March 2017 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

MARCH 2017

Peace River Art Festival

“Louisa” by Sarah Kiser

FREE

JON PARDI AT THE RANCH PAUL ANKA AT SEMINOLE CASINO

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

Itʼs show time

High season is here, and we have plenty of live theatre to keep us all busy. Let’s take a look at what is on our area stages.

The Naples Players present My Fair Lady March 1 through April 2 at the Sugden Theatre.

To Kill a Mockingbird continues at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers through March 8. Meanwhile in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, Shear Madness runs through March 12.

In Naples, TheatreZone performs Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 the musical March 9 through March 19 at the G & L Theatre.

Anything Goes runs through April 1 at Broadway Palm in Fort Myers.

In LaBelle, the Firehouse Theatre presents Drinking Habits March 2 - 5. The Firehouse Singers will perform A Little Bit Country musical revue March 31 through April 9.

Nunsense opens March 17 at BIG ARTS Strauss Theater on Sanibel and plays through April 15.

These Shining Lives will be performed by the Naples Players March 22 through April 15 at the Sugden Theatre.

The Full Monty continues through March 5 at the Cultural Center Theatre in Port Charlotte. At the Langdon Playhouse, the Charlotte Players are performing The Last Romance March 9 through March 19.

In Cape Coral, The Importance of Being Earnest continues through March 5 at Cultural Park Theater. The big musical Hairspray opens March 24 and plays through April 2.

At the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, Things My Mother Taught Me plays March 9 through April 29.

Gulfshore Playhouse presents The Hound of the Baskervilles now through March 12 at the Norris Center in Naples.

In Fort Myers, Laboratory Theater of Florida gives us Play On! March 10 through April 1.

Theatre Conspiracy presents Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom now through March 5 at Foulds Theatre in Fort Myers.

Florida Repertory Theatre gives us the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 24 through April 12.

Disney’s Little Mermaid is on stage March 14 - 19 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers.

Chazz Palminteri will perform A Bronx Tale March 23 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Artis–Naples welcomes the national tour of Something Rotten March 14 - 19.

Our future has talent

If you want to see some of the best young talent Southwest Florida has to offer, than you don’t want to miss the annual Young Artists Awards gala on March 6 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. Happenings Magazine and our sister publication (Lee County Family News) are again proud to partner with this great event that showcases some amazing talent.

Great concerts on tap

More super concerts are scheduled to hit our area. Actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West are part of the Sam Galloway Concert Series at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in April. Other noteable national acts scheduled to appear at our area concert venues include LoCash, Dumpstaphunk, Here Come the Mummies, Spyro Gyra, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, John Sebastian, Clint Black, Rodney Atkins, Sergio Mendes, Earth Wind & Fire, Paul Anka, ZZ Top, Neil McCoy, Chubby Checker, Jefferson Starship, Rick Braun, Vanilla Ice, Jon Pardi, Los Lonely Boys, Neil Sedaka, Buddy Guy, The Wailers, Boston, Olivia Newton-John, Def Leppard, Soundgarden, Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, The Tenors, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Asleep at the Wheel, John Michael Montgomery, Paul Shaffer and Valerie Simpson.

Rock on,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 6 - 16

My Fair Lady, Hairspray, Nunsense

Music

pages 18 - 29

Sanibel Music Festival, Bonita Blues Fest

In Concert

pages 30 - 31

Rick Braun, LoCash, Paul Anka, Jon Pardi

Art

pages 32 - 43

Annual outdoor art shows continue

Comedy Clubs

page 44

Area comedy club schedules for March

River District

pages 46 - 49

Museums merge, Reading Festival

Dining

pages 50 - 51

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill and 11 other options

Calendar

pages 52 - 59

March cultural events in SW Florida

Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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MARCH 2017

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre My Fair Lady on Sugden stage in Naples •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Naples Players present the classic, full musical production of My Fair Lady, opening Wednesday, March 1 with performances through April 2.

This Lerner and Loewe 1957 Tony Award winner for Best Musical is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion and was the basis for the 1964 Academy Award winning film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.

Stunningly directed and choreographed by Dawn Lebrecht-Fornara and accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra led by Charles Fornara, TNP’s production of My Fair Lady is positioned to be one of the most memorable shows of the season in Southwest Florida.

“My Fair Lady is absolutely my favorite show,” says TNP’s artistic director Bryce Alexander. “We can all relate to feeling like an underdog or an outcast; and watching Eliza work her way up from the bottom of society to the top – all while remaining true to herself – is one of the most heartfelt and rewarding experiences a theatre goer can have.”

This classic musical is the Cinderella story of a rough Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, who grows into a refined lady with the help of the pompous phonetics professor Henry Higgins. As Eliza blooms, so does their romance, but coming from two different worlds proves to be challenging. My Fair Lady boasts a lush, fully orchestrated score with songs like “I Could

Have Danced All Night,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “On the Street Where You Live.”

Starring Elizabeth Marcantonio as Eliza Doolittle, Dave Gipson as Henry Higgins and David Whalley as Colonel Pickering, the cast of 35 actors is directed by director/choreographer Dawn Lebrecht Fornara.

Fornara has served as director and choreographer for TNP’s The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, Young Frankenstein, Something’s Afoot, Legally Blonde, The Spitfire Grill, 42nd Street, and Shout, among others, and with KidzAct for many productions, including Hairspray, Disney’s High School Musical and Camp Rock, Les Miserables and CATS. Additionally, Fornara has acted as choreographer on TNP’s, All Shook Up, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Cabaret, and as a performer, she has been seen in the National Tours of 42nd Street, Seussical the Musical, Anything Goes and Grease.

The lush musical is backed by a 13-piece orchestra led by musical director Charles Fornara. Fornara has music directed more than 100 productions. For TNP, he has previously conducted The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, The Spitfire Grill, Les Misérables, All Shook Up, 42nd Street, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels among others.

Through TheatreZone, Fornara has musically directed numerous shows including George M!, Dames at Sea, AT RIGHT: David Whalley, Elizabeth Marcantonio and Dave Gipson in My Fair Lady.

Sweet Smell of Success, Grand Hotel, Little Women and Hair. Fornara conducted Jim Steinman and Roman Polanski’s Dance of the Vampires in Stuttgart, and has taught and coached singers all over the U.S. and Germany. Fornara is a member of Actors’ Equity, and he has appeared in almost 100 musicals, operas and concerts.

Playing with Fornara is musician Mark E. Pettey and his Steampunk Stompers Band. Pettey has performed on stages around the world for 40 plus years.

Originally trained as a classical musician, he has been a member of several symphony orchestras, played on TV specials for Ringling Bros Circus, toured as keyboardist for the Marshall Tucker Band (appearing in several of their music videos on CMT), performed on recordings for smooth jazz artists, appeared in concert with Frank Sinatra,Jr.,Doc Severinsen, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Jody Watley, Peabo Bryson, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, and many others of note. Additional orchestra members from Pettey’s band include Adren Hance, Tim Torres and Kristen Trembley.

A New York University Tisch School of Drama professor and an associate set designer on Broadway, Todd Potter has designed what will be one of the most complex and stunning sets seen on the Baker stage. Potter is known for his exquisitely detailed sets created as asso-

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ciate set designer on Broadway shows and creating his own designs for New York and regional theaters. My Fair Lady marks the 20th design that he has done for The Naples Players.

The performances are enhanced by detailed costuming by Mary Wallace, with a BA in Theatre, she has been sewing and designing since she was in grade school. Topping of the stellar production pieces of TNP’s My Fair Lady are the lavish hats coordinated by Mark Vanagas.

In addition to the Wednesday through Sunday performances, The Naples Players are launching their first annual luncheon fundraiser “A Royal Ascott Afternoon,” to benefit TNP’s KidzAct youth theatre scholarships. In the fashion of My Fair Lady, the sophisticated event is March 11, beginning at noon and includes cocktails, high tea, a silent auction, plenty of theatrical surprises including a private matinee of My Fair Lady.

Seating is Limited. Tickets for this special event are available through The Naples Players box office.

My Fair Lady plays at the Sugden Theater in Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Ave South, Naples. (Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.) Tickets are $40 adults and $10 students (under 21).

For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 2637990.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

TheatreZone presents 9 to 5 the musical

TheatreZone will present Karen Molnar has choreographed Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: the musical and performed in more than 200 at the G & L Theatre in Naples regional, Off-Broadway, touring and March 9 through March 19. specialty productions throughout the Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The United States and the world.

Musical! is based on the 1980 hit Off-Broadway, she choreomovie, where three unlikely graphed the critically acclaimed friends – an overworked office Space Trek: A Musical Parody, Sea manager, a jilted wife and an Fever and What Would Esther Steven Geyer Williams Do in a Situation Like This? objectified secretary -- conspire to depose their smarmy boss and The amount of regional shows she begin making woman-friendly has staged number in the hundreds. changes in the workplace. It’s Although choreography has about teaming up and taking brought her much joy and acclaim, care of business, getting credit her first love has always been perand getting even. forming. As an actress, Karen has The cast of 15 includes Karen performed around the country and Molnar as Violet Newstead, Kara the world with productions of On The Konken as Doralee Rhodes, Kara Konken Town, Sweeney Todd, Wizard Of Oz, Laura Needle as Judy Bernly, Irene, Company Spelling Bee, Next and Steven Geyer as Franklin To Normal, Show Boat, No, No Hart.

Nannette, High Spirits, Stepping Out, Steve Geyer returns to Nine, Chess, Jekyll & Hyde, Baby, TheatreZone after playing Mack & Mabel, Little Shop of Horror, Repunzul’s Prince in last year’s Bye Bye Birdie, Anything Goes, Into the Woods. Other roles at West Side Story, A Chorus Line, and TheatreZone include Vernon in many more.

They’re Playin’ Our Song, Nick in Laura Needle returns to the stage Baby and Boone in Whistle after appearing in TheatreZone's Down the Wind. Among his Karen Molnar new annual tradition, Home for the Broadway credits, Steve played Holidays. She was seen as The Kenickie in Grease opposite 13 Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, stars from film, television and Sonya Walsk in They're Playing Our pop music. National and Song, Amy in Company and Logan European tours include A Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Christmas Carol with Brian Keith, Annual Putnam County Spelling My Fair Lady with Maximillian Bee. Credits include: National Tour Schell, and the pre-Broadway Evita (Mistress), Carousel (Carrie tour of Little Women dueting with Pipperidge) with the Gulf Coast Elaine Stritch.

Symphony, Les Mis (Fantine), Dirty Laura Needle Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Kara Konken returns to TheatreZone after playing Colgate), The Great American Trailer Cinderella last season in Into the Park Musical (Jeannie), Much Ado Woods. She is a huge country music fan About Nothing (Beatrice). and can’t wait to share some of Dolly Directing the show is Mark Danni, Parton’s music with you. Kara received TheatreZone founder. her musical theater training from Baldwin Performances will be March 9, 10, 11, Wallace University in Ohio. Her favorite 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m.; March 12, 18, 19 roles include Meg Brockie in Brigadoon, at 2 p.m.; and March 12 and 19 at 7:30 Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Bambi in p.m. Tickets range from $48 to $53.

Curtains, Peter Pan in Peter Pan, and The theater is located at 13275 Amanda in Bright Lights, Big City. Kara Livingston Road on the Community School operates her own Princess Birthday Party of Naples campus. Purchase tickets at Business in Southwest Florida; Wish Upon www.theatrezone-florida.com or call the a Star: Princess Parties. box office at 888-966-3352.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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Nunsense opens March 17 on Sanibel

It all started with a series of comedic greetings cards; before becoming the sensation that it is today, Dan Goggin—creator of the original run of cards as well as the off-Broadway production—decided to capitalize on is creation and expand the concept into a cabaret show called The Nunsense Story. Opening for a four-day run at Manhattan’s Duplex and running for 38 weeks, the show enjoyed surprising success, prompting its creator to expand it further into a full-length theater production.

The original production of Nunsense, directed by Goggin himself, opened Dec. 12, 1985, at the Off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre before moving to the Douglas Fairbanks Theater for the majority of its ten-year run due to high demand. In total, there were 3,672 performances, becoming the second-longest running Off-Broadway show in history. Nunsense became an international phenomenon, translated into at least 26 different languages with more than 8,000 productions worldwide and grossing over $500 million. The production has been graced by more than a dozen Off-Broadway legends, such as Edie Adams, Maxine Audley, Kaye Ballard, Honor Blackman, Pat Carroll, Peggy Cass, Phyllis Diller, Sally Struthers, Louise Gold, and JoAnne Worley.

Goggin proceeded to adapt both Nunsense and its equally-exciting sequel Nunsense 2 for television with Rue

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McClanahan as the mother superior. Starring alongside her were Terri White, Semina DeLaurentis, Christine Anderson and Christine Toy. Celebrating the absolute height of its influence and popularity, Feb. 12 was eventually declared National Nunsense Day. So what is Nunsense? For those who have been around the OffBroadway tract for some time, it is undoubtedly a household name.

Nunsense is the story of five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken, a one-time missionary order that ran a leper colony on an island south of France. The sisters discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, accidentally killed the other fifty-two residents of the convent with her tainted vichyssoise (a form of foodborne botulism) while they were playing bingo with a group of Maryknolls—another Roman Catholic division of missionaries. Upon discovering the disaster, Mother Superior has a vision in which she was told to start a greeting card company to raise funds for the burials. The greeting cards were an enormous success and, thinking there was plenty of money, the Reverend Mother bought a VCR and camcorder for the convent, leaving her with no money to pay for the last four burials. With the deceased nuns on ice in the deep freeze, they decide to start a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen’s School auditorium to raise the nec-

essary amount. Participating in the project are Mother Superior Mary Regina, a former circus performer who cannot resist the spotlight; her competitive but dignified rival, second-in-command Sister Mary Hubert; Sister Robert Anne, a streetwise nun from Brooklyn; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is determined to be the world’s first ballerina nun; and wacky, childlike Sister Mary Amnesia, who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. The production they build includes solo star turns, madcap dance routines, and an audience quiz.

Naturally, VCRs and camcorders are now no longer such current or expensive devices, so modern presentations tend to substitute newer or more generic terms such as “home entertainment systems” or “plasma TVs,” but regardless the humor remains intact.

And your role? Well, you’re the audience. Breaking the fourth wall, the show is presented as “on the nose,” meaning that Mother Superior’s production unfolds before your eyes as it would for the audiences in the fictional production. Encouraging crowd reactions and participation, each Sister presents their own act in a series of comedic, wacky smaller acts.

BIG ARTS is delighted to present its own take on this prolific Off-Broadway classic for a run of shows March 17 through April 15 at the beautiful Strauss Theater on Sanibel. Don’t miss this crazy, wonderful, award-winning production sure to delight the entire family.

BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors.

Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900 to learn more about BIG ARTS.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Charlotte Players perform The Full Monty on stage

Charlotte Players announce performances of its second production in the 2016-2017 main stage season, the musical The Full Monty.

Remaining performances will be March 1, 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and March 5 at 2 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theater, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte.

The artistic director is Berry Ayers.

A group of unemployed steel workers, 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 Buffalo, NY has ever seen. Their unlikely new job strengthens their self-esteem and friendship in this musical version of Academy Award nominated 1997 film.

Does contain strong adult language.

Farce of Nature of Nature will be staged March 30 through April 2.

The non-stop hilarity of this Southernfried farce highlights one outrageous day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. In their mountain lodge, love blossoms, truths are

revealed and the lives of all; family, guests and gangsters alike are changed in incredible and surprising ways.

Reserved seating is available by call 941-625-4175 ext 220.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $13 for students. Group rates are available on request at the box office. For additional information, call 941-255-1022.

At the Langdon Playhouse, the Charlotte Players present The Last Romance March 9 – 19.

A crush can make anyone feel young again—even a widower named Ralph.

On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk-one that leads him to an unexpected chance at love. A heartwarming comedy about the transformative power of love.

Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

Call the box office at 941-255-1022 for tickets.

The Charlotte Players are celebrating their 56th anniversary in 2017.

Firehouse Singers include (front seated) Katie Redmond, at the piano Sally Gillespy, (second row) Elizabeth Bumgarner, Tina Kirby, Barbara Dinsmore, DeAnne Sawyer, Donna Baines, Sue Wild; and (back row) Ed Soulliere, Bob Heidenreich, Don Dinsmore, Bill Bower and Jesse Cuello.

Firehouse Theatre in LaBelle presents A Little Bit Country

Get ready to tap your feet and dance in your seat as the Firehouse Singers present A Little Bit Country musical revue.

You will step back in time and enjoy some of your favorite country songs stating from the 1950s and then flash forward to some familiar country tunes of present day. Come out and support your local theatre and show the Firehouse Singers you appreciate their hard work and dedication to entertain you.

This wonderful show is produced and directed by Nick Fidanza.

The show runs March 31, April 1, 2 & 6, 7, 8, 9 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows start at 7 p.m. and the Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.)

Tickets are available by calling the ticket hotline 863-675-3066 (leave a message and your call will be promptly returned) or online at www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com.

The Firehouse Community Theatre is located in downtown LaBelle at 241 N. Bridge St.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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Hairspray opens March 24 in Cape Coral The Importance of Being Earnest on stage now at Cultural Park

By Michael Moran

Currently on stage is a play regarded as one of the funniest in the English language. Cultural Park Theater presents Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest now through March 5.

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."

Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, will be on stage at 8 p.m. Friday, March 24 and continue its run through April 2 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral’s Cultural Park Theater.

Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The production is based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray.

The songs include 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Md., plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny

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Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Turnblad wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters.

Hairspray also won the Tony Award Best Book, Tony Award Best Score, Drama Desk Outstanding Musical, Drama Desk Outstanding Book, the Drama Desk Outstanding Music and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

General admission is $19 for adults and $17 for seniors and $13 for students. As part of Cultural Park’s Culliton Gunterberg Charitable Foundations Broadway Series, Hairspray is directed by Tyler Omundsen, musical director is Prince JD Douse.

