Publisher’s Spotlight
Holidaytheatre
SouthwestFloridatheatresarea buzzwithholidaycheerandmusic thismonthaswegetreadytoend anotheryearonthecalendar.
So,let’stakealookatwhatison ourareastages.
InNaples,TheatreZoneisgearingupforitsannual HomefortheHolidays onstageDec.19-21.
TheBelleTheatre’s nextmainstageproductionwillbeFrozen Dec.18-28inCape Coral.
TheNaplesPlayers presentsLittleWomen themusicalnow throughDec.21.Their sixthannualFestivalof Treesrunsintandem withthatshow.
advicewillopenDec.9andplay throughJan.11atFlorida’Rep’s ArtStageStudioTheatreindowntownFortMyers.
OnMarcoIsland,ArtsCenter TheatrewillperformBaggageDec.6 -Dec.23.
TheatreConspiracyandThe LaboratoryTheaterof FloridapresentClown BarChristmasDec.521inFortMyers.
TheCharlotte PlayerswillperformOvertheTavern nowthroughDec.14attheLangdon PlayhouseinPortCharlotte.
HolidayHavocplaysnowthrough Dec.24onSeminoleGulfRailway’s MurderMysteryTraininFortMyers.
FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresentsTheTrialofEbenezerScrooge Dec.2-21intheHistoricArcade TheatreindowntownFortMyers.
IrvingBerlin’sWhiteChristmasis nextintheseasonforGulfshore PlayhouseinNaples.Thatrunsnow throughDec.21attheBaker TheatreandEducationCenter.
TheOffBroadwayPalmTheatre inFortMyersisstagingWinter WonderettesNov.27throughDec. 28.
Ho!Ho!Ho!TheChristmasShow! isbeingperformedDec.2-21at PlayersCircleTheaterinFortMyers.
BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatre presentsAChristmasStorythe musicalnowthroughDec.28inFort Myers.
SouthwestFloridaTheatre Company’sOnceUpona Christmastimeisonstagethrough Dec.6attheMusicandArts CommunityCenterinFortMyers.
Anewmoderncomedycalled
TheCapeCafe DessertTheatrein CapeCoralpresentsa Christmascabaret everyweekendnow throughJan.11.
MaltShop MemoriesCruise
KathyandIdidour fifthannualsailing aboardtheMaltShopMemories Cruiserecently.Althoughwemay havebeentheyoungestcruisers aboardtheship,wehadathoroughlyenjoyabletimeminglingwithold friendsandperformingartistsand creatingnewmemories.PaulAnka, LittleAnthonyandTheJacksons weresomeofthebignameson board.But,therewereanother20or soartistswhogaveoutstandingperformances.
The2026sailingofMaltShop MemoriesCruisewentonsaletothe publicNov.20.Thelineupfornext NovemberincludesWayneNewton, TheTemptations,Herman’sHermits starringPeterNoone,DarleneLove, TheDooWopProjectandmany more.Thiswillbethe16thanniversaryofthiscruise,andlikeinyears past,itwillselloutsoonerthanlater.
Ifyouliketocruiseandyoulove livemusicperformedbyfantastic artistsfromthe50sand60s,then thisisforyou.Youcangetspecial reducedcabinpricesbyusingthe promocode“Happenings”whenyou call844-877-6258orgoonlineto maltshopcruise.com/happenings Rockon, Jamie
JenFalk,DebJonsson, BobWilliams,BethPreddy,KathyBernier, MelissaDehaven,RachelApplegate, ShaelynCrabtree,PaulaSisk,TylerYoung Sales&Marketing: JamieKuser,LisaDoyle-Mitchell,
isowned,published &distributedmonthlyinLee,CollierandCharlotte countiesby KMKPublishingInc
TheatreZonekicksoffnewseason withHomefortheHolidays
TheatreZone’sbelovedChristmasmusical,Homeforthe Holidays,setsthefestivemoodwithtraditionalandmemorablesongs,exuberantchoreographyandaseriesofstorytellingskitsDec.19-21.
ThistraditionalseasonopenerisTheatreZone’sninth annualproductionofitspopularholidaymusical.
HomefortheHolidayswillbeperformedonFridayand Saturday,Dec.19and20,at7:30p.m.,andonSaturdayand Sunday,Dec.20and21,at2p.m.Ticketsare$50to$90, dependingonseatselection.
ThemusicalwascreatedbyTheatreZone’s foundingartisticdirector MarkDanniin2016.“I wantedtocreateafun andfestiveshowtoget everyoneintheholiday spirit,”Dannisaid.
Themusicalstarsa castofeightadultprofessionalperformersanda troupeofadorablechildren.Together,thecast performsholidaysongs andlivelydanceroutines choreographedby TheatreZone’sassociate artisticdirectorKaren MolnarDanni.
Aseven-pieceprofessionalorchestraisdirectedby CharlesFornara.“Everyyear,oursonglineupchangestomix inmodernsongswithclassics,”Dannisaid.
Thesonglineupthisyearincludes“WhereareYou Christmas,”“UglyChristmasSweater,”“I’llbeHomefor Christmas,”“PeaceonEarth/LittleDrummerBoy”and “Rockin’AroundtheChristmasTree.”
“Theenergeticcast,creativecostumes,livebandand funnybantergivetheshowafunatmosphereintunewiththe joyfulseason,”Dannisaid.
TobuyticketsforHome forHolidays,visitwww.theatre.zoneorcallthebox officeat888-966-3352. Ticketsare$50to$90, dependingonseatselection.
TheatreZone,celebratingits21stseasonin20252026,performsitsmusical productionsintheintimate 250-seatG<heatreconvenientlylocatedinNaples at13275LivingstonRoad, betweenPineRidgeand VanderbiltBeachroads,in adedicatedbuildingnestled withinthecampusofthe CommunitySchoolof Naples.
Frozenonstageat TheBelleTheatre
ByTylerYoung
Happyholidaysfrom everyoneatTheBelle.
Lookingfortheperfect gift?Givethegiftoflive entertainment!Belle Theatregiftcertificatesare perfectforallages. Supportlocal,giveagift they’llrememberandpurchaserightonlinesoyou don’tevenhavetoleave thehouse.
Thismonth,weare proudtobeamongstthe firsttobringthefull-scale productionofDisney’s FrozentothestageDec. 18–Dec.28.
WhenQueenElsa’s hiddenpowersplungethe landofArendelleintoan eternalwinter,hersister Annasetsouttofindher andsavethekingdom beforeit’stoolate.Butas thestormrageson,both sistersmustlearnthatonly anactoftruelovecan thawafrozenheart.
Audiencesofallages willenjoythisjourney packedwiththrillingsurprises,hilariouscharacters andsoaringmusic,includinghitsongs:“FortheFirst TimeinForever,”“DoYou WanttoBuilda Snowman?”andfan favorite“LetitGo.”
Ourteamhitsthe groundrunninginJanuary
withtheopeningofthe classicAnythingGoes wherelove,mistakenidentityandatransatlantic cruiseaboardaluxury shiptakethestageinthis ColePortermusicalwith favoritesongslike“You’re theTop,”“IGettaKick OuttaYou,”“It’sDeLovely”and,ofcourse,the titleshowstopper, “AnythingGoes.”
FollowingAnything GoescomestheJonesHope-Wootencomedy AlwaysABridesmaid,9to 5:TheMusical,andtofinishouttheseason,Ken Ludwig’sTheGodsof Comedy.
Forticketsandmore informationaboutour upcomingproductionsand events,visitusonlineat TheBelleTheatre.comor giveusacallat239-3235533.
TheBelleTheatreis locatedat2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,Cape Coral.
Stayup-to-dateonthe latesthappeningsatThe Belle,Besuretofollowus onFacebookand Instagram(@thebelletheatre).
TylerYoungisfounder andexecutivedirectorof TheBelleTheatre
GulfshorePlayhouseinNaplespresents IrvingBerlin’sWhiteChristmas
KristenCoury,CEOandproducing artisticdirectorforGulfshorePlayhouse, isdelightedtocelebratetheholidayseasonwithIrvingBerlin’sWhiteChristmas, playingnowthroughDec.21onthe MoranMainstageattheBakerTheatre andEducationCenter.
Thisbelovedholidayclassicfeatures dazzlingdancenumbers,aglorious scorepackedwithIrvingBerlinhits,and aheartwarmingstorysuretomakespiritsbright.DirectedbyDannDunn,with choreographybySaraBriansandmusic directionbyTrevorM.Pierce,White ChristmasbringstogetherBroadwaytalenttodeliverafestiveproductionperfect forthewholefamily.
Leadingthecastastheiconicsongand-danceduoareBenMichaelasBob WallaceandChrisMcNiffas PhilDavis.Michael’scredits includetheoriginalBroadway castofParadiseSquareand thefirstnationaltourofAn AmericaninParis,while McNiffpreviouslytoured nationallyinIrvingBerlin’s WhiteChristmasandthe nationaltourofMemphis.
StacieBonostarsasBetty Haynes,freshfrom Broadway’sTonyAward-winningrevivalofParadeandthe worldpremiereofBroadway’s QueenofVersailleswhere shewasthestandbyfor KristinChenoweth.Cassie
AustinjoinsasJudyHaynes,withcredits includingtheFirstNationalTourofHello, Dolly!andPhantom(TheGateway).
Bringingwarmthandhearttothe storyareTomGalantichasGeneral Waverly,whoseBroadwaycredits includeTheLehmanTrilogyandFunny Girl,andCharisLeosasMarthaWatson, aveteranperformerwithcreditsspanningWalnutStreetTheatre,Pioneer TheatreCompany,andMaineState MusicTheatre.
Addingholidaymagic,theroleof SusanWaverlywillbesharedbytwo youngperformers.NaplesnativeSolei CarlottaBourgeois,who,asa Conservatorystudent,madeher GulfshorePlayhousedebutasAnniein AnnieJr.in2021.Shewillalternateper-
formanceswithOrlando/NewYork-based actressAliceDeHaen.
OtherfeaturedrolesincludeColin BradburyasRalphSheldrake,Matthew MichaelJanisseasMikeNulty/Mr. SnoringMan,DavidSitlerasEzekiel Foster,andMayaJ.Christian,who patronswillrememberasSweet Charity’sPastorDaddyBrubeck,as Tessie/Mrs.SnoringMan.
TheensembleincludesJosephRyan Harrington,AlexFullerton,JustinMichael Lopez,arielChaimBarmor,Abby Hesselroth,KayleeOlson,Samantha Littleford,JessieLawyer,LilyRose,Anna Backer,CollinMatthewFlanagan,and dancecaptainMalloryDavis.
WhiteChristmasisdirectedby GulfshorePlayhouseassociateartistic directorDannDunn,whodirectedandchoreographedlastseason’sproductionofSweet Charity.
TrevorM.Pierce,whose careerencompassesinternationalandnationaltoursaswell asregionaltheatreproductions, servesasmusicdirector.
Buyticketsonlineat gulfshoreplayhouse.orgorby phoneat239-261-PLAY.
GulfshorePlayhouseisnow producingintheBakerTheatre andEducationCenter,located atthecornerofGoodlette-Frank Roadand1stAvenueSouth, Naples.
AChristmasStoryatBroadwayPalm
BroadwayPalmisspreadingholidaycheerwiththetimelessfamily favoriteAChristmasStory,playing nowthroughDec.28.
Basedonthebeloved1983film, thislaugh-out-loudmusicalcapturesallthewarmth,nostalgia,and hilarityofRalphieParker’sunforgettablechildhoodChristmas.
Setin1940sIndiana,young Ralphiedreamsofonlyonething forChristmas–anofficialRed Rydercarbine-action200-shot rangemodelairrifle.
Audienceswilldelightasthey followRalphie’squest,encounteringalltheiconicmomentsalongthe way:theinfamousleglamp,the pinkbunnypajamas,thecranky departmentstoreSanta,and,of course,thetriple-dogdare.
Directedandchoreographedby AmyMarieMcCleary,thecast includesJonathanVanDykeas JeanShepherd,MorielBeharas Mother,RyCavanaghasTheOldMan,ParkerRoss Williams/JoshuaGuerraasRalphie,ReidWylie/Asher AzziasRandy,AbigailAldridgeasMissShieldsandDean MarinoasSantaClaus.
PerformancesareTuesdaythroughSundayevenings withselectmatinees.Ticketscanbereservedbycalling 239-278-4422,byvisitingBroadwayPalm.comoratthe boxofficeat1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
FLORIDAREPERTORYTHEATRE
TheTrialofEbenezerScrooge
FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresents TheTrialofEbenezerScroogeinthe HistoricArcadeTheatreDec.2-21.
ThedelightfulandzanyholidaycomedybytheauthorofAroundtheWorldin 80Daystakesplaceayearafter EbenezerScrooge’smiraculoustransformation.Theentertainingandfamilyfriendlystoryissetinacourtroomwhere ScroogeissuingJacobMarleyandthe GhostsofChristmasPast,Presentand Future.Theallegationsincludebreaking andentering,kidnapping,slander,pain andsuffering,attemptedmurderandthe intentionalinflictionofemotionaldistress. Theplotisnoserious,cantankerous courtroomdrama.Instead,it’sasurprisingtwistwithacomedicapproach unleashingaseriesofeventsfilledwith laughs,heart,andnostalgicflashbacks totheoriginalDicken’sholidayclassic.
“Theplayisawonderfulholidaytreat fortheentirefamily,”saysGreg Longenhagen,FloridaRep’sproducing artisticdirectorandthedirectorofThe TrialofEbenezerScrooge.“Thestoryis filledwithgentlelifelessons,holiday mirth,andplentyofcomedy.OurtalentedcastbringtheclassicDickens’characterstolifewithbothdepthandflair–allforthedelightofthe audience.”
Thecastfeaturesfan-favoriteFloridaRepensembleactors VikiBoyle(Boca),V.CraigHeidenreich(AndThenThereWere None),andWilliamMcNulty(Boca)whoplayedEbenezer
ScroogeinFloridaRep’sproductionofA SherlockCarol,alongwithreturningguest actorsCarolHalstead(TheImportanceof BeingEarnest),JonathanWiener(Sheer Madness),andAtticusShaindlinand DereckWalton,makingtheirFloridaRep debuts,alongwithDianneSummers (PlayLab2025)andFloridaRep’sSeason 28actinginterncompanymembersJana Denning,PatriceEakman,Hannah Eastman,GabeHunyor,CodyKlimekand EthanLeón.Theproductionalsofeatures anensembleofyouthfromFloridaRep’s educationprograms:SerenityBailey,Lane Free,NixynFridh,JacksonHaliburton, SydneyMcMasters,DeaconQuinn Mendez,MiaSantore,IzySedorchuk,Jack R.Wade,andSuvaneeWood.
Ticketsstartat$69foradults($15for students)andmaybepurchasedonlineat www.floridarep.orgorbycallingthebox officeat239-332-4488ortoll-freeat877787-8053.Thetheatreisalsoofferinga specialfamilydealfor$150thatincludes ticketsfortwoadults,twochildren,and twocomplimentaryhouseconcession items.Calltheboxofficetoreservethis familydeal.
Curtaintimesare7p.m.Tuesday throughThursdayandSaturdays,with2p.m.matineeson Wednesdays,Fridays,Saturdays,andSundays,and8p.m.for theopeningnightperformanceDec.5.FloridaRep'sparking lotopenstwohoursbeforeeachperformanceandoffersguests freeparkingacrossthestreetfromtheArcadeTheatre.
Advice: Sharp,hilarious&uncomfortablyrelatablenewcomedy
FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresents Advice,anewcomedybyBrentAskari makingitsNationalNewPlayNetwork RollingWorldPremiere.
TheplayrunsDec.9throughJan.11 intheArtStageStudioTheatre.
Advicetakesalivelyandirreverent lookatfriendship,ambitionandthe messyfalloutofgiving(andgetting)wellintentionedbutill-fatedlife-advice.The storyfollowsJoyandRon,whoonthe eveoftheiranniversarylearntheirwellmeaningbutcluelessfriendGaryhas writtenaself-helpbook.Beforethepair hastimetodigestthenews,Garyshows upontheirdoorstepreadytosubject themtohiscouple-exercises.What beginsasareluctantfavorturnsintoan
uproariousunravelingofsecretsthat rocksthefoundationoftheirrelationship.
FloridaRepertoryaudienceswillbe amongthefirsttoexperiencethisnewly mintedworkinitsworld-premierecycle. AdviceisproducedatFloridaRepertory TheatreaspartofaNationalNewPlay NetworkRollingWorldPremiere.Other partnertheatresareFloridaStudio Theatre(Sarasota)andBStreetTheatre (Sacramento)–wheretheplaywasa finalistintheTheatre’s2024New ComediesFestival.
“Adviceissharp,hilarious,and uncomfortablyrelatableforanyonewho’s evertriedtofixsomeoneelse’slife…or theirown,”saidGregLongenhagen, FloridaRepertoryTheatre’sproducing
artisticdirector.“Thecleverpremise, wittydialogue,anddoseofemotional truth,promisestodeliverlaughsand leaveyouthinking.”
