September 2017 Happenings Magazine

Annual Theatre Season Preview for 2017-2018

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2017

Brooke Eden

Clint Daniels

Lindsay Ell

RaeLynn

Songwriter Fest marks fourth year

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana Acoustic Shows Ellen Bukstel September 2 Bill Veach opens

Bob Sima

Ellen Bukstel

September 9 Glen Sabatka opens

Robert Bidney, David Hintz & Barbara Lynn September 16

Check out our new website for more info www.AmericanACMA.org INFO: 239-691-4069

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

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

www.AmericanACMA.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Publisher’s Spotlight

Curtain goes up

House lights are dimming and curtains are rising all across Southwest Florida as we officially begin the new theatre season.

We have put together our annual roundup of shows that have been announced by the vast amount of theatre groups and venues we have here.

Please see all the great choices this season for plays and musicals on pages 12, 13 and 14.

Here’s what we have on stage in September: Broadway Palm begins its 25th anniversary season with Groovin’ the 60s and 70s Musical on stage Sept. 7 through Oct. 7. Kudos to Will Prather and his team as the theatre and lobby have been undergoing some renovations since the last show.

Florida Repertory Theatre opens its 20th season with Outside Mullingar in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Sept. 22 through Oct. 22.

In Cape Coral, the Cultural Park Theater presents Tarzan the Stage Musical Sept. 8 - 17.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida will bring Sordid Lives to its Fort Myers stage Sept. 15 through Sept. 30.

Neil Simon’s female version of The Odd Couple takes the stage at the Off Broadway Palm Theatre Sept. 21. That show runs through Oct. 29.

In Naples, Gulfshore Playhouse will hold its annual New Works Festival Sept. 7 - 16. The staged readings will take place at The Norris Center.

Most of the remaining theatres in our area will begin their new seasons in October.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

One of our favorite events of the year is returning this month. The fourth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest starts Sept. 22 - 24 on Captiva, then moves to downtown Fort Myers Sept. 25 - 28 and finishes Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 on Fort Myers Beach. This outstanding festival features more than 70 singers and songwriters in more than 100 live performances at 21 different venues. Most of the performances are free, but a handful of them are ticketed events. You can visit www.islandhopperfest.com for the schedules. We have been telling our readers about the festival for a few months and this month we introduce you to a few more of the talented songwriters.

From the Road

Kathy I are so happy to announce that we have created a new event called From the Road - Stories and Songs.

Our magazine will present a series of intimate and interactive events around SW Florida with national artists who will share their stories in an acoustic and intimate venue.

Our first From the Road event will be on Sunday, Dec. 3 at The Barrel Room in downtown Fort Myers. Our first guests will be author Rhonda Nelson and her husband, Wayne, who is the lead singer and bass player of Little River Band. They will be joined by Greg Hind and Chris Marion, also members of LRB. Rhonda has written a book about life on the road with her rock star husband. Together they will share stories and play some acoustic music. It will be followed by a meet and greet. Seating is very limited, and tickets are only available by phone in advance at 239278-5236.

Rock on,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 5 - 14

New season starts around SW Florida

Music

pages 16 - 25

Island Hopper Songwriter, ACMA concerts

In Concert

pages 26 - 27

Randy Houser, JJ Grey & Mofro, Scott Stapp

Art

pages 30 - 35

FGCU 20/20 exhibit, Arts for ACT Gallery

River District

pages 36 - 39

Art Walk, Island Hopper, Comic Fest

Dining

pages 40 - 41

Texas Tony’s and 12 other restaurants

Comedy Clubs

page 42

Comedy club schedules for September

Calendar

pages 44 - 47

September cultural events in SW Florida Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

e-mail us at swfHappenings@earthlink.net

HappeningsMagazine.net Office located at 1528 Jackson St. Downtown Fort Myers, FL

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

Available at 520 locations in SW Florida Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Laurel Meny, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Stage readings begin Sept. 7 at The Norris Center in Naples

Gulfshore Playhouse names New Works Festival finalists Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the finalists for its fifth annual New Works Festival, which brings together playwrights, actors and directors from across the country for a multi-day event culminating in a series of staged readings.

This year’s finalists (and date of readings) include: • Tycho’s Fool by Ross Peter Nelson (Thursday, Sept.

7): The greatest astronomer of the 16th century is dead, and there are whispers he was poisoned. An intergalactic cabaret harnesses the electrons of a 40-year old TV show to reenact the past and solve the mystery.

• Hungarian Rhapsody by Susan Cinoman (Friday, Sept. 8): A farmer’s wife in rural Budapest receives an unexpected visit from a mysterious gypsy who changes her perspective on love, normalcy and passion.

• Buried Under a Blackbird Sky by Stephen Spotswood (Saturday, Sept. 9): Eve Beecher, a premiere forensic anthropologist, returns to her hometown for an assignment at a church. Thrown back into the world she escaped, she’s forced to deal with the past she ran away from, including an abusive home life and her one-time love, Samantha – the church minister.

• Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear by David MacGregor (Sunday, Sept. 10): The notorious and as-yet undiscovered genius Vincent van Gogh presents the master-sleuth Sherlock Holmes with a most unusual case. Aided by his partner Dr. Watson and his

paramour Irene Adler, the trio embarks on a rousing adventure.

The New Works Festival plays were selected by a corps of volunteer readers from a pool of 150 blind submissions. The event allows playwrights to transition from writing, to adding actors and an audience, to understanding how the play works in a performance setting. Each staged reading will conclude with a Q&A session with the playwright.

“The New Works Festival is one of the best ways we can contribute to the national landscape by fostering the growth of up-and-coming playwrights,” said Gulfshore Playhouse producing artistic director and founder Kristen Coury.

“It is especially exciting when a play emerges from the festival that we feel is a great fit for our audience and our theatre, like Miss Keller Has No Second Book, a finalist from last year’s festival that we will produce as part of our 2017-18 season.”

The festival will also include readings of Deb Hiett’s Miss Keller Has No Second Book Thursday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 16. Gulfshore Playhouse favorites Amy Van Nostrand and Maureen Silliman will be directed

by Los Angeles-based Emilie Beck, who also serves as the literary manager at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.

Play readings will be held at the Norris Center at 8

p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Readings are $15 each, with discounts for multiple shows. Visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call the box office at 866-811-4111 to purchase tickets.

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theater to the highest artistic standards, and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Gulfshore Playhouse’s work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of common humanity.

This belief drives the respect with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community. This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor – the creation of a landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for Gulfshore Playhouse’s new 56,000square-foot complex at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South on the northern end of The Shoppes at Naples Square that will include two theaters and an education wing to support programming for children, adults and families.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facility, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

TheatreZone in Naples adds concerts and cabaret series to 2017-18 season TheatreZone announces two concerts and a cabaret series as part of its 2017-18 season in addition to the five shows previously announced.

Jan & Deanʼs Beach Party featuring Dean Torrence Jan. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m.

The Jan & Dean Beach Party brings the California surf culture of the 1960s to life with original lead singer Dean Torrence performing the duo’s hit singles, including “Surf City,” “Drag City,” “The Little Old Lady From Pasadena,” and many more. Backed by The Surf City Allstar Band (featuring musicians from The Beach Boys band, The Ventures and Frank Zappa’s band), The Jan & Dean Beach Party delivers fun and nostalgia. Tickets are $50 - $75.

The Mersey Beatles Feb. 21 at 4 and 8 p.m.

The world’s only all Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band was the resident band for over a decade at the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles got their start. These childhood friends have played in 20 countries, selling out shows worldwide. John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, said, "There are a lot of Beatles tribute bands from all over the world, and I’ve seen them all, but The Mersey Beatles are the most authentic I have heard.” Tickets are $50 - $75.

Shows, Cabaret Series, and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

TheatreZone’s show schedule features Home for the Holidays (Dec. 8-10), Me and My Girl (Jan. 11-21), The Secret Garden (Feb. 8-18), Copacabana (March 8-18), and Baby (April 26 – May 6).

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New offerings this season include:

Coffee, Tea and Broadway

Enjoy coffee, tea, continental breakfast items and other refreshments along with a presentation of Broadway show tunes and other favorite standards from TheatreZone actors during the new "Coffee, Tea and Broadway" cabaret series.

Each performance features different songs and singers and includes a meet-and-greet with the performers. The cabarets are being held at the Moorings Park auditorium, 120 Moorings Park Drive, and are open to the public. Admission is $35.

Sponsors include Moorings Park and FineMark Bank. Coffee, Tea and Broadway takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 14 and May 2.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Artistic director Mark Danni and managing director Karen Danni lead behind-the-scenes tours. The 90-minute small group tours will include views of the dressing rooms, costume storage areas and behind the stage, as well as a brief presentation about the history of TheatreZone and the opportunity to watch actors preparing on stage with mic checks and vocal warmups for the afternoon’s performance. A ticket to that day’s show is not required. The ability to climb stairs is required, as elevator access is not available for all areas.

The tours will be offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 28. Cost for the tour is $35 per person for both youth and adults.

TheatreZone is located at 13275 Livingston Road on the Community School of Naples campus. For tickets, visit www.theatrezone-florida.com or call 239-424-9500.

Auditions Sept. 9 at Firehouse in LaBelle

Firehouse Community Theatre will hold auditions for its new season on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The theatre is located at 241 N. Bridge St. in LaBelle. For more info, visit online at www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com or call 863-675-3066.

Auditions Sept. 9 for Miracle on 34th Street

The Naples Players will hold open auditions for the holiday musical comedy Miracle on 34th Street at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

This traditional and warm holiday classic is Based on the movie of the same name, Miracle On 34th Street features a book and score by Meredith Willson.

Roles are available for men, women and children, and all ethnicities are welcome to audition.

Rehearsals begin Monday, Oct. 2 and run through Nov. 28, with performances Nov. 29 –Dec. 23 at Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave South, Naples.

Those interested are asked to prepare 32 bars (about one minute) of a song, to perform with TNP’s piano accompanist.

Although a professional dance background is not required to audition, a short dance combination will be taught for audition hopefuls to follow. To prepare for auditions, access and review the sides at www.naplesplayers.org.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Florida Rep starts 20th season with Outside Mullingar

Florida Repertory Theatre and The House of Blue Leaves, opens its 20th anniversary season and Powers in The 25th Annual with Outside Mullingar, a delightful Putnam County Spelling Bee and romantic comedy by John Patrick The Mousetrap. Viki Boyle returns Shanley, the Pulitzer Prize and after appearances in To Kill a Tony-Winning author of Doubt and Mockingbird and Over the River Moonstruck. and Through the Woods.

The production runs in the Chris Clavelli, another longtime ArtStage Studio Theatre Sept. 22 ensemble member, directs the to Oct. 22 with four nearly sold-out production after past successes Clavelli previews Sept. 19 - 21. with Florida Rep's nationally Outside Mullingar unfolds in the acclaimed productions of The picturesque, Irish countryside and Cocktail Hour, The House of Blue follows the unlikely romance of two Leaves and One Slight Hitch. lovable misfits. Anthony Reilly and Clavelli is joined by an expert Rosemary Muldoon are farmers team of designers including who haven’t got a clue when it ensemble set designer Ray Recht comes to love. These hopeless sin(The Cocktail Hour), costume gletons will need to overcome a bitdesigner Alexandria Vazquez ter land feud, old family rivalries, (Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End", and their own romantic fears before ensemble lighting designer Todd Burttram they can find happiness. Full of O. Wren (Too Marvelous For dark humor and poetic prose, John Words", sound designer John Patrick Shanley’s tenderhearted Kiselica (Shear Madness) and portrait reminds us it’s never too ensemble production stage manlate to take a chance on love. ager Janine Wochna (To Kill a "This is the perfect play to open Mockingbird). our 20th season," said producing Outside Mullingar plays in the artistic director Robert Cacioppo.

ArtStage Studio Theatre Sept. 22"Not only is it a masterfully written Oct. 22 with previews Sept. 19 at love story, but it brings together 7 p.m., Sept. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m., some of Florida Rep's most and Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. beloved ensemble members both Performances are Tuesdayonstage and in the creative team.

Thursday at 7 p.m., FridayPowers This play is witty, charming and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees was written by one of the best on Thursday, Sunday and select American writers working today.

Saturdays at 2 p.m.

You are in for a treat."

Priced at $55/$45 and $35/$25 Outside Mullingar features for previews, single tickets are on Florida Rep ensemble members sale through the box office at 239Rachel Burttram, Brendan Powers 332-4488 and online at www.floriand Viki Boyle, as well as guest darep.org. Subscriptions for the artist, Martin LaPlatney, who 2017-2018 season offer the best returns after appearing in Florida seats and the biggest savings, Boyle Rep's nationally acclaimed producand packages start as low as tion of One Slight Hitch in 2016. $150 for six plays.

Longtime ensemble members, Florida Repertory Theatre perBurttram and Powers worked together for forms in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the first time in Florida Rep's 2008 producthe ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street tion of John Patrick Shanley's Doubt and between Jackson & Hendry with limited have been seen numerous times since. free parking in the Fort Myers River Burttram was last seen in Best of Enemies District.

Charlotte Players auditions Sept. 10 & 11

The Charlotte Players will hold auditions Sept. 10 and 11 for Over the River which will be performed Nov. 10 - 19 at the Langdon Playhouse.

Other 2017-18 season auditions are as follows: Oct. 8 & 9: Chick Soup to be performed Feb. 1-11 at Langdon Playhouse Oct. 15 & 16: Spamalot to be performed Feb. 9-18 at Cultural Center Theater Oct. 22 & 23: Breaking Legs to be performed Jan. 5-14 at Langdon Playhouse Nov. 12 & 13: Noises Off to be performed Jan. 19-27 at Cultural Center Theater

Jan. 7 & 8: Alone Together to be performed March 1-11 at Langdon Playhouse Jan. 21 & 22: The Game’s Afoot to be performed March 22-25 at Cultural Center Theater Feb. 18 & 19: Wally’s Cafe to be performed April 6-15 at Langdon Playhouse All auditions are held on Sunday and Monday evenings at 7 at the Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Additional information and perusal scripts are available.

For more info, call 941-255-1022 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit online at www.charlotteplayers.org.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Sordid Lives on stage at Laboratory Theater

The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Sordid Lives by Del Shores. A black comedy about white trash, Sordid Lives opens Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. in Fort Myers.

The author of Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?) brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover's wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas.

According to director Scott Carpenter, the play’s original success in 1996 prompted a film in 2000, which became a gay cult classic. A TV series prequel enjoyed a single season in 2008 on the LOGO network. Most recently, a sequel film called A Very Sordid Wedding was released in select theaters and is set to be out on DVD on Oct. 3. The sequel takes place 17 years after the original Sordid Lives. It takes on marriage equality head on in the Southern Baptist community of Winters, Texas. The film also closes the last chapter of the book for these wonderful characters in this marvelous screenplay by Del Shores.

Sandra Dixon and Kenneth Johnson in Laboratory Theaterʼs production of Sordid Lives playing Sept. 15 – 30.

Photos by Paula Sisk, Repaductions, LLC

Cindi Heimberg and Kayleigh O'Connell in Laboratory Theaterʼs production of Sordid Lives.

