April-May-June 2024

On The Gulf

Four-Day Fringe Festival Returns to Fort Myers

The Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents Fringe Fort Myers 2024 performing arts festival May 30June 2. Fringe Fort Myers features a variety of performances, from one-person shows and stand-up comedy to dance and music, from burlesque to magic, and much more.

The festival follows the longstanding Fringe traditions of being 100% independent, 100% inclusive and 100% unique, with 100% of ticket sales going directly to the artists.

Fringe Fort Myers kicks off May 30 at 5pm with a ‘Flamingle with the Artists’ reception in the Alliance for the Arts gallery, offering attendees a chance to meet the artists, followed by a preview show at 6:30pm, when each performer has three minutes to sell the audience on why they should see their show. The reception is open to the public and free. Following the preview show there will be one performance in each venue.

The festival continues through June 2 with additional programming to be announced. Most shows are 60 minutes long. In addition to the performances, there will be a Kids Fringe Fest happening throughout.

Nine acts have been selected for Fringe Fort Myers 2024:

‘Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life’ (from Vancouver, BC). Keith Alessi’s lifelong dream becomes the key to saving his life (suitable for all ages).

‘The Carousel of Burlesque: Behind the Curtain’ (from Fort Myers). A look behind the curtain (contains nudity and not suitable for those under age 18).

‘The Chase: A Light Bringer Story’ (from Lutz, Florida). True-life storytelling, written and performed by Laila Lee (suitable for age 16).

‘The Other Side’ (from Orlando). Combines magic and storytelling to express a message of survival and hope (suitable for age 12).

‘Stabilized Not Controlled’ (from Naples). Comedy that ran for two years at Manhattan’s Stage Left Studio (not suitable for those under age 18).

‘TransMasculine Cabaret,’ starring Vulva Va-Voom (from

Tampa). ‘TragiComic transidentifying confessional’ by a ‘obscene, irreverent, maniacal burlesque headliner’ (not suitable for those under the age 18).

‘Runaway Princess: A Hopeful Tale of Heroin, Hooking and Happiness’ (from The Bronx, NY). Fable with a happy ending (rated PG-13).

‘Cock Talk’ (from Fort Myers). Male version of the play Vagina Monologues (not suitable for those under age of 18).

‘Love Letters to Humanity’ (from Floyd, Virginia). One-woman satire weaves dance, theatre, and standup comedy (rated PG-13).

The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

New Exhibitions at Tribby Arts Center

Two new exhibitions, ‘Seeing Red: The History and Emotions of a Color We Love’ and ‘Artist as Muse: The 20th Anniversary Exhibition of Art Quilters Unlimited,’ opens April 12 in Shell Point’s Tribby Arts Center.

‘Seeing Red’ displays the best art being produced by Shell Point artists and artisans. With works in all mediums, each piece in the Tribby’s Shell Point Gallery presents its artist’s unique interpretation of ‘seeing red.’ A special component of the exhibition will present the works of Shell Point writers, reflecting on the same theme.

An art quilt presents its maker’s original design rather than a traditional pattern. It is a demanding genre, requiring

the quilter to be both artist and superb needleworker.

In ‘Artist As Muse,’ each member of Art Quilters Unlimited was randomly assigned a major artist of the 20th century and allowed to choose any artwork of that artist for which to create a textile homage. Works on display will include quilts and other textile creations in the Tribby’s Legacy and Overlook Galleries.

Both exhibitions are on display through June 22 and are free and open to the public. Tribby’s galleries are open Tue-Sat 10am3pm. Tribby Arts Center is located in the Shell Point Community at 17281 On Par Blvd. For more information about the Tribby Arts Center, call 239-415-5667.

Bluegrass Music Festival in Immokalee

The Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee is hosting its annual Southland Bluegrass Music Festival on April 7. Admission is free. Gates open at 11am for music starting at noon. Lawn chairs and blankets allowed. Bottles, cans, coolers, outside food, and pets are not allowed. Seating in VIP and table areas is available. Parking on site is free.

A pre-festival concert is planned for Saturday, April 6.

SCHEDULE

Saturday - APRIL 6

6:30pm: Wandering Hogeurs

8:30pm: Swinging Bridge

Sunday - APRIL 7

12pm: Alligator Alley

1:30pm: The Grascals

4pm: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

6pm: Leftover Salmon

8:30pm: Railroad Earth

Zig Zag Lounge between sets: Abby The Spoon Lady

‘Artist as Muse,’ an exhibition by Art Quilters Unlimited, is on view at the Tribby Arts Center in the Shell Point community in Fort Myers.

Leftover Salmon perform

April 7 at the Southland Bluegrass Music Festival at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

The concert will be held rain or shine.

Seminole Casino Hotel is located at 506 S. First St. in Immokalee. Call 658-1313 for information.

Niki Butcher

Photographs at Marco Island Museum

The Marco Island Historical Museum is hosting the exhibition, ‘Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography’ thru June 8. The exhibition features works by Florida-based artist, conservationist, historian, educator, and documentarian Niki Butcher.

The exhibit, featuring more than 60 images created over five decades, most from her new book, ‘Daydreaming.’ Niki’s work captures the historical, beautiful,

and quirky aspects of old Florida; funky ‘mom & pop’ wayside businesses, lonesome sandy beaches, and the beauty of the Everglades.

Remembering the gentle feeling of old Florida postcards, Niki hand paints her black & white photographs, often in pastel hues, adding color to transform the images from “landscapes into dreamscapes and reality into fantasy.” With a bit of color, a dose of humor, and an infusion of positivity, she captures places and people that stand out as beautiful, unique, endangered, and authentic, yet breathes life and imagination into these photographed scenes, creating a picture of life far beyond what a camera could capture.

Niki explains, “I am passionate about the art of creating hand-painted, black & white photography. I love to express myself by adding color that may not be true to the original scene, yet evokes a particular fleeting moment that I felt at the time. I delight in the fact that I am able to combine a technique that was once popular, but is now nearly forgotten.”

Niki Butcher’s debut book, Daydreaming, is a collection of over 140 hand-painted black & white photographs. She is married to world-acclaimed photographer, Clyde Butcher.

Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 South Heathwood Dr. on Marco Island. The museum is open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm. Call 252-1440 for information.

‘Daydreaming: Niki Butcher’s Hand-Painted Photography’ is on view at the Marco Island Historical Museum thru June 8.

Circus Arts Hosts Wonderball Dance Concert

Wonderball, Circus Arts Conservatory’s benefit for its youth education programs, returns April 13 with an epic dance concert experience, headlined by world-famous electronic dance music star, Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker. This year’s event features a larger stage for a more immersive experience with enhanced LED lasers, lights and video screens.

The vibe for Wonderball 2024 is neon and guests are encouraged to dress in dance-ready festival/ clubwear. Opening for Walker are DJ August, DJ Pushman, and DJ Peter DiCaro from New York. DiCaro will also close out the event in the arena after Walker’s set. Students from the Sailor

Mural Festival in Downtown Fort Myers

After the great success of the inaugural SWFL Mural Fest held in downtown Fort Myers in April of 2023, Artsemble Underground is again producing SWFL Mural Fest this year on April 5, in conjunction with downtown Fort Myers Art Walk.

Five teams with some of the best artists of SWFL in the art community have been chosen to create the murals at 2232 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers on permanent walls.

Theme for this year’s challenge is ‘Mother Nature’ with murals revolving around the elements: air, water, fire and earth, plus a 5th element: balance. Teams were randomly assigned an element. Each element combined will represent our love for earth, art, and mankind. Team leaders

World-famous DJ, Alan Walker headlines Wonderball, a dance concert benefit for Circus Arts Conserevatory, on April 13 in Sarasota.

Circus Academy will perform during a special performance before Walker takes the stage.

All ages are welcome to the event; alcohol and bar service will be available to guests ages 21+ with proper ID.

Wonderball starts at 7pm in Sailor Circus Arena, located at 2075 Bahia Vista St. in Sarasota. For information, call 941-355-9335.

have been selected and each has chosen their own team.

Participating artists:

Team Air: Danielle Branchaud, Will Soto, Heather Donaldson

Team Water: Israel Alpizar, Inda Shay, Eyeleen

Team Fire: Dawn Webb, Samantha Taylor, Gabrielle Kesecker, Alia Alexander, Violet Mele, Victoria Harnden

Team Earth: Mully, Carmelo Blandino, Cory Patterson, Dani Papanikolaou, Marcus Zotter

Team Fifth Element – Balance & Love: Cesar Aguilera, Mariapia Malerba, Brian Weaver, Juliana Versari

On The Gulf NEWS & PREVIEWS

Although this year’s SWFL Mural Festival is slated for April 5, when murals will be completed, murals have been in the process of being painted since March 8. Festivities begin at 5pm. There will be music and food trucks at the celebration.

Marie Selby Gardens Exhibition Connects Two Iconic Artists

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The art and horticulture exhibition, on view thru June 30 at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, explores the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O’Keeffe, two women that changed the history of art.

Jennifer Rominiecki, President of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, explains, “Based on their personal correspondence at a critical point in Kusama’s artistic development, the exhibition presents a dynamic and exciting interpretation of two iconic artists in a way that

The exhibition, ‘Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia

O’Keeffe’ is on view at Marie Selby Botanical thru June 30 in Downtown Sarasota.

they have not been seen before. We are thrilled to have them paired together in our unique botanical garden setting to explore the ways in which the work of both artists is rooted in nature.”

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, open daily 10am-5pm, is located at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. For information, call 941-366-5731.

Lakeland’s Mayfaire Art Festival Celebrates

52nd Year

Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland continues its Mother’s Day tradition of hosting Mayfaire bythe-Lake, a free fine art festival, May 11 & 12 on the shores of Lake Morton. The free, 2-day event features more than 150 artists showcasing their work across a variety of different media, from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and photography.

Attendees can enjoy free live musical performances on the lawn in front of the Lakeland Library and dine at specialty food trucks along Lake Morton Drive. The Polk Museum of Art will be open throughout the weekend.

In addition to browsing the fine art displays, families can visit the Mayfaire Kids Zone on the corner of E. Walnut St. & Indiana Ave. for free art activities for children of all ages and abilities.

One of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, Mayfaire is consistently ranked among the best art shows in the nation.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake will be

Lee County Sports Complex

• Hammond Stadium

14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway

• Fort Myers 768-4210

APR 5: vs Tampa Tarpons

APR 6: vs Tampa Tarpons

APR 7: vs Tampa Tarpons *

APR 16: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

APR 17: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

APR 18: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

APR 19: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

APR 20: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

APR 21: vs Jupiter Hammerheads *

APR 23: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

APR 24: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

APR 25: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

APR 26: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

APR 27: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

APR 28: vs Palm Beach Cardinals *

MAY 7: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAY 8: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAY 9: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAY 10: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAY 11: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAY 12: vs Dunedin Blue Jays *

MAY 28: vs Bradenton Marauders

MAY 29: vs Bradenton Marauders

MAY 30: vs Bradenton Marauders

MAY 31: vs Bradenton Marauders

JUN 1: vs Bradenton Marauders

JUN 2: vs Bradenton Marauders *

JUN 11: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

JUN 12: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

JUN 13: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

JUN 14: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

JUN 15: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

JUN 16: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers *

held May 11 & 12, 9am-4pm. Lake Morton is located in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Parking is available at the corner of Lime St. & Massachusetts Ave. Polk Museum of Art at Florida

Southern College is located at 800 E. Palmetto St. Call 863-6887743 for information.

‘Ding’ Darling Day Returns to Lakes Park

The 35th Annual ‘Ding’ Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be held April 20 in Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers. The annual free family-centric event

JUN 25: vs Tampa Tarpons

JUN 26: vs Tampa Tarpons

JUN 27: vs Tampa Tarpons

JUN 28: vs Tampa Tarpons

JUN 29: vs Tampa Tarpons

JUN 30: vs Tampa Tarpons *

JUL 4: vs Bradenton Marauders

JUL 5: vs Bradenton Marauders

JUL 6: vs Bradenton Marauders

JUL 9: vs Daytona Tortugas

JUL 10: vs Daytona Tortugas

JUL 11: vs Daytona Tortugas

JUL 12: vs Daytona Tortugas

JUL 13: vs Daytona Tortugas

JUL 14: vs Daytona Tortugas *

JUL 30: vs St Lucie Mets

JUL 31: vs St Lucie Mets

AUG 1: vs St Lucie Mets

AUG 2: vs St Lucie Mets

AUG 3: vs St Lucie Mets

AUG 4: vs St Lucie Mets

AUG 13: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 14: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 15: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 16: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 17: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 18: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

AUG 27: vs Clearwater Threshers

AUG 28: vs Clearwater Threshers

AUG 29: vs Clearwater Threshers

AUG 30: vs Clearwater Threshers

AUG 31: vs Clearwater Threshers

SEP 1: vs Clearwater Threshers *

7 pm,

*1pm

celebrates ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Earth Day with games, music, walks, crafts, and more, as well as painting demonstrations by ‘Ding’ Darling’s Artist-in-Residence, Jacqui Roch.

