May 2019 Happenings Magazine

Theatre • Concerts • Art • Dining • Comedy • Music

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MAY 2019

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Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Key West

Publisher’s Spotlight Time flies ...

Where did the season go? Is it my age or does it seem our theatre season goes by faster and faster each year? Is it because we have so may choices and options to keep us entertained that we lose all track of time?

Never fret, we still have some theatres with the footlights burning.

And the World Goes Round is on stage at TheatreZone in Naples now through May 5.

In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theater wraps up its 56th season with Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor playing April 26 through May 5.

Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical is on the Broadway Palm stage through May 12. The musical comedy Little Shop of Horrors opens May 16 and plays through June 15 at the Broadway Palm in Fort Myers. Also in May, Broadway Palm will present an interactive murder mystery called Murder on the 19th Hole.

The Naples Players perform Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers May 1 through May 26 at the Sugden Theatre.

Florida Repertory Theatre is closing out its 2018-19 season with Native Gardens in the ArtStage Studio Theatre.

That show has been extended and will now run to May 19.

Additionally, Florida Rep will hold its annual PlayLab Festival May 9 - 12.

Skylight wraps up the 2018-19 season for Gulfshore Playhouse. The Tony Award winning play is being presented May 4 - 19 at The Norris Center in Naples.

New Phoenix Theatre in Fort Myers presents The Shadow Box May 2 through May 19.

Stay in May

What used to be called ArtsNaples World Festival and is now known as Stay in May Festival is in high gear.

Various events started April 24 and go through May 7 at numerous venues showcasing the arts. For the complete schedule of shows, events and performances, visit online at www.stayinmay.com 4 - May 2019

More great music

The concerts keep coming our way.

At Hertz Arena in Estero, the concert schedule includes Newsboys and Michael W. Smith on April 27, Hank Williams Jr. on May 3, Hillsong United on May 8, Chayanne on May 9, Brit Floyd on June 15, Disturbed on Sept. 9, Julio Iglesias on Sept. 20 and ZZ Top and Cheap Trick on Oct. 18.

At The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers, the musical lineup includes Everlast on April 27, Doug Stone & Friends on May 3, Craig Campbell on May 4, Dylan Scott on May 11, Colt Ford on May 17, Tracy Lawrence on May 18, The Original Wailers on May 23, Dokken and Lita Ford on June 14, Steel Pulse on June 19 and Citizen Cope on June 27.

In Immokalee, The Seminole Casino Hotel welcomes Lynda Carter in concert with her all star band on May 24.

Other noteworthy concerts in Southwest Florida and up along the Sun Coast include Pat Benetar and Neil Giraldo, Indigo Girls, Jon Anderson, Marshall Tucker Band, Colton Dixon, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tom Jones, Russell Dickerson, Uncle Cracker, Gary Allan, Dave Koz, Toad the Wet Sprocket, David Crosby & Friends, Fastball, Righteous Brothers, The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV, The Cowsills, Art Garfunkel, UB40, Artimus Pyle Band, The Alarm, Modern English, Adam Ant, Firefall, Poco, Pure Prairie League, Weird Al Yankovic, Yes, Asia, John Oates, John Prine, Kansas and Don McLean.

On a final note

Two noteable holidays stand out in May for many of us. On Sunday, May 12, please remember to take the time to say “thank you” to your mom on Mother’s Day (if you are blessed to still have her with you). Secondly, I ask that you take a moment on Monday, May 27 and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom. Memorial Day is a special day to remember our deceased military.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

music

dining

16

32

50 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Claudia Polzin, 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.

MAILING ADDRESS:

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THEATRE

And the World

Goes Round at TheatreZone in Naples

Fans of the musiSpectacular; cals Cabaret, Carolann Sanita Chicago and Kiss of VanderMeer, who the Spider Woman toured as Marian in will enjoy the musical the first national tour The World Goes of The Music Man ‘Round at and internationally as TheatreZone in Maria in the Naples playing now European and Asian through May 5. tours of West Side Patrick Carolann Charles Kayley Laura The show is a Story; Kayley Sullivan Sanita Logan Stevens Hodos stunning review from Stevens, who was VanderMeer the songbook of the principal/dance capmultiple Tony Awardtain on Holland winning team of comAmerica Cruise Line poser John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb, who wrote these and appeared at TheatreZone last season in Copacabana and musicals and many others. The duo also scored several Me & My Girl; Patrick Sullivan, whose Broadway credits movies, including New York, New York, and wrote songs for include Julian in 42nd Street, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera. And the World Goes ‘Round and various roles in Titanic; and singer, actor, improv artist and won Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and Drama cabarista Laura Hodos, who was the first performer to create a Desk Award for Outstanding Musical Revue. solo cabaret show for Walt Disney World as a part of the “This upbeat show is filled with humor, romance, drama and Disney Event Group and Disney Institute. lots of dancing,” said TheatreZone The cast will also perform “out of founding artistic director Mark Danni. character” at TheatreZone’s “It’s a thrilling celebration of life and Broadway & Happy Hour afternoon the fighting spirit that keeps us all cabaret series from 4 to 5:30 p.m. going.” on Thursday, May 2 at Moorings In the story, five individuals find Park auditorium, 120 Moorings themselves careening through the Park Drive. They will sing their world of love, babies and coffee. The favorite tunes, including songs they nonstop hit parade features unforgetaudition with. The cabaret starts table gems, including “Mr. with complimentary wine and hors Cellophane,” “Maybe This Time,” “All d’oeuvres from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

That Jazz” and “How Lucky Can You Show tickets range from $50 to Get,” seamlessly interwoven into a $75, while Broadway & Happy Hour passionate, harmonious, up-tempo tickets are $35. They may be purperformance of musical theatre. chased at www.theatre.zone or by The cast includes Charles Logan, calling the box office at 888-966recently seen at TheatreZone in the 3352 x1. TheatreZone is in resititle role of George M. Cohan in dence at the 250-seat G&L Theatre George M! and as Bill in Me & My on the Community School of Girl and who has performed at Radio Naples campus, 13275 Livingston City Music Hall in the Christmas Road, Naples.

6 - May 2019

Happenings Magazine

Cultural Park Theater completes its 56th season with a comedy

By Michael Moran

One of the main things I love about theatre is its ability to make me laugh. Comedies and farces are my favorite genres, and Ken Ludwig, who wrote Lend Me a Tenor, is a true master of both. In the capable hands of director Tyler Young, Lend Me a Tenor shines on the Cultural Park Theater stage.

The madcap comedy Lend Me A Tenor has enough screwball humor to have earned it three Tony Awards and passionate audiences. The story revolves around the Cleveland Grand Opera Company as it gets ready to welcome the greatest tenor in the world for a one-night performance of Otello. When the star passes out, another character gets into the Otello costume to fool the audience and save the show. Two Otellos end up running around the stage in costume while two women run around in lingerie, each thinking she is with the real opera star.

Written by Ken Ludwig, this show "is a remarkable piece of theatre," according to the Times of London. And from the New York Times, Lend Me a Tenor is "one of two great farces by a living writer." Catch Lend Me A Tenor on stage from April 26 Happenings Magazine

through May 5 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

For our patrons with children and grandchildren, don’t forget our summer camps begin Monday, June 4. This year, we offer three different three-week camps for only $300 per session. There is no better place for the young folks to develop their talents and imagination than CPTC summer camp programs.

Note to our members: Remember elections are at 7 p.m. on May 15 for our 20192020 Board of Directors.

Don’t forget to check our website and box office for our other summer stage shows including The Gazebo, Neil Diamond tribute, Atilio Marinelli in concert, and more all of which will be on stage this summer.

The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral. Broadway Series tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors and children, students and group rates are available. Concert Series tickets are $21. Call the box office at 239-7725862 for reservations.

Michael Moran is the Executive Director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company

May 2019 - 7

THEATRE

The Naples Players actors Leonard Allen plays Arty and Brian Boland plays Jay, the two brothers in Neil Simonʼs Lost in Yonkers, which runs May 1 - 26 at the Sugden Theatre.

Photo by Neubek Photographers

Lost in Yonkers THE NAPLES PLAYERS

The Naples Players present Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers May 1 – 26 in Blackburn Hall at Sugden Theatre.

Sponsored by Merrill Lynch and directed by executive artistic director Bryce Alexander, Lost in Yonkers is celebrated as one of Neil Simon’s greatest works.

Debuting at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in 1990, Lost in Yonkers went on to win four Tony Awards, including Best Play, as well as the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Praised as one of the greatest American playwrights, Neil Simon passed away last year, and The Naples Players is thrilled to celebrate him with Lost in Yonkers - scheduled to close its 65th anniversary theatre season this May. Set in New York in 1942, after the death of their mother, two young brothers are sent to stay with their formidable 8 - May 2019

grandmother for the longest ten months of their lives. Grandmother Kurnitz is a one-woman German front—a refugee and a widow who has steeled her heart against the world. Her coldness and intolerance have crippled her own children: the boys’ father has no selfesteem; their Aunt Gert has an embarrassing speech impediment; their Uncle Louie is a small-time gangster; and their Aunt Bella has the mentality of a child.

But it is Bella's hunger for affection and her refusal to be denied love that saves the boys—and that leads to an unforgettable, wrenching confrontation with her mother. Filled with laughter, tears, and insight, Lost in Yonkers is a heartwarming testament to Neil Simon’s talent.

“The play is as relatable today as it was when it was written,” said Alexander.

“At its heart, the play is about family, and how we sometimes feel disconnected

from different generations. ‘How could Grandma think that way? Or how can those kids act that way?’ And yet – it is our varied experiences that help our families come together. It seems like family is more important now than ever before.”

The Naples Players Lost in Yonkers cast includes KidzAct stars Leonard Allen as Arty and Brian Boland as Jay. Veteran performer Bonnie Knapp plays Grandma, newcomer Mai-Lei Murphy plays Bella, while regulars Daniel Ospina performs as Louie, Bernardo Santana is Eddie and Judith Santos plays Gert.

Lost in Yonkers runs May 1 -26 in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players Sugden Community Theatre at 701 5th Avenue South in Naples. Tickets are $40 and available by contacting the box office 239-263-7990 or online at www.NaplesPlayers.org Happenings Magazine

THEATRE

BROADWAY PALM

Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical

Victor Legarreta as Sara Leigh and Chris Russell as Wally.

Broadway Palm presents Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical now through May 12.

This funny, yet inspirational, musical comedy is written by Broadway Palm’s founder, Tom Ross Prather. The production made its debut in the Off Broadway Palm in 2015 and has played to rave reviews at other theatres across the country.

Based on his true experiences at a local thrift shop, Tom Prather’s Second Chances will take you on a journey through a poignant and amusing year of operation at a church thrift shop.

You’ll meet the hilarious lead clerk who always brings sunshine to the day with humor, the couple who work in the collection area who discover that you can find love later in life, the young mother and new shop manager trying to start over, and more.

As the seasons change, so does the loveable, yet quirky, group. And when the thrift shop is threatened to be sold by the greedy landlord, the team won’t stand for it. See how they band together to save the shop and in the process, discover it’s not just old treasures that are getting second chances.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $45 to $70 with group prices available.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-2784422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Little Shop of Horrors opens May 16 Broadway Palm presents the deviously delicious Little Shop of Horrors playing May 16 through June 15.

One of the longest running Off-Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors is a Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi, smash-hit musical that has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for decades. The show’s music is by master composer Alan Menken whose credits also include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies and Aladdin.

Nerdy floral shop worker Seymour will do anything to gain the love of his co-worker Audrey. The depth of his desire is tested when he stumbles across a strange new breed of plant. This sassy, R&B-singing plant

10 - May 2019

promises everlasting fame and fortune; as long as Seymour keeps feeding it its special diet. Between bites, the plant brings down the house with music in the style 1960s rock and roll, doowop and Motown including Suddenly, Seymour; Somewhere That’s Green and the title song Little Shop of Horrors.

Little Shop of Horrors is playing May 16 through June 15 at Broadway Palm.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $45 to $70 with group prices available.

Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

Laboratory Theater unveils 2019-20 season schedule

Fresh off the heels of another record-breaking season, The Laboratory Theater of Florida has announced the 2019-2020 shows for its 11th season. The coming season features a national premiere, two Florida premieres, three Southwest Florida premieres and one show that is the first licensed production in the country. Additionally, half-price preview nights will be offered for every regular season performance.

Summer Season

The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez (a SWFL premiere) will be performed June 7 - 30. If you loved Whatever Happened to Baby Jane: A Parody of the Horror and Hush Up Sweet Charlotte you aren’t going to want to miss The Legend of Georgia McBride. In this southwest Florida premiere a young Elvis impersonator, barely eking out a living, finds out his wife is pregnant. To make matters worse, he gets fired from the rundown Florida bar where he’s been working...only to be rehired as a lip-synching drag queen.

