March 2018 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

MARCH 2018

FREE

Naples Players

The Music Man

SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TONY ORLANDO AT SEMINOLE CASINO MELISSA ETHERIDGE AT SW FL EVENT CENTER

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

High season

Our roads are jam packed with winter visitors and our entertainment choices are numerous as we are definitely in the height of season in Southwest Florida. In this month’s magazine you will see an almost endless supply of activities, experiences and performances to catch. Of course, you can’t get to all of them, but it sure would be nice to try. As for our live theatre options, the choices are many.

Broadway Palm in Fort Myers is staging a fantastic and high energy production of Mamma Mia which runs now through April 7.

Florida Repertory Theatre has again extended the run of its Cole Porter revue. Night and Day is now playing through March 25. Congrats to them for the fabulous and extended run.

In the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers, Rise Up O Men plays now through April 29.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 on its Fort Myers stage March 9 through March 31.

In LaBelle, Always a Bridesmaid is on stage March 1 - 4 at the Firehouse Community Theatre.

The Miracle Worker continues at Florida Rep now through March 17 in downtown Fort Myers.

In Naples, TheatreZone presents Barry Manilow’s Copacabana March 8 18. Sorry if you didn’t buy tickets; this show has sold out.

Gulfshore Opera presents Rigoletto March 10 in Port Charlotte and March 13 in Bonita Springs.

Alone Together is on stage at the Langdon Playhouse in Charlotte County March 1 - 11.

The family-friendly musical, The Music Man, is being staged by the Naples Players. The show runs through April 8 at the Sugden Theatre.

In Cape Coral, Sister Act hits the stage March 9 - 18 at Cultural Park Theater.

The Charlotte Players present The Game’s Afoot March 22 - 25 at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County.

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On Sanibel Island, Dames at Sea opens March 8 and plays through April 7 at the BIG ARTS Strauss Theater.

Gulfshore Playhouse continues its presentation of Scapino through March 18 at The Norris Center in Naples.

Then from March 30 through April 15, they will present Miss Keller Has No Second Book.

Cabaret opens March 23 at Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers and runs through April 11.

Kalamazoo opens March 28 at the Sugden Theatre.

The Naples Players production will play through April 22.

So much music

With our wonderful weather comes all sorts of great music events ... inside and outdoors ... featuring some great talent.

This month, we have the Funk Fest in Punta Gorda, Naples City Live Music Festival, Cape Coral Irish Festival, Jazz on the Green at Six Bends, Bonita Blues Festival, Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz and Blues, Cape Coral Reggae Fest and the month-long Sanibel Music Fest ... just to name a few.

At our regular concert venues (and some outdoor fests), we have a wide variety of national acts coming to our area. They include Justin Moore, Tower of Power, Here Come the Mummies, Oak Ridge Boys, Ana Popovic, Aaron Neville, Celtic Woman, Daughtry, BoDeans, The Texas Tenors, The Irish Rovers, Collie Buddz, Jeff Rupert, The Platters & The Coasters, Melissa Etheridge, Third World, Collin Raye, Aaron Lewis, Lee Greenwood, Righteous Brothers, Jason Mraz, Three Dog Night, Eric Paslay, Crystal Gayle, Tony Orlando, Little Texas, Jonathan Butler, Rick Springfield and Karla Bonoff in March.

In the months of April and May, we have The Outlaws, High Valley, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Diffie, Quiet Riot, Molly Hatchet, Chris Botti, Sir MixALot, Firefall, Orleans, John Ford Coley, Tracy Lawrence, Chris Tomlin, Yanni, Colt Ford, David Foster, Little Big Town, Marc Cohn and Billy Currington.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

music

dining

20

32

64 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Laurel Meny, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises

Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc. The reproduction of any material listed within is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

swfHappenings@earthlink.net

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

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March 2018 - 5

THEATRE

Betsy Hogg and Liza Jayne Longenhagen in The Miracle Worker. Photo by Joseph Dafeldecker

The Miracle Worker at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre’s 20th anniversary season continues with William Gibson’s hopeful and uplifting true story, The Miracle Worker, an American classic which was immortalized on the screen by Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft.

The production runs in the Historic Arcade Theatre now through March 17.

"We are proud to continue our tradition of bringing an American classic to vivid new life with The Miracle Worker," said Producing artistic director Robert Cacioppo. "This play is one of the most revered true stories of perseverance and determination, and its message of hope and the tenacity of the human spirit is a timeless one we must never forget. Annie Sullivan's strength and Helen Keller's bravery helped shaped a generation, and are still a lesson to us all."

This timeless American classic tells the inspiring true story of how a determined teacher was able to save young Helen Keller from her isolated silence. Just before the turn of the 20th century, desperate for help, the Keller Family hires a young woman to help their blind and mute daughter learn to communicate with the outside world. Annie Sullivan sees that Helen is more than a spoiled and violent child trapped behind a wall, and against tremendous odds, she frees Helen’s spirit and opens her mind. Made famous by the film starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, The Miracle Worker is a moving, inspirational and electrifying story of perse6 - March 2018

verance, friendship and hope.

Florida Rep ensemble members Viki Boyle, Patricia Idlette, William McNulty and Peter Thomasson return to the Florida Rep stage in this production, and are joined by frequent guest artist Kate Hampton. Making their Florida Rep debuts are Dillon Feldman and Broadway veteran, Betsy Hogg as Annie Sullivan.

Florida Rep Education products Keehnon Jackson, Liza Jayne Longenhagen and Ben O’Brien complete the cast.

Week night performances in both performance venues (Tuesday - Thursday) begin at 7 p.m. Weekend evening performances remain at 8 p.m. and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday are still set for the popular 2 p.m. curtain time.

Florida Rep will present a signed performance of The Miracle Worker on Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. Approximately 50 seats are held for hearing impaired patrons. Two signers from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center will be positioned in front of those seats during that performance.

Priced at $55/$45 for regular performances, single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at www.floridarep.org.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

Happenings Magazine

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana

Acoustic Shows Tom Petty Tribute

March 3 Glenn Sabatka, Ken Crosby opens

Woody Russell Trio

Fri., March 9 Ralph Leeseburg opens

Pat Donahue

March 17 Mike McMillan opens

Pat Donahue

Joe Jencks

Songwriters at Sunset

March 31 TerryLynn Melody opens

Songwriters at the Library

$15 - $20 donation

March 24 Robert Bidney opens

Rough & Tumble

Pay at the door. The ACMA is a not for profit and funded by tax deductible donations. Check website for more info & visit YouTube on any of these artists. $10 - $15 donation per concert.

Lovers Key State Park

March 1 - 4:45pm Annie Wenz, Robert Bidney and David Hintz

free

South County Library, Estero March 10 at 2 pm - free Mike McMillan, Millie Van Horn and Melissa Welke

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors 6:30 p.m. Show 7 p.m.

INFO: 239-691-4069 Happenings Magazine

www.AmericanACMA.org March 2018 - 7

LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 Kayleigh OʼConnell, Patricia Clopton, Mark King and Madelaine Hayes.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents the zany whodunnit, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop.

The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious "Stage Door Slasher") assemble for a backer's audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy "angel." The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people- all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous "slasher" strikes again.

It’s the ultimate Whodunnit, complete with zany twists and murderous mayhem! Carmen Crussard (Play On!, The Smell of the Kill) directs. Laboratory Theater artistic director Annette Trossbach says, “This is one of the funniest scripts I have ever read. It is a zany, madcap whodunit with excellent surprising twists. The set is a character in and of itself, adding to the hilarity. You'll laugh your pants off!.”

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The ensemble cast includes Danielle Channell (Crimes of the Heart), Kayleigh O’Connell (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: a parody of the horror), Stacy Stauffer (Scrooge TV), Mike Edouard (I and You), Patricia Clopton (Sordid Lives), Maddy Hayes (Stop Kiss), Dave Cheseboro (The Rauschenberg Project Play), with Mark King and Nathan Ross making their Lab Theater debut.

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 plays from March 9 to March 31 at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Performance dates are as follows: March 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and March 11, 18, 25, and 31 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2017-2018 season pass. For more information, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.

Rise Up O’ Men at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is serving up the deliciously entertaining Rise Up O’ Men, the sixth helping from the Church Basement Ladies series, playing March 1 through April 29. This musical comedy is about church basement kitchens everywhere and the men behind the wonderful women that work there.

Rise Up, O Men is a brand new musical comedy featuring a few men of the church and your favorite church basement ladies who serve them. As these hard-working farmers discuss their scrap lumber piles and the benefits of weld vs solder, they unintentionally disrupt the order of the kitchen. But that’s what happens when you let the rooster in the hen house.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or at the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Always a Bridesmaid at Firehouse Theatre The Firehouse Community Theatre continues its 25th season with the hilarious comedy romp Always a Bridesmaid, This play is a rollicking tale of four loyal and determined women (who made a promise at their Senior Prom) definitively answer the question, “Just how far are you willing to go to keep a promise to a friend?” If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger out of the way catch a brides bouquet, seriously questioned the mental stability of the duo saying “ I do” or been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaids dress, this deliriously funny Jones Hope Wotten comedy is definitely for you...and your dearly beloved.

Remaining performances are March 1 - 4. All seats are $14. For tickets and information, call (863) 675-3066 and leave a message or visit www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com. The theatre is located in LaBelle at 241 N. Bridge St. Happenings Magazine

Gulfshore Playhouse presents Scapino

Gulfshore Playhouse presents A graduate of New York University, the world premiere of Scapino Berenholtz’s theater credits include showing now through March 18 at Nightmare Dream at The FringeNYC, The Norris Center in Naples.

Henry IV Part I at the ExtantArts NYC Moliere’s 17th century French and Progeny at Riverside Theatre. comedy has been adapted by Gonzalez’s recent credits include Jeffrey Binder of Broadway’s The a television appearance in Shades of Lion King into a mafia comedy set Blue and an Off-Broadway debut in in Naples. Directed by award-winThe Siblings Play, along with Ten ning Chicago director Zeljko Djukic, Days in a Mad-House and Antigone in the 21st century adaptation tells the New York. story of the crafty servant Scapino Taratula’s New York theater cred(Binder) scheming to unite two pairs its include Empire Travel Agency, The of lovers – Leo (Grayson Powell) World is Round, The Deepest Play and Feather (Jade Radford), and Ever and The Lily’s Revenge, along Octavio (Jack Berenholtz) and with many regional theater producChloe (Monica Rae Summers tions.

Gonzalez) – against the wishes of VanderMeer is an associate their mafia boss fathers Don Albert professor and theatre program leader (Gerritt VanderMeer) and Don Jerry at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Phillip Taratula (Sylvester) and Jeffrey Binder (Scapino) Geronte (Larry Paulsen) and VanderMeer has appeared in a Sylvester (Phillip Taratula). Hilarity national tour of The Music Man and in ensues as the two young men try to regional productions at Will and dupe their fathers. In this Company, Trinity Repertory Company, “Godfather” twist of Moliere’s classic, no one knows who will end up marAlabama Shakespeare Festival, The Old Globe, Pioneer Theatre ried or ‘sleeping with the fishes.’

Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Texas Shakespeare A 15-year Broadway veteran, Binder’s New York credits include 10 Festival, Geva Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Will Geer’s Theatricum years as Zazu in The Lion King, George Banks in the hit musical Mary Botanicum, and The Geffen Playhouse.

Poppins, The Lieutenant of Innishmore and Sideman. Binder also can be Paulsen returns to the Gulfshore Playhouse stage following last seaseen in the TV series Damages and serves as Gulfshore Playhouse’s son’s performance as Shylock in the production of The Merchant of associate artistic director. He also starred in Gulfshore Playhouse’s recent Venice. Paulsen has appeared extensively at leading theatres nationwide, production of The Price. including the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC, the McCarter Powell is fresh from a national tour of Cheers: Live on Stage. In New Theatre Center, the Huntington Theatre, Denver Center Theatre York, stage credits include They Call Him Young Lou and Three Sisters.

Company, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, La Jolla Playhouse, Kansas City His list of television and film credits include Madam Secretary, Made in Rep, and the Cleveland Playhouse.

Jersey and Sundown, Hedgehog.

Evening shows begin at 8; matinees begin at 3 p.m. Show subscripRadford’s television and film credits include Texas Killing Fields and tions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events and disOrange is the New Black. She has appeared on stage in The Mecca counted pricing. All show tickets are $30 two hours before a performance.

Tales, Love’s Labours Lost, Book of Will, Twelfth Night and Pride & For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact Prejudice.

866-811-4111.

Naples Players: Kalamazoo opens March 28 at Sugden

made the transition to writer—producer on Welcome Back, Kotter; The Naples Players present Michelle Kholos Brooks and Happy Days; Love, American Style; Room 222; All in the Family; Kelly Younger’s Riva Shiner Award winning comedy Love Boat; Harper Valley PTA; Eight Is Enough and Head of the Kalamazoo, opening with a red-carpet celebration on March Class.

28 with performances through April 22.

The lovable and endearing Debi Garnett returns to TNP’s stage Peg (Debi Garnett) and Irv (television comedy legend with 22 years of experience on it making people smile. Some of Jerry Rannow) are two quirky but endearing 70-something Debi’s most memorable roles with TNP include Doris/Same Time, baby-boomers, who bravely venture into the world of modNext Year, Bananas/House of Blue Leaves, M’Lynn/Steel ern dating, but as these opposites attract, they discover love Magnolias, Ensemble/The Laramie Project, Amanda Wingfield/The is not any easier or less wonderful the second time around.

Glass Menagerie, Madeline/The Women of Lockerbie.

“Kalamazoo is a rich, well-played story about love at Rannow and Gannett play the central characters in this romanany age,” said Jessica Walk, associate artistic director of Jerry Rannow tic comedy. Irv (Rannow) is a proud and quirky Jewish man who The Naples Players and Director of Kalamazoo. “We are has lost the love of his life, his wife Rosie, to cancer. Peg (Garnett) thrilled to have the perfect cast for this comedy, TNP is a devout, Rosary-society Catholic widow with five daughters.

Lifetime Member Debi Garnett and the wonderful and very The two opposites connect on a senior dating website and then try to navfunny Jerry Rannow. This comedy is one of those rare gems you will want igate each-others quirky personalities and their children’s judgements. to see again and again.”

Kalamazoo is a romantic comedy about life’s second act, reminding us we Rannow’s almost perfect comedic timing, honed by years of working are never too old to be young. with the funniest people on television, makes him a perfect match for his Performances of Kalamazoo are in the newly renovated Tobye Studio. character Irving, an outgoing Jewish man with a great sense of humor.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and Rannow began his show business career with guest appearances on The educators. For tickets and more information visit www.naplesplayers.org Red Skelton Hour; The Jonathan Winters Show; The Carol Burnett Show; or call (239) 263-7990.

The Beverly Hillbillies; Love, American Style and My Three Sons. He

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Happenings Magazine

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

Thinking Theater®

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 MARCH 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31 at 8 p.m.

MARCH 11, 18, 25 & 31

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

at 2 p.m.

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 11

Mamma Mia! Drew Stairs as Sam Carmichael, Lauren Mary Moore as Sophie, Bobby Becher as Bill Austin and Connor Simpson as Harry Bright in Broadway Palmʼs production of Mamma Mia.

Broadway Palm is thrilled to present the international hit sensation Mamma Mia! playing now through April 7.

Over sixty million people around the world have fallen in love with the charming story, the delightful characters and the timeless ABBA music which makes Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show.

Through ABBA’s greatest hits, Mamma Mia tells the comical story of Sophie, a bride-to-be, and her search for her birth father on a beautiful Greek island. After reading her mom’s diary, Sophie secretly invites the three men her mom wrote about to her wedding. This enchanting and unforgettable tale of love, laughter, family and friendship is set to ABBA classics including Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, SOS and the title song Mamma Mia! Directing and choreographing Mamma Mia is Southwest Florida favorite, Amy McCleary. Her other director/choreographer credits at Broadway Palm include CATS, 9 to 5, Grease, White Christmas, Footloose, The Wizard of Oz,

12 - March 2018

Jesus Christ Superstar, Some Enchanted Evening and Sister Act. Other directing/choreographing credits include Spamalot, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Music Man, Peter Pan, Hairspray and the 2015 National Tour of Memphis the Musical. As a choreographer Amy’s favorite credits include Cabaret, High School Musical, Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the second National Tour of The Wedding Singer and the current National Tour of The Wizard of Oz with Apex Touring. Most recently, Amy played Velma and choreographed Broadway Palm’s production of Chicago.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Ticket prices range from $45 to $70 with discounts for children and parties of 20 or more. Advance reservations are required and tickets can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Lauren Mary Moore as Sophie in Mamma Mia. Happenings Magazine

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

BROADWAY SERIES

MARCH 9 - 18 Directed by Gerrie Benzing Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Glenn Slater Book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner

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

Cindy Miller The Ultimate Entertainer

A musical retrospective celebrating the great entertainers of the past.

Memories will flow as the audience is serenaded with the songs of Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and more. There is something for everyone, delightful characterizations, many laughs and great singing.

March 23, 24 & 25 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 13

BIG ARTS: Dames at Sea opens March 8 on Sanibel

BIG ARTS presents Dames at Sea at the Strauss Theater on Sanibel March 8 through April 7.

In the early 1930s, a Broadway musical is in rehearsal. Mona Kent is its temperamental diva star, Joan a wise-cracking chorus girl, and Hennesy the producer/manager/director.

The naive Ruby arrives from Utah, with “nothing but tap shoes in her suitcase and a prayer in her heart”, determined to be a Broadway star. She promptly faints into the arms of Dick, a sailor and aspiring songwriter (“It’s You”). Ruby gets a job in the chorus, but Hennesy informs the cast that the theater must be torn down, and they must find another place for the show. Joan and Lucky, another sailor and her former boyfriend, renew their romance (“Choo-Choo Honeymoon”) while Ruby admits her feelings for Dick (“The Sailor of My Dreams”). Dick and Lucky persuade their Captain to volunteer the use of their ship (“Dames at Sea”).

Mona recognizes the Captain as a former boyfriend (“The Beguine”). When Mona kisses Dick, to persuade him to give her one of his songs, Ruby sees and is despondent (“Raining In My Heart”). Dick explains the misunderstanding and the couple make up (“There’s Something About You”). While rehearsing on the actual ship, Mona becomes sea sick (“The Echo Waltz”); Ruby steps in to save the show and becomes a

star (“Star Tar”). The three couples decide to marry (“Let’s Have A Simple Wedding”).

