SW Florida Theatre Season Roundup for 2021 - 2022
SEPTEMBER 2021
MICHAEL RAY
GRANVILLE AUTOMATIC
FREE
JIMMIE ALLEN
KRISTEN KELLY
Naples • Fort Myers • Cape Coral • Port Charlotte • Bonita Springs
Publisher’s Spotlight
Theatre preview
September has become one of my favorite month’s of publishing our local magazine. It’s when we take a look at the theatre scene and put all the shows in one place. Eighteen of our theatre partners in Southwest Florida have announced their schedules for 2021-22 (while a couple more are keeping a lid on it for now). More than 110 different titles are going to be performed on those 18 stages over the next nine months. And after the major setback these venues have seen from the pandemic, the rising curtains will be a welcome sight for all. So, let’s dive in and see what we have. Artis–Naples Broadway series includes Come From Away, Tootsie, Ain’t Too Proud, Dear Evan Hansen and My Fair Lady. The Broadway series at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall has Rent, Summer, Dear Evan Hansen, Ain’t Too Proud, Blue Man Group, Jesus Christ Superstar, An Officer and a Gentleman and My Fair Lady. Broadway Palm Theatre has A Night on Broadway, The Sound of Music, Holly Jolly Christmas, Singin’ in the Rain, Escape To Margaritaville, In The Heights, Rock of Ages and The Wizard of Oz. The Charlotte Players season includes 4 Beekman, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, A Nice Family Christmas, Exit Laughing, Bell Book and Candle, Curtain Up, There’s a Burglar in My Bed and Wedding Belles. Cultural Park Theater presents And the Nominees Are, Mama Won’t Fly, Haunted Halloween Revue, A Piece of My Heart, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Nunsense, Play On, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Savannah Sipping Society and You’re Never Too Old. The FGCU Theatre schedule includes The Misanthrope, On Baile’s Strand and Stories of Spoon River. Florida Repertory Theatre will present The Woman in Black, West Side Story, Morning After Grace, Into the Breeches, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Let’s Fall in Love, Driving Miss Daisy, A Doll’s House Part 2 and Maytag Virgin.
4 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Gulfshore Playhouse’s season includes a Broadway Cabaret Series, Radio Gulf, Higher, The 39 Steps, The Invisible Hand and Another Revolution. Laboratory Theater of Florida gives us The Color Purple, a 24-Hour Playwriting Project, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, The Tempest, The Complete History of America Abridged, Killer Joe, Avenue Q and Les Liaison Dangereuses. The Marco Players present Good People, The Hallelujah Girls, Silver Alert, The Bona Dea Challenge, America’s Sexiest Couple and Love & Money. The Murder Mystery Dinner Train keeps rolling on with Don’t Cry for Me, Murder Wrap, Wicked Winter Wonderland and Murder Without a Clue. The Naples Players presents Boeing Boeing, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Savannah Sipping Society, Mary Poppins, The Cake and When We Were Young and Unafraid. New Phoenix Theatre is back and their schedule includes Young Frankenstein, I Hate Hamlet, Quartet, Pageant the musical, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and Head Over Heels. Off Broadway Palm Theatre has Social Security, No Claus for Alarm, Over the River and Through the Woods and Greater Tuna. Players Circle Theatre’s season includes The Lifespan of a Fact, Jingle Bell Jubilee, Night and Day, Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time, Hard Travelin’ with Woody and Miracle on South Division Street. The Studio Players have Torch Song, Nuts, Slow Food, Barefoot in the Park and All New People. Theatre Conspiracy gives us The Chechens, Men on Boats, The Roommate, The Colored Museum, Outside Mullingar and The Cake. TheatreZone in Naples presents Home for the Holidays, I Love My Wife, Bright Star, Camelot and The Bridges of Madison County. Theatre goers have so many choices again. As always, we encourage you to support the arts community and experience the wonderful world of theatre in Southwest Florida. Rock on,
Jamie
IN THIS ISSUE
theatre
6
art
20
music
36
dining
52 Publishers & Owners
Jamie & Kathy Kuser
Contributors: Holly Zammerilla, Michael Moran, Kathy Kuser, Dan Mearns, Bob Williams Advertising sales: Jamie Kuser & Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Distribution: Rod Richardson & Aley Enterprises Happenings A&E Magazine is owned, published & distributed monthly in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties by KMK Publishing Inc.
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THEATRE
Florida Rep returns to the stage with cabaret event Saluting the music of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby & Tony Bennett
Florida Repertory inspired him to become a Jason Parrish directs the cabaret event Theatre announces its professional singer. Using after his recent work on Florida Rep’s A return to indoor performthe music of Nat King Cole Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, ances with Let’s Fall in as a way in, audiences will Alabaster and Million Dollar Quartet. Love: A World Premiere take a journey through Victoria Casella returns as arranger, Cabaret Event in the American musical history to musical director and pianist after recent ArtStage Studio Theatre. see how Bing made way for work on A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Previews begin Sept. 28, a new genre of singer, and Murder, Tenderly, and arranging for and the concert performhow Nat King Cole broke Fascinatin’ Gershwin and Night and Day. ances run through Nov. 7 barriers to rise to internaThe evening also features Florida-based in the intimate venue. tional stardom while crossmusicians, Matt Koller (Tenderly) on Masks are required for ing paths along the way drums and Perry Orfanella on bass all patrons while inside with Frank, Sammy, and (Florida Rep debut). Florida Rep facilities, and Tony Bennett. The ArtStage Studio Theatre plays the theatre asks that all Chicago-based singer host to the concert and will be transpatrons comply with posted and actor Evan Tyrone formed into a stylish 1950s era jazz and Evan Tyrone Martin health and safety guidelines. Martin makes his Florida supper club, inspired by venues that dot“We are so pleased to be Rep debut in Let’s Fall in ted Harlem and New York, Chicago, Las opening our doors to the Love, but he is no stranger Vegas, and countless other cities across public this Fall,” said artistic director Greg to the music of Nat King Cole. Martin the country during the 1940s, ‘50s and Longenhagen. “The 2021-2022 season appeared in two national tours with ‘60s. has been a long time in the making, and Chicago’s Artists Lounge Live, starring in Ensemble set designer Dennis we couldn’t be happier to welcome Evan one-man-shows saluting Cole, Maulden returns after his work on An Tyrone Martin to the ArtStage in this Unforgettable: Falling in Love with Nat Inspector Calls to design the transformed brand-new musical event. I can’t think of a King Cole and An Unforgettable Nat King ArtStage; costume consultant Tony Toney better way to welcome our patrons back Cole Christmas. Martin’s regional credits makes his main stage debut on the conthan with a celebration of this great include Roundabout Theatre cert after recent work on the American music. Audiences are in for a Company, Lincoln Center, A.R.T., outdoor Conservatory protreat with this salute to Nat King Cole – Porchlight Theatre, Silk Road ductions of Into the Woods and so many voicRising, Arkansas Rep and Godspell last spring; es that defined a and more. In addition to resident master electrician generation of pophis work saluting Cole’s Joel Zishuk (Conservatory’s, ular music in the music, Evan recently Bulletproof Backpack) will ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. received a Jeff Award design the lights for the We’ll see you at nomination for his work cabaret, and Rachel the theatre soon.” in I Left My Heart: A Berkhouse serves as proLet’s Fall in Salute to Tony Bennett duction coordinator. Love celebrates with Chicago’s Mercury Let’s Fall in Love: A World the music of Nat Theatre Premiere Cabaret Event Victoria Casella King Cole, Frank Let’s Fall in Love is a plays Oct. 1 – Nov 7, with Sinatra, Sammy collaboration between discounted previews Sept. Davis Jr. and Tony Martin, Florida Rep 28 – 30. Tickets are $59/$55 Bennett, but it associate artistic director and $39/$35 for previews, begins with the Jason Parrish, and longand available online at crooner who starttime guest musical direcwww.FloridaRep.org and ed it all, Bing tor and arranger Victoria through the box office at Crosby. With Evan Casella. The trio have 239-332-4488. Tyrone Martin at been hard at work since Performances are the center of the the late-spring selecting Tuesday – Saturday at 7 action, the cabaret and arranging music and p.m., Thursday, Saturday, & charts the singer’s crafting a narrative that Sunday at 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. journey and how celebrates these diverse for the opening night gala Jason Parrish these iconic voices American voices. performance on Oct. 1. 6 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Happenings Magazine
The Naples Players: Boeing Boeing THEATRE
Get ready to take a trip to the 1960s when air travel was still a glamorous affair. Boeing Boeing runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 24 in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players. This crowd-pleasing comedic farce, directed by Jessica Walck, was written by the French playwright Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans. Playboy Bernard (played by Bernardo Santana) lives in Paris with his fiancé, TWA airline stewardess Gloria (Emilie Baartman) - and his fiancé Lufthansa stewardess Gretchen (Sarah DeLeonibus) and his fiancé Alitalia stewardess Gabriella (Erica Jones). Per Bernard’s design, none of the women know about the other two. Bernard’s trusty live-in maid, Berthe (Pamela Austin), is able to keep up the ruse by remembering each woman’s food preferences, clothing,and even changes out their photographs. All is going well until Bernard’s friend, Robert (Luke Lauchle) comes
for a visit. Due to a faster Boeing jet, all three women arrive at Bernard’s apartment on the same day. Will he be able to keep up his scheme or even survive the day? Naples Players CEO and artistic director Bryce Alexander says, “We couldn't be more excited to give our community an important chance to come together, have a good laugh, and enjoy the amazing artists that Southwest Florida has to offer. The arts are open - and these community events are more important now than ever. It’s a hilarious show!” A red carpet event open to the public is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and features local vendors, food, drinks and live music from the band Chariot. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Both general public and season tickets are on sale at the TNP Box Office at 701 5th Ave. S. Those interested can visit www.NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call 239-263-7990.
