September 2018 Happenings Magazine

ANNUAL THEATRE SEASON PREVIEW FOR 2018 - 2019

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2018

LALA DEATON

HEIDI NEWFIELD

LIZ MORIONDO

MIDLAND

NAPLES • FORT MYERS • CAPE CORAL • PORT CHARLOTTE

Publisher’s Spotlight

Season preview

Another year has passed, and it’s time for us to present our annual theatre season preview. We have put the 20182019 season schedules of more than 20 theatrical groups and venues all in one easy to follow package just for you.

Combined, all these stages will produce more than 129 different show titles for us to choose. Live theatre is alive and well in our part of the state, and I encourage you to get your tickets early before some of these shows sell out.

Many venues offer incentives for early birds, season packages and group rates. Please see pages 16 - 20 of this month’s magazine for your guide to our area’s live theatre season. Please note that a couple organizatons have some programming and show dates to work out, but we have included their contact information so you can touch base with them as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, curtains are rising at some of our venues in September.

Here’s what we have to choose from this month: The Wizard of Oz is on stage at Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral Sept. 7 through Sept. 16.

Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers presents Becoming Dr. Ruth in its ArtStage Studio Theatre Sept. 21 through Oct. 21.

Let’s Go to the Movies is being performed at the Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers now through Sept. 29.

At The Langdon Playhouse, the Charlotte Players present The Mousetrap Sept. 7 - 16.

Anna in the Tropics opens Sept. 14 at the Laboratory Theater of Florida and plays through Sept. 30 at the Fort Myers stage.

Theatre Conspiracy presents Murderers Sept. 27 - Oct. 7 at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

Don’t Dress for Dinner opens Sept.

27 in the Off Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers and plays through Nov. 10.

Several other theatres will open their new seasons in October.

4 - September 2018

Songwriter Fest is near

We are only days away from the start of the fifth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. This 10-day festival showcases local and national songwriters performing at intimate local venues.

The festival starts on Captiva Island (Sept. 21 - 23), then moves to downtown Fort Myers (Sept. 24 - 27) and finishes on Fort Myers Beach (Sept. 28 30). Organizers of this wonderful festival include the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, iHeart Media, Cat Country 107.1, Hertz and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the United States. We are honored to again be among the many fine sponsors of this event in 2018.

At press time, more than 65 songwriters were scheduled for the fest. Past festival goers will recognize some returning names, but there are also some new ones. Bonus ... Almost every concert is free to attend.

Most of the performances feature two songwriters at a time who go back and forth playing a song they wrote and often times telling you the story behind the song. This is where an attentive audience gets the most out of the songwriter festival experience. When you attend one of these shows, it’s important that you temporarily let go of your personal life, issues and concerns. Sit back and engage with the songwriters. Treat them with respect and listen intently to what they have to say and sing. And most importantly, leave your conversations with your neighbor at the door.

These performances are designed to be “listening room” environments.

A poolside concert with Midland will be held Sept. 30 at Pink Shell Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. This particular show is not free and tickets can be purchased through the new Island Hopper app for your phone or buy online at www.Catcountry1071.com.

Another ticketed concert is in the works for Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford, but those details are still being finalized. Stay up to date with the fest by downloading the app or visiting the website for the schedules. My wife, Kathy, and I hope to see you at one of the many performances.

Rock on,

Jamie

IN THIS ISSUE

theatre

6

art

music

dining

20

38

52 Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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

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

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 9285, Fort Myers, FL 33902

(239) 278-5236

swfHappenings@earthlink.net

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

September 7 - 16

By L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics

by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg Background music by Herbert Stothart

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

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s

2018-2019 BROADWAY SERIES October 5 - 14

February 1 - 10

October 26 - November 4

March 1 - 10

December 12 - 16

March 22 - 31

January 11 - 20

April 5 - 14

April 26 - May 5

REGISTER NOW FOR FALL & WINTER THEATRE EDUCATION CLASSES!

CULTURAL PARK THEATER 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

ALL TICKETS ON SALE NO

W

THEATRE

Becoming Dr. Ruth at Florida Studio Theatre starring Susan Greenhill, who will play the title role at Florida Repertory Theatre Sept. 21 - Oct. 21. Photo by Cliff Roles.

Becoming Dr. Ruth opens new season at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre announces Becoming Dr. Ruth, a moving and hilarious new comedy, will kick off its 2018-2019 season.

Playing Sept. 21 to Oct. 21 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, the run includes four nearly sold out preview performances Sept. 18 - 20. The one-woman comedy about Dr. Ruth’s harrowing life story opens the theatre's 21st season, featuring a powerhouse nine-show lineup in the theatre's two venues.

"We are delighted to be celebrating our third decade with this diverse section of plays and musicals," said interim artistic director Jason Parrish. "Dr. Ruth’s unbelievable life story is a profile in courage, and we are so pleased welcome Chris Clavelli back to direct the production with Susan Greenhill, a veteran of the regional stage, in the title role. This play is moving, incredibly funny, and a fascinating look at a life well-lived, and full of Dr. Ruth’s signature personality and charm. It is not to be missed.”

Becoming Dr. Ruth by Mark St. Germain is harrowing true story of how a little girl fled the Nazis to become one of the most empowering voices of the 20th century. Greenhill is no stranger to the role, having appeared as Dr. Ruth at Studio Theatre in Sarasota and at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

Clavelli returns to direct the production after his work on last year's season opener, Outside Mullingar and a recent production at Sarasota's newest professional company, Dog Days Theatre. Clavelli leads set designer Bert Scott (Over the River and Through the Woods), costume designer Jacqueline Loy (Florida Rep debut), lighting and projection designer Rob Siler (Disgraced), sound designer 6 - September 2018

Katie Lowe and ensemble stage manager Amy Massari (George Washington’s Teeth).

The 2018–2019 season showcases Florida Rep's signature ensemble of artists in a variety of roles and projects and introduces a record number of Broadway and regional theatre veterans making their Florida Rep debuts.

This year begins the company's third decade of producing nationally-recognized, professional theatre in the Fort Myers River District, and is set to run through May 5, 2019, with a line-up that includes Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling; the regional premiere of a heartstopping psychological thriller, Damascus; a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol; Tenderly, a salute to Rosemary Clooney; August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Fences; the Noël Coward farce Hay Fever; Broadway's rock 'n' roll sensation Million Dollar Quartet; and one of the most produced new comedies of the last year, Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías.

Tickets are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488. Tickets are at $55 and $49 for regular performances, and $35 and $29 for previews. Subscriptions start as low as $150 for six plays and offer the best seats and the most significant savings, and are available through the box office. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also new this year, guests will find limited free parking available two hours before show times. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson & Hendry streets.

Happenings Magazine

The Wizard of Oz CULTURAL PARK THEATER

on stage in Cape Coral

By Michael Moran The Cultural Park Theatre’s 2018-2019 season opens Sept.

7 with their production of the timeless musical The Wizard of Oz. This heartwarming tale is based on L. Frank Baum’s immensely popular children’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” written in 1900. The story is centered around a young girl, Dorothy Gale, played by Marlo Moore, who has big dreams of adventuring out from her all too predictable home life of living on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, portrayed by Erica Aichholz, and Uncle Henry, acted by Luis Teeter.

Dorothy’s not so friendly neighbor, Miss Almira Gulch, performed by Maryann Connolly, is determined to have Dorothy’s pet dog, Toto, impounded, causing Dorothy to take Toto and run away from home. Not too far along the way she meets Professor Marvel, acted by David Hernandez, and as he listens to her troubles and after much persuasion, he convinces her to return home.

As Dorothy travels back to the farm, a cyclone approaches and she and Toto take shelter in her home. The home is torn off the foundation and Dorothy is knocked unconscious; when the storm finally stops she awakens to find herself in a strange and beautiful place, Munchkin Land.

It is here that she is met by the townspeople, the munchkins, who congratulate her for saving them from the Wicked Witch of the East as they sing “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”. The revelry abruptly ends with The Wicked Witch of the West Happenings Magazine

swooping in and demanding to know who killed her sister.

Suddenly Glinda, the Good Witch from the North, comes to Dorothy’s rescue and gives her the ruby slippers that belong to The Wicked Witch of the East.

The Wicked Witch of the West played by Lexi Falance flies off but threatens Dorothy with revenge. Dorothy implores Glinda to help her get back to her home, so Glinda directs Dorothy to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” to the Emerald City to implore the Great Wizard of Oz to help her. It is on this road that she encounters three new friends, The Scarecrow, acted

by Harvey Evans, The Tin Man, portrayed by Nicholas Teeter, and the Lion performed by Scotty Wells. All four travel together in search of The Wizard of Oz in hopes of making their dreams come true.

Many adventures fall along the way, but in the end all four of the traveling companions find their way as Dorothy finds out what true happiness is.

This wonderful musical has Tyler Young and Samantha Pudlin as the directors, with Rachel Salerno as music director and Sami Doherty as choreographer.

The play will run Sept. 7 through Sept. 16 with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children 12 years and under. Group rates are available. The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. and you can order tickets at the box office by calling 239-772-5862 or at the theater from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. We accept credit cards and there is no booking fee.

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

September 2018 - 7

The Mousetrap THE CHARLOTTE PLAYERS

THEATRE

opens Sept. 7 at Langdon Playhouse Cut off by a snowstorm at Monkswell Manor in England, a group of guests discover, to their horror, that one of them is a murderer. Who can it be?

Find out on Sept. 7, when The Charlotte Players presents Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at the Langdon Playhouse, 1100 Market Circle, Port Charlotte.

Director Ken Crisp has assembled a talented cast of eight, who are all suspects.

One by one, they reveal their sordid pasts until the murderer’s shocking identity and motive are revealed.

The action takes place in the manor’s great room, a beautiful and functional set designed by Crisp and built by veteran Charlotte Players scenic designer Chris Smith.

The Mousetrap, which originally starred Richard Attenborough, opened in

London’s West End in 1952 and never closed to this day, becoming the world’s longestrunning play by far. The Players is presenting seven performances from Sept. 7 16, with evening shows at 7 p.m. and Sunday curtains at 2 p.m. (Sept. 9 and 16). Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and may be ordered online at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-2551022.

Two major, one-night-only events are also on tap for the Charlotte Players in September. The sixth annual Comedy for a Cause takes place on Sept. 14 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. Fans and supporters are invited to visit the Comedy for a Cause Facebook page and follow the links to donate on behalf of their favorite per-

The mysterious Major Metcalf (Rudi Wolfahrt) looks askance at Mrs. Boyle (Joyce Cleary), who is not pleased.

Mollie (Kyle Marie) swoons over the young and handsome Christopher Wren (David Watson).

8 - September 2018

formers. The total raised by cast members will determine the People’s Choice Award winner. To view the leader board, visit online at www.crowdrise.com/2018Co medyforaCause. Tickets for the Players’ major fundraiser are $65 for a VIP dinner and show table seating, with show-only tickets priced at $25. Both are available at www.charlotteplayers.org.

On Sept. 21, join David Watson as he presents his final show before entering the Navy in October. In David & Friends, the longtime Players actor and vocalist will be joined by five similarly talented local singers: Dawn Carpenter, Melissa Cripps, Rachel Dalangauskas, Daulton Lunsford and Randy Mannella. Tickets for this show are $15 and may be ordered at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022. Ken Crisp is directing David & Friends.

Happenings Magazine

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS

Anna in the Tropics

By Nilo Cr uz

SEPT. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 8 p.m.

Half Price

Preview Sept. 13

SW Florida

PREMIERE

SEPT. 23, 29 & 30 at 2 p.m.

www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers

Happenings Magazine

September 2018 - 9

THEATRE

LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

Anna in the Tropics In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Laboratory Theater of Florida offers the Southwest Florida premiere of Anna in the Tropics, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Nilo Cruz.

Set in a cigar factory in 1929 Ybor City, this is a steamy tale of everyday CubanAmericans who spend their days meticulously rolling cigars while being entertained by a lector who reads to them while they work. When the new lector chooses to read Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” themes of love, infidelity, violence and debt reflect the lives of the cigar rollers, encouraging them to reconnect and rediscover their passions.

Director Annette Trossbach says, “This is a rich and romantic drama about passionate people in a pressure-cooker of Florida heat and stagnation within their cigar business, struggling to stay relevant without taking the risk of changing. As the lector reads from ‘Anna Karenina,’ the listeners fall under its spell and are fueled by its passion and imme-

Isaac Osin, Carmen Rivera, Chloe Tsai and Grace Hernandez

Carmen Rivera and David Pimentel

10 - September 2018

diacy. It’s a sensuous piece, intimate and romantic on the one hand, and then flashing into violence.”

Both English and Spanish are spoken in this play.

A running translation of both the Spanish and the English will be projected above the stage.

The cast includes Carmen Rivera, Miguel Cintron, David Pimentel, Chloë Tsai, Ronaldo Chico Guido, Isaac Osin, Grace Hernandez, Ernesto Lasso de la Vega, Abe Hernandez and Dan Hernandez.

This play is supported by The World Famous Cigar Bar in downtown Fort Myers and Robert Schmidt.

Anna in the Tropics plays from Sept. 14 - 30 at the Laboratory

Theater of Florida.

Performance dates are as follows: Sept.

14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 23, 29 and 30 at 2 p.m Sept. 13 is a halfprice preview night.

On Sept 15, pizza and a free show for teenagers, starts at 6:30 p.m., reservations required. A community talk back will be held post-performance on Sept. 20.

Tickets are available to purchase at www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-2180481. For additional savings, guests may purchase a 2018-2019 season pass.

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

For more information, visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com Happenings Magazine

Off Broadway Palm season starts Sept. 27

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre will kick off its new season on Sept. 27. The Off Broadway Palm productions:

Don't Dress for Dinner (Sept. 27 – Nov. 10) When Bernard’s wife decides to visit her mother for a few days, he makes plans to spend a romantic weekend with his chic, new, Parisian mistress in his charming converted French farmhouse. He invites his friend Robert as an alibi, but when his wife finds out Robert will be in town, she changes her plans for a surprise tryst of her own. An evening of sidesplitting confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed!

Winter Wonderettes (Nov. 15 – Dec. 25)

The Marvelous Wonderettes are the entertainers at Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party and like every year, Mr. Harper is scheduled to pass out the employee bonuses. When Mr. Harper doesn’t show, one of the girls goes to find him, but instead finds what she thinks are the bonuses, but they’re not and everyone is in for a big surprise.

Midlife 2! (Jan. 10 – Feb. 23) The follow up to the hilarious Mid-Life The Crisis Musical, Midlife 2! takes us back into the middle ages once again with a hilariously tuneful look at the aches, pains, and joys of getting older. From ever-increasing trips to the doctor's office, to the horrifying moment when one qualifies

for a senior discount, the aging Baby Boomers and beyond are sure to see their lives reflected in this brand new, witty musical revue.

Mama Won't Fly (Feb. 28 - April 28)

A race against the clock begins when Savannah Sprunt Fairchild Honeycutt agrees to get her feisty mother all the way from Alabama to California in time for her brother’s wedding.

Savannah’s problem: Mama Won’t Fly. So three generations embark on a hilarious road trip where they meet family, friends, strangers and each other along the way.

Sex Please, We're Sixty (June 6 - July 21)

Mrs. Stancliffe’s Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years. Her guests, most of which are women, return year after year.

Next-door neighbor, “Bud the Stud” thinks they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The fun begins as three women arrive and turn the table on Bud and Mrs. Stancliffe’s suitor, Henry, in a hysterical attempt to show the men who is the smarter sex.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings (no Tuesday evening performances May through October) with select matinees. For more information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call (239) 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Murderers Sept. 27 at Theatre Conspiracy Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts continues its 25th consecutive season with Murderers, a killer comedy by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by June Koc. The show runs Sept. 27 - 29 and Oct. 4 - 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.