ThecastfeaturesreturningNewYorkbasedactorsJenniferByrne(Shear Madness)andPatrickRichwood(Lucky Stiff)alongsideJohnLongmakinghis FloridaRepdebut.Allthreeactorshave extensiveexperienceonstagesacross thecountry,ontelevision,andinfilm.
Ticketsstartat$69foradultsandmay bepurchasedonlineat www.floridarep.orgorbycallingthebox officeat239-332-4488ortoll-freeat877787-8053.Performancesareheldinthe ArtStageStudioTheatreonBaySt. betweenJackson&Hendry.
Viki Boyle
V.Craig Heidenreich
CharlottePlayerspresentOvertheTavern throughDec.14atLangdonPlayhouse
TheCharlottePlayerscontinue theirlandmark65thseasonofcommunitytheatreattheLangdon Playhouse,runningnowthroughMay.
Thismilestoneseasonoffersa vibrantmixofeightmainstageproductions,specialmusicalguests, stand-upcomedynights,andbeloved events,eachpromisinglaughter,inspiration,andunforgettableentertainmentforaudiencesofallages.
“Thisyear’slineupisbold,diverse, anddownrightfun,”saidexecutive directorSherrieMoody.“We’vegot hilariouscomedies,amusicalbased onafan-favoriteplay,thrillingmysteries,andawidearrayofspecial eventstopleasejustabouteveryone.”
Fortheholidayseason,Overthe Tavernoffersaheartfeltcoming-ofagestorysetin1950sblue-collar Buffalo,whereaprecocious12-year-
oldboyquestionsauthorityandseeks answersofhisown.
OvertheTavernplaysnowthrough Dec.14.
AlsoinDecember,theCharlotte PlayerswelcomeBiancaandRobin’s DragQueenBingoonDec.9at 7:30p.m.
Closingoutthemonth,aNew Year’sEveDiscoBoogieFeverevent willbeheldDec.31at6p.m.and againat8:30p.m.
KickingoffthenewyearinJanuary, FourOldBroadsontheHighSeas setssailwithfourfeistyseniorswhose anticsaboardacruiseshipbringbelly laughsandmischief.
InFebruary,thehilariouslycloisterednunsreturninDrinkingHabits2: CaughtintheAct,wheresecrets,mistakenidentities,andslapstickchaos abound.
Marchfeaturesthesuspenseful
classicDial“M”forMurder,agripping andstylishthrillerfilledwithdeception, betrayal,anddeadlyconsequences.
AprilwelcomesSwingtime Canteen,amusicalsetina1940s Londoncanteen.Featuringperiodhits andpatrioticflair,thisspiritedrevue capturestheheartandsoulofwartime camaraderie.
TheseasonconcludesinMaywith TheVelocityofAutumn,apoignant dramedyaboutanagingartistfiercely defendingherindependenceasher sontriestoreconnectwithher.
Memberships,seasonsubscriptions,andindividualticketsarenow available.
Forthelatestupdates,showtimes, andticketinformation,visitwww.charlotteplayers.orgorcall941-255-1022.
TheCharlottePlayers’Langdon Playhouseislocatedat1182Market Circle,PortCharlotte.
OnceUponaChristmastime atMusic&ArtsCommunityCenter
TheSouthwestFlorida TheatreCompany,incollaborationwiththeGulfCoast Symphony,announcesthe worldpremiereofOnceUpon aChristmastime,anoriginal holidaymusicalthatbringsfestivecheerandfairy-talemagic totheMusic&ArtsCommunity CenternowthroughDec.6.
OnceUpona Christmastimeisabrandnew productionconceivedbyproducerAndrewM.KurtzandcreatedbyJulieCarver,SouthwestFloridaTheatreCompany’s musicdirector.Thisheartwarmingmusicalinvitesaudiences intoalandfar,faraway,wherebelovedfairy-talecharacters embarkonajourneytodiscoverthetruemeaningof Christmas.
Blendingtimelessholidaysongswithimaginativestorytelling,OnceUponaChristmastimecapturesthewonder, joy,andspiritoftheseason.
"WithOnceUponaChristmastime,Iwantedtocreatea
holidayexperiencethat’s enchanting,musical,andfullof heart.Combiningcherished Christmassongswithafresh storyfeaturingGrimmBrothers characters,andinspiredby TheGiftoftheMagi,it’sacelebrationoflove,magic,and thetrueSpiritofChristmas.It’s ajoyfulblendofmusicand storytellingthatremindsus whatmakesthisseasonso special,”saidJulieCarver.“Audiencescanexpecttolaugh, singalong,andleavewithfullhearts.”
OnceUponaChristmastimewillbedirectedbyfrequent SouthwestFloridaTheatrecollaboratorandBroadwayveteran,actoranddirectorRaymondMcLeod.Thecatsincludes RebaHartman,NatalieBrouwerandMattMichael.
PerformancestakeplaceattheMusic&ArtsCommunity Center,13411ShireLane,FortMyers. Fortickets,call239-277-1700orvisitonlineat gulfcoastsymphony.org.
Reba Hartman Matt Michael
Natalie Brouwer
Holidayrevue,LittleWomen onstageatPlayersCircleTheater
PlayersCircleTheaterisofferinglots ofholidaycheerwithitsannualrevue.
Brimmingwithlove,laughter,andall yourfavoriteholidaysongs,Ho!Ho!Ho! TheChristmasShow!isbackbypopular demandatPlayersCircleonstage Dec.2-21.
“Ourrevueisguaranteedtoputyouin theholidayspirit,completewithsinging, dancing,livemusic,andallyourfavorite toe-tappingChristmasclassics,”says artisticdirectorRobertCacioppo,who originatedtherevue.“Thisholidayseasonweareproudtopresentaudiences withasophisticatedandcharmingmusical,reminiscentoftheclassictelevision specialswefondlyrecallfromyears goneby.”
Ho!Ho!Ho!TheChristmasShow! featuresover30heartwarmingholiday classics,includingoriginalmaterialand raremusicalgems,including“White Christmas,”“It’stheMostWonderful TimeoftheYear”andmore.
“Thereisalittlesomethingforeveryone;includingalivepianist,tap-dancing,
andlittlehiddenChristmasmagic,” explainsCacioppo.“Itiselegantand uplifting,makingittheperfectnight outforadate,theentirefamily,or evenabigofficeparty.”
In2023,therevueplayedtosoldouthouses,capturingtheheartsand adulationofpatronsandcriticsalike.
Cacioppodescribesthecreationof thisnewpieceas“afunandmagical collaborativeprocess”as“throughout theyears,therehavebeenseveral contributionsmadebyclosefriends andartists.”Now,PlayersCircle’s 2025productionseekstoupdatethe material,everexpandingthenewholidaytradition,whilekeepingitfresh yetfamiliar.
TheproductionfeaturesPlayers CircleensemblemembersAJ Mendini,KimberlySuskind,Ricky Pope,andTedWioncekIII,asweas introducedRachelQuerreveld.
“Thereisalittlesomethingfor everyone;includingalivepianist,tapdancing,andlittlehiddenChristmas
LittleWomenwillbepresentedJan.6-Feb.1 atPlayersCircleTheaterinFortMyers.
magic,”explainsCacioppo.“Itiselegant anduplifting,makingittheperfectnight outforadate,theentirefamily,orevena bigofficeparty!”
PlayersCircleTheatrewillstartthe newyearwithLittleWomenthemusical playingJan.6throughFeb.1.
Thestorythatsweptthenationwillbe broughttolifeinthisepicmusicalonthe PlayersCirclestage.Fullofshowstoppingmelodiesandupliftingspirit,this timelesstaleabouttheenduringpower offamilyisguaranteedtocaptureyour heartandastonish.
“Thisfamilymusicalhasitall,from comedyandadventure!Sixgenerations havereadthebook.Thisonewillsingit,” cheersassociateartistdirectorTed WioncekIII.
PlayersCircleislocatedat13211 McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.Callthebox officeat239-800-3292orvisitonlineat playerscircletheater.com
ArtsBonita’syearlytheatrefundraiser bringstheholidaycheerinDecember
BroadwayHoliday,createdand directedbyKody.CJones,isArts Bonita’sAnnualBroadwayToday fundraiser,takingplace onDec.11.
Allproceedsfrom thisfundraisergo directlytotheyouth theatreprogram.
BroadwayHoliday displaystheclassicsof theholidayseason.Withsongand dancenumbers,bothsolosandgroup performances,thisperformanceissuitableforthewholefamily.TheArts BonitaYoungActorsTheatrewillhavea surprisetotheshowthatclosesout theirperformanceandwrapsupthe holidaycheerinabow.
edtheirownartpiecesfortheauction.
“BroadwayHolidayisanincredibly uniqueeventthatsidestepstheultraformalgalaformatandtreatstheattendeestoanextravaganzaofperformanceandcelebration.Whilewedouse itasatooltohelpuscreatebiggerand brightershowsforthecomingseason, wewelcomeanyonewhowishesto attend;whethertheybecomeasponsor,scoresomegreatitemsatthesilent auctionorsimplyhelpuscelebratethe seasonandthephenomenaltalentwe areprivilegedtopresentonourstage,” saysJosephBrauer,ArtsBonita’s Theatreartisticdirector.
Throughouttheevent,therewillbe twoauctionsforpatronstoparticipate in.FirstisasilentauctionthatwillhappenintheHinmanLobby.Localartists suchasArtsBonitaCeramicsChairand GulfCoastPottery’sKelCampbelland glassinstructorPaulineWeinertdonat-
Golisano’sC’MONChildren’sMuseum ofNaples,theFortMyersMighty Mussels,EsteroRiver Outfittersandmore localorganizationsand businesseshavedonateditemsaswell. Thesecondauction isapaddleraisethat takesplacethroughout thedurationoftheshow.Proceeds fromthepaddleraiseauctionwillgo towardupgradingtheatrerelated spaces,suchastherehearsaland dressingrooms,toaccommodatelargercastsizesandlarger-scaleproductions.Upgradeswillalsogointothe sceneandcostumeshopsforbetter designerandvolunteerexperiences andlargerbuildingprojectsandintricatewardrobingopportunities.
The2026ArtsBonitaActorsTheatre seasonincludesTitanic:TheMusicalin thespringandFrozenJr.andDogfight inthesummer.
“Withsomuchpotentialandtalent inSouthwestFlorida’syouth,theskyis trulythelimitontheshowswecancreateandstorieswecantell,”Jones says.“However,donationstoouryouth theatrearethemainsourceofincome thatkeepsthesekidsonstageandfulfillingtheirpotentialintheperforming arts.”
HinmanAuditoriumislocatedat 10150BonitaBeachRoad,Bonita Springs.Ticketsareavailableforpurchaseonlineorattheboxoffice.For infoandtickets,visitArtsBonita.orgor call239-495-8989.
SteveSolomonʼsthree-timeawardwinning MyMotherʼsItalian,MyFatherʼsJewish&Iʼm InTherapyhasmetwithravereviewsand greataudienceacclaimthroughoutthecountry;andbecameoneofthelongestrunning one-manshowsinBroadwayhistory.Once again,wemeetthepeoplethatweʼrealltoo familiarwith;thefamilymembersthatmake yourememberwhyyoulefthomeinthefirst place.Thistime,however,wegettosee greaternuancesintothepersonalitiesofthe dozensofcharactersweʼllmeetalongthe way:Theirpersonalities(orlackof)theirfeedinghabitsandtheirinstinctiveabilitytoturn totaljoyintorelentlessbuthystericalchaos.Sopreparetolaugh,preparetocry andpreparetobedelightedwith“MyMotherʼsItalian,MyFatherʼsJewish&Iʼm HomefortheHolidays……..TheTherapyContinueswillbepresentedDec.20at 7:30p.m.atArtsBonita.Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisitartsbonita.org
BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatre announcestheappointmentofDrew Scottasitsnewmusicaldirector. Anaward-winning musicdirector, pianist,andproducer, Drewbringsovertwo decadesofglobal experiencespanning NewYorkCity,South Africa,Dubai,London andnowFortMyers. Drew’saccolades includeSouthAfrica’s leadingtheatricalawardforBestMusical DirectorforIntotheWoods,withtwo additionalnominationsforLovingYou. HisworkcanalsobeheardinthePBS documentaryHalPrince:ADirector’s Life.Hehascollaboratedwithleading artistsfromBroadwayandtheWestEnd, andwithmajorclientsincludingSony MusicandtheBBC.
Notabletheatricalhighlightsinclude theworldtourofEvita(Prince’soriginal production),JosephandHisAmazing TechnicolorDreamcoat,Phantomofthe OperaandCats(RoyalCaribbean),in additiontonumerousproductionsacross theU.S.,SouthernAfricaandtheMiddle East.
Asaneducator,Drewspentthree yearsonfacultyattheSharjah PerformingArtsAcademy,helpingdevelopaworld-classBAMusicalTheatreprogram.Hehasmentoredpre-professional artistsatStagedoorManorandLong LakeCampfortheArtsandadvised numeroustheatreprogramsonindustry preparation.
Drew’sextensiveexperienceasan auditionpianistinNewYork,workingwith companiesincludingSelladoor, ShowtimeManagement,GWB,David Ian,andPTP,hasalsoledhimtoassist incastingworldtoursforshowslikeWe WillRockYou,PhantomoftheOpera, Matilda,SchoolofRockandEvita.
Asaproducer,hiscompany&COwon BestProductionforYoungAudiencesfor theinternationalpremiereofPolkadots: TheCoolKidsMusical.Additionally,as ExecutiveProducerforhisstreaming company&SCENE,DrewhascollaboratedwithartistsincludingMarcShaiman, AnthonyRapp,Amra-FayeWright, SuanneBraun,AmandaTapping,and starsofStargate.
TheNaplesPlayerscelebratetheholidayswith LittleWomen:TheMusical
Thisholidayseason,TheNaples Playersinvitesaudiencestocelebrate family,love,andresiliencewithLittle Women:TheMusical,performingnow throughDec.21intheKizzieTheater.
ThisheartwarmingproductiontransformsLouisaMayAlcott’sbelovednovel intoasweepingmusicalthatcaptures thespiritoftheseasonandthepowerof followingone’sdreams.
LittleWomen:TheMusicalfollowsthe journeyoftheMarchsisters—Jo,Meg, Beth,andAmy—astheygrow,dream, anddiscoverwhotheyareinaworldof change.Theirstoryofcourage,creativity, andcompassionmakesthistimeless classicaperfectwaytoembracethe warmthandwonderoftheholidays.
TheshowwillbedirectedandchoreographedbyDawnLebrecht-Fornara,a longtimememberofTNP’screativeteam,withmusicaldirection byherhusband,renownedconductorandmusicianCharles Fornara.Thecreativeteamalso includesStarletJacobs(scenic design),EvanCarlson(lighting design),andSean McGinley(sound design).
ThetalentedcastfeaturesVanessa RossbergasJoMarch,MalenaTucker asMegMarch,HannahSchumacheras BethMarch,AlessaVazquezasAmy March,andDedeBrownleeasMarmee March,alongsideChristianDeSalvo (LaurieLaurence),MatthewSchwabauer (ProfessorBhaer),BretPoulter(Mr. Laurence),JonDeclet(Mr.Brooke)and CarolinaGrau(Mrs.Kirk).
“Eachyear,ourholidayproductions remindushowtheatrebringspeople together,”saidBryceAlexander,executiveartisticdirector.“LittleWomenis filledwithlaughter,music,andthekindof heartfeltstorytellingthatmakestheholidaysatTNPtrulymagical.Thisshow celebratesfamilyandhopeinawaythat feelsbothtimelessandbeautifully human.”
Inadditiontoitsfullrun,arelaxed performance—designedtoprovidea comfortable,judgment-freeenvironment forindividualsandfamilieswhobenefit fromamorerelaxedsetting—willtake placeonTuesday,Dec.9.Forallother performances,thePattiHepburn SensoryBooth,theonlyoneofitskindin theUnitedStates,willbeavailablefor reservationtoguestswhopreferasensory-friendlyviewingexperience.
ThroughouttherunofLittleWomen: TheMusical,TNP’slobbywillonceagain betransformedforthe6thAnnual FestivalofTrees.ThisbelovedNaples traditionfeaturesdozensofartist-decoratedandthemedtrees,wreaths,and décorpiecesavailableforpurchase,with proceedssupportingTNP’scommunity programs.
TicketsforLittleWomen: WednesdaythroughSaturdayat 7:30p.m.andSundaysat2p.m.
TheWinterWonderettesatOffBroadwayPalm
TheOffBroadwayPalmTheatre isdeckingthehallswithfestivefun inTheWinterWonderettes,playing Nov.27throughDec.28.
Thisenergeticholidaymusical revueistheperfectwaytogetinto thespiritoftheseasonwithfriends andfamily.
