October-November 2023

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On The Gulf

Indigenous Arts Celebration in the Everglades

The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum are hosting an American Indigenous Arts Celebration, November 3 & 4, on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, located north of I-75’s Alligator Alley.

The cultural extravaganza in the Everglades will feature Seminole and Native American arts, crafts, food, dance and live music, from 10am-5pm both days. Event tickets include free admission to the Seminole Tribe’s Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum and its mile-long boardwalk.

Festival highlights will include adult and youth fashion shows, live alligator wrestling, Native American dance performances by Native Pride, and the return of New Zealand’s HAKA Maori Cultural Experience.

The weekend events also feature a variety of cultural displays including Whakairo wood carving, Raranga basket weaving , Mau Rakau weaponry, Taa Moko tattooing, Seminole & Maori live art shows, archery and hatchet, and live animal shows.

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation is located at 34725 West Boundary Rd., off I-75’s Alligator Alley. The Arts Celebration is 10am-5pm both Saturday & Sunday. Parking is free.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and boardwalk are open daily, 9am-5pm. Call 877-902-1113 for information. The museum, owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is situated in the Everglades on a 66-acre cypress dome. The museum offers more than 5,000 square feet of gallery space and features exhibits of rare artifacts and lifelike dioramas that depict Seminole life at the turn of the century.

Broadway Palm Marks 30th Anniversary

F

ort Myers’ first dinner theatre company, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking more than

Seminole Tribe of Florida is hosting an American Indigenuos Art Festival, November 4 & 5, on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, north of Alligator Alley.

three decades of outstanding performances, exceptional service and community impact.

Broadway Palm is a familyowned and operated dinner theatre co-founded by Will Prather and his parents, Debbie and the late Tom Prather. Breathing new life into an old Publix Supermarket, Broadway Palm made its debut in October 1993, transforming a 36,000-square-foot space into Fort Myers’ first dinner theatre company.

“Broadway Palm has been a dream come true for me and my family,” said Will Prather. “We started with a vision of bringing a unique dining and entertainment experience to Fort Myers, and we have been blessed

with the opportunity to do so for 30 years. We are grateful to our loyal patrons, talented staff and performers, and supportive community for making this milestone possible.”

Today, Broadway Palm stands as a testament to the Prather family’s vision and hard work, becoming a cornerstone for the region’s arts and culture scene. Completing its 30th season, the theatre entertains more than 170,000 guests annually and employs 175 people. The venue boasts a 382-seat dinner theatre, an 86-seat black box theatre, a dining room, a meeting room and gallery space. Each year, the theatre produces more than eight main stage shows, four children’s productions and more than 200 community functions, including

Now a second-generation family business, Broadway Palm entertains more than 170,00 people annually.

business meetings, seminars, fundraisers and special events. Auditions are held throughout the year in Chicago and New York, as well as locally. More than 300 local performers have appeared in Broadway Palm productions, in addition to many local musicians.

Located in the Royal Palm Square Mall, Broadway Palm is excited to be part of the planned redevelopment of the center with the mall’s recent change in ownership. The dinner theatre will continue its longterm tenancy as the property transforms into a mixed-use community, centered around cultural arts and quality of life.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Broadway Palm is kicking off the season with the Tony Award-winning musical, Hairspray, Broadway Palm’s biggest national show to date, with dinner and lunch shows, Tue-Sun.

Broadway Palm is located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 278-4422 for information.

JJ Grey Performs at Arts on Tap

Florida native, JJ Grey & Mofro will perform at the Alliance for the Arts’ annual fundraiser Arts on Tap, on December 1. The

fundraising event will feature craft beers from local breweries and a variety of food trucks in addition to the outdoor concert. A limited number of VIP tickets are available, offering reserved seating for the concert, indoor restrooms, unlimited local craft beer tasting, cash bar, and food.

General admission includes access to local craft beer and food trucks, as well as open lawn seating. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs.

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9am-7pm Tue-Fri & 9am-1pm Sat. Call 939-2787 for information.

Gulf Coast Writers Association Publishes Hurricane Ian Anthology

The Gulf Coast Writers Association has published Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian, its new collection of short stories, poems and photographs, collecting the true, personal experiences of storm victims and first responders in Florida’s Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, who lived through the hurricane.

Eight months in the making, the book contains 83 true stories of danger and humanity from 79 writers in the form of memoirs and poems, along with 20 photos from several contributors interspersed throughout. It includes a section containing brief author biographies.

“These stories and photos are vivid, wrenching accounts but also tales of compassion, kindness and generosity, as well,” said Jeanne Meeks, the South Fort Myers resident and author who headed this special publishing project for Gulf Coast Writers Association.

Multi-award-winning novelist Robert Macomber, known for his naval maritime thrillers, has written the foreword to the anthology. The hurricane exploded his Pine Island home, and he had to be evacuated from it.

Macomber, who grew up on the Southwest Florida coast, writes: “In this collection of stories, you will read of that storm’s [Ian’s] profound effects on the people and places of this coast, told by those who endured it. I am proud to be part of this literary endeavor, for the heart of it is a powerful, vivid story about the better angels of human nature, which emerge when least expected and most needed.”

Noted modern artist Leoma Lovegrove has painted the cover of the book and tells her personal story in an essay. The storm

destroyed her popular gallery and studio on Matlacha.

The 400-page book, is available in hard and soft covers at local book stores, at the Alliance for the Arts’ gift shop and Night Market, Annettes’s Book Nook on Fort Myers Beach, and at Leoma Lovegrove’s Art Gallery in downtown Fort Myers when her gallery relocates there from Matlacha in early January. It is also available in print or as an ebook on amazon.com.

Storm Stories – Hurricane Ian is also available at public libraries throughout Southwest Florida. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to The Cajun Navy Ground Force, a Louisiana-based volunteer group that provides assistance nationwide during emergencies.

Gulf Coast Writers Association is Southwest Florida’s 28-yearold meeting ground for writers, editors and their associates. Members include full-time writers as well as corporate professionals, teachers, and business owners, working or retired.

At monthly meetings, speakers and workshops offer expert advice to members and the public on such topics as writing techniques, publishing, and marketing. Meetings are held the third Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm, at Word of Life Church, located at 6111 South Pointe Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 770-906-7885.

Spooky Lights at Spanish Point L

ights at Spooky Point, the Halloween-themed walk-through light show that Selby Gardens introduced at its Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey last year, returns in October for a second season. This year’s show kicks off Friday, October 13 and remains on view nightly through Halloween.

Visitors to Lights at Spooky Point will follow an eerily lit path through the wooded campus and past several of its historic structures. Along the way, they will encounter fantastic creations and unique Halloween light displays around every bend. Highlights that return for the second year include spectral ‘ghost orchids’ floating above the

The cover of Storm Stories–Hurricane Ian features the art of Leoma Lovegrove, who’s gallery and studio on Matlacha were destroyed. She is relocating her gallery to downtown Fort Myers’ Historic River District in January.

JJ Grey & Mofro perform an outdoor concert at Alliance for the Arts’ Arts on Tap fundraiser, December 1.

Pioneer Graveyard, giant ‘Dracula orchids’ draped with Spanish moss, and colorful ‘spider orchids’ clinging to their webs in the trees. These and other decorations are inspired by actual plants of the same names, a creative nod to Selby Gardens’ botanical and horticultural mission.

Guests also will find plenty of pumpkins, scores of skeletons, and other Halloween classics at Spooky Point. The show is designed for all ages, with just a few minor scarier opportunities to keep older kids happy.

“Lights at Spooky Point is equal parts campy and cute,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens. “It’s meant to be fun for everyone. Our lighting partners at Affairs in the Air did such an amazing job last year, and we know they will surprise us with some new creations for 2023.”

A limited number of tickets will be sold for each night of the show, with two entry times available: 6:30 & 7:45pm. Guests with young children or mobility issues are encouraged to consider the

earlier entry. Those who want the full ‘Spooky Point’ experience can opt for the later slot, after dark.

Lights at Spooky Point! is on view October 13-31. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus is located at 401 North Tamiami Trail in Osprey.

In addition to their 30-acre Spanish Point campus along Little Sarasota Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ also has a 15-acre downtown Sarasota campus. The Downtown Sarasota campus on Sarasota Bay is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants.

The Gardens are open daily 10am-5pm. For information, call 941-366-5731.

Sanibel Writers Conference Moves to FGCU Campus

F

lorida Gulf Cost University has been holding a writers conference on Sanibel Island for years, bringing writers, editors,

publishers, and songwriters together for a week of workshops, readings, panels, speakers concerts and networking, but due to the destruction unleashed by Hurricane Ian just two months before it was scheduled, last year’s abbreviated conference was hastily moved to a day of online events.

This year, FGCU has been reorganized, reimagined and renamed as the Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference, with workshops and speakers scheduled for November 3 & 4.

The following authors will be appearing at the 2023 Writers Conference:

•Kyle Arrington (TV Writing Workshop)

•Andrea Askowitz (Storytelling Workshop)

•Lynne Barrett (Plot & Structure Workshop)

•Richard Blanco (Poetry Workshop)

•John Dufresne (Flash Fiction Workshop)

•Denise Duhamel (Poetry Workshop)

•M.J. Fievre (Manuscript Workshop)

•Allison Langer (Storytelling Workshop) Screenwriter, Kyle Arrington will be the keynote speaker on Friday night, November 3, in room 138 in Academic Building 9.Poet, Richard Blanco will be the keynote speaker on Saturday, November 4, in room 201 in the Cohen Center Student Union building. Both talks begin at 6pm.

All this year’s conference events are free and open to the general public. Because of limited seating, attendees must register in advance online.

FGCU is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd. in Fort Myers. Both

Academic Building 9 and the Cohen Center Student Union building are located on FGCU Blvd. N.. For information, call 590-7421 or visit fgcu.edu/siwc.

Wild Art at ‘Ding’ Darling

The J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is celebrating Art in the Wild during the weekend October 21 & 22.

In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week and J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling’s 146th birthday, the ‘Ding’ National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island and ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society–Friends of the Refuge are introducing the inaugural, all-free Art in the Wild weekend.

Two days of free art activities honor 2023-2024 Duck Stamp artists and the legacy of refuge namesake Jay Norwood ‘Ding’ Darling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and artist of the early 20th century.

The Hautman brothers, multiple Federal Duck Stamp Contest winners, will make personal appearances that day. A special exhibition of their nature art also will be on display in the ‘Ding’ Darling Visitor & Education Center auditorium during the month.

Joe Hautman won the 20232024 contest and will be signing his winning stamp depicting three tundra swans. Brothers Jim and Bob also will appear.

Nine accomplished artists will be demonstrating their skills, eight

Lights at Spooky Point is on view, October 13-31 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus along the Little Sarasota Bay.

Joe Hautman’s winning 2023-2024 Duck Stamp depicts three tundra swans.

Screenwriter, Kyle Arrington, is the keynote speaker at the Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference, November 3.

others will be leading workshops, five duck stamp celebrities will be reading and signing books.

Other artists will be demonstrating their skills, 12-4pm on October 21. They include world-renowned bird sculptor Jim Sprankle, pottery artist and educator Tim Smith, and sculptor Andrew Corket. Other demonstrators include pen-and-ink, origami, and stained-glass artists, and clay and wood artisans.

Refuge Artist-in-Residence Jacqui Roch will lead a Community Mural project. Sanibel artist Rachel Pierce conducts a workshop, ‘Paint on a Queen Palm,’ and former Junior Duck Stamp winner John Brennan teaches how to paint ducks. Other art activities include painting wine glasses, a nature journal hike, painting seashells, and making recycled jewelry. Pre-registration is advised for some activities.

On Sunday, October 22, more than 20 plein-air artists will be painting throughout the Wildlife Refuge in its first-ever Paint Out. Visitors can observe the painters along Wildlife Drive and at Bailey Tract. Admission to Wildlife Drive, open 7:30am-5pm, is free both days.

Participating artists can enter one work in the Paint Out, which will go on display in the ‘Ding’ Darling Visitor & Education Center through Oct. 30.

Check-in to participate in the Paint Out runs from 7-8am on October 22 at The Roost, the

forthcoming outdoor flex pavilion at the base of the Visitor & Education Center entrance ramp.

Artists must provide their own canvases. At check in, canvases must get stamped with the official ‘Ding’ stamp to enter the People’s Choice contest.

Artists will submit artwork by 3pm inside the center, where visitors can begin viewing it.