Gerald, Lucy and Minka: they look like everyday people, and each relates to us as they would a trusted friend. But they have Happenings Magazine

one dark secret in common: they’re murderers.

Homicide has never been so hilarious in this quirky whodunit show. Set in Riddle Key Retirement Center in Riddle, FL, three unlikely killers justify their crimes in the most outrageous ways.

For tickets or more info, call 239-939-2787, visit 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, or go to www.ArtInLee.org/Theatre.

September 2018 - 11

THEATRE

Sarah Cammarata

Chris Duir

Chasdan Mike

Let’s Go Erica Clare

Kira Galindo

Chris Trimboli

To The Movies on stage at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm opens its 26th season with Let’s Go and is also well known for his role of the Cowardly Lion in To The Movies playing Aug. 30 through Sept. 29.

The Wizard of Oz. In addition, he created and directed Enjoy a fun-filled trip back in time with this musical Yesterday’s: The 50s and 60s Musical and Groovin’: The comedy revue highlighting movies and movie stars you 60s and 70s Musical. know and love. Broadway Palm is offerThe cast includes Sarah ing a season opener special, and all tickCammarata, Erica Clare, Chris Duir, ets are just $50 for dinner and the show.

Kira Galindo, Chasdan Ross Mike and Join Victor Legarreta and his cast as Chris Trimboli. Broadway Palm audithey sing and dance their way through ences may remember Cammarata as movie history. This all-movie musical Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Duir as revue will feature scenes and songs Bert in Mary Poppins, Mike as Judas in from all of your favorite movies and Jesus Christ Superstar and Trimboli as movie musicals such as Titanic, Grease, Magaldi in Evita. Galindo has appeared Indiana Jones, Moulin Rouge, Singin’ in in several productions at Broadway the Rain, Forrest Gump, Chicago and Palm and in The Off Broadway Palm more! You may even be treated to surand Clare is making her debut at the prise guest appearances by “the movie theatre. stars” themselves! You’ll laugh, sing Performances are Wednesday along and become part of the action. So, through Sunday evenings with select get your tickets, click your heels together matinees. Broadway Palm is offering a three times and say “There’s no place “Season Opener Special” and all tickets like Broadway Palm…..There’s no place are just $50 for dinner and the show. like Broadway Palm…”

Tickets are now on sale and can be Writer, director and choreographer for reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by Let’s Go To The Movies is the ever popvisiting BroadwayPalm.com or by stopular Victor Legarreta. Legarreta shined ping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Victor Legarreta this summer as Oliver Warbucks in Annie Blvd. in Fort Myers.

12 - September 2018

Happenings Magazine

Naples Players season will resume in October

The Naples Players 65th anniversary season will resume in October with the most exciting lineup in their history. TNP’s 2018-2019 season is packed with dazzling musicals including Chicago, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Guys & Dolls, heartfelt comedies, magical adventures and even a world premiere show.

The new season began with Chicago the musical in July. Next up for The Naples Players is Peter and The Starcatcher playing Oct. 3 - 28 in Blackburn Hall.

“Our 65th anniversary season showcases the reasons that The Naples Players has become one of the leading theatres of its kind in the country,” says The Naples Players artistic director Bryce Alexander. “Presenting three classic American musicals – with full orchestras to accompany the casts – the season celebrates the styles of music and dance that have defined the best of Broadway. The season also features a world premiere play written by a local playwright, as well as classic works that articulate the funny, thought-provoking, and touching ideals that represent our community. We are thrilled that this diverse offering will provide Southwest Florida with the high-quality, fully realized artistic productions that our seasoned and novice theatre-lovers will be able to enjoy together. A season about dreams, and the way we achieve our dreams together – we could think of no better way to celebrate the last 65 years while looking forward to the next.”

Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and The Starcatcher is written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. It will be performed in Blackburn Hall Oct. 3 - 28.

Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up Happenings Magazine

(a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair... and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

Also in October, The Naples Players will present June and Jason’s Survival Guide to Divorce by Laura Lorusso. The play will run Oct. 24 - Nov. 18 in the Tobye Studio. Reminiscent of great sitcom humor, this quick-witted comedy introduces an unforgettable collection of zany neighbors and friends who try to save June and Jason from a looming divorce.

In November, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will be presented on stage in Blackburn Hall. White Christmas is based on the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, and book by David Ives and Paul Blake. It will run Nov. 28 - Dec. 23.

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-anddance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.”

New subscriptions are available now. Individual tickets will be available for purchase for TNP members on Aug. 20 and to the public on Sept. 4. Tickets and information for all performances are available at www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.

September 2018 - 13

THEATRE

Gulfshore Playhouse names new managing director;

An Iliad starts the new season Oct. 20 in Naples

Gulfshore Playhouse in is joining us at a pivotal point Naples has named Joel in our history as we embark on Markus as its new managing a new theatre and education director. center that will leave a lasting Originally from Miami, cultural legacy for generations Markus’ 25-year career has to come. I’m looking forward to taken him to some of our our work together.” nation’s leading professional At Walnut Street Theatre, regional theatres. Most recentMarkus produced Broadway ly, Markus served as the proscale musicals, including duction manager at the Walnut Annie, Grease, Mamma Mia, Street Theatre in Philadelphia, Memphis and many more.

America’s oldest theatre, with Markus frequently brokered an annual operating budget of co-productions between Joel Markus $16 million. Markus has regional theatres that were played integral roles in the prostates apart, making efficient duction of hundreds of plays use of resources to enrich the over ten seasons at the Indiana Repertory cultural landscape and exchange for both Theatre, four years at Geva Theatre Center communities. Markus was awarded with a in Rochester, N.Y., five seasons at the Creative Renewal Fellowship by the Arts Weston Playhouse in Vermont, American Council of Indianapolis and Eli Lilly to study Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisc., and the production values of Cirque du Soleil.

North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Over many years, Markus has had a frontMass. row seat to the complex work of extraordi“We are excited about Joel’s experience, nary professional theatres around the wisdom and dedication to the arts,” said nation.

Kristen Coury, Gulfshore Playhouse’s “I’m honored to join Gulfshore founder and producing artistic director. “He Playhouse, a truly dynamic and inspiring

14 - September 2018

theatre that has grown exponentially in just 14 years,” said Markus. “I’m passionate about investing the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career – in both the business and artistic side of theatre – to an already thriving organization. I’m looking forward to strengthening and enhancing the theatre’s long-term strategic planning and operational efforts as it transitions into its new home.”

Markus’ primary responsibilities as managing director include overseeing day-to-day business affairs; working cooperatively with the executive team to ensure Gulfshore Playhouse is financially and operationally strengthened through efficient use of theatre resources; overseeing the staff, representatives, consultants and other project managers as well as human resources; setting and meeting the organization’s financial and operational goals; and guiding the implementation of Gulfshore Playhouse’s strategic plans to ensure a sustainable, longstanding, and fiscally responsible future.

Gulfshore Playhouse kicks off its new season with An Iliad on stage Oct. 20 – Nov. 4 at The Norris Center in Naples. For more info, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).

Happenings Magazine

Southwest Florida 2018-2019 SEASON

THEATRE

Florida Repertory Theatre

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

Steel Magnolias Oct. 16 - Nov. 7

A Christmas Carol Nov. 27 - Dec. 19

Broadway Palm

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

Letʼs Go to the Movies Aug. 30 - Sept. 29

42nd Street

Oct. 4 - Nov. 17

In the ArtStage Studio Theatre

Becoming Dr. Ruth Sept. 21 - Oct. 21

Damascus

Nov. 6 - Dec. 9

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical Dec. 18 - Feb. 25

Native Gardens April 2 - May 5

16 - September 2018

Madrigal Dinner Nov. 29 - Dec. 1

Dec. 29 – Feb. 9

Feb. 14 – March 30

March 19 - April 10

Sept. 14

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda

Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda

Nov. 22 – Dec. 25

Feb. 12 - March 6

Million Dollar Quartet

Comedy for a Cause

Elf the Musical

Saturday Night Fever

Hay Fever

941-255-1022 charlotteplayers.org

First Alliance Church, Port Charlotte

Fences

Jan. 8 - 30

Charlotte Players

Guys and Dolls

Singin in the Rain Feb. 15 - 24

Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical

Off Broadway Palm

April 4 – May 12

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

May 16 – June 15

Sept. 27 - Nov. 10

Little Shop of Horrors Beauty and the Beast June 20 – Aug. 10

BIG ARTS

Herb Strauss Theater

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

Donʼt Dress for Dinner Winter Wonderettes Nov. 15 - Dec. 25

Mid-Life 2

Jan. 10 – Feb. 23

Mama Wonʼt Fly Feb. 28 – April 28

Sex Please, Weʼre 60 June 6 - July 21

Happenings Magazine

Naples Players 239-263-7990 701 5th Ave. S, Naples naplesplayers.org In Blackburn Hall

Peter and the Starcatcher Oct. 3 - 28

Irving Berlinʼs White Christmas Nov. 28 - Dec. 23

Donʼt Dress for Dinner Jan. 16 - Feb. 10

Guys and Dolls March 6 - April 7

Lost in Yonkers May 1 - 26

In the Tobye Studio

June & Jasonʼs Survival Guide to Divorce Oct. 24 - Nov. 18

Marjorie Prime Feb. 6 - March 3

Always a Bridesmaid March 27 - April 20

FGCU Theatre

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers 239-745-4268 fgcu.edu/theatrelab

Urinetown the Musical Oct. 11 - 14

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Nov. 30 - Dec. 9

Machinal

Feb. 15 - 24

Life is a Dream April 5 - 14

Happenings Magazine

TheatreZone

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

Urinetown the Musical Oct. 11 - 14 at FGCU

Home for the Holidays Dec. 7 - 9

The Mystery of Edwin Drood Jan. 10 - 20

AIDA

Feb. 7 - 17

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever March 7 - 17

And the World Goes Round April 25 - May 5

Marco Players

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

Rehearsal for Murder Oct. 24 - Nov. 11

Four One-Act Comedies Nov. 28 - Dec. 16

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

Burn This

Jan. 11 - Feb. 3

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike March 8 - 24

Gulfshore Playhouse

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

An Iliad

Oct. 20 - Nov. 4

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Nov. 17 - Dec. 30

The Revolutionists Jan. 12 - Feb. 3

In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play Feb. 16 - March 10

Holmes and Watson March 23 - April 21

Skylight

Come Blow Your Horn

May 4 - 26

Feb. 6 - 24

Island Theater Company

Jan. 2 - 20

Spreading It Around The Savannah Sipping Society March 13 - 31

239-394-0080 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco theateronmarco.com

April 10 - 28

Nov. 16 - 18

Black Tie

The Wizard of Oz

Singing Broadway III Feb. 7 - 10

September 2018 - 17

THEATRE SEASON PREVIEW

Artis–Naples

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

The Sound of Music Dec. 26 - 29

Les Miserables Jan. 29 - Feb. 3

Waitress

Feb. 19 - 24

Fiddler on the Roof March 12 - 17

School of Rock April 2 - 7

Van Wezel

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

The King & I Dec. 4 - 5

The Sound of Music Dec. 19 - 20

On Your Feet Dec. 26 - 30

Something Rotten Jan. 7 - 8

Stomp Feb. 17

Finding Neverland Feb. 19 - 20

The Lion King March 14 - 31

RENT

April 9 - 10

18 - September 2018

Cultural Park Theater

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

The Wizard of Oz Sept. 7 - 16

A Wedding in Tuscany Oct. 5 - 14

Donʼt Drink the Water Oct. 26 - Nov. 4

Spectacular Christmas Dec. 12 - 16

Jesus Christ Superstar Jan. 11 - 20

The Butler Did It Feb. 1 - 10

Chicago

March 1 - 10

Ripcord

March 22 - 31

Broken Hearts April 5 - 14

Lend Me A Tenor April 26 - May 5

Center for Performing Arts 239-495-8989 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs artcenterbonita.org

Theatre Conspiracy 239-936-3239 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers theatreconspiracy.org

Repossessed Aug. 16 - 26

Murderers

Sept. 27 - Oct. 7

The Elephant Man Nov. 8 - 18

The Agitators Jan. 17 - 27

Marian or The True Tale of Robin Hood Feb. 7 - 17

Joe Turnerʼs Come and Gone March 1 - 17

Rancho Mirage May 9 - 19

Venice Theatre

941-488-1115 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice venicestage.com

Peter & The Starcatcher Sept. 7 - 16

Lend Me a Tenor Sept. 21 - Oct. 7

South Pacific Oct. 26 - Dec. 2

Always ... Patsy Cline Jan. 11 - Feb. 3

42nd Street

Feb. 22 - March 24

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof April 12 - 28

Happenings Magazine

Langdon Playhouse

Laboratory Theater of Florida

Performing Arts Hall

The Mousetrap

Anna in the Tropics

The Wizard of Oz

941-255-1022 1182 Market Circle, Murdock charlotteplayers.org Sept. 7 - 16

Visiting Mr. Green Oct. 12 - 21

Arsenic & Old Lace Nov. 8 - 18

The Ladies Foursome Jan. 5 - 20

Right Bed, Wrong Husband Feb. 1 - 17

239-218-0481 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida.org Sept. 14 - 30

Hand to God Oct. 19 - Nov. 4

24 Hour Playwriting Project Nov. 17

Every Christmas Story Ever Told Nov. 30 - Dec. 22

A Guy, a Girl, A Piano Jan. 4 - 6

Steel Magnolias

Hedwig & the Angry Inch

April 11 - 28

Feb. 22 - March 16

March 8 - 24

Sex Please, Weʼre 60 Jack Bennyʼs Not 39 Anymore May 17 - 25

Ghostbird Theatre Company Various Venues ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org

Windowstories Oct. 5

Boxes are for What We Keep Nov. 10 - 18

Everyone on this Train Jan. 18 - 26

24 Hour Festival March 3

Happenings Magazine

Jan. 18 - Feb. 3

And the Winner Is ...

Andorra

March 29 - April 14

The Immigration Project Play TBA

New Phoenix Theatre

13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214 newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org

Marvinʼs Room Jan. 10 - 27

La Cage aux Folles March 7 - 31

The Shadow Box May 2 - 19

Rumors

June 13 - 30

Barbara B. Mann

239-481-4849 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers bbmannpah.com Dec. 5 & 6

On Your Feet!

Jan. 1 - 6

A Bronx Tale Jan. 23 - 27

Monty Pythonʼs Spamalot Feb. 5 - 10

Les Miserables Feb. 19 - 24

Tap Dogs

March 5 - 10

Disneyʼs The Lion King April 3 - 21

Firehouse Community Theatre 863-675-3066 241 N. Bridge St, LaBelle firehousecommunitytheatre.com

Boeing, Boeing Oct. 26 - Nov. 4

Assisted Living: The Musical Nov. 30 - Dec. 9

Love, Lies and the Doctorʼs Dilemma Jan. 18 - 27

Farce of Habit Feb. 8 - 17

12 Angry Jurors March 22 - 31

September 2018 - 19

ART

Beyond the Tattoo exhibit at DAAS Co-Op

sition and destruction, using In September, DAAS Coalla prima oil painting techOp Art Gallery & Gifts will niques, textures and muted present a collective exhibition colors. entitled Beyond the Tattoo.

