August 2021 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Music • Calendar

AUGUST 2021

FREE

Americana

performances

are returning

Songwriter fest adds to artist list

PG Symphony

summer series

Lorrie Bennett at DAAS Gallery

Ellen Bukstel at the ACMA

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Bonita Springs

Publisher’s Spotlight

On stage

Summer is a little quieter at our Southwest Florida theatres, but the lights are not dim at all the stages.

Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Failure: A Love Story July 29 through Aug. 8 in Fort Myers. In early September, The Color Purple will hit the stage Sept. 3 through Oct. 3.

In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater youngsters are performing Into the Woods Jr. on Aug. 1. Their new season will begin with The Best Broadway Revue Show Ever on stage Sept.

9 - 19.

Grease continues on the main stage at Broadway Palm Theatre until Aug. 14.

They will then take a three-week break and reopen with A Night on Broadway Sept. 9 through Oct. 2.

Theatre Conspiracy returns to indoor performances on Aug. 5 with The Chechens. That will play through Aug. 15 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

After a successful run with The Wedding Singer in July, The Naples Players will take a break and return to the stage Sept. 29 with Boeing Boeing.

The Charlotte Players kick off their new season with 4 Beekman. That production will be presented Sept. 10 - 19 at the Langdon Playhouse.

In Fort Myers, Florida Rep opens its new season with Let’s Fall in Love (a Nat King Cole tribute) on stage Oct. 1 through Nov. 7.

New Phoenix Theatre in Fort Myers reopens Sept. 30 with Young Frankenstein.

In Naples, The Studio Players present Torch Song Sept. 10 - 26 at the Golden Gate Community Center.

Gulfshore Playhouse will return to its Naples stage at the Norris Center Oct. 14 - 31 with a Broadway Cabaret Series.

Social Security will open Sept. 23 at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers and run through Nov. 6.

The Marco Players return to the stage Oct. 27 with Good People.

It’s great to have live theatre back.

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IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

Concerts are back

August might be a quiet month for national concert tours coming to our area, but buckle up, because we have some great shows coming to Southwest Florida in the next few months.

At Hertz Arena in Estero, we have Santana on Sept.

19, Casting Crowns on Oct. 22, Jason Aldean on Oct. 28, Marc Anthony on Nov. 5, Chris Stapleton and Sheryl Crow on Nov. 19, Toby Keith on Dec. 3 and Joe Bonamassa on Dec. 11.

Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee has a lengthy schedule, too. That concert lineup includes Rey Ruiz on Oct. 16, Here Come the Mummies on Oct. 22, Clint Black on Oct. 30, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone on Dec. 12, The Spinners on Jan. 11, Marshall Tucker Band on Jan. 27, The Drifters on Feb. 3, Blue Oyster Cult on Feb. 12, The Texas Tenors on Feb. 25, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Fabian on March 4, The Guess Who on March 19 and Kenny G on April 3.

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers offers a great mix of rock and country in 2021. Their schedule has Tommy Vext on Sept.

10, Theory of a Deadman on Sept.

18, Randy Houser on Sept. 25, John Michael Montgomery on Oct. 2, Candlebox on Oct. 3, Collie Buddz on Oct. 21, Rodney Atkins on Oct. 29, Jim Brown on Oct. 30, Colt Ford on Nov. 6, Atlanta Rhythm Section on Nov. 12, Kolby Cooper on Nov. 20, The Lacs on Dec. 4, The Outlaws on Dec. 9 & Shenandoah on March 12.

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest will have Michael Ray on Sept. 23 and Jimmie Allen on Sept. 26.

Concerts coming to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall are Tedeschi Trucks Band on Nov. 12, ZZ Top on Nov. 13, The Kingston Trio on Nov. 16, The Temptations & The Four Tops on Dec. 3, David Foster on Dec. 22, Chubby Checker on Jan. 26 and Little River Band on March 4.

Rock on,

Jamie

art

14

music

20

dining

32 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Dan Mearns, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Rod Richardson & Aley Enterprises Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

swfHappenings@earthlink.net

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THEATRE

Grease at Broadway Palm Lily Kren as Patty, Mia Davidson as Jan, Sarah Lindsey as Sandy, Sami Doherty as Marty and Charis Michelle Gullage as Frenchy in Grease on stage at Broadway Palm now through Aug. 14.

Grease is the word at Broadway Palm.

Playing now through Aug. 14, travel back in time with your favorite teenagers in this light-hearted and nostalgic look at young love. This feel good, rock ‘n’ roll musical is sure to get everyone dancing in the aisles and singing along to their favorite songs.

Travel back to Rydell High and the hot-rodding Burger Palace Boys and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking Pink

6 - AUGUST 2021

Ladies. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive their summer romance as the rest of the gang sings and dances their way through “Greased Lightnin’;” “Summer Nights;” “Born to Hand Jive;” “We Go Together;” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee;” “You’re The One That I Want;” “Beauty School Dropout” and more.

Directing and choreographing Grease is Amy Marie McCleary who most recently directed and choreographed Beehive:

The 60s Musical at Broadway Palm.

Other credits include the Second National Tour of Memphis the Musical (director/choreographer) and the international tour of The Wizard of Oz (choreographer), among many others.

Starring as Danny is Francisco Thurston who was seen on Broadway Palm’s stage in On Your Feet. Making her Broadway Palm debut as Sandy is Sarah Lindsey.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $48 to $73. There is a summer special for children 18 and under, tickets are just $20 for the meal and the show. Group prices are also available.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Broadway Palm is continuing to follow CDC guidelines while providing a delicious meal and exceptional entertainment in a safe and socially distanced environment. For a list of the extensive health and safety measures they have taken, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com.

Happenings Magazine

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s 2021-22 Broadway Series PRESENTS

Special thanks to our theatre sponsors

For tickets, call 239-772-5862 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral www.CulturalParkTheater.com

THEATRE

Laboratory Theater students to stage Failure: A Love Story July 29 - Aug. 8 Pictured are (back row) Emarie Wakefield Spiller (Gerty), Lilliana Orr (Jenny June), Sanadhy Salazar (Nelly); and (front row) Ashleigh Rowzer (Mortimer Mortimer) and Isaiah Gray (John N).

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, in conjunction with The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Education, will present Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins, opening July 29 at 8 p.m. and playing for two weekends.

Step into 1928 and meet the Fail sisters, Nelly, Jenny June and Gerty. They live above the family clock repair shop near the Chicago River and are destined to die within the year in reverse order.

This charming, whimsical play weaves through the story of the Fail sisters, their hopes and dreams, all while inching toward the end of their lives. Tuneful songs and a chorus of clocks follow the sisters as their time runs out in this magical, mystical fable about the power of love.

This show is co-directed by Madelaine Weymouth and Steven Michael Kennedy.

Weymouth notes, “Failure does something curious: it tells you exactly how it will end in the show's first line. The kids and I had a great discussion: why would a playwright do that? Why give it all

8 - AUGUST 2021

away? Eventually, we puzzled out that maybe the ending's not the best part. The show focuses on how we spend the little time we have, and it does that by making us enjoy spending time with the characters we have onstage. We laugh with them, cry with them, and we root for them, even when we remember the inevitable will happen. That's the magic of this show: it tells you what will happen, but then dares you to hope otherwise.”

This touching show is presented by the theater’s summer camp students, and all proceeds support the Lab’s education program.

Performance dates are July 29, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m., Aug. 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and matinees Aug. 1 and 8 at 2 pm.

Tickets are $20 ($15 on Thursday nights) for adults and $10 for students with valid student ID. Seating is limited.

For tickets, call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

The Laboratory Theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

THEATRE

Charlotte Players new season includes theatre, special events and The Oak Ridge Boys concert

By Dan Mearns

“We’re back!” declares actor Kyle Marie on the cover of the Charlotte Players 61st season brochure. Following a pandemic-shortened 60th season, the return of a full schedule for 2021-22 is reason to celebrate for the nonprofit theater and the community it serves.

