Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

FEBRUARY 2017

SHEAR MADNESS at Florida Rep

FREE

AARON LEWIS AT THE RANCH DIONNE WARWICK AT SEMINOLE CASINO

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

And the curtain rises

The new year is off to a great start with so many theatrical productions to choose from in Southwest Florida. Here’s what is on stage in February: The Foreigner will be performed Feb. 17 - 26 at the FGCU TheatreLab in Fort Myers. Lend Me A Tenor continues through Feb. 10 at BIG ARTS Strauss Theater on Sanibel. TheatreZone in Naples will perform Amadeus Feb. 9 - 19 at G & L Theatre. In Fort Myers, the Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Burn This Feb. 3 - 25. The Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle performs Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act Feb. 23 - March 5. Phantom runs through Feb. 11 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. That will be followed by Anything Goes on stage Feb. 16 through April 1. Shear Madness continues at the Florida Rep’s ArtStage Studio Theatre through March 12. The Naples Players present Dead Accounts Feb. 1 through Feb. 6. A new play reading series has started at Theatre Conspiracy on select dates and runs now through April 15 at the Foulds Theatre in Fort Myers. At the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, The Savannah Sipping Society plays through March 4. To Kill a Mockingbird opens Feb. 17 at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers and runs through March 8. In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater presents All Shook Up Feb. 3 - 12. The Importance of Being Earnest plays Feb. 24 through March 5. A national tour of Chicago returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW Feb. 7 - 12. In LaBelle, Firehouse Theatre presents My Favorite

Husband Feb. 11 and 12. Gulfshore Playhouse performs The Hounds of the Baskervilles Feb. 11 through March 12 at the Norris Center in Naples. The Charlotte Players present The Savannah Sipping Society Feb. 2 - 12 at the Langdon Playhouse. The Full Monty will be on stage at the Cultural Center Theatre Feb. 24 to March 5. The Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs presents Broadway’s Best Hit Musical Feb. 24. Theatre Conspiracy performs 33 Variations now through Feb. 4. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be staged Feb. 24 - March 11. Beautiful: the Carole King musical is on stage Feb. 7 - 12 at Artis–Naples. The Marco Players present Cooking with Gus Feb. 8 - 26.

So many concerts

The concert schedules are filling up fast in our region and some of our concert venues are witnessing sold-out shows. Here’s what we have on the schedule as of press time: The Association, Robert Cray Band, Rhonda Ross, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Lewis, John Ginty, Yanni, Joe Bonamassa, America, TobyMac, The Spinners, Rock Pack, Kansas, Tony Bennett, Mindi Abair, Peter White, Special EFX, Travis Tritt, Johnny Mathis, Here Come the Mummies, Dumpstaphunk, Spyro Gyra, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Clint Black, Earth Wind & Fire, Rick Springfield, Paul Anka, ZZ Top, Neil McCoy, Vanilla Ice, Neil Sedaka, Paul Shaffer, Def Leppard, Soundgarden and so much more. This is also a great time of the year for multi-act music fests like Funk Fest in Punta Gorda, Bonita Blues Fest, Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz and Blues, Cape Irish Fest and the Fort Rock Music Fest. Rock on,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 6 - 15

Amadeus, Burn This, Anything Goes

Art

pages 18 - 29

Annual art shows return for season

Music

pages 30 - 43

ACMA shows, CREW concert, Big Band

In Concert

pages 44 - 45

Aaron Lewis, Dionne Warwick, The Spinners

Comedy Clubs

page 46

Area comedy club schedules for February

River District

pages 48 - 53

ArtFest Fort Myers, Edison Festival of Light

Dining

pages 54 - 55

Game Time and 11 other options

Calendar

pages 56 - 63

February cultural events in SW Florida

Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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Theatre

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TheatreZone presents Amadeus Feb. 9 - 19 on Naples stage

TheatreZone will present Amadeus as well as a concert featuring Larry Alexander during February. Amadeus, a Tony Award winner for Best Play and Academy Award winner for Best Film, will be staged Feb. 9 through Feb 19. The show is a highly fictionalized account of the lives of the composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri in the court of Emperor Josef. This provocative work weaves a confrontation between mediocrity and genius into a tale of breathtaking dramatic power. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition to be a great composer. Mozart is a foulmouthed, graceless oaf who has that

which is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: Genius. Tickets are $48 - $53, with shows at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. matinees. My Broadway with Larry Alexander, onenight only on Feb, 21 at 8 p.m., features fan favorite tenor Larry Alexander in his new show. General admission tickets are $50$55 while a $100 VIP ticket includes aisle seating, a pre-show reception with wine and, and a post-show reception meet-and-greet with the artist. The intimate 250-seat theatre is located at 13275 Livingston Road on the Community School of Naples campus. Purchase tickets at www.theatrezoneflorida.com or call the box office at 888966-3352.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

BURN THIS By Lanford Wilson

Thinking TheaterTM

Lend Me A Tenor at BIG ARTS Strauss Theater through Feb. 10

Winner of three Tony Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is set to take the stage at the BIG ARTS Strauss Theater for an engagement of performances assured to bring joy and laughter to Southwest Florida audiences in celebration of the play’s 25th anniversary. Set in September 1934 in London’s West End, Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous Tito Morelli, Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello. The star arrives Katie Pankow, Rob Summers and Joel Stigliano in late and, through a Lend Me A Tenor. hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes eyed with laughter. out. His pulse is so low that Saunders Lend Me a Tenor is an exciting and and his assistant Max believe he’s dead. hilarious adventure for everyone, regardIn a frantic attempt to salvage the less of your theater expertise. The evening, Saunders persuades Max to get London Times called it, “A remarkable into Morelli’s Otello costume and fool the piece of theatre… a masterpiece… Author audience into thinking he’s Il Stupendo. Ken Ludwig has verve, a sound grasp of Max succeeds admirably, but Morelli plot mechanics and a rare ability to coucomes to and gets into his other costume ple high art with low comedy.” ready to perform. Now two Otellos are Lend Me A Tenor runs now through running around in costume and two Feb. 10 on Sanibel. women are running around in lingerie, Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more each thinking she is with Il Stupendo. This about events and to purchase tickets. fast moving, madcap, screwball comedy Tickets can also be purchased by callis guaranteed to leave audiences tearying 239-395-0900.

February 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 & 25 at 8 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 & 25 at 2 p.m.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

FEBRUARY 2017

Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

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Danny Bernardy, Brady Wease, Jennifer Byrne, Jonathan Wiener, Timothy C. Goodwin and Sara Morsey in Shear Madness. Photo by Summer Groh

Shear Madness at Florida Rep Florida Repertory Estate) and New Theatre announces York-based actors the opening of Shear Danny Bernardy Madness, the hysteri(seen recently at cal murder-mystery the Kennedy whodunit and longest Center) Jennifer running non-musical Byrne, Timothy C. play in America. Goodwin (from the Seen by over 11 New York producmillion people worldtion of the play) wide, Shear Madness and Jonathan has been voted Best Wiener. Also Comedy of the appearing will be Year"in Boston, Florida Rep acting Chicago and intern, Brady Philadelphia, and the Wease, making Florida Rep produchis ArtStage tion is set to be directdebut. ed by the show's creOriginal co-creator Bruce Jordan. ator and director Now through Bruce Jordan ON THE COVER: Danny Bernardy and March 12, madness directs the producerupts at a not-so-typ- Jennifer Byrne in Shear Madness. tion, and is joined Photo by Summer Groh ical hair salon when by an expert team the old lady upstairs of designers gets mysteriously murdered and everyincluding set designer Jordan Moore oneâ€™s dying to know whodunit? Unlike any (Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End, The other murder mystery, in Shear Madness Seafarer), costume designer Dina Perez the audience combs through the clues (Becky's New Car, Too Marvelous For and questions the suspects. And with upWords), lighting designer Kate Smith to-the-minute improvisation, the show is Paulus (The Cocktail Hour, Tribes), sound different every time you see it. designer John Kiselica (The Mousetrap, "This play has been on our radar for a Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End), and prowhile," said producing artistic director duction stage manager Bree Sherry Robert Cacioppo, "and I am delighted not (Twelve Angry Men). only that we're producing it for Southwest Shear Madness plays in the ArtStage Florida audiences, but that we have the Studio Theatre now through March 12. show's creator, Bruce Jordan, at the helm. Performances Tuesday - Saturday at 8 Bruce knows his play like no one else p.m. with matinees on Thursday, Sunday does, and we're pleased our cast will feaand select Saturdays. ture ensemble members you know as well Priced at $52/$45, single tickets are as Shear Madness veterans from the now on sale through the box office at 239recent New York production and the long332-4488 and online at floridarep.org. running Kennedy Center production. This Florida Repertory Theatre performs in play will leave you in stitches and is a the Historic Arcade Theatre and the very uniquely funny murder mystery that ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street puts the audience in the detective's seat." between Jackson & Hendry with limited Shear Madness features an all-star free parking in the Fort Myers River cast including ensemble member, Sara District. Morsey (Becky's New Car, Dividing the

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Theatre Conspiracy launches play reading series at Foulds

Theatre Conspiracy has launched a play reading series that began Jan. 23. This series highlights the work of six local playwrights. Readings will be presented in the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Theatre Conspiracy’s playwright group is made of playwrights from across Southwest Florida. The group meets each Monday to read a member’s work and provide feedback on the script. The conclusion of the years of public readings gives the playwrights a chance to see their work performed in front of a live audience. A question and answer session follows each reading, providing the playwright unique feedback. The first work presented was The Afterlife of Swans by Louise Wigglesworth. In The Afterlife of Swans, all the technological failsafes have backfired. At 2:30 a.m. Manhattan is blacked out and without phone service. Two women are trapped in a theatre as something violent rages outside. The series will continue on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. with two one-act plays. In The First Step by Bob Maxeiner, a young wife finds the job of her dreams, but it carries a condition. Tinker’s Vision by Wally Kain tells the story of a brilliant young atheist that has a religious vision.

Other readings: Biblically Speaking by John Repa March 13 at 8 p.m. Two timeless (and at times, clueless) friends take the audience on a trip through the books of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. The Store by Bob Hilliard April 10 at 8 p.m. Affirmation by Fay Graetz April 15 at 3 p.m. A televangelist has his faith tested during a shooting rampage in his church. Admission is $5 per night. Tickets may be purchased at the door, online at www.TheatreConspiracy.org, or by calling 239-936-3239.

Rob Green, Brandon Somers, Annette Trossbach and Paul Graffy in Lab Theaterʼs Burn This. Photo by Mila Bridger

Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Burn This Feb. 3 - 25 The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present Burn This by Lanford Wilson, just months before its upcoming New York City Broadway revival. Set in the Bohemian world of lower New York City, this vivid story exposes the emotional isolation of Anna and Pale, two outcasts who meet in the wake of the accidental death of Robbie. Their determined struggle toward emotional honesty and liberation exemplifies the humor and complexity of all of Lanford Wilson’s work and confirms his standing as one of America’s greatest playwrights. “Part love story, part comedy, part drama, Burn This is exciting for audiences and for actors alike. Full of layers, shadows, and subtext, the play is a feast for theater-goers hungry for a rich night of entertainment,” says artistic director Annette Trossbach. Director Anne Dodd notes, “Lanford Wilson is one of our most literate playwrights. His works are dense with the glory of vocabulary. He is particularly adept at the creation of the lonely and the displaced. This is a play about pas-

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sion and loss and the capability we all possess to truly come alive when we are set on fire by love or creativity.” The show stars Paul Graffy (The Best Man, Stage Kiss), Annette Trossbach (Stage Kiss, My Brilliant Divorce), Rob Green (The Graduate, Death of a Salesman) and Brandon Somers who makes his Lab Theater debut. Burn This opens Feb. 3 with an opening night reception at 7:15 p.m. Performances are on Feb. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and on Feb. 12, 19 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. Individual show tickets are $21 for adults and $10 for students online in advance or $25 for adults and $12 for students at the door. The theater also offers senior and military discount tickets for Thursday performances, $18.50 online in advance. The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-218-0481 for more details.

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FEBRUARY 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Phantom at Broadway Palm through Feb. 11

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers presents the exquisite masterpiece, Yeston and Kopit’s Phantom, playing now through Feb. 11. From the Tony Award-winning team of Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit who wrote Titanic, Grand Hotel and Nine comes Phantom in an epic and passionate tale of murder, intrigue and romance. Based on Gaston Leroux’s timeless love story The Phantom of the Opera, the Yeston and Kopit version of Phantom is told with more passion and emotion than the Lloyd Webber version. The musical tells the heartbreaking story of the disfigured musical genius, known as the Phantom, and his muse, Christine Daae, the beautiful ingénue of the Paris Opera. Their musical affair unfolds deep in the catacombs of the opera house, where the Phantom finds salvation in Christine’s breathtaking voice. Directing Phantom is Brian Enzman and choreographing is Amy Marie McCleary. The cast includes Troy Bruchwalski as the Phantom and newcomer Maxwell Porterfield as Christine. Bruchwalski holds a Bachelor of Music in Opera from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is currently pursuing his NASM personal training certification. His credits include Ragtime national tour as Father, Camelot national tour as King Arthur/Sir Lionel, My Fair Lady as Freddy-Eynsford Hill, Les Miserables as Javert, Shrek: the Musical as Shrek, Beauty and the Beast as Gaston and most recently Bob Wallace in White Christmas. Porterfield is a classically trained soprano whose dynamism and energy have enlivened stages throughout the United States. Highlights from more than 20 roles in her repertoire include Blonde in The Abduction from the Seraglio, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Pamina in The Magic Flute, Despina in Cosi fan tutte, Frasquita in Carmen, and Julie Jordan in Carousel. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees.

FEBRUARY 2017

Troy Bruchwalski as the Phantom and Maxwell Porterfield as Christine Daae.

Ticket prices range from $40 to $65 with discounts for groups of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Savannah Sipping Society at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents The Savannah Sipping Society now through March 4. The Savannah Sipping Society is a laugh-a-minute comedy from playwriting trio Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. The three have authored numerous comedies including the hit The Dixie Swim Club. Four Southern women, strangers to one another, are drawn together by fate and turn weekly happy hours into a mission to renew the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Their raucous humor and collective strengths see them through unexpected challenges and to their surprise; they realize it’s never too late to make lifelong friends. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $35 - $55 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 2784422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

To Kill a Mockingbird opens Feb. 17 at Florida Rep

Florida Repertory Theatre announces that the timeless American classic To Kill a Mockingbird will play in the Historic Arcade Theatre Feb. 17 through March 8. This compelling story of racial injustice and loss of innocence is told through the eyes of six-year-old Scout, the tomboyish daughter of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. As a tense tug of war between justice and bigotry heats up in their small town of Maycomb, Alabama, Atticus and his family must learn to temper violence and hatred with courage and compassion. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird continues to inspire hope in the face of inequality. "We are very excited to bring this timeless classic back to the stage for Southwest Florida audiences," said producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "This play's message about empathy and walking in another man's shoes is timeless. We all know the film starring Gregory Peck, and there is something even more compelling about seeing this story and these characters unfold live. This is a time for healing and coming together, and To Kill a Mockingbird is the perfect story to begin that process." To Kill a Mockingbird features an allstar cast including ensemble members, Viki Boyle (The House of Blue Leaves, Over the River and Through the Woods), Patricia Idlette (Dividing the Estate), William McNulty (Becky's New Car, Twelve Angry Men) and Peter Thomasson (Twelve Angry Men, The Seafarer). In addition, many familiar faces previously seen on the Florida Rep stage including John Archie (Dividing the Estate), Chase Clark (A Christmas Story), V Craig Heidenreich (Twelve Angry Men), Gerritt Vandermeer (PlayLab Festival Readings of The Dingdong and Pier at the Edge of the World) and Sarah Katherine Zanotti (Over the River and Through the Woods). Making

their Florida Rep main stage debuts are Harvey E. Evans, Liza Jayne Longenhagen, John Ottavino, Barbra Wengerd and Kevin Craig West. The ensemble includes Chase Clark (A Christmas Story), Patrick Erhardt, Tom Ferguson, Hank Garretson, Keehnon Jackson, Angela Pierre, Hannah Roos, and Calvin Waldau (A Christmas Story). Robert Cacioppo (Over the River and Through the Woods", "The Mousetrap) directs the production, and is joined by an expert team of designers including set designer Richard Crowell (Becky's New Car, Split in Three), costume designer Stefanie Genda (Best of Enemies, Twelve Angry Men), lighting designer Jim Hunter (The Dingdong), sound designer John Kiselica (Shear Madness, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End) and production stage manager Janine Wochna (The House of Blue Leaves, Over the River and Through the Woods). To Kill a Mockingbird plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre Feb. 17 - March 8 with four nearly sold-out previews Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., Feb. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees on Wednesday, Sunday and select Saturdays. Priced at $52/$45 for regular performances and $32/$25 for previews, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org. Subscriptions for the 2016-2017 season offer the best seats and the biggest savings, and packages start as low as $125 for three plays. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org

Chicago on stage Feb. 7-12 at Barbara B. Mann Hall

Chicago is back in town, and it’s pure entertainment. With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago is now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history -- and it still shows no sign of ever slowing down. Chicago will play the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers Feb. 7 - 12 and is part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. Tickets are on sale at the box office, online at www.bbmannpah.com or call (239) 481-4849.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

ALL SHOOK UP

GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BROADWAY SERIES

Inspired by and featuring the songs of

Elvis Presley

FEB. 3 - 12

Book by Joe Dipietro Directed by Robin Dawn

PERFORMANCES: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m.