Spencer Elles (Sp33n) is A meet and greet recepa visual artist and illustrator. tion is scheduled for Saturday, He also goes by the Sept. 8 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. moniker Duke Stamina, as Tattoo and fine artists Ananda a musician, writer, activist Warrick, David Dotts, Erin and aspiring animator. As Kraepel and Spencer Elles an artist, he has worked as will be presenting a series of a freelance graphic designworks, influenced by their proer for print and web, as well fessional and creative as a commissioned artist of careers. homoerotic art. He is also Ananda Warrick started an amateur music producer, her tattoo apprenticeship with videographer and father of Andy Howl from HOWL two perfect cats. Elles is Gallery in 2011. Then, she David Dotts currently working toward a went by the name of Mandalin career in the field of tattooand her fine artwork ranged in artist and wish to embeling. “I find myself being very mediums from installations to paintings porAnanda Warrick lish the art community intellectually attracted to tattraying dreamy, surrealist subject matters. with curious and chaltooing by the interesting “Sometimes people would question if my work lenging works,” says competitive culture surwas finished because of its' washy, abstract Dotts, who seeks to become proficient in all rounding it that relies on a heavy drive to seek qualities,” says Warrick. “Tattooing professiontattoo styles, thus finding influences for his individual stylistic personality,” says Elles who ally these past five years has impacted my fine art while finding new avenues to explore is currently an apprentice of tattooist Andy artwork dramatically by sharpening my attenartistically.

Howl. tion to detail and cultivating appreciation for Erin Kraepel is a self-taught artist whose All art lovers and collectors are invited to clean line work and easy to read imagery.” artistic focus revolves around creating narrathe opening reception Sept. 8 starting at 6 Warrick said she sees tattooing as a collabotives and statements, using fantastic elements p.m. The exhibition will be on display through ration between client and artist to create work and abstractions of the human form. Kraepel Oct. 6. For more information about the gallery, that is polished, controlled and designed to was born and raised in Detroit where he found visit www.daascoop.com or call 239-590-8645. last a lifetime. an interest in art at a very young age. After DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery is located in the David Dotts began drawing at an early dropping out of Wayne State University to purRoyal Palm Square, in the SoCo Cultural age. “Through my love for art I enjoyed expersue a career in tattooing, he took an introducDistrict (www.socoswfl.com), at 1400 Colonial imenting with different mediums, which I still tory oil painting class at a community college.

Blvd., suite 84 in Fort Myers. Current off-seado today. I believe my works exhibit qualities This is where he found his focus. For this son business hours are Wednesday to of expressionism, surrealism, abstract, and exhibition, his pieces will be focusing on tranSaturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. minimalism. I enjoyed being a multi-disciplined

NAA supports strategic plan for the arts in Collier County

By Aimee Schlehr As the home for the arts in and around Collier County, we know first hand the impact that the arts have on the community and its citizens. So, when the United Arts Council recently unveiled a national survey finding that found that the arts bring $44 million annually – or $880 million over 20 years - into Collier County, we weren’t shocked. We were shocked, however, to find that when this significant news was announced it seemed to fall on our community leaders’ deaf ears and even worse, Collier County quietly approved a new hotel bed tax for a sports complex that would bring in $468 million in that same amount of time.

Aimee Schlehr Keep in mind that public funds for the arts have only ever been available through the tourism development budget. Most funding comes directly from the arts organization’s own pockets.

After some constructive criticism from area arts leaders, including 20 - September 2018

myself, Collier County leaders are ready to put their money where their mouth is. Finally.

County commissioners recently offered matching funds up to $50,000 for a consultant to help it develop an arts and culture strategic plan. This is the first step in retaining our arts heavy reputation.

The Naples Art Association is thrilled with leaders like Penny Taylor, fourth district commissioner, shining a light on the economic impact of the arts in Collier County. She is ready to study the arts and how we can leverage the current funding to increase cultural tourism. This will further solidify Collier County as a cultural destination.

The proposal for a strategic plan, unanimously approved June 12, could nail down specific goals and resources and bring all of us arts agencies together. This plan will not only give us direction, it will help us when applying for grants and additional funding, which is huge.

We want to thank Ms. Taylor for her leadership in this project and look forward to improving our already flourishing arts scene.

Aimee Schlehr is CEO/Executive Director, The Naples Art Association Happenings Magazine

Kitt Moran

Kitt Moran earns top prize at Color exhibit in Punta Gorda

The winners of the Visual Arts Center’s exhibit Color were announced at the July 27 opening reception. Sarasota artist Cecile Moran judged the show.

Regionally famed oil painter Kitt Moran received first prize for her painting “Year of the Girl” as it exemplified the qualities of Color and was infused with the subject’s personality.

All of the winners in Color are: First prize: Year of the Girl by Kitt Moran Second prize: FL Palm by Audrey Chiaradio Third prize: Ssssnake by Kaytee Esser First merit: Second Chance

by Barbara Albin Second merit: Inspired by Jill Lindsay Happenings Magazine

Third merit: Hiding in the Blooms V by Linda Lee FosterPaul Fourth merit: Paris Night Heron by Kim Seidell Fifth merit: Sunny Days by Shari Robinson 3D merit: Wreck of Yellow Submarine Found Yesterday by Barry Thorne Jewelry merit: Dusk, Moths and Merlot by Tamara Hager Photography merit: Beach Chairs and Bridges by Mike Fortier Color was on display in the Visual Arts Center’s Main Gallery until Aug. 24. The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda, and can be reached at (941) 639-8810 or at www.VisualArtCenter.org for more details.

September 2018 - 21

Jonathan Kane Retrospective ART

at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center will host Jonathan Kane Retrospective: 1957-2017 exhibit from Sept. 7 – 28.

The show, curated by Heather Nigro, covers the entire range of Kane’s work.

The 40-year-plus timeframe begins with Kane’s teenage years as a precocious amateur and young staff photographer at a local Naples newspaper. It moves on to his experimentation with different styles during his years at art schools in Florida and California, and as an unhappy young urban professional. It ends with the considerable volume of experimental nudes produced upon Kane’s return to Naples in the early 2000s. The media presented also covers the entire range of Kane’s work: Almost archival black & white photos that capture Southwest Florida of the 1970s (and echoes of it in the 2000s); humorous manipulated SX-70 Polaroid images; collages; and highly inventive digital color, primarily nudes. As he stated on his website, “I strive to create images that are surreal and mysterious, but grounded in human emotion and my own experience.”

Jonathan Kane was born in Miami Beach in 1957, but moved at an early age with his family to Bradenton and Naples, where he attended primary and middle school, and graduated from Naples High School in 1976. He began his photography career as a yearbook photographer at Naples High.

He later became a staff photographer at The Naples Star, a local newspaper where he covered society events and shot advertisements. He then went to art school at the University of Florida in Gainesville and the San Francisco Art Institute in Northern California. After art school, he initially worked as a passport and freelance photographer, before embarking on a brief career in finance – while still pursuing photography on the side. Due to health issues, he returned home to Naples in 2002, where he produced a significant volume of digital color photos, as well as occasional collages and black & white photos, as a full-time photographer. He died on Sept. 26, 2017 as a result of chronic kidney and heart disease.

Profits from the sales of his work during

the show will go to benefit the National Kidney Foundation.

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

Syzygy: Nick Masiello and Danielle Branchaud present Urban Dreamscape

The two incredible Southwest Florida artists known as Syzygy are featured this month in the Capital Gallery on the second floor of the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center.

The collective art project between Danielle Branchaud and Nick Masiello presents the sophisticated series “Urban Dreamscape,” electrifying in both its beauty and its concept.

Experience this art opening on Friday, Sept.7 during Art Walk.

Individually, Syzygy artists Nick Masiello and Danielle Branchaud have earned a respected place in the SWFL art community.

Nick Masiello, born in Dover, Del., and raised in Port Charlotte, Fla., earned his art degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and has since been actively exhibiting, curating and developing an impressive body of work. Working largely in abstraction and an urban expressionistic style, his artwork reflects social commentary and 22 - September 2018

greater issues around current events, as well as exploration of personal themes. Currently, Masiello operates out of his studio in Fort Myers and is working as a studio assistant to Marcus Jansen and Darryl Pottorf.

Danielle Branchaud was born in Canada, but was raised in Southwest Florida. She earned her fine arts degree from the University of Central Florida, and after relocating to Fort Myers she began exhibiting her work with local galleries. She has spent the past several years developing series works on canvas, through the exclusive use of acrylic paints, depicting figurative dreamscapes detailing psychological states.

She has had four successful solo exhibitions in Fort Myers at Arts for ACT, Howl, and Daas galleries.

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

Happenings Magazine

NAPLES ART ASSOCIATION

Scene to Be Seen

Artist Biya Ramarʼs work on the runway at Scene to be Seen.

Photo by Louis Venne.

will return on Nov. 1

While wearable art shows are hosted all over the country, just last year there had never been one in Naples. The Naples Art Association changed that with the creation of the inaugural Scene to be Seen event which highlighted the glamour and sophistication of fine art through high fashion.

This event has become one of the season’s most sought after events.

Before the fully-staged runway show which will showcase more than 25 local and international artists’ work, guests will enjoy a dynamic welcome reception complete with delicious hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails all in an immersive atmosphere allowing the opportunity to socialize and experience the artists’ process and work first-hand. After the show, artists from Los Angeles, New York, Philippines, and Italy as well as here in SW Florida will have their work on display and available for purchase. And, the night wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous after-party with music and a full cash bar.

And, it’s not only the artists who enjoy the experience of Happenings Magazine

showcasing their work to an audience of art lovers. The models do too.

“Modeling for Scene to Be Seen last year was so much fun! I am brand new to modeling, but it’s a big dream of mine to be able to grow my career,” said Kaia Geissinger. “The Scene to be Seen show not only gave me valuable experience, but also connected me with other models and artists that I am still friends with today. The artist that I partnered with has even had me model for her in other shows around the state of Florida. This show is unique because we get to model pieces of art. It felt like we were modeling in Miami or New York.”

And, Scene to be Seen is an important fundraising tool for the NAA. It raises funds for outreach programs for deserving students at area nonprofits.

Scene to be Seen: An Art Runway Show will take place on Friday, Nov. 1 at the NAA. Tickets are $200 per VIP ticket or $100 for general admission ticket. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.naplesart.org/scenetobeseen/ or by calling 239-262-6517.

September 2018 - 23

ART

Visual Arts Center launches new event

Matt Stock

Matt Stock images on display at Museum of the Everglades

The Museum of the Everglades presents “Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades” by photographer Matt Stock. The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 2 at the Museum of the Everglades, 105 W. Broadway, Everglades City.

Through a series of photographs mainly captured at night, this work explores the interaction between man and nature as seen through night-time environmental portraits of vehicles long abandoned in the Everglades ecosystem. Over the years, these man-made objects have become a part of the cycle of life as flora and fauna grow around and literally through them. These images show a hidden side of the Everglades and speak concurrently to mankind attempts to conquer the Everglades.

Matt loves capturing the unique aspects of that vast and important ecosystem at night uti-

lizing his hyper-realistic, night-time technique referred to as painting with light. This photographic technique is not painting in the traditional sense because light from the entire universe becomes his paint: the sunset, sweeping star trails, and even the Milky Way along with specialized lighting equipment are all tools he utilizes to create his imagery. It is vitally important to Matt's work that every component seen in the photograph was captured on location and in real time. On set, his team meticulously illuminate a scene using specialized lighting tools feature by feature through the course of many hours and dozens of individual exposures. He then digitally combines elements of each of these exposures into a single luminous composition.

For more information, contact the Museum of the Everglades at (239) 695-0008 or visit www.CollierMuseums.com.

Museum Day Live Sept. 22 at Naples Depot

Ready for an adventure? Enjoy a special day out with the family at the Naples Depot Museum, as guests of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Day Live!

In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors on Sept. 22 for free.

The Naples Depot Museum and Collier County Museums’ four other locations are 24 - September 2018

always free throughout the year. To celebrate this special day, come tour Naples first passenger train station, ride a miniature railroad, participate in a scavenger hunt to win prizes, view various vehicles, have your face painted and join in a full day of lively, educational activities for both adults and children.

National Museum Day Live will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Avenue S, Naples.

Admission is free. For more info, call (239) 262-6525 or visit www.colliermuseums.com.

The Visual Arts Center is excited to announce its new event, The FUN Arts Festival. This month long celebration of art will begin in October and culminate with a Gala on Saturday, Nov 17 at 6 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center. Coinciding with the event, the FUN Arts Festival exhibit will feature art from artists around the area celebrating the master artists that inspire them, on display Oct. 26 – Nov. 16 in Goff Gallery.

The event is centered around six local celebrities who will be paired with six local professional artists to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The local celebs are Stacey Deffenbaugh-Meyer, Kim Devine, Dr. Corey Girwood, Carlton Hughes, Carmel Kisiday and Jake Williams. The celebrities are raising funds on Crowdrise for the chance to select their artist and support the Visual Arts Center.

At the FUN Arts Festival Gala, celebrities will unveil their creations and the community can vote for the people’s choice award. Judges will determine a winner as well. This event will be a lively reception with appetizers, entertainment, beer and wine and more. Other events to be held at the center include: Friday, Sept 21 at 5:30 p.m.: “Palette Pairings” Revealing our Celebrity and Artist Coach pairings Monday, Oct. 29 at Noon: Ribbon cutting for FUN Arts Festival Kick-off and Exhibit Saturday, Nov 17 at 6 p.m.: FUN Arts Festival Finale: Battle of the Brushes gala (tickets $50) The FUN Arts Festival is an excellent opportunity to support the Visual Arts Center. They encourage and invite you to rally behind your celeb and give them the upper edge in this fun and friendly competition. For more information, visit www.visualartcenter.org or call 941-639-8810.

The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda.

Happenings Magazine

Co-op Art Gallery @ Coconut Point Don Jones is one of the hundreds of local artists exhibiting and selling their work at the Co-operative Art Gallery of the Art Council of Southwest Florida. Don is an award-winning artist, painting in both watercolor and oil, most recently focusing on work in pastels. A member of the Southwest Florida Pastel Society, he exhibits in galleries throughout SW Florida and Georgia. His passion is plein air (meaning “outside”) painting, using that creative approach to capture the natural beauty of Florida.

The Co-operative Art Gallery, a large open venue located next to Panera in the Coconut Point Mall, exhibits the most creative art being produced by members of the Art Council’s 21 affiliated studios.

Coconut Point Mall in Estero 8074 Mediterranean Dr. (next to Panera)

239-949-3073 www.acswf.org art council of southwest f lorida

SUMMER Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 5 pm

HOURS Sunday noon - 5 pm

Happenings Magazine

(closed Mon & Tues) September 2018 - 25

Katherine Boren, Adorable Monique at ACT Gallery ART

Arts for ACT Gallery will host an opening reception Friday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. during Art Walk for artists Katherine Boren, Adorable Monique and more than 25 cooperative artists.

ACT Gallery will feature Katherine Boren in the main gallery with an exhibit “Show 50/50.” Boren is donating 50% of the proceeds to the ACT shelters. Off the main gallery in the white gallery, ACT Gallery will feature the colorful Adorable Monique showing a variety collection of bold, vibrant works.

Boren’s show will feature both new work and older works. To acknowledge her commitment to supporting the accessibility of original artwork to the community and in support of the important work of the Abuse Counseling and Treatment center, all works are offered at 50% off and 50% of the proceeds will go to ACT. Boren’s artwork continues and expands her exploration of multiple mediums evoking various emotions, events, and places utilizing nonrepresentational techniques. By focusing on using a preAdorable Monique Katherine Boren dominantly monochromatic palette and utilizing a combination of nontraditional and found materials in unexpected ways, Adorable Monique is an award-winning artist based in Southwest her new works emphasize the reflection of light, varying textures and Florida who was brought up in Central America. In her bold, vibrant shapes, and differing grades of color saturation, while addressing palette, Monique’s work invites you to look for meaning beyond color. universal experiences, environments, and feelings in an intuitive The themes are a recurring focus on identity and cultural heritage, manner. She emphasizes the use of color, form, and texture to tangible and not tangible. evoke emotional and psychological reactions to her art.