The cast includes John Ramsey, Theresa Walker, Jack Delaney and Craig Smith.

Craig John Ramsey (Lucky) returns to the BIG ARTS Smith Strauss Theater to work with some of his favorite people.

Into the Woods, Spamalot and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are all fond memories made with this wonderful company. A former Cape Coral resident turned New Yorker, he’s delighted to be in South Jake Florida for all of March.

Delaney BIG ARTS is thrilled to welcome back Theresa Walker (Ruby) fresh off her BIG ARTS debut as Brooke in the hit Noises Off. Recent credits include: Judy Haynes in White Christmas, Barbara in Shear Madness! (Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre), Mrs. White in Clue: The Musical, Erma in Anything Goes, & Patsy in Crazy for You (Broadway Palm).

Jake Delaney (Dick) was part of national and international tours including The Addams

Family; Fiddler on the Roof and ’S Wonderful. Favorite regional credits include Crazy for You (Bobby Child); Singin' in the Rain (Don Lockwood); Mary Poppins (Bert); Oklahoma! (Curly & Will) 9 to 5 (Joe/Dwayne) & A Chorus John Line (Greg & Al). Delaney has a BFA in Music Theatre Ramsey from The Hartt School.

Craig Smith (Captain/Hennessy) returns to BIG ARTS fresh off a steller performance in Noises Off. Craig is thrilled to once again take the stage with his wife, Theresa. Previous farce credits include Shear Madness, Funny Money, Run Theresa For Your Wife, Tom, Dick, Walker and Harry, There Goes The Bride, No Sex Please We’re British and Perfect Wedding.

A preview performance will be March 7 at 7:30 p.m. An opening night reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 8. Tickets are $35 for adults, $5 for students and children.

BIG ARTS Strauss Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. For tickets and info, call 239-395-0900 or visit www.bigarts.org.

Rigoletto March 10 & 13 Gulfshore Opera announced the season finale of the professional artists in residence.

The resident opera singers, all with New York management, have been touring the region since Jan. 15 during their nine-week contract period.

The great Verdi opera Rigoletto is their swan song and by far the largest and most challenging production of the season. The tragic story of lust and revenge revolves around the hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto, the licentious Duke of Mantua, and Rigoletto's beautiful daughter Gilda.

This full scale production with orchestra and chorus will have two performances at difDan Scofield ferent locations to ensure that everyone in Gulfshore Opera’s tri-county service area has a chance to see this great and famous opera; the first performance is March 10 in Port Charlotte at the Cultural Center Theatre, a lovely 500-seat auditorium with full stage. The second performance takes place March 13 at the border of Lee and Collier counties in the 800-seat Parish Life Center of St. Leo Catholic Church. Based on record ticket sales a warm reception of the company’s first partnership at this venue (Madama Butterfly), plans are under way to augment the existing stage to create better sightlines and acoustics for the second grand opera production at the venue.

General director Steffanie Pearce is working with set, costume and lighting designers to create a unique “Game of Thrones” inspired setting 14 - March 2018

for the production. “I’m a big fan of the Game of Thrones costumes, especially in season one. Rigoletto has certain parallel characters, like the Duke who believes himself to be all powerful and entitled to take whatever he wants. So those who follow Game of Thrones will see references to some of those characters in our production”, explained Pearce.

In the title role baritone Daniel Scofield, a native of Binghamton, NY, continues to garner acclaim for his performances of the leading baritone repertoire across the United States, including St Petersburg, San Jose, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and New York City. For his appearance in Rigoletto with Opera in the Heights, the Houston Press declared, “He’s the finest court jester I’ve seen in years.”

Tenor Jonathan Tetelman plays the Duke, a role which he will repeat later this spring at the Berkshire Opera Festival.

Returning after great success last season, his current engagements include Flavio in Bellini's Norma with Metropolitan Opera and the Verdi Requiem Milan Festival Orchestra in Lake Como, Italy. Praised by Opera News for his “galvanizing presence,” all agree he is an exciting star in the making.

The role of Gilda is performed by soprano Camille Ortiz who recently debuted in the role at International Festival of the Aegean in Syros, Greece. Ortiz has appeared in venues such as the Sala Manuel de Falla in Granada, Spain, the Carlos Chávez Hall of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, D.F., and in New York City, Avery Fischer Hall at the Lincoln Center.

To purchase tickets for Rigoletto or find a Gulfshore Opera event in your area, visit www.GulfshoreOpera.org or call (239) 529-3925.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 15

THE NAPLES PLAYERS

The Music Man ing about is not discouraged.

The Naples Players present Meredith Accommodations for Sensory Friendly Willson’s musical comedy The Music Man performances include: opening March 7 with performances Lower sound level, especially for starthrough April 8. tling or loud sounds; Lights remain on at Funny, warm, romantic and touching, a low level in the theater during the perThe Music Man is family entertainment at formance; A reduction of strobe lighting or its best. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony lighting focused on the audience; Patrons Award-winning musical comedy has been are free to talk and leave their seats durentertaining audiences since 1957 and is ing the performance; Designated quiet a wonderful story to be shared with every areas within the theater; Space throughgeneration. When fast-talking Harold Hill out the theater for standing and move(Jesse Hughes) hears that no traveling ment; theatre capacity capped at 50% to salesman has ever won over stubborn limit crowds and visitors at the theatre River City, Iowa, he decides to give it a during the day and timing of the performtry. His biggest challenge is Marian the ance; and staff and volunteers trained to librarian (Amy Hughes), and in the be inviting and accommodating to famiprocess of trying to charm her, he falls in lies' needs. love himself. The Music Man celebrates a “The show will continue with the same terrific score of marches, love songs and artistic merit as any other show, but withbarbershop quartets, along with great out the worry of disturbing other patrons,” dance numbers and a family-friendly said Alexander. “For many families, this story. will be the first opportunity to attend a cul“The Music Man has been defining tural event as a complete family. Our first American musicals from its very first perSensory Friendly performance of Miracle formance,” said TNP’s artistic director on 34th Street was a great success and Bryce Alexander. “From its opening numwas filled with families who had never ber to the closing Seventy-Six attended a live performance before.”

Trombones, The Music Man has been The Naples Players will continue to loved by every generation. Today, we are partner with local disability specific nonthrilled to showcase this incredible familyprofits to provide preparation support that favorite to the families of Southwest will ensure proper adaptations are Florida. We know that the production will secured; that the correct population is delight the lovers of the classics, and being served; and distribute questioninspire the next generation to continue naires after each performance to measthe tradition.” ure response, effectiveness, and demoTo ensure all members of our commugraphics. nity have the opportunity to enjoy this Amy Hughes (as Marian the librarian) and Share the experience with everyone Tony Award winning classic, TNP is offerJesse Hughes (as Professor Harold Hill). in your family at The Music Man at The ing a sensory friendly/relaxed performNaples Players Sugden Theatre in ance of The Music Man on March 20 at Blackburn Hall. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Sensory friendly performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at are designed for families and patrons with autism, Down syndrome 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for and sensory processing disorders, or for individuals who prefer a subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and low-key, all-inclusive environment. It is also a great opportunity for more info, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990. families with young children to attend this performance where mov-

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Happenings Magazine

Cabaret at Florida Rep

Florida Repertory Theatre will present the Tony Award winning musical Cabaret on stage March 23 through April 11, with previews March 20 - 22.

Single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at

www.floridarep.org.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District.

CULTURAL PARK THEATER

Sister Act on Cape Coral stage

Sister Act the Musical opens at Cultural Park Theater on Friday, March 9 and runs through Sunday, March 18.

Sister Act is the feel good, musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet.

Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

This extremely talented local cast will be under the direction of Gerrie Benzing.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent.

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice.

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songbird Cindy Miller had proven such a hit the last time at Cultural Park, Ms. Miller will be gracing our stage again this season for three performances only. She will be performing her original show You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet Performances are on Friday and Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. The show is a Las Vegas- style production that features contemporary musical selections combined with entertaining impersonations.

Ms. Miller will perform songs from such legendary entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bing Crosby, Liza Minelli, Fred Astaire, Julie Andrews, and many more. I spoke recently with Ms. Miller about her performance and she told me how excited she was and how she "can't wait to get in front of Cultural Park Theatre’s audiences again." Ticket price is $21 for all ages but there are discounts for large groups of 10 or more. Mention the discount when placing ticket order with any of our friendly box office associates.

Don’t miss your chance to see both Sister Act and the wonderful Cindy Miller on stage this month.

Cape Coral’s 184 seat theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Reserved seating tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for students with ID and $10 children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 239-772-5862.

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

March 2018 - 17

TheatreZone unveils new season of six musicals

TheatreZone, a professional Equity theatre led by veterans of Broadway and OffBroadway, announces the six musicals it will present during its 2018-19 season, which starts in October 2018.

Tickets go on sale March 1 to current season ticket holders, on March 19 to new season ticket holders who purchase at least three shows, and on April 1 for single tickets.

The 2018-19 season:

Urinetown

A winner of three Tony Awards, this is a hilarious musical satire about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility and more. The show will be performed at the Theatre Lab at FGCU's Bower School of Music & the Arts, 10501 FGCU Blvd.

South, Fort Myers. It will feature professional actors teamed with FGCU students taught by TheatreZone staff. Performances will be 8 p.m. on Oct. 11, 12, 13; and 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 13, 14. Ticket prices are $40 & $45.

Home for the Holidays

Get in a festive mood with this original holiday spectacular featuring seasonal songs and gorgeous costumes.

Performances are 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8 and 2 p.m. on Dec 8 and 9. Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $75.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

A winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical, this creative show is an interactive whodunit mystery musical based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel. The audience chooses the show’s ending at each performance!

Performances are 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19; 2 p.m. on Jan. 12, 13,

18 - March 2018

19, 20; and 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, 20.

Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $75.

Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida

A winner of four Tony Awards, these famous songwriters penned an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal told through soaring ballads and exuberant dancing.

Performances are 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16; 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 9, 10, 16, 17; and 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, 17. Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $75.

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever

Memorable music about an unusual young woman, her past life personalities, and the psychiatrist who falls in love with one of them. Performances are at 8:00 p.m. on March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16; 2 p.m. on March 9, 10, 16, 17; and 7:30 p.m. on March 10, 17. Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $75.

And the World Goes Round

A stunning revue of the expansive songbook of Kander and Ebb, who wrote the music and lyrics to Cabaret, Chicago and other award-winning Broadway shows.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on April 25, 26, 27, May 2, 3, 4; 2 p.m. on April 27, 28, May 5; and 7:30 p.m. on April 28 and May 5. Ticket prices are $50, $60 and $75.

An announcement about TheatreZone’s concert series, performances in the community and special events will be made this fall.

Tickets may be purchased at www.theatrezone-florida.com and by calling 239424-9500. TheatreZone is in residence at the G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples.

TheatreZone benefit March 14

TheatreZone will present “Eat, Drink & Be Broadway,” its new signature fundraising event, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14 at the G&L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, where the non-profit organization is in residence.

The evening will feature a Cubanthemed cocktail reception and patron party, special presentation of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, and a limited live auction that will include the opportunity to appear on stage in Act II that evening.

Guests can also vie to win two tickets to TheatreZone's 2018-19 main stage shows.

An event ticket is $125 and a patron ticket is $200 to receive additional benefits such as complimentary valet parking, enhanced refreshments, musical entertainment during the reception and other surprises.

Joni Brickley and Sarann Kraushaar are co-chairs of the committee that includes Judi Baruck, Tere Batista, Karen Kayser Benson, Liz Black, Karen Danni, Bill O’Neill, Mitch Rossell, Jon Vollmer and Nancy Wyckoff. Rick Gallo is the auctioneer.

Event sponsors are Fifth Third Bank, Quarles & Brady, Linda and Dan Carp, Ellen Elleman, David Stevens, Nancy Wyckoff, Naples Daily News, Gulfshore Life, Sunbelt, Foreman Productions, The Foliage Factory, Niche Event Rentals and Costco.

Tickets are available at www.theatrezone-florida.com or by calling Jamie Ross at 239-671-1236.

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

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

239.434.8181

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March 2018 - 19

ART

Peace River National Art Festival March 17 & 18 The Peace River National Art Festival will be March 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Laishley Park at 100 Nesbit St. in downtown Punta Gorda. This annual event, hosted by the Visual Arts Center, is Charlotte County’s largest outdoor art festival.

Art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, abstracts and watercolor will be represented by more than 60 artists from within the community and around the country. The fine art, handcrafted goods and exquisite crafts will be complimented by a selection of tasty foods, wine and beer. Parking and shuttle to and from the festival will be at City Marketplace, on the corner of Marion Ave at 115 Tamiami Trail.

Every year, two remarkable artists are nominated to share the spotlight during the festivities. Janie Duke has Janie Duke been selected as this year’s emerging artist, and Jill Lindsay has been selected as this year’s featured artist.

Janie and Jill’s work will be featured at the festival and can Since then, Jill has worked in many mediums including alcohol ink, be seen now on display at the Visual Arts Center. acrylic and mixed-media collage. Jill has been accepted into several Janie Duke is one of a handful of artists who specialize in an old juried shows and won many awards including a Merit Award with the French technique called “Pate de Verre,” or paste of glass. Janie has International Society of Experimental Artists. Jill is an active member studied and worked in Pate de Verre of several organizations including the Visual for more than seven years. She is a Arts Center, Arts and Humanities Council of member of the Visual Arts Center, sits Charlotte County, Venice and Englewood Art on the Board of Charlotte County Arts Centers and the International Society of and Humanities Council and is a parExperimental Artists. She enjoys teaching ticipating member of Glass Artists workshops in alcohol inks and continues to Society of Seattle, WA. She considers explore and educate herself on the joy and her work representative of earth, sky wonder of art. and oceans. The effect she strives for The festival is hosted by the Visual Arts is a serene, calming one for those who Center, serving Punta Gorda and the surappreciate her art. rounding areas with three major galleries, an Jill Lindsay grew up in Boston and extensive arts library, one of Southwest traveled quite a bit before making Port Florida’s finest ceramic studios and a gift shop Charlotte her home in 2001. She filled with unique items. The Visual Arts Center always had a passion for art and took is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda. her first abstract art class in 2001 at For more details, call 941-639-8810, visit in Jill Lindsay the Charlotte County Cultural Center. person or online at www.VisualArtCenter.org.

Annual fine art show March 11 at Heron’s Glen

Gary Olson

20 - March 2018

The Heron’s Glen Artist Group will hold its 20th annual fine art show on Sunday, March 11 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.

The Herons Glen Artist Group is

a not for profit organization located in the Herons Glen Golf and Country Club community in North Fort Myers.

The group is committed to providing quality growth opportunities for residents to develop their artistic interests in fine arts, to help artist members promote their work within the Fort Myers area and beyond, and to provide them with opportunities for artistic idea exchanges.

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.

Joan White

Happenings Magazine

NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

Dinner with artists March 15

The next Dinner with Artists presented by the Naples Art Association is set for Thursday, March 15.

Join renowned artists paired with executive chefs who collaborate on creating and presenting original works of art and culinary masterpieces. Dinner with Artists is an interactive artistic experi-

ence in an intimate and engaging setting. Each event includes a multi-course gourmet meal and wine. Each location brings with it a unique and intimate ambiance that provides excellent backdrops for an event that buzzes with creativity and artistic style.

Cost is $130 per person. Call 239-262-6517.

Festival of the Arts March 24 & 25 Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts is scheduled for March 24 and 25 on 5th Avenue South.

The show runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is free. Donations are appreciated and benefit The Naples Art Association art education programs.

The Naples Downtown Art Show allows thousands of artsavvy 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 5th Avenue South from Southwest Florida’s brilliant springtime sunshine from Highway 41 west to 3rd Street South just blocks from the gulf.

The setting is definitely a big part of the allure associated with this end-of-season art show, where artist tents and booths are nestled between rows of Mediterranean-accented buildings housing banks, stock and real estate brokerages, European-style boutiques, highend jewelry stores, prestigious art galleries, restaurants, bistros and outdoor cafes. Shoppers will have the opportunity to mingle with professional artists from around the country in categories ranging from original oils and acrylics on canvas to watercolors, 2D and 3D mixed media, limited edition prints, photography, digital art, sculpture, wood carvings, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry, leather works and more.

Artist G.W. Odmark at the Feb. 3 Art in the Park.

Art in the Park March 3 The next Art in the Park will be Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Cambier Park.

The Naples Art Association connects artists with art shoppers in another season of Art in the Park.

Since 1957, Art in the Park has remained the monthly members show showcasing the talents of our member

Barb Hosack art showcased in two Cape Coral galleries

Lorne’s Gallery and Frame Gallery & Gifts, both in Cape Coral, will feature the art of artist and gallery owner Barb Hosack in March.

Born in the Pacific Northwest, Barb is inspired by sea life and had an original “gallery” at Pike Shed Market in college. Barb says she loves the colors of Florida and tropical water colors of turquoise and blues. As a long-time gallery owner, Barb works with designers and individual artists to achieve artistic bliss.

A special reception will be held March 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lorne’s Gallery, unit 108, at Marina Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral during the monthly Sundown 22 - March 2018

Stroll.

Barb’s artwork can also be seen at Frame Gallery and Gifts, 1830 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. Call 239-945-0866 or 574-5111 for more details.

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.

Artists studio tour March 3

To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Alliance for the Arts opens doors to seven local female artists’ studios in Fort Myers and Cape Coral on March 3. Through a self-guided tour, visitors from near and far get the rare opportunity of experiencing the sanctuaries where art is created while getting acquainted with the makers and gaining a close-up view of the materials each artist employs.

“Southwest Florida is home to an abundantly diverse collection of visual artists,” says exhibitions coordinator Krista Johnson.

“By illuminating the talent of females, we celebrate each woman’s creative contribution to our community.”

The artists are Annette Brown, Stacey Brown, Donna Chase, Katy Danca Galli, Julie Giffin, Mariapia Malerba and MiMi Stern.

The self-guided tour begins at 10 a.m. at the Alliance, where ticket holders receive a program and map to the studios, and visit onsite art studios featuring working artists. A closing reception will be held at DAAS Co-Op at 4 p.m.

Tickets for Alliance members are $25 or $35 for non-members and can be purchased online at ArtInLee.org/StudioTour or by calling 239-939-2787.