The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe (SWFL premiere) is a limited engagement offering from July 11 through July 14 only, as part of the theater's summer camp. A finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this Southwest Florida premiere is our camp show and focuses on a high school girls’ soccer team.

D. M. V. by Zalman Velvel is a national premiere that opens Aug. 9 and runs to Aug. 25. After 30 years, it's Bernice's last day before retirement from the DMV, when she's threatened with losing her job and pension.

Regular Season

The Crucible by Arthur Miller opens the 11th season on Sept.

20 and runs through Oct. 12.

Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this classic, allegorical show is a fictionalized version of the infamous Salem Witch Trials in Salem, MA, from 16921693.

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man by Matt Murphy (First licensed production in the country) opens Oct. 25 and plays through Nov. 16. Fresh from its monumentally successful, 7-year off-Broadway run, do not miss the opportunity to hear the Happenings Magazine

results of life-long studies into male pleasure, conducted by those who know exactly what a man wants – gay men!

24-Hour Playwriting Project: Playwrights will bring their sleeping bags and coffee mugs to Lab Theater, where they will be assigned a theme, a director, and actors. Within 24 hours, you will see the fruits of their labor when we stage all of their 20-minute one-act plays. A popular event, it will be held Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.

Let Nothing You Dismay by Topher Payne (Florida premiere) will be staged Dec. 6 through Dec. 22. Set during Christmas in a hospital waiting room, this fastpaced comedy focuses on a couple about to adopt its first child with the help of a surrogate...and then the family decides to make a surprise visit.

A Guy, A Girl, A Piano (Cabaret act) – Back after last season’s sold out run, it has a limited engagement Jan. 3, 4 and 5 only. Theresa Quinn and Randy Kramer will join us with their 4hands, one-piano cabaret.

Reefer Madness by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney opens Jan. 17 and plays through Feb. 8.

A musical satire of the 1936 cult classic film of the same name, get ready to see what happens when everyday teenagers fall prey to the evils of marijuana.

How to Transcend a Happy Marriage by Sarah Ruhl (Florida premiere) runs Feb. 21 through March 14. Ever thought about polyamory? Two couples decide to explore the topic, ending up with more than just discussion.

In The Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes (SWFL premiere) opens March 27 and plays through April 18. Winner of four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), this high-energy musical follows the lives of the mostly HispanicAmerican neighborhood of Washington Heights, NYC. Kehilla (Jewish celebration) runs April 26 - 30 (A Laboratory Theater original production).

Experience international and local Jewish culture with live cooking of traditional foods (which will be shared with the audience!), jokes, stories, and songs.

For more information, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.co m, call 239-218-0481 or visit 1634 Woodford Ave. in Fort Myers.

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

BROADWAY SERIES

APRIL 26 - MAY 5 Performances Friday & Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Coming This Summer ...

The Gazebo Neil Diamond tribute Atilio Marinelli in concert

For the kids & grandkids ....

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Call and register today, before camps fill up.

June 3 - June 21

June 24 - July 12

July 15 - Aug. 2

Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd. • Cape Coral

CALL FOR

TICKETS

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

May 2019 - 11

THEATRE

FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE

V. Craig Heidenreich and Anthony Michael Martinez in Native Gardens. Photos by Joe Dafeldecker

Native Gardens

a Driver by Will Snider, The Last Buckley by Nathan Cann, Loving Florida Repertory Theatre is currently running the final production and Loving by Beto O'Byrne, The Circle Game conceived and in its 2018-2019 season, Native Gardens in the ArtStage Studio arranged by Victoria Casella with a book by Michael Bias, and Safety Theatre, playing to sold-out houses, and enjoying extended runs.

Net by Daryl Lisa Fazio.

More events in May will keep Florida Rep audiences involved in all Sponsored by Lee Moore and Dee Whited, the sixth annual aspects of the theatrical arts.

PlayLab Festival runs May 9-12 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, and Million Dollar Quartet, which closed on April 21, enjoyed an tickets are $20 per reading or $99 for an all-access pass that unprecedented five-week run in the Historic Arcade Theatre venue, includes six admissions, and the Keynote Address/Playwrights' playing to sold out crowds most every night. The momentum has Panel. New this year is a $125 VIP pass which allows for reserved continued through the run of the hot-button comedy, Native Gardens. seating at each reading. Tickets for the performance of Refugee are Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías is one of the most produced $10 in the Historic Arcade Theatre. new plays in America right now and is playing to Southwest Florida Also playing in the Historic Arcade audiences in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Theatre in May is the Florida Rep Education through May 19.

Conservatory productions of Disney’s The heartfelt and hilarious new comedy Newsies. Florida Rep's Conservatory protells the story of how a civilized neighborly gram is designed for young artists who want dispute over a questionable property line disto pursue theatre. It offers young artists an solves into an all-out backyard turf war. introduction to the professional world with a Topical, timely, and incredibly funny, the first real-life regional theatre experience providweeks of the run have been sold out for ing a creative outlet that culminates with a months, and the run has already been professional of public performances. extended twice to accommodate the high Disney’s Newsies is the rousing tale of demand. Tickets for "Native Gardens" are Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and $55, and the best availability is in the later leader of a band of teenaged newsies. When weeks of the run. titans of publishing raise distribution prices at Emily Yorgey of "Broadway World" said, Carol Halstead and Jennifer Paredes the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies Native Gardens is the perfect show to end an in Native Gardens at Florida Rep. from across the city to strike against the amazing season at Florida Rep; it is lightunfair conditions and fight for what's right! hearted, smart, and definitely one of the most Based on the 1992 motion picture and amusing productions I’ve seen in a long time." inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning But that doesn’t mean Florida Rep’s stages will sit empty. The score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award 2019 PlayLab Festival of New Plays and Emerging Voices kicks off winner Harvey Fierstein. Tickets for Native Gardens are $55 in the May 9 and features readings of five new plays and one musical, a ArtStage Studio Theatre. Tickets for Disney’s Newsies are $10 for command performance of the world-premiere play for young audistudents and $20/$25 for adults. Florida Repertory Theatre performs ences, "Refugee," and a keynote address from literary agent, Susan in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Gurman.

Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the The 2019 PlayLab lineup reflects Florida Rep's mission to proFort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at duce a wide variety of work by emerging and well-established writers. www.FloridaRep.org or call 239-332-4488.

The selected works are Good Americans by Bruce Graham, Death of 12 - May 2019

Happenings Magazine

Gulfshore Playhouse ends

its season with Skylight

Is true love enough to bridge the distance between two people?

That’s the big question asked by Skylight, the final production of the 2018-19 season at Gulfshore Playhouse at The Norris Center in Naples.

Running May 4 - 19, the Tony Award–winning play written by British dramatist David Hare, takes place on a cold winter night in London. On that evening, school teacher Kyra is unexpectedly reunited with her former lover, the recently widowed Tom. Forced to confront their shared past, they find themselves entangled in a passionate clash of opposing ideologies and mutual desires.

The show is directed by New York–based Christian Parker, who currently serves as chair of the MFA Theatre program at Columbia University. The creative team for Skylight also includes scenic and lighting designer Steve TenEyck, costume designer Lauren Gaston, sound designer Christopher Colucci and production stage manager Jamie A. Eckhold.

The cast includes:

- Amy Blackman – Previously appeared in Broadway’s Tony award-winning Angels in America, on television shows such as The Deuce and Madam Secretary, and in regional productions of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Caroline, or Change.

- Todd Weeks – Appeared in the original Broadway cast of The Full Monty, as well as The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Summer and Smoke and Our Town. National tours include Angels in America and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

- Evan Sibley – Appeared most recently in the Gulfshore Playhouse production of In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. His credits also include Antony and Cleopatra at Bard City at Classic Stage in New York.

For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org.

Free pre-show discussions take place May 5, 8, and 19. Audience members can also stick around for post-show conversations on May 9 and 12.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

Announcing Our Exciting

SUMMER

SEASON

JUNE 7 - 30

ER SUMM P CAM

JULY 11 - 14

AUGUST 9 - 25

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 13

THEATRE

New Phoenix Theatre reveals second season

New Phoenix Theatre announced its lineup of exciting musicals, comedies and dramas for its 2019 -2020 season.

The new group’s second season will begin in October with the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show. It will be followed in December with the holiday comedy, Inspecting Carol. In January, the new year starts with the searing drama Time Stands Still followed by the raucous musical The Full Monty in February and March.

The season ends with two powerful pieces, Terrence McNally’s Lips Together, Teeth Apart opening April 16 and comedian and movie star Steve Martin’s new comedy, Meteor Shower opening May 28.

Tickets for the 2019 – 2020 season will be available this June.

2019-2010 season The Rocky Horror Show

by Richard O’Brien Oct. 10 through Nov. 3 Inspecting Carol

by Daniel Sullivan Dec. 5 - 22

Time Stands Still

by Donald Margulies Jan. 16 through Feb. 2

The Full Monty Book by Terrence McNally Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek Feb. 27 through March 20

Lips Together, Teeth Apart

By Terrence McNally April 16 through May 3 Meteor Shower

By Steve Martin May 28 through June 14

Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

New Phoenix Theatre, located at 13211 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, is a not-forprofit community theater that was established in 2018 to create entertainment that enlightens the community, celebrates diversity and inspires the imagination. For more info, go to www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org or call 239-284-5214.

Corteo coming to Hertz Arena in July CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Corteo, the latest and most enchanting Cirque du Soleil’s arena production is now touring in North America. The show will visit Estero at the Hertz Arena from July 17 to 21 for a limited run of seven performances.

This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005.

Since then, the show has been a great success and has amazed 8 million people in 19 countries on four continents.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown.

The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The 14 - May 2019

music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

The concept and disposition of the stage bring the audience in a theatrical atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.

The cast of Corteo includes 52 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors from all around the world.

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in artistic entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with 42 productions that have taken place in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 50 countries. In 2018 alone, 20 shows are being presented simultaneously throughout the world.

Tickets for Corteo are available now online. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 15

ART

Three new exhibits at Naples Art Association The Naples Art Association invites art enthusiasts to an exhibition of work by an award winning Naples artist. Pat Kumicich: I Found My Voice in Fabric will be on view in the Naples Art Association’s Frederick O. Watson Gallery May 4 through May 23.

A wine and cheese reception to celebrate the exhibition and two other exhibitions also on view will be held on Friday, May 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is a $10 voluntary donation at the door. Free for Naples Art Association contributors.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, the Naples Art Association will host a free event to meet artist Pat Kumicich. She will share insights into herself and her work followed with a question and answer session.

Pat Kumicich is a Naples-based artist who creates contemporary quilts, photography and figurative sculpture. She focuses her attention on social issues, mass-media news coverage of events which often feature women, and women she knows personally or creates in her imagination. Speaking of her mixed-media quilts Kumicich said, “Working in the art quilt medium allows me to express my innermost feelings about our world, the times we live in, and the human condition. I love making my mark with needle and thread.”

Kumicich began as a traditional quilt maker in 1994. When she transitioned from traditional quilting to contemporary quilts, she began her emphasis on self-portraiture wherein her own likeness becomes a general representation of womanhood and at the same time serves to emphasize a state of mind.

Kumicich’s use of self-portraiture may even be

“Party Line” by Pat Kumicich, 2014, cotton, 29 x 48.5 inches seen as her way of showing commitment to an issue. In some works she becomes a face for our collective reaction to a natural disaster or act of terrorism while in others she takes up a cigarette or gossip tabloid to personify popular vices like smoking and scandalmongering.

In addition to contemporary quilt making, Kumicich is a photographer and sculptor. She creates mixed-media sculptures she likes to call her dolls.

Also in May, other NAA exhibits include

The final Art in the Park of the season was held Saturday, April 6 in downtown Naples. The Naples Art Association holds the local art event the first Saturday of the month from November through April (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to showcase local artists. Pictured is artist Thom Millsap at Aprilʼs Art in the Park.

16 - May 2019

Traces of Red and Chasing the Light. Traces of Red features artwork celebrating red and the color’s vital role in man-made and natural environments will be featured in this exhibition. This exhibit will run May 4 – 29. Chasing the Light is an exhibition of artwork presented by the Southwest Florida Pastel Society. It will be on display May 4 – 23.

The Naples Art Association is located at 585 Park St. For more details, call 239-2626517 or visit www.naplesart.org.

“Cafe Luxembourg” by Marianne Crowley is part of the SW Florida Pastel Societyʼs exhibit Chasing the Light on display at the NAA May 4 - 23.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 17

ART

Katy Danca Galli exhibit at ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will feature underwater photographer and artist Katy Danca Galli in the main gallery and the Arts for ACT Gallery Co-Op artists in the White Gallery. An opening reception will be held Friday, May 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. during Art Walk.

Growing up on the west coast of Florida, Galli says she was so very grateful to experience the beauty of the blue planet first hand.