Scott adds, “It is my hope that Sordid Lives can both entertain and touch the hearts of the audience. If just one person leaves the theater and accepts someone for their differences or heals a damaged relationship, then we did our job.”

Sordid Lives runs from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30 at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Performance dates are Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 at 8 p.m. and Sept.

17, 24, 30 at 2 p.m.

The Naples Players open season Oct. 11 with She Kills Monsters The Naples Players present the daring and fun Comedy She Kills Monsters

by Qui Nguyen Oct. 11 through Nov. 15 at the Sugden Theatre.

She Kills Monsters transports you into the world of the Dungeons & Dragons playbook left behind by Tilly Evans when she dies suddenly at the age of 15. A high-octane dramatic comedy packed with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, action, wit, and some of the nerdiest and most heroic characters to be found outside of a video game.

Tilly’s sister Agnes loses herself in her sister’s game to reclaim their connection. Acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

Performances will be Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. in Blackburn Hall. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students/educators. Purchase tickets at www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.

Sugden Theatre is located at 701 5th Ave. S, Naples.

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Tickets are available to purchase online at www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, ask about purchasing a 2017-2018 season pass.

For tickets and more information for all shows and events, call the theater at (239) 218-0481 or visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com. The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located in the River District at 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers.

Female verion of The Odd Couple opens Sept. 21 at Off Broadway Palm Theatre

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre presents The Odd Couple: Female Version playing Sept. 21 through Oct. 29.

In 1985, Neil Simon revised the original The Odd Couple for a female cast keeping the story line the same, but changing the leads to Florence Ungar and Olive Madison and adjusting scenes like the poker game to Trivial Pursuit and the Pigeon sisters to the Costazuela brothers.

The men are out and the ladies are in. Neil Simon’s hilarious twist has taken the classic hit The Odd Couple and replaced the two male leads with females. The hilarity and story line remains the same as a neurotic, neat freak moves into the home of an uncouth

and messy friend after a marital split. Within days, their differing ways of life start taking their toll and the two are forced to agree that even the best of friends can make the worst of roommates.

The Odd Couple is playing at The Off Broadway Palm Theatre Sept. 21 through Oct. 29. The Off Broadway Palm is an intimate 100-seat theatre, located in the main lobby of Broadway Palm. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees.

Ticket prices range from $39 - $59 with group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY LIVERPOOL LIVE

PRESENTS Music & lyrics by Phil Collins Directed by Tyler Young

Sept. 1 8 pm

The Master Magician and Comedian

CRAIG DIAMOND

Sept. 2

3 & 8 pm

Sept. 3 3 pm

SEPTEMBER 8 - 17

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

2017-2018 BROADWAY SERIES

SEPT. 29 - OCT. 1

CONCERT SEASON The Ultimate

RAT PACK TRIBUTE NOV. 3 - 5

Oct. 13 - 22

Jan. 12 - 21

NEIL ZIRCONIA

April 6 - 15

The Ultimate Neil Diamond Tribute Experience DEC. 1 - 3

STANDING O! THE CONCERT JAN. 26 - 28

Nov. 10 - 19

Feb. 9 - 18

April 27 - May 6

DAVID MORIN A Tribute to Elvis FEB. 23 - 25

CINDY MILLER

You Ain’t Heard Nothin Yet Dec. 13 - 17

March 9 - 18

May 11 - 20

CULTURAL PARK THEATER 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

MARCH 23 - 25

ALL TICKETS

ON SALE NOW

Broadway Palm goes back to the 60s & 70s with Groovin’ musical Broadway Palm opens its 25th anniversary season with Groovin: The ‘60s & ‘70s Musical playing Sept. 7 through Oct. 7.

Take a trip down memory lane with this musical comedy revue featuring music from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

If you loved Yesterday’s and Those Were The Days, you will be ready to travel back in time again with this funfilled revue! Victor Legarreta is at it again with another allnew musical comedy that will take you back in time to groove to the music of the ‘60s and boogie to the songs of the ‘70s. Songs include “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “I Want You Back,” “Stayin’ Alive” and so many more.

Along with writing this new musical revue, Victor Legarreta is also directing and choreographing the show.

Legarreta is a Southwest Florida favorite and has performed or directed in the area for the past 20 years. “After seeing how audiences loved the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s in Yesterday’s, I thought it’s only natural that we bump it up a decade and feature the amazing music of the ‘70s as well,” said Legarreta when asked why he decided to write Groovin’.

Join Broadway Palm as they begin their 25th anniversary season with Groovin’, playing Sept. 7 through Oct. 7.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Broadway Palm is offering a “Season Opener Special” and all tickets are just $45 for dinner and the show. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS A Black Comedy About White Trash

Thinking TheaterTM

Sept. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30 at 8 p.m.

Sept. 17, 24 & 30 at 2 p.m. www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

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Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Tarzan the musical swings into Cape Coral Sept. 8 Liverpool Live, Craig Diamond at Cultural Park Theater

By Michael Moran Our summer season concludes with a concert as Liverpool Live, the #1 working Beatles tribute in Florida, takes the stage Sept 1, 2 and 3. The group is fun, fun, fun!

This band is a group of true entertainers that completely involve the audience.

Members of this group include past cast members of Disney Orlando. This group has played it all from corporate shows to sell out theaters. This is a note for note copy of the Beatles music. The band has authentic equipment, costumes and amplifiers that were used by the Fab Four. If you want to have a great time and be entertained, don't miss these guys.

Next, Tarzan swings into Cape Coral when the Broadway musical opens at the Cultural Park Theater Friday, Sept. 8 and plays through Sept. 17. The production is based on the original Edgar Rice Burroughs stories and the Disney animated film that was released in theaters in 1999. Tarzan The Stage Musical is the story of an orphaned boy raised by a tribe of gorillas and includes the music of Phil Collins.

“Adults and children can both find a lot of joy in the production,” said Tyler Young, who directs the show. “It's a beautiful story

about love and heart and heartbreak and discovery. It's totally spectacular. For the cast, the roles are vocally and physically demanding, who are often in a squatted position, running and sprinting on their bare knuckles. The cast of 34 is directed

by Tyler Young and Samantha Pudlin and Emily Barris as the show’s choreographer.

And get your tickets early for this one as Cultural Park proudly brings the one and only Craig Diamond to our stage to open our concert season. Diamond is dynamic, engaging and definitely energetic.

Cloaked in outrageous humor and wrapped in delightful mystery, this world class performer, a master magician/comedian who has performed on seven continents, a myriad of television shows, night clubs and cruise ships - literally to millions of people, turned almost all his situations into short comic master pieces. Harry Stepps, the famous comedian and Vaudeville performer, coined the term for a starring act, “Top Banana” Craig Diamond is the, “Top Banana,” and will be on stage for four performances Sept 29 and 30 and Oct. 1.

Reminder: Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Call our box office at 239-772-5862 for tickets. Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral.

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

TheatreZone will hold auditions for its 2017-18 shows from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 10 at the G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples.

Equity and non-Equity performers are invited to audition for the AEA SPT Tier VI theatre’s productions. The shows are: Home for the Holidays, Me & My Girl, Secret Garden, Copacabana, and Baby.

Show dates, roles and descriptions are available on www.theatrezoneflorida.com.

Performers must prepare 32 bars of a song, bring sheet music, and be prepared to dance. Appointments are required by contacting auditions@theatrezone-florida.com. Equity members without appointments will be seen throughout the audition day as time permits.

TheatreZone auditions Sept. 9 & 10

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

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

239.434.8181

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Southwest Florida

THEATRE 2017-2018 SEASON Naples Players

Off Broadway Palm

Charlotte Players

In Blackburn Hall

The Odd Couple: Female Version

Noises Off

239-263-7990 701 5th Ave. S, Naples naplesplayers.org

She Kills Monsters Oct. 11 - Nov. 5

Miracle on 34th Street the musical Nov. 29 - Dec. 23

Charles Ives Take Me Home Jan. 17 - Feb. 11

The Music Man March 7 - April 8

Ripcord

April 25 - May 20

In the Tobye Studio

Maple & Vine Oct. 25 - Nov. 19

Rapture, Blister, Burn Feb. 7 - March 4

Kalamazoo

March 28 - April 22

On the Baker Stage

The Taming of the Shrew Feb. 17 - March 18

239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com Sept. 21 - Oct. 29

An Tuna Christmas Nov. 16 - Dec. 25

Monty Pythonʼs Spamalot Feb. 29 - 18

The Gameʼs Afoot

March 1 – April 29

Marco Players

Jan. 11 – Feb. 24

Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up, O Men The Savannah Sipping Society June 14 - July 22

BIG ARTS

Herb Strauss Theater

239-395-0900 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel bigarts.org

Al Christmas Carol Dec. 8 - 28

Noises Off

Jan. 12 - Feb. 17 March 8 - April 7

SEPTEMBER 2017

Jan. 19 - 27

The Hallelujah Girls

Dames at Sea

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941-625-4175 x 220 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte charlotteplayers.org

March 22 - 25

239-642-7270 1089 N Collier Blvd #432, Marco themarcoplayers.com

Sex Please, Weʼre Sixty Oct. 25 - Nov. 12

Erma Bombeck: At Witʼs End Nov. 29 - Dec. 17

Flamingo Court Jan. 3 - 21

Steel Magnolias Feb. 7 - 25

A Bench in the Sun March 14 - April 8

GPS An Auto Erotic Comedy April 25 - May 13

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FGCU Theatre

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers 239-590-7268 fgcu.edu/CAS/theatre

The Servant of Two Masters Oct. 27 - Nov. 5

Black Comedy Feb. 16 - 25

Your Florida Fantasy April 13 - 22

Gulfshore Playhouse

1-866-811-4111 755 8th Ave S, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Paradise

Oct. 14 - 29

Leading Ladies Nov. 11 - Dec. 10

The Price

Jan. 13 - Feb. 4

Scapino

Feb. 17 - March 18

Firehouse Community Theatre 863-675-3066

241 Bridge St, LaBelle firehousecommunitytheatre.com

Sex Please, Weʼre 60

Miss Keller Has No Second Book March 31 - April 15

The Mystery of Irma Vep April 28 - May 20

Dec. 7 - 17

Continental Divide Jan. 18 - 28

Always a Bridesmaid Feb. 22 - March 4

Looking Back and Forward April 6 - 15

Almost, Maine May 4 - 13

Island Theater Company 239-394-0080 Various venues theateronmarco.com

Annie Jr.

525 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Oct. 13 - 15

Singin Broadway

525 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Feb. 23 - 25

Nanaʼs Naughty Knickers 180 S. Hetahwood Dr., Marco dates TBD

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com

Groovinʼ The 60s and 70s Musical Sept. 7 - Oct. 7

Pippin

Oct. 12 - Nov. 18

A Christmas Story Nov. 23 – Dec. 25

Chicago

Dec. 30 – Feb. 10

Mamma Mia

Feb. 15 – April 7

My Fair Lady

April 12 – May 19

Ring of Fire

May 24 – June 23

Annie

Oct. 27 - Nov. 5

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Winter Wonderettes

Broadway Palm

Florida Rep

239-332-4488 Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers floridarep.org In the Arcade Theatre

Sylvia

Oct. 27 - Nov. 15

The Last Night of Ballyhoo Dec. 1 - 17

How the Other Half Loves Jan. 12 - 31

The Miracle Worker Feb. 16 - March 7

Cabaret

March 23 - April 11

In the ArtStage Studio Theatre

Outside Mullingar Sept. 22 - Nov. 15

Disgraced

Nov. 10 - Dec. 10

Night and Day: A Cole Porter Revue Dec. 22 - Feb. 25

George Washingtonʼs Teeth April 6 - May 6

June 28 – Aug. 11

TheatreZone

1-888-966-3352 13275 Livingston Road, Naples theatrezone-florida.com

Me and My Girl Jan. 11 - 21

Secret Garden Feb. 8 - 18

Copacabana March 8 - 18

Baby

April 26 - May 6

The Studio Players 239-398-9192 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples thestudioplayers.com

Night Mother Oct. 20 - Nov. 5

A Streetcar Named Desire Jan. 12 - 28

Perfect Wedding March 30 - April 15

Women in Jeopardy June 29 - July 15

SEPTEMBER 2017

13

Southwest Florida Theatre 2017-2018 SEASON Artis–Naples

239-597-1111 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples artisnaples.org

The Book of Mormon Dec. 19 - 24

An American in Paris Jan. 16 - 21

The King & I Feb. 7 - 11

Jersey Boys April 3 - 8

Cultural Park Theater

239-772-5862 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral culturalparktheater.com

Tarzan the musical Sept. 8 - 17

Brooklyn Boys Revue Oct. 13 - 22

The Mousetrap Nov. 10 - 19

Spectacular Christmas Dec. 13 - 17

The Pajama Game Jan. 12 - 21

Performing Arts Hall

Ghostbird Theatre Company

Buyer & Cellar

Love Never Dies

Writing Shadows

239-936-3239 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers theatreconspiracy.org Oct. 6 - 14

Seven Guitars Nov. 3 - 18

The Odd Couple April 27 - May 6

The Cemetery Club May 11 - 20

SEPTEMBER 2017

Finding Neverland Jan. 9 - 14

Nov. 3 - 24

Catastrophe Jan. 5 - 6

Jan. 11 - 14

March 13 - 18

Feb. 28

Dec. 15 & 16

Your Love, Our Musical Gidionʼs Knot Feb. 8 - 18

A Dollʼs House March 1 - 11

Grounded

March 22 - 25

An Raisin in the Sun May 3 - 13

Langdon Playhouse 941-255-1022 1182 Market Circle, Murdock charlotteplayers.org

The Second Time Around Oct. 20 - 29

Jan. 5 - 14

April 6 - 15

Dec. 5 - 10

Various Venues ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org

The Lunar/Solar Festival

March 9 - 18

Arsenic & Old Lace

239-481-4849 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers bbmannpah.com

An American in Paris

The 39 Steps Sister Act

Barbara B. Mann

A One-Man Christmas Carol

Over the River and Through The Woods

Feb. 9 - 18

14

Theatre Conspiracy

Nov. 10 - 19

Breaking Legs Chick Soup Feb. 1 - 11

Alone Together March 1 - 11

Wallyʼs Cafe April 6 - 15

Jan. 23 - 28

Motown the Musical The Bodyguard

Feb. 2 - 20

24 Hour Festival

March 27 - April 1

Beautiful The Carol King Musical April 3 - 8

Laboratory Theater of Florida 239-218-0481 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida.org

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 941-953-3368 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota vanwezel.org

Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Dec. 5

Sordid Lives

A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love & Murder

Oct. 20 - Nov. 4

Jan. 30

Sept. 15 - 30

Misery

Jan. 6

Cabaret

An Act of God

The Wizard of Oz

Jan. 5 - 20

March 26

Nov. 17 - Dec. 9

Crimes of the Heart

The Way We Get By Feb. 2 - 18

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1941 March 9 - 31

Visiting Mr. Green April 13 - 28

March 6

Peter Pan

Motown the Musical March 27

Jersey Boys April 10

A Chorus Line April 24

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Music

ACMA welcomes Ellen Bukstel and Bob Sima •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Americana Community Music Association welcomes Ellen Bukstel on Sept. 2 to Fort Myers.