It’s1968andtheWonderettes— CindyLou,Missy,Suzy,andBetty Jean—arebacktoringintheholidayswithclassictunesandplenty oflaughs.Featuringsparklingversionsofseasonalfavoriteslike “SantaClausIsComin’toTown,” “JingleBellRock,”“Run,Rudolph, Run”andmore,theshowpromises anafternoonoreveningfullofjoyful harmonies,comedy,andjustthe righttouchofnostalgia.
DirectedbyShannonConnolly, thelocalcastincludesMeganUrz asMissy,AbigailGordianyasCindy Lou,RachaelLordasBettyjean andMeredithCharbonnetasSuzy.SwingisNayda Baez.
inganewtraditionorcontinuinganoldone,thisupbeat showisguaranteedtoputyouintheholidayspirit.
Withcolorfulcostumes,livelychoreography,anda wholelotofholidaycheer,TheWinterWonderettesisa feel-goodcelebrationforallages.Whetheryou’restart-
PerformancesareTuesdaythroughSundayevenings withselectmatinees.Ticketscanbereservedbycalling 239-278-4422,visitingBroadwayPalm.com,orstopping bytheboxofficeat1380ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
DAASCo-Opholidaybazaarreturns
InthemonthofDecember,DAASCoOpArtGallery&Giftsisbringingback thenowtraditionalDAASBazaar.
AnopeningreceptionandChristmas PartyisscheduledforFriday,Dec.5 from5:30to9p.m.TheDAASBazaar willbeondisplayuntilDec.28.
ThemonthofDecemberalsobringsa newstudiomembertothecooperative
gallery.XaniaCastillo,formerlyagallery member,isreturningasastudioartist. Shebringsagreatdealofdedication andherbeautifullycraftedmixedmedia floralworks,jewelryandmore.
TheDAASBazaarconsistsofan extensive,andregularlychanging, inventoryofhandcraftedholidayitems, smallartworksandothercreationsby theDAASandUnionArtistStudio artists.Visitorswillfindavarietyof itemsthatareperfectforgift-givingand collecting.Theartistswilladdmore inventorythroughoutthemonth;therefore,morethanonevisitisrecommended–tofindthebestandmostunique treasuresforthisholidayseason.
DAASCo-OpArtGalleryishoused intheEdwardsBuildingontheAlliance fortheArtscampus.Thegalleryis annextothepopularArts&EatsCafé, theonlyartcaféinSouthwestFlorida. Thecaféalsohousesthreeartiststudios andwillbeopeneveninghoursduring thisandeveryfirstFridayevent.More aboutArts&EatsCafécanbefoundat ArtandEats.cafe.
DAASCo-OpArtGalleryislocatedat 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104,inFort Myers.Thegallery’shoursare WednesdaytoSundayfrom10a.m.to2 p.m.andfirstFridayfrom5:30to9p.m. Informationaboutthevenuecanbe foundatdaascoop.comorbycalling 239-955-0422.
ACTGalleryfeaturesShahHadjebi
ArtsACTGallerywillfeature “AllThingsFlorida”thewatercolor artofShahHadjebiinDecember.
Anopeningreceptionwillbe heldFriday,Dec.5from5to9 p.m.inconjunctionwiththe monthlyFortMyersArtWalk.
ShahHadjebiisanaward-winningcontemporaryartist,known primarilyforhisrealisticwatercolorpaintings.Heisafull-time artistbasedinSouthwestFlorida (specificallySanibelIslandand FortMyers).Heisamaster watercolorist,oftennotedforhis carefulattentiontodetailand "magical"useofcolor.He describeswatercolorasa"spiritualmedium.”
Hissubjectmatterisdiverse, rangingwidelytoincludeFloridaNatureandWildlife:This includeslocalfloraandfaunasuchaspelicans,egrets,ibises, andspoonbillsatwildlifesanctuariestoclassicautomobiles, boats,motorcyclesandofcoursearchitecture:Hespecializes incommissionedpaintingsofvintagecars,suchasa1957
ChevyoraModelTFordTruck, ArchitectureandUrbanScenes.
Shahhascollaboratedand hadsoloexhibitionsonprojects featuringiconicarchitectureand grittyurbanscenesfromplaces likeMiamiBeachandNewYork City'sChinatown.Hismaingoal isto"bringsomepresenceand mindfulnessintothishectic world"throughhisart.
Hadjebicomesfromafamily ofartists,architects,and designers.HereceivedhisBA fromSyracuseUniversityand initiallypursuedmusicbefore realizingpaintingwashismost authenticpassion.
HisworkisdisplayedingalleriesinSouthwestFlorida, suchastheArtsforACTGallery,TowerGalleryandthe BokeeliaArtGallery.
ThisexhibitcontinuesthroughDec.30.ArtsforACT Galleryislocatedat2265FirstSt.indowntownFortMyers. Formoreinformation,call239-337-5050.
Ocasiocasa
XaniaCastillo
Threeartdisplaysrunthrough Dec.29atCapeCoralLibrary
Thelatestexhibitsponsored bytheFriendsoftheCape CoralLibrarywillbeopenduringregularbusinesshours throughDec.29.
TheCapeCoralLibraryis locatedat921SW39th Terrace,offofMohawk Parkway.Ondisplayinthe threecasesisavarietyof3-D artworkandsmallpaintingsby agroupofninetalentedindividualswhorefertothemselves astheDisplacedArtistsof Matlachaor“DAM”forshort.
Onthewallsoftheart galleryarephotographsbyRon Lindensmithandpaintingsof naturebyawardwinningartist ElaineWeissborn.
TheDisplacedArtistsof Matlachaisagroupofartists whoweredisplacedfromgallerieslocatedinMatlachain thewakeofthedamage causedbyHurricanelan.The DAMartistsintheshoware BethLaneWilliams,Diane
Palmquist,JacquelinePhilp “JAX”,KathyFitzgerald,Lenea Howe,NancyCunningham,Pat St.Onge,SandiDavisand TheresaShelton.
RonLindensmith’sphotographyinthisexhibitincludes wonderfulimagesofracecars andwildlife.The17photographshavebeenreproduced onvarioussubstratessuchas metalandcanvasandrepresentavarietyofsizesand dimensions.
ElaineWeissbornhasbeen interestedinart,natureand sciencefromanearlyage. ElainehasstudiedatthePine IslandArtAssociationandthe CapeCoralArtLeague,and herpaintingshavewonawards inshowsatbothvenues.
Forinfoonexhibitionsat thislibrary,contactartgallery chairpersonMonicaRahman, byemailtogallery@capefriends.orgorvisitonlineat www.capefriends.org.
ElaineWeissborn
Decemberbringsthreenewexhibits tothewallsofAlliancefortheArts
TheAlliancefortheArts(AFTA)will kickoffthemonthofDecemberwith threeexcitingnewexhibitions.
Theannualmembers-onlygallery exhibitionofsmallworks,titledOffthe Walls,willbeondisplayalongside WonderlandbyTerryLynnSpry,andthe LAEAArtEducatorsShow,featuringartworkbylocalarteducators.
Theopeningreceptionforallthree exhibitionswillbeheldonFriday,Dec.5 from5to7p.m.featuringlightrefreshmentsbyJayneandBrianBaker.The exhibitionswillremainonviewthrough Dec.23.
AFTAwillbeclosedDec.24–Jan.4.
SmallWorks-OfftheWalls
OfftheWallsfeaturesoriginalsmall worksinavarietyofmediumscreatedby membersoftheAlliancefortheArts,all pricedat$250orless.Allsalesare “cashandcarry”andavailabletotake homethatday,makingthisexhibition dynamicandever-changingeachdayit isondisplay.
WonderlandbyTerryLynnSpry
TerryLynnSpryisalongtimeinstructorfortheAlliance.Spryisacontemporaryartistwithherartworkhavingbeen featuredinnationalexhibitionsandcollectorsworldwide.TerryLynn’snewest series,Wonderland,delvesintostorytellingwithacharmingnarrativethat depictsspecialrelationshipswithnature. Hercharactersarederivedfromachild-
hoodfascinationwithanimals,bugs,and crittersofallkinds.Heradventuresinoil combinerealityandfantasywithimaginative,thought-provokingscenarios. StepintoTerryLynn’sphantasmagorical worldandyoumightjustfindyourself.
LeeArtEducatorExhibition
TheLeeArtEducationAssociation (LAEA)isanorganizationofartteachersfrombothpublicandprivateinstitu-
tionsthroughoutLeeCounty.Thisgroup oftalentedartistsandeducatorsare excitedtosharesomeoftheirpersonal andprofessionalartworkwiththecommunity.Awidevarietyofmediumsand subjectmatterswillberepresentedin thisshow,butthecommonthemewillbe theloveandpassionofeducatingand inspiringourlocalyouthtotakepridein thearts.
TheAlliancegalleriesareopen9a.m. to7p.m.TuesdaythroughFriday,and from9a.m.to1p.m.onSaturdays.The Allianceislocatedat10091McGregor Blvd.justsouthofColonialBoulevardin FortMyers.Formoreinfo,call239-9392787,visitatArtInLee.org,findthemon Facebook,MeetUpandInstagram.
DavidMartin
TerryLynnSpry
NaplesArtcrafters’nextshow setforDec.13inCambierPark
TheNaples Artcrafterswillhost theirsecondjuried fineartandcraft showofthenew seasononSaturday, Dec.13.
Theeventshowcasestheworkof juriedlocalartists andcraftsmenwho willbesellingtheir paintings,jewelry, pottery,artglass, sculpturesandmore inlovelyCambier Park,whichislocatedon8thStreet South,justoneblock southof5thAve Southindowntown Naples.
Meetwellknown andemergingNaples’artistsinthiscelebrationofcreativity.Itwillbeawonderfulopportunitytoshoplocaland supportyourartists.
Admissionisfree,andfreeparkingisnearby.
Theshowruns from10a.m.to4 p.m.
TheNaples Artcrafterswas foundedin1966asa non-profitorganizationdedicatedtothe supportoflocal artistsandthe encouragementof thedevelopmentof artisticendeavorsin theNaplesarea.The groupprovideslocal artistsandcraftsmen avenuefordisplayingandsellingtheir workbysponsoring juriedoutdoorshows duringtheseason.
Theremaining 2025-26seasonhas showsinCambierParkscheduledforJan.10,Feb.28, March7andApril11.
FormoreabouttheNaplesArtcraftersgroup,visit onlineatnaplesartcrafters.com.
HirdieGirdieonSanibeltoshowcase artistsMicheleGellerandJanButler
TheHirdieGirdieGalleryat2490 LibraryWayonSanibelwelcomesguest artistsMicheleGellerandJanButlerfor themonthofDecember.
OnThursday,Dec.4,thegallerywill havea“meetandgreet”receptionfrom5 to8p.m.Atthistimevisitorswillbeable tomeetandspeakwiththeguestartists andmanyoftheartistswhomakeHirdie Girdiesospecial.
MicheleGellerisanacrylicartistwho isdrawntolandscapesandnature.She sometimesbeginsherpaintingwitha pourpaintingbackgroundforadded interest.Sheadmitsthat“creatingartisa lifelongpassionandmystudioismy happyplace.”
JanButlerdescribesherselfasalifelongartmediumsampler.Afterworking foryearsinmanydifferentmediumsshe discoveredfusedglassandthatiswhere shedecidedtostay.Shesayssheisstill excitedtobeexperimentingandlearning.
AlsoinDecember,thegallerywillfeaturebeautifulholidayornamentscreated byGerriZoppa.She decoratesglassornamentswithasubstance called‘mud’whichwas specificallycreatedfor thispurpose.The “mud”iscreatedwitha texturedsubstanceand pulverizedglasswhich isappliedwithpastry decoratingtechniques makingeachornament itsownworkofart.
Michele,Janand Gerri’sworkwillbeon displayfortheentire
monthofDecembersomakesureto taketimetovisitHirdieGirdieandenjoy theirworkandtheworkofalltheamazingartists.
HirdieGirdieisanartists’cooperative.AlloftheartistsarefromSouthwest Florida,andthereisalwaysoneartist readytowelcomeyoutoHirdieGirdie andansweranyquestionsyoumight have.
Theuniqueworksyouwillseeevery dayatthegalleryarecreatedbymemberartists:LauraBlack,ChrisChristian, TracyOwen-Cullimore,TamaraCulp, Kori-AnnEvans,ReneeFarr,Zdenka Fiala,MaureenGinipro,CarolynGora, JoAnnLaPadula,OliverMartin,Christine Music,PennyRipley,GilbertoSanchez, MartyShermanandKayStammers.
GalleryhoursareMonday-Saturday 10a.m.–5p.m.andSunday11a.m.–4p.m.
Visitonlineathirdiegirdiegallery.com orfollowonFacebookorInstagram.
GerriZoppa
MicheleGeller
JanButler
PotterysaleandEmptyBowls fundraiseratFGCUDec.5
OnFridayDec.5,the BowerSchoolofMusic&the Artswillonceagainhostthe AnnualPotterySaleand EmptyBowlsSoupLunch eventsforpotteryenthusiasts,holidaygiftbuyers,and communitysupportersatthe ArtsComplexontheFlorida
GulfCoastUniversitycampus.
ThePotterySalewillbe heldfrom10a.m.to4p.m., andtheEmptyBowlsSoup Lunchfrom11:30a.m.to 1:30p.m.
Formoreinformation,visit onlineatfgcu.edu/artevents
HolidayeventsatVisualArtsCenterinPuntaGorda
Severaleventsaretakingplacein DecemberattheVisualArtsCenterin PuntaGorda.
JoyintheHallrunsnowthrough Dec.29.StepintoafestiveChristmas wonderlandwherethespiritoftheseasoncomesalivethroughhandcrafted holidayornamentsandcharmingsmall giftscreatedbyourtalentedmember artists.
Whetheryou'relookingforaone-ofa-kindgift,specialdecorationsorsimplywanttosoakintheholidaycheer, there’ssomethingmagicalforeveryone toenjoy.
ArealartsalewillrunDec.1–29 witheveryworkbeing$200orunder. Theartworkwillbeondisplayinthe Goff&MainGalleries.
Buyit,takeitwithyou,andgiveasa gift-orforyourself.
HolidayMarketplacewilltakeplace Dec.5and6from9:30a.m.to2p.m. ThisisafestiveChristmaswonderland showcasingholidayornamentsand delightfulsmallgiftscraftedbymembersoftheVisualArtCenter.Eachartist hasaround4feetofspacetoadorn withtheiruniqueholidaycreations. There'ssomethingspecialforeveryone toenjoy.
Santa’sWorkshopwillbeheldDec. 6fro9:30a.m.to2p.m.forakids makeandtakeevent.
Lookingahead,the15thBiennial NationalArtExhibition(NAE)willbeon displayFeb.14toMarch26.TheNAE isoneofthenation'smostprestigious juriedexhibitionsoftwo-dimensionalart. Since1996,thisjuriedartcompetition hasbeenhostedbytheVisualArts Center(VAC).
VisualArtsCenterislocatedat210 MaudSt.inPuntaGorda.Formore info,call941-639-8810orvisitonlineat www.visualartcenter.org
JasonHackenwerthandWaltNichols
exhibitsopenDec.11atArtsBonita
ArtsBonitaannouncestheopeningoftwonewexhibits, withareceptionsetforThursday,Dec.11from6to8p.m.
CrookedHighway–JasonHackenwerthexhibitwillrun Dec.11throughJan.15inthemaingallery.Jason Hackenwerthisamultidisciplinaryartistworkinginthefieldsof painting,sculpture,andinstallation.Hisworkhasbeenexhibitedingalleries,andmuseumsaroundtheworldincludingthe SolomonR.GuggenheimMuseum,NewYork,theVictoriaand AlbertMuseum,London,theNationalMuseumsScotland.
BrutPop:SignalNoisefortheMasses–WaltNichols exhibitopensDec.11andrunstoJan.15intheTranovich Gallery.
BrutPopiswheretheunvarnishedhonestyofoutsiderart collideswithasharpcritiqueofthesystemsthatdictatevaluefromfinanceandtechnologytosocietalnorms.
Nicholsneurodivergentidentity,shapedbydiagnosesof autism,ADHD,andCPTSD,profoundlyinformsthisunique lens,providingadirectvisuallanguagefornavigatingthe "algorithmiclandscape"—thepervasive,oftenhostilesystems thatgovernourmodernreality.
TheVisualArtsCenterislocatedat26100Old41Roadin BonitaSprings.
Formoredetails,call239-495-8989orvisitonline atartsbonita.org
ToniAdriance
BobKozak
CandiceTucker
TheCapeCoralArt Centerinvitesthepublicto beapartofthegrowing artscommunitybyparticipatinginDecemberevents.
TheMerry&BrightArt Marketrunsnowthrough Dec.18.Thisisanannual holidayfineartsaleshowcasingourlocalartistcommunity.Thisisthechance forlocalartists,ArtCenter students,andinstructorsto displayandselltheirwork. Thepubliccanshopthis annualsaleandgetajump startontheholidayshoppingseason.Merry& BrightArtMarketisopento thepublicforshoppingduringregularbusinesshoursMonday throughSaturday9a.m.–4p.m.