SCHEDULE

Ongoing (10am-2pm): Naturetheme carnival games and prizes, live music, face-painting, rock-climbing, dunk tank, live painting, and shell crafts.

10am: ‘Ding’ Darling Day opens at Lakes Park. Check in and receive information at Welcome Table in Main Pavilion.

10:30am. Nature Photography workshop

11am: Ranger-led Kids Nature Hunt

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APRIL 5 I 7:30

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APRIL 13 I 7:30

APRIL6 I 7:30

Blues Music Award (BMA) Winner and Pric

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aworld champion piano player, two times over! Not only isVictor one ofthe greatest thebusiness,he's alsoaworld-classentertainerandvocalist."- BluesRevueMagazine

On The Gulf NEWS

11:30am: Guided Birding Walk

12:30pm: Sketch & Stroll

Nature Journaling workshop

Ding’ Darling Day Conservation Carnival will be celebrated 10am-2pm. Lakes Park is located at 7330 Gladiolus Dr. in Fort Myers. For information, call 472-1100.

Iconic Photographs at Naples Art Institute

The Naples Art Institute hosts the exhibition, ‘The Power of Photography: Iconic Images from the Collection of Peter Fetterman’ featuring more than 122 original prints of some of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

From the bizarre Boschian fantasies of Melvin Sokolsky to the haunting humanity of Edward Weston’s portraits, from rare interior shots by famed nude photographer Ruth Bernhard to Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl

(referred to as the Mona Lisa of photography), this exhibition gathers some of the most unique and inspiring photographs capturing the essence of human experience and imagination.

‘The Power of Photography’ is on view thru April 28. The Naples Art Institute is located at 585 Park St. in downtown Naples. It is open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-6pm, Tue & Thu 10am-8pm, Sun 11a-4p. Call 262-6517 for information.

Writers Wanted

The Gulf Coast Writers Association is inviting authors, professionals and amateurs, to submit their work in their annual

writing contest. Submissions must be received by midnight, May 31. Submissions are being accepted in three categories: Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Submissions can be as many as 1500 words for prose and 40 lines for poetry. Writers may submit as often as they wish but can only receive one prize. Only entries submitted online will be considered. All submissions are judged blind by members of GCWA and/or qualified members of the local literary community.

Winners will be announced at the GCWA monthly meeting on July 15, Winners receive monetary awards. Winning pieces will be published on the GCWA website.

Founded in 1995, Gulf Coast Writers Association provides a forum for fellowship, education, and information for writers, editors and associates. Based in Fort Myers, the group attracts members from throughout Southwest Florida. At monthly meetings, speakers and workshops offer expert advice on such topics as writing techniques, publishing and marketing. For information, visit gulfwriters.org.

The exhibition, ‘The Power of Photography’ is on view at the Naples Art Institute thru April 28.

Sculpting More Than Stone

SCULPTURE, IN ITS MOST BASIC TERM, TRANSLATES into ‘to carve.’ But one quick scan of Joel Shapses’ gallery and it becomes blatantly obvious that there’s so much more to the three-dimensional art form than simply carving. And if you’re anything like me: wholly unfamiliar with sculpture in its artistic form, aside from the typical decorative objects on bookshelves and commercial entryway fountain displays, Joel Shapses’ work is a great place to get your feet wet.

Prolific is the first word that comes to mind upon entering his gallery, located on Shirley Street in the heart of the Naples Art District. Classical music plays over the sound system just loud enough to have to speak over it, and a mini studio is tucked into the front left corner with a doorway wide enough to see a wall of award ribbons and countless tools for detail work. He shares the space with two other artists, both predominantly watercolor painters, whose pieces oddly and perfectly complement the sculptures.

by Kara Moyer

The list of awards and accolades is unsurprisingly extensive (over 90 and counting), but Shapses is humble and modest, a man of few words, even when discussing his work, which consists of over a thousand pieces to date. When I ask where he draws his inspiration from, he pauses, gives a halfsmile while looking around, and replies, simply, “Everywhere. Everything. It’s hard to turn off the ideas most of the time.”

Originally from New Jersey, Shapses completed his formal education and earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Temple University in 1971. During his schooling, his elective credits were dedicated to sculpting classes, an avid interest since childhood. He studied with Alfred Van Loen, an internationally renowned GermanAmerican sculptor whose works have been featured in galleries all over the world, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Shapses built a successful career in dentistry that spanned over 30 years. He says, “Dentistry is a form of sculpture and the attention to detail is its own kind of art.”

It’s packed from front entrance to back exit with what can only be described as an overwhelmingly eclectic representation of artistic talent. From the white glass and aluminum fused bird dangling by twine above our heads to ‘Valkyrie,’ a crystal alabaster winged abstract piece illuminated in blue neon light on a pedestal against the wall, there is, quite literally, something to generate a connection, or at the very least spark a conversation, from anyone who allows themselves the opportunity. There is even a life-sized terra cotta sculpture paying homage to his beloved dog, Tucker, a very good boy sound asleep on his belly with back legs kicked out behind him and surrounded by his collection of favorite toys and raw hide bones. ‘Tucker’ was awarded first place in the Naples Art Association’s ‘Your Choice art exhibition.’

Van Loen recognized his talents and encouraged him to pursue sculpture. Shortly after graduation, Shapses traveled the world studying various stones and quarries, and the history of stones from ancient civilizations through present day. After relocating to the east coast of Florida in 1972, Shapses built a successful career in dentistry that spanned over 30 years, but always continued sculpting and featuring his pieces in his own gallery in Fort Lauderdale, Gallery 421.“The two go hand in hand, although some may not initially think so, he says. “Dentistry is a form of sculpture and the attention to detail is its own kind of art.”

After his statement, I half-jokingly ask if he’s ever sculpted one, and in the most perfect representation of uniting and honoring both careers respectively, Shapses takes a few steps from where we stand, proudly grins, and presents to me an

When I ask where he draws his inspiration from, he pauses, gives a half-smile while looking around, and replies, “Everywhere. Everything. It’s hard to turn off the ideas most of the time.”

oversized and anatomically accurate sculpture of a tooth. His ability to blend the kismet of his drastically different yet curiously similar careers alongside the significance of his contributions to the art world further emphasizes his master level skills and

artistic abilities. He really does see inspiration in everything, everywhere.

In July 2007, after retiring from dentistry, Shapses relocated to Naples and opened his current gallery. While his range of stones had grown over the years,

After relocating to Naples in 2007, Shapses began exploring mediums outside of stone, such as fused glass, aluminum, even found objects like ocean coral rock, and how to intertwine multiple mediums into one singular sculpture.

‘83,

including but not limited to granite, marble, and onyx, it was after his relocation to Naples that Shapses began exploring mediums outside of stone, such as fused glass, aluminum, even found objects like ocean coral rock, and how to intertwine multiple mediums into one singular sculpture. His artist’s statement explains it best: “I don’t like to limit my creativity to one material or style. I must flow with the muse of creation.” He has since integrated bronze, LED and neon lights, cement, and acrylic. “With all the materials available, this gives me more freedom to create.”

Mixed media work is prominent in the gallery, and it’s easy to see how the melding of mediums expands Shapses’ creative abilities. The front window holds a bouquet of flowers, ‘A Touch of the Blues,’ which is fused on a coral rock with aluminum stems supporting vibrant blue and pink glass flowers reminiscent of a Chihuly display.

Perhaps one of his more thought-provoking, even somber pieces, ‘All Lives Matter’ is a compilation of 145 stern and solemn faces,

mouths closed, eyes mostly blank or closed, in various sized spheres. It almost touches the ceiling on its pedestal at over six feet tall, with a wide base of faces that narrows to a singular one at the top and is comprised of seven separate pieces of stone hollowed to fit over a steel rod. His gallery book describes the sculpture as “a tribute to all who have suffered from the hardships of the pandemic, racism, discrimination, and other injustices.”

It took ten years to construct, and he finished during the pandemic in 2020, using dental instruments to finalize the intricate details. Shapses didn’t elaborate much more in person other than to explain the mediums of the piece, but it echoes back to his artist’s statement once again: “I create to delight, to interest, to provoke thought, and to move and inspire.”

“I used to do everything by hand, and then I discovered power tools, which speeds up the time, but you have to be so careful.”

Shapses’ work is known not just in Florida, or even the United

States, as he’s been internationally recognized throughout his career. His sculptures have been featured in museums in London, Paris, Tokyo, and most recently he shipped a commissioned piece to Saudi Arabia. “That was a

nightmare to crate and pack, but it made it and they’re happy.” His largest commissioned piece (so far) is a 6-foot abstract made from Minnesota marble for Saks Fifth Avenue in Fairlane, Michigan.

After a tour of the gallery, we take a short walk across the street to Shapses’ studio. “This is where the magic happens,” he jokes. The studio is a common storage unit in the middle of a strip of about twenty, and most in the complex are used by artists as studios. As he unlocks and raises the aluminum garage door, I can’t help but exclaim. It looks as though a blizzard of stone dust detonated inside, which is about large enough for a pickup truck.

Piles of raw stone in various sizes and shades of gray are heaped onto a rolling platform truck, spilling into cardboard boxes around it. A handful of oscillating pedestal fans convene around a pergola of sorts that Shapses constructed himself with two by fours and plywood, canopied with canvas drop cloths. A standard shop vac sits next to it with the suction tube inserted

into PVC pipe and duct taped to the plywood wall of the structure. Inside it sits a work bench he also built himself, with four massive flood lights pointed downward.

Everything he creates is conceived right here. It’s not lost on me how such precise, masterful works of sculpture are created from what looks to a novice sculpture-admirer like me as pure chaos.

He nods to the other wall full of chiseling tools. “I used to do everything by hand, and then I discovered power tools, which speeds up the time, but you have to be so careful.” He goes on to explain that one wrong move could shatter a sculpture at any point in the process. Staring at the raw stones immediately after touring the gallery of finished work is a stark contrast that further highlights the fragility of the immense precision required to create his sculptures.

Shapses points to the hundreds of different sanders hanging from a peg wall, a kiln in the back corner beneath a moving blanket, and a table saw with a piece of rough aluminum resting along the blade, all integral tools, all staged exactly where he needs them. Then he asks me to step closer and points to the back left corner.

“That’s my ongoing project,” he says, as I squint through the dusty air and spot, beneath two bath towels, a massive metal sculpture that resembles a shark’s tail with what could be crab claws welded to the sides, and a huge underbelly of some sort. The edges are all meticulously cut and crimped in a perfect pattern.

“What is it supposed to be, exactly?” I naively ask.

“I don’t know yet,” he answers with another modest half-smile. “But it’ll eventually tell me what it wants to be.” •

Joel Shapses’ Art Gallery is located at 6240 Shirley St., suite 102, in Naples. The Naples Art District hosts Seasonal Open Studios on Thursdays from 1-5pm, November–April. He teaches sculpture classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. To enroll in his classes, visit marcoislandart.org. Visit joelshapsesstudio.com for more information.

Reflection

Aby Andrew Elias

s you approach the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, you realize you are about to have an extraordinary experience. The building, in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront arts district, is like no other.

Designed by philanthropist and collector, Rudy Cicarello along with Alfonso Architects, the stunning five-story structure is at once futuristic, accentuated by a massive ‘ovid’, and an homage to the styles and materials championed by the movement in America.

Andrea Morgan, the museum’s Director of Operations, says “Alberto Alfonso was principal architect on the project. They worked very closely together to create the building, working very similarly in the way that architects of the movement would’ve worked. They thought not just about what the exterior of the building would look like and worked hand-in-hand to understand where the permanent collection was going to be placed and creating the perfect environment for it”.

“A lot of time and care were taken to really understand how things would be displayed. They wanted to make sure that the movement was part of the open air format of the building, important to arts and crafts designers. If you look

at arts and crafts bungalows and architecture they really had this open feeling to them, an open floor plan.”

The 137,000 square foot museum includes more than 40,000 square feet of gallery space, an outdoor garden with fountains and a banquet area with vintage bar.

New Museum Celebrates the Arts and Crafts Movement

Cicarello developed a passion for the movement three decades ago, amassing an extensive collection of more than 2000 important objects from the period and founded the Two Red Roses Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation, conservation,

scholarship, and promotion of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.

