September 2016 Happenings Magazine

Annual Theatre Season Preview for 2016-2017

FREE

SEPTEMBER 2016

Maren Morris

Cassidy Diana

Trailer Choir

Stephanie Quayle

Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte

Publisher’s Spotlight

A new season begins

Hard to believe, but a new theatre season is upon us. Some of our stages are relighting in September and others will raise the curtain in October.

This issue of Happenings Magazine is our annual theatre season preview. It’s when we put nearly 20 of our theatre schedules all together for you in one package so you can choose your shows. All the box office windows are open and ready for your ticket orders.

For this month, we have the following shows on stage: Gulfshore Playhouse presents its annual New Works Festival Sept. 8 - 15 at The Norris Center in Naples.

In Fort Myers, Theatre Conspiracy is performing The Gun Show Sept. 7 - 18 at the Foulds Theatre.

Broadway Palm opens its season with a rockin 50s and 60s musical revue called Yesterdays. That runs Sept. 8 through Oct. 8 in Fort Myers.

In Cape Coral, Cultural Park Theatre will stage a big production of Seussical the Musical Sept. 9 through Sept. 18.

The Charlotte Players start the season with Jerry’s Girls at Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte. That show runs Sept.

29 through Oct. 2.

For theatrics of a different sort, Cirque du Soleil is returning to Germain Arena in Estero after a one-year hiatus. Ovo will be performed Sept. 28 through Oct. 2.

In October, we will see stage shows by TheatreZone and FGCU Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Naples Players, Laboratory Theater of Florida, Marco Players, Firehouse Theatre, Off Broadway Palm and The Studio Players.

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest

As you probably know by now, the third annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off in September on Captiva, then moves to downtown Fort Myers before concluding on Fort Myers Beach in October.

The festival includes more than 140 performances over 10 days. This unique event allows residents and visitors an opportunity to get up close to some of the best songwriters as they perform their hits and share the stories behind them. Over the past few months, we have introduced you to some of the many artists scheduled to appear (and this month is no exception). Most of the concerts are free to attend and take place at a wide variety of venues. A handful of the shows are ticketed, and you can get that info online at the Island Hopper website. iHeart Media, BMI, Cat Country 107.1 and the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau have again put together a great festival. Happenings Magazine is again a proud cosponsor of this wonderful festival that showcases national and local musical talent at some super local venues. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs Sept. 23 through Oct. 2.

Experience a musical cruise

In this magazine, we wrap up our three-month series featuring four of the many cruises at ports to which we have easy access. We hope you have enjoyed the series, and maybe we prompted you to plan your next vacation on the high seas with some of your favorite bands.

Rock on,

Jamie

What’s Inside

Theatre

pages 5 - 15

Stages gearing up for new season

Music

pages 16 - 25

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, ACMA

In Concert

pages 26 - 27

Maren Morris, John Michael Montgomery

Art

pages 28 - 33

Carl Schwartz exhibit, new SoCo District

Comedy Clubs

page 34

Comedy club schedules for September

River District

pages 36 - 39

Annual Craft Beer Festival returns

Dining

pages 40 - 41

Marker 92 and 12 other options

Calendar

pages 44 - 47

September cultural events in SW Florida Publishers & Owners

Jamie & Kathy Kuser

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(239) 278-5236

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SEPTEMBER 2016

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

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Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Diane Shrock, Michael Moran, Kathy Prutos, Mike Kiniry, Kathy Kuser, Bob Williams, Kathleen Moye Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Tom Booth & Aley Enterprises

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre New Works Festival Sept. 8 - 15 in Naples •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gulfshore Playhouse announces the finalists for its fourth annual New Works Festival.

For the first time, Gulfshore Playhouse will be expanding the New Works Festival by presenting a fifth staged reading. The festival brings together playwrights, actors, and directors from across the country for a 10-day festival culminating in five play readings in September in Naples.

The 2016 Gulfshore Playhouse New Works Festival finalists are as follows: Paradise by Laura Maria Censabella Marla and Her Prayers by Kim Merrill Miss Keller Has No Second Book by Deb Hiett The Last Allegiance by Annalisa Dias And announcing the special add-on: Lunch at Audrey’s by Jarlath Barsanti-Jacobs The New Works Festival allows playwrights to transition from writing in a solitary environment, to adding actors, and ultimately an audience to understand how the play works in performance.

Audience members are granted access to that incredibly magical space where a play is taking flight for the first time, all at a remarkably affordable price.

This year, Gulfshore Playhouse utilized a system of blind submissions read by a corps of volun-

teer readers. A total of 150 plays were read and were narrowed down to four finalists. In addition to these four plays, Lunch at Audrey’s, a play currently in development at Gulfshore Playhouse, was added to the festival. For the first year in the history of the New Works Festival, all selected playwrights are women.

“Over the past few years, there has been a nationwide push to produce more plays penned by women. Each year a group known as the Kilroys publishes a list of new plays by women and last year Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., produced an all women playwright festival. We want our theatres to reflect the diverse voices within our country and Gulfshore Playhouse is thrilled to help usher four new voices onto the national scene,” said Gulfshore Playhouse producing artistic director Kristen Coury.

The New Works Festival performances will take place Sept. 8 through Sept. 11 and Lunch at Audrey’s will be performed on Sept. 15 at the Norris Center, located at 755 8th Avenue South in Naples. Tickets are just $15 per person per show.

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

The Last Allegiance

by Annalisa Dias

What's most important in a good leader? Is it loyalty to the people, to traditional systems of governance, or to God? Set amidst the mythical landscape of Medieval Persia, replete with magic, heroes, and dragons, and drawing on the lyrical wisdom of Hafiz, Rumi, and Attar, The Last Allegiance is an ambitious adaptation of the Medieval Persian epic, The Shahnahmeh, originally told by Abu’l Qasim Ferdowsi. This contemporary adaptation will probe our understanding of the consequences of unwavering adherence both to the laws of men and to those of heaven.

Annalisa Dias is a performer, director, and playwright. Her work has been staged in DC, New York, London, and Glasgow. She is a Producing Playwright with The Welders, a DC playwright's collective and is co-founder of the DC Coalition for Theatre & Social Justice.

Marla and Her Prayers

by Kim Merrill

“What could you forgive?”

Marla gets more prayers than she can handle as she confronts the teenage killer of her gay son, her born-again mother, a longago left-behind love, and her own stubborn demons. Music, grief, dark comedy and impossible love give rise to a grace unexpected.

Kim’s plays have been produced by NJ Repertory, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Theater for the New City, Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, Manhattan Theatre Source, Culture Project, New Perspectives, and other off-offbroadway places.

Miss Keller Has No Second Book

by Deb Hiett

It’s been nearly 50 years since the notoriously reclusive Agnes Keller published her first and only book. In the wake of a life-changing event, Agnes must face the pressures from outside her small sanctuary as she grapples with the inevitability of change, the tangled tethers of family, and the question of an artist’s obligation to the world.

Playwright Deb Hiett moved to Los Angeles after years of living in New York City, where she performed as an actress, writer, dancer (scholarship with The American Dancemachine), and musician (founding member of the band Orson Welk).

Paradise

by Laura Maria Censabella

Yasmeen Al-Hamadi is a YemeniAmerican senior at a struggling inner-city Bronx high school. Dr. Guy Royston is her disaffected science teacher, a former Evangelical with a mysterious past. An unlikely research team, together they embark on a neurological study, leading to stormy conflicts over love, faith and culture.

Laura Maria Censabella’s Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan commissioned play Paradise will be produced by Underground Railway/Central Square Theater in 2017. Censabella recently won the $10,000 ADAA William Saroyan Human Rights/Social Justice Drama Award for her play Carla Cooks The War.

Lunch at Audreyʼs

by Jarlath Barsanti-Jacobs

Step back into 1960 and join Audrey Hepburn in her famed Switzerland chalet. The anticipated lunch guests are Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, but with the snow storm raging outside, will it be possible? Amid fears about her pregnancy and her husband’s fidelity, 30-year-old Audrey shares her thoughts on her career, her life, and her hopes for her future. Gathered from true events, this imagined afternoon allows us a glimpse into the private life of one of history’s most iconic stars in this mesmerizing and intimate piece.

When other kids were blaring rock music, Jarlath Barsanti Jacobs was blaring Sondheim. But fate led her to the advertising business in New York City where she was a copywriter writing TV commercials, specializing in jingle lyrics. More serious lyrics kept calling to her so she participated in the BMI, ASCAP and New School Musical Theater Workshops and studied under award winning poets, Elizabeth Ayres and Naomi Lazard. She has recently written original book and lyrics for Fire Island, about the shenanigans of group shares in a beach house, also, original books and lyrics for Miracolo, a musical love story in Italy, about the rivalry between conventional and alternative medicine and believing in miracles. Lunch at Audrey’s is her first play.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Cultural Park Theater starts season with big production of Seussical

By Michael Moran Seussical The Musical will be performed at the Cultural Park Theater Sept.

9 through Sept. 18 and will feature a cast of 48 performers.

This fantastical, family musical is based on the books of Dr. Seuss and includes many whimsical characters such as Horton, the elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, the Sour Kangaroo, the Whos of Whoville, and more.

Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters take the audience on a wild, musical adventure.

“This show is a classic theater piece,” said Tyler Young, Seussical director.

I’m thrilled for audiences to see this incredibly talented cast and see the imagination of Dr. Seuss come alive on stage.

With cast of 48-plus talented, young performers ranging in age from 10 to 35, this show has a little something for everyone in the family. Over 90 young performers came from all over Lee County to participate in auditions.

The show itself is “a mash-up of Seuss’ work,” set to a storyline similar to “Horton Hears a Who,” which involves such characters as Horton the Elephant,

Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and the Cat in the Hat. Though September’s production has always been geared toward our youth department featuring junior and school productions, this year’s full length production pulls in a number of adult leads who carry the song-based show. By putting a larger-size family musical on stage, we look to draw more people from the area into the experience, something that is not always possible with smaller productions.

And happily this still gives our amazingly talented kids and newcomers an opportunity to be in a show.

Cultural Park is happy to open their 54th season this year with Seussical.

Following will continue with one of our most exciting seasons ever with productions to include All Shook Up, Hairspray, The Glass Menagerie, Don’t Dress for Dinner, The Porch and many more. To find out more about this season and to get in on discount season packages contact our box office, or visit our website at www.culturalparktheater.com and visit us on Facebook.

Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. For Ticket information for these shows and our other concert performances, call our box office at 239-772-5862 Performances of Seussical are at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Michael Moran is the executive director of the Cultural Park Theater.

Happenings Magazine

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HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

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The Nerd opens Oct. 6 at Off Broadway Palm

The Off Broadway Palm Theatre is Broadway Palm’s second performance venue. The Off Broadway Palm’s 20th season begins Oct. 6 with The Nerd.

Ticket prices range from $35 to $55. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings (no Tuesday evening performances May through October) with select matinees.

The Nerd will be staged Oct. 6 through Nov. 12.

The hilarious comedy about Willum, a young architect who gets a surprise visit from Rick, a fellow-exGI he’s never met, but who saved his life in Vietnam. Rick turns out to be a hopeless “nerd” – a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and even less tact. The delight of the visit fades when Rick overstays his welcome and his continued presence among Willum and his friends leads to one uproarious incident after another.

Individual tickets for The Off Broadway Palm’s 20th season are on sale now. For more information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call (239) 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

‘50s and ‘60s musical revue starts season at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm opens their 24th season with Yesterday’s playing Sept. 8 through Oct. 8.

Take a trip down memory lane with this musical comedy revue featuring music from the ‘50s and ‘60s! Broadway Palm is offering a “season opener special” and all tickets Victor Legarreta Housso Semon are just $45 for dinKeith McCoy Rachael Haber ner and the show.

Yesterday’s will take you on a funfilled journey back in Broadway Palm audiences when she starred in Sister Act, time! You’ll hear all of the great music from the rockin’ ‘50s and along with Broadway Palm alumni Ilana Gabrielle, Rachael the groovin’ ‘60s. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “My Girl,” Haber and Keith McCoy. Making their Broadway Palm debuts “Leader of the Pack,” “Dancing in the Streets,” “At the Hop,” are Jesse Michels and Scott James Smith.

“It’s My Party,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Stop! In The Name of Join Broadway Palm as it begins the 24th season with Love” and many more.

Yesterday’s Sept. 8 – Oct. 8. Performances are Wednesday Directing and choreographing Yesterday’s is Victor through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are now Legarreta. Legarreta is a Southwest Florida favorite and has on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, by visitperformed or directed in the area for the past 20 years. The ing BroadwayPalm.com or by stopping by the box office at cast includes Housso Semon, who recently stole the hearts of 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s Broadway Series Spectacular Christmas Revue Take your favorite holiday songs, add some pop music and sprinkle in a cast of children, adults and Santa Claus and you have a recipe for a most “spectacular” Christmas show!

December 14 -18

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Music by Stephen Flaherty Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty Co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty & Eric Idle Based on the works of Dr. Seuss Directed by Tyler Young

Seussical the Musical September 9 - 18 PERFORMANCES: Friday & Saturday 7 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 3 p.m.

A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit some his most beloved characters. Seussical weaves a story of friendship, loyalty and love and teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.

Broadway Showstoppers Revue

Cultural Park Theatre is once again saluting The Great White Way with a show featuring all your favorite Broadway Classics.

Our Showstoppers Revues have always been audience favorites and once you see it youʼll understand why.

September 30 - October 9

Elvis Has Left the Building

Elvis Presley has disappeared and no one knows of his whereabouts. His manager “The Colonel” is all shook up because he has racked up a secret debt. Hijinks ensue as the Colonel tries to find an Elvis impersonator while keeping a nosy reporter at bay and figuring out what happened to the real Elvis.

November 4 - 13

The Porch

This comic/drama is filled with enduring friendships and shared tragedies.

Playwright Jack Neary mines what is near and dear to us in his latest take on his “golden girls” characters in a play called “The Porch,” in which a trio of elderly ladies hilariously parse topics of sex, impotency, and death with wide-eyed surprise.

Audiences have laughed uproariously at recognizable references to long marriages and family dynamics. But some of his once-timely references, to events like the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and the Catholic priest pedophile scandals, deal with an adult theme that is not recommended for our younger audiences. The true to life portrayals of Nearyʼs characters such as Alma, a mischievous twinkle in her eye character, plays the dumb bunny of the group, who thought “homosexuals” were “homelesssexuals.” Later in the story when she chronicles the tragedy sheʼs had to live with for years, she delivers her speech with much poignancy that certainly will touch the heart of our audiences.

The Importance of Being Earnest

This most popular Oscar Wilde comedy is the story of two bachelors, John Worthing and Algernon Moncrie, who create alter egos named Earnest to escape their tiresome lives. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Earnest. The pair struggle to keep up with their own stories amd become tangled in a tale of deception, disguise and misadventure.

February 24 - March 5

January 13 - 22

All Shook Up

Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. Itʼs 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitarplaying roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy thatʼll have you jumpinʼ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Donʼt Be Cruel.”

February 3 - 12

Hairspray

Thee 1950s are out and change is in the air!

Hairspray, winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. The lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do!

March 24 - April 2

The Glass Menagerie

This Tennessee Williams masterpiece revolves around Amanda Wingeld and her two children.

Amanda strives to give meaning and direction to the lives of both her and her children, though her methods are ineffective and irritating. A drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, The Glass Menagerie is one of the most one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre.

April 21- 30

Don’t Dress For Dinner

Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his mistress while his wife, Jacqueline, is away.

He has everything arranged, including inviting his friend Robert to provide the alibi. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! An evening of hilarious confusion, mistaken identity and farcical comedy ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed.

CULTURAL PARK THEATER 528 Cultural Park Blvd.

Cape Coral

239-772-5862

www.CulturalParkTheater.com

May 12 - 21

SEASON TICKETS

on sale now through Sept . 18

TheatreZone, FGCU to stage Of Thee I Sing

Love gets in the political way of a campaign for presidency; will it be true love or the oval office?