Also on stage in March, we proudly welcome back the group Family Affair to our stage with their production of “Sweet Dreams.” Join this wonderful group as they take you on a musical journey celebrating the history of American country music. Sing along as their rich harmonies carry you back to the days of performers like Patsy Cline, Crystal Gale and Ray Stevens. Then fast forward to the hits of contemporary superstars like George Strait, Wynonna and Reba. All this is yours in just one country-sized night of music, memories and laughter. “Sweet Dreams” will be on stage March 10, 11 and 12 with shows at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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 www.culturalparktheater.com and visit us on Facebook and Instagram.

Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

Play On!

Thinking TheaterTM

March 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & April 1 at 8 p.m.

March 19 & 26, April 1 at 2 p.m.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

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A comedy by Rick Abbot

Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

To Kill a Mockingbird at Florida Rep

Florida Repertory Theatre presents the John Ottavino, Barbra Wengerd and Kevin timeless American classic To Kill a Craig West. The ensemble includes Chase Mockingbird in the Historic Arcade Theatre Clark (A Christmas Story), Patrick Erhardt, now through March 8.

Tom Ferguson, Hank Garretson, Keehnon This compelling story of racial injustice and Jackson, Angela Pierre, Hannah Roos, and loss of innocence is told through the eyes of Calvin Waldau (A Christmas Story). six-year-old Scout, the tomboyish daughter of Robert Cacioppo (Over the River and small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. As a tense Through the Woods", "The Mousetrap) tug of war between justice and bigotry heats directs the production, and is joined by an up in their small town of Maycomb, Alabama, expert team of designers including set Atticus and his family must learn to temper designer Richard Crowell (Becky's New Car, violence and hatred with courage and comSplit in Three), costume designer Stefanie passion. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winGenda (Best of Enemies, Twelve Angry ning novel To Kill a Mockingbird continues to Men), lighting designer Jim Hunter (The inspire hope in the face of inequality.

Dingdong), sound designer John Kiselica "We are very excited to bring this timeless (Shear Madness, Erma Bombeck: At Wit's classic back to the stage for Southwest End) and production stage manager Janine Florida audiences," said producing artistic Wochna (The House of Blue Leaves, Over director Robert Cacioppo. "This play's mesthe River and Through the Woods). sage about empathy and walking in another Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at man's shoes is timeless. We all know the film 8 p.m. with matinees on Wednesday, starring Gregory Peck, and there is something Sunday and select Saturdays. even more compelling about seeing this story Priced at $52/$45 for regular performancand these characters unfold live. This is a es and $32/$25 for previews, single tickets time for healing and coming together, and To are now on sale through the box office at Kill a Mockingbird is the perfect story to begin 239-332-4488 and online at www.floriSarah Katherine Zanotti, V Craig Heidenreich and cast in To Kill A Mockingbird. that process." darep.org. Subscriptions for the 2016-2017 Photo by Summer Groh To Kill a Mockingbird features an all-star season offer the best seats and the biggest cast including ensemble members, Viki Boyle savings, and packages start as low as $125 Chase Clark (A Christmas Story), V Craig Heidenreich (The House of Blue Leaves, Over the River and Through for three plays.

(Twelve Angry Men), Gerritt Vandermeer (PlayLab Festival the Woods), Patricia Idlette (Dividing the Estate), William Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Readings of The Dingdong and Pier at the Edge of the McNulty (Becky's New Car, Twelve Angry Men) and Peter Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay World) and Sarah Katherine Zanotti (Over the River and Thomasson (Twelve Angry Men, The Seafarer). In addiSt. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in Through the Woods). Making their Florida Rep main stage tion, many familiar faces previously seen on the Florida the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at debuts are Harvey E. Evans, Liza Jayne Longenhagen, Rep stage including John Archie (Dividing the Estate), FloridaRep.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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Anything Goes at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers is setting sail with Cole Porter’s Anything Goes now 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

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for The Off Broadway Palm 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

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

The Importance of Being Earnest

GUNTERBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BROADWAY SERIES

Play On! opens March 10 at Lab Theater of Florida

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will be hosting two extraordinary events this March: Square One Improv returns March 3, and the comedy Play On! opens March 10.

On March 3 at 7 p.m., Square One Improv returns to The Lab Theater with a night of hilarious antics and on-the-spot jokes. Every facet of the hysterical, improvised show is based on the audience’s suggestions. With years of experience performing and competing nationally, Square One delivers a sidesplitting, one-of-a-kind show every time. Tickets are $12-$15.

Running from March 10 - April 1 is the hilarious comedy Play On! by Rick Abbot.

This side-splitting comedy features a group of community theater actors trying to put on a show as the playwright continues to interrupt rehearsal with countless revisions. Beginning with rehearsals and continuing right through to the performance, the show is full of mishaps, mistakes, mayhem, and anything else that could possibly go wrong in a production.

“This show is so funny, you might just fall out of your seat with laughter” says

artistic director Annette Trossbach. “This is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever read and is probably the funniest thing you’ll see all season. Your face will hurt from all the smiling.”

The show stars Scott Carpenter (Art), Cindi Heimberg (Deathtrap), Steven Coe (Wings), Rachel Dominguez (The Best Man), Mike Dinko (An Empty Plate in the Cafe du Grand Boeuf), Kendra Weaver (Scrooge TV), Louise Wigglesworth (The Velocity of Autumn), Gerrie Benzing (The Best Man), Yvonne Shadrach (Calendar Girls), and Kayleigh O’Connell, who makes her Lab Theater debut.

Carmen Crussard (Scrooge TV) directs.

Play On! opens on March 10 at 8 p.m.

Performances are on March 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, and April 1 at 8 p.m. and on March 19, 26 and April 1 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or by calling (239) 2180481. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 and for students at the door.

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

Theatre Conspiracy presents Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Theatre Conspiracy presents Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson and directed

by Sonya McCarter at the Alliance for the Arts.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is set in a 1927 recording studio in Chicago. Ma Rainey, the Mother of Blues herself, is late to her own recording session. Her producers are frantic, the band is bored and her trumpeter, Levee, won’t stop talking about his new shoes. As the band waits around for Ma, they swap stories about their experiences with racism, religion, and of course, music.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom opened Feb. 24 and continues through March 5 at the Alliance for the Arts (10091 McGregor Blvd.

Fort Myers). A talkback with director Sonya McCarter and cast will take place after the March 5 performance. Talkbacks are open to the public and allow the discussion of ideas, themes and performance of the play.

“August Wilson is lyrical, extraordinary and powerful playwright,” says Bill Taylor, founder and producing artistic director of Theatre Conspiracy. “This is a fabulous opportunity to highlight one of his best plays.”

The Ma Rainey’s cast includes: Cantrella Canady as Ma Rainey, Curt Sheard as Cutler, Roosevelt Stewart as Levee, Cicero McCarter III as Slow Drag, Elvis Mortley as Toledo, Charlie Sloin as Irvin, Patrick Day as Sturdyvant, Shaunte Manuel as Dussie Mae, Vladimy Bellefleur as Sylvester and Austin Harn as police officer.

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with one Sunday matinee on March 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 or $11 for students with proper ID. Thursday nights are "buy one get one half off."

For tickets, call 239-936-3239 or purchase online at www.theatreconspiracy.org.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

By Oscar Wilde

Now through March 5 A Family Affair production

Sweet Dreams An all new musical March 10 - 12

journey celebrating American Country Music Directed by Frank Fazioli

Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler Arrangements by Marc Shaiman

March 24 - April 2 PERFORMANCES: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday at 3 p.m.

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com MARCH 2017

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Florida Repertory Theatre • March 24 - April 12

Florida Repertory Theatre announces the opening of the multiple Tony Award winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

Playing March 24 - April 12 with four nearly soldout previews March 21-23, tickets are already going fast for the hilarious musical that took Broadway by storm.

With a Tony nominated Best Score by William Finn and Tony winning Best Book by Rachel Sheinkin, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is known for its unique humor, originality, and heartfelt story. The New York Times raved, "(Spelling Bee is) an entirely adorable new musical! Quirky, satirical, riotously funny!”

"This is one of the funniest and most inventive musicals to come along in decades," said producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "It is smart, irreverent, full of heart, and keeps you laughing as every night four audience members are brought onstage to join the competition. It's been a while since we've produced a musical like this in the Arcade Theatre, and I am delighted to break that streak with this one. It is a really refreshing coming of age story that will take audiences back to tween years to relive the triumphs and defeats with a great score and clever characters.

This will be the hottest ticket in town, so don't miss out."

Six spellers enter the bee, but only one will walk away a winner in this Tony Award & Drama Desk-win-

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Fantasticks) directs the production, ning musical that has charmed audiand is joined by a team of designers ences nationwide with its effortless wit including musical director Victoria and edgy humor. Hilarious and warmCasella (Fascinatin' Gershwin), chorehearted, this riotous musical comedy folographer Arthur D'Alessio (Too lows six adolescent misfits vying for the Marvelous For Words, Fascinatin' spelling championship of a lifetime. As Gershwin), set designer Mike these tweens – and even the audience Winkelman (debut), lighting designer – spell their way through a series of outTyler M. Perry (debut), costume rageous words, they learn winning isn't designer Dina Perez (Shear Madness, everything – but the loser gets a juice Too Marvelous For Words), sound box. designer John Kiselica (To Kill a The 25th Annual Putnam County Mockingbird, Shear Madness),and Spelling Bee features an all-star lineup ensemble stage manager Amy L. of musical theatre talent out of New Massari (The Mousetrap Erma York and regional theatres across the Bombeck: At Wit's End). country. Audiences will recognize The 25th Annual Putnam County ensemble member Brendan Powers, Directed by Spelling Bee plays in the Historic seen most recently in The Jason Parrish Arcade Theatre. Regular performances Mousetrap"and last season's nationally are Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m., with acclaimed hit, The Cocktail Hour. Out of matinees on Wednesday, Sunday and select New York, Bruce Warren returns after having been Saturdays. seen in 2015's Around the World in 80 Days, and Priced at $25-$52 and $$25-$32 for discounted Katrina Michaels after appearing in 2014's ArtStage previews, single tickets are now on sale through the Studio production of Tribes. Also out of New York and box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.florimaking their Florida Rep debuts are Anne darep.org.

Chamberlain, Deon'te Goodman, Cassandra Hlong, Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic T.J. Wagner, Evan Zimmerman, and Florida veteran Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Laura Hodos.

Florida Rep associate director and ensemble mem- Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District. ber Jason Parrish (A Christmas Story, The

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Amy Hughes, Katherine Oni, JamieLynn Bucci and Jasmine Vizena in These Shining Lives, playing March 22 through April 15 in Naples.

Naples Players present These Shining Lives

The Naples Players present Melanie Marnich’s historical drama These Shining Lives. Set in a fictitious Radium Dial Factory on the outskirts of Chicago in the 1920s, These Shining Lives is inspired by the true story of the young women, now remembered as The Radium Girls, who worked at a New Jersey factory in the 1920s and were poisoned by the luminous paint they applied to numbers on the faces of clocks and watches. This tragic but uplifting story chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day.

Directed by Jessica Walck, performances are in TNP’s intimate Tobye Studio at the Sugden Theatre March 22 through April 15.

The story is narrated by Catherine (Jamielynn Bucci), a young mother with small children, happily married to her ironworker husband Tom (Jesse Hughes). Catherine opens the play with the lines that are both hopeful and foreboding “This isn’t a fairy tale, though it starts like one. It’s not a tragedy, though it ends like one.” Catherine takes a job in a local watch factory to help make ends meet at home, where she meets Pearl (Amy Hughes) the incessant jokester, Frances (Katherine Oni) the moral backbone and sharp-tongued Charlotte (Jasmine Vizena) the brutally honest one of the group. As the women happily paint watch dials with radium, sharpening the point of their brushes between their lips to accurately apply the radium to the dials, the group become more than just co-workers, they become the best of friends. The women begin to notice the

unusual effects of working with radium including their handkerchiefs glowing when they blow their nose, but they are quickly reassured by the factory foreman Mr. Reed (Mark Vanagas) that the radium is in no way harmful and may in fact have health benefits.

There are no benefits to radium exposure and the women begin to succumb to its effects, suffering chronic pain, exhaustion and agonizing ulcers. The company they work for refuses to acknowledge the issue and begins to systematically fire them when their illnesses interfere with their work. Though critically ill, the women chose to stand up and fight for justice. These women and their strength still shine brightly today and their resilient efforts for justice set in place workplace safety standards introduced to protect future generations.

“Their story is one of strength and resilience,” says Jessica Walck, TNP’s Associate Artistic Director and Director for These Shining Lives. “Catherine and her friends remind us how one voice speaking the truth can change the world.”

These Shining Lives opens March 22, with performances through April 15 at the Sugden Theatre in Tobye Studio, 701 5th Ave South, Naples. (Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.) Tickets are $30 adults and $10 students.

For tickets and more information about The Naples Players’ upcoming shows, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Chazz Palminteri to perform A Bronx Tale at casino March 23

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

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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 highlyacclaimed 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.

Hound of the Baskervilles runs through March 12

Gulfshore Playhouse because the curse’s next presents the hilarious spoof victim. of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the classic tale The Hound of Baskervilles is directed by the Baskervilles by Steven Andrew Paul, founder and Canny and John Nicholson producing artistic director now through March 12. of the Kinetic Theatre in This uproarious comedy Pittsburgh, Pa. He also follows three actors, Jeff, founded the Pittsburgh James, and Phillip, who Irish and Classical come together to present Theatre where he also Doyle’s magnum opus, The served as the artistic Hound of the Baskervilles. director for many years.

As the actors juggle dozens The cast features of roles between them, Jeffrey Binder as Sherlock mishaps and mayhem occur Holmes and others. throughout. This adaptation Binder is the artistic assocomes from the UK based ciate at Gulfshore company, Peepolykus, who Playhouse as well as a Jeffrey Binder and James David Larson. is known for its clowning, familiar actor on the Photo by Pedro Zepeda slapstick, and physical comstage. He most recently edy as well as developing a played Henry Higgins in strong relationship between the audience and the perGulfshore Playhouse’s production of My Fair Lady. He formers. The spirit of this will be alive and well in the has also appeared on Broadway as Zazu in The Lion Gulfshore Playhouse production of The Hound of the King and Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins. James David Baskervilles.

Larson, who plays John Watson, and others has most Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous work, first published recently appeared in the Roundabout Theatre as a serialized novel in 1901, follows the story of world Company’s revival of Into the Woods and has perfamous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his trusty formed at Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Florida associate, John Watson, as they unravel the mystery Repertory Theatre. Phillip Taratula, who plays Henry of an apparent curse that has befallen the Baskerville Baskerville and many others, has performed around family. The pair travels to the Dartmoor in southeastthe country including various New York theatres, the ern Britain to investigate the death of Sir Charles Humana Festival, and Portland Stage among others.

Baskerville who appears to have been frightened to The Hound of the Baskervilles is presented at the death near the footprints of a giant hound. It is a race Norris Center located at 755 8th Ave. S. in Naples. For against time as Holmes and Watson work to discover tickets, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239the culprit before the last heir of the Baskerville family 261-PLAY (7529).

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Music

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Sanibel Music Festival March 4 - 25 On Saturday, March 4, The Sanibel Music Festival, an island tradition, will begin its 31st consecutive season of bringing outstanding repertoire and artists to the island.

This year’s festival will feature the Brentano String Quartet; Eric Lu, piano; the Daedalus String Quartet; Boston Chamber Music Society with Ann Hobson Pilot, harp; Emerson String Quartet; An Evening with George and Ira Gershwin; and the Opera Theater of Connecticut – French Composers.

who replaced founding cellist David Finckel who retired in 2015. The quartet approaches classical and contemporary repertoire with equal mastery and enthusiasm. Time magazine called them “America’s greatest quartet.”

Tickets $50

Daedalus String Quartet

Brentano String Quartet Saturday, March 4 Brentano String Quartet The Brentano is an American string quartet, founded at Juilliard in 1992. Within a year of its public concert debut, it had received the Naumberg Award and the Martin Segal Prize. The t became the first ensemble-in-residence at Princeton University, a position it held from 1999 to 2014.

It is now the faculty quartet-in-residence at the Yale School of Music, succeeding the Tokyo String Quartet.

The Quartet performs all over the world, from Carnegie Hall to the Edinburgh Festival to the Sydney Opera House. It also records widely. In the critically acclaimed independent film, A Late Quartet, the filmmakers turned to the Brentano SQ for the central music, Beethoven’s Opus 131. Tickets $45.

Tuesday, March 7 Eric Lu, Piano Eric Lu, 19, is rapidly building an international reputation as a young pianist with enormous promise and a distinctive musical voice. A native of the Boston area, he was admitted at age 15 to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia where he currently studies. He won first prize in the 2015 National Chopin Competition in Miami (where he also received the best concerto prize), and the IX Moscow International Chopin Competition for Young Pianists. At 17, Eric won the 4th prize at the 17th International Frederik Chopin Eric Lu competition in Warsaw, becoming one of the youngest winners in the history of the competition.

Earlier awards include first prizes at the Ettlinger International and the Minnesota Junior Competition.

Tickets $45

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Saturday, March 11 Daedalus Quartet Since winning the top prize in the Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2001, the Daedalus has established itself as a leader among the new generation of string ensembles. Its members hold degrees from the Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, Cleveland Institute and Harvard University. It has performed in many leading musical venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Boston’s Gardner Museum and all of the major Canadian venues. Abroad they have been heard in famed locations such as the Musikverein in Vienna, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. They have impressed critics and listeners alike with the security, interpretive ability and sheer gusto of their performance.

Tickets $45 Tuesday, March 14 Boston Chamber Music Society with Ann Hobson Pilot, Harp Returning to the festival, this ensemble of versatile musicians comes together in different instrumental combinations to perform chamber music.