These exhibits continue through Oct. 1. Arts for ACT Gallery is Boren states that her most successful work utilizes a base hue located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For more details, and uses its shades, tones, and tints to encourage further exploration call 239-337-5050. by the viewer.

Martha Stevenson, Military Museum, Judith MacLaren at Cape Coral Library

Changing exhibits are featured in the spacious art gallery of the Cape Coral Library, which is located at 921 SW 39th Terrace. The current exhibit will run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 27.

Martha Stevenson is back with more of her cheerful and colorful artwork that will be on display on the walls of the gallery. She’s been painting up a storm since the last time she showed her work in the library and has all new, exciting pieces to display. Stevenson began exploring different forms of visual art as a child.

It was her fondness for painting on a wide variety of surfaces that lead her to join the Decorative Artists of Southwest Florida (DASF) for which she served as a past president and continues as a member and instructor. While working in the controlled style associated with decorative art, Martha discovered that painting loosely in acrylics on canvas allowed her to be more expressive. Her current signature style features lots of texture with bright colors and, as Stevenson describes it, “a little bit of funk added.”

The Southwest Florida Military Museum is 26 - September 2018

Martha Stevenson

exhibiting artifacts and memorabilia in the library gallery’s two tall display cases. Items related to the history of women in the military in one of the cases are of special interest as a preview to a Cape Coral Library program that will be presented by Military Museum director Sonia Raymond on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.

The Southwest Florida Military Museum assists in educating and enhancing cultural heritage awareness within the community. The museum’s mission is to collect, exhibit, preserve, interpret and archive United States military history from the 18th through the 21st century. The museum is located at 4820 Leonard St. in Cape Coral.

Local artist Judith MacLaren has generously offered to show some of the vintage Storybook Dolls from her personal collection. These nostalgic items will be in the Cape Coral Library’s small, mirrored display case in September.

Judith will also be displaying dollhouse furniture in the library gallery during November and December.

Happenings Magazine

Eleven Voices: FGCU Art Faculty Exhibition The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts presents “Eleven Voices: FGCU Art Faculty Exhibition,” with an opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Wasmer Art Gallery in the Arts Complex.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 4, and is made possible with the support of Gene and Lee Seidler and The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Eleven FGCU Art Department faculty show the breadth of concepts and media they explore in their art practices. New works about the environment, social justice, and other contemporary issues are on display throughout the gallery in the form of installations, sculpture, prints, paintings and more. This exhibition

Andy Owen

provides a unique opportunity to view new works and engage with the FGCU Art faculty.

The following faculty will be a part of this exhibition: Andy Owen – Printmaking, Patricia Fay – Ceramics, Michael Salmond – Digital Media, Mary Voytek – Sculpture, Morgan T. Paine – Painting, Sasha Minsky – Digital Media, Jake Hand – Painting, Geoff Hamel – Painting, Jessica Osceola – Ceramics, Ehren Gerhard – Painting/ Printmaking, James Greco – Photography.

The Wasmer Art Gallery is in the Arts Complex on FGCU’s main campus at 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. Parking for visitors to the gallery is available in Lot 7.

For more information, go to artgallery.fgcu.edu or call 239-590-7199.

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 Magazine

September 2018 - 27

SAT - 1

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

Let’s Go To The Movies Through Sept. 26 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers 239-278-4422

Harbour View Gallery artists reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, Featured artists Jerry Cowan and Susan Zablocki, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789

ACMA concert: The 502s All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org

WED - 5

Riley Green The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open 7 p.m. 239-985-9839 The Goldtones Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Bite The Bullet Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Midnite Johnny Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m., 239-333-2225 GreenMarket (every Saturday) Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers An exclusive selection of locally grown, caught and cultivated foods and other products. Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 The Naples Jazz Masters The Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3049 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Ragady Lapsey, noon-4 p.m. & Highway 1 Duo, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Second Time Around Hubcap as Art Exhibit Through Oct. 20 Center for Visual Arts 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Grand opening noon 239-495-8989 28 - September 2018

The Identity exhibit runs now through Sept. 29 at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239939-2787 for more info. “Reflecting” by Peg Cullen.

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

SUN - 2

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Jeff Hughes, 2 6 p.m., 941-575-3007 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Bonita City Limits Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Hairdaze Buddha Rock Club 12701 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Rock hits from the 80s! Doors at 7 p.m., show 10 p.m. 239-482-8565 Pioneer Days Celebration Sept. 2 & 3 W Dearborn Street, Englewood Music, food, vendors, car show, parade starts at 9 am on Sept. 3 www.englewoodpioneerdays.com

MON - 3

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Michael Hirst, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Thank God for Indie Movie Mondays (TGIM) Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Experience fresh indie films at Thank God for Indie Movie Mondays (TGIM)! This monthly event features films submitted to the Fort Myers Film Festival. Take part in deciding which movies make the cut for the 2019 festival! Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for students and seniors. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933

James Getman The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Del Prados Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 6

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Salty Paws Muttini Mingle, 5:30-8 p.m. and Singer Paul Roush at 5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Visual Arts Center Open House and Free Demos September 6 - 8 Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda 941-639-8810 Pearl & Princess Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

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

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

TUE - 4

Chamber Music Headquarters Library 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1900

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Pro Blues Jam with Jason Haram The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 VITO Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Chamber Music North Naples United Methodist Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples 4 p.m. 239-597-1900 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Happenings Magazine

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR THU - 6 CONTINUED

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

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 & bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

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

FRI - 7

Wizard of Oz Through Sept. 16 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Love That Dress!

Ritz Carlton, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples An ultimate feel-good shopping spree of the year benefiting PACE Center for Girls. 4 p.m. www.pacecenter.org Alter Ego Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

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

The Collier Museum at Government Center presents “The Lure of Florida Fishing” provided by the Museum of Florida History Traveling Exhibits program. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 29 at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-252-8476 for more details.

Chamber Music South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Charlotte Players: The Mousetrap Through Sept. 16 Langdon Playhouse, 1100 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022 Chamber Music Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Road, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900

Frank Bang and the Cook County Kings The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

Charlotte County First Friday Fun Festival Laishley Park, Punta Gorda 6:30 p.m. twuapg@outlook.com

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

Jonathan Kane Retrospective: 1957-2017 exhibit The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Opens Sept. 7 from 6 - 10 pm.

Closing Sept. 28. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933.

Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chamber Music Naples Botanical Garden Kapnick Hall 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples 10 a.m. 239-597-1900 Changing Seasons exhibit Art League of Fort Myers, 1451 Monroe St. Opening reception during Art Walk.

People’s Choice Awards. Exhibit runs Sept. 7 – 28 and is open to all Arts Council of Southwest Florida members. 239-276-3970 30 - September 2018

Kollections Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte 7 p.m. $20 & $15 CC members.

941-625-4175 ext. 215 Syzygy presents Urban Dreamscapes exhibit The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers The collective art project between Danielle Branchaud and Nick Masiello. Opens Sept. 7 from 6 - 10 pm. Closes Sept. 28. 239-333-1933 Tanya Tucker The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers Doors open 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

19th Annual "Aquarium" Exhibit Cape Coral Arts Studio 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral Exhibit opens n Aug. 31 and runs through Sept. 28. A reception to meet the artists will be held Sept. 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0802 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Tiki Tom and L.A. Daniels, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers A must do in the River District social scene is the monthly Art Walk.

Always on the First Friday, visit the many exciting galleries, exhibitions, and performances. 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersartwalk.com Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Reception for Katherine Boren and Adorable Monique exhibit, 6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050

SAT - 8

Beyond the Tattoo exhibit at DAAS Co-Op Gallery DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1400 Colonial Blvd, ste 84, Fort Myers, 6 p.m. 239-590-8645

Cindy Crowley Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Dazzling Del Rays Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Chamber Music Naples Regional Library 650 Central Avenue, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Sean Chambers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chamber Music Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Superstars Tribute Show Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte Tributes the Greatest Stars of the 60s through the 90s. Advance tickets $19 and $17 for CC members. Day of Show $19. 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x215 Riverside Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar, Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Palominos The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-985-9839 Parade For Heroes Parade starts at 47th Terrace in South Cape Coral Starts at 10 a.m. 239-549-5686 The Naples Jazz Masters The Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3049 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Happenings Magazine

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 9

FRI - 14

Paul & Quinten Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Anna in the Tropics Through Sept. 30 The Laboratory Theater of Florida 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers 239-218-0481

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

239-333-2225

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

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

Blues and Bloodys Sundays The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

MON - 10

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Cigar Box Music by Pat Cozad, 4 - 7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Chamber Music Moorings Park, Bower Chapel 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

TUE - 11

Chamber Music Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church 1225 Piper Boulevard, Naples 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 32 - September 2018

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

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is offering property tours Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., and Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. These free, onehour walking tours explore the propertyʼs colorful history and offer up-close views of the 106-year-old main building and four other historic structures that now serve as live-work spaces for visiting artists. The Hermitage Artist Retreat is located at 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Reservations are required and only available at reservations@hermitageartistretreat.org.

Frank Torino Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Pro Blues Jam with Jason Haram The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-2225

WED - 12

Chamber Music Florida Gulf Coast University U. Tobe Recital Hall, Bower School of Music, 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers, 4 p.m. 239-597-1900 David Hunter The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com James Getman The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Erich Dance Party Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

THU - 13

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Express Trio performs country classics, 5 - 8 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007

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 & bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Pearl & Princess Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Shell Factory Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Freecoasters Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples Daniels Pavilion! 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

239-597-1900 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Evenings on 5th 5th Ave. South, Naples An array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of 5th Avenue South. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

239-692-8436 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com

Galaxy Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Donnacha The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 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. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Mark Rogers Band 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, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

SAT - 15

Salty Paws Wiener Dog Derby & Nick’s Kids Show/Safety Day Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Derby 11 a.m., shows, noon -4 p.m. and music with Boomers Band, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Electric Lipstick Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Happenings Magazine

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

John Crist First Assembly of God 4701 Summerlin Rd, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. 239-936-6277

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

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

ACMA concert: Cliff Eberhardt All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. www.americanacma.org

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Trolley Event Multiple locations in Cape Coral You'll board the exclusive trolleys to travel to 11 locations where you can enjoy a specialty drink for just $2.50 at each place. 7 - 11 p.m. www.southcapeentertainment.com

SummerJazz on the Gulf Concert Series - Pocket Change Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 239-261-2222 Neon Summer Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Tiki Festival Moose Lodge, 155 Santa Barbara Blvd N, Cape Coral Free admission. Wear your favorite tropical attire! Vendors, crafts, horseshoes, cornhole, BBQ, live music, food, drinks & more! 11 a.m.

239-458-8708

Happenings Magazine

The Goldtones Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St. Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets: $17, $15 for CC Members, Day of show $20 941-625-4175 ext. 215 Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Naples Jazz Masters The Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3049

21st Annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival Sept - 15 - 16 331 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda Free Admission. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.artfestival.com Naples Players auditions Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave. S, Naples Auditions for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the musical. Noon – 6 p.m. www.naplesplayers.org or 239-434-7340 to sign up Gulf Coast Writers – M.A. Appleby Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Fort Myers Gulf Coast Writers welcome guest speaker, national award winning writer, M.A. Appleby. 10 a.m. to noon. First time guests are free. www.gulfwriters.org 770-906-7885 Del Prados Shell Factory Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trl, N. Fort Myers 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6:30p.m. music starts in the Dolphin Room, $9 at the door. 239-995-3999.

Junk in the Trunk Fest Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Get ready to SELL your treasures at one of the biggest events in Fort Myers! 9 am – 2 pm. 239-939-2787

Naples Players Comedy Night - Sports Night Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples Featuring Stage 2 Improv, each show will consist of improvisational comedy games and songs from topics suggested by the audience.

8 p.m. 239-434-7340

SUN - 16

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 A’finnity Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

September 2018 - 33

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR SUN - 16 CONTINUED

Third Thursdays on 3rd Third Street South, Naples Featuring live music by Steve Fenttiman from 6 - 9 p.m. in the Fleischmann Courtyard at 1250 Third Street South. 239-649-6707

Bluegrass Concert Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Friends of Gerald, Southwind and The Other Guys. 2 - 5 p.m.

239-939-2787

MON - 17

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Cigar Box Music by Pat Cozad, 4 - 7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Colton James Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

TUE - 18

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Paul Larson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Talent Search - The Live Show Broadway Palm Dinner Theater 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers At the end of the show, the talent management team will select one winner to receive a $2,500 cash prize and the chance to sign a record deal that includes worldwide marketing and distribution. 7 p.m.

239-980-5674 www.cmrtalentsearch.com Pro Blues Jam with Jason Haram The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Michael D’Amore Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

WED - 19

Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Del Prados Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 34 - September 2018

Here Come the Mummies return to Florida in September. They will perform Sept. 20 at Vinyl Music Hall in Pensacola, Sept. 21 at Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Sept. 22 at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall & Sept. 23 at the SW Florida Event Center in Bonita Springs.

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

THU - 20

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, noon - 3 p.m. and Singer Jim Vallie, 4 - 7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Generation Gap The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com 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 & bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

Limited Edition Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Shell Factory Sound Machine The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

So Much Drama: Starcrossed Sept. 20 - 22 Artis—Naples 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples The world’s most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet, finds new life in a magical meeting of theatre and music. World-class actors and musicians from Gulfshore Playhouse and the Naples Philharmonic will tell this epic fable of feuding families and star-crossed lovers in this special performance. 239-597-1900 Bike Night The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Free. 7 p.m. 239-995-2141 Thursday Night Live with Hipnauticals Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers 6 p.m. 239-489-1221 Animals and the Arts Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Come celebrate with Gulf Coast Humane Society and enjoy an evening of love of pets during the “Animals and the Arts” event. The event will highlight pets presented in a variety of different art mediums – including photography, canvas, music, film. 6-8 p.m. 239-939-2787 Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Join Gulf Coast Leisure. Mixed media artists, music, spoken word, and vendors are all highlighted each month. Sign up early to perform, or be a part of the audience and enjoy this interactive music and art showcase. 8 p.m. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933

16th Annual Tapa Hop South Beach Grille 7205 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach Our yearly Tapa Hop features trolley transportation to seven great area restaurants each providing appetizer items or ‘tapas’ included in the price of a ticket. The event will also include raffle prizes, grand prizes and a poker run. This year’s theme is United Nations! $35. 3 - 5 p.m.

239-454-7500 Alive After Five Downtown Punta Gorda Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. the downtown merchants bring you live music, artists and demoing, food trucks, other entertainment through out downtown.