The most anticipated event of the new season may be an appearance by The Oak Ridge Boys on March 28, 2022, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Tickets go on sale Aug. 2.

“We’ll have four price points for tickets, and we’re hoping to seat 1,600 people,” said Charlotte Players executive director Sherrie Moody.

Grammy Award winners and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys this year are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their Grammy-winning song “Elvira,” which was originally released in 1981. Their new album, Front Porch Singin’, was released on June 11.

The Players season brochure is available at the Charlotte Players Community Theater Center, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Friday. The brochure can be downloaded at www.charlotteplayers.org.

Langdon Playhouse Stage Productions

The theatre season begins in September at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., except for Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

4 Beekman by Ron Clark Sept 10 - 19

Deanne and Robert, a May-December couple, have just returned from their honeymoon, and Deanne is shocked to find that Robert has unwittingly bought the very same apartment that she used to live in with her ex-husband, Skip. Not only that, but Skip has also bought the apartment right next door to theirs. There are lots of love and laughs in this romantic comedy.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang Oct. 8 - 17

Winner of the 2013 Tony Award as Best Play, this comedy concerns Vanya and his sister Sonia, who live in a quiet farmhouse in Pennsylvania. Their peace is suddenly disturbed when their moviestar sister Masha returns unannounced 10 - AUGUST 2021

with her 20-something boy toy Spike. So begins a weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness.

A Nice Family Christmas

by Phil Olson Nov. 5 - 14

It is Christmas Eve and a young newspaper reporter on the brink of being fired has been assigned a last-chance story about a typical family Christmas – his family’s Christmas. He goes home to his crazy and neurotic family, who provide no shortage of material. When they learn he’s writing an article with some very personal family information, the fruitcake hits the fan.

Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott Jan. 6 - 16

Connie, Leona, and Millie’s weekly highlight for 30 years has been their bridge game with the “girls.” When one member of the foursome dies, the remaining girls decide to borrow their friend’s ashes for one last game of their lives.

That wild night includes a police raid, a stripper, and a whole new way of looking at life.

Bell, Book and Candle

by John Van Druten Feb 4 - 20

A successful 1950 Broadway play starring Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer that evolved into a popular 1958 movie with Kim Novak and James Stewart, “Bell, Book, and Candle” concerns a witch named Gillian, who casts a spell over an unattached publisher, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. He falls head over heels in love with her and wants to marry her, but witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, and this leads to a number of difficulties.

Ultimately, the lady breaks with her companions in witchery, preferring the normal and human love offered by the attractive publisher. But before the happy conclusion of the romance, Gillian comes awfully close to losing him.

Curtain Up! by Peter Quilter March 11 - 27

A hilarious story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theater and plan to bring it back to life. They try various fundraising schemes, but their most ambitious is to hold a concert featuring local talent and a world-famous star who agrees to appear for no fee. Their plans go awry, however, and it’s a race to keep their audience from guessing the truth of the matter.

Thereʼs a Burglar in My Bed

by Michael Parker April 13 - 24

William Worthington III and his wife of 30 years are contemplating a divorce.

Their 200-acre New England compound includes a 26-room mansion and small beach cottage. The pre-nup spells out exactly what each will receive in a settlement with one exclusion: The priceless Worthington necklace. True to the laws of farce, both parties arrange burglaries to acquire the necklace for themselves.

Wedding Belles by Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards May 13 - 22

Four garden club ladies meet a young girl who has come to their little Texas town to marry an infantry man before he ships off for World War II. The women impulsively decide to throw the girl an elaborate wedding. Their lives and friendships are thrown into turmoil as they race to accomplish the nuptials in one frenzied afternoon.

Special Events at the Langdon Playhouse The Peace River Trio Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Squawk! The Show

Nov. 27 at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dec. 1 - 5

Happy New Year!

Dec. 31 at 6:30 and 9 p.m.

Cahal Dunne in Concert Feb. 27 at 2 p.m.

Special Events at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center Comedy for a Cause

Friday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

The Edwards Twins

Feb. 7 – 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Late Nite Catechism: ʼTil Death Do Us Part Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

John Denver Tribute Band with Ted Vigil Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Happenings Magazine

Cultural Park Theater has shows, auditions, 60s & 70s concert and debut of film festival

By Michael Moran

look forward to sharing stories about culture, social impact and responsibility.

Cultural Park Theater is a busy place Season tickets, Snowbird packages to be in August. and Flexpass packages are on sale now Beginning on Aug. 1, we present our for our upcoming season. Auditions are final live Summer Camp show – Into scheduled for Mama Won’t Fly The Woods, Jr. for one peron Aug. 14 and 15, with that formance only at 3 p.m. Our hilarious Jones-Hope-Wooten campers have worked tirecomedy opening in September. lessly with their camp counOur 59th Broadway Season selors to put on a fantastic opens on Sept. 9 with an origiproduction. All tickets are nal musical revue, And The $10.

Nominees Are. We are currentOne of our favorite vocally seeking directors as well as ists, Dave Rode, returns to volunteers to work back stage, the Cultural Park concert on sound and lighting and buildstage on Aug. 13, 14 and 15 Michael Moran ing sets for the productions with “Sounds of the ‘60s & announced for this season.

‘70s – The Great Other upcoming shows this Storytellers,” featuring the season include Nunsense II – Back in music of Jim Croce, Neil Diamond, the Habit, A Piece of My Heart (comCarole King and many more. memorating the 50th anniversary of the On Aug. 28 - 29, we are excited to Vietnam War), The 25th Annual Putnam present our First Annual Cape Coral County Spelling Bee and our Haunted Film Festival, a gathering of original stoTheater Review which ties into our rytellers and audiences seeking new Haunted Theater Walk. Response to our voices and fresh perspectives featuring Haunted Theater Walk was so great for the works of local and area artists. We

Happenings Magazine

our first Annual Walk last season, we had to bring it back again this year.

Meanwhile, we have moved our theater gift shop completely into our lobby area, affording our patrons a more spacious shopping area to explore. New items are always being added to our eclectic inventory – our gift shop is open daily between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Registration for fall theater arts classes for adults and children opens on Aug. 1, with classes offered in Beginner’s Acting, Adult Acting, Musical Theater and Broadway Song & Dance. (Theater members receive 10% discount on their classes).

Cultural Park Theater does not require patrons who have been fully vaccinated to wear a mask, however, social distancing is still being practiced, so seating is limited. Our August calendar is full of so many exciting shows and events – call the theater today at 239-772-5862 and get us on your calendar.

Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theater Company

AUGUST 2021 - 11

THEATRE

Theatre Conspiracy opens Aug. 5 with The Chechens

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts opens its new season on Aug. 5 with The Chechens.

Beautifully written, The Chechens is an intense, funny and vital production. Set in modern day Grozny, the capital of Russia's Chechen Republic, rumors are going around that “certain people” are being rounded up and held in a camp on the East edge of town. Can one family protect their little brother who may or may not be the next target? Will they turn him in? Will they go so far as to honor-kill him? What prevails in the end-religion, politics or love?

This play is the winner of the Janet and Bruce Bunch New Play Contest Award.

Performances will be Aug. 5 – 7 and Aug. 12 – 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.

The remaining season includes the following: Men on Boats plays Oct. 21 – 31.

Mostly a comedy by Jaclyn Backhaus, it will be directed by Rachael Endrizzi. Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men On Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. The

outlandish crew encounters disaster, conflict and harrowing adventure along the way.

Keeping with the tradition of Backhaus’ acclaimed play, the cast is composed entirely of women.