Other activities throughout the two-day event will include live music, yoga instruction, a nature puppet show, a Federal Duck Stamp art exhibition, and awards to winners of youth art contests and the annual amateur nature photography contest.

‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive on Sanibel. The Visitor & Education Center is open Sat-Thu 9am-4pm, Wildlife Drive is open 7am-5pm. For information, call 472-1100.

Are We Not 50?

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwestern State College is hosting ‘DEVO 5-0: The Beginning was the End – A

Matchbox

50th Anniversary Tribute to The De-Evolution Band,’ thru December 9.

The exhibition is the first expansive and career-spanning museum survey of the group that David Bowie once dubbed ‘The Band of the Future.’

The immersive and multimedia installation presents stage-worn costumes, screen-featured props, tour-used instruments and artifacts, as well as, neverbefore-seen handwritten lyrics, concert flyers, posters, Club Devo memorabilia, product prototypes and album concept art.

Deeply mining the archives of former bandmembers, close associates/collaborators, longtime friends and fans, this is the most comprehensive consideration of one of the most influential (yet underrated) bands in the history of rock.

‘DEVO 5-0: The Beginning was the End’ is a testament

to the band’s enduring legacy and the indelible mark that DEVO has left on popular culture through their distinctive fusion of music, art, and social commentary.

Bob Rauschenberg Gallery is located in Building L on the Florida Southwestern State College campus, located at 8099 College Pkwy. in Fort Myers. The gallery is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 11am-3pm. For information, call 489-9313.

All-Star Concert Honors Hurricane Heroes

‘H

urricane Heroes,’ a group of local officials, business owners and community leaders in the Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach areas who stepped up for the community in the wake of Hurricane Ian, will be honored at the Hurricane Heroes AllStar Concert on October 7. The concert features headliner Matchbox Twenty, as well as Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Red Hannah, Jay Allen, Matty Jollie, Sheena Brook and more.

The Hurricane Heroes being recognized are:

• Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were recognized as heroes for their efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, particularly the work coordinating with outside agencies and search & rescue missions.

•Mayor Dan Allers of Fort Myers Beach has been named a hero for his work in the development and recovery of Fort Myers Beach.

•Ed & Kim Ryan, founders of Beach Talk Radio, assisted in raising more than $300,000 for Fort Myers Beach. The pair collected donations and held fundraisers. They provided information to Fort Myers Beach residents and homeowners across the country throughout the hurricane’s journey.

•Pastors Shawn & Mallie Critser of Beach Baptist Church were recognized for establishing their church as a central resource and a disaster recovery center for FEMA, then turning it into a longterm recovery resource center for the community.

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers is hosting the exhibition, ‘DEVO 5-0’ thru December 9.

20 is headlining the ‘Hurricane Heroes’ Concert, October 7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

•Doug Miller & Amy Eldridge, owners of FK Your Diet, have been named heroes for providing more than 500,000 meals and countless truckloads of supplies to those affected by Ian.

The honorees and their stories of activism will be highlighted during the All-Star Concert, beginning at 6pm.

The concert is at Hammond Stadium, located at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. in Fort Myers. Proceeds from the event will help support Music Alive SWFL, the Tabarrini Children’s Outreach Foundation and the Charity Pros ‘Megan’s Wish’ program.

Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow to show support for Hurricane Ian survivors and those who lost their lives. Visit thecharitypros.org for information.

Photo Exhibit Explores the Gulf & Everglades

The Marco Island Historical Society presents Between the Gulf and the Glades: Florida’s 10,000 Islands, a fine art photography exhibit by Jim Freeman, through November 3.

Freeman is passionate about sailing and photographing

Southwest Florida’s 10,000 Islands near and around Everglades National Park. In Between the Gulf and the Glades, his photographs capture the haunting beauty of these unique and remote islands that are accessible only by boat.

Experienced in many types of photography, including fine art and architectural art, Freeman

creates one-of-a-kind works of art that tend to be minimal and serene and consistently emit a feeling of tranquility.

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The museum is open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm. Admission is free. For information, call 389-6447.

Forest Bathing at Rookery Bay

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is offering Forest Bathing, led by a certified forest bathing guide, the first Saturday of each month, October-April, 9:30am-12:30pm on the Snail Trail, a scrub and mangrove forest along Henderson Creek.

Forest Bathing is a slow, quiet, guided sensory experience with nature that has proven physical and mental health benefits. It is not a hike or an educational program, but rather a time to unwind and relax. Decades of research have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress and depression and improve immune function as well as cardiovascular and respiratory health, among other benefits.

From seating on a dock overlooking the water, a certified forest bathing guide will conduct a guided meditation session and offer a series of invitations for participants to use their curiosity and senses to connect with nature and themselves.

Rookery Bay’s guide holds

HERTZ ARENA

11000 Everblades Pkwy • Estero

948-7825

Oct 12: vs Orlando Solar Bears *

Oct 13: vs Orlando Solar Bears *

Oct 28: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Nov 1: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 3: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 4: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 17: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Nov 18: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Dec 6: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Dec 8: vs South Carolina Stingrays.

Dec 9: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Dec 15: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 16: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Dec 28: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Dec 29: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Jan 10: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Jan 12: vs Savannah Ghost Rabbits

Jan 13: vs Savannah Ghost Rabbits

Jan 24: vs Atlanta Gladiators:

Jan 26: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Jan 27: vs Atlanta Gladiators:

Feb 7: vs Adirondack Thunder

Feb 9: vs Adirondack Thunder

Feb 10: vs Adirondack Thunder

Feb 21: vs Worcester Railers

Feb 23: vs Worcester Railers

Feb 24: vs Worcester Railers

Mar 6: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Mar 8: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Mar 9: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Mar 20: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mar 22: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mar 23: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mar 29: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Mar 30: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Apr 10: vs Jacksonville Icemen

Apr 12: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Apr 13: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

* pre-season

certification from the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd. in Naples. Pre-registration is required. Fee includes same-day admission to the center, which features aquariums, touch tank, exhibits, butterfly garden, picnic areas, art gallery, and gift shop.

The Learning Center is open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm.

For more information, call 239-530-5972.

Key Marco Deer Returns to Marco Island

The Marco Island Historical Museum welcomes an additional Key Marco artifact to the current exhibit featuring the Key Marco Cat and companion rare preColumbian Native American

artifacts. The ancient and incredibly well preserved Key Marco deer figurehead has been added to the exhibit. It is on loan and will be on view untl June 2024.

The Key Marco deer figurehead is one of several painted wooden animal carvings excavated in 1896 from the Key Marco archaeological site on what is now Marco Island. Second only to the Key Marco Cat in terms of famous objects from the site, the deer figurehead was likely created by a Calusa or Muspa artist for use in masked religious processions. It was decorated with blue, black, and white pigments and its detachable ears may have moved realistically using a system of cords.

The object is between 500-1,500 years old, but recent radiocarbon dates of other Key Marco artifacts indicate a more specific approximate age of 800 years old.

The Key Marco artifacts are showcased in the museum’s award-winning permanent exhibit ‘Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of People on Marco Island.’

The exhibit features a life-size Calusa village and more than 300 pre-Columbian Native American artifacts from Marco Island.

Original artwork depicts the lives of the Calusa and the 1896 archaeological dig. A Calusainspired soundtrack by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning composer Kat Epple enhances the immersive visitor experience.

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The museum is open Tue-Sat 9am-4pm. Admission is free. Call 389-6447 for information.

An exhibition of Jim Freeman’s photographs, ‘Between the Gulf & the Glades,’ is on view thru November 3 at the Marco Island Historical Museum.

The Key Marco Deer is on view at the Marco Island Historical Museum thru June 2024.

Homecoming

RICHARD BLANCO’S POETRY CAREER begins with one hundred fires. In Cienfuegos, a town in Cuba named after one hundred fires, Blanco’s mother, at twenty-eight years old, left her country and family behind, including her eight siblings, her parents, her primos, and her tíos. She gave birth to Blanco in Madrid. He and his family immigrated to New York 45 days later. They later settled in Miami among other Cuban exiles, and by the time Blanco was four, he had belonged to three countries, and, yet, to none.

“The poems I write are, in some ways, all one poem,” Blanco tells me over Zoom. “My poems are about home, where I come from, and what that means.”

Blanco’s work questions what it means to be American, what it means to find home, and what it means to leave it. “I’ve really come to understand my entire body of this work by this adage: ‘a poet is writing one poem all their life,’” Blanco says. “What this means is that there is always some kind of central, thematic obsession that informs everything you write about. And for me that comes down to place and belonging.”

He credits his mother’s decision to leave Cuba as the kindling for his writing. “I think that obsession and that poem I’ve been writing started even before I was born when my mother left Cuba seven months pregnant. It took me a long time to actually realize that. That has always been my thematic glue.”

In 1970s Miami, Blanco grew up in a tight-knit community of Cuban exiles. “Everyone knew everyone,” Blanco says. “People would come from Cuba—a neighbor’s neighbor, or an uncle—and we would all try to help each other.”

Miami was smaller, then. The skyline was lower. Communities lived closer together. In his poem, ‘El Florida Room,’ the speaker conjures familiar images of a Cuban-American childhood: “Not a study or a den, but El Florida / as my mother called it, a pretty name / for the room with the prettiest view / of the lipstick-red hibiscus puckered up / against the windows, the tepid breeze / laden with the brown-sugar scent/of loquats drifting in from the yard.”

Images of dislocated identity, flashbacks to a native land, and grappling with a sense of belonging appear again and again in Blanco’s work.

In Blanco’s poem, ‘The Island Within,’ for example, the speaker describes the tug that Cuba still holds: “Maybe if I return / just once more, walk the sugarcane fields / my father once cut, drive down the road/

where my mother once peddled guavas / to pay for textbooks, sit on the porch / of my grandmother’s house, imagine her / still in the kitchen making arrozcon-leche— / maybe then I’ll have an answer for you/ last night when you asked me: Would you/move to Cuba? Would you die there?”

“My journey with writing and into writing hasn’t been exactly typical,” Blanco tells me. “My first degree and my career for over 25 years was civil engineering. And that was in part due to being an immigrant and it was typical to make more conservative choices. But I was also a weirdo. I’ve always been very left brain and right brain.”

Blanco has also always had a close relationship with language.

“Until a year or so ago, I didn’t know why I became a poet of all things,” Blanco says. “But I realized I don’t ever remember not knowing two languages. Translating for my parents imprinted on me early in life that language was not just a form of communication. I didn’t take the language for granted. I understood language as a way of being, of breathing in the world.”

When Blanco felt a pull toward a creative career, language was what called to him.

“I asked myself, ‘What do I know nothing about?’” The answer: “Poetry.”

Blanco knows something about poetry now. He is a professor of creative writing at Florida International University, his alma mater. He has written four awardwinning collections of poetry. He was the fifth poet to read at a Presidential Inauguration, where his poem, ‘One Today,’ was selected to be read at Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

He will be returning to Florida to give the keynote address at the Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference on November 4. •

What recent projects have you been working on?

The book I’ve just finished is called Homeland of my Body. It’s a new and selected collection of poems tracing the journey of home. In a way, I’ve never gained or lost a home but they always exist perpetually in my body. So the collection is moving towards that realization. I also think of this collection as a dialogue with other artists thinking about home.

What is it like revisiting some of the first poems you wrote as a young writer?

There are always poems that still feel true today. Maybe because they were pivotal moments in my

Richard Blanco interview by Caylee Weintraub

“I’ve really come to understand my entire body of this work by this adage: ‘a poet is writing one poem all their life.’”

Images of dislocated identity, flashbacks to a native land, and grappling with a sense of belonging appear again and again in Blanco’s work.

own discovery of what I’m working on. My very first poem I wrote in my very first creative writing class still holds so much weight for me. My assignment was to write a poem about America. I had all these questions I never knew I had. They are questions I’m still chasing down today.

You’ve also been writing a play. What was it like writing in a different genre?

Writing Sweet Goats and Blueberry Señoritas was the most difficult thing I’ve had to do. It was a real lesson in collaboration. It is continually revised from actors, directors, lighting, and set design people. It’s about a woman who has moved to Maine after her divorce and she opens a Miamistyle bakery. It addresses questions like: What is family? What is community? What is home? Should I stay or should I go? Should I return to my origins or start a new family or do I have to choose?

What has been the benefit of writing in these different genres?