941-391-4856

FRI - 21

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party Sept. 21 - 23 Germain Arena 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 239-948-7825 Becoming Doctor Ruth Through Oct. 21 Florida Repertory Theatre 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Live Wire Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Little Eddie & the Fat Fingers The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Ink Life Tattoo & Music Fest Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, Punta Gorda Noon.https://ragemore.regfox.com/ ink-life-tattoo-and-music-fest-puntagorda-fl Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Mike Imbasciani Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar, Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Happenings Magazine

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 21 - 23 Various locations on Captiva Island www.islandhopperfest.com Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers Local and regional musicians line the streets. 6 - 10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Vocals and steel drum by John Patti, 5-9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 Great American Songbook with Paul Todd Jr. Through Sept. 23 Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862

National Museum Day Live Naples Depot Museum 1051 5th Avenue S, Naples Come tour Naples first passenger train station, ride a miniature railroad, participate in a scavenger hunt to win prizes, view various vehicles, have your face painted and join in a full day of lively, educational activities for both adults and children. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

239-262-6525 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Blackwater Country Jam Laishley Park, Punta Gorda Jerrod Niemann, Runaway June, Jacob Bryant, Taylor Phillips, Meghan Patrick, and JB Crockett www.BlackwaterCountryJam.com Ricochet Reunion #2 The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

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

The Naples Jazz Masters The Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3049

SAT - 22

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

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Frank Matyok, noon-4 p.m. and Tiki Tom and L.A. Daniels, 5-9 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Cindy Crowley The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Collaboration Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000

Happenings Magazine

Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Sista Marybeth Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

SUN - 23

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Paul Roush, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick - Jazz Brunch The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

239-333-2225

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 24 - 27 Various locations in the downtown Fort Myers River District www.islandhopperfest.com

TUE - 25

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Chris G, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007

Paul & Quinten Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers Artists, times TBD, 239-333-2225

Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

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

Peace Day in the Park Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Live music, art, vendors, pet adoption, yoga, face painting, raffles, lots of yummy food and a whole bunch of fun at this community event in honor of International Peace Day. This is a free family event. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 239-939-2787 www.peaceday-in-thepark.com

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

MON - 24

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Cigar Box Music by Pat Cozad, 4 - 7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro, 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers Artists, times TBD, 239-333-2225 Colton James The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

WED - 26

Scotty’s Brewhouse Pub Run Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 6 p.m. 941-575-3007 Erich Dance Party Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Art Night at The Cottages 27300 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Art, refreshments, live music and chalk art for the kids, 5:30 - 8 p.m. matt@upriverceramics.com Swamp Buggy Fever Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples Adults: $15, Kids 5-17: $5, Under 5: Free. 6 - 8 p.m. RSVP at www.CollierMuseums.com

September 2018 - 35

WED - 26 CONTINUED

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

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers Artists, times TBD, 239-333-2225

RJ Howson & Friends The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

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

Tropical Fun-Shine Polynesian Show Rotary Park 5505 Rose Garden Rd., Cape Coral $20 tickets in advance or $30 at the door. 7 - 9 p.m. 239-549-4606.

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

THU - 27

Don’t Dress For Dinner Through Nov. 10 Off Broadway Palm Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Pearl & Princess Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St, Fort Myers Experience an evening of female singer-songwriters performing live.

Music starts at 8 p.m. $5. www.sbdac.com 239-333-1933 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Jim Vallie, 4-7 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Theatre Conspiracy presents Murderers - A Killer Comedy Through Oct. 7 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dan Miller, Lew DelGatto Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 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 & bands are encouraged to come & share their talents. Jaycee Acoustic Jam on Facebook for info. 6 – 8 p.m.

36 - September 2018

The Doobie Brothers will perform Oct. 19 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Oct. 20 at the Clearwater Holiday Jazz in Coachman Park and Oct. 21 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers.

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

FRI - 28

Home & Remodeling Show Sept 28 - 30 Lee Civic Center 11831 Bayshore Rd, North Fort Myers www.fmhomeshow.com Elvis Tribute Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 28 - 30 Various locations on Fort Myers Beach www.islandhopperfest.com Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar, Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Sunny Jim White, vocals, steel drum 5 - 9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 Latin Dance Night Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy., Cape Coral $15 per person in advance, $18 day of event (if still available) 8:30 p.m.

239-574-0806

The Band Phoenix The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Ari and The Alibis The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

SAT - 29

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Calypso music by Ragady Lapsey, noon - 4 p.m. and Highway 1 Duo, 5 - 9 p.m., center court.

941-575-3007 The Goldtones Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral 7 p.m., 239-549-3000 The Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Joey Fiato The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Echo Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Rusty Wright Band Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron st. Port Charlotte 7 p.m. Tickets $20 & $15 for CC Members. Day of Show $20 - no discounts. 941-625-4175 ext. 215 Caribbean Jerk and Cultural Festival Laishley Park, downtown Punta Gorda A Caribbean explosion! A true celebration of the Caribbean islands.

Enjoy authentic Caribbean music, tasty island cuisine, cultural performances and more! Noon - 8 p.m.

941-219-5905 End of Summer BBQ & Fundraiser!

Hurricane Charley's Raw Bar and Grill, 300 W Retta Espl, Punta Gorda Live music with some fantastic area performers/bands, 50/50 raffles, auctions and barbecue. 2-4 p.m.

941-639-9695

SUN - 30

Live Music in the Village Fishermen's Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Singer Michael Hirst, 1-5 p.m., center court. 941-575-3007 Full Circle Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Paul & Quinten The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers, 1 - 4 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Midland - Island Hopper Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach 6 p.m. www.catcountry1071.com www.islandhopperfest.com

Online calendar

HappeningsMagazine.net

Happenings Magazine

MUSIC

Great American Songbook in Cape Coral Sept. 21-23

Lee County Community Band readies for new season; first concert Nov. 11 The Lee County Community Band will begin its 133rd season with the first of six monthly concerts on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. at Cape Coral High School.

In keeping with tradition for the season's first concert, director Richard Bradstreet has selected a program featuring spirited and patriotic American music by American composers and a salute to U.S. military veterans.

Programs typically include a mix of energetic marches, Broadway hits, old favorites, patriotic songs, and a sing-along with emcee and vocalist Norman Jones. The Nov. 11 program includes Big Band Polka, Semper Fidelis, Syncopated Clock, Carousel and The Armed Forces Salute.

The band will perform six concerts between November and April. The programs are free of charge (donations accepted), and open to the public.

Additional concert dates are Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, and April 7. (Note: The

November through March concerts will take place the second Sunday of the month; the April concert is set for the first Sunday of the month.)

All concerts will be at Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Boulevard, one block north of Veterans Parkway, beginning at 3 p.m.

An institution in Southwest Florida, the band enjoys a large, loyal, and enthusiastic audience at every concert. Plan to arrive early for best choice of seating. The 50-member adult band rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael Lutheran School, Fort Myers; rehearsals usually begin in mid-October. Band members are musicians from all walks of life – career musicians, amateurs, and folks renewing skills from years past – who reside in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. The band welcomes new members every year. Persons interested in joining may phone John Fenn at 239-454-6430. For additional information, visit www.leecountyband.org

The Great American Songbook will be performed by Paul Todd Jr. Sept. 21 - 23 at Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral.

The concert will feature the music of Martin, Sinatra, Darin, Buble, Manilow and more.

Tickets are $21 and available by calling 239-772-5862 or at the box office at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. Show times are Sept. 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.

For more information about the programs at Cultural Park Theater, visit online at www.culturalparktheater.com

Paul Todd Jr.

SW Florida Symphony 2018-19 season The Southwest Florida Symphony’s 58th year continues the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence as internationally acclaimed Maestro Nir Kabaretti leads the Symphony in another exciting season of spectacular performances. Maestro Kabaretti is the fifth music director in the organization’s history. He has led critically acclaimed performances throughout his first three seasons with the Southwest Florida Symphony. In April 2017, he signed a new three-year agreement with the Symphony, extending his contract as music director through the 2019 – 2020 season.

The symphony’s 2018-2019 season features exciting concerts in all of its signature 38 - September 2018

series: the Masterworks Classical Concert Series at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (Nov. 10, Rhapsody in Two; Jan. 12, Beethoven No. 5: Hear the Fantasy; Feb. 2, Vive La Mer; March 2, Verdi Requiem; and April 27, Fantastique!), a special Holiday Pops concert Christmas in Paradise (Dec. 6 at First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs; Dec. 7 at The Village Church at Shell Point; Dec. 8 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall), its Pops Series, also at Barbara B. Mann (Jan. 19, Oh What a Night – A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; Feb. 16, Super Diamond – The Neil Diamond Tribute; March 16, Sinatra and Beyond featuring Tony

DeSare), and the Small Stage Symphonies Series, performed at venues throughout Lee County (Feb. 6, 7 and 8, Appalachian Spring; March 20, 21 and 22, Back to Back Bach; April 5 and 7 at the Moorings Church in Naples and Sanibel Community House, Mozart in Paradise; with a special performance at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral on April 6 featuring the Poulenc Organ Concerto with special guest artist, Michael Helman).

Further details on all of these concerts can be found at www.swflso.org. Single tickets for all 2018-19 cocnerts are available now. Call 239-418-1500 for more details.

Happenings Magazine

Americana Community Music Association Inc.

Americana

Acoustic Shows The 502s

Sept. 1

Paul Elliott opens

Cliff Eberhardt Sept. 15

Louise Mosrie opens Special Pricing: $15/$20

Twin Kennedy Smokey Gene Martin opens

Oct. 6

Cliff Eberhardt

The ACMA is a not for profit and funded by tax deductible donations.

Check website for more info & visit YouTube on any of these artists. $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at the door.

Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

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

INFO: 239-691-4069 Happenings Magazine

www.AmericanACMA.org September 2018 - 39

ACMA presents The 502s Sept. 1, MUSIC

and Cliff Eberhardt on Sept. 15

The Americana Community Music Association welcomes The 502s to the Fort Myers listening room on Sept. 1.

Music is meant to be fun. It's meant to take you on a journey so loud and boisterous and exciting that it makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs late at night with your arms draped around strangers turned longtime friends.

The 502s experience brings this journey to life by transporting you to a secret party filled with laughter, loud music, and bright lights - and it's here that the listener and artists can connect directly and journey through the music together in a way that's never been done before.

The 502s are a raucous indie folk group formed by three cousins from Central Florida.

Since 2015, The 502s have taken their swaggering blend of Americana across the coast including Okeechobee Music Festival and Communion Records' NYC showcase. Their album is a heartfelt invitation to good oldfashioned fun, and they are celebrating with a tour of the US and Europe in 2018.

Paul Elliott will open that night. He grew up listening to artists like Tom Rush, Bob Dylan Ian and Silvia, Tim Harden and Gordan Lightfoot folk music was his preference. Paul started writing songs in the 90’s, mostly kept them to himself. He moved to Florida about 2004 got involved with the Punta Gorda Guitar Army. With encouragement he wrote more songs and now plays regularly at pubs and festivals.

Cliff Eberhardt will perform Sept. 15, with special guest Louise Mosrie. There will be special pricing for this event. Tickets for CMA members are $15 and non-members are $20.

Cliff Eberhardt knew by age seven that he was going to be a singer and songwriter.

Growing up in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, he and his brothers sang together and their parents played instruments. His dad introduced him to the guitar and he quickly taught himself to play. Fortunate enough to live close to the Main Point (one of the best folk clubs on the East Coast), he cut his teeth listening to the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Bonnie Raitt, and Mississippi John Hurt — receiving an early and impressive tutorial in acoustic music. At the same time, he was also listening to great pop songwriters like Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Rodgers and Hart, which explain his penchant for great melodies and clever lyrical twists.

At 15, Cliff and his brother Geoff began touring as an acoustic duo, playing the Eastern club circuit until Cliff turned twentyone and moved to Carbondale, Illinois. There he found space to develop his own voice 40 - September 2018

Cliff Eberhardt will play Sept. 15, with special guest Louise Mosrie. photo by Rodney Bursiel within a vibrant and supportive music scene that included Shawn Colvin. After a couple of years there and a short stay in Colorado, Cliff moved to New York in 1978. Because the clubs were great (the Bitter End, the Speakeasy, Kenny's Castaway, Folk City) and the company amazing (John Gorka, Suzanne Vega, Lucy Kaplansky, Julie Gold, Steve Forbert, Christine Lavin, and Shawn Colvin), New York was an ideal musician's boot camp. Though he put in long hours as a taxi driver, Cliff worked steadily on his music throughout the ‘80s, doing solo gigs and studio work, and playing guitar on the road with Richie Havens, Melanie and others. Singing advertising jingles for products like Coke, Miller Beer and Chevrolet ("The Heartbeat of America" campaign) allowed him to devote more time to his songwriting.

In 1990, Cliff's song "My Father's Shoes," appeared on Windham Hill's Legacy collection, leading to a deal with the label. They released Cliff's first album, The Long Road (1990), a work featuring a duet with Richie Havens. The critical response to this debut was outstanding (The Philadelphia Inquirer called the album a "repeatedly astounding collection"). He followed with two more records on Windham Hill before releasing 12 Songs of Good and Evil (1997) on Red House Records, which stemmed from a chance meeting with Red House founder Bob Feldman at John Gorka's wedding. Cliff

recorded two more albums before his critically acclaimed The High Above and the Down Below, named the #5 album of 2007 by USA Today.

With a new lease on life and a fresh batch of songs, Cliff embarked on what has turned out to be an artistic renaissance. Recorded in the Texas Hill Country, Cliff's 2009 album 500 Miles: The Blue Rock Sessions may be his finest to date. An intimate album of powerful originals and unique covers, it features a reworking of his hit "The Long Road," a song made more poignant after nearly two decades of touring and recording. Cliff's song "Memphis" was included on Cry Cry Cry, an album of collaborative covers by the "folk supergroup" of the same name (comprised of Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell). Other performers who have recorded his songs include Richie Havens, Shawn Colvin, Russ Taff and Buffy Sainte Marie.

In 2011, Cliff got a phone call from the Folger Theatre and Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC. They had been listening to his song, "That Kind of Love" along with director Aaron Posner and got the idea to hire Cliff to write original songs for the Shakespeare classic "The Taming of the Shrew." It would be set in the old West Deadwood style - and Cliff would be cast as the blind but wise old saloon singer bookending scenes with his poignant songs and guitar phrases. The play was a huge success Happenings Magazine

and won much critical acclaim across town and 7 weeks of solid sold-out shows in the Spring of 2012. In 2013, Cliff was awarded a coveted Helen Hayes Award for Sound Design and the cast won for Best Ensemble. Some of the songs on Shrew Songs are from Cliff's past work and some are brand new. The stripped down production enhances the immediate intimacy of Cliff's songwriting.

You don't have to have seen the play to love this record! It's available for sale now only through this website or at Cliff's shows.

Louise Mosrie grew up in the small town just outside of Nashville, on a farm with British parents and several siblings riding horses, writing poetry and singing with the radio. After college in Knoxville, she "borrowed" her brother's Sears guitar, bought a simple chord book and started writing songs. The early material was mostly acoustic pop as she tried to channel her English roots while listening to Everything But the Girl and The Sundays.

Fast forward a few years, a move back to Nashville and some deep soul searching, Louise began writing songs about the South – what she knew and where she grew up.

In 2008, she began working on a new album eventually to be called “Home” because she’d come full circle in her “voice” as a writer. The album was a mix of bluegrass, country and folk and as she weaved in lush stories and songs about southern life.

With those songs, she entered some song contests connected to festivals and ended up winning top awards at Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

“Home” debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2010

Happenings Magazine

and went on to be one of the most played albums that year for that chart.

Buoyed by a couple thousand earnest fans, she began touring all over the Eastern seaboard, the South and Texas.

In 2012, her 15-year marriage ended and her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer and died six months later. Out of those dark days came some new songs that would eventually be recorded on her newest release “Lay It Down”: 10 songs of love, loss and surrender. On “Lay It Down”, she collaborated with folk-rock songwriter/producer, Cliff Eberhardt, who envisioned that minimalist arrangements and restrained production would allow the emotional songs and Louise’s voice a stark relief to rest and shine in.

The ACMA singer songwriters circle is held every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels. Songs and experiences are shared in a non-judgmental, casual atmosphere. No membership required.

All are welcome to come and play or just to listen.

The Americana Community Music Association provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/Folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists.

YouTube any of these artists and be prepared to be impressed by the talent that is available to you all year round for a cost of $10 - $15 donation.

Most concerts are held at All Faiths Congregation in Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.americanacma.org

September 2018 - 41

MUSIC

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

announce 18th season concert schedule The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers begin rehearsing for their 18th season on Monday, Sept. 10.

This season, themed, Looking Back…Moving Forward, will be a bittersweet one for the 85-voice ensemble as they spend the year celebrating one last round of concerts under the direction of longtime artistic director Jeff Faux who has announced his retirement from the group effective at the end of this, his ninth season. The year promises to deliver more of what audiences have come to expect from the Mastersingers: innovative concert programming, well-loved masterworks, and community-minded collaborations.