Gulfshore Playhouse announces 2021-22 season
Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples has announced its 2021-2022 season. This exciting lineup features a mix of comedic, musical and dramatic productions destined to uplift and inspire Naples audiences. The 2021-2022 season includes: • Radio Golf by August Wilson, Nov. 13 through Dec. 5: Ambitious real estate developer Harmond Wilks is determined to save his blighted childhood neighborhood by becoming the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh. But his efforts come with a cost that puts the neighborhood’s history in jeopardy in this final play in Wilson’s revered American Century Cycle. • Higher by Jeffrey Binder, Jan. 15 30: This world premiere production, written by and starring Jeffrey Binder, will finally be seen the way it was intended: live on stage. Whether or not audiences watched the filmed production of this oneman tour-de-force, theater-lovers will not want to miss this moving story of faith, healing and hope where two worlds, lives 8 - SEPTEMBER 2021
and times collide. • The 39 Steps by John Bucan, Feb. 12 through March 13: This hilarious whodunit adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Kristen Coury tells the tale of Richard Hannay. Trapped in a boring life, he encounters a woman who claims to be a spy and soon finds himself entangled in a nationwide manhunt. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award–winning comedy based on the Alfred Hitchock film of the same name features more than 150 zany characters played by a ridiculously talented cast of four. • The Invisible Hand by Ayad Akhtar, March 26 through April 16: American investment banker Nick Bright is being held for ransom by a militant group in Pakistan. In exchange for a shot at freedom, he strikes a risky deal with his captors to teach them how to manipulate the global market. Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Ayad Akhtar’s suspenseful and provocative political thriller explores the consequences
of fanatical devotion to both the scripture and the dollar. • Another Revolution by Jacqueline Bircher, April 30 through May 15: In 1968, two graduate students forced to share a lab at Columbia University find they are opposed in more ways than just their scientific disciplines. Amid interpersonal differences, a campus devolving into political chaos, and the uncertainty and turmoil of the outside world, they each discover what it’s like to be thrown into someone else’s orbit. In addition to the main stage season lineup, Gulfshore Playhouse will present a fall Broadway Cabaret Series on Oct. 1417, Oct. 21-24 and Oct. 28-31. Grammy and Emmy Award–winning performer John McDaniel will serve as master of ceremonies for the three fabulous performances. For tickets, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261- PLAY (7529). Gulfshore Playhouse performances are at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Happenings Magazine
CULTURAL PARK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
The Gunterberg Charitable Foundation’s
2021-22 Broadway Series
CONCERT SERIES Tribute to the Italian Crooners
starring Aaron Caruso
SEPT. 9 - 19
October 8, 9 & 10
Day of the Dead November 2
All Together Now November 13 & 14
Michael D’Amore Christmas Show December 15
Young Sinatra
starring Tony DiMeglio January 28, 29 & 30
David Morin
Elvis & The Legends March 11, 12 & 13
All You Need Is Love April 8, 9 & 10
ALL ETOSW TICK ALE N ON S
Special thanks to our theatre sponsors
528 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral
www.CulturalParkTheater.com
239-772-5862
THEATRE
A Night on Broadway Broadway Palm opens 29th season
42nd Street and more. Audiences will treasure the nostalgia of over a century of entertainment and magnificent music. Directing A Night On Broadway is Victor Legarreta. Legarreta has directed and appeared in numerous
NEW PHOENIX THEATRE
SEPT. 30 - OCT. 24 Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
I Hate Hamlet • Nov. 4 - 21 The Piano Men • Dec. 2 - 5 Quartet • Jan. 6 - 23 Pageant the musical • Feb. 10 - 27 The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife • March 10 - 27 Head Over Heels • April 7 - 28
13211 McGregor Blvd. #1 & 2, Fort Myers
239-284-5214 • BUY TICKETS ONLINE
www.NewPhoenixTheatreFortMyers.org
10 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Broadway Palm productions. In addition, he created Yesterday’s: The 50s and 60s Musical, Groovin’: The 60s and 70s Musical, Let’s Go To The Movies, Dino and Friends, Til Theft Do Us Part, and No Claus For Alarm, to name a few. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Broadway Palm is offering a season opener special, and all tickets are just $55 for dinner and the show. Meanwhile, in the Off Broadway Palm Theatre, Social Security will be on stage Sept. 23 – Nov. 6. Tickets can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com or at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA PRESENTS
COLOR PURPLE
THE
Broadway Palm is thrilled to open its 29th season with A Night On Broadway playing Sept. 9 through Oct. 2. This original concert style musical revue will feature the best of Broadway combining favorites from the past along with the most recent musical hit sensations. The bright lights of Broadway will shine on the Broadway Palm stage with this all-new musical revue that showcases some of the greatest Broadway songs of all time. The talented cast will sing their way through decades of Broadway favorites from shows such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, CATS, Oklahoma, Wicked,
Half-price previews Sept. 1 & 2
SW FL PREMIERE!
Sponsored by Emily Eason
SEPT. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, OCT. 1, 2 at 8 pm www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com
Matinees: Sept. 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 2 p.m.
239-218-0481
1634 Woodford Ave. Downtown Fort Myers Happenings Magazine
Cultural Park Theater season starts Sept. 9
By Michael Moran
thought we would never see the day, but now it’s just around the corner. Our venue The Cultural Park Theater announces its volunteers, actors, technical staff and stage 59th Broadway and concert season, as our crews, will reunite for the first time. We can’t theater is beyond excited to announce our Grand Reopening Month, beginning Sept. 9, wait to see artists on stage and smiling fans in the audience. However, we are very with our original musical revue “And the much aware that our dedication to Nominees Are… ! the health and safety of our staff, Since 1963, we have providpatrons, artists and community. To ed inclusive, diverse,and culturmake sure we are doing our part ally rich programming including to stop the spread of COVID-19 comedies, dramas, musicals, with the heightened transmission original works by new writers of the delta variant, we will be along with a full concert season requiring temperature checks at featuring performances of everythe door and ask that all non vacthing from Broadway to country cinated patrons wear a mask music for every taste. We have throughout their visit to our thealso run youth education proMichael Moran ater. We also continue to follow all grams, teaching the technical, CDC guidelines and maintain the adult and children’s acting classenhanced cleaning procedures throughout es, dance and music. That is, until the panour building and performance areas. demic shut us down last year. Cultural Park has also incorporated Cultural Park Theatre owes its survival many of the lessons learned during the panthrough the dark cloud of COVID to our demic to now actually grow our venue by community-minded members, patrons and adding performances that are focused on sponsors like the Culliton Gunterberg re-energizing our actors and the community Foundation. We owe each of them our with additional programming outside of what thanks. These are the folks who truly kept has been produced in past years. our theatre alive in Cape Coral. These programs include a special Words cannot describe the joy we feel Haunted Theater Walk in October alongside being able to fully reopen our doors to the of our family friendly Halloween Revue public after a year and a half. We almost
Happenings Magazine
opening Oct. 21. Also opening Nov 11 is an awarding-winning performance of A Piece of My Heart which tells the true story of five women and their service in Vietnam as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of that war and all the men and women who severed our country then and now. These productions along with the musicals Nunsense Two and the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will be surrounded by hilarious comedies such as Mamma Won’t Fly, Play On, The Savannah Sipping Society, the family classic It’s A Wonderful Life – Live Radio Play and the original comedy You’re Never Too Old by Carl Megill. These shows surrounding our concert series and more will result in 26 full length productions insuring our title of the “Busiest Little Community Theater in the United States,” and we promise to keep you smiling and singing and even a little dancing along with an occasional tear, as Cultural Park Theatre and our community move forward from the strains and stress of this past year. The Cultural Park Theater is located at 528 Cultural Park Blvd. in Cape Coral. Call the box office at 239-772-5862. Michael Moran is executive director of the Cultural Park Theatre Company.
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 11
THEATRE
Ed Kelly (Preacher), Hoyt Goodine (Grady), Jade Green (Squeak), Cadrick Smith (Harpo) and David Anderson (Pa/Buster) in Lab Theaterʼs production of The Color Purple.
The Color Purple
opens Sept. 3 at Laboratory Theater of Florida
The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the Southwest Florida premiere of The Color Purple Sept. 3 through Oct. 2, with half-price preview nights on Sept. 1 and 2. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker and adapted for the stage as a musical by Marsha Norman, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, The Color Purple is an inspirational story of strength, hope, and determination. It is the tale of African-American women finding their independence in the first half of the 20th century. The songs are a powerful fusion of ragtime, jazz, gospel, and blues that will transport the audience to journey alongside Celie and Nettie’s hearttouching story of deliverance. Produced by artistic director Annette Trossbach and directed by Sonya McCarter, the team also features music direction by W. Earl Sparrow, and choreography by Bianca Russell. The cast features Ruthgena Augustin (Celie), Julissa JeanBart (Nettie), Cantrella Canady (Sofia), Cadrick Smith (Harpo), Hoyt Goodine (Grady), Robert Barner (Mister), Edward Kelly (Preacher), David Anderson (Pa, Buster), Kim Hardin (Shug), Jade Green (Squeak, Jarene), Tijuanna Clemons (Doris, ensemble), Monicke Clark (Darlene, ensemble), and Faye Barrett (Jarene, ensemble). McCarter says, “What I love about this story is that it doesn't shy away from revealing the oppressions of the past and unfortunately the present: racism, sexism, and intolerance. But that's not all I love. I love that it reveals the resilience of a people who at times have been broken but never bowed; I love its universality and that its a story of the human condition: we all crave love, respect, empathy, and understanding; we all experience times of 12 - SEPTEMBER 2021
disappointment, heartache and betrayal; I love that it's a story of spirituality, self-discover, and triumph.” Trossbach adds, “Lab Theater proudly presents this numinous theatrical experience that has both entertained and divided audiences for many years. The story remains banned across communities in the United States for its portrayal of AfricanAmerican men and of a same-sex relationship. Censorship of art remains a controversial topic in Southwest Florida and across this country. Telling diverse stories is central to the mission of many theaters - we understand that history is written by those in power. Attempts to broaden the narrative are often removed from public view through various means of censorship. The power of The Color Purple compels that it be told. And that other stories of the diverse fabric of American life be told. All of our stories are worthy of telling and celebrating.” Performance dates are Sept. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and Oct. 1, 2 at 8 p.m.; with matinees on Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 at 2 p.m. A post-performance talkback featuring the creative team will be held on Sept. 5. Tickets are $37 each or $15 for students with valid student IDs. There are two half-priced previews on Sept. 1 and 2, and there is a new Thursday night special ticket price of $30 each for adult. Seating is socially distant and limited for safety. Masks are required to be worn when inside the theater. For tickets, call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District. Happenings Magazine
THEATRE
4 Beekman, Comedy for a Cause in September THE CHARLOTTE PLAYERS
Charlotte Players kicks off its Steve Allen Show, The Smothers 61st season on Sept. 10 with 4 Brothers Comedy Hour, Kraft Beekman, a romantic comedy by Music Hall, The Tim Conway the prolific Ron Clark directed by Comedy Hour, The Van Dyke Bill Olson at the community theShow, Moonlighting, E-R, The ater company’s Langdon Paul Lynde Show, Ace Crawford Playhouse, 1182 Market St., Port Private Eye and Diana Rigg. Charlotte. On Sept. 17, the ninth annual The play concerns Deanne Comedy for a Cause, Charlotte and Robert, a May-December Players’ major fundraiser, returns couple just back from their honto the Charlotte Harbor Event and eymoon, when Deanne is Conference Center. shocked to find that Robert has Casting Director Jessica unwittingly bought the very same Cantwell brought together eight apartment that she used to live in community and business leaders with her ex-husband, Skip. Not to present improvisational skits in the manner of “Whose Line is it only that, but Skip has also Comedy for a Cause director Dr. Chris Constance, back row, far Anyway?” while competing for bought the apartment right next left, joins the 2021 cast clowning around on the deck at Pioneers various awards and raising money door to theirs. The production Pizza in Port Charlotte, where a cast reveal party was held on Aug. for Charlotte Players programs. promises lots of love and laughs. 3: from left, Chris Hall, Paul Polk, Kelsey Veitengruber, Jeff Doors open for VIP ticket holdThere are five 7:30 p.m. Webster, Victoria Naekel, Sam Alexander, Beverly Back, and ers at 6 p.m. VIP tickets for dinner shows and a pair of 2 p.m. Matthew Jones. Beverly Back had to withdrawal from the cast due and show are $85; show only tickSunday matinees. Tickets are to an injured foot. Her replacement is Wendi Sciana. ets, with a 7:15 p.m. entrance, are $22 for adults and $11 for stu$30. Tickets are available online dents and may be ordered at at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling the office at 941-255-1022. www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022. The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center is at 75 Taylor Ron Clark has been writing comedy for more than 60 years. He Street, Punta Gorda. spent several years writing monologues for Jack Carter, Alan King, Due to the improvisational nature of the show, it has been rated Henny Youngman, and dozens of other stand-ups. His TV credits for adults only. include The Jackie Gleason Show, The Danny Kaye Show, The
TheatreZone ready for 17th season
TheatreZone, a professional Equity theatre now in its 17th season specializing in Broadway musicals, announced its 2021-2022 season shows and concerts. They are Home for the Holidays (Dec. 10 - 12); I Love My Wife (Jan. 13 - 23); Bright Star (Feb. 10 - 20); Camelot (March 10 - 20); and The Bridges of Madison County (April 21 - May 1). “We are thrilled to return to presenting large-scale productions for our audience’s enjoyment,” says Mark Danni, TheatreZone’s founding artistic director. “We’re planning a blockbuster Season 17 with a world premiere, a variety of traditional shows, audience favorites and shows that maybe new to some audience members.” The season kicks off Dec. 10 - 12 with four productions of Home for the Holidays, a TheatreZone original. Now in its fifth year, Home for the Holidays celebrates the joy of the season, with a professional orchestra and TheatreZone fan favorites performing holiday favorites among an array of sparking costumes and energetic dance. 14 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Well received when TheatreZone staged the production in its fifth season, I Love My Wife (Jan. 13 - 23) is an innovative satire of the sexual revolution. Set in the 1970’s, this comedic production features musicians on the stage and melded into the play, where they sing, dress up in fancy clothes and comment on the action, all as kind of a Greek chorus. Bright Star, inspired by a true story and featuring a Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, will be presented Feb. 10-20. Bright Star tells a beautiful story of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds audiences tightly in its grasp. From March 10 - 20, TheatreZone will present Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot, starring TheatreZone fan favorite Whitney Winfield (Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera) as Guenevere. Audiences can expect to experience a youthful, edgier version of this legendary love triangle of King Arthur, Guenevere and Sir Lancelot. Borrowing from the Arthurian legends,
Camelot is the duo’s fantastical masterpiece which triumphed on Broadway in a legendary original production that lead to a film version, and numerous revivals in New York, London and across the globe. The Bridges of Madison County (April 21 - May 1) is based on the bestselling novel and developed by the Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning creative team of Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World) and Marsha Norman, captures the lyrical expanse of America’s heartland along with the yearning entangled in the eternal question, “What if…?” All evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $50-$65 with premium seats available at $85. For more information, visit www.theatre.zone or call 888966-3352 x1. TheatreZone is located in-residence at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. Visit online at www.theatre.zone.