Find out the answer when non-profit Equity group TheatreZone and Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music and The Arts debut George Gershwin’s legendary political satire Of Thee I Sing in the intimate 190-seat U.Tobe Recital Hall on the campus of FGCU in Fort Myers in October.

The concert staging is the third teaming of professional TheatreZone actors (members of the Actors Equity Association) with FGCU’s Bower School of Music and The Arts theatre and music students and professors.

TheatreZone founder and artistic director Mark Danni will direct the award-wining production as well as conduct the live on-stage orchestra. TheatreZone resident choreographer Karen Molnar will choreograph, and FGCU faculty member Robin Frank will music direct and play the piano.

With book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, music by George Gershwin and Lyrics by Ira Gershwin, Of Thee I Sing won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1932, making it the first musical ever to do so.

“Of Thee I Sing is inspired by the American political system,” says Danni. “The musical is a merciless lampooning of great American institutions – the presidency, the vice presidency, the two-party system, the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. foreign policy,” he adds.

“Though motivated by the politics of the Depression-era when it was written, many find resonance in modern politics, with some of the jokes that take precise aim, from decades back, at current issues,” he says. “It’s hard to imagine a more timely theatrical essay in satire. In many ways, its spoof of Presidential politics and media manipulation more than 80 years ago seems as pertinent today as ever.”

This all-American musical comedy focuses on the election campaign and Presidency of John P. Wintergreen, whose party, lacking available platform, runs on love, promising that if elected he will marry the partner chosen for him at an Atlantic City beauty pageant. When he falls for Mary Turner (a campaign secretary who bakes a tasty corn muffin) instead of Diana Deveraux (the fairest flower of the South and winner of the pageant), trouble begins!

With politicians skewered right and left, Of Thee I Sing

is a hilarious and timeless send-up of national institutions that is as relevant as ever. (It even features its own impeachment proceedings).

But, what sets Of Thee I Sing apart from contemporary political satire is the absence of anger.

“Living in an era when political humor is as mean spirited as most election campaigns, people tend to forget that there was a time when satire was a finely tuned art form,” believes Danni. “In spoofing presidential politics the authors of Of Thee I Sing saw no reason to zero in on any particular person or party. They wrote equal opportunity jokes in a way that everyone could enjoy.”

“The show doesn’t point fingers; its vision of the political world is comic-absurdist,” continues Danni. “One of the show’s cleverest strokes is the creation of the invisible vice president – a character so unassuming that even his handlers don’t recognize him!

“What better year to bring Of Thee I Sing to our community? Politics, great music, this was one of Gershwin’s masterpieces, and reminds us why the Gershwins remain as relevant today as they ever did,” believes Danni. “The music is wonderful and wonderfully sophisticated.”

Of Thee I Sing will be performed in U. Tobe Recital Hall on the FGCU campus at 10501 FGCU Boulevard South for five performances Oct. 6 through Oct. 9. A traditional talk back (post-performance discussion with cast and artistic team) will take place immediately following the Friday, Oct. 7 show at 10 p.m.

Individual tickets cost $45 orchestra, $55 premium orchestra, and $65 box seats. Additionally, a limited number of $10 FGCU student tickets will be available at will call only.

Call TheatreZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or purchase online at www.theatrezone-florida.com.

2016-17

2016-17

SEASON

SEASON

THE BEST MAN

WINGS

by Gore Vidal

by Arthur Kopit

OCT. 7 - 29

NOV. 11 - 26

I AND YOU

by Lauren Gunderson

DEC. 9 - 23

BURN THIS

MOTHERS AND SONS

By Terrence McNally

JAN. 6 - 21

PLAY ON!

By Lanford Wilson

By Rick Abbot

FEB. 3 - 25

MARCH 10 APRIL 1

THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO

By Alfred Uhry

APRIL 14 - 30 www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com

24-Hour Playwriting Project Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.

STAGED READINGS Nov. 21, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20 Titles TBA

239-218-0481

1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers River District

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Connect with us @ LabTheaterFL

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Naples Players to open season with Rocky Horror

The Naples Players will present The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 12 through Nov. 6 in Blackburn Hall at Sugden Community Theatre in downtown Naples.

This rocking musical is a humorous tribute to the cheesy science fiction and horror B movie genre. The story follows the innocent and newlyengaged Brad and Janet as they get caught in a storm and find themselves at the mansion of Dr. Frank N Furter who is anything but innocent. Come on, “Let’s Do The Time Warp Again!”

Accomplished director and Naples Players choreographer Dawn Fornara will direct and Charles Fornara will serve as musical director. This show is rated R and may not be suitable for children.

Transylvanian leader and mad scientist Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter will be performed by Mark Vanagas. Vanagas, a TNP life member volunteer award winner, has been seen in 22 productions at The Naples Players since 2002, including 42nd Street, Lion in Winter, Cabaret, Red, Sherlock Holmes, Irma Vep and The Producers.

Jasmine Vizena will be playing Janet Weiss, the musical’s nominated “good girl”

and leading heroine. Vizena has been seen on the TNP stage belting tunes in Annie, in 2012’s Shout: The Mod Musical and in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Brad Majors, Janet’s fiance and the play’s wholesome hero, will be portrayed by Jesse Hughes. Hughes is a newcomer to The Naples Players stage.

Theatre goers are encouraged to dress in costume any night. Friday nights are “participation night,” when Rocky Horror goodie bags can be purchased for a fully interactive experience. In addition, a late show will be performed on Oct. 28 at 11 p.m.

Performances are Wednesday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for students 21 and under. The late show performance on Oct. 28 is $50 and will include participation bags at no additional cost. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, with credit card by calling 239-263-7990, or online at www.naplesplayers.org. Sugden Community Theatre is located at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

The Naples Players will hold auditions for Coney Island Christmas beginning at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. No appointments are necessary.

The Naples Players are excited to celebrate the holidays with this charming comedy written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Margulies. Coney Island Christmas is a funny and heartwarming play about Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl during the Depression, who is cast as Jesus in her school’s Christmas pageant, much to her immigrant parents’ chagrin. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter the audience is captured by the merriment, nostalgia and music of the era. For this holiday extravaganza, which

does include some music and singing, they need a cast of about 20, ranging in age from 9 years old to 90. Three principal women are needed; two ages 25-50 and one age 55-75.

Two principal men are sought; ages 30-50.

Four young girls are needed; ages 10-25, and must be able to play 12 years old believably.

Three young boys are needed; ages 10-25, and likewise must be able to play 12 years old believably. There is also a large ensemble that has various feature roles.

Rehearsals begin Oct. 3. Performance dates are Nov. 23 – Dec. 18. The Naples Players auditions are open to all interested persons. Perusal scripts are available at the box office with a $20 deposit. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Auditions Sept. 10 at Sugden Theatre

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

11

Murder Mystery Dinner Train announces holiday, new shows

The Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers has released its upcoming holiday schedule as well as the new season schedule.

Candidates for Murder is playing Fridays and Saturdays now through Sept.

24. Murder Over Miami is currently playing aboard the train on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays through Nov. 24.

The Butler Maid Me Do It will play Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 30 through Nov. 19.

Noel Noir will be performed Wednesdays through Sundays from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24.

The Butler Maid Me Do It will play Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 30 through Jan. 28.

W-H-A-U Murders will be performed Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays Jan. 11 through April 9.

Three Strikes You’re Dead will play Fridays and Saturdays Feb. 3 through April 29.

It’s My Funeral will be performed Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays April 12 through July 9.

A Little Stab ‘l Do Ya will play Fridays and Saturdays May 5 through Aug. 5, 2017.

Holiday shows aboard the dinner train include the following: • Halloween Ghost Trains - Friday,

Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30. Enjoy the fund of the Murder Mystery Dinner Train with a Halloween costume party and contest. Prizes each night to the most original, funniest and scariest costumes. Friday and Sunday all tickets $75 plus tax. Saturday all tickets $79 plus tax.

• Thanksgiving Day Feast (two trains) Thursday, Nov. 24 Thanksgiving family luncheon with traditional New England style feast at 12:15 p.m. – adults (13 and up) $49 plus tax; children (12 and under) $29 plus tax.

Thanksgiving feast with Murder Mystery Show at 5:30 p.m. – all tickets only $75 plus tax.

• Christmas Rail-Boats - Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Set sail for a holiday light extravaganza. Join them on the Seminole Gulf Railway for soup and salad going north to Punta Gorda for a boat tour through Punta Gorda Isles. Then enjoy your entree and dessert on the journey back to Fort Myers. All tickets $99 plus tax.

There is no murder mystery on Rail-Boat Trips.

• New Year’s Eve Gala – Dec. 31 –– all tickets only $129 plus tax.

For tickets, call Seminole Gulf Railway at 239-275-8487 or visit online at www.semgulf.com.

THE CHARLOTTE PLAYERS

Langdon Playhouse opens season with Jerry’s Girls The Charlotte Players will kick off their new season at the Langdon Playhouse with the production of Jerry’s Girls Sept. 29 – Oct. 2.

Jerry’s Girls is a Broadway musical revue of music and lyrics written by Jerry Herman. The show includes selections from Mame, Hello Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles, Mack & Mabel, Dear World and Milk and Honey. This production stars vocalists Melissa Cripps, Dawn Carpenter and Rachael Dalangauskas with Kenneth Crisp as director/pianist.

Evening performances Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 begin at 7:30, and the Oct. 2 matinee is at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Langdon Playhouse is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte.

Call the box office at 941-255-1022 for tickets.

Other shows this season at Langdon Playhouse include the following: Wife Begins at 40 - Oct. 21 - 30 George and Linda Harper’s 17 year marriage has gone stale. When nothing works and they’re faced with divorce, circumstances make them realize that they still care about each other, that marriages need effort and to be renegotiated from time to time and that theirs is certainly worth a second chance.

Beckyʼs New Car - Nov. 10 – 20 Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage – with no prospects for change on the horizon. Then one night, Becky is offered nothing short of a new life. Enjoy this devious yet delightful romp down the road not taken.

Weekend Comedy - Jan. 6 – 15 A couple in their late 40s to mid-50s and a couple in their mid to late 20s have accidentally rented the same cottage for a three-day weekend. They decide to share it. We watch the comedic clash between generations.

The Savannah Sipping Society Feb. 2 -12 Four women “of a certain age” happen to meet at a Savannah-area happy hour. Though each face their own career and relationship challenges, the quartet become fast friends, meeting up once a week to drown their sorrows and/or toast

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

their successes, ultimately helping one another start anew.

The Last Romance - March 9 - 19 A crush can make anyone feel young again—even a widower named Ralph.

On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk-one that leads him to an unexpected chance at love. A heartwarming comedy about the transformative power of love.

Things My Mother Taught Me April 6 - 15 Olivia and Gabe are moving in to their first apartment together, halfway across the country from their parents, so imagine their surprise when everyone shows up to help them.

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Players main stage productions at the Cultural Center Theatre will start in January 2017.

They include the following: Not Now, Darling - Jan. 20 – 28 This hilarious farce set box office records in London before coming to Broadway. The scene is the exclusive London fur salon of Bodley and Crouch, where mistaken identities, suspicious wives, scantily clad girls and a continuous barrage of rapid fire jokes keeps the play bubbling merrily along.

The Full Monty - Feb. 24 - March 5 A group of unemployed steel-working men frustrated with life, women and work decide that regardless of looks, ability or anything else, they are going to be the best Chippendale strippers that Yorkshire, PA has ever seen. Their unlikely new job strengthens their selfesteem and friendship in this musical version of the Academy Award nominated 1997 film.

Farce of Nature - March 30 - April 2 The non-stop hilarity of this Southernfried farce highlights one outrageous day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. In their mountain lodge, love blossoms, truths are revealed and the lives of all; family, guests and gangsters alike are changed in incredible and surprising ways.

The Cultural Center Theatre is located at 2280 Aaron St. in Port Charlotte.

For reserved seating, call the box office at 941-625-4175 ext 220.

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

239.434.8181

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SEPTEMBER 2016

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Theatre Conspiracy presents The Gun Show Sept. 7 - 18

Theatre Conspiracy presents The Gun Show, a new solo play by E.M. Lewis.

The show received rave reviews and played extended runs in its two previous productions in Chicago and Los Angeles.

In it, Miguel Cintron plays a surprising character who lays bare Americans’ complicated, contradictory feelings about guns, with a unique perspective that upends common criticisms from the opposite poles of the American political spectrum. He Gun Show previews Sept. 7 and opens Sept. 8 at the Foulds Theatre in the Alliance for the Arts. Theatre Conspiracy's producing artistic director Bill Taylor will direct the show.

In five true stories that range from humorous and touching to harrowing and heartbreaking, The Gun Show makes audiences on either side of the aisle realize there are no easy answers in the gun debate. “We have a problem with guns in America,” Lewis writes. “The problem is, we really, really like them.” In stories rang-

ing from a nostalgic look at growing up in rural Oregon — where having a gun around the house is as normal as anything and learning to shoot is a familiar rite of passage — to life-changing episodes of gun violence, Lewis offers an unflinching look down the barrel at the America we live in today.

Performances are Sept. 7 – 17 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18.

Tickets for the Sept. 7 preview performance are $15. All other performances are $24 or $11 for students with proper ID. Thursday nights are "buy one get one half off."

For tickets, call 239-936-3239 or purchase at www.theatreconspiracy.org.

Season subscription packages are also available. Buy 8 shows for $144 ($18 per ticket), 7 shows for $133 ($19 per ticket), 6 shows for $120 ($20 a ticket), or 5 shows for $110 ($22 per ticket).

Cirque du Soleil returns to Southwest Florida this September and October to present its newest touring arena show, Ovo, which has never before played in Florida.

The production, presented by Visa Signature, will be playing in three Florida cities, as part of a global tour in arenas around North America. They include Orlando Sept. 21 – 25, Estero at Germain Arena Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 and Jacksonville Oct. 5 – 9.

Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 2009, Ovo will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their home town.

Ovo, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are

awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of Ovo is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of Ovo is the stunning flying act where group of scarabs soar high above – from each corner of the stage – and land together on a platform in the middle.

Advance tickets for Ovo are available online to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind-thescenes information.

To join, visit www.cirqueclub.com.

Tickets for the general public are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo . Adult tickets start at $35 and child tickets start at $25 (subject to change).

Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo at Germain Arena

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

13

2016-17 Lab Theater

Florida Rep

Marco Players

The Best Man

In the Arcade Theatre

The Cemetery Club

239-218-0481 laboratorytheaterflorida.org Oct. 7 - 29

Wings

Nov. 11 - 26

24 Hour Playwriting Project Dec. 3

I and You Dec. 9 - 23

Mothers and Sons Jan. 6 - 21

Burn This Feb. 3 - 25

Play On!