Happenings Magazine

Co-op Gallery at Coconut Point to feature Cappelletti, Giffin and two new exhibits in March

Phil Fisher

Art After Dark set for March 10 in Naples

The Galleries of Crayton Cove welcome the public to enjoy live music by Jeff Fessenden & Alchemy while viewing the newest art by Naples professional artists on March 10 from 6 - 9 p.m. for the monthly Art After Dark. The galleries are located where 8th St. S. & 12th Ave. S. meet at the flagpole, by the Bay. For more details, visit online at www.GalleriesOfCraytonCove.com

Happenings Magazine

The Co-operative Art Gallery at Coconut Point Mall in Estero will highlight the work of both long-time artists and some young artists just getting started in their creative careers in March.

Ursula Cappelletti will be a featured artist at the gallery on March 3 from 1 - 5 p.m., and March 4 from 1 5 p.m., discussing and demonstrating her methods for combining colors in her abstract painting.

Nancy Giffin will then be featured on March 24 and 25, both days 11 a.m. .- 5 p.m. Giffin will be demonstrating the weaving of a Nantucket basket over a traditional Nantucket mold. She and her husband create these baskets as well as Shaker boxes, derived from America’s past, as a way of keeping that history alive.

“What the World Needs Now” is the theme of an exhibit by art students at the Discovery Day Academy (Bonita Springs) on March 6. And then members of the Sanibel-Captiva Art League will provide an exhibition of their work at the gallery from March 12 to March 26.

The Co-operative Art Gallery is operated by the Art Council of Southwest Florida, an umbrella association with 21 affiliate organizations and studios offering classes, workshops and exhibits promoting the visual arts.

The gallery’s monthly reception will be Thursday, March 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. Area residents and visitors are invited to enjoy live music, complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to chat with some of the artists. Visit www.acswf.org or call 239-949-3073.

Nancy Giffin

Ursula Cappelletti

March 2018 - 23

London Amara exhibit at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

On Friday, March 2, celebrate the opening night of London Amara’s “Ethos” exhibit at the Sidney and Beren Davsi at Center.

London Amara’s “ethos” explores themes of convergence, context and perspective through a series of immersive photos created using the collodion photography method.

For her second solo exhibition at the center, artist London Amara created “ethos,” an assemblage of both hand-made, silver gelatin prints created from film negatives as well as images created by the alternative photographic process known as collodion photography.

This technology was developed during the birth of photography in the mid 1800s, and employs a large format camera to record images on glass and metal plates. A hand-mixed combination of cotton cellulose, iodide, bromide, alcohol and ether are poured onto the plate in the darkroom before sensitization in a silver nitrate bath. The plate is exposed in the camera, then brought back to the darkroom to be developed. Each plate must be cleaned, colloidal poured, sensitized in silver bath, exposed, developed, washed, fixed, three additional washes, allowed to dry overnight and then var-

nished. The end result is a virtually grainless image, and because this type of photography requires 75%-80% UV light, it “sees” things our human optic coverage does not.

Various factors (humidity, temperature, wind) change the way the colloidal chemistry behaves in a single moment of time, never again to be experienced or reproduced.

It’s an extremely contrasted recipe of rapid, back-to-back steps that require slow movement, including a naturally occurring film speed of .5-2, so low light exposures can easily be 10 minutes or longer. That’s an eternity of time in photography for the shutter to remain open, and that’s when it gets phenomenal. This is evident in Amara’s 12 minute exposure of a Pacific fern frond titled “Praeter Naturam,”meaning beyond what is natural or normal. This image visually describes the air filled, fluid space of spirit and spontaneity where our extra sensory perception is required.

Amara works as a full time, professional artist in Bonita Springs, and Columbus, Ohio.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com

ACT Gallery to showcase art of Jan Ellen Atkielski

In March, Arts for ACT Gallery will feature artist Jan Ellen Atkielski in the main gallery showing original oil paintings of “Island Dreaming” and off the main gallery in the white gallery a Japanese paper cutting exhibit by local artist Rachel Moorman. Also showing in March will be new works from the gallery co-op artists. ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers, will hold an opening reception on Friday, March 2, from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Fort Myers Art Walk.

Jan Ellen Atkielski has been working as a professional artist since graduating with a bachelors degree in art from UW Steven's Point in 1976. She has an extensive list of collectors both private and commercial. Some her most note-worthy corporate commissions include NFL Alumni, Ameritech, The Town Hall of Fort Myers Beach, Northwestern Mutual Insurance and Sears.

Located permanently in Cape Coral, she has been privileged to paint across the United 24 - March 2018

Jan Ellen Atkielski

States, Norway, Austria, England, France, Italy, Germany, and Mexico. Most recently, she has been focusing on the Tropics, including scenes from Southwest Florida, St. Maartin and the Cayman Islands.

Tonya Glass

Multiple exhibits at Collier Museums

Historic Visions The Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., presents Historic Visions by the Naples Art Association’s Thursday Outdoor Painters. Historic Visions will be on display now through March 31.

Historic Visions forever captures various historic buildings, sites, and landscapes throughout Collier County and Naples in paint. A plein air painter is a storyteller who captures the light and spontaneity of nature.

The beauty of Southwest Florida beckons, and artists come together year after year, generation after generation.

Trailblazers The Collier Museum at Government Center will present Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail, a travelling exhibition originally presented by the Coral Gables Museum. This exhibit will explore the Tamiami Trail’s history, culture, devastating impact on the Everglades and plans to mitigate that extensive damage. This multi-media interactive exhibit will feature photographs, historic documents, artifacts and film. The exhibition is on display now through April 28 at the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples.

Beneath the Emerald Waves The Marco Island Historical Museum presents “Beneath the Emerald Waves and Beyond the Mangrove Trees” from naturalist Bob McConville. The exhibition will be on display from March 6 to June 2 at the Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Drive.

An opening reception sponsored by the Marco Island Historical Society will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. March 6 and is open to the public. This multimedia exhibit will inspire, educate, and give insight and awareness to the fragile ecosystems that can be found in our region.

For more information, visit www.CollierMuseums.com or call (239) 252-8476.

Happenings Magazine

MORE THAN 90 LOCAL JURIED ARTISTS

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show

Saturday, March 10th 10am - 4pm

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING

Cambier Park

580 8th Street South, Naples just sout h of 5th Avenue

Happenings Magazine

www.NaplesArtcrafters.com

March 2018 - 25

DAAS Co-Op features artist David Hammel

This month of March, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts will showcase the art of guest artist David Hammel.

The exhibition, entitled Material Goods, is a collection of folkloric pottery and mixed media compositions, in the artist’s well-known style. The opening reception coincides with the monthly SoCo Second Saturday, held at the SoCo Cultural District (Alliance for the Arts and Royal Palm Square block) on Saturday, March 10 from 6 to 10 p.m.

“As an artist, I am more interested in utilizing a variety of materials to discover images often hidden within, than creating a "style." I find raw materials extremely fascinating and I enjoy taking something very ordinary and often overlooked and turning it into a piece of artwork that people may enjoy viewing.” says Hammel, who produces out of his Fort Myers studio, located

just a few miles from the SoCo Cultural District.

David Hammel was born in Southwest Florida. His family has been in the area for six generations. He graduated from the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota in 1988.

He also completed advanced studies in the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tenn., in 2000.

All art lovers and collectors are invited to join DAAS for the opening reception on March 10, starting at 6 p.m. For more information about the gallery, visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-5908645. DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery is located in the Royal Palm Square at 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, in Fort Myers. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information about the SoCo Second Saturday Art Crawl can be found at www.socoswfl.com.

Sea Grape showcases Lise Lindsay, Cheryl McClure

Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Cheryl McClure, photographer, and Lise Lindsay, glass artist, from March 1 to April 5.

Cheryl McClure and her husband moved from Chicago to Colorado where they enjoyed skiing the beautiful mountains of that area. Eventually, they decided to trade in their skis and move to Florida, closer to waters where they could scuba dive in the Caribbean. Cheryl became fascinated by the wonderful living creatures that inhabit the waters and began photographing these creatures and the rare plant life that lives in the sea. Living in Florida, Cheryl’s photography passion has also spilled over to the beautiful flora and fauna of Florida and its wildlife. Her photographs of eagles, egrets and other Florida birds are a must to see.

As Cheryl says, “I am always on a quest for a better photo, or one of a strange new creature colored by nature’s paintbrush.” When seeing Cheryl’s photography, the viewer realizes that Cheryl has a true passion for the beautiful subjects she captures in her artwork.

Lise Lindsay was always creative and decided to major in fine arts when going off to college. She soon realized that it would be in her best financial

26 - March 2018

Cheryl McClure

Lise Lindsay interest to focus on degrees in computer science and accounting.

All through her business career, Lise still knew she wanted one day to be able to focus on her love of art. Now retired, Lise’s love and passion is glass. As she explains, “I love its color, reflection, dimension and challenge of heat and glass properties – varying temperatures, thicknesses, and reactive qualities of glass can produce spectacular results.” Lise’s passion for glass is evident in each of her beautiful glass artworks. The ever-changing world of glass offers countless opportunities for Lise to express her creative art with color and light.

Her wonderful abstract glass panels and functional glass works are fitting for any household.

Many of Cheryl’s beautiful photography and Lise’s colorful glass art 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.

The gallery will host its annual Spring Madness Courtyard Sale March 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The gallery is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2018. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Ave., 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.

Naples Artcrafters show on March 10

The Naples Artcrafters will host their next juried fine art and craft show Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Cambier Park in beautiful downtown Naples, Florida.

The event showcases the work of ninety juried local artists and craftsmen who will be selling their paintings, jewelry, pottery, art glass, sculptures and more in lovely Cambier Park, which is located on 8th Street South, just one block south of 5th Ave South in downtown Naples.

Meet well known and emerging Naples’ artists in this celebration of creativity. It will be a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support your artists.

Free admission and free parking is available nearby.

The Naples Artcrafters was founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of local artists and the encouragement of the development of artistic endeavors in the Naples area. They are committed to promoting excellence in fine arts and crafts within the community. The group provides local artists and craftsmen a venue for displaying and selling their work by sponsoring juried outdoor shows during the season. Each year the organization provides financial contributions to area schools with grants.

For more about the group, visit www.naplesartcrafters.com

Happenings Magazine

Local Talent Local Creativity Local Art art council of southwest florida

Co-op Art Gallery @ Coconut Point

Your place for the largest, most open venue, for the most beautiful fine art & craf ts of Southwest Florida.

Coconut Point Mall in Estero

8074 Mediterranean Dr. (next to Panera)

239-949-3073

www.acswf.org

Reception: Thursday, March 8 4 - 6 p.m. with music, wine, hors d’oeuvres

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 27

Harbour View Gallery features art of Quinn Sedam and Sandy O’Grady

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Quinn Sedam (photography) and Sandy “Mary” O’Grady (gourds) at a reception on Tuesday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Quinn Sedam is a local photographer and storm chaser who specializes in capturing quality fine art images of tropical storms and lightning. Quinn uses his extensive knowledge of meteorology and a self-taught style of low light photography, to produce stunning images of electrifying tropical storms. His current project, “Storms over Southwest Florida” is produced over the Gulf of Mexico, bays, lakes, rivers, and the surrounding metro areas of, Pine Island, Cape Coral and Fort Myers.

These stunning captures are the result of six years of chasing local storms. Quinn's latest honors consist of, Best Photograph 2017

by The Florida Weekly (Fort Myers) and Best in Show 2018 at the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts.

Local artist Sandy O'Grady has been involved in the art Sandy OʼGrady world for approximately four years. She started by making

Quinn Sedam pine needle art and has expanded to gourd art six months ago.

Sandy uses gourds from California, decorating them by wood burning, dyes and carving tools. Each piece is an original, featuring either plants or animals. Plants and animals are all the inspiration Sandy needs.

Their work will be on display through March. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, in the Shops at Cape Harbour.

Hirdie Girdie showcases four artists Hirdie Girdie Gallery, the 15member co-op at the corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Library Way on Sanibel, is featuring the work of four of its award-winning artists: Tracy Owen Cullimore, Bonnie Langenfeld, Sandy O'Grady and Stan Timson.

A dedicated fine art painter, Tracy Owen Cullimore is recognized for her figurative interiors and her alla prima portraiture of people and animals. She works extensively in oil and water media and captures personality and life in her subjects. Her emotionally strong paintings feature dynamic strokes, a rich value range and design impact.

Fiber artist Bonnie Langenfeld creates extraordinary "paintings" from commercial fabrics and thread. The fabric is her canvas and the stitching is her paint. Her dramatic works include dimensional wall pieces, boxes, bowls and cards that inspire joy and wonder in all who see them.

Basketry artist Sandy O'Grady creates exquisite baskets using

28 - March 2018

Tracy Owen Cullimore

Bonnie Langenfeld

the abundance of pine needles that she finds in her yard. She incorporates shells, pinecones, nuts, feathers, plant parts and other materials that are native to Southwest Florida to create unique pieces perfect for tabletops or walls.

Painter Stan Timson captures both the serene and whimsical aspects of Southwest Florida in his acrylic works. He uses color, light and shadow to tell stories with his paintings.

Using the disciplines that were instrumental in his success as a graphic designer, he employs bold images to draw viewers into his works.

These artists join 11 others at Hirdie Girdie to offer more original paintings, photography, wood carvings, ceramics, art tile, beaded sculptures, glass, colored pencil works and jewelry. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, visit www.hirdiegirdiegallery.com or call 239-395-0027.

Sandy OʼGrady

Stan Timson

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Fine Art • Local Artists • Unique Gifts Watercolor Paintings Pottery Sand Castings Glass Art Jewelry Handbags

2007 - 2018

Acrylic Paintings Oil Paintings Photography Fabric Art Paper Castings Woodcarvings

5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104 - Cape Coral Open Daily 11 am - 8 pm • Now Offering Classes harbourviewgallery.com art@harbourviewgallery.com

239-540-5789

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 29

Bonita Bay Art Festival March 24 & 25 THE PROMENADE

David Gordon graduated with a ence such as wildflowers, but my B.F.A. in painting & printmaking in work becomes personal interpreta1982 from Virginia Commonwealth tions of these images, not scientifiUniversity. Since graduating, he has cally accurate copies. If I can capworked exclusively as a fine artist, ture the feeling that transcends from developing a market for his work an image, the feeling will ultimately throughout the United States and last longer than the image itself. abroad.

The creative process for me is varHe became something of a pioied and yet finite. I have my boards, neer in contemporary serigraphy and, my paint and my solitude, which after more than 15 years of handstimulate me. Painting is a private, printing, eventually he turned his intimate and passionate obsession. attention to painting. After exploring I feel blessed to have this time to silkscreen ink as a paint medium, he create a piece of art that someone began to include acrylic, ink washes, else can enjoy.” oils, pastels and pencils to his reperCome visit David and the other toire. His passion for his craft helps wonderfully talented artists particihim to stay creative, enthusiastic and pating in the first Bonita Bay Invitational Art Festival at The energized so that he can hopefully be Promenade in Bonita Springs so responsive to new ideas and chalthat you can discover a piece of art lenges. His work is constantly changthat you can enjoy. ing. He will paint a certain subject The Bonita Bay Invitational Art matter for just a specific period of Festival will be held Saturday March time and then move on to something 24 from noon to 7 p.m. and on entirely different.

Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 Simplified lines and planes are David Gordon p.m. The Promenade in Bonita combined with dramatic gesture of Springs is located 26795 S. Bay color and free form give each of his Drive. For more information, call 239-293-9448 or visit online at works of art special visual power. www.promenadeshops.com “I rely on my imagination for the most part. I may use a refer-

Art & Nature Night March 14 at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Shangri-La Springs, a cultural historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, invites the Southwest Florida community to enjoy an array of artistic and musical experiences at its Art & Nature Community Night on Wednesday, March 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Roots exhibit features landscape and wildlife paintings by Carol McArdle.

The free community event will feature a variety of activities and performances throughout the property including a tapas dinner service, live performances and presentations of artistic works from local artists and musicians, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Guests can enjoy a free all-levels yoga class at 7 p.m., and complimentary massage treatments at the ShangriLa Springs Spa. Organic beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the evening and reservations are available for dinner in the Great House from 6 - 8:30pm. Call 239-949-0749 to reserve or 30 - March 2018

Carol McArdle

learn more at www.ShangriLaSprings.com.

Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

Weavers of CharLee on display at Cape Library

Changing exhibits are featured in the spacious art gallery of the Cape Coral Public Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace.

The latest show will be available for viewing during library business hours from March 1 through March 28. This month, the gallery welcomes back the Weavers of Char-Lee, whose creations have been so popular with visitors to the library’s gallery over the years.

The current show includes recent work from the “Weaving Waters” exhibit and features weavings, spinning, collage and other fiber pieces created by Char-Lee guild members.

Additional work and samples of weaving and spinning tools and equipment will also be on display in the cases. The library’s gallery shows are sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library.

For more information, contact Monica Rahman at (239) 258-2991 or monica4608@comcast.net.

Happenings Magazine

Naples Fine Art Studio & Gallery

paintings by Edward Park

24 Year Anniversary Special through March 1719 Trade Center Way, Suite 9, Naples

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

239-293-8237 (cell)

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

Saturday & Sunday appointment only

www.edwardparkfineart.com SPRING MADNESS COURTYARD SALE MARCH 9 and 10 from 10 am to 4 pm

Celebrating 30 years as your fine art gallery

A Variety of Unique Original Art by 20 Award Winning Artists

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

March 2018 - 31

MUSIC

Naples City Live Music Festival March 2

The second annual Naples City Live Music Festival is set for Friday, March 2.

This is an intimate outdoor concert featuring three trendsetting bands: the six-piece indie rock band, Kids, indie rock soloist William McCarthy, and Florida’s own high energy folk, rock and classical country band Have Gun, Will Travel.

The music starts at 6 p.m. under the big tent at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive.

Kids is an eclectic four piece American indie rock band formed in 2012 by guitarist Josiah Sampson, bassist/vocalist Joshua Diaz, drummer Matthew Barrios and guitarist Christian Gonzalez. Hailing from South

Kids

Have Gun Will Travel

William McCarthy Florida, Kids strives to deliver a dynamic musical experience.

Known for his time in indie-rock bands Pela and Augustines, singer-songwriter William McCarthy has embarked on his solo journey with the release of his first solo album, Shelter. The album serves as a musical exploration and self-reflection following the demise of Augustines. While McCarthy developed new tracks for the album, he also pays tribute to numerous writers that impacted this time in his life.

Florida’s Have Gun, Will have a natural instinct for combining folk, pop, rock and classic country influences to create a sound all their own.

Ticket prices start at $22.50 for general admission, with a cash bar and food concession by Lurcat Catering. VIP tickets, with seating, food and open bar, are $150 on a space-available basis. Get tickets at www.NCLFestival.com or at the door.