From menopause to marijuana … peace to politics … poignant to provocative … Ellen Bukstel writes and sings about it all. This type of happy-sad, life embracing, fear-overcoming emotional schizophrenia truly captures the spirit of modern independent music making— whatever the artist feels in that moment, she shares…and whatever else Ellen is, she’s not shy about it making her audience “sit up and think…laugh til they cry…and sometimes all at the same time!”

A veteran to the stage since childhood, she has been honored with close to 50 Songwriting and Music Video awards and acknowledgments since 2002 by such notable competitions such as John Lennon, Paul Stookey’s Music To life, New Zealand Int’l Peace Song, Breaking the Silence in Song, Kerrville NewFolk, just to name a few.

And, her songs are making a huge difference in people’s lives.

Renowned as an activist who puts her passions to song, Ellen has been commissioned to write songs and produced numerous Ellen Bukstel Bob multiple award winning fundraisphoto by Robert Baldwin ing music videos which have collectively helped to raise almost performing at festivals, concert halls, yoga studios, wellness one hundred million dollars since 2006 and are being used centers, and spiritual centers to share his message and as tools to raise awareness of important social issues such music. His soul-stirring performances straddle the worlds of as Housing the Homeless, Assistance Victims of Domestic folk, kirtan, soul, and gospel as he navigates audiences Violence, Human Rights and care for Children with wide deeply on a journey, both individually and as a collective. spectrum Autism and Elderly with Cerebral Deterioration.

Flowing with the unique energy at each event and rarely ACMA member Bill Veach will open the Sept. 2 show. Bill making a set-list, he is a master at going from foot-stomp to has a love of travel that is expressed in many of his songs. pin-drop. He guides audiences into a space for things – His songs are often autobiographical, about his experiences, epiphanies, light bulbs coming on, shifts – to happen. His travel, love, loss and some characters he has met on his performances invite a visceral embodiment of the music and journey. message in a wide-open space of possibilities.

Bob Sima is scheduled to perform at the ACMA listening Sima’s mission for his music: “I come with a crystal clear room on Sept. 9. Sima is a dynamic singer-songwriter, perdivine purpose. With utmost and sacred devotion, I encapsuformer, storyteller, speaker, servant of humanity, workshop late – in song – my interpretations of the ancient, timeless and retreat leader, meditation and breathwork facilitator, and wisdom of the ascended masters and of the contemporary creative collaborator — often weaving all of these elements teachers I meet in this life. Each and every song I birth into a single performance. He is a nationally touring artist

begins as my personal conversation with Source, delivered as life lessons of spiritual growth, transformation, and expansion of consciousness. I share this gift to soften the hardest of hearts, widen the narrowest of smiles, loosen the tightest of grips, lighten the heaviest of loads, and thin the thickest of walls of as many souls as I can possibly reach. All for the greater purpose of lifting as much light and consciousness into this world at this time in human evolution when it is so called to be done.”

ACMA member Glenn Sabatka opens the show.

Glenn brings a unique touch to his guitar/harmonica/humorous but touching songs that give us a glimpse into his being.

On Sept 16, the ACMA will host a songwriters showcase featuring David Hintz, Robert Bidney and Barbara Lynn. Three dynamic songwriters together for one memorable night. Original songs and the stories behind the songs, performed in the ACMA listening room.

Bidney’s messages are Sima as strong as his melodies with an appealing pop / soul sensibility, leaving listeners wanting more. His songs have been covered by legends in the music industry. With songs on the national charts, his album It’s All About The Love is gaining traction as he continues to tour.

David Hintz is a straight at you honest songwriter.

Whether it's a love song, a political protest song or a song about dating, clear direct lyrics and strong guitar is what you'll get every time. David has two CDs Rode Hard and Put Away Wet (2013) and Out With a Bang (2015).

Barbara Lynn is a local favorite entertaining Southwest Florida with excellent songs for years.

The ACMA is a non-sectarian, not for profit organization.

Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.americanacma.org.

Auditions Sept. 5 for Symphonic Chorale of SW Florida

The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida, under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown, is an independent, premier performing arts organization. If you are drawn to the joyful experience of performing choral music, they invite you to audition Sept. 5 for this dynamic group.

The chorale is committed to providing the highest quality performances to all residents and visitors in the Southwest Florida area. They are the resident chorus for Lee County’s professional orchestra, the Southwest Florida Symphony. The repertoire includes classical masterworks and contemporary compositions, including

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SEPTEMBER 2017

commissions and premieres of new and newly discovered works.

The audition itself is about 5 to 10 minutes with artistic director Dr. Trent Brown and our accompanist Abbey Allison. Those auditioning will be asked to sing at least one minute and no more than three of a prepared selection (bring two copies). This can include an aria, art song, folk song, hymn, or a similar work – “My Country 'tis of Thee” will work, also. You'll do a bit of sight singing, tonal memory and possibly some vocalizations to hear vocal range and timbre. It's all fairly casual and friendly.

Pre-season auditions will be held Tuesday evening, Sept. 5 and may be scheduled through the website at www.symphonicchorale.org. Auditions are held at the group’s rehearsal venue, Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers.

For interested singers who are seasonal or not available for a Sept. 5 audition, contact the chorale at symphonicchorale@yahoo.com to schedule an audition at a later date. Regular rehearsals begin Tuesday, Sept. 12th.

Don’t miss the Symphonic Chorale’s exciting 2017-18 season.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER

Noteworthy series resumes with Soulixer, Wilder Sons

Start the season off with the Noteworthy Concert Series at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. Each concert date pairs a remarkable band with an outstanding brewery.

During September and October, experience four unique concerts featuring great tunes and delicious brews.

September features Soulixer, perfectly paired with Old Soul Brewing, and Wilder Sons, partnered with their hometown’s staple, Naples Beach Brewery. October’s concerts showcase the Copper Tones and craft beer from Islamorada Brewing Company, plus the Late Ones and Kona Brewing straight from Hawaii.

Tickets are $5 per concert. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

The series kicks off with Soulixer on Friday, Sept. 8.

Soulixer is a cosmic three-piece concoction of just the right amounts funk, rock and soul. Mason, Thomas and Cayce formed as a band while all attending high school in Florida back in 2010. They have since put countless hours into performing and writing together. Their latest EP, Sunchild, released in June 2017, will be followed by a tour later in the year.

On Friday, Sept. 15, the Noteworthy Concert Series fea-

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Soulixer

tures Wilder Sons, a Naples-based beachy alt-rock band that is stimulating the senses of alternative progressive fans. Transcendent guitar riffs weave effortlessly between catchy melodies, upbeat bass lines and complex drum progressions.

Hailing from South Florida’s east coast, The Copper Tones bring sunshine with them wherever they go. Roots music with a favorable twist of soul, rock, Americana and more, they've coined their genre as "Soulgrass." This group of talented and diverse multi-instrumentalists give a performance not to be missed. The Copper Tones will perform Friday, Oct. 20.

Wilder Sons

The Noteworthy Concert Series welcomes The Late Ones on Friday, Oct. 27. Based out of Laie, Hawaii, the Late Ones are built on a roots reggae foundation with influences from various genres like hip-hop, R&B, and jazz.

Their unique blend of style, and harmony shapes a youthful, yet old school reggae vibe.

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

For more info, visit www.sbdac.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Morgan & Morgan Signature Series for charity

Top Rocker Events to debut SW Florida Hunger Games Oct. 7

In an effort to crush childhood hunger, Top Rocker Events will present its inaugural SWFL Hunger Games 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Top Rocker Field in Fort Myers.

Part of the Morgan & Morgan Signature Series, the event raises awareness and funds for the mission of Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida. A limited number of tickets are available for $10 in advance on Eventbrite and more info is available at TopRockerEvents.com.

More than 30 gourmet food trucks, local restaurants and popular chefs will gather in Top Rocker Field to showcase their favorite dishes and compete for five awards. Attendees will also enjoy beer stations, live entertainment and more. VIP tickets are available for $100 and provide the ultimate concierge experience including 30-minute early arrival, VIP seating, complimentary food sampling and even a personal food runner to stand in line. Each VIP ticket fee will provide Blessings in a Backpack the chance to feed a child for an entire school year.

The growing roster of food trucks and restaurants hungry for competition now includes: BGCCC Blue Canteen Food Truck, Best Popcorn Company, Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, Coasting Donuts, Cordobesita Argentinean Catering, Currie’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ, Dairy Free Island Smoothie Bar & Grill, Doner Kebab King Karl, Johnsonville Marketplace – Naples, Jonesez BBQ, King’s Kitchen, Kreips & Juices, Mobstah Lobstah, Nathan’s Famous Fort Myers, Nico’s Kitchen, Red Roc Cravings, Rollin Taps, Serious Cookie Company, Slider City Food Truck, Sweet Melissa’s Café, The BRIT PIT, The Ravenous Rhino and The Sizzle Truck.

The SWFL Hunger Games’ beneficiary,

Blessings in a Backpack, steps up where federal aid stops by feeding children on the weekend. Every Friday afternoon, children receive backpacks filled with kid-friendly, ready-to- eat items. Students return every Monday morning with an empty backpack, a full stomach and an eager mind. In partnership with the Lee and Collier County schools, Blessings in a Backpack has helped dramatically improve test scores, reading skills, behavior and general health.

Any remaining general admission tickets will be sold the day of the event for $15. On-site parking is $10 per car and offsite parking is $5 per vehicle. Shuttles will be provided. Top Rocker Field is located at Six Bends Harley-Davidson, 9501 Thunder Road in Fort Myers.

The much-anticipated Morgan & Morgan Signature Series also includes Salute to the Brave: HERO PROJECT to benefit Avow on Nov. 11 and the Biggest Baddest Beer Bash to benefit United Way on Dec. 2. The Morgan & Morgan Signature Series at Top Rocker Field are designed to provide both entertainment and benefit a deserving local nonprofit organization.

Top Rocker Events brand strategy manager Cia Sherman said, “We are excited to announce our inaugural Morgan & Morgan Signature Series, which will provide funfilled entertainment for our community while generously supporting our local charities. We look forward to bringing families, foodies and festival lovers out to Top Rocker Field to savor our gorgeous Southwest Florida lifestyle.”

Top Rocker Events provides event venue leasing at Top Rocker Field and Thunder Plaza at Six Bends, as well as event management services for a variety of organizations. For more information, visit TopRockerEvents.com.

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has named Devorah Kermisch its new executive director. She comes to the symphony with extensive executive experience in orchestra, arts and non-profit leadership in Ohio and Tampa.

“The orchestra is in its prime for growth and Devorah’s direct experience working with symphonies and other art institutions will position us well for that growth. She is knowledgeable, intuitive and quite a visionary. I am very pleased to have her join the symphony family,” said Ken Barber, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s board chairman.

Devorah commented, “The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is Charlotte County’s best kept secret. The symphony is fortunate to have the talents of fine musicians from around the country and the leadership

of Maestro Ponti. The symphony provides outreach, education, and enrichment programs for our community. These improve the general quality of our life, enhance civic pride, provide a selling/recruiting point for realtors and businesses looking to bring in employees from other places, and enhance the economy by bringing in people to stay in hotels and patronize restaurants. The symphony and all arts are an economic generator and a point of civic pride. It is my goal to help our great symphony flourish.”

The orchestra’s 2017-2018 concert season begins with “A Salute to Our Armed Forces” on Nov. 12 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., in Punta Gorda. For more information about the orchestra or to order tickets for the 2017-2018 season, access www.charlottesymphony.com or call 941-205-5996.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra welcomes Devorah Kermisch as executive director

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

19

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 22 - Oct. 1

The 2017 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Sept. 22 through Oct. 1. This showcase, now in its fourth year, is a great way to see singer-songwriters perform in intimate settings on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and historic downtown Fort Myers.

This year’s headliners include RaeLynn on Oct. 1, Lindsay Ell and Brooke Eden on Sept. 27.

“It’s just amazing to be kicking off our fourth Island Hopper Songwriter Fest,” said Louis Kaplan, iHeartMedia, senior vice president of programming. “The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is one of our favorite events of the year.”

It’s also a favorite of the performers. They are eager to play at this award-winning festival, which includes more than 100 live performances, more than 70 songwriters and 21 unique venues.

Southeast Tourism Society has also taken notice.

They named the festival one of their “Top 20 Events” for 2017.

“Supporting Island Hopper has become an annual tradition for BMI and by bringing talented songwriters in to perform at BMI-licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, it helps increase food and beverage revenue while putting ‘heads in beds.’ Island Hopper is the best place to be for music lovers. It provides an intimate environment for people to get up close and personal with the songwriters behind some their favorite songs,” said Dan Spears, vice president industry relations, licensing for BMI. This year the music event welcomes a variety of new singer-songwriters, including Natalie Hemby (“White Liar” recorded by Miranda Lambert), Clint Daniels (“Brokenheartsville” recorded by Joe Nichols) and Maggie Rose. Most of the performances are free to the public, but there are select shows that do require a ticket for admission.

The festival brings back talent like Even Stevens (“I Love a Rainy Night” recorded by Eddie Rabbit), Wynn Varble (“I’m a Little More Country” recorded by Easton Corbin), Aaron Barker (“What About Now” recorded by Lonestar) and Karla Davis.

The fourth annual music fest will continue to give fans the opportunity to meet the talented artists who write songs for country superstars.

Attendees can listen to their favorite songs at live music venues on Captiva Island Sep. 22 - 24 including Cantina Captiva, Crow’s Nest, Key Lime Bistro, South Seas Island Resort, Mucky Duck, RC Otter’s, Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa and Doc Ford’s Captiva.

In downtown Fort Myers, performances will take place at The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, Hotel Indigo, City Tavern, Pinchers and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center during the week of Sept. 25.

The festival will wrap up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 with artists playing at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille, Pinchers, Pink Shell Beach Resort, Nervous Nellies, Sunset Beach Tropical Grill & Playmore Tiki Bar, Yucatan Beach Stand, Matanzas on the Bay and Pierside Grill.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Festival sponsors include Happenings Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Pinchers, Landshark, BOSE, DiamondHead Resort, Budweiser, Oak & Cane American Craft Rum, and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

For more information and schedules, visit www.islandhopperfest.com. Follow the festival with #islandhopperfest on Twitter and other social channels

20

SEPTEMBER 2017

Tim James, Danny Myrick give fest preview Tim James

A preview party was held Aug. 3 at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford to highlight the upcoming music festival.

Two of Nashville’s best songwriters, Tim James and Danny Myrick, brought their unique talents to kick off the party.

Tim James has written songs for Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Lee Brice and George Strait. His song “All I Ask For Anymore” performed by Trace Adkins was

Danny Myrick

nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song of 2009, and Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy” was the 2010 Billboard Song of the Year. He also wrote the Rodney Atkins single “He’s Mine,” the George Strait No. 1 single “Give It All We Got Tonight,” and the title track and single from the Darius Rucker album “Southern Style.” James also has the upcoming single, “Either Way,” from the new Chris

Stapleton album called “From A Room, Volume 1.”