The Roommate will be performed Dec. 9 – 19. This is a comedy by Jen Silverman and is directed by Stephen Hooper. Sharon, in her mid-fifties, is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home.

Robyn, also in her mid-fifties, needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely. A dark comedy about what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.

The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe and directed by Sonya McCarter plays Jan. 8 – 30. The Colored Museum has electrified, discomforted, and delighted audiences of all colors, redefining our ideas of what it means to be Black in contemporary America. Its eleven "exhibits" undermine black stereotypes old and new, and return to the facts of what being Black means.

Outside Mullingar will be presented

Feb. 17 – 27. Written by John Patrick Shanley, it will be directed by Bill Taylor.

Near Killucan, Ireland, Tony Reilly schemes to sell the family farm and disinherit his son, Anthony. Standing in his way is a small plot of land belonging to the neighbor, Rosemary—and her long-simmering grudge.

Destiny—whether embracing or fighting it— means everything in this very Irish story told with a rich tapestry of language, compassion and a few surprises.

The Cake, a comedy by Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Stephanie Davis, will be performed March 17 – 27. All is going well for Della. Her North Carolina bakery is legendary and she's just been cast on her favorite television baking competition. But then, her late-best-friend's daughter comes home from New York City to ask her to make a cake for her upcoming wedding. When Della learns that Jen's about to marry a woman, she is forced to re-examine her deeply held beliefs as questions of morals, judgment and family swirl around them all.

For tickets or info, call 239-939-2787, visit 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, or go online at www.ArtInLee.org.

Failure: A Love Story

The Laboratory Theater of Florida Education presents

A whimsical comedy with music.

SWFL

premiere

JULY 29, 30 & 31, AUGUST 5, 6 & 7 at 8 pm Matinees: August 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers 12 - AUGUST 2021

Happenings Magazine

Boeing Boeing on stage

at The Naples Players

Sept. 29 through Oct. 24

The Naples Players opened their doors again this past spring with Calendar Girls, An Ideal Husband, and The Wedding Singer.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 24, the rest of the 68th season kicks off with Boeing Boeing in Blackburn Hall. Written

by Marc Camoletti, this 1960’s farce features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard who has Italian, German, and American fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess. All’s well until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Bernard’s apartment in Paris at the same time Written by Robert L. Freedman, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder will be in Blackburn Hall from Nov. 24 – Dec. 19. This comedic romp was Nominated for 10 Tony Awards and follows the scene-stealing role of Monty, played by one-actor who also plays all eight roles of the doomed relatives who meet their ends in comedic conditions.

From Jan. 12 – Feb. 6, 2022, Savannah Sipping Society takes the Blackburn Hall stage and is sponsored by Gulf Shore International Properties.

Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, this delightful comedy features four unique Southern women drawn together by fate and an impromptu happy hour- where they decide it’s high time to reclaim their enthusiasm for life.

In the Tobye Studio Theatre, The Cake, written by Bekah Brunstetter, will run from Feb. 2 – Feb. 27, 2022.

This emotional and deliciously funny play challenges people of every belief to engage in dialogue – even those who oppose you.

Mary Poppins flies before your eyes in this classic musical based on the much-loved children’s books by P. L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film of the same name.

Mary Poppins will be on the Blackburn Hall stage from March 2 - April 3.

Written by Sarah Treem, When We Were Young and Unafraid will be in the Tobye Studio Theatre from March 30 - April 24. This powerful play takes us inside the story of a quiet bed and breakfast turned into a secret women’s shelter in the early 1970s.

Performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays begin at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.NaplesPlayers.org or by calling the box office at 239-263-7990.

The theatre is located at 701 5th Ave. S. in Naples.

Happenings Magazine

AUGUST 2021 - 13

ART

FGCU to open two exhibits

Florida Gulf Coast University will open two new art exhibits in August and welcome visitors again.

Friends on Earth opens Aug. 19 and runs through Sept. 30. This exhibit features the works of Gretel Eisch, Harvey Littleton and Hollis Sigler.

This selection of artworks includes three artists creating prints from glass plates known as vitreographs.

Contemporary vitreography was developed and established as a printmaking medium by Erwin Eisch's dear friend, Harvey Littleton, at Littleton Studios in Spruce Pine, NC. Littleton along with Erwin Eisch founded the international studio glass movement.

Gretel Eisch, known for her sculpture and woodcuts, creates lyrical images that are poetic statements of the human condition. Hollis Sigler also speaks of the human condition in her profound series of vitreographs alluding to her battle with breast cancer.

Erwin Eisch adds to the conversation with a series of prints inspired by the compositions of Hollis Sigler.

It will be on display in the ArtLab in the west side of the Library Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. This exhibition is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Erwin Eisch: Heaven Starts on Earth opens Aug. 27 and runs through Nov. 10 at the Wasmer Art Gallery.

Erwin Eisch is an international

Gretel Eisch, Shadow Search, 2001; Vitreograph, 22 ½ x 28 in; 2020.0001.0019; Gift of Carol L. Shay, Collection of FGCU Art Galleries

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Erwin Eisch, Full Moon Has Passed, 1992; Vitreograph, 30 x 22 in.; 2020.0001.0010; Gift of Carol L. Shay, Collection of FGCU Art Galleries

artist known for his figurativeexpressionistic work in a variety of mediums. As a founder of the international studio glass movement he was one of the first artists to use glass purely as a means of expression in Europe. His innovations and creative spirit have broadened the potential for the medium to be used by countless artists.

This retrospective exhibition is the first of its kind in Florida and features his work in glass, printmaking and painting. Eisch’s

work celebrates the joy of living and the human potential.

A reception and talk is scheduled for Thursday, Sept.

16 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Wasmer Art Gallery is located in the Arts Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers This exhibition is free and open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on these and other exhibits, call 239-590-7199 or visit online at fgcu.edu/artgalleries

Happenings Magazine

Roger Brown at ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery will showcase the art of Roger Brown in August. An opening reception will be held Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Fort Myers Art Walk.

Roger Brown is an artist who draws upon a lifetime of experiences to create art on a daily basis. As an International banker and business man he has lived and conducted business in New York; Hamburg, Germany; Paris, France; Tehran, Iran; Singapore; Bangkok, Thailand; San Diego, California; Bombay, India and Hong Kong.

Since 1998, he has devoted himself entirely to art. 10 years as a creator of mosaics with over a dozen solo shows dedicated to the medium.

He studied the art form in Ravenna, Italy, under master Luciana Notturni of Scula Arte del Mosaico. His mosaics are owned by collectors throughout the country and number

Happenings Magazine

over 200.

In 2009 he turned his attention to oil painting and received instruction from Emmy Award winning artist David Dunlop of the Silvermine Guild Arts Center, New Canaan, Connecticut. His work in oils show a solid understanding of the unities of color, form and movement. Dozens of

his oils are in private collections, primarily in the United States.

His attention turned to watercolor with his move to Florida in 2013. The medium affords him the opportunity to complete a creative process, often within an hour or so. Of late, his style has involved the mixing of watercolor and pastel into a unique texture based painting. These small “wall gems” present a surprising array of color and mystery.

Retired, Roger continues to travel, painting daily everywhere and anywhere. The work on display at ACT Gallery is an interesting mix of local Floridian subject matter and pieces drawn from his international adventures.This exhibit continues through Aug. 30.

Donated works by a variety of artists will be on display in the white gallery. ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-337-5050 for more details.

AUGUST 2021 - 15

ArtSmack at Neenie’s House Aug. 22 ART

Art lovers and art enthusiasts are invited to come to Neenie’s House in The East Palm Neighborhood to enjoy an afternoon of creativity and conversation.

On Sunday, Aug. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, two local artists will be showing their work. Steven Hill is a painter from East Palm.

He attended Syracuse University Art School and has exhibited at local galleries and art shows. He is also a musician that you can hear when he performs at Music Walk. Steven will also be playing guitar at ArtSmack.