Proceeds from this musical celebration will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County, which works to improve the lives of abused children. It’s a great way to do good and have a great evening in an awesome setting at a surprisingly great price.

The CAC is Collier County’s only first response facility for physically and sexually abused children, serving more than 2,200 children and their families each year. If you miss the concert, but want to help this worthwhile cause, call 239-263-8383 or visit www.caccollier.org

Cape Coral Irish Fest March 3 & 4

It’s that time again – for the Cape’s liveliest international family festival packed with Irish and Celtic sights and sounds March 3 and 4.

Wear something green and head for the German American Social Club. Help transform it into a legendary “Fiddler’s Green” - a place filled with perpetual joy. Fiddles that never stop playing. Dancers who never stop dancing.

This year’s entertainment includes great live Irish music. See Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones, Albannach, Rathkeltair, Jamison Celtic Rock, West of Galway, Brendan Nolan, the Lee County Pipers and Irish Step Dancers. Get energized with continuous live music. Eat great food. And give the Screaming Orphans a rousing Cape Coral welcome home.

You’ll enjoy Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones. They deliver Ireland’s traditional music and folk songs with an energy and skill that shows the quality of contemporaries within that tradition. Rathkeltair returning to our main stage from Jacksonville Beach with songwriter Trevor Tanner, to perform original rock-n-roll songs steeped in Celtic tradition.

Jamison Celtic Rock has grown to offer one of the most high energy shows on the east coast, with dynamic Irish reels mixed into rock.

Also, local favorites West of Galway and returning Dubliner, Brendan 32 - March 2018

Nolan, whose rich voice and Irish way with words helps listeners feel the pain, the joy, the humor, the triumph, the sadness, the longing, as deeply as they were expressed in the old songs of the Irish tradition. Brendan will also sing the Irish National Anthem in Irish at the opening ceremony on Saturday, at noon.

The crowd-pleasing Lee County Pipes & Drums Band that exudes a feeling of family, friendship, and honor for our heritage and the history surrounding piping, drumming and Celtic music.

And that's not all – there’s dancing. Lots of dancing with award-winning Irish step dancers and friends of the Festival, the returning Kellyn Celtic Arts Irish Dance Academy with their quick and precise steps, unique costumes and love for Irish dance.

The family festival also features Leprechaun Lane, the Children’s Tent, for kids ages 3 to 12 where there’s action galore. Free face painting, supervised games, arts & crafts.

The festival takes place at the German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. Parking is free and there’s lots of it. The Cape Irish Festival is sponsored by the Cape Coral Irish American Club. Check the website for details at www.capecoralirishamericanclub.org.

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March 2018 - 33

Sanibel Music Festival Olga Kern & Vladik Kern

On March 3, The Sanibel Music Festival, an island tradition, will begin its 32nd consecutive season of bringing outstanding repertoire and artists to the island. This year’s festival will feature the Boston Trio; 2017 Cliburn gold medalist Yekwon Sunwoo on Piano; the Jasper/Jupiter String Octet; Olga Kern & Vladik Kern on piano; Opera Theater of Connecticut presenting The Gems of Broadway’s Golden Age with a tribute to Leonard Bernstein, and Love, Passion & Revenge in Opera and Operetta; and The St. Lawrence String Quartet.

All concerts will be performed at a new starting time, 7:30 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.

Saturday, March 3 The Boston Trio Violinist Irina Muresanu, cellist Jonah Ellsworth and founding pianist Heng-Jin Park each have distinguished careers as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and have appeared with major orchestras and premier chamber music festivals through the United States and Europe. Heng-Jin Park made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at the age of 15. Allison Eldredge has performed as soloist with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony and is a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant.

Irina Muresanu has won top prizes at the Montreal International Competition and the Queen Elizabeth violin competition.

Tuesday, March 6 Yekwon Sunwoo, Piano Held every four years in tribute to one of America’s greatest pianists, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is the Olympic Games of the piano. The 2017 Gold Medalist is 28-year-old South Korean pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, who has been praised for “his total command over the instrument and its expressiveness.” He gave his recital and orchestra debuts in 2004 in Seoul before moving to the United States to earn his bachelor’s degree at the Curtis Institute and his master’s at Juilliard.

34 - March 2018

The Jasper/Jupiter Octet

Saturday, March 10 The Jasper/Jupiter String Octet Two magnificently talented quartets join forces for a combined performance. The Jupiter and the Jasper string quartets have played together many times and have both musical and familial connections. The Jasper artists include J. Freivogel, violin; Sae Chonabayashi, violin; Sam Quintal, viola; and Rachel Henderson Freivogel, cello. Winner of the prestigious CMA Cleveland Quartet Award, The Jasper is the professional quartet-in-residence at Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians. They have released three highly acclaimed albums. The Jupiter Quartet includes Nelson Lee, violin; Megan Freivogel, violin, Liz Freivogel, viola; and Daniel McDonough, cello. They have won several recent chamber music honors, including grand prize in the Fischoff and an Avery Fisher Career Grant.

The Boston Trio

Tuesday, March 13 Olga Kern & Vladik Kern, Piano One of the great pianists of our time, Olga Kern, and her gifted son, Vladik Kern, will perform a joint piano concert. With family ties to both Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, Olga has been a festival favorite since winning the Gold Medal in the 11th Van Cliburn Piano Competition. Vladik studied at Juilliard from 2011 to 2016. In 2012, he made Juilliard history when, as a pre-college student, he won the prestigious Van Cliburn scholarship. In 2016, Vladik became a Young Steinway artist.

Tuesday, March 20 The Gems of Broadwayʼs Golden Age With a tribute to Leonard Bernstein The 1940’s ushered in Broadway’s Golden Age, starting with the groundbreaking work of Rodgers and Hammerstein and expanding to include many of music theater’s best loved artists and composers. The Opera Theater of Connecticut will present an evening of these gems, with five professional singers paying tribute to the works of Comden and Green, Lerner and Lower, Cole Porter and others.

This concert also features a special tribute to American genius Leonard Bernstein, in honor of his 100th birthday celebration.

Saturday, March 24 Love, Passion, and Revenge In Opera and Operetta Love, passion and revenge are motivating themes that run through so many opera and operettas. The many facets of all of these are illuminated in concert by Opera Theater of Connecticut with six professional opera singers in a musical evening of romance, desire and vengeance. The concert, which will have projected supertitles, is punctuated with narrations from the stage by OTC’s artistic director Alan Mann.

Tuesday, March 27 The St. Lawrence String Quartet This acclaimed Canadian string quartet returns with a fresh format for the first half of the concert, called Haydn Discovery. Before Haydn, in string quartets the first violin was primary and the other three instruments were mostly accompaniment. Haydn was the inventor of the modern string quartet. Geoff Nuttall, first violinist and founding member of the quartet will explore a Haydn Quartet from various perspectives, and then the quartet will perform the work in its entirety.

Each performance is $50. For ticket info and a detailed brochure, contact the festival’s hotline at 239-344-7025 or visit the website www.sanibelmusicfestival.org. Tickets may be ordered online. Ticket order forms are available at Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, 2477 Library Way, on Sanibel Island.

Happenings Magazine

Rock On!

with the Gulf Coast Symphony March 25

Take a journey back to the LaKisha Jones is best known to millions rock and pop hits of the ‘70s of TV viewers as a top four finalist during the and ‘80s when the Gulf Coast 2007 season of American Idol. She segued Symphony presents “Rock On!” to the Broadway stage for The Color Purple, with three dynamic vocalists: then participated on Chaka Khan’s 35th Morgan James, LaKisha Jones Anniversary Tour. A frequent soloist with symand Dan Domenech. The conphonies around the world, Jones has percert will include music from formed with the National Symphony, San such rock and pop legends as Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony and Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Opera, Winnipeg Symphony, Evansville Houston, Madonna, Michael Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Jackson, Queen and many Minnesota Orchestra, Utah Symphony and more. Rock On! hits the Opera, and Colorado Symphony.

Barbara B. Mann Performing Dan Domenech is an American actor best Arts Hall stage on Sunday, known for his portrayal of Drew in the March 25 at 7 p.m.

Broadway theatre musical Rock of Ages, and Morgan James is a classias a recurring guest as Chase Madison on cally trained vocalist, Broadway season 4 of the television show, Glee. He Morgan James veteran, and recording and has also appeared in the pre-Broadway runs touring artist. She recently of Wonderland and Sister Act. His national toured Europe, Australia and the U.S. with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern and international tours include Rent and Rock of Ages, and he played Jukebox, and is featured in many of their videos. Her videos on Che in Evita. Mr. Domenech understudied and performed the role of YouTube have garnered 75 million views (and counting). In concert, Jason Dean in the off-Broadway production of Heathers, and played she appeared with the Colorado Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, the title role in a stage adaptation of Tarzan The Stage Musical at Philadelphia Orchestra, and with the Baltimore Symphony at Carnegie Meralco Theater.

Hall and the Kennedy Center. Her Broadway credits include four origiTickets for Rock On! start at $42 and may be purchased by calling nal casts: Motown: the Musical, the Broadway revival of Godspell, the Barbara B. Mann box office at 239-481-4849 or online at Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland, and The Addams Family. www.GulfCoastSymphony.org.

Rock Out Against Domestic Violence concert March 9

On Friday, March 9, the Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. will be hosting the “Rock Out Against Domestic Violence” concert, featuring Razing Cape from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

All proceeds will benefit Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT), which operates a 22bed safe shelter, as well as a number of safe, free, and confidential services for survivors of abuse.

Razing Cape, a professional band comprised of Cape Coral residents, specializes in playing classic rock song covers, including Journey, Foreigner, Guns N Roses, Boston, KISS, Van Halen, and The Cars.

“We are incredibly excited by the generosity afforded to us by Razing Cape and the City of Cape Coral,” shared Jennifer Benton, chief executive officer with ACT. “Raising awareness to support services for victims of domestic violence in Cape Coral is a priority. We could not accomplish this work without such meaningful partnerships.”

Tickets are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the door, and can be purchased by visiting www.actabuse.com.

The event will not only feature live music, but also more than $500 worth of raffle prizes, food, BYOB, and more.

36 - March 2018

The StepCrew performs at Shell Point March 22

Shell Point Retirement Community continues the performing arts program of its 2017-2018 Concert Series with a concert by dancing sensation, The StepCrew, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd. in Fort Myers.

The StepCrew will take audiences on a breathtaking journey, bringing together three styles of exhilarating dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, tap dance, and Irish step dance. Members of The StepCrew are champions in their respective art forms, and demonstrate the amazing ability to showcase the similarities and differences between these three captivating styles.

Virtuosic dancers and musicians from The Chieftains, Cherish the Ladies, and Bowfire round out a cast of outstanding talent. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers and are backed by a brilliant five-piece ensemble, comprised of some of the most renowned and respected musicians in the Celtic music industry today.

The event is open to the public, with tickets available for $35 online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Happenings Magazine

prings

in Bonita S

Come for the Food.

Stay for the Dancing!

TRIBUTE BANDS

Mar 1 - Neil Diamond tribute Mar 2 - Uptown Express Mar 3 - ABBA tribute Mar 4 - Connie Francis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline and Barry Manilow tribute Mar 5 - Roy Orbison, Elvis tribute Mar 6 - Billy Joel, Bob Seger, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute Mar 7 - Jersey Boys tribute Mar 8 - Eagles tribute Mar 9 - James Taylor, CSN, Simon & Garfunkel tribute Mar 10 - Fleetwood Mac tribute Mar 11 - Temptations, 4 Tops tribute Mar 12 - Bee Gees tribute Mar 13 - Irish dancers, bagpipes Mar 14 - Doobie Bros, America, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton tribute Mar 15 - Eagles tribute Mar 16 - Neil Diamond tribute

OPEN AT 10 AM FOR RESERVATIONS

Mar 17 - Uptown Express Mar 18 - Tina Turner, Blues Brothers tribute Mar 19 - Jimmy Buffett tribute Mar 20 - Beatles, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee, Everly Brothers tribute Mar 21 - Sinatra and Martin tribute Mar 22 - Beach Boys tribute Mar 23 - Jersey Boys tribute Mar 24 - Billy Joel, Bob Seger, Cher, Lady Gaga tribute Mar 25 - Rod Stewart tribute Mar 26 - Motown tribute Mar 27 - Rod Stewart, Patsy Cline, Celine Dion and Connie Francis tribute Mar 28 - ABBA tribute Mar 29 - Eagles tribute Mar 30 - James Taylor, CSN, Simon & Garfunkel tribute Mar 31 - Journey, Bon Jovi tribute

www.thestagebonita.com 239-405-8566 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs

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March 2018 - 37

ACMA: Woody Russell, Pat Donahue, Joe Jencks, Rough & Tumble

entertains fans with intricate fingerpicking, easy wit, and nimble interpretaThe Americana Community Music Association starts off the month with tions of old blues, swing, R&B and original tunes.

Songwriters at Sunset on March 1. Done in conjunction with the Friends of As the guitarist for the Guys All-Star Shoe Band of Minnesota Public Lovers Key, this show starts at 4:45 p.m. at Lovers Key State Park. Give Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion, Pat got to show off his savvy licks and yourself an extra 30 minutes to park and take the tram to the beach. The distinctive original songs to millions of listeners each week. His decade-long show is free, but parking is $8 a car. association with Garrison Keillor’s popular program The March 1 show features Annie Wenz, Robert Bidney led to some unusual gigs: There was the after-show and David Hintz. Annie Wenz has shared her songs and club date in Berlin, when Wynton Marsalis showed up stomped her dusty musical boots through 25 countries around to sit in with Pat and the Prairie Home band. Or playthe world … from festivals, rallies, street corners, schools and ing music on camera for the Prairie Home Companion arts centers, to refugee camps in Pakistan, spas in Malaysia, movie with director Robert Altman and stars Meryl ESPN videos, independent film & theater scores, and blaring Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, John C. Reilly, Woody speakers at major league ballparks. David Hintz’s songs folHarrelson and Tommy Lee Jones. low in the tradition of John Prine, Johnny Cash, Townes Van Honors include a 2005 Grammy for his participaZandt, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and many other legtion on Pink Guitar, a compilation of Henry Mancini endary folk artists. Robert Bidney is a strong, new voice on tunes on acoustic guitar, several Minnesota Music the indie album scene that’s been a long-time coming.

Awards, and the title of 1983 National Finger Picking Meanwhile at the ACMA’S normal location at All Faiths Guitar Champion. His original tunes have been Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort recorded by Chet Atkins, Suzy Bogguss and Kenny Myers, a Tom Petty tribute will take place on March 3. ACMA Rogers. members Glenn Sabatka & Ken Crosby will open the night Opening for Pat is blues playing ACMA Board with polar opposite original songs. Glenn Sabatka has been member Mike McMillan. Mike's work as one of our playing guitar and harmonica since the 1960s. Regardless of hard working board members is only surpassed by his the topic, Ken always nails the delivery of his music. Then, devotion to the blues...not only playing the blues but local artists will pay tribute to Tom Petty by performing their knowing the history of the songs. own interpretations from his catalog of songs.

Woody Russell The ACMA welcomes Joe Jencks on March 24.

On March 9, the ACMA welcomes the Woody Russell Trio. photo by Paul Safford Joe Jencks is an 18-year veteran of the international A critically acclaimed, award winning vocalist, guitarist and folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celecomposer, Woody Russell has released a body of recorded brated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his work that spans from the folk-rock infused songwriter fare of his first album, Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narAs Simple As That (1996) to the more recent and highly praised blues/soul ratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Having penned several #1 release of Up Against It (2010) and the pop-jazz shades of Delicious Days Folksongs including the ever-relevant Lady of The Harbor, Jencks is also (2013). A year in the making, his newest full length album, Carry It Up, co-founder of the harmony trio, Brother Sun. Blending well-crafted instrudelivers more jazz shaded compositions that orbits around themes of love, mentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone compassion, tolerance, respect and the quest for all of the aforementioned. voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel. Joe's newest Russell has always been a genre-blurring artist and the release of Carry Solo CD - Poets, Philosophers, Workers, & Wanderers was released in It Up is no exception to that rule. As a poet, a storyteller, he digs deep in to 2017. intimate narratives and is equally comfortable addressing a broader social Opening for Joe is the ACMA's own troubador Robert Bidney. He is a consciousness. An amalgam of contemporary jazz and classic R&B buzzes singer songwriter whose message is as strong as his melodies. His music is at the core of Carry It Up, shaded by a hint of rock and soul. His sophisticatrelatable and has a strong commercial sensibility. He has been writing ed compositions are supported by lyrics that mine the heart of the spiritual, songs for most of his life. To support his family, he worked in the advertising the romantic and the soul-searcher as they orbit around themes of love, world, but pursued his passion of writing songs with meaning. compassion, respect and the pursuit of each of the aforementioned.

The busy month concludes with March 31 Rough & Tumble performing Opening will be ACMA member Ralph Leeseberg. Ralph has been makon March 31. ing music for more than 50 years, but it has only In 2015, Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler quit their day been the last 20 that he has set intentions on posijobs, sold everything they owned, and gave their thirty day tive music. A little folksy, a little rootsy, a little notice on their rental house to trade in for a life permanently bluesy, a little bit of rock'n'roll. on the road. With their 16 foot camper and their 88 pound The ACMA’s Songwriters at the Library series dog, Butter, they have been touring nationwide. Don't let continues March 10 at 2 p.m. at South County their vagabond tendencies fool you -- this Americana-folk Regional Library located at 21100 Three Oaks duo are a compact team of close harmonies, versatile Parkway in Estero with Mike McMillan, Millie Van instrumentation, and deliberate songwriting all presented Horn and Melissa Welke. This is a free show of with a nudge of the elbow and a tongue in the cheek. local songwriters sharing original songs and the Haunting, quirky, solemn, and spritely, The Rough & Tumble stories behind the songs are for the faint of heart and the strong of will.

Mike McMillan got his first guitar as a teenager In 2011, the friends-turned-bandmates released their first and has been pursuing his musical dreams ever EP, We Sing in Your House When You're Not There... we since (in between jobs, four kids and several even ordered pizza., an exploration of watching other peodogs). After his first Doc Watson concert in the ple's dogs while eating other people's food. Shortly after, the 1970s, he was inspired to learn finger picking and duo released their second EP, We Don't Believe in then later, many blues songs.