At age 10, her mother managed to save $150 over the course of five months, (a feat that was not easy for them at the time), so she would have the opportunity to visit Seacamp in the Florida Keys. This changed the course of her life forever, and as a result, fell deeply in love with the ocean ... and she has worked hard ever since to live and breathe by the tide. She is a photographer, former photo editor for Scuba Diving magazine, master diver, former registered boy scout (seriously), ocean advocate, and lover of all bodies of water. Her work has been featured as the first female Lee County resident artist, with Captains for Clean Water, Bare Sports, Scuba Diving magazine, Sport Diver Magazine, Divephotoguide.com, and she has won contests with the Ocean Conservancy, NOAA, World Wildlife Federation, Our World

Katy Danca Galli Underwater, and placed first in wide angle with the Florida Skin Divers Association.

“Looking up from the ocean floor, the immense number of possibilities that exist in this silent realm hit me all at once. The ocean is a master of none; it can caress you, and then completely destroy you-in the span of a few seconds, she says. “I love the extreme yin and yang that exists, and want others to see

this in my work, and know this feeling of being both completely out of your element, and then consumed by the greatest love story you'll ever know. This is where I go to seek God, and to share this beguiling and magnificent atmosphere.”

This month in the white gallery, ACT will feature the works of the member artists and artist volunteers that help run ACT Gallery. These artists will have oil, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry furniture and more.

The list of artists include Susan Mills, Kate O’Connell, Becky Sandbek, Vic and Candie Delnore, Shah Hadjebi, Tom Breckenridge, Annette Brown, Flo Collins, Barb Mulford, Kim Kraft Beckler, and Claudia Goode. These 11 artists also volunteer their time to keep the gallery running.

The exhibits continue until June 3. The gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-337-5050 for more details.

DAAS Co-Op features Diana Ripoll

In the month of May, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is featuring the work of former member Diana Ripoll.

The exhibition, entitled Above the Noise, features a series of abstract-expressionistic pieces created by the artists in recent years. Formerly, Ripoll was a member of this gallery and one of the managing artists of the Union Artist Studios – the only organized artist studio space in Southwest Florida.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, May 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk. The exhibition will be on display from April 27 to May 25.

“Having had no formal training, I rely on optimism, experimentation and intuition to create my work,” explains Ripoll, who has developed a Diana Ripoll very recognizable style throughout the years.

“Optimism and intuition being the key factors, I rarely paint with subject intent. I am methodical but not, a perfectionist but not. I am indeed a perpetual student, grateful for 18 - May 2019

the mentors I have been so fortunate to rub elbows with,” adds the artist, who is also a great supporter of the local arts.

DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts moved last month to its new location, inside the Butterfly Estates complex, in the corner of Thompson and Fowler streets. Since their reopening, the gallery has reinforced their efforts to promote local artists and artisans, thus providing a professional and well curated space for all to enjoy. Alongside neighboring businesses like Remedies Parlor, Thrifty Garden and Bullig Café, they plan to create events and continue enhancing their corner of the Gardner’s Park district.

Artists like Ripoll compliment the gallery’s vision. Her ever-positive attitude is exemplary and admired by the administration and membership of the venue. “The world can be a tough place so my goal is to constantly improve my skills and set a lighter tone through color and often humor for myself and my viewers. I consider it a great privilege to paint and be heard above this noisy world without speaking,” concludes Ripoll.

DAAS Co-Op is now located at 1815 Fowler St., Unit 3, in downtown Fort Myers.

New business hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery will open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information can be found at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.

Happenings Magazine

JoAnn LaPadula and Sue Pink at Davis Art Center ART

The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center announces its opening night celebration of Moving Toward Abstract, an exhibition by JoAnn LaPadula and Sue Pink, on Friday, May 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. during Art Walk. Both artists interpret the world around them into moving, vivid pieces.

JoAnn LaPadula is an award-winning artist who resides in Fort Myers, where she moved four years ago after living in the Finger Lakes Region of New York state her entire life. She is a director and member of Fort Myers Beach Art Association, a member of Alliance for the Arts, and the Florida Watercolor Society. Her work has been featured on the cover of the Sand Life Magazine, in Gulfshore Life, and online on exhibit with the Florida Watercolor Society.

Retirement gave her the opportunity to return to her interest in fine arts and she began painting in watercolor.

JoAnn states, “I was not interested so much in the traditional watercolor style, so I attended a few workshops to find

my own. I do not consider myself a traditional watercolor artist but would say I am more of a ”colorful” abstract/realist. Here in SW Florida I am thrilled to say I was able to find people who have been a great inspiration to me and I found the support I needed to begin my second career.”

Sue Pink grew up with a commercial artist and illustrator mother and a father in the construction business. As such, Sue was exposed to creativity since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She always had plenty of readily available art supplies for her use, and use it she did! Growing up, Sue attended schools in Fort Lauderdale.

She settled on a cranberry bog near Cape Cod, MA. During this time, she became interested in and pursued the medium of watercolor. She began taking classes with local instructors, but soon was taking every available workshop offered by nationally known talented artists. Sue has been awarded signature membership in The American Watercolor Society, National

JoAnn LaPadula

Sue Pink

20 - May 2019

Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Florida Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, Texas Watercolor Society and Tallahassee Watercolor Society.

Sue currently teaches watercolor and water-media classes, conducts workshops and public demonstrations of her painting technique, is a popular demo artist for the Florida Watercolor Society, and conducts gallery talks to instruct the public how to better understand why the winning artworks were chosen. Sue’s art work has been displayed in over 200 competitive art shows and she has received over 90 awards for her paintings. She has been published in Splash 13, Splash 14, and The Artist Touch 6.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. A $1 entry donation is suggested. Call the center at 239-3331933 or visit www.sbdac.com for more info.

Happenings Magazine

New exhibits in Punta Gorda at Visual Arts Center in May Nancy Fairchild

The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda has three new exhibits in May. The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society presents a watercolor exhibit in Goff Gallery May 11 - June 7.

Charlotte County public school students in grades K-12 will exhibit their colorful, imaginative artwork in the Visual Arts Center galleries April 30 – May 18. The public is invited to the following exhibits and receptions: Elementary Schools Art Exhibit: May 10 – 18, and the reception is May 18 from 1 - 3 p.m.

Middle Schools Art Exhibit: April 30 - May 9, and the reception is May 4 from 1 – 3 p.m.

High Schools Art Exhibit:

April 30 - May 8, and the reception is May 2, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

See the unique ways the VAC artists represent water in various types of media, from paintings to pottery, glass, fiber art and more in Water, Water Everywhere, on display May 21 - June 27. The public is invited to attend the opening wine and cheese reception for Water, Water, Everywhere on Thursday, May 30 at 5 p.m.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda (across from Fishermen’s Village) Gallery and gift shop hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 pm.

For more information, visit www.visualartcenter.org or call 941-639-8810.

Summer art show at Fort Myers Beach

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association Summer Art Show runs now through Oct. 16 at the FMBAA Gallery, 3030 Shell Mound Blvd, Fort Myers Beach.

The gallery will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon for the summer season. Artwork will change as summer progresses.

Call 239-463-3909 or visit the website for updates at www.fortmyersbeachart.com Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 21

ART

LORNE’S GALLERY and FRAME GALLERY & GIFTS

Galleries, printers and framers

charts. These charts are nautical charts that we put artwork on. … It's Lorne's Gallery is situated at The Westin and next door to Pinchers not just a map, it's a piece of art then we print and frame this wonderCrab Shack at Tarpon Point Marina. Gallery owners Barbara and ful piece of art. The end result is something that is informative because Lorne Hosack have spent most of their lives producing and selling you can show your guests where the names are of all the places you coastal art. This family operation located at Tarpon Point Marina is an want to go and it still decorative.” extension of their imagination.

The main gallery, that's been located on Del Prado Boulevard in Aside from being extremely interesting to pass through and look at Cape Coral for 29 years, is across from Wal-mart and approximately all the sundries at Lorne's Gallery the view of all the wonderful boats 5,000 square feet. For those customers who have a hard time deciding and restaurants is something that looks like it should be in Naples. If what image they will like in their home, they offer something called a you spend five minutes sauntering through the 3,000 square-foot 24 hour check out. This allows the buyer to take a framed piece of art gallery, you won't have seen it all. There's so much to see. With over home or several and look at that them in their own environment. This 500 pictures stacked here in there and over 20,000 images in print really helps an individual find the perfect piece for their home. exclusive to Lorne's Gallery and their other gallery, Frame Gallery and “If someone's getting started just decorating and especially if Gifts, there's too much to comprehend. they've come from someplace else where the flooring and fauna are Additionally, the galleries offer high end printing. They have thoudifferent, I recommend customer focuses on three main areas. Those sands of images that are exclusive to them. “That means that we own areas are the entranceway, over the couch the originals, we own the printing and the dining room. This is where your comrights, and we do the printing ourpany sees the most and this sets the mood selves,” says Lorne. “The newest for your home… size, color tones and theme process is called giclee printing. After create the feeling of a wow factor. If you want scanning the original and color corthe wow factor, we recommend that you recting it in the computer, we are able spend more of your art budget on those three to change the size and color of anyspaces,” adds Lorne. thing that they print. And then after In May, artist Rick Kelley will be featured at printing, they are the framers we both Lorne's Gallery and Frame Gallery and frame small we frame big and we Gifts. He is a local artist of national fame. frame with our customers in mind. We Rick’s African pieces and local art are outare picky with our art and with the standing. He also does a patriotic series that framing process.” cannot be matched with its wonderful military He adds, “For example, we do theme. “We really enjoy Rick’s work. His artsmall things, we do big things, we do work is suited for any home,” says Lorne. the hard jobs that most people shutter Frame Gallery and Gifts is located at 1830 about doing; we make it easy. Barbara Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral, and can be is excellent at color matching. She can reached by calling 239-574-5111. Lorne’s find the right color blend of mats to Gallery is located in unit 105 at the Marina produce a wonderful extension of the Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral and can artwork that you want framed.”

Rick Kelley is the featured artist in May at Lorneʼs be reached by calling 239-945-0866. Visit Lorne says, “One of our favorite Gallery in Tarpon Point Marina and at Frame Gallery online at www.framegalleryandgifts.com pieces of art that we do is our local & Gifts, both in Cape Coral.

22 - May 2019

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 23

MAY CALENDAR WED - 1

Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Killer Queen: The Premier Tribute to Queen Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849

Lend Me A Tenor Through May 5 Cultural Park Theatre 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Stay in May: Short Film Fest Sheffield Theatre, Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples 7 p.m., $15, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical Through May 12 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Native Gardens Through May 19 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 2019 Travel Rally Lakes Regional Park, Fort Myers Local residents and tourism employees. Come learn more about tourism by visiting nearly 100 Travel Fair exhibitors. Watch the hilarious Tourism Races. Bring your families for lots of free activities. Tourism Races: Kids Luggage Lug, Bellman’s Race, Make that Bed!, Waiter’s Race for the Gold and more. 4 - 7 p.m.

Rain date is May 2. 239-590-4855 Naples Players: Lost in Yonkers Through May 26 Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples 239-263-7990 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Murder on the 19th Hole Through June 2 Broadway Palm 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers Bring your imagination and appetite – it’s comedy to die for.

239-278-4422 Teen Talent Night Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers SWFL young artists and performers are invited to take part in Teen Talent Night! Teens 13 - 17 can enter visual art, dance, film, music, or theater categories for a chance to win cash prizes. Participate for a chance to win, or come out to support SWFL young talent! www.sbdac.com 24 - May 2019

The legendary Hank Williams Jr. is coming to Hertz Arena in Estero on Friday, May 3 at 8 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.hertzarena.com.

Greg Miller & The Tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 1st Wednesday Naples Art District Studio and Gallery Tours “ART ALIVE” evening consists of professional artists, who will be showcasing their recent works of art and demonstrating their medium.

5 - 8 p.m. Look for the magenta and white art flags. 239-289-5070, www.NaplesArtDistrict.com

THU - 2

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon -3 p.m. and Salty Paws Muttini Mingle, 5:308 p.m. with music by Mark Gorka.

941-575-3007 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 TheatreZone: And the World Goes Around Through May 5 13275 Livingston Road, Naples 888-966-3352 x1 J.P. Soars and the Red Hots Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6 - 9 .m. 239-254-1080

ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Katy Danca Galli, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

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

Rockin Horse Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

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

Diana Ripoll exhibit opening DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers Opening reception, 6 - 10 p.m.

239-590-8645

Soul System Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Stay in May: Leroy Jones North Naples Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples 7 p.m., $30, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com

The Shadow Box Through May 19 New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd. #1 and 2, Fort Myers newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org 239-284-5214

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

FRI - 3

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Country Express Band, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Masterworks Season Finale May 3 - 7 Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Featuring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, 8 p.m. 239-597-1900 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials. Rain or shine. 6 -10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

RJ Howson & Friends The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Goldtones Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $20 non CC members, $18 CC members, $20 day of show.

941-625-4175 Doug Stone & Friends Unplugged The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Moving Toward Abstract: Works of JoAnn LaPadula & Sue Pink Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933 Happenings Magazine

MAY CALENDAR Cinco De Mayo Edison Mall 4125 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers Music, chips and more! 3- 5 p.m.