Carlos Perez is a local sculptor from Cape Coral. As a student at Fort Myers Technical College, Carlos created work that was then donated and bought by supporters of the arts program there.

As a welder, he uses his craft to create interesting art forms large & small, in metal. For the show, he is working on a group of wind chimes.

For additional information, Steven Hill contact owner Janeen Vanko at

Carlos Perez

224-678-4901. Neenie’s House is an arts & cultural emporium, growing and developing the arts in her East Fort Myers location.

“Jump out of the box, and visit a true Florida neighborhood. Keep locals alive and support their arts and businesses,” says Vanko.

More information can also be found online at www.neenieshouse.com

Cuban art, miniatures at Davis Art Center

Encounter II will be showing in the Grand Atrium and Carded: Miniature Masterpieces IV will be featured in the Capital Gallery at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center in August. The opening night reception takes place during Art Walk on Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Encounter II: Seven Contemporary Cuban Artists Exhibition is composed of artwork from creators of different aesthetic tendencies, expressing moods, feelings and points of view on dissimilar subjects. Diverse interests about the artist's surroundings, everyday issues, landscapes and objects that have caught their attention have been captured in their art.

The focus of this encounter is on variants of artistic expressions, shining a light on the beautiful diversity of trends and the various ways of assuming art.

Participating artists are Aimee Perez, Rigoberto Mena, Lia Galletti, Ismael Gomez Peralta, Asbel Dumpierre, Armando Perez Aleman and Victor Gomez. All of them now live in Miami, bringing with them a strong Cuban influence in their work.

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Asbel Dumpierre

Carded: Miniature Masterpieces IV, a group exhibition curated by Cesar Aguilera, will be showing upstairs. Although miniature art has been in existence for centuries tracing its heritage back to the illustrated manuscripts of scribes in the Far East and Europe prior to the 15th century, the origin of the modern trading card is associated with cigarette cards first issued by the U.S.based Allen and Ginter tobacco company in 1875. They were the precursors of the sports cards and other trading cards. Artist Ndola Pensy introduced the artist trading card idea to Southwest Florida in 2017 with great reception among artists, and this new tradition was born.

Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden will be open to the public during Art Walk from 6 p.m. to midnight. Havy Rodriguez from the Miami Splash Band will be performing live at Sidney's from 7-11 p.m. Rodriguez is a Cuban born singer, songwriter, guitar player, bass player and percussionist that fuses Latin and American music.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933.

Happenings Magazine

Lorrie Bennett exhibit at DAAS Co-Op In August, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is showcasing the artwork of whimsical artist and illustrator Lorrie Bennett. The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk.

The exhibition will be on display through Aug. 28.

SW Florida based artist Lorrie Bennett is a self-taught, contemporary and expressive mixed-media artist and illustrator who has always known, from an early age, that she was an artist. Even though her earlier career was not originally a creative field, artistic endeavors always found its way back into her life. And then after 20 plus years as a single mother and working as a graphic designer and marketing manager, she decided it was time to spend her life as a full-time artist and currently works out of her studio at her home.

Creating has always been a journey of experimenting and exploration for Lorrie. She is bound by no medium and paints an

assemblage of layers of materials such as acrylics, watercolors, inks, pastels, charcoal, monoprints, photo transfers, fabrics and vintage ephemeral papers such as wallpapers, book pages, maps, and sewing patterns (some over a century old). She also often incorporates mark-making patterns that come from textured items such as rolled up cardboard, bubble wrap, bottle caps or Styrofoam. "The excitement is the process of combining paints, drawing, mark-making, and collaging while choosing what to add, to cover up and what to leave untouched," says Bennett.

Inspired by the John Muir quote “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul,” Lorrie's current series weaves figurative and nature scenes together, as well as smaller botanical works. All things nature has always been a huge inspiration for Lorrie and has often found its way onto her canvas over the years. The figurative paintings express bold strength and beauty while a gentle kindness emerges. “Something I believe

every woman carries inside.” Each painting begins with a collaboration of materials and photography that once combined create a new story of life energy and soul.

Lorrie has her artwork in homes, businesses, and published in numerous publications including two adult coloring books: "Inkspirations: Fruit of the Spirit" and "Inkspirations: Fruit of the Spirit for Moms." She has illustrated several children’s books and is currently working with Applewood Books on a children’s counting book named "Dreaming of Fort Myers," available later this year on Amazon and stores throughout the U.S. Her art was also chosen for the cover and inside pages of "The Beauty of Zentangle," which recognized and presented 137 tangle artists worldwide. In 2018, Lorrie received the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Choice Award for 'Exhibition: X' juried show, for her mixed-media painting "The Story of Chromosome X." DAAS Co-Op is located at 1815 Fowler St. in the Butterfly Estates complex in Fort Myers. The gallery’s business hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info about the venue and how to become a member can be found at www.daascoop.com or at 239-590-8645.

Happenings Magazine

AUGUST 2021 - 17

Artists in Bloom

ART

at Naples Botanical Garden

Artists in Bloom, a truly collaborative community exhibition, opened July 2 at Naples Botanical Garden and runs through Sept. 6.

The works of art in this exhibition allow guests to see the beauty and splendor of the garden as seen through the eyes of more than two dozen of our community’s local artists. Guests can expect to see a wide array of works, ranging from photography and mixed media to charcoal and oil on canvas.

Organized in partnership with the United Arts Council of Collier County, Artists in Bloom takes an intimate peek into the relationship between the artist and the Garden as its muse, featuring an exciting selection of works that reflect the essence and spirit of Naples Botanical Garden. It serves as a reminder of how art and nature are intrinsically linked and gently prompts

“Donʼt Worry Bee Happy” by Alanna Jaron

18 - AUGUST 2021

the viewer to experience the garden in a new way.

The exhibition exemplifies one of the ways in which the Garden and United Arts Council have served as cornerstones, not only in the arts and cultural arena, but as members of the local community.

The show's guest juror is Lauren Amalia Redding, a local “And Then We Dream” by Susan Castle artist who operates H&R Studio with for residents of Collier, Lee, and her husband, sculptor Brett F. Harvey.

Charlotte counties through Sept. 30.

Artists in Bloom features 33 works Summer offers time and space for by 28 artists, who include Sara Abalan, residents of Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Alicia Allen, Gary Armstrong, William counties to explore all that makes Boling, Lynda Fay Braun, Emily Southwest Florida unique. At Naples Brockelsby, Susan Castle, Barbi Dalton, Botanical Garden, this time of year local Gary Day, Jan Deswik, Lavina Dhingra, residents get discounted admission.

Tanya Trinkaus Glass, Tara Funk Grim, Through Sept. 30, admission is $12 for Alanna Jaron, Carol Klein, Nancy adults, $3 for children (age 4 – 17), $8 Iannitelli, Dianne Mayberry-Hatt, for dogs (one dog per adult during desAdorable Monique, Susan Nardine Pratt, ignated dog walking times). As always, Dwight Oakley, Valerie J. Olson, Julie children 3 and under are free. Guests Pekrul, Gerry Roeder, Patrice Schelkun, need only present license or proof of Karen Kirk Shields, Martin Strasmore, residency at ticketing to receive this disDeborah Thomarios and Beth Thomas count.

This exhibition is on view in Kapnick Naples Botanical Garden is located Hall and is included with garden admisat 4820 Bayshore Drive. For more sion. Visit www.naplesgarden.org for details, call 239-643-7275 or visit more details on discounted admission www.naplesgarden.org.

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Punta Gorda Symphony presents summer series in August

The Punta Gorda Symphony returns to the stage at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus this August with a set of new indoor chamber music concerts.