The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Roy St. Onge

February 24 - March 5

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com FEBRUARY 2017

My Favorite Husband Feb. 11 & 12 FIREHOUSE THEATRE

Get ready for some fun and lots of laughs as the Firehouse Theatre “Goldies” (senior actors) give their portrayal of an Old Time Radio Show ~ My Favorite Husband. The show is produced and directed by Deborra Higgins-Soja. My Favorite Husband was the name of an American comedy radio program in the 1940s and became a network television series. The original radio show, starring Lucille Ball, evolved into the groundbreaking Pictured are (back) Deborra Higgins-Soja, John Jones and TV sitcom I Love Lucy. Ed Soulliere; (front) Doug Patterson, Bob Heidenreich and The series was based Laurie Waninger. on the novels Mr. and Mrs. Cugat, the Record two chances to see this wonderful producof a Happy Marriage (1940) and Outside tion. Eden (1945) written by Isabel Scott Rorick. The show runs Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 My Favorite Husband was first broadp.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. cast as a one-time special on CBS Radio Tickets are only $7. Tickets are available on July 5, 1948. The couple lived at 321 by calling the ticket hotline 863-675-3066 Bundy Drive in the fictitious city of Sheridan Falls and were billed as "two peo- (leave a message and your call will be promptly returned) or online at www.fireple who live together and like it." An averhousecommunitytheatre.com. The age of three "plugs" for Jell-O were made Firehouse Community Theatre is located in in each episode. downtown LaBelle at 241 N. Bridge St. Get your tickets now as there are only

Chazz Palminteri to perform A Bronx Tale at Seminole Casino Hotel

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will host playwright/performer Chazz Palminteri’s performance of his one man play A Bronx Tale Thursday, March 23 at 8 p.m. A well-known actor, writer and director, Palminteri has appeared in more than 50 films and is best known for his performances in A Bronx Tale, “The Usual Suspects, Mulholland Falls, Diabolique, Running Scared and his Academy Award nominated role for Best Supporting Actor in Woody Allen’s smash hit, Bullets Over Broadway. On television, Palminteri has starred in a number of high profile roles, including USA Network’s series Kojak. He portrayed mob boss Paul Castellano in TNT’s Boss of Bosses and starred as famed Sicilian prosecutor Giovanni Falcone in the HBO film Excellent Cadavers. He also won critical acclaim as Frank Rizzoli Sr. in TNT’s hit television series, Rizzoli & Isles, and can be

seen on the award winning television series Modern Family as Shorty. Although Palminteri grew up in a tough area of the Bronx, he chose not to enter into a life associated with organized crime. He went on to pursue a career in acting, and in 1989 wrote the highly-acclaimed one man show A Bronx Tale, which depicted his bruising childhood in great detail. Three years later, he wrote the screenplay for the film version of A Bronx Tale, which was directed by Robert DeNiro and starred DeNiro and Palminteri. The film was a critical and commercial success. Later, Palminteri teamed up again with DeNiro in the hit Analyze This. He also wrote and starred in the play and movie Faithful another collaborative project with DeNiro. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the casino or by calling (800) 218-0007. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Anything Goes opens Feb. 16 at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers Broadway Palm in Fort Myers is setting sail with Cole Porter’s Anything Goes Feb. 16 through April 1. This Tony Award-winning revival takes audiences on a fun filled trip aboard the SS American that is packed with Cole Porter classics, lively tap dancing and a boatload of laughs! When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and principle get tossed out the portholes. Two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love…proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from an exotic disguise, a whole ship full of tap dancing sailors and chorus girls, and some good old-fashioned blackmail. The magical score by Cole Porter includes “It’s De-Lovely,” “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Easy to Love” and the title song, “Anything Goes.” Directing Anything Goes is Paul Bernier. Bernier is the resident artistic director for The Off Broadway Palm

FEBRUARY 2017

Theatre and Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre. He has been performing and directing for more than 35 years across the country. Paul’s favorite directing credits include Sugar Babies; Shrek the Musical; The Vaudeville Follies; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; The Full Monty; The Dixie Swim Club; The Great American Trailer Park Musical; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and Seussical The Musical, among many others. He has performed in national tours of Babes in Toyland, Meet Me In St. Louis and as Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $40 to $65 with discounts for groups of 20 or more. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Music and comedy on stage at Cultural Park in Cape Coral

By Michael Moran Some good old-fashioned acting mixed in with music from the king of rock and roll. That's a sample of what patrons can look forward to when Cultural Park Theatre Company performs the musical All Shook Up Feb. 3 through Feb. 12. The musical is loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and incorporates the timeless songs of Elvis Presley to keep the action moving forward. The story revolves around Chad, a roustabout who has come to town, and Natalie, a hopeless romantic who passes her time working on motorcycles at her father's gas station. The action is set in a Midwestern town where music and dancing have been forbidden, and Chad attempts to break that trend. Natalie falls in love with him and will stop at nothing to win him over, even if it means alienating a few friends along the way. There are a few other unlikely couples that get together, as well as a strict mannered mayor who tries to maintain order throughout, but might just have a reckless side of her own. The music is all Elvis, but has been re-arranged to fit a much more modern audience. The music, dancing, story, scenery, lighting, acting and overall experience should leave audiences wanting more of All Shook Up. We can't describe the level of excitement with-

FEBRUARY 2017

in the cast and crew to open the show and think that audiences will feel that excitement as well when the curtain goes up. Next up on stage, from Feb. 24 through March 5, a play regarded as one of the funniest in the English language hits the Cultural Park Theater stage with its production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. The title is a play on words. Two of the main characters are professing to be "earnest" as they court women from each other's camps. Those women are both in search of a man of earnest character and, if he happens to be named Earnest, well, so much the better. "I don't like it!" exclaims one of the men pretending to be Earnest. "Well, I don't like your clothes!" protests the other. "You look perfectly ridiculous in them!" There's, you know, twists and turns in the play for a person taking names and being someone else when they really aren't, "just to make it better for themselves in their life and stuff. It's very interesting." Cultural Parks 54rd season continues to promise to thrill our audiences with hit musicals, dramas and comedies that will keep audiences laughing and coming back for the whole year. Call our box office 239-772-5862 for ticket information and additional performance dates. Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. Also visit our web site at www.culturalparktheater.com and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

The Hound of the Baskervilles opens Feb. 11 in Naples

Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples will perform The Hound of the Baskervilles Feb. 11 through March 12. Adapted by Steven Canny & John Nicholson and written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Naples production is directed by Andrew Paul. The game is afoot as three actors come together to present a “barking spoof” of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s magnum opus, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sherlock Holmes and his trusty companion, John Watson, attempt to solve the gruesome murder of Sir John Baskerville. As the actors attempt to juggle 14 roles, egos collide and hijinks ensue in this mad, energetic, and uproarious rendition of an old classic that is sure to leave you howling. Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of The Hound of the Baskervilles will be performed at The Norris Center, located at 755 8th Avenue South in Naples. Evening shows begin at 8, matinees start at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $45 per person. Two special preview performances will be Feb. 9 and 10, with tickets available for just $30 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Naples Players present Dead Accounts

The Naples Players (TNP) present Jack has remained both steadfast in her values Theresa Rebeck’s comedy Dead and in her childhood home. Accounts with performances Feb. 1 But Jack has run away from more than just a 26 in Tobye Studio at the Sugden $27 million felony, he is also hiding from his wife Theatre, Naples. Jenny (played by Mary Mitchell) who wants a Directed by TNP’s new artistic divorce. The more Jack tries to justify the downdirector Bryce Alexander, Dead ward spiral of his marriage and moral character, Accounts explores family, relationships the larger his food purchases become, and pizza and values through the comedic bend boxes become a protective tower to hide behind. of a protagonist who has recently Although Jack can’t explain to himself how he absconded with $27 million from the ended up getting on a plane to flee his cold bar“dead accounts” belonging to his ren Manhattan life for the refuge of the tree-lined Manhattan employer. neighborhood of his Ohio hometown, a childhood Truth is complicated, or at least it memory recounted to him by his devoutly supappears to be for Jack (played by portive mother Barbara (played by Margo Crupi) Chris Rand). When we meet Jack, he and ever questioning sister Lorna may help has suddenly and without warning explain it. Truth has deep roots, just like the returned to his family home in large, solid trees in the yard of their childhood Cincinnati, Ohio; the center of the home that began as Arbor Day sticks that Jack country and the symbol of the honest, and his sister brought home from school to plant simple values he was raised on. 25 years ago. Through comical family dynamics, Jack’s rambling sentences- and freDead Accounts reminds us that home and family Mary Mitchell and Chris Rand in Dead netic behavior that includes a $1,000 are the ground to return to when you lose your Accounts. bribe of a grocery store clerk for a bearings. Graeter’s ice cream fix- infer that “Dead Accounts is, in many ways, a therapeutic something is very wrong. It appears the time Jack has spent worklesson in how we deal with our families,” says TNP artistic director ing in finance in New York has put his Midwestern moral baromeBryce Alexander. “Having three brothers in the engineering field, ter on a sliding scale. and being the only ‘artsy’ one, the show is somewhat personally But families have a way of illuminating what lurks in our shadcathartic! But the heart of the show revolves around how we prioriow selves, and Jack’s justification that the theft is not really Grand tize the very different and competing demands that come with livLarceny does not fly with them. ing in a money-driven world; especially when things get ugly.” Jack explains “People die or forget or paperwork gets lost…the Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., person attached to the account is just not there anymore. So, it’s Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets nobody’s money.” are $30 for adults and $10 for students (under 21). “It’s the bank’s money,” is the crystal clear response from his For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org sister Lorna (played by Judith Gangi Santos), who in contrast to or call (239) 263-7990.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Charlotte Players stage The Savannah Sipping Society, The Full Monty

The Charlotte Players will perform The Full Monty Feb. 24 - March 5 at the Cultural Center Theatre in Port Charlotte. In The Full Monty, a group of unemployed steel-working men frustrated with life, women and work decide that regardless of looks, ability or anything else, they are going to be the best Chippendale strippers that Yorkshire, Penn., has ever seen. Their unlikely new job strengthens their selfesteem and friendship in this musical version of the Academy Award nominated 1997 film. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. The Cultural Center Theatre is located at 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. Call the box office at 941-625-4175 ext 220 for reserved seating. At the Langdon Playhouse, The Savannah Sipping Society will be presented Feb. 2 - 12. Four women “of a certain age” happen to meet at a Savannah-area happy hour. Though each face their own career and relationship challenges, the quartet become fast friends, meeting up once a week to drown their sorrows and/or toast their successes, ultimately helping one another start anew. Evening performances begin at 7:30. Matinees Feb. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for students. Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. For tickets, call 941-255-1022 for general admission seating.

FEBRUARY 2017

Cirque Italia in four SW Florida cities

Cirque Italia has expanded and will bring both its silver and gold units to Southwest Florida in February. Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double their presence at the national level. In response to the wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, now is the perfect time for a substantial investment. Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduces a second unit, the gold unit: a luxurious experience where technology and performing arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent - the result is simply out of this world! The latest trends of the industry are challenged with every Cirque Italia appearance and this secondunit is not going to be any different. A careful casting selection has united the best artists from all over the world. This production will feature acts all the way from Russia to Mexico.

FEBRUARY 2017

BONITA SPRINGS

CAPE CORAL

Feb. 2 - 5 (gold unit) Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Race Track

Feb. 16 - 19 (silver unit) Pine Island & Andalusia

FORT MYERS

Feb. 24 - 26 (silver unit) Marketplace Downtown

Feb. 9 - 12 (gold unit) JetBlue Park

Cirque Italia believes in multi-culturalism as one of its strongest assets. Packed full of incredible acts, there is no room for boredom. The variety presented is exceptional. For those who enjoy smart and well-thought out comedy, Alex the clown thrills while taking an acrobatic journey on the trampoline. The Argentinian twin jugglers (with a Guinness World Record in their pockets) can handle all kinds of objects in the air, even fire. There is almost no bodily limit for our contortionist as she bends in ways you never would have imagined. She makes it seem so natural, you

PUNTA GORDA

might end up trying it in yoga class. Whether it’s a futuristic laser act or mesmerizing aerial performances, the show has something for all tastes and expectations. One thing Cirque Italia sets out to accomplish is to create a type of world-class entertainment suitable for all age groups. This new second unit also follows the same strict animal-free policy that makes the Water Circus stand out from other circus entertainment shows. The “magic touch” of the Italian entrepreneur Manuel Rebecchi, president and owner of Cirque Italia, added to the flawless direction of the COO, Chanté DeMoustes, and has turned this once romantic project into a successful production known and acclaimed all over the country. Don’t miss the opportunity to be amazed and transported to a fantastic realm where your deepest dreams can and will come true. For more information and tickets, visit www.cirqueitalia.com or call 941-704-8572 and make sure to check all the social media accounts.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Art

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •

Peter Zell, Yvonne Krystman at ACT Gallery

Peter Zell

Arts for ACT Gallery will hold an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Art Walk. Located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers, ACT Gallery features artists Peter Zell and Yvonne Krystman and the ACT Co-op artists. Peter Zell is an oil painter who has lived on Sanibel for the past 11 years with his wife Carol. Before that he practiced law in a civil trials practice in California for 32 years, finding time to take art classes at the local community college in the years before retirement. He has won various local awards from arts organizations, including second place at the 2007 Winner’s Circle Exhibition. He was nominated for best new artist in the Angel of the Arts competition in Fort Myers in 2008. He has been a member of various galleries over the past few years, and his paintings have been accepted by the Butler Institute of American Art for its juried annual exhibitions in Youngstown, Ohio, in 2013 and 2015. “My oil paintings are representational and figurative, rooted in the real images and forms that we all can encounter every day. They are

affected, and hopefully enhanced, by the type of abstraction that will remind us that we live with, and on the edge of, the unreal in our own emotions, memories and beliefs that make each of our lives so fascinating,” says Peter Zell. Yvonne Krystman left her native country of Poland, at the verge of the communist collapse, after a short career as elementary school art teacher. She settled for nearly three years in beautiful south Italy where the ocean meets the land. That’s where her daughter and her love for warm oceans were born. Next, she immigrated to Canada, where she earned a degree in Commercial Art. She worked occasionally as a graphic designer and art teacher but never felt quite comfortable in a structured work environment. Yvonne always had a thirst for travel, and traveled extensively around the Americas, Europe and northern Africa. Her art is a reflection of her very eclectic taste, her colorful life and desire to connect and fit in. Her artwork has been displayed around USA, Canada and Poland. She currently resides and creates in beautiful Cape Coral. These exhibits continue through Feb. 27.

Yvonne Krystman

RECEPTION FEB. 9TH 4 - 6 PM

LIVE MUSIC

ar t council sw f lorida

Coconut Point Mall

8074 Mediterranean Dr., Estero

Meet our 15 Affilliate Organizations at www.ACSWF.org with links to their Workshops, Newsletters, Classes & Events

Shop for your Valentine with Ar t from the Hear t at our Co-op Ar t Galler y @ Coconut Point Representing Artists from Marco Island, Naples, Estero, Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Punta Gorda. Enjoy Beverages and Hors d’Oeuvres at our Reception Feb. 9 while browsing the Galler y for your one of a kind purchase.

Hours: NOON to 6:00 PM Tuesday - Sunday 239-949-3073

FEBRUARY 2017

(Next to Panera)

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Matthew Shlian’s Telemetry exhibit at FGCU to March 2

Matthew Shlian: Telemetry represents FGCU Art Galleries’ third year of Crossroads: Art and Science Residency and Exhibition. Each year an artist is invited to FGCU to explore a different connection between Art and Sciences while working with FGCU faculty and students. Matthew Shlian was a natural fit for Crossroads as he has been collaborating with scientists throughout his career. The essay in the catalogue provides an introduction into the variety of ways he has influenced scientists and they have influenced him. For this exhibition, Matthew Shlian has created new works of art including a collaborative piece with students in the fall 2016 class, Alternative Printmaking. Shlian agreed to spend a week with the students, generating monotype prints that were transformed into one of his folded paper constructions that the students also helped assemble and install. This exhibition could not have been

possible without the help and support of the donors to the exhibition as well as FGCU faculty, staff and students, especially Andy Owen who taught Alternative Printmaking, and Matthew Shlian who so generously gave his time in the planning and execution of the exhibition. Matthew Shlian is an artist/designer and founder of the Initiative Artist Studio in Ann Arbor, Mich. His work extends from drawings to large-scale installations to collaborations with leading scientists at the University of Michigan. His work for the National Science Foundation explores paper folding structures on the macro level translated to the nano-scale. His client list includes Ghostly International, Apple, P&G, Facebook, Levi’s, Sesame Street and the Queen of Jordan. Matthew Shlian holds a BFA from Alfred University (2002) and an MFA from Cranbrook (2006). This exhibit will be on display at FGCU through March 2.

Shell Point artists at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

February’s Art Walk at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center captures the beauty of Ageless Creativity. This month-long exhibition contains 188 juried works by the artists of Shell Point Retirement Community. These artists range in age from 60 to 95, and their works represent use of various media, like acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastels, pencil, charcoal, clay, fabric, stone, metal, shells, wood, mixed media, and photography. Sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust, the Ageless Creativity exhibition will be open for viewing at SBDAC beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, and concluding on Tuesday, Feb. 21, during Art Talk Tuesday. The 49 artists of Shell Point created the works in the Ageless Creativity exhibition during their retirement years. “The goal of the exhibition is to demonstrate that creativity is neither limited nor defined by age,” said Marge Lee, Shell Point resident and

ART SHOW & SALE 45th Annual

Saturday & Sunday February 11 & 12 Spring Nesting by Lyn Wightman

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Matlacha Community Building Matlacha Community Park 4577 NW Pine Island Road, Rt. 78

Just west of the Pine Island Bridge (on the south side of Pine Island Road)

This show includes the work of more than 100 local artists. You will find watercolors, oil paintings, acrylics, pastels & drawings. Many are Florida-themed pieces, all matted, framed and ready to hang. There will also be more than 500 matted, original mini paintings.

June Lockhart

Anita Putnam

The Pine Island Art Association’s

professional exhibition interpretive planner who conceived the event. “The resulting exhibition is evidence that age does not hinder creativity; instead it is enhanced due to an unrestricted ability to explore creative instincts,” says Lee, who adds that exhibition-goers will be amazed by the artistic abilities on display. Ageless Creativity artworks were carefully selected by a panel of four independent jurors, who judged submissions according to artistic merit, creativity, and overall excellence. Cash prizes for Ageless Creativity artists are made possible thanks to financial support from The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

WINTER WORKSHOPS

Oil & Acr ylic with Margaret Egli-Thompson

Feb. 25 - 26 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$120 member, $150 non-member

Watercolor with Cedar Kendy

March 25 - 26 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$120 member, $150 non-member

Sponsored by The Pine Island Art Association Matlacha Community Park,4577 NW Pine Island Road Checks payable to PIAA, PO Box 12, St. James City, FL 33956 Additional workshop and class information available on our website.

www.pineislandart.com

239-283-4432

FEBRUARY 2017

Notes from the Naples Art Association

The Naples Art Association has another active month in February. Here are some of highlights of those upcoming activities: Opening Reception for Winners Circle & Closing Reception for Hello Yellow Friday, Feb. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free of charge Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. Art in the Park Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Connecting local artists with buyers since 1957.

Winners Circle Show 2017 Exhibit Feb. 4 - March 4 Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. The Art Council of Southwest Florida’s biennial exhibition honoring artists who have received top awards during 2015 and 2016. The Art Council of Southwest Florida was formed in 1963 and today consists of 15 affiliated organizations consisting of members from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties with a combined membership of over 6,800 artists. This exhibit is free-of-charge and open to the public and will be located in the Watson Gallery, Lobby, and Ground Floor Round Galleries.

Naples National Art Festival Feb. 18 & Feb. 19, Festival hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Cambier Park, Naples The 38th Annual Naples National Art Festival is held in scenic Cambier Park and along 8th Street South in downtown Naples. Because of its national ranking and the beautiful weather in southwest Florida during this time of year, the Naples National draws some of the finest artists in the country. Sunshine Artist Magazine has ranked this art festival as high as Artist Steven Olszewski at the Naples New Yearʼs Art the #9 art festival in the United States and has included The Show Jan. 7 hosted by the Naples Art Association.

FEBRUARY 2017

Naples National in its top ten national festival seven years running. This is a juried art festival with artists applying in eighteen categories including painting, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics, metal, sculpture and wood. The local community counts Naples National among its premiere, must-see events thanks to the high quality of the art, the engaging personalities of the artists and the festive atmosphere. More than 20,000 residents and visitors flock to this outdoor weekend art festival to enjoy the art, live performances and our world-class restaurants in downtown Naples. Festival attendees take full advantage of the opportunity to meet artists from across the country and to learn about their inspiration and techniques. This festival raises funds for educational art programming for the Naples Art Association. There is a suggested $5 donation at the gate. There is festival parking all around 5th Ave S. and Cambier Park. The Naples National is The Naples Art Association’s only art festival where awards are delivered to artists. Artists win cash awards for Best in Show, Best 2D, Best 3D and 10 Awards of Distinction – 5 in 2D and 5 in 3D. New this year, we want the public to vote and give us their opinion on the People’s Choice award for their favorite booth. Cash prizes are awarded for all except for the People’s Choice Award. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will automatically be accepted to the 2017 Naples National Art Festival, bypassing the jury selection and application processes. In addition, People’s Choice Awards winners will receive a complimentary booth at the 2017 Naples National Art Festival from The Naples Art Association. Maximizing the Minimum Exhibit Feb. 15 - March 25, Free of charge Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. For more about the NAA, visit online at www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Bonita Springs National Art Festival Feb. 11-12

The annual Bonita Springs National Art Festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12 at Riverside Park on Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. More than 200 national and international artists display their work at one of the most highly regarded and nationally ranked art festivals in the country. Fine art abounds with paintings, glass, jewelry, clay works, photography, sculpture, wood and more. The festival runs both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in a great new location Riverside Park in the heart of

Bonita Springs. A suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs’ scholarship programs making it possible for everyone to enjoy art. For further information, call 239-4958989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org. The Center for the Arts Bonita Springs will also hold an art festival March 4 - 5 at Riverside Park.