Free. www.shopedisonmall.com

FRI - 3 continued

Juxtaposition: Mariapia Malerba and Mila Bridger Exhibits May 3 – 31 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Opening Reception 5 to 7 p.m.

Conversational Walk and Talk with Artists May 4 at 10 a.m.

239-939-2787

Stay in May: Short Film Fest Sheffield Theatre, Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples 7 p.m., $15, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival May 3 - 5 City Market Place, Punta Gorda Friday from 6 -10 p.m., concert of fabulous music. Saturday the event opens at 9 a.m. with live music until 4 p.m. Sunday opens at 10 a.m. with music, food and plants galore until 2 p.m. $1 admission. www.thehibiscusfestival.com.

Digital Lee Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Lee County Students participate each season in Digital Lee, a showcase of student work in the digital art field. 6 p.m. during Art Walk.

239-333-1933 Hank Williams Jr. Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 8 p.m. 239-948-7825 Friday Night Concert Series Electric Lipstick Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766

SAT - 4

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Bruce & Tiki D, noon - 4 p.m. and Steve Flagg, 5-9 p.m., center court.

Suncoast Living Health & Wellness Expo, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Sunset Celebration - Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 GreenMarket Every Saturday Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 26 - May 2019

Paul & Quinten (1-4 p.m.)

Steve Cipriano (4:30-7 p.m.)

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

Gulfshore Playhouse presents Skylight on stage May 4 - 19 at The Norris Center in Naples. For tickets and info, call 866-811-4111 or visit online at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Craig Campbell The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Seacrest Art In the Park Cambier Park, Naples 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 717-304-2547 SWF Florida Symphony Beethoven vs Coldplay Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Gulfshore Playhouse: Skylight Through May 19 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples, 866-811-4111 Robert Gonnelli - 6 pm Alter Ego - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Stay in May: Intersection Palmetto Room, Bentley Village, 850 Retreat Drive, Naples 7 p.m., $30, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com Joey Tenuto The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paddle Faster Phil Fisher Gallery, 810 12th Ave. S., Naples.

Special evening of music, 6 – 9 p.m. www.philfishergallery.com ACMA - Robert Bidney All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-691-4069

SUN - 5

24th Annual Taste of the Beach The 24th Annual Taste of the Beach will be held on Old San Carlos Blvd. just down the street from Times Square. Food will be served until it runs out or at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children over 12.

Children under 12 are free. Food tickets will be $1 each, with a $5 average food serving price. Live music. 239-454-7500 Spin Zone The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 3 - 6 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Air Force Band Quintet Concert Cambier Park, Naples Gateway Brass is a brass quintet which proudly showcases military professionalism at DoD ceremonies and entertaining public concerts throughout the Gulf Coast region on behalf of the United States Air Force.

2 p.m. www.music.af.mil Stay in May: Pipes & Brass Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., Naples 4 p.m., $30, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com 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 Car Cruise-In Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. near WINK Playland, 239-948-3766 Cinco De Mayo Celebration Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero In the Restaurant Piazza Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Miromar Outlets and La Bamba Real Mexican Food Restaurant & Tequila Bar all day long for an exciting fiesta with live entertainment, food and drink specials. Starting at 3 p.m. join us for a margarita crawl, a chance to win a cruise for two to Cozumel and more! 239-948-3766 Cinco De Mayo Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Ft Myers Latin dance party, strolling mariachi Band, Chihuahua Contest, street food and beverage specials.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.Fleamall.com Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849

Happenings Magazine

6th Annual PlayLab May 9 - 12 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers These 6 plays and playwrights will enjoy an intensive weekend of workshopping, discussion, and development with a cast of professional actors and directors in a creative laboratory setting.

239-332-4488

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom Watson, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Girls of Motown Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 6

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Evening on 5th Fifth Avenue South, Naples An array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of 5th Ave. South, plus dining, shopping and more. 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm www.fifthavenuesouth.com

TUE - 7

FRI - 10

High School Musical Awards Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-481-4849 Stay in May: Seraphic Fire Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd., Naples 7 p.m., $30, 239-390-2788 www.stayinmay.com Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jazz Jam Session - 6 pm The Collaboration - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 The Del Prados Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-540-8454 COCO Gallery: Discover Day Academy Exhibit May 7 - 21 COCO Art Gallery at Coconut Point, 8074 Mediterranean Drive, Estero, 5 - 7 p.m., 239-949-3073

WED - 8

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Chris G performs, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Laurie and Rusty Wright The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Happenings Magazine

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Country music singer Gary Allan will headline the Seminole Tribe of Floridaʼs Big Cypress Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 11, at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex.

Tickets for the event (which will include Native American Dancers and alligator show) and the concert are priced at $40 per person and are on sale now at www.bccelebration.com. They will also be available at the Junior Cypress Rodeo and Entertainment Complex the day of the event. Parking is $5 and gates will open at noon.

Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra-Fresh Sounds of Jazz Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

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

Hillsong UNITED The People Tour MMXIX Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Make your plans to join them alongside Amanda Lindsey Cook of Bethel Music and Mack Brock. 7:30 p.m.239-948-7825

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

THU - 9

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 VITO Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Rancho Mirage by Steven Dietz and directed by Anne Dodd May 9-11 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m.

May 12 at 2 p.m.

Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787

Land, Sea and Air Exhibit May 9 - 31 Cape Coral Art League 516 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral Opening Gallery Show Awards and Reception will be held on Thursday, May 9, 5 to 7 p.m. 239-431-1008 www.capecoralartleague.org Chayanne Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero Latin pop artist and actor, Chayanne, is bringing his Desde El Alma Tour 2019 Parte 2. 8 p.m. 239948-7825 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Joey “Survival” Caruso The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 May's Bouquets Exhibit Reception Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral The Cape Coral Arts Studio is proud to feature a different exhibit each month in it's Fine Arts Exhibit Gallery.

May's featured exhibit is "May's Bouquets" by local artists, which opens on Friday, May 3 and will be on display through Thursday, May 23. A reception to meet the artists will be held on Friday, May 10 from 5-7 p.m. Admission to both the exhibit and reception are FREE and open to the public. 239-574-0802 Blues, Brews & BBQ Tin City, Naples May 10 - 11 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday. Live music by The Dazzling DelRays on Friday.

Saturday bands include Gator Nate, Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz and the Ben Allen Band www.naplesbluesbbq.com Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 May 2019 - 27

MAY CALENDAR FRI - 10 continued

Paul & Quinten (1-4 p.m.)

Steve Cipriano (4:30-7 p.m.)

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

Friday Night Concert Series Neon Summer Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766

Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Colton Dixon Hammond Stadium, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers Game at 6:30 p.m. concert to follow.

Tarpons vs Miracle. $15.

239-768-4210

MON - 13

Hope by Song Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Location: Amphitheater The Hope by Song's mission is to help those whose stories of abuse, addiction, homelessness or PTSD have not been heard by inspiring them to tell their stories. 6 p.m.

239-479-4636

Fidel Rueda The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers Join the Mystery every second Friday of the month in the River District from 6-8 pm. Registration begins at First and Hendry Streets in front of Iberia Bank. Free to play. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Electric Lipstick Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

SAT - 11

7th Annual Key Lime Festival Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Espl., Punta Gorda Key lime specialties, music, vendors and family fun from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Music from Ragay Lapsey, John Patti and Sunny Jim White. 941-575-3007 The Classix Band - 6 pm The Goldtones - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Russell Dickerson & Uncle Kracker Hammond Stadium 14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers Staring Russell Dickerson and Uncle Kracker in concert following the Miracle's home game against the Tampa Tarpons. Tickets start at $18 www.miraclebaseball.com and at the Hammond Stadium box office.

28 - May 2019

The Americana Community Music Association welcomes singersongwriter Tim McGeary to its listening room stage located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Visit www.americanacma.org for details.

Fort Myers Bike Night Downtown Fort Myers 6-10 pm. Free to the public with many venues featuring specials. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter Look-alike Contest Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero Near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store. Mothers, daughters and granddaughters compete for prizes in this annual family event. 11 a.m.

239-948-3766 The Sunset Celebration - Wildlins Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Dylan Scott The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 Gulf Coast Symphony: The Barber of Seville Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-481-4849 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Alex Lopez Xpress Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Art After Dark Guess-Fisher Gallery, 810 12th Ave. S., Naples New works by Phil Fisher & Natalie Guess and live music by Jeff Fessenden & Friends. 6 – 9 p.m. www.philfishergallery.com

TUE - 14

Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jazz Jam Session - 6 pm The Collaboration - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Blues Jam with Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

ACMA - Tim McGeary All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-691-4069

Songwriters on the Plaza Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 First St., Fort Myers Free songwriter showcase. 6 p.m.

239-479-4636

SUN - 12

WED - 15

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

Greg Miller & The Tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Blues & Bloodys Concert The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, Noon, www.thecenterbar.com

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

THU - 16

David C. Johnson & Lisa Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Happenings Magazine

Chad Prather's Star Spangled Banter Comedy Tour Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m.and Singer Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

The Nature Park Safari Soiree Shell Factory & Nature Park 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers This great event benefits The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3), which helps fund field trips to the Nature Park for Lee County School students and helps the animals that call the park home. Cocktails from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment. Entertainment by Shake Rattle and Soul, Live and silent auction. RSVP at 239- 246-6364

Nette 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 Little Shop of Horrors Through June 15 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Third Thursday Wine Walk (formerly Alive After Five) Downtown Punta Gorda Live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment throughout downtown.

5 - 8 p.m. 941-391-4856 David Tecce The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

FRI - 17

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Friday Night Concert Series The Bill Colletti Music Group Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766 Johnny & Patti - 6 pm Girls of Motown 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Brandon Miller Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

ACMA - Dan Navarro All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m., 239-691-4069 Pat Kumicich: I Found My Voice in Fabric will be on display May 4 - 23 at the Naples Art Association, 585 Park St.

Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials. 6-10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Art Walks the Runway Fashion Show May 17 & 18 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

SAT - 18

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Frank Matyok, noon-4 p.m. and Singer Paul Roush, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Colt Ford The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839

Sunset Celebration - Danny Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

Happenings Magazine

Shaw Davis & the Black Ties The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Gulfshore Opera: Musical Salute to the Red, White & Blue Gulf Theater at Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda 7 p.m., $35 and $25, 239-529-3925 www.GulfshoreOpera.org

Tracy Lawrence The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839

Atilio Marinelli - 6 pm All Star Motown Band - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sunny Jim White performs tropical vibes from 1-5 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Community Day Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples On Saturday, May 18, the community is invited to explore the Artis— Naples cultural campus with free family-friendly activities from noon to 4 p.m. Activities include live music, hands-on art experiences and access to the Hayes Hall Galleries.

239-597-1900 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

SUN - 19

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 Cabana Joe The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 4 - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Paul & Quinten (1-4 p.m.)

Steve Cipriano (4:30-7 p.m.)

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Gulfshore Opera: A Patriotic Celebration Club Pelican Bay, 707 Gulf Park Drive, Naples Come hear a concert of American favorites while enjoying an All American lunch. 1 p.m., $75, 239-529-3925 www.GulfshoreOpera.org

May 2019 - 29

MON - 20

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Mark Gorka, 5-8 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

SAT - 25

TUE - 21

The Naples Players/Mack is Back!

The Music of Bobby Darin May 21 - 22 701 5th Ave S, Naples Chaz Esposito performs the musical repertoire of the beloved singer and songwriter. 7 p.m. $40 239-263-7990 www.NaplesPlayers.org Steve Cipriano The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Jazz Jam Session - 6 pm The Collaboration - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000

WED - 22

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Erich Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 23

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-3 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-985-9839 30 - May 2019

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m. and Tiki Tom Watson, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Royal Palm Music presents Dokken with Lita Ford Friday, June 14 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. Doors open at 7 p.m. Lita Ford hits the stage at 9 p.m, and Dokken goes on at 10:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com

Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Join Gulf Coast Leisure at SBDAC for the Art & Poetry Networking Event!

Mixed media artists, music, spoken word, and vendors are all highlighted each month. Sign up early to perform, or be a part of the audience and enjoy this interactive music and art showcase! 8 p.m. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933

Lynda Carter "This Life: My Music, My Story" Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee 506 S 1st St, Immokalee 239-658-1313 www.moreinparadise.com

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

Jack and the Beanstalk Through June 14 Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422

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

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900

VITO Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

FRI - 24

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Highway 1 Trio, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Friday Night Concert Series Rockin’ Horse Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza.

239-948-3766

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

Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 7 p.m. Tickets available May 16 at www.artisnaples.org Pam Taylor & The Flyin Vs The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Jory Lyle & Company The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Elvis & More Tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

River District Food and Brew Festival Burroughs Home & Gardens, Downtown Fort Myers Enjoy unlimited beer, live music, and food along the river from noon - 8.