The masterworks this year begin with a holiday favorite, the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah accompanied by the Mastersingers Chamber Orchestra. The Messiah and More Concert will be performed on Friday, Dec. 7 at First Baptist Church of Cape Coral and on Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Sanibel Congregational Church.

The second half of the season offers a bounty of three of the bestknown requiem masses ever composed. Through an unusual confluence of scheduling, the Mastersingers will present Mozart’s Requiem on Jan. 13 with the Gulf Coast Symphony at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, while the Mastersingers Chamber Chorus joins the Southwest Florida Symphony and the Symphonic Chorale at the Mann Hall on March 2 for Verdi’s Requiem.

The season’s final masterwork is performed in April with the Mastersingers and the Mastersingers

Festival Orchestra performing Gabriel Faure’s Requiem on Friday, April 5 at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita and on Sunday, April 7 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers.

The group will sing one last concert in grand style for Maestro Faux in June of 2019, performing the Faure Requiem at L’Eglise de le Madelaine in Paris, the church where Faure served for years as organist.

Along with the unusual number of major works, the Mastersingers will be presenting three other concert programs this year. On Friday, Feb. 8, the group will sing A Celebration of Light, as part of the Edison Festival of Light program at City Gate Church in downtown Fort Myers. Also, on Nov. 11, the

Mastersingers Chamber Chorus will be joined by professional dancers Martin Cardoso and Noelia Guerrero and a troupe of their students from the M&N Dance Studio in a program featuring dances from the tango to Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes. Finally, the Mastersingers and the City of Palms Youth Choir, under the direction of Matt Koller, reprise their latest holiday tradition with the Readings and Carols concert on Sunday, Dec. 2 at New Hope Presbyterian Church.

The group is accepting singers for all voice parts. To be a part of this exciting season of music go to their website, www.mastersingersfm.com, for more information about the season schedule and the audition process.

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Email: SuncoastScrty@aol.com Happenings Magazine

Record label holding talent search Sept. 18 Creative Minds Records (CMR), a Fort Myers-based indie record label, is hosting a talent search open to vocalists and vocal groups of all ages.

The CMR Talent Search will take place at the Broadway Palm Theatre in Fort Myers on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

The talent search spotlights Southwest Florida’s aspiring artists and provides them with a stage to showcase their unique singing and songwriting capabilities in the genres of country, pop, rock, blues and R&B. At the end of the show, the dedicated talent management team at CMR will select one winner to receive a $2,500 cash prize and the chance to sign a record deal that includes worldwide marketing and distribution.

“CMR is all about building relationships with the most talented and versatile singers and entertainers in Southwest Florida,” says Teresa Zepcevski, owner of Creative Minds Records.

“Every voice deserves to be heard and discovery should be about your personal abilities, not about who you know.”

Individuals and groups can register at no cost and must preregister and submit material for consideration at www.cmrtal-

Happenings Magazine

entsearch.com and questions can be answered by calling 239980-5674. Submissions must be entered by midnight on Sept. 8.

CMR executives will screen all submissions a week before and artists selected to participate in the event will be notified prior to Sept. 11. Free submissions are made possible by the event’s sponsors.

CMR Talent Search is open to the public at a cost of $10 per ticket and doors open at 6:30 p.m. A special invited guest will be giving a surprise performance after the winner is announced to close the show. Tickets, VIP passes, VIP tables and sponsorships packages are all available online and at the door.

Fundraising efforts will benefit The Lewis P. Tabarrini Children's Music Outreach Foundation.

Visit www.tabarrinifoundation.org to find out more. All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign off on entry.

To watch the live show on Sept. 18, purchase tickets in dvance online at www.CMRTalentSearch.com or at the door that night.

The Broadway Palm Theatre is located in the Royal Palm Square at 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers.

September 2018 - 43

MUSIC

Midland to perform

at Island Hopper

Midland will perform Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach as part of the fifth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.

The Texas country trio is coming off a big win for New Vocal Duo or Group from the Academy of Country Music Awards in April, and the band’s No. 1 single “Drinkin’ Problem” also received a Grammy nomination.

Midland, known for its hip, country throwback sound blended with a roadtested rock ’n roll, includes lead vocalist Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy.

Midland’s critically acclaimed debut album “On the Rocks” features songwriting credits from each member alongside hit makers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

Midland recently toured with Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves for The Breakers Tour and will join Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes Tour this fall.

The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest includes 10 days of concerts featuring more than 60 songwriters. Almost all of the festival concerts are free, but the Midland one is a ticketed event. To purchase $35 tickets for the Midland performance, visit www.catcountry1071.com or download the new Island Hopper app

Midland at www.islandhopperfest.com The festival kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 21 - 23, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers Sept. 24 - 27 and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 28 - 30.

Preview Party at Pinchers

Meet some songwriters ...

Heidi Newfield

Music fans know Heidi for fronting Trick Pony, which rode songs including "Pour Me," "On A Night Like This" and "It's A Heartache" to awards, acclaim and packed houses nationwide.

She's also recognized for a remarkable evolution as a solo artist, writing and recording the poignant "Johnny & June" from a deeply personal place.

More than a radio hit and impetus for a fist full of Academy of Country Music nominations, the song brought Newfield's multi-faceted creativity into the sharper relief it deserved. Through clear-eyed experience and musical passion in full flame, she continues to entertain, deepen the relationship with her core fans and win over new audiences.

Newfield is developing the sound for a new project due later in 2018.

LaLa Deaton

LaLa Deaton is a Nashville-based Americana/country/big band jazz singer-songwriter. Formerly a member of the band Sweetwater Rose, LaLa released her first solo album in 2014, an industry-praised, all-original, 1940s-style, big band Christmas album. LaLa followed up with an Americana/country EP, "Dare," in the summer of 2016 and is currently working on a full-length country album to be released Fall of 2017. LaLa spends much of her time writing for other artists and has had songs cut by Bailey James, Sha Na Na, Sweetwater Rose, Ambyr Effect, Jon Nite, Susan Erwin, Clarkia Cobb, Michael Browning, Charlie Rey (The Voice) and Mike Short Jr. (Sweet Home Alabama reality series) to name a few.

Liz Moriondo

Clint Daniels (left) and Chas Sandford (right) performed at a special preview party Aug. 2 at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers. photos by Jamie Kuser 44 - September 2018

Liz Moriondo opens up her mouth to sing, & out comes a blend of Shania Twain’s breathy perfection & Bonnie Raitt’s sensual, bluesy grit. If you listen closely enough, you can still hear the Ozark Mountains of her native Missouri where she first started singing in front of audiences at the age of 3. She also went viral on Facebook & YouTube with her fishing parody of Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass, with over 12 million views. She is a favorite on the NASCAR circuit & several outdoor television shows, & this fall Liz will be releasing her fourth EP with Disney Record producer Johnny Dibb.

Happenings Magazine

ISLAND

HOPPER Songwriter Fest SEPT. 21 - 30 The fifth annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns Sept. 21 - 30 to fill the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel with music and fun at a number of tropical venues.

The festival will take place over 10 days on Southwest Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands and in the historic River District. It’s also a chance for fans to hear popular songs they’ve heard on country radio performed by the actual songwriters.

“Island Hopper brings people closer to the music, giving visitors the chance to see and meet top songwriters in some of our destination’s most spectacular island settings,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

The festival kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 21 - 23, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 24 - 27, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 28 - 30.

“Now in its fifth year, Island Hopper has become a staple for the Southwest Florida community, bringing people together for great music and a great time,” says Dan Spears, vice president of industry relations for BMI. “Throughout the 10-day festival, BMI’s talented roster of emerging and well-established songwriters perform at BMI-licensed bars and restaurants, bringing more business and revenue to local spots while shining a light on music creators. Island Hopper gives music lovers an intimate live music experience and a chance to hear the stories behind their favorite songs,” adds Spears.

Happenings Magazine

More than 65 songwriters have been confirmed so far: Bob Dipiero, Earl Bud Lee, Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Aaron Barker, Amie Miriello, angie Keilhauer, Ayla Lynn, Badger & Rose, Brian Sutherland, Big Al Anderson, Bridgette Tatum, Caleb Neff, Cassidy Daniels, Chas Sandford, Chris Barron, Chris Heine, Clint Daniels, Danny Myrick, Dave Pahanish, Dylan Altman, Eli Mosley, Even Stevens, Frank Myers, Gianna Minichiello, Grayson Rogers, Gary Hannan, Heidi Newfield, Hugh Mitchell, Hunter Smith, Jack Michael, Jeff Prince, Jimmy Stanley, John Friday, Karleen Watt, Katie Lyon, Keefe Klug, Kim Paige, Kristen Kelly, Kylie Morgan, Jay Allen, Jeffrey East, Johnny Bulford, Julianne Ankley, Kurtis John, LaLa Deaton, Lance Carpenter, Lockwood Barr, Liz Moriondo, Marie Nofsinger, Megan Linville, Melanie Sandford, Phil O’Donnell, Reverie Lane, Sarah Peacock, Sheena Brook, Shelby Lee Lowe, Sky Claire, Steve Dean, Tim McGeary, Tim Montana, The Bass Brothers, The Sweetheart Deal, Trailer Choir, Will Bowen and Wynn Varble.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1, Hertz and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Happenings Magazine is again a partner with the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival.

For more info and a schedule of performances, visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

September 2018 - 45

MUSIC

Becoming Cosmopolitan Oct. 4 Community Cooperative has announced the 13th annual Becoming Cosmopolitan fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. This year’s event will feature the theme, Fire & Ice and will for the first time ever be held in the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Becoming Cosmopolitan to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, truly one of the most creative and inspired locations in Fort Myers with its decades of theater and music history.” said Tracey Galloway, CEO of Community Cooperative. “With savory cuisine, icy cool cocktails, boutique shopping and fiery entertainment, all in support of a great cause, and you’ve got what Becoming

Cosmopolitan is all about.”

The evening features shopping with local vendors, gourmet cuisine and cocktails, sinfully delicious desserts, a silent and live auction, exciting raffles, great music and an after party all in celebration of the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Southwest Florida. Over 300 guests attended last fall’s Becoming Cosmopolitan event and all the proceeds support women and children’s programing at Community Cooperative.

Sponsorships are available. Donations for the event’s silent and live auctions, and Key To The Closet raffle are also being accepted. Tickets are on sale now at 239-461-2802 or visit www.communitycooperative.com. For more info, contact Stefanie Edwards at Stefanie@CommunityCooperative.com.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday features four days of concerts in October

Now in its 39th year, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday presents four days of concerts in October featuring The Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, JJ Grey & Mofro, The Devil Makes Three and celebrating Prince, Morris Day & The Time and Sheila E along with Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, Danny Kusz, Betty Fox Brass Band, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs & Nelson Rangel, Ruth Eckerd Hall / Clearwater Jazz Holiday Youth Jazz Band and more.

Tickets are on sale now.

Presented in the 20-acre landscaped Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater overlooking Clearwater Harbor and the Memorial Causeway

Bridge, the Jazz Holiday is four days and nights of some of the best live performances in the world presented to the public.

One of the longest-running and known events in the country, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday has presented in concert multiple luminaries of our generation. The festival runs Oct. 18 – 21. Tickets are priced at $20 in advance.

Children 12 and under are free. Limited reserved seating and VIP tickets are also available. For more information about the 39th Clearwater Jazz Holiday Presented by HCI Group Inc., call the Clearwater Jazz Holiday office at (727) 461-5200, or visit www.ClearwaterJazz.com.

Caribbean Jerk and Cultural Fest Sept. 29 in Punta Gorda

The third annual Caribbean Jerk and Cultural Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 29 in Laishley Park in downtown Punta Gorda.

The family-friendly event runs from noon to 8 p.m. and will feature live music, food, arts and crafts and a kids 46 - September 2018

zone.

Advance tickets are available for $10, and VIP tickets are $30. Kids age 13 and under are admitted free.

For more details, call 941-219-5905 or buy in advance online at caribjerkfest.eventbrite.com

Pocket Change

Pocket Change at Summer Jazz on the Gulf Sept. 15

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club wraps up its annual SummerJazz on the Gulf concert series in September.

Each concert is free and held on the AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort’s picturesque Watkins Lawn overlooking the gulf. SummerJazz on the Gulf will take place one Saturday evening per month June September, and each concert will be from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

This season’s final SummerJazz concert on Sept.

15 will feature the talented sixpiece, high-energy show band Pocket Change. Performing at SummerJazz for their sixth appearance, Pocket Change is led by band leader Eddie “The

Thrill” Carmichael and music director Otis “Maestro” McCarthy.

The band has opened for Sean Paul, Journey, Blue Oyster Cult, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Cheap Trick, and Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.

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. Call (239) 261-2222 for additional information and directions.

Happenings Magazine

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN

Backstreets

SW FLORIDA

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

The Barrel Room

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

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Flame

2059 Tamiami Trail East Naples • 239-774-6060

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

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

Buckingham Blues Bar

5641 Buckingham Road Fort Myers 239-693-7111

The Buddha Bar

Hotel Indigo

The Rhythm House

Hurricane Charley’s

Seminole Casino Hotel

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

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lani Kai Island Resort

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

1400 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3111

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

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

Cape Cabaret

The Cigar Bar

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

The Center Bar at The Promenade

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

The Cottage

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

Lansdowne Street

The Nauti Mermaid 5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral 239-541-5600

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

Smokin Oyster Brewery 340 Old San Carlos For Myers Beach 239-463-3474

Sneaky Pete’s

3465 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs 239-498-8887

The Stage

9144 Bonita Beach Road Bonita Springs 239-405-8566

Ter-Tini’s

1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers 239-344-6147

Tiki Bar at Days Inn

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

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

1502 Miramar St. Cape Coral 239-540-8454

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

Fishermen’s Village Pete’s Time Out 1200 W. Retta Esplan.

1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

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

Happenings Magazine

17979 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-313-6012

Old Naples Pub

1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach 239-463-8077

Fathoms

Punta Gorda 941-639-8721

Shark Bar & Grill

Tiki at Wyndham Garden

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key

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

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

Nervous Nellie’s

Dixie Roadhouse

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

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

6890 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5711

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

Twisted Vine Bistro 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 239-226-1687

The Village Pub

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

Whiskey Park

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

Yucatan Beach Stand

250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach 239-333-4386 September 2018 - 47

IN CONCERT

PERFORMANCES

OCT. 26 TOTO

IN SW FLORIDA THE SUN COAST & SOUTH FLORIDA

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

Upchurch the Redneck The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

SEP. 1

Riley Green

Dweezil Zappa

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

SEP. 7

Tanya Tucker

NOV. 1

Jake Owen

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Germain arena, Estero

Chloe Caroline

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

SEP. 8

Poetry Thieves

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

Robin Zander Family Band

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

SEP. 14

Pablo Cruise

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

SEP. 21

Here Come the Mummies

Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

SEP. 22

Jerrod Niemann

Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

SEP. 23

Here Come the Mummies

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

SEP. 28

Rickie Lee Jones & Anders Osborne

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

SEP. 30 Midland

Pink Shell, Fort Myers Beach

48 - September 2018

NOV. 2

Drake White The Sam Galloway Concert Series welcomes Tanya Tucker to The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers on Sept. 7. Opening act will be Reverie Lane. For tickets, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com or call 239-985-9839.