Danny Myrick sang background vocals on albums for artists like Blake Shelton, Montgomery Gentry and Keith Gentry before directing his focus to writing songs.

He has written songs that have been performed by Tim McGraw (“Truck Yeah”), Craig Morgan (“International Harvester”) and Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country.”

Meet some of the songwriters scheduled to perform

Raised in Nashville, Natalie Hemby signed her first publishing deal in 1997 and has since written songs recorded by artists Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum, Rosi Golan, Chris Isaak, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack, Johnnyswim, Maren Morris and more. Hemby has garnered six No. 1 country singles – Lady Antebellum’s “Downtown,” Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” and “Tornado,” Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” and “Automatic” and Justin Moore’s “You Look Like I Need A Drink.”

Among her impressive discography is co-writing hits such as Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim” (#3 Billboard single), “Only Prettier” (#12 Billboard single), Toby Keith’s “Drinks After Work” (#17 Billboard single) and Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t Rush” feat.

Vince Gill (#27 Billboard single). Her song, “A Little More Love” (Jerrod Niemann and Lee Brice) is currently climbing on the country charts.

Wynn was raised in the small town of Ellenwood, Ga., where music was a central part of his life. After graduating high school, Wynn started on the path to musical success. His talent playing bluegrass landed him gigs from Austin to Fort Lauderdale; during this time he was perfecting his style as a country artist and songwriter. Two of his #1 songs "Have You Forgotten" in 2003 and “Waitin’ on a Woman” in 2008 were nominated for Song of the Year by the CMA. His most recent #1, “I'm a Little More Country” (Easton Corbin) was nominated by the ACM for Song of the Year. Wynn’s songs have been cut by artists, Easton Corbin, Garth Brooks, Lee Ann Womack, Brad Paisley, Darryl Worley, Kellie Pickler, Montgomery Gentry and many more.

Clint Daniels was born in Panama City, Fla., but raised in the Panama City suburb of Lynn Haven. Daniels first gained an interest in music as a child singing with his family in church. Inspired by bluegrass music, Daniels taught himself to play guitar at age 12. After graduating high school, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee in pursuit of a career in country music. In 2000, he signed with Acuff Rose Music Publishing. Clint later signed with Sea Gayle Music in 2012 and is a co-writer on the recent Josh Thompson single, “Cold Beer With Your Name On It”.

Aaron Barker was born in San Antonio, Texas, and began his musical career in a "variety band". His first attempt at creating his own song, "Baby Blue," was recorded by George Strait on the If You Ain't Lovin', You Ain't Livin album and went number one in Billboard.

Aaron then began to refine his original material in small clubs and cafes where he would play on weekends. This led to him writing, "Love Without End, Amen," which was also recorded by George Strait and hit number one in Billboard for five consecutive weeks. Barker also wrote Strait’s # 1 song "Easy Come, Easy Go"and Lonestar‘s "What About Now”. His songs have also been recorded by, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin and Willie Nelson.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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

Backstreets

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

The Barrel Room

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

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

7550 Mission Hills Drive suite 326, Naples 239-597-2583

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

The Buddha Bar

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

Cape Cabaret

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

The Cigar Bar

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

The Colosseum

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

The Cottage

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

Dixie Roadhouse

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

Fathoms

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

Fishermen’s Village

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

Hotel Indigo

The Rhythm House

Hurricane Charley’s

Seminole Casino Hotel

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

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lansdowne Street

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

Mike’s

17200 S. Tamiaimi Trail Fort Myers • 239-454-8454

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

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

The Shell Factory

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

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos Blvd.

For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

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

Ter-Tini’s

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-344-6147

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

The Nauti Mermaid

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

Nervous Nellie’s

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

5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral • 239-541-5600 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077

Old Naples Pub

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

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key

1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral • 239-540-8454

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

Tiki Bar at Days Inn Twisted Vine Bistro

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

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

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

Yucatan Beach Stand

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

Pete’s Time Out

1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach • 239-463-5900

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

21

Nam Jam Fort Myers set for Sept. 17 at The Shell Factory The Shell Factory & Nature Park will present Nam Jam Fort Myers.

This will be a family event held on Sept. 17 from noon to 6 p.m.

The Shell Factory is honored to partner with the Invested Cape Coral Veterans Foundation to salute our Vietnam veterans and honor all veterans. Admission is free, and the event will feature live music with Chuck Peterson, a special Color Guard ceremony, tickets for two free draft beers and free hot dog and chips during the BBQ for all vets. Additionally, all Vietnam vets will receive a special 50-year Vietnam War Recognition Package presented by the Cape Coral Veterans Foundation.

Nam Jam will also be recognizing several WWII veterans who reside right here in the community. “The Shell Factory has

wanted to sponsor this type of event for some time as part of our community outreach program” said Rick Tupper CFO/marketing director. "Not only will we have free entertainment, but all vets will get into The Nature Park free, receive a discount in our retail store and a discount on our Sunday Italian buffet which is available until 7 p.m."

Nam Jam Fort Myers will also feature a 50/50 raffle with half going to the winner and half going to the Cape Coral Veterans Foundation. The entire day promises to be a time to honor veterans in a family, fun atmosphere.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park is located in North Fort Myers on US 41.

Visit www.shellfactory.com for all The Shell Factory's future events.

Boris Sandler and Bella Gutshtein, artistic directors for the Estero Concert Series, have announced plans for another magical musical season for lovers of music from the past and present.

Music of Brahms and Schumann will initiate the seventh season of unique chamber music concerts provided by the Estero Concert Series at the Koreshan State Historic Site’s Art Hall.

The inaugural concert will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 19, and will feature

artists Victor Derevianko on piano, Diana Cahanescu on cello and Sania D.Whitaker on violin.

Remaining dates for the coming season are Dec. 10, Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and March 25 The Art Hall at the Koreshan State Park is located at 3800 Corkscrew Road.

Seating is limited to 90 attendees.

All concerts will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets $42 per person.

Reservations may be made by calling (239) 596-8404 or emailing rcc@rccnaples.org.

Estero Concert Series returns Nov. 19

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Harvest Moon concert Sept. 30 at the Seminole Casino Hotel

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will host the Harvest Moon concert on Saturday, Sept. 30. Admission to this event is free for Seminole Wild Card program members; anyone who’s 21 or older can join – it’s fast, free and easy.

Entertainers include Hong Ngoc, Anh Khoa, Luong Tung Quang, Nhu Loan, Cong Thanh, Lyn, Lawrence Zhang and the Hoang Thi Thi band.

Free tickets will be distributed while supplies last on Saturday, Sept. 30 starting at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 9 p.m. and the show starting at 10 p.m.

Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit online at www.moreinparadise.com.

Opera Naples has announced its upcoming 2017-2018 season starting in November. This will mark the fourth season with internationally acclaimed conductor Ramón Tebar, as Opera Naples' artistic director.

The Opera Naples 2017-2018 Season: Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Artis-Naples.

Beaux Arts Chamber Music Series featuring Violinist Frank Huang, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Opera Stars Concert starring María José Montiel, Mezzo Soprano, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Concert: The Opera Naples Renata Scotto Academy, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Opera Stars Concert starring Luca Salsi, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti, Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein Concert, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Beaux Arts Chamber Music Series featuring Ying String Quartet, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Beaux Arts Chamber Music Series featuring An Evening of Romantic Russian Trios, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Concert: The Opera Naples Renata Scotto Academy, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wang Opera Center.

Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Artis—Naples.

For tickets and more info, call (239) 963-9050 or visit www.operanaples.org.

Opera Naples 2017-18 season

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Peruvian Early Music Ensemble at FGCU Sept. 8

The Nisita Concert Series at Florida Gulf Coast University presents About Loves and Battles: Peruvian Early Music Ensemble Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place in the U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building at FGCU. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students. Tickets are available online at www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma Pictured is the Early Music Ensemble of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. photo courtesy of Hernan Santos

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, City of Palms Youth Choir to launch new choral season

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers and the City of Palms Youth Choir are in rehearsal for the upcoming 2017-18 season entitled Music in Life.

Highlights of the upcoming season include the inauguration of what the group hopes will become a new holiday tradition in town, a Readings and Carols Concert on Sunday, Dec. 3 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers; two concerts at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with the Gulf Coast Symphony, and season ending concerts featuring renowned conductor, Paul Nadler, directing an afternoon of Haydn at venues in Naples and Cape Coral.

Meanwhile, the City of Palms Youth Choir follows up on a hugely successful inaugural season with concerts around Fort Myers, on Sanibel Island, and joining the adult group at Barbara Mann to “Deck the Halls” at Christmas. The Youth Choir is lowering the age for participants this

year to include fourth and fifth graders. Any singers from fourth grade through high school senior interested in auditioning for the group should contact City of Palms Youth Choir director Matt Koller at cityofpalmsyouthchoir@gmail.com.

The new season kicks off with a fundraiser, Tea With the Mastersingers, on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the White Orchid House at Oasis, 3027 E. Riverside Drive, Fort Myers. The event is $60 per person and includes a varied menu of tea “munchies” by Jamie Jacob catering, a silent auction, and entertainment provided by the City of Palms Youth Choir and winners of the Ruth Ann DeMaster Scholarship for young soloists.

More information on the 2017-18 concert schedule, the Tea With the Mastersingers fundraiser, or on how to audition to sing with the group can be found on the Mastersingers website at www.mastersingersfm.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Music events at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County

The Cultural Center of Charlotte County has another busy month of music in September.

Playerz Sept. 2

On Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m., SunEvents.com presents hits with a twist featuring Playerz Band. The Playerz are not just players; they're something a little different. The four-piece rock group performs songs from artists like James Brown, Otis Redding, The Average White Band, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and George Michael. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, each member brings their own unique skill set with a passion for making and playing music. Tony Suazo helms the band on lead guitar and vocals. Gary Johnson plays the keyboard and sax, and covers vocals. Darrel Layfield performs bass guitar and vocals, and Joe Colangelo keeps the groove steady behind the drums. Tickets are $13 for members or $17 for non-members.

Erich Sept. 8 & 22

Enjoy a variety of music and dance styles with Erich on Friday, Sept. 8 and again on Friday, Sept. 22. Each event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Conference Center at the Cultural Center.

This fun evening of music is only $10 per person, which is a fantastic price for this much entertainment. You’ll be able to dance the night away and enjoy your favorite beverage from our cash bar. Complimentary snacks are included on a first come first served basis. Tickets are available at the door.

Rusty Wright Band Sept. 16

On Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m., SunEvents.com presents rock infused blues with the Rusty Wright Band. This Billboard Top 10 artist's innovative sound is a hot rod fusing of Texas and Chicago-style blues, swinging boogie, Southern rock, with a pinch of Motor City grit. Mix together equal helpings of top-notch musicianship, vintage blues passion, Southern rock verve and blue-collar sentiment and you've got the Rusty Wright Band. Tickets are $13 for members or $17 for non-members.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Frankie and Donna Sept. 23

On Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m., you’re sure to enjoy Legends in Time: ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and Beyond with Frankie and Donna.

Frankie & Donna will showcase a variety of songs from rock 'n' roll, pop, Motown and country. Every song is accompanied by amazing video footage. Some of the artists Frankie and Donna will tribute: Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Gene Pitney, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline and Adele. Tickets are $20 for non members and $17 for members. All tickets are $20 on the day of the show.

Sock hop Sept. 29

The Cultural Center will be hosting a summer Sock Hop on Friday, Sept. 29 featuring music from Shake, Rattle & Soul. Get out your poodle skirts and other nifty ‘50s attire to dance your way down Memory Lane with one of our area’s hottest vocal groups!

Group members - Pat Brown, Brownie and Mike T. – will perform songs from artists such as Jay and the Americans, The Diamonds, Gene Pitney, Johnny Maestro, Patsy Cline, Leslie Gore, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin, The Big Bopper, Johnny Cash, Don William, Josh Turner and more. The dance runs 7 to 10 p.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.

Robert Garcia Sept. 30

On Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m., SunEvents.com presents Robert Garcia’s Journey through the History of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Come experience the artistic styling of singer/songwriter Robert Garcia and his mastery of the 12 string acoustic guitar. He'd like you to relax, sing along and enjoy the magic, as he performs the music of larger than life artists such as Elvis, Rod Stewart, The Beatles and many more. Tickets are $13 for members and $17 for non-members.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at www.theculturalcenter.com or at The Cultural Center Box Office, which is located at 2280 Aaron St. in Port Charlotte. Call (941) 625-4175 x221 for more information.

Mindi Abair fest to debut in 2018 in Punta Gorda

Organizers of the annual Wine and Jazz Festival each February, the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce has announced a brand new Mindi Abair date and festival, taking place in November 2018 at the Event and Conference Center.

Called the Mindi Abair Punta Gorda Wine and Music Festival, Mindi will be inviting friends to join her on stage for a weekend filled with the very best of blues and rock.

In 2018, Mindi’s arrival in Punta Gorda will also coincide with the annual Punta Gorda Restaurant Week, so they will be able to provide a “total experience” featuring incredible music, great food and outstanding wines hosted by renowned wine experts.

The main stage event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. A complete weekend experience is being proposed, with private wine and food tastings, intimate dinner shows and one centralized day festival with incredible musical talent, hosted and selected by Mindi herself.

Tickets for this extravaganza will be going on sale shortly, so watch out for future announcements.

Meanwhile, the full lineup for the annual Wine and Jazz Festival on Feb. 24 will be Nick Colionne, Eric Darius and Lao Tizer, bringing the very best of contemporary smooth jazz to the city. This show will be spectacular with highenergy performers from beginning to end.

Tickets for the event can now be purchased in the shop chamber section of www.puntagordachamber.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SummerJazz on the Gulf features Late Night Brass Late NIght Brass plays Sept. 16 at SummerJazz on the Gulf in Naples.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will wrap up its 32nd annual SummerJazz on the Gulf concert series in September.

The fun, free concert series combines a diverse array of jazz entertainment with truly beautiful views of the gulf, stunning sunsets, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Each concert is held on the AAA FourDiamond resort’s picturesque Watkins Lawn overlooking the gulf.

SummerJazz on the Gulf takes place one Saturday evening per month JuneSeptember. Late Night Brass will perform Saturday, Sept. 16 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Hotel guests will receive complimentary parking at the resort. For those not staying at the resort there will be parking just north of the hotel at Lowdermilk Park, with free parking provided to those with a Naples beach sticker, and free trolley service to the resort and back. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, however no outside food and beverage is allowed.

Previous performers this summer included The Betty Fox Band (June), Pocket Change (July) and Gloria West and the Gents (August).

This season’s final SummerJazz concert on Sept. 16 will feature the very popular and versatile 10-piece band Late Night Brass. Returning to SummerJazz for the ninth consecutive year, this highenergy band features a powerful fourpiece horn section (saxophone, two trumpets, and trombone), a driving four-piece rhythm section (keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums), a dynamic male vocalist, and a very talented female vocalist. They will perform a range of songs from such popular horn bands as Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, and Blood Sweat & Tears. The band also plays songs from such groups as Huey Lewis & The News, The Blues Brothers, and Doobie Brothers. The band has opened up for Chicago, Huey Lewis & The News, Billy Joel, Elton John, Dennis DeYoung (from Styx), and Michael Bublé.