The Arts and Crafts movement began in late Victorian England as a response to anxieties about the industrialization of manufacturing and excessive

ornamentation in favor of a renewed appreciation for quality hand craftsmanship, simplicity of design and value of natural materials. The movement spread to the United States around 1890 and was popular until around 1930, bridging the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

The American Arts and Crafts movement promoted artisan craftsmanship, sturdy construction, sensible design and practical use. Proponents believed that design could and should be both elegant and functional, as artistic as utilitarian. They cherished natural materials and motifs at a time of increasing urbanization and the growing importance of machinery. They also believed that creating objects both functional and beautiful would enhance the lives of both the maker and the user.

Andrea explains, “Up until this time, American artists were sort of just doing what European artists were doing. The American arts and crafts movement was really the first time that they were taking something and really making it their own.”

The museum houses an impressive collection of furniture, lighting, pottery and faience (tin-glazed ceramicware), as well as spectacular examples of architecture, jewelry, prints, paintings, and photography.

Andrea says, “Even with as much space as we have, we still don’t have the whole collection on view. We have pieces in storage and rotate them. We have a woodblock collection that was part of an exhibition and a photography collection that are not on view.”

She continues, “We have to rotate things. And it continues to grow. We continue to acquire new pieces. The ‘Masterpieces’ show

includes a number of those new pieces which have come into the collection within the last six months to a year.”

The museum also has several unique installations, including an intricately carved redwood-paneled entry hall from 1912, designed by Greene and Greene, a custom bathroom

“You can have functionality and it can also be artistic. Even a dust pan and a broom can be beautiful.”

from 1914 with nearly 1200 glazed tiles, and a 300 square-foot boathouse tile floor by Grueby Faience & Tile Company.

The first level of the museum is dominated by skylights and a dramatic spiral staircase (evoking the design of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York City) over a grand atrium with a reception desk, seating and dining area, small cafe, and gift shop. There is also a reference library accessible by reservation. Hanging in the atrium, is ‘The Ship,’ a 600-tile mural depicting ships in a harbor.

“This mural has an extraordinary backstory,” Andrea explains. “It was originally commissioned from Rookwood pottery in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1900 or 1904. Records for who commissioned it have been lost. What happened was it was returned to the company for non-payment. Whoever ordered it went out of business or something so they didn’t end up installing the mural. It sat at Rookwood in cases uninstalled for decades.”

She continues, “Rookwood Pottery goes into receivership and farms out these cases to different stakeholders. Fast forward to the 1990s or 2000s and a ship mural from Rookwood Pottery comes up for sale on auction. Two Red Roses Foundation acquires it, but it’s significantly damaged.”

“We have a great connection with master tile restorators and they begin the restoration process. A little while later a second ship mural comes up for auction and on the back of the tiles there’s a job number and the job number matches the other tiles. It turns out that this is one continuous mural. It’s over 80 feet long in its entirety. The whole thing took years to restore and put back together. Some tiles were completely defaced and some just had to be touched up, but we were able to reconstruct it and mount it.” It is an impressive work of art.

The second, third, fourth and fifth floors include galleries. Each floor concentrates on a different aspect of the movement.

The second floor is focused primarily on architecture with works by several iconic architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, William Morris, and Greene and Greene. Windows designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are on display. Andrea notes, “We use a lot of natural light so when we are displaying our Frank Lloyd Wright windows they are in front of windows so you can see what it looks like as the light comes through.”

“Architects of the movement were very important,” she says. “They were creating what we call fully articulated interiors. They were building the building and then they were designing a lot of the furniture.”

SolarEclipse ViewingEvent!

April 8, 2024, 1pm

Featuring: Eclipseviewing,SeminoleStorytelling,freemuseumadmission, lightsnacks&refreshments.

Location:Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum'sCeremonialGrounds

EarthDaytheNative Way!

April 16 & 18, 2024

Featuring: Liveperformances,plantworkshops, NASApresentations,freemuseumadmission, andcraft& foodvendors.

Location: Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum(April18)&SeminoleOkalee IndianVillage&Venue(April 16)

HonoringMissing & MurderedIndigenousPeople

May 3, 2024

Featuring: CommunitygatheringinhonorofMissingandMurderedIndigenous PeoplesAwarenessWeekat 4pmintheATTKSculpture Garden,dinnerat6pmintheTopeekeekeYakneCommunityCenter. Freeevent, allareinvited.WewillalsobeholdingthiseventinBrightonon May 1,andin Hollywood., May4, 2024.

Location: Ah-Tah-Thi-KiSculpture GardenandTopeekeekeYakneCommunityCenter.

Julyis TeacherAppreciationMonth!

The month of July

Featuring: Complimentaryadmissionforteachersandadministrationinthemonth ofJuly.Registration required.

Location: Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

PumpkinsofDevil's Garden

October, Dates TBA

Featuring: Stroll through theSculpture GardenduringthemonthofOctober enjoying adisplayofartistic pumpkinscreatedbytheSeminoletribalcommunity. Freeadmission.

Located: Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum'sSculptureGarden

AmericanIndigenousArts Celebration

November 1 & 2, 2024

Featuring: Live tribalperformances, dancing,workshops, music, art, museumadmission, andcraft &foodvendors.

Located: Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum's FestivalGrounds

There is also an auditorium on the second floor for presentations and film screenings.

The third floor features the lighting gallery, celebrating the artistry applied to the new invention of electricity, experimenting using wicker, copper and leaded glass to tame the harsh light from the new incandescence bulbs. Lamps, lanterns and chandeliers by Tiffany & Co., Stickley, Wright, Greene and Greene, are among the works on display.

Andrea notes, “Lighting is really interesting because, that’s where you’re gonna see a ton of experimentation. The turn of the century is when the electric light bulb was perfected so people were able to have electricity in their homes. So these artists are really experimenting with what is the best way to harness electric light. You’ll see them making shades out of all kinds of things from glass to ceramics, mesh, beads, and fabrics.”

Works in metal are also on display on the third floor, as is the gallery for special exhibitions that change periodically. Currently, the special exhibition is ‘Masterpieces: Extraordinary Works from the Two Red Roses Foundation.’ It includes one-of-a kind works by the most famous and acclaimed artists and artisans of the movement.

Also on the third floor are some beautifully decorated pianos from the period.

The fourth floor showcases one of the largest collections of American Arts and Crafts pottery in the world as well as a large collection of tile and faience. Works by Paul Revere Pottery and Grueby Faience Company in Boston, Rookwood Pottery in the Midwest, Newcomb Pottery in New Orleans, and Van Briggle Pottery & Tile from Colorado are on display.

Andrea tells me, “We have a bathroom on the fourth floor, the Iris bathroom, that was expertly removed from a house in Ohio. An

expert tile guy lived in the house for months, removing the tiles, packing them up, shipping them to our storage facilities. Then the foundation reconstructed it.”

The graphic arts studio is also on the fourth floor.

The fifth floor features furniture from the movement with pieces by Stickley, Roycroft Shops, Byrdcliffe Colony, and Charles Rohlf, among others. It also has a Children’s Gallery displaying tile murals depicting fairy tales.

The first level of the museum is dominated by skylights and a dramatic spiral staircase over a grand atrium.

The American Arts and Crafts Movement was an important part of the growth of the nation as it broke from its cultural ties to Europe and entered a new century creating a new artistic and cultural aesthetic. It was deserving of a museum focused solely on its incredible works and outstanding artists. Rudy Cicarello could not have constructed a more beautiful building or compiled a more comprehensive collection of remarkable objects.

Andrea remarks, “A lot of people come into the museum and they think that they don’t know what ‘arts and crafts’ is and then walk around and say, ‘Oh, I know this. I’ve seen this before. My grandparents had this.’ It’s just a matter of giving it a name. They see our beautiful Tiffany lamps and they say, ‘Oh, that’s arts and crafts.’”

“It feels extremely familiar and comfortable. It’s things that we’ve all had experience with. Maybe you have never had a desk like the desk in the ‘Masterpieces’ show, but you’ve sat at a desk, you’ve worked at a desk, you’ve sat in a chair, you’ve sat on a couch, you’ve turned on a lamp. These kinds of things are easy to make connections to your everyday and daily life.”

She adds, “The whole concept is that you can have functionality and also have beauty, it can be artistic. Even a dust pan and a broom can be beautiful.”

•

Docent tours are available, explaining the back stories to many objects, elaborating on the artistic design and craftsmanship of individual pieces as well as the historical, and social importance of the movement.

The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is located at 355 Fourth St. N. in St. Petersburg. The museum is open TuesdaySaturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday, 12-5pm. For information, call 727-440-4859.

What's going on at the Venice Art Center?

Dynamic Monthly Exhibitions & Solo Shows

Cultural Events and Concerts

"Spring Members' Show," Through 4/4

4/4, 6:30-8:30pm: VAC Uncorked, Haley Ponder - Paint Pouring

4/11, 7:00 PM, Kitt Moran Quartet o

4/12, 5-7pm: Exhibition Reception, "If the Walls Could Talk," on display until 4/24

4/16, 1-2:30pm: Baila Miller Lecture - Peggy Guggenheim

4/18, 6:00-8:30pm, VAC Uncorked, Katrina Meyer - Jewelry

4/21, 9am-1pm: Kimal Lumber Car Show & Beer Garden

4/23-25: Leoma Lovegrove Workshop

4/30-5/9 South Sarasota County School Show

5/17, 5-7pm: Exhibition Reception, "Just Between Friends," on display until June 13

6/3-8/9 Summer Camp Summer Classes

6/21, 5-7pm: Exhibition Reception, "Seeing is Believing," on display until July 18 390

TajMahalTakes

TajMahalTakes It To Tulsa

Wby Jason M ac Neil

hether it’s his being one of a select few who performed at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in late 1968 or his ever-evolving, ever-changing musical journey the following 56 years after that, Taj Mahal seems to live and thrive in the here and now.

But part of that trek recently saw the musician and powerful vocalist, nearly 82 years young, revisiting some of his earlier work for a new album entitled Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa , a 10-track album released in March that’s sure to be enjoyed by all with open ears, minds and hearts.

“There’s an awful lot of music that I’ve done over the years,” Mahal says during a Zoom chat on this year’s leap day. “And there are changes that I’ve made in the music over the years. Some of it has basically just gone unnoticed. And I noticed over the years people stay in what they think is in a safe spot in and around ‘Corinna,’ ‘Mailbox Blues’ and certain kinds of songs.

“I’m a composer. I don’t really fit in any kind of lane or box. So there’s a lot of things to get done that people don’t get to really know anything about.”

Mahal suffered an injury a few years ago due to an accident, resulting in his “right hand giving me a bit of trouble—well quite a bit of trouble.” While his left hand allowed him to play harmonica, his right hand’s injury left him unable to play guitar. As a result, Mahal—at the notion of his late drummer Kester Smith—added two musicians (Rob Ickes on dobro and Trey Hensley on guitar and vocals), making it the Taj Mahal Sextet.

From there, Mahal’s name was also mentioned in a conversation between Claudia Lennear, a longtime friend of the musician, and Teresa Knox, who operates The Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lennear, who worked with the late David Bowie, the Stones, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, and the late Leon Russell, enjoyed the studio so much she thought Taj Mahal might enjoy a visit there.

“Oh, he’s got that great throwback country Tennessee sound,” he says. “He’s a young guy and he’s got that great sound. And he’s one hell of a guitar player. He and Rob Ickes work great together.”

Mahal, who along with collaborator Ry Cooder earned a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2023 for Get On Board, doesn’t have a favorite off Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa, but guarantees listeners one thing.

“I don’t put stuff on an album that I don’t like,” he says emphatically. “There’s no filler. I don’t do filler.”

“I never waited around for the industry to give me a green light to do anything. I’d rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.”

“I kind of vaguely knew about the studio,” Mahal says. “I thought about it and said, ‘Maybe I’ll get a chance to come through and play and do a live album there, then we’ll figure out what we’re going to do with it once we get it recorded.’ I don’t wait around, I never waited around for the industry to give me a green light to do anything. I’m pretty independent in terms of what I do. So I just went and wanted to get it done. I’d rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.”

Mahal loved the environs for its ‘relaxed’ atmosphere, whether recording live or doing a studio recording. The aptly named studio had a church aura about it, from the natural echo chambers to how acoustically sound the rooms were for recording.

Mahal has several studio albums to his credit dating back to his 1968 self-titled debut. He says the songwriting process hasn’t changed much over the years. It also isn’t a case of sitting down and putting pen to paper to write material.

“Songs come to me,” he says. “Sometimes it’s the music, sometimes it’s the lyrics and you’re looking for what it’s going to be. If it isn’t in fluid motion and in living color and living motion... I don’t sit around and try to rhyme tree with dee, dee, ee, dee.”

He also says a song’s evolution doesn’t end once he or his band have put the finishing touches on a studio effort. It’s almost as if that’s when the song is launched for other possible sonic destinations.