Happenings Magazine
New Phoenix returns with Mel Brooks comedy
New Phoenix Theatre is ready to re-open and start a new season with the Mel Brook’s comedy Young Frankenstein. The grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, the creature escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. The musical will be presented Sept. 30 through Oct. 24 with performances Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The local cast includes Bill Shideler as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Greg Wojciechowski as The Monster, Kenneth Johnson as Igor, Tricia Hennessy as Inga, Nikki Hagel as Elizabeth Benning, Cindi Heimburg as Frau Blucher, Jesse Stauffer as Inspector Hans Kemp and Michael Murphy as The Hermit. Gerrie Benzing, Sam Felder, Jackie Patterson and Tracy Meier make up the ensemble. Others shows in the season: I Hate Hamlet Nov. 4 - 21 Television star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet -- and he is
Happenings Magazine
Miss Glamouresse compete in swimsuit, talent, gown, and spokesmodel categories. Judges selected from the audience get to pick the winner - so no performance is ever the same...and the suspense is real.
terrified. Unsure of himself, worried about his career, Andrew doesn't know what to do. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore.
Quartet Jan. 6 – 23 Quartet is a beautiful and funny play, that is also very touching. The story takes place in a home for retired musicians. It focuses on three old friends: opera singers. Their peace is destroyed with the arrival of Jean, an old friend of theirs who worked successfully with them on a Quartet many years ago. Pageant the musical Feb. 10 – 27 Like no beauty pageant you've ever seen before, six contestants vying for the title of
The Tale of the Allergistʼs Wife March 10 – 27 Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged Upper West Side Doctor's wife, is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at the MOMA and evenings at BAM. Plunged into a midlife crisis of Medea-like proportions, she's shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend. Head Over Heels April 7 – 28 Featuring the music of the Go Gos, Head Over Heels is the story of what happens when the royal court of Arcadia is threatened by the mystical Oracle of Delphi with the loss of its "Beat", the divine power that ensures the kingdom's prosperity. Through a plot containing usurped kingship, unlikely lovers, and gender-fluid disguises, Head Over Heels preaches unconditional love and acceptance of yourself and everyone you know. New Phoenix Theatre is located at 13211 McGregor Blvd., units 1 and 2, Fort Myers. For tickets and info, call 239-284-5214 or visit www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org.
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 15
Southwest Florida 2021-2022 SEASON
THEATRE
Florida Repertory Theatre
239-332-4488 Bay Street, Downtown Fort Myers floridarep.org In the Arcade Theatre
The Woman in Black Oct. 26 - Nov. 14
Broadway Palm
239-597-1111 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples artisnaples.org
Sept. 9 - Oct. 2
Nov. 30 - Dec. 5
A Night on Broadway The Sound of Music Oct. 7 - Nov. 20
West Side Story
Holly Jolly Christmas
Jan. 4 - 26
Dec. 31 – Feb. 12
Nov. 23 - Dec. 15
Morning After Grace Into the Breeches Feb. 8 - March 5
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story March 15 - April 13
In the ArtStage Studio Theatre
Letʼs Fall in Love Sept. 28 - Nov. 7
Driving Miss Daisy Jan. 18 - Feb. 13
A Dollʼs House, Part 2 Feb. 22 - March 27
Maytag Virgin April 12 - May 22
16 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Artis–Naples
239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com
Nov. 25 – Dec. 25
Come From Away Tootsie
Dec. 28 - Jan. 2
Ainʼt Too Proud Feb. 1 - 6
Singinʼ in the Rain
Dear Evan Hansen
Feb. 18 - April 2
April 12 - 17
Escape to Margaritaville In The Heights April 8 - May 14
Rock of Ages
May 20 - June 25
The Wizard of Oz July 1 - Aug. 13
BIG ARTS
239-395-0900 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel bigarts.org
Season Schedule TBA
Feb. 22 - 27
My Fair Lady
Off Broadway Palm 239-278-4422 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers broadwaypalm.com
Social Security Sept. 23 - Nov. 6
No Claus for Alarm Nov. 11 - Dec. 25
Over the River and Through the Woods Jan. 13 – March 5
Greater Tuna
March 10 - April 30
Happenings Magazine
Naples Players 239-263-7990 701 5th Ave. S, Naples naplesplayers.org In Blackburn Hall
Boeing Boeing Sept. 29 - Oct. 24
A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love & Murder
TheatreZone
1-888-966-3352 13275 Livingston Road, Naples www.theatre.zone
Home for the Holidays Dec. 10 - 12
I Love My Wife Jan. 13 - 23
Nov. 24 - Dec. 19
Bright Star
Jan. 12 - Feb. 6
March 10 - 20
The Savannah Sipping Society Mary Poppins March 2 - April 3
In the Tobye Studio
The Cake Feb. 2 - 27
When We Were Young and Unafraid March 30 - April 24
Players Circle Theater
239-800-3292 PlayersCircleTheater.com
The Lifespan of a Fact Oct. 27 - Nov. 14
Jingle Bell Jubilee Dec. 8 - 19
Night and Day Jan. 5 - 16
Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time Feb. 16 - March 6
Hard Travelinʼ with Woody March 23 - April 3
Miracle on South Division Street April 13 - May 1
Happenings Magazine
Feb. 10 - 20
Camelot
The Bridges of Madison County
Laboratory Theater of Florida 239-218-0481 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers laboratorytheaterflorida.org
The Color Purple Sept. 3 - Oct. 2
24 Hour Screenwriting Project Oct. 9
White Rabbit Red Rabbit Oct. 14 - 23
The Tempest Nov. 5 - 20
April 21 - May 1
The Complete History of America Abridged
Gulfshore Playhouse
Jan. 14 - Feb. 5
1-239-261-7529 755 8th Ave S, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse.org
Broadway Cabaret Series Oct. 14 - 31
Radio Gulf
Nov. 11 - Dec. 5
Higher
Jan. 13 - 30
The 39 Steps
Feb. 10 - March 13
The Invisible Hand March 24 - April 16
Another Revolution April 28 - May 15
Happenings Magazine
PRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL
Dec. 3 - 19
Killer Joe
Avenue Q
Feb. 25 - March 27
Les Liaisons Dangereuses April 15 - May 7
The Studio Players 239-398-9192 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples thestudioplayers.org
Torch Song Sept. 10 - 26
Nuts
Nov. 5 - 21
Slow Food Jan. 14 - 30
Barefoot in the Park March 18 - April 10
All New People June 3 - 19
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 17
THEATRE SEASON ROUNDUP
Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse
Cultural Park Theater
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
And the Nominees Are
Donʼt Cry for Me
941-255-1022 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte charlotteplayers.org
239-772-5862 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral culturalparktheater.com
Sept. 10 - 19
Sept. 9 - 19
4 Beekman
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Oct. 8 - 17
A Nice Family Christmas Nov. 5 - 14
Exit Laughing Jan. 6 - 16
Bell, Book & Candle Feb. 4 - 20
Curtain Up
March 11 - 27
Thereʼs a Burglar in My Bed April 13 - 24
Wedding Belles May 13 - 22
FGCU Theatre
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers 239-745-4268 fgcu.edu/theatrelab
The Misanthrope Oct. 29 - Nov. 7
On Baileʼs Strand Feb. 18 - 27
Stories of Spoon River April 22 - May 1
Happenings Magazine PRINT - WEB - MOBILE - SOCIAL
18 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Mama Wonʼt Fly Sept. 23 - Oct. 3
239-275-8487 Colonial Station, Fort Myers semgulf.com June 23 - Sept. 5
Murder Wrap
Sept. 8 - Nov. 25
Haunted Halloween Revue
Wicked Winter Wonderland
Nov. 11 - 21
Dec. 26 - March 6
Oct. 21 - 31
A Piece of My Heart
Itʼs A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Dec. 9 - 19
Nunsense Jan. 13 - 23
Play On
Feb. 3 - 13
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Feb. 24 - March 6
The Savannah Sipping Society April 3 - 12
Youʼre Never Too Old April 14 - 24
Center for Performing Arts
239-495-8989 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita artcenterbonita.org
Season Schedule TBA
Nov. 26 - Dec. 24
Murder Without a Clue
Barbara B. Mann
Performing Arts Hall 239-481-4849 13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers bbmannpah.com
Rent
Jan. 4 - 9
Summer Feb. 1 - 6
Dear Evan Hansen Feb. 8 - 13
Ainʼt Too Proud Feb. 22 - 27
Blue Man Group March 8 - 13
Jesus Christ Superstar March 15 - 20
An Officer and a Gentleman March 29 - April 3
My Fair Lady April 6 - 10
Happenings Magazine
Marco Players
239-642-7270 1089 N Collier Blvd, Marco themarcoplayers.com
Good People
Oct. 27 - Nov. 14
The Hallelujah Girls Dec. 1 - 19
Silver Alert Jan. 5 - 23
The Bona Dea Challenge Feb. 9 - 27
Americaʼs Sexiest Couple March 16 - April 3
Love and Money April 20 - May 8
New Phoenix Theatre
13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214 newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org
Young Frankenstein Sept. 30 - Oct. 24
I Hate Hamlet Nov. 4 - 21
Quartet
Jan. 6 - 23
Pageant the Musical Feb. 10 - 27
The Tale of the Allergistʼs Wife March 10 - 27
Head Over Heels
Theatre Conspiracy 239-939-2787 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers artinlee.org
The Chechens Aug. 5 - 15
Men on Boats Oct. 21 - 31
The Roommate Dec. 9 - 19
The Colored Museum Jan. 8 - 30
Outside Mullingar Feb. 17 - 27
The Cake
March 17 - 27
April 7 - 28
Happenings Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 19
ART
DAAS Co-Op Gallery featuring
artist David Martin in September
In the month of September, DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is showcasing the artwork of art educator David Martin. The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk. The exhibition will be on display through Sept. 26. Born in Hicksville, Ohio, and currently residing in Naples, Martin attended the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he received his BFA in Art Education. His inspiration comes from a place of struggle as a gay male, navigating a