This event will feature local SWFL breweries and the best restaurants in SWFL serving up tastes of their finest offerings. www.uncommonfriends.org Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 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 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 AURA The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 20th Annual Southwest Florida SoapFest Charity Weekend May 25-27 Various locations on Marco Island SoapFest Takes Its Final Curtain Call 20th Annual Charity Weekend Wraps Up Two Decades Fundraising for Children’s Charities. www.theateronmarco.com/soapfest or by calling 239-394-0080.

Heart of Chrome Tour Bert's Black Widow Harley Davidson 2224 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte Mr. Speed brings their 2019 "Heart of Chrome" Tour to "Rock and Roll All Nite." Experience an identical tribute to the make-up, costumes and antics of a classic KISS-style show.

5 p.m. 941-883-8000 Happenings Magazine

Sunset Celebration with Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Jimmy Niteclub - 6 pm Legends of Motown - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000

SUN - 26

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Paul & Quinten (1-4 p.m.)

Steve Cipriano (4:30-7 p.m.)

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Shore Patrol Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Heather Vichevich Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda Join internationally acclaimed vocalist, Heather Vichevich, on a musical journey of her life performing in NYC and around the world on luxury cruise ships! The show features a live orchestra playing your favorites from Broadway, Opera and Pop. This real life "Love Boat" story is one you won't want to miss! 4 p.m.

Price: $15-40. 941-637-0459 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 3 - 6 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 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 10 a.m.-2 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

MON - 27

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon-4 p.m., center court. Vintage Car Club Car Show, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Happenings Magazine

FRI - 31

Buckcherry with Joyus Wolf Dixie Roadhouse, 1023 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 239-541-7900

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Dan Meadows, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

TUE - 28

Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church 1225 Piper Boulevard, Naples 2 p.m. Tickets available May 16 at artisnaples.org

Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 DIO Returns US Tour 2019 Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers Special guest: Jizzy Pearl's Love/Hate. 8 p.m. 239-481-4849

Jazz Jam Session - 6 pm The Collaboration - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000

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

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

Friday Night Concert Series Silver Sneakers Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero Enjoy the sounds of Silver Sneakers, playing the good oldies with a modern twist. 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 239-948-3766

WED - 29

Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Moorings Park, Bower Chapel 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples 2 p.m. Tickets available May 16 at artisnaples.org Noah Waddell, Pianist Shell Point Retirement Community Grand Cypress Room/WDL 15101 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-454-2067 Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Dr, Naples 7 p.m. Tickets available May 16 at artisnaples.org Michael D‘Amore The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Greg Miller & The Tributes Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 30

Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Naples Regional Library 650 Central Avenue, Naples 2 p.m. Registration for tickets at collierlibrary.org Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples 5 p.m. Registration for tickets at wwwcollierlibrary.org

Royal Palm Music presents Dokken with Lita Ford Friday, June 14 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Lita Ford hits the stage at 9 p.m, and Dokken goes on at 10:30 p.m. For tickets, visit online at www.eventbrite.com

Pearl & Princess Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Nette The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Sizzle Restaurant Week May 30 - June 12 Over 50 restaurants throughout Southwest Florida www.sizzleswfl.com

Naples Philharmonic Free Chamber Concert Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples 1 p.m. artisnaples.org Richie C - 6 pm Michael D’Amore - 7 pm Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-549-3000 Tampa Taiko Drums Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Tampa Taiko is a fun-filled, interactive performance that covers the history of taiko, the music of Japan, modern drumming performance, and drum making using discarded barrels that have been recycled into taiko drums. Doors at 6 p.m. for free crafts and games before the show. $8. 239-574-0806 Mark Telesca Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers, 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 May 2019 - 31

MUSIC

Leroy Jones - May 3

Monroe Crossing - April 29

Stay in May Festival offers variety

By Claudia Polzin As we move into the months that the activity seems a little slower and the roads less crowded, we sometimes look around for entertainment options. Granted, there are less during the traditional months that are considered summer – but they are not gone.

The Stay in May Festival will continue through May 7 and brings world-class entertainment to Naples in late April and early May. The early festival events featured some of great jazz programs – Jazz at the Library on April 26 featuring the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. One of the great young artists of our time was featured on April 27 – Alex Laurenzi – and we hope that got to hear him in concert with legendary jazz artist – Lew DelGatto.

But the love of jazz continues for the festival programming on May 3 with New Orleans Jazz. Most of us know the legend of the Preservation Hall Jazz - and you can hear and appreciate one of the legendary New Orleans’ jazz trumpeters – LeRoy Jones. He has been credited with restoring the brass band tradition in New Orleans and is a regular at Preservation Hall. You probably don’t know that if you saw “Sleepless in Seattle” you enjoyed LeRoy’s music. Enjoy him live on May 3 at North Naples Church with the great Lew DelGatto’s jazz band.

On May 4 – if you enjoy a variety of musical genre’s – join the festival at Bentley Village and hear the astounding music of Intersection – an award-winning violin trio. But this is not your typical violin trio – this group features everything from classical to jazz.

Each of the artists in the trio is an award-winning artist on their own and when they combine their talents you get to enjoy an evening of virtual collaboration between artists and audience.

Have you ever imagined a combination of brass and a magnificent pipe organ – Intersection - May 4 you can on May 5 at 4 p.m.

32 - May 2019

at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. This will be an afternoon of music from Gabrielli to jazz to patriotic music. This unique, first of its kind in Naples, features three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, percussion, piano and a pipe organ with over 3,000 pipes. All of these musicians are professionals that you hear singularly but to hear them as a group will truly be an afternoon you don’t want to miss.

On May 7, enjoy the sounds of Seraphic Fire, a Grammy nominated chorale group, as it presents Music for Peace at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church.

Our own Naples Players makes sure you have theatre productions to enjoy over the summer and during May they will be featuring Lost in Yonkers from May 1 - 26.

For the foodies, there are some culinary events to satisfy your appetite. Additionally, Stay in May includes a Short Film Fest April 28, May 1 and 5.

As for fine art enthusiasts …. Maybe you want to enjoy Aft After Dark – head to Crayton Cove on May 11. Crayton Cove is one of Naples gems – and if you haven’t found it you really need to take the time during the summer months to explore Crayton Cove.

Stay in May Festival (formerly ArtsNaples World Festival) has now produced seven world class festivals with more than 70,000 attendees.

For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit online at www.stayinmay.com or call 239-390-2788.

Seraphic Fire - May 7

Happenings Magazine

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Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana

Acoustic Shows Robert Bidney

Special guest Fernando Perdomo May 4

Tim McGeary

May 11 Bill Veach opens

Songwriters on the Plaza

Downtown Fort Myers Library May 14 free - 6 pm

Dan Navarro

$10 - $15 donation per concert. 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.

Dan Navarro

May 18 Andy Getch opens 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 May 2019 - 33

MUSIC

Robert Bidney, Tim McGeary, Dan Navarro AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

The Americana Community Music Association just keeps rolling along in May and brings more remarkable artists to the Fort Myers area. The ACMA provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists.

ACMA member, singer and songwriter Robert Bidney will perform May 4 for the release of his new album Rush of Hope.

“I’m excited to celebrate the release of my second album. Thanks to the amazing ACMA organization for hosting my album release event. My first album, It’s All About the Love, received wonderful reviews, national radio chart placement, recognition in a best-selling book and opportunities to perform around the country. Now with my second album, Rush of Hope, I’m looking forward to building on that success,” says Bidney.

His songs are an eclectic collection of universal meditations on love, harmony… only an experienced songwriter would attempt. Bidney connects through his infectious energy and emotional performances. Special guest that night ill be Fernando Perdomo.

Tim McGeary takes the ACMA stage on May 11. If music is a springboard for emotion, then Tim McGeary knows all too well how to mine it to the max. “I have to write songs,” the accomplished songwriter insists. “Yet, it’s both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that you are able to write and sing songs that can connect to people and bring them to an emotional state. The curse is that I can never turn it off. If I get something in my head at 3 am, I have to get up and get to my guitar or piano so I quickly record something. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get back to sleep.”

McGeary’s dedication to his muse has never faltered, and now, even after a couple of decades of plying his craft, that passion is as intense as ever. It’s the spiritual essence of making music that elicits his enthusiasm…that drives him to connect with his listeners…and that makes it so essential for him to express his emotions and desires.

Bill Veach opens the May 11 show. He was a drummer in a rock band in college, but guitars are easier to move and make for better neighbors so he spent $100 of his pre34 - May 2019

Dan Navarro plays the ACMA listening room May 18.

cious college beer money on a flame red acoustic guitar. Moving was a part of his life for years, with a love of travel that is expressed in many of his songs. His songs are often autobiographical, about his experiences, travel, love, loss and some characters he has met on his journey. Bill performs regular solo and as a member of the Pearl Street Band The final Songwriters on the Plaza of the season will be held May 14 at 6 p.m. in downtown Fort Myers and the program will be a songwriters showcase. Join them for the season finale as they celebrate the first year of Songwriters on the Plaza. This free show will be an ACMA showcase featuring many local songwriters. Concert will take place at the downtown library’s amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, and the show will be moved indoors depending on weather.

The ACMA welcomes Dan Navarro on May 18. Dan started as a songwriter, most often with Eric Lowen, for artists as diverse as Pat Benatar (the Grammy-nominated “We Belong”), The Bangles, Jackson Browne, Dave Edmunds, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, The Triplets, Dutch star Marco Borsato, and Austin outlaw legend Rusty Weir.

In the 1990s and 2000s, he and Eric recorded and toured as the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen & Navarro until Eric’s

retirement in 2009. Dan has transitioned smoothly into a busy solo career over the past decade, touring nationally almost constantly.

In 2009, after 22 years and 12 CDs with Lowen & Navarro, Dan released the spirited “Live at McCabe’s,” backed by his pals, Austin’s now-disbanded Stonehoney. His new album Shed My Skin is out now.

He is the father of a 21-year-old son, thinks sleep is for babies and is a known abuser of acoustic guitars.

He has a parallel career as a voice actor and singer, in films like Pirates of the Caribbean 5, The Book Of Life, Rio (on the Oscar-nominated “Real In Rio”), Happy Feet, The Lorax, Ice Age (2 & 3) ; TV series Turbo Fast, Prison Break, Family Guy and American Dad; records with Neil Young, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel, Jose Feliciano, Janiva Magness, and Jon Anderson of Yes; hit video games Fallout 4 and Uncharted 4, and hundreds of TV ads for Subaru, Shakey’s, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Honda, Nationwide and more.

ACMA member musician Andy Getch opens the show on May 18.

The ACMA is a non-sectarian not for profit organization. Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and all shows start at 7 pm. For more information visit www.americanacma.org Happenings Magazine

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY

Beethoven meets Coldplay May 4

The Southwest Florida Symphony surrounding Beethoven’s creation of welcomes the return of YouTube senSymphony No. 3 - the Eroica sation, conductor/composer/arranger Symphony. Beethoven was an artist Steve Hackman to lead its upcoming desperate to solidify his position as concert at the Barbara B. Mann the reigning musical genius in Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers as Vienna, yet still misunderstood and part of the orchestra’s continuing criticized, and a young man in his effort to advance new musical conthirties faced with the reality that he cepts that incorporate classical comwould indeed soon be completely position. deaf. How, then, would Beethoven On Saturday, May 4, Maestro have reacted to the Coldplay lyrics Steve Hackman leads the Southwest ‘Nobody said it was easy?’ or ‘When Florida Symphony in a performance you lose something you can’t of his arrangements that fuse replace…. could it be worse?’

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 and Beethoven V. Coldplay transforms the music of iconic British rock band, the Eroica into an oratorio, weaving Coldplay. This is Steve Hackman’s the melodies and lyrics of Coldplay only South Florida performance this into the original Beethoven, pairing Steve Hackman year. In addition to a performance of them together based on content and his groundbreaking Beethoven v. context. It is the alternate Eroica Coldplay fusion, this concert features an excerpt from Beethoven’s 5th Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at Symphony, symphonic arrangements of popular Coldplay tunes and the time. Three vocalists join the full symphony; many of Coldplay’s original music by Steve Hackman’s Stereo Hideout Project. most well-known songs are interpolated, including “Yellow,” “Viva La A merging of musical giants, Beethoven V. Coldplay pairs two comVida” and “The Scientist.” poser/artists that deal with universal and humanist themes in their Tickets range from $25-$105 and may be purchased online at music, and asks the musical question- would Beethoven have found www.swfslo.org or at www.bbmannpah.com, by calling the symphony meaning in the music of Coldplay? That notion, perhaps odd-sounding box office at 239-418-1500 or the Barbara B. Mann Hall box office at at first, becomes much more compelling when considering the events 239-481-4849.

Lynda Carter at Seminole Casino Hotel on May 24 This Life - My Music - My Story

Happenings Magazine

Lynda Carter debuts her new show “This Life - My Music My Story” with a multicity tour that spans the country and makes a stop at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Best known for winning our hearts as TV's iconic Wonder Woman and a career in television and film, Carter is also an acclaimed singer who has performed to rave reviews before soldout audiences around the world and commanded the stage with many of the world's most popular singers, actors, and performers.