This year, a new violinist, pianist and oboist join them. The Boston Globe calls them “vivid, compelling and first-rate.” They are New England’s longest-running chamber music society, and they have built a reputation for Ann Hobson Pilot impassioned performances, with a perfect combination of control and freedom.” Tickets $45

Tuesday, March 21 Music by George and Ira Gershwin George Gershwin began composing in Tin Pan Alley at the age of 18. His older brother, Ira, later wrote lyrics under a pseudonym, not wanting to trade off George’s success. The brothers collaborated for the first time in 1921, and in 1924, they wrote their first Broadway hit, Lady Be Good. Twelve Broadway hits followed, until George’s untimely death from a brain tumor in 1937. Ira later teamed up with such accomplished composers as Jerome Kern, Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen His mastery of song- writing has often been overshadowed by the success he and George had together. Selections from their classic songs will be performed by an exciting young cast of singing actors, with piano accompaniment. Tickets $45

Saturday, March 25 Opera Theater of Connecticut – French Composers French opera is second only to Italian opera in the length, breadth and diversity of its history. Yet most of us could think of only a handful of titles—Carmen, Faust, Pelleas et Melisande, Samson et Dalila. It began in the seventeenth century and is still very much alive. It includes everything from grand opera to operetta to comic opera. Opera Theater of Connecticut will present selections from this rich tradition, sung by six young professional opera singers who are on the cusp of their national and international careers. Artistic Director Alan Mann will supplement each segment with supertitles and his witty commentary. OTC has broad educational outreach programs and brings affordable arts to underserved area. Sponsored by the Estate of Christine Johnson and Friends of Opera.

Tickets $45 All concerts will be performed at 8 p.m. throughout the month of March on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the intimate setting of the Sanibel Congregational U.C.C., 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. For ticket information and a detailed brochure, contact the Festival’s Hot Line at 239344-7025 or visit the website www.sanibelmusicfestival.org. Tickets may be ordered online. Single tickets are available at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, 2477 Library Way on Sanibel Island.

Saturday, March 18 Emerson String Quartet The Emerson stands apart in the history of string quartets with an unparalleled list of achievements over three decades: More than thirty acclaimed recordings, nine Grammys (including two for Best Classical album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize and Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year.” They were inducted into the Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Formed in 1976, the Quartet took its name from American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Violinists Eugene Druker and Philip Setzer alternate in the first chair position. They are joined by violist Lawrence Dutton and new cellist Paul Watkins,

Emerson String Quartet

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana Acoustic Shows

March 2 - Lovers Key State Park

Acoustic Blues - 4:30 p.m. (FREE)

Mike McMillian, Karen Cohen, Bill Metts

The Hummingbirds March 3 Bob Williams opens

Nouveau Honkies

March 11 - Mary Danl & Carolyn Stanley

South County Library, Estero March 11 - Ray Cerbone, Matt Hannam, Dave Martin - 2 p.m. (FREE)

Nouveau Honkies $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.

March 18 - Acoustic Blues Mike McMillian, Karen Cohen, Bill Metts

Jon Shain

March 25 - Bill Fields opens

The Squirrel Hillbillies April 1 - Ken Crosby opens

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

MARCH 2017

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Gulf Coast Symphony and Broadway Palm collaborate

South Pacific March 10 and 11 at Mann Hall

The Gulf Coast Symphony and Broadway in the Stephen co-producer Broadway Palm Dinner Sondheim tribute, Children and Theatre present Rodgers and Art, and appeared in the City Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning Center Encores! production of musical, South Pacific, staged, with The Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 full symphony orchestra, on March (Sony Records). Off- Broadway, 10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 7 p.m.

Nat has played the role of Roy at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Darwin in the Obie Award winning Arts Hall at FSW. Counsellor at Law (Outer Critics Nat Chandler The story for Rodgers and and Lucille Lortel Award nominaHammerstein’s 1949 musical, South tions) and created the role of Tony Pacific, is drawn from the James A. Toscanini in Tales of Tinseltown.

Michener novel entitled Tales of the His most recent Emile de Becque South Pacific, which dealt largely with in South Pacific was played at the the issue of racism. Filled with some Wick Theatre to critical acclaim. of their most beloved melodies — Siri Howard will portray Ensign “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Nellie Forbush. On Broadway she Right Outta My Hair,” “Some has appeared in Les Misérables Enchanted Evening” and “Younger covering the roles of both Fantine than Springtime” – South Pacific still and Cosette, as well as The Sound delights audiences today with its powof Music, covering the role of Liesl. erful and uplifting message.

She has been on the national tours Siri Howard South Pacific received the 1950 of Parade (Iola Stover), Les Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and for the Misérables 25th anniversary profirst time the committee included a composer, duction, and The Sound of Music, starring Richard Rodgers, in the drama prize. It Richard Chamberlain. Other performances received eight Tony Awards, including Best include: Sweeney Todd Live from Lincoln Musical, a Grammy Award, and countless Center on PBS, starring Emma Thompson, other accolades.

South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), Fiddler on the The Gulf Coast Symphony and Broadway Roof (Hodel), A Little Night Music 25th Palm Dinner Theatre’s production of South Anniversary Production with the Philadelphia Pacific features an all-star cast and ensemble Orchestra (Fredrika), and soloist with both the from the Broadway stages, as well as local Omaha Symphony and New Jersey favorites from Broadway Palm productions.

Symphony Orchestra.

The lead role of Emile de Becque will be porTickets to South Pacific start at $42, and trayed by Nat Chandler, who has been seen are available by calling the Mann Hall box on Broadway in the title role of Sir Percival office at 239-481-4849, or visiting Blakeney in the Tony-nominated musical, The www.GulfCoastSymphony.org. Call 239-277Scarlet Pimpernel. He was last seen on 1700 for group reservations.

Finalists announced for Young Artists Awards gala March 6

Tickets are still available for the 14th Annual Young Artists Awards Gala on Monday, March 6 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre at 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. Stage host for the evening is Lois Thome of WINK-TV. The not for profit Young Artists Awards program is in its 14th year of operation. On four separate auditions days during two weekends in January, seven panels of sixty 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/Foulds Theatre in Fort Myers.

The finalists of this year’s auditions are: Instrumental Music 13-16 Kevin Dimaculangan, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts David Carlson, Mason Classical Academy

Instrumental Music 17-21 Tuan Tran, Cape Coral HS Jason Cooper, Pt. Charlotte HS Contemporary Voice/Musical Theatre 17-21 Callie Atkinson, Cypress Lake HS Noelle Aparte, FGCU Contemporary Voice/Musical Theatre 13-16 Shelby Ironmonger, North Fort Myers HS Christian Miller, Canterbury Contemporary Voice/Musical Theatre 8-12 Kaatja Veldhuyzen van Zanten, Fort Myers Christian Liam Hutt, Crestwell Dance 8-14 Annalise Veldhuyzen vanZanten, Fort Myers Christian Sadie Reichenbach, Oasis MS Dance 15-21 Jordan Hahn, Oasis HS Eden Collier, Cypress Lake HS Classical Voice 17-21 Noelle Aparte,FGCU Erica Sample Classical Voice 13-16 Isabella Bank, Florida Virtual School Christian Miller, Canterbury Drama 13-16 Jessica Daniels, Gulf Coast HS Jennifer LaRue, Challenger MS Drama 17-21 Callie Atkinson, Cypress Lake HS Steven Angulo,FGCU Tickets are available at the Broadway Palm Dinner theatre box office in person, by calling 239-278-4422 or by visiting their website at www.broadwaypalm.com.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH 6 TO 10 PM

Fort Myers Downtown

River District RAIN or SHINE!

ALSO: Saturday after Art Walk 11 am - 4 pm

Shop Our Art Galleries & Art Spaces!

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

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

John Sebastian to perform in Naples and on Sanibel

Rock & Rock Hall of Famer and American roots folk legend John Sebastian, founder of ‘60s group The Lovin’ Spoonful, brings Woodstock to Southwest Florida for three nights.

Sebastian will perform March 10 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island and March 13 and 14 at the G & L Theatre in Naples (TheatreZone).

From his beginnings in the Greenwich Village folk scene, to his tenure as lead singer and songwriter for The Lovin’ Spoonful, to his successful solo career and recent return to jug band music in the group Chasin’ Gus’s Ghost, Sebastian’s career keeps going strong. He is known for songs like “Darling Be Home Soon,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Nashville Cats,” “Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind,” and “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice.” In addition, he wrote and performed the theme song for the television series “Welcome Back.”

For the Sanibel performance at BIG ARTS Schein Hall, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900.

John Sebastian

In Naples, premium seats are $55, and orchestra and box seats are $50. A limited number of $175 VIP tickets are available and include aisle seating, a pre-show reception with wine and cheese, and a post-show reception meet-and-greet with Sebastian. Purchase Naples tickets at www.theatrezone-florida.com or call the box office at 888-966-3352.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers celebrate ‘Future of Music’ April 2 & 8

As a culmination of a season with the theme, The Future of Music, the 80-plus voice Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, along with the City of Palms Youth Choir and the Mastersingers Festival Orchestra will perform a concert entitled, New Dawn, on two weekends in April.

The program will feature works by living composers and be performed at two churches in Lee County. The first presentation will be on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road SE. The second will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 7 pm at First Christian Church of Fort Myers, 2061 McGregor Blvd.

The concert will feature the world premiere of Dr. Jason Bahr’s Symphony No. 2. Bahr, a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, serves on the Mastersingers Board of Directors and as the group’s bass section leader. He says of his work, “it was written in response to the Iraq War, and uses poetry from Walt Whitman and Wilfred Owen. It seems to me that most of the American public was insulated from this war. Most of us did not serve, did not sacrifice, and did not live in cities where bullets and bombs made no distinction between combatants

and innocents.” He continues, “I wrote this work as a reminder of the devastating cost of war.”

Bahr matches the epic language of three Whitman poems, Beat! Beat!

Drums!, An Army Corps on the March, and A Sight in Camp, along with Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est with his original and evocative rhythms and melodies to carry his message to the audience. By way of contrast, in the piece’s final movement, we hear from the City of Palms Youth Choir for the first time in the work, providing, as Bahr says, “the voices of our future, offering at last, a hope for better things in our world.” The lyrics for this movement are taken from Whitman’s work, The Mystic Trumpeter, and include visions of hope, earthly love, and of heaven.

The program will also include Jubilate Deo, a 2015 composition by celebrated young composer, Thomas LaVoy, and an orchestral overture by Frazar Henry, an eleven year-old prodigy who is studying composition with Dr. Bahr.

Tickets for the event are $25 with a special $15 ticket price for students, and can be purchased through the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers’ website www.mastersingersfm.com.

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Wycliffe Gordon at Davis Art Center March 24

The Jazzy Nights series at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center features trombonist Wycliffe Gordon for an extravagant evening of cocktails and music. On Friday, March 24, experience the artist critics call a “modern day Louis Armstrong.”

This performance will also feature legendary jazz musicians Lew Del Gatto on saxophone, Joe Delaney on piano, Don Mopsick on bass, and Tony Vigilante on drums.

Acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordon’s high-energy, hard-swinging style captivates audiences of all types, including dignitaries, headsof-state, and elementary school children. Wycliffe Gordon is equally at home as a composer, arranger, and recording artist with over 50 recordings to his credit, 23 of which he lead or co-lead. He is one of

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Wycliffe Gordon

America’s foremost music educators and currently serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.

This is the final date of the 2016 2017 Jazzy Nights series. Cocktails begin at 7 p.m., and the performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door.

Table of four is $125. Visit online at www.sbdac.com to purchase tickets.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

The Drifters at BIG ARTS March 16 To discuss the history of rock & roll and omit the contributions of long-lasting American doo-wop and R&B/soul group The Drifters would be a travesty. The illustrious group, originally formed to serve as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter of Billy Ward and his Dominoes, has been through numerous line-up changes and suffered the tumult of the early music business (particularly where it pertains to black musicians), but despite the odds have survived through the ages and as such has touched generations with their influential sound.

From their inception in the early 1950s and up until recently, The Drifters has a symbiotic relationship with rock & roll legend George Treadwell, who has discovered and managed such famous artists as Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and Nina Simone, among others.

Through an historical journey, which included no less than five legendary lead singers such as Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Clyde McPhatter and Ben E. King, the group’s ongoing story has covered the entire spectrum of rock & roll. They were the first musical group to introduce string instruments into Rhythm & Blues music with their hauntingly beautiful song, “There Goes My Baby.” They were the first musical group to sell two million records with their pop classic, “Up on the Roof.” Along with fellow inductees the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Supremes, the Drifters were in the first class of rock & roll leg-

The Drifters

ends to be initiated into the Hall of Fame and the first African-American group to be inducted.

The classic tune “Under the Boardwalk” is the most played R&B record of all time, and 20 million other sales followed.

Once again, the Drifters are coming out of retirement for an historic, sold-out reunion at BIG ARTS Schein Hall on March 16 at 8 p.m.

It’s been a while since the group toured the country but the current line-up—comprised of Michael Williams, Daniel Bowen Smith, Ryan King, and Damion Charles—have proven time and again their ability to bring the nostalgic magic to the stage, filling each and every venue with a warm, classic atmosphere that will dazzle music fans both new and old.

Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900 to learn more about BIG ARTS.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Cape Coral Irish Fest set for March 4 & 5

It’s that time again – tion. Brendan will also for the Cape’s liveliest sing the Irish National international family festiAnthem in Irish at the val packed with Irish and opening ceremony on Celtic sights and sounds.

Saturday at noon.

Wear something green Also scheduled and head for Sun Splash are the crowd-pleasPark. Help transform it ing Lee County Pipes into a legendary “Fiddler’s & Drums Band that Green” - a place filled with exudes a feeling of perpetual joy. Fiddles that family, friendship, and never stop playing. honor for our heritage Dancers who never stop and the history surdancing. And, the rounding piping, Screaming Orphans are drumming and Celtic back. music.

The 13th annual Irish And that's not all – The Screaming Orphans Festival will take place there’s dancing. Lots Saturday, March 4 from of dancing is planned noon to 8 p.m. and with award-winning Sunday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Irish step dancers and friends of the festival, This year’s festival is dedicated to the the Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance Academy memory of Joe Cobb, past club president with their quick and precise steps, unique and festival chairman. In Joe’s memory, costumes and love for Irish dance.

2017 chairman, Jim Gillespie, welcomes you And if you’re curious about how to dance to our Festival and says, “We have doubled the Irish jig, stop by the new festival favorite the size of the tents and improved the layout.

– the Ceili Tent of folk dance – where So bring your family, your chairs and blandancers demonstrate and teach you traditionkets and get energized with continuous live al Irish dancing to the accompaniment of our music. Eat great very own Brian food. And give the Bonner, ballad Screaming Orphans a singer and accorrousing Cape Coral dionist with his welcome home." roots in Donegal.

In addition to the Enjoy festival Screaming Orphans, food at its best our lovable lasses with corned beef from Donegal, you’ll & cabbage and enjoy Rathkeltair other dishes from returning to our main Fitzgerald’s Irish stage from Pub in Bonita Jacksonville Beach Springs known with song writer, for its famous pub Rathkeltair Trevor Tanner, to pergrub. form original rock-n-roll And new this songs steeped in Celtic tradition. Fiona year, craft beer from a local Cape Coral Molloy, from Derry, whose beautiful voice and brewery as well as Guinness stout, Harp and talented guitar playing capture our hearts.

Smithwicks beer imported from Ireland.

Ian Gould, Belfast guitarist and singer who The fest takes place at Sun Splash Park, shares pub spirit and conjures images of 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral.

Ireland and who wryly warns us, "If Irish eyes Parking is free. Pets and coolers are not are smiling, you better watch your step!" allowed.

Also, local favorites Celtic Stew and West of The Cape Irish Festival is sponsored by Galway are scheduled, and returning the Cape Coral Irish American Club, a nonDubliner Brendan Nolan, whose rich voice profit organization that supports scholarships and Irish way with words helps listeners feel and local businesses and always donates a the pain, the joy, the humor, the triumph, the portion of Festival proceeds to local charities. sadness, the longing, as deeply as they were Check online at www.capecoralirishamericanexpressed in the old songs of the Irish tradiclub.org for more details.

Lehigh Spring Festival

March 10 - 18

Veterans Park, Lehigh Acres

Pageants BBQ Cook-Off Idol Contests Live Music Craft Show Car Show Family Fun Horsehoe Tournament

Rolling Stones tribute

ZStoneZ - SATURDAY, MARCH 18 Nine Days of Great Entertainment including live music by local bands & others:

Nowhere Band March 10

Unforgiven March 11

Lester Belau Band March 16

Johnny Rodgers Band March 11

Dani Dease March 18

Live N Learn March 17

EVERY DAY: Nicks Kids Show On the Midway Stage

Carnival Rides & Games • Commodore Cutter SW Florida’s Pirate Beer & Wine Tavern open until 9:30 pm

For complete schedule and details, visit

www.LehighSpringFestival.com HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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Southwest Florida Symphony offers Gershwin Experience March 3 & 4

The Southwest Florida Lisa Vroman starred for sevSymphony continues its 56th eral years on Broadway as season of pops with The Christine Daaé in The Phantom Gershwin Experience featurof the Opera. As Christine, she ing highly celebrated garnered Theatre Critics' Broadway veteran Lisa awards for the role in a record Vroman, who most notably breaking run in San Francisco, starred for several years as and did a return engagement at Christine Daaé in the the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Broadway production of Angeles. Vroman starred as Phantom of the Opera.

Rosabella in The Most Happy The Gershwin Experience Fella, making her New York performances, conducted by City Opera debut with Paul Lisa Vroman Maestro Nir Kabaretti, happen Sorvino playing the title role. on Friday, March 3 and She played the role of Charlotte Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. at Barbara B. in A Little Night Music with Michigan Opera Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. Theatre, starring Leslie Uggams and Ron Maestro Nir Kabaretti makes an unusuRaines. She starred as Lili Vanessi in Kiss al appearance on the Southwest Florida Me Kate with both Glimmerglass Opera Symphony pops stage to conduct The and the MUNY Theater of St. Louis, and Gershwin Experience, leading the orchesplayed Marian Paroo in The Music Man tra in George Gershwin’s most memorable with Shirley Jones (Mrs. Paroo) and tunes like Porgy & Bess’s Summertime, Patrick Cassidy (Harold Hill) at The Strike Up the Band, Ella Fitzgerald’s hits, Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, CT. Someone to Watch Over Me, S’wonderful Tickets cost between $27 and $87 per and more. Maestro Kabaretti and Lisa person and may be purchased online at Vroman light up the stage with warm stage www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest rapport, Lisa’s dazzling vocal performance Florida Symphony Box Office located at and engaging stories about her days on 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in Fort Broadway, experiences working with some Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office of musical theater’s most famous conducat (239) 418-1500 or at the door, one and tors, musicians and choreographers. It is a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara one of the most encompassing nights of B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at entertainment one can experience.