“Usually, with songs they are in a continuous motion,” he says. “You get what we recorded at the time and then we’re playing it night after night in different situations. The song could morph into something else not too terribly far from the skeleton and the framework of it. But something else might happen. A lot of times I’ve recorded a song two or three times over the years and going back and listen to the original idea and then seeing how it’s changed unbeknownst to me.”

“I don’t put stuff on an album that I don’t like,”

“There’s no filler. I don’t do filler.”

As for his recollections of Russell, Mahal describes him as “an excellent musician” and a “great arranger” who played with several musicians Mahal would later perform with including Jesse Ed Davis, Chuck Blackwell, Bill Boatman, Gary Gilmore and Jimmy Karstein.

Meanwhile, the new live album features several standouts including the gorgeous ‘Twilight In Hawaii,’ the rollicking bluesy opener ‘Betty and Dupree’ and ‘Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes,’ featuring Hensley on vocal. Mahal is especially fond of Hensley’s pipes.

“I’m not out here to keep regurgitating songs the same way. For that you’ve got the album. Music needs to keep moving. My object was to open people up to have their ears open to be able to hear more. There’s so much brought into the South American, Central American, Carribbean, Southern American diaspora from Africa. Every time you play the song it’s different and it connects all over the place.”

Taj, who was in the midst of a North American tour recently with Sona Jobarteh, says he’s proud of the fact that “so many people in the industry are aware of the music that I play.” That would certainly explain the incredibly broad spectrum of talent Mahal has worked with over his career, from the Blind Boys of Alabama and Van Morrison to rocker (and former Van Halen singer) Sammy Hagar and recently Cooder.

“It’s about something we can take some people somewhere or go somewhere with it,” he says of the collaborative process. “I’m not just putting somebody on. It’s my choice in what I do in terms of that. I haven’t played the Top 10 or Top 40 game. All I wanted to do is pick up a guitar or whatever instrument and make some music at that point. It doesn’t have to be all this other stuff. But I’m highly appreciative that without having to sell my soul to be popular, people have found their way to me and I’ve been able to continue doing things the way I wanted to do. To be independent and highly unstressed because of what I do.”

And after releasing three albums in two years (last year’s Savoy, Get On Board and Swingin’ Live at The Church in Tulsa), he’s got “a lot of plates in the air spinning” for 2024.

“That’s what I’ve been doing man,” he says. “I’m lucky to be able to have it the way I want it. It’s a constant movement, it’s like a farm where the work is never done.”

An appearance at Mavis Staples’ 85th birthday tribute concert in Los Angeles in April is one part of his busy itinerary, with a Blues

Cruise, a tribute at Duke University, an appearance as part of an Experience Hendrix jaunt, and another tour later this year.

Regardless of the stage, Taj Mahal says he doesn’t get butterflies before performing, just a “bit impatient if it’s time to go play and somebody wants to get up there and do a fiveminute monologue.” He also says it feels like he’s getting paid for the other roughly 22 hours of the day when he’s not on stage performing.

“Nobody pays me to play, but they pay me to get to where it is to play and be comfortable so I can deliver it in the best possible way. People see you on stage and they think that’s all your life is with all the adulation. It’s like, ‘No.’ You’re stretched out on the front bunk on a bus or sitting in a car falling asleep against the window, that’s the part that they don’t see.

“All the years that it takes you to get to where you are for that 45 minutes or hour, three-quarters of an hour or hour and a half. Nothing beats it when the audience gets it. You realize we’re a bunch of old friends that know what we like about each other and that’s why we’re there to commune.” •

“i’m highly appreciative that without having to sell my soul to be popular, people have found their way to me and I’ve been able to continue doing things the way I wanted to do.”

“A large percentage of native plants survived the hurricane. They evolved to survive our weather events.”

TGoing Native

HE YARDS AROUND OUR HOMES OFFER THE perfect opportunity to simultaneously beautify, protect and enhance the community. The main resource needed to build back better predates…well…us! Native plants. An amazing selection of trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants combined with a bit of knowledge can transform a yard into a micro-ecosystem—and just might help the planet, too.

“A large percentage of native plants survived the hurricane,” says Marlene Rodak, president Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), “even if they appeared to struggle at first. Some of ours died back to the ground and resprouted from the roots. They evolved to survive our weather events.”

“But so many non-natives perished,” Rodak reports. “Native trees are accustomed to this weather. They provide protection and will, in many cases, survive well past the storm and the beating they take. Even if they are knocked over, many times they can be propped back up without an issue.”

Why Native Plants?

For a practical view of the benefits of native flora, she tells us, “They protect homes by absorbing storm energy. Although plants may take a beating, they protect us and our property. They even help out after a storm. A mature native oak is said to uptake up to 400 liters of stormwater per day. Some insurance companies may offer discounts for native plantings in coastal areas because it can reduce damage from flooding and storm surge.”

She continues, “We feel that we are doing something good for the planet. We are in the beginning or middle stage of a mass extinction event driven by human activities. There is little undeveloped land left for other species to call home. Every yard, vacant lot,

by Angela Minor

and private or municipal property can make a difference. The more corridors, pocket parks and ‘feeding stations’ we can create, the better off we will all be.”

Rodak smiles and says, “What’s not to love about native plants? They provide a soft, naturalistic beauty and sense of place. It is a great way to create habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife that may not be able to thrive in a typical residential landscape. Native plants provide the preferred shelter, nesting areas and food sources, including insects, for native animals. Please keep in mind that insects are critical foods to birds. Fewer insects mean fewer birds. Birds cannot forage any harder to feed their babies.”

Further Benefits

While native plants are becoming part of your landscape, additional benefits accrue. “We don’t have to mow, fertilize, or water as much,” states Rodak. “Without turf, we don’t have to listen to mowers and string trimmers. That noise and air pollution is eliminated. We enjoy the happy songs of birds feasting on the smorgasbord of insects and native fruits of our landscapes. And once plants are established, we turn off the irrigation and water only as needed.

The more corridors, pocket parks and ‘feeding stations’ we can create, the better off we will all be.”

None of us use fertilizers or pesticides. These can pollute our waterways and trigger red tide and other algal blooms. Pesticides indiscriminately kill insects. Skip them and let nature— birds and predatory insects such as ladybugs—do the job. You may not even mind a bit of damage to your foliage when the butterflies and birds start showing up. Plant them and they will come!”

How to Get Started

Planning a landscape may seem a bit overwhelming. To

(top) Tropical Sage and Gulf Fritallary butterfly.

(left) Dune Sunflower and Zebra Longwing butterfly.

give us a starting point and some expert advice, Rodak shares these tips:

• Enjoy some research in the field. “Go to natural areas to see what plants grow there. What do you like? What is growing together?”

Snap some photos and take a few notes about your favorites and their surroundings.

• For some inside research, “Read books. One great one is Gil Nelson’s, Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants because it includes companion plants for each species.”

• With a fresh set of eyes, have a walk about

What native species make good starter plants?

Simpson Stoppers Native Firebush

Cocoplum Coontie

Tropical Sage Dune Sunflower

Muhlygrass Fakahatchee Grass

Bahama Senna Tickseed

Seagrape Little Strongback

Jamaica Caper Saw Palmetto

Coral Honeysuckle Beautyberry

Fiddlewood Wild Tamarind

Sweet Acacia Blackeyed Susan

South Florida Slash Pine

Silver & Green Buttonwood

Corkystem & Maypop Passionvines

Wild Coffee Golden Creeper

Scorpiontail Marlberry

Frogfruit Florida privet

What native species have showy blooms and/or fruits?

Firebush Dune Sunflower

Pineland Heliotrope Tropical Sage

Coral Honeysuckle Starry Rosinweed

Bahama & Privet Sennas

Goldenrod Spiderlily

Scarlet Hibiscus Elderberry

Coralbean Fiddlewood

Blueflag Iris Yellow Jessamine

Golden Canna Maypop

Lists provided by MarLene rodak, president CoCCoLoba Chapter of the fLorida native pLant soCiety

your yard. Notice qualities like shade vs sun at different times of the day and wet vs dry sections. This will help in selecting species to match your conditions.

• “Start small, go at your own pace. Pick a ten-foot diameter and start planning that space. Plant three or four feet from your house. Don’t plant under eaves and consider overhead wires. Plant trees and shrubs first and then fill in with wildflowers and grasses. Don’t start buying plants without a plan.”

• “Visit a native plant nursery and/or contact your local Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society” to ask about and possibly look at the species you found. “Don’t hesitate to plant several species together or the same plant in several places of your yard. Enjoy learning about the plants and how they might fit into your yard.”

(Almost) Ready to Plant

After gathering information and picking out the spot to launch your native plants project, it’s time to prep the ground, shop and put the plants in the ground. More hints and tips from our expert:

• “Don’t worry about removing grass or weeds. Just cover them with cardboard, making sure to overlap it. Then, cover it all with a thick layer of mulch. This will smother the grass and weeds, breaking them down into nitrogen and phosphorus, which will be fertilizer for your new, highly-desirable native plants.” This step can be done at any point in the process once you have chosen a proper spot.

• Time to shop! “Many retailers don’t know native plants and might unintentionally mislead you. You’ll get the best selection and guidance from a native plant nursery. Most native plant nurseries will have information on species and where to plant them. When you find a knowledgeable person, pick their brain! Don’t hesitate to take books and literature

with you to research as you shop. Most of all, shop carefully.

• As a final check about the plants you have bought, “visit the FNPS.org/plants website. You can search using characteristics such as moisture, sun, etc. Then put plants where they will thrive.”

Time to Grow

Now that the research, planning and shopping are complete, it’s time to go play in the yard! Read the tags for suggested planting depths and spacing; bring along their first sips of water; and, have fun. Since most native landscapes do not need fertilizers and pesticides, you will likely only have to keep them watered until they are established.

What next? Plan, shop and repeat throughout your yard, and let Mother Nature do the rest.

Rodak tells me, “Native yards can be contagious. Curious neighbors will stop to admire and ask questions. It is incredible to be in or observe a yard with so much life. The learning process is fun. The people involved in the Florida Native Plant Society are great. We build strong friendships through our involvement with native plants. Afterall, people who are kind to the planet are kind to each other as well.”

Local Resources

Concluding, she says, “Here in Lee County, we have a nursery run by The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The native plant nursery at River Oaks Preserve is in the process of installing demonstration gardens. This is a great place to hang out with knowledgeable people and learn about landscaping naturally.”

River Oaks Preserve is located at 9541 Broadway Ave. E. in Estero. For information, call the Coccoloba Chapert of the Flroida Native Plant Society at 273-8945. •

Pink and Plastic in Paradise

WHAT IS PLASTIC, BRIGHT PINK, AND A SYMBOL of Florida? Sixty-seven years ago, the plastic pink flamingo became a lawn decoration that would define the culture of Florida. People living in the tropical locale embraced these exotic symbols, and they are recognized as part of its regional identity. Kevin McCarthy, a retired University of Florida professor and author of several books on Florida’s history, said, “The flamingo is an icon of Florida and hearkens back to a past when there were wild flamingos in large numbers in south Florida.”

by Nancy J. Schaaf

culture icons. In 2010, Cado Manufacturing purchased the copyright and manufactures pink flamingos today

In 1987, the governor of Massachusetts proclaimed the plastic bird ‘an essential contribution to American folk art.’

Although live flamingos live in Florida, plastic ones were created in Massachusetts. Donald Featherstone designed a lawn ornament that captured the fancy of many Americans. Featherstone, a sculptor, was employed by Leominster, a Massachusetts company that made three-dimensional lawn ornaments that caught the fancy of many Americans. The Smithsonian magazine reported that he used a National Geographic magazine photo spread as a reference. It “took about two weeks to model both halves of the bird, brought into the third dimension by then-revolutionary injection-mold technology.”

With his cursive signature etched upon the bird, the genuine ‘Don Featherstone’ design comes in pairs, one flamingo with its head up and the other with its neck curved downward. They are bright pink molded plastic with raised eyes and painted beaks. The original price for this whimsical item was just $2.76 for a pair.

Soon, the birds adorned all the nearby lawns. The idea took off, and Featherstone’s creations populated all the suburbs with private houses and yards throughout the United States. Featherstone believed that the popularity of his design could be attributed to the identical-looking homes built post-WWII. He said, “You had to mark your house somehow. You could pick up a flamingo at the store and come home with a piece of tropical elegance under your arm to change her humdrum house.”

The image of the pink flamingo has changed over the years. In 1971, the movie, Pink Flamingos gave them a kitchy, trashy image. The 1970s celebrated a style of outrageous bad taste. Earrings, clothing, and platform shoes depicted the flamingo. In 1979, students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison planted over 1000 of these lawn decorations in front of the dean’s office, creating the first case of ‘Flamingo Flocking.’