TheLiminalexhibitbyXavierBrignoni openedNov.7andrunsthroughDec. 18.Throughtheuseoffoundobjects andavarietyofpaintingmediums,the artistapproachesthesethreshold momentswithabstractionandintention. Materialsthatareoftendiscardedorforgottenaregivennewlife,echoingthe
transientnatureofthespacestheyrepresent.Eachpiecebecomesavisual meditationonflux—capturingthedualityofstillnessandmovement,closure andanticipation.
BorninSanturce,PuertoRico,Xavier Brignonihasbeenacustomframer,educator,decoratorandsince2008,aconceptualartist.HemovedtoSouthwest Floridain2000,followinganopportunity toreshapeandredirecthisprofessional career.Alongsidelifetime friendandvisualartistDavid Acevedo,heco-founded DAASGalleryindowntown FortMyers.In2012,hecofoundedtheUnionArtists StudiosintheAllianceforthe Artscampus.
AspartofthefirstDAAS Gallery,Brignonicollaborated toestablishtheFortMyersArt Walkin2008.Morerecently, theartisthelpedestablish DAASCo-OpArtGallery& Giftsin2016andexpandthe UnionArtistStudiosin2021. Workshopsareofferedon variousdaysandtimes throughoutDecember.These hands-onsessionsallowyouto experimentwithavarietyofmediums. Workshopsare$46perperson.Pre-registrationisrequiredandprocessedin first-come,first-servedbasiswithlimited space.Call239-574-0802formoreinfo.
TheCapeCoralArtCenterispartof theCityofCapeCoralParks& RecreationDepartmentandislocatedat 4533CoronadoParkwayinRubicond Park.
XavierBrignoni
COCOArtGalleriesinEstero &Naplesshowcaseareaartists
TheCOCOArtGalleryat CoastlandCenterinNaplesis showcasingartistJoAnne Crowson.
JoAnneCrowsontooka longerpathintoartthanmany otherartistsatCOCOArt Gallery.“Sevenyearsago,I wouldstatethatIdidn’thavean artistboneinmybody!”she exclaimed.
Soonaftergrowingupin GraniteCity,Ill.,graduating fromcollegewithadegreeinK12education,andgettingmarried,sheandherhusband, John,movedtoMinnesota.She soondecidedthatteaching wouldnotbeherlifelong career,giventhenumerous cutsbeingmadetoeducation throughoutthecountryatthat time.Sheturnedherattentiontothebusinesssector,wheresheandherhusband becametheinternationalsalesdepartment foramanufacturerofdiggerderricks.He handledoutsidesales,andshemanaged internaloperationsandsalessupport.She eventuallyleftthatorganizationtojoina Fortune500manufacturer,whereshewas recruitedfortheirITdepartment.Shethen returnedtoschooltostudytheemerging fieldofcomputerscience.Withastrong loveoflearning,ifshecomesacrosssomethingshedoesn’tknow,shelearnsit. Eventually,theirjobsrelocatedthecouple toWisconsin,whereJoAnneworkedasan independentprojectmanagerandITconsultant.ItwasherethatshehadtheopportunitytofunctionastheleadprojectmanagerfortheconstructionofaCancer CenterandClinicinPewaukee.
Aftertheirretirementandmoveto Florida,shesoughtsomethingengagingto fillhertime.Encouragedbyherdaughter, shestartedexploringpainting.Asalogical thinker,shefirstapproacheditviaascientificroutewithaneyetothechemicals usedinthepaintsandadditives.She watchedYouTubevideos,startingwith FluidArt(AcrylicPours).Then,realizingthe needforamoretechnicalfoundation,she joinedamentorshipprogramforColor Theorybeingtaughtonlinebyanartistin Australia.Inthatpursuitshelearnedhowto usecolorstosaywhatyouwantto express.
Next,shejoinedaCanadianmentorship forcompositionandelementsofart.With thatnewinformation,shebeganadding embellishmentpaintingtoherFluidArtcan-
vases.Likemanyotherartistswho’vetried thatmedium,shefounditveryexciting, becauseyoudon’talwaysknowwhatyou’ll getasthepaintcolorsandviscosities alwaysreacttoeachotherinuniqueways oneachcanvas.
Soonshefoundthatpaintingsoloinher studiocouldfeellonelyandisolated,soshe foundedanon-profitorganizationnamed theArtGuildofNaples—theirmotto:Artists helpingartists.Asagrouptheywouldtake fieldtripstodifferentgalleries,museums, andartfestivals.Itwasoneofthosetrips thatshediscoveredCOCOArtGalleryin Esterowhereshebecameanactivememberin2019.WhenthesecondCocoArt GalleryopenedinNaples’Coastland CenterMallshebeganexhibitingthereas well.
Primarilyanabstractartist,shelovesto walkintoherstudiotoablankcanvasand letthenewpaintingsurpriseherasitdevelopswitheachbrushstroke.Herfocusison
colorandcomposition.Admitting thatshehasnopatienceforoil paints(toolongtodry),sheworks almostexclusivelywithacrylics.She lovesbrightcolors,especiallyblues. Herpaintingsevokeemotionsand inspireherviewers.Recently,she hastakenadifferentpathwithher paintingsofdogs–notpetportraits, butdogsthatrepresenttheirbreeddogswithpersonalityandindividual character.
Besideshertalentforpainting, sheisanaccomplishedmusicianon thepiano.Withaloveforallmusic, shehadoriginallystartedcollegeas amusicmajor,playingtheclarinet. Musicisoneofherfavoriteinspirationswhilepainting.JoAnnealso hasaloveoftravelandstillonher BucketListaretripstoItalyand Portugal.Shealsothinksshewould enjoyrivercruises.
Inadditiontopaintingandmusic, JoAnneisatalentedwebmaster.Shevolunteersmanyhourseverymonthkeeping theCOCOArtGallerywebsiteuptodate andhasevenincludedanart-relatedblog foundonthesite.Itcanallbefoundat www.cocoartgallery.comInpastyears,she hasservedontheArtCouncilofSouthwest Floridaasvicepresidentandthenstepping upasactingpresidentwhenherpredecessorbecametooilltocontinue.
BothCOCOArtGalleriesareco-opgallerieswithmemberartistsvolunteeringto staffthegallerywheretheirartisbeing showneachmonth.JoAnne’sfavoritepart ofstaffingthegalleryisseeingwhateveryoneelsehasbeenworkingon.
Hernextgoal–paintinglarger.Until nowthelargestcanvasshehascompleted is36inchesx36inches.Theonlydrawbackisbeingabletofitthemintothecarto transportfromstudiotogallery.
ThismonthintheNaplesCOCOArt Gallery,JoAnneisshowingabstractpaintings,acoupleofveryexpressivedogpaintings,andseveralbeautifulkeepsakeboxes withpaintedtilelids.
TheCOCOArtGalleryatCoconutPoint inEstero(nexttoPaneraBread)willfeaturetheSouthwestFloridaFineCrafts GuildandholdareceptiononDec.3from 5to7p.m.
COCOArtGalleryatCoastlandCenter inNapleswillholdareceptionDec.10from 5-7p.m.foranexhibitfeaturingmembers oftheSouthwestFloridaPastelSociety.
Findoutmoreaboutthetwogalleries, byvisitingonlineatcocoartgallery.com
JoAnneCrowson
CoastalVibesexhibitatTowerGallery
TowerGalleryon Sanibelhasaspecialshowcomingup onFriday,Dec.12 withareceptionfrom 5to7p.m.thatday.
Thethemeis “CoastalVibes" wherethegallery artistswillbeusing theirvasttalentsand creativitytodo piecesthatare12inchx 12inchsquaresintheir specialmedium.
Thiswillbeafantasticshowyouwon'twant tomiss.Itwillalsobea greattimetofindthat specialgiftfortheholidays.
TowerGalleryisopen sevendaysaweekand startinginDecemberit willbeopenfrom10 a.m.to6p.m.Stopby andseewhattheyhave thatcouldbeagreat
additiontoyourhomeon Sanibelortotakehome withyoutoremindyou ofyourfantasticvisitto thebeautifulisland.
Thegalleryfeatures oil,watercolorand acrylicpainters, ceramists,jewelers,fiber artistsaswellaswoodworkersandsculptors.
TowerGalleryis locatedat751Tarpon BayRoadonSanibel. Call239-472-4557or visitattowergallery.net
JohnRizza
LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents
ONGOING
SteveKeene:Rauschenberg100 ACentennialCelebration ThroughDec.6
BobRauschenbergGalleryAnnex, FSWCollege,8099College Parkway,BuildingJ-118,FortMyers 239-489-9313
OnceUponaChristmastime ThroughDec.6
MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
Merry&BrightArtMarket ThroughDec.18
CapeCoralArtCenter, 4533CoronadoParkway, CapeCoral,239-574-0802
TheNaplesPlayers: LittleWomenthemusical ThroughDec.21
KizzieTheater, 7015thAve.S.,Naples 239-263-7990naplesplayers.org
GulfshorePlayhouse presentsWhiteChristmas ThroughDec.21
TheBakerTheatreandEducation Center,100Goodlette-FrankRoad, Naples,239-261-7529
MurderMysteryDinnerTrain presentsHolidayHavoc Wednesdays–Sundays throughDec.24
SeminoleGulfRailway, 2805ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-275-8487semgulf.com
AChristmasStorythemusical ThroughDec.28
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
WinterWonderettes ThroughDec.28
OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
ChristmasCabaret ThroughDec.28
CapeCafeDessertTheatre, 110NE2ndPlace,#401,CapeCoral 239-363-0848
D ECEMBER C ALENDAR
HO!Ho!Ho! TheChristmasShow! ThroughDec.21
PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-800-3292
WED-3
DaveJ TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
GrandSlam
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
ArtsBonitawelcomesToronzoCannononDec.7at7p.m.at thePerformingArtsCenterinBonitaSprings.Forticketsand info,call239-495-8989orvisitartsbonita.org
JoyintheHall ThroughDec.28 VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 941-639-8810
50thannualHolidayNights ThroughJan.4
EdisonandFordWinterEstates, 2350McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers edisonfordwinterestates.org
OrigamiintheGardenexhibit ThroughApril18
PeaceRiverBotanicalandSculpture Gardens,5827RiversideDrive, PuntaGorda,941-621-8299 peacerivergardens.org
DECEMBER
MON-1
RobinHawkins TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
FortMyersFilmFestivalTGIM SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933
TUE-2
Tat2Trio ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
Galleryopeningreception HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,featuredartists AbbeyResaandKenYacavone, harbourviewgallery.com
HolidayinthePark RiversidePark 10450ReynoldsSt,BonitaSprings 4:30-8:30p.m.cityofbonitasprings.org
MichaelD’Amore MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
FGCUChoirsand SymphonyOrchestraConcert MooringsPresbyterianChurch,791 HarbourDrive,Naples 4and7p.m.,fgcu.edu/joyful
GulfshoreOpera:Carmen BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSW,FortMyers 7p.m.239-481-4849
BillBeck TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TheTrialofEbenezerScrooge ThroughDec.21
FloridaRepArcadeTheatre, 2268BayStreet,FortMyers 239-332-4488
RockinBlueChristmas withJohnyRogersBand TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SWFloridaFineCraftsGuild openingreception COCOArtGallery,CoconutPoint, Estero(nexttoPaneraBread) 5-7p.m.cocoartgallery.com
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
HolidayCirqueExperience Piazza,Mercato, 9110StradaPlace,Naples 5:30-8p.m.,239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
CharlottePlayers: OverTheTavern Dec.3-7
TheCharlottePlayers, LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022,charlotteplayers.org
FestivalofTreesPreviewParty SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 6p.m.,239-333-1933
THU-4
SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TheAlterEagles
TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
GoodwillFestivalofTrees ThroughDec.7
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Thursday11a.m.-9p.m.,Friday11 a.m.-10p.m.,Saturday10a.m.10p.m.,Sunday,11a.m.-6p.m. 239-333-1933
Gallerymeetandgreet HirdieGirdieArtGallery 2490LibraryWay,Sanibel 5-8p.m.hirdiegirdiegallery.com
AmericanaduoGoldpine PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
DannyMasters TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
FGCUSeniorProjectsreception
WasmerArtComplex, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 5p.m.reception,exhibitruns Dec.5-12,fgcu.edu/artevents
ChasingDallas
BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,239-693-1111
RambleOn-LedZeppelintribute Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgatesnoon,941-235-3675
BlueGeniesopen, twistedfork.freshtix.com
FGCUPianoEnsemblesConcert U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,free,fgcu.edu/bsma
GulfshoreOpera:Carmen CharlottePerformingArtsCenter, 701CarmalitaSt.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.gulfshoreopera.org 239-529-3925
CaribbeanChillers Piazza,Mercato, 9110StradaPlace,Naples 6:30-8:30p.m.,239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com
FRI-5
FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 5-9p.m.myriverdistrict.com
BenAllenBand SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers outside7:30p.m.,239-333-1933
AnnualPotterySale andEmptyBowlsFundraiser WasmerArtComplex, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 10a.m.,fgcu.edu/artevents
ShahHadjebiexhibit ArtsforACTGallery 2265FirstSt.,FortMyers reception5-9p.m.,239-337-5050
GretchenWilsoninconcert SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
SmallWorksexhibit ThroughDec.23
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers receptionDec.5from5-7p.m. 239-939-2787artinlee.org
Outsiderz
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
SmokinAces
MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors5p.m.,show7p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
FGCUChamberStringsConcert
SanibelCongregational UnitedChurchofChrist, 2050PeriwinkleWay 4:30p.m.,free,fgcu.edu/bsma
DAASBazaarexhibit
DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104, FortMyers,openingreception 5:30-9p.m.,throughDec.28 239-955-0422
DoobieBrothers,SteveMiller, RollingStonestribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SheenaBrook
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 9p.m.1a.m.,800-218-0007
LimitedEdition TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
MemphisLightning BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
JoeBonamassainconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesParkway,Estero 8p.m.,hertzarena.com
THURSDAY,DEC.11 at7pm
FRI-5continued
Gifted!HolidayPopUpShops NaplesWoman’sClub, 570ParkSt.,Naples 10a.m.-5p.m.