13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

gs onita Sprin

Come for the food.

Stay for the dancing!

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

TRIBUTE BANDS in B

March 1 - Barry Manilow, Connie Francis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute March 2 - John Denver tribute March 3 - Motown with Greg Miller March 4 - U2 tribute March 5 - Doobie Brothers, America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute March 6 - Rat Pack tribute March 7 - Tina Turner and Blues Brothers tribute March 8 - Uptown Express March 9 - Beatles, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis tribute March 10 - Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute March 11 - Fleetwood Mac tribute March 12 - Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Elton John tribute March 13 - Pre-St. Patrick’s Day party with Irish menu, dancers, bag pipes and band March 14 - Sinatra and Martin tribute

239-405-8566

March 15 - Temptations, Four Tops tribute March 16 - The Eagles tribute March 17 - Uptown Express March 18 - ABBA tribute March 19 - Motown with Greg Miller March 20 - Del Prados (matinee & evening) March 21 - Hall of Fame, 50, 60s, Motown March 22 - Tina Turner and Blues Brothers tribute March 23 - Neil Diamond tribute March 24 - Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute March 25 - Bee Gees tribute March 27 - Jimmy Mazz Variety Show - Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Dean Martin tribute March 28 - Barry Manilow, Tom Jones tribute March 29 - The Beach Boys tribute March 30 - Rat Pack tribute

MARCH 2017

The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs offers some great musical choices again in March.

Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre Band will perform Thursday, March 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65, $60 and $55.

Patchouli & Terra Guitarra perform The Landscape of Guitar: Animated Painting Concert Experience Wednesday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Landscape of Guitar is a groundbreaking art & music production.

Animated paintings are sung to life as guitar birds fly over rolling guitar rivers and vivid guitar worlds in stunning HD. Master guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter Julie Patchouli blend music from their two musical projects Terra Guitarra Martin Barre and Patchouli.

Tickets are $22 and $25.

Veteran singer/songwriter Jonathan Edwards will be performing on March 23 at 8 p.m. in support of his new album, Tomorrow's Child. Produced by four-time Patchouli & Terra Guitarra Grammy Award nominee Darrell Jonathan Edwards Scott, Tomorrow's Child features the venerable and beloved Edwards accompanied by such roots music luminaries Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, John Cowan, Vince Gill, and Alison Krauss.

Tickets are $40, $35 and $30.

The Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Road.

For tickets, call 239-495-8989 or visit www.artcenterbonita.org.

SW FL Symphony features Tim Berens

The Southwest Florida Symphony presents the final concert in its 201617 Small Stage Symphonies series, Concierto de Aranjuez, with special guest artist, Cincinnati Pops guitarist Tim Berens.

In addition to a performance of Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, this concert features performances of Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony 101 “The Clock” and Mater by contemporary Italian composer, Cristian Cararra at three Lee County venues. Concerts take place at BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island on Wednesday,

March 8; at Shell Point Village Church on Thursday, March 9; and at the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 10. All 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, Tim Berens by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500. Tickets may also be purchased at each venue.

MARCH 31 - International Irish show with Phil Coulter, Geraldine Branagan and Andy Cooney

www.thestagebonita.com

9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

24

& OTHER MUSIC ACTS

Bonita welcomes Martin Barre, Patchouli, Jonathan Edwards

(in ACE Sunshine Plaza)

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Gulfshore Opera presents Madame Butterfly

For the role of Sharpless, Argentinean baritone A young Japanese geisha who clings to the Gustavo Feulien was chosen. Hailed by the New belief that her arrangement with a visiting American York Times as “rich voiced” and by Opera News, naval officer is a loving and permanent marriage.

“Gustavo Feulien gave interesting and convincing The fluid beauty and succession of Puccini’s portrayal of Scarpia, most impressive in the Act I intensely romantic tunes has made Butterfly a timeTe Deum” in Tosca. Feulien continues this coming less love story. Performed in Italian with beautiful season with another Puccini role as Marcello in La traditional costumes, full orchestra, chorus and Bohème with WGO and makes his NYCO debut English subtitle projections. as Escamillo in Carmen and Silvio in I Pagliacci.

For the title role, Gulfshore Opera searched Gustavo Feulien made a successful European internationally and found Korean soprano Seon Duk opera debut in 22 performances of Belcore in Kim who has based her career in Paris for the past Seon Kim L’Elisir d’Amore and 15 performances of Count several years. General director Steffanie Pearce Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro as a regular guest explained, “Casting a singer who can realistically artist with Theater Bremen in Germany. portray their character physically as well as vocally His American career was launched with his has always been important to me. Seon Kim has Carnegie Hall debut in Faure’s Requiem and with the delicate Asian features and the full lyric voice, DiCapo Opera Gustavo Feulien was part of a combined with elegant stage presence that made United Stated tour singing Silvio in Pagliacci. her our top choice for this role. We are honored With Opera in Williamsburg he performed Di that she will make her American debut with us in Luna in Il Trovatore. One of his signature roles is this production.”

Escamillo in Carmen which he performed in New Kim has established herself as one of the most York, Virginia and Montreal, Canada. gifted sopranos in France. Her most notable roles Music director of Gulfshore Opera Paul Nadler include Mimi in La Bohéme, Liu in Turandot, Cio Cody Austin conducts this production for the March 31- April 3 Cio San in Madama Butterfly, Fiordiligi in Cosi fan performances. A reprise of the production will take Tutte, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and the title place at Barbara B Mann Auditorium on May 6 roles in Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, Dvorzak’s under the baton of Andrew Kurtz with the Gulf Rusalka, and Massenet’s Manon, among others.

Coast Symphony.

Kim plays opposite American tenor Cody Austin Madama Butterfly tickets range from $28 - $73. as Lieutenant Pinkerton. Austin is quickly becoming Performances: one of the most promising singing actors of his March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Charlotte Performing age. A 2009 graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts Arts Center in Philadelphia, his voice has been described as April 2 at 4 p.m.in the Naples/Bonita area (TBA) “…a warm, rich quality… produced with an evenMay 6 at 7 p.m. at Barbara B. Mann Performing ness that’s rare.” His professional debut was with Arts Hall (in collaboration with Gulfcoast the Opera Company of Philadelphia as Roderigo in Symphony).

Otello in 2009, where he was invited to return the Gustavo Feulian For tickets or more information, visit www.gulffollowing season to perform Edmondo in Manon shoreopera.org or call (239) 529-3925.

Lescaut.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

BBQ, Bands & Brew April 9 at Alliance

The Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care is hosting the eighth annual BBQ, Bands and Brew, presented by All Star Equipment Rentals and Sales on Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. The fundraiser is open to the public and will feature local music, local barbecue restaurants, a barbeque competition to name the Best BBQ in town and activities for kids. Admission is $10 per person.

Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available.

Local bands include Soapy Tuna, Rockin’ Horse, Deb & the Dynamics and Ben Allen Band.

Also part of the event is the fifth annual Poker Run that begins at 9 a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson and includes a ride with three stops around Fort Myers before ending at BBQ, Bands & Brew at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Registration for the ride is $20 until March 13, $10 for passengers. Registration includes lunch and admission to the BBQ, Bands and Brew event.

Sponsorships for BBQ, Bands and Brew are still available. For more information on how to become a sponsor, visit www.BBQBandsandBrew.com . Other event sponsors include Happenings Magazine, WINK News, Ferguson, Cape Coral Plumbing, Moen, Sunset Air and Home Services, Shock Top, Better Buildings Inc., FHSI, Florida Weekly, Cat Country 107.1, 95.3 OLZ, Y100.1, Priority Marketing, Carter-Pritchett Advertising and many others.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance beginning March 1 at Lee County Alliance for the Arts and the Lee BIA office at 10501 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Suite 118, in Fort Myers, or tickets can be reserved by calling 239-938-0056.

MARCH 2017

25

ACMA: The Hummingbirds, Nouveau Honkies & Jon Shain

The Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) starts of March with the Songwriters at Sunset Set series March 2 at Lovers Key State Park featuring Acoustic Blues and finger picking originals. Mike McMillan, considers himself a student of acoustic blues, performing classics and originals. Bill Metts, was influenced by the music of Taj Mahal, Mississippi John Hurt, Doc Watson and others. Bill’s original songs are down home finger-picking style. Karen Cohen is a fingerpicking Guitarist who delivers songs from all different eras. Her sets include Piedmont style pickin’ songs from the ‘20s and ‘30s, blues and slide guitar in the Mississippi Delta style. You can catch all three together again at Nouveau the on the ACMA main stage in Fort Myers on March 18 This free show starts at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to give yourself an extra 30 minutes to park and take the tram to the beach.

The show is free, parking is $8 a car.

Back at the ACMA’S normal location at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers don’t want miss The Hummingbirds on Friday, March 3.

The Hummingbirds are husband-wife team, S.G. and Rachel Wood. Born and raised in Detroit, now residing in Tampa, their music is both northern and southern Americana, blending both grit, and self reliance with hospitality, and charm. The Hummingbirds_Seriously play old guitars through old amps, bang drums, and even pluck banjos sometimes.

Their live stage chemistry and organic duo harmonies immediately captivate and charm audience members while Rachel’s solid command of rhythm guitar, peppered with S.G.’s thoughtful lead work, keep their songs rolling in true Americana form. S.G. and Rachel were fans of classic country music, as well as myriad of other genres when they started their band in the early 2000s. And while they continue to draw on these influences, what comes out in their own songwriting is a hybrid sound all their own, genuine & playful, earnest & soulful. Their songs twist through tales of loss & heartache, while others whisper sounds of hope, love, and journeys from the road.

Opening for the Hummingbirds is local songwriter Bob Williams with backing musicians Mike McMillian, and Ed Summers.

The ACMA welcomes Nouveau Honkies March 11. For many touring bands, the road is their home away from home, an ever-rolling muse that runs beneath their tires and works its way into every aspect of their lives, including their songwriting. For hard- traveling Americana duo The Nouveaux Honkies, the road is literally their home, as the two live out of a creatively rebuilt RV that they use to tour throughout the year in the American South. Rolling along in their high tech,

solar powered, self-sufficient Jon Shain will perform March 25 with Bill Fields opening. chariot, equipped with its Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who's been turning own espresso bar, mini stuheads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, dio, and more comforts than and his evolved musical style - combining improvised piedmost studio apartments in mont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. Shain’s NYC, Tim O’Donnell and newest disc, a duet album with Joe Newberry, Crow the Rebecca Dawkins worked Dawn, was just released in January of 2016. out a great formula to tie Shain cut his touring teeth from 1989-1998 founding the their travels to their music.

Chapel Hill, NC folk-rock group, Flyin' Mice and their spin-off They set up in a key group, WAKE. The band performed with acts such as David American city for a couple Grisman, Tony Rice Unit, Hot Tuna, and the Dixie Dregs, months at a time, soaking up released four CDs, and played clubs, schools, and festivals inspiration and making up and down the East Coast, building a legion of fans. friends, before moving on. In After his band's break up, Shain went solo, returning to this way, their new album his roots in the folk and blues circuit. In addition to the new Blues For Country, draws its album with Joe Newberry, and a live album with Jon Shain sounds from the musical Trio, Jon has released eight studio albums, working with stuinfluences of New Orleans, dio luminaries such as Dave Mattacks, Tom Dube, and Chris Nashville, Florida, Austin, Stamey, along the way. In addition to festival slots and headand the Texas hill country lining club dates, the last few years has seen Shain playing where they recorded it. “As esteemed listening rooms and opening sold out theatre far as genres are concerned, I shows for John Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat, and others. When Honkies don’t think it is an intentional Shain is not recording or performing, he stays busy giving thing for us to be bouncing private instruction in Piedmont blues fingerstyle guitar, and around the map,” confesses Tim O’Donnell, The Nouveaux teaching group workshops in songwriting and blues guitar.

Honkies’ songwriter and lead singer. “It is The ACMA welcomes The Squirrel just my personality. I love lots of stuff. To Hillbillies on April 1. me there is good music and bad music and From deep within the urban forest of I really have no formula on what it is. I just Pittsburgh's East End, the Squirrel know when I like it. Jimmy Webb, Jimmy Hillbillies often emerge to share their Reed, and Jimi Hendrix all give me this eclectic mix of folk, country and blues. crazy feeling when I listen to them.” With all Rabidly social and clawingly curious, these regional flavors, it’s no wonder The they relish opportunities to interact with Nouveaux Honkies’ music jumps so easily diverse audiences. They have performed and happily between genres, mixing up a more than 250 shows, including appearbubbling Americana gumbo of blues, counances at the Three Rivers Arts Festival try, roots, R&B, Texas swing, honky-tonk in Pittsburgh and the Leigh Folk Festival and old-fashioned songwriting. in England. Through a collaborative, Opening for Nouveau Honkies is Mary nonlinear songwriting process, duo partDanl with Carolyn Stanley. Mary & Carolyn ners Jenny Wolsk Bain and Gary Crouth have a great new sound together. They draw from personal experiences, thirdhave been performing at local communities hand stories, and vivid imaginations to have been well received. craft songs that are unpredictable and March 11 at 2 p.m., the ACMA’s quirky yet widely accessible. Their CDs Jon Shain Saturday afternoon series Songwriters at have gotten radio play on stations photo by Mike Traister the Library continues at South County across the US and around the world.

Regional Library located at 21100 Three Local songwriter Ken Crosby will Oaks Parkway in Estero with Ray Cerbone, Matt Hannam open that show. and Dave Martin. Ray Cerbone is an award winning local The Americana Community Music Association provides a singer songwriter. His music crosses several genres from venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning storyteller ballads, folk, country and blues to personal interperformers in the Americana/Folk community. All shows are pretations. He is also the lead singer for The Apocalypse in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and Blues Revue. Matt Hannam is a well-known local songwriter greet with the artists. YouTube any of these artists and be who performs solo and as well as in the band, The prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to Collective. Dave Martin was a road musician in his 20s, but you all year round for a cost of $10-$15 donation. has regained his amateur status. He plays guitar, mandolin The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for profit organization. and bass, and writes in styles ranging from jazz ballad, Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation at 2756 swing, folk, and bluegrass. This show will take place inside McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the library. shows start at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.americana.org

St. Patrick’s Day Street Party FRIDAY, MARCH 17 from 4 - 10 PM LIVE MUSIC • MULTIPLE STAGES FREE ADMISSION

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS 26

MARCH 2017

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Fishermen’s Village to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music & more

Fishermen’s Village will play host to a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Friday, March 17 beginning at 1 p.m. and continuing until 8 p.m.

The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Family friendly festivities will include: Paul Strowe, the Human Jukebox, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., third section of Village Singer/guitarist Michael Hirst, 1 – 5 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Singer/guitarist Paul Cottrell 1 – 5 p.m. in the Village Courtyard Finest Face Painting & More by MaryRose, 3 – 7 p.m., center court

Lee County Pipes & Drums parade begins at main entrance at 5:30 p.m., followed by a performance in Village Courtyard Celtic Beat Irish Dancers (immediately following Bag Pipers performance) Village Courtyard Irish music with Kelly & Emily Ann Thompson, 6-8 p.m., Village Courtyard Village restaurants will feature Irish food specials (call for details/reservations).

Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. For more details, call 941-639-8721 or visit www.fishville.com.

Annual Bonita Blues Fest set for March 10 and 11

The date is set and tickets wanted to do. I had to are on sale for the 11th play slide guitar.”

Annual Bonita Blues Festival As a songwriter and to be held March 10 and 11 musician, Studebaker at Riverside Park.

John has emerged as a The Bonita Blues Festival major creative force in the is a two day event held on world of the blues today.

Friday, March 10, gates Ahead of the pack, with opening at 1 p.m. and vision and foresight, creatSaturday, March 11 gates ing a new standard and opening at 11 a.m. at landscape for this music’s Riverside Park in downtown future… with John at the Bonita Springs. Both days wheel, the future is now! will feature award winning The Phantom Blues blues music from around the Band was formed as a country and a wide variety of studio band to back up Taj Studebaker John and food and other vendors.

Mahal on his CD Dancing’ The Hawks - March 10 Friday will include “happy the Blues. Their association hour” prices on beer and with Taj led to headlining wine from 1 until 5 p.m. clubs, theatres and festiThe artists performing vals throughout the include Studebaker John and U.S., Europe and Japan the Hawks with special guest and being honored with Rick Kreher, Phantom Blues two Grammys and a Band, Samantha Fish, Albert W.C. Handy Blues Castiglia, Dennis Jones Award. Their Texas, Band, Cedric Burnside Kansas and Oklahoma Project, Idlewild South, Zora musical roots have Young with Little Mike and afforded them well in the Tornadoes, Vanessa their decades as Collier Band, Jeff Jensen Hollywood studio musiBand, Brian James and the cians, recording with Revival and Hector Anchondo many notable recording Band. artists including Bonnie Studebaker John Raitt, Stevie Ray Phantom Blues Band Grimaldi was born in an Vaughan, The Rolling March 11 Italian-American section of Stones, Taj Mahal, Joe Chicago and started playing harmonica at Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Elton age 7. Under the spell of music he heard John, Leon Russell, Little Feat, and B.B. on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s famed blues King. melting pot, Grimaldi began performing as Proceeds of the Bonita Blues Festival Studebaker John and the Hawks in the will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance ‘70s. The band name referenced the Office, Music for Minors Foundation, Inc., Studebaker Hawk, a car Grimaldi still owns providing musical instruments to local youth today, and was also intended as a tribute to and The Music Therapy Program at the his friend, J.B. Hutto and the Hawks. John Golisano Children’s Hospital. began playing guitar after a life-changing Tickets to the festival are just $50 in experience of seeing Hound Dog Taylor advance for a weekend pass. Ticket prices and the Houserockers perform. “…Hound at the gate are $30 for Friday, $35 for Dog started playing, hitting notes that sent Saturday and $60 for the weekend. Buy chills up and down my spine. He was veryour weekend passes now and save! For satile and powerful and would play rhythm additional information and to purchase tickas well as leads. I left there knowing what I ets, visit www.bonitablues.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

27

Dionne Warwick

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Aaron Lewis

Sam Galloway Concert Series

at The Ranch Concert Hall

Five time Grammy Award winner Dionne Warwick performed Feb. 10 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Photos by Jamie K Kuser

Blackfoot ‘unplugged’ at FYE Aaron Lewis played to a sold out crowd Feb. 11 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. The show was part of the ongoing Sam Galloway Concert Series. Above, Lewis leads the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance prior to playing his first song.