With the play, it is the idea of restraint and surrender at the same time. You’re not sure how that line is going to feel until the actor says it on the stage. It has helped my poetry because I’ve learned to put things away for a minute if I’m not getting it and trusting it will come. We don’t tend to think of poetry as collaborative, but it is because you are writing with all the poets you’ve ever studied or are reading currently. So, it’s always a kind of psychic collaboration in conversation with all of poetry.

What is the benefit of attending a writer’s conference?

Writing conferences make literature feel alive. It’s like Lollapalooza for writing. There’s a buzz writ large that is very inspiring and makes you feel like you’re connecting to writing in a way that is so important. You don’t get to do [that] when you’re sitting in your jammies writing at home.

For me, the benefit of attending a writer’s conference is feeling like you’re part of a community. I find that very inspiring in and of itself. We go months, maybe years, without being part of a group of writers. Sharing

different perspectives and meeting new people has been a huge benefit to me of attending a writer’s conference.

The other thing is of course craft and what can you pick up in terms of craft techniques. For the most part, and I may be in the minority, but I only had one instructor: Campbell McGrath. So, just to hear other writers and other faculty is also illuminating.

What’s unique about the Sanibel Island Writers Conference?

The first time I attended the Sanibel Island Writers Conference was five years ago when Tom DeMarchi asked me to speak pre-pandemic, and I’m very excited to come back. This year, the setting will be different, but I think the energy will be the same. I feel very close to that community not just because we share the same emotional and geographical landscapes but that it shows up in the writing. It feels very local, but of course very global because writing is global. It’s a smaller subset of community that makes you feel even more connected in a way because you’re sharing that base geography in and out of writing.

What advice do you have for conference attendees?

I would say for me, personally, it’s understanding there are benefits to a writers conference other than producing work and to be open to that. Really revel in the moment and the connections, emotional and spiritual, you’ll make and realize that’s just as important to have those moments than coming away with eight new poems.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you would pass on to new writers?

There’s all this mythic and romantic notion about the arts, but it’s like any human endeavor. I explain this to the students in the writing classes I teach at FIU. I set up this metaphor and I make them call me ‘coach.’ I tell them you have to learn the rules of the game.

We have to learn what a metaphor is and see how that works. While you do that, you have to get out on the field and practice, practice, practice until things become more instinctual. You’re still going to fail but those failures teach you something. There is this myth that poems fall out of the sky, but they don’t. They come from practice and patience. •

Richard Blanco will give the keynote address at the Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference on November 4. The conference will be held at Florida Gulf Coast University, November 3 & 4. for information, call 590-7421.

Blanco will also hold a reading at Bookstore 1, 117 Pineapple Ave. in Sarasota November 5, 2pm.

“There is this myth that poems fall out of the sky, but they don’t. They come from practice and patience.“

Much like a day on a boat fishing with a charter captain, The Lizard Kings will take you iguana hunting.

Lizard Kings

by Kara Moyer

FLORIDA CONSISTENTLY RECEIVES accolades in various annual ‘Best of’ and ‘Top 10’ lists. Prior to Hurricane Ian, our beloved Sanibel and Captiva Islands frequently took gold for the best beaches. In 2022, the Sunshine State attracted over 300,000 new full-time residents, more than anywhere in the country. Despite the numerous ‘bests’ we have to offer, there’s one ranking we’re highest in that doesn’t warrant a blue ribbon: Florida holds the record for ‘most invasive animal species’ compared to any other state in the continental United States, with the current tally estimated at 500 and counting.

The United States Geological System Department of Interior (USGS) defines an invasive species as: ‘an introduced, non-native organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.” Some commonly known animal invasive species that often make headlines: cane (bufo) toads, Burmese pythons, and numerous lizards.

Iguanas, an invasive lizard species, have exploded in south Florida in recent years. You’ve likely seen them in the news when temperatures fall below 40 degrees and they literally drop from trees, paralyzed by the cooler weather. Amusing as the ‘beware of falling iguanas’ stories are, their presence in Florida is wreaking havoc. If you live near a body of freshwater, like a canal or neighborhood lake, there’s a high chance there’s an iguana nearby—even if you just can’t see it.

Iguanas were originally brought to Florida’s east coast in the 1960s, but when the cute babies became too big, dangerous, or expensive to care for

as pets, owners released them into the wild. Burmese pythons were introduced to the Everglades from the same predicament.

A fully grown iguana can grow 5-7 feet long and weigh roughly 20 lbs. One clutch of eggs can hatch anywhere from 20 to 70 new babies. In 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis partnered with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to prohibit future purchases of iguanas as pets, and those who owned them prior to the new law are now required to register and microchip them. Breeding is strictly prohibited for sale in Florida.

It’s important to note a few major reasons why iguanas pose such a threat to Florida. Iguanas cause extensive damage to vegetation. They feed on trees with flowers, fruits (non-citrus), and almost all vegetables. With over 9 million acres of farmland in Florida, this is potentially devastating to agriculture. They transmit salmonella on their skin and in droppings, which can be found on docks, boats, even swimming pools, and humans can easily absorb salmonella through contaminated water. They also create burrows under homes and favor foundations and seawalls.

Adding to Florida’s list of high rankings, Cape Coral is home to over 400 miles of canals—more than any other city, not just in the United States, but the world. Depending on the extent of the damage, the average cost of seawall repair can be anywhere from $300-$3000 per linear foot.

Cameron ‘Cam’ Kersey and Danny Post believe they’ve found a solution to help control invasive iguanas. Iguana hunting. And they came upon the idea by accident. During a bass fishing trip along a Cape Coral canal, they spotted a mess of iguanas along a seawall.

A fully grown iguana can grow 5-7 feet long and weigh roughly 20 lbs.

After a morning researching, Cam and Danny learned that humanely hunting them is legal, and that no one offered a professional iguana removal service in Lee County. The Lizard Kings was born.

The business started primarily as trap and removal services, but numerous phone calls came in requesting hunt and kill services. Another brainstorm led to adding a charter hunting element, and the business quickly grew. Much like a day on a boat fishing with a charter captain, The Lizard Kings will take you iguana hunting.

I, too, came upon all this by accident when my dad heard about iguana hunting charter trips and called me to extend the invite. I’ve yet to say ‘no’ to one of his adventures, so before I knew it, it was 6am on a Saturday, I was loading our GPS with the launch coordinates Cam had sent the night before (which had a very undercover operation feel to it), and we were headed to Cape Coral.

Upon arrival at the launch site, a vacant lot in a residential neighborhood in northwest Cape Coral, we were greeted by Cam and Danny, along with Viv, Danny’s 11-year-old daughter, who proclaimed herself “the youngest iguana charter captain in the world.” [This has, in fact, been verified.] Viv handed us each an unloaded Sig Sauer pre-charged pneumatic air rifle and explained she would be “running retrieval” today since her gun was broken. After introducing ourselves to the adults and

shaking hands, Cam loaded our guns and instructed us to “sight in our rifles and take a few practice shots.”

Humane iguana hunting is legal on private property with landowner permission. If an iguana is on a private seawall, they can be shot if the homeowner first gives a verbal “okay.” But if the iguana is in a tree hanging over the canal and not technically on property, they can be shot on the spot. The goal is always ‘shoot to kill.’ Air rifles are typically quieter, which is better for residential areas, and they provide more accuracy, which makes them more humane. They’re also more forgiving for beginners like me.

Once I learned what ‘sighting in’ meant [I can count on one hand how many times I’ve held any gun], we climbed into two tandem West Marine Watertender dinghy boats and launched. Cam steered; Viv ate breakfast and dangled her feet in the water from the stern of the second boat. The sun was just rising onto the water, and in typical Florida form, it was already oppressively hot.

Danny simultaneously gave Cam directions and explained to us how to search for iguanas: they prefer longer branches and tend to face the sun. Viv, mid-bite, exclaimed, “I’m not getting in today unless it’s for a really big one!” Suddenly I understood what ‘retrieval’ meant. My dad and I looked at each other: excited, nervous, and quietly wondering what alternate reality we had just set sail towards.

Hunting iguanas is not a simple undertaking. They’re naturally camouflaged to blend into their surroundings. We stared at branch after branch for what felt like an hour, my eyes barely able to distinguish one leaf from another, when suddenly, I spotted one. It was long and thin, maybe 3 feet long and basking in the early morning sunlight along a similarly long, thin branch reaching out over the canal. Cam cut the engine.

Because I had spotted it, I was awarded first shot. I aimed, took a deep breath, and pulled the trigger. Epic miss. Off by a mile. The iguana darted to the left, but Danny stood, took three quick shots, and the iguana dropped to the water. Cam started the engine and steered us straight into the trees.

Viv, without saying a word, stepped from her boat to ours, climbed past my dad and me, and jumped into the water. She fought her way through branches and broken limbs, dug around underwater for a moment, and triumphantly held the dead iguana over her head. Fearless.

“Get back in the boat, Viv,” Danny instructed his daughter, who had since swum to the side of the boats and handed the iguana to Cam, who placed the lizard in the floating cooler. She hoisted herself up, soaked to her ears, took a drink, and plopped back down at the stern. A typical Saturday for her.

We spotted more than we shot that morning, mostly due to proximity. Regardless of their accuracy, The Lizard Kings are respectful and cautious when hunting residentially. They

If an iguana is on a private seawall, they can be shot if the homeowner first gives a verbal “okay.”

But if the iguana is in a tree hanging over the canal and not technically on property, they can be shot on the spot.

don’t shoot directly at homes, and especially if residents are in their yards or on lanais.

We were on the water for four hours, and while it was far from a luxury boat ride (they’ve since installed seat cushions—thank you!), the raw, bare-bones approach felt like the perfect setting. We killed two that morning, and according to Danny they were harder to find because of early morning storms. Cam and Danny (and Viv) typically average 8-10 iguanas per hunt.

Back at the launch site, The Lizard Kings immediately got to work on their respective responsibilities—cleaning the boats, loading supplies back into the truck, and of course, preparing the iguanas.

Killed iguanas are cleaned, skinned, and the meat is cooked and eaten, just like a charter fishing trip. The Lizard Kings will grill you a shore lunch back at the launch site if you choose, or you can take the meat home and cook as you’d like. Iguana meat may not be a typical protein in Florida, but it’s considered a common meat source often referred to as ‘chicken of the trees’ in many Caribbean islands and parts of Central and South America. The skins are tanned and sold primarily to be made into shoes, belts, bags, etc. As much of the animal is eaten or

repurposed as possible. The takeaway is: iguana hunting with The Lizard Kings isn’t for sport.

The Lizard Kings never intended to get into the iguana hunting business, but now that they have, it’s clear that there’s a need for their services. But they’re also offering an experience like no other. Their love and pride are for their hometowns is admirable. They were both born and raised in Southwest Florida, and as they said themselves that morning, “Couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Remnants of Hurricane Ian in September 2022 are still prevalent everywhere, as we all know, and as our boat motored by still-floating porta-potties and random sofa cushions, Cam, and Danny both shook their heads. In disgust, maybe, but more so disappointment, or residual grief. It may sound like a stretch to some, but if their iguana hunting services can offer some peace of mind in preserving homes to residents who have already been through so much, it’s their own way of pitching into the community. •

If you would like to book an iguana hunting charter trip, or need trapping and removal services, please call The Lizard Kings at 234-9608. Visit lizardkings239.com for information. •

The Lizard Kings will grill you a shore lunch back at the launch site, or you can take the meat home and cook as you’d like.

“A great community must have a great arts, music and education scene to better the lives of every single resident and visitor, and that is our role at Arts Bonita.”

Making Magic

by Gary Mooney

RTS BONITA, formerly the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, has been around in various forms for close to 65 years, founded as the Arts League by a partnership of local women and area arts associations that grew over time,” says Alyona Ushe, who became Executive Director in May.

She explains, “The Arts Bonita Center for Visual Arts (CVA) opened in several phases around 2000, with the Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts (CPA) roughly a decade or so ago. The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs was looking to expand with a new building, but a local church came up for sale so we bought that and it became the Center for Performing Arts.”

“Today, the Center for Visual Arts and Center for Performing Arts, though separate campuses, work in perfect synchronicity covering every artistic discipline, from live performances to theatre to film to education and on and on. You name it, we have it.”

The 10-acre, four-building Center for Visual Arts, located on Old 41 Rd. in Bonita Springs, has multiple fine art galleries and fully-equipped art studios, a gift store, and beautiful sculptured gardens. The Center for Visual Arts offers a variety of classes such as painting, drawing, pottery and sculpture.