Monsters, Anymore... but will you please check under our Millie Van Horn Has entertained at different beds? They released Cardboard and Christmas Lights in venues for the past 15 years since retiring to 2017, a seven-song EP compiling the earliest and latest Florida. She is self-taught piano and guitar and years of their career, creating a song-by-song education of playing piano by ear since the age of 3. Millie has Pat Donahue the less studied R&T fans. The Rough & Tumble announced written many poems and is now composing them photo by Stephen Houseworth that a new record is due in early 2018, titled We Made into original songs.

Ourselves a Home When We Didn't Know.

Melissa Welke has been singing and writing ACMA member Terry Lynn Melody opens the show. TerryLynn began her songs for several years. Performing at such venues as Blissfest Music musical performance career as a child in her hometown of New Bern, NC. Festival, Mackinaw City Outdoor Amphitheater, Boyne City Strolling the Guided by a need to find her voice as an artist, she began exploring songStreets, Harbor Springs Street Musique, Charlevoix Area Library Folk Music writing as a means to tell her story.

Series, Alliance of the Arts Farmers Market and numerous other private gigs.

The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for profit organization. Most concerts On March 17, the ACMA presents Pat Donahue at All Faiths Unitarian are held at All Faiths Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Congregation. Grammy-winning fingerpicker Pat Donohue’s devotion to Doors open at 6:30 p.m.,shows start at 7 pm. For more info, visit acoustic guitar has made him an American standard. A versatile guitarist’s www.americanacma.org guitarist, he plays it all with a flourish of artistry and melodic inspiration. Pat 38 - March 2018

Happenings Magazine

Celebrate Bernstein’s 100th with the Symphonic Chorale

The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida will present Leonard Bernstein at 100 in the chorale’s final self-produced concerts of the 2017-2018 season.

Join the chorale on Saturday, March 24 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road in Fort Myers, at 7 p.m. or Sunday, March 25 at Bower Chapel at Moorings Park, 130 Moorings Park Drive, in Naples at 4 p.m.

Leonard Bernstein would have been 100 years old in 2018 and was one of the most prodigiously talented musicians in American history. He is best known as the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic from 1958 to 1969, film scores for On the Waterfront and West Side Story, symphonies and choral works such as Chichester Psalms, which the Chorale will perform in Yiddish, with organ and harp accompaniment.

Dr. Trent Brown, artistic director and conductor of the chorale,

says, “Our performance celebrates the work of Bernstein, but also looks at the works that influenced him. When Bernstein conducted Haydn, Mozart, Stravinsky and Gershwin, his tastes developed. The chorale looks back to those influences, as well as pondering new directions after the legacy of Bernstein.“ Bernstein, as a composer, conductor, author, music lecturer and pianist, was one of the first American musicians to receive world-wide acclaim. The Symphonic Chorale is proud to celebrate his accomplishments and talent as they present many of his best-known compositions.

Both concerts of Leonard Bernstein at 100 will be presented free of charge by the chorale, although a good will donation taken at the concert is appreciated. Pre-register for seating is requested at www.symphonicchorale.org prior to the concert.

Call (239) 560-5695 for more information.

Irish Rovers in North Port March 14

Charlotte Players welcome The Irish Rovers to North Port on Wednesday, March 14. The international ambassadors of Irish music will be at the North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd., for a show starting at 7:30 p.m.

“We are very fortunate to be able to bring the Rovers to a local audience during their 2018 Unicorn Gold Anniversary Tour, which will be their last world tour,” said Sherrie Moody, the Charlotte Players executive director.

The one-night-only show Happenings Magazine

promises to deliver what the Belfast Telegraph calls “a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer – one that will soon have you singing and clapping along.”

Moody is expecting a sell-out and is advising fans to get their tickets early. Preferred seating in the center of the auditorium is $35 for adults and $19 for students, and regular seating is $30 and $18. Tickets are available at www.charlotteplayers.org, or by calling 941-255-1022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

March 2018 - 39

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

Brahms v. Radiohead March 4

The Southwest Florida Symphony, Lee ence and engage an excited new one. He curCounty’s only professional orchestra and rently holds the positions of creative director one of the oldest on Florida’s Gulf Coast, of FUSE at the Pittsburgh Symphony, music continues to present innovative programs— director of the mashup series at the Colorado this time, combining the work of German Music Festival and is the founder/creative Romantic era composer, Johannes Brahms director of his music brand Stereo Hideout. with the music of one of indie rock’s most Andrew Lipke is a Philadelphia based, iconic bands, Radiohead.

South African born multi-instrumentalist and On Sunday, March 4, the Southwest composer active in many different styles of Florida Symphony performs Brahms music. Bill Prokopow is many things - a comSymphony No. 1 combined with poser, pianist, vocalist, producer and visual Radiohead’s smash hit album, OK artist. His music has been heard on ABC’s Computer, conducted by The Goldbergs, in short films, and in concert composer/arranger Steve Hackman, whose halls and rock venues all across the U.S. popularity has soared on YouTube with a Keren Tayar’s two worlds of vocals and guitar Steve Hackman multitude of classical/contemporary playing collided during her studies at Berklee mashups.

College of Music. Her show-stopping performThis concert features Brahms Symphony ances garnered high praise in musical theatre, No. 1 in its original arrangement, but it is expertly layered with the and her love for folk, pop, rock and jazz opened avenues in the worlds music of Radiohead, featuring three vocalists, Andrew Lipke, Bill of songwriting and composition Prokopow and Kéren Tayar, all of whom have impressive careers in The performance happens at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall their own rite. at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost between $29 and $92 per person and may be Conductor, composer, arranger, producer and songwriter Steve purchased online at www.swflso.org, by visiting the Southwest Florida Hackman is increasingly in demand as one of the most compelling Symphony Box Office located at 8290 College Parkway, Suite 103 in artists contributing to a new landscape in hybrid music. Fluent in both Fort Myers, by calling the Symphony Box Office at (239) 418-1500 or classical and popular repertoire, he crafts and conducts virtuosic, at the door, one and a half hours prior to the concert. Barbara B. Mann cross-genre works and performances that intrigue the established audiPerforming Arts Hall is located at 13350 FSW Parkway in Fort Myers.

Maestro Nadler to conduct Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers in Haydn program

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers will present two major works in concerts this April in a program called, Nadler Conducts Haydn.

Conductor Emeritus of the Southwest Florida Symphony, Maestro Paul Nadler will lead the full Mastersingers chorus and the Mastersingers Festival Orchestra in performances on Friday, April 6 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral, at 7 p.m.; and on Sunday, April 8 at Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Drive, Naples, at 4 p.m. The program will open with Haydn’s Symphony #92, known as the Oxford Symphony. The second half will feature the Mass in Time of War, with the chorus and a

quartet of professional soloists joining the orchestra.

Both of the Haydn masterworks date from the final years of the 18th century. Symphony #92, one of the so-called London Symphonies, was actually written in Paris several years earlier. It became known as the Oxford Symphony when Haydn conducted an acclaimed performance of it upon receiving an honorary doctorate from Oxford University.

Scholars have said that the piece “defines the Classical era”.

The Mass in Time of War was composed in 1796, as Austria was mired in an ongoing war with Napoleon’s France. It is also called Paukenmesse (Kettledrum Mass) because of

its extensive use of timpani throughout. In this magnificent piece Haydn uses the timpani to great effect, as in the Agnus Dei, where the drums mimic the sound of far-off canons before the words Dona Nobis Pacem, grant us peace, close the work. Soprano Karin White, who performed with the Mastersingers last spring in the premiere of Dr. Jason Bahr’s Symphony No. 2, returns to sing the technically challenging solos in this piece. She will be joined by Tenor Matt Morgan and Bass Ed Pember.

Tickets are $25 for either performance, with a special $15 ticket price for students.

They are available on the Mastersingers website at www.mastersingersfm.com.

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Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com Happenings Magazine

Lehigh Spring Festival Veterans Park, Lehigh Acres March 9 - 17 Pageants BBQ Cook-Off Contests Horsehoe Tourn.

Live Music Craft Show Car Show Family Fun

Johnny Rogers

& His Legends of Country

March 17

Dani Dease

GRAND PARADE

March 10 @ 11 am

Nine Days of Great Entertainment including live music by local bands & others: Killa Watts March 9 Orquesta Classica March 11

The Collective March 15

Unforgiven March 10

Stage 2 Improv March 15

EL Smith Band March 14

Live N Learn March 16

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 Magazine

March 2018 - 41

Gulf Coast Symphony celebrates Bernstein at 100 on March 11

There is only one Leonard Bernstein, and the Gulf Coast Symphony will honor the prolific composer, conductor, musician, cultural ambassador, and humanitarian, with a celebratory performance, Bernstein at 100, on Sunday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. This performance is part of a world-wide celebration of the 100th birthday of Bernstein that includes centennial events around the world.

The Bernstein at 100 program includes the overture from Candide and “Make Our Garden Grow” from the same production, a choral suite from West Side Story, the overture to Wonderful Town, three dance episodes from On The Town, Celebrations from his Mass, and his Chichester Psalms. Joining the Gulf Coast Symphony are the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersinger led by artistic director Jeffrey Faux, and lyric baritone, Gabriel Preisser.

Maestro Andrew M. Kurtz will conduct the performance.

Gabriel Preisser is a 2016 League of American Orchestras Emerging Artist, who has been praised by Opera News for his “handsome voice, charismatic energy, and timbral allure.” His resume includes over 40 operatic and musical theater roles.

Tickets for Bernstein at 100 start at $29 and may be purchased online at GulfCoastSymphony.org or by calling the Barbara B. Mann box office at 239-481-4849.

Lee County Band concert March 11 The Lee County Community Band will present “The Music is Something Grand,” its fifth concert of the season, at 3 p.m. on March 11 at Cape Coral High School. The program is free (donations accepted) and open to the public.

The band is comprised of professional and amateur musicians from all walks of life who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties.

For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org 42 - March 2018

American Virtuosi concert wraps up chamber series

On Friday, March 30, experience worldclass chamber music from violinist Peter Winograd, violist Jim Griffith, cellist Andres Díaz and pianist Wendy Chen. Now in its 10th season, the American Virtuosi concert presents Southwest Florida with a memorable evening of chamber music.

This unique engagement will also include a performance by very special guest violinists Anton Miller and Rita Porfiris, and French horn player Ryan Little. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live classical music from some the world’s leading concert artists.

Each season, renowned chamber musicians perform in the outstanding first floor Grand Atrium.

In addition to the American Virtuosi Concert, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center also hosts the American Virtuosi Gala, an exquisite chamber performance featuring the Virtuosi ensemble and a fourcourse meal prepared

by G3 Catering. The American Virtuosi Gala is a fundraiser benefiting the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Eclectic Education programs. Take part in the American Virtuosi Concert on Friday, March 30 and the American Virtuosi Gala on Saturday, March 31.

For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.

Bernstein birthday concert March 17

Zora Quartet

Celebrate the 100th birthday of inspiring musician and composer Leonard Bernstein with “Happy Birthday, Bernstein.”

On Saturday, March 17, experience Bernstein’s music performed by Zora String Quartet, Jiacheng Xiong, and David Shifrin from the Curtis Institute of Music at the Sidney & Berne

Davis Art Center.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of the concert. The show is at 8 p.m., and cocktails start at 7 p.m. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For tickets, visit online at www.sbdac.com

Air Supply at Seminole Casino

Air Supply played to a sold out concert Jan. 26 at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Photos by Jamie Kuser

Happenings Magazine

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

Backstreets

SW FLORIDA

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

The Barrel Room

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

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Flame

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

7550 Mission Hills Drive suite 326, 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 Center Bar at The Promenade

26811 S. Bay Drive #128 Bonita Springs 239-325-3583

The Cottage

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

Hurricane Charley’s

Seminole Casino Hotel

Jacaranda

The Shell Factory

300 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda 941-639-9695 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 Tr #7 Bonita Springs 239-495-3800

Mike’s

17200 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers 239-454-8454

The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral 239-541-5600

Nervous Nellie’s 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077

Old Naples Pub

255 13th Avenue S., Naples • 239-649-8200

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

Dixie Roadhouse

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

Fathoms

Pete’s Time Out

1023 SE 47th Terrace Cape Coral 239-541-7900 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral 239-542-0123

2500 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3257 1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

Fishermen’s Village The Rhythm House 1200 W. Retta Esplan.

Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Hotel Indigo

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446 Happenings Magazine

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

506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007

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

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 239-344-6147

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 places to hear live music in Southwest Florida.

March 2018 - 43

IN CONCERT MAR. 1

Justin Moore

APR. 7

MAR. 2 & 3

APR. 12

High Valley

The Ranch Concert Hall

Germain Arena, Estero

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Tower of Power, Blackberry Smoke, Here Come the Mummies

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

APR. 13 Joe Diffie

Downtown Punta Gorda

The Ranch Concert Hall

MAR. 3

Oak Ridge Boys

Seminole Casino Hotel

MAR. 6

Ana Popovic

Tower of Power will play Funk Fest March 3 in Punta Gorda.

Aaron Neville

Artis–Naples

APR. 19

Sir MixALot

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

The Ranch Concert Hall

MAR. 7 Bodeans

SW Florida Event Center

The Texas Tenors

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

MAR. 9

The Irish Rovers

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

Collie Buddz

The Ranch Concert Hall

MAR. 9 & 10

Bonita Blues Fest Riverside Park

MAR. 10 Jeff Rupert

Six Bends Harley-Davidson

The Platters & The Coasters

Seminole Casino Hotel

Melissa Etheridge

SW Florida Event Center

Third World

Cape Coral Reggae Fest 44 - March 2018

Molly Hatchet Chris Botti

Celtic Woman

MAR. 8

SW Florida Event Center

APR. 16

Artis–Naples

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

Quiet Riot

Cape Coral Bike Night

SW Florida Event Center

Daughtry

APR. 14

APR. 20 Here Come the Mummies will perform March 3 at Funk Fest. For more on the two-day fest, visit www.funkfestpuntagorda.com

MAR. 11

Collin Raye

MAR. 23

Aaron Lewis

SW Florida Event Center

SW Florida Event Center

MAR. 14

The Ranch Concert Hall

MAR. 16

Lee Greenwood

Seminole Casino Hotel

MAR. 17

Righteous Brothers Artis–Naples

MAR. 19

Jason Mraz

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

MAR. 21

Three Dog Night

SW Florida Event Center Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Eric Paslay

The Ranch Concert Hall

Crystal Gayle

MAR. 24

Tony Orlando

Seminole Casino Hotel

Little Texas

SW Florida Event Center

Jonathan Butler

Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz

MAR. 25

Rick Springfield Artis–Naples

MAR. 30

Karla Bonoff

SW Florida Event Center

APR. 5

The Outlaws

The Ranch Concert Hall

Firefall, Orleans, John Ford Coley

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

APR. 21

Tracy Lawrence

The Ranch Concert Hall

APR. 22

Chris Tomlin Germain Arena

APR. 25 Yanni

B.B. Mann Hall at FSW

APR. 27 Colt Ford

The Ranch Concert Hall

David Foster Artis–Naples

MAY 5

Little Big Town Germain Arena

MAY 11

Marc Cohn

SW Florida Event Center

MAY 25

Billy Currington

The Ranch Concert Hall

Happenings Magazine

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

Eric Paslay - March 23

The Outlaws - April 5

Aaron Lewis, Eric Paslay & The Outlaws at The Ranch

The Sam Galloway Concert Series in conjunction with Gator Country 101.9 continues with more national artists at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers this spring.

Aaron Lewis returns to The Ranch on March 14. If it sounds like Aaron Lewis is long past defending his country music pedigree, that would be a correct assessment. Lewis would prefer the music speak for itself and, with the release of Sinner, Lewis’ stunning Dot Records follow-up to his groundbreaking full-length solo debut The Road in 2012, any would-be detractors will be pretty much out of ammo.

Lewis, however, is not. Sinner blasts through today’s country music doldrums like a shot of 100-proof whiskey, with the singer making zero compromises with either himself or the restrictions of a format that seems to have abandoned its rougher tendencies in favor of pop and ‘70s rock inclinations largely lacking in grit. “I’d like to think that Sinner is a newer take on classic, traditional outlaw country, Waylon and Merle and Willie, and Hank Jr. and Johnny Cash and all that stuff,” says Lewis. “That was the music I heard as a kid, and that’s the Country music that permeated my soul and stuck with me my whole life.” Tickets for Aaron Lewis start at $35.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes Eric Paslay back to The Ranch on March 23. EMI Records Nashville breakout country artist, Eric Paslay, delivers a powerful punch as a renowned, Platinum-selling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer.

Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), Aaron Lewis “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” Happenings Magazine

the smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The Temple, Texas native earned nominations for Grammy Best Country Song, ACM Song of the Year and CMA Song of The Year for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” in 2013 and earned his first Grammy nomination as an artist in 2016 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “The Driver”- a collaboration with friends Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley. Most recently he was honored with an ACM Song of the Year nomination for “She Don’t Love You” at the 2016 ACMs in Las Vegas. Tickets for Eric Paslay start at $20.

Other upcoming shows in the Sam Galloway Concert Series include The Outlaws on April 5, High Valley on April 7, Joe Diffie on April 13, Tracy Lawrence on April 21, Colt Ford on April 27 and Billy Currington on May 25.

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.

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.

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, - March 14 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

March 2018 - 45

Melissa Etheridge and Crystal Gayle SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EVENT CENTER

The Southwest Florida Event losing her hair from chemotheraCenter has lined up some great py, Etheridge appeared on the entertainment for 2018. The center 2005 Grammy telecast to sing offers a diverse lineup of high end “Piece of My Heart” in tribute to music of all genres, dinner shows Janis Joplin. By doing so she and performances featuring intergave hope to many women national, national and local artists. afflicted with the disease.

Located in Bonita Springs, the In 2016, Melissa Etheridge SWFL Event Center will welcome released Memphis Rock & Soul, several national artists in the comher first album since 2014’s critiing months such as Ana Popovic cally lauded This Is M.E. on March 6, BoDeans on March 8, Recorded at Royal Studios in Melissa Etheridge on March 10, Memphis, the album has Collin Raye on March 11, Three received stellar reviews from the Dog NIght on March 21, Crystal likes of Entertainment Weekly, Gayle on March 23, Little Texas Parade, Rolling Stone, American on March 24, Karla Bonoff on Songwriter and more. Guitar March 30, Quiet Riot on April 14, World raved “the album is a triMarc Cohn on May 11 and John umphant application of Waite on June 3.

