonita Springs Rotary Club Inc. has pledged to match donations up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every contribution. Funds raised will go directly to the Bonita Springs Rotary Club Foundation and The Collaboratory, both of which are dedicated to long-term relief and recovery efforts. Additionally, The Bonita Springs Rotary Club Foundation will open the application process for individual artists affected by the storms.
Chris Riesen, President of The Foundation of The Bonita Springs Rotary Club Inc., stated, “We are thrilled to join forces with Arts Bonita to provide meaningful support to our community. It’s inspiring to witness how our collective actions can uplift those in need, especially after enduring back-to-back hurricanes. At The Bonita Springs Rotary Club Foundation, we believe in the power of unity, and we’re proud to be part of this initiative to help our community rebuild and thrive.”
In addition to live musical performances, the event will feature a silent auction with artwork donated by local artists. This auction presents the opportunity for attendees to acquire distinctive works while directly contributing to fundraising efforts.
“Working together is the only way through disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of The Collaboratory. “We are truly grateful for the spirit of collaboration that we share with organizations like Arts Bonita, that are responding tirelessly to the many needs of hundreds of thousands of our fellow residents.”
Joe’s Jumbo Wieners, Ricuras Dél Jala Jala and a desert food truck will be available during the event, offering a variety of local culinary options for attendees to enjoy.
Arts Bonita's Resident Artists are donating their talents and time in solidarity with the southwest Florida community. This concert is an opportunity to support the recovery efforts while enjoying world-class performances.
“The Arts Bonita community has given so much to me over the years. I feel incredibly privileged to be a Resident Artist here and to connect with the wonderful folks in SWFL through my music,” said Zachary Bartholomew. “When asked if I would donate my time to help raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Milton, I gave a resounding YES! I am more than happy to give back to a community that has done so much for me.”
Rick Howard added, “My home is in Bonita Springs, here on the west coast of Florida, and I’ve seen firsthand the destruction and loss in the area. Anything I can do to help my neighbors impacted by the recent hurricanes is important to me. Please come to the concert, enjoy the music, and give back to our community.”
"We are grateful for the way the southwest Florida community has welcomed us since we arrived four months ago. We cannot just sit back and watch; we have to give back because we are part of it now," said Dorian Mendez of Sudamerica Latin Group.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time: 2:30 pm
Venue: Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
Ticket Information: Free to attend, RSVP required, donations appreciated
Get tickets here.
Arts Bonita is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to enriching the lives of southwest Florida residents through the arts. Offering a wide range of performances, educational programs, and exhibitions, Arts Bonita supports the region's cultural vitality while fostering the growth and development of local talent. Through community outreach initiatives, the organization provides arts education to underserved populations and grants college scholarships to emerging artists. Arts Bonita’s mission is to make the arts accessible to all and to inspire creativity and connection within the community.
The Foundation of The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, Inc. was established to support charitable projects that align with its philanthropic mission. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, donors may enjoy tax benefits while contributing to local and global causes. The Foundation relies on fundraising activities and direct donations, allowing it to make a significant impact, especially in times of need.
The Collaboratory is a community foundation serving southwest Florida since 1976, dedicated to eradicating social issues by 2040. Through grantmaking programs, scholarships, and leadership initiatives,
the Collaboratory has mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, helping communities recover and rebuild.
Performer Bios
Sudamerica Latin Groove
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.
Rick Howard
Rick Howard's fifty-one years of guitar playing and vocalizing have put him into every situation and every musical genre. At age fourteen Rick was performing at local functions and by seventeen playing parties and weddings. By nineteen he was getting his jazz legs playing nightclubs while teaching guitar in a Brooklyn music school. Rick Howard is known by his peers to be one of the most diversified and eclectic guitarists on the scene. He plays and writes every musical style with authenticity and taste. Rick considers his style to be the culmination of all his musical experience and influences. These influences include Kenny Burrell, Larry Carlton, Carlos Santana, Frank Zappa, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, David Gilmour, Alvin Lee, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Pass.
Mark Sanders
Hailing from Marion, IL, Mark Sanders’ journey in the world of performing arts has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having spent 15 vibrant years in the heart of New York City, Mark now proudly calls Fort Myers his home. His passion for the stage has taken him across the globe, gracing numerous productions and concerts with his remarkable talent. You may recognize him from his captivating portrayal of Perchik in the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof, alongside the legendary Theodore Bikel. Closer to home, Mark has become a cherished soloist with the Gulf Coast Symphony in Fort Myers, as well as the Naples and Bonita Springs Concert Bands.
Zachary Bartholomew
Award-winning pianist Zachary Bartholomew delivers world-class, exciting, and diverse programming of monthly musical performances and multimedia events to the community. Every concert has its own distinct theme with music written and arranged specifically for that unique performance, a framework that will leave audiences with an unforgettable musical experience. Additionally, for each show Zach assembles outstanding musicians from all around the country who will travel to Arts Bonita to bring his artistic vision to life for each performance.
Martin Short
Martin is a Nashville recording artist who has performed on the stage at the iconic Ryman Auditorium and opened for renowned artists such as Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and Charlie Daniels, among others. His performances are a captivating blend of his original songs and covers of the music that has influenced his career. This unique combination creates a compelling musical narrative that you won’t want to miss.
# # #