20 - SEPTEMBER 2021
heteronormative world. With his work, Martin intends to express the difficulties of the bias, against the LGBTQ+ community, as created by men and women, and even its on members. For the artist, it is important to help break down barriers through visual narratives. Using watercolor and colored pencils, David creates hyper-realistic work, in hopes to open a dialogue about issues in the LGBTQ+ community. The gallery invites all Southwest Florida
art collectors, supporters and enthusiasts to join them for the opening reception on Friday, Sept. 3 and meet the artist. DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts is located at 1815 Fowler St. in the Butterfly Estates complex in Fort Myers. The gallery’s current business hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information about the venue or how to become a member can be found at www.daascoop.com or by calling 239590-8645. Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 21
ART
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center to showcase “Infinite Regressions” is part of the Llanes Art Collection
Llanes Art Collection, David Monagas
The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center offers two unique art exhibitions for the month of September. Curated by Reynier Llanes, Voices of the Island - The Llanes Art Collection will be featured in the Grand Atrium. In the Capital Gallery on the second floor, Spectrum of Life by the uber talented David Monagas will be showing. The opening night reception takes place during Art Walk on Friday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. The Cuban culture collection, Voices of the Island, was created by students of the arts in Cuba during the 1990s. Historically in the previous decades, art expressions were sanctioned and politically supervised by the government. Instead, these students were taught by graduates of the schools where freedom of expression and experimentation was encouraged using many mediums, materials, and 22 - SEPTEMBER 2021
styles of art. This was also stimulated out of necessity because of the limited availability of art supplies and materials. The grouping of artists in this exhibition present works that include representational landscapes, figurative expressions, magic surrealism, and abstract
David Monagas
expressionism styles of contemporary art in Cuba today that is a clear testament to their creativity and imagination, advanced education, rich cultural bonding, sense of humor, and vitality. David Monagas explores the conversation of body coverings through his photography exhibition Spectrum of Life, showing in the Capital Gallery. Monagas hopes his work will spark a conversation over the idea of whether or not the human form being something that should be covered in the name of "decency." As we move forward into our new world, his painted bodies and fabric-covered works reflect on how people are affected by these ideas. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden will be open 6 p.m. to midnight. Both shows will be on display through Friday, Sept. 24. For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239-333-1933. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Happenings Magazine
Erwin Eisch exhibit at FGCU Born in Frauenau, Germany, in 1927, Erwin Eisch’s works of art can be found in major museums across the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, France; The National Modern Art Museum Kyoto, Japan, and many others. Erwin Eisch is one of the founders of the studio glass movement, alongside Harvey Littleton. Eisch is an artist who works in a wide variety of mediums including glass, painting, drawing, and printmaking. The exhibition Erwin Eisch: Heaven Starts of Earth is the first comprehensive solo exhibition of its kind in Florida. Works in the exhibition include important early and late glass pieces, paintings, drawings and vitreograph prints (a unique printmaking process from glass plates). In total there are 50 works in the exhibition including works from FGCU’s Permanent Collection, and works on loan from Carol Littleton Shay, Gretel and Erwin Eisch and FGCU art professor Andy Owen. The exhibition catalogue features an essay from Kevin Petrie, Head of the School of Art and Design, University of Sunderland, England. Petrie was also a major contributor to the monograph Erwin Eisch, Clouds Have Been My Foothold All Along. This exhibit runs Aug. 27 through Nov. 10 in the Wasmer Art Gallery. A reception and exhibition talk are set for Sept. 16 from 5 – 7 p.m.In addition to the exhibition in the Wasmer Art Gallery, there are two additional related exhibi-
Erwin Eisch, Aufsteiger (Climbers), 1988 Acrylic on canvas, 53 x 40 in. On loan from Gretel and Erwin Eisch
Gretel Eisch, Fliegen Lernen (Learn to Fly), 1997 Woodblock print On loan from Andy Owen
Happenings Magazine
tions. Erwin Eisch: Kristallnacht in the FGCU Library Reference Area featuring a portfolio of ten works confronting the horrors of the Night of Crystal Death, a pogrom against Jews carried out by the Nazi party throughout Nazi Germany on Nov. 910,1938. The second exhibition in the ArtLab is Friends on Earth: Gretel Eisch, Harvey Littleton, Andy Owen and Hollis Sigler. These four artists’ works are
related to Erwin Eisch in a variety of ways and offer unique insights into Littleton Studios, the printmaking studio in North Carolina founded by Harvey Littleton. Erwin Eisch: Kristallnacht is on display from Aug. 19 – Dec. 17 in the FGCU Library Reference Area. Friends on Earth: Gretel Eisch, Harvey Littleton, Andy Owen and Hollis Sigler is on display from Aug. 19 – Sept. 30 in the ArtLab in the FGCU Library SEPTEMBER 2021 - 23
ART
Inga Risk
Annual group exhibit
at Arts for ACT Gallery
The September art exhibit features more than 15 ACT Gallery artists exhibiting 2-D or 3-D art. All art will be new works never before seen. Artists exhibiting will be long-time volunteers and artists of ACT Gallery. This eclectic exhibit will feature abstracts, realism, landscapes, surrealism and more. Jewelry, repurposed clothing and 3D sculptures will also be on display. This is an exhibit not to be missed. An opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 24 - SEPTEMBER 2021
p.m. during Art Walk. This non-profit gallery is devoted to representing the distinctive and offers premium quality original works of art! The monies raised support Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc., the domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking center serving Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. This exhibit continues through Monday, Sept. 27. Arts for ACT Gallery is located at 2265 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 239-337-3030 for more details.
Alex Wilkinson
Happenings Magazine
Film Festival returns to Fort Myers Beach
Independent filmmakers, actors, directors and patrons locally and from across the globe look forward to celebrating and sharing their creative cinematic storytelling at the 15th Annual Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival, Sept. 14 – 19 at the Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. In 2020, the festival, traditionally an April event moved to September 2020 as a fully virtual weeklong event, including its awards ceremony due to abundant concern for the welfare of all attendees and volunteers during COVID-19 pandemic. As the task of testing and vaccinating is in full swing, the Festival will remain a September event for one more year. Exercising caution and following CDC guidelines, organizers are planning for an in-person event. Leading up to the event, aficionados can expect virtual live interviews with the filmmakers via the Festival’s IG Live. The 2021 Fort Myers Beach
26 - SEPTEMBER 2021
International Film Festival expands over five days including its opening reception, screenings, filmmaker meetups and morning coffee talks finishing with a closing awards reception. New and returning patrons will experience various genres ranging from shorts packages, documentaries and features produced by local, national, and international independent filmmakers. “We’re so grateful to be able to
once again support independent filmmakers and their projects in person. Being able to bring back our festival in person to the Fort Myers Beach community means so much to the organizers, volunteers and our patrons, said festival executive director Janeen Paulauskis.” Reeling in its 15th year, the Fort Myers Beach International continues to showcase the absolute best independent storytelling talents of local, state-wide, national, and global filmmakers and directors. Over the last 15 years, over 2,200 shorts, features and documentaries have been screened at this enduring film festival, a cinematic treasure in Southwest Florida. The Fort Myers Beach International Festival serves to educate, entertain, and elevate the craft of independent filmmaking For more information about the festival screening schedule, sponsorship opportunities and media inquiries, visit www.FMBFilmFest.com, call 239-9804381 or connect socially on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Happenings Magazine
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR Live Music, Theatre, Art Exhibits, Concerts and Special Events
Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687
SAT - 4
WED - 1
Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
THU - 2
Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Pure Country is scheduled to perform Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers as part of the 9-11 20th Anniversary Remembrance Event.