Visual Language exhibit at FGCU ArtLab Gallery

The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts present “Visual Language: The Art of Typography and Creative Writing” in the ArtLab Gallery from Feb. 23 - March 30. This exhibition is co-curated by graphic Design instructor Sasha Minsky and writing instructor Jesse Millner. On Thursday, Feb. 23, there will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ArtLab Gallery in the Library. When typography, the design and creation of type, is applied to literary texts, this collaboration can result in a hybrid form of art that provides incredible visuals and summons intellectually stimulating experiences for both the artists and their audiences. This exhibition features the work of the Special Topics Advanced Typography course instructed by Sasha Minsky in collaboration with Jesse Millner’s Narrative Techniques creative writing class. Students from both courses worked together to bring literary narratives alive through the use of innovative typography tech-

niques. Student typographers from Sasha Minsky's class: Tiffany Billings, Anna Cooke, Kaitlin Dowis, Taryn Estrada, Marile Franco, Eduardo Guerra, Alyssa LaManna, Justin McDowell, Adam Robair, Andrea Rygala, Sarah Wasson and Angelina Zuniga-Reed Student writers from Jesse Millner’s class: Taylor Sweat, Brandon Paul, Kimberly Rosales, and Jacqueline Avetrani The ArtLab Gallery is located at the west side of the Library building on FGCU’s main campus at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Parking is available in Lot 7 for gallery visitors; parking passes are available at the information booth at the University’s main entrance. Regular viewing hours are: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. For further information on this exhibition and others, go to artgallery.fgcu.edu or call 239-590-7199.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Annual Fine Art Expo Feb. 11 at Cape Arts Studio

Ann Hamilton: Phora exhibit at Bob Rauschenberg Gallery

Florida SouthWestern State College is currently showing Ann Hamilton: Phora at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery. Occupying the walls (nearly floor-to-ceiling) with more than 120 unique stills captured by the artist from close-up video taken of the mouths of carved medieval figures at the Museum of National Antiquities in Stockholm, the silent, non-sentient, but color-saturated facial features appear reanimated by this immersive installation of digital images. Initially conceived for the architectural context of la maison rouge in Paris, France, and inspired by two highly-symbolic locales: the Bastille (as the voice of civic demonstration) and the Bastille Opera (as a demonstrative public voice). Ann Hamilton: Phora explores the origins of public speaking from the first forums to on-going political debate, and is opening on the day of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration. Presented for the first-time with The First Line (Sounds for Drawing) an experimental drawing project and participatory

installation by Ann Hamilton and Andrew Deutsch, this component encourages visitors to take a “hands-on” role by contributing their own drawing in response to audio tracks played through a headset while a newly-commissioned composition featuring micro-loops of the artist’s voice is played aloud in the Gallery to provide further inspiration and a soundtrack both for The First Line and Phora. Artist Ann Hamilton has been widely celebrated for her sitesensitive, multimedia, participatory and performance-based work. The official United States representative at the 48th Venice Biennale in Italy and the 1991 São Paulo Biennial in Brazil, Hamilton was recipient of the prestigious MacArthur “Genius Award” Fellowship and a NEA National Medal of Arts Award (presented at the White House by President Barack Obama in 2015). The exhibit opened Jan. 20 and runs through March 18. For additional information, call 239-489-9313 or visit www.RauschenbergGallery.com.

Kate Tillman

William Kidd

Hot Works’ 19th bi-annual Estero Fine Art Show was held Jan. 7 and 8 at the Miromar Design Center. As part of Hot Works support for the professional artists, there was $1,500 in professional artist awards. The judge this year for awards was Dana Roes, chairwoman of the Visual Arts Department of Florida SouthWestern College in Fort Myers, and a highly success-

ful artist in her own right. Best of show honors ($500 each) went to both William Kidd of Miramar, Fl., and Kate Tillman of Lakeville, Ind. Five $100 awards of excellence were awarded to the following: Caleb Barnaby of Ormond Beach, FL; Erin Kaleel of Weaverville, NC; Eddie Myers of Lake Mary, FL; Greg Stones of Greenville, RI; and Anthea Zito of Ridgewood, NJ

Estero Fine Art Show winners

MORE THAN 80 JURIED ARTISANS

Naples Artcrafters

Fine Art & Craft Show Celebrating 50 YEARS

SATURDAY, FEB. 11TH 10am - 5pm

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples just south of 5th Avenue Free Admission & Parking

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com 22

FEBRUARY 2017

Registration is open for the 17th annual Fine Art Expo at the Cape Coral Arts Studio on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Fine Art Expo is a full day of fun and educational fine art and fine craft workshops created for you to try your hand at something new. Participants choose from a diverse offering of classes to create and take home finished art. The Expo is the annual fundraiser for the Cape Coral Arts Studio hosted by the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild. The Cape Coral Arts Studio is the home of the Southwest Florida Fine Craft Guild and is located at 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral. Participants of all experience levels are welcome to register for the workshops. The cost is $35 per workshop or buy two workshops for $60. Cape Coral Arts Studio students and Guild members are eligible for a discount of $5. Tools are provided for students. Each class has a small fee for supply kits ($20 or less depending on the class). For more information or to register, call the Cape Coral Arts Studio at 239574-0802.

HERON’S GLEN ARTIST GROUP 19TH ANNUAL FINE ART SHOW

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 - 10 AM TO 3 PM 35 local artists come together to show and sell their fine art work.

Heron’s Glen is located 4 miles north of The Shell Factory on US 41 in North Fort Myers. www.HeronsGlenArtistGroup.org HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Pine Island Arts & Crafts Fair Feb. 25 at Island Conclave The Pine Island Arts & Crafts Fair will be great for an outing on one of our Southwest Florida islands you can get to by car to see arts and crafts vendors throughout Southwest Florida show their creations Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair is hosted at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery on 5101 Pine Island Road, about one mile past the very charming Matlacha. Just keep going west toward the water and you’ll find it on the left hand side of the road prior to hitting the four way stop at the center of the island. Jane This gallery, one of Southwest Florida’s newest, features artists and artisans who have island or the tropics inspiration in their hearts and it shows in their vibrant island style. Along with art in every shape, size and medium, you’ll find décor, island made spices, soaps, lotions, and cosmetics. They also feature some interesting works including “Little Man in Black” by actress Jane Seymour. Seymour is most remembered for her illustrious career in

Hollywood film and TV, but most are unaware of her beautiful artistry in watercolor. The particular numbered limited edition print is a collector’s item and has quite the history as Seymour painted the late Johnny Cash & June Carter’s son as a baby with Cash’s hat on. Seymour and her then husband, James Keach were the godparents to Cash & Carter’s son. Island Conclave Gallery also hosts at Seymour least one spectacular event per month that is worth checking out, be sure to get on their mailing list for private invites or visit their Facebook page at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery to find out about upcoming events, classes and exhibitions. Visit the arts & crafts fair in island style at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, located at 5101 Pine Island Rd. Call 239-2828488 for more details or email islandconclave@mktmania.com

Reception Feb. 9 at Art Council co-op gallery at Coconut Point

The Co-operative Art Gallery of the Art Council of Southwest Florida will hold a reception to introduce its monthly changing array of arts and crafts on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. The reception, featuring live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres, will offer the opportunity to meet some of the artists displaying at the gallery their painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry and work in mixed media. Located adjacent to Panera in the Coconut Point mall, the gallery offers for sale – or just browsing – the work of more than 60 artists and crafts people of Southwest Florida. The juried offerings are changed at the beginning of each month, thus making the gallery a frequent point of return for mall shoppers, whether residents, “seasonals” or tourists to the area.

During February and throughout the in-season period, the gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The artists and crafts people showing at the gallery are members of art organizations and studios in a five-county region of Southwest Florida, all part of the Art Council of Southwest Florida (ACSWF; www.acswf.org). The ACSWF Art Gallery is located at 8074 Mediterranean Drive at Coconut Point in Estero For additional information, phone 239-949-3073.

Naples Fine Art Studio & Gallery

paintings by Edward Park

23 Year Anniversary Special January - March

1719 Trade Center Way, Suite 9, Naples

(north of Pine Ridge Road, west of Airport-Pulling Road)

239-293-8237 (cell)

Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday appointment only

www.edwardparkfineart.com 24

FEBRUARY 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Open call for new member artists

DAAS Co-Op Gallery to showcase Nancy Giffin This month of February, they celebrate love and friendship at DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts with special guest artist Nancy Giffin, master of basket weaving and fine wood works. The opening reception coincides with the SoCo Second Saturday event, to be held at the SoCo Cultural District (Alliance for the Arts and Royal Palm Square block) on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be an artist talk at 7 p.m, followed by a Q&A session with the guest artist. DAAS Co-Op is hosting an open call for new artists to join as members of the cooperative. During the month of February, the gallery will waive the membership application fee. New applications must be received by the gallery no later than Saturday, Feb. 25.

With more than 30 member artists, DAAS Co-Op is currently the largest cooperative art gallery in Fort Myers. The majority of the member-artists work in a variety of mediums, ranging from paintings to sculptures and pottery to jewelry. The diversity of the inventory, combined with a curated style of displaying the works, makes for what TripAdvisor community critics describe as SoHo quality gem among the artistic venues of our city. For more information about the gallery or to find out how to become a member, visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-590-8645. In-person inquiries are also welcome. The gallery is conveniently located in the Royal Palm Square at 1400 Colonial Blvd., Suite 84, in Fort Myers. Business hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lorne’s Gallery and Frame Gallery & Gifts, both in Cape Coral, will feature the art of watercolor artist David Belling in February. David Belling’s art career began in Wisconsin–first as a freelance designer and, later, as creative director and advertising agency partner. He always painted in his free time, and his watercolors can be found in many corporate and private Midwest collections. After moving to Florida, and continuing an award-winning career in advertising, Belling retired, and began painting full time. A signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, his originals and prints may be found in many private

collections and galleries. A special reception will be held Feb. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lorne’s Gallery, unit 108, at Marina Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral. Belling’s artwork can also be seen at Frame Gallery and Gifts, 1830 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Call 239-9450866 or 574-5111 for more details.

David Belling art featured in two Cape Coral galleries

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Sea Grape Gallery features Kelly Gaylord and Bob Rioux

Sea Grape Gallery isfeaturcombined skills and creativity to ing two of their artists, Kelly design and create beautiful and Gaylord, mixed media artist, and truly unique stained and blown Bob Rioux, stained and blown glass kaleidoscopes. As Bob says glass artist, from Feb. 2 to “I am inspired by the natural beauMarch 2. ty of the area where our studios While working in the corpoare located.” Bob and Elissa are rate world for 25 years, Kelly known for incorporating unique Gaylord focused her artistic abilifused dichroic glass and iridescent ties by training with nationally stained glass in their designs. The known artists, teaching art herdetailed glass embellishments and self, and painting murals. After brilliant colors in each kaleidoretiring from corporate life and scope makes it totally unique and moving to Florida, Kelly started each are designed in a variety of her own business where she sizes, styles and themes. Bob and painted murals and faux finished Elissa’s kaleidoscope creations Bob Rioux walls and ceilings in private have received several honors and homes. Kelly now spends her awards by the Brewster Society, time creating 2-dimensional art an international kaleidoscope which incorporates different organization, and are in collecmixed mediums resulting in tions by well-known celebrities unique contemporary pieces. all over the world. Kelly says, “I enjoy experimentMany of Kelly’s artworks and ing with different media, addiBob’s kaleidoscopes are on distives and textures, and even play at the Sea Grape Gallery. In reactive products, to push the addition, more of their art and artistic envelope”. In addition the artworks of all Sea Grape to creating her beautiful artartists can be viewed at works, Kelly volunteers her www.seagrapegallery.com. time as president of the Board Sea Grape Gallery is located of Directors for the Punta at 113 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda Mural Society. Gorda and can be reached at Bob Rioux has two studios, 941-575-1718. The gallery is one in Kennebunkport, Maine, always open until 8 p.m. on the Kelly Gaylord and one in Punta Gorda where third Thursday of the month for he, partnering with his wife, Elissa, use their Alive After 5.

Annual Pine Island art show and sale Feb. 11 & 12 in Matlacha

Save time this month to visit the Pine Island Art Association’s 45th Annual Art Show and Sale which is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is located inside the Matlacha Community Building in Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, just west of the Pine Island Bridge. It is Greater Pine Island’s biggest art event of the year. Southwest Florida residents, art collectors and tourists look forward to this weekend knowing it will be their opportunity to view the current work of so many talented local artists. Artists familiar with the area and comfortable depicting the vibrant colors and flavor of Southwest Florida. You will find works large and small in acrylic, pastel, watercolor, drawings and oil paintings. You will be able to choose from Florida landscapes, seascapes, flowers, birds, wildlife, beach scenes, boats and sunsets. Paintings that just seem to belong in your home. All the work has been beautifully framed and ready to hang in your home. The special Small World category is always a popular section and will be well represented at this show. There will also be more than 500 of the popular PIAA 3 ½ inch X 4 ½ inch mini paintings. Each one has been double matted and signed by the artist. The paintings are just $10. Special metal or wood frames for the minis are available for $10 or $15. These paintings are beautiful displayed alone or in

Lyn Wightman

a group. They make thoughtful gifts or can be kept as pleasant memories of your time in Florida. You will be greeted by the members at the door and made to feel welcomed. You’ll meet the artists, chat with the locals and will be invited to sample our home baked delights. Sit a while and enjoy old Florida hospitality. A visit to the PIAA Show provides you an opportunity to spend some time in Matlacha. This historic district, once a fishing village, is a thriving arts community. Old fishermen’s cottages have been converted into brightly painted galleries, shops, restaurants and fresh fish markets. The feeling is old fashioned, warm, friendly and wonderful.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH 6 TO 10 PM

A Variety of Unique Original Art by 20 Award Winning Artists

Fort Myers Downtown

River District RAIN or SHINE!

ALSO: Saturday after Art Walk 11 am - 4 pm

Shop Our Art Galleries & Art Spaces!

Your fine art gallery since 1988. 113 W. Marion Ave. • Downtown Punta Gorda (941) 575-1718 • www.SeaGrapeGallery.com 26

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REVERIE & ROCK ART GALLERY • ARTS FOR ACT GALLERY TWO NEWTS GALLERY • ART LEAGUE OF FORT MYERS SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER • TIMELESS • THE NEST BOOTLEGGERS ALLEY • MIVILLE GALLERY • SPACE 39 GRAND ILLUSION GALLERY • MARC HARRIS WILDLIFE AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS GALLERY • OLLIE MACK GENTRY

www.FortMyersArtWalk.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SoCo Second Saturday Feb. 11 features new map and contest

Love, art and culture are in the air, especially in the newly formed cultural district of SoCo. The SoCo Second Saturday event began last October and continues to grow, with more cultural venues, new vendors and a redesigned map, which includes all of the night’s attractions and the details on how to win a great prize by one of the participating SoCo stops. On Saturday, Feb. 11, patrons of the arts, collectors, art enthusiasts and all attending guests will have the chance to win tickets to a Broadway Palm Luciano DeAndrade demos during a recent SoCo Second Saturday event. Dinner Theatre play, just by enjoying the SoCo cultural venues and collecting a Golden In addition, more than 10 vendors, located Ticket at each location. The winner will be at various locations of the Royal Palms announced one week after the event. Square, will be offering their handmade, fineThis month’s participating SoCo cultural crafts during the event. There will be live venues are: musicians at the Art Loft in the Alliance for • Alliance for the Arts the Arts campus and at various locations of • DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts the Royal Palm Square. • Gittleman Studios The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 • Ocasiocasa p.m. on Feb. 11. This is a monthly event, rain • The Union Artist Studios and Crafted or shine. The SoCo Cultural District location • Catch 22 encompasses the block south of Colonial • Vamped Up Vintage Bloulevard, from the corner of McGregor • Yoga Bird Boulevard to Summerlin Road, to Royal Palm • Living Vine Café Square Boulevard and back to McGregor. • A Swedish Affair More information about the event and vendor • Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre opportunity information is available at • Suzanne’s Dance Fitness www.socoswfl.com. • Studio Os Urbanos

Portrait and Figure Painters Society, Lois Johnston at Cape Coral Library

An artists’ reception is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Cape Coral Public Library located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. This will be a great opportunity to view the exhibit, meet the artists who will be exhibiting in February and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free, and everyone is most welcome to attend. No reservations are required. The show runs from Feb. 3 through March 1. Due to popular demand, this is the third year that the Portrait and Figure Painters Society of Southwest Florida will be exhibiting on the walls of the gallery. The theme for the 2017 show is The European Experience and will showcase paintings by the society’s pro-

fessional, award winning artists such as Cathy Beard, Nadi (Renate) Reuter, Dorothy Salcedo, Lyn Sisti-Sommer and others. The works in this exhibit will represent a wide range of subject matter. Fused glass creations by Lois Johnston will be on display in all three cases. Johnston has been an artist and instructor for over 25 years. Today, Lois Johnston is known as an award winning kiln-formed glass artisan. She currently instructs students in the techniques of glass fusing at the Cape Coral Arts Studio. Call Monica Rahman of the Friends of the Cape Coral Library at 239-258-2991 or email monica4608@comcast.net for more about the library’s art gallery exhibits and events.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Hirdie Girdie Gallery showcases four of its own local artists

Sanibel's Hirdie Girdie Co-Op Gallery offers the work of 15 awardwinning local artists in a colorful island building brimming with talent. Here's a look at four of these artists. Joan Tangren Reynolds was introduced to plein air painting in the 1970s, but it wasn't until she moved to Florida in 2000 that painting on location became her passion. "When I'm on location, the changing light and colors in nature push me to interpret the scene so the viewer can sense the excitement I felt when I was there," she says. Joan's favorite subjects are local landscapes and people involved in everyday activities, and her portfolio includes oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel paintings. Anne Tuttle has been working in the medium of colored pencil since the 1990s. It allows her to combine her love of drawing and detail with color. She appreciates colored pencil's simplicity and versatility and she has enjoyed its growth as an accepted medium in shows and galleries. She has a special Denny Soures

interest in maritime art, and she has found much inspiration in Florida's coastlines. Denny Soures has been involved in photography for more than 50 years. His passion for nature and wildlife drives him to create images for everyone to enjoy. Though he's taken photographs all over the United States, his favorite subjects are Sanibel and Captiva wildlife, sunsets and beaches. A volunteer at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Denny keeps his camera close so he can capture amazing images. Sanibel artist Sue Housler became interested in art tile work because of her background in sculpting and painting. "Working with clay allows me to continue tactile creativity," she says. "Glazing is similar to oil painting and I am able to manipulate color, depth and design when I make and decorate my tiles." Sue's dramatic tile art designs reflect her appreciation for beauty in nature. Visit Hirdie Girdie Gallery at the corner of Library Way and Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel and see the work of these and 11 other fine artists. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 239-3950027 or check the web at www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com.

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Ann Tuttle

Joan Tangren Reynolds

Sue Housler

Harbour View Gallery to feature Vicki Glynn and Martha Grattan

Harbour View Gallery in Martha Grattan has spent Cape Coral will welcome most her life thinking about art featured artists Vicki Glynn and working toward the con(watercolor paintings) and servation of the natural world. Martha Grattan (pottery) at In this latest series, the focus a reception on Tuesday, is on the relationship between Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. plants and animals here in Award winning artist Florida. There is a threat Vicki Glynn’s watercolors throughout this region that culhave always been inspired minates as a constant struggle by nature. They depict the between that which is native, natural beauty in this world and that which has been introwith the intention to uplift, duced from other places. inspire and bring joy. Her The characters in this Martha Grattan works have been described series feature distinctive patas “soft real-ism” and her terns that are meant to illussubjects often include inland Florida vistas, trate the interdependence between plants birds, fish, man-groves, beaches, and garand animals. The patterns are created den paths, with many set in our beautiful through a combination of clay molds, Florida sunset or sunrise colors. Her stamps and freestyle illustration. The process involves many layers of light, dark designs create a suggestion of fish scales, and color creating texture and shapes to water or leaves in the finished art. All of the interpret nature’s tapestry. images are created by Grattan, nothing is Vicki has been an artist her entire life. produced from commercially available Art has been her passion and her professtamps. sion. She has been a gallery owner, served She has studied and worked in the arts on boards of art and envisince she was a child. ronmental organizations Most recently she has and her work is reprebeen studying pottery at sented in many private FGCU. Working in clay and corporate collections al-lows her to combine including the permanent the ideas she loves about collection of FSW. She art, craftmanship and and her husband moved design. to Southwest Florida in Their work will be on 1980 from Illinois after display through February. she received a Master of The gallery is located at Fine Arts degree from 5789 Cape Harbour Vicki Glynn Millikin University. Drive, Cape Coral.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Art After Dark Feb. 11 in Naples

Art After Dark is hosted by the Galleries of Cayton Cove on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live music by Fezz and Alchemy at the Phil Fisher Gallery & Guess-Fisher Gallery while viewing their newest works featured in their show titled Chasing The Light. All the galleries are open and featuring a variety of works of art by Naples artists. They are all within a one block walk by the Bay where 8th St. S. & 12th Ave. S. meet at the flagpole.