Those interested in staying at the resort during SummerJazz on the Gulf weekend can contact the resort’s reservations department for best available rates and packages by calling (800) 2377600 or (239) 261-2222, or online at www.NaplesBeachHotel.com

Sundown Stroll Sept. 21 at Tarpon Point Marina Village

Tarpon Point Marina Village in Cape Coral hosts a Sundown Stroll on the third Thursday of every month from 4 p.m. to sunset and features live music by a local band.

The next Sundown Stroll will be held Thursday, Sept. 21.

Net proceeds from the Sundown Stroll benefit local charities. The Sundown Stroll provides fun-filled events for the whole family. Tarpon Point Marina is located at 5991 Silver King Blvd.

For more event details, visit online at www.tarponpoint.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

25

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

INCONCERT

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

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA & THE SUN COAST

September 2 Randy Houser

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

September 8 Adam Ant

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

September 9

JJ Grey & Mofro, Los Lobos

Big Orange Music Fest, Punta Gorda

September 15

Make America Rock Again

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

September 17

Sammy Hagar & The Circle and Night Ranger Coachman Park, Clearwater

September 24

The Psychodelic Furs Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

September 27

Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden Pinchers, downtown Fort Myers

September 29 Tesla

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

September 30 Terri Clark

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

October 1 RaeLynn

Pink Shell Resort, Ft. Myers Beach

October 4 Chris Isaak

Island Hopper festival welcomes Lindsay Ell, RaeLynn & Brooke Eden

The award-winning Island Hopper Songwriter Fest has an exciting lineup of talented singer-songwriters performing this year Sept. 22 - Oct. 1.

Nashville hit-maker RaeLynn joins the festival as a headliner on Fort Myers Beach. She will perform at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Sunday, Oct. 1. RaeLynn’s top hits include “God Made Girls” and “Love Triangle.”

“God Made Girls” was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Raelynn has also worked with superstars in country music. She performed “Lie,” co-written by Miranda Lambert. She also sang background vocals for Blake Shelton’s “Boys ’Round Here,” which peaked at No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“RaeLynn will be the exclamation point on 10 days of incredible artists at this year’s songwriter fest,” said Louis Kaplan, senior vice-president of programming for iHeartMedia in Southwest Florida. “We’re so excited to bring in these writers and give you a chance to hear the back stories of some of this country's most popular songs.”

Other headliners include Lindsay Ell and Brooke Eden, who will perform at Pincher’s at the Marina at Edison Ford downtown Fort Myers on the evening of Sept. 27.

Lindsay Ell has opened for The Band Perry and Luke Bryan, and is currently on tour with Brad Paisley. The Canadian Country Music Association recently nominated Ell for Female Artist of the Year. Her debut single, “Worth the Wait,” was recently released in the U.S. Brooke Eden is a Florida native and graduate of the University of Florida. She has opened for Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland and Florida Georgia Line.

Billboard Music recognized Eden as a “fiery country star-in-the-making.” Some of her accolades include being identified as an

Temptations, The Four Tops Artis–Naples

October 25

Matisyahu, Common Kings & Orphan Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

October 27

William Michael Morgan

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers RaeLynn

Amazon Music Artist to watch. Vogue Magazine called her one of the “10 Country ‘It’ Girls,” and she’s one of “CMT’s Next Women of Country.”

This year, Island Hopper welcomes a variety of new singer-songwriters, like Natalie Hemby (“White Liar”) recorded by Miranda Lambert; Clint Daniels (“Brokenheartsville”) recorded by Joe Nichols and Maggie Rose. The festival brings back Even Stevens (“I Love a Rainy Night”) recorded by Eddie Rabbit; Wynn Varble (“I’m a Little More Country”) recorded by Easton Corbin; Aaron Barker (“What About Now”) recorded by Lonestar and Karla Davis.

This year’s festival brings more than 75 singer-songwriters from around the country.

Singer-songwriters will play more than 100 shows on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and historic downtown Fort Myers.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. For more information, visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

October 28 Cody Johnson

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

October 29 Newsboys

Germain Arena, Estero

Chicago

Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW

November 3 Tyler Farr

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

November 5

Jerrod Niemann

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Dwight Yoakam Artis–Naples

November 10 Shaggy

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Ambrosia

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

November 10 & 11 Coconut Festival

Sun Splash, Cape Coral

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

November 11

October 14

Charlie Daniels Band and Marshall Tucker Band

Don McLean

SW Florida Event Center, Bonita

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

October 21

SEPTEMBER 2017

October 22

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Craig Campbell

26

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

October 26

October 7

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Village People

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Saving Abel, Shotgun Shane, The Lacs, Big Smo

October 21

November 18 Brooke Eden

photo by Joseph Llanes

Granger Smith Lindsay Ell

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES AT THE RANCH

Randy Houser, Scott Stapp & Terri Clark

The Sam Galloway Concert favorite “A Man Like Me.” Terri Clark will be at The Series continues to bring more Advance tickets for Randy Ranch on Sept. 30. Tickets national artists to The Ranch Houser start at $39. start at $25.

Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort The Make America Rock The eight-time CCMA Myers this fall.

Again tour stops at The Ranch Entertainer of the Year, Terri Randy Houser is scheduled on Sept. 15 with Scott Stapp of Clark has also taken home to perform Sept. 2 at The Ranch.

Creed, Sick Puppies, Drowning the CCMA Female Vocalist Randy Houser is a man Pool, Trapt and Adelitas Way. of the Year award five times. refreshed. “I don’t know how it Tickets start at $41 in advance.

She has made her mark on happened, but everything in my The doors open at 6:30 p.m. radio with more than twenty life has started lining up,” says and the concert starts around 8 singles, including six Number the Lake, Miss., native. “I must p.m.

Ones in Canada and the have done somebody right in the Scott Stapp’s artistic and USA – hits such as such as past.” personal journey have encom“Better Things To Do,” “Poor Those positive vibes of passed all the talent and torPoor Pitiful Me,” “Girls Lie renewal ripple through Houser’s ment imaginable in scaling to Too,” and “I Just Wanna Be three consecutive No. 1 hits, musical success. The founding Mad.” “How Country Feels,” “Runnin’ member of Creed chronicled Terri has sold over five Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight his questions, his quest for million albums and achieved Kiss,” which was Houser’s first answers, and his dreams from Gold, Platinum, Double No. 1 as a songwriter though he faith to fatherhood in chart topPlatinum, and Triple Platinum has written numerous hits for ping hits, “My Own Prison,” status as certified by the artists over the years. “How “Higher,” and “With Arms Wide CRIA and RIAA. Scott Stapp - Sept. 15 Country Feels” was his first-ever Open,” which dominated the Other upcoming shows in No. 1 at radio, and both it and sonic landscape of the 1990sthe Sam Galloway Concert “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” 2000s. His soul-piercing lyrics Series include Craig Randy Houser - Sept. 2 earned RIAA Platinum certificabacked by thundering rock riffs garnered a Campbell on Oct. 7 ($20 in advance), William Michael tions. “Like A Cowboy” was a Top Grammy award, and countless other accoMorgan on Oct. 27 ($20 in advance), Cody Johnson on Oct. 5 smash and earned Houser rave lades of creativity and chart domination, not 28 ($12 in advance), Tyler Farr on Nov. 3 ($30 in advance) reviews for his “pure, unencumbered vocal showcase” to mention legions of fans, who felt a kindred spirit in his and Granger Smith on Nov. 18 ($20 in advance).

(Taste of Country). All four songs are from Houser’s Stoney honesty.

Also scheduled at The Ranch Concert Hall are Saving Creek Records debut, How Country Feels, released in early Abel, The Lacs, Big Smo & Demun Jones on Oct. 21, 2013.

Matisyahu with Common Kings & Orphan on Oct. 25 and Houser cut How Country Feels with producer Derek Shaggy on Nov. 10.

George, a long-time friend and fellow Mississippian he had The Sam Galloway Concert Series was started in the fall wanted to work with for over a decade. It’s been called “a of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative buoyant, hook-filled outing” (Washington Post) that’s infused (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the comwith “a balance of revelry and introspection” (Milwaukee munity, says Brian Tidwell, general sales manager of Sam Journal-Sentinel) and shows off Randy’s powerhouse voice, Galloway Ford. hailed “one of the best in Nashville” by Great American The concert series features rock and country artists on a Country (GAC) and numerous other critics. regular basis at the venue. Portions of the profits of each Houser’s past contains no shortage of achievement, as it concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the comincludes multiple nominations for ACM and CMA Awards, a munity, Tidwell said. For every pound of food donated, Sam No. 2 single in the form of “Boots On,” and songwriting Galloway Ford donates $1 to Community Cooperative. credits for major names such as Trace Adkins, Justin Moore Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food and Chris Young. In 2008—mere months after the release items to the concerts at The Ranch. of his debut single, “Anything Goes”—Houser was even For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com. asked by David Letterman himself to appear on The Late The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839.

Show. The singer’s first full-length album, Anything Goes, For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The came out later that year, followed in 2010 by They Call Me Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Terri Clark Sept.

30 Cadillac which spawned hit “Whistlin’ Dixie,” and fanMyers.

JJ Grey & Mofro, Los Lobos at Big Orange Music Festival

International recording artist JJ Grey & Mofro and Los Lobos will headline the Second Annual Big Orange Music Festival in September.

There will be two stages and six bands including blues legend Tinsley Ellis Blues is Dead, Eric Lindell, New Orleans own Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes, and Evan Taylor Jones.

The event will also incorporate food trucks, vendors and more. The Big Orange Music Festival will take place at The Charlotte Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 9.

The performance times on Sept. 9 are: 4 p.m. - Evan Taylor Jones 4:45 p.m. - Johnny Sketch & The Dirt Notes

JJ Grey & Mofro

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

5:45 p.m. - Eric Lindell 6:45 p.m. - Los Lobos 8:15 p.m. - Tinsley Ellis Blues is Dead 9:30 p.m. - JJ Grey & Mofro Other events taking place at the Big Orange Music Festival include The Big Orange Sunset Celebration featuring free live music at Fishermen’s Village on Sept. 8 starting at 5 p.m. featuring Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes and Evan Taylor Jones.

The Big Orange Om Zone on Sept. 9 starts at 8 a.m. Yoga classes hosted by The Yoga Sanctuary will provide a sanctuary on the beautiful, waterfront lawn of the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in historic downtown Punta Gorda where you can nurture body, mind and spirit.

The Big Orange Throwdown on Sept. 9 also starts at 8 a.m. The Big Orange Throwdown hosted by CrossFit Warpath will

Los Lobos

showcase WOD's and teams from all over the state and beyond. The competition will be held on the lawn of The Sheraton Four Points. Come check out the elite athletes from the surrounding counties.

Purchase tickets at www.BigOrangeMusicFestival.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Key West BrewFest Labor Day weekend

Fans of beers and ales can sample nearly 200 of them, while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost island, during a festival “brewed” especially for Labor Day weekend visitors.

The eighth annual Key West BrewFest is set for Thursday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 4.

Activities “on tap” include brewfocused dinners, pool parties and tap takeovers, a lavish tasting festival on the beach and other enticements for thirsty attendees.

The event is presented by the Southernmost Beach Resort and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic, and benefits Rotary charitable initiatives.

Beers range from intriguingly named offerings such as Harpoon Leviathan and Andygator to local favorites from the Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Co. BrewFest starts at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, with a kick-off party at Key West’s Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St. Later Wednesday attendees can enjoy offerings including a Dogfish Head Beer Dinner at Bagatelle, 115 Duval St. Friday’s attractions are to include a tap takeover and pool party with Islamorada Brewing Co. at the Southernmost Beach Resort’s Pineapple Pool, 1319 Duval St. That evening, the All AmeriCAN party pairs Key West’s famed waterfront sunset with leading canned craft beers at Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier, 0 Duval St. The undisputed festival highlight is Saturday’s BrewFest Signature Tasting Festival. Featuring some 200 beers from around the world, the tasting extravaganza is set for 5-8 p.m. on

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UPCOMING EVENTS

IN KEY WEST

Womenfest Key West

Sept. 6 - Sept. 10 Thousands of singles, couples and groups of women flock to Key West each year for this renowned celebration. Activities generally include dance parties, poolside gatherings, sailing and snorkeling, live music, comedy performances & more. www.womenfest.com

Country on the Beach

Key West’s South Beach, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1405 Duval St. Admission is $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door.

Lager lovers also can choose to pay $75 per person in advance for admission to a 3-5 p.m. VIP tasting with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Cafe.

Subsequently, attendees can join the 8 p.m. Second Line March, dancing from South Beach down Key West’s legendary Duval Street to the Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St., for an after party.

Other weekend events include Sunday afternoon’s Pool Beer Pong Party Tour, a Monday bingo bash at the Green Parrot and beer dinners set for Sunday and Monday nights.

For event information and ticketing, visit online at www.keywestbrewfest.com For Key West visitor information, go online to www.fla-keys.com/keywest or call 1-800-LAST-KEY

Oct. 1 - Oct. 4 Country on the Beach 2017 is on and will benefit the T. J. Martell Foundation again this year.

Montgomery Gentry will again be the performing hosts for the event with Jeffrey Steele, Darryl Worley, Love & Theft, Ray Scott, Halfway to Hazard, Shelly Fairchild, Mantz Brothers, Augusta Ray, Austin Brooks, Cliff Cody, Maggie Baugh and more. COB #9 takes place at The Reach, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. www.countryonthebeach.com

Annual Key West Fantasy Fest

Oct. 20 - Oct. 29 This outrageous 10-day costuming and masking celebration features flamboyant masquerade competitions including one for pets, a headdress ball, exuberant promenades, street fairs and a grand parade that stars marching groups, islandstyle bands and lavish floats. The 2017 festival theme is “Time Travel Unravels.” www.fantasyfest.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Art

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •

Joseph Licci wins best of show at Your Choice exhibit in Naples

The Naples Art Association announced the recipients of its Your Choice 2017 Awards, which was voted on at preview reception on Aug. 11 at the Naples Art Association.

Your Choice is an annual non-juried exhibition that is open to artwork in all media and provides an opportunity for Naples Art Association donors to present their artwork to a larger audience with no jury process requirement. The Your Choice 2017 exhibition continues through Sept. 29. NAA gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday with free admission.

Of the 552 people in attendance at the preview reception, 405 people went to a special precinct set up in the Naples Art Association’s Gallery 104 and overseen by the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office and voted for one of the 104 candidates on the ballot. During the election, artists became “candidates” on an official ballot. The votes were then tallied by the Collier County Supervisor of

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Elections Office. Awards were sponsored

by Irene Swanson in memory of Wendel Swanson.

Best of Show and $500 was awarded to Joseph Licci for his piece entitled “Venezia si Risveglia.” First place and $250 went to Joel Shapses for “Magellanic Penguin.”

