







Stillplentyonstage Highseasonmaybegoneand oursnowbirdshaveheadednorth, butwestillhavemanytheatrical choicesonourareastages.
ThemusicalWaitressisonthe mainstageatBroadwayPalm TheatreinFortMyersthroughMay 24.ThatwillbefollowedbyLegally BlondewhichopensMay30and runsthroughJune28.
Gulfshore Playhousepresents SweetCharitythrough May4attheBaker TheatreandEducation CenterinNaples.
VenusinFurcontinuesattheFlorida RepertoryTheatre’s ArtStageStudio TheatrethroughMay 18.
May7-25atTheNaplesPlayers KizzieTheater.
HalfBakedwillkeepaudiences laughingnowthroughMay24atthe OffBroadwayPalmTheatre.
TheBelleTheatreinCapeCoral hasBeetlejuiceJronstageMay30 andJune1.Thatwillbefollowedby InPiecesJune13-22.
FringeFortMyersreturnson May29.Theperforming artsfestivalruns throughJune1atthe AlliancefortheArtsand attheOffBroadway PalmTheatre.
TheBusinessof Murderisonstageat PlayersCircleTheaterinFortMyers throughMay11.ThatwillbefollowedbyVanitiesthemusicalrunningMay20throughJune8.
TheMurderMysteryDinnerTrain wrapsupitsrunofDeathandOther PeopleonMay4.Anewshow,The EnemyofMyEnemyisMyEnemy, willbeperformedMay7toJuly6 onSeminoleGulfRailway’sdinner train.
FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresentsitsPlayLabFestivalofNew WorksMay2-4indowntownFort Myers.
InCapeCoral,WhenBullfrogs SingOperawillbeperformedMay 23throughJune1atCulturalPark Theatre.Additionally,CulturalPark willannouncetheir63rdseason withaspecialpartyonMay17.
TheCharlottePlayerspresent NanaDoesVegasMay15-25at theLangdonPlayhouseinPort Charlotte.
TheLaboratoryTheaterof Floridawillofferreadingsoftheir NewPlayContestwinnerandfinalistsMay15-17inFortMyers.
TheHallelujahGirlsareonstage
4-MAY2025
TheatreZoneisgearingupforitssummer musicalpresentationof Ghost.Thatwillbeon stageJune5-15atthe G<heatrein Naples.
Sadly,Theatre Conspiracyhas announcedits33rdandfinalseasoninFortMyers.BillTaylor’stheatrecompanywillsayfarewellafter doingaseasonofshowsatmultiple venuesin2025and2026.
The2026sailingofthe70sRock andRomanceCruiseisalmostsold out.Atpresstime,lessthan65cabinsremainedfortheMarch21-28 sailingaboardtheCelebrity Silhouette(outofFt.Lauderdale). Sofar,theperformancelineup includesAmerica,Kansas,Don Felder,LouGramm,PabloCruise, Ambrosia,MelissaManchester,Bay CityRollerswithmoretobeadded.
Thiscruisefeaturesanopportunitytoseeyourfavoriteartistsina varietyofvenuesaswellasparticipateininteractiveevents.
Tosavemoneyonyourcabin, usethepromocodeHAPPENINGS whenyoucall844-355-7625orgo torockandromancecruise.com
Thiscruisewillselloutsoon,so don’twaitoryouwillmisstheboat. Rockon, Jamie
JenFalk,DebJonsson, BobWilliams,BethPreddy, RachelApplegate,KathyBernier, ShaelynCrabtree,PaulaSisk Sales&Marketing: JamieKuser,LisaDoyle-Mitchell,
isowned,published &distributedmonthlyinLee,CollierandCharlotte
ONTHECOVER:PaulaFigueroaCaunedo(center)starsasJennainWaitressplayingnow throughMay24atBroadwayPalminFortMyers.
BroadwayPalmDinnerTheatrepresentstheheartwarming musicalWaitress,runningnowthroughMay24.
ThispowerfulandinspiringstoryfeaturesadeliciouslyoriginalscorebySaraBareillesandataleofresilience,friendship, andthepursuitofhappiness.
WaitressfollowsJenna,asmall-townwaitresswithapassionforbakingpies,whoisstuckinalovelessmarriageand dreamingofabetterlife.Whensheunexpectedlyfindsherself pregnant,Jennaembarksonatransformativejourney,supportedbyherquirkycoworkersandanewdoctorwhomayjustbe hertickettoabrighterfuture.
Withmemorablesongslike“SheUsedtoBeMine”and “What’sInside,”Waitresscelebratesthestrengthofthehuman spiritandtheimportanceoffindingone’sownvoice.
ThecastincludesPaulaFigueroaCaunedoasJenna,
JasmineLacyYoungasBecky,KaliCloughertyasDawn,Frank HughesasCal,AustinAndersonasDr.Pomatter,Ross CoughlinasOgie,MarcLubbersasJoe,AndrewBittenbender asEarlandMeganOpalinskiasNurseNorma.
DirectorandchoreographerforWaitressisAmyMarie McCleary.
ThisproductionpreviouslyranatBroadwayPalm’ssister theatre,DutchAppleDinnerTheatreinLancaster,Pa.,until April5,beforemakingitswaydowntoFloridainmid-April.
Showandmealpricesstartat$75,withshow-onlyoptions available.Groupdiscountsarealsoofferedforpartiesof20or more.
BroadwayPalmTheatreislocatedat1380ColonialBlvd., FortMyers.TicketsareavailableatBroadwayPalm.comorby calling239-278-4422
TheOffBroadwayPalmDinner Theatreinvitesyoutoexperienceawild andhilariouscomedywithHalfBaked, runningnowthroughMay24.
Thisoutrageousshowfollowstwo retiredbrothersandtheirwiveswho movetoFloridatoopenacafé.When businesstakesanosediveandtheir fundsrunout,thebrotherstakedrastic measures—likebakingcannabisinto
appetizersto“spiceup”theirsales,and committingmurderforlifeinsurance money!Butwhenanoldboyfriendand aloansharkshowup,thelaughsreally starttorollinasthingsgetevenmore complicated.
Thisuproariouscomedyispacked withunexpectedtwists,laugh-out-loud moments,andahealthydoseofdark humor.HalfBakedwillkeepyouguess-
ingjusthowfarthecharacterswillgoto keeptheirdreamsalive—andhow muchmorethey’llmessitupalongthe way.
TicketsforHalfBakedareonsale nowandcanbepurchasedthroughthe BroadwayPalmwebsiteatbroadwaypalm.com,bycallingtheboxofficeat 239-278-4422,orinpersonatthetheatreat1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers.
Thecurtainissettoclose onanotherremarkableseasonatCulturalParkTheatre withthedelightfulcomedy WhenBullfrogsSingOpera.
Thischarmingproduction promisestoleaveaudiences laughingandreflectingonthe quirksoffamilydynamics. Markyourcalendarsfora seriesofunforgettableperformancesrunningfrom Friday,May23through Sunday,June1.
Setinthewhimsicalworld ofBullfrogWaller,thestory introducesustotwosisters withstarklydifferentlives. Millicent,portrayedbythetalentedDaniIvory,hastransformedherselfintoabigcitysocialite,while hersisterCoreen, playedby Victoria Zielazny,has remainedtrue tohercountry roots—until now.
Thecomedy unfoldsasCoreen payshersisteravisit, throwingMillicent’scarefully curatedhigh-societylifeinto hilariousdisarray.Withacast ofcolorfulcharacters,includingMillicent’shusbandBrian (MaxRousseau),theirson Patrick(JakeBennett),and theeccentricKupperman family(featuringEllen Gonzales,DouglasBrown, andRosieDeLeon),thisproductionisaheartwarming andcomedicexplorationof family,identity,andtheties thatbindus.
Performanceschedule includesMay23,24,30and 31at7p.m.with3p.m.matineesonMay25andJune1.
Don’tmissthisdelightful finaletoourseason—it’sa perfectnightoutforfamilies, friends,andanyonelooking foragoodlaughandaheartfeltstory.
Beforetheybidfarewellto thisseason,CulturalPark Theaterinvitesyoutoavery specialevent:The63rd SeasonAnnouncementParty onSaturday,May17at7 p.m.Thisfreeeventisthe theatre’swayofthanking thecommunityfor theirunwavering supportand sharingthe excitementof what’sto come.
The eveningwillbe filledwithlive performances,specialannouncements, andacelebrationofthe incredibletalentanddedicationthatmakeourtheatera belovedcornerstoneofthe community.Guestswillenjoy complimentarysnacksand refreshmentswhilemingling withfellowtheaterenthusiasts.Thedresscodeiscasualtosemi-formal,socomeas youareandjointhefun.
Directedbythevisionary LauraLeRoy,withthesupportofassistantdirectors DayanaAnaFernandezand AustinMurray,When BullfrogsSingOperapromisesaseamlessblendof humorandheart.ThetechnicalbrillianceofBillJohnson onlightsandsoundensures thateverymomentshines brightlyonstage.
Thisone-of-a-kindeventis wherethepastmeetsthe future,astheyhonorthe memoriesofthisseasonand unveilthethrillingproductions awaitingusinthenext. Whetheryou’realong-time patronornewtotheCultural ParkTheatrefamily,thisisan eveningyouwon’twantto miss.
Thetheatreislocatedat 528CulturalParkBlvd.in CapeCoral.Forticketsand info,call239-772-5862or visitculturalparktheatre.org
CharlottePlayerswrapup theirseasonwhentheypresent NanaDoesVegas.Theplay runsMay15-25atthe LangdonPlayhouseinPort Charlotte.
NanaDoesVegaswaswrittenbyKatherineDiSavino.
Nanahastakenagamble andmovedtoLasVegas,where sheandhersidekickVeraare workingasseamstressesfora show.Whatcouldgowrong? Everything!IfyoulikedNana’s NaughtyKnickers,you’lllove NanaDoesVegas.
Forthelocalproduction, CarolWarrenisdirectorwith scenicdesignbyRonBates.
PerformanceswillbeMay15 -17at7:30p.m.,May18at2 p.m.,May21-24at7:30p.m. andMay25at2p.m.
Ticketsmaybepurchased
throughtheCharlottePlayers websitewww.charlotteplayers.org orattheLangdonPlayhousebox officeat1182MarketCirclein PortCharlotteorbycalling941255-1022.
InJune,CharlottePlayers KidsOnstagesummerdrama workshopwilltheCharlotte PerformingArtsCenter,701 CarmalitaSt.inPuntaGorda. PerformanceswillbeJune20at 7p.m.andJune21at2p.m.
Theannualquarterauction frenzybenefitfortheCharlotte PlayersisscheduledforAug.14 at6p.m.atthe24/21Event Center,24121TamiamiTrailin PortCharlotte.
The2025-26theatreseason goesonsaletothegeneralpubliconMay14.Ticketswillbe availablebyphone,mailorin person.
FloridaRepertoryTheatrepresentsVenusInFurnowthroughMay 18intheintimateArtStageStudio Theatre.
ThisplaybyAmericanplaywright DavidIvesisaprovocativeexplorationofpowerdynamicsbetween menandwomen.Thestoryfollows Thomas,adirector/playwright,who afteralongdayofabysmalauditionsforhisadaptationofthe19th centuryGermaneroticanovel “VenusInFurs,”issuddenlyconfrontedbyVanda,acrass,pushy actressseekingconsiderationfor therole.WhatThomasdiscovers,is Vandanotonlysharesthenameof theleadcharacterinhisplay,but alsohasasurprisingunderstanding ofthematerial.Asthepairwork throughthescript,theroleplay becomesintense,erotic,andless likeactingasthelinesbetweenrealityandtheatricsbecomeincreasinglyblurred.Theplaypremieredon Broadwayin2011andhassince playedinregionaltheatresacrossthe country.
“VenusInFurisanintoxicating, romanticdramafullofhumorandsexi-
ness,”saidFloridaRepproducing artisticdirectorGreg Longenhagen.“Audienceswillbe mesmerizedasthechemistry heatsupbetweenthecharacters whoarebeautifullyportrayedby ourverytalentedactors.”
Thecastfeaturesreturning guestactorDavidMcElwee(Red), andfellowNewYork-based actressKathleenSimmondsmakingherFloridaRepdebut.Both actorshaveextensivestageand screenexperience.
SingleticketpricesforVenusIn Furare$67.Curtaintimesare7 p.m.TuesdaythroughSaturday with2p.m.matineeson Thursdays,Saturdays,and Sundays,and8p.m.fortheopeningnightperformanceonFriday, April18.VenusInFurincludes maturelanguageandreferences sexualtopics.
Formoreinformationandtickets,visitonlineatFloridaRep.org orcalltheboxofficeat239-332-4488or toll-freeat877-787-8053.
Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre are hosting Fringe Fort Myers 2025 Performing Arts Festival May 29 - June 1.
Fringe Fort Myers 2025 features a wide variety of performances, from oneperson shows, to magic and music, to improv, and much, much more
Fringe Fort Myers 2025 is the newest member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF), and the first to come to Southwest Florida. Fringe Fort Myers 2025 follows the long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100 percent independent, 100 percent inclusive and 100 percent unique
This year's performances will take place on two stages, the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance and Off Broadway at Broadway Palm.