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MARCH 2017

LEFT: Blackfoot performed a short “unplugged” show and did a meet and greet with fans Feb. 8 at the FYE store in the Edison Mall. The free event was a preview of the concert the following night at Germain Arena with Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Outlaws. The new Blackfoot is under the guidance of Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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

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

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

MARCH 2017

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Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

INCONCERT

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

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

March 3 LoCash

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

March 3 & 4 Funk Fest

Downtown Punta Gorda

March 4

Spyro Gyra

Englewood Event Center

March 5

Willie Nelson Artis–Naples

March 6

Smokey Robinson Artis–Naples

March 10

John Sebastian BIG ARTS, Sanibel

March 10 & 11 Bonita Blues Fest

Riverside Park, Bonita Springs

March 11 Clint Black

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Rodney Atkins, Adam Craig Sun Splash, Cape Coral

Sergio Mendes

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

March 11-16

70s Rock & Romance Cruise Celebrity Summit, Fort Lauderdale

March 12

Earth Wind & Fire

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

March 13 & 14 John Sebastian

G & L Theatre, Naples

March 16 Paul Anka

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

ZZ Top

Germain Arena, Estero

March 17 Neil McCoy

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

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Rick Braun at Sounds of Jazz and Blues March 25

Spring is a terrific time of year to get outside and enjoy the variety of special events Cape Coral has to offer.

The annual Sounds of Jazz & Blues will be held on Saturday, March 25 along the Caloosahatchee River at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village (Tarpon Point). Join others for a fabulous night of jazz and soul-stomping blues music featuring national recording artist Rick Braun.

If you’ve ever seen Rick Braun perform, you know what a high-energy entertainer he is.

But ask him to talk about his career and the gregarious, charismatic musiciansongwriter-producer becomes visibly uncomfortable and awkwardly quiet.

“The collective moments are one big unfolding story that’s still not done. I just sit back and be grateful to still be making music with friends,” says the humble trumpeter-flugelhorn player-vocalist Braun, a consistent chart-topper who has amassed a catalogue of No. 1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and radio hits throughout his solo career that began in earnest in 1992.

One of those memorable moments for Braun occurred twenty years ago at influential Los Angeles radio station 94.7 The Wave with friend and fellow contemporary jazz star Peter White. The two had a hit from Braun’s 1994 breakthrough release

Beat Street entitled “Club Harlem,” a horn and nylon string guitar duet. It was a track that came at a time when both artists were being propelled from being first-call sidemen to solo recording artists. Braun recalls turning to his frequent collaborator and asking, “How long do you think we’ll be able to keep doing this?”

As Braun cranks up the machine in advance of his 16th release, Can You Feel It, he says, “I’m grateful that people still want to hear what I have to say [musically]. That’s beautiful and miraculous.”

Also performing will be Gruv Therapy and the Betty Fox Band.

There are two ticket options available for purchase: the jazz experience ticket comes with a catered meal, seating and two drinks; the VIP ticket includes riverside seating, an open bar and an upgraded catered meal.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 5:30 p.m. with Rick Braun performing at 8:30 p.m. Jazz experience tickets are on sale now for only $40 in advance or $45 at the gate, and VIP Tickets are $75 while they last.

For more information or tickets, visit www.CapeConcerts.com or call (239) 573-3128.

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 vendors and more. Funk Fest Punta Gorda will take

March 21

Chubby Checker

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

March 24

Jefferson Starship

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

March 25 Rick Braun

Tarpon Point, Cape Coral

Vanilla Ice

Germain Arena, Estero

Jon Pardi

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

March 26 Joe Nichols

German American Club, Cape Coral

March 29

Los Lonely Boys

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

April 9

Neil Sedaka

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

April 10

Buddy Guy Artis–Naples

April 11

Lee Ann Womack

SW FL Perf. Arts Center, Bonita

April 14

The Original Wailers

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

April 15 Boston

Germain Arena, Estero

April 22

Kevin Costner and Modern West

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Olivia Newton-John

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

April 29 & 30 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, March 4.

There are exciting ticket options from weekend passes to VIP experiences.

Get your tickets at www.FunkFestPuntaGorda.com

Fort Rock: Def Leppard, Soundgarden and more JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

May 5

Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

LoCash, Neil McCoy, Jon Pardi at The Ranch The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues in March with more national artists performing at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

LoCash will be in concert Friday, March 3. Reviver Records hot country duo LoCash includes Baltimore native Chris Lucas and Indianapolis’ Preston Brust. Their smash No. 1 hit “I Know Somebody” topped Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck after their RIAA Gold-Certified “I Love This Life” single ascended to the top of the charts.

Both hits are included on their new album The Fighters, their first full-length project with Reviver Records. Advance tickets for LoCash start at $20.

Neal McCoy returns to The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon March 17. In a world where every single is the biggest hit, every song the best one ever, Neal McCoy has had his share of feel good radio records, a few meaningful ballads, the BMI Song of the Year with “Wink” and “The Shake” and a whole lot of fun. But he’s spent almost two decades chasing “that song.”

With “A-OK, the song that co-producer Blake Shelton found the Longview, Texan entertainer, McCoy’s quest may be over. With its bouncing beat, bright melody and yes, pure Andy Griffith whistle, the song about seeing the glass as half-full and the smile upside down in a frown, along with the Barry Dean/Luke Laird/Brett Eldridge mid-tempo, is the perfect distillation of McCoy’s always effervescent show.

Advance tickets start at $17.

Jon Pardi returns to The Ranch on March 25. The snarl in his voice sets the tone for Jon Pardi’s California Sunrise.

He’s a traditional country singer, bred in the West Coast honky tonks, and he won’t apologize for chasing the dream on his own terms. Advance tickets start at $20.

LoCash - March 3

Neal McCoy - March 17

Other upcoming shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series include actor Kevin Costner and The Modern West on April 22 ($40 in advance), Roots & Boots with Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye on May 5 ($45 in advance), Aaron Watson on May 13 ($12 in advance), John Michael Montgomery on June 2 ($25 in advance).

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.

Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton-John, and Frankie Valli at Seminole Casino Hotel

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee bar, complimentary appewill host some legendary performers tizers and two beverages. in the next few months including Paul With a career spanAnka, Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newtonning over five decades John and Frankie Valli & the Four and more than 100 million Seasons. albums sold, NewtonPerformer and songwriter Paul John’s successes include Anka celebrates 60 years of hits on four Grammys, numerous Thursday, March 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets Country Music, American are $125.

Music, Billboard and Anka’s first number one hit as a People’s Choice Awards, Paul Anka singer/songwriter came at the age of an Emmy Award, 10 #1 only 16 in 1957 with “Diana.” In each hits and more than 15 top the seven consecutive decades since 10 singles.

Neil Sedaka then, Anka has charted hits in the Tickets are now on Billboard Top 100. He has more than sale for the rescheduled 90 million in record sales worldwide Frankie Valli & The Four and his songs have been performed Seasons concert at more than 100 million times.

Seminole Casino Hotel.

Iconic singer/songwriter Neil The concert, originally set Sedaka will perform Sunday, April 9 at for Jan. 26, has been 8 p.m. Tickets are $70. rescheduled for During the course of his impressive Thursday, May 25.

60-year career, Sedaka was one of the Tickets are available for first teen pop sensations of the 1950s, $125. Valli, in his sixth a successful songwriter for himself and decade of stardom, has other artists in the 1960s, and a supersold an estimated 100 star in the 1970s. Today, he remains a million records throughFrankie Valli constant force in writing and performout his group and solo Olivia ing. careers with two U.S. Newton-John Sedaka catapulted to stardom after Number 1 solo hits: 1975’s Connie Francis recorded his "Stupid “My Eyes Adored You” and the title song from Cupid." the movie “Grease” in 1978.

Sunny 106.3 FM presents internationally recognized Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons scored a total of 48 four-time Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, comBillboard Hot 100 singles between 1956 and 1994 and munity activist and breast cancer “thriver” Olivia Newtonwere one of the few pre-Beatles groups to survive the John live in concert April 22 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets 1964 British Invasion of the American pop music scene. are on sale now for $39, or $50 day of show. A limited Tickets can be purchased at the casino or by calling number of $125 VIP tickets are available, with a private (800) 218-0007. For more concert events and info, visit section directly in front of the stage with seating, private online at www.moreinparadise.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Jon Pardi - March 25

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.

SW Florida Performing Arts Center

Sergio Mendes, Chubby Checker, Jefferson Starship & Los Lonely Boys

Sergio Mendes Jefferson Starship The Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs has a busy month for concerts.

March performance schedule: Sergio Mendes on March 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Chubby Checker on March 21 at 7:30 Chubby Checker p.m.

Jefferson Starship on March 24 at 8 p.m.

Los Lonely Boys on March 29 at 8 p.m.

The arts center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE. For tickets, call 239-3896901 or visit www.swflpac.com.

Los Lonely Boys

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Art

Peace River Art Festival March 18 & 19

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • Back for its 11th year, the Peace River National Art Festival is downtown Punta Gorda's finest outdoor art affair. The festival will take place March 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Laishley Park, at 101 Nesbit St. in downtown Punta Gorda.

Visitors will not be disappointed by the fantastic selection of fine art, handcrafted goods and exquisite crafts brought in by artists from within the community and around the country for this weekend long event.

Art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, abstracts and watercolor will be represented at the show. A selection of tasty foods, beer and wine compliGina Battle mented by great music promises to spice things up this year, as well as a live broadcast of Seaview 104.9 on location Saturday morning.

In addition to the festivities, abstract artist Gina Battle and fused glass artist Lise Lindsay have been selected as this year’s emerging artists. Both self-taught artists possess a tenacity and uniqueness that sets them apart. Gina and Lise’s work will be featured at the festival and can be seen now on display at the Visual Arts Center.

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Gina Battle is a self-taught abstract artist who aims to remain a relevant part of the arts community. She earned a B.A. in Theater Arts/Speech & Communications and studied design & photography at Fashion Industries High School in NYC. Her migration into expressionism abstraction painting has provided Gina a sense of freedom in expressing herself. Her unique, non-traditional approach is not singular in thought or concept, but based on pure emotion and what's happening in any given moment along her life journey. For Gina, one of the most thrilling aspects of painting is waiting to see what will happen to her blank canvas.

Gina’s work has been sold nationally and internationally. She has been featured on the cover of Harbor Style Magazine and Gulf Coast Woman Magazine. She donates her time and art to various community organizations, including the Charlotte Community Foundation Marketing Committee, and is a member of the Visual Arts Center and the Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County.

Growing up in an artistic family, Lise Lindsay was always encouraged to create. She majored in fine arts when starting college, but in the 1970s, computer programming proved to be much more lucrative. After earning degrees in computer science and accounting, she spent decades driving a desk, but dreamt about the day when she could focus on art. Creativity now drives

Lise Lindsay

her and her focus is fused glass. She loves its color, reflection, dimension, and challenge of working with heat and glass.

Varying temperatures, thicknesses, and the reactive qualities of glass components can produce spectacular results.

Lise’s work includes abstract glass panels and imaginative functional pieces. By combining layers of opaque and transparent glass, metals, powders, paint, and other components, she attempts to achieve deep and ethereal images.

Lise is primarily self-taught in the art of glass, but she has also studied with many well-known glass artists including Kari Smoller-Minnick, Kate MacLeod, Richard LaLonde, Tanya Viet, Morgan Madison, Gail Stouffer and Barbara Becker Simon. She is constantly researching and experimenting with ways to express herself with a complex medium. Lise creates full time in Punta Gorda and her work can be found at SeaGrape Gallery and the Visual Arts Center.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Mano Mudd exhibit at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in March

This March, experience an exceptional art opening featuring Tim Smith aka Mano Mudd at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

The artist’s showcase, “Down and Dirty,” will include contemporary twodimensional, three-dimensional and projection works. The works to be shown are highly influenced by the Chicago workshop using technology as the main medium for works referred to as “wafers” and “Kinetic Wafers.”

This multi-media exhibit opens to the music of Sonic Combine on Friday, March 3 at 6 p.m. and runs until March 21 at 5 p.m. Get up close and personal with this deeply eclectic artist and his electric works.

Tim Smith is currently an artist and educator. He is one of the founding teachers at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts, the premier fine and performing arts high school in Lee County. Smith moved to Sanibel in 1983 after graduating from The School Art Institute of Chicago.

He has received several awards including, Robert Rauschenberg Grant, Surdna Fellowship, Hermitage Fellowship, Fort Myers Arts and Culture Grant. Some of his more recent works have been shown at the Tincture Gallery in downtown Fort Myers, and projected on a 3 story building during Art Walk and Music Walk.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is

Mano Mudd

located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Notes from the Naples Art Association The activities continue in March for the Naples Art Association. Here are some highlights of what’s going on this month:

Naples Art in the Park March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave South Since 1957, Art in the Park has remained the monthly members show showcasing the talents of our member artists. Believed to be the first outdoor art show held in Naples, Art in the Park carries on the tradition of providing our community access to the very creative fine art and craftwork of our member artists. The NAA hosts this juried art show held on the first Saturday of each month from November through April.

To participate, a new artist must first go through the jury process and be a member of the NAA.

Reception and Awards Presentation for 46th Annual Jade N. Riedel Scholarship Competition Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. Exhibit runs March 16 – April 15.

The NAA will present the 46th Annual Jade N. Riedel Scholarship Competition. In 1971, members of the Naples Art Association initiated a scholarship program designed to encourage young aspiring artists to realize their dreams of becoming professionals in the visual arts. Since then, awards have been given annually by the NAA to Collier County high school students in conjunction with an exhibition of their work. This exhibit is free-of-charge and open to the public and will be located in the Lobby and Ground Floor Round Galleries.

Preview reception for the National Art Encounter Competition Exhibit Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Naples Art Association, 585 Park St. Exhibit runs March 17 - April 15. The Naples Art Association will present the National Art Encounter Competition 2017 Exhibit. This national juried exhibition features recent work in all media by artists from across the United States. $3,500 in cash awards for artists. This exhibit is free-of-charge and will be located in The Watson Gallery.

Artist R.C. Ewell at the February Art in the Park presented by the Naples Art Association. The next Art in the Park will be Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Naples Downtown Art Show March 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & March 19 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Naples Downtown Art Show allows thousands of art-savvy show goers to mill about the 230 plus booths that participating artists set up under the canopy of oak boughs and golden trumpet trees that shade flower-lined Fifth Avenue South from Southwest Florida’s brilliant springtime sunshine from Highway 41 west to 3rd Street South.

Dinner with Artists Tuesday, March 21, $100 per person.

Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Dinner with Artists is an interactive artistic experience in an intimate and engaging setting. Each event includes a multi-course gourmet meal and wine. Featured artist – Pat Zalisko, abstract painting.

Featured chef – Pyro Rodriguez, executive chef at Shangri-La Springs.

For more details, visit www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517.

Art show, book signing March 16 at Lorne’s Gallery

Lorne’s Gallery in Cape Coral presents an art show and book signing on March 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The gallery will the art of Hilary Hemingway, and author Jeff Lindsay will be on hand to sign his book “Dexter.”

Hilary Hemingway was born in Miami. She spent her first two years living aboard a boat with her family and took her first steps on dry land in Jamaica. Eventually her parents bought a home on Miami Beach.

Hilary grew up boating and spent most of her summers in Bimini, Bahamas, helping her father with his Bimini Newspaper.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Miami, with a major in photography and film making. She has had five novels published, and two plays produced. Hilary has always kept busy with art

work. She uses the colorful palette of the Caribbean, and tries to tell a story within every painting. Her fish are painted in bright surreal colors as if their struggle were seen through mermaid eyes.

Jeff Lindsay is the award-winning author of the 8 NY Times bestselling “Dexter” novels upon which the international hit TV show "Dexter" is based. His books appear in 43 languages around the world.

Although a full-time writer now, he has worked as an actor, comic, director, MC, bouncer, teacher, singer, songwriter, composer, musician, sportscaster, voice-over artist, dishwasher, teacher, coach, steel worker, cook, detective, gardener, greeting card salesman and sailing instructor.

Lorne’s Gallery is located at Marina Village at Tarpon Point, unit 105, in Cape Coral. For more details, call 239-945-0866.

BIG ARTS presents a wide array of stunning and enriching art exhibits for the community and visitors alike. This March is no exception, as two new exciting shows take up residency in the fabulous Phillips and Founders galleries.

Both of the new exhibits are open and juried, kicking off with Pressing Matters in the Founders Gallery. Exploring all forms of printmaking, works may include woodcuts, etchings, engravings, lithographs and other graphic techniques. Each entry is a unique, original hand-pulled piece that you won’t find anywhere else, submitted by artists across the country assuring a huge variety of styles, themes, and subject matter.

Doris White In the Phillips Gallery, BIG ARTS welcomes the submissions of the After Rauschenberg juried exhibit. The amazing diversity and innovation of Robert Rauschenberg— a legendary artist with deep ties to the Sanibel community—is the basis for entries in this exhibit. Rauschenberg famously experimented with non-traditional methods and materials in his paintings, sculpture, combines and more, yet he also displayed rigor and concern for formal painting and traditional styles. Each entrant is

encouraged to take inspiration from Rauschenberg’s remarkable creativity and revolutionary style.

Additionally, on Wednesday, March 29 at 7 p.m., Deborah Butler, retired art historian, painter and co-chair of Visual Arts, will present the work of Rauschenberg in conjunction with the exhibit in Phillips Gallery, After Rauschenberg. The influence of his work upon contemporary art and life is the subject of this illustrated talk. Rauschenberg maintained a close relationship with Edison College in Fort Myers (Florida Southwest College), where Butler taught for 34 years and served on Bob Rauschenberg the Gallery Board. Butler will present and illustrate his enduring global approach to art, his use of common objects and detritus in his work, and his use of photography in his work.