Hitting the stage at age five, Carter’s passion for music was known early and has

lasted a lifetime. She made her professional singing debut at age 14 in Tempe, Ariz. By age 16, she was captivating audiences from Las Vegas to the Catskills as she toured nationwide. Soon after, Carter's self-penned single "Toto" from her album "Portrait" on EPIC Records was a hit with fans worldwide.

She holds the singular distinction of producing and starring in five, multi-EMMY nominated CBS television specials where her vocal, dance, and performance talents wowed national audiences. Carter's EMMY-winning special "Celebration" earned CBS the highest ratings of the year.

"This Life - My Music My Story" will delight fans old and new as Carter and her All Star Band of recording legends take the audience on a visual and musical journey of her amazing life and music.

A brief Q&A session will follow the show.

Advance tickets are on sale now for $39 and are available at www.moreinparadise.com.

Attendees must be 21 years of age.

May 2019 - 35

MUSIC

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

Barber of Seville May 11

Gioachino Rossini’s most famous opera Barber of Seville will be performed May 11 at 7 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. This delightfully amusing story of young love unfolds in Spain, with Count Almaviva striving to win the love of the beautiful Rosina. To rescue her from her awful guardian, the Count enlists the help of the town’s busy-body barber, Figaro, who mostly creates mayhem with his disguises and schemes. The Barber of Seville appeals to both opera newbies and aficionados. This fully staged production features an international cast of singers and renowned designers.

Figaro will be played by James Wright, described by critics as "tremendous," "entertaining" and "talented." Baritone James Wright is a favorite among audiences for his charismatic presence and warm tone.

Rosina will be performed by Sarah Nordin, mezzo-soprano, about whom the Finger Lakes Times stated, "Vivid mezzo-soprano Sarah Nordin meets daunting vocal hurdles with ease and wit as the crafty Rosina."

Victor Ryan Robertson brings his talents as a versatile tenor to the role of Count Almaviva. Robertson made his Broadway debut last season with the longest running Broadway show, Phantom of the Opera.

Bartolo will be performed by bass-baritone Andrew Hiers. Hiers was Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle for his “impeccable performance” as Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola while at the San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program.

Tyler Putnam, bass, will perform the role of Basilio. Putnam’s voice has been described as “robust and resonant” by TheatreMania, and deemed a “standout” by Opera Magazine.

This fully-staged opera will be supported by your Gulf Coast Symphony. The Barber of Seville is full of some of Gioachino Rossini’s finest operatic music.

Established in 1996, the Gulf Coast Symphony is led by music & executive director Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz.

Tickets to Rossini’s Barber of Seville start at $29, and are available by calling the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall box office at 239-481-4849, or visiting www.GulfCoastSymphony.org.

The ninth annual Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival is set to take place May 10 and 11 at Tin City in Naples.

The two-day event will feature live music, craft beer, BBQ & blue crabs, vendors and more. The event runs 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

The music gets underway on Friday, May 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. with The Dazzling DelRays.

On Saturday, May 11, Gator

Nate plays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz will play from 2 to 5 p.m. The Ben Allen Band will wrap up the festival’s music, playing from 6 to 9 p.m.

The festival is sponsored by Pinchers, Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse, Seminole Casino Hotel, Bone Hook Brewing Co., Coors, Cat Country 107.1, Y 100.1 and 95.3 OLZ. Tin City is located off 5th Avenue South in Naples. For more details, visit online at www.naplesbluesbbq.com.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest May 10-11

36 - May 2019

The Dazzling DelRays

Ben Allen Band

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 37

MUSIC

Ragady Lapsey

John Patti

Sunny Jim White

Key Lime Festival May 11 at Fishermen’s Village

Fishermen’s Village is coordinating plans for its seventh annual Key Lime Festival to be held Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family friendly activities scheduled at various times throughout the day will include: • Tropical/steel drum and dance music featuring John Patti, Ragady Lapsey and Sunny Jim White (noon - 4 p.m.)

• Hot Flashz Dance Team (2:30 p.m.)

• Jeff the Juggler – Juggling/Balloon Twisting – Magic Show • Finest Face Painting by MaryRose

• Meet parrots from Parrot Outreach Society • Meet Luna the screech owl from Peace River Wildlife • Book signing with Greg and Vikki Winkler, authors of ‘“Welcome to Florida” • Live art demonstrations • Play the Key Lime Limbo game!

Village specialty stores, restaurants and participating vendors will feature Key Lime products for sampling and purchase to include: key lime jewelry creations, key lime fragrances, key lime pie, key lime loofa

soaps, key lime yogurt, Lime-a-ritas, key lime infused water, key lime tarts, key lime martinis, key lime truffles, dressings, dips, gelato, fudge and taffy, honey, Margarita T-shirts, lime sweatshirts, tropical fine art, key lime pie ice cream, key lime shakes, key lime cookies and more.

Admission and parking for the Key Lime Festival are free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda. Call 1-800-639-0020 or visit online at www.fishville.com.

Noah Waddell kicks off Shell Point summer concerts

Tickets are now available for Shell selections including standard love Point Retirement Community’s 2019 songs of the 20th century like Summer Concert Series, which fea“Unchained Melody,” “Nella Fantasia” tures four performances that begin in and “Sway” on Wednesday, June 12.

May and continue through August.

Aibou Duo, a musical twosome Offering diverse, affordable comprised of pianist Yoko Sata options for musical entertainment durKathari and violinist Ruby Berland, ing the summer, Shell Point’s 2019 will perform classical hits on Summer Concert Series includes perWednesday, July 10. Listeners will be formances by pianist Noah Waddell, provided background information on Gulfshore Tenors, Aibou Duo and each composition and will have an pianist Pietro Iannotti. opportunity to speak with the musi“The Shell Point Summer Concert cians following the concert.

Series is back for its ninth season The final performance in the 2019 with an engaging lineup of highly Summer Concert Series will take acclaimed musicians,” said Laura place on Wednesday, Aug. 28 with a Pianist Noah Waddell kicks off Shell Pointʼs 2019 Slack, director of resident life at Shell musical act from Italian pianist Pietro Summer Concert Series with a unique performance on Point Retirement Community. “This Iannotti. The Salerno native has Wednesday, May 29. season brings a stunning variety of been performing worldwide in entertaining chamber music that the recitals and with orchestras, gaining audience is sure to enjoy.” acclaim from both audience and critics. He has participated and On Wednesday, May 29, pianist Noah Waddell, a young perwon numerous national and international competitions. former who gained national attention at just 14 years old, will perThe cost for each concert is $20, and all performances will be form an eclectic program including selections from classical comheld in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, posers. Waddellhas won numerous piano competitions including his 14441 Woodsong Lane, Fort Myers. To purchase tickets, visit first international piano competition in 2014 that was held in Fort www.shellpoint.org/summer or call the box office at 239-454-2067.

Collins, Colorado.

Tickets will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the perThe Gulfshore Tenors will perform a diverse repertoire of musical formance.

38 - May 2019

Happenings Magazine

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

SW FLORIDA

Some of the places to hear live music in SW Florida.

Backstreets

Hotel Indigo

The Barrel Room

Hurricane Charley’s

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

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

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue 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

1520 Broadway, Fort Myers 239-337-3446 300 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda 941-639-9695

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lansdowne Street

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

The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral 239-541-5600

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

The Shell Factory 2787 N. Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers 239-995-2141

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos 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

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

1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral 239-540-8454

Pete’s Time Out

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

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

Rhythm House Fishermen’s Village The 16440 S. Tamiami Trail

Happenings Magazine

19030 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-313-6012

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key

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

Fathoms

1200 W. Retta Esplan.

Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Shark Bar & Grill

Old Naples Pub

Dixie Roadhouse

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

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

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

Seminole Casino Hotel

Fort Myers 239-466-8326

Tiki Bar at Days Inn 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 May 2019 - 39

Taste of the Beach May 5

Join the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce and enjoy tasty samples from local restaurants as well as great live entertainment at the Taste of the Beach.

The 24th Annual Taste of the Beach will be held Sunday, May 5 on Old San Carlos Blvd. just down the street from Times Square.

Restaurants will offer samples of their signature dishes available for purchase and compete for top Taste of the Beach Award honors in the categories of Best Appetizer, Best Beef Entree, Best Seafood Entree, Best Chicken Entree, Best Dessert, Best Decorated Booth,

and People’s Choice.

Gates open at 11 a.m., and food will be served until it runs out or at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children over 12. Children under 12 are free. Food tickets will be $1 each, with a $5 average food serving price.

Live music will be provided by The Romantics - For lovers, past, present and future; Steve Farst and Joe List.

Advance tickets are on sale now at www.tasteoffmb.com.

If interested in being a food or merchandise vendor, visit online for an application.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber also needs volunteers for this event for both morning and afternoon shifts. Duties include entry sales, food ticket sales, beverage sales, setup and clean-up. Volunteers receive free entry to the event, ten complimentary food tickets, free water and the chance to meet some great people. Contact the Chamber at 239-4547500 or events@fmbchamber.com for more information on volunteer or vendor opportunities.

This event is put on by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Sizzle Restaurant Week May 30 - June 12 From Cape Coral to Marco Island and everywhere tasty in between, Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week is a semi-annual charity driven promotion that celebrates dining out at an affordable price in both Lee and Collier Counties. The event is produced and owned

by Guy Clarke & Rafael J. Feliciano, cofounders of Food Idea Group.

Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week 2019 Spring Edition is May 30 through June 12 and features more than 50 participating restaurants offering amazing three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus with special upgrades and deals starting at just $26 or $36. (Some are offering two-course lunches for $16 or $21 as the event continues to grow.)

All the menus will be online at www.SizzleSWFL.com as the organizers receive them.

“Your participation matters! The best thing about Restaurant Week is that $1 from every Restaurant Week meal (lunch or dinner) sold will be donated to the Sizzle SWFL FGCU Food & Beverage Scholarship! The scholarship supports local Southwest Florida high school graduates that are enrolled in 40 - May 2019

the FGCU Resort & Hospitality Management program, with both financial and non-financial assistance,” says Guy Clarke.

With over 60,000 Restaurant Week meals sold per year (and growing), this scholarship will have a profound impact on our local High School graduates, which inturn helps our local restaurants be able to hire more qualified staff.

The overall goal of Restaurant Week is to encourage people to visit the best local restaurants during a normally slow time of year and help expose the population of Lee, Collier and the surrounding counties to our amazing SWFL restaurants. A secondary goal is to get people to try new restaurants they have never visited.

Here’s how to participate: 1. Go to www.SizzleSWFL.com 2. Look through all the menus and pick a few restaurants to try out 3. Make your reservations. (Not always needed but highly recommended) 4. When you arrive, order from the Restaurant Week prix fixe menu.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 41

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

IN SW FLORIDA & SUN COAST

APR. 27 Everlast

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

The Drifters

Punta Gorda Block Party

Thompson Square

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

APR. 28

Newsboys & Michael W. Smith Hertz Arena, Estero

MAY 2

Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

MAY 3

Doug Stone & Friends The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Hank Williams Jr. Hertz Arena, Estero

Indigo Girls

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

MAY 4

Craig Campbell

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

MAY 8

Hillsong United Hertz Arena, Estero

Jon Anderson

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

MAY 9

Marshall Tucker Band

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Chayanne

Hertz Arena, Estero 42 - May 2019

Hillsong United

The Australian-based, multi-platinum-selling group Hillsong United has announced that after three years they are returning for their highly anticipated U.S. tour in 2019 including a stop in our area.

Florida performance dates include Hertz Arena in Estero on May 8, CFE Arena in Orlando on May 7, American Airlines Arena in Miami on May 9 and MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa on May 11. The tour is presented by Premier Productions. For more info, visit www.hillsongunited.com.

MAY 10

Colton Dixon

Hammond Stadium, Ft Myers

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Tom Jones

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

MAY 11

Russell Dickerson & Uncle Kracker

Hammond Stadium, Ft Myers

Dylan Scott

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Gary Allan

Big Cypress Celebration

MAY 17 Colt Ford

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Toad the Wet Sprocket SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

MAY 18

Tracy Lawrence

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

MAY 23

JUN. 27

David Crosby & Friends

AUG. 17

The Original Wailers The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

MAY 24 Fastball

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Lynda Carter

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

MAY 26

Righteous Brothers

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

JUN. 1

Art Garfunkel

B. B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

JUN. 14

Dokken & Lita Ford The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

JUN. 15

Brit Floyd

Hertz Arena, Estero

Citizen Cope

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

UB40

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

AUG. 24

Artimus Pyle Band

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

SEP. 6

The Alarm, Modern English

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

SEP. 19

Disturbed

Hertz Arena, Estero

SEP. 20

Julio Iglesias

Hertz Arena, Estero

OCT. 18

ZZ Top & Cheap Trick Hertz Arena, Estero

NOV. 20

John Oates

SW Fla. Event Center, Bonita

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

Craig Campbell, Dylan Scott, Colt Ford & Tracy Lawrence SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES AT THE RANCH

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers has a packed schedule of concerts in May. Doug Stone & Friends will perform May 3 as part of the Sam Galloway Concert Series.