March 10 - April 1

The Last Night of Ballyhoo April 14 - 30

Artis–Naples

239-597-1900 artisnaples.org

42nd Street Dec. 26 - 29

A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love and Murder Jan. 17 - 22

Beautiful The Carole King Musical Feb. 7 -12

Something Rotten March 14 - 19

Cabaret

April 1 - 16

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SEPTEMBER 2016

239-332-4488 floridarep.org

Over the River and Through the Woods Oct. 25 - Nov. 16

239-642-7270 themarcoplayers.com Oct. 26 - Nov. 13

A Christmas Cactus Nov. 30 - Dec. 18

The Mousetrap

The Second Time Around

Jan. 3 - 25

Feb. 8 - 26

Nov. 29 - Dec. 18

The House of Blue Leaves To Kill a Mockingbird Feb. 14 - March 8

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 21 - April 12

In the ArtStage Studio Theatre

Erma Bombeck: At Witʼs End Oct. 4 - Nov. 6

The Best of Enemies Nov. 15 - Dec. 18

Shear Madness Jan. 17 - March 12

Doublewide

April 11 - May 14

Island Theater Company 239-394-0080 theateronmarco.com (schedule not available)

Centers for the Arts

Bonita Springs 239-495-8989 artcenterbonita.org (schedule not available)

Jan. 4 - 22

Cookin with Gus

Driving Miss Daisy March 15 - April 2

Heaven Help Me April 19 - May 7

Barbara B. Mann

Performing Arts Hall 239-481-4849 bbmannpah.com

Cinderella Jan. 3 - 8

Riverdance Jan. 11 - 15

The Book of Mormon Jan. 24 - 29

Chicago the Musical Feb. 7 - 12

Disneyʼs The Little Mermaid March 14 - 19

Jersey Boys

March 29 - April 2

The King & I April 26 - 30

BIG ARTS

Herb Strauss Theater

239-395-0900 bigarts.org (schedule not available)

Langdon Playhouse 941-255-1022 charlotteplayers.org

Jerryʼs Girls

Sept. 29 - Oct. 2

Wife Begins at 40 Oct. 21 - 30

Beckyʼs New Car Nov. 10 - 20

Weekend Comedy Jan. 6 - 15

The Savannah Sipping Society Feb. 2 - 12

The Last Romance March 9 - 19

Things My Mother Taught Me April 6 - 15

Firehouse Community Theatre 863-675-3066

firehousecommunitytheatre.com

Farce of Nature Oct. 28 - Nov. 6

Humbug

Dec. 8 - 18

Youʼre a Good Man, Charlie Brown Jan. 12 - 22

Drinking Habits II Feb. 23 - March 5

A Little Bit Country March 31 - April 9

On Golden Pond April 28 - May 7

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Gulfshore Playhouse

Charlotte Players

Constellations

Jan. 20 - 28

1-866-811-4111 gulfshoreplayhouse.org Oct. 8 - 30

My Fair Lady

Nov. 12 - Dec. 11

Do This

Jan. 7 - 29

The Hound of the Baskervilles Feb. 11 - March 12

The Merchant of Venice March 25 - April 15

The Christians April 29 - May 21

Cultural Park Theater 239-772-5862 culturalparktheater.com

Seussical the Musical Sept. 9 - 18

Broadway Showstoppers Revue Sept. 30 - Oct. 9

Elvis Has Left the Building Nov. 4 - 13

Spectacular Christmas Dec. 14 - 18

The Porch Jan. 13 - 22

941-625-4175 x 220 charlotteplayers.org

Not Now, Darling The Full Monty Feb. 24 - March 5

Farce of Nature March 30 - April 2

Naples Players 239-263-7990 naplesplayers.org In Blackburn Hall

Rocky Horror Show Oct. 12 - Nov. 6

Coney Island Christmas Nov. 23 - Dec. 18

Bell, Book and Candle Jan. 11 - Feb. 5

My Fair Lady March 1 - April 2

Donʼt Dress for Dinner May 12 - 21

Oct. 14 - 30

The Country Wife Dec. 1 - 17

33 Variations Jan. 30 - Feb. 4

Ma Raineyʼs Black Bottom

Feb. 24 - March 11

Nice T!TS

March 17 - 19

The Cave

March 24 - April 8

Annual New Play Contest Winner May 5 - 20

Nov. 17 - Dec. 25

Savannah Sipping Society Jan. 19 – March 4

Things My Mother Taught Me March 9 – April 29

Right Bed, Wrong Husband June 15 - July 29

TheatreZone 1-888-966-3352 theatrezone-florida.com

Of Thee I Sing Oct. 6 - 9

Home for the Holidays Dec. 9 - 11

Amadeus

Oct. 13 - Nov. 19

March 9 - 19

Dead Accounts Feb. 1 - 26

These Shining Lives March 2 - April 15

The Savannah Disputation

April 21 - 30

The Taming

Another Night Before Christmas

Yesterdays

Oct. 26 - Nov. 20

Feb. 24 - March 5

The Glass Menagerie

Sept. 7 - 18

The Nerd

Outside Mullingar

In the Tobye Studio

The Studio Players

March 24 - April 2

The Gun Show

Oct. 6 - Nov. 12

239-936-3239 theatreconspiracy.org

239-278-4422 broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm

April 19 - May 14

Feb. 3 - 12

Hairspray

Off Broadway Palm

I Hate Hamlet

All Shook Up

The Importance of Being Earnest

Theatre Conspiracy

239-398-9192 letsputonashowproductions.com Oct. 21 - Nov. 6

You Canʼt Take it with You Feb. 10 - 26

Clever Little Lies April 21 - May 7

Whoʼs Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

April 15 - May 1

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

239-278-4422 broadwaypalm.com Sept. 8 - Oct. 8

Evita

White Christmas Nov. 24 – Dec. 25

Phantom

Dec. 29 – Feb. 11

George M Jan. 12 - 22 Feb. 9 - 19

9 to 5

Legs Diamond Lives Again April 27 - May 7

Anything Goes

FGCU Theatre

April 6 – May 14

Of Thee I Sing

Feb. 16 – April 1

Jesus Christ Superstar Clue the Musical May 18 – June 24

Mary Poppins

June 29 – Aug. 12

239-590-7268 fgcu.edu/CAS/theatre Oct. 6 - 9

The Tempest Nov. 11 - 20

The Foreigner Feb. 17 - 26

Artist Residency with Tim Miller April 7 - 9

SEPTEMBER 2016

15

Music

ACMA: Grant Maloy Smith, Alan Rhody •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The American Community Music Association welcomes Grant Maloy Smith for a concert on Sept. 12 in Fort Myers.

Grant Maloy Smith is an American roots singer/songwriter with a country bent. His songs tell heartfelt stories about real people, and are unfailingly optimistic and forward looking. His 2013 album Yellow Trailer earned rave reviews, including this one from the Aquarian “...Smith’s lyrical work is just as impressive from track to track, staying true to folk style storytelling in music while keeping it sounding fresh and enjoyable.” Grant is a member of the Recording Academy (the Grammys), and is a BMI recording artist. His upcoming album Dust Bowl is being released nationally and internationally in early 2017.

Grant was born in Jacksonville. Grant's maternal grandmother was from the mountains of Kentucky, and even though she moved eastward, she loved that bluegrass sound for the rest of her life, and she encouraged Grant to appreciate it. She gave Grant a real gift - an appreciation for traditional American music.

Despite the fact that his early work was primarily in the pop/rock genres, there was always something "country" about his songs.

They all told stories, and painted pictures with words. After hearing from more than one friend and colleague that he should give Americana roots a try, he finally gave it a try, and never

16

SEPTEMBER 2016

looked back.

"It all got synthesized in my heart and mind during those years, and it changed me forever.

I will never go back to writing songs like I did before. Don't get me wrong: they were good songs, I hope, but they didn't express everything that I was trying to capture. There is an honesty and immediacy to the kind of songs I am writing now. Sometimes they are painfully honest, but that's what makes them connect with people: honesty," says Smith.

Opening for Grant Maloy Smith will be Bruce Gallant.

The ACMA presents a homegrown concert Sept. 17 featuring Barbara Chamberlain and Carlene Thissen.

Barbara and Carlene perform together only a few times a year, yet their music is like their friendship - they pick up where they left off, and groove together perfectly.

Carlene's move back to the piano/keyboard, her first instrument, plus Barbara's always-awesome flat-picking guitar will create a slightly different sound at this year's Homegrown performance. And as always, their harmonies on each other's original songs will keep the audience engaged and smiling.

They both have new songs to share and some old ones we haven't heard. Their performing styles match perfectly - casual yet professional, they laugh a lot and enjoy them-

Grant Maloy Smith selves, with the music and the audience.

Alan Rhody takes the ACMA stage on Sept.

24. Local artist Steve Ford will be the opening act.

Award-winning songwriter, touring and recording artist and workshop facilitator, Alan Rhody, released his 9th album in 2012 entitled Led by Love. It features new material, a couple previously unreleased gems, and an a cappella 19th Century Scottish war ballad. Rhody is a Nashville-based Kentucky native, whose songs have crossed genres throughout his prolific forty-year career. His music has been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” along with numerous network TV appearances in the U.S. and Canada.

Though his songs have earned him multiplatinum and gold record awards, what he loves best is connecting with live audiences. Some of the friends who’ve joined him on his recordings include: John Prine, John Hartford, Sam Bush, Maura O’Connell, Jay Patten, Jamie Hartford, David Rawlings and Guthrie Trapp.

The long list of artists who’ve recorded his songs includes: The Oak Ridge Boys, Del McCoury, Toby Keith, Michael Martin Murphy, David Mallett, Lorrie Morgan, George Jones, Tanya Tucker, Ricky Van Shelton, Suzie Boggus, Murray McLauchlan, Kevin Welch, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Lynn Anderson, Kieran Kane, Jimmy C.Newman, Hoyt Axton and The Atlanta Rhythm Section.

The ACMA has joined forces with the third annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and will present a showcase Sept. 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. This special show starts at 8 p.m.

This show will feature ACMA members performing original songs and the stories behind the songs. Tickets available at the door $10 donation.

The Sept. 29 showcase songwriters include: Alan Bradford is a unique guitar player and an "old soul" singer/songwriter. A musician that can deliver song after song of heart-felt original music.

Keith Parker started playing guitar at age 13. He enjoys many different genres which has also influenced his original compositions. Keith has a passion for writing, co-writing, arranging, recording and performing original music

Alan Rhody Bob Williams has been writing songs for 40 years. His music and stories behind the songs will always bring a smile.

Boz & Bon (Mark & Bonnie) have been making beautiful music together for more than 20 years. Both New Englanders, they met in Bon's hometown in Maine where Boz was playing. Since then, their harmony in music as well as in life, fills the air with their voices and beautiful music.

David Hintz is a straight at you honest songwriter. Whether it's a love song, a political protest song, or a song about dating. Clear direct lyrics and strong guitar is what you'll get every time. David has two CDs "Rose Hard and Put Away Wet" 2013 and "Out With a Bang" 2015.

Dan Philgreen has been playing guitar since junior high school. Coming of age in the ‘70s when so many great singer-songwriters were on the radio, he has always loved folk and folkrock music. His original tunes attempt to take an honest look at life as he sees it and leave the listener with hope Dave Clayton had a folk singing trio in H.S. back in Philly. Went to California, wrote & pitched songs, studied music theory and formed The Clayton Gang band in San Francisco, moved to Nashville, married his current wife & retired to Florida where he continues writing & singing songs.

Joe Virga has been performing as a singersongwriter for over 40 years. His unique chord structure melodies, poignant words and distinct tenor have set him apart in the Florida folk community.

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 to $15 donation.

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 23 - Oct. 2

The third annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest has 60 confirmed songwriters, bringing more talent, more free performances and more venues to music fans along the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida.

Headliner for the 10day festival is Maren Morris.

The Nashville songwriter has soared to the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart with her debut album, Hero. Morris has joined Keith Urban’s ripCORD tour and will be performing her smash hit “My Church” at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest on Fort Myers Beach Oct. 2.

The free festival will take place on Southwest Florida’s most beautiful barrier islands and offers a range of star-studded performances. The festival kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 23 - 25 and wraps up Sept.

30 - Oct. 2 on Fort Myers Beach. Historic downtown Fort Myers will once again feature midweek performances.

Country group Parmalee (“Carolina” and “Musta Had a Good Time”) will perform at a ticketed concert Sept. 28 in downtown Fort Myers.

There will be a limited number of ticketed events for special performances.

The festival brings back fan favorites Bob DiPiero (“Southern Voice”) recorded by Tim McGraw, Even Stevens (“I Love a Rainy Night”) recorded by Eddie Rabbit and Frank Myers (“I Swear”) recorded by John Michael Montgomery. New artists include Helen Darling (“Bring on the Rain”) recorded by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw.

“We’re very excited having such impressive songwriters,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This festival gives audiences a unique opportunity to learn the stories behind the songs from the most talented songwriters in the business. Music lovers can hear and meet their favorite songwriters.”

Also, 2016 brings uncommon songwriter experiences, including house parties, sunset cruises, pool parties, a dinner and wine pairing and a songwriting workshop.

“The talent at the 2016 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is the best yet. iHeartMedia and BMI have put together an incredible list of songwriters,” said Louis Kaplan, iHeartMedia Sr. VP Programming.

“The festival includes over 140 shows scheduled over 11 days plus special appearances from Maren Morris and Parmalee. We’ve been preparing with the VCB since the week after last year’s festival and we can’t wait to kick it all off Friday, Sept. 23 in Captiva,” Kaplan added.

Attendees will enjoy some of their favorite songs while getting a taste of the destination at live music venues on Captiva Island including The Crow’s Nest at ‘Tween Waters Inn, Key Lime Bistro, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva and South Seas Island Resort.

In downtown Fort Myers, don’t miss shows at the brand new Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro, Indigo Room, City Tavern, JC Cruises and Hotel Indigo.

Favorites on Fort Myers Beach include Matanzas on the Bay, Cabanas Beach Bar at DiamondHead Beach Resort, and poolside shows at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Featured sponsors include Happenings Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, HD Radio, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Florida, Budweiser and Bose.

For more information visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

18

SEPTEMBER 2016

MEET SOME

OF THE

ARTISTS SCHEDULED TO PERFORM

CASSIDY DIANA WETHERELL Singer, songwriter, and multiinstrumentalist Cassidy Diana Wetherell was born into a military family in Asheville, North Carolina. She and her family endured hardships growing up in a post 9/11 active duty environment and had to relocate 14 times.

Cassidy found her solace in music. Her friends and family quickly discovered that she was a musical prodigy. In a few short years, she has mastered 5 instruments and has written hundreds of songs. With the solid support of her family and a persevering spirit, Cassidy began performing live; gracing stages from New York to North Carolina to Nashville and garnering the attention of the music industry along the way. Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of her first mentors and she has performed alongside Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Chris Janson, Tyler Farr, Cole Swindell, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Little River Band, and many more.

GARY HANNAN

Songwriter on Blake Shelton’s 2013 CMA and ACA Winning Album of the year, also nominated for a Grammy. Gary is a multiplatinum selling songwriter with hits like Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off (Joe Nichols) Back When I Knew It All (Montgomery Gentry) BMI # 1 radio airplay awards for "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and "Back When I Knew it All", CMA #1 awards,ACM #1 awards, country air check BMI Millionaire awards in recognition of over Three million radio air plays NSAI -Songs I wish I had Written- award voted by the professional songwriting community. Mapletop Entertainment set to be released in the 2016.

TRAILER CHOIR

Trailer Choir is an American country music duo composed of vocalists Marc Fortney and Vinny Hickerson, known by their respective stage names Butter and Big Vinny (A.K.A. Bigg Vinny and Bigg Vinny the Mack). The group began as a trio with Crystal Hoyt and was signed to Show Dog Nashville, a label owned by Toby Keith, in 2007. After recording the song "Off the Hillbilly Hook" for the soundtrack to Keith's film Beer for My Horses, Trailer Choir charted the singles "What Would You Say", "Rockin' the Beer Gut" and "Rollin' Through the Sunshine" on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE Rising county artist Stephanie Quayle continues to captivate listeners with her current single "Drinking With Dolly," whether she is on stage in a packed venue or a small intimate setting.

From the vibrant blonde's radiating energy and booming personality to the passion and intensity delivered in her music, the magnetic singer-songwriter grabs hold of an audience and doesn't let go as she belts out her songs from behind her and guitar and piano. The single "Drinking With Dolly" is one close to Quayle's heart. It is an anthem for all the women of country in a time when female artists are rising together to make a major impact in today's music scene. Partnering with acclaimed producer Matt McClure of the 2013 CMA "Song of the Year," "I Drive Your Truck" by Lee Brice, Quayle's new music is much anticipated.

Accompanying the single, the upcoming project with include songs "Days Like These," "Fall When You Fall," Winnebago" and the co-written heartfelt 'moving on song,' "Shoebox."

TIM JAMES

Grammy nominated songwriter Tim James is the co-writer of the 5 week #1 “My List”

by Toby Keith, the Bucky Covington Top 10 “It’s Good To Be Us” and the smash debut from the Lost Trailers “Holler Back.”

James has had cuts by platinum selling artists Darius Rucker, Craig Morgan, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, LeeAnn Womack, Joe Nichols and contemporary Christian artist Point of Grace. James penned the Trace Adkins single “All I Ask For Anymore”, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song of 2009, and the 2010 Billboard song of the year, “Love Like Crazy”, by Lee Brice.