These exhibits open to the public on March 22 and run through April 29, with a reception on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. to announce the winners.

As always, BIG ARTS welcomes the public to enjoy all exhibits free of charge. Visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900 to learn more about BIG ARTS.

Two new exhibits open at BIG ARTS on Sanibel

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MARCH 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Art and Nature night March 8 at Shangri La in Springs in Bonita

The Historic Shangri La Springs monthly Art & Nature night will guide you through a multimedia 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 (March 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.

RECEPTIONS

MAR 9TH & APR 6TH Meet the Artists & Enjoy Live Music 4 - 6 pm

ar t council sw f lorida

Coconut Point Mall

8074 Mediterranean Dr., Estero

Visit our Council of Organizations www.ACSWF.org

Representing Ar tists form Marco Island, Naples, Estero, For t Myers, Captiva, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Punta Gorda and more, for Classes, Special Events, Newsletters

Decorating or Remodeling?

Visit the Co-op Ar t Galler y @ Coconut Point Enjoy Beverages and Hors d’Oeuvres while browsing the Gallery for your one of a kind purchase.

Hours: NOON to 6:00 PM Daily 239-949-3073 (N ext to Panera)

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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Peter Stilton at ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery will feature the art of Peter Stilton of Tampa in March. An opening reception will be held Friday, March 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Fort Myers Art Walk.

Peter Stilton, a true Renaissance man, is an internationally known artist. He has dabbled in many different subjects and bodies of works in both representational and abstract styles. His Tampa studio embraces him from ceiling to floor with his paintings, antique settees, chairs, tables, carvings, sculptures, toys, oriental rugs and much more. From his inspiring religious-theme paintings to his whimsical presentation of daily family life, all of Peter’s art is loved and cherished in many cultures around the worlds.

In 1998, Peter Stilton was the first American to have a one-man show at the Sorbonne (University of Paris). Later that year, one of his paintings depicting Paris was selected to hang in the office of the Mayor of Paris as part of the permanent collection of the Mayor of Paris in the historic Hotel de Ville.

His paintings and sculptures are in private and corporate collections all over the world…from Tel Aviv to Stockholm, including a commission for the Saudi royal family’s summer palace. Peter has had more than three dozen one-man exhibitions of his work, including four in Paris. He was the subject of a feature story on WUSF radio in 1996, and was selected as an artist in residence for an arts magnet school in Greenville, South Carolina in 1997.

Peter has had over 40 solo exhibitions in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, New

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MARCH 2017

Peter Stilton

York. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Paris, France Honors include permanent collections of the Springfield, MA Museum of Fine Arts and the Office of the Mayor of Paris (French National Collection); 2016 individual artist grant from the Arts Council, Hillsborough County, FL; Fulbright Study Grant, Egypt (faculty).

Peter Stilton currently specializes in seascapes in lyrical, impressionistic and abstract interpretations on canvas, wood, and paper and often utilizing combined media.

ACT Gallery is also featuring new works by over 25 co-op artists and will be having the Annual ART Sale of works that have been abandoned – prices for this sale start at $5 and go up to $500. All works will be sold… offers will be considered.

Island Conclave Art Gallery showcases MiMi Stirn and Ken Follmann in March

Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery on Pine Island will host an opening exhibition of two very talented Southwest Florida artists. This special exhibition will feature both Amanda "MiMi" Stirn and Ken Follmann on Saturday, March 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists, take in their spectacular art and enjoy free cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres.

Stirn’s art is pure symbolism and surrealism embodied in 2D mixed media resins.

Influences of Klimt, Dali, and O’Keefe are apparent in both message and stylings. Works include sculpted modeling paste, gold leaf, hand mixed-pigments, which she custom orders from France and mixes, finished with layers of acrylic stains, colored and clear coated resins, with her signature key embedded in each piece.

Her art career stretches as far back as high school where she studied sculpture and through the years has mastered the embodiment of her love of sculpture and painting into dynamic and unique works of art.

MiMi Stirn with “The Journey”

Ken Follmann hunts for fossils

Stirn’s exhibit will feature “The Journey,” an award winning piece, which is a French styled ship decoupage, bird in flight and the resin Hamsa signify blessings during your journey through life.

Follmann’s art is indistinguishable at first.

Most don’t recognize the genius they are looking at until they see his sculptures up close.

Ken Follmann uses an extremely unique medium in his sculptures. He uses prehistoric, fossilized sharks teeth (even those of Megalodons), bone & shell to create the most fascinating sculptures of mermaids, megalodons, seahorses, fish and many other amazing fantastical sea creatures. To make his work even more personal to the collector, he also hosts fossil hunting expeditions where you can go on a fossil hunt with the artist.

Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery will also host the Pine Island Arts & Crafts Fair held on the gallery’s lawn Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Island Conclave is located at 5101 Pine Island Road. Call 239-282-8488 for more info or email islandconclave@mktmania.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Cape Coral Library showcases photojournalism, glass art exhibit in March Changing exhibits of work by local artists, photographers and artisans are featured in the spacious art gallery of the Cape Coral Public Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. The current show will be available for viewing during library business hours from March 3 through March 31.

Images captured by News-Press photographers will be on exhibit on the walls of the gallery. Subjects of the documentary photography include human interest, mental illness, hunger, homelessness, disaster relief and other stories. Photographs by Amanda Inscore, Andrea Melendez, Kinfay Moroti, Ricardo Rolon and Andrew West will be featured.

The fused glass display of creations by Lois Johnston has been held over in the cases from the previous month due to popular demand. Johnston is known as an award winning kiln-formed glass artisan. Her creations are shown in galleries throughout the Southwest Florida area and can be found in homes across the United States as well as internationally. She currently instructs students in the techniques of glass fusing at the Cape Coral Arts Studio.

The exhibits are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. For more information, contact art gallery chairperson Monica Rahman by calling (239) 258-2991 or emailing her at monica4608@comcast.net.

Harbour View Gallery will celebrate 10 years March 23

Harbour View Gallery, the only artists-owned cooperative gallery in Cape Coral, celebrates 10 remarkable years of success and growth. Located at the Marina at Cape Harbour, the gallery has been host to over 300 local artists since opening in 2007, serving the local arts community with diverse art mediums created by local talent.

The seven founding members had a shared vision and the fortitude to create the Harbour View Gallery in 2007. As each one joined the group of founders from January to May 2007, they worked together to construct a business plan and institute programs that have served as the backbone of the gallery’s accomplishments over the past 10 years. These early ideas and values have stood the test of time and remain part of the gallery’s character a decade later.

The gallery commemorates this 10-year milestone on Thursday, March 23 with a public reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gallery. Entertainment will be provided by Kat Epple, internationally renowned flutist and Grammy award winning composer. Gallery jewelry designers Beverly Fox and Heather Rivera created two commemorative jewelry art pieces to be given away that evening. No purchase is necessary and you do not need to be present to win. Just stop by the gallery to register.

Original fine art for home decor and locally handcrafted gifts are always available for that special person or occasion in a variety of art mediums such as: paintings, glass art, photography, fine jewelry, sand and paper castings, fabric and metal art, wood carvings and pottery in a wide range of styles and prices.

The artwork is constantly changing. Harbour View Gallery hosts a popular monthly featured artists program. A public reception is held from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in honor of the two artists who are featured that month.

Twenty five additional area artists display and sell their work at

MORE THAN 80 JURIED ARTISANS

Naples Artcrafters

Fine Art & Craft Show Celebrating 50 YEARS

SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH 10am - 4pm

Fleischmann Park South of Coastland Mall, Naples Free Admission & Parking

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com 38

MARCH 2017

the gallery on an extended basis.

A full-service, onsite frame shop was introduced in the fall of 2013 when the gallery expanded and doubled in size. Local artists receive special framing discounts.

Visitors are greeted each day by one of the gallery ownerartists. The welcoming atmosphere and their helpful attitude keep people coming back time after time. Customers are treated like family and, in turn, they bring their family and friends to the gallery.

Mary and Ken Tate, frequent visitors from Canada say, “Harbour View Gallery is a little gem of Cape Harbour. The owner-operated gallery is unique – seven owners, seven views, every day a different artist. And, the visiting artists add even more variety. We love visiting!”

Last year, the gallery introduced a monthly “Sip and Paint” evening in cooperation with the Waterside Wine Club, also located at the Marina at Cape Harbour. These fun-filled evenings attract locals as well as visitors to the area. Always striving for distinction, the gallery alternates between canvases, wine or margarita glasses, trivets, and ornaments for participants to paint. Other unique choices will be offered this season.

Among the gallery’s many achievements is “Paint the Cape”, the first ever plein air (outdoor painting) competition and exhibit in Cape Coral. For two consecutive years in 2010 and 2011, the event raised money to support the Cape Coral Community Foundation.

What makes the Harbour View Gallery special and thriving when others have failed? … A winning combination of dedicated, talented artists, superb location, friendly atmosphere, reputation for excellence and professionalism, and diverse, unique, quality artwork.

Visit the gallery at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Suite 104, Cape Coral, and online at www.harbourviewgallery.com

Art Walks the Runway

Art and fashion collide when the 6th Annual Art Walks the Runway fashion show returns to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center! Join us Thursday, March 30 for the Celebrate Fashion Opening Night VIP Party that kicks off this three-day runway show.

Art Walks the Runway features local and international designers from Thursday, March 30 - Saturday, April 1.

Thursday night’s fashion show features world-class designer and stylist to the stars Patricia Gomez-Gracia. Sample delicious hors d’oeuvres by G3 Catering throughout the evening, enjoy a contortion dance performance

by Katarina Danks, and experience GomezGracia’s fusion of East London and West End fashion set to the sounds of Sol Productions.

6th Annual Art Walks the Runway All Nights: Cocktails at 7 p.m. / Runway at 8 p.m. VIP Tickets all three nights: $125

Since 1988, it ’ss where Naples goes for Ice Cream!

Celebrate Fashion Opening Night VIP Party Featuring designer Gomez-Gracia Thursday, March 30 Tickets: $40 in advance • $50 at the door Local Boutique Collection Featuring Fabrik & Saratoga Sundress Friday, March 31 Tickets: $20 in advance • $25 at the door International Couture Fashion Featuring Ahmad Couture, Diana Couture, & Amato Couture Body Art Runway show by Elements of Body Saturday, April 1 Tickets: $35 in advance • $45 at the door The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Visit www.sbdac.com for tickets.

Plenty of Great Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt OPEN 7 DAYS L ATE 824 FIFTH AVE. S.

239.434.8181

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Bonita Springs National Art Festival March 4 & 5

The annual Bonita Springs National Art Festival will take place Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 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.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SoCo event returns March 11

Another artful night will be held at the cultural district of SoCo in the month of March.

The monthly 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, March 11, patrons of the arts, collectors, art enthusiasts and all attending guests will have the chance to win another great prize, just by enjoying the SoCo cultural venues and collecting the very popular Golden Tickets from each location. The winner will be announced one week after the event.

This month’s participating SoCo cultural venues are: • Alliance for the Arts Artist Camilo Perez Frias is a regular SoCo • DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts Second Saturday vendor • Gittleman Studios • Ocasiocasa musicians at the Art Loft in the Alliance for the • The Union Artist Studios and Crafts Arts campus and at various locations of the • Catch 22 Royal Palm Square.

• Vamped Up Vintage The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 • Yoga Bird p.m. on Saturday, March 11. This is a monthly • Living Vine Café event, rain or shine. The SoCo Cultural District • A Swedish Affair location encompasses the block south of • Broadway Palm Dinner Theater Colonial Boulevard, from the corner of • Suzanne’s Dance Fitness McGregor Boulevard to Summerlin Road, to • Studio Os Urbanos Royal Palm Square Boulevard and back to In addition, more than 10 vendors, located McGregor Boulevard. More information about at various locations of the Royal Palms the event and vendor opportunity information Square, will be offering their handmade, fineis available at www.socoswfl.com. crafts during the event. There will be live

MARCH 2017

39

Sea Grape Gallery features Nancy Giffin and Kitt Moran From March 2 to April 6, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Kitt Moran (oil painter) and Nancy Giffin (Nantucket basket and Shaker box artist) Ten years ago, Kitt Moran began the art of painting in oils and has become an award-winning artist. As an accomplished jazz and cabaret vocalist who has performed all over the United States, Kitt views visual art as a natural extension of her musical abilities. She paints using bright colors and focuses on slightly abstract portraits, landscapes, happy children, domestic and not so domestic animals along with birds and still life. As Kitt explains, “becoming a visual artist has changed my life as I look at the world differently now – everything is a painting”. Many people have stated that when viewing Kitt’s paintings, they feel the same emotion that her music has provided for years. In addition to painting from her heart, Kitt enjoys painting commission work for her customers.

Nancy Giffin creates her artworks in the true Nantucket and Shaker traditions and cultures. In 1992 when Nancy and her husband Bill moved to Florida from Massachusetts, they brought with them the knowledge of these great traditions and continued to create authentic works inspired by American history.

As Nancy says “I truly am pleased to have the opportunity and creativity to help preserve and pass on a unique American tradition”.

Her award-winning Nantucket baskets and Shaker boxes which are created in this time honored American tradition are both beautiful and functional. There is a place in every

Kitt Moran

Nancy Giffin

home for Nancy’s wonderful art that represents our American heritage.

Many of Kitt’s paintings and Nancy’s baskets and boxes are prominently on display at the Sea Grape Gallery. In addition, more of their art and the artworks of all Sea Grape artists can be viewed at www.seagrapegallery.com.

Come visit the Gallery and its many talented award winning artists who are on hand to welcome and assist visitors.

Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941-575-1718. The gallery is always open until 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month for “Alive After 5.”

SPRING MADNESS COURTYARD SALE MARCH 10 & 11

Annual fine art show March 5 at Heron’s Glen The Heron’s Glen Artist Group will hold its 19th annual fine art show on Sunday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The show will feature about 35 local artists coming together to show and sell their fine art.

Some of the artists scheduled to participate in this year’s show: Art Williams, Joan White, Patti Cummings, Madelyn Moffat, Gary Olson, Carol Campbell, Phyllis Allen, Ron Marius, Lind Edinger, Gerri McCarthy, Dee Fugere, Fran Macsko, Marie Nassaney and Connie Thorpe.

Heron’s Glen is located four miles north of The Shell Factory on US 41 in North Fort Myers. To find out more about the artists and the group, visit online at www.heronsglenartistgroup.com.

Naples Fine Art Studio & Gallery

paintings by Edward Park

A Variety of Unique Original Art by 20 Award Winning Artists

23 Year Anniversary Special January - March

1719 Trade Center Way, Suite 9, Naples

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

Your fine art gallery since 1988.

113 W. Marion Ave. • Downtown Punta Gorda (941) 575-1718 • www.SeaGrapeGallery.com 40

MARCH 2017

239-293-8237 (cell)

Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday appointment only

www.edwardparkfineart.com HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Danielle Branchaud brings Synchronicity to DAAS March 11

Last year, artist Danielle Branchaud debuted a surprising new series of work exploring psycho-spiritual themes and archetypes, particularly those coined by Carl Jung - the founder of analytical psychology. This series of paintings, called Psychopomp, brought us all into the realm of the Self and its many facets. This year, the Psychopomp series will reach its conclusion at an exhibition at DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts in March: Synchronicity. This exhibition will feature new works by the artist, delving not only into new archetypes but the unseen connections among individuals.

Synchronicity is defined by the occurrence of events that appear to happen by chance; however not as coincidence, but in a meaningful way. It happens to all of us, this uncanny happenstance. In turn it provokes us to question concepts such as fate, soulmates, or shared thought and feeling. The artwork presented in this exhibition will explore this notion, among others, in a unique style combining vivid colorful expressionism and traditional figurative art.

Danielle Branchaud is a local painter specializing in surrealism and portraiture in acrylics, and has exhibited in Southwest Florida for ten years. This will be her first solo exhibition in 2017, a follow up to the Psychopomp premiere at Howl Gallery in April 2016. Synchronicity will not only feature new acrylic paintings on canvas in addition to an interactive installation that invites the audi-

Danielle Branchaud

ence to contribute to its message. This unique display will not only provide insight into the mind of the artist, but into the hearts and minds of every individual and theorize on how they are all connected through the Collective Unconscious. Join the gallery on Saturday, March 11 from 5 to 10 p.m. to experience Synchronicity.

DAAS Co-Op opened its doors in the spring of 2016 and holds monthly opening receptions with guest and member artists, as well as special events and paint parties. The gallery is located in the Royal Palm Square, steps away from the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, at 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239590-8645 or visit www.daascoop.com. For information about the SoCo Cultural District and the SoCo Second Saturday event, visit www.socoswfl.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

41

Harbour View Gallery to feature Zdenka Fiala and Jean Stanish

Harbour View Gallery in beautiful works of art. As Cape Coral will welcome far back as she can featured artists Zdenka remember all she ever Fiala (stained glass jewelry) wanted to be was an artist. and Jean Stanish (palm Originally from New fronds) at a reception on Jersey, she graduated Tuesday, March 7 from 6 to from Newark School of 8 p.m.

Fine and Industrial Art. Born in Czech Republic, She worked in the comZdenka Fiala lived for 25 mercial field for many years in Switzerland and years. She and her husnow lives now with her famband relocated to Cape ily in Fort Myers.

Coral in 2010. Here, she Zdenka Fiala Next to her education in became enchanted with engineering in Czech Florida's vibrant colors Republic and Switzerland she received an and lush plant life, particularly palm trees. education in bobbin lace, stained and Palm fronds became her new canvas. "I fused glass jewelry and jeweluse fronds that come from the ry using various metal wires. base of the Queen, Bismark She designs and handcrafts and Royal Palms," says the jewelry using stained and artist. I use acrylic paint befused glass, gem stones and cause it is fast-drying and glass beads. Her contempodurable." Jean allows the natrary design appeals to creural shape and line of each ative, self-confident woman of frond to inspire her and guide today. Her jewelry is lead free her brush. and skin friendly.