Edith Dimond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Fort Myers Art Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 -10 p.m. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
FRI - 3
Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Red Hannah Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Llanes Art Collection and David Monagas exhibits open Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Opening 6 - 10 p.m. 239-333-1933
Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Rich Whiteley & The Primitive Campers Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 239-254-1080
Elliott West Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386
wright plumbing
THE
Serving Lee and Collier Counties
239-628-7700
28 - SEPTEMBER 2021
CO. LLC lic. # CFC 05 66 69
GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Sunset Celebration Double Standard Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Tiger Blue Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples, 1 p.m. 239-213-3058
Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043
Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043
David Martin exhibit opens DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery & Gifts, 1815 Fowler St., unit 3, Fort Myers, 6 - 9:30 p.m., 239-590-8645
Honky Tonk Sideshow The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-252-4386
Claire Liparulo Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Coal Stone Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com ACT Gallery exhibit opens Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 First St., Fort Myers Group exhibit, 6 - 10 p.m., 239-337-5050 Laboratory Theater of Florida presents The Color Purple Sept. 3 - Oct. 2 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers 239-218-0481 Ollie Mack Gentry exhibit Grand Illusion, 2443 First St., Fort Myers 6 p.m. during Art Walk 239-440-0061
David Rojas Jr. Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Old 41 Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 Lehigh Palooza Lehigh Acres Flea Market, 270 Beth Stacey Blvd. Performances by multiple bands Noon - 10 p.m. Presented by WC Records & JamFestTV Tastes & Sounds of the Islands Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte Multiple bands, Gates 12:30 p.m., $20, alxrich35@gmail.com Happenings Magazine
SUN - 5
MON - 6
Juan Dehoyos Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 239-314-3856
TUE - 7
Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141
Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Top Shelf Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Alexis & August The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, noon - 7 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm Locals Bazaar Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 224-678-4901
Happenings Magazine
TGIM Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers Thank God for Indie Movie Mondays, 7 p.m. 239-333-1933 www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Christopher Tuscan and Sandy Jones exhibit Through September Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, suite 104, Cape Coral Reception 6 - 8 p.m. Sept. 7 www.harbourviewgallery.com Julie Savannah The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm TuesNite Jelly Jam Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers All acoustic, any genre, all instruments, 7 - 10 p.m., 224-678-4901
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 29
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
TUE - 7 CONTINUED Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
WED - 8
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Wendy Renee The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
THU - 9
Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
SIZZLE Dining Sept. 9 - 29 Three-week long, annual community driven event with over 30 SW Florida restaurants participating www.sizzledining.com
Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 Rich James Project The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386
The Dark Side of the Sol The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Evening on Fifth 5th Avenue South, Naples 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 239-692-8436
Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Mountains and Molehills exhibit: Shannon Vickers & Kelly Morrison Cape Coral Art Center, 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral Reception Sept 10 from 5 - 7 p.m. 239-574-0802
Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
Marty Stokes Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225
Soapy Tuna Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
Paula Canon Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800
Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043
Tommy Vext The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839
And the Nominees Are? Music Revue Sept. 9 - 19 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 A Night on Broadway Through Oct. 2 Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422
FRI - 10
AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION Fort Myers home for original Americana music!
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest ACMA members Roy Schneider Kim Mayfield David Hintz Robert Bidney Bill Metts
Tuesday, Sept. 21 Downtown Fort Myers
(venue TBA)
Feed Florida show every Monday!
Streaming event features different musical guest and raises money for Harry Chapin Food Bank, hosted by ACMA member Kim Mayfield
Check our Fecebook page and our website for updates on all events
www.americanacma.org
30 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Happenings Magazine
The Breakfast Club The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com The Studio Players: Torch Song Sept. 10 - 26 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, 239-398-9192 Yappy Hour Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers 6 - 8 p.m., 239-489-1221 The Charlotte Players presents 4 Beekman Sept. 10 - 19 The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte 941-255-1022
SAT - 11
20th Anniversary 9-11 Remembrance Event The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 11 a.m., 239-995-2141 Sunset Celebration - Simply Fi Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples, 1 p.m. 239-213-3058 Collaboration Band Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Jose Ramirez Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Brad Allison The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386 Battle of the Arts Artsemble Underground, Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 5 - 8:30 p.m., 239-489-1221 Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Happenings Magazine
Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 Bryan Spainhower Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 New York Rhythm The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Southwest Florida 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers 8:30 a.m.
SUN - 12
Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 Juan Dehoyos Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 239-314-3856 East Palm Locals Bazaar Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 Blues Fest Concert Series The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Limited Edition Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454
TUE - 14
Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Justin Ross The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm TuesNite Jelly Jam Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers All acoustic, any genre, all instruments, 7 - 10 p.m., 224-678-4901
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 31
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR TUE - 14 CONTINUED Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Sept. 14 - 19 Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 239-980-4381 www.FMBfilmfest.com
WED - 15
Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
The Charlotte Players: Comedy for a Cause Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, 941-255-1022
Erwin Eisch exhibit reception and talk Wasmer Art Gallery, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S, Fort Myers 5 - 7 p.m. fgcu.edu/bsma
Smokin Aces Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Rock the Block: West Wave Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 6 - 9 p.m., 239-254-1080
Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043
High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Gulf Coast Leisure: Art & Poetry Networking Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 8 p.m., 239-333-1933
Elliott West Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386
Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
FGCU Wind Orchestra U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers Free concert, 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268
Elizabeth Werries Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800
Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
THU - 16
FRI - 17
Fort Myers Music Walk Downtown Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.explorefortmyers.com
Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454
Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900
Edith Diamond The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 17 - 19 Singer-songwriters perform at various locations on Captiva Island www.islandhopperfest.com
32 - APRIL 2021
Rusty Wright Band The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Bad Latitude Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Paul Desmarais The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386 Home and Garden Show Sept. 18 - 19 Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St., Fort Myers 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 239-284-4597 Alan Small Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800
Lauren Anderson Duo The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225
Jory Lyle & Company The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
Socializing Off Social Media Mixology Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 7 p.m. - midnight, 224-678-4901
Music & Art Night Lorne’s Gallery, Marina Village at Tarpon Point, unit 105, Cape Coral Featured artist Lorne Hosack, 5 - 8 p.m., 239-945-0866
SAT - 18
Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141
Theory of a Dead Man The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839
Happenings Magazine
Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S, Naples, 1 p.m. 239-213-3058 Gulf Coast Writers Association presents Farrah Rochon Fairfield Inn, 7090 Cypress Terrace, Fort Myers 10 a.m. - noon, 770-906-7885
SUN - 19
Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 Cars and Coffee 239 Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 9 - 11 a.m., 239-254-1080 Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Manny T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm Locals Bazaar Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 224-678-4901
Happenings Magazine
Nisita Concert Series: Jeanie Darnell, soprano & Michael Baron, piano U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers $10 public, $7 students, 3 p.m. fgcu.edu/concerts 239-745-4268 Juan Dehoyos Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 239-314-3856 SW Florida Peace Day Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers Live music, vendors, food, kids activities, dancers, demos and more 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 239-560-5224 Santana Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero 8 p.m. www.hertzarena.com Steampunk & Fantasy Convention Crowne Plaza Hotel, 13051 Bell Tower, Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.swflsteamcon.com
MON - 20
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 20-23 Singer-songwriters at various locations in downtown Fort Myers www.islandhopperfest.com
TUE - 21
Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Julie Savannah The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Movies on the Lawn: The Upside Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples 7:30 p.m., 239-254-1080 East Palm TuesNite Jelly Jam Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers All acoustic, any genre, all instruments, 7 - 10 p.m., 224-678-4901
WED - 22
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Chris T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
High Tide Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
THU - 23
Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Smokin Aces Duo Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 6 - 9 p.m., 239-540-8454 Bill Coletti The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Michael Ray Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 W. First St., Fort Myers 6 p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 33
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR THU - 23 CONTINUED
Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043
Social Security Through Nov. 6 Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers 239-278-4422
Pop-Up Marketplace Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., 239-489-1221
Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 FGCU Symphonic Band U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers Free concert, 7:30 p.m. 239-745-4268
John Fogerty & Foreigner
John Fogerty will headline The Charity Proʼs for Heroes Fundraising Concert Nov. 21 at Hertz Arena in Estero. Special guest will be Foreigner. Visit www.thecharitypros.org for more information.
Mama Won’t Fly Sept. 23 - Oct. 3 Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862
FRI - 24
Chuck Peterson The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Sunset Celebration - High Tide Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Jacob’s Ladder Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 24 - 26 Singer-songwriters at various locations on Fort Myers Beach www.islandhopperfest.com
Randy Houser The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, doors open 7 p.m., 239-985-9839
Marty Stokes Band The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Dueling Pianos with Real Deal The Shrimp Dock, 2200 Main St., Fort Myers Beach 6 - 9 p.m., 239-463-3043 Elliott West Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386 Jersey Mike Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 Claire Liparulo Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800
Joey Gilmore The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com
SAT - 25
Barbara B. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 GreenMarket Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 239-939-2787 Naples Jazzmasters The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. s, Naples, 1 p.m. 239-213-3058
Sunset Celebration - Remedy Times Square, Fort Myers Beach 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting) 239-463-5900 Flora Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 7 - 11 p.m., 239-540-8454 Nicole D’Andrea Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 239-226-1687 David Rojas Jr. Lobby Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers 6 - 9 p.m., 239-314-3800 Dottie Kelly The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Matthew Curry The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 8 p.m., 239-333-2225 Key Lime & Tropical Festival Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Espl, Punta Gorda Noon - 4 p.m., 800-639-0020
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Nick Ramos Band The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 239-252-4386
SUN - 26
Brian Piercy The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 3 p.m., 239-995-2141 Cruise-In Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 8:30 - 11 a.m., 239-489-1221 Jimmie Allen Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 4:30 p.m. www.islandhopperfest.com Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 239-333-2225 Thunder Beach Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort, 1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., 239-540-8454 Juan Dehoyos Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 239-314-3856 Alexis & August The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 5 - 8 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm Locals Bazaar Neenie's House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 224-678-4901 FGCU Jazz Ensemble U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers Free concert, 3 p.m. 239-745-4268
TUE - 28
Larry Wells The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Strange Acoustics The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com East Palm TuesNite Jelly Jam Neenie’s House, 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers All acoustic, any genre, all instruments, 7 - 10 p.m., 224-678-4901 Happenings Magazine
Florida Repertory Theatre: Let’s Fall in Love Sept. 28 - Nov. 7 ArtStage Studio Theatre, Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-332-4488 Cape Coral Museum of History presents Craig Pittman lecture Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 S. Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral, 5:30 - 7 p.m. 239-772-7037
WED - 29
World of Pearl The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 The Naples Players: Boeing Boeing Sept. 29 - Oct. 24 701 5th ave. S., Naples 239-263-7990 Josh Rowand The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 6 - 9 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Gerald Augustin Jazz Trio The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225
THU - 30
Michael Banks The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., N. Fort Myers, 4 p.m., 239-995-2141 Pop-Up Marketplace Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, 5:30 - 8 p.m., 239-489-1221 Chris T The Center Bar, The Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S. Bay Drive, Bonita Springs, 7 - 10 p.m., www.thecenterbar.com Dan Miller & Lew DelGatto Jazz Quartet The Barrel Room, 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers, 7 - 10 p.m., 239-333-2225 Young Frankenstein Sept. 30 - Oct. 24 New Phoenix Theatre, 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239-284-5214
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Happenings Magazine - SW Florida
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 35
MUSIC
Annual Southwest Florida
Peace Day Sept. 19
Get ready to come together for peace at the 14th Annual Southwest Florida Peace Day Celebration Sept. 19 in Fort Myers. The International Day of Peace is celebrated worldwide annually on Sept. 21. For the past 13 years, SWFL Peace Day celebrations have been held in Lee County, first at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral, then at Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers from 2017 to 2019. Each year, the annual celebration has been supported and attended by thousands of people in our community. Food drives, pet drives and blood drives have helped hundreds of members of the community each year, thanks to the support of people who care about peace. SWFL Peace Day Celebration continues to be a community favorite event where the community comes together to celebrate all that’s right in the world, experiencing a single day of peace in SW Florida. This year, the growth of the SWFL Peace Day Celebration has inspired organizers to move the event to beautiful Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park in Fort Myers on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With plenty of room for vendors and parking, play areas for children, volleyball and tennis courts, and even a dog park, Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park is ideal for Peace Day in the park to expand and include more local like-minded communi-
Luna Muni
36 - SEPTEMBER 2021
David Delli Paoli
ty, businesses and non-profit organizations. “Cultivating Peace, Helping It Grow has been our motto, and the cultivating has taken root, and will continue to grow and produce fruit,” organizers say. The day will include kids’ activities, rides, local vendors, unique artisans, live art, blood drive and live entertainment. This year, they have bands playing like Faded Roots, Brian Markley & The Yabo Bros, David "Bear" Delli Paoli, Zakara, Family Time Music, Carling Witt, Luna Muni, feel good music from the ‘60s and more. Also this year, the Calendar Girls will be back to entertain. There will be belly dancers, a sword dancing show, kids sing-along and more. Other highlights include early morning yoga and qigong (continuing through the day), free introductory acupuncture, free reiki and free crystal bowl therapy and performances happening hourly and throughout the day at the newly-created “Oasis of Peace” zone ... perfect for contemplating and experiencing inner peace. Additionally, licensed mental health counselor Charity Godfrey and her team at Lifescape Counseling will be providing free counseling to anyone in need. Attendees are encouraged
to bring a blanket, yoga mat, or chair and enjoy a peace-filled day with friends and family alike. A food drive is planned to benefit the local ACT Shelter and a pet food and supply drive will benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society. “This year’s theme is Come Together and, after over a year apart, it will be a welcome relief to see the smiles on people’s faces and connect with likeminded people in the name of peace,” says Peace Day organizer Zachari VanDyne. The 14th Annual SWFL Peace Day Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 19 is a pet-friendly event. Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park is located at 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. Admission is free. For information on becoming a vendor or getting involved with Peace Day, contact Zachari VanDyne at SWFL Peace Celebrations by email at swfl4peace@email.com, or call 239-560-5224.