“Love Like Crazy” was nominated for ACM song of the year in 2010 and broke a record for consecutive weeks on the charts. James wrote the Rodney Atkins single “He’s Mine” and the George Strait #1 single “Give It All We Got Tonight”. He also wrote Darius Rucker’s new single “Southern Style” which is the title track from the singer’s new album.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Bluegrass concerts return Sept. 11 Live bluegrass music returns to the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Presented by The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida, the popular bluegrass series continues monthly through April of 2017.

The September concert features Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders and the Bugtussle Ramblers.

Tickets are $10 and available online at www.ArtInLee.org/tickets or at the door.

Seating is open and first come, first serve. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Doors open at 1 p.m.

Gulfshore Trio to perform Sept. 15 at Shell Point

Captain Joe & The Bottomfeeders

Bugtussle Ramblers

Visit ArtInLee.org or call 239-9392787 for more information.

To learn more about bluegrass and acoustic music in Southwest Florida, visit www.Palmgrass.org.

The Alliance campus and galleries

Late Night Brass plays Sept. 24 at SummerJazz on the Gulf

The 31st annual SummerJazz on the Gulf concert series concludes at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club on Saturday, Sept. 24 with a free show by Late Night Brass.

The fun, family-friendly concert series combines beautiful jazz music with scenic sunsets, lovely views of the gulf, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere.

The concert will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the resort’s picturesque Watkins Lawn overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Returning to SummerJazz for the eighth consecutive year, this high-energy band features a powerful fourpiece horn section (saxophone, two trumpets, and trombone), a driving five-piece rhythm section (keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and Latin percussion), a dynamic male vocalist, and a very talented female vocalist. Late Night Brass will perform a range of songs from such popular horn bands as Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, and Blood Sweat & Tears. The band also plays songs from such groups as Huey Lewis & The News, The Blues Brothers, and Doobie Brothers. The band has opened up for Chicago, Chris Botti, Huey Lewis & The News, Billy Joel & Elton John,

are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

The Shell Point Summer Concert Series wraps up in September, as it continues to offer an engaging lineup of highly acclaimed, talented musicians at an affordable price.

The Gulfshore Trio will play Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Village Church Auditorium. This ensemble is wellknown throughout the area for presenting an appealing and diversified repertoire – from the chamber Masterworks of Mozart to music on the lighter side. Enjoy this evening with the Gulfshore Trio, comprised of accomplished violinist Reiko Niiya, concert pianist William Dawson, soloist with the Boston Pops and various other orchestras, and phenomenal young cellist Shea Kole. Tickets are $20.

For tickets, call (239) 454-2067 or visit www.shellpoint.org/concerts.

Late Night Brass and Michael Bublé.

Concerts feature full bar service in several locations and a food concession with a selection of snack items and freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches.

Hotel guests will receive complimentary parking at the resort. For those not staying at the resort parking is available just north of the hotel at Lowdermilk Park, with complimentary parking for 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 or directions.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

19

JJ Grey & Mofro headlines first Big Orange Music Festival Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida and artistic director Dr. Trent Brown

Auditions Sept. 6 and Sept. 13 for Symphonic Chorale

The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the artistic leadership of Dr. Trent Brown, is holding auditions for its exciting 2016-17 season.

Besides performing in several self-produced concerts conducted by Dr. Brown, the Chorale also will perform several Holiday Pops concerts and a Masterworks concert with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Nir Kabaretti. These concerts include: a three-performance series in November “An American Choral Tapestry” featuring the premier of Tim McDonnell’s “Dead Letters” Trilogy and Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana” which is dedicated to our veterans and offers free admission; several Holiday Pops performances with the SWFL Symphony; our 4th Sing Out! Southwest Florida Choral Festival in February entitled “Mass Appeal” featuring favorite movements from well-known Masses; in March there’s another Night at the Opera with the SWFL Symphony at Barbara B Mann PAH; and finally In April “Your Spirit Soars” featuring a newly commissioned work by young composer Zachary Moore.

The Symphonic Chorale is the area’s only professional core community chorus and also serves as the resident chorus of the SW Florida Symphony Orchestra. Consequently, the Chorale provides the opportunity not just for volunteer singers to develop their singing skill but also for professional singers to join our ranks as part of our 10 to 12 member paid core. Also available this year for the first time thanks to a generous donor, there are student Apprenticeship Scholarships available for high school and college students. These scholarships will cover a student’s membership dues and attire costs and in a few cases will provide a small stipend at the end of each semester.

The Chorale’s Board and Artistic Director Dr. Trent Brown are committed to provide the community with choral performances of the highest caliber and also to provide the environment for its members to develop their artistry and grow as choral singers being part of our Symphonic Chorale family.

If you are looking for this kind of choral experience in Southwest Florida, the Symphonic Chorale is for you. Simply set up an audition for Sept. 6 or Sept. 13 (other dates can be arranged if necessary). Auditions are 10-15 minutes and include a prepared piece of your choice, scales, and some sight singing. An accompanist is provided so bring two copies of the music.

To schedule an audition, call Membership Chair Linda Tripp at 863-673-3193 or email lindartripp@gmail.com

20

SEPTEMBER 2016

International recording artist JJ Grey and Mofro is set to headline the first annual Big Orange Music Festival. There will be two stages and six bands including soul/funk group The Fritz (from Asheville, N.C.), 16 Time BMA nominated Nick Moss Band, Colin Lake, Thomas Wynn and The Believers, and Still Friends.

The event will also incorporate food trucks, vendors and more. The Big Orange Music Festival will take place at the Charlotte Event and Conference Center. Doors open at 4 p.m. on Sept. 10.

Other events taking place at the Big Orange Music Festival include

JJ Grey & Mofro

The Big Orange Sunset Celebration featuring stiltwalkers, jugglers, unicyclist and live music at Fishermen’s Village on Sept. 9 starting at 5 p.m.

Festivities for the Sunset Celebration at Fishermen’s Village include: •Live music by the Nick Moss Band from Chicago, 5 to 7 p.m.

• Sunset Celebration, featuring Too Tall Torrie Stiltwalker, Jeff the Juggler and Unicyclist Chris Lucas, 7 to 7:30 p.m.

• Live music by The Fritz Band, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Get your tickets online at www.BigOrangeMusicFestival.com

New concert series features local bands & breweries

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center introduces the new Noteworthy concert series to highlight diverse local bands and breweries. The concerts will be held in September and October.

Noteworthy concerts range from Latin jazz fusion to indie rock, bluegrass, and funk and all are paired with some of the finest craft breweries in Southwest Florida. Spend the evening dancing, beer tasting and moving to the beat of the music.

Friday, Sept. 9 • Heat Latin Jazz Band Heat Latin Jazz Band is a six-piece band whose music covers a wide variety of traditional Latin music, ranging from salsa classics, to Latin jazz to original compositions, all drawing on Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Heat Latin Jazz Band is made up of fresh, young musicians from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, such as Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Heat is already a local favorite at a number of local events.

Featuring Fat Point Brewing Fat Point Brewing is a Southwest Florida craft and micro brewery, producing fresh, local, hand-crafted beers. Their brews can be found from Naples to Bradenton at some of the best bars and restaurants in Southwest Florida. Fat Point's production brewery has three different brewhouses; an experimental 'pilot' system, a small-batch brewhouse, and a large production brewhouse. They are known for five of their own uniquely-crafted brews.

Friday, Sept. 23 • For A Season For A Season recently opened for headliner Johnnyswim at the inaugural Tap & Tunes Craft Beer and Music Festival in January 2016. For A Season is a Folk, Soul, Rock & Roll band hailing from Southwest Florida.

From rock backgrounds, gospel flavored vocals with a rootsy feel, and a blend of modern folk orchestration that also makes room for soul and country inflections, For A Season has arrived at a very unique sound.

In August of 2015, For A Season released their first full length record, "I Will Wait”, that was recorded and produced by Rick Beato, who is best known for working with artists such as Needtobreathe, Parmalee, Shinedown and many other top names in the industry. "I Will Wait" gained radio play across the globe and opened the door for touring

Heat Latin Band

opportunities and shows with some of the top artists in the music industry, including 2-time Grammy winning artist For King & Country, American Idol alumni Colton Dixon & many more.

Featuring Old Soul Brewery Old Soul Brewing started from deep appreciation for craft beer while co-owner and found Nicholas Schmidt was stationed in Denver, CO. Old Soul Brewing officially opened its doors on Oct. 11, 2014. Old Soul Brewing knows craft beer like the back of their hands. They are a family owned and operated brewery, specializing in various ales, ranging from imperial chocolate stout to chai tea brown ale. It is owned by brothers Nicholas and Jacob Schmidt.

Friday, Oct. 14 • The Good Bad Kids The Good Bad Kids are based out of Naples. With a shared love for folk, rock, punk, and bluegrass music, Matt McWaters, Nicky D'Agostino, Joe Garita, and Dempsey Jones perform an exhilarating and captivating mixture of old and new sounds. Known for powerful harmonies and musical diversity, they take the stage and deliver an electrifying, riotous performance that is sure to get you hooked, up out of your seat, and on to the dance floor.

Featuring Millennial Brewing Company Brand New to the Fort Myers craft beer scene, Millennial Brewing Company is owned and founded by partners Logan Roberts and Kyle Cebull. The quintessential Millennial can be described as multi-tasking, connected, and tech-savvy. The duo pairs passion with a strong work ethic and technology to create a singular craft beer and member experience.

No different than all the generations before, they to make an impact on the world through

For A Season

creating a one-of-a-kind community of beer lovers.

Friday, Oct. 28. • Strange Arrangement Party-funk rock group Strange Arrangement® will set the mood for SBDAC's Halloween Bash! Bring your party friends and dress up in your most spook-tacular Halloween costumes!

Hailing from the tropical paradise Pine Island, Strange Arrangement® is a creative musical “family” organized by the Brothers Van Kirk. The group consists of dedicated musicians who are making a positive impact on the future generations with a multi-faceted approach to creating and delivering music.

Brothers Warren and Gregory each have a unique, broad range of musical tastes and incorporate this into their original music, appealing to people of all ages and walks of life. With familiar rhythms and catchy, fresh hooks Strange Arrangement is creating the music to our memories.

Featuring Bury Me Brewing Bury Me Brewing is the first micro-brewery located within the city of Fort Myers.

Established in 2015, Bury Me crafts several small batches at a time to focus on blending tradition with innovation. Owned and operated by a very unlikely trio, their differences are one of the things that help keep them unique.

As the "Craft Beer" movement was sweeping across the nation the three saw the demand and potential for such a business in the Southwest Florida area.

Doors opens for cocktails at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. General admission tickets $10 • Buy the series $30. Purchase tickets at sbdac.com or at the box office.

SBDAC is located at 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Call 239-333-1933 for more details.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Marty Stokes Band & Beale Street Gamblers head for Memphis

SW Florida Blues Society holds regional challenge

The Beale Street Gamblers were the solo/duo winner Aug. 7 at the SW Florida regional IBC competition at The Rhythm House in Fort Myers. Photo by Jamie Kuser

The Marty Stokes Band was the band winner and was presented with the People’s Choice Award at the “Road to Memphis International Blues Challenge” sponsored by the Southwest Florida Blues Society. The regional competition was held Aug. 7 at The Rhythm House in Fort Myers and was co-sponsored by Happenings Magazine.

The Beale Street Gamblers took top honors in the soloduo category and also advance to the Memphis.

The 33rd International Blues Challenge (IBC 2017) will be held Jan. 31 – Feb. 4, 2017, in downtown Memphis, Tenn., taking place in the historic Beale Street Entertainment District.

The band consists of Marty Stokes on vocals and guitars, Jennifer Mazziotti on saxophone, Daryl Best on bass and Carveth Clausen on drums. This summer the band has been in the studio working on Marty’s third CD which promises to be the best yet. Marty has recently signed with Lake House Records, his second CD Leavin’ Blues was recently released in Europe and is getting great response and audience through radio airplay. He received Album of the Week on England’s #1 Blues podcast, and enjoying a The Marty Stokes Band was the band winner and the overall wide audience in France and the Netherlands. peopleʼs choice award recipient at the Aug. 7 regional blues Other competitors on Aug. 7 were Lucky Larry challenge at The Rhythm House. Mel Suran of the Southwest McDonald, Champ, Hat and Matching Suitcase, John Florida Blues Society (right) awards the band the double Allender Band, and Big Buck and the Biscuit Boys. honors. Photo by Mike Danley Accommodations book up early in Memphis, so check www.blues.org for recommended accommodations near For more info on the Southwest Florida Blues Society or to Beale Street. Come up to support your local talent and a week become a member, visit www.swfbs.org. of amazing live music.

Americana Community Music Association Inc. ALAN RHODY

Americana Acoustic

Upcoming ACMA Shows

SEPT 10 - Grant Maloy Smith Opening Bruce Gallant

SEPT 17 - Homegrown Barbara Chamberlain & Carlene Thissen SEPT 24 - Alan Rhody Opening Steve Ford

SEPT 29 - ACMA/Island Hopper Songwriter Fest with a

special show at The Crowne Plaza (Bell Tower Shops) at 8 pm

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

Info: 239-691-4069 • www.AmericanACMA.org

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

21

Experience live music on a cruise

Because of our convenient location, Southwest Floridians have an enormous selection when it comes to taking a cruise on the high seas. With ports in Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale only a short drive away, area residents can vacation without the worry or cost of air travel to their destination.

Today’s cruise ship options are plentiful, but even more exciting are the choices for themed or music-oriented cruises. There are cruises available for almost every genre of music from blues to rock to country to jazz. If you like a certain era of music, themed cruises featuring national acts for the 60s, 70s, 80s are also available. National artists are onboard these cruise ships and ready to entertain and meet their fans with up close and personal encounters.

This month, Happenings Magazine wraps up its three-month series on some of the many music cruises.

Jan. 14 - 19, 2017

70S ROCK & ROMANCE: Little River Band (left) is among the artists aboard the Rock and Romance Cruise sailing March 11-16, 2017, from Fort Lauderdale. For more info, call 844-466-7625 or visit online at www.RockAndRomanceCruise.com.

Jan. 19 - 23, 2017

Jan. 27 - Feb. 3, 2017

Feb. 2 - 7, 2017

Feb. 11 - 18, 2017

Feb. 27 - March 4, 2017

March 4 - 11, 2017

March 11 - 16, 2017

22

Sister Hazel leads The Rock Boat lineup

The Rock Boat – one of the first themed music cruises of its kind – returns in 2017 for five nights of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem aboard the beautiful Norwegian Jade with stops in two Caribbean paradises along the way.

Hosted by renowned alternative rock band Sister Hazel (“All for You”), The Rock Boat XVII has added sublime rockers Parachute, genre-bending songwriter Stephen Kellogg & The South West North East, Toronto-based rock group The Trews, ether-electrified musicians Carbon Leaf, virtuoso guitarist firekid, indie pop band Knox Hamilton and silent dance party DJs Headphone Disco to the musical lineup. They’ll join "Fresh Eyes" singer Andy Grammer, Ben Rector, and Better Than Ezra, plus more than 15 other acts for one legendary week at sea.

Up and coming bands will once again have the chance of a lifetime to join The Rock Boat XVII’s stellar lineup! Sixthman Soundcheck is now open for submissions at TheRockBoat.com/Soundcheck.

Three acts will be selected by guests to vacation and perform at sea on The Rock Boat in 2017.

The 17th annual sailing of The Rock Boat, embarking Feb. 10 through Feb. 15, 2017, will gather more than 2,500 music lovers for an open-water musical odyssey that includes non-stop performances and collaborations from dozens of artists, theme nights, fan-band activities and tropical memory making between Tampa; Harvest Caye, Belize, and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Double occupancy staterooms on The Rock Boat XVII begin at $965 per person, plus taxes and fees. For more information about booking your vacation, visit online at www.TheRockBoat.com, or call 877-379-9173.