The pink flamingo relished a resurrection in the 1980s with the popularity of the TV show, Miami Vice whose opening credits depicted real flamingos. The flamingo became an art form similar to Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans. Baby boomers carried pink flamingos across Europe in their backpacks and kayaked with them through the wilderness.

In 1987, the governor of Massachusetts proclaimed the plastic bird ‘an essential contribution to American folk art.’ This lawn ornament encouraged the formation of new clubs like the International Society for the Preservation of Pink Lawn Flamingos.

During the 1990s, the pink flamingo became popular as housewarming gifts. In 2009, in honor of the students’ 1979 prank, the Madison, Wisconsin, city council named the plastic pink flamingo the city’s official bird.

In 2007, Dean Mazzarella, the Mayor of Leominster, Massachusetts, declared June 23 as Pink Flamingo Day to celebrate the popular lawn ornament. Pink Flamingo Day is now celebrated in the United States on June 23 every year. It is a fun way to appreciate the pink flamingos as garden décor and pop culture icons, and honor Don Featherstone, its creator.

Some believe that Pink Flamingo Day can become a day of information about real flamingos, their natural habitat, habits, and history.

At the height of the flamingo’s popularity, the company manufactured more than 500,000 annually.

At the height of the flamingo’s popularity, the company manufactured more than 500,000 annually. These lawn ornaments have become pop

Featherstone, who kept 57 plastic flamingos in his front yard, passed away in 2006 but would be pleased that his pink flamingo design has endured for over 67 years and is considered an iconic piece of art. •

APRIL-MAY -JUNE

What Goes On

April

MONDAY 1

•April Fool Fete: Benefit dinner, live music, dancing. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-1505.

•David Chavarria: Flute recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 745-4268.

•Zionna Williams: Saxophone recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

TUESDAY 2

•Appalachian Roadshow: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•FGCU Chamber Strings: Sanibel Music Festival Emerging Artists concert. Sanibel Congregational Church, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Lecture: Wildlife Post Ian. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644.

•Miami City Ballet 2: With Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Sanibel Music Festival - FGCU Bower String Ensemble: Emerging Artists concert. Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 344-7025.

campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 7784665.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Art Walk: Receptions, music, food. Bayshore Arts District, Bayshore Dr, btwn US 41 & Linda Dr, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 293-2932.

•Beach & Estuary Walk: Guided 1 hr walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588.

•Brelynn Williams: Cello recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Edith Diamond: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•Family Day: Entertainment, exhibitions, art demos, food, etc. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 4-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Guided Forest Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Johnny Mac: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 5p. 404-5198.

•Kevin James: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7 & 9:30p. 481-4849.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

•Storytelling: Open micUnbelievable. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5p. Free. 5907199.

•Vincent Bryant: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

WEDNESDAY 3

•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 4-8p. Free. 249-1977.

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073.

•Beginnings: Chicago tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

•Camryn Cole: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Eddie Henderson: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Ikebana Fundraiser: Demo, lunch.

Club at Mediterra, 15755 Corso Mediterra Circle, Naples. 10a. rsvp. 254-9999.

•Jay Legend: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Storytelling: Joel Ying. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

•Vincent Bryant: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 4

•A Date with the Symphony: SWFL Symphony concert. Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156.

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Artist Talk: Michael Kinsey. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5:30p. Free. 941365-2032.

•Classic Rock Show: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Free Outdoor Concert: Sheena Brook, food trucks. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. 5-8p. Free. 772-5657.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Clyde & Niki Butcher. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 472-1100.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Piano Talks: Jodie & Friends concert w Jodie DeSalvo. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•SWFL Symphony: Bach, Mozart & Tchaikovsky concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 4155667.

•Three Dog Night: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-2180007.

•Tom Cotter: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Vincent Bryant: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 5

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery Alliance for the Arts

•Naples Flower Show & Garden Market: Educational demos, horticultural exhibits, etc. Naples Botanical Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275.

•Naples Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky Pathetique Symphony concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Nostaljah: Reggae band. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Power of Love: Huey Lewis & the News tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Spring Concert: BIG ARTS Community Chorus. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7p. 3950900.

•SWFL Mural Fest: Teams create murals, meet artists, music, food trucks. 2220 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Ft Myers 5p-9p. Free.

•The Blue Dogs: Americana concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Tom Cotter: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

SATURDAY 6

•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, RB Stone. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Beach Cleanup: With park ranger.

Stacey Kent performs April 6 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel.

Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Free, register. 463-4588.

•Billy Price Band: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Cars as Art: Outdoor vintage cars show. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-2p. Free. 642-7270.

•Flatland Cavalry: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

•India Fest: Music, dance, food, fashion show. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 11a-5p. 530-8085.

•Juan Baquero: Piano recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Ms Pat: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Naples Flower Show & Garden Market: Educational demos, horticultural exhibits, etc. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275.

•Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band: Free outdoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Naples Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky Pathetique Symphony concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Southland Bluegrass Music Festival Pre-Festival Concert: Wandering Hours, Swinging Bridge in Zig Zag Lounge. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8-11p. Free. 800218-0007.

•Prelude to Turandot: Gulfshore Opera concert. Innovation Hotel, 1290 Innovation Dr, Naples 7p. 529-3925.

•REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Rock the Arches: Outdoor rock music festival w David Rojas Jr, Dirty Work, Rock Republic, Rock Candy, Hairdaze; car show; fundraiser. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 11a-7p. 939-2787.

•Ruth Wyand: Americana concert, Carolyn Stanley opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Spirit of the Gulf Chorus: Spring concert. First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 844-704-7464.

•Stacey Kent: Jazz vocalist. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 8p. 395-0900.

•Tammy Tran: Percussion recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Taylor Mason: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 4p. 389-6901.

•The Guess Who: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Tom Cotter: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233.

•Un Poyo Royo: Dance acrobatics & comedy performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941359-5700.

SUNDAY 7

•Anastasia Bakhouch: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Bayside Concert: Limited Edition. Bayside Park, Old San Carlos Blvd & 5th St, Ft Myers Beach. 4-7p. Lawn chairs suggested. Free. 454-7500.

•Chantal Deshaies: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Ehnes & Spano: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Spring concert. New Hope Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 4p. Free. 288-2535.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Great Ladies of Jazz concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.

•Ms Pat: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Rock the Arches: Outdoor country music festival w Matrasa Lynn, Champ Jaxon Band, A‘finnity Band, Way Out South, Hillbilly Ryezin, Unforgiven; truck show; fundraiser. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 11a-7p. 939-2787.

•Southland Bluegrass Music Festival: Outdoor concertLeftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Grascals, Alligator Alley & Florida Bluegrass Express. RV show, food trucks. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 11a-9p. Free. 800-218-0007.

•Un Poyo Royo: Dance acrobatics & comedy performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5p. 941359-5700.

MONDAY 8

•Author Lecture & Lunch: Caren Neile. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 12p. 333-1933.

•Singer Songwriters: Americana concert - Dean Johanesen, Karlus Trapp, Sara Nelms. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469.

•Solar Eclipse Viewing: Storytelling. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 12-2p. 863-902-1113.

•Solar Eclipse: Viewing & activities. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. dawn-duskp. Free. 472-1100.

•Un Poyo Royo: Dance acrobatics & comedy performance. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. 941359-5700.

TUESDAY 9

•FGCU Percussion Chamber Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU,

1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Lecture: Mollusk Enrichment. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644.

•Lecture: Sea Turtles. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic concert w Alan Bradford, Bill Saltzman, Karen Cohen. Downtown Ft Myers Library amphitheater, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

•Taste of Opera: Gulfshore Opera concert. Colony Golf & Country Club, 4101 Pelican Colony Blvd, Bonita Springs. 6p. rsvp. 5293925.

WEDNESDAY 10

•Always Olivia: Olivia NewtonJohn tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530.

•Bob Lauver Comedy Hypnosis: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Gopher Tortoise Day Festival:

Activities. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-2p. Register. 463-4588.

•Lecture: The Fresh Water Crisis in Florida. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. Register. 275-3435.

•Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Lunch & Learn

Lecture: Mangroves, Mud & Management. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 5305940.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•Open Mic at the Night Market: Live music. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-8p. 939-2787.

THURSDAY 11

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties

Artist Studios & Gallery, 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties

Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Art Reception: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0027.

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156.

•Art Reception: Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 5-8p. Free. 579-0659.

Rhonda Vincent performs April 7 at the Southland Bluegrass Music Festival at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immoalee.

•Benny Benack III: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Carol Montgomery: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Clara Ford’s Birthday Garden Tea Party: Meet Clara Ford. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2-4p. rsvp. 334-7419.

•Don McMillan: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Eaglemania: Eagles tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.

•FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Kit Moran Quartet: Jazz concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.

•Leslie Cartaya: Latin jazz concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•Lil’ Ed & The Imperials: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Lowdowwn Brass Band: Jazz concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•The Arty Party Gala: Naples Art District fundraiser. FineMark Bank, 800 Laurel Oak Dr, Pelican Bay, Naples. 5-8p. rsvp. 249-1977.

•ZOSO: Led Zeppelin tribute band. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

FRIDAY 12

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Carol Montgomery: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•FGCU Bel Canto & Cantabile: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Kevin Nealon: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper: Bluegrass concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Yang Plays Mozart concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Sheena Brook: Americana music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater. FGCU

What Goes On

TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The New Divas: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•The Storm in the Barn: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 939-2787.

•Thunder Beach Band: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

SATURDAY 13

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Wayne Baker Brooks, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Blooms & Brews: Live music, craft beers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 6-10p. 643-7275.

•Carol Montgomery: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233.

•Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258.

•Florida Everblades vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•James Tsang: Double bass recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 745-4268.

•Kevin Nealon: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Lecture: Estero Historical Society - Colonial & early American Florida Shipwrecks. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911.

•Leonid & Friends: Chicago tribute band. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Studio: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Open Studios: Art gallery reception. Zero Empty Spaces, Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, #27, Ft Myers. 12-5p. Free. 844-427-8788.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sandcastles & Seashells Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 252-8476.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Yang Plays Mozart concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Sofia Talvik: Americana concert. Kim Mayfield opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•SWFL Symphony: Cryptic Symphony. Masterworks concert w Sterling Elliott, cello. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers.

Lecture 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 418-1500.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The Storm in the Barn: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 939-2787.

•Timothy Wilcox: French horn recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Victor Wainwright & the Train: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Wonderball: Fundraiser dance music concert. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. rsvp. 941-355-9805.

•World Art Day Celebration: Naples Art District. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 2491977.

SUNDAY 14

•Bayside Concert: Soapy Tuna. Bayside Park, Old San Carlos Blvd & 5th St, Ft Myers Beach. 4-7p. Lawn chairs suggested. Free. 454-7500.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Disney in Concert - Magical Music from the Movies concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Kevin Nealon: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Los Lonely Boys, Artimus Pyle Band: Concerttribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, 2101 Edwads Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-3602.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell,

Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Patti LaBelle: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Yang Plays Mozart concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434.

•SWFL Concert Band: Traveling the World of Music concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater, discussion after 2p show. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The Storm in the Barn: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 939-2787.

•There’s a Place for Us: Student cabaret. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

MONDAY 15

•Ensemble New SRQ: Angelica Negroin. Classical music sunset concert. The Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood. 7:30p.

•Mackenna Matuszak: Clarinet recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Movie Mondays: Ft Myers Film Festival screenings. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7p. 333-1933.

•Naples Big Band: Concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 7-9p. Free. 777-0416.

•Remember - The Story of Abe Price: Performance sponsored by Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-9200.

The Americana Community Music Association presents Sofia Talvik in concert, April 13 at the All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers.

TUESDAY 16

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Earth Day Celebration: Live performances, plant workshops, NASA presentations, crafts, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Seminole Okalee Indian Village, 3551 N State Rd 7, Holywood. 10a-54p. Free. 877-902-1113.

•FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU

Off Broadway Palm Theatre, in Fort Myers, presents Sweet Delilah thru April 14.

Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Lecture: Peggy Guggenheim. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 1p. Free. 941-4857136.

•Lecture: Water Quality. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644.

WEDNESDAY 17

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Greg Hahn: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Lecture: Wilderness Wednesdays. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Michelle ‘Shelly Belly’ Rider: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•The Jive Aces: Rockabilly concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Turandot: Gulfshore Opera concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 529-3925.

THURSDAY 18

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Art Reception & Artists’ Presentation: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Bonita Springs International Film Festival: Screenings, workshops, demos. Prado Stadium 12 Theaters, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Bonita Springs. 10a-6p. 495-8989.

•Bonita Springs Short Film Festival Gala: Screenings, awards ceremony. Prado Stadium Theater, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Bonita Springs. 6p. 404-3377.