OCT. 5

Love & Theft

OCT. 18

OCT. 6

OCT. 19

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Victor Wainwright SW Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

OCT. 11

Mary Chapin Carpenter Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

OCT. 12

Shelly Fairchild

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

OCT. 13

Wynonna & The Big Noise

Seminole Casino Hotel, Immokalee

Scotty McCreery

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

OCT. 16

Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Coachman Park, Clearwater

UB40

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Morris Day & The Time Coachman Park, Clearwater

OCT. 20

The Doobie Brothers

Coachman Park, Clearwater

Bob Dylan

Barbara B. Mann Hall at FSW, Fort Myers

OCT. 21

The Doobie Brothers

Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW, Fort Myers

OCT. 24 TOTO

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

NOV. 3

The LACS

The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers

Big Orange Music Festival

Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

NOV. 10

Vince Neil, Tom Keifer, Kix

Miramar Amphitheater

Ambrosia

Southwest Florida Event Center, Bonita Springs

Brian Wilson & Friends

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

NOV. 11

Ace Frehley, Night Ranger, Sebastian Bach

Miramar Amphitheater

NOV. 12

Willie Nelson & Family Germain Arena, Estero

The Drifters, The Platters & Cornell Gunters Coasters Artis–Naples

Vince Gill

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater Happenings Magazine

Love and Theft, Scotty McCreery, Fabulous Thunderbirds, The LACS SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES AT THE RANCH

The Sam Galloway is currently putting the and the American Country Awards, and also Concert Series final touches on their received the CMT Award for Breakthrough announces a lengthy list fourth studio album, Video of the Year for “The Trouble with Girls.” of national artists schedproduced by legendary The Fabulous Thunderbirds will be at The uled to perform at The music icon Jim Ed Ranch Oct. 19. For over 30 years, The Ranch Concert Hall & Norman, and will Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintesSaloon in Fort Myers. release on Curb sential American band. The group’s distinctive The Sam Galloway Records later this year. and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity Concert Series welOn Oct. 13, The of musical styles, manifested itself into a comes Riley Green on Ranch will welcome unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as Sept. 1. Riley Green Scotty McCreery to the “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” Co-founder Kim was raised on the Fort Myers stage. “I’ve Wilson, the sole original member, still spearsounds of old traditional lived a lot of life since heads the group as it evolves into its newest country, bluegrass, and my last record,” says incarnation. southern Gospel music.

Scotty McCreery. “I “We started as a straight blues band”, Love and Theft With a mixture of outlawmoved out on my own, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. rebellion and respect for I travelled across the “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of diftradition, Riley’s original music has already talcountry and the world, I got engaged, I was ferent styles. We’re an American music band lied over 27 million streams to date while his dropped by my label, I was even robbed at and we’re much higher energy than we were latest music video for “Bury Me In Dixie” has gunpoint. So I really wanted this album to before.” been viewed over a million times since last fall. show who Scotty is at 24, In addition to Wilson, the The iconic Tanya Tucker returns to The what’s going on in my life, current Thunderbirds line-up Ranch on Sept. 7. In 1974, Rolling Stone ran a and I think we accomplished features Johnny Moeller on cover story on Tanya Tucker with the headline that.” guitar, Steve Gomes on that said “You’re Gonna Hear From Me.” Truer With his third album (plus bass, Kevin Anker on keywords have never been spoken. For four a chart-topping Christmas boards and Wes Watkins on decades, her sultry voice and vivacious stage record), the young star takes drums. presence has helped to make her one of the a huge creative step forUpchurch The Redneck most admired and respected female vocalists ward. He co-wrote all 11 is scheduled to play Oct. 26. in the Country Music genre. Tanya’s reign songs on Seasons Change, Drake White is on the includes 23 Top 40 albums and a string of 56 working with some of the concert schedule for Nov. 2, Top 40 singles, 10 of which reached the No. 1 finest songwriters in and The Lacs will perform at spot on the Billboard charts. Along the way, Nashville to express a wide The Ranch Nov. 3 as part of she has provided some of the biggest country range of emotions and musithe Sam Galloway Concert music hits of each decade, including, “Blood cal styles. And after a Series.

Red and Goin’ Down,” “Would you Lay with lengthy legal struggle that In November, two tribute Me (In a Field of Stone)” and “Texas (When I kept him on the sidelines for bands are scheduled to perScotty McCreery Die)” just to name a few. Tucker is also the several years, McCreery form. They include Badfish: photo by Jeff Ray recipient of numerous awards, including two placed a bold bet with his A Tribute to Sublime on CMAs, two ACMs and three CMT awards. career that has paid off with a Nov. 8 and Pig Floyd (Pink Love and Theft will perform Oct. 5 at The new label and a reinvigorated attitude. After Floyd tribute) on Nov. 24.

Ranch Concert Hall. Stephen Barker Liles and winning Season Ten of American Idol in 2011, Looking ahead to 2019, Nel McCoy returns Eric Gunderson — launched with the No. 1 McCreery made history when he became the to The Ranch on Feb. 15. country smash “Angel Eyes” and top 10 hit youngest male artist of any genre, and the The Sam Galloway Concert Series was “Runaway.” The longfirst country music started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awaretime friends and bandartist ever, to have his ness to Community Cooperative (The Soup mates have gone on to debut album enter at Kitchen) and the good work they do in the garner more than 3 bilNo. 1 on the Billboard community, says Brian Tidwell, general sales lion radio impressions, Top 200 chart. Clear manager of Sam Galloway Ford. over 300 million plays as Day was certified The concert series features rock and counon Pandora, and are Platinum for sales of try artists on a regular basis at the venue. nearing 3 million music one million units in just Portions of the profits of each concert go to video streams for the 13 weeks and became help Community Cooperative feed the commucritically acclaimed the best-selling solo nity, Tidwell said. For every pound of food “Whiskey On My album released by a donated, Sam Galloway Ford donates $1 to Breath.” The country artist in 2011.

Community Cooperative. Concert goers are ACM/CMA/CMT nomiThe singles “I Love also encouraged to bring canned food items to nated duo has built a You This Big” and the concerts at The Ranch. loyal fan base through “The Trouble with For tickets & details, visit www.theranchThe Fabulous Thunderbirds their high-energy shows, Girls” were also certifortmyers.com. The Ranch can be reached at infectious harmonies, fied Platinum. He won 239-985-9839. For most concerts, the doors and signature songwriting and is poised for the the New Artist of the Year award at both the open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & next chapter in their musical journey. The pair Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Happenings Magazine

September 2018 - 49

IN CONCERT

Wynonna and The Big Noise at Seminole Casino Hotel Oct. 13 Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Wynonna and The Big Noise live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 34-year career.

As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo The Judds, Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline."

The iconic performer has received more than 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”

Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer, Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Wynonna has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B. Schmit.

Advance tickets are on sale for $75 and are available at the casino, online at www.jaytv.com or by calling 800-218-0007. Attendees must be 21 years of age.

Air Supply at casino Jan. 12 Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents Air Supply in concert. The super duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock will perform their iconic music at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Air Supply was already a hit in their native Australia when they burst onto the American music scene in 1980 with the chart-topping single “Lost in Love,” which was quickly followed by “All Out of Love.”

Seven top-five singles later, Air Supply at that time had equaled The Beatles' run of consecutive top five singles.

The albums “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Now & Forever” and “The Greatest Hits” sold in excess of 20 million copies. "Lost in Love" was named Song of the Year in 1980, and, with the other singles, sold more than 10 million copies. Singles "Lost in Love,","All Out of Love,"

50 - September 2018

Air Supply

"The One That You Love," "Sweet Dreams" and "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" have each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. Air Supply’s trademark sound – Hitchcock's soaring tenor voice and Russell's simple yet majestic songs – delights audiences around the world as the duo continue to tour on a regular basis.

Concert attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Tickets are available now starting at $85 for reserved seating and can be purchased online at www.jaytv.com, at the casino or by phone at 800514-ETIX (3849).

A “Lost in Love” VIP ticket package also will be available for $159 per person and will include one premium reserved seat in the first 12 rows, an invitation to soun check with a meet & greet to follow for photo opportunities with Air Supply, and an exclusive VIP swag bag.

Happenings Magazine

Jerrod Niemann at Blackwater Country Jam Sept. 22

Edgewater Events announced the creation of a new festival in Punta Gorda.

The Blackwater Country Jam will debut on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Laishley Park.

The entertainment lineup includes headliner Jerrod Niemann, Runaway June, Jacob Bryant, Taylor Phillips, Meghan Patrick and JB Crockett. Blackwater Country Jam will feature six bands on two stages right on the Peace River in Laishley Park.

Nashville prolific hitmaker Jerrod Niemann is speaking from his heart – instead of his liver – with his romantic new single, “God Made A Jerrod Niemann Woman,” now impacting country radio. Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, Niemann is digging deeper with his forthcoming Curb Records album featuring an uplifting duet, “A Little More Love,” with good friend and labelmate Lee Brice. Known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, the highly engaging singer-songwriter last topped country charts with his platinum-certified multi–week No. 1 anthem, “Drink to That All Night,” from High Noon – on which he cowrote eight of the 12 tracks.

Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010, with his criticallyacclaimed major-label debut, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury, which skyrocketed Platinum-certified No. 1 smash “Lover, Lover” and Gold certified Top 5 “What Do You Want.” His second release, Free the Music, included Top 15 “Shinin’ On Me” and poignant ballad “Only God

Could Love You More.” From Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and CMT Award nominations, to headlining and touring with some of country’s hottest acts, Niemann continues to make his mark by creatively pushing boundaries all while offering a sincere nod to the legends before him.

There’s a sound that hasn’t been heard on country radio in quite some time – the sound of organic, three-part female harRunaway June monies, ringing strings and stories that speak the language of modern women everywhere. It’s a sound that was the backbone of a little group known as The Dixie Chicks, and now it’s making a comeback through a vocal trio named Runaway June.

Runaway June is comprised of three very different women who fuse their own influences to create a style country fans have been craving.

Runaway June includes Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne.

With their debut single, “Lipstick,” Runaway June became the first all-female trio in over a decade to score a Top 25 hit. With the help of the trio’s follow-up Top 40 single “Wild West” the breakout trio earned a 2018 ACM nomination for “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year.”

General admission tickets are $35, and VIP tickets are $75.

Attendees can bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the great music, food trucks and vendors. VIP includes private cash bar, restrooms, up front stage access, private viewing area and VIP tent. Gates open at 1 p.m., and the music starts at 2 p.m.

For more fest details, visit online at www.edgewatereventsllc.com

RockFest 80s

Nov. 10 & 11 at Miramar Amphitheater RockFest 80s has put together a stellar lineup for its third annual music festival devoted to the sounds of the 1980s.

This year, the two-day festival will take place at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheatre, located at 6801 Miramar Parkway, just west of I75 in Miramar.

RockFest 80s will be Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11. Gates open at 1:30 p.m., and the event runs until 10:30 p.m. both days. The festival showcases two days of nonstop rock music, muscle cars and 80s nostalgia.

Saturday’s lineup includes Vince Neil (the voice of Motley Crue), Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, KIX, Mr. Big’s Eric Martin featuring Trixter, Zebra, Nelson, Lynch Mob and Stellar Revival.

The Sunday lineup Happenings Magazine

includes Ace Frehley, Night Ranger, Sebastian Bach, Winger, Firehouse, Steelheart, Kickin Valentina and Big Rock Band.

Reserved, VIP and general admission lawn tickets are available for one or two days.

VIP tickets range from $149 - $179 for one day and $278 - $338 for both days.

Reserved seat prices are $59 - $79 for one day and $98 - $138 for two days.

General admission lawn seats are $39 for one day and $70 for both days.

Parking will be $20.

Nearby hotel partners include Courtyard by Marriott, 14500 SW 29th St., and Residence Inn by Marriott, 14700 SW 29th St., both in Miramar For tickets, visit online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.rockfest80s.com.

September 2018 - 51

DINING

IN

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

1st Street Deli

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New York-style delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Opens 10 a.m. daily.

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

Capt’n Fishbones Seafood Grill

Capt'n Fishbones at The Shell Factory has moderately priced lunches, dinners and a full selection of cocktails. We serve Florida favorites like shrimp, crab cakes, fish fries, burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy the great tropical weather at Dogbones Café or the Swamp Bar and Patio where even the four legged "children" are welcome. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners, special events and meetings. We’re open daily at 11 a.m. with daily specials and Happy Hour all day, every day. Hear live entertainment in the Swamp Patio daily 4 7 p.m. Classic car shows every Thursday 4 - 7 p.m.

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

Cape Cabaret

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

We feature a full dinner menu prepared by executive chef Ryan Cook, two full bars, two hardwood dance floors and live music from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. See your favorite bands perform on our 30-foot stage equipped with the latest state of the art sound and light systems. Have your next private party or corporate event in our ballroom or banquet room. Happy Hour & Early Bird Specials 4 to 5:30 p.m. Entrees, house wines, wells all at 50% discount. Walk-ins always welcome or call reservation hotline.

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

52 - September 2018

Deep Lagoon Seafood

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

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

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled a completely redesigned EE-TOLEET-KE Grill that enhances the dining experience and offers new and exciting menu selections.

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

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

Lucky Mi

Asian-inspired upscale restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee has unveiled several creative new menu items that further enhance the dining experience. In addition to Avocado Tempura, Sesame Seared Tuna, and Shanghai Ribs, Lucky Mi has added hot rocks house specials that allow guests to cook their own entrees to perfection at the table on volcanic rock heated to 575 degrees.

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

Happenings Magazine

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner.

They are open six days a week (closed Sundays).

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

Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style. Pinchers has 13 Florida locations including Key West, Tin City Naples, Bonita Springs, Tarpon Point Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Gulf Coast Town Center.

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

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort

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

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

Happenings Magazine

Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse

With a goal of bringing a first-class experience and barbeque product Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House was born.

Tony Phelan grew up in Texas, took those roots and his love of Texas barbeque and set out on a plan of introducing a unique brand of barbeque to Southwest Florida.

Taking a combination of Hickory and Oak woods to smoke with and cooking at low temperatures, it created the perfect formula for Award-Winning Barbeque. Texas Tony’s barbeque is “all about the rub and the ring.” The rub is made from his secret recipe. The ring occurs when you smoke meat over a long period of time; the pink is where the smoke has permeated the meat.

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

Twisted Vine Bistro

Twisted Vine Bistro located in downtown Fort Myers' historic River District, prides itself on an extraordinary dining experience. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive boutique wine list, with more than 30 wines by the glass.

Twisted Vine Bistro grows our house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden!

We can accommodate small private event parties for after hours, social gatherings or rehearsal dinners. Dinner is served seven nights a week. The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu. The Barrel Room now offers a jazz brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

The Veranda

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

Celebrating 40 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.

2122 Second St., Fort Myers 239-332-2065 www.verandarestaurant.com September 2018 - 53

SEPTEMBER

SAT - 1

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mike Epps 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Maryellen Hooper 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

COMEDY CLUB CALENDAR THU - 13

WED - 19

Bob Zany 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Samuel Comroe 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Tommy Lama 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

FRI - 14

Tommy Lama 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

SUN - 2

Bob Zany 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

THU - 6

Tommy Lama 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Mike Epps 6 & 8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mark Curry 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

FRI - 7

RC Smith 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mark Curry 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

SAT - 8

RC Smith 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Mark Curry 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

SUN - 9

Mark Curry 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

WED - 12

Mike Pantzer 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Carl Rimi 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy 54 - September 2018

SAT - 15

Bob Zany 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

SUN - 16

Bob Zany 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

Eric Olson 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THU - 20

Rob Little 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Samuel Comroe 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Rich Guzzi 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 21

Rob Little 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Rich Guzzi 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

SAT - 22

Rob Little 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WED - 26

Jay Hallingsworth 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

THU - 27

Julie Scoggins 7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe Bob Marley 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Hal Sparks 8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRI - 28

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bob Marley 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers 239-479-5233 laughincomedycafe.com

Rich Guzzi 8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Off the Hook Comedy Club

SAT - 29

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

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, unit #1100, Naples 239-389-6901 offthehookcomedy.com

Bob Marley 7 & 9 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy

The Comedy Zone

at Visani Restaurant

Rich Guzzi 6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

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

Comedy Club calendar online at HappeningsMagazine.net

FRI - 21 continued

* schedules subject to change

SUN - 30

Bob Marley 7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Happenings Magazine

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Fort Myers Art Walk

Art Walk will observe 10 successful years of existence on Oct. 5. This is the original event promo photo taken on a very quiet and still Sunday morning in August of 2008. Pictured holding art from some of the 2008 galleries are (from left) Greg Knezevich (La Casa del Arte gallery), Claude Goode (Arts for ACT Gallery), Xavier Brignoni (DAAS Gallery) and Tanya Daigle (Space 39 Gallery). Photo by Jamie Kuser

to mark 10th anniversary Oct. 5

Fort Myers Art Walk will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 5 with a variety of special activities that night.