SEPTEMBER 2016

YES, Kansas on Cruise to the Edge

Have you made your reservation for Prog Rock’s Greatest Festival? It sets sail Feb. 7-11, 2017, to the Caribbean and it would be a shame to sail without you.

Your host band, YES, invites you to join them and a few of their friends including Kansas, Steve Hackett, John Wetton and Mike Portnoy aboard Royal Caribbean's state-of-the-art Brilliance Of The Seas. In addition, CTTE and Progressive Nation will present Mike Portnoy's 50th Birthday Bash aka #MP50 (an all-star career retrospective concert spanning 30 years of music featuring an array of artists to be announced).

A growing hallmark of CTTE is the passenger showcase: The Late Night LIVE Prog Experience. Already, 61 passenger-musicians have auditioned and have been selected to play

complex Prog songs on a dedicated, fully-appointed stage aboard the Brilliance of the Seas. In addition, nine headline artists have already signed up as well to perform alongside passengers, and there's still plenty of room to add more talent!

Coordinated by passenger volunteers and working closely with our CTTE production team, cruisers can expect to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

An organized system (aka "The Grid") has been setup to place individual musician into slots on songs and, once onboard, there will be plenty of stage, instrument and backline resources for talented musos to perform approximately 70 progressive rock selections on The Late Night Live Prog Experience stage.

You can book your cabin now at www.CruiseToTheEdge.com.

311 takes fifth Caribbean Cruise

311’s ultimate vacation experience returns March 2 - 6, 2017, with the band’s fifth 311 Caribbean Cruise.

Sailing between Tampa and the island paradise of Cozumel, Mexico, the 311 Caribbean Cruise 2017 will transform the luxurious Norwegian Jade cruise liner into a massive, floating music festival at sea.

With an action-packed performance schedule spread-out over five stages - the cruise includes three 311 pool deck shows; shows by many other bands, DJ's & comedians; a personal photo with you, your cabin mates & 311; activities with all the artists onboard; fun-in-the-sun with 2,700 other music fans - plus a list of incredible on-board amenities.

Hosted by multi-platinum alternative rock band 311, the adventure offers a great lineup of bands, DJs and comedians, including So-Cal roots-reggae act Rebelution, ska-pop icons Reel Big Fish, reggae-dub band Stick Figure, L.A.-based hip-hop duo People Under the Stairs, Mid-Atlantic beach rockers Ballyhoo!, alt-rocking go-go trio RDGLDGRN, funky-soul aficionados Los Stellarians and more.

The ship is full, but you can join the waiting list. For more info, visit online at 311cruise.com or call 877-379-9181.

Train to Sail Across the Sun

Grammy Award winning rock band Train and Sixthman have partnered once again to host the fourth voyage of the Sail Across the Sun music and wine festival.

Pairing a variety of widely appealing musical acts with an equally broad array of wine and onboard activities, this year’s Sail Across the Sun cruise will host more than 2,000 guests as they travel between Tampa and Costa Maya, Mexico, Feb. 15-19, 2017 aboard the beautiful Norwegian Jade.

Sail Across the Sun vacationers will be treated to dozens of musical performances over four nights, including three headlining performances from their rootsrocking hosts, Train. Two of those sets will be in the band’s full electric glory, while the other will be presented in an intimate, acoustic format.

The diverse musical lineup features folk-inflected pop rocker Matt Nathanson, genre-defying Michael Franti & Spearhead, Britpop songbird Natasha Bedingfield and positivity-spreading hip-hop group Arrested Development.

They’ll be joined by a wide array of musical acts including Toad the Wet Sprocket frontman Glen Phillips, Yacht Rock Revue, Simplified, Bastard Bearded Irishmen and Headphone Disco.

Former Saturday Night Live comedian Jim Breuer and yogi John Jessum are special guests on board, and more musical acts will be revealed in the coming months.

Double occupancy Sail Across the Sun staterooms begin at $925 per person, plus taxes and fees.

For more information about booking your vacation, visit online at sailacrossthesun.com or call Sixthman directly at 877-3799177.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Easton Corbin and friends pack The Ranch SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

LANco

Tara Thompson

It was a night of unplugged country music Aug. 17 when Easton Corbin and friends played to a packed house at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon in Fort Myers. Part of the Sam Galloway Concert Series, this particular concert started with a $20,000 check presentation to Community Cooperative. Other performers included William Michael Morgan, LANco, Tara Thompson and Erin Alvey.

Easton Corbin

Photos by Jamie K. Kuser

Erin Alvey

William Michael Morgan

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers form City of Palms Youth Choirs

The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers announced the initiation of The City of Palms Youth Choirs. The program will consist of two new choirs – high school and middle school - to be directed

by Mastersingers assistant director Matt Koller.

“In a climate where public school music and arts funding is decreasing the Mastersingers believe it is vital to create a program for young singers that will ensure the future of the choral art form.” said Tony Contino, Mastersingers Board president.

The Mastersingers regularly collaborate with university and high school music departments to provide professional performing opportunities for young students. Now in their 16th season the Mastersingers expand their programming and community involve-

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SEPTEMBER 2016

ment with the creation of The Mastersingers City of Palms Youth Choir. The City of Palms Youth Choir will perform at their own concerts in addition to many of the adult Mastersinger performances.

Koller has already received an invitation for the high school choir to perform at Lincoln Center in New York with renowned choral director James Jordan and award-winning Welsh composer Paul Mealor in the spring.

Auditions will take place in August with rehearsals beginning in September. Information regarding auditions and fees will be posted on the Mastersingers website, www.MastersingersFM.com.

Matt Koller is a highly acclaimed choral and instrumental con-

ductor and has led ensembles which have been praised with comments such as "the voices and diction were sheer perfection" and "as professional a student orchestra as I have had the pleasure to hear," by the Papermill Playhouse in Maplewood, N.J. Koller most recently was the choral director at Fort Myers High School.

The Mastersingers, the premier choral ensemble in Southwest Florida, is a select ensemble of singers who enjoy a reputation of musical excellence and are dedicated to the performance of significant choral works by classical composers, as well as innovative programs.

For more information, call 239-288-2535 or email at info@mastersingersfm.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

LOCAL & LIVE MUSIC IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Backstreets

Hotel Indigo

The Sandy Parrot

The Barrel Room

Hurricane Charley’s

Seminole Casino Hotel

915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral • 239-945-7555 2210 Bay St. Fort Myers • 239-333-2225

Bert’s Bar & Grill

4271 Pine Island Rd Matlacha • 239-282-3232

Blue Monkey Bar & Grille

755 Mission Hills Drive, Naples 239-597-2583

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

The Buddha Bar

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

Cape Cabaret

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

The Cigar Bar

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

Coconuts

850 Lafayette St. Cape Coral • 239-541-3221

The Cottage

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

Dixie Roadhouse

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

Fathoms

5785 Cape Harbour Drive Cape Coral 239-542-0123

Fishermen’s Village

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

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

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

Jacaranda

1233 Periwinkle, Sanibel 239-472-1771

The Keys Bar & Grille

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

Lakehouse Bar & Grill

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

Lansdowne Street

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

The Nauti Mermaid

5961 Silver King Blvd.

Cape Coral • 239-541-5600

Nervous Nellie’s

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

Old Naples Pub

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

Paradise Tiki Hut at Dolphin Key Resort

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

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill

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

Pete’s Time Out 1005 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach 239-463-5900

The Rhythm House

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

17200 S. Tamiami Trail Fort Myers • 239-454-8454 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007

The Shell Factory

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

Smokin Oyster Brewery

340 Old San Carlos Blvd.

Ft 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

7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers • 239-277-5475

Tiki at Wyndham Garden 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 Whiskey Park

3380 Mercantile Ave. Naples • 239-263-6777

Yucatan Beach Stand 250 Old San Carlos Fort Myers Beach 239-333-4386

Professional Security

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• Arena/Stadium • Banquets/Halls • Block Parties

(239) 415-7007 Serving all of Florida

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Fort Myers Downtown

River District RAIN or SHINE!

NEW: Saturday after Art Walk 11 am - 4 pm

Licensed, educated employees • Crowd Control • Sporting Events • Concerts

6 TO 10 PM

4360 Gulf Shore, Naples 239-262-2707

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Email: SUNCOASTSCRTY@AOL.COM

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Shop Our Art Galleries & Art Spaces!

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

www.FortMyersArtWalk.com

SEPTEMBER 2016

25

INCONCERT

Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net

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

October 21 Sawyer Brown

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

October 23

September 9

Atlanta Rhythm Section

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Englewood Event Center

November 2

September 9 & 10

ZZ Top

Big Orange Music Fest

Artis–Naples

Charlotte Harbor Event Center

November 4

September 23

Les Stroud

Jose Feliciano

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

Englewood Event Center

November 6

September 24

Rick Springfield

John Michael Montgomery

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

September 28 Parmalee

Florida Rep, Downtown Fort Myers

September 29

Trapt, Saliva, Saving Abel, Alien Ant Farm, Crazy Town, 12 Stones & Tantric The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

October 2 Maren Morris

Pink Shell Resort, Ft. Myers Beach

October 7

Jack Russell & Great White Englewood Event Center

October 8

Peter Frampton Artis–Naples

October 14 Lonestar

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

October 15

Sammy Kershaw

Englewood Event Center

October 18 Jason Isbell

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

October 20 Kenny Neal

The Rhythm House, Fort Myers

O.A.R.

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

26

SEPTEMBER 2016

November 7

Maren Morris at Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Maren Morris

The third annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest has 60 confirmed songwriters, bringing more talent, more free performances and more venues to music fans along the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida.

“The talent at the 2016 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is the best yet. iHeartMedia and BMI have put together an incredible list of songwriters,” said Louis Kaplan, senior vice president of programming for iHeart Media (Southwest Florida).

“The festival includes over 140 shows scheduled over 11 days plus special appearances from Maren Morris and Parmalee. We’ve been preparing with the Lee County VCB since the week after last year’s festival, and we can’t wait to kick it all off Friday, Sept. 23 in Captiva,” Kaplan added.

The headliner for the 10-day festival is Maren Morris. The Nashville songwriter has soared to the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart with her debut album, Hero. Morris has joined Keith Urban’s ripCORD tour and will be performing her smash hit “My Church” at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest on Fort Myers Beach Oct. 2.

Morris will perform poolside at Pink Shell Resort at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2. Opening act will be Soul Circus Cowboys. For ticket info, visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

The free festival will take place on Southwest Florida’s most beautiful barri-

er islands and offers a range of starstudded performances. The festival kicks off on Captiva Island Sept. 23 - 25 and wraps up Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 on Fort Myers Beach. Historic downtown Fort Myers will once again feature midweek performances. There will be a limited number of ticketed events for special performances.

Attendees will enjoy some of their favorite songs while getting a taste of the destination at live music venues on Captiva Island including The Crow’s Nest at ‘Tween Waters Inn, Key Lime Bistro, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Captiva and South Seas Island Resort.

In downtown Fort Myers, don’t miss shows at the brand new Barrel Room at the Twisted Vine Bistro, The Indigo Room, City Tavern and Hotel Indigo.

Favorites on Fort Myers Beach include Matanzas on the Bay, Cabanas Beach Bar at DiamondHead Beach Resort, and poolside shows at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.

Island Hopper is presented by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, iHeartMedia, Cat Country 107.1 and BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S. Featured sponsors include Happenings Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, HD Radio, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Visit Florida, Budweiser and Bose.

For more information visit www.islandhopperfest.com.

Gavin DeGraw & Andy Grammer

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

November 10 Joe Louis Walker

The Rhythm House, Fort Myers

November 11 Casting Crowns

Germain Arena, Estero

November 12

Moonshine Bandits

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

38 Special

Coconut Fest, Cape Coral

November 18

Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

November 19 Tyler Farr

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

November 20

Bob Dylan and His Band

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

December 2 Craig Morgan

The Ranch Concert Hall, Fort Myers

December 8

Martina McBride

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

December 14 The Beach Boys

Barbara B. Mann Hall, Fort Myers

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SAM GALLOWAY CONCERT SERIES

John Michael Montgomery at The Ranch Sept. 24

The Sam Galloway its music by adding ballads Concert Series is heating to its repertoire. That year, up for the fall with another the band also dropped its stellar lineup of national affiliation with Capitol, and artists coming to The Curb Records assumed proRanch Concert Hall & motion and distribution of all Saloon in Fort Myers. subsequent albums and sinCountry artist John gles (except for 2003, when Michael Montgomery is Sawyer Brown temporarily scheduled to perform switched to Lyric Street Saturday, Sept. 24.

Records). Bobby Randall John Michael also left the band in 1991, Montgomery has turned an and was replaced by uncanny ability to relate to Duncan Cameron. Cameron fans into one of country subsequently departed in music’s most storied 2004, with Shayne Hill careers. Behind the string assuming the role of lead of hit records, the roomful guitarist. of awards and the critical To date, Sawyer Brown and fan accolades that has released 20 studio have defined his phenomealbums, of which three have nal success lies a connecbeen certified gold in the tion that goes beyond his United States for sales of undeniable talent and his 500,000 copies. More than proven knack for picking fifty of their singles have hits. entered the U.S. Billboard Since the days when Hot Country Songs charts, “Life’s A Dance” turned him including three Number One from an unknown artist into singles. Sawyer Brown also a national star, John received a Horizon Award Michael’s rich baritone has from the Country Music carried that most important Association in 1985, as well of assets–believability. Few as a Vocal Group of the Year artists in any genre sing award in 1997 from the with more heart than this Academy of Country Music handsome Kentucky-born and five Vocal Band Of The John Michael Montgomery artist.

Year Awards from the TNN Advance tickets range Music City News Country from $23 to $50 for the Awards. Advance tickets for John Michael Montgomery concert on Sept. 24.

Sawyer Brown start at $28.

In October, The Ranch welcomes Lonestar on Oct. 14 and Pop rocker Rick Springfield returns to The Ranch Sawyer Brown on Oct. 21.

Concert Hall on Sunday, Nov. 6. Known by many for his Lonestar has always set the bar high, but Never Enders 1981 No. 1 hit “Jessie’s Girl,” Springfield has also had four exceeds expectations. “It’s always a challenge,” says Richie other Top 10 hits with "I've Done Everything for You," "Don't as they gather one quiet morning at The Band Cave. “But Talk to Strangers," "Affair of the Heart" and "Love when we’re writing, we always try to stay true to how we’ve Somebody." done it in the past sonically and lyrically, while still looking to The Grammy Award winner is also a best selling author take what we do to new levels.” and TV and movie actor. He played Dr. Noah Drake on TV’s The exhilarating affirmations of the title track “Never General Hospital in the 1980s and early 2000s. Most recentEnders,” the haunting reflection on time lost in “My Own ly, Springfield played opposite Meryl Streep in the 2015 Hometown,” the emotional honesty of “Us,” their playful, grinmovie Ricki and The Flash. Additionally, Springfield stays teasing riff on modern love in “I Want a Love” and their tribute connected with his loyal fan base with annual fan getaways to all the gorgeous lady bartenders they’ve known on on cruise ships, Club Med and The Bahamas (Nov. 10-14).

“Boomerang” — each song on Never Enders mixes artful Advance tickets range from $37 to $250 for Rick craft and the poetry of plain speech, each melody rings clear Springfield’s show on Nov. 6. and all of it reminds us of how emotionally powerful country Other shows scheduled for The Ranch Concert Hall music can be. Advance tickets for Lonestar start at $28. include The LACS and Moonshine Bandits Nov. 12, Originally, Sawyer Brown was known for a primarily counTyler Farr Nov. 19, Craig Morgan Dec. 2 and Aaron Lewis try pop sound dominated largely by novelty tunes; by 1991, Feb. 11. however, the band began to express a more serious side to The Sam Galloway concert series was started in the fall of 2014 to help bring awareness to Community Cooperative (The Soup Kitchen) and the good work they do in the community, says Brian Tidwell, general sales manager of Sam Galloway Ford.

The concert series features rock and country artists on a regular basis at the venue which opened in late 2014.