•Derek Richards: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Earth Day Celebration: Live performances, plant workshops, NASA presentations, crafts, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-54p. Free. 863-902-1113.

•FGCU University Choir w Naples Philharmonic: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 745-4268.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert - Modern Creations. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Jeff Wright: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Lecture: Paved with Good Intentions. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Naples Philharmonic: Czech Masterpieces concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Christine Reichow. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

•The GoldenCrust Family: Comedy. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Zach Bartholomew Trio: Jazz concert - Music of Premier Pianists. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

FRIDAY 19

•Brit Floyd: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Charlie Berens: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Chris Bepko: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Derek Richards: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Drazen Balarin: Vocal recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs

Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 3135129.

•Nature Walk: Guided walk. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. Register. 463-4588.

•New Jazz Underground: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Sarasota Orchestra: She’s Got Soul concert w Capathia Jenkins. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Swingin’ Clique: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

•The GoldenCrust Family: Comedy. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

SATURDAY 20

•‘Ding’ Darling Conservation Carnival: Guided birding walk, mindfulness walk, bike tours, plein-air art demos, carnival games, crafts, live music. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 472-1100.

•Bold & Beautiful Broadway Cabaret: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Space to Bloom Courtyard, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 5p. 332-4488.

•Charlie Berens: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples.6 & 8. 389-6901.

•Classic Car Show: Live music, food trucks, kids activities, museum tours. Cape Coral Museum of History fundraiser. Cultural Park, behind Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 10a-2p. Free. 772-7037.

•Derek Richards: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233.

•Earth Day Celebration: Activities. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-2p. Register. 463-4588.

•Earth Day Celebration: Presentations, live animal shows, activities. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 10a-2pp. 992-2591.

•Earth Day!: Kids activities, games, crafts. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 9-11a. Free. 252-2611.

•Fakefest: Outdoor tribute band concerts w Kid Kentucky & the American Badass Band (Kid Rock tribute band), Hardwired (Metallica tribute band), Lovesong (The Cure tribute band), Razors Edge (AC/ DC tribute band), Still Alive (Pearl Jam tribute band), The Linkin Park Tribute. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 2-10:30p. 800-218-0007.

•FGCU University Choir w Naples Philharmonic: Concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Grateful Dead

Night - Unlimited Devotion concert after game. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Brahms Symphony No. 4 concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 277-1700.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Naples Philharmonic: Czech Masterpieces concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Red Clay Strays: Americana concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Rockin’ Jake: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Sarasota Orchestra: She’s Got Soul concert w Capathia Jenkins. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30 & 7:30p. 941953-3434.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

•The GoldenCrust Family: Comedy. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater, discussion after 2p show. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The Sleeping Beauty: Gulfshore ballet. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

SUNDAY 21

•Anthony Mrocka: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Bayside Concert: Simpli-Fi. Bayside Park, Old San Carlos Blvd & 5th St, Ft Myers Beach. 4-7p. Lawn chairs suggested. Free. 454-7500.

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Car Show & Beer Garden: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 9a-1p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Choral Artistry Concert: Durufle’s Requiem. Moorings Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 4p. 560-5695.

•FGCU Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Choir: Concert w Choral Artistry. Mooring Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 4p. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Brahms Symphony No. 4 concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 277-1700.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•The GoldenCrust Family: Comedy. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. 941-359-5700.

•The Life of Galileo: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

MONDAY 22

•Earth Day Celebration: Guided walks, live music, storytelling, presentations, film. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a-5p. Register. 348-9151.

•Earth Day Festival:  speakers, live music, art contest, live animal programs, interactive exhibits, environmental exhibitors, face painting, crafts, nature walks, kids activities, boat rides, kayak & canoe rentals. Conservancy of SWFL Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. 10a-4p. 262-0304.

•Earth Day Story Time: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Cafe, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 10a-1p. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 23

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Lang Lang in Recital: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Lecture: Invasive Plants. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644.

•Peter & Will Anderson: Jazz concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•Storytelling: Open mic - Inspired. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5p. Free. 590-7199.

WEDNESDAY 24

•’Til Death Do Us Part… You First: Comedy w Peter Fogel. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 2 & 6p. 642-7270.

•Adell Davis: Trombone recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Carla Cook: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Lena McCullers: Saxophone recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 745-4268.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•Rich Shultis: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Fantastic Voyage concert. Holley Hall,

Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Shannon & Vicki: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Shannon Lee & Ying Li: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 469-333-3231.

•The Rocket Man Show: Elton John tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.

•Turandot: Gulfshore Opera concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 529-3925.

THURSDAY 25

•Art Reception: Joel Shapses Gallery, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 954-830-3156.

•Chris Janson: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•FGCU Chamber Choir: Concert. Bower Chapel, 130 Moorings Park Dr, Naples. 4p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Hanneke Cassel Band: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Pete George: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Fantastic Voyage concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Vic DiBitetto: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 26

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Kelly Neff Band: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Maria Urbina: Violin recital. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Pete George: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Fantastic Voyage concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The LineUp: Outdoor concert. Babcock Ranch bandshell. Founders Square, 42850 Crescent Loop, 6-8p. Free. 941-200-1482.

What Goes On

•Vic DiBitetto: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY 27

•Backyard Bluesfest: Yates

McKendreeTommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. N Ft Myers High School, 5000 Orange Grove Blvd, N Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Johnny Mathis: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Murder Among Stars: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. The Standard, Page Field, 5301 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 920-9463.

•Music in the Garden: Moonstone Riders. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Pete George: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Fantastic Voyage concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Southetrn Gothic Novel: Theater w Frank Blocker. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 3p. 642-7270.

•Spring Fling: Animal, plants & environmental kids activities. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 10a1p. 514-0084

•Tamiami Trail Celebration & Museum Birthday Party: Classic cars, live music, cake. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 9a-2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Turandot: Gulfshore Opera concert. Artis-Naples, 58333 Pelican Bay Blvd. Naples. 7p. 529-3925.

•Vic DiBitetto: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

SUNDAY 28

•Brandon Lake: Concert, Doe opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•FGCU Piano Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Palm Beach Cardinals: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

•Liz Longley: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469.

•Readers Theatre: A Source of Innocent Merriment. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

•The Carl Granieri Ochestra’s Voyces: Concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010

Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 3p. 642-7270.

•The Venice Chorale: Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941-218-3779.

•Vic DiBitetto: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Wheeler Walker Jr: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

MONDAY 29

•Brandon Robertson Trio: Jazz concert w vocalist Piper Kemmerer. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. Tribby Arts Center, Shell Pt, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 745-4268.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 30

•George Thorogood and The Destroyers: Blues concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Lecture: Invasive Burmese Pythons in the Everglades. 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 4p. Free. Register. 472-3644.

•The Price is Right: Interactive stage show. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

May

WEDNESDAY 1

•Bo Johnson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Ikebana Meeting: Creative

Perspectives demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free.

THURSDAY 2

•Bill Bowers, Kavita Shah: Outdoor mime performance & concert. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 6:30p. 941-366-5731.

•Bo Johnson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Javor Bracic: Piano concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Rain - Tribute to The Beatles: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

FRIDAY 3

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:30-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 7784665.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Art Walk: Receptions, music, food. Bayshore Arts District, Bayshore Dr, btwn US 41 & Linda Dr, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 293-2932.

•Chuchito Valdes Trio: Jazz concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469.

•Damon Wayans Jr: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Harelm Globetrotters: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Honoring Missing & Murdered Indigenous People: Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. Ceremony 4p, dinner 6p. Free. 863-902-1113.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 4

•Backyard Bluesfest: Eric Demmer, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Damon Wayons Jr: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Hymn for Her: Americana concert, Dan Philgreen opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•La Comedia of Errors: Bilingual Shakespeare production. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 3p. 642-7270.

•National Estuarines Day: Demos, kayaking, science & art activities, touch tanks, boat tours. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Free. 530-5977.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Sailor Circus Spring Show: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

•Stephen Marley: Reggae concert, Inner Circle opens. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

SUNDAY 5

•Damon Wayan Jr: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Davis School of Music Recital: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 333-1933.

•Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra Fellows: Chamber music concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700.

•Johnny Mac: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Naples Ballet: w Naples Philharmonic Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Sailor Circus Spring Show: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

TUESDAY 7

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Danny Sinoff Quartet: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Indigo Girls: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

WEDNESDAY 8

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Jaqua Pearce: Outdoor concert.

Florida Repertory Theatre presents Hank Williams - Lost Highway, thru April 14 in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. 6:30p. 941366-5731.

•Orlando Leyba: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 9

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073.

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Ensemble New SRQ: Parisian Refraction. Classical music concert. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

FRIDAY 10

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7a. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Big Al & The Heavyweights: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Ensemble New SRQ: Parisian Refraction. Classical music concert. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Glenn Crytzer’s All-Stars: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Naples Philharmonic: Mahler

Symphony No. 5 concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•One Night of Queen: Queen tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941953-3368.

•The Lineup Band: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 11

•Ensemble New SRQ: Parisian Refraction. Classical music concert. Asolo Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2 & 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Margaritaville NightTropp Jock Junies concert after game. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Garden Talk: Gardenia. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 334-7419.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

•Mayfaire by-the-Lake: Free outdoor fine arts festival. Art show, art activities, famly activities, Children’s Art Tent, live entertainment, food trucks. Polk Musuem of Art, Lakeland Library front lawn, Lake Morton, Lakeland. 9a-4p. Free. 863-688-7743.

•Naples Philharmonic: Mahler Symphony No. 5 concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Studio: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Open Studios: Art gallery reception. Zero Empty Spaces, Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, #27, Ft Myers. 12-5p. Free. 844-427-8788.

•Spring Chamber Ensembles Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Artis-Naples,

5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 4p. 597-1900.

•Spring Chamber Ensembles Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Symphonia. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2p. Free. 597-1900.

SUNDAY 12

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

•Mayfaire by-the-Lake: Free outdoor fine arts festival. Art show, art activities, famly activities, Children’s Art Tent, live entertainment, food trucks. Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland Library front lawn, Lake Morton, Lakeland. 9a-4p. Free. 863-688-7743.

•Queensryche: Rock concert, Armored Saint opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•The Brothers Doobie: Doobie Brothers tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 2p. 941-488-1115.

MONDAY 13

•Long Time Gone: CSNY tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Singer Songwriters: Americana concert - Justin Layman, Bill Vintage, Emily Frost. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 7p. 941-894-6469.

TUESDAY 14

•Lindsay Garritson: Classical music concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Songwriters on the Plaza: Free acoustic ACMA showcase concert. Downtown Ft Myers Library, S Cornog Plaza, 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Free. 691-4069.

WEDNESDAY 15

•Music of George Gershwin: Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Pauly Shore: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 16

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•New Play Contest: Play reading. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 218-0481.

•Pauly Shore: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 17

• New Play Contest: Play reading. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 8p. 218-0481.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 8p. 332-4488.

•Hot Buttered Nuggets: Swing jazz music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Jiaoying Summers: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 3135129.

•Pauly Shore: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY 18

• New Play Contest: Play reading. Winners. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 2p. 218-0481.

•70s, 80s & 90s Unplugged: SWFL Symphony Pops concert w Andrew Lipke. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Free Community Day: Music, art, activities, family event. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 12-4p. 597-1900.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Jennings & Keller:  Americana concert, Karen Cohen opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Jiaoying Summers: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 10:30p. 389-6901.

•Music in the Garden: Briz & Lady. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 6437275.

•Pauly Shore: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Spring Concert: Naples

Philharmonic Youth Chorus. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 4p. Free. 597-1900.

•Spring Concert: Naples

Philharmonic Youth Symphonia. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 1p. Free. 597-1900.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

SUNDAY 19

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Dustin Sims: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Herman’s Hermits - Peter Noone: Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Naples Philharmonic: Concert w Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra & Youth Chorus. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Spring Concert: Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. Free. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 21

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

WEDNESDAY 22

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival Opening Night Gala & Screening: Screening, live music, cocktails. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 5:30p, film 7p. 810-6323.

•Mario Adrion & Clay Horwitz: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 23

•Alice by Heart: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 939-2787.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini

What Goes On

zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings & panel discussions. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 5-11p. 810-6323.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•Patriotic Pops: Naples Philharmonic, Philharmonic Chorus & Youth Chorus concert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Roy Rivers Tribute to John Denver: Tribute concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 4155667.

•Sunset Concert: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 6p. 941-366-5731.

•Zach Bartholomew Trio with Mark Small: Jazz concertMusic of Thelonious Monk. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 24

•Alice by Heart: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 939-2787.

•All-Female Comic Extravaganza: Sheena Reagan, Victoria Yepes, Tara Zimmerman, Vee Shally. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings & panel discussions. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 5-11p. 810-6323.