Fringe Fort Myers 2025 kicks off Thursday, May 29 at 5 p m with a “Flamingle with the Artists'' reception in the Alliance Gallery, giving patrons a chance to meet the artists, followed by the preview show at 6:30 p m Tickets for the Flamingle are just $5 and limited availability. This event is open to the public, and more info is available at artinlee org/fringe
Nine acts have been selected for Fringe Fort Myers 2025 via lottery Due to adult language, content and themes, some of the performances are not suitable for those under the age of 18
Foulds Theatre at the Alliance: Genius, Madness and Murder: Tales of the Scandalous Family of John Wilkes Booth – from Lutz, FL
She had a front row seat to history Asia Booth Clark, the sister of Lincoln’s
assassin and the scion of one of America’s most colorful, scandal-prone theatrical dynasties, shares an evening of stories of the many triumphs, scandals and tragedies of the Booths as well as some little-known facts about that national tragedy
Stage 2 Improv – from Naples
This show is audience driven and features games, skits, and music Every show is completely different from the next!
Adventures in Baby-hitting from Boynton Beach
Award-winning writer and professional actor Joshua Ritter performs a solo show detailing his hilarious and heartbreaking experiences as primary caregiver for his special needs twins
The Other Side – from Belle Isle
The Other Side is a story of survival, an experience of magic, and a message of hope Magician Sebastian Gerhardt was 22 years old when he was diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor and told he had six months to live It was time to say goodbye to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Off Broadway Palm Theatre: 5 X 10 Funny: Power Plays from Naples
Five funny 10-minute power plays from winners of the Stage It! 10-Minute Play Festival. Fantasy, mimes, clowns, racists and GILFs (o my!) from five American playwrights, performed by two salty nuts
Theatre Conspiracy announces its 33rd consecutive season with a stunning lineup across a variety of venues for its final season in Fort Myers
Continuing decades of bold, boundary-pushing theatre in Southwest Florida, Producing artistic director Bill Taylor will offer an unforgettable farewell Florida tour season
Theatre Conspiracy has built this final season honoring the tenets of artistic collaboration, generously giving back to the community it serves, and providing new and never-before-seen works that have made it a community favorite for over three decades
From the classics to the cutting edge, in collaboration with several venues, Theatre Conspiracy’s Farewell Florida Tour has some-
Born Greg – from Astoria, N.Y.
Standup-comedian Max Kaczor ’s legal name was, for a mere 24 hours, “Greg ” Max takes a look at what his life has become, and imagines what it could’ve been if he were Greg instead
Ivories Guy – from Naples
Ralph Krumins as Ivories Guy delivers an emotionally charged, one-of-a-kind solo performance that leaves audiences spellbound Through intimate, spontaneous conversations with the crowd, Ralph masterfully channels each character ’s dreams, joys, and fears into heartfelt, original songs created spontaneously
Mind Reader – from Medina, Ohio
As the show name would suggest, Steven Nicholas will read the minds of many audience members in unexpected and surprising ways
Plant: The Musical from Bellingham, Wa.
One piano, two actors, six characters and a ukulele An absurdist musical about a kid trying to solve every single problem in the world The solution? Chloroplast! The hilarious, heartwarming and frankly bizarre hit new musical
The closing ceremony will be held at 6 p m on Sunday, June 1 in the Foulds Theatre Open to the public and free to attend, the event will celebrate the festival’s standout performances with the presentation of the coveted Best of Venue and Best of Fest awards
Tickets may be purchased online at artinlee org/fringe or by calling the box office at 239-939-2787
thing for everyone this season
Kicking off its season in June at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, Theatre Conspiracy then moves to the Calusa Nature Center in November, finishing the season in collaboration with the Laboratory Theater of Florida from December through March
In addition to partnering with local venues, Theatre Conspiracy will give back to the community by offering buy-one-get-one-free tickets for The 39 Steps, Escaped Alone, and Sharing the Same Umbrella, and donations to local charities
Tickets are on sale now, and pricing varies by event and venue Tickets are available by calling the box office at 239-208-1003 or at www theatreconspiracyfl com
LuminbyEmmaGibson haswontheLaboratory TheaterofFlorida’sLouise WigglesworthExcellencein PlaywritingAward.
Twoadditionalplaysare finalists:VirtualRealityby WendyVogelandAnneliesby OdedGross.Concertreadingsofthesethreeworkswill beheldMay15,16and17at 7:30p.m.
Lumin-May17
Thepigsarestressed,Liv won’teat,andMawants everyonetofollowthe Constitutions.Setinamodern-daycultontheoutskirts oftheChihuahuandesertin Texas,thisnewplayabout ourneedforcommunityasks whythelinebetweendelusionandwhattherestofus believeisgettingblurrierthan ever.
Emmaisaplaywright, director,andactor.Herplays havewonthePittsburgh Public’sNewPlay Competition,shewasshortlistedforthePrincessGrace PlaywritingFellowship,she wasafinalistforThe Women’sPrizeforPlaywriting 2024,arunnerupforThe AmbassadorsTheatreGroup Playwritingaward2024,a finalistforTheO’NeillNew PlayConference,andmany more.Herplayshavebeen presentedandproduced worldwide.
VirtualReality-May16
Rebeccaisusedtomen lettingherdown.Scarredby divorce,sheavoidsthereal worldbyplayingavirtual realityrole-playinggame.She isn'tlookingforromancebut shefindsPaul,awidower
crippledbygrieffromthe deathofhiswife.
Throughtheirin-game avatars,theybondinthevirtualworldwithnoplansto meetintherealone.But whenRebecca'ssonis injuredinahatecrimeshooting,theybothrealizethey've becomemorethan"gamer buddies."AndwhenPaul's lifeisthreatened,theymust facethefearofrejectionand lonelinessandleavetheir avatarsbehindforachance atareal-lifeconnection.
Annelies-May15
Thepresentcollideswith thepastinthedrama Annelies.Mourningtheloss ofhisfather,abereavedman in2020beginstokeepa journal,onlytofindhimselfin correspondencewiththe famousandtragicdiarist, AnneFrank.Aplayabout griefandfriendship,Annelies exploresthestrengthand legacyofthewrittenword, anditspowertochangeour livesforever.
LouiseWigglesworthisa theaterandvisualartistwho writesplaysaboutother artists;actors,painters,musicians,writersandtheirspecialjourneys.
Ticketsare$15each. Additionally,apassforall threereadingsisavailablefor $55.Thiseventisincludedin theseasonpass.
Fortickets,guestsmay calltheboxofficeat 239-218-0481orgoonlineat laboratorytheaterflorida.com
TheLaboratoryTheateris locatedat1634Woodford Ave.intheFortMyersRiver District.
ByTylerYoung
ThisMay,TheBelleisbringing bold,high-energystorytellingto thestagewithhigh-energyproductionsthatpromisesomething foreveryone.KickingoffthesummeristheheartfeltandcontemporarynewmusicalInPieces,as wellasourstudent-ledproductionsofBeetlejuiceJr.andMean Girls:HighSchoolEdition.
InPiecesisasongcyclebyJoey Contrerasthatexploresthebeautifully messypartsofmodernlovethrougha diversecastofcharactersandpowerfulpop-infusedballads.Withitsfresh voiceandemotionaldepth,thisnew musicalissuretoresonatewithaudiencesofallagesandisbeingpresentedforthefirsttimeinFloridaright hereatTheBelle.
belovedghost-with-the-mosttolifeina zanyandfamily-friendlyadaptation packedwithlaughs,ghosts,anda wholelotofstrangeandunusual charm.
caltheatreorloveseeingthenext generationofperformersshine, there'ssomethingspecialforyouat TheBellewhereartsforalltakes centerstage.
Visitourwebsiteat TheBelleTheatre.comorcall239323-5533toreserveyourseats today.Stayconnectedwithuson FacebookandInstagram(@thebelletheatre)forallthelatestupdates. TheBelleTheatreislocatedat 2708SantaBarbraBlvd.,unit135, CapeCoral.
TylerYoungisfounderandexecutivedirectorofTheBelleTheatre
Joiningthelineuparetwostudent productionsthatshowcasetheincredibletalentofouryouthperformers.On stageMay30-June1,thespooky-fun rompBeetlejuiceJr.bringsthe
Audiencescanchanneltheirinner Plasticswiththefiercelyfunnyand fetchproductionofMeanGirls:High SchoolEditionrunningJune6-8. AdaptedfromTinaFey’shitBroadway musical,thishighschoolversion retainstheheartandhilarityofthe originalwhilebeingperfectforteen performersandaudiencesalike.
Whetheryou'reafanofnewmusi-
TheatreZoneis bringingromance andthesupernaturaltostagethis summerwithits productionof Ghost:The Musical,running June5through June15attheG&L Theatrelocatedin NorthNaples.
Basedonthe 1990Oscar-winningfilmstarring PatrickSwayze, DemiMooreand WhoopiGoldberg, thistenderand paranormalmusical isatimelessstory aboutthepowerof love.
Themusicalis setinNewYorkCityfeaturing apowerfuloriginalscoreby GrammywinnerDaveStewart (Eurythmics)andGlen Ballard,withabookbylibrettist/lyricistBruceJoelRubin, theAcademyAward-winning screenwriterforGhostwho adaptedhisoriginalscreenplayforthestage.
Ittellsthestoryofayoung couple,Molly,asculptorand potterymaker,andSamwho’s infinanceonWallStreet. WhenSamistragicallymurdered,hebecomestrapped asaghostbetweenthisworld andthenext,determinedto protectMollyfromdanger. WiththehelpofOdaMae Brown,aphonystorefront psychicwhoneverexpected tocommunicatewiththe beyond,Samfightstoexpose hismurdererandsavethe womanheloves.
“ThefilmGhostwasa greatsuccessbecauseofits brilliantscriptthatisboth funnyandtouching. Audienceswillexperiencethe romance,dramaandheartof theoriginalfilminanewway liveonstagewithanexceptionalcastandliveorchestra,”
saidMarkDanni, TheatreZone’s foundingartistic director.
Themusical scorefeaturesrockpopsongsandballads,withsongs suchas“WithYou,” aheartbreaking soloperformedby Mollyasshegrappleswithherloss, and“SuspendMy Disbelief/IHada Life,”ahigh-energy ensemblepiecethat capturesthetension betweentheliving andthespiritworld. Audienceswillalso betreatedtothe 1965hit“Unchained Melody”bythe RighteousBrothers.
AnthonyNucciowilllead thecastinGhost:TheMusical playingSamWheat,the charismaticanddetermined protagonistwhoistryingto understandhisghostlyexistenceandspareMollyfrom meetingasimilarone.
KaraKonkenwillplay MollyJensen,agiftedartist whostruggleswithgriefand theeeriefeelingthatSamis stillwithherinspirit.
JasmineVizenahasbeen castasOdaMaeBrown,the eccentricandcomedicpsychicwhobringsbothlevity andheartassheunexpectedlydiscovershertrueabilities.
MatthewHenningsenplays CarlBruner,Sam’sseemingly trustworthybestfriendwho harborssecretsthatdrivethe story’ssuspenseandbetrayal.
Ghost:TheMusicalwillbe directedbyMarkDanniwith choreographyby TheatreZone’sassociateartisticdirectorKarenMolnar Danni,andmusicaldirection byCharlesFornara.
Fortickets,visit www.Theatre.Zoneorcall 888-966-3352,ext.1.
TheNaplesPlayerspresentTheHallelujahGirls,aheartwarmingandhilarious southerncomedyrunningMay7–25intheKizzieTheater.
WrittenbyJamieWooten,JessieJones,andNicholasHopeanddirected locallybyJulieEwing,thislivelyproductionfeaturesanall-localcastoftalented performersbringingcharm,sass,andspirittothestage.
WhenagroupofSouthernwomendecidetoturntheirlivesaroundbytransforminganoldrun-downspaintoavibrantdayspa,chaos,friendship,andsidesplittinglaughterensue.Fromromanceandrivalriestoself-discoveryandsecond chances,TheHallelujahGirlsdeliversafeel-goodstoryfilledwithheartand humor.
ThecastincludesKathleenBaldini,PattiCaroli,MitchFrank,Betsy Greenblatt,RuthJohnson,KevinKenneally,JenniferMance,andEstherSnyder. Tickets($50-$55)areavailableonlineatNaplesPlayers.orgorbycallingthe TNPBoxOfficeat239-263-7990.Pricesrangefrom$50-$55.Showsrun WednesdaythroughSaturdayat7:30p.m.andSundaysat2p.m.Student,educator,andveterandiscountsareavailable.ThePattiHepburnSensoryViewing Boothisavailableduringallperformancesforfamilieswithneurodiverseneeds. PerformancesareWednesdaythroughSaturdayat7:30p.m.andSundaysat 2p.m.TheNaplesPlayersKizzieTheaterislocatedat7015thAve.S.,Naples.
PlayersCircleTheater’ssummerseasonkicksoffinMaywithVanities:The Musical(May20–June8)byJack Heifner,withlyrics&musicbyDavid Kirshenbaum.Thiscomicmusicaljourney follows3bubblyTexasteensfromcheerleaderstosororitysisterstohousewives, liberatedwomen,andbeyond.Atrue coming-of-agestory,thishiddengem takesaudiencesthroughthe60sand70s inamusicalscrapbookoffriendscaught upintimesthatarea-changing.