TheatreConspiracypresents ClownBarChristmas Dec.5-21 LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida, 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 239-291-2905
Junie.BinJingleBells, BatmanSmells! Dec.5and6 CourtyardAmphitheatre, GulfCoastTownCenter, 10037GulfCenterDrive,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,free,fgcu.edu
PromenadeFestivalofLights PromenadeatBonitaBay 26795SouthBayDrive, BonitaSprings 5-7p.m.,promenadeshops.com
SAT-6
Australia’sThunder fromDownUnder SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
NisitaConcertSeries: StevenSpooner,piano U.TobeRecitalHall,MusicBuilding, 10501FGCUBlvd.S.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,fgcu.edu/concerts
IconicCountry Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6p.m.,941-235-3675 EverrettFarrellopens, twistedfork.freshtix.com
D ECEMBER C ALENDAR
Wayne Baker Brooks
TheBuckinghamBluesBarwelcomesWayneBaker BrooksonDec.27aspartofapreNewYearʼsEve BackyardBluesfest.Forticketsandinformation,call 239-693-7111orvisitbuckinghambar.com
TheNaplesPlayers AcademypresentsCATS ThroughDec.15
KizzieTheater, 7015thAve.S.,Naples 239-263-7990naplesplayers.org
AmericanaCommunityMusic Association:JoeCrookston AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers JMichaelopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org
BettyFox BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
BloodBrothers: MikeZitoandAlbertCastiglia PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
RelentlessFire TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
NaplesJazzmasters DixielandBand NorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 1-3p.m.thenaplesjazzsociety.org
SmackDaddy TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
NeilDiamondand BarbraStreisandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Streetlight
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
AnnualChristmasCarolSing FirstPresbyterianChurch, SecondStreet,FortMyers 1and4p.m.fpcfortmyers.org 239-334-2261
Santa’sWorkshop VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 9:30a.m.-2p.m.941-639-8810
ChinaGroveandMidnightJoker: TributestoDoobieBrothers andSteveMillerBand MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
Nirvanna-AtributetoNirvana Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte InaNutshellopen, VIPgates6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
SUN-7
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-6p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
FestivalsofSpeedcarshow Mercato,9110StradaPlace,Naples 11a.m.-3p.m.,239-254-1080 experiencemercato.com
LeeCountyCommunityBand: HolidaysAroundtheWorld MarinerHighSchool, 701ChiquitaBlvd.,CapeCoral 3p.m.,www.leecountyband.org
NaplesConcertBand: RingintheSeason CambierPark,Naples 2-4p.m.guestvocalistSteven Calakos,naplesconcertband.org
ToronzoCannon PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
RadioRoad TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
NYRhythm TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
FortMyersSymphonic Mastersingers:MessiahandMore PeaceLutheranChurch, 15840McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 5p.m.,mastersingersfm.com
Junie.BinJingleBells, BatmanSmells! VeteransPavilionatLibraryLawn 10501FGCUBlvd.S,FortMyers 6:30p.m.,free,fgcu.edu
GulfshoreOpera:Carmen Artis-Naples, 5833PelicanBayBlvd. 7p.m.gulfshoreopera.org 239-529-3925
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
MON-8
JoeyFiato TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
VoicesofNaplesconcert EmmanuelLutheranChurch, 777MooringLaneDrive,Naples 7p.m.voicesofnaples.org
TUE-9
SoapyTuna ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
IslandTroy TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
ChoralArtistrypresents HolidayonTap-BeerChoir PalmCityBrewing,7887Drew Circle,suite130,FortMyers 7p.m.,choralartistry.org
Advice ThroughJan.11
FloridaRepArtStageStudioTheatre, 2268BayStreet,FortMyers 239-332-4488
ACMASongwriterShowcase
KoreshanStatePark, 3800CorkscrewRoad,Estero TimMcGeary,AnthonyWayneand NancyFaulknerperform,7p.m., friendsofkoreshan.org
DragQueenBingo
TheCharlottePlayers, LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 7:30p.m.,941-255-1022, charlotteplayers.org
WED-10
DaveJ TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
CharlottePlayers: OverTheTavern Dec.3-7
TheCharlottePlayers, LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022,charlotteplayers.org
RustyWright ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 9p.m.1a.m.,800-218-0007
WED-10continued
SWFloridaPastelSociety openingreception COCOArtGallery, CoastlandCenter,Naples 5-7p.m.cocoartgallery.com
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
MikeImbasciani andHisBluezRockerz TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
THU-11
SmokinAces TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
EveningsonFifth 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30p.m.,FifthAvenueSouth.com
StillStanding-EltonJohntribute MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
EnchantedNoelby AstralisChamberEnsemble MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
ReceptionforJasonHeckenwerth andWaltNicholsexhibits VisualArtCenter, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings reception6to8p.m., exhibitsruntoJan.15, 239-495-8989artsbonita.org
ACMAMusicUndertheStars withAndyWahlberg CalusaNatureCenterPlanetarium, 3478OrtizAve.,FortMyers DougShemenskiopens,7p.m. calusanature.org
BroadwayHolidayCabaret PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
D ECEMBER C ALENDAR
DoubleVision
ArtsBonitawelcomesDoubleVision:TheForeignerExperience Dec.18at7:30p.m.atthePerformingArtsCenterinBonita Springs.Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisitartsbonita.org
TemptationsandFourTopstribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
BruceTeller TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
ZachBartholomew: ACharlieBrownChristmas PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
VoicesofNaplesconcert GraceLutheranChurch, 860BanyanBlvd.,Naples 7p.m.voicesofnaples.org
MotownandMartinis Sidney’sRooftopGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933sbdac.com
FRI-12
RadioRoad TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
WhitneyGrace: MerryChristmasDahhling! MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 6and8p.m.,239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
TheFabFour
BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSW,FortMyers 7:30p.m.239-481-4849 bbmannpah.com
FleatwoodMac: AtributetoFleetwoodMac MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
LimitedEdition TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
AlbertCummings
PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
CoastalVibesartshow TowerGallery, 751TarponWay,Sanibel 5-7p.m.,towergallery.net
TasCru BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-6p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
FMBand ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
FrankieValli,FourSeasons, JerseyBoystribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
NewYorkHolidayswithSvetlana &TheNewYorkCollective PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
TubaChristmas SugdenPlaza, 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30p.m.,FifthAvenueSouth.com
SAT-13
OneHotMess TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
GulfCoastSymphony presentsDecktheHalls BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSW,FortMyers 7p.m.239-481-4849 bbmannpah.com
PureCountry Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
MeetLoaf: ATributetoMeatLoaf MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
NaplesArtcrafters FineArtandCraftsShow CambierPark, 5808thSt.,Naples 10a.m.-4p.m. naplesartcrafters.com
FemmesofRock PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
CharlotteCareCenter’s AnnualMistletoeBall CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 6p.m.941-833-5444 www.svdpsp.org
FMBand ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
Joey&Maria’sItalian ComedyWedding TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
JingleandJam Dec.13and14
PeaceRiverBotanicalandSculpture Gardens,5827RiversideDrive, PuntaGorda,941-621-8299 9a.m.-4p.m. peacerivergardens.org
VirgilCain TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
CharlotteCountyChamberof CommerceChristmasParade DowntownPuntaGorda noon941-833-5444
SUN-14
Breeze
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
PsychicmediumMattFraser SeminoleCasinoHotel, 506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
CandlelightConcerts: HansZimmer-6p.m. TheBeatles-8:30p.m. MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
BonitaSpringsConcertBand RiversidePark,Old41Road, BonitaSprings,5:45p.m. guestvocalistMarkSanders bonitaspringsconcertband.org
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-6p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
BruceTeller
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
MichaelW.Smithinconcert
BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSW,FortMyers 7p.m.239-481-4849 bbmannpah.com
TheUltimateDoorstribute PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,239-495-8989
MON-15
RobinHawkins TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
NaplesBigBand CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 7p.m.naplesbigband.com
Michael’sMonthlyMysteryMovie AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.239-939-2787artinlee.org
TUE-16
Cayman
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
BillBeck TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
WED-17
NaplesBigBand: SwingIntotheHolidays PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
MichaelD’Amore MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
DaveJ TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
ChromaticallyIncorrect DuelingPianos
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
THU-18
MarkSanders: TheWonderofChristmas PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
HolidaySip,Shop&Stroll PromenadeatBonitaBay 26795SouthBayDrive, BonitaSprings 5-7p.m.,promenadeshops.com
THU-18continued
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Jacob’sLadder
MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
DannyMasters
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
MichaelD’AmoreHolidayConcert CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-772-5862 culturalparktheatre.org
JazzattheMACC:
ACharlieBrownChristmas MusicandArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-277-1700 gulfcoastsymphony.org
DoubleVision:
TheForeignerExperience PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
JazzLounge
Sidney’sRooftopGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933sbdac.com
Frozenthemusical
Dec.18-21
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533thebelletheatre.com
FRI-19
FortMyersMusicWalk DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
PhenomenalAnimal
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
ComedianJuanitaLolita FloridaRepTheatre, 2268BayStreet,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-332-4488
BackLotAlternativeBlockParty SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-333-1933sbdac.com
D ECEMBER C ALENDAR
GulfCoastJazzCollective
TheGulfCoastJazzCollectivepresentsACharlieBrownChristmasDec.18at7p.m.at theMusicandArtsCommunityCenterinForMyers.Forticketsandmoreinformation, call239-277-1700orvisitgulfcoastsymphony.org
Gatlin
MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
TheatreZonepresents HomefortheHolidays Dec.19-21
G<heatre, 13275LivingstonRoad,Naples 888-966-3352www.theatre.zone
ChristmasParty withRewindBand
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
TLJentgens
Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6:30p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
TheHeroes
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
ImprovComedy:
HallmarkHolidayMovies
PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
SAT-20
SteveSolomon’sMyMother’s Italian,MyFather’sJewish& I’mHomefortheHolidays PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
SoapyTuna TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
TheHeroes ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
FreeFamilyArtLab AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.-noon 239-939-2787artinlee.org
FleetwoodMac andStevieNickstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
GulfCoastSymphony presentsTheNutcracker Dec.20and21
BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHallatFSW,FortMyers 239-481-4849bbmannpah.com
TheNPCMelChancey HolidayClassic CharlotteHarborEvent andConferenceCenter, 75TaylorSt.,PuntaGorda 941-833-5444
LimitedEdition MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
HolidayBoatALong FourFreedomsPark, 4818TarponCt.,CapeCoral 4-9pm.,239-945-4820
SUN-21
Simply-Fi
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-6p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
BluesandBloodysConcertSeries TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 1-6p.m.,thecenterbar.com
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
SouthwestFloridaConcertBand SouthFortMyersHighSchool, 14020PlantationRoad,FortMyers 2p.m.vocalistDanielleAvicolli southwestfloridaconcertband.org
MON-22
JoeyFiato TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TUE-23
SideshowBob ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
BruceTeller TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
WED-24
DaveJ TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
RustWright ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
THU-25
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
FRI-26
JoeYeomanBand
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
24KBand
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
RodStewartandBillyJoeltribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
ThunderBeachBand
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TurnItOnAgain:ThePremier TributetoPhilCollinsandGenesis MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
SAT-27
TheBoots TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
Frozenthemusical Dec.27-28
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533thebelletheatre.com
24KBand
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.-midnight,800-218-0007
JohnnyRogersBandtributeto Elvis,RoyOrbison,BuddyHolly TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
Simply-Fi
TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 7-10p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TheRockofABBA: AnEpicABAPerformance MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors6p.m.,show8p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
Pre-NewYear’sBackyard Bluesfest:WayneBakerBrooks BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-7p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
SUN-28
DirtyWork TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
JohnnyRogersBand tributetoCountryLegends TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
IslandTroy TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 3-6p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
MON-29
DoobieBrothers,SteveMiller, RollingStonestribute
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
RobinHawkins TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
TUE-30
SoapyTuna ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007
KCandTheSunshineBand andBeeGeestribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
BillBeck TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
WED-31
DwightIcenhower’s TributetotheKing
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 1and9p.m.,239-278-4422
MajestyofRock: MusicofStyxandJourney Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte JohnSalawayandtheRegulators openat7p.m.,VIPgates6:30p.m., 941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
D ECEMBER C ALENDAR
NewYear’sEveGala onMurderMysteryDinnerTrain SeminoleGulfRailway, 2805ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-275-8487semgulf.com
NewYear’sEveDiscoBoogieFever TheCharlottePlayers, LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 6and8:30p.m.941-255-1022, charlotteplayers.org
TommyLeeCook &BuckinghamBluesBand BuckinghamBluesBar 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-693-1111 Buckinghambar.com
MajestyofRockwillbringthemusicofStyxandJourneytoNew YearʼsEveatBertʼsBackporchLiveatTwistedForkinPort CharlotteonDec.31.VIPgatesopenat6:30p.m.JohnSalaway andTheRegulatorswillopentheshowat7p.m.Forreservationsandinformation,call941-235-3675orvisitonlineattwistedfork.freshtix.com. photobyJamieKuser
TheMusicCityStones: Theworld’spremierRolling StonetributefromNashville MangoRita’sRhythmHouse, 16440S.TamiamiTrail,FortMyers doors7p.m,show9p.m. 239-466-8326 mangoritasfmb.com
NewYear’sEveBash Sidney’sRooftopGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933sbdac.com
BadLatitude TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7p.m.,239-540-8454
Slick31-5p.m. CityLoudBand-10p.m. ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007
JoshRowand TheCenterBar, ThePromenadeatBonitaBay, 26811S.BayDrive,BonitaSprings, 6-9p.m.,thecenterbar.com
RodStewart,Creedence ClearwaterRevival,Eagles, TomPettytribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
DowntownCountdown DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.,livemusicfromfiveperformanceareasfeaturingSmackDaddy, SchoolofRockBand,CaloosaRiver Band,foodvendors,andamidnight balldropandfireworks. www.myriverdistrict.com
CapeCoralNewYear’sEve SE47thTerrace,CapeCoral 6p.m.,Deb&TheDynamics,Chris KirkpatrickofNSYNC,O-Town,Ryan CabreraandLFOcapecoralnye.com
NewYear’sEveatOxbow OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 239-314-3856luminaryhotel.com
NewYear’sEveCelebration Fishermen’sVillage, 1200W.RettaEsplan.,PuntaGorda 6p.m.941-639-8721
M USIC
GulfCoastSymphonypresents DecktheHalls,TheNutcracker
TheGulfCoastSymphony willpresenttwobeloved SouthwestFloridaholidaytraditionsatBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHallatFSW thisDecember.
OnSaturday,Dec.13at7 p.m.,theGulfCoast Symphony’sannualDeckthe Hallsextravaganzareturnsto thestageofBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHalltodelight audiencesofallages.
Aspectaculareveningof sightsandsounds,theGulf CoastSymphonyorchestrawill bejoinedbyfeaturedguest performer,aerialviolinist JaniceMartin,aswellasSanta Claushimself.
OnSaturday,Dec.20at
7:30p.m.,andonSunday, Dec.21at2and6:30p.m.,the GulfCoastSymphonyand GulfshoreBalletreunitefor TheNutcracker.
Duetopopulardemand,a thirdperformanceofthistreasuredholidayclassicwas addedthisyear,andwith90 dancers,48musicians,and10 stagehandsinalternating casts,eachmagicalperformancewillbeunique.
TheBarbaraB.Mann PerformingArtsHallatFSWis locatedat13350FSW ParkwayinFortMyers.TopurchaseticketsforDeckthe HallsandTheNutcracker,call 239-277-1700orvisitgulfcoastsymphony.org.
TheGulfCoastJazzCollectivepresents“ACharlie BrownChristmas&HolidayClassics,PartII”onThursday, Dec.18at7p.m.attheMusic&ArtsCommunityCenterin FortMyers.LedbydrummerPaulGavin,alongsidebassist BrandonRobertsonandpianistZachBartholomew,the GulfCoastJazzCollective’sDec.18concertwillfeaturea selectionofVinceGuaraldi’siconiccompositionsfrom“A CharlieBrownChristmas”andavarietyofholiday favorites,aswellasspecialguestperformers.Seeafull scheduleofupcomingGulfCoastJazzCollectiveperformancesattheMACCatgulfcoastsymphony.org.TheMACC islocatedat13411ShireLane(offDanielsParkway)in FortMyers.Topurchasetickets,call239-277-1700orvisit gulfcoastsymphony.org.
GulfCoastJazzCollective: ACharlieBrownChristmas HolidayshowsattheMACC
TheMusic&ArtsCommunity Center(MACC)presentstwo dazzlingeveningsofholiday entertainmentinDecember.
OnThursday,Dec.11at7 p.m.,theAstralisChamber Ensembleperforms“Enchanted Noel,”amagicalconcertofholidayfavorites,including “Greensleeves”and“Cantiquede Noel,”classicalworksbyBach andDussek,andcontemporary selectionsinspiredbythespiritof theseason.FeaturingAngela Massey(flute),LauraUsiskin (cello)andIsabelCardenes(harp).
LearnmoreaboutAstralisChamberEnsembleat astralisensemble.com.
OnFriday,Dec.12,SouthwestFloridastarWhitney Gracelightsupthestagewith“MerryChristmas,Dahhling!” –aChristmascabaretinWhitney’sglamoroussignature style,featuringjazzyholidayfavorites,timelessstandards, andmore.
LearnmoreaboutWhitneyGraceatwhitneygrace.show.
TheMACCislocatedat13411ShireLane(offDaniels Parkway)inFortMyers.Topurchasetickets,call239-2771700orvisitgulfcoastsymphony.org.
AstralisChamberEnsemble
TheNutcracker-Dec.20and21
JaniceMartin-DecktheHalls-Dec.13
WhitneyGrace
RinginnewyearwithDwight IcenhoweratBroadwayPalm
Getreadytorockaround theclockthisNewYear’sEve asBroadwayPalmDinner TheatreinFortMyerswelcomestheaward-winning DwightIcenhowerforasensationaleveningofElvishits in“DwightIcenhower’s TributetotheKing!”
Performanceswilltake placeonWednesday,Dec. 31withtwounforgettable showsat1and9p.m.
Recognizedasoneofthe bestElvistributeartistsinthe world,DwightIcenhowerhas wonmultiplenationaland internationalElvistribute titles.Hisuncannyresemblance,voice,andcharisma
capturetheessenceofElvis Presley—fromtheearlyrock ‘n’rollhitstotheVegas showstoppersthatdefinedan era.
Guestswillenjoyadeliciousupscalebuffet,followed byahigh-energyperformancethatwillhaveeveryone dancing,singing,andcelebratingtheNewYearinstyle! The9p.m.showincludesa midnightchampagnetoast, partyfavors,andcountdown to2026—theultimatewayto welcomethenewyearwith TheKinghimself.
Reserveyourseatstoday bycalling239-278-4422or visitingBroadwayPalm.com.
DecembershowsatArtsBonita
ArtsBonita’slive musiccontinuesin Decemberwithshows atthePerformingArts CenterinBonita Springs.
Americanaduo Goldpine performs Dec.4at7:30p.m. Withasoundsteeped inhonesty,emotion, andhomespunsentiment,thehusband-wife duoGoldpinebrings theirownbrandofbold, harmony-driven Americanatothe stage—equalparts powerfulandpersonal.
BloodBrothers: MikeZito&Albert Castiglia willtakethe stageDec.6at7:30 p.m.Bothacclaimedfortheirfieryguitar work,soulfulvocals,andrawstorytelling, thepairbringdecadesofexperienceand deep-rootedpassionforthebluestothe stage.Theirchemistryisundeniable— tradingsolos,pushingeachothercreatively,andblendingtheirdistinctstyles intoapowerhouseperformancethat feelsequalpartsspontaneousandmasterfullytight.