•Justin Silva: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Patriotic Pops: Naples Philharmonic, Philharmonic Chorus & Youth Chorus concert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

SATURDAY 25

•Alice by Heart: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 939-2787.

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Family Wonder Days: Free admission for mothers & grandmothers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings & panel discussions. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 5-11p. 810-6323.

•Justin Silva: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Live Wrestling: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 4p. 323-6570.

•The Case of The Maltese Crow: GibsonHouse Mystery Performers interactive mystery. The Standard, Page Field, 5301 S Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 6p. 920-9463.

SUNDAY 26

•Alice by Heart: Youth theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 939-2787.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast:  Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Family Wonder Days: Free admission for mothers & grandmothers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9a-5p. 643-7275.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival Afterparty: Twisted Vine, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. Starts 11p. 8106323.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival Awards Ceremony: Champagne & dessert, screening, Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 810-6323.

•Justin Silva: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

MONDAY 27

•Spring Fling: Crafts, games, educational activities, face painting, petting zoo. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 10a-1p. 514-0084.

TUESDAY 28

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs

Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 29

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Jaclie fabulous: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

THURSDAY 30

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Aries Spears: Off the Hook

Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Celtic Throne: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers’ Flamingle with the Artists’ Reception:  Meet artists, preview. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Reception 5p, preview 6:30p. Pre-register. Shows at Alliance for the Arts & Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 939-2787.

FRIDAY 31

•Aries Spears: Off the Hook

Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

The exhibition, The Power of Photography is on view thru April 28 at the Naples Art Institute in downtown Naples

•Billy Currington: Country music concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Art exhibits, music. Ministry of Silly Walks competition, music starts 6p, bands tba. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Shows at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd & Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 12p-10p. 9392787.

•Retro Rooftop Dance Party: DJ Selecta AJ. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11:30p. 333-1933.

June

SATURDAY 1

•Aries Spears: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Art exhibits, music, dance, theater performances, films. Kids Fringe Festival, free family ArtLabs, interactive Alice in Wonderland show, aerialists & acrobats. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Shows at Alliance for the Arts & Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-10a. 9392787.

•Mark Normand: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Passerine: Americana concert, Fred Ball opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

SUNDAY 2

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Bradenton Marauders: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Art exhibits, music, dance, theater performances, films. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd & Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-5:30p. Closing ceremonies 5:30p Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 939-2787.

TUESDAY 4

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

WEDNESDAY 5

•Jon Rudnitsky: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 6

•Art Reception: Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy, 927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-799-6634.

•Dustin Nickerson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Stardust Memories Big Band: Jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

FRIDAY 7

•Adam Ezra: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Art Walk: Receptions, music, food. Bayshore Arts District, Bayshore Dr, btwn US 41 & Linda Dr, Naples. 5-8p. Free. 293-2932.

•Felipe Esparza: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY 8

•Adam Ezra: Americana concert, Bruce Gallant opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Felipe Esparza: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Studio: Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free. 941-799-6634.

SUNDAY 9

•FelipeEsparza: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Festival of Great Organ Music: American Guild of Organists concert Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

MONDAY 10

•Cindy Kaza: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

TUESDAY 11

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 12

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Mike Feeney: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 13

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Mean Mary: Bluegrass concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Victor Medina: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 14

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Retro Rooftop Dance Party: DJ Selecta AJ. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11:30p. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 15

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:30-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Art Vibe: Entertainment, exhibitions, art demos, food, etc. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-8p. Free. 395-0900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Music in the Garden: Heat Latin Band. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 122p. 643-7275.

SUNDAY 16

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 19

•Comedic Cody: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 21

•Al Romero: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Dueling Pianos: Concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

SATURDAY 22

•Matthew Sabatella:  Americana concert, Houseboat Jim Visone opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

MONDAY 24

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy. Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 7:30p. 389-9192.

TUESDAY 25

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

WEDNESDAY 26

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

THURSDAY 27

•David Lucas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

FRIDAY 28

•David Lucas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SATURDAY 29

•David Lucas: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league

baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SUNDAY 30

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p. 768-4210.

ongoing theater

•42nd Street: Jun 26-Jul 21. The Naples Players. Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Alice by Heart: May 23-26. Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Bank Job: May 3-19. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Beautiful - the Carol King

Musical: thru Apr 6. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Carrie - the Musical: Apr 25-May

5. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888966-3352.

•Clue - On Stage: May 1-19. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•Crocodile Fever: Apr 10-May

5. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Dial ‘M’ for Murder: thru Apr 25. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000.

•Disney’s Beauty & The Beast May 17-19 & 24-26. Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Disney’s Mary Poppins: Jun 28Aug 10. Broadway Palm Theatre,

1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus - the Musical: thru Apr 5, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Doubt - A Parable: Jun 5-23. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.

•Doubt - A Parable: May 3-19. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Fringe Fort Myers: May 30-Jun 2. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9363239.

•Godspell: Apr 16-May 12. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Grounded: thru Apr 7. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•Hamilton Apr 23-May 5. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Hamilton: thru Apr 7. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•Hank Williams - Lost Highway: thru Apr 14. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•I Spy a Murder: Jun 5-Sep 8. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Illusion of Death: thru Jun 2. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Intimate Apparel: thru Apr 18. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000.

•Into the Woods:  May 23-Jun 2. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Apr 26-May 5. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•Love Letters: Apr 10-21. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Marvin Gaye - Prince of Soul: Apr 17-May 26. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505.

•Matilda: Jun 1-16. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Men Are Dogs: May 15-25. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Morning After Grace: May 1626. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•Murder on the Orient Express: Jun 14-23. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•New Play Contest Winners: May 16-18. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Oak: May 31-Jun 30. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•Oleanna: Apr 19-May 19. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Opening Extravaganza: May 29Jun 2. The Naples Players. Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Paradise & Mr Prince: May

Red Clay Strays perform April 20 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

9-19. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•Perfect Wedding: Apr 18-May 19. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Pinky’s Players: May 2-5. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•PlayLab: May 2-5. Reading of new plays.c Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Ruby: thru Apr 7. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505.

•Sailor Circus - Spring Show: May 4 & 5. Sailor Circus Arena. 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941-355-9805.

•Seussical: Apr 5-14. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•She Loves Me: thru Apr 2. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Shrek - the Musical: Apr 16 & 17. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•Sicilians in the Basement: Apr 24-May 12. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•Sister Act: thru Apr 7. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks: thru Apr 7. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Steel Magnolias: Apr 26-May 5. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 3236570.

•Summer Circus Spectacular: JunAug. Circus Arts Conservatory. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 941-359-5700.

•Swing: May 31-Jun 22. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Take It to the Limit: thru Apr 7. Florida Studio Theatre. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•The Addams Family: Apr 12-May 25. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Enchanted Booskhop: Apr 5-21. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Flip Side: thru Jun 16. Florida Studio Theatre. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-3669000.

•The Life of Galileo: Apr 12-21. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.

•The Secret Garden: Apr 4-21. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•The Spitfire Grill: thru Apr 21. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Storm in the Barn: Apr12-14. Youth Theatre. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•The Sweet Delilah Swim Club: thru Apr 14. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Tilly the Trickster: Apr 25-May 24, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•To Kill A Mockingbird: Apr 9-14. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Troubadour: Apr 3-May 19. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941366-9000.

•Twelve Angry Men - A New Musical: May 8-Jun 9. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000

•Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van: Apr 18-28. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-2551022.

•Voices - Rising Choreographers: May 2-5. Sarasota Contemporary Dance Jane Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-2608485.

•Westminister: thru Apr 28. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

art galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 312375-8887.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887.

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091

McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Apr 5-27: Lee County Art Educators association; May 3-Jun 1: Public Art Grant Show. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. 939-2787.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Thru Apr 20: Natasha Dikareva, Angela Pilgrim, Michael Kinsey, Great Artists Steal. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sar 12-5p. 941-365-2032.

•Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. 646-358-2531.

•Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. thru Apr 11: Romancing the Stone; thru Apr 11: Joyce Waddell Bailey & Laura Nisita. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Arts for ACT Gallery: thru Apr 2: Roger Brown; Apr 5-30: Lorrie Bennett; May 3-Jun 4: Gary Olson; Jun 7-Jul 2: Restyle-RenewUpcycle Creativity. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. thru Apr 7: Tamara KostianovskyBotanical Revolution; thru Apr 28: The Face of Immokalee; thru Jun 16: Selections from Ahmet Ertegun Collection; thru Jun 16: George Gershwin & Modern Art; Apr 6-Sep 8: Andy Warhol Portfolios – A Life in Pop; May 4-Jul 28: Tradition Interrupted; thru Jun 30: Florida Contemporary. Ongoing: Chihuly Collection; Magritte - Reflections of Another World; Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest. Guided tours TueSat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. thru Apr 21: Beth Schroeder; thru Apr 28: Wendy Klemperer; May 3-Jun 7: Art as Therapy; Jun 14-Jul 19: FSW Students. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 3950900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. thru Jul 13: Purvis Young - Honey in the Sky. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. 489-9313.

•Bokeelia Art Gallery: 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. Wed-Sun 10a-5p. 738-5280.

•Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape

Coral. Apr 5-25: Xtra-Terrestrial; Apr 5-25: Ring of Fire; May 3-Jun 27: Enchanted Forests & Poisoned Apples; May 3-30: Fabulous Florida. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral.

Apr 1-May 2: Celebrating Color;

May 7-23: Florida Life. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. 772-5657.

•Captiva Civic Center: 11550 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Exhibitions— thru Apr 19: Sanibel-Captiva Art League - In the Sea. 472-2111.

•Clip Joint Barber Shop & Art Gallery: 7431 College Pkwy, unit 120, rm 136, Ft Myers. Mon & WedSat 10a-8p. 281-8180.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. 695-2428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero.

Apr 3-May 5: Estero Art League; May 9-Jun 2: Members show; ongoing: Art Council of SWFL members. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Apr 10-May 5: Naples Art District; ongoing: Art Council of SWFL members. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 436-3530.

•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. thru Apr 30: Michelle Depaolos-Wampner, Charlotte

Jordan, Tom Ruthz; May 1-Jun 30: Camille Enkeboll & Christine Libbey. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a3p. Mon-Fri 9a-6p & Sat 10a-5p. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. thru Apr 30: Artists-inResidence - Tom Rio, Charlotte Jordan, Michelle DepaolisWampner; Apr 4-Jun 29: featured artists. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. Apr 4-May 25: featured artists; May 30-Jun 29: Rainbow. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-

Closed. 5101 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 2828488.

•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.

•Joel Shapses Gallery: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. Receptions thru Apr Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. By appt. 954830-3156.

•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. Open thru May Fri-Sun 1-5p. 863843-2929

•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 103p. 276-0448.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. Thu-Mon 9a-2p. 2038332.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: The RitzCarlton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples, By appt. 789-7027 283-3354.

3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-3p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 590-8645.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.

•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon 3-7p, Tue & Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a-8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283.

•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S McCall Rd, Englewood. Tue & Thu 9a-9p, Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941474-5548.

•Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p. Exhibits— Apr 3-24: at Coco Art Gallery, Estero.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–thru Apr 4: Student Exhibition; Apr 19-May 3: Senior Projects. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Temporarily Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3909.

•Gallery of Matlacha: Temporarily Closed. 4625 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. 443-350-3188.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443

First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. thru Apr 7: Kim Carioto-Krugle, Jan Butler. Receptions 1st Tue 6-8p. Daily 11a-8p. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-2637.

•High Tide Studio & Gallery: 995

Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 10a4p & by appt. 228-6934.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490

Library Way, Sanibel. Apr: Shirley Hales. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 263-6640.

•Island Conclave: Temporarily

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Main Galleries— thru Apr 2: Members Show; Apr 8-30: Adult Student Exhibit; Apr 8-30: Marco Island Academy; May 6-Jul 2: Art Quilted Unlimited. La Petite Galerie— thru Apr 2: Judy Chinski; Apr 8-30: Marco Island Academy; May 6-28: Adorable Monique; Jun 3-Jul 2: LeAnn Kroetsch. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art Studios: Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Thru Apr 30: Phil Costello - Wall Sculpture in Wood. By appt. 821-1061.

•Naples Art District: Dozens of artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. thru Apr 5: Artistry in Paradise (FineMark Bank, 275 8th St S, Naples). Open studios thru May Thu 1-5p & 2nd Sat 10-2p. 249-1977.

•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. thru Apr 28: The Power of Photography; Apr-Jun: 100 Years of Picture Book Illustration. MonFri 9a-5p. 262-6517.