Feb. 18 show at GuessFisher, Phil Fisher

Guess-Fisher Gallery & Phil Fisher Gallery are hosting a special show "Islands-Three Interpretations: Atkielski, Fisher & Guess on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy live music and an artists reception in a culturally rich area of Naples. The gallery is located at 810 12th Ave. S., Naples. Visit online at www.PhilFisherGallery.com Addtionally, Phil Fisher and Natalie Guess will be participating in the Third On Canvas en plein air painting to raise funds for PAWS Assistance Dogs on Feb. 19 & 20 with an auction on Feb 23.

FLAG exhibit at Ave Maria University Members of the Region Seven Chapter

Art and Nature night Feb. 8 at Shangri La in Springs in Bonita

The Historic Shangri La Springs monthly Art & Nature night will guide you through a multi-media artistic experience unique to Southwest Florida, curated by Zawi Borsa. If you have not visited this beautifully preserved piece of old Florida, the free community night on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. is a great time to go (Feb. 8). This night welcomes the new artists Michael Monroe, Pat Zalisko and Dawn Scandale who are featured in the Great House under the new theme Bright Light. You will be awed as you walk into the circa 1921 Great House with live Baby Grand Piano and electric double bass played by Alchymie. A featured live artist swirls colors to the music as patrons to the organic wine bar, with beer supplied by the local Brewery Momentum, take in the scene sip by sip. A glide into the dining room and guests are invited to an organic meal amongst the artwork with a wall of windows overlooking the giant Mysore fig tree in the courtyard. A walk outside and you will be transcended to an abstract time with the theatrical effects of

Paper Grotto. A step into the longhouse with its exposed cedar beams and you can experience multiple live art demonstrations including; Jane Portaluppi Durand who works on her latest masterpiece in the form of sidewalk chalk art, pottery making, book binding with live poetry, hammered dulcimer music to fill the room and free butterfly card making. In the newly renovated Octagon, you can participate in numerous yoga classes throughout the night while Emmy award winning Kat Epple plays live with Nathan. As you enjoy the acres of verdant landscape you will be happy you brought along your drum so you can join in the community drumming circle which welcomes all levels and ages. Free mini-treatments in the spa ensure that you are feeling good inside and out. Take a walk to our new neighbors at Hummingbird and experience what energy healing is all about while enjoying a quiet tea time with their staff. All of these activities are surrounded by the lush botanicals of Shangri La Springs. For information, call the gift shop at 239949-0749. Shangri La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita.

of The Florida Artists Group will be having a special exhibition in the Canizaro Library at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria now to March 17. Curator Jennifer Nodes selected images in painting, sculpture, and batik from nine selected members from Southwest Florida. Featured artists include: Pat Zalisko, Muffy Clark Gill, Peg Cullen, Joel Shapses Russell Blanchard, Muffy Clark Gill, Honey Costa, Peg Cullen, Cheryl Fausel, Joel Shapses, Joan Sonnenberg, and Terry Lynn Spry. An artist gallery talk will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 16. Information about the artists can be seen on their website at www.floridaartistsgroup.com. The Florida Artists Group was incorporated in 1949 as a non-profit organization of professional artists. Made up of artists whose work has attained national or statewide recognition, the purpose of the group is to stimulate attainment of the highest standards of creative art within the State of Florida. For more information, call 239-2802557 or 239-253-8827.

Winter show at Fort Myers Beach Art Assoc.

The Winter Juried Show opened Jan. 22 in both studios at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association main gallery, sponsored by Fresh Catch Bistro. The show was open to all members of the Southwest Florida Art Council. This exhibit will be available for viewing and sale until Feb. 9. Fort Myers Beach Art Association gallery is located on Donora Boulevard, one mile south of the Matanzas Bridge. Call 239-463-3909. The gallery is open daily Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.fortmyersbeachart.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Music

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Punta Gorda Wine Larry Alexander kicks off TheatreZone concerts & Jazz Fest Feb. 25

The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is entering its 12th year of service to the community and in February the annual Wine and Jazz Festival too will be celebrating its 12th anniversary. The fest will take place Feb. 25 in downtown Punta Gorda. The lineup includes Mindi Abair, Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. This festival has received all types of accolades over the years and has brought such amazing acts as Ramsey Lewis, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, David Benoit and, of course, festival favorite Mindi Abair. “We want 2017’s festival to be something special. A true celebration to honor those who have made the festival what it is today,” said John Wright, president of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Laishley Park will open at 12.30 p.m. approximately, with the first act taking the stage at 1 p.m. For any questions, call 941-639-3720 during office hours. Visit online at www.puntagordachamber.com

Rock & Rock Hall of Famer John Grammy nominee, Broadway vocalSebastian from The Lovin’ Spoonful, ist and actress Maureen McGovern and long-time local favorite Larry have been canceled. Alexander grace the TheatreZone Rock & Rock Hall of Famer and stage for limited engagement perAmerican roots folk legend John formances in February and March as Sebastian, founder of ‘60s group part of TheatreZone's Concert Series. The Lovin’ Spoonful, brings First up is the new show “My Woodstock to Naples for two nights Broadway with Larry Alexander” on March 13 and 14 at 8 pm. Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.,” when the tenor From his beginnings in the presents a fun-filled evening singing Greenwich Village folk scene, to his and performing some of Broadway's tenure as lead singer and songbest and most beloved songs from writer for The Lovin’ Spoonful, to his Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd successful solo career and recent Webber, Cy Colman, George return to jug band music in the Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers & group Chasin’ Gus’s Ghost, Hart, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sebastian’s career keeps going Larry Alexander accompanied by his talented live strong. He is known for songs like three-piece band. “Darling Be Home Soon,” “Do You It promises to be an evening of Believe in Magic,” “Nashville Cats,” favorite standards about romance and passion, sung by a vet“Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind,” and “You Didn’t eran actor while interweaving stories about his life and personHave To Be So Nice.”Premium seats are $55, and orchestra al connection to the music. Alexander has performed for 10 and box seats are $50. A limited number of $175 VIP tickets seasons with TheatreZone and is well loved by local audiare available and include aisle seating, a pre-show reception ences. Premium seats are $55, and orchestra and box seats with wine and cheese, and a post-show reception meet-andare $50. A limited number of $100 VIP tickets are available and greet with Sebastian. include aisle seating and a pre-show reception with wine and The theater is located at 13275 Livingston Road, on the cheese. Community School of Naples campus. Purchase tickets at theUnfortunately, the Feb. 23 and 24 concerts with multiatrezone-florida.com or call the box office at 888-966-3352.

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana Acoustic Shows Songwriters at Sunset

Feb. 2 - Lovers Key State Park

Boz & Bon, Toni & Scotty - 3:45 p.m. (FREE)

Tret Fure

Feb. 4 Robert Bidney opens

Feb. 11 - Homegrown

Ray Cerbone & David Hintz

South County Library, Estero Feb. 11 - Acoustic Blues Mike McMillian, Karen Cohen, Bill Metts - 2 p.m. (FREE)

Muriel Anderson Sunday, Feb. 19

Multimedia show $15/$20 Melissa Welk opens

Swearingen & Kelli Feb. 25 Mangrove Flats opens

FEBRUARY 2017

Muriel Anderson $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at door. The ACMA is a not for profit and is funded by tax deductible donations. Please check website for more information and visit YouTube on any of these artists.

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

INFO: 239-691-4069 www.AmericanACMA.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Chain Reaction

CREW concert features tribute to Journey and Styx Feb. 18

“Don’t Stop Believin’ in CREW” is the theme for the 2017 CREW Land & Water Trust concert and silent eco-auction on Saturday, Feb. 18. “The Journey song performed by Chain Reaction was a real crowd favorite at last year’s concert,” explains CREW executive director Brenda Brooks. “The title also reflects how critical community support is to our mission of preserving land and water resources in Lee and Collier counties.” Chain Reaction will headline this year’s Saturday evening concert at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. This year, the talented group will recreate the greatest hits of both Journey and Styx. Brooks noted the February date will give attendees more time during the season to enjoy their silent eco-auction purchases which typically include boat cruises, nature hikes, swamp walks and other unique natural experiences. Last year’s concert and auction raised nearly $30,000, which was used to fund environmental education programs. These programs include field trips for third

graders from area schools, classes for students from Florida Gulf Coast University and Nature’s Peace, a program that provides guided walks for people with Alzheimer’s disease and visually impaired guests. The silent eco-auction is a highlight of the event, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on a variety of nature-based items and experiences. This year’s auction items include a Moultrie digital game camera, private spring wildflower walk, Port of the Islands Everglades vacation package and a fossilized megalodon tooth that is approximately 3 to 15 million years old. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert concludes at 9 p.m. Food and adult beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 in advance at crewtrust.org and $20 at the gate. VIP cafe tickets at $75 each include dinner, drinks and private table seating. VIP Cafe tickets are available in advance only by calling 239-5672253. All concert proceeds will support CREW’s environmental education programs.

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers and the City of Palms Youth Choir continue their very successful 201617 season with two concerts in the month of February. The Mastersingers Chamber Chorus and the Youth Choir will appear in a free admission concert on Sunday, Feb. 4 at St. Hilary Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will include selections by the Chamber, the Youth Choirs and the combined groups. A free-will offering will be taken up to support the Mastersingers. City of Palms Youth Choir director Matt Koller observed, “St. Hilary’s Church is the perfect venue for small groups like the Youth Choir and our Chamber Chorus. The size of the space and the acoustics should make for a wonderful evening of music.”

On Sunday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m., the full Mastersingers chorus joins the City of Palms Youth Choir at Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island, Road, Bokeelia,. Admission is free for this concert with a free-will offering taken up to support the group. Selections at this concert will feature much of the repertoire that the group is singing on its tour of Spain in the summer of 2017. “We pride ourselves on bringing great choral music to all parts of Southwest Florida, and we really appreciate the opportunity to return to Pine Island for a concert,” said artistic director Jeff Faux. “It promises to be a special evening being able to perform many of the pieces that we will sing in Spain. The chance to perform with the City of Palms Youth Choir makes it that much more exciting for us as an organization,” Faux continued.

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, Youth Choir to perform in February

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

ACMA welcomes Tret Fure, Muriel Anderson

The Americana Community best of women’s music Music Association (ACMA) keeps including the legendary things alive in February with sev“Meg & Cris at Carnegie eral great shows. Hall” (1983). She worked The month begins wit the as a duo with Cris Songwriters at Sunset series on Williamson throughout Feb. 2 at Lovers Key State Park the 90s, producing, engion Fort Myers Beach featuring neering and releasing 3 local couples Boz & Bon and Toni CDs together during & Scotty. those years. Boz & Bon “Togetha Forevah” Now after seven is a husband and wife popular acoustic releases on her acoustic/vocal duo. Performing own label, Tomboy Girl original material as well as covers Records, she has refor classic rock, rock, country, and established herself in the folk. This show will be all originals. folk world, winning the Toni & Scotty are a local couple 2004 South Florida Folk that perform regularly. Toni’s origiFestival nal southern bluesy style lyrics Singer/Songwriter Tret Fure and Scotty's northern rock style Competition in two out of guitar are always well received. three categories., Best This free show starts at 3:45 p.m. Be sure to Overall and Best Up-Tempo Song. 2004 also give yourself and extra 30 minutes to park and brought her recognition with the prestigious take the tram to the beach. The show is free, Jane Schliessman Award for Outstanding but parking is $8 per car. Contributions to Women’s Music. In 2009, Tret Tret Fure will perform Feb. 4 back at the was voted “Pride In The Arts Favorite ACMA’S normal location at All Faiths Unitarian Female/Lesbian Musician”. In the same year Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort she received the Janine C Rae Award for her Myers. Robert Bidney will open the show. work in Women’s Music. She is currently #3 on One of the most prolific artists in the conthe top 20 CD charts for OutVoice.net and #1 temporary singer-songwriter arena, Tret Fure on Reverbnation in Newport News, VA. has released 15 albums and CDs over the Tret released her 15th album Rembrandt course of her 46-year career. In addition to Afternoons in 2015 which proves to be her best being a gifted songwriter, Fure has engineered work yet. It has already been chosen by the and produced countless recordings by a variety acclaimed folk music show Midnight Special as of artists, including her own work. their album of the week and has been in heavy In the early ‘80s, Tret began exploring the rotation on several of the folk shows around the independent side of the industry discovering the country. Her song “Riverbank” was #2 on the blossoming genre known as Women’s Music. Acoustic Outpost charts for the week of Feb. She recorded with and produced some of the 15, 2016, and the song “Freedom” is #1 on

FEBRUARY 2017

Outvoice.net for June 2016. finger-picking guitarist who delivers songs from Robert Bidney is a singer-songwriter whose all different eras. Her sets include Piedmont messages are as strong as his melodies. His style pickin’ songs from the ‘20s and ‘30s, blues songs have been covered by an eclectic group and slide guitar in the Mississippi Delta style. of artists around the world, and in 2015 he Muriel Anderson will perform Sunday, Feb. released his first solo CD, It’s All About the 19 with a special audio-visual show. Tickets for Love. Music News Nashville wrote, “His is a this performance ae priced at $20. Melissa strong, new voice on the indie album scene Welk will open. that’s been a long-time coming.” The South Currently named by Guitar World magazine Florida Sun Sentinel wrote that the album is ”an as one of the eight most amazing female eclectic collection of universal meditations on acoustic players, Muriel Anderson is one of the love, harmony and the things that threaten few international touring harp-guitarists and is them, told in a confidently unadorned lyrical also the first woman to have won the National style that only an experienced songwriter would Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. Her recent attempt.” A seasoned performer, Bidney conCD Nightlight Daylight has already won 11 nects with his audiences through his infectious national awards. She has performed/recorded energy and emotional performances. with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Victor Wooten and The ACMA the Nashville Homegrown Chamber series presents Orchestra. Her the best in local obvious joy of songwriters on music, humor and Feb. 11. Ray her facility across Cerbone and the genres of folk, David Hintz will classical, jazz, offer an evening bluegrass and of exceptional international music original music is revered by guiwith a few special tarists worldwide. covers and duets Muriel Ray Cerbone Anderson’s new says, “My music audio-visual show is influenced by ”Wonderlust” is a the songwriters of must-see as well Muriel Anderson the mid ‘60s as a must-hear! photo by Chuck Winans through the writers Her worldof today. I moved renowned guitar to SW Florida 8 years ago and began writing and harp guitar playing is highlighted by a my own songs. I had the privilege to open for backdrop of stunning visuals by celebrated Florida singer songwriters Roy Schneider, Larry photo artist Bryan Allen. The first woman to win Mangum and Brian Smalley, and also open for the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, touring musicians Jamie Michaels, Pierce Pettis Muriel has performed with country legend Chet and Robin O’Herin, to name a few. I performed Atkins, jazz great Les Paul. at The ACMA both solo and in special events, Melissa Welk has been singing and writing like The Island Hoppers Festival, and local songs for 20 years. She bought her first used house concerts, as well as folk festivals like guitar after graduating from nursing school and Barberville, Lake County, Will MacLean Folk took it on the road as a traveling nurse. In such Festival and Sarasota where I won the open songs as, "Things Change," "Nothing's stage competition.” Impossible" and "It's Up To Us" she expresses Five years ago, after performing a song for her basic theme that life is full of choices. a well known rock drummer who was putting a She aims to project a positive attitude and contemporary blues band together, he became hopes, through her songs, the listener walks the singer for TheApocalypseBluesRevue. They away feeling inspired with an appreciation for were recently informed that they were nominat"our true connectedness" as humans. While ed by their record company for a Grammy in wintering in Florida, she has been exposed to the “best new contemporary blues record” catethe most talented musicians in all of Southwest gory. Their music has been featured on BB Florida through her membership with the King’s Bluesville on Sirius Radio as well as ACMA. radio stations worldwide. His blues project has A concert by Swearingen & Kelli caps off the not stopped him from writing new songs in the month on Feb. 25. Mangrove Flats will open “Americana” genre…his first love, and he conthis show. The stage is set with Swearingen & tinues to write and perform solo and with The Kelli belting out the songs of the '70s folk artists ABR. in their symphonic pops show for thousands of David Hintz is an excellent local singer people. Even with the power of an 80-piece songwriter with two CDs and a bunch of new orchestra the chemistry and vocal blend comes material to his credit. Whether it's a love song, barreling out, authentic and true. a divorce song, a protest song, or a ballad, Swearingen & Kelli was inevitable. They David's music is always honest and direct. never set out to form a duo, but when they David has opened for several headliners at the heard each other perform at a writer's night in ACMA, and recently promoted, and opened for, the heart of St. Pete at The Hideaway Cafe, the Howlin Brothers from Nashville. David runs their musical course changed. The connection an open mic to promote new musical talent in was magnetic, and by late 2013, they were the area. David's favorite venues are listening ready to release their debut self-titled album. rooms and house concerts where he can interAJ Swearingen, born in Bethlehem, PA, act with the audience in an intimate setting. began playing at 13 and started performing proOn Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., the ACMA’s Saturday fessionally in his late teens. Jayne Kelli's voice afternoon series Songwriters at the Library conis both husky and sweet, tender and bluesy. tinues at South County Regional Library located Kelli was born in the small town of Lapeer, at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway in Estero with Mich. AJ and Jayne have shared the stage with acoustic blues Mike McMillian, Karen Cohen, Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, Livingston Taylor, Bill Metts. This is a free show of local songwritJohn McCutcheon, Dave Mason among others. ers sharing original songs and the stories Mangrove Flats is a Punta Gorda group that behind the songs. Mike McMillan considers is a dedicated to honoring the American folk himself a student of acoustic blues, performing and singer - songwriter tradition, incorporating classics and originals. Bill Metts was influenced songs from past and present. by the music of Taj Mahal, Mississippi John For more information about the ACMA Hurt, Doc Watson and others. Karen Cohen is a shows, visit online at www.americanacma.org.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Gulf Coast Symphony 20 days of music

From Captiva to Clewiston, Boca Grande to Bonita Springs, the community can participate in more than 20 free music activities throughout the region with the Gulf Coast Symphony’s “20 Days of Music” program, which launched Jan. 14 and continues through Feb. 26. Events include small group performances, outdoor concerts, “Lunch & Learn” classes, Symphony Storytime for young children, and more. The Gulf Coast Symphony is collaborating with its many community partners on this project, including: the Lee County Library System, Gulf Coast Humane Society, Florida Gulf Coast University, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, The Heights Center, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Clewiston Public Library, Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs, Bell Tower Shops, Lighthouse of SWFL, Family Music Time Studio and Jensen’s Marina. “The core vision of the Gulf Coast Symphony is bringing our community together through music, and the 20 Days of Music celebration is our way of giving back to the community and working with our partners to share our love of music,” shares Gulf Coast Symphony Music and Executive Director, Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz. Remaining library events include: Ensemble performances at Captiva Memorial Library (11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva) on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m., and Clewiston Public Library (120 W Osceola Ave, Clewiston) on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.; and Lunch and Learn /Listen and Learn classes at Fort Myers

Regional Library (2450 1st Street) on Feb. 6 at noon. Ensemble performances will also take place at Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages and Marina (15107 Captiva Dr, Captiva) on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m., Healthpark Medical Center (9981 S Healthpark Dr, Fort Myers) on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m., and at Yappy Hour at Bell Tower Shops (13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers) on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. Another program for kids and families is the Orchestra Explorer Series, which features Gulf Coast Symphony musicians playing short classical pieces, as well as pieces kids will recognize to introduce the different instrument families of the orchestra. These programs also include a Musical Discovery Zone where kids can interact with musicians and their instruments in a fun and relaxed setting, and try some of the instruments themselves. The Orchestra Explorer Series introducing brass and percussion takes place at 2 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater (1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers), and Musical Discovery Zones will be held on Jan. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Family Music Time Studio (12995 S Cleveland Ave, Suite 158, Fort Myers), Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs (26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs), and at the Alliance for the Arts (10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers) on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. 20 Days of Music concludes on Feb. 26 from noon to 6 p.m. with Taste of the Cape at Four Freedoms Park. Visit www.Gulfcoastsymphony.org for a complete schedule, or call 239-277-1700.