The four-acre, two-building Center for Performing Arts, located less than 3 miles away on Bonita Beach Rd., is where patrons enjoy live music, theatre, comedy, film, lectures, and youth & adult classes in music, theatre, and dance.

“The Center for Visual Arts is beautiful,” raves Alyona. “It has two galleries and fabulous exhibit spaces, along with a terrific gift shop and craft areas for everything from glass to ceramics to anything in between. In fact, artists consider our stone-carving studio to be the best in Florida.

Arts Bonita conducts ballet classes at the Center for Visual Arts in addition to drawing and painting classes, as well as anything else you can think of in the visual arts, with the instructors being talented local and national artists.

Alyona stresses that, “Our current exhibit, ‘America’s Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher’ is an excellent example of what we do at Arts Bonita. Clyde, who many call ‘the Ansel Adams of the Everglades,’ is hosting a black & white photography exhibit at both our campuses through January 2, with an opening reception at the Center for Visual Arts on October 6.”

“We offer students the opportunity to view and learn about Clyde’s masterpieces and the positive impact his works have on Florida and the Everglades, she continues. “This is just one example of how our students avail themselves of topnotch classes, programs and exhibits every day from our incredible teachers, resources, facilities and exhibits, to gain a greater perspective than they can from anywhere else in our region.”

The Center for Performing Arts, “Has two auditoriums on one campus,” explains Alyona. “The Moe Auditorium & Film Center is perfect for films and intimate musical performances, while the Hinman Auditorium is much larger, with 386 seats, for bigger shows and concerts. Too often, when people hear that Arts Bonita is hosting a concert, they automatically assume it will be something classical, but we are introducing new series that feature jazz, blues and country music in intimate settings as well as at our larger venue.”

She continues,” The Center for Performing Arts is ideal for performing arts classes, ranging from musical theater to dance, in addition to its gallery space. What is true about both our campuses is our

“Too often, when people hear that Arts Bonita is hosting a concert, they automatically assume it will be something classical, but we are introducing new series that feature jazz, blues and country music.”

“What is true about both our campuses is our immerging residency program, where you grow through personal interaction with talented professionals.”

immerging residency program, where you grow through personal interaction with talented professionals.”

“A Group of Amazing Visionaries”

One of the strengths of Arts Bonita is its extensive array of classes, workshops, exhibits, concerts, film screenings, theater, arts festivals, and so on.

“Our extremely talented staff is actually a group of amazing visionaries,” raves Alyona. “Their teamwork is instrumental in creating, maintaining and growing our large and diverse programing and exhibit schedule. For example, Donna Delseni, who is our Adult Education Director, is second-to-none in our region, while Theatre Artistic Director Joseph Brauer does an incredible job with our youth and adult musical and theatre productions. Margaret Engle, our Dance Program Director, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance with her Registered Teacher Status, so she is extremely talented and brings intense gravitas to all her instruction and programs. These three are just a small sample of our multi-talented Arts Bonita staff.”

In May, Alyona became the first new Executive Director of Arts Bonita in 24 years. Prior to joining Arts Bonita, she served in leadership positions at various theatres and artistic venues in Arlington, Virginia as well as Delray Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida. She reflects, “All my previous lives prepared me for Arts Bonita!”

While Alyona is immensely proud of the past

and present accomplishments of Arts Bonita, she has no doubt that its greatest days are ahead. “Our potential to grow is unlimited, not only at our two sites, but throughout the community, as we will take Arts Bonita outside our own walls to play a larger role in the greater area through a new campaign we call ‘The Art of Mindfulness’ for youths and adults.”

“We will take classes, like for yoga and meditation, as well as festivals and art forums, to locations throughout the region to play a larger role in the community, because as Bonita and Estero grow the arts must grow with them. The best way to do this is to shine the light on our local talent, to showcase what they do best. In doing so, we will differentiate what we excel at in Bonita Springs and Estero from Fort Myers and Naples.”

Arts Bonita will host three Bonita Springs National Art Festivals in early 2024—January 13 & 14, February 10 & 11 and March 2 & 3, in Bonita Springs’ Riverside Park. “These festivals are among the ten best in the entire nation,” Alyona boasts, “with over 200 artists and exhibitors at each.”

Make Our Place Your Place

Alyona promises that, with her at its helm, “Arts Bonita will never get comfortable with what we do or rest on our laurels. We will always look to improve our programming and events as well as enhancing our facilities, as we are already outgrowing our classroom and performance spaces. As our community grows in leaps and bounds with no end in sight,

Arts Bonita must grow with it at a comparable pace, to play a key role in improving our quality of life.”

She adds, “A great community must have a great arts, music and education scene to better the lives of every single resident and visitor, and that is our role at Arts Bonita.”

That objective leads to Alyona’s greatest frustration: “As I learn more about Southwest Florida, unfortunately I am discovering that Arts Bonita is our area’s best kept secret, she laments. “That mystifies me, when you consider our two campuses and all of our incredible classes and programs. So my primary responsibility is to get the word out about what we do so well. The best way to accomplish that goal is to make Arts Bonita indispensable to the lives of our residents and to do that, we must hear from them to learn what they want us to offer or host.”

“When we all work together, moving in the same direction, we will make Arts Bonita the center of our community, so whether you want more festivals or concerts or art exhibits, let us

Our current exhibit, ‘America’s Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher’ is an excellent example of what we do at Arts Bonita.

know as our ears and hearts are wide open, to make our place your place.”

She invites everyone to take their online survey at artcenterbonita.org/surveys.

When people examine all that Arts Bonita offers. “I challenge you to not just attend things that appeal to you,” she says, “but to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself with something that is not in your wheelhouse,

like stone-carving classes. In this way, through different experiences, we can blossom not only as a person, but as a community because the best way to grow and thrive is by taking creative risks.”

“This attitude is why Arts Bonita is the key to making our region as beautiful and successful as it is now and into the future,” she adds.

Alyona concludes by saying, “I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to Arts Bonita that we

hear from the community. Without their input, we cannot make Arts Bonita and Bonita Springs the best that we can possibly be. •

Arts Bonita’s Center for Visual Arts is located at 26100 Old 41 Rd. and the Center for Performing Arts is located at 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, both in Bonita Springs. For informtion, call 495-8989.

The Center for Performing Arts, “Has two auditoriums on one campus. The Moe Auditorium & Film Center is perfect for films and intimate musical performances, while the Hinman Auditorium is much larger, for bigger shows and concerts.”

lues guitarist Joe Bonamassa released his third solo album, entitled Blues Deluxe, back in 2003. Over the following two decades the musician has been anything but idle, even releasing two studio albums and a live record during the pandemic.

Now, the highly acclaimed axe man is returning to that 2003 album with the release of Blues Deluxe Vol. 2, an effort Bonamassa felt comfortable releasing as a long-awaited follow-up.

“Sometimes you have to ask yourself these questions,” Bonamassa says, days before hitting the road for a whirlwind of European and North American tours through the rest of 2023. “How have you progressed over twenty years? Are you better or are you worse? What’s the story? So in our case, I think I’ve gotten better over the years.

“I’m happy with it. I just didn’t want to remaster the original. Why would anyone go out and buy it again? I wanted to come out with a companion album that spans twenty years.”

Bonamassa, performing December 1 at Hertz Arena in Estero, says maintaining the quality heard throughout the original album while adding a freshness to the second volume was daunting.

“I think the biggest challenge about making it was finding a new batch of songs that stayed true to the blues, but also challenged me to the point where we’re not just making traditional blues,” he says. “Just trying to do something a little more sophisticated.”

The album features two originals as well as some fine covers including Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland’s ‘TwentyFour Hour Blues’ and the Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac’s “Lazy Poker Blues.” Bonamassa, cites ‘Is It Safe To Go Home?’, which he wrote, and ‘Twenty-Four Hour Blues’ as current personal favorites. He says paring down the material was an interesting process.

“Well, [album producer] Josh Smith and I put our heads together and said, ‘We should do this, we should do that’,” Bonamassa says. “Josh has a lot of music in his head and so do I. So we had more than enough [material to cover]. Plus we had some originals, too, that we did.”

Perhaps what’s amazing is the fact that after several studio albums under his own name as well as numerous live releases, his collaborative records with blues rock belter Beth Hart and his years with supergroup Black Country Communion, Bonamassa recently turned 46 years young. While playing like he’s had decades under his belt like Clapton, B.B. King and Buddy Guy, the performer says his vocation to the blues from an early age is something he can’t explain.

“I don’t know,” he says. “There was just something about it that made me want to get involved. It’s no different than what attracted Joshua Bell to classical violin. There’s just something about the music that makes you want to get involved with it. I wanted to be a guitar player.”

As for the songwriting process, although not

averse to covering material that resonates with him, Bonamassa says he’s gotten better over the years simply from writing more. The result is knowing when to let go of a song and not over-analyzing it, something songwriters long in the tooth still have issues with.

“I know when the song is done,” he says. “Some people suffer for the art. To me it’s pretty obvious.”

And while there’s no simple equation distinguishing the two, Bonamassa says one can tell what makes a great blues song from a good one.

“Melody, structure, a bridge, a story,” he says. “It’s just like any song in the sense that it has to

have some meaning behind it. It has to have something deeper than just, ‘I woke up this morning.’”

At the time of our conversation, Bonamassa was ‘savoring’ his last few days of downtime roughly a week from commencing a 10-date European trek. From there he’s returning Stateside for dates on both coasts, including two nights with Styx and former Eagles member Don Felder. “If we’re not dead,” Bonamassa jokes.

“This year we’re doing two [cruises]. We did one in the spring and we’re going to do a second one,” Bonamassa says.

“I enjoy them and I think the fans enjoy them. It’s one of those things that when I first started doing the cruises I thought, ‘Wow, this is a lot of work for a week.’ But to be honest with you, seeing how much the fans enjoy it makes up for any excess amount of work that I have to do.”

One thing Bonamassa does notice in his travels and during his shows is a subtle difference sometimes between North American audiences and European ones.

“Sometimes European audiences are a little

bit more reserved,” he says. “Americans tend to be rowdier. It just depends. Some of the audiences in Paris are great and in France, Germany, all that. We’re about to do some festivals over there in Europe. Those tend to be a little bit more rowdier, you know what I mean.”

Another feather in Bonamassa’s proverbial hat is a show at the Hollywood Bowl in August with an orchestra. It’s a ‘bucket list’ gig for him as the venue has been one he had always wanted to play. The show is tentatively set for recording to be released down the road as a live album.

Bonamassa is also no stranger to Southwest Florida, having performed at the Barbara B.Mann Performing Arts Hall through the decades, opening for George Thorogood and the late B.B. King.

“Fort Myers has always been nice to me,” he remembers. Speaking about his upcoming concert in December, he says, “At that point Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 will be out so we’ll be playing a bunch of that. We’ll have all this new catalog from the Hollywood Bowl that we just worked up plus Blues Deluxe Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. It’s going to be a pretty new show.”

What’s also new for Bonamassa is a prized guitar he obtained in June thanks to Norman’s Rare Guitars in Los Angeles. The guitar was a 1950 Fender Broadcaster, a rarity among guitar collectors.

“I didn’t know he had it,” Bonamassa said of the store’s owner Norman Harris and the vintage instrument. “But I wanted an original Broadcaster for a long time. I have a lot of similar Telecasters and Esquires, but Broadcasters are different. It’s just rare. It’s the first solid body electric Leo [Leo Fender] ever made. And he only made them for a year under the name Broadcaster.”

“By the second year, 1951, at some point they just called it the Fender guitar and he called them the Nocaster. Then, by the fall of 1951, he renamed it the Telecaster because it was the age of television. It was all about a gentleman’s agreement between him and [Gretsch guitar founder] Fred Gretsch. So to find an original Broadcaster — it’s very hard to find them in that condition.”

Bonamassa, who reportedly has a collection of about 500 guitars, says keeping the collection safe and well-maintained doesn’t take much work.

“No, they’re not that hard to maintain, I mean f—king cars are more!”, he says with a laugh. “I have hundreds of guitars, but sometimes they fit in the case wrong and you have to restring them and give them a little TLC. It’s not hard to get them up and running.”