Next,PlayersCircle’seducationalwing,PlayersCircle Studio,willholdacampforyoungperformers.Aspiringactors ages8-14areinvitedtostepintothewhimsicalworldofDr. Seuss.Thisexcitingthree-weektheatercamp(SeussicalJr.) runsfromJune4-20.Registrationsareavailableonline.
FromJuly1–31,SouthwestFlorida’smostintimatetheater invitesaudiencestomarvelasthreewackymenperformallof Shakespeare’s37playsinjust97minutesintheirreverentand irresistiblecomedy,TheCompleteWorksofWilliam Shakespeare(Abridged)byAdamLong,DanielSingerand JessWinfield.IfyouliketheBard,you’llloveit.Ifyouhate Shakespeare,you’llreallyloveit.
Starringourarea’smosttalented,duck-tailed,andbobbysoxedyoungadults(rangingfrom15–22yearsold),Players CircleStudiopresentsGrease(Aug.1–Aug.10)withmusic, lyricsandbookbyJimJacobsandWarrenCasey.Getready forablastfromthepastandenjoy“SummerNights,”“Greased
Lightning”and“WeGoTogether.”
WrappingupthesummerisTony AwardwinnerThe25thAnnualPutnam CountySpellingBee(Aug.19–Sept.7) withmusic&lyricsbyWilliamFinn,Book byRachelSheinkin,Conceivedby RebeccaFeldman.ThisriotousBroadway musicalfollowsaneclecticgroupofawkwardteensastheyvieforthespelling championship.Sixspellersenter:Onlyone spellerleaveschampion.
Inadditiontofull-scaleproductions, PlayersCircleplanstoaddstand-upcomedy,livemusic,anda varietyofeclectictheatricalentertainmenttotheirsummerprogramming.
Throughoutthesummer,PlayersCirclewillwelcomebackto thestageseveralSouthwestFloridafavorites,includingAJ Mendini,KimberlySuskind,RachaelLord,LexiRaeSmith, NatalieBrouwer,StevenKennedy, ElizabethD’Aiutoandmore.Associate artisticdirectorTedWioncekIIIisslatedtodirecteachofthemainstage productions.Directorofeducation KimberlySuskindwilldirectGrease.
Forticketsandmoreinformation, visitPlayersCircleTheater.comorcall 239-800-3292.PlayersCircleTheatre islocatedat13211McGregorBlvd., FortMyers.
TheSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenterannouncestwoart exhibitionsopeningduringArt WalkonFriday,May2.
TheGrandAtriumhostsA DropofPoisoncuratedby MonicaBatard.Thesecond floorCapitalGallerywillshowcaseIllustratingExpanses:A JuriedLandscapeThemed Exhibition.
ADropofPoisonexhibit showcasesthedualityofdrawingthroughvariousfemale perspectives.
Throughouthistory,poison islinkedwithfeminineimagery andliterature,oftendepictedin poetryasapotenttoolof seduction.LuisDeGongora eloquentlycapturedthisnotioninhispoem“LaDulceBoca” withtheverse“porqueentreunlabioyotrocoloradoamorestá desuvenenoarmado”(forbetweenonelipandtheother,love isarmedwithhervenom).Suchmetaphors,echoedbycountlesspoetsandnowpermeatingmodernpopularculture,have establishedanarrativewherepoisonsymbolizesanatural facetoffemininity.
ceivedasborrowedrather thaninherentlytheirs.The exhibitionwillbeimagery throughtheintimatemedium ofdrawing.Theartistsofthis exhibitionchallengeconventionsandaimtoreclaimtheir narrative.Byexploringtheir interconnectedness,the femaleartistsexhibitingredefinetechniqueandreclaimthe symbolicassociationsthat havebeenimposedupon them.
Fromvastcolorfulcountrysidetostarkgeometric cityscapes,theCapitalGallery showpresentsthechallenge ofopeningone’sperspective andpresentingsomething grander.Artistswereaskedtoconsiderplacesandregionsthat representtheextraordinarybeautyofourworld,orinvokefeelingsandmemoriesoflocationswelongtosee.Piecessubmittedcouldbemadewithanymediumorstyle,totakeviewers onajourneythroughtheartoflandscape.
Intherealmofvisualarts,womenhistoricallyoccupieda modestspacewithinthevastartisticpanorama.Aspaceper-
BothshowsopenMay2from6to10p.m.andrunthrough May29.TheSidney&BerneDavisArtCenterisat2301First St.intheFortMyersRiverDistrict.Formoreinformation,call 239-333-1933orvisitonlineatwww.sbdac.com
TheAllianceforthe Artspresentsthe33rd AnnualFutureofArt: StudentExhibit,ondisplayfromMay2–24.
ThiscollaborativeexhibitionwiththeLeeArts EducatorsAssociation (LAEA)showcasesthe incredibletalentoflocal studentsfromacrossLee Countyschools. Featuringhundredsof worksinawiderangeof mediums,theexhibit offersavibrantsnapshot ofthenextgenerationof artists.Awardswillbe giveninmultiplecategories,withonestudentreceivingtheBestinShowaward.
Thisyear’sFutureofArtexhibitionwill bepresentedintwosessions,highlighting theworkofelementary,middle,andhigh schoolstudentsfromacrossLeeCounty.
Thefirstsessionwillshowcaseartwork
fromLeeCountyhigh schoolsandwillbeondisplayMay2–10.Anopeningreceptionwillbeheld onFriday,May2from5to 7p.m.,andisfreeand opentothepublic.Guests willenjoypizzadonated byDowntownHouseof Pizza(DHOP).
Thesecondsession willfeatureworkfromLee Countyelementaryand middleschoolsandwill runMay15–24.The openingreceptionforthis sessionwilltakeplaceon Thursday,May15from5 to7p.m.,andisalsofreeandopentothe public.
TheTheatreGallerywillfeatureartworkbythestudentsofDigitalLeeduring themonth-longexhibition.DigitalLeewas establishedtocreateamorerelevant, community,andcareerfocusedlearning
environmentforthetechnologystudents oftheLeeCountySchoolDistrict.Digital LeeshowcasesbothdesignandtechnologyskillsofLeeCounty’sCareer& TechnologyEducation(CTE)middle school,highschoolandpost-secondary students.ThisshowwillfeatureLee County’sGraphicDesign,Animation, PublicationandWebDesignstudents fromeachschool.
TheMemberGallerywillfeatureOutof thisWorldbyHomeschoolRocks!,anonprofitcooperativeofhomeschoolingfamiliesinSouthwestFlorida.Thisinclusive organizationoffersfieldtrips,classes, fairs,andothereventsforchildrenofall ages.
Whilethegalleryadmissionisfree,a $5suggesteddonationkeepstheAlliance programmingaffordableandaccessible. Formoreinformation,visitartinlee.orgor call239-939-2787.
TheAlliancefortheArtsislocatedat 10091McGregorBlvd.justsouthof ColonialBoulevardinFortMyers. 16-MAY2025 HappeningsMagazine
InthemonthofMay,DAASCo-OpArt Gallery&Giftsishostingtheveryfirst MembersSpotlightexhibition.
Thismonth,artistsXavierBrignoni andDale&JeffOcasio(fromocasiocasa)willbepresentingtheirnewmasterpieces.Theopeningreceptionis scheduledforFriday,May2from5:30to 9p.m.Thisisafreeevent,andtheadjacentArts&EatsCaféwillbeopenduring thesamehours.
XavierBrignoniisafoundingmember ofTheUnionArtistStudiosandanactive memberoftheartisticcommunityofSW Florida.Hisbodyofworkreflectson experiencesandpastrelationships, incorporatingelementsuncommonly usedintheproductionof2Dpieces.His approachtocreatingvisuallyimpacting workswithavarietyofmedia,including collage,decoupage,inks,acrylics,pencils,stampsandfoundobjects.
“Iamthrilledtohavetheopportunity toshowcaseaseriesofworksthatdid notmakeitinmypreviousexhibition.”–mentionstheartist.“Thesepieceswere portrayingadifferentsubjectandIfelt theywouldbebetterinadifferentsetting,andthisistherightone,”concludes
Brignoni,whoseprofessionalstudio residesrightintheEdwardsbuilding.
JeffandDaleOcasio,a.k.a.ocasiocasa,areself-taught,folk-artcreatives whocollaborateonsculptureandillustrativeartthatcaptureanimaginative,storybookspirit.Figurativesculptureplaysa
centralroleintheirwork,whichfeatures awidecastofcharactersportrayedwith acolorful,naïve,anduniquelyskewed perspective.Theywerebothraisedin Tampa,wheretheymetandbeganacreativelifetogether.AftermovingtoNorth FortMyersinthe’90s,theycontinued theirartisticadventures.
Eachocasiocasasculptureisencased inlayersofacid-freeglue.Jeffsculpts andDaleaddsthecolorwithadditional layersofacrylicpaintsandmediums. Theydocumentmanyofthesculptures withtheuseofphotographycombined withdigitalart,creatingaphoto-journalisticviewofthewholewideimaginary worldofocasiocasa.Thecouple’sart hasbeenhonoredwithawardsinjuried showsandhasbeenexhibitedthroughoutSouthwestFlorida,St.Petersburg andChicago.
DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Giftsis locatedat10051McGregorBlvd.,suite 104,inFortMyersontheAllianceforthe ArtsCampus.Thegallery’shoursare WednesdaytoSundayfrom10a.m.to2 p.m.Informationaboutthevenuecanbe foundatdaascoop.comorbycalling 239-955-0422.
TheAlliancefortheArts announcedtheappointment ofNeilVolzasitsnewexecutivedirector.Adedicatedcommunityadvocatewithmore than25yearsofnonprofit leadershipexperience,Volz hasaproventrackrecordof drivingtransformativechange throughpublicservice,policy andgrassrootsorganizing.
“Iamhonoredtojointhe AlliancefortheArtsatsucha pivotalmoment,”saidVolz. “For50years,thisorganizationhasbeenachampionfor creativity,connection,andculturalenrichmentinSouthwestFlorida.I lookforwardtoworkingwiththeboard, staff,andcommunitytocontinueexpandingaccesstotheartsandbuildingonthe Alliance’sincrediblelegacy.”
Volz’scareerspanspublicpolicy,nonprofitleadership,andsocialimpactinitiativesatbothlocalandnationallevels.He hasservedaschiefofstaffforamember ofCongress,staffdirectorforafull CongressionalCommittee,anddeputy directorofastatewidenonprofitnominated
fortheNobelPeacePrize.
Mostnotably,Volzplayed apivotalroleinpassing Amendment4inFlorida, whichrestoredvotingrights to1.4millionpeopleand washailedasthelargest expansionofU.S.democracyinageneration.Hisleadershipincivicengagement alsoincludesnegotiating andsecuringthepassageof theHelpAmericaVoteAct, whichimprovedvoting accessibilityformillions.
Hisadvocacyworkhas earnedhimrecognitionon PoliticoMagazine’slistofthe40most influentialpeopleinpolitics,aswellas Florida’sCitizenoftheYearbythe NationalAssociationofSocialWorkers.He hasservedasaguestlecturerattheU.S. NavalAcademy,beenfeaturedinawardwinningfilms,andistheauthorofthebook IntotheSun.
Volz’sdeeptiestoSWFloridainclude leadingoutreachforoneofthefastest growingchurchesinthecountry,serving asboardchairmanoftheLeeCounty
HomelessCoalition,andholdingleadershiproleswithorganizationssuchas HabitatforHumanityandBetheLight,an anti-humantraffickingnonprofit.
“WeareconfidentthatNeil’sleadership willtaketheAlliancetonewheights,”said AllianceboardchairmanJarrettEady.“His passionforcommunity-buildingandthe artswillbeinvaluableaswecontinueto expandourimpact.”
Volzwilloverseeinitiativesthatexpand accesstothearts,fostercreativeexpression,andenhancecommunityengagement.Volzinvitesthepublictoexploreall thattheAlliancehastooffer,fromgallery exhibitionsandperformancestoeducationalprogramsandspecialevents.
Hisleadershipwillfocusonexpanding accesstothearts,fosteringcreative expression,andbuildingpartnershipsthat enhancetheAlliance’sculturalandartistic offerings.Volzisalsodedicatedtoincreasingartsadvocacyandfundraisingefforts, ensuringthattheorganizationcancontinuetothriveandprovidevitalresourcesfor artistsandthecommunity.
Formoreinformationaboutupcoming eventsandopportunitiestoconnect,visit artinlee.org/ourdirector/.
ArtsforACTGallerywillfeature "ACalloftheWild"currentworksof JillLindsayinMaywithanopening receptionduringArtWalkonFriday, May2from5to9p.m.
Jillisoriginallyfrom Massachusettsandsincegraduating fromnursingschooltraveledquitea bitbeforelandinginPortCharlottein 2001.Shehasalwaysbeen“artsy” butjoinedanabstractartclassled byBeverlyYankwittinSeptemberof 2015,andtherestishistory.
Sincethen,shehaswonmany awardsforherartwork.Shealso teachesworkshopsinalcoholink.To Jill,teachingistheultimatereward. “Sharingwhatyoulovewithothers andseeingallthepossibilitiesof theircreativityissuchathrill.”