BroadwayTodayCabarethasgoneholiday.Thisyear'sfundraiserperformance createdbyKodyCJoneshasturnedfestive.ABroadwayHolidayisafast-paced eveningofdanceandsongfeaturingholidayfavoritesfromyourchildhoodas wellasheartwarmingnostalgiatocelebratetheseason.
ensemble,ledbyvisionaryrockviolinistand arrangerNinaDiGregorio, redefinestherockconcert experiencebyseamlessly blendingclassicalvirtuositywithelectrifying,highoctaneperformance. FemmesofRockdelivers avisuallystunningand musicallyexplosiveshow, featuringbold,original arrangementsoflegendaryhitsbyQueen, LedZeppelin,PinkFloyd, JimiHendrix,Metallica, TheWho,andVanHalen. Frontedbyfourpowerhousefemaleelectricviolinistsandvocalists, FemmesofRockcaptivateswithsoaringsolos, dynamicorchestration, andbreathtakingstagepresence.
TheUltimateDoorsTribute willperformDec.14at7p.m.TheUltimate Doorsisthenation’smostauthenticand electrifyingtributetoTheDoors,deliveringastunninglyfaithfulrecreationofthe legendaryband’sliveperformances.
ToronzoCannon willperformDec.7 at7p.m.ToronzoCannonisoneof Chicagoblues’leadingcontemporaryfigures.Hebeganperforminginthelate ’90sasasidemanbeforeforminghis ownband,TheCannonballExpress,in 2001.
BroadwayHoliday willbepresented Dec.11at7:30p.m.Theannual
ZachBartholomew performsA CharlieBrownChristmasDec.11at7:30 p.m.
AlbertCummings issettoperform Dec.12at7:30p.m.Amasterfulbluesrockguitarist,singer,andsongwriter, Cummingshasbeenelectrifyingaudiencesacrosstheglobewithhissearing guitarworkandsoulfulvocals.A Massachusettsnative,hehasearnedhis placeamongthemodernguitargreats, celebratedforhisabilitytofuseemotionaldepthwithtechnicalbrilliance.
AftertakingNewYorkCity bystorm,scintillatingsoprano Svetlana bringsher acclaimedholidayspectaculartoArtsBonitaDec.12at 7:30p.m.Backedbyher powerhouseband,TheNew YorkCollective,Svetlana blendsholidaycheerwith swingingjazz,cinematicflair, andasplashofBroadway dazzle.
FemmesofRock willhit thestageDec.13at7:30 p.m.Thisgroundbreaking
DoubleVision:TheForeigner Experience willperformDec.18at7:30 p.m.Stepintotheworldofclassicrock withDoubleVision:TheForeigner Experience,atributeshowthatbrings theiconicsoundsofForeignertolife.
MarkSanders performsTheWonder ofChristmasDec.18at7:30p.m.
ThePerformingArtsCenterislocated at10150BonitaBeachRoadinBonita Springs.Fortickets,call239-495-8989or visitartsbonita.org.
MikeZitoandAlbertCastiglia
Goldpine
BestoftheBestTributeBandsarePerformingat THESTAGE
CATERING•WEDDINGS•EVENTS•PRIVATEPARTIES FEATUREDDINNER&SHOWS•WALK-INSACCEPTED•PLEASERESERVEFORBESTSEATING
UPCOMINGTRIBUTESHOWSCHEDULE
SATURDAY,NOV.29
MajestyofRock: TheMusicofStyx&Journey
WEDNESDAY,DEC.3
ARockinBlueChristmas withJohnnyRogersBand
THURSDAY,DEC.4
TheAlterEagles
FRIDAY,DEC.5
DoobieBrothers,SteveMillerBand, TheRollingStones
SATURDAY,DEC.6
NeilDiamond&BarbraStreisand
WEDNESDAY,DEC.10
EricClapton,BobDylan,StevieRayVaughn, JimiHendrix,Santana,StrayCatstributes byMikeImbasciani&HisBluezRockerz
THURSDAY,DEC.11
TheTemptations&TheFourTops
FRIDAY,DEC.12
FrankieValli,FourSeasons,JerseyBoys
SATURDAY,DEC.13
Joey&Maria’sComedyItalianWedding
FRIDAY,DEC.19
ChristmasPartywithRewindBand
SATURDAY,DEC.20
FleetwoodMac&StevieNicks
FRIDAY,DEC.26
RodStewart&BillyJoel
SATURDAY,DEC.27
JohnnyRogersBandtributetoElvis, RoyOrbison,BuddyHolly,JerryLeeLewis, BrendaLee&PatsyCline
SUNDAY,DEC.28
JohnnyRogersBand:GeorgeStrait,Alan Jackson,TimMcGraw,VinceGill,Martina McBride,JuiceNewton,ShaniaTwain
Orderoffour brandnewmenu!
MONDAY,DEC.29
DoobieBrothers,SteveMillerBand, TheRollingStones
TUESDAY,DEC.30
KC&TheSunshineBand,BeeGees, DiscoDanceBand
WEDNESDAY,DEC.31
RodStewart,CreedenceClearwaterRevival, Eagles,TomPetty,LynyrdSkynyrd
FRIDAY,JAN.2
RewindBand SPECIAL SHOWTICKETSEATSFROM $2495 (showonly)
CHECKWEBSITE FORSHOWUPDATES
Jingle&JamholidayeventDec.13-14at
PeaceRiverBotanical&SculptureGardens
Celebratetheseasonwithgardensin bloomandjinglesintune.
ThePeaceRiverBotanicaland SculptureGardensinPuntaGordawill holdJingleandJamSaturday,Dec.13 andSunday,Dec.14.
Theweekendwillfeaturelivemusic, holidaygiftshop,visitbySantaandspecialcharacterguests,kidsactivities,food trucksandbar.
MusicalperformersincludeDavid LapiosteelpanonSaturday,Dec.13from 9a.m.tonoon.Hewillbefollowedby BeatStreetBandonstagefromnoonto2 p.m.Saturdaywillwrapupwithmusicby PhenomenalAnimalfrom2to4p.m.
ThemusiclineuponSunday, Dec.14willbeDavidLapiosteel panfrom9a.m.tonoon,followed byMarker5fromnoonto2p.m. TheKollectionswillendtheweekendofmusicperforming2to4p.m. Forticketsandmoreinformation, call941-621-8299orvisitonlineat peacerivergardens.org.
Nonmemberadmissionis$20 andincludesaccesstotheOrigami intheGardensexhibit.
ThePeaceRiverBotanicaland SculptureGardensarelocatedat 5827RiversideDriveinPunta Gorda.
DavidLapio
BeatStreetBand
RinginthenewyearatSidney’sRooftop
TheSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenterinvitesSouthwest FloridatoriseabovetheordinarythisNewYear’sEve withanunforgettablecelebrationinthesky.
OnWednesday,Dec.31 from9p.m.to1a.m., Sidney’sRooftopwilltransformintoasophisticated open-airpartydeckcomplete withgourmetbites,dazzling cityviews,andahigh-energy soundtrackbyDJSkubii.
PerchedabovethehistoricdowntownFortMyers RiverDistrict,Sidney’s RooftopSculptureGardenoffersthe region’slargestelevatedoutdoorvenue, deliveringpanoramicvistasandafrontrowseattotheofficialdowntownfireworksdisplaypresentedbytheRiver DistrictAlliance.
Guestscantoasttothenewyearwith champagneortheirfavoritecocktails whilesurroundedbycoolwinterbreezes, glowingskylinelights,andacrowdready tocelebrateinstyle.
Thisyear’sNYEBashfeatures: EntertainmentbyDJ Skubii
Heavyhorsd’oeuvres
Opencallbar(21+)
Oversizeddancefloor
Extravagantfoodstations
Late-nightdessertbuffet 2026NYEpartyswag
Exclusivereservedseating optionsincludingtablesand premiumloungesections
Guestsareencouragedto dressincocktailattireasthey indulgeinanightofmusic, dancing,androoftopmagic. Withlimitedavailabilityandthemost covetedviewsinthecity,thisisonecelebrationthatsellsoutfast.
Ticketsstartat$150.Forticketsand moreinformation,call239-333-1933or visitwww.SBDAC.com.
AlternativeCircusblockpartyignitesMusicWalkatSBDAC
ThisDecember,theSidney&BerneDavisArtCenteronce againtransformsMusicWalkintoanexplosionofsound,light, andboundary-pushingartistry.
OnFriday,Dec.19,thehiddenbacklotbehindSBDACwill morphintoanopen-aircreativeplaygroundasTheBackLot returnswithafreshlineupofperformers,creators,andimmersiveexperiencesreadytoelectrifydowntownFortMyers.
BornfromthemindofIzzyAyeEye,afree-rangemultidisciplinaryartistandmusician,TheBackLotmergestherawpulse ofundergroundartistrywiththespectacleandscaleofafullblownfestival.NativetoMexicoandraisedintheMidwest,Izzy nowcallsSouthwestFloridahome,infusingtheregion’screativescenewithcolor,grit,andfearlessexperimentation.
Featuringanall-newlineup:
LiquidPennies—Pullingfrompsychedelicrock,post-punk, prog,hardcore,electronic,folk,andamyriadofothergenres, LiquidPenniesseektofindtheconciseintheabstractwhile keepinglistenersontheirtappingtoes.
LizHunny—Soul-stirringvocalsthatfloatbetweenalt-pop
andneo-soul,pullinglistenersintoherworldofmoodylyricism andelectricintimacy.
xXPsychoFluidXx—Heavyriffs,crushingenergy,anda raw,twistededgethathitslikeasonicfreighttrain.
KodaRivers—Singer-songwriterwithcinematicvocalsand hauntingmelodiesthatcutthroughthenoise.
Fit2Fly—Aerialperformersandvisualartistswhosework fusesmovement,emotion,andstorytellingthroughgravitydefyingperformance.
TheInflowencers—Firespinnersandflowartistsbringing kineticarttolifethroughflame,color,andrhythm.
Mr.Speakerbox—Soundcuratorweavingelectronic,funk, andbass-heavybeatsthatkeepthecrowdmovingfromsunset toclose.
AlsofeaturingJennaRaeandothersurprisecollaborators fromthelocalcreativecollective.
Theloungeopensat6p.m.andtheshowruns7to11p.m.
TheDavisArtCenterislocatedat2301FirstSt.,Fort Myers.Call239-333-1933orvisitwww.SBDAC.com
LizHunny
LiquidPennies
GulfshoreOperapresentsCarmenatthreeareavenues
GulfshoreOperaopensits12thseasoninearlyDecember withanunforgettableproductionofGeorgesBizet'sCarmen, presentedacrossSWFlorida'smajorperformingartsvenues.
Knownforitsthrillingstoryandiconicmusic,Carmenisa bold,crowd-pleasingoperathatmarksGO'scontinuedleadershipastheregion'sonlypresenteroffull-scalegrandoperaat Artis–Naples,BarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHallandthe CharlottePerformingArtsCenter.
ThisclassicstagingofCarmencapturesthefireandfreedom ofBizet'smasterpiece,setin1830sSeville.TheproductionfeaturestraditionalSpanishscenery,boldvisuals,andrichlyhued costumes,withEnglishsurtitlestoenhanceaccessibility.
Inthetitlerole,GulfshoreOperaisthrilledtofeature acclaimedmezzo-sopranoLisaMarieRogali,hasbeenpraised forher“warm,nuancedvoice”and“spontaneity”onthestage.
Arisingstar,Rogalihasperformedwithleadingcompanies acrossthecountry,includingVirginiaOpera,MinnesotaOpera,
DetroitOpera,andSarasotaOpera.
LyrictenorandrisingstarBrendanBoylewillplayDonJose. TylerPutman,bass-baritone,willplaytheroleofEscamillo. AveryBoettcher,soprano,willplayMicaela.
MusicdirectorandconductorisJorgeParodi,whileJosh Shawisstagemanager.PerformanceswillfeatureliveorchestralaccompanimentbytheFloridaPhilharmonicinFortMyers andPuntaGorda,aswellastheNaplesPhilharmonicinNaples.
Performanceschedule:
Dec.2at7p.m.atBarbaraB.MannPerformingArtsHall, FortMyers
Dec.4at7p.m.atCharlottePerformingArtsCenter,Punta Gorda
Dec.7at7p.m.atHayesHall,Artis–Naples,Naples Purchaseticketsandfindmoreinformationat www.GulfshoreOpera.orgorcall239-529-3925.
SeminoleCasinotohostFrenchQuarterFunkFest
SeminoleCasinoHotel Immokaleewillletthegood timesrollwiththefreeFrench QuarterFunkFestSaturday, Feb.7.
TheeventwillfeatureoutdoorliveconcertsbyDirty DozenBrassBand,TheSoul Rebels,BuckwheatZydecoJr., andZachPerson.Parkingand admissionarefreeandattendeesshouldbringtheirown chairsforconcertviewing.
TwoFrenchQuarterFunk FestVIPexperiencesare availableforpurchasefrom Ticketmaster:
TheGatorTentVIPexperiencefeaturesanopenbar,exclusivemerchandise,$15freeplay,privatebathroomsandlounge seating
Thereservedfrontstageexperiencefeaturesareserved
spotinfrontofthestage (bringyourownchair),two complimentarydrinks,$10 freeplayandmore.
Celebratingover45years sincetheirfoundingin1977, theGrammyAward-winning NewOrleans-basedDirty DozenBrassBandhastaken thetraditionalfoundationof brassbandmusicandincorporateditintoablendofgenresincludingBebopJazz, FunkandR&B/Soul.This uniquesound,describedby thebandasa“musical gumbo,”hasallowedtheDirtyDozentotouracrossfivecontinentsandmorethan30countries,record12studioalbums andcollaboratewitharangeofartistsfromModestMouseto WidespreadPanictoNorahJones.
Gatesopenat2p.m.Fordetails,visitmoreinparadise.com.
BonitaSpringsConcertBandtoperformDec.14
TheBonitaSpringsConcertBand willpresentitsannualChristmasconcertunderthebeautifullydecorated lightsatRiversideParkonSunday, Dec.14at5:45p.m.
Theband’sveryspecialguestvocalistwillbeMarkSanders.Markwillsing “HaveYourselfaMerryLittleChristmas” and“FlyMetotheMoon.”
MarkSandersgrewupinMarion,Ill., spent15yearsinNewYorkCityand nowcallsFortMyershishome.Hehas appearedintheatricalproductionsand
concertsaroundtheworld.Markwas seenasPerchikontheBroadway NationalTourofFiddlerontheRoof starringthegreatTheodoreBikel.
Hehasbecomeafavoritesoloist withtheGulfCoastSymphony,performingattheBarbaraBMannPerforming ArtsHallinFortMyersaswellasthe NaplesandBonitaSpringsConcert Bands
Thebandwillplaysomeseasonal favoritiesincluding“LettheBellsRing,” “AMostWonderfulChristmas”and“Not
SoSilentNight.”
Membersofthebandareunderthe directionofGarySmithwhoretiredafter 24yearsasconductoroftheUniversity ofIllinoisMarchingIlliniBandand SymphonicBand.Garysays“thetalent ofthesemusiciansistremendous,ranginginagefrom16to90.”
Findmoreinformationonlineat www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org.
Theconcertwillalsobereplayed laterintheweekonFacebookat bonitaspringsconcertband.
DirtyDozenBrassBand
NaplesBigBandperformsDec.15&17
TheNaplesBigBand hastwoperformancesin December.
Thebandwillperform Monday,Dec.15at7p.m. atCambierParkindowntownNaples.
Newthisyear,Naples BigBandwillbeplayingat ArtsBonitaPerforming ArtsCenteronBonita BeachRoad.Thefirst concerttherewillbe Wednesday,Dec.17at7 p.m.Thisticketedconcert willfeatureanunforgettableeveningof classicholidayfavoritesandtimeless bigbandstandardsthatwillhaveyou dancingintheaisles.Ourbandbrings thesophisticatedsoundsofthebig banderatolifewithbrassthatgleams asbrightasChristmastinseland rhythmsthatswingharderthanSanta's sleighbells.
areticketedeventsheldinatheatre.It willhavecabaretandtraditionalseatingwithabaranddancefloor.Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisitartsbonita.org
FutureArtsBonitaconcertswillbe Jan.31,Feb.13andMarch28.These
TheNaplesBigBandentertainsthe publicwithdynamicbigbandperformancesinstylesspanningtheswingera tothemodernday,whilealsonurturing themusicaldevelopmentoflocalyouth withourfinancialsupport.Witha20-
yearhistoryofdelivering dynamicpublicandprivate performances,theNaples BigBandisreachingnew heightsmusicallyandphilanthropically.
Packedwithprofessionalplayers,thebandis directedbyrenowned trumpeterandflugelhornist JamesCastaldi.
The2025-26schedule forCambierParkincludes Jan.12at7p.m.,Feb.9 at7p.m.,March8at2 p.m.andApril13at7p.m.