Doug Stone, a contemporary country star, found his mark in music as a lonesome baritone balladeer, although he was very adept at hard-up-tempo country. Doug began at age five learning guitar from his mother an avid singer and guitarist. At age seven he was given the opportunity, by his mother, to open for Loretta Lynn. Life presented Doug a drastic change with the divorce of his mother and father. Doug, as result, moved in with his dad. As his youthful years past, Doug played at skating rinks, local bars or any money making project to help his father make ends meet. In the daytime Doug worked as a mechanic, something else that came to him naturally.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series presents Craig Campbell May 4 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. In a day and age defined by instant gratification, it can be hard to remember that good things come to those who wait. But not for Wheelhouse Records singer-songwriter Craig Campbell. Long praised as a modern link to the traditional values of Country’s past, Campbell’s been waiting to release a new collection of music for five long years – and now that wait is finally over.

Dylan Scott’s performance on May 11 is also part of the Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series. With his romantic, platinum certified #1 hit “My Girl,” and gold certified Top 5 smash “Hooked,” Scott has certainly done that, paying his dues and transforming real-

Colt Ford - May 17 Happenings Magazine

Craig Campbell - May 4 life experience into chart-topping success.

Now with the album Dylan Scott Deluxe Edition, a new chapter begins.

The Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes Colt Ford back to The Ranch on May 17. With his sixth studio album, the aptly named Love Hope Faith, his follow-up to 2014’s Thanks for Listening, Colt Ford continues to live out his boyhood dream – the one where you “wake up on a mission/to buy that beat-up Gibson,” as he sings on “No Rest.” Love Hope Faith is exactly that, a message to to his loyal fan base, and a strike against the divisiveness plaguing our country, celebrating the things that bring us together – friends, family, our faith in a better future.

Tracy Lawrence returns to the Ranch on

Tracy Lawrence - May 18

Dylan Scott - May 11

May 18 as part of the Sam Galloway Concert Series. Tracy Lawrence is one of the most recognizable voices in Country music with songs such as “Paint Me A Birmingham,” “Time Marches On,” “Alibis” and “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” The entertainer has enjoyed twenty-two songs on the Billboard top ten charts with 18 number one singles, selling over 13 million albums.

The multi-platinum CMA and ACM award winning recording artist has helped shape the sound of country music for two decades, recently celebrating 20 years in music. Few country artists have ever known the kind of success that Tracy Lawrence has earned and the influence his iconic voice has contributed to the country music genre.

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.

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. 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.

Other shows on the concert schedule at The Ranch include The Original Wailers on May 23, Dokken and Lita Ford on June 14 and Citizen Cope on June 27.

For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

May 2019 - 43

KC and the Sunshine Band IN CONCERT

to headline Ultimate Disco Cruise in 2020

unforgettable” lifestyle and Just back from a wildly musical phenomenon. successful, sold-out inau“The surge of joy and gural edition, StarVista happiness that took over Live, the leader in nostalthe ship on our inaugural gia-based music cruise Ultimate Disco Cruise this experiences, announces month was unstoppable,” the return of its newest says Rubens. “Disco creatuniquely themed voyage, ed an entirely new social the 2020 Ultimate Disco scene for people of all difCruise. This cruise brings ferent backgrounds to come the cultural phenomenon of together and share that the 1970s from the dance dance fever worldwide, and floor to the high seas on a we were fortunate enough luxury ship that will wind its to recapture that vibe way through the Caribbean seamlessly. The response from Feb. 10-15, 2020. has been phenomenal. The Live concerts by the music has a beat and mespioneering superstars who sage that makes everyone made dance music a lastget out on our fabulous ing part of all of our lives retro dance floor and stay will “rock the boat” for five there late into the night, just incredible nights, with KC like we did back in the day. and The Sunshine Band We’re constantly hearing (special appearance 2/13), from our guests that their The Jacksons, favorite theme nights on Commodores, The Pointer any of our cruises are the Sisters, Harold Melvin’s disco/funk nights. Those Blue Notes, Heatwave, dance parties bring back Sister Sledge, First Ladies the fantastic memories of of Disco (featuring Martha the disco era – the clothes, Wash, Linda Clifford and the clubs, the dances, our Norma Jean Wright), old friends, our romances, George McCrae, Anita and that fabulous musical Ward, Maxine Nightingale revolution heard and and more. enjoyed worldwide. We Famed choreographer can’t wait to recreate that and “Dance Fever” TV host dance fever and era all Deney Terrio, the man who over again in 2020.” taught John Travolta his “Boogie Fever” is guarSaturday Night Fever KC and the Sunshine Band will headline the 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise from anteed to run rampant day dance moves, is back to Miami. Above, KC performs April 6 at the Seminole Casino Hotel in and night from Miami to host one of the greatest Immokalee. Photo by Jamie Kuser Key West to Nassau, and lineups of classic dance back, turning a luxury ship music stars ever assembled “We had such a great time in 2019, I can't into one glorious “Disco Inferno.” Throughout – and so much more – aboard the award-winwait to do it all over again in 2020,” adds the voyage, guests will also have the opportuning Celebrity Infinity. Terrio will be joined Harry “KC” Casey, who’ll be leading a very nity to attend special events to get up close onboard again by music host Bob Pantano, special KC & The Sunshine Band appearance and personal with the artists onboard, includhost of the longest-running radio dance party on Feb. 13 in Nassau, Bahamas. “You’re ing a wine tasting, live game shows, behind in the nation, the “Saturday Night Dance going to have music just practically 24 hours a the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, Party,” now celebrating its 42nd anniversary. day, you’re going to see all of your favorite pool parties, and unforgettable themed cos“I just got back from the inaugural Ultimate artists all in one place, and you’re going to tume gatherings.

Disco Cruise and I can’t express enough how have the best time of your life. … I can’t wait Cabin fares start at $1,349 and include entirely exhilarating it was,” says Terrio. “Not to get back on this cruise, to have fun with admission to all main stage shows, meals in only were all the acts fantastic, but I’ve never you and to do what I love doing. That’s makmain dining options and major parties. seen such an energy and complete happiness ing music and sharing good times with you.” across the board, from the crowd to the As someone who came of age in the Use promo code “Happenings” and artists. It was just amazing. It was like an elixir 1970s, Alan Rubens, StarVista Live senior save hundreds on your cabin. For further - it truly made people feel better about themvice president of entertainment and executive information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, selves. I haven’t danced so much in such a producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise, call 844-296-3472 or visit online at long time, I feel like I’m 20 again. I can’t wait remembers the disco explosion as a “simply UltimateDiscoCruise.com/happenings. to come back.”

44 - May 2019

Happenings Magazine

70s Rock & Romance Cruise Leo Sayer performs during the 70s Rock and Romance Cruise sail away party March 25.

By Jamie Kuser The third installment of the annual 70s Rock and Romance Cruise did not disappoint. My wife, Kathy, and I sailed aboard the Celebrity Infinity March 25 - 30 with 2,000 of our “friends” for five days of great music, wonderful memories and unique interactive events with rock stars.

The 70s Rock and Romance Cruise is like a five-day VIP experience with your favorite bands from when you grew up.

This year’s lineup of artists included Foreigner, Boz Scaggs, Little River Band, Grand Funk Railroad, The Orchestra (starring former members of ELO), Firefall, Exile, Orleans, Gino Vannelli, Leo Sayer and War. Each artist performed twice and then participated in an interactive event with our fellow cruisers. Those events include Q & A sessions, trivia contests, wine tastings, cooking demos, meet and greets and just plain conversations in the buffet line or on the elevator.

Special guests this year included Peter Asher, Kate Taylor and radio hosts Joe Johnson and Delilah. Added to the musical lineup were some very talented tribute artists like Queen Nation, Hotel California (Eagles), Bee Gees Gold and those who paid homage to Cher, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Blues Brothers, Mick Jagger and Joe Cocker.

Although the ports on this year’s cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Don Brewer, co-founder of Grand Funk Railroad, and John Hall, co-founder of Orleans, take questions at a Q & A session on the 2019 Rock and Romance Cruise.

were nice (Cozumel and Coco Cay, Bahamas), the best part of the trip is the live music and the comradery with like-minded people who also grew up listening to these great songs.

As usual, Star Vista Live deserves a five-star rating for another successful RNR Cruise. By the way, this is just one of many that they offer (Ultimate Disco, Country Music, Flower Power, Malt Shop and Soul Train) and Happenings Magazine is a partner with all of them.

The 2020 cruise band lineup so far ...

The fourth annual 70s Rock & Romance Cruise has expanded to seven days for 2020. Sailing aboard the Celebrity Infinity Feb. 15 22 from Miami, it has stops in San Juan and Dominican Republic.

The musical lineup so far includes Cheap Trick, America, Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Randy Bachman (founder of Bachman Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who), Todd Rundgren, Jefferson Starship, Rita Coolidge, Ambrosia, Pablo Cruise, Stephen Bishop, Peter Beckett’s Player and more.

Happenings Magazine readers can save hundreds of dollars on cabin prices by booking online at www.rockandromancecruise.com/happenings or call 844-466-7625 and be sure to mention the promo code “Happenings.”

Little River Band was among the performers on this yearʼs cruise. Other main stage acts were Foreigner, Boz Scaggs, The Orchestra and Grand Funk Railroad.

Gino Vannelli participates in one of many Q & A session on board the 70s Rock and Romance Cruise March 25-30.

Photos by Jamie Kuser

Save hundreds on your cabin with promo code “Happenings”

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 45

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Brittany Plasencia in Usama Ishtay.

Mariah Carey in a Michael Ngo design.

Art Walks the Runway Photo by Simon Soong

Get ready for two dazzling nights of couture fashion.

The 8th Annual Art Walks the Runway brings celebrity designers Michael Ngo, Usama Ishtay and Victor Lopez on Saturday, May 18 to the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Plus, see incredible indie designs and boutique fashion like Cesar Aguilera and Forema Boutique on Friday, May 17.

The highly anticipated fashion event of the year returns to Fort Myers. This year’s International Couture Runway on May 18 brings Michael Ngo, the L.A. designer who has dressed celebrities like Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. Also featured, Usama Ishtay is a couture designer whose fashions have graced the red carpet on actress Lauren London and dancer Zuleyka Rivera, he has also styled celebrities like Ciara, Tyra Banks, and Carrie Underwood. International designer Victor Lopez presents Mod haute couture seen at New York Fashion Week and American Fashion Week. In addition, experience an incredible body art performance piece from Elements of Body Art. Michael Ngo creates one-of-a-kind pieces 46 - May 2019

that celebrate freedom, sexuality and empowerment. He also specializes in readyto-wear pieces that compliment those sentiments. His design aesthetic revolves around street-luxe minimalism that is structured in silhouette and ornamentation. In addition to embellished details, special hardware makes his work noticeable and gives it a wow-that’scool factor. His work also features contrasting elements that create juxtaposition through unconventional fabrication, rough & smooth textures, and street style sophistication.

Usama Ishtay had humble beginnings in the women’s retail field. Usama made several trips around the world sourcing women’s fashion for several boutiques and stores in Venezuela when he then began to fall in love with one of his sourcing destinations. As quick as you can say Couture, Usama left his old life behind to pursue a brand new adventure in Los Angeles, where he currently works as a designer specializing in bridal, evening wear, couture looks, custom celebrity looks, and one-of-a-kind spectacular detailed looks.

From an early age, Victor Lopez learned the intricacies of design from the hands of his

grandmother while growing up in the Dominican Republic. She was his mentor and inspiration for learning needlework and pursuing his interest in the world of design and fashion. Lopez mimicked her taste, style, and delicacy when making fascinating clothes for well-known celebrities. Victor Lopez Designs captures attention on the biggest red carpets in the world, like the Cannes Film Festival.

Artful designs and trendy boutique fashion will be featured on May 17. Forema Boutique returns to showcase their 2019 Spring Collection. In addition, Cesar Aguilera of Paionia will present upcycled wearable art.

Forema is known for their inviting, happy, boho atmosphere, specializing in chic, affordable clothing. Cesar Aguilera is a well-known Southwest Florida artist. His work with Paionia has been featured in several fashion shows in the area. Art Walks the Runway will present his latest works.

Art Walks the Runway starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails, and the runway starts at 7 p.m. For more info and tickets, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. Happenings Magazine

PlayLab Festival May 9 - 12

Florida Repertory Theatre's 2019 PlayLab Festival of New Plays and Emerging Voices kicks off May 9 with readings of five new plays and one musical, a command performance of the world-premiere play for young audiences, Refugee, and a keynote address from literary agent, Susan Gurman.