•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Cleveland Ave SW, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. 333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Basch Gallery (Thompson Academic Center, 2363 Bradenton Rd). Cooley Photography Center (Bradenton Rd). Crossley Gallery (Hughes Studio Bldg, 2698 Bradenton Rd). Selby Gallery (2700 N Tamiami Tr). Skylight Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd). Smith Gallery— Jun 7-Aug 16: Jack Dowd. Stulberg Gallery (1188 MLK Way). Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd). Thru Apr Mon-Sat 10a-4p; May-Jun Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 941359-7563.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. thru Apr 14: The Feline Muse - Cats in Japanese Art; thru Jun 2: Michele Oka Doner - The True Story of Eve; thru Jun 23: Mountains of the Minds - Scholars’ Rocks from China & Beyond; Apr 6-Aug 25: On

The exhibition, Andy Warhol PortfoliosA Life in Pop is on view April 6-September 8 at The Baker Museum in Naples.

the Road - The Traveling Circus & Carnival in the 1970s; thru Sep 21: Embodied - Highlights from Ringling’s Modern & Contemporary Art; Jun 1-Jan 7, 2025: Skyway 2024; thru Jan 5, 2025: Shinique Smith. Circus Museum— Apr 6-ongoing: The Greatest Show on Earth. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Temporarily Closed. Exhibitions— thru Apr 19: In the Sea at Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Ln, Captiva; thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists at Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Meetings 3rd Thu 1-3p. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593.

•Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Sanibel Captiva Art League exhibits— thru Jul 3: Fab 5 Artists; Jul 3-Sep 25: Home Sweet Home. Mon-Fri 9a-35p. 472-2155.

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Jul 7: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Retreat; Apr 21-Sep 29: The Truth of the Night Sky; Apr 25-Apr 26, 2026: Molly Hatch. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Apr 5-25: Reynier Llanes; Apr 5-25: Capturing Essence; May 3-30: Divergent Inspiration; May 3-30: Dharma Laferve; Jun 7-27: Pollution or Solution; Jun 7-27: Nick Masiello. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 3371933.

•smallwalls: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. By appt & thru May: 1st Wed 3-7p, 1st Thu 11a-5p, 3rd Sat 11a-5p. 402201-6160.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 852 1st Ave S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 11a-2p. 597-2110.

•Tammra Sigler Studio: 5760 Shirley St, # 11, Naples. By appt. 821-1017.

•Things I Like by Catherine: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Apr: TBA; May: Mina Papatheodorou Valyraki. Receptions 1st Fri, 5-8p. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665.

•Timeless: 2218 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. 332-8463.

•Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. thru Apr7: Through the Window; Apr 11May 5: Madd Hatter. Daily 11a-6p. 579-0659.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Apr 12-Jun 22: Shell Point Artists & Writers; Apr 12-Jun 22: Arts Quilters Unlimited of Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394.

•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. thru Apr 4: Spring Members Show; Apr 12-24: If Walls Could Talk; Apr 30- May 9: S Sarasota County School show; May 17-Jun 13: Just Between Friends; Jun 21-Jul 18: Seeing Is Believing. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. thru Apr 12: National Art Exhibition; Apr 16-25: Charlotte County Public Middle & High School; Apr 26May 4: Charlotte County Public Elementary School; Apr 27-May 9: Planet Earth - Birgit Tode; May 13-24: SAQA Studio Art Quilt Associates; May 29-Jul 1: Back in Time; May 29-Jul 2: Wonky World - Paulette Morrisey; May 30-Jul

1: Ignite Imagination. Mon & Fri 10a-4p, Tu-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. 941-639-8810.

•Zero Empty Spaces: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, #27, Ft Myers. Open studios 2nd Sat 12-5p. 844-427-8788.

attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress

Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— ongoing: Explore Seminole Traditions, Art of Seminole Crafts, Seminole PrideArtwork of Jimmy Osceola. Daily 9a-5p (entry to boardwalk closes at 4pm). 877-902-1113.

•America’s Museum of the Military & First Responders: Naples Airport, North Road Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-3p. Free. 614-205-0357.

•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p & Sun 11a-4:30p. 941-364-2199.

•Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. TueFri 11a-3p. 395-2233.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. thru May Tue & Thu 10a-1p. Guided tours. Plein Air painting workshops: Tue & Thu 9a-1p. 332-4942.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a. Register. 337-9505

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guided tours TueSat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Holiday Lights: Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes & haunted Walks select nites 8p. Planetarium shows MonSat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. thru May 12: Thomas & Friends - Explore the Rails. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-5p. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru Apr 20: Just Beachy. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495

Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Guided walks MonSat. Register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Guided boardwalk tours DEC-MAR 1011:30a, register. Daily 8a-3p, visitor center 8a-1p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily thru Apr, Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. thru Jun Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife

Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Wildlife drive: Sat-Thu dawn-dusk; Visitor center: Sat-Thu 9a-5p. 472-1100.

•ECHO Global Farm & Research Center: 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. Farm tours Apr Tue-Fri 9:30a & 1:30p, Sat 9:30a; May & Jun Tue-Sat 9:30a. Technology Village tours: Tue-Sat 9:30a. TueFri 9a-4p & Sat 9a-3p. 543-3246.

•Edison & Ford Winter

Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum.

Exhibits— May 12-ongoing: Rebirth & Renewal; ongoing: FanaticsEdison, Mack & Baseball in Fort Myers. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (pre-register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; Step into History lectures: Tue & Thu 10:30a & 2p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Estero Historic Cottage Museum: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Estero Historical Society: Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Historic Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens:  Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: Tue-Sat 12-4p (register).

Christmas at Palm Cottage: TueSat 12-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Guided tours. Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 1-4p. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. thru Apr 27: Audubon 70th Anniversary. TueSat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. thru Jun 8: Daydreaming - Niki Butcher

Photography; thru Jun: Key Marco Deer. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6421440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Thru Jun 30: Yayoi Kusama - A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe.10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. thru Aug 3: Clyde Butcher - Nature Through the Lens. Daily 10a-5p. 941-3665731

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 11a & 1p; Garden tours Tue & Fri 1p; Untold Stories tours Thu 2p; Free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. WedSat 7:30a-6:30p. 765-0865.

•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. thru May 11: The Continuing Story of the Miccosukee Tribe. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a3p. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions–thru Apr 20: Musical Swings; May 4-Jun 30: Patterns of Change;

Jul 20-Oct 27: Ran Adler. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jun 30: Sara Abalan. Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden: thru Jan 7. Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Thru May daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p, Jun daily 9a-2p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum:: Temporarily Closed. 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 2625409.

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. By appt. thru May Mon-Fri 9a-12p, Sat & Sun 11a-4p; Jun Sun 11a-4p. 543-1130.

•Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center: Temporarily Closed. 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 765-8101.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Exhibits— thru Apr 18: Glass in the Gardens. Sat 10a-1p. Dogs welcome Tue. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-621-8299.

•Peace River Wildlife Center: Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda. Daily 11a-4p. 941-637-3830

•Randell Research Center: 7450 Pineland Rd, Pineland. Calusa Heritage Trail, South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits. Guide Calusa Heritage Trail tours Tue-Sat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Revs Institute: 2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples. Tours & workshops. Tue, Thu, Sat 10a-4p. Tix in advance. 687-7387.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— thru Apr 26: Annual photography exhibition. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Thru Apr dawn-dusk. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. MayJun Tue-Sat 10a-1p, thru Apr Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 472-4648.

•Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Live animal shows, tours. Daily 10a-4p. 941-355-5305

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas house, natural history exhibits, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Live music Tue-Sun afternoons. Daily 10a-5p. 9952141.

•True Tours: River District History Walking Tour: Apr select Thu & Sat 10:30a, May-Jun select Sat 10:30a; Haunted History Tours Wed & Sat 8p (pre-register). Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, Ft Myers. 945-0405.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Ongoing: 50 Years of Hip Hop, Anderson Avenue Economic Renaissance, MLK Corridor’s Revival. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 3328778.

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd,

The Danny Sinoff Quartet perform May 7 at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers.

What Goes On APRIL-MAY-JUNE

The

Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. thru May daily 10a-4p; Jun daily 10a-2p. 992-2591.

parks & beaches

•Alison Hagerup Beach: 14790

Captiva Dr, Captiva. Dawn-dusk. Parking fee. 472-2472.

•Alva Park: 21471 N River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-0398.

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Home open thru Apr. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. Exhibit— thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden. Free. 472-1932.

•Bonita Beach Park:  27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444.

•Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008.

•Bowditch Point Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 463-3764.

•Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel. Dawn-dusk. 533-7575.

•Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.

•Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 237-9306.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-575-5816.

•Collier-Seminole State Park:  US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196.

•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 695-3311.

•Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: 8137 Coastline Dr, Copeland. Hiking & bicycling trails, boardwalk, paddling, historic site. 8a-sunset daily. 695-4593.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 574-0804.

•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8amsunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.

•Hickey Creek Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•John Yarbrough Park: 14608 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 218-1032.

•Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 992-0311.

•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.

•Lakes Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 7a-dusk. 533-7575.

•Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawndusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lighthouse Beach Park: 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345.

•Lovers Key State Park:  8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures

Wed 10:30a thru Apr; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset thru Apr; seashell walk 1st Fri 10:30a thru Apr; wildlife hikes

1st Sat 10:30a thru Apr; beach & estuary walk 3rd Fri 10:30a thru Apr. 8a-sunset daily. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Beach Park:  950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: Temporarily Closed. 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Free. 707-3015.

•Matlacha Park: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Community Center. 7a-9p. Free. 771-1078.

•Myakka River State Park:  13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, paddling, hiking & bicycling horseback riding trails, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 8a-sunset daily. 941-361-6511.

•Nalle Grade Park: 8350 Nalle Grade Rd, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.

•North Collier Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.

•North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200

•North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443. .

•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawndusk. Free. 694-2291.

•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843

S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941-483-5956.

•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 7711078.

•Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawndusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Rotary Park: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral. Tom Allen Butterfly House, nature trails, environmental center. 8a-4p. Free. 549-4606.

•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.

•San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach

Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794.

•Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough

Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks thru Apr daily 9:30a, May-Jun Wed 9:30a. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7550.

•Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn-9:15p. Free. 478-6998.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7468.

libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311.

•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4150.

•East County: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200.

•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.

•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.

•Fort Myers: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.

•Fort Myers Beach: Temporarily Closed. 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 9a-5p. 765-8162.

•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.

•Immokalee: 417 N First St,

McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat 2-5p. Free. 204-9665.

•Downtown Social House: 1406

Hendry St, Ft Myers. Live music— Mon 4-8p: Roy Schneider; Wed 4-8p: Eddie Bartley; Thu 4-8p: PJ Carroll; Fri 4-8p: Nathan Tata; Sat 5-9p: Briz & Lady, Sun 3-7p: Eddie Z. Free. 337-7646.

•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE 16th Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music select Sat 6-9p. Free. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Winterfest: Dec 14-17. Live music Wed 6-9p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576.

•Howl: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Open mic Wed 8-11p; live music select nites. 332-0161

•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat 6-9p. Free. 314-3723.

Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.

•Johann Fust: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941-964-2488

•Lakes: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4000.

•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.

•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.

•Northwest: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334700.

•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350.

•Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 533-4370.

•Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri 9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483.

•South: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•South County: 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334400.

•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 533-4780.

•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.

live music & comedy

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069.

•Bone Hook Brewery: 1514

Immokalee Rd, Naples. Live music select nites. 631-8522.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641

Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p: Tommy

Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band w Rex Bongo & Harry Cassano. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select WedSun nites. 482-8565.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Tue nites: jazz & blues jams 7-9:30p; Comedy nites: Fri & select Sat nites 7p; live music select nites 7-10p. Tue. 549-3000.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 5-9p & Sun 12-4p; last Wed 7-9p Comedy Nite. Free. 463-3838.

•Millennial Brewing: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. Free. 271-2255.

•Naples Beach Brewery: Temporarily Closed. 4120 Enterprise Ave, #116, Naples. 304-8795.

•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sat & select Sun, Tue, Wed nites. 540-7867.

•Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Tue: Open jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 540-7867.

•Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music & burlesque select nites. 217-0919.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 2nd & 4th Thu 6-9p: Irish Music Jam; 1st Sun 4-7p: The Rowdy Bards; Sat 1-5p: Jeff Lyons. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz 6:30-9:30p. Wed: Danny Sinoff Trio; Thu: Jazz-Matics; Fri: Tony Boffa & Friends; Sat: Danny Sinoff Quartet; Sun: Ricky Howard. 415-4375.

•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 8845 Founders Square Dr, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat nites. 204-9949.

•Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall: 1901 Crystal Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 344-6147.

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 985-9839.

•The Rhythm House: 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. Tue & Sat 6:30-9:30p. 466-8326.

•The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands select nites. 405-8566.

•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat 9:30p-1a. 263-6777.

•Z’s Music Kitchen: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat 6-9p. 304-9552.

exhibition, Fanatics - Edison, Mack and Baseball in Fort Myers is on view at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.