The organization’s 2020-21 outdoor chamber series proved so popular it added performances at the last minute to accommodate demand. “We find that our year-round audiences are still clamoring for quality in-person performances during the summer,” explains executive director Craig Badinger. “We’re proud to be expanding our programming now to keep everyone excited in the off-season.”

On Aug. 7, the first in the series will feature a Punta Gorda Symphony String Quartet with violinists David Qi and Cindi Qi, violist Rafael Ramírez and cellist Shea Kole. Works on the program by classical music masters will combine to illustrate the endless and delightful diversity of chamber music.

From one of the greatest classical composers W.A. Mozart one will hear two sublime quartets; from Johann Strauss the Emperor Waltz; and from celebrated opera composers Puccini and Verdi, Madame Butterfly and La Traviata.

The Aug. 28 concert will feature The second conthe symphonyʼs percussionists. cert of the series on

Aug. 28 will highlight Punta Gorda Symphony Percussion Ensemble – a section that rarely gets to take center stage during orchestral performances. Percussionists Dean Anderson, Scott Crawford, Isaac Fernández Hernández and Tihda Vongkoth will come front and center to showcase the most riveting array of The Aug. 7 concert will feature instruments and music a string quartet. seldom heard in live concert settings.

The full program will be announced soon at www.PGSymphony.org.

Adult tickets are $30. Patrons can save 20% by selecting the summer series package online or by calling the symphony office at 941-205-5996. The concerts will be held in the Rush Auditorium (Building O) at Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus.

Soon after the success of a pilot concert in June presenting the organization’s wind quintet, the college eased COVID19 restrictions and now allows full audience capacity without social distancing or face coverings. Punta Gorda Symphony will continue to provide optional face masks and hand-sanitizing stations to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

For more information, updates and tickets, visit www.PGSymphony.org, or call 941-205-5996.

Sheena Brook to wrap up Sounds of Summer Aug. 20

The 2021 Sounds of Summer music series wraps up its three-month run in August with Sheena Brook at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center.

For the final concert in the series, experience an evening with singer-songwriter Sheena Brook on Aug. 20. Sheena Brook will be playing original songs and talking about the inspiration and the process behind them.

Sheena Brook has created her own sound by playing all types of genres. With her quick wit and ability to connect and interact with her audience, Sheena uses 20 - AUGUST 2021

techniques like looping to create music on the fly that leaves anyone watching in awe.

A Southwest Florida native, Sheena Brook has a laid back style with an energetic and inviting vibe. Sheena has played at many festivals, written with hit writers and also appeared on NBC’s The Voice.

Admission is $10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance is at 7:30 p.m.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For more information visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933.

Sheena Brook

Happenings Magazine

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest adds Jimmie Allen Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off its seventh year with an impressive lineup of talented singer-songwriters including headliners Jimmie Allen and Michael Ray. Allen, who won this year’s Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year, will perform at the highly anticipated pool party at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Sept. 26. The Delaware native made history as the first black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 songs on country radio.

His hit, “Best Shot,” claimed the No. 1 spot for three weeks and his second single, “Make Me Want To,” climbed the charts in March 2020. He recently released an album featuring collaborations with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton.

Ray, a Florida native, joins Island Hopper Songwriter Fest with three No. 1 songs, including “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less” and “One That Got Away.” He performs at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 23. Ray kicked off his summer tour in June with country star Luke Combs.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, a free 10-day music festival - except for a few

Jimmie Allen

ticketed events - runs from Sep. 17 - 26. It begins on Captiva Island Sept. 17 - 19, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers Sept. 20 - 23, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 24 - 26. The event is the largest songwriter festival in Southwest Florida and offers a unique experience to interact with songwriters at pool parties and beachside venues.

This year, more than 60 singer-songwriters from around the country will per-

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form more than 100 shows.

In addition to hit-making headliners, other award-winning performers at the festival include Jay Allen, Dylan Altman, Aaron Barker, Steve Dorff, Hannah Ellis, Frank Myers, Dave Pahanish, along with Fort Myers native Sheena Brook and more.

“BMI is thrilled to partner once again with Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and iHeartMedia for the 2021 Island Hopper Songwriters Fest,” said Dan Spears, BMI vice president of industry relations. “After the challenging year we’ve had, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to bring people back down to Southwest Florida and celebrate with great food, drinks and music. Thank you to all of the participating BMI-licensed restaurants, bars and hotels for giving our songwriters a platform to showcase their music and share the stories behind some of their most popular songs.”

While most of the festival performances are free, a few exclusive ticketed shows are available on the official festival app under the schedule tab. You can download the app in the App Store or on Google Play free of charge. Visit www.islandhopperfest.com for more details.

• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION Fort Myers home for original Americana music!

Live concerts are back!

Brian Smalley Saturday, August 7 Matt Hannam opens

Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com

Ellen Bukstel

Ellen Bukstel

Saturday, August 14 Jim Visone opens

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Show at 7 p.m.

Feed Florida show every Monday!

Streaming event features different musical guest and raises money for Harry Chapin Food Bank, hosted by ACMA member Kim Mayfield

Check our Fecebook page and our website for updates on all events

www.americanacma.org

Happenings Magazine

AUGUST 2021 - 21

MUSIC

Americana listening room returning with live shows

After more than a year of virtual performances, the Americana Community Music Association in Fort Myers has announced the return of in-person shows in August.

The ACMA is home for original Americana music. The ACMA provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of an $18 donation. The headliners are touring “under the wire, should be famous” musicians. Each show has a local songwriter that performs at a professional level open for the headliner.

In the upcoming season, the ACMA will be hosting performances at four different venues. They include the All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers, The Cornog Plaza at the Fort Myers Regional Library (downtown), Lovers Key State Park on Fort Myers Beach (indoors) and the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

The first ACMA concert will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 and feature Brian

ON THE COVER: Ellen Bukstel

22 - AUGUST 2021

Smalley.

From Menopause Brian Smalley is to Marijuana! a Florida guitar pick…Peace to Politics! er with 10 crafty fin…Poignant to gers, a variety of Provocative! … musical styles and Ellen Bukstel writes multiple personaliand sings about it ties. Having played all! This type of guitar all his life, happy-sad, life Brian has developed embracing, fearsome skill on the overcoming emogit-box, and postional schizophrenia sessing a creative truly captures the (and somewhat disspirit of modern turbed) imagination, independent music he is a master storymaking—whatever teller. Before the artist feels in “Chosen,” he’d that moment, she recorded six projshares…and whatects. His acoustic ever else Ellen is, novel she’s not shy about “ChickensPigs” it making her audireceived the Best ence “sit up and Florida Folk CD think…laugh til they Brian Smalley award from The cry…and sometimes Florida Times Union in 2013. And thouall at the same time!” sands have enjoyed the tale of Painter No stranger to the ACMA stage, Jim Kellet, a homeless man in Key West, Visone also plays regularly with Pine from the acoustic novel “Key.” Island Sound Trio.

Teaming up with Gatorbone “I played neighborhood bars and Recording Studio, Brian and friends restaurants in 1957 and '58 and then give us some real ear-candy with started playing in the Village until I “Chosen.” Over the top production moved to Texas in '65. I quit playing in value, musicianship to beat the band, public for several years and started up and a riveting storyline makes this a again in Las Vegas. Met some good pleasurable and thrilling listening experipickers there and played for about ence. seven years. I retired and moved to Matt Hannam will open for Brian Florida and started playing and hosting Smalley. Hannam is a cover artist and open mics about eight years ago. I cut a songwriter who performs as a solo CD two years ago and I'm playing artist, and with his six-piece band The around town regularly now. No plans of Collective. Matt is a former school stopping,” says Visone. teacher that has worked in the telecomThe singer songwriters circle has munications industry for the past 21 also returned and is held every other years. He has been a member of the Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. All Faiths ACMA since the founding year, and is a Unitarian Congregation at 2756 former board member of both the ACMA McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle and Hope by Song. is for acoustic songwriters of all levels.