Chamber music series Feb. 9 & Feb. 24 at Davis Art Center

Chamber music enthusiasts have something to celebrate this February. The second concert in the chamber music series brings the renowned Ehnes Quartet to downtown Fort Myers. On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., the Ehnes Quartet will perform for an audience at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The quartet is comprised of four internationally acclaimed string musicians: violinists James Ehnes, Amy Schwartz Moretti, and Richard O’Neill, and cellist Edward Arron. Experience the group that was hailed as “an important new force in the chamber music arena” with a “dream-team lineup” by Strings Magazine. The Ehnes Quartet was formally established in 2010, but each musician in the group has spent over 20 years performing classical music. Their debut recording of quartets by Barber and Shostakovich was released in 2014 to rave reviews. They’ve earned a reputation for showcasing expressive, exuberant renditions of some of the great classical chamber pieces. Currently, the Ehnes Quartet is part of the Chamber Soloists of Detroit. Also in February, the 2017 Chamber Series celebrates one of classical music’s most enduring figures. “A Multi-Media Cabaret: Late Night with Leonard Bernstein” is a scintillating, and affectionate multi-media portrait of the personal side of this charismatic, singularly public figure. Hosted by his daughter, Jamie, and featuring acclaimed soprano Amy Burton and pianists John Musto and Michael Boriskin, this vibrant evening features Bernstein’s most intimate (and favorite) music. The show includes works by Copland, Confrey, Coward, Schubert, and Chopin,

Ehnes Quartet

along with personal stories, and even audio and film clips of the Maestro himself. Experience the show that has captivated sold-out audiences across the U.S. on Friday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. Leonard Bernstein was one of the world’s greatest maestros and composers, but he was also an educator, an activist, and a humanitarian. Bernstein was a traditionalist who was never afraid to take risks. Best known for composing the original score to West Side Story, he was also known for his avant-garde takes on classical and chamber music. On each date, cocktails are at 7 p.m. Performance is at 8 p.m. General admission is $29 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit www.sbdac.com for info and tickets. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Stardust Memories Big band kicks off outdoor concert series

The Stardust Memories Big Band (SMBB) opens its 2017 outdoor concert series on Feb. 6 in Cambier Park in Naples, and Feb. 7 in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs with a show titled “Big Band Greatest Hits.” The series consists of nine shows, with four shows at Cambier Park and five shows in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. All shows are from 7 to 9 p.m. The SMBB is the vision of founder and band leader Craig Christman, and brings together some of South Florida's finest musicians with the goal of providing the best big band entertainment available to audiences in SW Florida. These working professionals have a collective resume that includes The Buddy Rich Orchestra, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under Buddy Morrow, The Si Zentner Big Band, The Chick Corea World Tour, and performances with artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Quincy Jones, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, Steve and Eydie Gorme, Nat King Cole, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tom Jones, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow, The Temptations, The Four Tops and many others. “It has always been a dream of mine to put together a band with musicians of this caliber and perform for audiences in SW Florida. We are really happy to be back at Riverside Park where the crowds were fantastic last year, and to add Cambier to our schedule,” says band leader Craig Christman. The SMBB recreates the sounds of the legendary American Big Bands including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody

FEBRUARY 2017

2017 OUTDOOR SCHEDULE

Monday Feb. 6

“Big Band Greatest Hits” Cambier Park, Naples 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

“Big Band Greatest Hits” Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 to 9 p.m. Band leader Craig Christman Herman, Les Brown, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and the more contemporary big bands of Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinsen, Gordon Goodwin and many more. Organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the SMBB's mission includes supporting the development of young, aspiring musicians in the SW Florida area. For the 2017 concert season, The SMBB has chosen to provide financial support to Music for Minors Foundation, and The Music Foundation of SW Florida. To learn more about and hear The Stardust Memories Big Band, visit www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com.

Monday, Feb. 27

“Count Basie/Duke Ellington” Cambier Park, Naples 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

“Count Basie/Duke Ellington” Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 7

“An Evening of Sinatra” (featuring Walt Andrus) Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 to 9 p.m.

Monday, March 13

“An Evening of Sinatra” (featuring Walt Andrus) Cambier Park, Naples 7 to 9 p.m.

Monday, March 27 “TV/Movie Themes” Cambier Park, Naples 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 28

“TV/Movie Themes” Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4

“Audience Request Show” Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 7 to 9 p.m.

A $5 per person donation is suggested at each concert 239-823-7240 stardustmemoriesbigband.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Symphonic Chorale to host annual Sing Out Feb. 24 & 25

Have you ever noticed that singing puts a smile on your face? It may be no more than your morning shout-out in the shower that starts your day off right, or perhaps it is your weekly choir rehearsal. If you love to sing, the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida has an opportunity to do just that. Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Sing Out Southwest Florida Choral Festival Feb. 24 and 25. No auditions are necessary, just bring along that love of singing. All community singers are invited, as well as high school and college student singers and visitors to the southwest Florida area who miss their regular singing experience and would love to devote a weekend to the choral art form. Sing Out! will be held at the newly opened New Hope Presbyterian Church at 10051 Plantation Road in Fort Myers, conveniently located for singers from Fort Myers and all neighboring communities. Sing Out begins with a workshop at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. The workshop will continue on Saturday Feb. 25, along with a morning and afternoon rehearsal. A festival concert (open to the public) will be the culmination of these efforts and will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, complete with all Sing Out participants, soloists and instrumentalists. Sing Out has been attracting a wider audience as it grows every year. Sing Out 2016 was created around the theme of “The French Connection” and featured a total of 150 singers onstage, literally doubling the Symphonic Chorale! Not bad for a program that began as a day-long educational workshop focused on vocal skillbuilding, musicianship, articulation and breath control. Feedback, however, led to

the festival format of today’s Sing Out. Much as participant’s appreciated honing their skills, what they really wanted to do was sing. This year’s Sing Out will feature the movements of the mass, thus the theme “Mass Appeal” and favorite movements have been chosen from well-known masses. The repertoire includes the Kyrie from Schubert’s Mass in G Minor, The Gloria from Haydn’s Mass in Time of War, Credo from Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass, the Sanctus and Benedictus from Mozart’s Requiem and the Agnus Dei and the Dona Nobis from Bach’s B Minor Mass. As if that list of beautiful music wasn’t enough to convince you to sign up for Sing Out, consider this. Singing is also good for you. Singing has been researched and proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety and elevate endorphins, a hormone linked to feelings of pleasure. In a Time magazine article from August 2013 by Stacy Horn, “group singing is the most exhilarating and transformative of all. It takes something incredibly intimate, a sound that begins inside you, shares it with a roomful of people, and it comes back as something more thrilling: harmony.” Join the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida at Sing Out! Community Choral Festival this month, and let your endorphins fly. Information and registration are available at www.SymphonicChorale.org . The $50 registration includes music, snacks/water, lunch on Saturday, and one free festival concert ticket. High school and college student singers may register free of charge thanks to sponsorship by the L.A.T. Foundation.

Funk Fest Punta Gorda set for March 3 & 4

Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk is set to headline the 8th Annual Funk Fest Punta Gorda along with 14 other national acts March 3 and 4. There will be two stages and 15 bands including funk powerhouse from Colorado, The Motet, Tim Reynolds and TR3 from The Dave Matthews Band, Here Come The Mummies, Grammy winner Big Sam’s Funky Nation, reggae superstars Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, New Orleans Funk Naughty Professor, The Fritz, Voodoo Visionary, Greg Billings Band, The Black Honkey’s, Walker Lukens, Black Taxi from Brooklyn, NY, Das Funk Haus, and Soulixer. The event will also incorporate a food truck village, more than 15 eclectic ven-

dors and more. Funk Fest Punta Gorda will take place at City Marketplace in Historic Downtown Punta Gorda. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3 and 1 p.m. on Saturday, March4. There are exciting ticket options from weekend passes to VIP experiences. Get your tickets at www.FunkFestPuntaGorda.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Music at the Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs has a great lineup of music for February.

Dana Louise & Glorious Birds

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet

Dana Louise & Glorious Birds will perform Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. The daughter of Ezra Idlet of the Grammy-nominated Trout Fishing in America, Dana Louise is a new songstress astonishing audiences with her vibrant, melodic vocals, adept fingerpicking and cool sound. Now touring her debut album, she is joined by the Glorious Birds — Adams Collins (vibraphone and 5-string banjo), Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood (Trout Fishing in America/guitar, percussion and bass). Drawing from jazz and bluegrass, carrying a contemporary beat, the sound has a pop feel, while maintaining the sort of lyrical and melodic integrity usually found only amidst accomplished folk and jazz performers. Dana Louise & the Glorious Birds work to leave their audiences glowing with the magic music can bring: genuine human connection. Tickets are $30, $25 and $20.

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet will perform Friday, Feb. 17. Like good Cajun cooking, the distinctive sound of Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil blend together a recipe of elements that captivate audiences around the world. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Micheal Doucet’s spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Join us as BeauSoleil avec Micheal Doucet take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend zydeco, New Orleans Jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues, swamp pop and more into an authentically satisfying musical recipe. Tickets are $45, $40 and $35.

prings

in Bonita S

& OTHER MUSIC ACTS

Feb. 17 - Journey & Bon Jovi tribute

Feb. 2 - Rat Pack tribute

Feb. 18 - Doobie Brothers America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute

Feb. 4 - Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute

Feb. 19 - Temptations & Four Tops tribute

Feb. 6 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute

Feb. 21 - Neil Diamond tribute

Feb. 20 - Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis tribute

Feb. 7 - Hall of Fame 50s, 60s & Motown Customer Appreciation Party

Feb. 22 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute

Feb. 8 - Neil Diamond tribute

Feb. 23 - Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute

Feb. 9 - Fleetwood Mac tribute

Feb. 24 - The Eagles tribute

Feb. 10 - Elvis & Jerry Lee Lewis tribute

Feb. 25 - ABBA tribute

Feb. 11 - Beatles, Roy Orbison tribute

Feb. 26 - Sinatra and Martin tribute

Feb. 12 - Rat Pack tribute

Feb. 27 - The Beach Boys tribute

Feb. 13 - The Beach Boys tribute

Feb. 28 - Fleetwood Mac tribute

Feb. 14 - Uptown Express

March 1 - Barry Manilow, Connie Francis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin

Feb. 15 - Celine Dion, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute

239-405-8566

March 2 - John Denver tribute March 3 - Motown with Gregg Miller

www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

FEBRUARY 2017

The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. For tickets and info, call 239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org.

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

Feb. 1 - Temptations & Four Tops tribute

Feb. 16 - ABBA tribute

Velvet Caravan will perform Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. Rooted in the Gypsy Jazz/Gypsy Swing and Latin Swing styles, this high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, standup bass, percussion and keyboards (including accordion) has emerged as one of the shining lights of Savannah’s burgeoning music scene. This band plays upbeat tunes from all over the world with thunderous virtuosity and relentless sense of humor. Bringing together the eclectic sounds are a motley crew of super talented musicians from Venezuela, Serbia, Austin TX, Iowa, Boston MA, and Southern Georgia. Tickets are $35, $30 and $25.

Come for the food. Stay for the dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS

Feb. 3 - The Eagles tribute

Velvet Caravan

(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SW FLORIDA SYMPHONY

Big Bands Through the Decades Feb. 3 & 4

The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee County’s only professional orchestra and one of the oldest on Florida’s gulf coast, kicks off its 56th season of pops with Big Bands Through the Decades featuring up and coming vocalist Michelle Amato, Rosemary Clooney’s tour drummer Steve Moretti and multifaceted guest conductor/singer/saxophonist/entertainer Matt Catingub. Big Bands Through the Decades performances happen on Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. Matt Catingub leads guest artists Michelle Amato, Steve Moretti and the Southwest Florida Symphony through a thrilling evening of Big Bands Through the Decades – with big band hits from the 1930s to the 1970s with favorites like In the Mood, Take the A Train, Come On a My House, Soul Bossa Nova and other greats that are sure to inspire dancing in the aisles. Tickets cost between $27 and $87 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at

8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

The Southwest Florida Symphony presents the next concert of its Small Stage Symphonies series, Gloria, with guest conductor Dr. Trent Brown. This concert features performances of Antonio Vivaldi’s Symphony in G Minor and the magnificent Gloria with the FGCU Chamber Chorus, Bach’s Jesu, meine Freude and his bright and beautiful Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 and Mendelssohn’s Heilig and Richte mich Gott. Concerts take place at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on Feb. 8, at Shell Point Village Church on Feb. 9 and at the Sanibel Community Church on Feb. 10. Small Stage Symphonies are chamber orchestra concerts that take place at small-

er venues throughout Lee County in order to provide patrons with a more intimate concert experience and an opportunity to sample an even broader variety of classical repertoire. Like Masterworks Concerts, Small Stage Symphonies feature internationally renowned guest soloists and conductors, including Maestro Nir Kabaretti. All three concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25 and vary by venue. They may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500. Tickets may also be purchased at each venue.

The Southwest Florida Symphony continues its 56th season of Masterworks with Let’s Dance! on Saturday, Feb. 18. This performance, sponsored by Lotus/Sheeley Architects and the Southwest Florida Symphony Endowment Foundation, happens at 8 p.m. Prior to the performance, at 7 p.m., patrons are invited to attend a conductor led pre-concert lecture. These lectures are offered in order to better educate audiences about the pieces being performed. Masterworks III: Let’s Dance! is conducted by the Southwest Florida Symphony’s internationally renowned music director, Maestro Nir Kabaretti. This concert features many popular and familiar pieces - Handel’s bright and beautiful Water Music, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, Ravel’s sultry Bolero and Rozsa’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra with Huberman Quartet founder and former New York Phil violist Gilad Karni. Maestro Kabaretti has performed with Karni to rave

reviews around the world and now brings this unique artistic dynamic to the Barbara B. Mann stage. Violist Gilad Karni has been praised throughout the world for his tone and interpretation. His technique and musicality have earned him countless honors, from first prizes at competitions to leadership roles in some of the world's finest orchestras. Equally at home in orchestral and solo or chamber music settings, Karni can be heard on concert stages around the globe in a range of repertoire, as well as on recordings. Tickets cost between $27 and $87 per person and may be purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

Matt Catingub

Photo by Tommy Ewasko

Small Stage Symphonies Feb. 8-10

Masterworks: Let’s Dance Feb. 18

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out to play Sanibel Feb. 4

The International Bluegrass Music Association’s most-awarded Male Vocalist of the Year, Russell Moore, is at the top of the game. As the frontman of one of the most prolific bands in bluegrass history; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are celebrating over a quarter-century as one of the genre’s most celebrated modern day bluegrass groups. The band has in its time garnered over 50 industry accolades since their 1991 formation—including the title of IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year seven consecutive years. Moore’s journey to success has been a long one. From his childhood Texas home in Pasadena, country music was everywhere—but it was bluegrass that spoke to Moore’s soul. “Bluegrass was accessible,” Moore recalls, “The bands, the musicians—they were so approachable… you could just be around them. That was intriguing to me.” It didn’t take long for Moore to join the regional scene, and by his early 20s he had teamed up with other local musicians to create Southern Connection, relocating to Asheville, North Carolina in the process. Later he would join Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson and his band Quicksilver, where he found himself at the forefront of mainstream bluegrass music. Still, the desire to craft his own sound compelled him and, along with Mike Hartgrove and Ray Deaton, he formed IIIrd Tyme Out in May 1991. Since

FEBRUARY 2017

then, the band has released over 17 recordings and has been a regular feature on Billboard’s Top Selling Bluegrass Albums and has gone on to inspire a whole generation of young pickers and singers. The group is currently gearing up for a one-night only appearance at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. Get ready to jam with the high-energy, innovative sounds of one of bluegrass’ most influential groups in decades Feb. 4 at 8 pm. Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-3950900 for tickets and to learn more about BIG ARTS.

Louis and Ella runs Feb. 17 - 28 at the BIG ARTS Strauss Theater

Louis and Ella!, a brand new “jazzical” experience, reunites “The Architect of Jazz” Louis Armstrong and “The First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald for a magical engagement at BIG ARTS Strauss Theater from Feb. 17 until Feb. 28. The production, written by Trent Armand Kendall and composed by David Snyder, is a story about redemption and salutations for two larger than life musical icons. Joining them in Heaven, the two have one final jam session to help their souls to finally cross over while bringing down the house with some of the biggest hits of their storied careers and timeless classics from the great American songbook. Angels and saints join them to celebrate their extraordinary lives through the power of music. Louis Armstrong is played by show creator Trent Armand Kendall, an award-winning Broadway veteran known for his roles in The Color Purple, Into the Woods, and star of Picture Incomplete, while Ella Fitzgerald is brought to life by NaTasha Yvette Williams, fellow Broadway veteran famous for her roles in A Night with Janis Joplin, The Color Purple, and London’s Gone with the Wind. Their intimate chemistry and honest interactions drive the drama of the production and push an evening already overflowing

with inspiration and jubilance to new heights. Audiences have called Louis and Ella! an “absolute toe-tapping, humalong and clap your hands delight!” Come and be part of the experience as we pay tribute to two musical titans, and just in time for Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday. Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239395-0900 to buy tickets and learn more about BIG ARTS.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Annual Young Artists Awards gala March 6 in Fort Myers

The entire community is invited to celebrate the best of performing arts students from throughout Southwest Florida at the 14th Annual Young Artists Awards Gala on Monday, March 6 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. Tickets to the event are only $55, including a silent auction beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., and the show starting at 7 p.m. In addition to enjoying the performances judged by the professionals in attendance that evening, the program will also feature the ‘Audience Choice’ award, where tickets holders in attendance are invited to vote on their favorite performer at the event. Thirty-five cash scholarships and other prizes will be awarded to the students this year. There will also be a special appearance by the Cypress Lake Center for the Arts award winning The A Cappella Group. The not for profit Young Artists Awards program continues to expand in its fourteenth year of operation. On four separate auditions days during two weekends in January, seven panels of 60 professionals and educators in the performing arts adjudicated registered auditions in dance, drama, instrumental music, classical voice and contemporary voice/musical theatre. The best of performing arts students ages 8-21 from throughout Southwest Florida participated in the largest independent performing arts competition held in Lee County, held on the campus of the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Ranging in skill from elementary age students auditioning

in voice or dance for their first time to college age performers who have won international competitions, each judge provided the students in their category with written comments and critiques in addition to their scoring sheets. In addition to the 22 finalists selected to perform individually at the gala, an additional 11 runner-up participants will be recognized. “The talent of students in our area during our auditions was incredible,” said Katherine Boren, executive director of the program. “The adjudicators had a difficult job selecting the finalists. We once again had a waiting list of students wanting to participate this year. We are so appreciative of the professional judges who donate their time working with our students, as well as the many community organizations that partner with us by offering opportunities to our students and allowing us to offer scholarships to these talented young people. The community will be astonished at the caliber of the local talent at our upcoming event.” Boren also stated that sponsorships of the program are still available by contacting her directly at 239-574-9321. Participants are given numerous opportunities to perform at other community events throughout the year. The winner of this year’s music category will be invited to perform with the Gulf Coast Symphony. Tickets to this popular event are now available at the Broadway Palm box office in person, by calling 239-278-4422 or by visiting www.broadwaypalm.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Soul City pays tribute to Motown Feb. 18 at Shalom Life Center

On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m., get ready to enjoy an evening of soulful entertainment, as you embark on a musical journey through the history of Motown, a genre that broke down social barriers and infused music with life and rhythm. Tap your feet and sing along throughout the entire show, featuring hits from all the musical titans of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Soul City features dynamic and exciting performances that will have you “Dancing in the Streets,” celebrating the music and musicians of a powerful era, including Otis Redding, Tina Turner, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin and many more.

Join Cantorial soloist and Grammy nominated BMI Award winning composer/ producer Lawrence Dermer on Feb. 18. Dermer has worked with many of Motown’s greatest artists such as Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. Join them after the show for a lavish, gourmet dessert reception. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for guests. VIP tickets are $36 for members and $54 for guests. Reserve your seats at info@shalomlifecenter.org or call 239-218-3433 Shalom Life Center is located at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers (just off Daniels Parkway).

The Four Lads from Liverpool are back it again. The Mersey Beatles are ready to take downtown Fort Myers on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Mersey Beatles are bringing their authentic Liverpool brand of tribute to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for the “Get Back” tour. Hear all the early-to-late era Beatles tunes you know and love so much. General admission tickets will get you into the show, but purchasing VIP tickets will include tickets to the show, a meet and

greet with the Mersey Beatles before the show, and a free Mersey Beatles CD download. Last year, tickets to Mersey Beatles sold out, so don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Beatles tribute band. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $59 for VIP. Visit www.sbdac.com for tickets and info.