Papermosaiccollageisherlatest passion.Thisbeganafteravisitto theSalvadoreDaliMuseuminSt. Pete.“IreallylovethistechniqueI createdwiththesquares.Itisso unique,withlotsofwonderfullittle secrets&surprisesjustwaitingtobe discovered.Tome,artshouldbea joyfulexperience,forboththeartist
andtheobserver,”sheadds. Jillistheexhibitcoordinatoratthe VisualArtsCenterinPuntaGorda. Sheholdsmembershipsinmany localartorganizations,including FloridaWatercolorSociety,ArtCenter Sarasota,FloridaFineCraftArt,the HerrigCenterandisasignature memberoftheInternationalSociety ofExperimentalArtists.
Herwebsite,JillTheArtist.com, haslotsofinformationaboutherlife, herartandsomevideosofherart actuallytalking.Jill’smottois“Joyto theWalls.”
JillLindsay’slatestexhibit,Callof theWild,isbasedonanimalsthatwe sharetheplanetwith,someweknow andloveandothersthatareflying highaboveus.Thereisamixof Jill’ssignaturestyle,papermosaic collage,aswellasvibrantalcoholink paintings.
Thisexhibitcontinuesthrough June2.
ArtsforACTGalleryprovidesa quality,contemporaryexhibition galleryfeaturingoriginalart,limited editionprints,giclees,hand-crafted finecrafts,teeshirts,silverandglass beadjewelry,gourdart,raku,clay, andartcards.Itisa"mustsee"destinationforallartloversandcollectors, providingauniqueopportunityfor everyonetolearnandenjoyart.
Thegalleryislocatedat2265First St.indowntownFortMyers.
HirdieGirdieArtGallerywelcomesguestartist MichelleSandersforthemonthofMay.Meetherat thegallery'sMayreceptiononThursday,May1from 5to8pm.
MichelleSandershasloveddrawingforaslong asshecanremember.Shehasdemonstratedproficiencyinseveralmediums,includingwatercolor,oil, penandink,andmostrecently,coloredpencil, whichsheexcelsin.Michelleisinspiredbysubjects thathaveshadowsandcontrast,strivingforphotorealism.Shehasshowningalleriesandtaught workshops.Michellewasnamedoneofthebest50 artistsoftheyearbyArtistandIllustratorsmagazine andherpiecewasdisplayedatMallGalleriesin London.Herworkhasalsobeenpublishedincalendarsandbooks.
Justareminder,May1willbethelastreception fortheseasonandbecausewewanttodosomethingspecial,therewillbea10%discountonallartworkforthisnightonly(cardsarenotincluded).
ThegallerywillbeopeneverydayuntilMay31, atwhichtimetheywillclosefortheseason.They hopeyouwillmakethedrivetoSanibeltoseethem againstartinginOctober.Duringtheoff-seasonif youfindapieceofartworkthatyouareinterested in,besuretoemailthegalleryandtheartistwillbe
intouch.
HirdieGirdieisanartists'cooperative,alltheartistsarefromSW Florida.Theuniqueworksarecreatedbymemberartists.
3Dartists:ChrisChristian-pottery;ReneeFarr-glass;Penny Ripley-glass;ZdenkaFiala-jewelry;SandraJones-jewelry;Oliver Martin-woodworking;Kay Stammers-woodcarving;Gilberto Sanchez-sculpture.
2Dartists:LauraBlack-batik artist,TracyOwen-Cullimore-oil painter,TamaraCulp-pastelist, MaureenGinipro-zentangleartist, JoAnnLaPadula-watercolorist, SusanOliver-photographer, ChristineMusic-watercolorist, MartySherman-acrylicpainter.
HirdieGirdieislocatedat2490 LibraryWay,Sanibel.Gallery hoursareMondaytoSaturday 10a.m.to5p.m.,Sundays11 a.m.to4p.m.
Visithirdiegirdiegallery.com.
Fourlocalartistswhoareall instructorsattheVisualArts CenterofPuntaGordaarepresentingaspecialexhibitinMayat theVisualArtsCenter’sRebecca Hall.Theexhibitincludesonly three-dimensional(3D)artwork, hencethename3D4Dames–Art inMetal,Gems&Glass.
BelindaDucloshasbeen designingandcreatingjewelryfor over20years,withaparticular passionforNativeAmerican turquoisejewelry.Shefinds immensejoyininspiringothers throughteachingdiversejewelrymakingtechniques.Inadditionto herjewelryexpertise,Belindaventuredintostainedglassartin 1986.
KarynWarnerHammockisa self-taughtmetalsmithwith25 yearsofexperience.Sherefined herskillsthroughbooks,blogs, videos,formaltraining,andmentorshipfrommasterartisans.Karynhas taughtattheCenterforCreativeArts andDelawareArtMuseumforten
SusanPriess
years,earningMasterArtisan CertificationfromthePACraftsmen Guild.
BonnieWalkerisanaward-winning
jewelryartistcelebratedforher sterlingsilver,preciousgem,and glasscreations.For29years,she traveledinanRVtoartshows nationwide,gainingrecognitionfor hercraftsmanshipandunique designs.Passionateaboutart, Bonnieenjoysteachingandleads thepopularJewelryArtSocialat theVisualArtsCenter,inspiring studentstoexploretheircreativity.
SusanPriessisaskilledartisan jewelerwithovertwodecadesof experience,specializinginmetal craftsmanshipandenameling. Discoveringherpassionformakingjewelry,shestartedherown business,withdesignsoften inspiredbynature.Adedicated artistandinstructor,Susanenjoys sharingherknowledgeand exchangingideas.
Anartistreceptionissetfor Thursday,May15from5to7p.m.
TheVisualArtsCenterislocatedat210MaudSt.inPuntaGorda.For moreinformation,call941-639-8810or visitonlineatvisualartcenter.org
TowerGalleryonSanibelIsland needstobearegularstopineveryone’slifewholivesinorvisitsour area.Thislargebeautifulcooperative galleryhas23localartistswhowork intwodimensional,threedimensional, oil,acrylicandwatercolors,photography,ceramic,fiber,woodglassand metal.Theworkisalwayschanging andthere’salwayssomethingnew andexcitingtosee.There’ssomethingreallywonderfulaboutthis space.
TowerGalleryhasbeenopen since1982(43yearsago!andwas movedonthebackofaflatbedtruck fromthebeachtoitspresentlocation in1994.
Thegalleryhasbeenthroughafair amountofhurricanes,theworstbeing HurricaneIanandstoodstrong!The gallerywasn’tfloodedandalltheart lived!Wereopenedsoonafterthe bridgewasrepairedandhavebeen goingstrongsince!
Comeseewhattheyallhavebeen workingon.Theyareopenseven daysaweekfrom10a.m.to6p.m.
LiveMusic,Theatre, ArtExhibits,Concerts andSpecialEvents
GulfshorePlayhouse presentsSweetCharity ThroughMay4
MoranMainstage,BakerTheatre andEducationCenter, 100Goodlette-FrankRoad,Naples 239-261-7529
MurderMysteryDinnerTrain presentsDeathandOtherPeople Wednesdays–Sundays throughMay4
SeminoleGulfRailway, 2805ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-275-8487semgulf.com
Bill&Bart:ArtworksinWood byBillSchmigleandBartSharp ExhibitrunsthroughMay10 TribbyArtsCenter, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.-3p.m.,239-415-5667
TheBusinessofMurder ThroughMay11
PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-800-3292
VenusinFur ThroughMay18
ArtStageStudioTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488
Waitress ThroughMay24
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
HalfBaked ThroughMay24
OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
HirdieGirdiereception HirdieGirdieArtGallery, 2490LibraryWay,Sanibel 5-8p.m.,finalreceptionofseason 239-395-0027 hirdiegirdiegallery.com
ACMApresentsAndyWahlberg CalusaNatureCenter, 3450OrtizAve.,FortMyers DougShemenskiopens,7p.m., calusanature.org
TheRestoreFortMyersBeachArchesorganizationwillhold theirannualbenefitonSaturday,May3at1100ShrimpLane, FortMyersBeach.Livemusicruns12:45to10:30p.m.withperformancesbyDavidRojasJr.,MariachiAmericanDelSol, MatrasaLynn,WayOutSouth,DirtyWork,G5-Garcia5,andthe UnforgivenBand.Visitfortmyersbeach.orgoremailSteven McDonaldatmickyds2002@yahoo.com
PlayLabFestivalofNewWorks: WhyWeGotoFlorida HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-332-4488
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
JazzattheMACC: JohnColtrane’sALoveSupreme Music&ArtsCommunityCenter, 13411ShireLane,FortMyers 7p.m.239-277-1700
SoapyTuna ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
FortMyersBeachArtAssociation SpringFlingexhibit,reception ThroughMay31
FMBeachArtAssoc.Gallery, 13451McGregorBlvd.#1,FortMyers Openingreceptionatnewgallery homeMay1from4to6p.m. fortmyersbeachart.com
FortMyersArtWalk DowntownFortMyers 5-9p.m.myriverdistrict.com
JillLindsayexhibit ArtsforACTGallery 2265FirstSt.,FortMyers reception5-9p.m.,239-337-5050
DAASMembersSpotlightexhibit DAASCo-OpArtGallery&Gifts, 10051McGregorBlvd.,suite104, FortMyers,openingreception 5:30-9p.m.,239-955-0422
ADropofPoisongroupexhibit GrandAtrium, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Openingreception6p.m.,exhibit runstoMay29,239-333-1933
LanceWrightMalcolm LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-314-3723
GulfshoreOperawiththe NaplesPhilharmonicpresent LuciadiLammermoor Artis–Naples, 5833PelicanBayBlvd.,Naples 7p.m.,artisnaples.org
TheBeatlestribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
PlayLabFestivalofNewWorks: Dalloway-SummeratBourton HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 7p.m.,239-332-4488
FindingNemoKids May2-3
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
SoapyTuna TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
HighSchoolartexhibit ThroughMay24
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers openingreception5-7p.m., 239-939-2787artinlee.org
PatBenetar&NeilGiraldo BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 8p.m.,239-481-4849
MenareDogs ThroughMay11 CapeCafeTheatre,Durso’sDelites Cafe,110NE2ndPlace,CapeCoral 239-363-0848
Streetlight Friday&Saturday ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
SoulCircusCowboys Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 7p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.net
IllustratingExpanses:AJuried LandscapeThemedexhibit CapitalGallery, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Openingreception6p.m.,exhibit runstoMay29,239-333-1933
DonnaHolman BeaconSocialDrinkery atLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 11a.m.-2p.m.,239-314-3723
Sixxes
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
PhenomenalAnimal-noon SunsetStrip-6:30p.m. TheDirtt-8:30p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
DecyoMcDuffeSings NatKingCole PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
MikeImbasciani &HisBluezRockerztribute togreatestguitarplayers TheStage,9144BonitaBeach Road,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
GulfshoreBallet:Coppelia TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
PlayLabFestivalofNewWorks: Swiped-2p.m. 1999-7p.m. HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488
BlueberryFest2025 SaturdayandSunday LeeCivicCenter 11831BayshoreRoad,N.FortMyers 10a.m.-5p.m.,ftmyersfest.com
ArchesCincodeMayo 1100ShrimpBoatLane, FortMyersBeach Carshow,livemusic,vendors, games,benefitsRestoreFortMyers BeachArches,12:45-10:30p.m. fortmyersbeach.org mickyds2002@yahoo.com
DanielleBrittany OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
ACMASongwritersCircle
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
PlayLabFestivalofNewWorks: AFreshPressedMusical-4p.m. Playwrights’Panel-7p.m. HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488
TreyWanvig-1p.m.
JohnSalaway &TheRegulators-5p.m. Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675 twistedfork.net
13South TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
ImprovComedyArtsJam PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 4p.m.,239-495-8989
Flora
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 4-8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
SheldonUpchurch TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TropicalSound
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
Galleryopeningreception
HarbourViewGallery,5789Cape HarbourDrive,suite104,Cape Coral,6-8p.m.,featuredartists LisbethAscanioandRickAliperti, harbourviewgallery.com
Cayman
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
TinaSolomon
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
DougShemenskiopens,7pm AndyWahlberg
THURSDAY,MAY1
CalusaNatureCenterPlanetarium
3450OrtizAve.,FortMyers•Ticketsatcalusanature.org
MAY31
BruceGallantopens
JUNE7 RobertBidneyopens
ALLFAITHSUNITARIANCONGREGATION
2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers, Doorsat6:30pm.Showat7pm.Ticketsatdoor.