One frond becomes a colEach piece of her jewelry is orful fish while another a handcrafted, unique and emerges as a mermaid with original. She was awarded gorgeous flowing hair. Her art Second Merit Award for Fused gives new life to the elegant Glass Jewelry at the Exhibition palm fronds. of Fine Crafts “Made By Hand�

Their work will be on dis2013 in Visual Arts Center in play through March. The Punta Gorda. gallery is located at 5789 Jean Stanish transforms Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Jean Stanish naturally-shed palm fronds into Coral.

42

MARCH 2017

Hirdie Girdie Gallery showcases five of its own local artists

Sanibel's small but mighty Hirdie Girdie Gallery is celebrating the work of five of its 15 artists this month. The "Fab 5" include Tania Begg, Theresa King, Anne Kittle, Gordon Coughlin and Stan Timson.

Tania Begg's artistic career began after years of sailing with her family on a 30' boat in the Caribbean. Her sailing experiences inspired an artistic journey that began with Tania creating fanciful and exquisite beaded wire sculptures. Today her diverse artistic repertoire includes these and other unique sculptures in a variety of mediums as well as painting, pen and ink works and jewelry design.

Theresa King's ceramics glow in vibrant shades of green and blue Theresa King that capture the colorful landscapes she loves on Sanibel. She has been sculpting and working in ceramics since her teens. When she retired from a 25-year corporate career and moved to Sanibel, she formally began her second career in ceramics. Her pieces reflect her love of the sky, water, plants and wildlife.

Gordon Coughlin was one of Hirdie Girdie's founding members when the co-op began 23 years ago, and he is an inspiration for the other members of the gallery today. Painting landscapes en-plein air with a bold palette and strong composition, Gordon is recognized for his dramatic impasto oil Ann Kittle works.

Anne Kittle's watercolor paintings feature strong designs and imaginative use of color.

A familiar face in the Fort Myers/Sanibel art community, Anne has a strong following and her award-winning works are always entertaining.

Stan Timson Stan Timson's acrylic and oil paintings radiate color and capture both the serene and whimsical sides of the Florida landscape. Recognized for his "Greetings From" paintings that update the colorful large-letter postcards of the 1940s and '50s, he has Gordon Coughlin painted exuberant greetings from Florida, Sanibel/Captiva and other destinations.

At the corner of Library Way and Tarpon Bay Road, Hirdie Girdie Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call 239-395-0027 or check the web at Tania Begg www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Comedy Clubs WEDNESDAY - 1

Craft Loud of Laughs 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Julia Scotti 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 2

Bob DiBuono 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ian Bagg 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Julia Scotti 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 3

Bob DiBuono 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ian Bagg 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Julia Scotti 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 4

Bob DiBuono 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ian Bagg 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Julia Scotti 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

MARCH

SUNDAY - 5

Alan Prophet 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ian Bagg 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

TUESDAY - 7

Fielding West 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

WEDNESDAY - 8

World Series of Comedy 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

John Car fi 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Greg Hahn 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 9

David Merry 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Brandon T. Jackson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Greg Hahn 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 10

David Merry 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Brandon T. Jackson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Greg Hahn 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 11

David Merry 7:30 & 9:30p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Brandon T. Jackson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

SATURDAY - 11 continued Greg Hahn 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 12

Brandon T. Jackson 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

MONDAY - 13

George Casey 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

WEDNESDAY - 15

Mark Klein 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 16

Alex Elkin 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Darren Carter 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mark Klein 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 17

Alex Elkin 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Darren Carter 7:30p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mark Klein 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 18

Alex Elkin 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Darren Carter 6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mark Klein 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 19

Darren Carter 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes Dat Phan

Dat Phan will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers March 30 through April 2.

Dat Phan is the original winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and is a headlining comedian touring live across the U.S. He has made numerous TV and movie appearances including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Family Guy” voiceover and “Cellular.” Most recently, Dat has appeared on “The Tyra Banks Show” discussing racial diversity.

He was named the funniest person in America on Aug. 5, 2003.

Dat’s culturally insightful

WEDNESDAY - 22

comedy inspects ridiculous stereotypes, and shares his experience of being a regular American guy with a Vietnamese heritage.

His youthful energy and truly unique life experiences, including all the tough times, are combined to create the message of living your dreams and reaching out for the stars.

The Fort Myers show will be at 7:30 p.m. on March 30 and April 2 and 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on March 31 and April 1. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers.

For tickets, call 239-4795233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com

Drew Lynch 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 25 continued Drew Lynch 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Michael Petit 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Jon Reep 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

THURSDAY - 23

Jon Reep 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Drew Lynch 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 24

Michael Petit 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Jon Reep 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Drew Lynch 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 25

Michael Petit 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Jon Reep 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

SUNDAY - 26

WEDNESDAY - 29

Laugh In Lineup 6 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Al Romas 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 30

Dat Phan 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Loni Love 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Al Romas 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 31

Dat Phan 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Loni Love 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

* schedules subject to change

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

45

River District

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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

LEFT: Dotty Morrison was part of the Shell Point artistsʼ exhibit at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in February.

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine

ut our Ask abo inition h Def

Hig pecial Sushi S

Seven Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Tel: (239) 334-6991 • Fax (239) 334-6591 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com MARCH 2017

The next Art Walk is and

Friday, March 3

Saturday, March 4

from 6 - 10 p.m.

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

Book your Escape today!

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

“The Bank Heist” “The Speakeasy”

COMING SOON

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.

46

Artist Peter Zell at Arts for ACT Gallery in February

Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

“Burlesque” - A Mystery at the Moulin

239-226-4442

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

www.EscapeTacticsFlorida.com Located in the Downtown River District

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.

Stay with Us for

St. Patrick’s Day!

Enjoy our Scenic Rooftop Lounge for warm breezes & beautiful sunsets.

HAPPY HOUR Daily 5 - 7 pm

1520 Broadway

in the Historic River District Downtown Fort Myers

239-337-3446

www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl

Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade

The 79th annual Edison Festival of Light ran Feb. 11 - 19 in downtown Fort Myers.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the Grand Parade Feb. 18.

Guns & Hoses Pipes and Drums

48

MARCH 2017

Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC)

The Killa Watts play prior to the Grand Parade

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Fundraiser set for March 4 Imaginarium Science Center, Museum of History take next step for merger

Ahead of unveiling a newly branded, combined experience for Southwest Florida residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy, the Imaginarium Science Center and Southwest Florida Museum of History have adopted a new, streamlined operating structure and announced an expanded board of directors.

While a dynamic rebranding effort remains under wraps, history exhibits are being added to existing science experiences to provide an immersive multidisciplinary experience under one roof at the Imaginarium, 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers. The Imaginarium has traditionally attracted families and youth groups, while more senior visitors patronized the Museum of History. The combined museum will offer exhibits and programs to appeal to visitors who fall on either end of the age spectrum and on any point in between.

In addition, a new non-profit corporate structure replaces the City of Fort Myers management, allowing the nimbleness required to act quickly in response to market trends while reducing long-term costs to taxpayers. The city continues to serve as partner for this community asset through a 10-year renewable lease of the facility. The former train depot that housed the Museum of History has been leased to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation to anchor a technology hub that will be integral to the new Midtown redevelopment project.

The groundwork for the museums’ new organizational structure was established over the past several years under a dedicated and talented board of directors led by outgoing chair Jonathan Romine of Fort Myers-based planning and design firm EnSite, which has also provided conceptual planning for the future footprint of an expanded campus.

Executive director Matt Johnson said, “Jon

developed the master plan, leading this organization through a difficult process. He’s done an amazing job keeping the board focused and moving forward through staffing transitions and challenges coming out of the recession. He has been an excellent leader from the very beginning, and we’re thrilled to receive his continuing guidance as past chair while we see many fruits of his labor materialize.”

Jon Ellsworth of Enterprise Holdings has been named the new chair of Imaginarium Group Inc., the public-private partnership managing the two museums. In addition to Romine, he joins vice chair Carlos Kelly of Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt PA., Treasurer Jennifer Powers of Chico’s FAS Inc. and Secretary Denise Weisinger of GMA Architects & Planners. The board also includes Jeff Bayer of Signarama Fort Myers; Greg Blurton of the Lee County School District; history professor Erik Carlson of Florida Gulf Coast University; Britt Gravley of Bernard Anthony Salon; Derrick Isaac of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.; Kathryn Kelly of the Heights Foundation; Shamie Kelly, Fort Myers native; David Miller of the Chamber of Southwest Florida; and Matt Simmons of Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons LLC. “A Night at the Museum” fundraising event has been planned for 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 on the grounds of the new museum, celebrating the rightful alignment of science and history with extinct animals and figures of Florida’s storied past come to life, plus cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, auctions and tours from “Night Watchman” Ted Fitzgeorge.

All proceeds will support the Imaginarium and the Museum of History.

For more information, visit www.i-sci.org.

Annual Reading Festival March 18 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.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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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

salads. It is open 24/7 with a special overnight menu including breakfast.

506 South 1st Street, Immokalee www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com

800-218-0007

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill 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. 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. Capt’n Fishbones opens daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily from 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows are held every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com

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

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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MARCH 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

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 EE-TO-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

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

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

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

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

Suncoast Security Professional Security

Licensed, educated employees

Specializing in ...

• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts

Se Habla Espanol

• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties

(239) 415-7007 Serving all of Florida

St. Lic. # B2000112

WWW.SUNCOASTSECURITY.BIZ

• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured

Email: SUNCOASTSCRTY@AOL.COM

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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MARCH

Wednesday -1 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Singer Chris G, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

941-575-3007 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Barry Manilow, Connie Francis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Naples Players present My Fair Lady Through April 2 The Sugden Community Theatre 701 5th Ave. S, Naples 239-263-7990

Songwriters at Sunset Concert Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Featuring Acoustic Blues with Mike McMillian, Bill Metts and Karen Cohen. 4:30 p.m. to sunset. www.friendsofloverskey.org Mercato Nights Music Series—Betty Fox Band Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl., Naples 6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 Wartburg ensembles Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel 7:30 p.m. 319-352-8347 Dancing with The Del Prados Cape Coral Yacht club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral $12. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 239-574-0807 John Denver tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Mary Todd Lincoln: In the Shadow of Glory Bonita Springs Public Library 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs 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

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

Comedy Magic Show Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane An hour of fun, laughs and magic - just for adults.

3 p.m. 239-479-4636

Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Live music on the beach from High Tide! Over 40 vendors. Free. 4 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0806

Thursday -2 Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre Band

Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs 10150 Bonita Beach Road 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Mike Imbasciani The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Second City BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m., Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. & Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m. featuring singer Paul Roush. 941-575-3007

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Friday -3 Art Walk

Little Mike & the Tornadoes The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

ACMA concert - The Hummingbirds All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Bob Williams opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Motown with Greg Miller The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Comedy Night - Jason Douglas Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral $15. 7 p.m. 239-574-0806 Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Funk Fest 8 Friday & Saturday Downtown Punta Gorda / City Marketplace Featured bands include Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Here Come The Mummies,Tim Reynolds and TR3, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Step, Voodoo Visionary, Greg Billings Band, The Black Honkeys, Soulixer, EZ-RA, Das Funk Haus, 941-743-1900 Ink Life Tour 2017 Through Sunday Harborside Event Center, Fort Myers Listen to great national bands while getting tattooed by some of the worlds best artists! 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

866-935-1822 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. -2 p.m., Danny Beach, noon -3 p.m., & Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 BIG ARTS Concert Band Spring Program BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 7 p.m. 239-395-0900 The Hopeful Diamond Caper Show Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral A two act play/musical filled with comedy and mystery.

Doors open at 6 p.m. 239-574-0575 Friday Night Concert Series - Rockin Horse Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

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

Florida Rep Reads Aloud Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Noon. 239-479-4636

ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Reception for an exhibit featuring art of Peter Stilton. 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Mano Mudd: Down and Dirty Exhibit Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 6-10 p.m. 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 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 LoCash The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 SW Florida Symphony: A Gershwin Experience Friday & Saturday Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Last Chance Band The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 North Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-995-2141 India Fest Estero Recreation Center 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 239-634-6668 Experience a Night at the Museum Gala 2017 Imaginarium Science Center & Southwest Florida Museum of History, 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers 7 to 10 p.m. 239-321-7420 Art in the Park Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 10 a.m. 239-262-6517 Naples Craft Beer Fest Bayfront, 465 Bayfront Place, Naples Noon - 4 p.m. 239-272-1963 The Hit Men Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Shotgun Wedding Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Sanibel Music Festival: Brentano String Quartet Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025 Bonita Springs National Art Festival Through Sunday Riverside Park, Bonita Springs 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 239-495-8989.

Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Chris G, noon-3 p.m. & steel drum and tropical vibes by Bruce Neumann and Tiki D, 5-9 p.m.

941-575-3007 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787

Saturday -4 Saturday Art Walk

Downtown Fort Myers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Sean Chambers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 U2 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 Mustang Car Show Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Included with general admission. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

39-334-7419 or www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org Alter Ego The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Cape Coral Irish Festival Saturday & Sunday Sun Splash Waterpark, Cape Coral www.capecoralirishamericanclub.com

Sunday -5 The Hopeful Diamond Caper Show

Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral A two act play/musical filled with comedy and mystery. 1:30 p.m. 239-574-0575 Heron’s Glen Artist Group annual show Heron’s Glen, US 41, North Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.heronsglenartistgroup.com Willie Nelson & Family Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Artists’ Studio Tour Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 1 p.m. 239-597-1900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Reicha and Beethoven Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1900 Naples Concert Band Concert in the Park The Cambier Park Bandshell 698 6th Ave South, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-9521 www.NaplesConcertBand.org Lee County Band - Irish Blessings Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, 3 p.m. 239-995-2097 Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Meet the Composers-Women Composers, Working in the Shadows Center for Performing Arts – Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 3 - 5 p.m. 239-495-8989 Cantus performs No Greater Love Than This Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Danny Beach, 1 – 4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Doobie Brothers, America, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 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 Young Artist Awards Gala

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Fort Myers Silent auction at 5:30 p.m., Dinner at 6 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Tickets: 239-278-4422 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Rat Pack tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Naples Big Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-597-3240 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Four Leaf Strummers Banjo Group, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Singer Jim Daniels, 2-5 p.m. 941-575-3007 A Tribute to Woody Herman The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Smokey Robinson Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Jodie DeSalvo Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Artists’ Studio Tour Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 11 a.m. 239-597-1900

Tuesday -7 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Danny Beach, 1 – 4 p.m. & Guitar Army, 5 – 9 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Stardust Memories Big Band An Evening of Sinatra featuring Walt Andrus Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. 239-823-7240 Sanibel Music Festival: Eric Lu, piano Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Celtic Woman Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Reicha and Beethoven Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1900 Tina Turner and Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Brandon Maddox Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Zdenka Fiala and Jean Stanish, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789

Wednesday -8 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Artists at the Village Demo 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Michael Hirst 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Vladimir Gorodkin 11 a.m. -3 p.m. & Frank Matyok, 1-4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Nick Finzer The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-2225 Bright Lights Art reception Shangri La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 pm. 239-949-0749 Fort Myers Film Festival Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

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Wednesday - 8 continued All That Jazz Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Southwest Florida Symphony BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 ArtPoems 2017 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers A collaboration of artists and poets, inspiring each other, to create new art and new poetry.

7 p.m. 239-939-2787

Thursday -9 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Band Anastazja, noon – 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Evening on 5th Fifth Avenue South, Naples 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Beatles, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Josh Garrett Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-333-2225 Small-Stage Concert Series: Concierto de Aranjuez The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. $26. 239-454-2067 Solid Gold Doo Wop and Rock ‘n Roll Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 pm. 239-481-4849 Things My Mother Taught Me Through April 29 Off Broadway Off Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Peter & Friends: Love (Lost & Found) The Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Local performers Peter Pryor, Danny Kilpatrick, Rock ‘n Rhythm! 7 p.m. $17 www.theculturalcenter.com Writers Spring Read BIG ARTS - Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island Five groups and over 50 contributors from the island will compete to share their works. 239-395-0900 Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 TheatreZone: 9 to 5 the musical Through March 19 G & L Theatre, Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352 Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073

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Friday - 10 Florida Camera Club Council presents

Boreyko Conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Photography: The Art and The Science Through Sunday Sugden Hall, FGCU, 11094 FGCU Blvd. North, Fort Myers Conference and trade show. www.f3c.org

Oklahoma!

Friday & Saturday North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts 239-997-2131

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

Bonita Blues Festival Through Saturday Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs www.bonitablues.com

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Joe Marino The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 15th Annual Spring Bazaar Through Sunday The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 941-625-4175 An Evening with John Sebastian BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 The Laboratory Theater of Florida - Play On! Through April 1 Historic KIWANIS Hall, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Gulf Coast Symphony: South Pacific Friday & Saturday Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Danny Beach, noon 3 p.m. & George Voss Duo, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Friday Night Concert Series-Brittany Russell Band Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Lehigh Acres Spring Festival Through March 18 Veterans Park, Lehigh Acres www.LehighSpringFestival.com Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 pm. www.myriverdistrict.com The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Rhythm on the River Big Band Dance Party Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers 5:30 p.m. $10 Edison Ford members; $15 non-members. For information call 239-334-7419 or visit www.EdisonFordWinterEstates.org Sweet Dreams Through March 12 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Saturday - 11 Improv Tonight!

Center for Performing Arts – Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 MiMi Stirn & Ken Follmann exhibit Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, 5101 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia 6 - 9 p.m. 239-282-8488 Danielle Branchaud exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645 Art After Dark Crayton Cove, Naples The Galleries of Crayton Cove feature live music and art by artists and artisans. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. and 12th Ave. S. meet. 6-9 p.m. www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com ACMA concert - Nouveau Honkies All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Mary Danl & Carolyn Stanley open. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Double Barrel 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 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Electric Lipstick The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Fine Art & Craft Show Fleischmann Park Community Center 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-776-8002 Boreyko Conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Bluegrass show Cultural Center Theater, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 1 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 New Shower of Stars Tribute to Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and more!