Mersey Beatles to play Feb. 11 at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

FEBRUARY 2017

Jamey Johnson

Air Supply entertains full house at Seminole Casino Hotel

sells out The Ranch

Concert Hall & Saloon

Air Supply performed a sold out show Jan. 14 at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.

Eleven time Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson played to a sold out crowd Jan. 20 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

Photos by Jamie K Kuser

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Annual Bonita Blues Fest set for March 10 and 11

The date is set and tickets are on sale for the 11th Annual Bonita Blues Festival to be held March 10 and 11 at Riverside Park. The Bonita Blues Festival is a two day event held on Friday, March 10, gates opening at 1 p.m. and Saturday, March 11 gates opening at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs. Both days will feature award winning blues music from around the country and a wide variety of food and other vendors. Friday will include “happy hour” prices on beer and wine from 1 until 5 p.m. The artists performing include Studebaker John and the Hawks with special guest Rick Kreher, Phantom Blues Band, Samantha Fish, Albert Castiglia, Dennis Jones Band, Cedric Burnside

Project, Idlewild South, Zora Young with Little Mike and the Tornadoes, Vanessa Collier Band, Jeff Jensen Band, Brian James and the Revival and Hector Anchondo Band. Proceeds of the Bonita Blues Festival will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Music for Minors Foundation, Inc., providing musical instruments to local youth and The Music Therapy Program at the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Tickets to the festival are just $50 in advance for a weekend pass. Ticket prices at the gate are $30 for Friday, $35 for Saturday and $60 for the weekend. Buy your weekend passes now and save! For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bonitablues.com.

It’s that time again – for the Cape’s liveliest international family festival packed with Irish and Celtic sights and sounds. Wear something green and head for Sun Splash Park. Help transform it into a legendary “Fiddler’s Green” - a place filled with perpetual joy. Fiddles that never stop playing. Dancers who never stop dancing. And, the Screaming Orphans are back. The 13th annual Irish Festival will take place Saturday, March 4 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of Joe Cobb, past club president and festival chairman. In Joe’s memory, 2017 chairman, Jim Gillespie, welcomes you to our Festival and says, “We have doubled the size of the tents and improved the layout. So bring your family, your chairs and blankets and get energized with continuous live music. Eat great food. And give the Screaming Orphans a rousing Cape Coral welcome home." In addition to the Screaming Orphans, our lovable lasses from Donegal, you’ll enjoy Rathkeltair returning to our main stage from Jacksonville Beach with song writer, Trevor Tanner, to perform original rock-n-roll songs steeped in Celtic tradition. Fiona Molloy, from Derry, whose beautiful voice and talented guitar playing capture our hearts. Ian Gould, Belfast guitarist and singer who shares pub spirit and conjures images of Ireland and who wryly warns us, "If Irish eyes are smiling, you better watch your step!" Also, local favorites Celtic Stew and West of Galway are scheduled, and returning Dubliner Brendan Nolan, whose rich voice and Irish way with words helps listeners feel the pain, the joy, the humor, the triumph, the sadness, the longing, as deeply as they were expressed in the old songs of the Irish tradition. Brendan will also sing the Irish National Anthem in Irish at the opening ceremony on Saturday at noon. Also scheduled are the crowd-pleasing Lee County Pipes & Drums Band that exudes a feeling of family, friendship, and honor for our heritage and the history surrounding piping, drumming and Celtic music. And that's not all – there’s dancing. Lots

of dancing is planned with award-winning Irish step dancers and friends of the festival, the Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance Academy with their quick and precise steps, unique costumes and love for Irish dance. And if you’re curious about how to dance the Irish jig, stop by the new festival favorite – the Ceili Tent of folk dance – where dancers demonstrate and teach you traditional Irish dancing to the accompaniment of our very own Brian Bonner, ballad singer and accordionist with his roots in Donegal. The family festival also features Leprechaun Lane, the children’s tent for kids ages 3 to 12 where there’s action galore. Free face painting, supervised games, arts & crafts. And new this year pay as you go – for teens – tennis ball batting cage, rope jumping and rolling ball and Carnival rides for all ages. Enjoy festival food at its best with corned beef & cabbage and other dishes from Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub in Bonita Springs known for its famous pub grub. And new this year, craft beer from a local Cape Coral brewery as well as Guinness stout, Harp and Smithwicks beer imported from Ireland. The festival also offers two 50/50 raffles each day and the chance to find your “pot o’ gold” and win a Trip for Two to the Emerald Isle – a value over $2,500 for just $5 a ticket. Prize includes Airfare from USA to Shannon or Dublin plus B&B and Rental Car for a week. Winner chooses when to go. Buy discounted tickets at the Cape Coral Irish American Club tent at the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival on Jan. 28 and at the Cape Farmers Market in Club Square every Saturday until Feb. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fest takes place at Sun Splash Park, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. Parking is free. Pets and coolers are not allowed. The Cape Irish Festival is sponsored by the Cape Coral Irish American Club, a nonprofit organization that supports scholarships and local businesses and always donates a portion of Festival proceeds to local charities. Check online at www.capecoralirishamericanclub.org for more details.

Cape Coral Irish Fest returns March 4 & 5

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Backstreets

Nervous Nellie’s

The Barrel Room

Old Naples Pub

915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral • 239-945-7555

2210 Bay St., Fort Myers • 239-333-2225

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

755 Mission Hills Drive, Naples 239-597-2583

Buckingham Blues Bar 5641 Buckingham Road Fort Myers • 239-693-7111

The Buddha Bar

12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-482-8565

Cape Cabaret

4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000

The Cigar Bar

Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers • 239-267-6020

Coconuts

850 Lafayette St. Cape Coral • 239-541-3221

The Cottage

1270 Estero Blvd., Ft Myers Beach • 239-765-5440

Dixie Roadhouse

1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral • 239-541-7900

Fathoms

5785 Cape Harbour Drive Cape Coral • 239-542-0123

Fishermen’s Village

1200 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda • 941-639-8721

Hotel Indigo

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers • 239-337-3446

Hurricane Charley’s

300 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • 941-639-9695

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel • 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

9905 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers • 239-433-3323

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

3401 Bay Commons Drive, Bonita Springs • 239-948-4400

Lansdowne Street

24851 S. Tamiami Trail #7 Bonita Springs • 239-495-3800

The Nauti Mermaid

5961 Silver King Blvd. Cape Coral • 239-541-5600

FEBRUARY 2017

1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-8077 255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key 1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral • 239-540-8454

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-3257

Pete’s Time Out

1005 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5900

The Rhythm House

16440 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-466-8326

Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee • 800-218-0007

The Shell Factory

2787 N. Tamiaimi Trail North Fort Myers • 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery

340 Old San Carlos Blvd. For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

3465 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs • 239-498-8887

The Stage

9144 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs • 239-405-8566

Ter-Tini’s

7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-277-5475

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

6890 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5711

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

18051 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-267-7900

Twisted Vine Bistro

2214 Bay St., Fort Myers • 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples • 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

3380 Mercantile Ave., Naples • 239-263-6777

Yucatan Beach Stand

250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach • 239-333-4386

Some of the many places to hear live music in Southwest Florida.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

INCONCERT

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PERFORMANCES

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

January 30 Kenny Rogers Artis–Naples

February 2

The Association

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

February 3

Robert Cray Band

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

Rhonda Ross

Center for the Arts, Bonita Springs

February 9

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Germain Arena, Estero

February 10

Dionne Warwick

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

February 11 Aaron Lewis

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

John Ginty

Naples Grande

February 13 Yanni

Artis–Naples

February 13 & 17 Joe Bonamassa

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

February 14 America

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

February 17 TobyMac

Germain Arena, Estero

February 18 The Spinners

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Rock Pack

Germain Arena, Estero

February 23 Kansas

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

February 24 Tony Bennett

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

FEBRUARY 2017

America to perform Feb. 14 at Seminole Casino Hotel

Classic rock favorite America will perform at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Tuesday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day) at 8 p.m. America became a global household name starting in the early 1970s with the release of their signature #1 single “A Horse With No Name.” America’s follow-up singles – “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” – were cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. After winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1971, America went on to have six albums certified gold and/or platinum, and their first greatest hits collection hit more than four million in sales. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. This show has sold out. For more

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Chieli Menucci, Special EFX Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

Travis Tritt

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

February 26 Johnny Mathis Artis–Naples

March 3 & 4 Funk Fest

Downtown Punta Gorda

March 4

Spyro Gyra

Englewood Event Center

Willie Nelson Artis–Naples info, contact the Seminole Casino Hotel cashier or call (800) 218-0007.

Dionne Warwick at casino

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & It$ Not Ober Yet Productions present An Evening with Dionne Warwick. The legendary five-time Grammy Award winner will perform her iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Warwick has become a cornerstone of American pop music and culture during the more than 50 years of her musical career. She is an established international music icon and concert act, having earned 75 charted hit songs and sold more than 100 million records. Warwick began singing professionally in 1961 after being discovered by the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. She had her first hit in 1962 with “Don’t Make Me Over.” Less than a decade later, she had released more than 18 consecutive Top 100 singles, including her classic Bacharach/David recordings, “Walk on By,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Message to Michael,”

February 25

"Promises Promises,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Alfie,” “Say a Little Prayer,” “This Girl’s in Love With You,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Reach Out For Me,” and the theme from “Valley of the Dolls.” Warwick received her first Grammy Award in 1968 for her mega-hit, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and a second Grammy in 1970 for the bestselling album, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” In 1985, she reunited with Bacharach and longtime friends Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie Wonder to record the landmark song “That’s What Friends Are For,” which became a number one hit record around the world and the first recording dedicated to raising awareness and major funds for the AIDS cause in support of AMFAR. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available now for $95 and can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com or by phone at 800-514ETIX(3849).

March 6

Smokey Robinson Artis–Naples

March 10 & 11 Bonita Blues Fest

Riverside Park, Bonita Springs

March 11 Clint Black

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

March 11-16

70s Rock & Romance Cruise Celebrity Summit, Fort Lauderdale

March 12

Earth Wind & Fire

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

March 16 Paul Anka

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

ZZ Top

Germain Arena, Estero

March 17 Neil McCoy

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

March 25

Sounds of Jazz & Blues Tarpon Point, Cape Coral

Vanilla Ice

Germain Arena, Estero

April 9

Neil Sedaka

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

Aaron Lewis to play The Ranch Feb. 11 The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues in February with more national artists performing at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. Aaron Lewis is starting 2017 where he ended 2016 … with sold out performances recently in Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte and an upcoming schedule promoting his critically acclaimed album Sinner (Dot Records). The self-proclaimed “Northern Redneck” and Staind frontman achieved critical and commercial success with Sinner earning him the #1 position on the Top 200 Albums, Top Country Albums and Top Digital Albums Charts upon release. The 12-track project, voted one of Whiskey Riff’s 40 Best Country Albums of 2016, was recorded in only 16 hours at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios with producer Buddy Cannon (George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones). Lewis single-handedly penned eight of the songs, in addition to covering Chris Stapleton’s “Whiskey and You” and The Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier.” Lewis collaborates with Willie Nelson on the album’s title track while Grammy® Award-winning artists Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski and Vince Gill are also featured. Sinner was also one of Billboard’s 10 Best Country Albums of 2016. "The no-holds-barred honesty of tracks such as “I Lost It All” and “Mama” were some of the finest writing from a male artist this year," says Billboard. Tickets for Aaron Lewis at The Ranch Feb. 11 start at $31. Every ticket purchased will include a downloadable

Aaron Lewis - Feb. 11 Photo by Jim Wright copy of Sinner, the new album from Aaron Lewis. On Feb. 22, The Ranch welcomes Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles. Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” was founded with the intent of filling the void left by the demise of The Eagles in 1982. By blending their extraordinary vocal and

Clint Black at Seminole Casino Hotel March 11

The Spinners to perform Feb. 18

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & It$ Not Ober Yet Productions present An Evening with The Spinners when the legendary R&B group brings their iconic music to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. The Spinners embody the sound of classic R&B and have sold more than 60 million records during their illustrious career, with 18 Solid Gold Top 40 hits. The group’s Top 10 hits include “Then Came You,” “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl,” “Cupid (I’ve Love You For So Long),” “The Rubberband Man,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “I’ll Be Around,” “One Of A Kind (Love Affair),” and “It’s A Shame.” Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available starting at $50 and can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com.

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents An Evening with country music star Clint Black on Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m. at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. In one of the most storied careers in modern music, Clint Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of '89, reaching number one with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut album “Killin' Time.” He followed that with the triple-platinum “Put Yourself in My Shoes” and a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the 1990s. Perhaps most impressively, Black wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including "A Better Man," "Where Are You Now," "When My Ship Comes In," "A Good Run of Bad Luck," "Summer's Comin'," "Like the Rain" and "Nothin' But the Taillights," part of a catalog that produced 22 number one singles and made him one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era. Along the way, Black has sold over 20 million records, earned more than a dozen gold and platinum awards in the United States and Canada, landed nearly two dozen major awards and nominations including over a dozen GRAMMY nominations, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available starting at $65 and can be purchased online at www.etix.com or by phone at 800-514etix (3849).

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

musical talents, Hotel California faithfully and accurately reproduces the sound of the Eagles studio recordings while recreating a classic sound which undeniably transcends the boundaries of rock, R&B, and country while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium. Tickets start at $23. Neal McCoy returns to The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon March 17. His tickets start at $20 The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community, says Brian Tidwell, general sales manager of Sam Galloway Ford. The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue which opened in late 2014. Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community, Tidwell said. For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch. The country concerts at The Ranch are done in partnership with local radio station Gator Country 101.9. For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Rhonda Ross in Bonita Feb. 3

Rhonda Ross will perform Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs. Rhonda Ross is so much more than her mother’s daughter. Rhonda is an electrifying singer/songwriter and stage performer. Her original music blends jazz, funk and gospel sounds layered underneath lyrics that explore life’s biggest questions and challenge us to realize we are the masters of our own destinies. Rhonda is the daughter of singer and actress Diana Ross and Motown founder Berry Gordy. Tickets start at $47. The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road. For tickets and info, call 239-495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org.

Travis Tritt to play Feb. 25 Country music star Travis Tritt will play Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs. More than 25 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Grammy award-winning artist continues to sell-out shows, top sales charts and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. The arts center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE. For tickets, call 239-389-6901 or visit www.swflpac.com.

FEBRUARY 2017

Comedy Clubs FEBRUARY

WEDNESDAY - 1

Craft Load of Laughs 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

Saturday - 4 continued

Robert Kelly 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

Larr y Reeb & Eric Grady 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

Larry Reeb & Eric Grady 6 & 9:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

Jamie Morgan 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Robert Kelly 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

THURSDAY - 2

Rober t Kelly 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

Larr y Reeb & Eric Grady 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 3

Jamie Morgan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rober t Kelly 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

Larr y Reeb & Eric Grady 8:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 4

Jamie Morgan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

8595 College Parkway Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Off the Hook Comedy Club

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant

2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net

SUNDAY - 5

TUESDAY - 7

Brian Boyd 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

WEDNESDAY - 8

Carl Rimi, Stacy Steele, Mairenette Torres 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dean Napolitano & Rico Sita 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 9

Leif Skyving 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Tripoli 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dean Napolitano & Rico Sita 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 10

Leif Skyving 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Tripoli 7:30 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dean Napolitano & Rico Sita 8:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 11

Leif Skyving 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

* schedules subject to change

Saturday - 11 continued

Sam Tripoli 6, 8 & 10 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Dean N apolitano & Rico Sita 6 & 9:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 12

Bill “Bull” Ohse 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Sam Tripoli 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

TUESDAY - 14

Rich Vos 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Greg Mor ton 6 & 9:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 15

Greg Mor ton 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 16

Dale Jones 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rich Vos 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Greg Mor ton 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 17

Dale Jones 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rich Vos 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Greg Mor ton 8:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 18

Dale Jones 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes Dale Jones

Dale Jones will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Feb. 16, 17 and 18. With 20 plus years in the making, Dale Jones accentuates his machine gun style delivery with a healthy dose of animated faces and then combines that with quick improvisations and well placed physical comedy. Basically he leaves the audience wishing they had his energy. In fact, forget "high energy.” This guy is just plain nuts. His shows are always a night you won't soon forget. In addition to his training at the world renowned Second City, Dale has had numerous television appearances including TBS The Very Funny Show, NBC Last Comic Standing Season Six, Fox - 30 seconds to Fame

Saturday - 18 continued

Rich Vos 7 & 9 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Greg Morton 6 & 9:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 19

Juanita Lolita 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rich Vos 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

TUESDAY - 21

Grandma Lee 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 22

Laugh in Lineup 5 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Grandma Lee 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 23

Tim the Dairy Farmer 8 pm. The Comedy Zone

and The Comedy Network in Canada. If you don’t blink, you might see him in the 2003 MGM movie Out Of Time with Denzel Washington. Dale is a regular on Sirius XM's Blue Collar Channel and has performed at countless clubs, colleges, corporate functions, cruise ships and comedy festivals. To date, he is the winner of the Comedy 10K, Laughlin Comedy Festival & San Diego Comedy Festival. The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 and 18. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers. For tickets, call 239-4795233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com

Thursday - 23 continued

Grandma Lee 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

FRIDAY - 24

Grandma Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Bobby Collins 6 & 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Tim the Dair y Farmer 8:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 25

Grandma Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe Bobby Collins 6 & 8 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy Tim the Dair y Farmer 6 & 9:30 pm. The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 26

Gar y Conrad 7:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bobby Collins 7 p.m. Off the Hook Comedy

Don Rickles, Regis Philbin at Seminole Casino Hotel March 2

Seminole Casino Hotel “Legend Award” from TV Land and Immokalee will host "A Don Rickles one of the highest honors in the and Regis Philbin Laughfest; entertainment business, a star on Stories; Film Clips and Fun" the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Thursday, March 2 at 8 p.m. 2000. One of comedy’s most famous As the face that millions of funnymen, Rickles has earned the Americans saw every morning, nicknames “The Merchant of Philbin has become a cultural icon Venom” and “Mr. Warmth” (coined in television broadcasting. After affectionately by Johnny Carson). taking over hosting duties from Rickles’ style of comedy is never Steve Allen on a nationally syndimean-spirited and all part of his cated late-night talk show and finalDon Rickles act. In fact, it has been said that ly gaining national exposure in 1967 being “insulted” by Rickles is like as the sidekick on The Joey Bishop “wearing a badge of honor.” Show, he moved to mornings as Rickles’ career received a boost the host on “A.M. Los Angeles” and when Frank Sinatra caught his act then on to host “The Regis Philbin at a nightclub in Miami Beach. Show,” where he was honored with Sinatra enjoyed the show so much his first Emmy Award. In 1983, he that he returned to see Rickles made the move to New York City, when he performed in Los Angeles hosting “The Morning Show” and in and encouraged other celebrities to 1985 Kathie Lee Gifford came on do the same. Hollywood stars board. The show was renamed flocked to see Rickles and become “Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee.” a target of his zingers. The duo’s on-air chemistry made Rickles made his motion picture the show a phenomenal success acting debut in 1958's “Run Silent Regis Philbin and it became nationally syndicated Run Deep.” His still-growing TV and in 1988. film resume includes roles in In 1998, Philbin began hosting “Casino,” “Kelly's Heroes,” “The Rat Race,” all the highest-rated prime-time game show in three “Toy Story” films, HBO's “Tales From the history, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Crypt,” Bravo's “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the Though initially slated for a two-week release D-List” and a surprise appearance on the TV in late summer, the success of the show Land comedy “Hot In Cleveland.” insured its return and made the Philbin phrase Rickles has received numerous awards, “Is that your final answer?” a staple in popincluding two primetime Emmy Awards, culture circles to this day. including Best Individual Performance in a Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at Variety or Musical for the 2008 HBO special the casino or by calling (800) 218-0007. “Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project,” the Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

River District

ArtFest Fort Myers Feb. 4 & 5

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A one-of-a-kind art experience awaits you at ArtFest Fort Myers on Feb. 4 and 5, with an opening night party on Friday, Feb. 3 during Art Walk. Recognized locally for its cultural achievement with an acclaimed 2016 Chrysalis Award and nationally as one of the Best Southern Art Fairs by ArtFairCalendar.com, this fine art festival is a true favorite. Attendees experience a beautiful downtown Fort Myers riverfront, hands-on art activities, live music and savory bites while perusing incredible artwork from across the country. ArtFest Fort Myers’ artists are carefully juried and accepted to exhibit based on their incredible talent, from among over 875 applying artists from across the country and around the world. With more than 200 exhibiting artists, there is plenty of incredible artwork to enjoy. Beautiful jewelry, amazing sculpture, unique paintings and decorative ceramics are just a sampling of the work you will see all weekend long at ArtFest Fort Myers. This is your opportunity to meet the stars of the show – the artists. Artwork prices vary, so everyone can find something extra special that fits their taste and budget. This free-flowing, family-friendly celebration connects art and artists together with our community in a way that is just plain fun – this is an arts experience that delights every sense. Join them on Sunday morning for the Publix Run to the

Arts, a fun 5K race, that will begin and end in the heart of ArtFest Fort Myers. Commit now to run/walk through scenic downtown, over the Edison Bridge and back. Enjoy an artful experience, vie for great prizes and get healthy with friends and family over festival weekend - check the web site for race details – www.RunToTheArts.com Be sure to bring the entire family to this fun free outdoor fine art festival. Take time to enjoy our talented high school artists’ work at the Art Under 20 Exhibit and Competition and prepare to be amazed as the students create large street paintings in the Chalk Block. Always a crowd pleaser, the Publix Art Yard and Youth Stage are full of opportunities for children of all ages to create a masterpiece of their very own, while enjoying a variety of great performances. And be sure to visit the art festival’s dining galleries, where delicious culinary fare from around the world is the norm. Membership in the VIP Experience means reserved weekend parking, admission to the Friday night opening VIP Tent with delicious food and drinks, plus unlimited access to the VIP Experience Tent with breakfast treats, a delightful lunch & beverages all weekend long. The elite VIP Experience is $95 per person and your support contributes to the year round art education outreach programs of ArtFest Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.ArtFestFortMyers.com.