VisitourFacebookpageandwebsite formoreinfo&fullcalendarofevents www.americanacma.org
TUE-6continued
PianistJavorBracic TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
MurderMysteryDinnerTrain presentsTheEnemyof MyEnemyisMyEnemy Wednesdays–Sundays throughJuly6 SeminoleGulfRailway, 2805ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-275-8487semgulf.com
TheNaplesPlayers: TheHallelujahGirls ThroughMay25
KizzieTheater,TheNaplesPlayers, 7015thAve.S.,Naples 239-263-7990
Rockshop
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Tat2Trio
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
EveningonFifth 5thAvenueSouth,Naples 6:30-9:30p.m.,239-248-4151
SamGallowayFord ConcertSeries:DiamondRio TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
HighSchoolShowcasereception CenterforVisualArts, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings ExhibitrunsMay1-8,closing receptionMay8from6-8p.m. 239-495-8989
RobBrooks ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
FloridaLifeexhibit ThroughMay21 CapeCoralArtLeague, 516CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral Reception5-6:30p.m. 239-772-5657
24-MAY2025
SlipperyWhenWet:TheUltimateBonJoviExperiencewillperformSaturday,May17atBertʼsBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte.Formoredetails,call941235-3675orvisittwistedfork.freshtix.com photobyJamieKuser
WildlifeandWild PlacesinSWFLexhibit ThroughAug.1
RookeryBayEnvironmental LearningCenter, 300TowerRoad,Naples Reception5:30-7p.m. 239-530-5972
AntonTonyDuran
LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-314-3723
JoeYeomanBand
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
HighSchoolMusicalAwards BarbaraB.MannPerforming ArtsHall,13350FSWPkwy,FtMyers 7p.m.,239-481-4849
JohnnyRogersBand: TributetoElvis,RoyOrbison, JerryLeeLewisandBuddyHolly TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
L.A.Gunsinconcert BuddhaLive, 12701McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7p.m.buddhaliverocks.com
F*ckupNightsFortMyersVol.9 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 6-8:30p.m., 239-939-2787artinlee.org
ReaxtionBand Friday&Saturday ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
DannySinoffQuartet TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
BackLotRave&RockCircus SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 7-11p.m.,239-333-1933
PureCountry TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
NeilDiamondand BarbraStreisandtribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
ACMA:KarynOliver AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers BillVeachopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org
MichaelJacksontribute HammondStadium,14100SixMile CypressParkway,FortMyers postgameconcertafterMighty Musselsvs.DunedinBlueJaysat 6:05p.m.mightymussels.com
VictorWainwright&TheTrain PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
MollyHatchetinconcert BuddhaLive, 12701McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.buddhaliverocks.com
SpringCommunityDay Artis–Naples, 5833PelicanBayBlvd.,Naples Noon-4p.m.,freeadmission artisnaples.org
Shenandoahinconcert CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, 2101EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 7p.m.,caloosasoundamp.com
RewindBand
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
StereoRiot
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
ACMASongwritersCircle
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
SheldonUpchurch
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
SideshowBob
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
TinaSolomon TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Cayman
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
JarrodLawson TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
Rockshop
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Tat2Trio
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
FortMyersFilmFestival
May14-18
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers Openingnightparty,7p.m. 239-333-1933sbdac.com
BritFloydinconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesParkway,Estero 8p.m.,hertzarena.com
GulfshoreOpera: JourneythroughtheAmericas VeteransCommunityPark, 901ParkAve.,MarcoIsland 7p.m.,free,gulfshoreopera.org
CharlottePlayerspresents NanaDoesVegas
May15-18
LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
ButchWax&TheHollywoods TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida NewPlayContestfinalist: AnneliesbyOdedGross LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-218-0481
NoWrongTurn
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
DylanScottinconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesParkway,Estero 7:30p.m.,hertzarena.com
FortMyersFilmFestival May15-18 AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers artinlee.org fortmyersfilmfestival.com
GulfshoreOpera: JourneythroughtheAmericas St.Leo’sAuditorium,28290 BeaumontRoad,BonitaSprings 7p.m.,gulfshoreopera.org
Awards,receptionforPawsand Claws,AWalkinNatureexhibits VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 5-7p.m.941-639-8810
FortMyersFilmFestival May15-16
CalusaNatureCenter& Planetarium,OrtizAve.FortMyers calusanature.org fortmyersfilmfestival.com
FortMyersMusicWalk DowntownFortMyers 6p.m.www.myriverdistrict.com
GulfshoreOpera: JourneythroughtheAmericas BabcockRanchBandstand, FoundersSquare,BabcockRanch 7p.m.,free,gulfshoreopera.or
LastTrain
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
Temptations,FourTopstribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
MusicWalkatMcCollumHall McCollumHall,2701Dr.Martin LutherKingJr.Blvd.,FortMyers BrandonRobertsonQuartet, NaplesPhilharmonicYouthJazz Combo,LaLucha,6-9p.m. 239-321-7100
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida NewPlayContestfinalist: VirtualRealitybyWendyVogel LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-218-0481
Peter/WendybyJeremyBloom May16-18
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-939-2787artinlee.org
Journeyman: AtributetoEricClapton PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
FloridaRepConservatory presentsHairspray May16-18
HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488
Boots&Beats
TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,239-985-9839
TempoTantrum:80s&90stribute Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
FMBand
Friday&Saturday ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
FortMyersFilmFestival May16-18 BIGARTS, 900DunlopRoad,Sanibel bigarts.org fortmyersfilmfestival.com
BigDaddyRich BeaconSocialDrinkery atLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 11a.m.-2p.m.,239-314-3723
LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida NewPlayContestwinner: LuminbyEmmaGibson LaboratoryTheaterofFlorida 1634WoodfordAve.,FortMyers 7:30p.m.,239-218-0481
FamilyArtLab AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 10a.m.tonoon,239-939-2787 artinlee.org
DuaneBettsandPalmettoMotel PerformingArtsCenter,10150 BonitaBeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
GulfshoreOpera: JourneythroughtheAmericas CambierPark, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 7p.m.,free,VIPavailable, gulfshoreopera.org
CulturalParkTheatre’s63rd SeasonAnnouncementParty CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 7p.m.,239-772-5862
DirtyWork
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
RewindBand TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SlipperyWhenWet: TheUltimateBonJoviExperience Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6p.m.,Jack’DUpopens, 941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
5thAnnualDayofCelticMusic Fishermen’sVillage, 1200W.RettaEsplan.,PuntaGorda BlackThornBrigadenoon-4p.m., WestofGalway5-9p.m. 941-639-8721
LadyZ&SuncoastSwing VisualArtsCenter, 210MaudSt.,PuntaGorda 6p.m.941-639-8810
ArtsBonitaOpenHouse CenterforVisualArts, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings 10a.m.-2p.m.239-495-8989
EdisonSchetter
OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
ACMASongwritersCircle
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
PhenomenalAnimal
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
RedHannah ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 4-8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
GulfshoreOpera: JourneythroughtheAmericas GulfTheater, 900W.MarionAve.,PuntaGorda 7p.m.,gulfshoreopera.org
SheldonUpchurch TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
SideshowBob ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
Coheed&Cambriainconcert HertzArena, 11000EverbladesParkway,Estero 6:30p.m.,hertzarena.com
Vanities ThroughJune8 PlayersCircleTheater, 13211McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 239-800-3292
TinaSolomon TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Cayman ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
StephanieTrick&PaoloAlderighi TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
CharlottePlayerspresent NanaDoesVegas May21-25 LangdonPlayhouse, 1182MarketCircle,PortCharlotte 941-255-1022
Rockshop
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
WineandPaint,RooftopKaraoke RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers paint6:30p.m.,karaoke8p.m., 239-333-1933
Tat2Trio
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
RecycledArtreception CenterforVisualArts, 26100Old41Road,BonitaSprings StudentShowcaseofRecycledArt exhibitrunsMay15-22,closing receptionMay22from6-8p.m. 239-495-8989
Art&PoetryNetworkingEvent
SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
SoapyTuna ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
JodieDesalvo&TomCimarusti TribbyArtsCenteratShellPoint, 17281OnParBlvd.,FortMyers, 7p.m.,239-415-5667
JeffreyWhidby LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-314-3723
WhenBullfrogsSingOpera May23-25
CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
ConnieHahn PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
BadLatitude TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
MajestyofRock: TheMusicofStyx&Journey TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
ImprovComedyArtsShow PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
AlexLopezXpress andAlbertCastiglia TheNorrisCenter, 7558thAve.S.,Naples 7p.m., maremilmusic.ticketprice.com
BuckinghamBluesBarwelcomeslegendaryguitaristGaryHoey inconcertonSaturday,May31at8p.m.Forticketsandmore information,visitbuckinghambar.comorcall239-693-7111. Above,GaryHoeyperformsonthe2025RockLegendsCruise. photobyJamieKuser
BalloonGlow&LaserShow LeeCivicCenter 11831BayshoreRoad,N.FortMyers 5-11p.m.,freshtix.com
FloridaRepConservatory presentsHairspray May23-25 HistoricArcadeTheatre, FloridaRepertoryTheatre, 2268BaySt.,FortMyers 239-332-4488
TheHeroes Friday&Saturday ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
EmmaBriggsColeman BeaconSocialDrinkery atLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 11a.m.-2p.m.,239-314-3723
OneHotMess
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
KennyNeal PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
TexasHippieCoalitioninconcert TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen6p.m.,239-985-9839
BestofRod-RodStewarttribute Bert’sBackPorchLive,TwistedFork, 2208ElJobeanRd,PortCharlotte VIPgates6p.m.,941-235-3675 twistedfork.freshtix.com
TinaTurner,CelineDion andChertribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
BigDaddyRich OxbowBar&Grill, 1300HendrySt.,FortMyers 12:30-3:30p.m.,239-314-3856
ACMASongwritersCircle AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers 2p.m.,www.americanacma.org
DirtyWork
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,3-6p.m.,239-540-8454
SheenaBrook-3p.m. ThunderBeach-8p.m. ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007moreinparadise.com
AnnualAllAmericanCountryBBQ GermanAmericanSocialClub, 2101SWPineIslandRd,CapeCoral noon,gasc-capecoral.com
SheldonUpchurch
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
SideshowBob
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
TinaSolomon
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Cayman
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
WED-28
Rockshop
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
Tat2Trio
ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
THU-29
SmokinAces
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,6-9p.m.,239-540-8454
TheAlterEagles
TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
ZacharyBartholomew PerformingArtsCenter,10150Bonita BeachRoad,BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.,239-495-8989
FringeFortMyers
ThroughJune1
AlliancefortheArts, 10091McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers OffBroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-939-2787artinlee.org/fringe
SoapyTuna ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 6-10p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
LanceWrightMalcolm LobbyBaratLuminaryHotel&Co., 2200EdwardsDr.,FortMyers 8-11p.m.,239-314-3723
RadioRoad
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
LegallyBlonde ThroughJune28
BroadwayPalmTheatre, 1380ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers 239-278-4422
JohnnyRogersBand: TributetoLegendsofCountry TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
BeetlejuiceJr. ThroughJune1
TheBelleTheatre,2708Santa BarbaraBlvd.,#135,CapeCoral 239-323-5533
WhenBullfrogsSingOpera ThroughJune1 CulturalParkTheatre, 528CulturalParkBlvd.,CapeCoral 239-772-5862
RetroRooftopDanceParty RooftopSculptureGarden, SidneyandBerneDavisArtCenter, 2301FirstSt.,FortMyers 8p.m.,239-333-1933
Streetlight
Friday&Saturday ZigZagLounge,SeminoleCasino Hotel,506S.1stSt.,Immokalee 8p.m.,800-218-0007 moreinparadise.com
Sixxes
TikiHutBar&GrillatDolphinKey Resort,1502MiramarSt.,Cape Coral,7-10p.m.,239-540-8454
ACMA:RBStone
AllFaithsUnitarianCongregation, 2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers BruceGallantopens,7p.m., www.americanacma.org
AlmostABBA, BestofMammaMiatribute TheStage,9144BonitaBeachRoad, BonitaSprings 7:30p.m.239-405-8566
SamGallowayFord ConcertSeries:RestlessRoad TheRanchConcertHall&Saloon, 2158ColonialBlvd.,FortMyers, doorsopen7p.m.,specialguest KelseyHart,239-985-9839
GaryHoey
BuckinghamBluesBar, 5641BuckinghamRoad,FortMyers 8p.m.,buckinghambar.com 239-693-7111
GulfshoreOpera announcesa“dreamcome true”freepublicconcerttour thankstothegeneroussupportoftheCollierCommunity FoundationandtheCape CoralCommunityFoundation.
GeneraldirectorSteffanie Pearcehaslongwishedto offerabandshelltour,freeto thepublic,butneededsponsorstocoverthecostofprofessionalartistsandtechnical crew.
WithCollierCommunity FoundationsponsoringaperformanceatMarcoIsland’s VeteransParkbandshell(May 14)andCambierPark(May 17)andtheCapeCoral CommunityFoundationsponsoringaperformanceat BabcockRangebandstand (May16),thedreambecame areality.
Journeythroughthe Americasconcertbrings togetherthevibrantmusical traditionsofNorthandSouth Americainacasual,lively concertfeaturingthewomen’s vocalensemble,GODivas andtheCubanJazztrioand vocalistsforLatinInfusion. Richvocalharmoniesand coolLatinjazzcomboaccompanimentsgivefresh appealtopopular songsbyiconslike BobDylanandJames Taylor,andunique arrangementsoftraditionalsongs,like “Guantanamera”and “Oyecomova,”celebratingtherichheritageofbothcontinentsinafunandwelcomingatmosphere.
Byofferingthisfree bandshellconcerttour
30-MAY2025
inMay,GulfshoreOpera achievesacoremissiongoal ofcommunityengagement.In additiontotheregionalprofessionalartistsinthisconcert,theGOHarmonyChoir kidswillcomeonstagetojoin theGODivasforarousing versionof“Americathe Beautiful.”
Experienceslikethese makealastingimpacton underservedyouthand increaseoverallcommunity wellbeing.GulfshoreOpera producesawidearrayof vocalmusicexperiencesfrom classicaloperastylingsto Latinandcontemporary“pop” concerts,engagingyoungand oldalike,providinganinclusiveandfriendlyexperience forall.