Carling Witt
Yabo Brothers
Happenings Magazine
Symphonic Chorale is now Choral Artistry Season starts with Summer Sing on Aug. 31
The Symphonic Chorale of SWFL has come out of the pandemic with a new name, Choral Artistry, to launch its second decade as an independent arts nonprofit. It is launching its 10th Anniversary/Take2 (11th) season with a Summer Sing Festival on Tuesday, Aug. 31 from 7 to 9 pm. The event invites the singing community back to Christmas 2020/Take2 to experience the holiday choral event we all missed last December. “We believe the name Choral Artistry better conveys our vision, our mission, and the diversity of music we perform,” says CA’s artistic director Dr. Trent Brown. “We do so much more than symphonic music and we wanted our name to reflect our talent and are versatility,” he added. All singers in the community are invited to join with Choral Artistry (without audition, of course) at Summer Sing to rehearse and sing a little Rutter, a little Handel, and of course, some popular holiday favorites and carol sing-alongs with our
Happenings Magazine
dynamic Artistic Director. What better way to “cool off” during the dog days of summer in SW Florida. Christmas 2020/Take2 Summer Sing event on Tuesday, Aug. 31 is at Riverside Community Center, 3061 E. Riverside Drive in downtown Fort Myers from 7 - 9 p.m. Admission is free for both singers and audience members, but please register at Dr. Trent Brown ChoralArtistry.org/performances to sing or attend so they are prepared with enough music for everyone. Auditions Open for All Voice Parts through September. After Summer Sing, Choral Artistry will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Lamb of God Church in Estero for a performance of Joseph Haydn’s “The Creation” (in English) on Nov. 14 at Faith United Methodist Church in South Fort Myers. Audition information is available at www.ChoralArtistry.org/general-auditions
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 37
MUSIC
ACMA songwriters part of Island Hopper
Five members of the local Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) will participate in a special performance Tuesday, Sept. 21 in downtown Fort Myers as part of the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest (the venue will be announced on the Island Hopper website and on the downloadable app). Meet the five ACMA songwriters:
Bill Metts
Bill Metts started playing guitar during the country blues revival of the late 60s and fell in love with the music of Taj Mahall, Mississippi John Hurt, Doc Watson and others of that ilk. In 2011 he had the honor of being asked to perform at the annual Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival in Avalon Mississippi. Upon moving to Southwest Florida in 2004, Bill found a welcoming music community and was encouraged by Bill Metts friends to try his hand at songwriting. He’s been writing ever since. Bill hosted the Americana Community Music Association's weekly singer/songwriter circle for four years and co-founded, with Nita Flores, a wonderful not for profit organization called Hope by Song Inc. which is where his love for music and writing found a true home.
David Hintz
David Hintz is a guitar playing singer-songwriter currently residing in North Fort Myers, Florida. David has three CDs of his original music. He is a founding member of the Americana Community Music Association, in Fort Myers, and he has performed as the headliner or the opening act many times at venues nationwide. David’s music is thought-provoking and comes straight from the heart. David also enjoys performing obscure covers and also songs by local songwriters.
Kim Mayfield
Robert Bidney has been connecting with audiences for years, performing his original songs with infectious energy and emotion. His songs have been recorded by artists in the U.S., Canada, France and the U.K., and aired on radio and national TV commercials. He has two albums, Rush of Hope and It’s All About the Love, both produced in L.A., and his new 2021 single, “Thank Goodness for the Giving People,” has been enjoying airplay in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
Roy Schneider
David Hintz
Kim Mayfield, is better known as half of the Americana duo Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield (now called Reckless Saints.) Reviewers have described her music as “pearly and sashaying,” “pleasantly invoking the legendary Tammy Wynette,” “most like Eilen Jewell,” and “haunted by Patsy Cline.” Mayfield's song, “Ring Around the Moon,” made her a semi-finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. She is currently at work on a new Reckless Saints project to be followed by her first solo recording. 38 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Robert Bidney
Roy Schneider
Robert Bidney
Roy Schneider, founding member of the Americana duo Reckless Saints, has been performing his original music for the past two decades. His songs have made him a Kerrville New Folk finalist, and in 2013 a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. No Depression described Schneider as ‘a songwriter in the grandest tradition of Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Guy Clark and Lyle Lovett, but with a voice, songwriting skill, stagecraft, and instrumental talent all his own.’ He is currently at work on a new Reckless Saints recording. Follow the ACMA on Facebook for schedule updates. Kim Mayfield Happenings Magazine
Neenie’s House launches Janeen Vanko, owner of Neenieʼs House
weekly jam night Acoustic event debuts Tuesday, Sept. 7
Starting Tuesday, Sept 7, Janeen Vanko, the owner and creator of Neenie’s House, has put together an acoustic only jam night. The East Palm Locals will begin The JellyJam on Tuesday night, Sept 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. The JellyJam will be every Tuesday night in the outdoor Peace Plaza. In Janeen’s continued effort to make her neighborhood the New Bohemia for all the arts, this will be a welcome event for those musicians and singers that enjoy performing to an audience. The house band will welcome all forms of music, and instruments – bluegrass, country, opera, whatever. “The acoustics in Peace Plaza are wonderful, and the moon comes up right over the dance floor,” says Vanko. Happenings Magazine
Food and refreshments are available by all the East Palm Locals. It’s a free event with free parking. So start hanging out at the JellyJam Tuesday nights. Neenie’s House is an arts & cultural Emporium, the home of Love Your Rebellion’s Zine Library. Every month there are art shows, fashion and food, music and cool shopping at the Sunday afternoon East Palm Locals Bazaar. “Jump out of the box, head east, and come to Neenie’s. We’re what’s going on in East Palm,” she adds. Neenie’s House is located at 481 Marsh Ave. in Fort Myers (just off Palm Beach Boulevard). For more details, call 224-678-4901 or visit online at www.neenieshouse.com or follow on social media. SEPTEMBER 2021 - 39
LeAnn Rimes to perform at Seminole Casino Feb. 4 MUSIC
GOLD Entertainment presents an evening with country music legend LeAnn Rimes performing live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $129 and are available by phone at 1800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com. Attendees must be 21 years of age. Rimes is an international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP-award-winning songwriter who has sold more than 44 million units globally, won two Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, one Country Music Association Award and one Dove
Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist," making her the youngest recipient to take home a Grammy Award. She has been honored with the Ally of Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign for more than 20 years of equal rights support, the 2019 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy, and the 2009 ACM Humanitarian Award. The powerhouse vocalist lit up television screens this past December as she won "The Masked Singer" on FOX, mesmerizing the crowds as The Sun. Prior to that she starred in and served as an executive producer of Hallmark's "It's Christmas, Eve," which earned the highest TV original movie debut to-date for the channel, premiering to over 4.3 million viewers.
LeAnn Rimes
Cultural Park unveils concert season
Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral has announced its 2021-22 concert season.
Aaron Caruso - Tribute to the Italian Crooners - Oct. 8, 9 & 10
“A Tribute to the Italian Crooners” features the song stylings of Aaron Caruso. Enjoy your favorite tunes made famous by entertainers like Perry Como, Dean Martin and Mario Lanza. Hear songs like “Volare!,” “Be My Love” and many more!
Day of the Dead Adrienne DeSalvo - Nov. 2
Join Adrienne who will be discussing the afterlife, receiving messages from the other side and communicating them to audience members.
All Together Now - Nov. 13 & 14
Cultural Park Theater is thrilled to present All Together Now! - A Global Event celebrating local theater, in which schools and theaters around the world are empowered 40 - SEPTEMBER 2021
to locally produce and perform an exclusive musical revue featuring songs from Music Theatre International’s beloved shows.
Michael DʼAmore Christmas Show Dec. 15
You don’t want to miss singer, songwriter and member of The Capris, Michael D’Amore. He returns for a third year this Christmas to take you on a musical journey of the very best hits from the 50s, 60s and your favorite holiday music.
Young Sinatra - Jan. 28, 29 & 30
Tony DiMeglio, star of New York’s longest currently running Rat Pack show, comes to Cultural Park singing songs made famous by the Chairman of the Board. Tony sings songs such as “A Foggy Day,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Summer Wind,” “Witchcraft” and many more.
David Morin - A Tribute to Elvis March 11, 12 & 13
David Morin has been getting audiences all shook up at Cultural Park for the past five years. The ambitious performer, who impersonates Elvis Presley, first got enamored with Elvis at age four and has become a staple in CPT’s concert performing family.
All You Need is Love - April 8, 9 & 10
All You Need Is Love is a high energy journey through the songbook of the most popular band in the world - The Beatles. The music and lyrics of John, Paul, George and Ringo will come to life in this tribute to the Fab Four. Sit back and listen to all of their greatest hits one after another as this staged concert will cover them all from “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Let it Be” and everything in between. For tickets and more information, call the box office at 239-772-5862.