Debo Groover

Kimber Fiebiger

Book your Escape today!

You have 60 minutes to put together clues, find objects and use your wits to escape our 1920s themed rooms.

One of the most exciting things to do in Fort Myers!

EscapeTacticsFlorida.com Located in the Downtown River District

FEBRUARY 2017

“The Bank Heist” “The Speakeasy”

239-226-4442

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Ivy Cottage

Antiques & Treasures

6,000 square feet filled with treasures

Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by. Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more.

Tuesday through Friday 11 - 5, Saturday 11 - 4 2259 Widman Way

Fort Myers River District

(formerly Peck Street)

(239) 226-0025

DIRECTIONS: Downtown Fort Myers ... Take MLK ... Look for the Oasis Restaurant. Turn on to Hendry Street, then left on Widman Way. We are directly one block BEHIND the Oasis Restaurant. FREE PARKING.

Antique car show Feb. 4 at Edison & Ford Estates

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH (rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM

The next Art Walk is

Friday, Feb. 3 from 6 - 10 p.m. and

Saturday, Feb. 4

from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

On Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host its annual car show featuring antique Ford models. Each year, classic car owners and club members exhibit more than 100 cars on the Ford lawn, along the Caloosahatchee River as a tribute to Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry. In addition to the car exhibition, living history characters, Henry and Clara Ford will lead informal tours throughout the event. Registrations are being accepted for Ford models 1980 and older. To register a car, contact Leeanne Criswell at

lcriswell@edisonfordwinterestates.org or 239-334-7419. The deadline for pre-registration is Jan. 27. Pre-registration is $15 for one car and $5 for each additional car. Along with the exhibition, there will be music, food available for purchase and visitors can tour the beautiful gardens, historic homes, museum and laboratory. This family event is free for Edison Ford members and $20 for nonmembers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the restoration of the antique car collection at Edison Ford. For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates will hold its annual Edison Garden Festival Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dozens of vendors from all over the state of Florida will have exotic and tropical plants and trees, along with garden art and supplies for sale. The Edison Ford Garden Shoppe will be open and stocked with unusual, native and heritage plants that have been proven to thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flower pots, garden art and gardening gift items will also be available. Plant vendors will be selling palms, vegetables, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cactus and many hard-to-find

species, as well as garden supplies and gift items, including mulch, trellises, pottery, cut flowers, hats and jewelry. This family event will have numerous kidsâ€™ activities, including a petting zoo on Feb. 11 from 1 - 4 p.m. Kids will also be able to make crafts, such as bookmarks, Valentine's Day cards, votive candle holders and lockets with pressed flowers and get temporary flower tattoos. The festival will also feature live music and refreshments and a specialty crafted Edison tea beer will be available for purchase. Parking and admission to the Garden Festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and lab are not included). For more information, call 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.

Edison Garden Festival Feb. 11 and 12

Come visit us at ...

The

Bacchus Room

... upstairs at Prime

DeLeon Steakhouse

PATIO DE LEON

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Happy Hour Daily until 8 pm

SpiritsofBacchus.com Now open Sunday at 12:30 for football.

FEBRUARY 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Annual Reading Festival March 18 Evening with the Authors March 17

More than two dozen nationally acclaimed authors plan to meet their fans and talk about their books at the 18th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on Saturday, March 18 at Centennial Park in the Fort Myers River District. The festival is a free, day-long event filled with sensational author talks, the latest library technology, contests, booksellers, book signings, activities for teens and children, a free book for every child and teen and the Reading Rocks! Teen Battle of the Bands. The festival draws an average of 18,000 people annually. The Reading Festival is the largest one-day reading festival in Florida and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. “Authors come from all over the country and many genres are represented,” said Margie Byers, festival coordinator. “Most are award winners, a couple are coauthors with Tom Clancy and James Patterson and all are very popular with their readers. It is a pleasure to meet these creative and interesting people who write these amazing novels and keep track of all the details.” The festival starts Friday evening,

March 17, at the Marina at Edison & Ford with the Evening with the Authors. The event provides the opportunity for fans to meet, mingle and dine with authors. Tickets to the dinner and reception can be purchased at www.Readfest.org. A few of the award-winning authors scheduled to attend both events include adult authors: Shelley Shepard Gray, James Grippando, Gregg Hurwitz, Mark Greaney, Susan Wiggs, Lori Wilde; teen authors include: Sara Shepard, Kami Garcia and S.J. Kincaid; and children’s authors: Chris Grabenstein, Salina Yoon and Candace Fleming. The complete list of authors can be found at www.readfest.org. The Reading Festival, presented by the Lee County Library System is free and 100 percent community supported through generous donations, sponsorships and grants. To help ensure the continuation of this free community event visit www.readfest.org to make a secure online donation. Author information, dates of partner events, directions to the event and more, is available for your convenience 24 hours a day at www.readfest.org or call 239-4794636.

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

ut our Ask abo inition h Def

Hig pecial Sushi S

Seven Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m. Sunday Noon - 10 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Tel: (239) 334-6991 • Fax (239) 334-6591 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing Feb. 7 at First Presbyterian Church Celebrate the Edison Festival of Light and help feed the hungry by attending Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing Tuesday, Feb. 7 at The First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers at the corner of Second Street and Lee Street. It’s the 28th anniversary of the hymn sing, which is organized and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the event, three performances are planned at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. Admission is free, but because of the increased need for food for the hungry, organizers are requesting that those who attend bring cans of non-perishable food and a voluntary cash donation, if possible, to benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative. “We need to help The Soup Kitchen by donating as much canned goods and cash as we can to help families who most need it in our community,” said Sam Galloway, Jr., founder of Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing. Community Cooperative provided food and other services to 10,250 people last year. “There are even more families who need our help. Do what God would want you to do and give what you can,” said Rev. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church. Community Cooperative was started by First Presbyterian Church along with other downtown church-

FEBRUARY 2017

es in 1984 to help alleviate hunger and suffering in Lee County. The church has continued to support its ministry there by providing volunteers in The Soup Kitchen and delivering hot meals to home-bound seniors. Galloway, who originated the hymn sing in 1989, said he wanted to do something to honor Mrs. Mina Edison during the Edison Festival celebration. “We hear a great deal about the wonderful work of Thomas Alva Edison, but we don’t do a lot to honor his wife who also volunteered a great deal of her time and talent to making Fort Myers what it is today. This hymn sing is a way to honor her good work too,” Galloway said. This year’s event will feature the First Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir and many other singers, including members of the Mastersingers, guest soloists, along with a piano-organ combination. Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing is the first of three hymn sings sponsored annually by the Galloway Family of Dealerships. The other two are First Celebrates Freedom July 6 and the very popular Christmas Carol Sing in December. All three events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative. For more information or directions to the church, call 334-2261 or visit www.fpcfortmyers.org. For more information about Community Cooperative, call (239) 332SOUP or visit www.ccmileecounty.com.

THIRD FRIDAY EVERY MONTH The next Music Walk will be

Friday, Feb. 17

LIVE MUSIC STARTS AT 6 PM Fort Myers Music Walk

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Edison Festival of Light Feb. 11 - 19

It is time to “Illuminate. Innovate. Celebrate.” in Southwest Florida. The Edison Festival of Light, Southwest Florida’s largest and longest running festival announces its official event schedule. “The 79th Edison Festival brings together the inventions and innovations of Thomas Alva Edison while celebrating our history and culture here in Fort Myers and southwest Florida from Feb. 11 – 19,” said Kevin Anderson, festival board president. All festival event details are listed on the Edison Festival of Light website at www.edisonfestival.org. Official events include: STEMtastic Day of Discovery – Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park. The largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) event in the region has over 7,500 participants create and learn through hands-on experiments to show how science is involved in our everyday lives. This free event is produced in conjunction with the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.

Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival – Feb. 11 from 2 – 9 p.m. Edwards Drive, downtown Fort Myers. Local craft beer and epicureans will delight in tasting some of Southwest Florida’s creations while listening to local bands. Admission is free.

Mutt Strutt – Feb. 11 from 3 – 6 p.m. – Edwards Drive and Hendry, downtown Fort Myers. Bring your favorite pooch and join in the festivities to celebrate our canine friends. A parade and costume contest will take place at 5 pm. Canine registration to participate in the festivities is $10. Junior Fun Run – Feb. 12, 11 a.m. registration – First and Jackson streets – Fort Myers. Designed for the children, this fun run is for kids between the ages of 2 and 10. Registration is $7 per child and includes a T-shirt.

Junior Parade – Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. First Street and throughout downtown Fort Myers. The Junior Parade showcases the creativity and talent of area children and their family as they parade through downtown, including proceeding down historic First Street. The parade features more than 100 units including floats, clowns, bands and dignitaries. Free admission.

Crafts on the River – Feb. 17 – 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m .Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, Centennial Park. Join local and national craft and vintage vendors as they showcase their talent and wares throughout Centennial Park. Kids’ activities and craft demonstrations will take place throughout each day. Free admission.

Parade Celebration – Feb. 17 from 5 – 9 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Edwards Drive, downtown Fort Myers. Start the celebration for the Grand Parade of Light as we kick off the weekend as part of the Music Walk on Friday and continue throughout Saturday. Listen to bands, disc jockeys and local talent while imbibing in your favorite beverages and munch on various foods that celebrate Southwest Florida and your favorite traditional festival food items. Free admission.

Edison Festival of Light 5K – Feb. 18 at 5:45 p.m. Centennial Park, Fort Myers. Join 1,500 participants in this sanctioned race that has earned national recognition thanks to its rich history, list of participants and thousands of cheering fans. Participants race along the Grand Parade route and cross the finish line in time for the parade to begin. Registration is $25 until Feb. 11, $30 Feb. 12-17, and $40 race day and includes a T-shirt.

Grand Parade of Light – Feb. 18 from 7 – 10 pm, Fort Myers. Join 200,000 spectators for the largest illuminated night parade in the Southeast. Marvel at the floats, balloons, bands, and specialty units as they make their way along the two-mile parade route from Fort Myers High School through downtown Fort Myers. Street seats are available for purchase for $10. VIP Tickets to view the parade at Harborside Event Center are $55 for food and beverages and indoor and outdoor seating.

Classic Car Show – Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Edwards Drive, Fort Myers. Celebrate classic cars and hot rods that include antiques, muscle cars and more. Free admission.

Designed to “Illuminate. Innovate. Celebrate,” the Edison Festival of Light, Inc. honors Thomas Alva Edison’s contributions to mankind including Southwest Florida, and seeks to improve the community by education and activities relating to Edison’s works and values. Sponsors include City of Fort Myers, Florida Power and Light, Budweiser, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Family Thrift Center, LCEC, MedExpress Urgent Care, Morgan & Morgan, Downtown Property Owner’s Association, Wells Fargo, Applebee’s, Pepsi, Lipman Produce, Liberty Tax Service, Rasmussen College, B&I Contractors, Chico’s FAS Inc., and Florida Vacation Auction. Media partners for the festival include Happenings Magazine, Lee County Family News, Beasley Media Group radio stations, News-Press, Parent & Child magazine, iHeart Media radio stations, TOTI magazines and Valpak. For more info, visit www.edisonfestival.org or call 239-334-2999.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

DINING PICKS FOR SEASON 1st Street Deli

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and

800-218-0007

salads. It is open 24/7 with a special overnight menu including breakfast. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Capt’n Fishbones at The Shell Factory

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like: shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. ThursdayMonday live entertainment creates a fun festive atmosphere. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings. Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice. 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Hotel

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee is your place for down-home favorites. The Grill is serving up a delicious new menu featuring gluten-free and organic items, such as the gluten-free Cobb Salad and savory Organic Herb Roasted Chicken. The EETO-LEET-KE Grill opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

FEBRUARY 2017

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open seven days a week. 1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Joe’s Crab Shack

Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, we offer a creative choice of seafood favorites. Sit at the bar with friends or experience our numerous menu choices. Kick back, strap on a bib and enjoy awesome crabs, seafood and jam to rockin’ tunes on the many picnic tables. 2024 W. First St., Fort Myers 239-332-1881 www.joescrabshack.com

Lucky Mi

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees. The new Hot Rocks House Specials include Mixed Seafood (sea scallops, tiger shrimp, king salmon, Asian vegetables), Beef Tenderloin (thinly sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables) and Surf and Turf (cold water lobster tail, sliced beef tenderloin and Asian vegetables), all served with steamed rice and lemon-ginger vinaigrette, hoisin sweet soy and Thai sweet chili dipping sauces. 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

Pinchers

at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style. Pinchers has 11 Florida locations including Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beacah and Gulf Coast Town Center. 2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-745-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

GameTime at Gulf Coast Town Center

At GameTime, you can play and eat in style! With a wide variety of menu selections including appetizers like Ahi Tuna Crisps and Fried Mac N' Cheese Balls; entreés that include Baby Back Ribs, Churrasco, Salmon and Pasta dishes; great kid’s meals; healthy Salads and delicious Sports Bar staples like Chicken Wings and Nachos, you are certain to have a fantastic dining experience while everyone has a great time! We offer a full liquor Sports Bar and 2-4-1 all day every day on any individual beer and wine. 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-204-5964 www.gametimeplayers.com

The Rhythm House

The Rhythm House is more than just the best place to catch live local entertainment. Our Menu is designed to fit the tastes of all patrons by offering amazing culinary delights. We utilize local fresh seafood, and cut our steaks. For those who enjoy the simpler side of dining, our 1/2 pound burgers are a crowd favorite. Our Kitchen Crew brings their decades of experience to the table, and serving you a wonderful meal is their passion. Stop in and check us out, for a quick lunch or for a special night out, Rhythm House is ready for you. 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-466-8326 www.rhythmhousedinnerclub.com

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill

at Dolphin Key Resort

Twisted Vine Bistro

Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass. Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden! We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners. Dinner is served seven nights a week. We are open for Monday through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Join us for brunch in our courtyard garden. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu. 2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com

There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light Rock and Country to listen and dance to Friday and Saturday, and then of course, let’s really dance Sunday afternoon to Brylcream with Doo Wop and Motown for the real dancers. The Tiki is a dog friendly bar, offers an outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late. 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com

The Veranda

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-ofthe-century homes, combined with our Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff will provide you with the most unique dining experience in SW Florida. Celebrating more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area. 2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com

Happenings Magazine MAIL DELIVERY

ONE YEAR - 12 ISSUES $32 gets it to your mailbox

CALL 239-278-5236 or email swfHappenings@earthlink.net HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

AUGUST 2016

FREE

EASTON CORBIN AT THE RANCH WIZARD OF OZ AT BROADWAY PALM MEET MORE ISLAND HOPPER SONGWRITERS

MUSIC CRUISES ROCK THE SEAS RHYTHM & RHYME ART EXHIBIT AT SHANGRI-LA “Windy Afternoon” by David Acevedo

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY

Wednesday -1 Vocalosity: The Aca-Perfect Concert Experience Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Temptations & Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Naples Philharmonic - Doo Wop Project Through Saturday Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900

Kat Orlando The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

The Savannah Sipping Society Through March 4 Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz by Leslie DaCosta, noon - 3 p.m. Salty Paws Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m., Dr. Shoobop, center court. 941-575-3007

Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Ingroov Big Band Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 2 to 4 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-6254175.

Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Music by High Tide, Vendors selling arts & crafts, jewelry, gift items! Free admission. 4 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0806

The Del Prados Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. $12. 239-574-0807

The Naples Players present Dead Accounts Through Feb. 26 Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 239-434-7340 Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Lend Me A Tenor Through Feb. 10 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 239-472-6862 Shear Madness Through March 12 Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Phantom Through Feb. 11 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

Thursday -2 The Association

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Friends of Lovers Key Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Boz & Bon and Toni & Scotty. 3:45 p.m. www.friendsofloverskey.org Cirque Italia (gold unit) Through Feb. 5 Naples Fort Myers Greyhound rack Under the White & Blue Big Top Tent www.cirqueitalia.com 941-704-8572

FEBRUARY 2017

Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Friday -3 ArtFest Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Friday preview 6 - 9 p.m. artfestfortmyers.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Opening reception for an exhibit featuring art of Peter Zell, Yvonne Krystman and others. 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Ageless Creativity: The Artists of Shell Point Through Feb. 23 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. reception. 239-333-1933 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Rockin’ Horse, 6 to 9 p.m. 239-948-3766 Gulfshore Opera Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Mozart — The Concert Arias and Other Rare Vocal Gems. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 28th Annual Members Only Exhibition Through Feb. 23 Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs Opening Reception: Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m. 239-495-8989 24th Annual Bonita Springs Shell Club show/sale Brookdale Senior Center@ Bonita Springs, 26850 S. Bay Dr behind the Promenade 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Friday & 8 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday, Free. 317-431-4605 Comedian and Musician Jimmy Keys Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples 9 - 10 p.m. 239-213-3049 Big Daddy Weave – Set Free Tour First Assembly of Fort Myers 4701 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 239-936-6277 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Florida Rep Reads Aloud Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Florida Rep reads selections from “To Kill a Mockingbird” Noon. 239-479-4636 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Chris Duarte The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 41 South The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Midwest Dueling Pianos Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway 7 p.m., $15, 239-574-0806 All Shook Up Through Feb. 12 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Winners Circle exhibit Through March 4 Naples Art Association, 585 Park Sy. Opening reception Friday 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 239-262-6517

Saturday -4 Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Schein Hall 8 p.m. 239-395-0900

ACMA concert - Tret Fure All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Robert Bidney opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Mastersingers Chamber Chorus and City of Palms Youth Choir St. Hilary Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 pm. www.mastersingersfm.com 9th Arts and Crafts Show – during the Pantyhose Free Zone Women’s Expo The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 941-625-4175 www.theculturalcenter.com Koreshan Music Series-Angelita Berdiales: Piano Koreshan State Historic Site 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Concerts free with park admission. 1 p.m. 239-992-0311. Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 am to 4 pm www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Annual Antique Car Show (Ford models) Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 239-334-7419 Matthew Curry The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda Bruce and Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007 CSN, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Student Show Through Feb. 23 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St.,Punta Gorda www.VisualArtCenter.org 941-639-8810 Bonita Brew Fest Riverside Park, Bonita Springs Live music from Sprout and Wilder Sons. Food truck cuisine. 4 - 7:30 p.m. www.bonitabrewfest.com Improv Tonight! Center for Performing Arts 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $15 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Photographer David Sussman Exhibit Through March 2 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St.,Punta www.VisualArtCenter.org 941-639-8810 Naples Art Association Art in the Park Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-262-6517

The Laboratory Theater of Florida - Burn This Through Feb. 25 Historic Kiwanis Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481