Portions of the profits of each concert go to help Community Cooperative feed the community, Tidwell said.

For every pound of food donated, Sam Galloway Ford Tyler Farr - Nov. 19 Craig Morgan - Dec. 2 donates $1 to Community

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Lonestar - Oct. 14

Sawyer Brown - Oct. 21

Rick Springfield - Nov. 6 Cooperative. Concert goers are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the concerts at The Ranch.

The country concerts at The Ranch are done in partnership with local radio station Gator Country 101.9.

For tickets & details, visit www.theranchfortmyers.com.

The Ranch can be reached at 239-985-9839.

For most concerts, the doors open at 7 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers

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Art

Carl Schwartz paintings at Alliance for the Arts

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • Paintings by Carl E. Schwartz will be featured in two galleries at the Alliance for the Arts in September, with an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Schwartz taught figure drawing and painting in Chicago at the North Shore Art League for almost 30 years and in 1984 moved to Florida permanently. In 1999, he returned to teaching for another 14 years at Florida Gulf Coast University where he taught drawing and painting and enjoyed the satisfaction of watching the growth of young artists. He passed away on Sept. 21, 2014.

He was born in Detroit and educated at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago where he earned a BFA degree. His impressive biography lists awards, such as the Logan Medal from the Art Institute of Chicago, juried and invitational exhibitions like Art Across America, sponsored by Mead Corporation, and one and two person shows at Illinois State Museum and the Art Institute S&R Gallery in Chicago to name a few. His works are on display in more than 25 colleges and universities throughout the country, including Harvard, Ball State, Loyola, Michigan State, Nevada, Minnesota, Chicago and others. He has many major placements in permanent collections throughout the United States, such as The Smithsonian Institution, Kemper Insurance, AT&T, Sears, Delta Airlines, Beatrice Foods, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and abroad, including the British Museum in London. He worked with and was published by both Reader's Digest and Playboy Magazine. He can be found in Who's Who, Who's Who in the Midwest as

well as Who's Who in Schwartz extended his interested American Art. beyond the canvas. He created a numSchwartz was an ber of gardens, which were written up in assiduous student of light. various magazines. His own water garHe isolated and painted den contains several Koi ponds complete the pattern and forms he with water lilies, some of which he propsaw. The influence of agated himself. He also filled his garden abstract expressionism with unusual plant life not often seen hangs just below the surelsewhere. It provided a perfect setting face of his work. Seen in and was the subject of many of his detail, it is completely watercolors and acrylic paintings. abstract. Schwartz creatSchwartz was a realist whose work ed tight shapes under a shows an influence of both abstract controlled technique. expressionism and cubism. An interest in Using these controlled the effects of light assumed a central forms he produced what importance in his work. we perceive as “real”. The Remembering Carl: Works from 1956subject of the painting 2014 will be on display Sept. 9 - 30. becomes secondary to the Paintings by Carl’s wife, Celeste Borah, form. Schwartz crystalwill be displayed in the Member Gallery. lized the act of seeing for Visit www.ArtInLee.org to learn more. us, focusing our attention The exhibit is sponsored by The Law where his passion and Offices of Thomas C. Chase, P.A. Carl Schwartz vision lead him. The The Alliance campus and galleries strength and energy of his are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 work was created by sheer hard work combined with his abil- p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ity to break down shape and form to its smallest compoSaturdays, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of nents.

Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Michele Finnegan takes best of show at Your Choice Awards in Naples

The Naples Art Association announces the recipients of its Your Choice 2016 Awards, which was voted on at a preview reception Aug. 18 at the Naples Art Association.

Your Choice is an annual non-juried exhibition that is open to artwork in all media and provides an opportunity for Naples Art Association members to present their artwork to a larger audience with no jury process requirement.

Of the more than 500 people in attendance at the preview reception, 350 went to the polling place and voted for one of the 122 candidates on the ballot. The votes were then tallied by the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office and Heather Wysocki.

Michele Finnegan’s Creating Freedom Rocks, acrylic on Vogue Magazine, won best of show and $500.

Joel Shapses’ Reaching for the Sky, white and grey Turkish marble on black marble, won first place and $300.

Artists Teresa Benjamin and Tania M. Begg were each awarded honorable mention and $100.

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Michele Finnegan

The Your Choice 2016 Exhibit will run from now through Oct. 14 at the Naples Art Association.

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Businesses form SoCo Cultural District, create new monthly event

It all happens south of Colonial now.

That is what this group of artists, entrepreneurs and performers are stating, and they will prove it. The new SoCo, which stands for south of Colonial (Boulevard), will be an area defined not only by geographical lines, but also by the consistent presence of venues that represent the arts in Southwest Florida.

This new art district block runs from Colonial Boulevard down McGregor Boulevard to Royal Palm Boulevard, over to Summerlin Road, up to Colonial Boulevard and returning to McGregor Boulevard.

The Alliance for the Arts, located on McGregor, is one of the headliners in the event. Executive director Lydia Black and David Acevedo is chairman of the new education coordinator Krista Johnson SoCo Cultural District Commitee. became part of the newly formed SoCo Committee, after getting a call from artist and gallery owner David Acevedo, who exhibition receptions, wine tastings, and more. recently inaugurated the largest cooperative The proximity of all the participating venues art gallery in the city of Fort Myers, DAAS Coconveniently allows for a self-guided walking Op Art Gallery & Gifts, located in the Royal tour or there is plenty of parking space availPalm Square on Colonial Boulevard. able at both the Alliance for the Arts campus “We thought it was a great idea and immeand the Royal Palm Square. An after party, diately jumped at the opportunity to be a part starting at 10 p.m., will be held at the of it.” – says Black, whose member-supported Broadway Palm. art center is the designated arts agency by The October participating cultural stops the Lee County. “We have worked with David are Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm before in many projects and we know his pasDinner Theatre, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & sion for bettering the arts in our city,” adds Gifts, The Union Artist Studios at the Art Loft, Black.

Ocasiocasa at the Art Loft, Luciano Will Prather and Melissa Vogt from the Deandrade’s Studio Os Urbanos, David Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre were also Gittleman Studios and Yoga Bird. recruited by Acevedo. Together with Yoga Bird For SoCo, the participating cultural stops owners Anna and Chip Withrow, David will host a variety of scheduled events, which Gittleman from Gittleman Studios and artist will be included on a program available on the Jeffrey Scott Lewis from the Union Artist district’s website. A map of the cultural stops Studios, they plan to continue a collaborative will be located at all participating venues and effort and make this district a destination for can also be printed online at socoswfl.com. arts and cultural lovers.

Guests can select which events to attend and First on the agenda is the creation of a design their own tour within the district. Along monthly event, with the intention of uniting all the way, there will be performers and vendors, of the arts represented by their respective making this event a complete cultural experiestablishments. Visual and performing arts will ence. Acevedo is also one of the co-founders take center stage as the driving force behind of the downtown Fort Myers Art Walk, which the SoCo second Saturday event. was started in October 2008.

Starting Saturday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 10 More information about the SoCo Cultural p.m., the cultural venues of the SoCo District District and the second Saturday event can be will open their doors and provide guests the found at www.socoswfl.com and their opportunity to attend a variety of scheduled Facebook page at facebook.com/socoswfl. events, such as artist demonstrations and Businesses and vendors wishing to be part of talks, musical and theater performances, art this event can email info@daascoop.com.

Annual Alliance fundraiser Nov. 12

The Alliance for the Arts will host its annual fundraiser Order/Chaos: An Evening on Edge on Saturday, Nov. 12 on the Alliance campus.

Join them for this unique event and explore the ever-present dichotomy between order and chaos. Event proceeds provide opportunities for children to participate in the arts, expanding collaborations with social service organizations to utilize art therapy, and enhancing the quality of life in Southwest Florida.

Artists will help to create a sensory experience to entice and delight attendees by exploring the concepts of order and chaos as interpreted by performance, visual, musical and culinary artists. Interactive art exhibits will provide an opportunity to step inside the worlds of order and chaos and play on the razor-thin edge between the two.

The area's top chefs will be on hand to provide tastings of their culinary creations and a specialty cocktail will twist the theme to its extreme. Live and silent auctions will provide opportunity to bid on exciting experiences and

thrilling adventures. The night concludes in the Alliance lounge with dancing and a live performance by local rock stars Strange Arrangement. Come prepared to be unprepared.

Tickets for the VIP Experience are $200 and include access to a VIP pre-party, exclusive preview of auction packages and access to VIP concert seating with cocktail service.

Doors for VIP open at 6:30PM. Main event tickets are $125 and include open bar, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and tastings from the best chefs in town. The main event begins at 7 p.m.

Culinary sponsors include Mermaid Garden Cafe, Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market, and Pyro's Creations. Event sponsors include Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Tina & Cliff Parker and Boost Creative. Media sponsors include Gulfshore Life and Florida Weekly.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, call (239) 9392787 or visit www.ArtInLee.org/orderchaos.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Eileen MaGrath, Kathy Kuser, Stacey Brown at ACT Gallery

Arts for ACT Gallery will host an opening reception Friday, Sept. 2 for featured artists Eileen MaGrath, Kathy Kuser and Stacey Brown.

Eileen MaGrath is a local multimedia artist as well as a visual stylist for Clive Daniel Home. She holds a fashion merchandising degree from Newbury College and attended the Massachusetts College of Art. She is a member of the Art League of Bonita Springs and a member of the Naples Art Association. Eileen creates handpainted clothing and shoes as well as paintings and other creative things.

She does custom artwork, murals and specialty and faux finishes on interiors and furniture. Her abstract art is bold and graphic with a strong sense of color.

Using her skills as a graphic designer and magazine publisher, Kathy Kuser creates 2D/3D digital surrealism.

Through a mystical and fantasy driven vision, a story emerges from her canvas. The artwork can include 70 to 700 digital layers, utilizing stark details with transitional blending. She is the coowner of Happenings Magazine, Lee County Family News and Reverie & Rock Art Gallery. With her art, Kathy wants to bring a fresh and contemporary twist to a long established medium .... surrealism. She uses stark details with

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Kathy Kuser

transitional blending; thus her art takes flight. Digital art is an artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative or presentation process. Digital art brings together art, technology, math and science. It requires a creative spirit and the knowledge of art, design and computers, Kathy Kuser has all of that and more.

Stacey Brown is an artist working in mixed media and collage, paint, drawing media, photography, jewelry design, furniture painting, raku pottery and encaustic.

She is a psychotherapist in private practice and the mother of three beautiful, smart, active daughters. As a therapist and educator, Stacey integrates art and the creative spirit into her lessons and counseling. She has offered workshops and classes helping people to find a personal and playful approach to art making. A steady stream of handmade jewelry, vintage reassembled jewelry, painted furniture and home decor continue to be produced and appear in local galleries despite having a career as a counselor and professor, renovating an old house and raising three daughters.

This exhibit continues through Oct. 3.

The gallery is located at 2265 First St., Fort Myers. For more details, call 239-337-5050.

Eileen MaGrath

Stacey Brown

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center features Cesar Aguilera exhibit

Gulfshore Life emerging arts leader Cesar Aguilera presents solo art exhibit “Where I’ve been and where I am” on Friday, Sept. 2 during Art Walk at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center from 6 to 10 p.m.

Cesar moved to the U.S. more than a decade ago, making Southwest Florida his center of art operations, winning many awards in the process, most recently selected as the 2015 Gulfshore Life Emerging Arts Leader.

He works in a variety of media such as painting, drawing, sculpture, film, acting, movie special effects makeup, fashion, and more. Cesar also explores unconventional media like bleach, coffee, discarded technology, etc.

He involves the local community and local artists in many different projects, not only to create an impactful message, but also to unite our community.

Aguilera’s artwork is inevitably connected with the “life” experience. His works reflect the dramatic impact of living and the transition to the “Anthropocene epoch,” a term currently used to describe the new era we live in today in which mankind has caused mass extinctions and atmospherical changes to Earth.

To achieve this he adapts his materials to carry a narrative that is expressed in collective efforts of paint, mixed media, and two or three-dimensional alliances, where the meanings of the ideas narrated are made to rest for the benefit of the viewer.

Contemporary issues like politics, ethnicity, culture, and entrepreneurship are examined in Aguilera’s artwork, however he

Cesar Aguilera uses his work as a platform to awaken the viewer to the challenges of this world and to envision alternatives for our culture to prevent its demise.

In Aguilera’s exhibit Where I’ve been and where I am, guests will have an opportunity to experience the mind of Cesar Aguilera through his artwork, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Visitors will see drawings and sketches, big installations, and a couture line in collaboration with other talented artists.

Also appearing on Art Walk night is DJ Ceron to entertain during the exhibit opening.

See the exhibit by Cesar Aguilera Sept.

2 - 20. The SBDAC is located in the historic downtown River District at 2301 First St., Fort Myers. Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933 for more information.

DAAS Co-OP Gallery showcases FOBOTS art of Mike Danley

DAAS Co-Op Gallery the creation of truly unique in Fort Myers invites FOBOTS (found object you to meet guest artist robots). Recycling a range Mike Danley. of materials into life-like Continuing its forms his new exhibition is monthly guest artist titled “Re-Psycho’d” – as events, DAAS Co-Op these FOBOTS often look Gallery announces a as though they could use new feature artist, Mike some therapy. Each FOBOT Danley, with an opening has a name or saying that reception on Saturday, matches its personality.

Sept. 10 from 6 to 10 Meet the artist at the gallery p.m. The exhibition will opening and enjoy his continue through the delightful and surprising crefirst week of October. ations.

Originally from Artists interested in Kansas City, Mike obtaining more information moved to Fort Myers in about the gallery member2009. His professional ship should obtain an applibackground includes cation at the gallery. the formation of a pupDAAS Co-Op Art Gallery pet Troupe – The is located in the Royal Palm Kansas City Critters, Square, 1400 Colonial Blvd, running a business in Suite 84, Fort Myers.

Mike Danley the restoration and printGallery hours are Tuesday – ing of art posters and a Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 comic strip related to p.m. dentistry. He has also worked as a freeFor more info, call 239-590-8645, email lance and scenic photographer. info@daascoop.com or visit online at His experience with puppetry led him to www.daascoop.com.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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Harbour View Gallery to feature Beth Blewett and Zdenka Fiala

Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral will welcome featured artists Zdenka Fiala (stained glass jewelry) and Beth Blewett (acrylics) at a reception on Tuesday, Sept.

6 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Beth Blewett began a long-held dream of becoming a working artist in 2014 by taking classes at the Cape Coral Art League following her retirement from a 30-year career as an R&D scientist and director.

Born in Puerto Rico, she lived in a number of states from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest. Her career training as a plant biologist has taken her to many more places throughout the U.S. and the world.

During those travels, she deepened her understanding of the astounding natural and cultural diversity that exists on earth.

After spending her first years of retirement traveling with her husband in their antique RV and exploring various artistic outlets including chair-caning, broom-making, leatherwork and woodturning, she and her husband relocated full-time to the Cape Harbour community within Cape Coral and she began painting with acrylics.

Beth is an award-winning member of the Cape Coral Art League and was Zdenka Fiala recently selected

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as one of the artists to represent CCAL in the 2017 Artist Winners Circle. She is a People's Choice award winner of the Fort Myers Art League and member of Pine Island Art Association.

Zdenka Fiala is a stained and fused Beth Blewett glass artist from Fort Myers. She has been creating jewelry and decorative items for seven years, some made with gems and glass beads.

Zdenka describes her technique as “The interactive play of material, color and light enhances the drama of my artwork and makes my technique unique. Each piece of my art is a handmade, unique original.”

Next to her education in engineering in Czech Republic and Switzerland, she received an education in bobbin lace, stained and fused glass jewelry, polymer clay jewelry and jewelry using various gems and metal wires.

Zdenka has been awarded to Second Merit Award for Fused Glass Jewelry at the Exhibition of Fine Crafts “Made By Hand” 2013 in Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda.

She participates in art shows and galleries from Naples to Venice.

Their work will be on display through September. The gallery is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.

Ignacio Alperin, David Acevedo exhibit at Shangri La Springs in Bonita

Looking for the Rhyme to your Rhythm?