ThescheduleforVeteransParkon MarcoIslandincludesJan.4at2p.m., Feb.1at2p.m.andMarch1at2p.m.
A$10perpersonsuggesteddonationduringintermissionatpublicconcertsinCambierParkandVeterans Parkisappreciated.
Formoreinformationaboutthe NaplesBigBand,visitonlineat naplesbigband.com
TheSpinnersatSeminoleCasinoJan.9
SeminoleCasinoHotel ImmokaleewelcomesR&Blegends TheSpinnersliveinconcertFriday, Jan.9withdoorsopeningat7p.m. andtheshowbeginningat8p.m.
Withatoweringlegacyspanning morethansixdecades,TheSpinners haveneverlosttheiruniversal appeal.Throughouttheyears,The Spinnersremainedperchedatopthe Pop,R&B,andAdultContemporary Charts,withsmashsingleslike“I’ll BeAround,”“CouldItBeI’mFalling InLove,”“ThenCameYou,”“The RubberbandMan,”andmore.
Thegrouphasearnedsix Grammynominations,18Platinum andGoldalbums,astaronthe HollywoodWalkofFame,andsold millionsofrecordsworldwideinthe process.Theirlegendaryrepertoire hasearnedapermanentplaceinthe Americansongbook.
Ticketsareavailablefrom Ticketmasteroronlineat moreinparadise.com.Attendeesmust be21.Parkingisfree.
ACMAwelcomesJoeCrookston; AndyWahlbergatPlanetarium
TheAmericanaCommunity MusicAssociationkeepsthe livemusicgoingwithintimate concertsattheirFortMyers listeningroom.
Theupcomingscheduleat theACMAlisteningroom includesJoeCrookstonon Dec.6,RecklessSaintson Jan.3,theFloridaCracker CollectiveTouronJan.10, NoraJaneStruthersonJan. 17,HeatherPiersonDuoon Jan.31,RupertWateson Feb.14,DanNavarroonFeb. 19andMoors&McCumber onFeb.28.
JoeCrookstonisaforceof natureonstage.Puremagic.
He’sinhispowerandcommuneswithhisaudience.From touringwithGordonLightfoot,headliningmajorU.S.festivals, receivingFolkAllianceInternational“AlbumoftheYear,” releasingNineBecomesOne(2024)tobeingnamedFolk AllianceInternationalArtist-in-Resident,Joeisonfire.He’s playedwithSuzanneVega,DarWilliams,DavidFrancey,John McCutcheon,JohnGorka,JudyCollinsand100smore. Hissongsarebeingmadeintoawardwinningfilms.
He’llsurpriseyou.Heawakensthecynics.Hisrhythmis infectious.Inconcert,heisfunnyonemomentandtranscendentthenext.Whetherhe’sweavingthroughlapslidesongs orfiddlinganAmericanSoutherntune,he’lldrawyouin.It happenseverytime.WatchaYouTubevideo…it’sfine,butit’s notthesame.Yougottacometoashow.Withunwavering couragetobehimself,heisliterate,poignantandfunnyas hell.
Nextsongwritershowcase
Dec.9atKoreshanStatePark
TheFriendsofKoreshanStateParkinEsterohavepartneredwiththeACMA(AmericanaCommunityMusic Association)topresentmonthlyconcertsfeaturingall-original musicbytalentedlocalartists.Theserieslaunchedin November
AsongwritershowcaseisscheduledforDec.9at7p.m. featuringTimMcGeary,AnthonyWayneandNancyFaulkner. Bringachairorblanketandsettleinforaneveningunder thestars.Iftheweatherdoesn’tcooperate,theshowwillbe canceledandyourticketswillbehonoredatnextmonth’s performance.
Ticketsare$10(includesparking)Childrenunder12are free.Advanceticketsareavailableonlineatfriendsofkoreshan.org.Gatesopenat6:30p.m.Showrunsfrom7to9 p.m.witha20minuteintermission
HearofOklahomatowns, rattlesnaketails,turbarythieves, metermaidsanddrunkroosters.Attheendofthenight, you’llleaveinspired.“TheLong Note”isaphraseinIrishculture.“TheLongNote”isthat placeofresonanceandtranscendencewherethemusic, thevoices,theinstruments,and thecommunityallcometogetherandunite.
JMichaelwillopentheDec. 6showattheACMAstage.
OnDec.11, MusicUnder theStars attheCalusaNature CenterwelcomesAndy WahlbergandDoug Shemenski.Theseconcertstakeplaceinsidetheplanetarium. Ticketsareavailableatcalusanature.orgforthe7p.m.show.
AndyWahlberggrewupinMiamiwherehewasfirst exposedtoclassical,popandinternationalmusic.He hadhisfirst“gig” atagefivewitha CalypsoLatin bandthatperformedathis mother’srestaurantinMiami everyweekend. Andyplayedthe bongoswhile wearingalittle RickyRicardosuit, puffysleevesand all.
Andybegan performingatlive venuesinhisearlyteens.Duringthattime,hehonedhiscraft playingvenuesallovertheUnitedStates.Hestartedplaying histrademarkHarpGuitarwhichhefoundinapawnshopin LosAngelesintheearly’70’s.Afterstudyingataperforming artscollegefortwoyears,hebeganafull-timecareerasa performingartist,focusingontheuniquesoundoftheharp guitar.
Sincethen,Andy’smusicalcareerhasspannedover45 years,morethan3,000concertsandperformancesnationwide,eightalbumsandhundredsoftelevisionandradio appearances.
Doorsopenat6:30p.m.formostlisteningroomshows. TheACMAlisteningroomislocatedatAllFaithsUnitarian Congregation,2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.
Formoredetailsandschedules,visitamericanacma.orgor followthemonFacebook.
JoeCrookston
AndyWahlberg
LeeCountyCommunityBand celebratestheholidaysDec.7
atMarinerHighSchoolinCapeCoral
TheLeeCounty CommunityBandinvitesthe publicto“Celebrating HolidaysAroundtheWorld,” afestiveholidayperformance onSunday,Dec.7at3p.m. atMarinerHighSchoolin CapeCoral.
Admissionisfree,andall agesarewelcome.
Thebandwillperform classiccarols,globalholiday favorites,andafunaudience sing-alongunderthedirection ofGilPeltola.The60plus volunteermusicianscontinue amusicaltraditionthatdates backmorethan130yearsto theFortMyersBrassBand, makingtheensembleoneof theoldestcontinuouslyoperatingcommunitybandsinthe UnitedStates.
Concertsareperformedin
theauditoriumatMariner HighSchool,701Chiquita Blvd.,CapeCoral.Thereis ampleparkingoffof TropicanaParkwayWest.All concertsarefreeandopento thepublic.Allconcertsbegin at3p.m.Futureconcert datesareJan.11,Feb.15, March15andApril12.
TheLeeCounty CommunityBandwasoriginallyformedonNov. 21,1885,underthenameof theFortMyersBrassBand.
Thebandthatisknown todayastheLeeCounty CommunityBandwasincorporatedasa501(c)3nonprofitorganizationin1982.
Ifinterestedinjoiningor donatingtooffsetexpenses, call513-702-0380orvisit onlineatleecountyband.org
I N C ONCERT
PERFORMANCES INSWFLORIDA
DEC5
JoeBonamassa HertzArena,Estero
GretchenWilson SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
DEC6
BillMurray &HisBloodBrothers BBMannHall,FortMyers
DEC12
TrishaYearwood Artis–Naples
DEC13
DariusRucker, RussellDickerson LiveFest,Naples
DEC14
MichaelW.Smith BBMannHall,FortMyers
JAN3
GeorgeLynch
MangoRitaʼsRhythmHouse, FortMyers
FEB28
Lakeview TheRanch,FortMyers
MAR7
PaulAnka BBMannHall,FortMyers
GretchenWilsonwillperforminconcertDec.5at8p.m. atSeminoleCasinoHotelImmokalee.Forticketsand information,visitmoreinparadise.com
JAN9
TheSpinners SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
JAN10&11
BarryManilow HertzArena,Estero
JAN17
MarshallTuckerBand, MollyHatchet, BellamyBrothers, PurePrairieLeague SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
JAN30
AaronLewis SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
FEB7
FrenchQuarter FunkFest SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
FEB13
KC&SunshineBand SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
HereCome theMummies TwistedFork,PortCharlotte
MAR13
LittleRiverBand CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers
ChaseMatthew TheRanch,FortMyers
MAR20
ThirdDay HertzArena,Estero
DonMcLean
SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
MAR21
JoshMeloy TheRanch,FortMyers
MAR26
ParkerMcCollum HertzArena,Estero
MAR28
TracyByrd TheRanch,FortMyers
FEB19
BaileyZimmerman HertzArena,Estero
FEB20
Maddie&Tae TheRanch,FortMyers
FEB25
LegendarybluesmanJoeBonamassareturnstoHertzArenain EsteroDec.5.Forticketsandmoredetails,visithertzarena.com orcall239-948-7825.
Styx,CheapTrick HertzArena,Estero
FEB27
RighteousBrothers BBMannHall,FortMyers
APR8
Santana HertzArena,Estero
APR11
LosLobos SeminoleCasinoImmokalee
APR19
Foreigner HertzArena,Estero
APR22
Earth,Wind&Fire HertzArena,Estero
Joe Bonamassa
Gretchen Wilson
Lakeview-Feb.28
TheRanchConcertHallscheduleincludes Lakeview,ChaseMatthew,TracyByrd
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloonin FortMyersfeaturesnationalcountryand rockartists.
Here’swhat’sonthescheduleat presstime:
TheSamGallowayFordConcert Series presentsLakeviewonFeb.28, ChaseMatthewonMarch13andTracy ByrdonMarch28,2026.
Lakeviewisredefiningcountrymusic withasoundthat'sbeencalled"the arenarockofcountry."Theindependent duo,JesseDenaroandLukeHealy, bringsagritty,high-octaneedgetotheir music,blendingtheirmetal-coreroots withclassiccountrysongwriting.
Theirmusiccelebratestheeveryday hustlerandresonateswithadiverse audiencethatisappealingtobothtraditionalcountryfansandthosewhoappreciateaheavieredge.Withapowerful liveshowandajourneythat'staken themfromworkingblue-collarjobsto stagesaroundtheworld,Lakeviewisa testamenttotheideathathardworkand asharedsenseofcommunitycanunite everyone.
Whenyoubeginyourcareerasan independentartistdreamingupsongsin yourbedroomwithlittlemorethana USBmicrophoneanda$200laptoppurchasedoffFacebookMarketplace,the enormityofworldtourswithmegawatt countrystars,headlineshowsaticonic
hometownvenues,andthousandsof fanssingingyoursongsbacktoyou everynightcancertainlybealotto digest.ChaseMatthewwillbethefirstto admitthiswild,ever-humblingrocket shiprideofacareertrajectoryhe’scurrentlyonisoftentimeshardtocomprehend.“SometimesIstruggletoeven believeitmyself,”headmits.
Thereality,however,isindisputable–theNashvillesinger-songwriterhas quicklyemergedasoneofCountry music’smostpromising,in-demand youngartists.In2024alone,Matthew–whotodatehasamassedmorethan1 billionglobalcareerstreams–officially becameaBillboardHot100-charting artistwithhisTop5,platinum-certified debutsingle“LoveYouAgain.”Healso garneredhisfirstawardshownomination(2024People’sChoiceCountry Awards),supportedred-hotartists includingJasonAldeanandLukeBryan andreleasedapairofacclaimedEPs (WeAllGrowUpandAlwaysBeMine) alongsidecross-genrecollaborations withFloRidaandFernando&Sorocaba.
Hissuccesshasalsobeenvalidated withmultipleRIAAGoldandPlatinum certifications,includingtheplatinum-certifiedbreakoutsmash“CountyLine”and thePLATINUM-certified“LoveYou Again.”Addingtohisbreakoutmomentum,Matthewwasrecentlynamedan iHeartOnTheVergeCountryArtist,with
hissingle“Darlin”currentlyblazingup theCountryradiocharts.
In2024,MatthewwasnamedamemberofTheOpryNextStageClassof 2024andwentontosellouthisfavorite hometownvenue,theiconicRyman AuditoriuminNashville.Thatsameday, hereleasedhismostaccomplishedprojectyet:thethrillingandhighlypersonal self-titledthirdstudioalbum,Chase. Over13brand-newtracks,Matthew spreadhissonicwingslikeneverbefore, writingonnineofthem(includingthe solo-writtenandco-produced“Waiting onYoutoCall”).
OtherupcomingshowsatThe RanchConcertHall (notpartofthe SamGallowaySeries)includeInThe End-LinkinParkExperienceonJan. 15,Hardwired-AtributetoMetallicaon Jan.23,AnnualLineDanceWorkshop onJan.25,Jump-VanHalenTributeon Jan.29,MaddieandTaeonFeb.20, JoshMeloyonMarch21andZOSO-The UltimateLedZeppelinExperienceon April24.
Forticketsandmoreconcertinfo, visittheranchfortmyers.com.
TheRanchConcertHallandSaloon canbereachedbycalling239-985-9839. Formostshows,doorsopenat7p.m.at TheRanchConcertHall&Saloonlocatedat2158ColonialBlvd.inFortMyers.
EdisonandFordWinterEstates celebrates50yearsofHolidayNights
OnFriday,Nov.28at5:30p.m., EdisonandFordWinterEstateswillkick offthe50thannualHolidayNightscelebration.
GuestswillhaveanopportunitytoparticipateinthecountdownwithDaveElias fromNBC-2whentheChristmastreeon theFordpropertyislitwiththousandsof animatedlightschoreographedtoholiday music.Femalevocalists,theAmerican Sirens,willperformshortlyafterthetree lighting.
ThethemethisyearisGoldenJubilee andwillfeaturegoldlightsanddecorations.HolidayNightswillrunnightly throughJan.4(willbeclosedChristmas EveandChristmasnight).Guided HolidayTraditionTourswillbeofferedat 6and7p.m.everynightexceptopening nightorvisitorscanchoosetostroll aroundattheirownpaceonaself-guided tour.
Inside-the-Homestourswillbeoffered
onDec.3,10and17at6:30p.m.fora specialup-closelookatthehomes'decoratedinteriors.
Thefamily-orientedeventincludesthe Children'sTreeTrail,whichfeatures50 treesdecoratedwithhandmadeornamentsfromLeeCountyschoolchildren. HolidayfilmswillbeshownontheFord lawnat6:30p.m.eachnight.
OnSundayeveningsfrom6-8p.m., childrencanvisitwithSantaandMrs. Claus(throughDec.21).Then,on Wednesdaynightsfrom6-8p.m.,there willbeafamilyscienceshowandguests willhaveanopportunitytolearnabout thediffractionofholidaylights,thechemistryofslime,andhowtodrivearobot.
Therewillbeholidaymusiconseveral nights,includingstrollingcarolers,a pianist,andsaxophoneandtrumpetplayers(ascheduleispostedonthewebsite, listingthemusicaltalentandotheractivitiestakingplaceeachnight).The
MuseumStoreandGardenShoppewill beopenuntil9p.m.eachnightofHoliday Nightsforholidayshopping. Refreshmentswillbeavailableforpurchaseonselectnights.
HolidayNightsadmissionisfreefor EdisonFordmembers,$23fornon-memberadults,$13forteens(13-19),$3for children(6-12),andchildrenfiveyears oldandyoungerwillbeadmittedfree. GuidedHolidayTraditionToursare$35 foradults,$28forteens,$20forchildren, and$15forEdisonFordmembers. Inside-the-HomesHolidayToursare$50 perperson.LeeCountyresidentswith identificationwillreceive$5offHoliday NightsadmissiononMondaynights.
Topurchaseticketsorviewthenightly schedule,visitthewebsiteat EdisonFord.org
TheEdisonandFordEstatesare locatedat2350McGregorBlvd.inFort Myers.
34thannualChristmasCarolSingDec.6
Celebratetheholidaysandhelp feedthehungrybysingingatthe 34thAnnualChristmasCarolSing sponsoredbytheGallowayFamily ofDealershipsandSusanBennett Marketing&Media.
TheChristmasCarolSingwill beSaturday,Dec.6atFirst PresbyterianChurch,2438Second St.indowntownFortMyers, betweenLeeStreetandRoyal PalmAvenue.
“TheCarolSinghastraditionally beenonthefirstTuesdayof December,butwethoughtwe wouldtryitonaSaturdaythisyear, inhopesthatmorefamilieswill attend,”saidtheRev.Dr.Paul deJong,pastorofFirstPresbyterianChurchofFortMyers.
Admissionisfree,althoughorganizersrequestvoluntary donationsofatleasttwocansofnon-perishablefoodforThe SoupKitchen,operatedbyCommunityCooperative,andavoluntarycashdonation,ifpossible.
Becauseoftheoverwhelmingpopularityoftheevent,two sing-alongsareplannedat1p.m.and4p.m.Thedoorswill open30minutespriortoshowtime.