The 2019 PlayLab lineup reflects Florida Rep's mission to produce a wide variety of work by emerging and well-established writers. The selected works are

Free Monthly

Acoustic Concerts Cornog Plaza Amphitheatre

Good Americans by Bruce Graham, Death of a Driver by Will Snider, The Last Buckley by Nathan Cann, Loving and Loving

by Beto O'Byrne, The Circle Game conceived and arranged

by Victoria Casella with a book

by Michael Bias, and Safety Net

by Daryl Lisa Fazio.

The sixth annual PlayLab Festival runs May 9 - 12 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, and tickets are $20 per reading. For tickets, call 239-232-4488 or online at www.floridarep.org

Songwriters

on the Plaza Fort Myers Library, First Street, Downtown

Second Tuesday of each month 6 to 7:30 pm

Bring a chair or blanket.

Shows will be moved indoors depending on weather. www.AmericanACMA.org

Happenings Magazine

May 2019 - 47

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

BBQ Bands & Brew draws large crowd

Chasing Dallas, The Echo, Deb & The Dynamics and Bite the Bullet performed at the 10th annual BBQ, Bands & Brew festival on Sunday, April 7 in downtown Fort Myers.

The festival is a major fundraising event of Lee BIA Builders Care, the

nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) that provides emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means.

The Echo was one of four bands at the annual BBQ, Bands & Brew April 7 at Centennial Park.

Chasing Dallas kicked off the live music at the annual BBQ, Bands & Brew April 7 at Centennial Park.

The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen was among the many local restaurant and food vendors that day.

Songwriters on the Plaza wraps up season May 14

The final Songwriters on the Plaza of this season will be Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. and will be an ACMA showcase featuring many local songwriters.

The Lee County Library has joined with the ACMA to offer free acoustic concerts of all original music. Concerts will take place in the amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. The passion of a songwriter at 48 - May 2019

any level sharing a song they wrote as well as the story behind the song is a wonderful experience to behold. Songs will range from sad to funny and everything in between.

Concert will take place at the Downtown Library’s Amphitheater, which is located on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket, show will be moved indoors depending on weather. If needed the show will be indoor in

the South Building that is attached to Talking Books Library. The address is 1651 Lee St., next to the Second Street Parking lot.

Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs in an intimate songwriters showcase. Be prepared to enjoy an evening of professional quality acoustic Americana music. Visit www.americanacma.org for more details.

Happenings Magazine

Let Us Host Your

Private Events Celebrations, Ceremonies, Business Meetings

Check online for availability of dates & food options.

Immediate response. Dedicated party planner.

For private events, call 239-228-3983 (ask for Robert).

River District • 2210 Bay Street • Fort Myers 239-333-2225 • BarrelRoomFortMyers.com

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 Happenings Magazine

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

May 2019 - 49

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. 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 Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

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

Cape Cabaret

Cape Cabaret offers dining, dancing and live music Tuesday through Saturday.

We feature a full dinner menu prepared by executive chef Ryan Cook, two full bars, two hardwood dance floors and live music from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. See your favorite bands perform on our 30-foot stage equipped with the latest state of the art sound and light systems. Have your next private party or corporate event in our ballroom or banquet room.

Happy Hour & Early Bird Specials 4 to 5:30 p.m. Entrees, house wines, wells all at 50% discount. Walk-ins always welcome or call reservation hotline.

4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 239-549-3000 www.capecabaret.com

50 - May 2019

Deep Lagoon Seafood

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 3 to 6 pm featuring small plates from $6 - $9.

10395 Tamiami Trail N, Naples 239-631-6266 14040 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-689-5474 www.deeplagoon.com

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled a completely redesigned EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill that enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections. The new interior design of the EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill is elegant yet comfortable and features a theaterstyle kitchen that allows for transparency as chefs prepare dishes “from scratch” to the table. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill menu features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. The wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including award- winning fajitas, pork osso bucco and the ever-popular braised short rib pot roast.

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

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 Key West, 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 Resort

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

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

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 738 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral 239-347-7033 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. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu. The Barrel Room offers a jazz brunch on Sundays. Additionally, the Barrel Room is available to rent for private events.

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

239-228-3983 for private events at The Barrel Room

The Veranda

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, combined with our Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff will provide you with the most unique dining experience in SW Florida.

Celebrating 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

May 2019 - 51

MAY

WED - 1

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Joselito the Puppet 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Drew Lynch 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 2

Jason Love 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jay Mohr 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Drew Lynch 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 3

Jason Love 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jay Mohr 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Drew Lynch 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 4

Jason Love 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Jay Mohr 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Drew Lynch 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 5

Jay Mohr 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 8

Tim the Dairy Farmer 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 52 - May 2019

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR WED - 8 continued

Chris Newberg 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

SAT - 11 continued

FRI - 17

THU - 23 continued

Al Ernst 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 9

John Witherspoon 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

James Yon 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 12

Tommy Davidson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Rene Bray 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Chris Newberg 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy John Witherspoon 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 10

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Ahmed Ahmed 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy John Witherspoon 7 & 10 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 11

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ahmed Ahmed 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Rene Bray 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Ahmed Ahmed 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 15

Rob Little 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 16

Justin Hires 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tommy Davidson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rob Little 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Laugh In Comedy Cafe 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Off the Hook Comedy Club 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte 941-764-3463 visani.net

Comedy Club calendar online at HappeningsMagazine.net * schedules subject to change

Justin Hires 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Rob Little 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 18

Justin Hires 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tommy Davidson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rob Little 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WED - 22

Kevin White 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Herlihy 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 23

Michael Harrison 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Eric Schwartz 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

FRI - 24

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Eric Schwartz 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy James Yon 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 25

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Eric Schwartz 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy James Yon 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUN - 26

Eric Schwartz 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 29

Kevin Bozeman 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 30

John Carfi 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tom Green 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Kevin Bozeman 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 31

John Carfi 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Tom Green 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Kevin Bozeman 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Happenings Magazine

KEY WEST

Joey Hyde was among the songwriters at the 2018 festival and is scheduled to return this year. Photo by Jamie Kuser

Songwriters Festival May 8 - 12

Brad Paisley, Ryan Hurd headline artist lineup

The writers behind some of America’s hottest contemporary tunes are to perform for Key West audiences in listener-friendly settings during the 24th Key West Songwriters Festival. An annual tradition that brings together music lovers and more than 150 music makers, the festival is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, May 8 - 12.

Aficionados can choose from more than 50 shows at venues including favorite Key West bars and restaurants, waterfront resorts, boutique inns and intimate theaters.

More than 30 performances are free including multiple offerings at the festival’s headquarters, the Smokin’ Tuna Saloon at 4 Charles St. Most shows feature a rotating group of writer/performers who play their hits, introduce new melodies, discuss their inspirations and share the stories behind their songs. Audience members have the rare Happenings Magazine

opportunity to hear music performed with the passion that only creators can convey.

Scheduled highlights include a free main stage concert on Key West’s Duval Street featuring Arista recording artist Brad Paisley, who has racked up more than 30 Top 10 singles during his career, and RCA recording artist Ryan Hurd. The open-air showcase is to take place at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 11.

The festival’s unparalleled talent roster also features songwriting superstars Dean Dillon, Chuck Cannon, Jeffrey Steele, Scotty Emerick, Earl Bud Lee, Cole Swindell, Liz Rose, Randy Houser, Aaron Barker, Trent Tomlinson, Wade Bowen, Lee Roy Parnell and Al Anderson among others, as well as Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen.

In addition, Big Loud Records’ HARDY, a rising artist known for his rock-tinged coun-

try sound, is to kick off the festivities Wednesday, May 8, with a waterfront welcome concert at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier at 0 Duval St. To complement the lineup of free admission performances, ticketed theater shows are scheduled at the majestic San Carlos Institute at 516 Duval St., Tropic Cinema at 416 Eaton St., Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St. and The Studios of Key West at 533 Eaton St. Presented by international performing rights organization BMI, the Key West Songwriters Festival benefits the BMI Foundation. The nonprofit foundation supports the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants and commissions.

Event information, schedule and ticketing can be found online at www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com May 2019 - 53

KEY WEST

Slightly Stoopid will perform at Key West Amphitheater June 9.

Destination concerts

take place on Key West

Key West offers a great opportunity for travelers to explore the uniqueness of Key West and see some of their favorite national artists perform in concert (indoors and outside).

At least four concert venues host national artists. They include the Tennessee Williams Theatre at 5901 College Road, the Key West Theater at 512 Eaton St., the city-owned Key West Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront Park and the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel at 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

At the Key West Theater, the music schedule includes Martin Barre celebrates 50 years of Jethro Tull featuring Clive Bunker, Dee Palmer and special guests on May 2. David Crosby & Friends are scheduled for May 24. The theater will host the Key West Blues Festival on May 25. The Key West Blues Festival has recruited the best of Key West's blues performers to offer you an exclusive concert experience. Catch some of Key West's best blues musicians such as Bill Blue, Caffeine Carl, Ericson Holt, Michelle Dravis, Andy Westcott, Daryl Brooke, Joey Marchiano and Rick Fusco with special guests Jeff Clark, Wayne Sorbelli and Karri Daley.

The Key West Theater also hosts a Songwriters Speakeasy Series. This is an intimate evening featuring local songwriters and their original works. Hear the stories behind the songs in one of Key West's best kept secrets, the Back Stage Listening Room at the Key West Theater. On May 5, the series will feature Cliff 54 - May 2019

Cody, Dora Gholson and Tony Baltimore. On July 7, the series welcomes Chad Burtch, Adrienne Z and Michelle Dravis.

For tickets and other show info at the Key West Theater, visit online at www.thekeywesttheater.com.

As for the outdoor venues ...

Slightly Stoopid has been added to the amphitheater concert schedule. They will play June 9, along with Matisyahu, Tribal Seeds and Hirie. An eclectic band when it comes to musical styles as well as collaborations, Slightly Stoopid, now in their second decade of making music, continues to manufacture an energizing and multifaceted sound that has been described as “a spiritual bath of positive party energy.� Gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the show starts at 4:30 p.m.

Located at the new Truman Waterfront, the Key West Amphitheater is situated near Fort Zachary with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from the top of the lawn - don't miss the world famous Key West Sunset on show day. With a grassy general admission lawn, intimate reserved seats, and a one of kind panoramic backdrop, the amphitheater provides the perfect entertainment space for all music fans.

For tickets to Rams Head concerts at Sunset Green Event Lawn and Key West Ampitheater, visit online at www.keywestconcertseries.com.

Happenings Magazine

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN

Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade

Annual Swim Around

Key West Blues Festival

Key West Pride

May 3 - 5 If one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, then the late Key Largo folk artist Stanley Papio was a treasure hunter extraordinaire. The Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade features colorful sculptural floats, tricycles with exotically costumed riders, fantastically decorated bicycles and other moving works of art — all powered by human effort alone — and are to follow a route along the length of Duval Street. www.papioskineticparade.com May 25 This spring, the Key West Blues Festival has recruited the best of Key West's blues performers to offer you an exclusive concert experience. See some of Key West's best blues musicians such as Bill Blue, Caffeine Carl, Ericson Holt, Michelle Dravis, Andy Westcott, Daryl Brooke, Joey Marchiano & Rick Fusco and special guests: Jeff Clark, Wayne Sorbelli & Karri Daley. www.thekeywesttheater.com

Happenings Magazine

KEY WEST

June 1 The Annual Swim Around Key West is a 12.5-mile endurance swim clockwise around the entire island of Key West, started by founder Anna Fugina in 1977.

The Annual Swim Around Key West is an independent and insured swim, permitted by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are three categories: solo swimmer, two-person relay team and three-person relay team. Presented by Key West Athletics Association. www.swimaroundkeywest.com June 5 - 9 Key West shows its pride every day, and this is your chance to be a part of the celebration! The five-day schedule includes daytime pool and beach parties, late-night drag shows, on-the-water adventures ranging from snorkeling and kayaking to glass-bottom boat tours, a street fair, a 10k relay for tutu-wearing runners and walkers, and pageants to select Mr., Miss and Ms. Key West Pride. www.keywestpride.org

Paddle Classic

May 2 - 5 Watersports enthusiasts on paddleboards and other self-propelled watercraft can race around the continental United States’ southernmost island during the annual Key West Paddle Classic. The challenge highlights a long weekend of action-oriented events scheduled Thursday through Sunday, May 2 - 5. The Paddle Classic main event is a 12-mile distance race around the island of Key West set for May 4. The distance challenge is open to paddlers on stand-up paddleboards of various lengths, surf SUPs, prone boards, outrigger canoes, surf skis and kayaks. Three-person stand-up relay teams also are eligible to compete.

Presented by the Florida Keys’ adventure tour company Lazy Dog, the race is a World Paddle Association national points event and a Paddle League international points event. The 12-mile course takes competitors past island landmarks such as the Southernmost Point marker, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Mallory Square, before they reach the finish at Higgs Beach. www.lazydog.com

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