The Historic Shangri La Springs monthly Art & Nature night Sept. 14 will guide you through a multimedia artistic experience unique to Southwest Florida.

If you have not visited this beautifully preserved piece of old Florida, the Community Night on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. is a great time to go. You will be awed as you walk into the circa 1921 Great House with live Baby Grand Piano played by Alchymie.

A featured live artist swirls colors to the music as patrons to the organic wine bar, with beer supplied by the local Brewery Momentum, take in the scene sip by sip. A glide into the dining room and guests are invited to an organic three course meal for $27 with a wall of windows overlooking the giant Mysore fig tree in the courtyard.

A walk outside and your ears will guide you towards the Spa where Debo plays the Hammered Dulcimer and guests receive free mini spa treatments. A step into the longhouse with its exposed cedar beams and you can partake in free community yoga while Jane Portaluppi Durand works on her latest masterpiece in the form of sidewalk chalk art. As you enjoy the acres of verdant landscape you will be happy you brought along your drum so you can join in the community drumming circle

Ignacio Alperin welcome to all levels and ages.

With poetry and short films on the horizon this night will continue to amaze and highlight this historic property and all it has to offer the community.

Shangri La Springs is currently showcasing the artwork of David Acevedo and Ignacio Alperin.

For more information, call 239-949-0749 or visit www.shangrilasprings.com. They are located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Lorne’s Gallery, Frame Gallery & Gifts showcase Laura Ball in September

Laura Ball is the featured artist in September at both Lorne’s Gallery and Frame Gallery & Gifts in Cape Coral.

Artist Laura Ball attended High School of Art and Design in New York. Originally from Bayside, N.Y., she moved to Florida in 1995.

When she isn’t working for the USPS, she is usually painting in her art studio. Her paintings of local Florida wildlife are decorating the walls of George and Wendy's Sanibel Seafood Grille.

She also paints coconut post cards and sells them on Sanibel and elsewhere. The coconuts are a favorite on the island because who doesn't love mailing a coconut? No need for a box ... Just write your address directly onto the coconut, apply postage and send it on its way.

Lorne’s Gallery will host a paint and wine party with Laura Ball on Sept. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.. Cost is $35. Register by Sept.

19 by email to fgg51@aol.com. Her painted coconuts and prints will be available all month at Lorne’s Gallery.

Located at 1830 Del Prado Blvd., Frame

Gallery & Gifts is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Call the gallery at 239-574-5111 for more details. Lorne’s Gallery is located at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral. Call 239-945-0866 for more info.

Doug MacGregor has been covering local, state and national politics as an editorial cartoonist for over 36 years, including drawing for the News-Press the last 28 years. His caustic and creative pen has lampooned candidates from Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan during the 1980 election to the current Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump barnburner battle.

During these years he has made us laugh and think about the current state of affairs using one of the oldest American art forms, the editorial cartoon.

BIG ARTS on Sanibel will feature, Doug MacGregor’s Campaign Cartoons, 19802016, a Hysterical and Historical Retrospective. Follow the history of presidential election-year politics through the power of Doug’s satirical pen with a oneman show of his work now to Oct. 21.

A public reception will be held on Friday,

Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at BIG ARTS in the Phillips Gallery, 900 Dunlap Road, Sanibel.

Currently, Doug is enjoying his fourth year as coordinator for the Arts in Healthcare program, which brings bring art and music to patients and families within the Lee Memorial Health System.

He still draws one cartoon a week for the News-Press in the Views section of the paper on Sundays.

Doug is also a local musician and plays harmonica in various blues bands in the area. He has won numerous state and national awards for his cartoon work and is a member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators and the local Gulf Coast Writers Association.

Laura Ball

Doug MacGregor campaign cartoons on display at BIG ARTS on Sanibel

Monique Olsen exhibit at Norris Center

The art of Monique Olsen will be on display at The Norris Center in Naples from Sept. 2 – 29.

Adorable Monique Olsen is a U.S. based artist brought up abroad. She received art instruction in fine arts at La Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán and has had the good fortune to be mentored by a renown Central American artist, which has helped enriched her artistic vision.

She has received merit awards, the opportunity to exhibit in various venues. Growing up surrounded by different cultures has broadened her overall view of life. She is continuously pursuing success in personal, professional, and artistic endeavors as well in the artistic experience itself.

The Norris Center is located at 755 8th Ave. South. Call 239-213-3058 for more details.

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

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Comedy Clubs

SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY - 1

THURSDAY - 8

KoJo Prince

L A Hardy

THURSDAY - 15 continued Ralphie May

7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Jodi White

KoJo Prince

L A Hardy

Adam Hunter

Felipe Esparza

Rich Guzzi

Drew Lynch

FRIDAY - 2

FRIDAY - 9

Al Romas & John Consoli

FRIDAY - 16

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ralphie May

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Jodi White

KoJo Prince

L A Hardy

Adam Hunter

Felipe Esparza

Rich Guzzi

Drew Lynch

SATURDAY - 3

SATURDAY - 10

Al Romas & John Consoli

SATURDAY - 17

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Ralphie May

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

6 & 9:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Carlos Mencia

Adam Hunter

Al Romas & John Consoli

Adam Hunter

Felipe Esparza

Rich Guzzi

Drew Lynch

SUNDAY - 4

WEDNESDAY - 14

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 15

Rich Guzzi

Jodi White

7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

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

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

The Comedy Zone at Visani Restaurant

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

* schedules subject to change

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Al Romas & John Consoli

TUESDAY - 20

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

WEDNESDAY - 21

Carlos Mencia

7 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

THURSDAY - 22

Bob Marley

Comedy Club calendar online at www.HappeningsMagazine.net

Laugh In Comedy Cafe welcomes L. A. Hardy

L.A. Hardy will be at the Laugh In Comedy Café in Fort Myers Sept. 8 - 10.

Originally from Cleveland, and now living bi-coastally in Los Angeles and south Florida, Hardy is a veteran and versatile performer you have seen everywhere. He was with the Comic’s On Duty Tour and was the second group of civilians to visit Iraq fall of 2003. The group performed 28 shows in 30 days in a variety of venues there.

He has traveled with, and performed for, the U.S. military in over 35 countries. In his words: "I do it for the people."

You have also seen him recently on Laughs TV, Comedy.TV, Comic’s Unleashed w/ Byron Allen, BET’s Comicview 3x's, ABC’s According to Jim, MTV, VH1 and The Fuse Network.

His film credits include Universal Remote, China Dolls and Guess Who w/ Bernie Mac. He has that face that makes you say I know that guy from somewhere and his voice can be heard regularly on Sirius/XM Radio.

Described by some as the ”Black Dr. Phil” due to his real

FRIDAY - 23 continued Frankie Paul

7:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Tommy Torres

6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY - 24

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Bob Marley

6, 8 & 10 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 23

Tommy Torres

Frankie Paul

SUNDAY - 25

Bob Marley

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Killer Beaz & BC Murphy

Bob Marley

THURSDAY - 29

John Charles

8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

7 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Frankie Paul

observations and no holds barred style. He has the ability to make you laugh and reflect while continually entertaining.

He is married and a father of two children, and the material just keeps coming from there. A child of the ‘70s but a man of today, he has old school sensibilities and new school solutions to today's times The Fort Myers shows will be Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 9 and 10 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Laugh In Comedy Cafe is located at 8595 College Parkway, Fort Myers.

For tickets, call 239-4795233 or visit online at www.laughincomedycafe.com

WEDNESDAY - 28

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

Frank Del Pizzo Kate Quigley

9:30 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Killer Beaz & BC Murphy

8 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

FRIDAY - 30

John Charles

7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Laugh In Comedy Cafe

Kate Quigley

8 p.m.

Off the Hook Comedy Club

Killer Beaz & BC Murphy

8:30 p.m.

The Comedy Zone

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

River District

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to downtown venues

The third annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest along The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel has announced another illustrious lineup of talent.

The 10-day festival kicks off Sept. 23-25 on Captiva Island.

Downtown Fort Myers will feature mid-week performances Sept. 26 - 29. The festival closes the weekend of Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 on Fort Myers Beach.

The event will feature mostly free performances from more than 60 hit makers.

“We’re very excited having such impressive songwriters,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This festival gives audiences a unique opportunity to learn the stories behind the songs from the most talented songwriters in the business. Music lovers can hear and meet their favorite songwriters.”

Festival attendees can celebrate American roots music while

getting a taste of the destination on Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and downtown Fort Myers.

Presented by BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S., along with partners iHeartMedia, and Cat Country 107.1, the third annual Songwriter Fest will take place at popular and intimate venues. Happenings Magazine is again a supporting sponsor of this year’s festival.

In downtown Fort Myers, venues will host national and local songwriters Sept. 26 - 28 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Performances will run about one hour for each pair of artists. The River District sites include Hotel Indigo, City Tavern, The Indigo Room and The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro.

Artists scheduled to perform at these four venues include Kristen Kelly, Jimmy Stanley, Aaron Parmalee will perform Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Barker, Will Bowen, Evens Florida Repertory Theatre. This is a ticketed Stevens, High Prestwood, Ruthie event. The concert will run from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Colins, Greg Bates, Shelly and also feature Danny Myrick and Frank Myers.

Skidmore, Skye Claire, Phillip White, Kyle Sackley, Bill LaBounty, Bobby Tomberlin, Megan Linville, Crys Matthews, Matt Backer, Dave Gibson and Gary Hannan.

New this year will be a ticketed concert by country group Parmalee on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Florida Repertory Theatre. That show will run 8 - 9:30 p.m. and also feature Danny Myrick and Frank Myers.

A songwriter dinner is planned for Monday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at The Barrel Room. A songwriter workshop is planned for Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Barrel Room. These are both ticketed events.

A J.C. Sunset Cruise on Thursday, Sept. 29 will feature performances by Phillip White, Gary Hannan and Kylie Sackley. This is a ticketed event.

Elsewhere in Fort Myers, the Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) will host a concert showcase Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Bell Tower Shops. This is a ticketed event.

Note: The artists’ performance schedules are subject to change without notice.

Visit www.islandhopperfest.com for more information, to book tickets and view the list of artists, performance schedules and venues. Most shows are free of charge.

Even Stevens

Kristen Kelly

Will Bowen

Pet Walk, car cruise-in return in late October

Pet Walk is taking a break during the hot summer months and will return on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

The monthly car cruise-in is taking a break during the wet summer months and will return on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m.

FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 26-28

at Hotel Indigo

Local & National Songwriters SEPT. 26 • 7:15 - 9:30 pm SEPT. 27 • 7:15 - 8:15 pm SEPT. 28 • 7:15 - 8:15 pm Free admission.

filled with treasures

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

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

*Artists schedules subject to change without notice

www.hotelindigo.com/fortmyersfl

1520 Broadway, Downtown Fort Myers

ICHIBAN Japanese & Chinese Cuisine Hig pecial Sushi S

Antiques & Treasures

4,000 square feet

239-337-3446

ut our Ask abo inition h Def

Ivy Cottage

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

Fort Myers River District

(formerly Peck Street)

(239) 226-0025

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

Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 26 - 29

LIVE MUSIC Premium Spirits

LATE MENU

JAZZ ON THURSDAYS

Seven Day Lunch Menu!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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

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

Sunday Noon - 10 p.m.

Fast Friendly Service and Soft Music!

1520 Broadway • Suite 105

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

Located at the entrance to the

Hotel Indigo

Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto Jazz Quartet Thursday, Sept. 1 @ 7 pm

Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto Jazz Quartet Thursday, Sept. 15 @ 7 pm

RJ Howson Band Friday, Sept. 2 @ 9 pm

JL Fulks Sept. 16 and 17 @ 9 pm

RJ Howson Band Saturday, Sept. 3 @ 9 pm Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto Jazz Quartet Thursday, Sept. 8 @ 7 pm Frank Bang and The Cook County Kings Sept. 9 and 10 @ 9 pm

Joel DaSilva (acoustic) Thursday, Sept. 22 @ 8 pm Joel DaSilva & The Midnight Howl Sept. 23 and 24 @ 9 pm Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto Jazz Quartet Thursday, Sept. 29 @ 7 pm The Rockin’ Jake Band Friday, Sept. 30 @ 9 pm

River District • 2210 Bay Street • Downtown

239-333-2225 • BarrelRoomFortMyers.com

Monthly Art Walk now two days

THIRD FRIDAY

EVERY MONTH

FIRST FRIDAYS EVERY MONTH

(rain or shine) 6 - 10 PM The next Art Walk will be Friday, Sept. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

38

SEPTEMBER 2016

The next Music Walk will be

Friday, SEPT. 16

LIVE MUSIC STARTS AT 6 PM Artist Isabel Squires was featured at Arts for ACT Gallery in August.

Fort Myers Music Walk

www.FortMyersRiverDistrictAlliance.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Annual Craft Beer Fest returns to Marina at Edison Ford Sept. 24

Free cooking with wine demo Sept. 19

Back by popular demand, chef Warren Caterson kicks off the Friends of the Fort Myers Library's fall programs. Cooking with Wine will be presented Monday, Sept.

19 at 6:30 p.m. at 1651 Lee St. Enjoy an entertaining demo and taste the delicious results.

Admission is free. Caterson is from Jacksonville and specializes in easy meals for couples and singles. He returns after last year's program, Cooking for Two. Register at www.eventbrite.com

The third annual Fort Myers Craft Beer Fest is gearing up for its return to the Marina at Edison Ford on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 3 to 8 p.m.

This Craft Beer Fest has quickly become one of the best in Southwest Florida thanks in part to its ability to attract the great line up of craft beers with an emphasis on the local craft beer purveyors.

Craft beer participants that have committed to the festival so far include: Fort Myers Brewing Momentum Brewhouse, Point Ybel, Cape Coral Brewing, Lagunitas, Radenberger, St. Pete Brewing and Cigar City. More participants will be announced through the festival Facebook page.

The one-day festival will feature the best selection of craft beers, corn hole boards and DJ. There will also be great food from award-winning Texas Tony’s Rib and Brew House, vendors, river cruise offerings from Pure Fort Myers as well as offerings to stroll the historic Edison Ford

Estates, located directly beside the Marina.

New for 2016 will be an enhanced VIP ticket that includes access to a private beer garden to catch all the college football games, an extra hour of craft beer sampling, an exclusive Firkin tapping, exclusive randalls, and a keepsake glass and lanyard. Only 200 of the VIP tickets will be available for $55 each and will only be sold in advance. The new VIP experience is expected to sell out quickly.

A limited number of all you can sample tickets will also be available for purchase in advance only and are $40. Tickets can be purchased through the festival website at www.craftbeerfestfortmyers.com Admission to the event is free and walk-up guests will be able to purchase sample tickets.

The Marina at Edison Ford is located at 2360 W. First St. in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, visit the event website or Facebook page.

Come visit us at ...

The

Bacchus Room

... upstairs at Prime

DeLeon Steakhouse

PATIO DE LEON

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT

Happy Hour Daily until 8 pm

SpiritsofBacchus.com Now open Sundays 3-10

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

39

DINING PICKS FOR FALL 1st Street Deli

at Seminole Casino Hotel

Diners at the Seminole Casino Immokalee will enjoy the 1st Street Deli. The authentic New Yorkstyle delicatessen brings a distinctly unique dining concept to the casino, featuring deli pickles, fresh bread and sandwiches bigger than your appetite. Offerings include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. It is open 24/7 with a special overnight menu including breakfast.

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

GameTime

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

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

Ichiban Japanese & Chinese

Capt’n Fishbones

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. Thursday- Monday live entertainment creates a fun festive atmosphere. Large group rates are available for lunches, dinners and meetings. Plan your next special event at one of our venues, Weddings, Receptions, Retirement Parties, Corporate Gatherings and Children's Birthday Parties, you name it, we are your perfect culinary choice.

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

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

EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino Immokalee is your place for down-home favorites. The Grill is serving up a delicious new menu featuring gluten-free and organic items, such as the gluten-free Cobb Salad and savory Organic Herb Roasted Chicken. The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves all day breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, tableside flambé desserts and the popular Seminole Fry Bread.