Forthosewhopreferto seetheshowintraditional theater,withpaidreserved seating,joinGulfshoreOpera attheSt.LeoAuditoriumin BonitaSpringsonMay15at7 p.m.ortheGulfTheaterin PuntaGordaonMay18at7 p.m.Ticketsfortheseshows are$40/$55onMay15in BonitaSpringsand$45on May18inPuntaGorda..
Performerswillinclude MarieTalley(soprano), JulianaAlfano(soprano),ErikaRamirez (soprano),Lydia Howery(alto),pianist DanielEscudero,guitaristJoséFernández andpercussionist AlfredoChacón. FormoreinformationaboutGulfshore Operaandtopurchase tickets,call239-5293925orvisitonlineat gulfshoreopera.org
HappeningsMagazine
CountrymusicsuperstarLuke Bryan,whowillkickoffabrand new30pluscitytourthissummer, the“CountrySongCameOnTour,” willmakehistoryinFortMyersas thefirstartisttoperforminside JetBlueParkatFenwaySouth,the springtraininghomeoftheBoston RedSox.
Thefive-timeEntertainerofThe Year,whohasplayedfornearly15 millionfansduringhiscareer,will makehishistoricappearanceat JetBlueParkatFenwaySouthin FortMyersonSaturday,June14.
BillboardsaysLukehaslong honedinonhisshowmanship craft,“thekeytohissuccessas oneofcountrymusic’sforemost ambassadorsformorethana decadehasbeenhislong-perfectedonstageblendoflovablegoofball,sultryswaggerandpositive attitude.”Asalongtimesupporterand advocateforyoungtalent,Lukewill
featuresomeofcountrymusic’sup andcomingartistsasspecialguests
SATURDAY,APRIL26
BestofFleetwoodMac
FRIDAY,MAY2
TheBeatles
SATURDAY,MAY3
MikeImbasciani& HisBluezRockerztributeto greatestguitarplayers
FRIDAY,MAY9
JohnnyRogersBand:Elvis, RoyOrbison,JerryLeeLewis andBuddyHolly
SATURDAY,MAY10
NeilDiamond,BarbraStreisand
FRIDAY,MAY16
TheTemptations,TheFourTops
onthisshow,includingConner Smith,AshlandCraft,andAdrien Nunez.DJRockwillalsoappear onthisshow.“Foroveradecade, JetBlueParkhasbeentheheart ofRedSoxbaseballin SouthwestFlorida,andnow we’reexcitedtoexpanditsrole asanentertainmentdestination,” saidpresidentandCEOofthe BostonRedSoxSamKennedy. “Livemusicissuchahugepart oftheFenwayParkexperience andbringingthattraditiontoFort Myershasbeenalongtimegoal. We’rethrilledtohaveLukeBryan kickthingsoff,andwecan’twait forfanstobepartofwhatwe hopeisthestartofsomething special.Hugethankstoour incrediblepartnersatLiveNation andinLeeCountyformaking thishappen.”
Ticketsstartat$84areonsaleat redsox.com/lukebryan
SATURDAY,MAY17
CustomerAppreciationParty RewindBand
FRIDAY,MAY23
MajestyofRock: TheMusicofStyx&Journey
SATURDAY,MAY24
TinaTurner,CelineDion,Cher
THURSDAY,MAY29
AlterEagles
FRIDAY,MAY30
JohnnyRogersBand: LegendsofCountry
SATURDAY,MAY31
AlmostABBA, BestofMammaMia
TheACMAandCalusaNatureCenterannounceanotherconcertinsidetheplanetariumunderthestars.AndyWahlbergwillperformThursday,May1.DougSheminskiwill openat7p.m.
AndygrewupinMiamiwherehewasfirstexposedtoclassical,popandinternational music.Hehadhisfirst“gig”atagefivewithaCalypsoLatinbandthatperformedathis mother’srestaurantinMiamieveryweekend.AndyplayedthebongoswhilewearingalittleRickyRicardosuit,puffysleevesandall.
Andybeganperformingatlivevenuesinhisearlyteens.Duringthattime,hehoned hiscraftplayingvenuesallovertheUnitedStates.HestartedplayinghistrademarkHarp GuitarwhichhefoundinapawnshopinLosAngelesintheearly’70s.Afterstudyingata performingartscollegefortwoyears,hebeganafull-timecareerasaperformingartist, focusingontheuniquesoundoftheharpguitar.
Sincethen,Andy’smusicalcareerhasspannedover45years,morethan3,000concertsandperformancesnationwide,eightalbumsandhundredsoftelevisionandradio appearances.TicketsfortheMay1showareavailableatcalusanature.org
TheAmericanaCommunity MusicAssociationkeepsthe livemusicgoingthisspring withintimateconcertsattheir listeningroominFortMyers.
Thecurrentscheduleatthe ACMAlisteningroomincludes KarynOliveronMay10,RB StoneonMay31,Wyatt EasterlingonJune7andBear andRobertonJune21.
The2020SouthFloridaFolk FestivalSongwriters' CompetitionwinnerKaryn OliverispartJoanOsborne,a touchofJanisJoplinandabit ofEmmylouHarris–effortlesslyoscillatingfrombluesyto countryandback.
In2009,KarynmovedtoatowncalledBoring,MD,witha brokenheartandacheapguitar.Itwasfromthisplacethatshe createdherfirstsoloalbum,RedDress,thatearnedherKerrville NewFolkFinalistandFalconRidgeEmergingArtistin2011,as wellas2010Mid-AtlanticSongContestwinner.
In2011,OlivermovedtoNewYorkCity,witharenewedheart andabetterguitar.Itisfromthisplacethatshecreatedhersolo album,Magdalene,andbecameaKerrvilleNewFolkFinalistfor asecondtimein2016.
2017broughtOlivertoNorthCarolina,whereshesteeped herselfinthegreatwritersoftheSouth,andrecordedanew album,AListOfNames,whichchartedonbothfolkand Americanaradioin2019.
In2020,OlivermovedtoTexasandwadedintothegreat Texassongwritingtradition.ThefruitsofthatmoveareCherchez LaFemmeanewcollectionofsongsreleasedin2023,featuring anall-femalecast.
ACMAsinger-songwriterBillVeachopenstheshowMay10.
32-MAY2025
TheACMAwelcomesRB StoneonMay31.Farfrom theaverageAmericanbluesman,RBStoneisamanwho haslivedtotellthetale, whosebloodrunsthickwith thestuffbluesandcountry songsaremadeof.He’sbeen calledabluescowboy,countrybluesman,Americanaartist androotsrocker.Asateen, RBlefthomeandjoineda90manrailgangtravelingthe Midwestbeforesettlingdown intobluecollartradeworkthat foundhimitchingforadventure.At23,heleftOhiowith onlyatruck,someharpsand aguitarandheadedtoColoradotoworkasacowboy.RBfound lodginginabarnonanIndianReservationinIgnaciowherehe learnedhorsesbydayandtaughthimselfguitaratnight.His music-lovingparentshadinstilledapassionforbluesandrock androll,anditfinallytookholdofhimintheWest,wherehe beganentertainingguestsoflocaloutfittersbythecampfire.
Asanindependentmusician,hehas18albumsunderhis belt,hastoured32countriesandfivecontinents,andsoldover 40,000albumsathisshowsandfestivalsacrosstheworld.He hasasongcatalogwithGwenGordyoftheMotownDynastyat EMI.He’shadrolesinnationalcommercials,appearedinnationalmusicvideos,andhissongshavebeenrecordedbyartists suchasTheMarshallTuckerBand.
ACMAmemberBruceGallantwillopentheMay31show. Doorsopenat6:30p.m.formostlisteningroomshows.
TheACMAlisteningroomislocatedatAllFaithsUnitarian Congregation,2756McGregorBlvd.,FortMyers.Formore detailsandschedules,visitwww.americanacma.orgorfollow themonFacebook.
ShellPoint’sTribbyArts Center’sFine&Performing Artsseasoncontinueswithan arrayofperformances.
GulfshoreBalletpresents Coppélia onSaturday,May3 at7p.m.Stepintothe enchantingworldof “Coppélia,”awhimsicalballet fullofhumor,romance,and stunningchoreography!
“Coppélia”tellsthedelightful storyofSwanildaandFrantz, aspiritedyoungcouple whoseloveistestedbyamysterious inventorandhislifelikedoll.ZoilaPeña bringsgraceandcharmtotheroleof Swanilda,whileKaiqueBarbosadazzles astheplayfulandcuriousFrantz. Together,theirchemistrylightsupthe stage.
JavorBracic willtakethestage Tuesday,May6at7p.m.In“AMusical BridgeBetweenCroatia&America,” pianistJavorBracicexplorestherich connectionsbetweenCroatianand
Americanclassical composers.This uniqueprogramspans the19thand20th centuries,showcasing adiverserangeof styles—fromromantic lyricismtocinematic impressionismand jazz-infusedbrilliance.
DannySinoff Quartet willperform onFriday,May9at7 p.m.Backbypopular demand,theDannySinoffQuartet presents“JazzwithSoul,Swing,and Style”—anunforgettablenightofswingingjazz,soulfulmelodies,andvirtuosic improvisation.Joinedbytheincredible BennyBenackIIIontrumpet,apowerhousemusicianknownforhiselectrifying performancesandsmooth,effortless style,thequartetbringsafreshyettimelessapproachtojazz,drawinginspiration fromlegendslikeFrankSinatra,NatKing Cole,andOscarPeterson.
JarrodLawson bringshisjazzsound tothecenteron
Tuesday,May13at7 p.m.RisingstarJarrod Lawson’scareerhas skyrocketedsincehis criticallyacclaimed sophomorealbum, “BetheChange,” debutedat#1on Amazon’sJazz Albumschartand#2 onBillboard’s ContemporaryJazz Albumschart.Withrich,heartfeltlyrics andsmooth,captivatingvocals,Jarrod’s musicisbothathrowbacktoclassicsoul andastepforwardinmodernjazz. Lawsonwillperformhitslikehissoulful remakeoftheIsleyBrothers’“Footsteps intheDark”andselectionsfromhis groundbreakingalbums.Hisunique artistryanddynamicstagepresence promiseanunforgettableeveningof music.
ButchWax&The Hollywoods willperformon Thursday,May15at7p.m. Celebrating40yearsofelectrifyingperformances,Butch Wax&TheHollywoodscontinuetocaptivateaudiences acrossthenation!Missouri’s #1bandbringsthebestof the’60sand’70stolifewith iconichitsfromThe Supremes,RayCharles, FrankieValli,Smokey Robinson,TheRighteous Brothers,Elvis,The Temptations,TheBeatles, TinaTurner,andmore.
StephanieTrick&Paolo Alderighi arescheduledfor Tuesday,May20at7p.m.
With“Remember,”thepiano duoofStephanieTrickand PaoloAlderighicelebratesthe composersandperformers whocreatedTheGreat AmericanSongbookand broughtpopularmusicto audiencesthroughradio, Broadwayshows,andthesilverscreen.Thesesongslive becauseofmemorableperformerslikeDukeEllington, LouisArmstrong,Ella
Fitzgerald,JudyGarland, BingCrosby,andFred Astaire.TrickandAlderighi willpresenttheiroriginal arrangementsofcompositionsbyIrvingBerlin,Cole Porter,GeorgeGershwin, HaroldArlenandmore.
JodieDesalvoandTom Cimarusti willhitthestage onThursday,May22at7 p.m.Spend“ANightatThe Movies”withJodieandTom onpianoandaccordionas theypresentthegreatest moviethemesfromthelast 80years—includingclassics like“TheGodfather,“Dr. Zhivago,”“StarWars,”“Love Story,”“Phantomofthe Opera,”andmanymore!
Futureconcertsinclude FourCNotesonJune5, PaigeKingJohnsononJune 10,StardustMemoriesBig BandonJune12andPaul ToddJr.onJune19.
TribbyArtsCenterislocatedon17281OnPar BoulevardinFortMyers.To purchasetickets,visit TribbyArtsCenter.comorcall 239-415-5667.
ArtsBonita’slivemusiccontinuesin Maywithanothermonthofshowsatthe PerformingArtsCenterinBonitaSprings. DecyoMcDuffiesingsNatKing Cole onMay3at7:30p.m.Award-winningvocalistDecyoMcDuffieleadsa heartfelttributetothelegendaryNatKing Cole,celebratinghistimelessartistryand enduringinfluence.Withavoicethat echoesCole’ssignaturewarmthandelegance,Decyoandhistriowillbringhis greatesthitstolifeforan“unforgettable” eveningofmusic.In2023,hewasalso awarded3rdplaceintheprestigious InternationalEllaFitzgeraldVocalJazz Competitionhostedbythelegendary BluesAlleyJazzSociety.
VictorWainwightandtheTrain will performMay10at7:30p.m.Victor WainwrightandtheTrainhavegarnered widespreadrecognitionfortheirexceptionalmusicalprowess.Thebandhas beenhonoredwithnumerousawards, includingthecovetedBluesMusicAward forthePinetopPerkinsPianoPlayerof theYear,whichWainwrighthasclinched threetimes.Theiralbum“Victor WainwrightandtheTrain”receivedcritical acclaimandearnedthe2019BluesBlast MusicAwardforBluesBandoftheYear. Knownfortheirhigh-energyperformancesandafusionofvariousmusicalstyles, VictorWainwrightandtheTraincontinue tocaptivateaudiencesaroundtheworld, solidifyingtheirstatusasoneofthepreeminentforcesincontemporaryblues music.