Happenings Magazine
MUSIC
Michael Ray - Sept. 23
Jimmie Allen - Sept. 26
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Sept. 17 - 26
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off its seventh year with a stellar lineup of talented singer-songwriters including headliners Jimmie Allen and Michael Ray. Allen, who won this year’s Academy of Country Music Award for New Male Artist of the Year, will perform at the highly anticipated pool party at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Sept. 26. The Delaware native made history as the first black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 songs on country radio. His hit, “Best Shot,” claimed the No. 1 spot for three weeks and his second single, “Make Me Want To,” climbed the charts in March 2020. He recently released an album featuring collaborations with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton. Ray, a Florida native, joins Island Hopper Songwriter Fest with three No. 1 songs, including “Kiss You in the Morning,” “Think a Little Less” and “One That Got Away.” He performs at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 23. Ray kicked off his sum42 - SEPTEMBER 2021
mer tour in June with country star Luke Combs. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, a free 10-day music festival - except for a few ticketed events - runs from Sep. 17 - 26. It begins on Captiva Island Sept. 17 - 19, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers Sept. 20 - 23, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 24 - 26. The event is the largest songwriter festival in Southwest Florida and offers a unique experience to interact with songwriters at pool parties and beachside venues. This year, more than 70 singersongwriters from around the country will perform more than 100 shows at 20 venues. In addition to hit-making headliners, other award-winning performers at the festival include Jay Allen, Dylan Altman, Aaron Barker, Steve Dorff, Hannah Ellis, Frank Myers, Dave Pahanish, along with several Southwest Florida songwriters. “BMI is thrilled to partner once again with Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and iHeartMedia for the 2021
Island Hopper Songwriters Fest,” said Dan Spears, BMI vice president of industry relations. “After the challenging year we’ve had, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to bring people back down to Southwest Florida and celebrate with great food, drinks and music. Thank you to all of the participating BMI-licensed restaurants, bars and hotels for giving our songwriters a platform to showcase their music and share the stories behind some of their most popular songs.” Sponsors of the festival also include Happenings Magazine, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Pinchers, First Horizon, Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel, Bud Light Seltzer, Stu’s Motor Cycles, BOSE, Deep Eddy Vodka, Landshark Lager, Zoom Tan, DiamondHead Resort, Cat Country 107.1 and Corona Premier. While most of the festival performances are free, a few exclusive ticketed shows are available on the official festival app under the schedule tab. You can download the app in the App Store or on Google Play free of charge. For more details, visit www.islandhopperfest.com. Happenings Magazine
Meet some of this year’s Island Hopper songwriters Steve Dorff
One of the most successful songwriters and composers of the last 25 years, Steve Dorff has penned over 20 top 10 hits for pop and country artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Blake Shelton, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton and Cher. A three time Grammy and six time Emmy nominee, he was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018 This intimate experience will take place at the beautiful Royal Shell estate home TUSCANY and has limited seating. Cash bar and light refreshments will be available. A limited number of Steve’s book, I Wrote That One Too will be available for purchase (or bring your own) and Steve will be happy to sign it. Free admission, but reserved seating required. The private performance and book signing with Steve Dorff will be Sunday, Sept. 19 at 2:15 p.m. on Captiva.
Granville Automatic
Granville Automatic is the songwriting duo of Elizabeth Elkins and Vanessa Olivarez. The pair’s new album Tiny Televisions is a companion piece to their first book, The Hidden History of Music Row (The History Press, foreword by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn). The book was named the Best Book of 2020 by No Depression. They have been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, Bitter Southerner, The Tennessean and American Songwriter. Rolling Stone called them one of the best things at the 2019 Americana Music Festival. Granville Automatic will give an intimate performance (and book signing) at the American Realty vacation home - Captiva Star and has limited seating. Cash bar and light refreshments will be available. A limited number of their book The Hidden History of Music Row will be available for purchase and signing. Reserved seating is required. The event takes places Saturday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. on Captiva.
Hailey Steele
Happenings Magazine
Kristen Kelly
Country artist and songwriter Kristen Kelly cut her teeth on the music scene in her home state of Texas. Her sound caught the ear of Arista Nashville, who signed Kelly and brought in award-winning producer Tony Brown and Grammy-winning songwriter Paul Overstreet to oversee her major-label debut including the lead off single, "Ex-Old Man” which was her first top 30 billboard charting single. As one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Kristen has spent the last few years writing, recording, playing the Grand Ole Opry all the while touring with acts including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, Gary Allan and more. Her independently released FIRE ep (2015) includes the hits "Kiss By Kiss" and "Fire". Kristen is currently in the studio working on a new project which will include her latest single release “Ashes.” An Island Hopper alum and favorite, Kristen will perform on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 24 – 26.
Hailey Steele was raised in a one-stoplight town in South Dakota. She started performing at an early age, sharing stages with country legends like Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn all before the age of 15. Her melodies are strongly influenced by female country and pop music from the ‘90s, and her lyrics tackle daily topics that every twentysomething girl deals with - love, heartbreak, happiness, reality and wine. Steele moved to Nashville at 19 to pursue a serious music career and has never looked back. As an alum of NBC's The Voice (Team Xtina, season 2), she got to perform on the last season of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with her
duo The LiNE. Steele co-wrote Raelynn's song "Boyfriend," (Raelynn/Nicolle Galyon/ Steele) and "Small Town Soul" released by Gwen Sebastian. Hailey has been involved in the #LetTheGirlsPlay movement by Nashville's Song Suffragettes, and cowrote the single "Fight Like a Girl" for Kalie Shorr, the program's pioneer artist. Steele's first solo single, "Where I Thought I'd Be" was featured on CMT as part of the Artist Discovery Program. Hailey Steele will be performing on Captiva Sept. 17 – 19.
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IN CONCERT
PERFORMANCES
NOV 21
IN SW FLORIDA
John Fogerty, Foreigner
Hertz Arena, Estero
SEP 10
Tommy Vext
The Ranch, Fort Myers
NOV 23
Mannheim Steamroller Artis–Naples
SEP 18
Theory of a Deadman The Ranch, Fort Myers
Santana
DEC 3
Toby Keith
SEP 19
Hertz Arena, Estero
SEP 23
Michael Ray
Pinchers, Fort Myers
SEP 25
Randy Houser
The Ranch, Fort Myers
SEP 26
Jimmie Allen
Pink Shell, Fort Myers Beach
John Michael Montgomery
OCT 2
The Ranch, Fort Myers
OCT 3
Candlebox
The Ranch, Fort Myers
OCT 16 Rey Ruiz
Santana
Santana will be at Hertz Arena in Estero on Sept. 19. For tickets and info, visit www.hertzarena.com. Photo by Maryanne Bilhamb
Here Come the Mummies
OCT 22
Seminole Casino, Immokalee
Casting Crowns Hertz Arena, Estero
OCT 23
Casey Donahew
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Atlanta Rhythm Section
The Ranch, Fort Myers
DEC 8
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
DEC 9
The Outlaws
The Ranch, Fort Myers
OCT 29
Elvis Crespo
Seminole Casino, Immokalee
Thomas Rhett Live Fest, Naples
Rodney Atkins
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Jim Brown
The Ranch, Fort Myers Seminole Casino, Immokalee
NOV 5
OCT 21
Caroline Jones
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BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
The Ranch, Fort Myers
ZZ Top
Hertz Arena, Estero
The Ranch, Fort Myers The Ranch, Fort Myers
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The LACS
DEC 11
Clint Black
Collie Buddz
NOV 12
DEC 4
NOV 13
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Fortunate Youth
The Ranch, Fort Myers
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Jason Aldean
OCT 30
OCT 20
Colt Ford
The Temptations, The Four Tops
OCT 28
Seminole Casino, Immokalee
Three Dog Night
NOV 6
Hertz Arena, Estero
Marc Anthony
Hertz Arena, Estero
The Ranch, Fort Myers
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
NOV 16
The Kingston Trio
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
NOV 19
Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow Hertz Arena, Estero
NOV 20
Kolby Cooper
The Ranch, Fort Myers
Joe Bonamassa Hertz Arena, Estero
Hermanʼs Hermits starring Peter Noone
DEC 12
Seminole Casino, Immokalee
DEC 18
Luis Enrique
Seminole Casino, Immokalee
DEC 22
David Foster
BB Mann Hall, Fort Myers
Daily concert updates at HappeningsMagazine.net
Happenings Magazine
Casey Donahew will perform at The Ranch Oct. 23.
Randy Houser will be at The Ranch Sept. 25.
The Ranch Concert Hall features country & rock
The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon has a busy season ahead. More concerts have been added to the country and rock schedule. The Sam Galloway Ford Concert Series welcomes Randy Houser on Sept. 25, John Michael Montgomery on Oct. 2, Casey Donahew on Oct. 23, Rodney Atkins on Oct. 29, Caroline Jones on Nov. 5, Colt Ford on Nov. 6, The LACS and Demun Jones on Dec. 4, Neal McCoy on Feb. 4, Tracy Byrd on Feb. 12 and Shenandoah on March 12. Other upcoming concerts at The Ranch Concert Hall (not part
of the Galloway series) include Tommy Vext on Sept. 10, Theory of a Deadman on Sept. 18, Candlebox on Oct. 3, Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi tribute) on Oct. 8, Fortunate Youth on Oct. 20, Collie Buddz on Oct. 21, Sheclipse (Journey tribute) on Oct. 28, Jim Brown on Oct. 30, Atlanta Rhythm Section on Nov. 12, Kolby Cooper on Nov. 20 and The Outlaws on Dec. 9. For tickets and more details, go online to 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, which is located at 2158 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
John Michael Montgomery - Oct. 2
Candlebox is set to perform Oct. 3 at The Ranch.
Happenings Magazine
Colt Ford returns to The Ranch Nov. 6. photo by Jeff Fasano
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FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Lorrie Bennett was the featured artist in August at DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery and Gifts.
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Happenings Magazine
Happenings Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 47
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Dan Ambrahamsson was a street artist vendor at the Aug. 6 Art Walk. For more info, visit www.DanArtUSA.com
Roger Brown was the featured artist at Arts for ACT Gallery in August. The next Art Walk is Friday, Sept. 3
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Happenings Magazine
Home and Garden Show
Sept. 18 & 19 at Caloosa Sound
On Sept. 18 and 19, the 2021 Semi-Annual Fall Home & Garden Show will return to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, adjacent to the Luminary Hotel. Last fall, the Home & Garden Show was the first public event to be held at the new event center in downtown Fort Myers. “We are very excited to be returning to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center,” said Bill Anderson, president of Expo Management that
Happenings Magazine
produces the Home & Garden Show. “This year’s show will be even bigger and better.” Now in its 25th year, the semi-annual Home & Garden Show features more than 110 local and regional companies that display and present products and services to homeowners. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more about the show, call 239-284-4597 or visit expomanagementinc.com.