Since The Collective’s formation in Songs and experiences are shared in a 2015, his band has shared the stage non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No with such notable national artists as membership required. All are welcome Fuel, Buckcherry, Cracker, Filter, 10 to come and play or just to listen. Check Years, Cinder and Smile Empty Soul.

Facebook for schedule.

The ACMA welcomes Ellen Bukstel The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Jim profit organization. Most concerts are Visone will open that evening. held at All Faiths Congregation.

She'll present her new songs (crafted For more information, visit online at during COVID) as well as revisit her www.americanacma.org and follow the classics. on Facebook.

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Ben Allen Band performs

at Paradise Coast Sports Complex

Collier County hosted an appreciation concert with fireworks July 3 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. The Ben Allen Band performed at the facilityʼs first stadium concert. At left is Ben Allen (a semifinalist on NBCʼs The Voice). At top are bandmates Bret Deising and Joe Fernandez. photos by Jamie Kuser

Blues challenge returns Oct. 3

After a quiet year, the Southwest Florida Blues Society and Cape Cabaret will be partnering on Sunday, Oct. 3 to present the Annual Southwest Florida Regional I.B.C. For the winners, it will manifest into a bucket-list opportunity, a historic engagement setting them squarely on the road to Memphis and the International Blues Challenge.

This competition is for area bands or solo/duo musicians who are interested in a higher level of regional, national and international recognition. This event can create a scenario where the winners will be in a better position to negotiate new gigs regionally by adding to their marketability. This opportunity could even lead to signing with a major record label or gaining the recognition needed to work with some of the industry’s leading agents, promoters and producers.

Winning the (Southwest Florida Blues Society) Regional I.B.C. and then later competing at the "I.B.C." in Memphis could provide you with some if not all of the options we just described above.

There are hundreds of bands that com24 - AUGUST 2021

pete worldwide every year for this opportunity and you can only get there when you've been selected by a Blues Foundation Affiliate Member to compete.

The local S.W.F.B.S. is a Blues Foundation affiliate member. In the past, Memphis competitors have included as many as 255 acts from 40 states, and 16 countries (and four continents). One of which was our Southwest Florida regional winner, Josh Rowand and The Pitbull of Blues Band. Josh and the band finished third overall in Memphis, playing at the iconic Orpheum Theater.

“Right now is truly a great time to be a blues band and a blues fan here in Southwest Florida. New bands and venues are becoming more prevalent every day. Opportunities like this only come by once a year and only in specific locations. This will undoubtedly be a day to remember with all of our best entertainers in one location competing for a chance to go to the I.B.C. in Memphis and represent Southwest Florida Blues fans,” says Jerry Tolliver, Blues Society Board member.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the

regional winners to help offset their travel expenses to Memphis. Fans are encouraged to come and vote, for a “people’s choice winner” which garners a trophy and bragging rights for the next year. So please come out and vote for your favorite band. There will be event shirts, raffles and giveaways, including some tickets for the Forgotten Music Festival and the Bradenton Blues Festival.

Blues musicians have already started to register for this amazing competition and attendees can be assured to get a fantastic day of music.

The previous competitions have included memorable performances by Josh Rowand and the Pitbull of Blues Band, The Marty Stokes Band, RJ Howson, The Mark Telesca Band and CC Bronson just to name a few. This can quickly become a standing room only event, so attendees are encouraged to come early as seating is on a first-come basis.

Complete details and registration forms for musicians are online at www.SWFBS.org just follow the “Regional IBC” navigation link.

Happenings Magazine

Seminole Casino Hotel

adds to concert schedule

The Spinners

GOLD Entertainment presents The Spinners performing their iconic R&B hits live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m.

Often thought of as a Motown recording act, The Spinners embody the sound of classic R&B and have sold more than 60 million records during their illustrious career,

with 18 Solid Gold Top 40 hits.

The group’s Top 10 hits include “Then Came You,” “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl,” “Cupid (I’ve Loved You For So Long),” “The Rubberband Man,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “I’ll Be Around,” “One Of A Kind (Love Affair)” and “It’s A Shame.”

Tickets are on sale now for $74.

The Spinners - Jan. 11

The Texas Tenors

GOLD Entertainment presents The Texas Tenors performing live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m.

The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group and third highest selling artist in the history of “America's Got Talent.” Since appearing on the show in 2009, JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen have released four studio albums, two PBS Specials, four DVDs, multiple singles and a children's book that have earned them impressive recognition including three Emmy Awards, The Gelett Burgess Award for Excellence in Children's

Marshall Tucker Band

Marshall Tucker Band - Jan. 27 Happenings Magazine

The Texas Tenors - Feb. 25

Literature, and the distinction of being Billboard Magazine's 2019 #10 Classical Artist in the World. Their most recent albums "Rise" and "A Collection of Broadway and American Classics" both debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Chart.

These classically trained, versatile tenors have performed more than 1,400 concerts around the world including headline shows in Las Vegas, China and a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom. With several different live concerts – including rousingly patriotic "Let Freedom Sing" and holiday favorite "Deep in the Heart of Christmas" – their concerts appeal to all ages and have been wildly successful from performing arts centers, casinos and symphony halls to outdoor festivals and corporate events. Tickets are on sale now for $69.

GOLD Entertainment presents an evening with The Marshall Tucker Band performing their classic southern rock hits live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m.

The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) came together as a young, hungry six-piece group in Spartanburg, S.C. in 1972, naming the band for a blind piano tuner after they found it inscribed on a key to their original rehearsal space. The band’s 40-plusyears music catalog consists of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases and has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over. MTB’s

indelible hits include the heartfelt singalong “Heard It in a Love Song,” the insistent pleading of “Can’t You See,” the testifying travelogue warning of “Fire on the Mountain,” the wanderlust gallop of “Long Hard Ride,” and the unquenchable yearning pitch of “Ramblin’,” to name but a few.

The Marshall Tucker Band members include original lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray and his current bandmates, drummer B.B. Borden, bassistvocalist Ryan Ware, keyboardistsaxophonist-flautist-vocalist Marcus James Henderson, guitarist/vocalist Chris Hicks, and guitarist/vocalist Rick Willis.

Tickets are on sale for $69.

Tickets to all of these shows are available at 1-800-514-ETIX or www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age.

AUGUST 2021 - 25

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

DEC 11

IN SW FLORIDA

Joe Bonamassa Hertz Arena, Estero

Thomas Rhett

SEP 18

Theory of a Deadman

Live Fest, Naples

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Hermanʼs Hermits starring Peter Noone

DEC 12

Santana

SEP 19

Hertz Arena, Estero

SEP 23

Michael Ray

Downtown Fort Myers

SEP 25

Randy Houser

The Ranch, Fort Myers

SEP 26

Jimmie Allen

Pink Shell, Fort Myers Beach

John Michael Montgomery

OCT 2

The Ranch, Fort Myers

OCT 3

Candlebox

The Ranch, Fort Myers

OCT 16 Rey Ruiz

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

The Oak Ridge Boys

DEC 22

David Foster

The Chatlotte Players welcome The Oak Ridge Boys on Tuesday, March 28, 2022, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Tickets go on sale Aug. 2. For ticket information, visit www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Jason Aldean

OCT 29

Rodney Atkins

NOV 16

The Kingston Trio

JAN 27

OCT 30

NOV 19

FEB 3

Hertz Arena, Estero The Ranch, Fort Myers

Jim Brown

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Clint Black

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

ZZ Top

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow Hertz Arena, Estero

DEC 3

OCT 21

Collie Buddz

NOV 6

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Here Come the Mummies

NOV 12

Hertz Arena, Estero

The Ranch, Fort Myers

OCT 22

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Casting Crowns 26 - AUGUST 2021

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

JAN 26

Three Dog Night

The Ranch, Fort Myers

The Spinners

NOV 13

NOV 5

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

JAN 11, 2022

OCT 28

Toby Keith

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Marc Anthony

Hertz Arena, Estero

Colt Ford

The Ranch, Fort Myers

Tedeschi Trucks Band BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Atlanta Rhythm Section

Hertz Arena, Estero

Chubby Checker

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Marshall Tucker Band

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

The Drifters

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

FEB 12

Blue Oyster Cult

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

The Temptations, The Four Tops

FEB 25

DEC 4

MAR 2

DEC 9

MAR 4

The LACS

The Ranch, Fort Myers

The Outlaws

The Ranch, Fort Myers

The Texas Tenors

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Celtic Woman

BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Fabian

Seminole Casino, Immokalee

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Candlebox is set to perform Oct. 3 at The Ranch.