Second place and $150 was awarded to Morris Herstein for “The Red Barn in Palouse.” Artists Elvis Swift and Michael Beard each won honorable mentions (50 each).

The Naples Art Association is a respected and award-winning non-profit organization that has served and enriched the community by championing education, interest, and involvement in the visual arts in Southwest Florida since its inception in 1954.

The Naples Art Association is located at 585 Park St. in Downtown Naples. For more information about the Naples Art Association, visit www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517.

Best of show recipient Joseph Licci, with his work “Venezia si Risveglia”

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

FGCU Art Galleries open 20/20: Art Alumni exhibit

The Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) present “20/20: Art Alumni Exhibition” in the Wasmer Art Gallery and ArtLab Gallery from Aug. 21 – Sept. 21.

On Thursday, Aug. 31, there will be an opening reception in both galleries and “20th Anniversary Art Walk” from 5 to 8 p.m.

In celebration of Florida Gulf Coast University’s 20th Anniversary, 20 alumni from the FGCU Art Program will be exhibiting in both art galleries on campus.

The artists chosen for the exhibition represent the range of ideas and techniques that the faculty and staff are proud to have been a part of shaping.

The FGCU alumni artists in the exhibition are: Lauren Ashley S. Baker (’10), Alyssa Baladad (‘15), Linda Barone (‘11), Alina Eydel (‘11), James Futral (’16), Ehren Fritz Gerhard (’09), Briena Harmening (‘05), Philip Heubeck (‘10), Hannah Johnson (‘14), Megan Leary Kissinger (’04), Erica Klopf (‘12), Jeffrey Scott Lewis (’04), Felipe Maldonado (‘16), Nick Masiello (‘12), Leila Mesdaghi (’16), Quinn Miller (‘15), Christina Penuel (’09),

Mr. Revrac (’12), Grayson Stoff (‘15), Tarra Wood (’11).

The “20th Anniversary Art Walk” also includes “20 Years: The Creation of FGCU” in the Archives & Special Collections Gallery in the FGCU Library, which will run from Aug. 31 through Dec. 15; and “Selections from the FGCU Art Galleries’ Permanent Collection” in the Library Reference Area on the first floor of the Library Building, which will run from Aug. 21 through Dec. 15.

This exhibition is curated by gallery director John Loscuito, and gallery coordinator Anica Sturdivant.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State for the State of Florida, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

The Wasmer Art Gallery is in the Arts Complex, and the ArtLab Gallery is at the west side of the library building on FGCU’s main campus at 10501 FGCU Boulevard South. Parking is available in Lot 7 for gallery visitors. Regular viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday.

Artist members of DAAS Co-Op bring a little peace to SW Florida

In September, cludes Ripoll.

DAAS Co-Op Art With more than 20 Gallery & Gifts is member artists, DAAS hosting a very special Co-Op is one of the exhibition. The memlargest cooperative art bers of DAAS Co-Op galleries in all of have coordinated a southwest Florida. The heartfelt exhibition majority of the memwith the simple, yet ber artists work in a important concept of variety of mediums, peace. ranging from paintings The opening to sculptures and potreception of “Peace” tery to jewelry. The coincides with the diversity of the invenSoCo Second tory, combined with a Saturday event, held curated style of disat the SoCo Cultural playing the works, District (Alliance for makes for what the Arts and Royal TripAdvisor community Palm Square block) critics describe as on Saturday, Sept. 9 SoHo quality gem from 6 to 10 p.m. among the artistic venFormer DAAS Coues of our city.

Op members Jeff For more informaOcasio and Diana tion about the gallery Ripoll are curating or to find out how to the exhibition. "We all become a member, David Acevedo need a little peace visit daascoop.com or and love," says call 239-590-8645. InOcasio, whose own person inquiries are artistic vision, along with wife, Dale, is filled also welcome. The gallery is conveniently with messages of love and happiness. located in the Royal Palm Square at 1400 Ripoll, currently a member of the neighColonial Blvd., suite 84, in Fort Myers. boring Union Artist Studios, is thrilled with Summer business hours are Wednesday the opportunity. “I am humbled and happy to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help curate this exhibition alongside Jeff Information about the gallery is available at [Ocasio],” says the abstract-expressionist www.daascoop.com. The SoCo Second artist. “Our district [of SoCo] is evolving Saturday event’s website is and we all love being a part of it,” conwww.socoswfl.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Tom Nagata, Patrick Conolly at ACT Gallery Arts for ACT Gallery, located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers, will host an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This month, ACT Gallery will feature graphic artist Tom Nagata showing “Felines, Flowers and Happy Panda,” in the main gallery. In the white gallery, Patrick Conolly will be showing playful new paintings entitled “Conolly’s Folly’s.” Also showing will be new works from the gallery co-op artists.

Thomas Hiromu Nagata was born of Japanese-American parents in 1947 in Honolulu. He left Hawaii to attend Ohio University on a baseball scholarship where he graduated with a BFA in graphic design. Two months later, it became necessary to sell his art portfolio in exchange for air fare back to Hawaii in order to report for his draft induction physical, only to be disqualified due to athletic injuries.

Even though art was his primary passion, Tom began his career in the field of education and his second passion, coaching. He moved to Fort Myers in 1974, began teaching in the Lee County School District and raised three sons ... twins Mark and Trent and his youngest Tai. The City of Fort Myers adopted his poster in 1988 as the official city poster. In 1984, the University of Florida contracted to use one of his football posters for an alumni fundraiser when they won their first national championship, which was rescinded for rules violations.

Tom's original compositions have always been acrylic.

His limited edition silk-screen pieces range from four to 21

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Tom Nagata

colors. What started as acrylic on illustration board has literally blossomed into 30” X 40” gallery wrapped canvases that curiously tease the eye into following the painting around its edges. The subjects of his paintings, near and dear to his heart, boldly reflect his youth in Hawaii.

Orchids and imperial koi are direct ties to his Auntie Emily's family and their Kodama Orchid Nurseries of Hawaii. Tom continues his bold freedom in choice of color in his imperial koi paintings and purposefully balances this color with the action created in the water because of the koi's movement. As one observe these koi, there is no

doubt in the onlooker's mind to where each of the koi is moving, thus completing the koi's graceful movement.

Tom extends his attention to detail into his technique.

Pigments are laboriously applied by initially diluting the acrylics. Acrylic is mixed with distilled water in white porcelain tea cups and covered with plastic petri dishes to keep the pigment from drying, permitting him more time to work with different tones and hues. These liquid hues are then applied layer by layer in order to achieve the desired effects. This is a very laborious, time-consuming process.

Nagata's representational art with its dramatic interaction of colors strongly emphasizes his heritage.

Patrick Conolly has dabbled with the arts all of his life.

Using acrylics, the art sprints spontaneously from his imagination. Most of his recent works celebrate and reflect the unique beauty of Southwest Florida. Patrick plays with the surface of his canvases making them smooth and shiny. His line work is minimal and his colors are bright. The large works are simple, while the smaller works are filled with details.

These exhibits continue through Oct. 3. To reach the gallery, call 239-337-5050.

Patrick Conolly

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

City grant winners to exhibit at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center will showcase the winners of city art grants in September.

Join the Davis Art Center in honoring the winners of the 2017 Fort Myers art grant awards throughout September. Experience these works that would not have been possible without the support of the city arts foundations.

An opening night ceremony with artist meet and greet, cocktails and inspiring art will take place Friday, Sept. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. in conjunction with Art Walk.

The exhibit will run through Sept.

26.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. For more info, call 239-333-1933 or visit www.sbdac.com.

Roseline Young

Open house Sept. 6-9 in Punta Gorda

The Visual Arts Center will host an open house Sept. 6 - 9 featuring free demonstrations by talented VAC instructors. This will be a great opportunity to speak with instructors and ask questions about fine art and crafts classes that begin the week of Sept. 11. The center offers classes to suit both the experienced artist and novice alike.

Visitors will also learn about the center’s affiliate art groups, created by members, for members. Available groups include Artists in Action, Common Threads, the Jewelry Arts Group, Life Drawing Studio, Plein Air Painting, Porcelain Artists and the Portrait Studio.

The VAC Gift Shop is filled with unique items crafted by local artists, and the library

offers useful art resources not to be missed.

Open house schedule: Sept. 6, 10 am – 3 pm Demos: Acrylic, abstract, doll artistry, jewelry, stained glass and watercolor Sept. 7, 1 – 7 pm Demos: Drawing, epoxy, jewelry, oil, photography and pottery Sept. 8, 10 am – 1 pm Demos: Acrylic, drawing, jewelry, photography, pottery and watercolor Sept. 9, 10 am – 1 pm Demos: Doll artistry, epoxy, jewelry, oil, photography and watercolor The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda. For more details, call 941-639-8810.

Naples Art Association artist to be featured on CBS’ Criminal Minds

The Naples Art Association reports the work of NAA member artist Leigh Herndon will be featured on CBS’ Criminal Minds, which will air on Oct. 4 and be set in Naples.

“As the area’s leading arts organization, Criminal Minds’ set designers contacted us when looking for local artwork to feature in this season’s opening show. We connected them with several of our member artists and they selected several pieces of Leigh’s work for a police station and several homes on set, which is exciting!” said Aimee Schlehr, Naples Art Association CEO/executive director.

“I am a proud member of the NAA, so having my work selected, in part, because I am a member artist is just a bonus. It’s also refreshing to know that a show as popular as Criminal Minds takes the time to utilize local artwork in keeping with its designated locale for its set designs,” said Herndon. “I had a lot of fun working with the Criminal Minds team in selection of my work and can’t wait to see how they incorporate it into the show.”

For more information about artist Leigh Herndon, visit www.leighherndon.com.

Criminal Minds Season 13 premieres Sept. 27 at 10 p.m.

The Naples Art Association is located at 585 Park St. in downtown Naples and is open to the public with no admission charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more informaLeigh Herndon tion, visit www.NaplesArt.org or call 239-262-6517.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Harbour View Gallery will showcase artists Sally Schmett and Marc Geldon Harbour View Gallery in Cape Forty years ago, Marc Geldon Coral will welcome featured artists began his passion with pottery. While Sally Schmett (pastels) and Marc finishing his undergraduate degrees in Geldon (ceramics) at a reception on advertising at the University of Florida, Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. he took courses in ceramics, eventually This year, Sally Schmett with her obtaining master’s both in ceramics husband, Fred, became permanent and fine arts at Northern Illinois residents of Cape Coral. Until then University.

Indiana had always been their home.

No matter where Marc settled, he Although Sally’s life was spent always maintained a ceramic studio. solely there, it was an adventure of He taught at universities, sold at art extremes- from the north and the shows and various galleries around the shores of Lake Michigan to the furcountry. Marc has won awards at the thest southern hills in the “boot” of Peachtree Art Festival in Atlanta and Indiana. This environment always Coconut Point in Miami. Marc owned offered thought-provoking subjects and operated his own gallery in Atlanta Marc Geldon for her art: steel mills, landscapes, called Somewhere in Time. waterscapes, and people.

Fifteen years ago, Marc moved to Everything Sally sees, feels and experiences SW Florida and became an avid fisherman, spendinfluences her artwork to become the threads woven ing time on the waters of Sanibel and Captiva into her art. Often Sally has her camera in hand--tryIslands. A fascination with marine life, coral reefs, ing to capture life as it happens. To the best of her the ocean and sunsets emerged. His style changed ability she recreates these images with chalk pasto incorporate these loves into his pieces. He develtels. oped his signature “rainbow This versatile medium can glaze” that would mirror swirling look classical or modern ocean and beautiful sunsets. depending on the texture and He combined this with his depth applied to her pictures. wheel thrown pottery and incorBy working primarily in pastels, porated figures of marine life she finds the variety of hues into his pieces. He also wanted necessary for painting life's something functional, so all his vibrant colors--especially glazes are lead free and safe Florida flora and fauna. Sally for any type of use.

Schmett’s paintings are often Their work will be on display on panel. In combining wood through September. The gallery and pastel another dimension is located at 5789 Cape of texture is added.

Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.

Sally Schmett

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Art Fest Naples seeks artists for 2018 show

Art Fest Naples at Fleischmann Park is seeking artists working in all media to exhibit at the annual show. The juried art show will be held Jan. 20-21, 2018, at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. In its 21st year, the show has consistently been rated in the top 100 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.

A jury of arts professionals will select the artists to participate in the show and will award prizes in numerous categories.

All artists must apply online at www.artfestnaples.com by Oct. 15.

In addition to the beautiful park setting, Art Fest Naples is unique in Florida and the country because the proceeds benefit a 501(c) (3) organization, Additional Needs, Inc. Additional Needs, Inc. mission is to provide a user friendly and time-saving website with current and comprehensive information of available resources to assist children and adults with addi-

tional needs and their families in finding appropriate services.

By employing individuals with additional needs to research and maintain the website, we provide a platform for them to share their abilities and unique insights and ideas. The website is also a vehicle for educating employers about the benefits of hiring individuals with additional needs as well as connecting them to employees.

“Some of the nation’s finest artists will be participating in Art Fest Naples, displaying and selling their work ranging from oil, acrylic and water color paintings, blown glass, turned wood pieces, sculptures, jewelry to a variety of mixed media.” said Art Fest Naples director Taire Malloy.

Sponsorships are available.

For more information about the 2018 Art Fest Naples, contact Taire Malloy at 239-634-2337, by email at artfestnaples@gmail.com or visit online at www.artfestnaples.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Fluxus Music show opens at Bob Rauschenberg Gallery

Florida SouthWestern State College announces the opening of FluZUsic/Fluxus Music at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery.

An interactive and immersive installation with newly commissioned works by Yoko Ono, Geoffrey Hendricks, Alison Knowles and Philip Corner (who also provided the exhibition’s playful title), FluZUsic/Fluxus Music provides both an indepth historical examination into this seminal art movement and a hands-on/participatory and sonic experience for visitors.

Most heavily inspired by the ideas of John Cage, Fluxus art often relied on chance to shape the outcome and actively involved the viewer. Fluxus compositions or scores for performances and events involved simple actions, ideas and objects from everyday life.

Incorporating concrete poetry, visual art and writing, Fluxus performances were the embodiment of Dick Higgins’ idea of “intermedia”—a dialogue between two or more media to create a third, entirely new art form. Yet, as many of the Fluxus artists had formal training in music, musical composition and performance (frequently involving the alteration, mis-

use or abuse of traditional instruments), this activity became a central focus.

Beginning with a series of festivals featuring concerts of experimental music and other avantgarde performance, Fluxus artists reacted against the commodification of art, its commercialization in the gallery system, and its static presentation in museums.

While Bob Rauschenberg famously stated his interest in working “in the gap between art and life,” the primary goal of most Fluxus artists was to destroy any boundary between the two.

Founder George Maciunas stated that Fluxus was "anti-art," to underscore the revolutionary mode of thinking about the practice and process of art while using humor to mock the elitist world of "high art" and to bring art to the widest possible audience.

The exhibit runs Aug. 25 through Nov. 11.

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is located at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. For additional information, call 239-489-9313 or visit online at www.RauschenbergGallery.com

Multimedia exhibit Cultures Across the World presents an eclectic mix of fiber art, pottery, jewelry and 2D works.