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 49
FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
Nashville songwriters Danny Myrick and Megan Linville return to the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest this year. Above, the couple plays at The Barrel Room in 2019. photo by Jamie Kuser
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest kicks off its seventh year with an impressive lineup of talented singer-songwriters including headliners Jimmie Allen and Michael Ray. Ray performs at Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford in downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 23. Allen will perform at the pool party at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Sept. 26. Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, a free 10-day music festival - except for a few ticketed events - runs from Sept. 17 - 26. It begins on Captiva Island Sept. 17 19, then moves to historic downtown Fort Myers Sept. 20 - 23, and wraps up on Fort Myers Beach Sept. 24 - 26. In the Fort Myers River District, 19 songwriters are scheduled to play at five venues which include City Tavern, The Barrel Room, Twisted VIne Bistro, Social House and Pinchers at The Marina at Edison Ford. The national and local songwriters on the downtown schedule are Aaron Barker, Bill Metts, Billy McKnight, Chasing Denver (Chris & Victoria Kemp), Claire Vine, Danny Myrick, David Hintz, Eli Mosley, Frank Myers, Gary Hannan, Kim Mayfield, Mark Mulch, Marlo and Mark, Megan Linville, 50 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Michael Ray, Rik Ferrell, Robert Bidney, Roy Schneider and Scott Parmer. The event is the largest songwriter festival in Southwest Florida and offers a unique experience to interact with songwriters at pool parties and beachside venues. This year, more than 70 singersongwriters from around the country will perform more than 100 shows at 20 different venues. “BMI is thrilled to partner once again with Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and iHeartMedia for the 2021 Island Hopper Songwriters Fest,” said Dan Spears, BMI vice president of industry relations. “After the challenging year we’ve had, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to bring people back down to Southwest Florida and celebrate with great food, drinks and music. Thank you to all of the participating BMI-licensed restaurants, bars and hotels for giving our songwriters a platform to showcase their music and share the stories behind some of their most popular songs.” While most of the festival performances are free, a few exclusive ticketed shows are available on the official festival app under the schedule tab. You can download the app in the App Store or on Google Play free of charge. Visit www.islandhopperfest.com for more details.
Happenings Magazine
Meet some songwriters scheduled for downtown Sept. 20-23 Chasing Denver
Mark Mulch
Mark made the big move from his home in New Jersey to Nashville in January of 2006 with two goals in mind landing a publishing deal and a record deal for the Mulch Brothers. In 2010 Savannah Music Group signed Mark as a staff songwriter and as an artist as a member of the Mulch Brothers. Just before signing the deal he scored his first cut in Nashville with Universal's Randy Rogers Band co-writing the song "Steal You Away" (Produced by Grammy Award winning Producer Paul Worley). The song became a single and spent 7 weeks at #1 on the Texas Music Charts as well as enjoying National & International radio airplay.
Happenings Magazine
Married country duo Chasing Denver, made up of Chris & Victoria Kemp, has been sparking interest across the globe with their tight harmonies and love connection since early 2018. Influenced heavily by artists from the 80s and 90s, their sound can be classified as traditional, with a mix of New Age country music. Their audience connection through story and laughter is one of many reasons audiences keep coming back to see them. Listen to their music on Spotify, iTunes, and all other music streaming platforms.
Aaron Barker
Aaron Barker was born in San Antonio, Texas, and began his musical career in a "variety band". His first attempt at creating his own song, "Baby Blue," was recorded by George Strait on the ‘If You Ain't Lovin', You Ain't Livin' album and went number one in Billboard. Aaron then began to refine his original material in small clubs and cafes where he would play on weekends. This led to him writing, "Love Without End, Amen," which was also recorded by George Strait and hit number one in Billboard for five consecutive weeks. Barker also wrote Strait’s # 1 song "Easy Come, Easy Go" and Lonestar‘s "What About Now.” His songs have also been recorded by, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin and Willie Nelson.
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 51
DINING
IN
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
1st Street Deli
Ichiban Japanese & Chinese
This award-winning 112-seat authentic New York-style delicatessen (the only one in Southwest Florida) is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1st Street Deli brings a distinctly unique dining experience to the Southwest Florida market formerly found only in New York City. Here you can grab a sandwich that is bigger than your appetite. Offerings at the Deli include piled high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, reubens, hot paninis, hamburgers and salads. Open daily 1 – 8 p.m.
Located at the entrance to the Hotel Indigo, we offer a wide selection of Japanese and Chinese menu items. Stop by for lunch or dinner. They are open six days a week (closed Sundays).
EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill
The Original Shrimp Dock
506 South 1st Street, Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com
The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill at Seminole Casino features contemporary regional cuisines utilizing the freshest selections of Prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and an array of locally-sourced produce. Its wide-ranging menu offers pastas, house made soups, steaks, seafood and chef specialty items including awardwinning twin lobster tails, smothered chicken and the ever-popular grilled ribeye. Open daily 9 a.m. – midnight.
506 South 1st St., Immokalee 800-218-0007 www.moreinparadise.com
Ella Mae’s Diner
Nostalgia served with a smile. A fun retro-inspired eatery serving comfort food and classic diner fare. Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s provides a welcome twist to the classic southern diner. Celebrating Dr. Ella Mae Piper’s legacy, it’s here the community comes together to share stories as they enjoy a meal amidst vintage-inspired finishes and a bright color palette. Ella Mae’s Yogurt Parfait with fresh seasonal berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. Ella Mae’s Diner at Luminary Hotel & Co. is a fun retroinspired eatery serving up comfort food and classic diner fare. Slide into a booth or pull up to the counter for a burger and milkshake or the best all-day breakfast you’ve ever had. Ella Mae’s Diner is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm. Serving breakfast all day and lunch.
Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3854 www.LuminaryHotel.com
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1520 Broadway, #105, Downtown Fort Myers 239-334-6991 www.IchibanDowntownFortMyers.com
The Shrimp Dock is more than just a great waterfront restaurant on Fort Myers Beach, it’s a part of Florida history and it also boasts some of the best live entertainment in the area. Go see the fantastic REAL DEAL Dueling Pianos show every Friday and Saturday and karaoke on Thursday nights. The Shrimp Dock is next to Salty Sam’s Marina and the Key West Express.
2200 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach 239-463-3043 www.OriginalShrimpDock.com
Oxbow Bar & Grill
For lunch and waterside dining at Oxbow Bar & Grill, guests love Little Miss Piggy – tender pulled pork with applewood smoked bacon, pork belly on a brioche bun and topped with a white BBQ sauce. Served with onion rings and a pickle on the side. Oxbow Bar & Grill offers casual dining right on the Caloosahatchee River. Open daily, serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. Live music on Sundays. Open Monday - Wednesday: 11am – 9 pm, Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm and Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm.
1300 Hendry St. Fort Myers 239-314-3856 www.oxbowfortmyers.com
Happenings Magazine
Silver King Ocean Brasserie
Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays to Sept. 29, enjoy a three-course dinner at Silver King Ocean Brasserie. This special menu includes Loch Duart salmon, hand-cut filet mignon, and airline chicken breast, plus salad or appetizer, side dishes and dessert. Executive Chef Brent Gauthier has taken the culinary helm at Luminary Hotel & Co. leading the hotel’s culinary team at The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, Ella Mae’s Diner, Beacon Social Drinkery, and Oxbow Bar & Grill. Silver King Ocean Brasserie showcased fresh seafood through clean, simple preparations for the modern palate. Centered on an open kitchen, the contemporary décor welcomes guests for an elevated dining experience.
Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers 239-314-3855 www.LuminaryHotel.com
Southern Grill
The Southern Grill at the Shell Factory is a full restaurant including liquor, beer and wine. We have an outdoor bar and party venue. There is no entry fee to get into the Shell Factory store or restaurants. Parking is free. While you are here visit the Nature Park, Fun Park, Carousel and Soaring Eagle Zipline.
16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 239-995-3999 www.shellfactory.com
Happenings Magazine
Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort
There's always something to do at the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at the Dolphin Key Resort. Located in Downtown Cape Coral, the biggest Tiki bar in the world offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, Key West Style Relax Wednesday and Thursday, Light outdoor atmosphere, so family, and friends two or four legged are welcome. Great food menu, with Florida Specials, pool table,TVs. Open 7 days. Kitchen open late.
1502 Miramar St., Cape Coral 239-540-8454 www.dolphinkeyresort.com
Twisted Vine Bistro
Located in Fort Myers River District, we pride ourselves in an eclectic menu, full liquor bar, boutique wine list and extraordinary dining experience. Twisted Vine Bistro, located in downtown Fort Myers' historic river district, prides itself in an extraordinary dining experience. We are a beautiful polished, casual upscale restaurant that has an eclectic menu, a full liquor bar, and a wonderful boutique wine list. We offer only the freshest seafood, certified Angus Beef, and other local unique innovative entrees. We also feature an extensive wine list, with over thirty wines by the glass. We even grow our own house herbs and spices in our courtyard garden, which is available for private parties and events. The Barrel Room (next door) offers live music also.
2214 Bay Street, Fort Myers 239-226-1687 www.twistedvinebistro.com
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 53
Sizzle Dining returns with changes
The tastiest 21-day event in Southwest Florida is back for its sixth year (founded in 2016). The 2021 Sizzle Dining (Restaurant Week) event will take place from Sept. 9 – 29 with 30 plus participating restaurants from Cape Coral down to Marco Island and everywhere tasty in-between. Now only held once a year, Sizzle Dining is now a three-week long, annual, community-driven event that celebrates the culinary landscape in both Lee and Collier counties by offering three-course, prixfixe meals to local residents and visitors. Showing support has never been so delicious! Restaurants can offer either takeout, delivery, curbside or indoor/outdoor dining, as permissible by public health guidelines. Our growing food scene has a lot to celebrate, and this event encourages people to check out new-to-them restaurants, including some of the smaller, independent restaurants we need for our food culture to thrive. Each of the participating restaurants will offer a delicious three-course prix fixe din54 - SEPTEMBER 2021
ner menu for either $29 or $39 (depending on location) some with special upgrades. Some restaurants may also offer a 2course prix fixe lunch menu for just $19 or $24, and/or a brunch menu for $24 or $29. For every Sizzle Dining meal purchased during the three-week event, each participating restaurant will donate $1 directly to Blessings in a Backpack SWFL, a local 501c3 charity that feeds food insecure elementary students every weekend during the school year. #DineWithPurpose Sizzle Dining highlights and strengthens our local destination’s brand and culinary reputation. Attracting tourists to the area increases business for hotels, shopping centers, entertainment, and other local businesses. Everyone benefits from this impact, and all the restaurants that participate see increased traffic and many new faces during the event. For more information about Sizzle Dining and to view the participating restaurant menus, visit www.SizzleDining.com. Participating restaurants and menus will be updated as they are received.
Participating Restaurants:
A Table Apart Bar Tulia Mercato Barbatella BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro Bistro 821 Bleu Provence Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill Campiello Chez Guy Parisian Bistro CJ's on the Bay Dorona Steakhouse Ember Korean Steakhouse Grappino Martin Fierro Argentinean Steakhouse Osteria Capri Osteria Tulia Real Seafood Company Sea Salt Seasons 52 The Boathouse on Naples Bay The Continental The French The Pearl Steak & Seafood The Rooster Food+Drink The Seaside Bar Tokyo Bay Veranda E at Escalante Hotel Watermark Grille Ziggy D'Amico's Whiskey Bar & Diner www.SizzleDining.com Happenings Magazine