Journeyman:AtributetoEric Clapton isscheduledforMay16at7:30 p.m.ShaunHague,aprodigynamed “TheBestYoungBluesGuitarist”byThe HouseofBluesatjust17,bringshis incredibletalenttothestageinabreathtakingtributetohisbiggestmusicalinfluence,EricClapton.By21,Haguewas
alreadyplayingguitarforbluessensation KennyWayneShepherdandhassince sharedthestagewithAmosLee,John Waite,TerraNaomi,performedonJay Leno,andevenjammedwithJohn Fogerty.Now,Hague’s“Journeyman:A TributetoEricClapton”iscelebratedas the#1sellingtributetoEricClaptonin NorthAmerica.Don’tmissthiselectrifying performanceatArtsBonita,whereyou’ll betransportedthroughClapton’slegendaryhits,masterfullybroughttolifeby Hague’sexceptionalguitarprowess.
DuaneBetts&PalmettoMotel will performMay17at7:30p.m.DuaneBetts ignitesandbringsanevolutiontothe Southernrocktradition.Withafierylegacyforgedbyhisfather,thelegendary DickeyBetts,thesecond-generation musicianinfusesitwithhisownsoul-stirringblendofblues,rawpassion,andsixstringmastery.Backedbyhisband, PalmettoMotel,Bettsdeliversadynamic liveshowfilledwithsearingguitarsolos, heartfeltstorytelling,andamixofclassic influenceswithfreshenergy.Fanscan expectablendofrootsrock,blues,and someimprovisationaljamming,creating anelectrifyingyetdeeplyauthenticexperience.Withtop-tiermusicianship,aconnectiontorock‘n’rollhistory,andthe desiretomakeeveryperformanceatrue experience,aPalmettoMotelshowisan unforgettablejourneythatnomusiclover shouldmiss.
ConnieHan takesthestageMay23 at7:30p.m.ConnieHan,hailedby DownBeatMagazineas“TheJazz Warrior-Goddess”with“askillandferocity unmatchedbyallbutthemostaccomplishedofpianists,”hasrapidlyascended inthejazzworld.Atjust27,shehasbeen recognizedbyVarietyMagazineas“one ofcontemporaryjazz’smosttalentedand
inventivemusicians.”Her2018album CrimeZonewaspraisedbyDownBeatfor showcasingher“technicalmastery”and absorptionof“thepost-boppianomasters.”
KennyNeal willperformMay24at 7:30p.m.Getreadyforanelectrifying nightofauthenticLouisianaswampblues asKennyNealtakesthestageatArts Bonita!AGrammy-nominatedartistand multipleBluesMusicAwardwinner, KennyNealisatruetorchbearerofthe blues,blendingdeep-rootedtraditionwith contemporaryfire.Bornintoamusical dynasty,NealwashandedhisfirstharmonicabySlimHarpoatjustthreeyears old,andby17,hewasplayingbassfor thelegendaryBuddyGuy.WithhisBig7PieceBand,Kennydeliversahigh-energyperformancethattransportsyou straighttotheheartofBatonRouge.
ZacharyBartholomew performsIt Don’tMeanaThingifitAin’tGotThat SwingonMay29at7:30p.m.
ThePerformingArtsCenter,islocated at10150BonitaBeachRoadinBonita Springs.
Fortickets,call239-495-8989orvisit onlineatartsbonita.org.
APR26
TravisTritt HertzArena,Estero
MAY2
PatBenetar andNeilGiraldo BBMannHall,FortMyers
MAY8
DiamondRio TheRanch,FortMyers
MAY9
L.A.Guns BuddhaLive,FortMyers
MAY10
MollyHatchet BuddhaLive,FortMyers
MAY11
Shenandoah
CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers
MAY14
BritFloyd BBMannHall,FortMyers
MAY15
DylanScott HertzArena,Estero
MAY19
Coheed&Cambria, Mastodon HertzArena,Estero
MAY25
TexasHippieCoalition TheRanch,FortMyers
MAY31
RestlessRoad TheRanch,FortMyers
HertzArenainEsterowelcomesHeartinconcertJune25at7:30p.m.Ticketsstartat$39.50.For details,visithertzarena.comorcall239-948-7825.Pictured,lefttoright,areRyanWaters,Nancy Wilson,SeanLane,AnnWilson,PaulMoak,TonyLucido,andRyanWariner. PhotobyChrisCain
JUN13
RyanMontgomery TheRanch,FortMyers
JUN14
LukeBryan JetBluePark,FortMyers
JUN25
Heart HertzArena,Estero
JUL8
SteelPulse TheRanch,FortMyers
JUL10
ElvisCostello BBMannHall,FortMyers
AUG1
Ballyhoo TheRanch,FortMyers
SEP6
TraceAdkins, JoDeeMessina MosaicArena,Arcadia
SEP19
CooperAlan TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT24
TYMyers TheRanch,FortMyers
OCT25
JordanDavis HertzArena,Estero
NOV2
ClayWalker, DrakeMilligan CaloosaSoundAmphitheater, DowntownFortMyers
L.A.GunswilllaunchatourinAprilinsupportoftheir15th studioalbum(LeopardSkin).ThetourincludesastopatBuddha LiveinFortMyersonFriday,May9.Findoutmoreonlineat www.lagunsmusic.com.Pictured(lefttoright)areJohnnyMartin (bass),TraciiGuns(guitar),PhilLewis(vocals),AceVonJohnson (guitar),andShawnDuncan(drums). PhotobyJoeSchaeffer
NOV6
EliYoungBand TheRanch,FortMyers
NOV8
HermanʼsHermits starringPeterNoone
DiamondRio-May9
TheRanchConcertHall&SalooninFortMyersshowcases nationalcountryandrockartists.
Here’swhat’sonthescheduleatpresstime:
TheSamGallowayFordConcertSeriespresentsDiamondRioon May8,RestlessRoadonMay31(withspecialguestKelseyHart), CooperAlanonSept.19andtheEliYoungBandonNov.6.
Knownformakingtimelesscountrymusicforoverthirtyyears, DiamondRiorecentlyannouncednewmusicandbandmember changes.“TheKick,”thehighlyanticipatedtracknotonlyshowcases theGrammyAward-winningband’stalents,butalsosignifiesanew chapterintheirdistinguishedcareerwiththeintroductionoftwonew bandmates.
Theformationthatbecameknownasthesix-timeVocalGroupof theYear,DiamondRio,wasformedin1989andconsistedofMarty Roe(leadvocals),JimmyOlander(guitar/banjo),DanaWilliams (bass/vocals),DanTruman(piano),BrianProut(drums),andGene Johnson(mandolin/vocals),andupuntilrecentlyhavehadnomemberchanges.Afteraremarkable33-yearjourney,thebandbid farewelltoretiringmembersBrianProutandGeneJohnson,andwelcomesnewbandmatesCarsonMcKee(fiddle/harmonyvocals)and MicahSchweinsberg(drums).
RestlessRoad-May31
OtherupcomingshowsatThe RanchConcertHall(notpartofthe SamGallowaySeries)include BootsandBeatsonMay16,Texas HippieCoalitiononMay25,Ryan MontgomeryonJune13,Steel PulseonJuly8,BettyFoxBand onJuly26,BallyhooonAug.1and TyMyersonOct.24.
Forticketsandmoreconcert info,visittheranchfortmyers.com.
TheRanchConcertHalland Salooncanbereachedbycalling 239-985-9839.
Formostshows,doorsopenat 7p.m.atTheRanchConcertHall &Saloonlocatedat2158Colonial Blvd.inFortMyers.
Countrymusicfansare inforaspecialnightas Shenandoahbringstheir ExtraMileTourtoCaloosa SoundAmphitheateron Sunday,May11at7p.m.
Knownfortheirsignatureharmoniesandcharttoppinghitslike“Two DozenRoses,”“Nextto You,NexttoMe,”and “ChurchonCumberland Road,”theGrammy Award-winningbandcontinuestocaptivateaudiencesbyblendingtraditionalstorytellingwithcontemporarycountry melodiesthatresonate acrossgenerations.
Ticketscanbepurchasedonlineattixr.com orcaloosasoundamp.com withgeneraladmission startingat$35andVIPticketsstartingat $65.
Concertgoerscanmaketheirevening evenmorespecialwithpre-concertperks byshowingtheirconcertticketatChips SportsPub,TheSilverKingOcean Brasserie,OxbowBar&Grill,orBeacon SocialDrinkeryonthedayoftheconcert toreceivea10%discountofftheirbill. Formorediningoptions,browse LuminaryHotel&Co.’sofferings.Bars andsnackswillalsobeavailableonsite forpurchasesbeforeandduringthe show.
Guestslookingtoavoidpost-concert trafficcanstaythenightatLuminary Hotel&Co.bybookingaroomandenjoy theconvenienceofbeingjuststepsaway fromthevenue.(Concertticketsarenot includedwithhotelbookingsandmustbe purchasedseparately.)
FueledbyMartyRaybon’sdistinctive vocalsandtheband’sskilledmusicianship,Shenandoahbecamewellknown fordeliveringsuchhitsas“TwoDozen Roses”,“ChurchonCumberlandRoad” and“NexttoYou,NexttoMe”aswellas suchachinglybeautifulclassicsas“I WanttobeLovedLikeThat”andthe Grammywinning“Somewhereinthe VicinityoftheHeart”duetwithAlison Krauss.
Todaythatlegacycontinuesasorigi-
nalmembersRaybonandMikeMcGuire reunitetolaunchanewchapterin Shenandoah’sstoriedcareer.Itallbegan whentheguysgotbacktogethertoperformabenefitconcertforafriendbattlingcancer.“Wesawhowfolksreacted,”Raybonsaysoftheresponsetotheir reunion.“AndthenJerryPhillips,sonof legendarySunRecordsproducerSam Phillips,said‘Youguysneedtomakea runatthis.Peoplestilllovewhatyou do.Youcantellbythereaction.There’sa lotofexcitementintheair.’”
“It’skindoflikeridingabicycle,” McGuiresaysofthebandreignitingthat chemistryonstage.“Wehaddoneso manyshowsovertheyearstogether, eventhoughwespent17yearsapart,we gotbackuponthestageanditwaslike weneverstopped.Weknewthosesongs insideout.Theywerestilldeartoour hearts.Itwasgreattogetbackupthere anddothemtogetheragain.”
RaybonandMcGuireformedtheband in1984inMuscleShoals,Ala.,with bassistRalphEzell,keyboardistStan ThornandguitaristJimSeales.McGuire invitednotedproducerRobertByrneout toseethebandperformandhewasso impressedherecordedademoonthe groupandpitchedthemtoColumbia Records.Shenandoahinkedadealwith thelegendarylabelandbeganestablish-
inganationalfanbase withtheirself-titleddebut in1987.However,itwas theband’ssophomore effort,TheRoadNot Taken,thatspawned theirfirsttoptenhits— “SheDoesn’tCry Anymore”and“Mama Knows.”ShenandoahfollowedwiththreeconsecutiveNo.1hits— “ChurchonCumberland Road,”“Sundayinthe South”and“TwoDozen Roses.”“TheChurchon CumberlandRoad”spent twoweeksatthetopof thechartandmade countrymusichistoryas itmarkedthefirsttime thatacountryband’s firstNo.1singlespent morethanoneweekat thesummit.Italsohelpedpropelsalesof thealbumtomorethanhalfamillion unitsthusgivingShenandoahtheirfirst goldalbum.
Shenandoahbecameknownfordeliveringsongsthatcelebratedtheimportanceoffaithandfamilywhilerevelingin thejoysofsmalltownlife.“NexttoYou, NexttoMe”toppedthechartsforthree weeksand“SomewhereintheVicinityof theHeart,”abeautifulduetwithAlison Krauss,wonaCountryMusicAssociation AwardforVocalEventoftheyearanda GrammyforBestCountryPerformance byaDuoorGroupwithVocal.
ShenandoahalsowontheAcademyof CountryMusic’sVocalGroupoftheYear in1991.
Shenandoahrecordedninestudio albumsandplaced26singleson Billboard’sHotCountrySongschart.The boysfromMuscleShoalshavelefta potentlegacyatcountryradiowithsuch enduringhitsas“GhostinThisHouse,”“I WanttoBeLovedLikeThat”,“RockMy Baby,”“JanieBaker’sLoveSlave,”“If BubbaCanDance(ICanToo),”written byRaybonandMcGuireand“Her Leavin’sBeenaLongTimeComin”(also writtenbyMcGuire).
CaloosaSoundAmphitheaterislocatedat2101EdwardsDriveindowntown FortMyers.
ThenextMusicWalkat McCollumHall,presentedby theFortMyersCommunity RedevelopmentAgency (CRA),willtakeplaceon Friday,May16.
Thismarksthethirdevent sincetheCRAtookover whatbeganas Collaboratory’s“Night Market”in2022withtheidea ofbringingthecommunity togetherforfreelivemusic, foodtrucks,retailvendors andcommunitypartnersfor sharedexperiencesand interaction.