Cultural Center Box Office, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $15 for members and $17 for non-members. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter 941-625-4175 x221

Taste of Gateway Denny Grimes & Company Inc. Sales Center 11900 Fairway Lakes Drive, Fort Myers Starting at 1 p.m., we will have several local Gateway area restaurants providing some of the best food in area.1 - 5 p.m. www.dennygrimes.com Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Strowe, noon – 3 p.m.& Singer Chris G, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 41st Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade Fifth Avenue South, Naples 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 239-692-8436 Annual Shrimp Festival Food, Fun & Crafts Expo Through Sunday Lynn Hall Park, 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday.

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 239-454-0043 9th Annual March in the Park Jaycee Park, Cape Coral A plant and garden art sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 239257-2654, www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com 1950s Shelter House Rock Wicked Dolphin Distillery, 131 SW 3rd St., Cape Coral A night of costumes, cocktails, food, music, dancing, contests, live and silent auctions. $75, fundraiser for Cape Coral Animal Shelter. 7 - 11 p.m. www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.

Fort Myers Beer and Bacon Festival Lee Civic Center, North Fort Myers 2-7 pm, www.ftmyersbeerandbacon.com Bike Night Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com Tropical Fun-Shine Polynesian Show Rotary Park 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral This Polynesian dance show will have your heart pounding to tantalizing Tahitian beats. 7 p.m. $20 in advance, $30 at door. 239-549-4606.

Sanibel Music Festival: Daedalus String Quartet Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025

Sunday - 12 Earth, Wind & Fire

Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 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 Naples Dixieland Jazz Band Cambier Bandshell 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Michael Feinstein Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

SoCo Second Saturdays Corner of McGregor and Colonial, Fort Myers 5 - 10 p.m. SoCoSWFL.com

Vladimir Feltsman Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1900

The Sunset Celebration - Railhead Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Elton John tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Charlotte County Concert Band - Curtains Up! Cultural Center Theater 280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 3 p.m. Advance tickets $12 and $11 for members.

Day of show ticket $13 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175

The Charlotte County Jazz Society Lisa Kelly and JB Scott.

Cultural Center Theater Box Office 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $20, www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

All-Star Platters Revue Cultural Center Theater 280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte Featuring former Platters members Verceal Whittaker, Al Holland and Kenn Johnson. 7 p.m. $20 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

Dwight Icenhower’s Tribute to the King Sunday & Monday Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Royal Palm Square, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

TheatreZone presents John Sebastian Monday & Tuesday G & L Theatre, Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352

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

Taco Fest Centennial Park, Fort Myers Featuring Taco inspired themed food and live music.

11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.93xfm.com

Monday - 13 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Daniels, noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Pre-St. Patrick’s Day party with Irish menu, dancers, bag pipes and band The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner 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 Naples Philharmonic Chamber Ensembles Florida Gulf Coast University U. Tobe Recital Hall- Bower School of Music 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers $25 for the general public and $15 for students www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma; 7:30 p.m.

The Stardust Memories Big Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-823-7240

Tuesday - 14 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Danny Beach, 1 4 p.m. & Guitar Army, 5 – 9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Disney's The Little Mermaid Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 14 through Sunday, 19 239-481-4849 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Sanibel Music Festival: Boston Chamber Music Society with Ann Hobson Pilot, harp Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025 Something Rotten!

Through March 19 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 239-597-1900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454

Wednesday - 15 Patchouli Terra Guitara Multimedia Concert Moe Auditorium - Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road Tickets $25 per person. 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Reception and Awards Presentation for 46th Annual Jade N. Riedel Scholarship Competition Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 239-262-6517 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 a.m.-2 p.m. & Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Strolling Through the Bluegrass South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Kitty and Vernon McIntyre introduce bluegrass.

Registration is required. Noon. 239-479-4636

Michael Glean 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 seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566

Thursday - 16 Music at the Moe-Classical Jazz Quartet Center Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs $25, 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989

The Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 3rd Thursdays on 3rd 3rd Street South, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-649-6707 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Preview Reception for the National Art Encounter Competition 2017 Exhibit & the 46th Annual Jade N. Riedel Scholarship Competition Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 239-262-6517 Around Town - Naples Philharmonic First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Paul Anka Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee 8 p.m. $125 800-218-0007

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Thursday - 16 continued

French Music for Piano Duo Faculty & Guest Artist Series Concert FGCU, U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building Isabelle Aubin, piano and Michael Baron, piano: 7:30 p.m. $10 for general public and $7 for students www.fgcu.edu/CAS/BSMA; Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.& Steve Flagg, 1 – 4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Ingroov Big Band Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 2 to 4 p.m., $2 per person, 941-625-4175 Nunsense Through april 15 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-6862 Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Drifters BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 Strolling through the Bluegrass North Fort Myers Public Library 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers Kitty and Vernon McIntyre introduce bluegrass through a display of more than 25 instruments.

Registration is required. 3:30 p.m. 239-479-4636 ZZ Top Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Special guest Edgar Winter Band and Austin Hanks.

239-948-7825 Annual Jade N. Riedel Scholarship Competition Through April 15 Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples 239-262-6517 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Cahlua & Cream The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Art show and book signing Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral 5 - 8 p.m. Artist Hilary Hemingway and author Jeff Lindsay. 239-945-0866

Friday - 17 Frankly Funny Fridays with Frank Blocker Moe Center for Performing Arts 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Deltaphonic The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 St. Patty’s Day Block Party Downtown Fort Myers 4 - 10 p.m. www.myriverdistrict.com

The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 St. Patty's Day Celebration 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples 5 - 8 p.m. 239-961-2975

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Jukebox Prophets Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Around Town-Naples Philharmonic United Church of Marco Island 320 South Barfield Drive, Marco Island 7:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 St. Patrick’s Day Bash The Shell Factory & Nature Park, Fort Myers Live entertainment by Chuck Peterson and authentic Irish Dancers. Adult costume contest at approximately 6 pm. Noon - 7 p.m. www.shellfactory.com National Art Encounter Competition 2017 Exhibit Through April 15 Naples Art Association, 585 Park Street, Naples 239-262-6517 Neal McCoy The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Nice T!ts - Written & Performed by Amy Marcs Through Saturday Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 A Tribute to Country Legends - Tru Kountry Band Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $15, www.theculturalcenter.com St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Irish music, dancers, bag pipers parade. 1 – 8 p.m. www.fishville.com 941-575-3007 Michael Shirtz Quartet – In Finding Faith Cypress Lake United Methodist Church 8570 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-482-1250 Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Friday Night Concert Series - Honey Creepers Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers $10, 8 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 HeART of Storytelling Conference Through Saturday Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples A conference for creatives, storytellers, writers, poets, communicators, marketers, non-profit, corporate and ministry leaders. 239-591-6649 Alive After Five (Formerly Gallery Walk) Downtown Punta Gorda 5 - 8 p.m. 941-505-0130

Saturday - 18 Rocker

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

Car Show and Auction Through Sunday Lee Civic Center, North Fort Myers Car show time 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 per day, children 12 & under free, active military free. Parking $5.

Benefits United Cerebral Palsy. www.roadhousepromotions.com ACMA concert - Acoustic Blues 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 Wayward Souls The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Clewiston Sugar Festival Civic Park, Clewiston JJ McCoy, Runaway June, Parmalee, Tracy Lawrence and Trace Adkins. 9 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. www.clewistonsurgarfestival.net ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Sounds of Soul Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7:30 p.m. www.thesoundsofsoul.com The Atlantic City Boys: A Jersey Boys Tribute Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 2 and 7 p.m. $17 for members, $19 for non-members and $21 on day of performance. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Jimmy Keys The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 North Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 5:30 p.m. dinner & 7 p.m. show. 239-995-3999 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Frank Matyok, noon - 3 p.m. & Michael Hirst, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - Relentless Fire Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 David Parmley and Cardinal Tradition Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 p.m. 239-213-3049 14th Annual Celebrate Estero Miromar Outlets, Estero Join Miromar Outlets and the Estero Chamber of Commerce for games, activities, demonstrations, displays, and raffle drawings for the entire family. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 239-948-3766 The McCartney Years Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs Tickets $55, $50, $45, 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 29th Annual Downtown Festival of the Arts Saturday and Sunday 5th Avenue South, Naples 10 a.m. 239-262-6517 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Peace River National Art Festival Saturday & Sunday Laishley Park, Punta Gorda 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.boulderbrook.net Southwest Florida Reading Festival Harborside Event Center & Centennial Park 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.readfest.org

13th Annual Pioneer Day and BBQ Rib Cook-off DeSoto Veterans Park, State Rd 70, west of Arcadia 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 863-266-5774 Hector Anchondo The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sanibel Music Festival: Emerson String Quartet Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025

Sunday - 19 Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Concert Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda 7:30 p.m. 941-205-9743 www.charlottesymphony.com Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Gulf Coast Big Band Concert Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Danny Beach, 1 – 4 p.m. 941-575-3007 In Dreams: The Music of Roy Orbison and More Cultural Center Box Office, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets $19 or $17 members. $19 day of show. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Motown with Greg Miller The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 The Classix Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Five Painters & A Potter The Clay Place, 1555 Shadowlawn Drive, Naples 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet and purchase artwork from Phil Fisher, Paul Arsenault, Jim Rice, Natalie Guess, Tara O’Neill and Rick Wobbe, with music by Captain Joe & The Bottomfeeders. NaplesClayPlace.com

Monday - 20 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Four Leaf Strummers Banjo Group, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Singer Jim Daniels, 2 – 5 p.m. 941-575-3007 David Rojas 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 Tom Jones Meets Elvis performed by Jeff Gordon The Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte $17 for members, $19 for non-members or $21 day of show. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 December ‘63 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Royal Palm Square, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

239-278-4422

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Del Prados The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Matinee & evening. 239-405-8566

Janoska Ensemble Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900

Royal Scottish National Orchestra Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

The Music of John Williams Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Jive Aces The Village Church Auditorium Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers Britain’s Got Talent stars, The Jive Aces, are the United Kingdom’s No. 1 jive and swing band.

7:30 p.m. $36. 239-454-2067 Ghost of the Desert by Janine Birtolo 6:30 p.m., free, registration suggested www.fortmyersfriends.org

Tuesday - 21 A Celebration of Poetry

Center for Visual Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 6:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 Kenny G The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Music of John Williams Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Sanibel Music Festival: Music of George & Ira gershwin Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025 Hall of Fame, 50s, 60s, Motown The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 Dinner with Artists presented by the Naples Art Association Shangri-La Springs 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs $100 per person. 239-262-6517 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Through April 12 Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Power of TWO The Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte Tom and Michelle Becker Celebrate the Power of TWO! 7 p.m. $15 for members, $17 for non-members or $19 day of the show. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Carol Burnett Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Danny Beach, 1 4 p.m. & Guitar Army, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Wednesday - 22 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. -2 p.m., Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Frank Matyok, 1-4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Tina Turner and Blues Brothers 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

Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Juried Exhibit: After Rauschenberg Through April 29 BIG ARTS - Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-0900 Juried Exhibit: Pressing Matters Through April 29 BIG ARTS - Founders Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-090 These Shining Lives Through april 15 The Naples Players 701 5th Ave. S, Naples 239 263 7990 Music of the 40s, 50s and 60s with David Kilbride Captiva Memorial Library 11560 Chapin Lane, Captiva A fun mix of live music from the 40s, 50s and 60s.

3 p.m. 239-479-4636 The Gotta Luv It Band The Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets $17. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221.

Thursday - 23 An Evening with Jonathan Edwards

Center for Performing Arts, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Marlinaires The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 The Music of John Williams Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chazz Palminteri to Perform A Bronx Tale Seminole Casino Hotel 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee 8 p.m. Tickets $50, 800-218-0007 Jimmy Mazz Cultural Center Box Office, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets $17 or $15 for members. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 9th Annual Student Juried Exhibition Opening Reception with Awards Presentation Florida Gulf Coast University, Main Gallery, Arts Complex, Fort Myers 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

239-745-4268

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Thursday - 23 continued Get The Led Out Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Amelia Earhart: Daring to Dream Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers Actress and playwright Janina Birtolo brings her to life. Registration required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live Music Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dixieland Jazz Music by Leslie DaCosta, noon – 3 p.m. & Paul Nagel, 1 – 4 p.m. 941-575-3007 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 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 Harbour View Gallery celebrates 10 years Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 6 - 9 p.m. 239-540-5789

Friday - 24 Spring Fling with Sh-Boom

Lake Kennedy Center 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral Doors open 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $5 per person 239-574-0575 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Bad Banditos Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 The 2017 Marco Island Seafood Festival Through March 26 Veterans Community Park, 403 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island www.marcoislandseafoodandmusicfestival.com The Music of John Williams Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 FGCU-19th Annual Student Juried Exhibition Through April 6 FGCU Main Gallery, Arts Complex, Fort Myers 239-745-4268 Frankie & Donna Cultural Center Box Office, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $17. 7 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221 Jazzy Nights presents Wycliffe Gordon The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers Cocktails 7 p.m. & Performance 8 p.m. $29 in advance, $35 at door, www.sbdac.com Coconut Point Concert Series - Eagles tribute 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero 6 - 9 p.m. 239-992-9966 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Danny Beach, noon 3 p.m. & Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007

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Late Nite Catechism Friday & Saturday Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Friday Night Concert Series - Electric Lipstick Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Soul Proprietors The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Ghost Town Blues Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Hairspray Through April 2 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Saturday - 25 Robin Spielberg Center for Visual Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989 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 ACMA concert - Jon Shain All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Bill Fields opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Sanibel Music Festival: Opera Theater of Connecticut - French Composers Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 8 p.m. 239-344-7025 Lauren Mitchell Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Double Standard Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Deb & The Dynamics The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers 4-8 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Jon Pardi The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Sounds of Jazz & Blues - Rick Braun Tarpon Point, 6179 Black Marlin Ln, Cape Coral 5 - 10 p.m. 239-573-3128 Celebrate Bonita Springs 2017 Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs Live music, food, kid activities and more. 2 - 9 p.m.

239-949-6262

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

Naples Big Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240

Peace of Woodstock Cultural Center Box Office, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221

Abbafab Through Monday Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

I Love the ‘90s Tour Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Vanilla Ice, Naughty By Nature, Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath, Rob Base, All-4-One and Young MC. 239948-7825

SWFL Big Band Miromar Outlets, Estero 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza 239-948-3766

The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 The Storyteller Variety Show South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Sandi Sylver will share all these talents in a coffeehouse-type performance for adult patrons.

Registration required. 11 a.m. 239-479-4636 Southwest Florida Symphony: Masterworks IV Night at the Opera Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Chris G, noon – 3 p.m. & Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m.

941-575-3007 Life! Love! Laughter!

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral Sandi Sylver will share all these talents in a coffeehouse-type performance for adult patrons. 2 p.m.

239-479-4636 Thunderbird Car Show Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Included with general admission. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

239-334-7419 Gulfshore Playhouse: The Merchant Of Venice Through April 15 The Norris Center, 755 8th Street, Naples 1-866-811-4111 The Music of John Williams Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Sunday - 26 The Estero Concert Series

Historic Art Hall at the Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero 4 p.m. $42; 239-596-8404 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 GoldenFest Located out at The Shell Factory Dog Park.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.shellfactory.com Bluegrass Concert Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Featuring Ryan Bladen, Highland Grass, Bugtussle Ramblers. 239-939-2787 Gulf Coast Symphony: Mahler Symphony II Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Naples Motorfest Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl., Naples Performance Vehicle Car Show, Trophies/Awards, Live Music and Super Car Display. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

239-254-1080

Vocal Studies Performance U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU Campus This concert is free and open to the public. 3 p.m.

239-745-4268 Michael Banks & Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Joe Nichols - Charter Authority Rally German American Club, Cape Coral Noon, www.charterauthorityrally.org

Monday - 27 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Daniels, noon-3 p.m. 941-575-3007 The Stardust Memories Big Band Cambier Bandshell, 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-823-7240 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jimmy Mazz Variety Show The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m. 239-405-8566 MOMIX Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Jodie DeSalvo Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Tyler Kleusner Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Tuesday - 28 Live Music in the Village

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Danny Beach, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Guitar Army, 5 - 9 p.m. 941-5753007 The Stardust Memories Big Band-TV/Movie Themes Riverside Park 10451 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs 7 - 9 p.m. 239-823-7240 Princess and Pearl The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Kenny G 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

Florida Repertory Theatre Presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee South County Regional Library 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 BIG ARTS Spring Community Chorus Concert BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 7 p.m. 239-395-0900 Barry Manilow, Tom Jones 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

Wednesday - 29 German Lopez-Guitarists Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs 8 p.m. 239-495-8989

Rat Pack 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 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vladimir Gorodkin, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 From Page to Stage Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers Our friends from the Florida Repertory Theatre present a dramatic reading. Registration is required. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 BIG ARTS Community Chorus Spring Concert BIG ARTS - Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island The BIG ARTS Community Chorus is back for its spring concert. 7 p.m. 239-395-0900

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

Scale: A Tribute to Olga Hirshhorn 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

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

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

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

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 Jersey Boys Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers March 29 through April 2 239-481-4849 Art After Hours Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. A local band offers musical entertainment.

239-597-1111

Thursday - 30 Paul Todd and Paul Todd Jr. concert

Fish-Tale Marina Propeller Lounge 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts Winter Concert Series. 7 – 9 p.m. at the Tickets $25, www.friendsoftheartsfmb.com or 239-463-3600 Art Walks The Runway Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers 30 through April 1 Experience the best in local fashion as local & regional boutiques present their hottest looks. 239333-1933 Scotty Brian Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 21st Annual Benefit Dinner for Lifeline Family Center McGregor Baptist Church, Fort Myers David A. R. White, the producer and actor in God’s Not Dead and nearly 20 other faith-based films, will be the guest speaker at the 21st Annual Benefit Dinner for Lifeline Family Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. 239-2427238 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Friday - 31 The Rat Pack Remembered

Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-495-8989 Live Music in the Village Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Danny Beach, noon – 3 p.m. & Sunny Jim White, 5 – 9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Beautiful Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Rick Howard The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Friday Night Concert Series - Neon Summer Miromar Outlets, Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 International Irish show with Phil Coulter, Geraldine Branagan and Andy Cooney The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Show 7:15 p.m.

239-405-8566 Rockin Horse Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Gulfshore Opera - Madame Butterfly Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda 7:30 p.m. 239-529-3925

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

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