Etheridge’s signature rasp and Melissa Etheridge stormed substantial guitar chops to this onto the American rock scene in classic genre,” while Edge 1988 with the release of her critiMedia Network declared Melissa cally acclaimed self-titled debut “is a singer who can fire it up Melissa Etheridge - March 10 album, which led to an appearlike Janis Joplin, touch the heart ance on the 1989 Grammy Awards like Elvis Presley and steam up show. For several years, her poputhe windows like her musical larity grew around such memorable originals as "Bring Me Some hero, Otis Redding.” The 12-track album features original material as Water," "No Souvenirs" and "Ain't It Heavy," for which she won a well as interpretations of classic songs from the legendary Stax cataGrammy® in 1992. Etheridge hit her commercial and artistic stride log, celebrating its artists and legacy and spotlighting the vital role with her fourth album, Yes I Am (1993). The collection featured the Stax Records played in the Civil Rights Movement. Engineered by massive hits, "I'm the Only One" and "Come to My Window," a searing Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, son of famed music producer Willie Mitchell, song of longing that brought Etheridge her second Grammy® Award the album and tour includes a number of top Memphis musicians, for Best Female Rock Performance. In 1995, Etheridge issued her including the Hodges Brothers. highest charting album, Your Little Secret, which was distinguished by Other shows include Glen Leonard: Hitsville Live on March 3, the hit single, "I Want to Come Over." Her astounding success that Rhythm in the Night: Irish Dance on March 4 and illusionist Rick year led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the Thomas on April 5.

ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996.

The center also has a diverse lineup of tribute artists: Stevie Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Wonder on March 9, Pink Floyd on March 16 and The Beach Boys on Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite female singer-songMarch 22 and Tool on April 21. writers for more than two The SW Florida Event Center is located at 11515 Bonita Beach decades. In 2007, Melissa Road SE. For tickets and info, call 239-245-9910 or visit Etheridge celebrated a career www.swfleventcenter.com milestone with a victory in the “Best Song” category at the Academy Awards for “I Need to Wake Up,” written for the Al Gore documentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth. As a performer and songwriter, Etheridge has shown herself to be an artist who has never allowed “inconvenient truths” to keep her down.

Earlier in her recording career, Etheridge acknowledged her sexual orientation when it was considered less than prudent to do so. In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, a health battle that, with her Crystal Gayle - March 23 Three Dog Night - March 21 typical tenacity, she won. Despite 46 - March 2018

Happenings Magazine

SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL IN IMMOKALEE

Oak Ridge Boys March 3

Tony Orlando on March 24

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents entertainment legend Tony Orlando live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m.

Orlando is one of America’s most endearing and enduring iconic stars. His performance at Seminole Casino Hotel is part of his tour of live concert shows across the nation as he celebrates more than five decades as a beloved entertainer.

A Grammy nominee, Orlando has sold millions of records, including five number one hits: “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree,” “Knock Three Times,” “Candida,” “My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You).” “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” was the number one Billboard song of 1973, became Orlando’s theme song, and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal.

Orlando has two Platinum albums, three Gold albums and 15 Top 40 hits. Tony Orlando and Dawn rank among the Top 100 Billboard Magazine artists of alltime. The enormously popular Tony Orlando and Dawn television variety show ran for four seasons, from 1973 to 1977, on CBS. The show catapulted Tony Orlando and Dawn from popular recording artists into major stars, and they were the first multi-racial singing group to star in a network television series.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $65 and are available at the casino, online at www.jaytv.com/florida, or by phone at 800-514-3849.

Attendees must be 21 years of age.

For more information call the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee at 800-218-0007.

Happenings Magazine

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with country music legends The Oak Ridge Boys live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

The performance is part of The Oak Ridge Boys’ Shine the Light Tour.

The Oak Ridge Boys’ sound is one of the most distinctive and recognizable in the music industry. The group’s four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have spawned dozens of country hits and a number one pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, The Oak Ridge Boys bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.

Their string of hits includes the country-pop chart-topper “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes,” “Fancy Free,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “Sail Away,” “It Takes A Little Rain” and many others.

One of country music’s truly legendary acts, The Oak Ridge Boys comprises lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall, and baritone William Lee Golden. They have become one of the most enduringly successful touring groups anywhere, still performing some 150 dates each year at major theaters, fairs and festivals across the United States and Canada.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $69 and are available at the casino, on www.jaytv.com or by calling 800-218-0007.

Attendees must be 21 years of age.

Lee Greenwood March 16

Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment & It$ Not Ober Yet Productions present country music icon Lee Greenwood in concert.

Greenwood will perform at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America.

The song has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times, giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. With seven Number One songs and 25 charted singles, Greenwood’s hits also include “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Ring On Her Finger Time On Her Hands,” “She’s Lyin,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose,” “Dixie Road,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going Going Gone,” “You Got A Good Love Comin,” “Fools Gold,” and “Morning Ride.”

His latest CD is “I Want to be in Your World,” for which he wrote three of the seven songs and plays saxophone on the original track, “Here Comes Love, There Goes My Heart.”

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com, at the casino or by phone at 800-514ETIX(3849).

March 2018 - 47

Jeff Rupert at Jazz on the Green March 10 Jazz on the Green, the popular Fort Myers music festival, will be resurrected on Saturday, March 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Six Bends and offer three notable music ensembles to raise money for Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Presented by Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL, Jazz on the Green at Six Bends offers more than music.

Guests may enjoy gourmet food, drinks, giveaways and dancing on the lawn for this allwhite-attire event. The fundraising goal for this concert is to enable one wish each to be granted through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to two local children with critical illnesses.

VIP guests can indulge in a true concierge experience, including complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres plus cocktails, an embroidered lawn blanket and VIP seating in front of the stage with room to dance.

Get your VIP tickets now at www.jazzonthegreenatsixbends.eventbrite.com.

World-renowned saxophonist Jeff Rupert with his quintet will be the evening’s headline act. Rupert has performed or recorded with Diane Schuur, Mel Tormé, Kevin Mahogany, Sam Rivers, Maynard Ferguson, Ernestine

Anderson, Benny Carter’s Grammy-winning Harlem Renaissance and composed and arranged for many artists. He is director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida and founder of Flying Horse Records.

While the crowd sways to the jazz dressed in their brightest whites, Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers will display more than a dozen allwhite vehicles lining Six Bends’ Thunder Plaza. Every ticket purchaser will automatically be entered to win one of two one-week rentals of either a Jaguar or Land Rover.

In addition to presenting sponsor Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property SWFL, sponsors include Henderson, Franklin, Starnes and Holt, PA; Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers; Marine Max Fort Myers; CONRIC PR & Marketing; and Dwayne Bergmann Interiors. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. For more information on sponsorship availability, call 844-749-2363.

Top Rocker Management provides event venue leasing at Six Bends’ Top Rocker Field and Thunder Plaza, as well as event management services for a variety of organizations.

For rental space availability,, contact 844-7492363.

Bonita Blues Festival March 9 & 10

Little Freddie King

photo by Michael Kurgansky

48 - March 2018

The Bonita Blues Festival, presented

by Suncoast Credit Union, is a two-day charitable event being held on Friday, March 9, gates opening at 1 p.m. and Saturday, March 10, gates opening at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs.

Both days will feature award winning blues music from around the country and a wide variety of food and other vendors.

Friday will include “happy hour” prices on beer and wine from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be an after-party beginning at 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at Maria’s Restaurant (you must have an event bracelet to get in).

The artists performing this year include the 2010 Louisiana Hall of Fame Legend Little Freddie King, 2018 Blues Music Award Nominee Karen Lovely & Friends featuring 2017 Emerging Artist Blues Music Award Winner John “Del Toro” Richardson and 2015 Blues Music Award Winner (Best Guitarist) Ben Rice.

Also performing are Illinois Powerhouse Hurricane Ruth with Scott Holt who played with Buddy Guy for years, California Rocker Harlis Sweetwater Band, 2018 Blues Music Award Nominee (Best Emerging Artist) Altered Five Blues Band, the 2015 Robert Johnson Rising Star Award by R&B Hall

of Fame Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, 2017 International Blues Challenge finalist Rae Gordon Band, 2018 Blues Music Award nominee (Koko Taylor Award) Annika Chambers, 2018 International Blues Challenge winner (Best Self Produced CD) Jontavious Willis and Country Royalty, 2015 International Blues Challenge winner (Best Guitarist) Noah Wotherspoon and 2015 Blues411 “Jimi” Award nominee Mark Telesca.

Proceeds of the Bonita Blues Festival will benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, Music for Minors Foundation, Inc., providing musical instruments to local youth and The Music Therapy Program at the Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Tickets to the festival are just $60 in advance for a weekend pass. Ticket prices at the gate are $40 for Friday, $45 for Saturday and $70 for the weekend.

Buy your weekend passes now and save.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bonitablues.com.

Advanced sale weekend passes are also available at Buffalo Chips Restaurant in downtown Bonita Springs.

On Sunday, March 11, the Bonita Blues Charitable Foundation will host a Blues and Bloodys music beginning at noon at the Center Bar in The Promenade at Bonita Bay. Happenings Magazine

Jonathan Butler at Sounds of Jazz & Blues

The annual Cape Coral Sounds of Jazz and Blues is set for March 24 at Tarpon Point Marina Village.

Jonathan Butler headlines the festival, and he is expected to take the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Other performers include Betty Fox (from 7 - 8 p.m.) and opener Ella Jet & The Future Soul (from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.).

Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist known for R&B and jazz fusion. He began his singing career at age 7, releasing his first album in 1973 and winning the Best New Artist Grammy in South Africa the following year at age 12. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records in 1975 as he became a teenager. He received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.” His genre-busting material earned songwriter’s awards and received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats: pop, urban,

contemporary jazz, adult contemporary and gospel.

The Sounds of Jazz and Blues is the premier musical event in Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department is proud to bring some of the best talents for a night of musical magic, food, and fun. Join in the citywide celebration of jazz and blues music. Gates open at 5 p.m. Dinner is available from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tickets are now available to purchase at the following locations: Brent's Music & Sound in Fort Myers, Achieva Credit UnionCape Coral Branches, The Shops at Tarpon Point Marina and Cape Coral City Hall Parks & Recreation, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.

General admission is $20 in advance or $25 day of show. A Jazz Experience ticket is $40 in advance and $40 day of show. VIP is $75 in advance.

For more information on tickets, call (239) 573-3128 or purchase online at www.capeconcerts.com.

70s Rock & Romance Cruise unveils its 2019 artist lineup Foreigner • Boz Scaggs • Little River Band • The Orchestra Orleans • Leo Sayer • Gino Vannelli • Firefall • Exile

StarVista Live has announced the stellar lineup of entertainment for next year’s 70s Rock and Romance Cruise on board Celebrity Infinity and sailing March 25 - 30, 2019, from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and Cococay.

Enjoy a star-studded vacation with unparalleled access to legendary stars from the feel good ‘70s. See them during the nightly performances, enjoy celebrity-led activities, attend Q&As and run into your favorites all week long during meals, poolside relaxing, drinks at the bar and more.

Happenings Magazine

Foreigner

Artists scheduled to perform on board the ship include Foreigner, Boz Scaggs, Little River Band, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO, Orleans, Leo Sayer, Gino Vannelli, Firefall, Exile and more.

StarVista LIVE promises to provide you with a unique entertainment experience, bringing you together with a com-

Little River Band munity of like-minded enthusiasts to relive favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars you love. The 2018 cruise sold out months ahead of time.

Happenings Magazine has again teamed up with Star Vista Live and is offering special savings on cabins for our magazine readers.

The 2019 Rock and Romance Cruise goes on sale March 15.

To book your cruise and save hundreds on your cabin, call 844-466-7625 or go to www.rockandromancecruise.com and use the promo code HAPPENINGS. March 2018 - 49

THU -1 Doo Wop and Rock & Roll Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 50th Pioneer Park Days Through March 3 Corner Hwy 64 & 17, Zolfo Springs www.PioneerParkDays.com Always A Bridesmaid Through March 4 Firehouse Theatre, 241 N. Bridge St., LaBelle 863-675-3066 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park,2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m.

239-540-8454 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Justin Moore & Dylan Scott Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, Doors will open at 6 p.m. 239-948-7825 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Rise Up, O Men Through April 29 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, 239-278-4422 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Marissa Gonzalez Junior Saxophone & John Visgaitis Junior Clarinet Recitals U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 50 - March 2018

MARCH CALENDAR J.M. and the Sweets Mercato 9132 Strada Pl, Naples 6 - 9 p.m. 239-254-1080 A Doll’s House

by Henrik Ibsen March 1-3 & 8-10 at 8 p.m.

March 4 & 11 at 2 p.m Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-939-2787 Songwriters at Sunset Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, Featuring local musicians Annie Wenz, David Hintz, and Robert Bidney. Beach BBQ starts at 3:45 p.m. Concert starts at 4:45 p.m. 239-463-4588 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days & Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

FRI -2 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Art Focus exhibit Through March 29 Cape Coral Arts Studio, 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, Reception March 3 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. festival 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. and Bruce & Tiki D, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Iconic Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-267-5107 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest March 2 - 3 Quail West Golf & Country Club, 5950 Burnham Rd, Naples www.swflwinefest.org Rhythm on the River Danny Morgan Band Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, $20. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

239-334-7419 www.edisonfordwinterestates.org Seminole Shootout Battle Reenactments and a 5Star Professional Rodeo March 2 - 3 Various locations in Immokalee, Includes Concert, Alligator Wrestling, Live Music, Craft and Food Vendors, battle reenactments, rodeo, concert and all other activities, $25, www.seminoleshootout.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Reception for exhibits featuring artists Jan Ellen Atkielski and Rachel Moorman, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk.

239-337-5050 London Amara Exhibit Through March 27 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 239-333-1933 Funk Fest 9 March 2 -3 City Marketplace, 115 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, Friday features Blackberry Smoke, Wild Adriatic, Band of Heathens, Voo Doo Visionary, and The Joe Marcinek Band.

Saturday features Tower of Power, Here Come the Mummies, Soul Rebels, Broccoli Samurai, Voo Doo Visionary, Resinated, The Joe Marcinek Band.

941-347-7061 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero The Ex-Bachelors, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

Paula Poundstone Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Late Nite Catechism BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paul DesLauriers Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Jory Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Naples City Live Music Festival Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, Music from Kids, William McCarthy and Have Gun Will Travel, 6 p.m.

239-263-8383 www.nclfestival.com

SAT -3 Art in the Park 585 Park St, Naples 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

239-262-6517 Rocky Trop/Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 1 - 4 p.m./7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Sanibel Music Festival: The Boston Trio Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025 Grand Cayman and The Caribbean exhibit Phil Fisher Gallery & Guess-Fisher Gallery 810 12th Ave. S., Naples 6 to 9 p.m., artists Jan Ellen Atkielski, Nolen Fisher, Phil Fisher, Robert Graham & Natalie Guess.

Guess-FisherGallery.com

Brandon Robertson Duo Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 ACMA concert: Tom Petty tribute All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m.. www.americanacma.org ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Slide Guitar Champion Kraig Kenning, noon-4 p.m. & Michael Hirst, 5-9 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 Sean Chambers Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Mustang Car Show Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-334-7419 www.edisonfordwinterestates.org Naples Craft Beer Fest 436 Bayfront Place, Naples Noon – 4 p.m. naplescraftbeerfest.com The Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 The Martha Graham Dance Company Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Ghostbird Theatre: 24 Hour Festival March 3 - March 4 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 239-333-1933 BIG ARTS Band Concert BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 7 p.m. 239-395-0900 Happenings Magazine

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

SW Florida Symphony Brahms v. Radiohead Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Artist Studio Tour Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

239-939-2787

Krautz & Krautz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239540-8454

SWF Florida Symphony Masterworks IV: Romantic and Beyond Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Bonita Springs National Art Festival March 3 - 4 Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs www.artcenterbonita.org

Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Connie Francis, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline & Barry Manilow tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Yekwon Sunwood will perform March 6 at the annual Sanibel Music Festival.

Visit www.sanibelmusicfestival.org for tickets.

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Bruce & Tiki D, noon-3p.m. & The Band Anastazja perform 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Sanibel Music Festival: Yekwon Sunwoo, Piano Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025

Naples Big Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-3240

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

Jodie DeSalvo Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 7 p.m.

239-597-1900

Aaron Neville Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 8 p.m.

239-597-1900

109 Years of Broadway Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

239-597-1900

Roy Orbison & Elvis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

The Oak Ridge Boys Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, 8 p.m., www.jaytv.com or 800-218-0007

Haydn and Mozart Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 3 p.m.

239-597-1900

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Paul Nagel, noon – 3 p.m. and Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 Jodie DeSalvo Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

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

Island Jazz BIG ARTS Boler Garden 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 3 p.m. 239-395-0900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live Music featuring Tiki Tom and LA Daniels 2-6 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

TUE -6 Celtic Woman

Charlotte Chorale presents: "Gabrieli to Gershwin" Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda, 4 p.m.

941-204-0033 Rockin' & Reelin' on the River Seafood Fest March 3 - 4 Downtown Punta Gorda Live music each day plus fishing demonstrations, vendors, and the finest in local seafood 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

941-206-1188

Cape Coral Irish Festival March 3 & 4 German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral www.capecoralirishamericanclub.org

SUN -4 Art in Bloom Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Floral designers from the Lee County Garden Council will be paired with paintings. 1-4 p.m.

239-334-7419 www.edisonfordwinterestates.org Happenings Magazine

Naples Concert Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 513-582-4031

MON -5 The Hit Men Artis-Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 8 p.m. 239-5971900 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Harbour View Gallery artists reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, Artists Quinn Sedam, Sandy O’Grady, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Haydn and Mozart Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-597-1900

Sunset Celebration Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, Come celebrate the beauty of our SW Florida Sunsets while listening to live music on the beach.

4 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0806 St. Ann Latino Art Auction Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples 6 p.m. www.SALCAA.org David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. and The Band Anastazja, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Billy Joel, Bob Seger, Cher & Lady Gaga tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

The Naples Players The Music Man Through April 8 Blackburn Hall, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples 7:30 p.m. 239-263-7990

Ana Popovic SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910

ArtPoems 2018 Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 7 p.m.

239-939-2787

WED -7 March Madness & Class Act exhibits Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 5 – 7 p.m. reception 239-772-5657

Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

March 2018 - 51

MARCH CALENDAR WED - 7 continued SW Florida Symphony BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Small Stage SymphoniesFrom Copland to Classics featuring Cassie Drake, Prescott Awards winner.

7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 Daughtry Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Gianna The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Art Walks the Runway March 8 - 10 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 239-333-1933

Russell Trio All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org

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

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

Tropical Beach Party Lovers Key State Park 8700 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, $50 person.