View Cultures Across the World Sept.

12 - 28 at The Visual Arts Center, located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda (across from Fishermen’s Village). The public is invited to attend an opening reception for Cultures Across the World Wednesday,

Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.

Additionally, the Goff Gallery will feature an Instructor’s Showcase Sept. 5 – 21 at The Visual Arts Center.

For more details, visit online at www.VisualArtCenter.org or call (941) 6398810. Gallery & gift shop hours: MondayFriday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Alliance for the Arts will show its Fired Up exhibit Sept. 8 – 30. The exhibit will feature artists making works using fire and heat in their creation, including ceramics, glass and welded pieces.

This year’s juror is Lee Brotherton.

Lee’s fine arts career included serving as an elementary art teacher, art museum work, art gallery manager and sales consultant. During this time, she constantly dreamt of being a full-time artist. In her free time she continued to work in the arts, especially with clay.

Brotherton has over 20 years of creating, marketing and selling pottery recreations and original sculpture and paint-

ings. Her sculptures are in private, corporate and museum collections throughout the world.

The opening celebration will be held on Sept. 8 from 5 – 7 p.m. Brotherton will be on hand to present awards including $300 for best In show, $125 for second place and $75 for third place.

Meet exhibiting artists and juror Lee Brotherton during a conversational walk and talk as they discuss their works on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. during SoCo Second Saturday Art Crawl. This exhibit runs until Sept. 30 For more information, call 239-9392787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org.

Cultures Across the World at VAC

Fired Up exhibit at the Alliance

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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River District

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest includes downtown ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The 2017 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Sept. 22 through Oct. 1. This showcase, now in its fourth year, is a great way to see singer-songwriters perform in intimate settings on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and historic downtown Fort Myers.

This year’s headliners include RaeLynn, Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden.

Lindsay Ell and Brooke Eden will be performing Sept. 27 at Pinchers Crab Shack at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers. RaeLynn will perform Oct. 1 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

“The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Louis Kaplan, iHeartMedia, senior vice president of programming.

It’s also a favorite of the performers. They are eager to play at this award-winning festival, which includes more than 100 live performances, more than 70 songwriters and 21 unique venues.

“Supporting Island Hopper has become an annual tradition for BMI and by bringing talented songwriters in to perform at BMI-licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, it helps increase food and beverage revenue while putting

‘heads in beds.’ Island Hopper is the best place to be for music lovers. It provides an intimate environment for people to get up close and personal with the songwriters behind some their favorite songs,” said Dan Spears, vice president industry relations, licensing for BMI. This year the music event welcomes a variety of Grayson Rogers new singer-songwriters, including Natalie Hemby (“White Liar” recorded by Megan Linville Miranda Lambert), Clint Erica Sunshine Lee Daniels (“Brokenheartsville” recorded by Joe Nichols) and Maggie Rose. Most of the perat live music venues on Captiva Island Sep. 22 various venues. formances are free to the public, but there are 24 at several island venues.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County select shows that do require a ticket for admisIn downtown Fort Myers, performances will Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat sion. take place at The Barrel Room, Hotel Indigo, Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights The festival brings back talent like Even Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Twisted Vine organization in the U.S. Stevens (“I Love a Rainy Night” recorded by Bistro, City Tavern and Pinchers Sept. 25 - 28.

Festival sponsors include Happenings Eddie Rabbit), Wynn Varble (“I’m a Little More Songwriters scheduled to perform in downtown Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Pinchers, Country” recorded by Easton Corbin), Aaron Fort Myers include Aaron Barker, Ashley Landshark, BOSE, DiamondHead Resort, Barker (“What About Now” recorded by Gearing, Brandon Maddox, Bridgette Tatum, Budweiser and the Florida Restaurant & Lonestar) and Karla Davis.

Brinley Addington, Christina Christian, Clint Lodging Association.

The fourth annual music fest will continue to Daniels, Danny Myrick, Erica Sunshine Lee, For more information, visit www.islandhopgive fans the opportunity to meet the talented Frank Myers, Grayson Rogers, Jimmy Stanley, perfest.com. Follow the festival with #islandhopartists who write songs for country superstars Joey McGee, Josh Dorr, Keefe Klug, Megan perfest on Twitter and other social channels. including Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Jason Linville, Phillip White and Will Bowen.

Aldean and Tricia Yearwood.

The festival will wrap up on Fort Myers Editor’s Note: Artists’ schedules are subject Attendees can listen to their favorite songs Beach Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 with artists playing at to change during the festival.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH

(rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM The next Art Walk is

Lesley Morrow was among the artists featured in the Textures, Tones and Textiles exhibit in August at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

and

Friday, Sept. 1

from 6 - 10 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Ivy Cottage

Antiques & Treasures

6,000 square feet filled with treasures

Fine Antiques to Shabby & Cottage Chic. Vintage Treasures of times gone by.

Collectibles, Lighting, Candles, Home Decor and so much more.

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

Fort Myers River District

(formerly Peck Street)

(239) 226-0025

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

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

Sept. 25-28

at Hotel Indigo

Local & National

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239-337-3446

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1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers

Coffee table book showcases Fort Myers; proceeds to benefit art in public places

Mayor Randall P. Henderson, Jr. has announced that the first coffee table book featuring contemporary Fort Myers has been published and is now available for purchase.

Entitled Fort Myers, City of Palms – A Contemporary Portrait, the new book highlights the life, times, and people of the Fort Myers area, while showcasing the region’s dynamic heritage, cultural offerings, stunning environment and diverse economy.

The books are on sale at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates’ Museum Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and the Edison Ford Shoppe at Bell Tower Shops for the publisher's suggested retail price of $49.95. Additional retail outlets and online merchants will be announced in the near future. One hundred percent of net proceeds will be assigned to Art in Public Places, a division of the City of Fort Myers, and managed by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The fund will be utilized for the procurement, management, and maintenance of the city’s public art collection.

“When I learned of the opportunity for this book through the United States Conference of Mayors, it struck me as a

worthy endeavor,” says Mayor Henderson. “The producer, Ron Lammert, president and CEO of the Historical Publishing Network in San Antonio, Texas, engaged outstanding local professionals to pull it all together. I know you will be as pleased as I am.”

Fort Myers, City of Palms – A Contemporary Portrait is comprised of more than 150 pages of vivid photographs by Emmy Award winning photographer/videographer Ilene Safron of Main Sail Video Productions. The photos are accompanied by a narrative authored by award-winning local writer Amy Bennett Williams. Funding for the book came from local sponsors.

“What a privilege to be able to highlight and share this place,” says Williams. “I found myself falling in love with Fort Myers all over again.”

“Being the photographer for a book on contemporary Fort Myers has been an amazing assignment,” says Safron. “The pictures in this book show how Fort Myers and its surrounding outer islands allow for a quality lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.”

Fort Myers, City of Palms – A Contemporary Portrait will be distributed through numerous outlets including local retailers and online booksellers.

Comic Fest to return on Oct. 21

Teens and adults are invited to get into costume and spend the day doing all things related to science fiction, fantasy and popular arts at the second annual Fort Myers Comic Fest.

The free event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Fort Myers Regional Library and Cornog Plaza, 2450 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Registration is required for some programs. Register at www.leegov.com/library/comicfest.

Attendees will enjoy workshops, karaoke, games, selfie stations, a 3D printer presentation, a costume parade and a cosplay presentation

by FGCU’s Cosplay and Costuming Club. Special guest speaker Ian Verhine, an Asian Studies scholar, will be back by popular demand. The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present a young adult story time.

Enjoy live music with Emma from Ursa Major and activities on Cornog Plaza. Sponsored by the Friends of the Fort Myers Library.

FORT MYERS DOWNTOWN RIVER DISTRICT

FIRST FRIDAYS

6-10 P.M.

EVERY MONTH

ALSO: Saturday after Art Walk 11 am - 4 pm

Shop Our Art Galleries & Art Spaces!

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

www.FortMyersArtWalk.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

THIRD FRIDAY EVERY MONTH LIVE MUSIC STARTS AT 6 PM

The next Music Walk will be

Friday, Sept. 15

Car cruise-in will return in October, move to 4th Sunday

After a summer break, the monthly car cruise-in returns in October. It will move to the fourth Sunday of the month and run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll the downtown streets and view the beauty of automotive design on the fourth Sunday of the month.

The River District Alliance presents the next car cruise-in Sunday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 239-321-7100 for more info.

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Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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DINING PICKS FOR SEASON 1st Street Deli at Seminole Casino Hotel

reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily.

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

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite.

Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches,

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill at The Shell Factory

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like: shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings. Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice. Capt’n Fishbones opens daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily from 4 - 7 p.m. Classic car shows are held every Monday 4 - 7 p.m.

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

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Fish Market

Nestled in the heart of Florida, lies a place just off the beaten path where the drinks are colder, the fish is fresher and the food is tastier. Where you can breathe easy, be casual and take in the sights and sounds of everything that is “Real Florida.” A departure from a busy day, a place to be with friends, a place to share laughs and great memories. Relax and take it all in! Welcome to Deep Lagoon Seafood, A Fresh Twist on Coastal Casual. Deep Lagoon Seafood features a wide variety of menu options sure to satisfy the appetite of any guest. We offer the freshest product available, with daily deliveries from our local fishing partner Island Crab Company, based out of Pine Island. Now offering Happy Hour from 2 - 7 pm featuring small plates from $5 - $8. The restaurant is another family owned and operated brand from the Phelan Family, the same company behind local favorites Pinchers and Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House. Reservations accepted.

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

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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

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

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

GameTime

at Gulf Coast Town Center

At GameTime, you can play and eat in style!

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

10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers 239-204-5964 www.gametimeplayers.com

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open seven days a week (closed on Mondays for the summer).

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

Lucky Mi

at Seminole Casino Hotel

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

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse

With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born. Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida. Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat. This is True Texas Barbeque. They smoke meats a minimum of 1214 hours creating mouth-watering, fall off the bone goodness for Baby Back and St. Louis Style Ribs and succulent brisket, pork and tenderloin.

All meats are hand sliced to order ensuring the freshest and tastiest “Q” in town allowing it to be consistently voted as the Best Barbeque in Southwest Florida.

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

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro

Twisted Vine Bistro

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

Pinchers

5961 Silver King, Cape Coral 239-541-5600 www.Marker92.com

at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table.

With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style.

Pinchers has 11 Florida locations including Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center.

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

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill

at Dolphin Key Resort

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

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

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass. Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden! We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners.

Dinner is served seven nights a week. We are open Monday through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Join us for brunch in our courtyard garden. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu.

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

The Veranda

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

Celebrating more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.

2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com

Put your restaurant in our

MONTHLY DINING

SHOWCASE FOR LOCALS

Call 239-278-5236 or email swfhappenings@earthlink.net SEPTEMBER 2017

41

Comedy Clubs

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY - 1

Julie Scoggins 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Preacher Lawson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 7 & 10 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 2

Julie Scoggins 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Preacher Lawson 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SUNDAY - 3

Preacher Lawson 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

WEDNESDAY - 6

Mike Armstrong 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 7

James Yon 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ralphie May 7:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

* schedules subject to change

Thursday - 7 continued

Mike Armstrong 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 8

James Yon 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ralphie May 7 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Armstrong 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 9

James Yon 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ralphie May 7 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Mike Armstrong 7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 13

Marlon Wayans 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Thursday - 14 continued

Marlon Wayans 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Philly Plowden 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 15

Marlon Wayans 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Philly Plowden 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 16

Grandma Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Eric Sc hwar tz 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Philly Plowden 7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Eric Sc hwar tz 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Grandma Lee 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Pe te George 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 20

Thursday - 28 continued

Ralph Harris 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Pete George 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Bob Marley 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Chris Katt an 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 29

Tom Drake 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

FRIDAY - 22

Ralph Harris 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Pete George 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Bob Marley 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Chris Katt an 7 & 10 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SATURDAY - 30

Tom Drake 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SATURDAY - 23

Dean Napolitano 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Philly Plowden 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 14

THURSDAY - 21

Dean Napolitano 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Dean Napolitano 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Grandma Lee 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SUNDAY - 17

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Ralph Harris 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Pete George 7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Bob Marley 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club Chris Katt an 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

WEDNESDAY - 27

Laugh In Lineup 12 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

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

James Yon 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 28

The Comedy Zone

Tom Drake 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

at Visani Restaurant

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

Suncoast Security Professional Security

Licensed, educated employees

Specializing in ...

• Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts

Se Habla Espanol

• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties

(239) 415-7007 Serving all of Florida

St. Lic. # B2000112

WWW.SUNCOASTSECURITY.BIZ

42

SEPTEMBER 2017

• Armed • Unarmed • Uniformed • Licensed • Insured

Email: SUNCOASTSCRTY@AOL.COM

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Friday -1 Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions and performances. Free to the public, rain or shine. 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Cece Teneal The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Aquarium 2017 Exhibit Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral Depicting life beneath the waves. Reception: Friday, Sept. 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. Exhibit runs through Sept. 28.

239-574-0802 City Art Grant Winners Exhibition Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Join SBDAC in honoring the winners of the 2017 Fort Myers Art Grant award winners throughout September.

Experience these works that would not have been possible without the support of the city arts foundations.

Enjoy an opening night ceremony with artist meet and greet, cocktails, and inspiring art. 6 - 10 p.m. Free to attend. 239-333-1933 Liverpool Live Through Sept. 3 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice, noon - 3 p.m. & Singer Chris G, 5-9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Reception for exhibits featuring Tom Nagata and Patrick Conolly 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 Mirror, Mirror Opening reception Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs It's what we do every day before we face the world.

Make sure our hair is combed and our face washed.

Some people become obsessed. Our identities are shaped by the society and culture of our times. How we see ourselves can sometimes differ from reality. 6 p.m. 239-495-8989 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Saturday -2 GreenMarket

Every Saturday Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Locally grown, caught and cultivated foods and other products. Live entertainment by local musicians and activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 The Sunset Celebration - Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roads remain open. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017

ACMA concert - Ellen Bukstel All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Bill Veach opens. www.americanacma.org Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sunny Jim White, noon - 4 p.m. & Yard Dog Charlie, 5 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Playerz Band The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte The four piece rock group performs songs from artists like James Brown, Otis Redding, The Average White Band, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp and George Michael. 7 p.m. $13 for members or $17 for non-members. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221.

High Five Friday Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 RJ Howson Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Randy Houser The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

Sunday -3 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 3 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-5753007 Wayward Souls Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Monday -4 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 1 - 5 p.m., Center Court. 941-5753007 TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Join hosts Eric Raddatz and Melissa Dehaven with judges John Scoular and Flyin' Brian from 105.5 The Beat for TGIM! Featuring fresh local indie music by Stella Zuri. www.sbdac.com for info. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m. / films at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 for adults & $8 for students & seniors. 239-333-1933

Tuesday - 5

Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Sally Schmett and Marc Geldon, 6 - 8 p.m.