One of the special highlights will be the Art Walk Founders Exhibit which will hang in the Capital Gallery on the second floor of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The co-founders of Art Walk as well as former and present art galleries have been invited to participate in the special exhibit. Some of the other special activities that night

The next Art Walk is

will include recognition of the small group of people who created Art Walk in 2008 and a special VIP after party at the Davis Art Center.

The first Fort Myers Art Walk was held Friday, Oct. 3, 2018, and attracted more than 1,000 people. Art Walk has been held on the first Friday of every month rain or shine ever since and has never been canceled. The event has been heralded as one of the driving forces behind the economic revitalization of the River District.

Friday, Sept. 7.

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH 56 - September 2018

(rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM

Happenings Magazine

ArtFest application deadline Sept. 11

Lisa Sbuttoni to lead the RDA as new CEO

The Fort Myers River District Alliance (RDA) board of directors has selected Lisa Sbuttoni as the organization’s new president & CEO. Sbuttoni has nonprofit management, event and programming development and destination marketing experience.

She has lived in Fort Myers for more than 25 years and has built many relationships with community, tourism and industry partners that will be beneficial to the RDA. “Ms. Sbuttoni’s skills, talents and experience will help take the RDA to the next level,” said Kevin Boyd, RDA chairman of the board. “Her event and public relations background coupled with her knowledge of tourism marketing will enhance the revitalization of the down-

town Fort Myers historic district development.”

Sbuttoni has more than 13 years of experience in the tourism industry and is a member of the Florida Attractions Board of Directors, Visit Florida Cultural Heritage Rural Nature Advisory Board, and Lee Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Directors, and the Friends of Cayo Costa Advisory Board.

Sbuttoni was born and raised in New York and has a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma.

The Fort Myers River District Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the development of the historic river district in Fort Myers as a hub of economic social and cultural activity.

ArtFest Fort Myers is currently accepting applications from professional artists for participation in the 2019 juried show. Featuring the work of 200 artists, ArtFest Fort Myers will bring thousands of art lovers and collectors to a large outdoor gallery on the first weekend in February.

Each October, ArtFest Fort Myers brings together a panel of professional artists who view submitted images and score each applying artist on a range of 1 to 7 points. The artists with the highest scores are then invited to participate in ArtFest. The jury panel varies each year but always represents a broad base of expertise with regard to artistic mediums.

Artist application deadline is Sept.

11. ArtFest Fort Myers takes place Feb. 2 and 3, with an opening night event on Feb. 1. For artist application information, contact ArtFest Fort Myers at 239768-3602, email info@ArtFestFortMyers.com or visit the website at www.ArtFestFortMyers.com.

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine Ask about our

High Definition SUSHI Special

Six Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

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

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

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

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

Located at the Entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

September 2018 - 57

FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns

The 2018 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Sept. 21 through Sept. 30. This showcase, now in its fifth 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 Midland.

Midland will perform Sept. 30 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach.

This award-winning festival includes more than 100 live performances and more than 60 songwriters.

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

Attendees can listen to their favorite songs at live music venues on Captiva Island Sept. 21 - 23 at several island venues.

In downtown Fort Myers, performances will take place at The Barrel Room, Hotel Indigo, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Twisted Vine Bistro, City Tavern and Pinchers the week of Sept. 24. Songwriters scheduled to perform in downtown Fort

Myers include Aaron Barker, Amie Mirielle, Angie Keilhauer, Bridgette Tatum, Danny Myrick, Dave Pahanish, Eli Mosley, Frank Myers, Heidi Newfield, Hugh Mitchell, John Friday, Julianne Ankley, Megan Linville, Tim Montana and Will Bowen.

The festival will wrap up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 28 – 30 with artists playing at various venues.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1, Hertz 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, Blue Chair Bay Premium Rum and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

For more information, visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

Follow the festival with #islandhopperfest on Twitter and other social channels.

Editor’s Note: Artists’ schedules are subject to change during the festival.

Meet some of the songwriters scheduled to perform downtown Sept. 24 - 27 Hugh Mitchell

"The golden-throated troubadour, who originally hails from Birmingham, AL, will win you over by the first verse. We guarantee it." American Songwriter Magazine With a fresh perspective on the art of sound and the craft of melody, Hugh Mitchell is raising the stakes with his newest recordings. Hugh s recorded his last EP with former Wilco and Uncle Tupelo drummer, Ken Coomer. This album is both orchestral and Southern. Hugh has toured nationally since 2006 as a side man for other artists in venues ranging from bars, to arenas, to stadiums.

Julianne Ankley

With six Detroit Music Awards to her name including Outstanding Country Songwriter for 2016, Julianne Ankley has cemented herself in the Detroit and Michigan music scenes as a major talent. Julianne has been writing heartfelt songs and delivering electric performances, both solo and with her band The Rogues, for years. Her third solo Album, “Don’t Let Go” was released in August 2015 at the Ark Theater in Ann Arbor, MI. Her sophomore album, “Vivid" garnered the 2012 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Country Recording and lead to the use of her song, “Lead Footin’ In the Left Lane" nationally by WXYZ (ABC) for the 2015 annual Woodward Dream Cruise televised special.

58 - September 2018

Bridgette Tatum

It’s hard to deny the pure talent and passion for her craft that is clearly the driving force behind many of artist Bridgette Tatum’s high profile career milestones. In 2009, this native of Florence, South Carolina, co-wrote the Most Played Song on Country radio stations across the United States. A tremendous achievement for any songwriter, the song, “She’s Country” (recorded and released by Platinum-selling country superstar Jason Aldean), held the #1 position on the chart for two consecutive weeks, reached two million plays, and out sold every genres ringtones, all of which are rare accomplishments, as well. In 2010, Tatum’s song, “Loud” was selected as the Official Theme Song for ACC Football’s 2010 season.

Will Bowen

Will Bowen is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter signed to Little Extra Music. Bowen signed his first publishing deal while still a senior in high school, where he'd already recorded two independent albums. As an artist, he opened for such legends as Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Train. With numerous cuts as a songwriter, Bowen reached platinum status internationally with a song on Latin pop star Soraya Arnelas' debut album (6x platinum). He also had a song on the American Grammy Nominated album from Tejano artist Rebecca Valadez.

After the release of his third record, Love is War, he moved to Nashville in 2008 to focus on his songwriting.

Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine

September 2018 - 59

KEY WEST

Destination concerts The Avett Brothers, JJ Grey & Mofro, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Air Supply

Key West offers a as one of the nation’s great opportunity for finest musical storytellers, music loving travelers to he has been guided by explore the uniqueness of several self-imposed rules Key West and see some and traditions that are of their favorite artists peroften the antithesis of form in concert. music industry standards.

At least three concert Artists including George venues are now hosting Strait, Willie Nelson, national artists. They Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett include the intimate Key and the Dixie Chicks have West Theater at 512 chosen to record his The Avett Brothers Nov. 16 & 17 at the Key West Amphitheater at Truman Eaton St., the new citysongs over the years.

Waterfront Park.

For tickets, visit www.keywestconcertseries.com owned Key West JJ Grey & Mofro will Amphitheater at Truman perform Dec. 29 at the Waterfront Park and the brand new Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel. From the days of playNorth Hotel at 3820 N. Roosevelt Blvd. ing greasy local juke joints to headlining major festivals, JJ Grey Rams Head Productions has an impressive lineup of artists schedremains an unfettered, blissful performer, singing with a blue-collared uled at all three venues in the coming months. spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his compositions. His presence At the Key West Theater, the music schedule includes Ottmar before an audience is something startling and immediate, at times a Liebert on Nov. 7, Livingston Taylor on Nov. 16, Kingston Trio on Nov. funk rave-up, other times a sort of mass-absolution for the mortal 28, The Wailers on Jan. 10, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap on Jan. weaknesses that make him and his audience human.

11, Hot Tuna on Jan. 22 and Justin Hayward on Feb. Air Supply will perform at Sunset Green Event 18. For tickets and a complete lineup of comedy and Lawn on Jan. 25. The trademark sound of Russell music at the Key West Theater, visit online at Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell’s www.thekeywesttheater.com. simple yet majestic songs have created a unique Meanwhile, Rick Springfield will perform Sept. 9 at sound that helped Air Supply become a staple of early the new Sunset Green Event Lawn. Doors open at ’80s radio, producing seven straight Top Five singles.

6:30 p.m., and the show starts 8 p.m. on Sept. 9.

The Beach Boys will perform at the Sunset Green Michael Franti & Spearhead are set to perform Event Lawn on April 4. A Grammy Award-winning and Oct. 22 at the Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, The Beach Boys are Hotel. Michael Franti is a musician, humanitarian, and led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, who along with filmmaker who is recognized as a pioneering force in musical director Scott Totten, Jeffrey Foskett, Christian the music industry. Franti believes in using music as a Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill and Keith vehicle for positive change and is revered for his hiHubacher, continue the legacy of the iconic American energy live shows, inspiring music, and worldwide phiband. lanthropy efforts.

At the Key West Amphitheater, The Avett Brothers Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen are scheduled are scheduled to perform Nov. 16 and 17. Known for for a Nov. 3 concert at the Sunset Green Event Lawn. A Keen Nov. 3 at Sunset Green their live performances that blend bluegrass roots with singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened Event Lawn the fierce fire of a rock show and an emotional, nearthe definition of American music in a career that spans gospel spirit, The Avett Brothers are no strangers to 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the four-time Grammy major venues: For past summers, they have sold out three nights at Award winning musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater. gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down For tickets to Rams Head concerts at Sunset Green Event Lawn barriers. As singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen has built a reputation and Key West Ampitheater, visit www.keywestconcertseries.com.

The Beach Boys April 4 at Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel 60 - September 2018

JJ Grey & Mofro Dec. 29 at Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel

Air Supply Jan. 25 at Sunset Green Event Lawn at 24 North Hotel

Happenings Magazine

KEY WEST

Revelers costumed as prehistoric raptors proceed down Fleming Street during the 2017 Masquerade March.

Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News

Fantasy Fest Oct. 19-28

Revelers can expect a “monopoly” on high-energy fun Friday, Oct. Thursday night, contestants at the 36th annual Headdress Ball 19 through Sunday, Oct. 28 as Key West’s annual Fantasy Fest puts engage in a not-so-trivial pursuit: displaying huge and elaborate a playful spin on masking and costuming festivities. The 2018 festival masks and headgear while vying for “over the top” prizes. is themed “Oh … The Games We Play!” and features 10 days of Throughout the festival, attendees can immerse themselves in masquerade balls, elaborate costume contests, parties and fanciful fantasy roles at themed parties, costume competitions and other frolics, all climaxing in a grand parade set for gatherings. Antics on the overflowing Saturday, Oct. 27. schedule include the Ringmaster’s Pool Event organizers encourage participants to Party, glow galas, toga and tutu affairs, design costumes and parade floats around the Venetian Masquerade Ball, a retro the festival theme — embracing everything beach bash and a Zombie Bike Ride remifrom old-style board games to online roleniscent of the “Resident Evil” video game. playing challenges. They might draw inspiraDuval Street becomes an amusement tion from suspects in Clue, riverboat gamarcade Friday as vendors of costumes, blers, bingo bimbos or quest-focused avatars arts and crafts, food and libations sell from the “World of Warcraft” universe. their wares in the mile-long Fantasy Fest The glamorous gaming action is to begin Street Fair. In addition, the Masquerade with a Royal Coronation Ball Friday, Oct. 19 March draws masked and costumed merwhere a king and queen are crowned to rule rymakers for an exuberant walking over the festivities. Also that weekend, the parade. family-friendly Goombay street party takes The role-playing revelry is to reach its place in historic Bahama Village, saluting Key climax Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Bud West’s Caribbean roots.

Light Fantasy Fest Parade through Key In addition, Key West Burlesque will presWest’s historic downtown. Tens of thouent “Madame DuJour’s Magical Game Show sands of spectators typically converge to and Burlesque Experience” Oct. 19 through cheer the parade’s exotic marching Oct. 26. The tantalizing parody blends pergroups, island-style bands, costumed formance, pageantry and prizes for audience characters and lavishly decorated motormembers. ized floats.

Amber Walser portrays the Statue of Liberty, Subsequent festival highlights include For more information and schedule for but with a replica of Key West's Wednesday’s wacky Pet Masquerade, where Fantasy Fest, visit online at www.fantacreatures ranging from dogs and cats to “angry Southernmost Point marker during the 2017 syfest.com. For Key West visitor informaMasquerade March. Photo by Andy birds” compete for costume prizes along with tion, go to www.fla-keys.com/keywest or Newman/Florida Keys News their human companions. call 1-800-LAST-KEY. 62 - September 2018

Happenings Magazine

Islands, Imagination & Instance art exhibit

Islands, Imagination and Instance: Florida Keys Folk Art brings together paintings, sculptures, mosaics and wood carvings by folk artists working in the Florida Keys, both historic and contemporary.

Variously termed folk, primitive, visionary, naïve, and outsider, these artists have played a significant role in our local community.

Unlike academic or fine art, folk art typically derives from deeply-rooted community traditions, with master craftspeople developing a local style emulated by others and passed from one generation to the next.

The flora and fauna (islands), the originality (imagination), and atmosphere (instance) of the Florida Keys have shaped the way in which they express themselves artistically. These are individuals that do not necessarily create art for financial gains; they do it because their artwork allows them to discover their true being. Their work

Happenings Magazine

represents the Florida Keys, and it tells the tale of tradition, of cultural identity; it is a part of everybody’s everyday experience. A folk artist may create highly personal images drawn from popular culture, memory, and the artist’s cultural or ethnic heritage.

Whatever the method, folk art is valued for its beauty and expressive power, for dynamic linear forms, intense colors, the combination of decorative and utilitarian concerns, and the sense of familiarity it evokes by reflecting everyday life as well as the hopes and dreams of ordinary people.

Folk artists included in this exhibition are Stanley Papio, Makiki, Ronny Bailey, Frank Balbontin, Mario Sanchez, Jack Baron and Papito Suarez. The exhibit runs now through Jan. 6, at the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Custom House Museum, 281 Front. St. For more info, visit www.kwahs.org or call 305-295-6616.

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN KEY WEST

Brewfest

Aug. 31 - Sept. 3

More than 150 beers and micro-brews are on tap at this “tasty” annual event that benefits the charitable efforts of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic. Events include beer dinners, beer brunches, happy hour parties, pool parties, late-night parties, seminars and the Signature Tasting Festival Event. www.keywestbrewfest.com

Womenfest

Sept. 5 - Sept. 9 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

Goombay Festival

Oct. 19 & 20 Held in Key West’s historic Bahama Village neighborhood, the lively Goombay is known for its island-style food, arts and crafts, nonstop live entertainment and dancing in the streets. Visitors can experience sights, sounds and flavors recalling Key West’s Bahamian heritage. free event, noon to midnight both days. www.fla-keys.com

September 2018 - 63