During his career, Bonamassa has celebrated the work of legends who came before him, particularly in 2018 when a British Blues Explosion live album/DVD highlighted the legendary trio of British guitar rock: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and the late Jeff Beck. In fact, ‘Blues Deluxe Vol. 1’ is derived from the Beck song ‘Blues De Luxe’ off The Jeff Beck Group’s 1968 album, Truth. And over the years, Bonamassa has covered Beck staples such as ‘Beck’s Bolero’ and ‘Spanish Boots.’ So it is still difficult for Bonamassa to come to terms with Beck’s sudden passing earlier this year at age 78.

“I mean it’s still a tremendous loss,” he says of Beck, who he met a few times including the last encounter five or six years ago. “It was the first time in anybody’s lifetime that one of the big three in modern rock guitar had passed away since Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. You’re like, ‘Wait a minute! There’s a world without Jeff Beck in it? That makes no sense!’” •

didn’t want to remaster the original. Why would anyone go out and buy it again? wanted to come out with a companion album that spans twenty years.”

photograph by Robert Sutton

The Show Must Go On and On

by Kara Moyer

Post-pandemic, renovation plans resumed and despite delays, the theater was still on track to be completed prior to its 70th anniversary season. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 created another detour.

THE NAPLES PLAYERS THEATRE is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and it’s not surprising that they’re going big to commemorate such a monumental milestone. After 25 years in their current facility, located on 5th Avenue S. in downtown Naples, they recently broke ground on a complete, floor-to-ceiling, $20 million renovation in the same location. With a grand opening scheduled for March 2024, to say the organization is busy is quite an understatement. But the road to getting here hasn’t been without its fair share of detours.

5th Avenue S. in Naples is a prime destination for locals and visitors worldwide, but it hasn’t always been the thriving entertainment district it is today. In the 1960s, 5th Avenue S. was bustling, but historic Hurricane Donna damaged many of the original buildings, some of which couldn’t be restored, leaving empty storefronts and fewer incentives for patrons to frequent the area. Shopping complexes, such as Waterside Shops and Village Shops on Venetian Bay, were built in the 1970s & 1980s and pulled crowds even farther away. By the mid-1990s, the area was on the brink of desolation.

City leaders enlisted the expertise of renowned urban planner Andres Duany to help revive the unofficial ‘Main Street.’ In what would turn out to be a perfectly timed coincidence, The Naples Players was thriving and desperately needed a bigger facility since renovations to their current location, the

former Kon-Tiki Theatre on Goodlette Rd., weren’t feasible. Duany knew 5th Avenue S. needed an ‘anchor’—an arts and entertainment destination to attract crowds, which would then support neighboring restaurants and shops.

After a multi-city block restructuring, enormous fundraising campaigns, and grants of over $1.5 million from the state of Florida, the Sugden Community Theatre, the new home of The Naples Players, opened its doors in 1998 at 701 5th Avenue S. The Naples Players is often credited with reviving 5th Avenue S. and developing it into the hugely popular ‘Heart of Naples’ that it is today.

Bryce Alexander, current CEO and Executive Artistic Director, relocated to Naples from Denver, Colorado, and assumed the position in 2016. He realized early on that facility expansion was inevitable, but also that remaining in this location was non-negotiable. Subscription seats have more than doubled in the last three years.

“Celebrating a 70th anniversary season while undergoing a complete renovation was definitely not the original plan,” Alexander explained in a recent interview.

Architect David Corbin and Naples-based construction company BUILD were enlisted to begin designs and construction plans in 2018, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted the initial timeline. While pandemic restrictions prevented the theater from performing

Drawings of the future home of The Naples Players (right) and Price Studio Theatre Lobby (left).

“In ten years, I hope every state knows about our theater,” Alexander says, “not just because of our performances, but because of what we do in the community, too.”

and postponed renovations, it didn’t stop them from operating. Rather, their costume designers sewed masks for hospitals, set designers built custom incubating boxes for hospital emergency rooms, sponsored socially distant drive-in movie nights, and they partnered with The Naples Zoo and Naples Botanical Gardens to help volunteers stay active and involved while performances were paused. Throughout the entire pandemic, The Naples Players never had to furlough or terminate any of its staff.

Post-pandemic, renovation plans resumed and despite delays, the theater was still on track to be completed prior to its 70th anniversary season. Hurricane Ian in September 2022 created another detour. Storm surge reached the top step of the entrance before receding, and the theater, thankfully, never lost power.

Once it was deemed safe to re-enter the facility, The Naples Players staff and volunteers got to work, once again. They provided free daycare for two weeks, creating on-the-spot interactive programs for children whose homes had been damaged or destroyed and whose parents needed to remediate, rebuild, or try to relocate. They also opened their doors to first responders and offered their space for a roofed, air-conditioned location to rest and eat between

shifts. The resiliency of this organization and dedication to the community in every way possible has been proven time and again under various, unforeseen circumstances.

Community is the driving force of The Naples Players. It’s literally their mission statement: ‘…we build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.’ Alexander considers it the “people’s theater,” and his vision in expanding outreach programs in addition to executing flawless stage performances has proven a successful business model. An average of 600 volunteers work with the organization in some capacity each year. Under his leadership, The Naples Players created the area’s first ‘Wellness Through the Arts’ program, which serves over a thousand people in the community with various disabilities each year.

“In ten years, I hope every state knows about our theater,” Alexander says, “not just because of our performances, but because of what we do in the community, too.”

The wellness program partners with over 40 other non-profits in the region, including multiple local public schools, which gives students, who otherwise may not be able, exposure to acting, playwriting, set and costume design. Licensed therapists’

Once it was deemed safe to re-enter the facility [after Hurricane Ian], The Naples Players staff and volunteers got to work. They provided free daycare, creating on-the-spot interactive programs for children whose homes had been damaged or destroyed and whose parents needed to remediate, rebuild, or relocate.

partner with The Naples Players paid staff and volunteer members to help local veterans process PTSD and trauma through writing-based programs. Local Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Foundations use acting and role-playing to help caregivers reconnect with loved ones who struggle with the ability to communicate in their own voices. This also helps caregivers find some sense of peace in witnessing the inevitable changes in their loved ones due to incurable diseases.

“The goal is to shift the mindset of how people view theater and show that it can be integrated into every aspect of life through community outreach and partnerships,” Alexander explained. It’s clear in the success of the organization and continued growth that the programs they’ve developed are doing exactly that.

Supporting the community is undoubtedly the driving force behind the new renovations. One theater simply wasn’t enough space moving forward to accommodate regular season performances as well as rehearsals, outreach, and educational programs. The new theater will feature three: the main theater, Kizzie, as well as the Price Theater and Glass Theaters. There will also be a wrap-around balcony for more seating in the Kizzie Theater.

In what might be an unprecedented theater addition in the United States (there is only one other known one in Europe), the new theater will offer a sensory-friendly experience option, complete with single-family booths, customized lighting and sound that supports sensory diversities, private entrances, and technology capable of adapting to a multitude of sensory integration tools. Tickets will be available at no additional charge, but must be reserved ahead of time due to limited availability.

In addition to serving the community, the new theater will allow the organization to do what it does best, but even better: perform. The renovation will include two rehearsal halls, new classrooms with spring floors, an 18-person pit orchestra, and a full fly-over tower. Costumes and sets can be created in-house, and the main theater will seat 450 guests compared to the original 320. It will also house an extensive library of plays, open to the public to peruse and check out to take home at their convenience.

Selecting top-tier performances is a feat that takes ten months to complete ahead of every season, and Alexander and his team don’t make these decisions lightly. “You have to consider three components with every performance: audience, actors, and staff.” He laughed, then added, “It can be a bit of a challenge to get everyone to agree every time.”

The goal is to curate 12 shows with a seamless mix of comedies, dramas, musicals, as well as well-known headliners and lesser-known works that will still be crowd-pleasers. Somehow, they manage, time and again, to balance all those requirements, and all while staying within a non-profit budget funded by state and federal grants, and donations, run by a core staff of about 30, plus volunteers.

The Naples Players holds roughly five auditions and selects upwards of 225 performers each year, primarily local talent. Because the organization relies so heavily on volunteers, they often pair the most seasoned actors with

the most seasoned volunteers to create the strongest performance. When asked about a performance he’s most proud of in recent years, Alexander quickly replied, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Not only is it a difficult show to execute, but it was also the first musical to be performed outside of the facility in 25 years.”

Despite, a worldwide pandemic, a catastrophic hurricane that literally reached the theater doorsteps, and now an off-site season due to a massive floor-to-ceiling renovation, the resilient Naples Players Theatre is living proof of the old cliché: ‘The show must go on.’ •

The Kizzie Theater is scheduled to open in March 2024 and the full facility will be completed and open to the public in June 2024. In the meantime, this season’s performances are at Naples United Church of Christ, located at 5200 Crayton Rd.

For information about The Naples Players’ 70th anniversary season and ongoing renovations (The Naples Players Theatre still needs $5 million of their $20 million renovation budget), call 263-7990. Visit naplesplayers.org for information as well.

“Celebrating a 70th anniversary season while undergoing a complete renovation was definitely not the original plan.”

Alliance for the Arts

10091 McGregor Blvd. FORT MYERS

239-936-3239

artinlee.org

The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is a dynamic cultural organization that fos-

ters creativity and community engagement. Through diverse programs, it supports visual and performing arts, providing a platform for local artists and enriching the cultural landscape.

schedule

Theatre Conspiracy

Oct 19-29: Radio Golf

Nov 9-26: Clown Bar

Jan 18-28: Which Way to the Stage

Feb 8-18: The Woman Who Mapped the Stars (fundraiser) (calusa Nature ceNter & PlaNetarium, Ft myers)

May 23-26: Alice by Heart (Youth Theatre)

Americana Community Music Association concerts

Nov 5: Patchouli & Carlene Thissen

Jan 21: Flagship Romance, The Rough & Tumble

Mar 17: Songwriters in the RoundCharlie McCoy, Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield

special events

Dec 1: JJ Grey & Mofro (arts ON taP)

May 30-Jun 2: Fringe Fort Myers

Americana Community Music Association

concerts at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

2756 McGregor Blvd. FORT MYERS

239-691-4069

americanacma.org

Each show has a local songwriter opening for a touring headliner. Shows are in a listening room so the audience can enjoy the music and the stories behind the songs. ACMA also presents shows throughout the community.

schedule

Oct 14: Sarah McQuaid, Bill Veach

Oct 17: 2pm Band (tribby arts ceNter, shell POiNt, Ft myers)

Oct 21: Ellis Paul, Darryl Purpose, Gene Martin

Nov 4: Rupert Wates, Gareth Rockliffe

Nov 5: Patchouli, Carlene Thissen (alliaNce FOr the arts, Ft myers)

Nov 18: Grant Peeples, David Hintz

Dec 2: Hank Woji, Chakulla

Jan 6: Reckless Saints, Ken Dunn

Jan 20: Dan Navarro, Andy Getch

Jan 27: Seth Walker Dhruva Stephenson

Feb 03: Sam Robbins, Bob Williams

Feb 18: Muriel Anderson, Ray Cerbone

Feb 24: A Tale of Two, Fred Ball

Mar 2: Roy Book Binder, Bill Metts

Mar 16: Shawna Caspi, JD Lashley

Mar 30: Kala Farnham, Silvia Medina

Apr 6: Ruth Wyand, Carolyn Stanley

Apr 13: Sofia Talvik

ACMA Songwriters on the Plaza (downtown Ft Myers Library Amphitheater) Free

Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 12, Apr 9, May 14

Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center

10150 Bonita Beach Rd.

BONITA SPRINGS

239-495-8989

artsbonita.org

Arts Bonita hosts a year-round lineup of captivating performances, from jazz and Latin rhythms to soulful blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Plus, Arts Bonita presents hilarious comedy shows, inspiring live theatre, a Film as Fine Art series, and much more.

schedule

Oct 7: The Seldom Scene

Oct 10: A Cracker at the RitzRick Compton & Betsy Bennett

Oct 13: Elsten Torres

Oct 14: Blair Crimmins & The Hookers

Oct 20: Joanne Shaw Taylor

Oct 21: Chicago Transit

Oct 24: A Cracker at the RitzRick Compton & Betsy Bennett

Oct 26: Spooktacular Halloween -

Zach Bartholomew & Brandon Robertson

Oct 29: Latin Infusion - Gulfshore Opera

Nov 3: Jeff Pifner

Nov 4: Albert Cummings

Nov 9: The Incorrigibles

Nov 10: Dave Keller

Nov 11: Veterans Day TributeChuck Bergeron & the South Florida

Jazz Orchestra

Nov 17: Music of Bud PowellZach Bartholomew

Nov 18: Tito Puentes Jr with orchestra

Nov 30: Holidays with Heather Ivy

Dec 1: Brubeck Brothers Quartet

Dec 2 & 3: The Home… for the Holidays!Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett

Dec 7-10: A Christmas Carol -

Live Radio Play

Dec 12: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Music of Vince GuaraldiZach Bartholomew

Dec 14: Blue Highway Band

Dec 15: Nanny Assis

Dec 16: Jason Marsalis

Dec 22: Rose Max & Ramatis

Mar 15: Jesse Jones Jr

BIG ARTS

900 Dunlop Rd. • SANIBEL 239-395-0900 bigarts.org

BIG ARTS was created by and for the community more than four decades ago. Its founding principle remains to this day: to experience and celebrate the artist in all of us and to remind us of our shared humanity. Each year they offer a vibrant cultural palette of performing and fine arts, films, workshops and lectures that enrich our lives.

schedule

Dec 2: The Nutcracker - Gulfshore Ballet

Dec 9: Holiday Concert - BIG ARTS

Concert Band

Dec 14: Holiday Concert - BIG ARTS

Community Chorus

Dec 19: A Holiday Song CelebrationBIG ARTS Community Chorus & Sanibel School Seahorse Chorale & Elementary Choir concert

Jan 13: The Greatest Piano MenBilly Joel & Elton John tribute

Jan 18: Jeremy Denk

Jan 25: Anthony McGill, Susanna Phillips, Myra Huang

Jan 27: Judith Hill

Jan 30: Bodytraffic

Feb 3: Twisted Pine

Feb 4: Young Concert Artists on Tour

Feb 8: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Wind Ensemble

Feb 17: Alan Bibey & Grasstowne

Feb 23: Haydn Lord Nelson MassGulf Coast Symphony & Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

Feb 29: So Good - The Neil Diamond

Experience

Mar 2: Late Nite CatechismSister’s Summer School Catechism

Mar 8: BIG ARTS Concert Band

Mar 9: Sing & Swing - Jazz at Lincoln Center with Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III

Mar 15: The Hit Men

Mar 22: The Doo Wop Project (benefit)

Apr 5: BIG ARTS Community Chorus

Apr 6: Stacey Kent

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

1380 Colonial Blvd. • FORT MYERS

239-278-4422

broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm has been Florida’s Premier Dinner Theatre for more than 30 years. The theatre entertains over 170,000 guests annually by combining an impressive array of Broadway musicals and an award-winning buffet. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes, and a live orchestra.

schedule

Main Theatre

thru October 28: Hairspray

Nov 10-Dec 25: Elf the Musical

Dec 30-Feb 17: Elvis A Musical Revolution

Feb 23-Apr 6: Beautiful the Carole King

Musical

Apr 12-May 25: The Addams Family

May 31-June 22: Swing

Jun-28-Aug-10: Mary Poppins

Off Broadway Palm thru Nov 18: Popcorn Falls

Nov 23-Dec-25: Doublewide, Texas Christmas

Jan 11-Feb 25: Run for Your Wife

Feb 29-Apr 14: Sweet Delilah Swim Club

Apr 18-May 19: Perfect Wedding concerts

Nov 1-5: Rat Pack Live!

Dec 11: Stardust Memories Big Band

Jan 21 & 22: The She Gees

Feb 4 & 5: Buffett’s Margaritaville

Mar 3 & 4: Piano Men Generations

Mar 24 & 25: Mirage Visions of Fleetwood Mac

Children’s Theatre

thru October 26: Grace for President

Nov 28-Dec 24: Madagascar

Mar 8-Apr 5: Don’t Let the Pigeon

Drive the Bus!

Apr 25-May 24: Tilly the Trickster

Jul 11-Aug 2: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Jan 29: Dunlap & Mabe Bluegrass Band (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Feb 3: Comedy Diner - Larry Venturino & friends (laNgdON PlayhOuse)

Feb 12 & 13: The Edwards Twins (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Feb 20: Colin Hall (laNgdON PlayhOuse)

Feb 26: Jew Man Group (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Mar 5: Let’s Hang On! (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Mar 26: Country Legend Tribute to The Highwayman (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Charlotte Players

Langdon Playhouse

1182 Market Circle

PORT CHARLOTTE

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

75 Taylor Rd. • PUNTA GORDA

Charlotte Performing Arts Center

701 Carmalita St. • PUNTA GORDA

941-255-1022

charlotteplayers.org

Charlotte Players have performed in Charlotte County since 1961. The theatrical company has produced over 350 theatrical productions with over 2,500 individual performances since their humble beginnings. In addition, Charlotte Players has contracted national talent for almost 100 different entertainment productions over the last 15 years. Their traditional productions are presented in the Langdon Playhouse, blackbox, theater.

schedule

Charlotte Players

Sep 7-17: The Wild Women of Winedale

Oct 5-15: Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

Nov 2-12: The Foreigner

Dec 14-16: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (charlOtte PerFOrmiNg arts ceNter)

Jan 12-28: Rumors

Feb 8-25: Calendar Girls

Mar 14-31: Nunsense II - The Second Coming

Apr 18-28: Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van concerts & comedy

Sep 29: Comedy for a Cause (fundraiser) (charlOtte harbOr eveNt ceNter)

Dec 8: Whitney Grace (Langdon Playhouse)

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Show (laNgdON PlayhOuse)

Jan 23: A Toast to Steve & EydieValerie Snead-Roy & Jim Rice (laNgdON PlayhOuse)

Choral Artistry

PO Box 07105 • FORT MYERS 239-560-5695 choralartistry.org

Choral Artistry, the new name for the former Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida, is under Artistic Director Dr. Trent R. Brown. It is SWFL’s only paid core community chorus. It performs concerts throughout SWFL. Besides producing concerts, it collaborates with other professional ensembles and hosts the area’s only Community Choral Festivals, SingOut! SWFL (Feb) and Summer Sing (Aug)—open to all singers without audition.

schedule

Oct 12: Considering Matthew Shepard (uNited church, NaPles)

Dec 15: Holiday Soiree (Shangri-La Springs, bONita sPriNgs)

Feb 3: Sing Out! SWFL Choral Festival

Workshop - Kol Tikvah, The Voice of Hope (New hOPe church, Ft myers)

Feb 4: Sing Out! SWFL Choral Festival Free Concert (New hOPe church, Ft myers)

Apr 21: Durufle’s Requiem (mOOriNgs church, NaPles)

Circus Arts Conservatory

Sailor Circus Arena

2075 Bahia Vista St. • SARASOTA

Ulla Searing Big Top

Nathan Benderson Park

5851 Nathan Benderson Circle SARASOTA

941-355-9805

circusarts.org

The Circus Arts Conservatory is the nation’s only nonprofit organization that combines professional circus performances, youth circus training, and education and outreach programming. Its mission is to engage and educate students using innovative learning programs; to improve the quality of life for individuals in care communities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and heritage of the circus.

schedule

Dec 26-31: Sailor Circus - Candyland (sailOr circus areNa)

Jan 14: Windjammers (sailOr circus areNa)

Feb 2: Circus Arts Gala (ulla seariNg big tOP)

Feb: Circus Sarasota (ulla seariNg big tOP)

Mar 22 & 23: Cirque des Voix (sailOr circus areNa)

Apr 13: Wonderball (fundraiser) (sailOr circus areNa)

May 4 & 5: Sailor Circus Spring Show (sailOr circus areNa)

Jun-Aug: Circus SarasotaSummer Circus Spectacular (ulla seariNg big tOP)

Cultural Park Theatre Company

528 Cultural Park Blvd.

CAPE CORAL

239-772-5862

culturalparktheater.com

Historical performing arts theatre with a vision to entertain and educate the SWFL community. The Cultural Park Theatre Company was established in 1963 and offers a venue where individuals of all ages can perfect their performance skills and members of the community can watch exciting live productions.

schedule

thru Oct 8: Footloose

Oct 18-22: Beware the House on Haunted Hill

Nov 9-19: Fame - the Musical

Dec 13-17: The Little Town of Christmas

Jan 18-28: James & the Giant Peach

Feb 9-18: Nana’s Naughty Knickers

Feb 29-Mar 10: Bye Bye Birdie

Mar 28-Apr 7: Sister Act

Mar 23-Jun 2: Into the Woods

Jun 14-23: Murder on the Orient Express concerts & comedy

Nov 4: The Frank Bang Four

Dec 9: High Lonesome Sound

Dec 21: Michael D’Amore

Jan 6: The Champ Saxon Band

Jan 13: Clowning Around Comedy Show

Feb 3: Katelyn & Jules

Feb 24: The Real Deal - Dueling Pianos

Jul 20: Whiskey County

Florida Gulf Coast University

Bower School of Music & the Arts

Theater Program

TheatreLab • Arts Complex 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. FORT MYERS

239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/theatrelab

The Theatre Program at the Bower School of Music & the Arts offers a dynamic balance of theory and application as well as real-world training in the whole craft of theatre: performance, technology, theory, and criticism.

schedule

TheatreLab

Oct 12-15: Heathers - the Musical

Feb 16-25: Silent Sky

Apr 12-21: The Life of Galileo

Music Program

U.Tobe Recital Hall • Music Building

10501 FGCU Blvd. S. FORT MYERS

239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/concerts

The Bower School of Music seeks to prepare professionals for service in music education, music therapy, and in music performance and pedagogy, while furnishing cultural enrichment for the Southwest Florida community and beyond.

schedule

Oct 8: FGCU Chamber & University Choirs (uNited church OF christ, NaPles) *

Oct 19: FGCU Wind Orchestra *

Oct 22: FGCU Symphony Orchestra *

Oct 29: Baron & Navarrp Piano Duo

Nov 2: Andres Madsen & Susan Ogata

Nov 5: FGCU Jazz Ensemble *

Nov 8: FGCU Percussion Chamber Ensembles *

Nov 9: Danile Lochrie & Michael Baron

Nov 13: FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles *

Nov 14: FGCU Symphonic Band *

Nov 15: FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs *

Nov 16: FGCU Symphonic Band *

Nov 30: FGCU Wind Orchestra *

Dec 1: FGCU Chamber Strings *

Dec 3: Jeffrey Williams & Michael Baron

Dec 5: FGCU Symphony Orchestra & Choirs (mOOriNgs church, NaPles) *

Dec 7: FGCU Piano Ensemble *

Jan 21: Amernet String Quartet

Jan 27: Iva Ugrcic & Satoko Hayami

Feb 4: Kinga Augustyn & Michael Baron

Feb 8: FGCU Wind Orchestra *

Feb 10: A Celebration of Spirituals

Feb 15: FGCU Symphonic Band *

Feb 18: FGCU Chamber & University (New hOPe church, Ft myers) *

Feb 20: Laila Biali Jazz Trio

Feb 22: FGCU Jazz Ensemble (OutdOOr cONcert - library lawN, FGCU) *

Feb 25: FGCU Symphony Orchestra *

Feb 29: Spencer Myer

Mar 14: FGCU Wind Orchestra (Dunbar High School, Ft Myers) *

Mar 28: Emile Naoumoff

Apr 2: FGCU Chamber Strings - Sanibel Music Festival (Peace Church, Ft Myers)

Apr 9: FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles *

Apr 10: FGCU Percussion Chamber Ensembles *

Apr 11: FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs *

Apr 12: FGCU Bel Canto & Cantabile *

Apr 16: FGCU Symphonic Band *

Apr 18 & 20: FGCU University Choir with Naples Philharmonic (artis-NaPles, NaPles)

Apr 18: FGCU Wind Orchestra *

Apr 21: FGCU Symphony Orchestra & Chamber Choir (mOOriNg church, NaPles) *

Apr 23: FGCU Symphonic Band *

Apr 25: FGCU Chamber Choir (bOwer chaPel, NaPles) *

Apr 27: FGCU Jazz Ensemble (N Ft myers high schOOl, N Ft myers) *

Apr 28: FGCU Piano Ensemble *

Apr 29: FGCU Jazz Ensemble (tribby arts ceNter, shell Pt, Ft myers)