239-540-5789

Symphonic Chorale of SW Florida auditions Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers Register at www.symphonicchorale.org

Wednesday - 6 John McCormick The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Thursday -7 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Salty Paws Muttini Mingle from 5:30 - 8 p.m. with music by Paul Cottrell, Center Court. 941-575-3007 Chamber Music Trinity-by-the-Cove 553 Galleon Drive, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m.

Free. www.artisnaples.org Chamber Music South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 4 p.m. Free. www.artisnaples.org Groovin’ The 60s & 70s Musical Through Oct. 7 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together. Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Wild Coffee Duo Pianist Abbey Allison and cellist Susie Kelly Social Center, Shell Point Retirement Community, 15000 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers 7 p.m. $20, 239-454-2067 Gulfshore Playhouse: New Works Festival Through Sept. 16 The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples 866-811-4111

Friday -8 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide

Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Shaw Davis & the Black Ties The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Bite the Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Peruvian Early Music Ensemble U.Tobe Recital Hall, FGCU, Fort Myers Nisita Concert Series, 7:30 p.m., $10 for public, $7 for students. www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Tarzan the stage musical Through Sept. 17 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Fired Up: A Juried Exhibit Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Opening Celebration: Sept. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. & Gallery Walk with Juror: Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. Runs through Sept. 30. 239-939-2787 Chamber Music Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples Naples Philharmonic in collaboration with Opera Naples. 7 p.m. Free. www.artisnaples.org Mystery Walk Downtown Fort Myers Join the Mystery every second Friday of the month in the River District from 6-8 p.m. Registration begins at First and Hendry streets. Free to play. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Big Orange Music Fest Sunset Celebration Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Live Music from 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Boogiemen Band, Harpoon Harry’s at 8 p.m.

941-575-3007 Noteworthy Concert Series featuring Soulixer Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Series highlights upcoming bands and craft beer breweries. Doors at 7 p.m. & show at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $5. 239-333-1933 Music with Erich The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte This fun evening of music is only $10 per person, which is a fantastic price for this much entertainment. 7 p.m. Tickets at the door. www.theculturalcenter.com. 941-625-4175.

Saturday -9 SoCo Second Saturdays

South of Colonial, Fort Myers Occurring every Second Saturday of the month between the hours of 6 p.m. and extending through the night, SoCo Second Saturday features scheduled performances, talks, short plays, open houses, artist demonstrations, gallery openings, wine tastings and other activities. Visitors can shop, dine, and explore local art spaces, rain or shine. www.SoCoSWFL.com Big Orange Music Festival Charlotte Event & Conference Center Downtown Punta Gorda Festival features JJ Grey & Mofro, Tinsley Ellis Blues is Dead, Los Lobos, Eric Lindell, Johnny Sketch & The Dirt Notes and Evan Taylor Jones. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m. www.bigorangemusicfestival.com Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Peace exhibit at DAAS Co-Op DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd., suite 84, Fort Myers 5 p.m. 239-590-8645 Memphis Rub Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Adopt A Pet Day, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dick & Kammy, noon - 4 p.m. & Tiki Tom & L.A, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Glam Bam Burlesque: For Peep’s Sake Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Don't miss this spectacular event, featuring an entirely new production of burlesque, dancing, singing, live music and much more! Joining us from Orlando is our special guest performer, Kissa Von Addams, also featuring the amazing new artist, Adrianna Mondelli. Emcee is local musician Frankie Colt, and music by the Good Bad Kids. www.sbdac.com for info. 21+. Doors & music at 8 p.m. & Burlesque at 9 p.m. Tickets: GA - $35 and Tables of 4 - $250. 239-333-1933

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

Chamber Music The Baker Museum-Figge Conservatory 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 7 p.m.

Free. www.artisnaples.org

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

Parade for Heroes 47th Terrace SE in Cape Coral The parade, which coincides with the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, features First Responder EMS, military and law enforcement.

Participants in the parade include the Whispering Pines Clydesdales; both the Cape Coral Republican and Democratic Party Clubs; plus, both the Cape Coral and Ft. Myers Corvette Clubs. Music includes the marching bands from the Ida S. Baker High School, Mariner High School, and the Trifalger Middle School; plus, the Blue Dirt Dixieland Band and the Guns and Hoses bagpipes. In addition to the horses, children would especially enjoy the Cape Coral Fire Department fire truck, plus the Araba Shriners clown float and their Flintstone miniature cars. 10 a.m. debra.vetsfoundation@gmail.com Improv Tonight!

Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs Bonita City Improv performs musical improv, games and scenes that include suggestions provided by you, the audience! Every show is different with special guests always popping in from nationally touring improv groups. Be as involved in the show as you’d like, whether you’re just setting a scene with your suggestions, or whether you’re on stage as a volunteer! 8 p.m.239-495-8989

Wednesday - 13 Chamber Music Florida Gulf Coast University U. Tobe Recital Hall-Bower School of Music 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 4 p.m.

Free. www.artisnaples.org

Thursday - 14

Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together.

Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Friday - 15 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide

Noteworthy Concert Series featuring Wilder Sons Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Series highlights upcoming bands and craft beer breweries. Doors at 7 p.m. / Show at 8 p.m.

Tickets $5. 239-333-1933 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice, Noon - 3 p.m. & Singer Dan Meadows, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers Local and regional musicians line the streets. Free to the public with many venues featuring additional attractions and specials. 6-10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Little Eddie & the Fat Fingers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Make America Rock Again Scott Stapp of Creed, Sick Puppies, Drowning Pool, Trapt & Adelitas Way The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert starts around 8 p.m. 239-985-9839

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

Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 The Sunset Celebration - Relentless Fire Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 ACMA concert - Bob Sima All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Glen Sabatka opens. www.americanacma.org

Sunday - 10 Live Music in the Village

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Dixieland Jazz by Leslie DaCosta, 3 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Chamber Music Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Road, Naples Naples Philharmonic Chamber Musicians. 3 p.m.

Free. www.artisnaples.org Nexx Level Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

45

SEPTEMBER

Friday - 15 continued

Laboratory Theater of Florida: Sordid Lives Through Sept. 30 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481

Saturday - 16 The Sunset Celebration - Buckin' Wild

Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 ACMA concert All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Songwriter showcase with Robert Bidney, David Hintz & Barbara Lynn. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation. www.americanacma.org Live Entertainment in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Salty Paws Wiener Dog Derby, 11 a.m., Nick’s Kids Show from noon - 4, Singer Steve Flagg, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 3 - 7 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007 Wayward Souls Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225

Wednesday - 20 John McCormick The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Thursday - 21 Live Music in the Village

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

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda The Express Trio, 5 - 8 p.m., Center Court.

941-575-3007

Six Wags Over Fort Myers Pet Carnival Iona-Hope Episcopal Church 9650 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers Free. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.ionahope.org

Third Thursday on Third 3rd Street South Shopping District Live with Love Hunter in the Fleischmann Courtyard, 6-9 p.m..Event runs from 5 - 8 p.m.

239-649-6707

Sean Chambers Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 The Del Prados Dance Party The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-995-3999 SummerJazz on the Gulf - Late Night Brass Naples Beach Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-261-2222 Rusty Wright Band The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte This Billboard Top 10 artist's innovative sound is a hot rod fusing of Texas and Chicago-style blues, swinging boogie, Southern Rock, with a pinch of Motor City grit. 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 for members or $17 for non-members. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221.

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

Sunday - 17 Nam Jam Fort Myers

The Shell Factory & Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers The Shell Factory is honored to partner with the Invested Cape Coral Veterans Foundation to Salute our Vietnam Veterans and Honor all Veterans.

Admission is free, and the event will feature BBQ Cookout from noon - 3 p.m., live music with Chuck Peterson, a special Color Guard Ceremony, Tickets for 2 free draft beers and free hot dog and chips during the BBQ for all Vets. All Vietnam vets will receive a special 50 Year Vietnam War Recognition Package presented by the Cape Coral Veterans Foundation. All vets will get into The Nature Park free. Noon - 6 p.m. www.shellfactory.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Nettie The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Odd Couple - The Female Version Through Oct. 29 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together.

Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Alive After Five Downtown Punta Gorda Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 the downtown merchants bring you live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment through out downtown. We have many restaurants, pubs and places whereby you can duck in and out of the heat or rain. Don't forget to enter our monthly drawing for $50 DMA bucks. free. 5 - 8 p.m. 941391-4856 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Sundown Stroll Tarpon Point Marina Village 5991 Silver King Blvd., Cape oral Fun, family friendly event on the third Thursday every month. Live music, 4 p.m. to sunset. www.tarponpoint.com Aljandro del Angel, tenor U. Tobe Recital Hall, FGCU, Fort Myers Nisita Concert Series; 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 for general public and $7 for students at www.fgcu.edu/cas/bsma

Friday - 22 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Randy Stephens & The Groovemakers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Legends in Time: ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and Beyond with Frankie and Donna The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte Frankie & Donna will showcase a variety of songs from Rock 'N' Roll, Pop, Motown and Country.

Every song is accompanied by amazing video footage. 7 p.m. Tickets $20 or $17 for members. All tickets $20 day of the show. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 22 - 24 Various locations, Captiva Island Schedules at www.islandhopperfest.com

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

Outside Mullingar Through Oct. 22 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street. Fort Myers Previews Sept. 19-21 239-332-4488

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

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice, noon - 3 p.m., Singer Paul Roush, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Kollections Harpoon Harry’s at 8 p.m. 941-575-3007

Open House & Bike Night Six Bends Harley-Davidson 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers 239-275-4647 www.sixbendshd.com for times

Sunday - 24 Live Music in the Village

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

Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Rita Beach, 2 - 6 p.m., Center Court. 941575-3007

Greeters Club Luncheon - Sheena Brook Crown Plaza Hotel right off Route 41, in the Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers Sheena Brook will be the guest speaker. Make your luncheon reservation ($20). Email: greetersclub@gmail.com Registration 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.

239-482-2900

Led Zeppelin tribute band Six Bends Harley-Davidson 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers 1 p.m. 239-275-4647 www.sixbendshd.com

Music with Erich The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte $10 per person, 7 p.m. Tickets at the door. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175.

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

Saturday - 23 The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Collier County Museum Day Live Naples Depot Museum 1051 5th Avenue South, Naples Enjoy a special day out with the family at the Naples Depot Museum, as guests of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Day Live. Take a tour of Naples first passenger train station, ride a miniature railroad, and join in a full day of lively, educational activities for both adults and children.

Museum Day Live will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. 239-262-5119.

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sunny Jim White, noon - 4 p.m., Singer Michael Hirst, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court & The Kollections Harpoon Harry’s at 8 p.m. 941-575-3007 Tropical Fun-Shine Polynesian Show Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral Come watch some of the finest Polynesian performers in Southwest Florida. Luau-type refreshments are included, BYO wine, if you like. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. 7 p.m. 239-549-4606.

Joe Delaney & Brandon Robertson The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 FGCU Wind Orchestra Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples As part of our partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University, the Bower School of Music’s Wind Orchestra performs its first concert of the 2017-18 season . $15. 3 p.m. 239-597-1900 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Bluegrass Music Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 1:30 p.m. 239-939-2787 Peace Day in the Park Jaycee Park – Cape Coral Live Music, Meditation, Yoga, Fashion Show, Food Drive, Blood Drive, Art and Artisans, Food, Crafts, Face Painting, Diverse Community Events, Health and Wellness Workshops, One of a kind Raffle, Lots of Fun For Everyone! Pets Welcome! 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.peaceday-in-thepark.com

Monday - 25

Island Hopper Songwriter Wine Dinner with Aaron Barker, Clint Daniels & Ashley Gearing The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 5:30 - 7 p.m. $65 advance only. 239-333-2225 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 25 - 28 Various locations, downtown Fort Myers Schedules at www.islandhopperfest.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Wednesday - 27 Art After Hours The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Enjoy free admission to The Baker Museum the last Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9pm. A local band offers musical entertainment and audiences of all ages are welcome to view the galleries and learn from our docents. 6 p.m. 239-597-1111

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

Friday - 29 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide

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

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

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 Various locations, Fort Myers Beach Schedules at www.islandhopperfest.com

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Lindsay Ell and Brooke Eden Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St,. Fort Myers www.islandhopperfest.com for show time and info

Magician Craig Diamond Through Oct. 1 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

Thursday - 28 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Concert

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Singer songwriters Frank Myers, Will Bowen and Philip White will perform. www.island-hopper.fortmyers-sanibel.com/artists. Doors at 6 p.m. & Performances at 7 p.m. $5. 239-333-1933 Jaycee Acoustic Jam Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral Local musicians that love playing music together.

Not an open mic, but all acoustic musicians and bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam page on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

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

The Woodwork Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Kick out the local jams with this funky indie quartet, featuring his-and-her harmonies, fingerstyle guitar and exotic rhythms. This concert is part of the Live and Local series at Artis—Naples. Admission is $15 per person and includes one free drink.

6 - 8:30 p.m. 239-597-1111 Ben Allen Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Fort Myers Home and Remodeling Show Through Oct. 1 The Lee Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Road, Fort Myers Sept. 29: Noon - 5 p.m. Sept. 30: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oct. 1: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $5. www.fmhomeshow.com

The Second City Improv Shows Friday & Saturday Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Join SBDAC for two nights of improv from the infamous Second City! Since the 1950s, the Second City has churned out some of comedy's best and brightest performers, like Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, and Amy Sedaris. Enjoy these two gut-busting evenings. Cocktails at 7 p.m. & Performance at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 239-333-1933 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Rick Rock Rice, noon - 3 p.m. & The Westlan Brothers, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Summer Sock Hop with Shake, Rattle & Soul The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte Group members - Pat Brown, Brownie, and Mike T. – will perform songs from artists such as Jay and the Americans, The Diamonds, Gene Pitney, Johnny Maestro, Patsy Cline, Leslie Gore, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin, The Big Bopper, Johnny Cash, Don William, Josh Turner, and more! 7 - 10 p.m. in the Conference Center ballroom. $15 in advance or $17 at the door. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-6254175.

JL Fulks Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Saturday - 30 The Sunset Celebration - Tiger Blue Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Bike Night Naples Harley-Davidson 3645 Gateway Lane, Naples 239-594-5504 www.hdnaples.com for times Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sons of Beaches, noon - 4 p.m. & Singer Steve Flagg, 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Robert Garcia’s Journey through Rock ‘N’ Roll The Cultural Center 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte Come experience the artistic styling of singer/songwriter, Robert Garcia. 7 p.m. $13 for members or $17 for non-members. www.theculturalcenter.com 941-625-4175 x221.

Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Terri Clark The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839 Harvest Moon concert Seminole Casino Hotel 10 p.m., free to Wild Card members www.moreinparadise.com

Exclusive VIP Acoustic Event presented by Happenings Magazine

A Very Special Evening With

Author Rhonda Nelson & Little River Band's Wayne Nelson Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5pm doors open at 4pm

An intimate, interactive evening of stories and songs!

With special guests Greg Hind & Chris Marion, also members of Little River Band

Rhonda will talk about life on the road and her book “A Different Life” with acoustic music presented by members of Little River Band.

To reserve tickets, call 239-278-5236

Limited seating

2210 Bay Street The Barrel Room /Downtown Fort Myers HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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