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

Southwest Florida Symphony: Big Bands Through The Decades Friday & Saturday Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Rhonda Ross Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989

The Del Rays The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Sunday -5 Island Jazz BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Boler Garden Sundays, 3-5 p.m. 239-395-0900 Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-333-2225 Koreshan Music Series-Somang Shim: Piano Koreshan State Historic Site 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Concerts are free with park admission. 1 p.m. 239-992-0311 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Naples Big Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. p.m. www.naplesbigband.com Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113 Meet the Composers: What's So Funny? Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Fifth in the series is: What's So Funny? - Humor in Music. $22 3 p.m. 239-495-8989 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Monday -6 Gulf Coast Symphony Lunch and Learn Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Interested in learning more about symphonic music? Join this lunch and learn class led by Gulf Coast Symphony staff and musicians. Bring your own lunch to enjoy. Registration is required. Noon. 239-479-4636 J Rocco Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Fort Myers Film Festival Presents TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers 6:30 - 10:00 p.m. 239-333-1933 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Charlotte County Big Band Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $12 per person and $11 for Cultural Center Members. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Stardust Memories Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 941-322-7276 Jim Daniels Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jim Daniels, noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Tuesday -7 Sherrie McCune

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

FEBRUARY 2017

Chicago The Musical Through Feb. 12 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Vicki Glynn and Martha Grattan, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Prior Smith, the voice of Canada Calling, 9-11 a.m. Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Hall of Fame 50s, 60s and Motown Dance Band, Customer Appreciation Party The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11a.m.-2 p.m. Singer Chris G. 11 a.m.2 p.m., Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Thursday -9 American Brass Quintet

BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Schein Hall 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073 Mardi Gras Evening on Fifth Fifth Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Through Feb. 12 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz by Leslie DaCosta, noon - 3 p.m. Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. 941-322-7276

Rock Around the Clock Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd, Fort Myers 2 p.m. 239-479-4636

Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Mrs. Edison Hymn Sing First Presbyterian Church, Second Street, Fort Myers 1, 4 and 7 p.m. 239-334-2261

Del Prados The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myer 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-995-3999

Wednesday -8 Gulf Coast Symphony Quartet Captiva Memorial Library 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva 3 p.m. 239-479-4636 Bright Lights Art reception Shangri La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 pm. 239-949-0749

Exhibit: The Petticoat Painters of Sarasota Through March 18 BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-0900 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Southwest Florida Symphony: Gloria Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 A Valentine Program-Two Musical Couples Wang Opera Center-Judy and John Hushon Theater, 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-963-9050 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Itty Bitty Art Exhibit Through March 18 BIG ARTS - Founders Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-0900

Dana Louise and The Glorious Birds Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Cirque Italia (gold unit) Through Feb. 12 JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway S Dr, Fort Myers www.cirqueitalia.com 941-704-8572 Small Stage Symphony: Gloria The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers $26. 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067 The Student Show opening reception Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda 5 p.m. www.VisualArtCenter.org Lynyrd Skynyrd, Outlaws, Blackfoot Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825 Lynn Davison Exhibit Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Opening Reception: Feb.10 from 5-7 p.m. Walk & Talk: Feb.11 at 10 a.m. Member Gallery: Alicia Schmidt. 239-939-2787 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 TheatreZone presents Amadeus Through Feb. 19 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352

Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Ehnes Quartet Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails 7 p.m., Concert 8 p.m. 239-333-1933

Friday - 10 Everglades Seafood Festival

Through Feb. 12 Everglades City 239-695-2277 Dionne Warwick Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 7 p.m. 800-514-3849 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6-8 p.m. Registration begins at First and Hendry Streets. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Elvis & Jerry Lee Lewis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. George Voss Duo, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Hester Prynn, 6 to 9 p.m. 239-948-3766 Little Black Dress Party with Cahlua and Cream Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd.,Cape Coral $10 per Member and $15 per Non-Member. Doors 6:30 p.m. Event 7 p.m. 239-574-0575 Alter Ego The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 American Pie Revisited Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte John Reno performs. $18 in advance or $22 on day of performance. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 JL Fulks with Joel DaSilva The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Saturday - 11 Joanna Olsen - Acting Up Cape Coral Lee County Public Library 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral 1 p.m. 239-479-4636 Nancy Giffin exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645 ACMA concert - Ray Cerbone & David Hintz All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Aaron Lewis The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Art After Dark Crayton Cove, Naples The Galleries of Crayton Cove feature live music and art by over 30 artists and artisans represented by Phil Fisher Gallery, Nora Butler Design & Gallery, Earth & Fire, Vintage Charm, Random Acts of Art and Guess-Fisher Gallery. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S. meet. 6-9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com Pine Island Art Association 45th annual Art Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday Matlacha Community Building, 4577 NW Pine Island Road 10 a.m - 4 p.m. www.pineislandart.com SoCo Second Saturday Event SoCo Cultural District, Fort Myers south of Colonial Boulevard, 5 p.m., arts-oriented activities. www.socoswfl.com Fine Art Expo Cape Coral Arts Studio, 4533 Coronado Parkway 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-574-0802 My Favorite Husband Saturday and Sunday Firehouse Community Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St. LaBelle, 863-675-3066 Edison Garden Festival Saturday and Sunday Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 239-334-7419

ETC…The Naples Players Readers Theatre Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples 2 p.m. 239-434-7340 Ice Cream Social SW Florida Military Museum & Library 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral 3 - 5 p.m. 239-541-8704 John Ginty Naples Grande Beach Resort 7 p.m. 239-227-2182 Bike Night South Cape, SE 47th Terrace (between Coronado Pkwy. & SE 8th Ct.), Cape Coral 5 - 10 p.m. 239-573-3128 Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival Edwards Drive, downtown Fort Myers. Local craft beer and epicureans will delight in tasting some of SW Florida’s creations while listening to local bands. Admission is free. 2 – 9 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org) Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.naplesartcrafters.com Bluegrass show Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $10 or $5 with a Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association membership. A Bluegrass Slo-jam session begins at 10:30 a.m. outside. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Edison Festival of Light Mutt Strutt Edwards Drive and Hendry, downtown Fort Myers Parade and costume contest at 5 pm. Canine registration to participate is $10. 3 - 6 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org

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

Beatles, Roy Orbison tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Kat Riggins Blues Revival The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Wayward Souls The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Mersey Beatles Get Back Tour Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-1933

Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Koreshan Music Series-Old Timers Reminisce Koreshan State Historic Site 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Concert free with park admission. 1 p.m. 239-992-0311

Bonita Springs National Art Festival Saturday and Sunday Riverside Park, Bonita Springs Donation $5. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989

Gulfshore Playhouse: The Hound of the Baskervilles Through March 12 Norris Center, 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 5-9 p.m., 941-575-3007 Johnny Cash Tribute Show Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $15. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Twisted Strings Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers Black Violin, Moxie Strings, Tango, SVP and Hot Buttered Nuggets. 5 - 10 p.m. 239-590-2361 Storyteller Bil Lepp presents “Fortune Cookies” The Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers $10 for Alliance members or $15 for non-members. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 239-939-2787

Sunday - 12

Edison Festival of Light Junior Parade Downtown River District, Fort Myers 2:30 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Lee County Community Band - Love Is In The Air Cape Coral High School 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd. 3 p.m. 239-995-2097 The Charlotte County Concert Band Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 3 p.m. $12 in advance, $11 for members. $13 day of show www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Angel Lewis Project Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

Sunday - 12 continued Naples Concert Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240

Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Two Piano Group Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 2 p.m. $9 at the door. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road 4 pm. www.mastersingersfm.com

Monday - 13 Joe Bonamassa

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers Feb. 13 & 17 at 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Charlotte County Jazz Society - Dick Hyman Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $20, 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Jodie DeSalvo Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Play Reading Series - Two one-act plays Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers The First Step by Bob Maxeiner, Tinker’s Vision by Wally Kain. 8 p.m. 239-939-2787 An Evening In Conversation with Yanni Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Naples Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 p.m. www.naplesbigband.com Jim Daniels Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jim Daniels, noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Big Band Dance St. John the Evangelist Church 625 111th Avenue North, Naples 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. 239-566-8740 Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Mark O’Connor Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 America in concert Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St. 8 p.m. 800-218-0007

Wednesday - 15 Celine Dion, Connie Francis,

Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Tony Blake Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral $5, Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Show time 2 p.m. 239-574-0575

FEBRUARY 2017

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz by Leslie DaCosta 12 - 3 Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

All That Jazz Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Mark Telesca acoustic The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-2225

Thursday - 16 River City Brass The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers $36. 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067

Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Acoustic Storm Trio, 4-8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Miami City Ballet Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Cirque Italia (silver unit) Through Feb. 19 917 NE Pine Island Rd. Cape Coral Northeast corner of Pine Island Rd. & Andalusia www.cirqueitalia.com 941-704-8572

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Art reception - David Belling Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. 239-945-0866

The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Teatro Lirico D’Europa perform G. Bizet’s Carmen Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chris G, 11 am-2 pm., Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007

The Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Tuesday - 14 Princess and Pearl

Alive After Five (formerly Gallery Walk) Downtown Punta Gorda , Punta Gorda 5-8 pm. 941-505-0130

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 A Tribute to Merle Haggard Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $22 to $35. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Ingroov Big Band Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $2, 2 - 4 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175. Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony Through Friday Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Friday - 17 Edison Festival of Light Crafts on the River Centennial Park, Downtown Fort Myers 10 am – 5 pm Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm Sunday. Free admission. www.edisonfestival.org 239-334-2999 To Kill a Mockingbird Through March 8 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Country Legends with Frankie and Donna Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $17. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com or by calling, 941-625-4175 x221 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Journey & Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero The Freecoasters, 6 to 9 p.m. 239-948-3766

Upright Citizens Brigade Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900

Edison Festival of Light Parade Celebration Friday and Saturday Edwards Drive, downtown Fort Myers Bands, disc jockeys and local talent while imbibing in your favorite beverages and munch on various foods. Feb. 17, 5 – 9 p.m. and Feb. 18, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Free admission.www.edisonfestival.org

Anything Goes Through April 1 Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium $45, $40 and $35, 8 p.m. 239-495-8989

TobyMac Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 6:30 p.m. 239-948-7825 LOUIS-and-ELLA Through Feb. 28 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-6862 13th Annual Senior Idol w/KJ Mike Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral There is a $10 contestant entry fee. The cost is $10 per member and $15 per non-member. Doors 6:30 p.m. Event 7 p.m. 239-574-0575 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days. Chris G, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Brylcream The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 James Armstrong The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Foreigner Through Feb. 26 FGCU TheatreLab, Arts Complex, Fort Myers fgcu.edu/cas/bsma

Saturday - 18 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jimi Pappas, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Soul City - Motown tribute Shalom Life Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers Lawrence Dermer and band, tribute concert and dessert reception, 7:30 p.m. 239-218-3433 The Spinners Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee Doors open at 7 p.m. www.jaytv.com. Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade Fort Myers High to Downtown Fort Myers 7 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joey Gilmore & The TCB Express Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Sunset Celebration - Riverside Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Edison Festival of Light 5K Centennial Park, Fort Myers 5:45 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org Southwest Florida Symphony: Masterworks III Let's Dance Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Naples National Art Festival Saturday and Sunday Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 239-262-6517

Classic Car Show Edwards Drive, Fort Myers Celebrate classic cars and hot rods that include antiques, muscle cars and more. Free admission. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.edisonfestival.org

Diva Comedy Night Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-939-2787

The Naples Big Band Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. www.naplesbigband.com.

Art of the Pas de Deux BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Schein Hall Dancers courtesy of Miami City Ballet 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900

Gardenfest German American Social Club 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral 239-283-1400

The Rock Pack Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Brian Howe, Fran Cosmo, Bobby Kimball, Chuck Negron, Denny Laine, Bill Champlin, Terry Sylvester and Henry Gross, 7 p.m. 239-948-7825

Livingston Taylor South Seas Island Resort, Captiva 8 p.m. $45. www.eventbrite.com

Bets & Broadway: 2nd Annual Casino Night Naples Performing Arts Center 6646 Willow Park Drive, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-6722 The Van-Dells Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $23 for Cultural Center Members or $25 for nonmembers in advance. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Doobie Brothers America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Stage It! 10 Minute Plays Saturday & Sunday 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium A celebration of playwrights and audiences. $12 (10% off for CFABS members) 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Galaxy The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 AAA Travel Show Naples Conference Center, 1455 Pine Ridge Road 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-594-5006 Islands-Three Interpretations: Atkielski, Fisher & Guess exhibit Guess-Fisher Gallery, Phil Fisher Gallery, 810 12th Ave. S, Naples 6-9 p.m. www.philfishergallery.com CREW Concert - Chain Reaction Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Journey and Styx tribute band. Gates open at 5 pm. 239-567-2253 www.crewtrust.org

Sunday - 19 Gulf Coast Symphony: Gotta Dance!

Temptations & Four Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Monday - 20 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Daniels, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Cafe. 941-575-3007 J Rocco Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 Twyla Tharp Dance Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 TheatreZone-My Broadway with Larry Alexander Through Feb. 19 G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 8 p.m. 888-966-3352

Tuesday - 21 Zukerman Trio

BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Schein Hall 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Lang Lang Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

ACMA concert - Muriel Anderson All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $20 donation. Melissa Welk opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Naples Philharmonic: Totally ’80s Through Feb. 25 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY

Tuesday - 21 continued

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Guitar Army, 5-9 p.m., Center Court . 941-575-3007 In the Shadow of Glory - Mary Todd Lincoln South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Janina Birtolo presents this one-woman play about the wife of one of the best known and loved presidents in American history. Registration is required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Tap Dance Performance Sugden Theater Steps - Baker Outdoor Stage 701 5th Ave S, Naples 6 - 8:15 p.m. 239-774-3997 Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Wednesday - 22 Masters of Illusion Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Art After Hours The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. A local band offers musical entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the galleries and learn from our docents. 239-597-1900 Live at The Garden [Revisited] Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., near Good ‘Ole Days. Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941575-3007 ArtPoems Center for Performing Arts Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs A unique event showcasing the creative collaborations of fine artists and poets. $10 (10% off for CFABS members) 7 p.m. 239-495-8989 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Thursday - 23 Florida Rep reads To Kill a Mockingbird South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Florida Rep presents a reading of selections from To Kill a Mockingbird. Registration is required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636

FEBRUARY 2017

CSN, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Art of Kreutz, Kristoff, Luconi and Phillips Through April 22 Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Bill Kreutz, Deborah Bank Kristoff, Fred Luconi and Creighton Phillips use everything at their disposal from contemporary, urban graffiti street art techniques to symbolic found object collage. Opening reception Feb. 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Kansas Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Through March 5 Lee Civic Center, North Fort Myers www.leeciviccenter.com 239-543-8368 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Drinking Habits 2 - Caught in the Act Feb. 23 - 26 and March 2 - 5 Firehouse Community Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St. LaBelle, 863-675-3066 Hotel California: Salute to the Eagles The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839

Friday - 24 Live From Nashville

BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island - Schein Hall 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 Greek Fest Through Feb. 26 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers 239-481-2099 Jane Monheit Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Rick Howard & The Speedbumps The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Cirque Italia (silver unit) Through Feb. 26 100 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda Marketplace – Downtown Punta Gorda www.cirqueitalia.com/tickets 941-704-8572. Naples Art, Antiques and Jewelry Show Through feb. 28 Naples Renaissance Academy FGCU 1010 5th Avenue S., Naples 23- 434-4737 Broadway's Next Hit Musical Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Jane Monheit Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Charlotte Players present The Full Monty Through March 5 Cultural Center Theatre, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 941-625-4175 x 220 Tony Bennett Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Fred Moyer Jazz Trio The Woodlands - Grand Cypress Room Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers $26. 7 p.m. 239-454-2067 The Importance of Being Earnest Through March 5 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 The Harlem Globetrotters Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 7 p.m. 239-948-7825

Sing Out Choral Festival Friday and Saturday New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers www.symphonicchorale.org 239-560-5695

Saturday - 25 Harry’s Senior Moment

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral Actors perform improvised comedy routines based on audience suggestions. Registration is required. 1 p.m. 239-479-4636 ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers 4-8 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Charlotte High Silver King Jazz Band, 1-3 p.m., . Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m.. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - On Top Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Velvet Caravan Center for Performing Arts - Hinman Auditorium 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Rock Around the Clock East County Regional Library 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres Dave Kilbride takes music lovers on a tuneful journey through the hits of the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. Registration required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Folk Singer John McCutcheon Riverwood Activity Center 4250 Riverwood Drive, Port Charlotte 7 - 9 p.m. 941-624-2353 South Cape Mardi Gras Party Crawl South Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m. More info on SCHEA's Facebook page. Terry Fator Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets, Estero Enjoy the sounds of Electric Lipstick, with their high energy dance rock and roll. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

Vendor Expo On 5th Avenue in Naples Bayfront Inn on Fifth 1221 Fifth Avenue South, Naples 4 - 7 p.m. info@laeleganteevents.com

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Feb. 24-26 at 8 p.m. 239-939-2787

Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Late Night with Leonard Bernstein Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers Cocktails 7 p.m., Concert 8 p.m. 239-333-1933

Joe Marino The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Buz Terry Orchestra, noon – 3 p.m., Center Court, Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

ACMA concert - Swearingen & Kelli All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Mangrove Flats opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

Marty Stokes Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Gallery Arts & Craft Fair Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, 5101 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia SW Florida crafters and demos by gallery artists can be expected. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 239-282-8488

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

Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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

Sunday - 26 Changes in Latitude - Jimmy Buffett Tribute Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 26 through Monday, 27 239-278-4422 Angel Lewis Project Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jazz Brunch-Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sinatra and Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Big Band Concert Miromar Outlets, Estero Enjoy listening to music from the Big Band era performed by Southwest Florida Big Band. 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Johnny Mathis Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Taste of the Cape Four Freedoms Park 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral Join the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and the Gulf Coast Symphony for an afternoon of great taste! This expanded community event celebrates both culinary arts and music. Sample an international array of great food from more than 20 local restaurants, plus a wide variety of craft beers, margaritas, and wine. Enjoy musical performances from local school groups, and finish the day with another sensational Symphony at Sunset, when the Gulf Coast Symphony plays a selection of Broadway favorites and light classics in a beautiful Southwest Florida setting. Admission is free. Noon 6 p.m. 239-549-6900 Bluegrass in the Theatre Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Pete & Sylvia, Bluegrass Central Band, and Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders.1:30 p.m. 239-939-2787 Jackie Evancho Live In Concert Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Gulfcoast Big Band Cambier Park 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090 Bonita Springs Concert Band Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs 2 - 4 p.m. 941-322-7276 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

BJ Slaughter and the Country Classics Band with Mystic River Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte Tickets are range from $18 to $29. T 7 p.m. They can be purchased online at www.theculturalcenter.com or by calling, 941-625-4175 x221 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jim Daniels, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Cafe. The Band Anastazja, noon-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Stardust Memories Big Band Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 941-322-7276

Tuesday - 28 Rock Around the Clock

South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Dave Kilbride takes music lovers of all ages on a tuneful journey through the hits of the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. Registration is required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Strictly 60s with special guest vocalist Verceal Whittaker Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte This Strictly '60s Tribute will be opened by "The First Lady of the Platters", Verceal Whitaker. Verceal has toured the world and shred the stage with the Supremes, the Drifters, the Coasters, the Temptations and many others. Kim Jenkins will then take the stage with a variety of your favorite songs from the 1960s! Tickets are $17 for all buyers on the day of the show 7 p.m. They can be purchased online at www.theculturalcenter.com or by calling, 941-625-4175 x221 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Mardi Gras Evening on Fifth Fifth Avenue South, Naples Enjoy live Music, shopping, dining, dancing on fabulous 5th Avenue South! 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. www.fifthavenuesouth.com Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live Music Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mardi Gras Celebration with Leslie DaCosta & Company, 2-5 p.m., Guitar Army, 6-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers $16. 7:30 p.m. 239-454-2067

Monday - 27 Community Concerts: Russian Festival Ballet

Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Spring 7 - 9 p.m. 941-322-7276

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 239-481-4849

Second City Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Miami City Ballet Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2017

SW FL Happenings Magazine

Published on Jan 27, 2017

February 2017 Happenings Magazine

The No. 1 guide for arts and entertainment in Southwest Florida.

February 2017 Happenings Magazine

Published on Jan 27, 2017

The No. 1 guide for arts and entertainment in Southwest Florida.

swfhappeningsmagazine

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