* Free

Florida Repertory Theatre

2268 Bay St. • FORT MYERS

239-332-4488

floridarep.org

Florida Rep opened its 26th season with ‘Beguiled Again,’ a glamorous, romantic, and nostalgic musical salute to America’s most beloved songwriting team, Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart. The musical plays thru October 29 in the Artstage Studio Theatre. A down-and-out Elvis impersonator gets a fabulous new makeover in the music-filled comedy, ‘The Legend of Georgia McBride,’ playing October 27-November 12 in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

schedule

thru Oct 29: Beguiled Again

Oct 1, 5-7: Little Shop of Horrors

(Florida Rep Education Conservatory)

Oct 27-Nov 12: The Legend of Georgia McBride

Dec 1-17: A Sherlock Carol

Dec 15-Jan 14: The Mountaintop

Jan 12-28: Beehive - the 60s Musical

Feb 2-Mar 10: The Gin Game

Feb 16-Mar 3: A Comedy of Tenors

Mar 22-Apr 14: Hank WilliamsLost Highway

Apr 19-May 19: Oleanna

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

6900 Daniels Pkwy. • suite 29-193 FORT MYERS

239-288-2535

mastersingersfm.com

Founded in 2001, the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is a renowned choral organization with a reputation for musical excellence in Southwest Florida. Their 80+ voice ensemble strives to enrich their community by presenting outstanding choral music and cultivating opportunities for both young and old voices to make beautiful music together.

schedule

Nov 16: Intermezzo Choir

(st hillary church, Ft myers) *

Dec 3: Deck the Halls concert with Gulf Coast Symphony (bb maNN hall, Ft myers)

Dec 10: Holiday Concert

(calOOsa sOuNd amPhitheater, Ft myers) *

Dec 17: Christmas concert

(Peace church, NaPles) *

Feb 17 & 18: Winter concert with Gulf Coast Symphony (music & arts cOmmuNity ceNter, Ft myers)

Feb 23: Concert with Gulf Coast Symphony (BIG arts, saNibel)

Feb 25: Chamber Choir

(gOOd shePherd church, N Ft myers)

Mar 3: Chamber Choir

(st michael church, Ft myers) *

Apr 7: Spring concert

(New hOPe church, Ft myers) * * Free

Fort Myers Theatre

16120 San Carlos Blvd. • #5 FORT MYERS

239-323-6570

ftmyerstheatre.com

Live community theatre for audiences of all ages.

schedule

Oct 5-15: The Music Man

Oct 20-28: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Nov 24-26: The Last Five Years

Dec 7-10: White Christmas

Dec 14-31: Elf - the Musical

Jan 6: Til Death Do Us Part… You First!

Jan 19-28: Clue

Feb 2-11: Tick Tick Boom

Feb 23-Mar 3: The Drowsy Chaperone

Mar 8-17: Freaky Friday

Mar 23 & 24: A Few Good Men

Apr 5-14: Seussical

Apr 25-May 5: Steel Magnolias

Jun 1-16: Matilda

Jul 12-28: Legally Blonde concerts

Jan 6: Detroit Doors wrestling

Jan 13, Mar 30, May 25

comedy

every Saturday night

Grand Piano Series concerts at St.

Leo Auditorium

28290 Beaumont Rd.

BONITA SPRINGS

469-333-3231

grandpianoseries.org

Grand Piano Series presents world-renowned artists and rising stars in intimate venues. With artists described as “...a whole roster of A stars...” (NaPles daily News), and concerts called “...consistently exceptional level performances,” (late myra JaNcO daNiels, FOuNder OF NaPles PhilharmONic).

schedule

Nov 15: Martin Garcia Garcia

Dec 14: Eric Lu

Jan 18: Callisto String Quartet & Milana Strezeva

Feb 8: Clayton Stephenson

Feb 29: Opera Meets Broadway with Konstantin Soukhovetski

Mar 20: Florian Noack

Apr 24: Shannon Lee & Ying Li

Gulf Coast Symphony concerts at Barbara B. Mann

Performing Arts Hall

13350 FSW Pkwy. • FORT MYERS

239-277-1700

gulfcoastsymphony.org

Founded in late 1995 by its current music

director and CEO, Dr. Andrew Kurtz, the Gulf Coast Symphony is the second-largest non-profit performing arts organization in Lee county. The Symphony challenges convention with unique and innovative collaborations across multiple genres and disciplines, including classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film, musical theater, active community engagement, and a commitment to social change through arts education.

schedule

Oct 28: Broadway Divas concert with Heather Ivy & Whitney Grace

Oct 29: Hogwarts Halloween

Nov 11: Music of Barry Manilow

Dec 3: Deck the Halls

Dec 16: The Nutcracker with Gulfshore Ballet

Jan 20: A Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue

Feb 4: Jerome Kern Tribute

Mar 10: Folk Anthems of the 70s

Mar 23: Music Man - the Musical

Mar 25: Music Man - the Musical

Apr 7: Great Ladies of Jazz

Apr 14 Disney in Concert - Magical Music from the Movies

Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center

Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers

13411 Shire Lane • FORT MYERS

239-277-1700

gulfcoastsymphony.org

The Music & Arts Community Center is a creative hub where people of all ages and abilities can share music and arts as common ground, and where diversity, expression and self-transformation is the very air we breathe. The theater has been reimagined to facilitate exceptional productions across multiple genres.

schedule

Oct 14: Vivaldi’s Four Season & MoreListeso String Quartet

Oct 19: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Nov 3: A Tribute to Taylor SwiftListeso String Quartet

Nov 8: Vivaldi’s Four Season & MoreListeso String Quartet

Nov 9: Best of Hans ZimmerListeso String Quartet

Nov 12: Music of Bobby Darin & Michael Buble - Paul Todd

Nov 16: Gulf Coast Jazz CollectiveMusic of John Coltrane

Nov 18: Gulf Coast Symphony

Nov 19: Gulf Coast Symphony

Dec 5: A Tribute to Taylor SwiftListeso String Quartet

Dec 5: Best of Hans ZimmerListeso String Quartet

Dec 7: Gulf Coast Jazz CollectiveSwinging Holidays

Jan 11: Gulf Coast Jazz CollectiveMusic of Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Chick Corea & more

Jan 13 & 14: Gulf Coast SymphonyBeethoven Symphony No. 4

Jan 28: Beaux Arts Trio

Feb 15: Gulf Coast Jazz CollectiveMusic of Duke Ellington

Feb 17 & 18: Gulf Coast Symphony: Haydn Lord Nelson Mass with Ft Myers Symphonic Mastersingers

Feb 25: Verona Quartet

Mar 7: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Mar 17: Stokes & Kozlowski

Apr 18: Gulf Coast Jazz CollectiveModern Creations

Apr 20 & 21: Gulf Coast SymphonyBrahms Symphony No. 4

May 5: Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra Fellows

May 16: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Gulfshore Opera

9911 Corkscrew Rd. • suite 105

ESTERO

239-529-3925

gulfshoreopera.org

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Gulfshore Opera is Southwest Florida’s professional opera production company serving Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties. Gulfshore Opera enriches the community by presenting high quality opera, theater and

classical vocal music, and promoting community well-being through social engagement activities.

schedule

Oct 29: Latin Infusion concert (arts bONita PerFOrmiNg arts, bONita sPriNgs)

Nov 5: GO Divas Benefit Concert (lamb OF gOd church, Ft myers)

Nov 9: GO Divas (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts, marcO islaNd)

Nov 14: GO Divas (shaNgri-la sPriNgs, bONita sPriNgs)

Dec 7: Holiday Taste of Opera (the club at the straNd, NaPles)

Dec 9: Holiday Taste of Opera (twiN isles cOuNtry club, PuNta gOrda)

Jan 18: Murder Mystery Dinner (shaNgri-la sPriNgs, bONita sPriNgs)

Jan 23: Taste of Opera (hideaway beach club, marcO islaNd)

Jan 25: Night in Italy (st leO Parish liFe ceNter, bONita sPriNgs)

Jan 28: Night in Italy concert & dinner (carmelO’s ristOraNte, PuNta gOrda)

Jan 30: Love’s First Blush (artis-NaPles, NaPles)

Feb 4: Night in Italy (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts, marcO islaNd)

Feb 9: 10th Anniversary Celebration with Michael Fabiano (mOOriNgs church, NaPles)

Feb 22: Elixer of Love

(esterO high schOOl, esterO)

Feb 25: Elixer of Love

(Jewish cultural ceNter, NaPles)

Feb 27: Style & Song luncheon (grey Oaks cOuNtry club, NaPles)

Feb 29: Elixer of Love (charlOtte

PerFOrmiNg arts ceNter, PuNta gOrda)

Mar 10: 10th Anniversary Gala

Concert & Dinner

(cONcert - First church, bONita sPriNgs, diNNer - the club at the straNd, NaPles)

Mar 14: GO Divas (arts bONita

PerFOrmiNg arts, bONita sPriNgs)

Mar 21: Divas & Dinner

(the club at the straNd, NaPles)

Mar 26: GO Divas

(gulF theater, PuNta gOrda)

Apr 6: Prelude to Turandot (iNNOvatiON hOtel, NaPles)

Apr 17: Turandot

(bb maNN hall, Ft myers)

Apr 24: Turandot

(charlOtte PerFOrmiNg arts ceNter, PuNta gOrda)

Apr 27: Turandot (artis-NaPles, NaPles)

Gulfshore Playhouse

performances at Norris Center

755 8th Ave. S. • Naples 239-261-7529

gulfshoreplayhouse.org

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

schedule

Oct 12-14: Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids (childreN’s museum OF NaPles, NaPles)

Oct 12-Nov 5: 26 Miles

Nov 16-Dec 17: Winter Wonderettes

Jan 11-Feb 4: The Refugees

Feb 15-Mar 10: Into the Breeches

Mar 21-Apr 2: She Loves Me

Lee County Community Band

concerts at Mariner High School Auditorium

701 Chiquita Blvd. N. • CAPE CORAL 239-600-9052

leecountyband.org

The legendary Lee County Community Band, formed in 1885, is a non-profit group

that performs monthly, fun-filled, free concerts from November-April. Programs reflect the band’s reputation for lively, upbeat music and promise an entertaining mix of old favorites, spirited marches, Dixieland, patriotic tunes, Broadway and Silver Screen hits, and a sing-along. Concerts are free (donations welcome), at 3 pm. schedule

Nov 12, Dec 10, Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 7

Marco Island Center for the Arts

1010 Winterberry Dr. MARCO ISLAND

Arts Center Theatre

Marco Town Center

1089 N. Collier Blvd. MARCO ISLAND

239-394-4221

marcoislandart.org

Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre offers community theater productions and presents productions by other theater companies and individuals, comedy and other live entertainment.

schedule

Arts Center Theatre

Oct 18-21: The Music Man

Oct 25-Nov 12: The 39 Steps

Nov 29-Dec 10: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again)

Dec 13-17: White Christmas

Jan 3-21 Private Lives

Feb 7-25: The Queen of Bingo

Mar 13-30: Vanities concerts & comedy

Oct 13: Sloan Friday

Oct 26: Claude Bourbon (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts)

Oct 29: Bob Lauver

Nov 9: Terra Guitarra (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts)

Nov 17: Matt Vita

Dec 22: Nikolas Bushi & Chris, Dashnor Bushi

Dec 29: Earl David Reed

Jan 18: L-Yen: (Marco Island Center

FOr the arts)

Jan 26: Al Ernst

Feb 2: Mike Rivera

Feb 27: Ben Rosenblum (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts)

Mar 8: Mark Evans

Mar 14: Ed Calle (marcO islaNd ceNter

FOr the arts)

Apr 11: Leslie Cartaya (marcO islaNd ceNter

FOr the arts)

Apr 23: Peter & Will Anderson (marcO islaNd ceNter FOr the arts)

Naples Big Band

2614 N. Tamiami Tr • #200 NAPLES

concerts at Cambier Park • 755 Park St. S. NAPLES

Veterans Park • 901 Park Ave. MARCO ISLAND

Norris Center • 755 8th Ave. S. NAPLES

941-313-7532

naplesbigband.com

The Naples Big Band is a 17-piece jazz ensemble that performs public concerts of music in styles spanning the swing era to the modern day. Their goal is to deliver dynamic public and private entertainment, as well as to provide financial resources to support the musical development of local youths. All concerts are free.

schedule

Nov 13: (cambier Park)

Dec 8: Christmas on Fifth (5th ave, NaPles)

Dec 11: Christmas concert (cambier Park)

Jan 7: (veteraNs Park, marcO islaNd)

Jan 28: (cambier Park, NaPles)

Jan 29: (NOrris ceNter, NaPles)

Feb 12: (cambier Park, NaPles)

Feb 25: (veteraNs Park, marcO islaNd)

Mar 10: (veteraNs Park, marcO islaNd)

Mar 24: (cambier Park, NaPles)

Apr 15: (cambier Park, NaPles)

The Naples Players

701 5th Ave. S. • NAPLES performances at Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Rd. • NAPLES

Sugden Theatre

701 5th Ave S. • NAPLES 239-263-7990

naplesplayers.org

Voted ‘Favorite Local Theatre’ by brOadway wOrld, The Naples Players is the hometown theatre and cultural hub building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre, and leading the shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities.

schedule

Oct 8: Readers Theater

A Source of Innocent Merriment

Oct 4-22: The Dining Room

Nov 1-19: Miss BennetChristmas at Pemberly

Nov 9-19: The Marvelous Wonderettes

Nov 12: Readers Theater: A Day Without Laughter is a Day Wasted

Jan 10-28: Harvey

Jan 18-28: The Fantastiks

Jan 21: Readers Theater: New Play Festival

Feb 14-Mar 3: Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!