5:30 p.m. 513-503-8750

Art Alive Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours 5 – 8 p.m. 239-289-5070, www.NaplesArtDistrict.com

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

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Dames at Sea Through April 7 BIG ARTS Strauss Theater 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 239-472-6862 Art Council reception Co-Op Art Gallery at Coconut Point, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero, 4 - 6 p.m., 239-949-3073 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, George Voss, noon-3 p.m.near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Cafe & Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 52 - March 2018

FRI - 9 ACMA concert: Woody

Shake, Rattle & Roll The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Dolphin Room, 5:30 p.m., 239-995-2141

Dancing with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Dolphin Room, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141

THU -8 The Texas Tenors

Hector Anchondo Band, Betty Fox Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Copland to the Classics The Village Church Auditorium-Shell Point 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers, Conducted by Maestro Nir Kabaretti, this concert features one of Mozart’s better-known early symphonies, No. 29 in A Major. 7:30 p.m.

239-454-2067 BoDeans SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910 We are Rockin and Rolling South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Dave Kilbride performs 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 British Invasion and Music of 60s, 70s & Beyond Cultural Center Theater, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. 7 p.m. $20 www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221

16th Annual Spring Bazaar March 9 - 11 Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, March 9 & 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and March 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 941-625-4175 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esp., Punta Gorda, Singer Rick Rock Rice, noon-3 p.m. and Al & The Hot Flashes, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Sister Act Through March 18 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-772-5862 The Irish Rovers Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 Through March 31 The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers, 239-218-0481 Shotgun Wedding BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Featuring former members of Billy Joel’s band. 8 p.m.

239-395-0900

Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 8 pm. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com 32nd Annual Juried All Florida Exhibit March 9 - 29 Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Opening reception: March 9 from 5 – 7 p.m. 239-939-2787 Say and Saint-Saëns March 9-10 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Bonita Blues Festival March 9 & 10 Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs www.bonitablues.com Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Little Eddie & the Fat Fingers Gulf Coast Town Center, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-267-5107 The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Lehigh Spring Festival Through March 17 Veterans Park, Lehigh Acres Nine days of family friendly entertainment and activities lehighspringfestival.com Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Enjoy the sounds of Rockin Horse, featuring classic rock, party, and variety favorites. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 Lucky Buzzards The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com James Taylor, CSN, Simon & Garfunkel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Florida Camera Club Council Conference Through March 11 Sugden Hall and Cohen Hall, FGCU, Fort Myers 239-227-7884 Rock Out Against Violence Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral, Concert by Razing Cape to benefit Abuse Counseling and Treatment 7 - 11 p.m. www.actabuse.com

SAT - 10 SoCo Second Saturday Art Crawl Colonial and McGregor Blvds, Ft Myers Features scheduled performances, talks, short plays, open houses, artist demonstrations, gallery openings, wine tastings and other activities. 6 - 10 p.m. www.SoCoSWFL.com Art After Dark Phil Fisher Gallery and Guess-Fisher Gallery along with the Galleries of Crayton Cove are hosting Art After Dark from 6 to 9 p.m., a group of galleries representing professional artists in our community in Old Naples, by the Bay, all within a oneblock walk, where 8th St S & 12th Ave S meet. www.GalleriesOf CraytonCove.com Sanibel Music Festival: The Jasper/Jupiter String Octet Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025 Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 David Hammel exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd, ste 84, Fort Myers, 5 p.m.

239-590-8645 Brandon Robertson Duo Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225.

Happenings Magazine

Del Prados The Shell Factory 2787 N Tamiami Trl., North Fort Myers, 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. music starts- In the Dolphin Room, $9 at the door. Call for reservations.

239-995-3999 Rocky Trop/Ragady Lapsey Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 1 - 4 p.m./7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Randy Stephens & the Groove Makers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Gulfshore Opera: Rigoletto Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 7:30 p.m., 941625-4175 x221 www.theculturalcenter.com Fort Myers Bike Night Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. Free to the public with many venues featuring specials. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com 15th Annual Celebrate Estero Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, 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. near the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766 ACMA Songwriters at the Library South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Bring a chair or blanket and join us for some great music. During inclement weather, outdoor concerts will be moved inside to the Meeting Room. 2 p.m.

239-479-4636

Sullivan Street Craft Festival March 10-11 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

813-962-0388 Jazz on the Green Six Bends, 9501 Thunder Rd, Fort Myers, 5 - 9 p.m. www.eventbrite.com Road Show Company Jane Seymour Art Show March 10 - 11 Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, Naples, 239-254-1080 Cape Coral Animal Shelter 60s Decade Fundraiser Wicked Dolphin Distillery 131 SW 3rd St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m. www.capecoralanimalshelter.com Annual Classic Car Show First Congregational Church 312 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. t239 652-0720.

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

239-776-8002 A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein Concert Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples, 7:30 p.m. www.operanaples.org The Platters and The Coasters Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S 1st St, 8 p.m. www.jaytv.com 800-514-ETIX (3849) Tropical Polynesian Show Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, $25 in advance, $35 at the door. 7 p.m.

239-549-4606 Home & Garden Show March 10 - 11 Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, 239-948-7825

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom and LA Daniels, noon-4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival March 10-11 Lynn Hall Park, Fort Myers Beach www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

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

Melissa Etheridge SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910

Happenings Magazine

The National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Fleetwood Mac tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Cape Coral Reggae Fest Dixie Roadhouse, 1023 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, 239-541-7900 Cattle Drive and Jamboree Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave. W 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.colliermuseums.com

SUN - 11 Gulf Coast Symphony: Bernstein At 100 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers 7 p.m. Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers 239-481-4849 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 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 & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Blues & Bloody Sundays Concert The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Noon - 7 pm www.thecenterbar.com Big Band Swing & Jazz with Sarasota Jazz Project Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 3 p.m. www.theculturalcenter.com Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Michael Hirst performs 1 - 5 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Heron’s Glen Fine Art Show Heron’s Glen, Golf & Country Club, US 41, North Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.heronsglenartistgroup.com

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

Naples Jazz Society Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-263-1113

Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Say and Shostakovich Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 3 p.m.

239-597-1900 From Jazz to Broadway Covenant Church of Naples, 6926 Trail Blvd. in Naples, 7 p.m. 239-495-1954.

Collin Raye SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910 Island Jazz BIG ARTS Boler Garden 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 3 p.m. 239-395-0900 Taste of Love The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers The annual food and wine extravaganza, 5 to 9 p.m. $100 per person www.specialequestrians.net or 239-851-7070 Temptations, 4 Tops tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Lee County Community Band Cape Coral High School 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, 3 p.m., free www.leecountyband.org SWFL Big Band Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero 3 to 5 p.m. near Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766 The Piano Man March 11 - 12 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Billy Joel & Elton John tribute, 239-278-4422

MON - 12 Stardust Memories Big Band outdoor concert Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 p.m. 412-721-1914

Big Band Jazz Night Dave Pruyn & The Jazz Legacy Big Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, $20. 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 x221 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Island Sounds of Jimmy G, noon-3 p.m. and the band Anastazja, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 Bee Gees tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

TUE - 13 Motown The Musical March 13-18 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road Bonita Springs, 7 p.m. www.stardustmemories bigband.com Sanibel Music Festival: Olga Kern & Vladik Kern, Piano Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025 Eric Malibu Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Gulfshore Opera's Rigoletto St. Leo Parish Life Center 28290 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs, 7 p.m. www.gulfshoreopera.org

March 2018 - 53

MARCH CALENDAR TUE - 13 continued

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Island Sounds of Jimmy G, noon – 3 p.m., Bruce & Tiki D, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Miami City Ballet Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 8 p.m.

239-597-1900 Irish dancers and bagpipes The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

WED - 14 Please Don’t Eat the Art March 14 – April 28 BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 239-395-0900 Art and Nature Night Shangri-La Springs, Old 41 Road, Bonita Exhibit featuring artist Carol McArdle, 6 - 9 p.m.

239-949-0749 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Patrick Jerome Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dancing with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Dolphin Room, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141 Wolfhound’s St. Patrick Day Celebration Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 www.theculturalcenter.com Aaron Lewis The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, 239-985-9839 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. at Good ‘Ole Days Coffee and 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 54 - March 2018

All That Jazz Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 TheatreZone: Eat, Drink & Be Broadway G & L Theatre, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples, 6 p.m.

239-424-9500 Please Touch the Art March 14 – April 28 BIG ARTS Founders Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 239-395-0900 Gianna The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Doobie Brothers, America, Steely Dan & Eric Clapton tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Irish Rovers North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd.

7:30 p.m. 941-255-1022

David Rojas Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café and Island noon-3 p.m. & Express Trio, 5-8 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Alive After Five Downtown Punta Gorda 5 to 8 p.m. 941-391-4856 Dan Welden on The Inspiration of the Artist U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, This lecture is free and open to the public. 5 p.m. 239-745-4268 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyers riverdistrictalliance.com Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Hester Prynn, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza 239-948-3766 Namaste Music & Arts Festival The riverfront basin on Hendry Street in downtown Fort Myers, Music and arts event hosted by Namaste Music, Arts, Wellness, & Education. 8 p.m.- midnight. www.fortmyersriver districtalliance.com All Star Platters Revue featuring former Platters: Verceal Whitaker, Al Holland & Kenn Johnson Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 Luis Mata Junior Vocal Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, free.

5 p.m. 239-745-4268

3rd Street South, Naples 5 p.m. 239-649-6707

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

Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Bike Night The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 6 - 10 p.m., 239-995-2141

Audra McDonald Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900

Barb Hosack exhibit Lorne’s Gallery, Marina Village at Tarpon Point, Cape Coral, 5 p.m. during the monthly Sundown Stroll 239-945-0866

Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Lee Greenwood Seminole Casino Hotel 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 8 p.m., .800-514-ETIX(3849).

THU - 15 Third Thursdays on 3rd

Little Bit Country Little Bit Rock & Roll - Jimmy Mazz Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 Alex Richardson, tenor and Michael Baron, piano Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, $10 general public, $7 students, 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma

FRI - 16 Anthony Gomes The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Pink Floyd tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910

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

Recycled Percussion BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 7:30 p.m. 239-395-0900 The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Paul Nagel, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Jory Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Neil Diamond tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

SAT - 17 Spirit of the Gulf: Shamrocks and Harmony Magic First Christian Church, 2064 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 2 p.m. www.spiritofthegulf.com Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brandon Robertson Duo Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esp., Punta Gorda, Music by Paul Cottrell, Dave Heveron, Jim Garee, Mark Fitzpatrick, Eddie Dillon, Lee County Pipes & Drums. Noon – 9 p.m. 941-575-3007 Art Alive Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 239-289-5070, www.NaplesArtDistrict.com ACMA concert: Pat Donahue All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org St. Patty's Day Celebration The Shell Factory and Nature Park, 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

239-995-2141 Happenings Magazine

An Evening with Jason Mraz, Solo Acoustic Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association Monthly Show Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, 1 p.m.

941-625-4175

Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Shamrock Sock Hop! The Goldtones Cultural Center Ballroom 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, $15, 7 p.m.

941-625-4175

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Vini Contreas, noon – 3 p.m. & Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007

A History of the 1950s and 60s through Popular Song Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral Marc Black will guide listeners on a musical tour.

1 p.m. 239-479-4636 The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239463-5900

Rich Lancaster Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers welcomes The StepCrew March 22 at The Village Church. For tickets, call 239-454-2067.

Peace River National Art Festival March 17 & 18 Laishley Park, Punta Gorda.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.VisualArtCenter.org 941-639-8810

Junior Flute Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, free.

7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268

Happy Birthday, Bernstein Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-333-1933

Lissette Garcia Junior Euphonium Recital U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, free 8:15 p.m. 239-745-4268

The Righteous Brothers Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 St. Patrick’s Day on the Rooftop Hotel Indigo, 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers Music by Tribal Love, 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

239-337-3446 St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Naples, 701 Fifth Avenue S. in Naples 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

239-692-5545 Jory Lyle The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 1 - 4 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Uptown Express The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Erin Gulseth Happenings Magazine

Albert Castiglia Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Donnacha The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 8 - 11 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m.

239-540-8454 St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Downtown Fort Myers Noon - 10 p.m., music by The Echo, Iconic and The Electric Mud www.fortmyersriver districtalliance.com

SUN - 18 Island Jazz BIG ARTS Boler Garden 3 p.m. 239-395-0900 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Paul Roush, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Tina Turner, Blues Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Musical Favorites South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Fort Myers. SW FL Concert Band, Brass Monkeys & Kathryn Engle. 2 p.m. www.SWFLConcertBand.org Americana: Jo Smith The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 5 - 8 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chamber Choir Concert Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples, 4 p.m. free. 4 p.m.

239-745-4268 5 Painters & A Potter The Clay Place, 1555 Shadowlawn Dr., Naples 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.NaplesClayPlace.com Gulf Coast Big Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-877-6090 Bluegrass Music Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 2 - 5 p.m.

239-939-2787

MON - 19 Jimmy Buffett tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

TUE - 20 Get The Led Out Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Eric Malibu Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dedo exhibit Cilantro’ Restaurant, 2705 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, 5 - 8 p.m.

941-258-4920 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Vini Contreas, noon-3 p.m. and Island Sounds of Jimmy G, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 My Sinatra Starring Cary Hoffman March 20-21 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

The Golden Age of Broadway March 20-24 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 March 2018 - 55

MARCH CALENDAR TUE - 20 continued

FGCU Alumni Exhibition March 20 - April 26 FineMark National Bank & Trust, Estero, 10010 Coconut Point Rd., Bonita Springs Reception March 20 5:30 7:30 p.m. 239-590-7199 Sanibel Music Festival: Tribute to Leonard Bernstein Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025 Beatles, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee, Everly Brothers tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

WED - 21 Sinatra & Martin tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Fort Myers Film Festival Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Vini Contreas, noon-3 p.m., Center Court, Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. at Good ‘Ole Days Coffee and 4-7 p.m. in Center Court. 941-575-3007 Three Dog Night SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910 Dancing with Jerry Dycke The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Dolphin Room, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

56 - March 2018

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

Grounded by George Brant March 22 - 25 Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-939-2787

Cabaret Through April 11 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay St, Fort Myers 239-332-4488

THU - 22 Where The Action Is

Phil Dirt & the Dozers Beach Boys tribute SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-481-4849 Rocky Trop Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Del Prados The Shell Factory 2787 N Tamiami Trl., North Fort Myers, 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. music, Dolphin Room, $9. 239-995-3999 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m.near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café, Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Vini Contreas, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 20th Annual Student Juried Exhibition awards ceremony and opening reception Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, 5 p.m.

239-590-7199 Beaux Arts Chamber Music Ying String Quartet Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Ave., Naples 7:30 p.m. www.operanaples.org Fort Myers Film Festival March 22 -25 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 239-333-1933

Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts: The King Guys Propeller Lounge, Fish-Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 7 - 9 p.m. 239-463-3600 The StepCrew The Village Church Auditorium, Shell Point 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m.

239-454-2067 Writers Read BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Part poetry slam, part nostalgia trip, part funny and heart-wrenching stories, Writers Read is a unique experience for the ear.

239-395-0900 NestFest: A Boogie wit da Hoodie & Hoodie Allen Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Grounded by George Brant March 22 – 25 Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-939-2787 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Beach Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

FRI - 23 Hotel California BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel 8 p.m. 239-395-0900 Eric Paslay The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, 239-985-9839

Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Cindy Miller March 23 - 25 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Moonlight Serenade Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, A delightful evening of dancing to Big Band tunes by Charlotte High School Blue & Gold Jazz Bands. 6:30 p.m.

941-575-5450 ext 1120 20th Annual Student Juried Exhibition March 23 - April 5 Wasmer Art Gallery, Arts Complex, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers 239-590-7199 ABBA Salutely 70s The Norris Community Center, 755 8th Ave S., Naples, 7:30 p.m.

239-213-3058 The Phat Pack Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

239-597-1900 The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Enjoy the sounds of The Electric Mud, featuring funky Rock N’ Roll sounds. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Vini Contreas, noon-3 p.m. by Coffee Cafe, Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. & Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Perennial Film Festival Through March 25 Punta Gorda Historical Building, 119 Sullivan St. 727-798-1101 www.perennialfilm festival.com Joel DaSilva Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Lucky Buzzards The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Crystal Gayle SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910 Jersey Boys tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

SAT - 24 Rodney Carrington Live Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Legends Famous Faces tribute Englewood Event Center, 3069 S. McCall Road Action packed, Vegas style show featuring the Funk Monster Orchestra, 4 & 7:30 p.m. 813-494-9644 www.funkmonsterband.com Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brandon Robertson Duo Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Happenings Magazine

MARCH CALENDAR Sat - 24 continued

Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida Leonard Bernstein at 100 New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. www.symphonic chorale.org Sanibel Music Festival: Opera Theater of Connecticut Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025 Opera Workshop Performance U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, $10 for general public, $7 for students, 7:30 p.m. www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma 239-745-4268 Bonita Springs Art Festival March 24 & 25 The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26795 South Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. 239-293-9448 www.boulderbrook.net Little Texas SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910 We are Rocking and Rolling South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero David Hunter performs. 2 p.m. 239-479-4636 ACMA concert: Joe Jencks All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org The Nouveaux Honkies The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Multimedia exhibit Primavera March 24 - April 26 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St in Punta Gorda www.VisualArtCenter.org Naples Concert Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 513-582-4031 58 - March 2018

Copper and Clay Exhibit March 24 - April 5 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda Goff Gallery will feature Copper and Clay, a unique collection of pottery and copper by Judi Roth and Belinda Duclos, with Artists in Action, an eclectic group of VAC members. www.VisualArtCenter.org Richard Smith and Frank Corso Bluegrass Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S., Naples 7 p.m. 239-213-3058 30th Annual Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts March 24 - 25 5th Avenue South, Naples 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

239-262-6517 Fort Myers Film Festival Screening Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

239-939-2787 Sounds of Jazz & Blues Tarpon Point Marina 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral 5 - 10 p.m. Jonathan Butler headlines. 239-573-3128 Tony Orlando Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 8 p.m. 800-218-0007 .

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Frank Matyok, noon-4 p.m. and Singer Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, Cher, Bob Seger tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

SUN - 25 Gulf Coast Symphony: Rock On! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida Leonard Bernstein at 100 Bower Chapel at Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, 4 p.m. www.symphonic chorale.org 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 & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Downtown Car Cruise-In Downtown Fort Myers noon - 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriver districtalliance.com

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

SWFL Big Band Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Enjoy listening to music from the Big Band era performed

by Southwest Florida Big Band. 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Michael Hirst performs 1-5 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

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

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

Opera Workshop Performance U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers $10 for the general public and $7 for students, 3 p.m. www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma 239-745-4268 Island Jazz BIG ARTS Boler Garden 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the tunes of the ever-popular Island Jazz musicians. 239-395-0900 Steep Canyon Rangers Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 5 p.m.

7:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 Dwight Icenhower Tribute to the King March 25 - 26 The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-278-4422 Naples Big Band Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 2 - 4 p.m. 239-597-3240 Rod Stewart tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

MON - 26 Jodie DeSalvo Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Stardust Memories Big Band outdoor concert Cambier Park Band Shell 755 8th Ave S, Naples 7 p.m. 412-721-1914

Motown tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

TUE - 27 The Bodyguard March 27-April 1 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849 Karen Carpenter Shower of Stars Tribute Show Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, 7 p.m.

941-625-4175 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Island Sounds of Jimmy G, noon – 3 p.m. and Singer Paul Nagel, 4-7 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007 Academy of St Martin in the Fields Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Cameron Cozman, cello and Michael Baron, piano and Kyle Szabo, violin Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers $10 for the general public, $7 for students, 7:30 p.m. www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma 239-745-4268 Eric Malibu Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Island Sounds of Jimmy G, noon – 3 p.m. and Bruce & Tiki D, 4-7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Sanibel Music Festival: St. Lawrence String Quartet Sanibel Congregational UCC, 2050 Periwinkle Way 7:30 p.m. 239-344-7025

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

Rod Stewart, Patsy Cline, Celine Dion and Connie Francis tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Happenings Magazine

TUE - 27 continued

Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Stardust Memories Big Band Riverside Park, Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs 7 p.m. www.stardust memoriesbigband.com

Brandon Robertson Duo Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225

WED - 28 Art Poems BIG ARTS Schein Hall 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel The collaborative transmedia poet and artist project of Southwest Florida returns to BIG ARTS. 239-395-0900 Michael Glean The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Art After Hours Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6 p.m. 239-597-1900 Dancing with Jerry Dycke Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Dolphin Room, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, noon-3 p.m. at Good ‘Ole Days Coffee and 4-7 p.m. in Center Court. 941575-3007 All That Jazz Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1900 The Naples Players Kalamazoo Through April 22 Tobye Studio, 701 5th Avenue S., Naples, 239-263-7990

The St. Lawrence String Quartet will perform March 27 as part of the annual Sanibel Music Festival.

ABBA tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

THU - 29 Nielsen’s Inextinguishable Symphony March 29-30 Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Art & Poetry Networking Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m. 239-333-1933 Comedy: Cyrus Steele, Mike Parenti Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway, Cape Coral 7 p.m., $15, 239-574-0806

Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro, duo pianists Nisita Concert Series U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers, 7:30 p.m. $10 for the general public and $7 for students www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268 Wine & Cheese reception Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda Opening wine & cheese reception at 5 p.m. www.VisualArtCenter.org Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Yard Dog Charlie Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

The Sunset Celebration High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Damon Fowler The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Friday Night Concert Series Miromar Outlets 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero Rockin Horse, featuring classic rock, party, and variety favorites. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766 Lucky Buzzards The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

4th Wednesday Art Night at the Cottages Riverside Park, Downtown Bonita Springs 27300 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, 5:30-8 p.m.

239-919-6311

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer George Voss, noon-3 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Cafe & Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007

FRI - 30 American Virtuosi Concert March 30 - 31 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-1933

James Taylor, CSN, Simon & Garfunkel tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

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

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

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m.

Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Karla Bonoff SW Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, 8 p.m.

239-245-9910

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

Eagles tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566

Happenings Magazine

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Singer Paul Roush, 1-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007

SAT - 31 Christian Concert Cambier Park 580 8th Street South, Naples 7 - 9 p.m. 239-348-2500

ACMA concert: Rough & Tumble All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org The Sunset Celebration Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, Smooth Jazz

by Jim Blackburn, noon-4 p.m & Singer Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Nattysbos The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Journey, Bon Jovi tribute The Stage, 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs 7:30 p.m. 239-405-8566 Gulfshore Playhouse: Miss Keller Has No Second Book Through April 15 Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 866-811-4111

Online calendar

HappeningsMagazine.net March 2018 - 59

MAR

2018

THU - 1

Tracey MacDonald 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Yakov Smirnoff 6:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Quinn Dahle 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

FRI - 2

Tracey MacDonald 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Yakov Smirnoff 5 p.m.

Michael Kosta 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Quinn Dahle 8:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SAT - 3

Tracey MacDonald 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Yakov Smirnoff 3:45 p.m.

Michael Kosta 6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Quinn Dahle 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SUN - 4 Peter Fogel 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Yakov Smirnoff 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 7

Preacher Lawson 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone 60 - March 2018

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR

THU - 8

Steve Hytner 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In TJ Miller 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

Preacher Lawson 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

FRI - 9

Steve Hytner 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In TJ Miller 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook

Preacher Lawson 8:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SAT - 10

Steve Hytner 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In TJ Miller 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook

Preacher Lawson 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SUN - 11 Steve Hytner 7 p.m.

Laugh In TJ Miller 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

TUE - 13 Jim Breuer 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 14 Juanita Lolita 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Julian McCullough 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 14 cont’d

THU - 22 cont’d

Eric Schwartz 8:15 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 28 cont’d

THU - 15

Greg Hahn 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

FRI - 23

Russ Nagel 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

Roger Kabler 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In

THU - 29

Greg Hahn 8:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

Russ Nagel 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

John Heffron 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone Jodi White 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Julian McCullough 7 p.m.

Off the Hook John Heffron 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

FRI - 16

Jodi White 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Julian McCullough 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook John Heffron 8:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SAT - 17

Jodi White 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Julian McCullough 7 p.m.

Off the Hook John Heffron 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

SUN - 18

Julian McCullough 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 21 Roger Kabler 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Greg Hahn 8 p.m.

Comedy Zone

THU - 22 Roger Kabler 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Eric Schwartz 8 p.m.

Off the Hook

SAT - 24

Bill Martin 8 p.m.

Off the Hook

Rene Bray 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Bill Martin 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

Roger Kabler 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In

FRI - 30

Greg Hahn 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

Russ Nagel 8:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

Eric Schwartz 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook

SUN - 25 Eric Schwartz 7 p.m.

Off the Hook

WED - 28 Devin Siebold 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In

Rene Bray 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Bill Martin 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook

SAT - 31

Rene Bray 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Bill Martin 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook

Russ Nagel 6 & 9:30 p.m.

Comedy Zone

* schedules subject to change

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

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 61

KEY WEST

Taste of Key West April 16

Invite people you like. Check.

Ensure there’s plenty of eclectic food and generous spirits. Check.

Find a picturesque setting. Check.

That’s how the 23rd Annual ‘Taste of Key West’ will roll onto its new site, Mallory Square, on Monday, April 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.

A benefit for AIDS Help, the 3hour, open-air event promises a bounty of beverage and palate-pleasing plates at the famous “Home of the Key West Sunset.”

Taste of Key West 2018 gates open at 6 p.m. for free general admission. Foodies can stroll edibles and drinkables, including seafood, tropical and Caribbean flavors, European delicacies, vegetarian dishes and more and buy tickets based upon what looks best.

Advance food and beverage ticket packages will be made available for online

purchase in the weeks ahead.

Every fork lifted, every plate cleared, is due to the generosity of donating food service owners and managers, AIDS Help executive director Scott Pridgen notes.

“Participating restaurants give us their time, staffs and product…chefs create gourmet bites of Keys cuisine influenced by the island’s seafaring heritage, subtropical climate and multicultural atmosphere.…vintages from 100 wineries and vineyards are provided

by Republic National Distributing Company, with a larger beer selection than ever,” Pridgen says.

Biking or walking is strongly suggested…for both convenience and to work off those calories.

For Key West visitor information, go online to www.fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800-LAST-KEY

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN KEY WEST

House & Garden Tour

March 16 - 17 Tour a series of elegant and unique private homes of Key West, ranging from exquisite restorations to creative renovations, and interior design that complements each. March tours are offered 10 am to 4 pm each day.

Transportation between homes is not provided. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on tour days. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Oldest House Museum, grant and scholarship programs. www.oirf.org

Songwriters Festival May 9 - May 13

The annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. The largest festival of its kind in the world celebrates its 23 years as both a tourist attraction and favorite of island locals. The festival revolves around five days and nights of big stars in intimate settings, introducing audiences to the faces, voices and stories behind the songs. The fest features 200 shows and 50 plus artists. www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com

Human-powered art sculptures

Artists, builders, assemblers and aficionado’s of the wild and wacky won’t want to miss the 3rd Annual Stanley Papio Kinetic Parade, presented by the Key West Art & Historical Society with events set for May 4 - 6 in Old Town Key West.

Participants and spectators alike revel in the familyfriendly, art-inspired, humanpowered, mobile sculpture and art-bike parade (think art with parts that move) created in honor of the late Florida Keys rebel folk artist Stanley Papio.

Want to participate?

Small and simple or elegantly engineered, young or old, teams of 1-100 are welcome to enter. Human-powered kinetic sculpture floats and 62 - March 2018

The Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade is May 5 at 5 p.m. in Key West.

art bikes can be simple, whimsical, futuristic, or fantastical—the only requirement is that they are physically moved by you (and/or a teammate(s)). Recycling is highly encouraged, wit and humor loudly applauded. Cash prizes will be awarded for various categories.

Just want to watch? The parade, accompanied by a grand marshal and marching band, will begin to wind its way from the Custom House Museum and over to Duval Street at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and wrap up with a post-parade party and concert.

Visit www.papiokineticparade.com for updates on 2018 registration, workshops, prizes and parties.

Supported in part by the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, The Helmerich Trust, and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 63

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli.

The authentic New Yorkstyle 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. Opens 10 a.m. daily.

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

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

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, special events and meetings. We’re open daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows every Monday & Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

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

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market

Nestled in the heart of Florida lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual, we feature a wide variety of menu options to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company. Happy Hour from 11 am - 6 pm featuring small plates from $5 - $8.

10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 www.deeplagoon.com

64 - March 2018

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee is your place for downhome favorites. The Grill is serving up a delicious new menu featuring gluten-free and organic items, such as the glutenfree Cobb Salad and savory Organic Herb Roasted Chicken. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is open 24/7 and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread. Closed for renovations.

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

GameTime

At GameTime at Gulf Coast Town Center, 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

Lucky Mi

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.

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

Happenings Magazine

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 six days a week (closed Sundays).

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

Marker 92 Bar & Bistro

Treat your taste buds to simply prepared fish, premium steaks, an impressive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails. Dine indoors or outside on the patio and savor your favorite dish al fresco while overlooking the breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River, Gulf of Mexico & Tarpon Point Marina. Happy Hour daily 4–7 p.m.

5961 Silver King, Cape Coral 239-541-5600 www.Marker92.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 13 Florida locations including Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center.

2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-245-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key

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

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

Happenings Magazine

Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse

With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat.

4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples 239-732-8392 www.texastonys.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 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.

The Barrel Room now offers a jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

The Veranda

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-of-thecentury 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 40 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

March 2018 - 65

RIVER DISTRICT

George Mitchell at Arts for ACT Gallery in February.

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

Ollie Mack Gentry at Arts for ACT Gallery Feb. 2.

66 - March 2018

The next Art Walk is

Friday, March 2 Happenings Magazine

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine Ask about our

High Definition SUSHI Special

Six Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Saturday Noon - 11 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

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

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

www.legacyharbourhotel.com 239.332.2048 • hotel@westfirst.com 2038 West First Street, Fort Myers, FL Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 67

Art Walks the Runway Take part in three nights of fashion, art, music, and performances at the seventh annual Art Walks the Runway fashion show at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. From March 8 - 10 experience runway styles from international designers Vivre Canvas Couture, Marmar Halim, Diana Couture and Usama Ishtay, and local fashion from Forema, Saratoga Sundress and Hollie’s Boutique.

Art Walks the Runway’s three dazzling days of fashion begins on Thursday, March 8 at the Opening Night Celebration, featuring Vivre Couture. Vivre Couture is an organic partnership between a designer and an artist.They came together with a vision for an inspired line of wearable original paintings with the highest quality elements of art, design, and construction.

Sarah LaPierre is the artist who painted the Palm Beach Collection featured at this season’s Art Walks the Runway. Palette knives and heavy bodied acrylic paints provide the full textures and vibrant colors that are characteristics of her style.

Thursday night’s Opening Celebration also features a contortionist performance by Katarina Danks, and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Emma Arnold, accompanied by cellist John Davis.

Then on Friday, March 9, experience the best in local fashion from Forema, Saratoga Sundress, and Hollie’s Boutique. Forema is known for their inviting, happy, boho atmosphere, specializing in chic, affordable clothing. They own three Florida locations, one of which is located in Gulf Coast Town Center.

Saratoga Sundress located in the Bell Tower Shops carries a large

68 - March 2018

variety of merchandise, including a range of boho chic summer and winter apparel. Hollie’s Boutique boast two location in SWFL on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers. They’re widely known for trendy, everyday fashion that works for the busy yet stylish woman. Friday also features the debut of locally loved musician Frankie Colt’s new line, Cobra Empire. Enjoy a musical performance from Frankie as her fashion takes the runway for the first time!

Saturday’s finale runway brings international Couture designers to Fort Myers. Take in awe-inspiring Haute Couture from Marmar Halim, Diana Couture, and Usama Ishtay. The designer label of Marmar Halim incontestably yields and creates elite fashion blends that are flanked by a fusion of Eastern and Western Couture with a sheek and lavish flair. Diana Couture has grown to being one of the most successful couture brands in Surabaya, Indonesia. The brand is a fabulous platform fueled by prayers and dreams. Alist socialites from all over Indonesia, as well as iconic Indonesian celebrities, have been common clients to the brand.

Usama Ishtay is young designer of Arab descent raised in Venezuela. His eye for fashion and living in Couture-centric Los Angeles lead him to work with Fashion Hearts at L.A. Fashion Week.

The final evening also features a burlesque-style performance piece from Elements of Body Art, and a contortionist performance by Katarina Danks.

All nights: Runway is at 8 p.m., and cocktails are at 7 p.m.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For tickets and info, visit www.sbdac.com.

Happenings Magazine

St. Patrick’s Day PARTY ON THE ROOFTOP

at Hotel Indigo

TRIBAL

LOVE

Saturday, March 17 Live music with Tribal Love from 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Raffle at midnight Free night’s stay certificate (must be present to win)

AN IHG® HOTEL

®

FREE ADMISSION

1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

239-337-3446

DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT

www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl March 2018 - 69

SW Florida Reading Festival March 3

More than a dozen acclaimed and bestselling authors are coming to Fort Myers to meet fans and talk about their books at the 19th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on Saturday, March 3 at the Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., in downtown Fort Myers.

The SW Florida Reading Festival attracts popular authors for adults and children from across the country. The festival this year will relocate to the Fort Myers Regional Library due to construction surrounding the Harborside Event Center. The move also will tie the event more closely to library services and the library’s mission of promoting reading and life-long learning.

The festival is a daylong event filled with

author presentations, lively activities for children, the latest library technology, book signings and a free book for every child.

The reading festival is the largest oneday reading festival in Florida and has been designated a “Top 20 Event in the Southeast” for the month of March by the Southeast Tourism Society.

“The festival invites popular authors to participate by sharing their real life experiences, thought processes and the evolution of their characters,” said Lee County Library System director Mindi Simon. “It is fascinating to hear how they craft their page-turner plots and tie all the details together.”

The festival kicks off Friday evening, March 2, with the Evening with the Authors

Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing attracts big crowd, donations for soup kitchen More than 1,500 people attended the 29th Annual Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing Feb. 6 and donated nearly 5,000 pounds of food to help feed the hungry.

The event was presented by First Presbyterian Church and sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships to honor the work of Mrs. Mina Edison, wife of inventor Thomas Edison.

The donated canned goods will benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.

“We are so thankful to the people of our community who stepped up in this time of great need. It truly shows the impact that a few people can make in the lives of many,” said organizer Sam Galloway, Jr. He said

70 - March 2018

the food will be distributed immediately to those in need in Lee County.

Attendees sang hymns with the 60-member Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church and friends, listened to soloists, and heard a song called “Edison’s Phonograph Polka” about Thomas Edison’s famous invention. The song was played by pianist Barbara Peterson and organist Eddygrace Bernhard.

In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, the Galloway Family of Dealerships also sponsors the very popular Christmas Carol Sing, which is set for Dec. 11. Both events benefit The Soup Kitchen of Community Cooperative.

event at the Fort Myers Regional Library, at which authors meet and mingle with attendees. Among the award-winning authors scheduled to attend the events include adult authors Scott Turow and J.T. Ellison and children’s author Michael Hall. The complete list of authors can be found at www.ReadFest.org.

The Reading Festival is free and community-supported through 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, directions to the event and more, is available at www.readfest.org or by calling 239-4794636.

BBQ, Bands and Brew April 8 in Centennial Park

Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) is hosting its ninth annual BBQ, Bands & Brew fundraising event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 8 at Centennial Park.

All proceeds raised go directly to Lee BIA Builders Care to support its mission of providing emergency repairs and construction services at no cost to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners who are unable to obtain repairs through traditional means.

The fundraiser will feature live music from local bands, along with several local barbecue restaurants and vendors.

The event will also include a barbecue competition to name the Best BBQ in Town as well as activities for children throughout the day. Admission is $10 per person and children ages 12 and under are free.

With more than 7,500 guests in attendance for last year’s BBQ, Bands & Brew, the new venue will accommodate the growing crowds with more space for guests to enjoy the festivities and additional opportunities for free on-street and paid lot and garage parking.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-938-0056 or by emailing BBQ@bia.net.

For more info, visit www.leebuilderscare.com.

Dean Park historic house tour

Six homes in the Fort Myers Dean Park Historic District will be open to the public during a “Historic House Tour” set for noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased in advance online at www.deanpark.org or at Remedies Parlor, 2541 Thompson St., and at Zero In Real Estate, 2256 First St. Tickets are also available for $25 on the day of the tour at “The Triangle,” a park located at the corner of Providence Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Dean Park.

Rain date is Sunday, March 25, from noon to 4 p.m.

Happenings Magazine

BLOCK PARTY March 17th NOON - 10PM

Shamrock ‘n Roll All Day ‘n Night At the Biggest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Southwest Florida Live Music • Food & Drink Specials • Family Friendly Fun & More

The Echo Noon-4pm • Iconic 4-8pm • The Electric Mud 6-10pm

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

Happenings Magazine

March 2018 - 71