CommunityCooperative,aninnovativenonprofitorganizationmadeupofsocialserviceentrepreneursdedicatedtoendinghungerandhomelessnessinSouthwestFlorida,continues tomakeatransformativeimpactthroughitswiderangeofpro-
gramsandcommunitypartnerships.
In2024alone,Community Cooperativeassistedmorethan46,000 unduplicatedindividualsthroughitsprograms,providingover2.1millionpounds offoodtoneighborsinneed.Dedicated volunteersdeliveredmorethan117,000 freshlypreparedmealstohomebound seniorsthroughtheMealsonWheelsof SWFLprogram,andover2,000volunteerscontributed46,000hoursofservice tohelpfulfilltheorganization’smission.
Theneedremainsgreat—inLee Countyalone,oneinsixresidentsface foodinsecurity.Throughinitiativeslike Sam’sCommunityCafé&Kitchen, MobileFoodPantries,MealsonWheels ofSWFL,MobileHotFoodandSocial& EducationResourceCenters,CommunityCooperativeworks everydaytoensurefamiliesandindividualshaveaccessto nutritiousmeals,stability,andhope.
CashdonationsareespeciallyneededbecauseCommunity Cooperativecanbuyfivetimesasmuchfoodforthesame amountofmoneythatresidentsspendatlocalgrocerystores.
TheChristmasCarolSingisafestivalofholidaymusicand familyfun.Thisyear’s75-minuteperformancewillincludethe CarolSingCommunityChoir,soloistsandotherspecialguests singingfavoriteholidaycarolswithaudiencesing-a-longs.
Formoreinformation,callFirstPresbyterianChurchat 239-334-2261orvisitwww.fpcfortmyers.org.
BeverlyCoxsings“WeNeedaLittleChristmas”
FestivalofTreesDec.4-7 atSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter
TheglowofholidaylightsreturnstotheheartoftheRiver Districtasthe19thAnnualFestivalofTreesfillstheSidney& BerneDavisArtCenterwithcolor,creativityandcommunity spirit.
FromDec.4throughDec.7,thegrandhallsoftheartcenterwillbetransformedintoawinterwonderlandwhereeach treetellsastoryofgenerosity.
Everytreeisdesignedanddecoratedbylocalbusinesses, filledwithgiftsvaluedbetween$1,750and$2,000,andraffled offtoraisemoneyforGoodwillIndustriesofSouthwestFlorida andtheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenter.Theeventsupports year-roundprogramsthatbringart,education,andopportunity topeoplethroughoutourregion.Raffleticketsareavailablefor $10each,3for$25,10for$50,or25for$100,andallproceedsstaylocal.
PreviewParty-Wednesday,Dec.3from6–8p.m.
TheseasonbeginswiththePreviewParty,aneveningfor connectionandcelebrationsurroundedbytheglowofnewly decoratedtrees.Guestscanenjoyhorsd’oeuvresandasilent auctionfeaturinguniqueholidayitems,withwinnerstaking hometheirprizesthatsamenight.Ticketsare$50perperson, andproceedsbenefitbothhostingorganizations.
PublicTreeViewing–Dec.4-7
Visitorsareinvitedtostrollthroughtheartcenter,admirethe creativityofthetrees,andpurchaseraffleticketsforachance towin.ViewingHours:
Dec.4from11a.m.–9p.m.
Dec.5from11a.m.–10p.m.
Dec.6from10a.m.–10p.m.
Dec.7from11a.m.–6p.m.
Generaladmissionis$2perperson,andchildren5and underarefree.
WineandPaintNight-Thursday,Dec.4from6–9p.m.
AcozyeveningintheConservatoryoffersgueststhe chancetosip,paint,andcreatetogether.Participantswillbe guidedthroughafestiveartprojectandenjoyarelaxingnight filledwithlaughter,warmth,andaglassofwine.
ArtWalk,WreathLighting&concert Friday,Dec.5fromnoonto10p.m.
DowntownFortMyerswillshinebrightduringArtWalk. MayorKevinAndersonwilllightthegiantwreathat7p.m.,followedbyafreeoutdoorconcertwiththeBenAllenBandfrom 7:30to10p.m.Thedaybeginsatnoonwithlivemusicand festiveactivitiesthroughoutthedistrict.
SantaʼsBlockPartyandHolidayRooftopParty Saturday,Dec.6
FamiliescanjoinSanta’sBlockPartyfrom10a.m.–2p.m. forcrafts,trainrides,facepainting,andphotoswithSantain theConservatory.Aseveningfalls,thecelebrationcontinues abovethecityattheHolidayRooftopPartyfrom7:30-10p.m., featuringmusic,cocktailsandtheglowofholidaylightsacross downtown.
RaffleDrawing-Sunday,Dec.7at5p.m.
Theweekendconcludeswiththehighlyanticipatedraffle drawing.Guestscanattendinpersonorwatchliveonthe GoodwillSouthwestFloridaFacebookpageasthewinningticketsareannounced.Eachtree,completewithallitsgifts,willbe deliveredtothewinner’shomethefollowingweekcourtesyof TwoMenandaTruck.
FestivalofTreesisareflectionofwhatmakesSouthwest Floridastrong:generosity,creativity,andconnection.Theevent alsowelcomestoydonationsthroughtheFriendsofJanet Foundation,alocalnonprofitthathonorsthegivingspiritof JanetandAnnWilson.Guestswhobringnew,unwrappedtoys receivefreeadmission,andallcollectedtoysaresharedwith localchildren’scharities.
Fornearlytwodecades,thiscelebrationhasbroughttogetherartists,families,andbusinessestoraisefundsthatkeepour regionvibrant.Thejoyfoundineachornament,ribbon,and twinklinglightcarriesforwardthewarmthofacommunitythat believesinhelpingoneanother.
Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenterislocatedat2301FirstSt., FortMyers.
Forticketsandmoreinfo,visitfortmyersfestivaloftrees.com
BenAllenBand
Freeseasonal trolleyresumes
Residentsandvisitorsonce againmayenjoyconvenient, stress-freetravelasLeeTran resumesfreeseasonaltrolley serviceintheRiverDistrict.
LeeTran’sseasonaldowntowntrolleysresumedservice Nov.20.BoththeBlueandGold Linetrolleysprovidefreeaccess toandfromthehistoricdowntownFortMyersRiverDistrict.
LeeTrantrolleysallowfora funandconvenientwaytoenjoy shopping,diningandentertainmentwithouthavingtodriveand parkdowntown.
TheBlueLinerunsthrough downtownFortMyers.TheGold LineconnectsNorthFortMyers todowntownFortMyers.
Seerouteschedulesand mapsforadditionalinformation bygoingtoRideLeeTran.com.
CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterschedulehas LittleRiverBandanduniquetributeshows
Thebeatisbackontheriverfrontas CaloosaSoundAmphitheater,Fort Myers’outdoorwaterfrontvenuelocated nexttoLuminaryHotel&Co.,unveilsits highlyanticipatedspring2026concert season.
SetagainsttheCaloosahatcheeRiver backdrop,thenewseasonblendsnationaltouringacts,culturalshowcases,and communitycelebrationsthatreflectthe amphitheater’sgrowingreputationas SouthwestFlorida’shubforliveentertainmentandsharedexperiences.
“There’salwayssomethinghappening atCaloosaSoundAmphitheaterand LuminaryHotel,”saidJoeShurmur,generalmanagerofLuminaryHotel&Co. “Thisseasoncelebratesconnection throughmusic,foodandculture,andwill energizedowntownFortMyerswithstrikingexperiencesforlocalsandvisitorsto enjoytogether.”
Seasonhighlights:
• YachtRockRevue –Jan.22.Cast offforsmoothsailinginto2026withthe world’spremiersoftrockpartyband, praisedbyRollingStoneforpitch-perfect
coversofSteelyDan,Hall&Oates, MichaelMcDonaldandoriginalsoftheir own.Ticketsstartat$35andcanbepurchasedonlineatcaloosasoundamp.com.
• LittleRiverBand –March13.The legendaryvoicesbehind“Reminiscing” and“LonesomeLoser”returntotheriverfrontforanotherunforgettablenightof harmonyandnostalgia.Ticketsstartat $35andcanbepurchasedonline.
• GetTheLedOut –March19. Experiencetheultimatecelebrationof LedZeppelinwithapowerhousetribute fromGetTheLedOut,deliveringthe iconicsound,energy,andartistrythat definedrock’sgoldenage.Ticketsstartat $32andcanbepurchasedonline.
Afterthefinalencore,guestscanskip thepost-concerttrafficandextendthe funwithanovernightstayandexclusive perksatLuminaryHotel&Co.,celebratingitsfive-yearanniversarythisseason. Concertgoersreceive10%offatChips SportsPub,TheSilverKingCoastal Kitchen,OxbowBar&Grill,orBeacon SocialDrinkeryonconcertdays(valid beforeorafterperformances).
D ININGIN S OUTHWEST F LORIDA
1stStreetDeli
AnauthenticNewYork-styledelicatessen,1st StreetDelibringsadistinctlyuniquediningconcept tothecasino,featuringdelipickles,freshbread andsandwichesbiggerthanyourappetite.Thehot deliplattersectionfeaturesthreenewfavorites: housemademeatloafwithYukongoldmashed potatoesandbrowngravy;potroastdinnermade withslowbraisedbeefshortrib;andchicken Marsala.
Opendailynoon–8p.m.
506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007moreinparadise.com
EE-TO-LEET-KEGrill
TheEE-TO-LEET-KEGrillfeaturescontemporaryregionalcuisinesutilizingthefreshestselectionsofsteaks,seafood,andanarrayoflocally sourcedproduce.Thestartersmenunowfeatures Southwesttenderlointacoswithpicodegalloand chipotleaioli;chickenquesadillawithblackbeans, roastedcornandpepperjack;andgrilledpeach saladwitharugula,candiedpecans,goatcheese andlemonvinaigrette.Newadditionstotheentrée selectionsincludebeerbatterfishandchipswith coleslawandtartarsauce;blackenedFloridasnapper;crabcakeswithroastedcornsalsa;grilled12ounceribeyewithsofritoandgarlicpuree;anda beefBourguignonmadewithtenderlointips,pearl onions,mushrooms&redwine.Opendaily8a.m. –midnight.
506South1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007moreinparadise.com
EllaMae’sDiner
Nostalgiaservedwithasmile.Afun retro-inspiredeateryservingcomfort foodandclassicdinerfare.Slideintoa boothorpulluptothecounterfora burgerandmilkshakeorthebestalldaybreakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sprovidesawelcometwisttothe classicsoutherndiner.CelebratingDr. EllaMaePiper’slegacy,it’sherethe communitycomestogethertoshare storiesastheyenjoyamealamidst vintage-inspiredfinishesandabright colorpalette.EllaMae’sDinerat LuminaryHotel&Co.isafunretroinspiredeateryservingupcomfortfood andclassicdinerfare.Slideintoa boothorpulluptothecounterfora burgerandmilkshakeorthebestalldaybreakfastyou’veeverhad.Ella Mae’sisopendailyfrom7amto2pm.Servingbreakfastalldayandlunch. LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854LuminaryHotel.com
LuckyMi
AnAsian-inspiredupscale restaurant,LuckyMiNoodle Houseispresentedasan open-kitchenconceptandfeaturesanoodlebar,diningroom andprivatefunctionarea. Chefsblendtraditionalingredientswithcontemporaryinfluencestocreatenewinterpretationsfordishessuchas VietnamesePhoNoodleSoup andKoreanBeefandBroccoli. 506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
OxbowBarandGrill
Casualdocksidediningon thedoorstepofDowntownFort Myers.Panoramicriverfront viewsontheCaloosahatchee. Aboater’sretreatwithan upbeatnauticalvibe.Serving coastalcuisineandmorefor brunch,lunchanddinner. Retailandrentalstoignite yourspiritofadventure.Dive intofreshseafood,oysterson thehalfshell,steaks,signature sandwiches,freshsalads, localcraftbeersandcurated cocktails.OurhoursareMonday-Thursday11a.m.-10p.m.,Fridayand Saturday11a.m.-11p.m.andSunday11a.m.-9p.m.Wenowofferbrunch onSaturdaysandSundays11a.m.-3p.m. 1300HendrySt.FortMyers 239-314-3856oxbowfortmyers.com
SilverKingCoastalKitchen
Luminary Hotel&Co. announced therebrandingofitssignature restaurant, formerly knownas TheSilver KingOcean Brasserie,to TheSilver KingCoastal Kitchen. Guestswill findamenurichwithshareabletapas-styleplates,vibrant entréescraftedwithfresh,localingredients,andafivecoursechef’stastingmenuforthoseseekingamoreadventurousdiningexperience.Morethanjustahotelrestaurant, TheSilverKingCoastalKitchenisaplacewherelocalsand travelersalikecangatheroverfoodthatsparksconversation. Therefreshedconceptcoincideswiththehotel’supcoming five-yearanniversary,markinganewchapterforoneof downtownFortMyers’mostcelebrateddiningdestinations. TheSilverKingCoastalKitchenwelcomesguestsTuesdaySaturday5to10p.m.
LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-207-4613
LuminaryHotel.com
ShrimpShack
Shrimp Shackisnota fancyrestaurantwitha luxuriousinteriororentrée plateswithall thegarnishes &sauces. ShrimpShack isacasualno frillhometown restaurantthat simplyserve theregular folks.Simple startswith usingthe freshestingredients&qualityproducts.Wedonotuseanythingpre-cookedorprocessed.Freshchoppedproduce, fresh100%groundbeef,freshcutfish,freshporkloincutto order,freshonionshandcut&peeled,housemade desserts,sauces,soups&seasonings.Wearenotachain restaurant.ShrimpShackisaLeeCountyFloridaoriginal, startedbytwoFortMyerswomenin1998.Ourpassionis simplyofferinggreatfood&excellentserviceinacasual& friendlyatmosphere.Wehaveapetfriendlypatio&happily welcomeyourfurbabiestojoinyouonyournextvisit.Open daily10:30a.m.-9p.m.
TikiHutBar&Grill atDolphinKeyResort
There'salwayssomethingtodoattheTikiHutBar&Grillat theDolphinKeyResort.LocatedinDowntownCapeCoral,the biggestTikibarintheworldoffersliveentertainmentWednesday throughSunday,KeyWestStyleRelaxWednesdayand Thursday,Lightoutdooratmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwo orfourleggedarewelcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFlorida Specials,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate.
1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454
dolphinkeyresort.com
TwistedFork
TheTwistedForkisahot-rodandmoto-culturethemed restaurantfeaturingascratchkitchenandcustomcocktails.A familyfriendlyspaceadjacentBert'sBackPorchconcertvenue withloadsofoutdoorspace,ithasrapidlybecomeCharlotte County'shottestplacetoeat,drinkandhavefun!" 2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675 twistedfork.net
13361MetroParkway,FortMyers 239-561-6817
ShrimpShackUSA.com
ActorsDonMost(Ralph)andAnsonWilliams(Potsie) presentedBehindtheScenesofthehitTVshowHappyDays.
BrothersJackieandMarlonofTheJacksonssitdownforan entertaininginterviewwithcruisehostJasonVenner.
MaltShopMemories Cruisetosailagainin2026
TheMaltShopMemoriesCruisesailed Nov.2-9fromFortLauderdaletoCozumel andCostaMaya,aboardHollandAmerica’s Eurodam.
ProducedbyStarVistaLIVE,thesoldout musiccruisefeatureddailyconcertsand interactiveactivitieswithcruisersandthe artistsincludingPaulAnka,TheJacksons, LittleAnthony,TheBrooklynBridge,Jay& TheAmericans,TheBronxWanderers,The ModernGentlemen,TheIntruders,The Tymes,TheElegants,KathyYoung,Bill HaleyJrandTheComets,Al‘LilFats” Jackson,DarleneLove,JaySiegel’s Tokens,CarlaCooke,GaryU.S.Bonds, TheCapris,BobbyWilson,Vinnie Medugno,Elvistributeartists,actorsDon MostandAnsonWilliams(ofTV’sHappy Days)andmore.
The2026sailingisonsalenow The2026MaltShopCruisesailsOct. 31-Nov.7fromFortLauderdaletoSan JuanandTortolaonHollandAmerica’s Eurodamandisnowonsale.
The2026lineupincludesWayne Newton,TheTemptations,Herman’s HermitsstarringPeterNoone,Darlene Love,TheDooWopProject,TheDuprees, TheVogues,TheCoasters,MelCarter, PriscillaPresleyandmore.
Savemoneyonyourcabinreservation andusethepromocode “Happenings.” Thiscruisesellsouteachyear.
Call844-877-6258orvisitonlineat www.maltshopcruise.com/happenings
2025cruisephotosbyJamieKuser
BrianHylandʼshitsinclude“ItsyBitsyTeenieWeenieYellow PolkadotBikini,”“SealedwithaKiss,”and“LonelyTeardrops.”
HappeningsMagazine
DennisTufanoistheoriginalvoiceofTheBuckinghams.
TheCaprisleadvocalistisMichael DʼAmoreofSouthwestFlorida.