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

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

40

SEPTEMBER 2016

239-334-6991

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

1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers

www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com

Joe’s Crab Shack

Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, we offer a creative choice of seafood favorites. Sit at the bar with friends or experience our numerous menu choices. Kick back, strap on a bib and enjoy awesome crabs, seafood and jam to rockin’ tunes on the many picnic tables.

2024 W. First St. Fort Myers 239-332-1881 www.joescrabshack.com

Lucky Mi

at Seminole Casino Hotel

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

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Marker 92

Waterfront Bar & Bistro

Pinchers

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

Happy Hour Daily from 4– 7.

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

at The Marina at Edison Ford

Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views, Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford is the place for the freshest seafood. Caught from local waters by local fishermen, Pinchers brings the best catch from the water to the table. With 2 for 1 Happy Hour all day every day and kids eat free, Pinchers is Florida Seafood, Florida Style.

2360 West First St., Fort Myers 239-745-7049 www.pinchersusa.com

The Rhythm House

The Rhythm House is more than just the best place to catch live local entertainment. Our Menu is designed to fit the tastes of all patrons by offering amazing culinary delights. We utilize local fresh seafood, and cut our steaks. For those who enjoy the simpler side of dining, our 1/2 pound burgers are a crowd favorite.

Our Kitchen Crew brings their decades of experience to the table, and serving you a wonderful meal is their passion. Stop in and check us out, for a quick lunch or for a special night out, Rhythm House is ready for you.

16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-466-8326 www.rhythmhousedinnerclub.com

Tiki Hut Bar & Grill

at Dolphin Key Resort

Twisted Vine Bistro

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

We are open for Monday through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m to 9 p.m. Join us for brunch in our courtyard garden.

The Twisted Vine Bistro has expanded with the opening of The Barrel Room featuring live music and a late menu.

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

The Veranda

The Veranda's romantic setting in two turn-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 more than 35 years in business, The Veranda is consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in the area.

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

There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort.

Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light Rock and Country to listen and dance to Friday and Saturday, and then of course, let’s really dance Sunday afternoon to Brylcream with Doo Wop and Motown for the real dancers.

The Tiki is a dog friendly bar, offers an outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days.

Kitchen open late.

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

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

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SEPTEMBER

Thursday -1 Doug MacGregor, Political Cartoons

Through Oct. 21 BIG ARTS Center, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island 239-395-0900 Inspired Collectors: Highlights from the Permanent Collection Exhibition Bower School of Music & the Arts Florida Gulf Coast University Roundtable Discussion with Collectors and Reception; Main Gallery, Arts Complex; free, 5 p.m.

239-590-7199 Paul Roush Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Friday -2 Cesar Aguilera exhibit

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 1st St, Fort Myers 6 to 10 p.m. 239-333-1933 ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., For Myers Opening reception for new exhibit featuring Eileen MaGrath, Kathy Kuser and Stacey Brown.

6 - 10 p.m. during Art Walk. 239-337-5050 Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 -1 0 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Hester Prynn Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Two Can Jam The Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Yvonne Krystman exhibit Blue Dahlia Salon,1414 Bayview Court, Fort Myers 6 – 9 p.m. 239-226-0065 RJ Howson Band Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225

44

SEPTEMBER 2016

Fantasy and Reality exhibit Reverie & Rock Art Gallery, 1528 Jackson St., Fort Myers Digital surrealism art by Kathy Kuser & concert photos by Jamie Kuser. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-278-5236

Saturday -3 Naples Jazz Master Dixieland Concerts

Norris Community Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3058 Saturday Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Live Music featuring The Surf Tones Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Englewood Pioneer Days 2016 Olde Englewood Village, Dearborn and S.R. 776 (Indiana Avenue), Englewood www.englewoodpioneerdays.com 941-474-3764 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Electric Lipstick The Rhythm House, 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Deb & The Dynamics Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Sunday - 4

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Monday -5 T.G.I.M. Indie Movie Mondays

Meet guest judges Jon Foerster, Julia DiTomaso and Dan Miller with musical guest Julia DiTomaso, host Eric Raddatz & co-host Melissa Tschari DeHaven. Watch short indie films submitted to the Fort Myers Film Fest. www.sbdac.com. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, students.

Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Tuesday -6 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Harbour View Gallery reception Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral Artists Beth Blewett and Zdenka Fiala, 6 - 8 p.m. 239-540-5789 Symphonic Chorale auditions Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr. Fort Myers 6 p.m. 863-673-3193 www.symphonicchorale.org

Wednesday -7 Chris G Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Brian Lowe The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Theatre Conspiracy Presents The Gun Show Through Sept. 18 Lee County Alliance for the Arts - Foulds Theatre 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-939-2787 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Thursday -8 Yesterdays: The Rockin’ 50s and Groovin’ 60s Through Oct. 8 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers 239-278-4422 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Paul Roush Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Chamber Music Headquarters Library 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Chamber Music Naples Botanical Garden Kapnick Hall, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 1 p.m. 239-597-1900 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225

Friday -9 Vinyl Countdown

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

Seussical The Musical Through Sept. 18 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Frank Bang and The Cook County Kings Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Carl Schwartz exhibit opening reception Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Exhibiting Sept. 9 – 30. Opening Reception: Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m. Member Gallery: Celeste Borah.

239-939-2787 Big Orange Music Fest Sunset Celebration presents Nick Moss Band and The Fritz Band Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Two Can Jam The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Noteworthy Concert: The Heat Latin Jazz Band Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 1st St, Fort Myers Doors 7 p.m. • Show 8 p.m. $10 239-333-1933 ARTScool City Hall Exhibit Through Jan. 12 Naples City Hall, 737 8th Street, Naples Gallery hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. 239-262-6517 Ink Empire Tattoo Expo Through Sept. 11 Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 239-948-7825 Chamber Music Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 3 p.m. 239-597-1900 Chamber Music The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 6 p.m. 239-597-1900 Chamber Music Moorings Park Bower Chapel 120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 10:30 a.m. 239-597-1900

Saturday - 10 Chamber Music

Wang Opera Center 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 7 p.m. 239-597-1900 Mike Danley FOBOTS exhibit DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery, 1400 Colonial Blvd., #84, Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. reception 239-590-8645 ACMA concert - Grant Maloy Smith All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Bruce Gallant opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

Big Orange Music Fest - JJ Grey & Mofro Charlotte Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda www.bigorangemusicfestival.com Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Arthur Morris - A Bird Photographer’s Story Florida SW State College Auditorium, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples Sponsored by Canon USA Explorers of Light Program and Naples Digital Photography Club 9 a.m. - noon. BirdPhotographers.net, dpi-sig.org Parade for Heroes/Pay tribute to our 9-11 Heroes 47th Terrace, Cape Coral 10 a.m. 239-541-8704 The Dazzling Del Rays The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Big Orange Music Fest presents Buda Tom & The Music Box Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Buda Tom from noon - 4 p.m. & The Music Box performs 5-9 p.m. 941-575-3007 7th Anniversary of the Veterans Foundation 4820 Leonard St.,Cape Coral Visit the Parade for Heroes at 10 a.m. and spend the afternoon at the Museum Open House Features: new General's Corner, expanded 9-11 display over 20 full exhibits. 239-541-8704 The Sunset Celebration - Manipulators Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Chamber Music South Regional Library 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples Join the Naples Philharmonic for a free chamber music performance. 2 p.m. 239-597-1900 Naples Jazz Master Dixieland Concerts Norris Community Center 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3058 J3 Vocal Band Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221

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

Monday - 12 The Charlotte County Big Band Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-4175

Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Tuesday - 13 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Sherrie McCune The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Symphonic Chorale auditions Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr. Fort Myers 6 p.m. 863-673-3193 www.symphonicchorale.org

Wednesday - 14 Live Music by Chris G Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 941-575-3007

Rhythm and Rhyme exhibit reception Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs Featuring artists David Acevedo & Ignacio Alperin 6 - 9 p.m. 239-949-0749 Brian Lowe The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Thursday - 15 Third Thursday on Third 3rd Street South, Naples Musical performance in the Fleischmann Courtyard. 6 - 9 p.m. 239-649-6707

Sunday - 11 Dunbar's Taste of Cultures

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

Roberto Clemente Park, MLK Jr. Boulevard, Fort Myers Restaurant, chefs and cooks of all cultures will gather together to remember a date we will never forget. Live music, food. 6 - 10 p.m. 239-634-9476

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

Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Bluegrass in the Theatre Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders and Bug Tussle Ramblers. Doors open at 1 p.m. Show runs 2 - 5 p.m. $10. 239-939-2787

Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Punta Gorda Gallery Walk Downtown Punta Gorda , Punta Gorda 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 941-505-0130 Live Dixieland Jazz music by Leslie DaCosta Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

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Thursday - 15 continued Gulfshore Trio The Village Church Auditorium at Shell Point 15100 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers 7:30 p.m. $21. 239-454-2067

Friday - 16 Fort Myers Home and Remodeling Show

Through Sept. 18 Harborside Event Center, Fort Myers Friday, Noon - 5 p.m. & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 772-486-4969 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 - 10 p.m. www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com Rockin Horse The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Art & Poetry Networking Event Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 1st St, Fort Myers Gulf Coast Leisure’s Art & Poetry Networking Events, showcasing the best art & poetry SW Florida has to offer. 8 p.m. $10. 239-333-1933 West Side Tropico Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 6:30 & 9 p.m. 239-597-1900 JL Fulks Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007 Bad Banditos Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Saturday - 17 Naples Jazz Master Dixieland Concerts Norris Community Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3058 ACMA concert Barbara Chamberlain & Carlene Thissen All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Hirst Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 5 - 9 p.m., Center Court. 941-575-3007

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Artists@Work Series with Terry Lynn Spry Edison Mall – Macy’s Court 4125 S Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers 1 - 3 p.m. 239-939-2787

GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Fashion Show/Luncheon 4820 Leonard Street, Cape Coral Lunch, prizes, models: Women's Division members & USA Dancers. $25 Noon - 3 p.m. 239-549-4538 Mystic River Band Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221 Sullivan Street Craft Festival Through Sept. 18 331 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda Free and open to the public. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.artfestival.com 561-746-6615 The Sunset Celebration - Hester Prynn Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Joe Marino & All the Kings Men The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Sunday - 18 International Day of Peace

Jaycee Park 4125 SE 20th Pl., Cape Coral Canned and dried goods collected for our largest food drive to date as well as Blood donations excepted for "peace blood" to save local lives! Live music, art, vendors, pet adoption, yoga, meditations, crafts, food, raffles, education, lots of fun.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 239-560-5224 The Great American Chili Cook Off The Shell Factory and Nature Park 2787 N. Tamiami Trail (US 41) North Fort Myers Admission is free but donate can goods and dry food items. Live music 4 - 7 p.m., special family fun park package. Noon - 6 p.m. 239-995-3999 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Monday - 19 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Tuesday - 20 14th Annual Tapa Hop 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 239-454-7500

Joel DaSilva Friday & Saturday The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-333-2225

Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

Noteworthy Concert: For A Season Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 1st St, Fort Myers Featuring local craft brewery Old Soul Brewery.

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. $10. 239-333-1933

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

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

Wednesday - 21 Chris G Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Brian Lowe The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Thursday - 22 Enchanting Violin Faculty & Guest Artist Series Concert Bower School of Music & the Arts-U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building; Florida Gulf Coast University Tickets $10 and $7 for students. 7:30 p.m. www.fgcu.edu/CAS/BSMA Live Dixieland Jazz music by Leslie DaCosta Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon -3 p.m. 941-575-3007 Joel DaSilva (acoustic) The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-333-2225 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Friday - 23 Island Hopper Songwriter Festival Sept. 23 - 25 Various locations on Captiva Island www.islandhopperfest.com

Rocker Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Pirate Fest Through Sept. 25 Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Family friendly fun. Live music, vendors, contests, water battles, pirate encampment, Pirate's Ball and pirates. Noon-6 p.m. Fri; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Free admission. 941-575-3007 Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brylcream The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Decades Rewind Friday & Saturday Cultural Center Theater 2280 Aaron Street in Port Charlotte 7 p.m. 941-625-4175 x221

Saturday - 24 3rd Annual Fort Myers Craft Beer Festival Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford 2360 West 1st Street, Fort Myers The 3rd annual Fort Myers Craft Beer Fest features over 80 craft beers, food and beverages, cornhole tournament, music and more!! 239-415-8973 Museum Day Live!

Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-262-5119 ACMA concert - Alan Rhody All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $10-$15 donation.

Steve Ford opens. 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org Naples Jazz Master Dixieland Concerts Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples 1 - 3 p.m. 239-213-3058 Paint and Wine with Laura Ball Lorne’s Gallery, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral RSVP by Sept. 19, $35, 5-8 p.m. fgg51@aol.com Chicago Mob The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326 Polynesian Show at Rotary Park Rotary Park 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral Doors at 7 p.m., show 8-9 p.m. 239-549-4606 Hispanic Heritage Festival & 5K Centennial Park, 2000 W First St., Fort Myers 7:30 a.m. for the 5K and will be an all-day event. food, live music, arts, and culture. www.hispanicfestivalfortmyers.com.

Electric Lipstick Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Summer Jazz Concert Series - Late Night Brass The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-261-2222 The Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 GreenMarket Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Tona Wong The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

John Michael Montgomery The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers Doors open at 7 p.m. 239-985-9839

Sunday - 25 FGCU Wind Orchestra

Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples 3 p.m. 239-745-4268 Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Brylcream Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454

Thursday - 29 Ron White Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers 8 p.m. 239-481-4849 Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 7 p.m. 239-333-2225 Scotty Bryan Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454

Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

FOLKS 50s-60s Sock Hop on the Beach Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach Come join us at the gazebo on the beach for a fun filled evening of 50s and 60s music, dancing and contests! Dinner and snacks will be served including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, snacks, wine, beer and Old time root beer floats. There will be a Hula Hoop contest, Best Outfit contest and a Jitterbug contest. 4 - 7 p.m. RSVP to Judy Greenwood. 708-359-0466

Island Hopper Songwriter Festival Sept. 26 - 29 Various locations in downtown Fort Myers www.islandhopperfest.com

Live Dixieland Jazz music by Leslie DaCosta Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Noon -3 p.m. 941-575-3007

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

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

Monday - 26 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale

Tuesday - 27 Sherrie McCune

The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141 Bahrlines: The Music of Jason Bahr Faculty & Guest Artist Series Concert Bower School of Music & the Arts; U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building; Florida Gulf Coast University $10, $7 for students, 7:30 p.m. www.fgcu.edu/CAS/BSMA. 239-745-4268 Fingerstyle Guitarist Drew Gale Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs Noon - 3 p.m. 941-575-3007

ACMA concert - Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-691-4069 www.americanacma.org

Friday - 30 Broadway Showstoppers Revue

Through Oct. 9 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral 239-772-5862 Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454

Wednesday - 28 Cirque Du Soleil: OVO

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

Through Oct. 2 Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero 239-948-7825

Two Can Jam The Rhythm House 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 6:30 p.m. 239-466-8326

Chris G Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 941-575-3007 Brian Markley Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 5 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Art After Hours The Baker Museum 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples 6 p.m. 239-597-1900 An Evening of Family Friendly Storytelling for Adults with Andy Offut Irwin The Office of Dr. Joel Ying, 2335 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 206, Naples Stories of everybody's favorite character, Aunt Marguerite. $15. 7 - 8:30 p.m. 239-267-6480 Brian Lowe The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers 4 - 7 p.m. Swamp Patio, 239-995-2141

Paul Cottrell Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Performs 5 - 9 p.m., 941-575-3007 The Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 6 - 10 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Xanadu Jr Through Oct. 2 Lee County Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers Pre-sale $10. At the door $15 for students, kids & seniors or $20 for adults. 239-939-2787 The Rockin Jake Band The Barrel Room at Twisted Vine Bistro 2210 Bay St., Fort Myers 9 p.m. 239-333-2225 Island Hopper Songwriter Festival Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 Various locations on Fort Myers Beach www.islandhopperfest.com

HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE

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