InconjunctionwithMusic Walk,theeventwillbeheld at2701DrMartinLuther KingJrBlvd.from6to9p.m.
Performersthatnightwill includetheBrandon RobertsonQuintet,Naples PhilharmonicYouthJazz ComboandLaLucha.
“Ourfirsteventin Novemberwasanincredible engagingexperiencewithour communityresidentsand partnersandofcourse incrediblelivejazzpresentations,”saidMicheleHyltonTerry,executivedirectorof theFortMyersCRA.“Weare soexcitedtoreignite
McCollumHall’shistorical roots...withanotherlineup ofgreatjazzmusicians,fun, foodandmore.”
Theeventisfreeasislimitedparking(spacesfor100 vehicles)atthelotjust behindMcCollumHall.
Theeveningwillinclude foodtrucksandmerchant andartvendorsonsite.
Future2025datewillbe Aug.15.
Builtin1938byClifford “Buck”McCollum,Sr.,a blackbusinessmanand entrepreneur,andhiswife Gertrude,McCollumHallwas thecenterpieceofcommerce,musicandentertainmentintheDunbarcommunity.Apopularstopfortouringblackentertainersonthe Chitlin’Circuitofthe1930sto 1950s,itssecond-floordance halljumpedtolifewhen musicianstooktothestage, includingDukeEllington,Ella Fitzgerald,LouisArmstrong, CountBasie,B.B.King, DizzyGillespie,OtisRedding andotherjazzandblues greats.
Findoutmoreaboutthe FortMyersCRAonlineat fortmyerscra.com
ThehighlyanticipatedFortMyers FilmFestival(FMFF)iscelebrating its15thanniversarywithanexciting lineupoffilmsandeventsfromMay 14toMay18.
Takingplaceatvariousvenues throughoutSouthwestFlorida, includingtheSidney&BerneDavis ArtCenter,thefestivalwillshowcaseadiverseselectionofindependentfilms,immersiveexperiences,andmore,makingitacan'tmisseventforfilmloversandcreativeenthusiastsalike.The2025 lineupincludesthought-provoking narratives,culturalexplorations,and groundbreakingdigitalexperiences, allreflectingthedynamicspiritof ourglobalcommunity.
TheSidney&BerneDavisArt Center,locatedat2301FirstSt.in downtownFortMyers,willserveas theheartofthefestival,showcasing arangeoffilmseachdayfromMay 14-18.Thehistoricvenue,known foritsrichculturalhistoryandstunningarchitecture,willhostanarray offeaturefilms,shortfilms,andspecialpresentations.Ticketsforthe screeningsatthisiconicartcenter areavailableforpurchaseat www.sbdac.com.
Forothervenueticketsandpurchasing options,visitwww.fortmyersfilmfestival.com andgetthelatestupdatesonthefulllineup offilmsandeventschedules.
FormoreinformationaboutfilmscreeningsatSBDAC,calltheboxofficeat239333-1933.
Forfestival-goerslookingforamore immersiveexperience,theCalusaNature Center&Planetariumwillfeatureaseries ofuniquedomefilms,blendingart,technologyandstorytelling,startingonThursday, May15.Theirfestivalscheduleisavailable onwww.calusanature.org.
RedCarpetOpeningNightPartyisset forMay14.Ticketsar$20generaladmissionand$100VIP.Generaladmission givespatronstheredcarpetexperience, entryintothefilmCurveballs,directedby JohnBiffarat7pmandfreeentryto Sidney’sRooftopAfterParty.VIPPasses givepatronstheopportunitytomeetfilmmakers,actors,andfilmenthusiasts. Beforethefilm,guestscandelightina charcuteriespread,heavyhors'd'oeuvres byRachelBraunCatering.AdessertdisplaywillbefeaturedbyAuxDelicesalong withacomplimentaryglassofchampagne.
Thefestivalkicksoffwithapowerful documentarydirectedbynine-timeEmmy Awardwinner,JohnBiffaronMay14.This
powerfulfilmtellstheinspiringstoryof America’sonlyamputeebaseballteam, TheLouisvilleSluggers.Curveballsfollows thejourneyoftheLouisvilleSlugger Warriors,anationalamputeebaseball team,showcasingtheirresilience,competitivespirit,andabilitytoovercomeadversity. FilmedatFGCU,Biffarhopesthefilmwill inspireviewersbydemonstratingthat, despitetheirdisabilities,theWarriorsare determinedtowinandchangeperceptions aboutamputeesandpeoplewithdisabili-
ties.Thescreeningwillbefollowedby aQ&Awithmembersoftheteam,who willsharetheirexperiencesand insights.JimAbbott,thelegendary one-handedpitcherwhofamously threwano-hitteragainsttheNewYork Yankees,isfeaturedinthefilm
TheFMFFwillfeatureawide rangeoffilmsfromlocalandinternationalfilmmakers,includingdocumentaries,shortfilms,andstudentprojects.Audiencescanexpectpowerful culturalexplorations,cutting-edgecinematographicart,andmovingpersonalstories.
FMFFwillspotlightlocallyproducedfilmsotherthanCurveballs suchasseveralspotlightsabouta belovedlocalislandwithOnSanibel: TheHurricaneDiaries(Directedby LauraJaneDeBruce),Sanibel, (DirectedbyHerbertJames Winterstern)andSanibelIsland’s Store,(SubmittedbyJanineZeitlin). OnSanibel:TheHurricaneDiaries,is adocumentaryexploringtheaftermath ofHurricaneIanonSanibelIslandand residents’effortstorebuildtheirlives. Theotherfilmsallhavetheirown uniqueviewpointonthistopicthatthe localcommunitycanrelateto.Other localprojectsincludeFatherNoseBestand TheMistakeout,showcasingthecreativity ofFloridafilmmakers.
TheFortMyersFilmFestivalisdedicatedtoshowcasingthetalentofindependent filmmakers,celebratingcreativity,andfosteringcommunityengagement.Nowinits 15thyear,theFMFFbringsdiversevoices andinnovativestorytellingtoSouthwest Florida,creatingadynamicculturalexperienceforaudiencesandfilmmakersalike.
VIPtickets(All-accessfilms,VIPparties):ticketleap.events
Sidney&BerneDavisArtCenter(May14–18): sbdac.com
CalusaNatureCenter&Planetarium(May15–16): calusanature.org
AlliancefortheArts(May15–18): artinlee.org
BIGARTSonSanibel(May16–18): bigarts.org
IMAGHistory&ScienceCenter: theimag.org
BabcockRanch(May15): babcockranch.com
Thefestivalincludes94films:Local,international,bolddocumentaries,powerfulshorts,studentshowcases,immersivedomeexperiencesandexperimentalfilms;filmmakerQ&As,panels,partiesandsurprises.
PLUS: TheEricRaddatzShowisnowstreamingonZeam—featuringlive interviews,filmmakerspotlights&behind-the-scenesexclusives. zeam.com/publishers/838/the-eric-raddatz
ArtFestFortMyershasannouncedthe appointmentofJuanSantiagoasitsnewexecutivedirector,markinganinspiringnewchapter fortheSouthwestFloridaartsorganization.
AsthefirstmaleandHispanicleader,of PuertoRicandescent,inArtFestFortMyers’ 25-yearhistory,Santiagostepsintotherole committedtoembracingnewideasthatinspire transformativeartexperienceswhilepreserving ArtFestFortMyers’richlegacy.
Withmorethan13yearsofexperiencein eventmanagement,nonprofitleadershipand entrepreneurialventures,Santiago’sextensive careermakeshimuniquelysuitedtolead ArtFestFortMyersintoitsnextchapter.
Hispreviousleadershiprolesincludeservingasdirectorofoperations&volunteercoordinatoratthe FloridaRepertoryTheatreandinterimexecutiveassistantat theUncommonFriendsFoundation.
Asadedicatedboardmemberfornumerousnonprofits, mostrecentlyjoiningtheAlliancefortheArtsduringitsmilestone50thanniversary,Juanalsounderstandstheroleboard membersservefortheirorganization.Inadditiontohisnonprofitleadership,Santiagoisasuccessfulbusinessownerand
entrepreneur,runninghisowneventscompany, furthersolidifyinghisexpertiseinmanaginglargescaleeventsandfosteringcommunityengagement
SincejoiningArtFestFortMyersasdirectorof operationsinSeptember2024,Santiagohas workedcloselywithfounderandpastexecutive directorSharonMcAllister,ensuringthefestival’s continuedexcellenceandsuccess.Hisleadership,visionanddeep-rootedcommunityconnectionswillfurtherArtFest’smissiontoengage, inspire,andunitethroughthearts.
“ArtFestFortMyershasalwaysbeenareflectionofthecommunity’sheartandspirit,”said Santiago.“It’sanincrediblehonortostepintothis roleandcontinuethelegacythatSharonbuilt.I amcommittedtostrengtheningourconnections,expandingour impact,andensuringthatArtFestFortMyersremainsavibrant, inclusivecelebrationwherecreativitythrives.”
Apassionateadvocateforartsineducation,Santiagois dedicatedtoexpandingArtFestFortMyers’educationalinitiatives,whichhavelongbeenacornerstoneoftheorganization. FormoreinformationaboutArtFestFortMyers,visit ArtFestFortMyers.com.
AnauthenticNewYorkstyledelicatessen,1stStreet Delibringsadistinctly uniquediningconcepttothe casino,featuringdelipickles, freshbreadandsandwiches biggerthanyourappetite. Thehotdeliplattersection featuresthreenewfavorites: housemademeatloafwith Yukongoldmashedpotatoesandbrowngravy;pot roastdinnermadewithslowbraisedbeefshortrib;andchickenMarsala. Opendailynoon–8p.m.
506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com
TheEE-TO-LEET-KEGrill featurescontemporaryregional cuisinesutilizingthefreshest selectionsofsteaks,seafood, andanarrayoflocallysourced produce.Thestartersmenu nowfeaturesSouthwesttenderlointacoswithpicodegalloand chipotleaioli;chickenquesadilla withblackbeans,roastedcorn andpepperjack;andgrilled peachsaladwitharugula,candiedpecans,goatcheeseandlemonvinaigrette.Newadditionstothe entréeselectionsincludebeerbatterfishandchipswithcoleslawandtartarsauce;blackenedFloridasnapper;crabcakeswithroastedcorn salsa;grilled12-ounceribeyewithsofritoandgarlicpuree;andabeef Bourguignonmadewithtenderlointips,pearlonions,mushrooms&red wine.Opendaily8a.m.–midnight.
506South1stSt.,Immokalee 800-218-0007www.moreinparadise.com
Nostalgiaservedwithasmile.Afun retro-inspiredeateryservingcomfortfood andclassicdinerfare.Slideintoabooth orpulluptothecounterforaburgerand milkshakeorthebestall-daybreakfast you’veeverhad.EllaMae’sprovidesa welcometwisttotheclassicsouthern diner.CelebratingDr.EllaMaePiper’s legacy,it’sherethecommunitycomes togethertosharestoriesastheyenjoya mealamidstvintage-inspiredfinishesand abrightcolorpalette.EllaMae’sDinerat LuminaryHotel&Co.isafunretroinspiredeateryservingupcomfortfood andclassicdinerfare.Slideintoabooth orpulluptothecounterforaburgerand milkshakeorthebestall-daybreakfastyou’veeverhad.EllaMae’sis opendailyfrom7amto2pm.Servingbreakfastalldayandlunch. LuminaryHotel,2200EdwardsDrive,FortMyers 239-314-3854www.LuminaryHotel.com
AnAsianinspiredupscale restaurant, LuckyMi NoodleHouse ispresentedas anopen-kitchen conceptand featuresanoodlebar,dining roomandprivatefunction area.Chefsblendtraditionalingredientswithcontemporaryinfluencestocreatenewinterpretationsfordishes suchasVietnamesePhoNoodleSoupandKoreanBeef andBroccoli. 506South1stStreet,Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
There's alwayssomethingtodoat theTikiHutBar &Grillatthe DolphinKey Resort.Located inDowntown CapeCoral,the biggestTikibar intheworld offersliveentertainmentWednesdaythroughSunday, KeyWestStyleRelaxWednesdayandThursday,Light outdooratmosphere,sofamily,andfriendstwoorfour leggedarewelcome.Greatfoodmenu,withFlorida Specials,pooltable,TVs.Open7days.Kitchenopenlate. 1502MiramarSt.,CapeCoral 239-540-8454www.dolphinkeyresort.com
TheTwisted Forkisahot-rod andmoto-culturethemed restaurantfeaturingascratch kitchenandcustomcocktails.A familyfriendly spaceadjacent Bert'sBack Porchconcertvenuewithloadsofoutdoorspace,ithas rapidlybecomeCharlotteCounty'shottestplacetoeat, drinkandhavefun!" 2208ElJobeanRoad,PortCharlotte 941-235-3675www.twistedfork.net
MickyDolenzofTheMonkeesperformedhitsongsandsharedinterestingstoriesApril12atSeminoleCasinoHotelImmokalee.
RhondaVincentandTheRage(right)closedouttheannualSouthlandBluegrassMusicFestivalApril6atSeminoleCasinoHotel Immokalee.OtherperformersatthefreefestivalincludedTheInfamousStringdusters,DelMcCouryBand(left),AlligatorAlley, TheTravelinMcCourysandAbbytheSpoonLady. photosbyJamieKuser