Randy Houser will be at The Ranch Sept. 25.

The Ranch Concert Hall showcases rock, country

The calendar is filling up at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon.

More concerts are being added regularly to the country and rock schedule.

The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series welcomes Randy Houser on Sept. 25 (new date), John Michael Montgomery on Oct. 2, Rodney Atkins on Oct. 29, Colt Ford on Nov. 6, The LACS and Demun Jones on Dec. 4 and Shenandoah on March 12, 2022.

Other upcoming concerts at The Ranch Concert Hall (not part of the Galloway series) include Pure Country on July 31, Ben Allen Band on Aug. 21, Tommy

Happenings Magazine

Vext on Sept. 10, Theory of a Deadman on Sept.

18, Candlebox on Oct. 3, Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi tribute) on Oct. 8, Collie Buddz on Oct. 21, Sheclipse (Journey tribute) on Oct. 28, Jim Brown on Oct. 30, Atlanta Rhythm Section on Nov. 12, Kolby Cooper on Nov. 20 and The Outlaws on Dec. 9.

For tickets and details, go to www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839.

For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, which is located at 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

John Michael Montgomery - Oct. 2

Shenandoah - March 12, 2022

Colt Ford returns to The Ranch Nov. 6. photo by Jeff Fasano

AUGUST 2021 - 27

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Chris Day of Thunder Beach

Thunder Beach rocks July 4th celebration

Local rock band Thunder Beach headlined the Downtown Fort Myers Fourth of July celebration. photos by Jamie Kuser

28 - AUGUST 2021

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

AUGUST 2021 - 29

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Hot dogs on the Fourth of July

City Tavern on Bay Street hosted a hot dog eating contest on July 4 as part of the cityʼs Downtown Fort Myers Fourth of July Celebration.

The IMAG History & Science Center

adds new 3D big screen movies

The IMAG History & Science Center announces three new, exciting movies showing at the museum throughout the day for guests of all ages. First, discover the majesty and magnificence of the largest animal ever to walk the earth, the titanosaur.

Titanosaur 3D is a movie that explores the life, history, and environment of long-necked sauropods from egg to towering titan. Titanosaur presents the process by which scientists gather clues to understand and imagine these gargantuan reptiles and reveal the secrets of their diet, anatomy, growth, and behavior.

Vivid computer animation brings the prehistoric world of the titanosaur back to life in this touching, family-friendly celebration of the world’s most colossal plant-eater.

Titanosaur 3D show times are 12:15 and 3 p.m. daily.

Second, Journey to Space: Next stop Mars is a celebration of space exploration and tribute to international cooperation in space research for a vision of a manned mission to Mars. Narrated by Patrick 30 - AUGUST 2021

Stewart, this film builds on groundbreaking productions of the past 30 years as part of our history in space, beautifully and inspiringly chronicling the space shuttle orbiter program, the International Space Station, the Hubble telescope, and more. Journey to Space takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the operation to send astronauts to Mars within the next 20 years with new spacecraft, landers, habitats, and vehicles necessary to achieve interplanetary travel, touchdown, and colonization. Journey to Space show times are 12:45 and 3:30 p.m. daily.

The third movie is Aircraft Carrier: City at Sea. The mission to protect and defend

the world’s oceans has become far more complex and challenging in recent years; naval aviation has become increasingly vital to success in that role. One of the greatest engineering feats, the modern Nimitz-class carrier, is a masterpiece of technology and, as such, the aircraft carrier is the flagship of the fleet. With Aircraft Carrier, you will find yourself aboard the USS Ronald Reagan alongside 5,000 highly skilled sea and air personnel conducting flight operations during the largest, most comprehensive maritime training exercises in the world. Aircraft Carrier show times are 1:15 and 4 p.m. daily.

Admission to all three movies is included in admission to the museum. Adults are $15, seniors are $14, students and children are $12, children 2 years old and younger are free, and IMAG members are free as well.

The IMAG History & Science Center is located at 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers, and can be reached at 239-243-0043 or on the web at www.theIMAG.org.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

AUGUST 2021 - 31

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

This award-winning 112-seat authentic New York-style delicatessen (the only one in Southwest Florida) is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1st Street Deli brings a distinctly unique dining experience to the Southwest Florida market formerly found only in New York City. Here you can grab a sandwich that is bigger than your appetite. Offerings at the Deli include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Open daily 1 – 8 p.m.

Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items.

Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open six days a week (closed Sundays).

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

The Original Shrimp Dock

506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com

The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce.

Its wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including awardwinning twin lobster tails, smothered chicken and the ever-popular grilled ribeye. Open daily 9 a.m. – midnight.

506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com

Ella Mae’s Diner

Nostalgia served with a smile. A fun retro-inspired eatery serving comfort food and classic diner fare. Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s provides a welcome twist to the classic southern diner.

Celebrating Dr. Ella Mae Piper’s legacy, it’s here the community comes together to share stories as they enjoy a meal amidst vintage-inspired finishes and a bright color palette. Ella Mae’s Yogurt Parfait with fresh seasonal berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. Ella Mae’s Diner at Luminary Hotel & Co. is a fun retroinspired eatery serving up comfort food and classic diner fare.

Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s Diner is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm. Serving breakfast all day and lunch.

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3854 www.LuminaryHotel.com

32 - AUGUST 2021

1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

The Shrimp Dock is more than just a great waterfront restaurant on Fort Myers Beach, it’s a part of Florida history and it also boasts some of the best live entertainment in the area.

Go see the fantastic REAL DEAL Dueling Pianos show every Friday and Saturday and karaoke on Thursday nights. The Shrimp Dock is next to Salty Sam’s Marina and the Key West Express.

2200 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3043 www.OriginalShrimpDock.com

Oxbow Bar & Grill

For lunch and waterside dining at Oxbow Bar & Grill, guests love Little Miss Piggy – tender pulled pork with applewood smoked bacon, pork belly on a brioche bun and topped with a white BBQ sauce.

Served with onion rings and a pickle on the side.

Oxbow Bar & Grill offers casual dining right on the Caloosahatchee River. Open daily, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Live music on Sundays. Open Monday - Wednesday: 11am – 9 pm, Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm and Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm.

1300 Hendry St. Fort Myers 239-314-3856 www.oxbowfortmyers.com

Happenings Magazine

Silver King Ocean Brasserie

Prix Fixe Summer Special. Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays, enjoy a three-course dinner at Silver King Ocean Brasserie. This special menu includes Loch Duart salmon, hand-cut filet mignon, and airline chicken breast, plus salad or appetizer, side dishes and dessert. Executive Chef Brent Gauthier has taken the culinary helm at Luminary Hotel & Co. leading the hotel’s culinary team at The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, Ella Mae’s Diner, Beacon Social Drinkery, and Oxbow Bar & Grill. Silver King Ocean Brasserie showcased fresh seafood through clean, simple preparations for the modern palate. Centered on an open kitchen, the contemporary décor welcomes guests for an elevated dining experience.

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3855 www.LuminaryHotel.com

Southern Grill

The Southern Grill at the Shell Factory is a full restaurant including liquor, beer and wine. We have an outdoor bar and party venue.

There is no entry fee to get into the Shell Factory store or restaurants.

Parking is free. While you are here visit the Nature Park, Fun Park, Carousel and Soaring Eagle Zipline.

16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-995-3999 www.shellfactory.com

Happenings Magazine

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort

There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late.

1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

Twisted Vine Bistro

Located in Fort Myers River District, we pride ourselves in an eclectic menu, full liquor bar, boutique wine list and extraordinary dining experience. Twisted Vine Bistro, located in downtown Fort Myers' historic river district, prides itself in an extraordinary dining experience.

We are a beautiful polished, casual upscale restaurant that has an eclectic menu, a full liquor bar, and a wonderful boutique wine list. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other local unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive wine list, with over thirty wines by the glass. We even grow our own house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden, which is available for private parties and events. The Barrel Room (next door) offers live music also.

2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com

AUGUST 2021 - 33

AUGUST CALENDAR Live Music, Theatre, Art Exhibits, Concerts and Special Events

SUN - 1

Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141

High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

MON - 2

World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Jazz Trio - Brandon Robertson, Gerald Augustin, James Kerwin The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225

JP Soars and the Redhots The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225

Into the Woods Jr. Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 3 p.m., 239-772-5862

Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Failure: A Love Story Through Aug. 8 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

TUE - 3

Chris Taggart The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Grease Through Aug. 14 Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 East Palm Mercado Every Sunday Outdoor Neighborhood Marketplace at Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 224-678-4901 Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Flora Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Justin Ross The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Shaun Miller of Faded Roots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Kerri Moore The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 John Rizza and Jeffrey Hammond exhibit Through August Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral Reception 6 - 8 p.m. Aug. 3 www.harbourviewgallery.com

WED - 4

AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

wright plumbing

THE

Serving Lee and Collier Counties

239-628-7700

34 - AUGUST 2021

CO. LLC lic. # CFC 05 66 69

THU - 5

Dale The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jazz Quartet: Lew DelGatto, Brandon Robertson, Tony Vigilante, Randy Sandke The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Mike and Cheryl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 -10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Lorrie Bennett exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, 6 - 9:30 p.m., 239-590-8645 Red Hannah Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Carling Witt Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Featured artist is Roger Brown, 6 - 10 p.m., 239-337-5050

The Yabo Brothers Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 239-254-1080

Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687

Theatre Conspiracy: The Chechens Aug. 5 - 15 Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787

Encounter II and Miniature Masterpieces exhibits open Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933

FRI - 6

South Shore Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Elliott West Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043

SAT - 7

Sunset Celebration: School of Rock Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Paul Desmarais The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386 Memphis Lightning The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Happenings Magazine

Punta Gorda Symphony String Quartet Rush Auditorium, Florida SouthWestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda 7 p.m., $30, 941-205-5996 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Collaboration Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Gary Greenstein Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 ACMA: Brian Smalley All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Matt Hannam opens, 7 p.m. $18 donation, www.americanacma.org

Happenings Magazine

John Denver tribute Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 TikiFest Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Espl., Punta Gorda noon - 4 p.m. 800-639-0020

SUN - 8

East Palm Mercado Every Sunday Outdoor Neighborhood Marketplace at Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 224-678-4901 Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141

John Dee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

MON - 9

Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 10

Kerri Moore The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Anthony Pacone Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

WED - 11

Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jazz Trio - Brandon Robertson, Gerald Augustin, James Kerwin The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225

THU - 12

Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

AUGUST 2021 - 35

AUGUST CALENDAR THU - 12 CONTINUED Jazz Quartet: Lew DelGatto, Brandon Robertson, Tony Vigilante, Herb Bruce The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Evening on Fifth 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Mike and Cheryl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

FRI - 13

Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Dave Rode: Sounds of the 60s & 70s Aug. 13 - 15 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

36 - AUGUST 2021

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Wild & Free The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386

Paula Canon Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Nick Ramos Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386

Soapy Tuna Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Heavy Weather Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 CJ Matthew The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Yappy Hour Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 6 - 8 p.m., 239-489-1221

SAT - 14

Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043

GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples, 1 p.m. 239-213-3058

Brian Markley Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687

Drop the Mic Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 5:30 - 10:30 p.m. 224-678-4901

Happenings Magazine

Battle of the Arts Artsemble Underground, Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 5 - 8:30 p.m., 239-489-1221 Relentless Fire Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 ACMA: Ellen Bukstel All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Jim Visone opens, 7 p.m. $18 donation, www.americanacma.org Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Pop-Up Marketplace Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 239-489-1221

SUN - 15

Blues and Bloodys Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Cars and Coffee 239 Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 9 - 11 a.m., 239-254-1080 Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Green Dreams: Plant Day Sale & Garden Art Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

224-678-4901 Limited Edition Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141

MON - 16

Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Happenings Magazine

TUE - 17

Justin Ross The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Shaun Miller of Faded Roots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Kerri Moore The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Movies on the Lawn: School of Rock Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 8:15 p.m., 239-254-1080

WED - 18

AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jazz Trio - Brandon Robertson, Gerald Augustin, James Kerwin The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225

THU - 19

Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jazz Quartet: Lew DelGatto, Brandon Robertson, Tony Vigilante, Randy Sandke The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Gulf Coast Leisure: Art & Poetry Networking Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933

AUGUST 2021 - 37

AUGUST CALENDAR THU - 19 CONTINUED Rock the Block: Bluski & Dem Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6 - 9 p.m., 239-254-1080 Mike and Cheryl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

FRI - 20

Fort Myers Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.explorefortmyers.com Cross Street Station The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386 Simply Fi The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Sounds of Summer Concert: Sheena Brook Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Marty Stokes Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Iconic Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jenny Vereline Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 38 - AUGUST 2021

SAT - 21

Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples 1 p.m. 239-213-3058

ArtSmack Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers Featuring sculptor Carlos Perez and painter and guitarist Steven Hill 1 - 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Thunder Beach Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141

Paul Desmarais The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386

Cruise-In Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 8:30 - 11 a.m., 239-489-1221

Cahlua and Cream The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225

GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787

Arts in August Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 800-639-0020

Smokin Aces Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 -11 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 23

Music & Art Night Lorne’s Gallery, Marina Village at Tarpon Point, unit 105, Cape Coral Featured artist Lorne Hosack, 5 - 8 p.m., 239-945-0866 Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Alan Small Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 Ben Allen Band The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839

SUN - 22

Chris Taggart The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 24

Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Anthony Pacone Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Kerri Moore The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

WED - 25

Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jazz Trio - Brandon Robertson, Gerald Augustin, James Kerwin The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225

THU - 26

Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Mike and Cheryl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Jazz Quartet: Lew DelGatto, Brandon Robertson, Tony Vigilante, Herb Bruce The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Pop-Up Marketplace Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 5:30 - 8 p.m., 239-489-1221

FRI - 27

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Brad Allison The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043

High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

CJ Matthew The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

The Dead Ataris Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Happenings Magazine

Joey Tenuto Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Claire Liparulo Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687

SAT - 28

Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Sunset Celebration - ESP Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Happenings Magazine

Badger & Rose The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

239-252-4386 The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Flora Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 -11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples 1 p.m. 239-213-3058

Punta Gorda Symphony Percussion Ensemble Rush Auditorium, Florida SouthWestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda 7 p.m., $30, 941-205-5996 Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

SUN - 29

Alexis and Company The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141

MON - 30

Alan Small Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

TUE - 31

Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687

Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225

Shaun Miller of Faded Roots Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

David Rojas Jr. Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800

East Palm Locals Bazaar Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 224-678-4901

Kerri Moore The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141

Cape Coral Film Festival Aug. 28 - 29 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Collaboration Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

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Happenings Magazine - SW Florida

AUGUST 2021 - 39