Mar 16-Apr 7: The Producers (sugdeN theatre)

Apr 14: Readers Theater: Love is a Tenuous Adventure

May 1-26: The Play That Goes Wrong (sugdeN theatre)

KidzAct

Jul 28-30: Beauty & the Beast Jr

Aug 4-6: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen (g & l theater, cOmmuNity schOOl OF NaPles, NaPles)

Players Circle Theatre

13211 McGregor Blvd. FORT MYERS

239-800-3292

playerscircletheater.com

Players Circle Theater is a nonprofit organization with a three-fold mission: To create a home for a variety of theater employing an ensemble of professionals; to become an outlet for community involvement in the arts; and to enrich, educate and entertain our community with classes and performances.

schedule

Oct 17-Nov 12: Breaking Legs

Nov 28-Dec 17: Ho! Ho! Ho!The Christmas Show

Jan 2-28: Butterflies are Free

Feb 6-Mar 3: Proof

Mar 12-Apr 7: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks

Apr 16-May 12: Godspell

Punta Gorda Symphony

Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita St. • PUNTA GORDA 941-205-5996

pgsymphony.org

Punta Gorda Symphony is Charlotte County’s premier professional orchestra. Originally

formed in 1978 as a small chamber group, the orchestra has grown to more than 60 professional musicians. From presenting world-class musicians to enriching the lives of young people and adults through educational initiatives, Punta Gorda Symphony fosters community connections through orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, pops, and other genres.

schedule

Oct 22: John Williams Star Wars

Nov 12: Dvorak Symphony No. 9

Dec 3: Holiday Favorites

Jan 14: Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition & Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

Feb 18: Mahler’s Symphony No. 4An Evening of Poetry through Music

Mar 17: Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with The Gaudi Trio

Sarasota Opera

61 N. Pineapple Ave. • SARASOTA

941-328-1300

sarasota.org

Sarasota Opera, the only company in the world to have performed every work of Giuseppe Verdi, is celebrating its 65th consecutive season of bringing world class opera to the southwest gulf coast. Garnering international attention as one of the few places to experience rarely performed operatic works, Sarasota Opera distinguishes itself as one of the premiere opera companies in the United States by finding innovation through tradition.

schedule

Nov 4 & 5: The Little Sweep (Sarasota Youth Opera)

Nov 10 & 12: Music of Pucciniwith Sarasota Orchestra

Feb 17: Carmen

Feb 20: Carmen

Feb 22: Carmen

Feb 24: Lucia di Lammermoor

Feb 25: Carmen

Feb 27: Lucia di Lammermoor

Feb 28: Carmen

Feb 29: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 2: Carmen

Mar 3: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 5: Carmen

Mar 6: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 8: Carmen

Mar 9: Luisa Miller

Mar 10: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 12: Luisa Miller

Mar 13: Carmen

Mar 14: Luisa Miller

Mar 15: Deceit Outwitted

Mar 16: Luisa Miller

Mar 16: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 17: Deceit Outwitted

Mar 17: Carmen

Mar 19: Carmen

Mar 19: Deceit Outwitted

Mar 20: Luisa Miller

Mar 21: Deceit Outwitted

Mar 22: Carmen

Mar 23: Deceit Outwitted

Mar 23: Lucia di Lammermoor

Mar 24: Luisa Miller

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

506 S 1st St. • IMMOKALEE 239-658-1313

moreinparadise.com

Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The casino offers 1,400 slots, 41 live table games, 3 restaurants, nightlife in the Zig Zag lounge, “where the party never ends” and the best in live concerts in the Seminole Center.

schedule

Oct 7: Tito Nieves, Roberto Torres, Cachao’s Mambo All-Stars, Cortadito, Bajo Zero

Oct 28: Josh Blue

Nov 4: Here Come the Mummies, Perpetual Groove

Nov 9: Christopher Cross

Nov 11: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin

Nov 18: Sawyer Brown: Concert

Dec 5: Jose Feliciano

Dec 12: Marie OsmondOrchestral Christmas

Dec 16: Bruce Hornsby

Jan 11: Tesla

Jan 20: Rockabillaque Florida

Feb 2: The Lalas Burlesque Show

Feb 9: The Lettermen

Mar 23: Commodores, WAR

Apr 7: Southland Bluegrass & Wilderness Festival

The Studio Players

Golden Gate Community Center

Joan Jenks Auditorium

4701 Golden Gate Pkwy. NAPLES

239-398-9192

thestudioplayers.org

Discover the heart of theater at The Studio Players, your hub for captivating community performances, where they celebrate cultural diversity through a mix of contemporary hits and timeless classics on an artistic journey where imagination knows no bounds.

schedule

Oct 27-Nov 2: Superior Donuts

Jan 19-Feb 4: The Lifespan of a Fact

Mar 8-24: Bus Stop

May 3-19: Doubt - A Parable

TheatreZone

performances at G & L Theatre

Community School of Naples

13275 Livingston Rd. • NAPLES

888-966-3352

theatre.zone

TheatreZone, Naples’ premier musical theatre company, produces Broadway-quality shows and concerts in an intimate theatre on Livingston Road in Naples. TheatreZone’s Equity contract ensures access to the country’s finest performers and professionals who entertain audiences December through April, with evenings and matinees available. schedule

Oct 12-15: Heathers - the Musical

Dec 15-17: Home for the Holidays

Jan 11-21: Bonnie & Clyde - the Musical

Feb 8-18: Million Dollar Quartet

Mar 7-17: Little Me

Apr 25-28: Carrie - the Musical concerts

Jan 15: Tribute to Linda RonstadtElizabeth Ward Land

Feb 20 & 21: The Mersey Beatles

Feb 22: John Ford Coley

Mar 12: Larry & AdolphoDummy’s Guide to Love Songs

Tribby Arts Center

Shell Point Retirement Community

17281 On Par Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-415-5667

tribbyartscenter.com

Filled with an impressive array of dynam -

ic performances and talented artists, Shell Point’s 2023-2024 Fine & Performing Arts Series at Tribby Arts Center showcases an annual concert series and a variety of art exhibitions. This 20th season of the arts at Shell Point offers something for everyone.

schedule

Oct 17: 2pm Band

Oct 19: Schubert’s WinterreiseMichael Baron & Krzysztof Biernacki

Nov 11: Jukebox Saturday Night

Nov 14: Vega String Quartet

Nov 20: Southern Raised

Dec 9: The Nutcracker - Gulfshore Ballet

Dec 11: Holiday Pops - SWFL Symphony (village church, shell POiNt, Ft myers)

Dec 12: Michael W. Smith - Holiday concert (village church, shell POiNt, Ft myers)

Jan 8: The Texas Tenors

Jan 15 & 16: Screaming Orphans

Jan 25: Stephanie Trick & Paolo Aldrighi

Feb 8: Vienna Boys Choir (village church, shell POiNt, Ft myers)

Feb 6: 1969 Band

Feb 13: Eroica Trio

Feb 22: The Diamonds

Mar 5: Bee Gees Gold

Mar 14: Evren Ozel

Mar 19: Balsam Range

Mar 29: Sail On - Beach Boys tribute

Apr 4: SWFL Symphony - Bach, Mozart & Tchaikovsky

a wide range of education and community engagement programs for children, teens, and adults. The theatre’s MainStage Jervey Theatre was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, but will open in late 2024. Its Raymond Center is being used as a 130-seat temporary performance space. Its 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre is open for performances. The theatre’s popular concert series is being held at other venues around the community.

schedule

thru Oct 8: Reefer Madness - the Musical

Oct 13-Nov 12: The Addams Family

Oct 27-Nov 19: Pickleball

Dec 1-20: A Christmas Carol

Dec 8-17: Solo Fest

Jan 12-Feb 11: Calendar Girls

Jan 19-Feb 18: Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville

Feb 23-Mar 17: The Marvelous Wonderettes

Feb 27-Mar 3: 30th Annual Silver Foxes

Mar 22-Apr 21: The Spitfire Grill

Apr 5-21: The Enchanted Bookshop

Mar 2-5: Pinky’s Players

May 3-19: Bank Job concerts

Venice Performing Arts Center

Venice High School 1 Indian Ave. • bldg 5 VENICE

Venice Community Center 326 Nokomis Ave. S. VENICE

Nov 12: Capitol Fools

Nov 19: Majesty of RockJourney & Styx tribute

Nov 20: Rhinestone Cowgirls

Nov 27: Sounds of Soul (veNice cOmmuNity ceNter)

Dec 18: Daybreak - Barry Manilow tribute

Jan 8: Dwight Icenhower - Tribute to Elvis

Jan 22: Portrait of Aretha - Aretha Franklin tribute (veNice cOmmuNity ceNter)

Feb 22: Let’s Hang On - Frankie Valli tribute (veNice cOmmuNity ceNter)

Mar 11: Shades of BubleMichael Buble tribute

Mar 11: The Olivia ShowOlivia Newton-John tribute (veNice cOmmuNity ceNter)

Mar 18: Abbacadabra - Abba tribute

Venice Theatre

140 Tampa Ave W. • VENICE 941-488-1115

venicetheatre.org

Venice Theatre, a nonprofit organization, is the second-largest of 10,000 community theatres in the United States. It offers

May 12: The Brothers DoobieDoobie Brothers tribute

May 13: Long Time Gone - CSNY tribute

May 19: Herman’s Hermits - Peter Noone

SUNDAY 1

•Jake Innarino: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

MONDAY 2

•Eat That Question - Frank Zappa in His Own Words: Documentary film. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

TUESDAY 3

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

FRIDAY 6

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 6-8p. Free. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, in Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073.

•Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Chris Franjola: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Comedy Nite: RC Smith. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Danile Lewis Dance Sampler: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Guided Forest Bathing Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Havy Rodriguez & Miami Splash: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

WEDNESDAY 4

•Aaron Lewis: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Peter Antoniou: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

THURSDAY 5

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Chris Franjola: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Exhibition Reception: Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. 4:306p. Free. 642-1440.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Maija DiGiorgio: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Sunset Concert: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-5731.

Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Maija DiGiorgio: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Rosenne Barr: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•The Seldom Scene: Progressive bluegrass concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Tito Nieves: Concert. Roberto Torres, Cachao’s Mambo AllStars, Cortadito, Bajo Zero open. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

SUNDAY 8

•Chris Franjola: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•FGCU Chamber & University Choirs: Bel Canto & Cantabile concert. United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Readers Theater: A Source of Innocent Merriment. One-act plays. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

•Romeo & Juliet: Int’l Ballet of Florida. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5p. 941953-3368.

•Jon Pardi: Concert,; Midland, Ella Langley open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Maija DiGiorgio: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

SATURDAY 7

•Airing the Quilts: SWFL Quilters Guild outdoor show. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. 334-7419.

•Chris Franjola: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Free Family Day: Arts activities. Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 10-11:30a. Free. 495-8989.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Hurricane Heroes All-Star Concert: Matchbox 20, Don Felder, Jay Allen, Red Hannah, Matty Jollie, Sheena Brook. Fundraiser. Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p.

•Join Langston: Country music concert, Carter Smith opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic

•Sarasota Orchestra: Rare Gems chamber concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941953-3434.

TUESDAY 10

•A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.

•Hot Buttered Nuggets: Swing jazz music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Hos Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

•Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

WEDNESDAY 11

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530.

•Back Yard Bash: Parents & children compete in backyard games, live music, food trucks. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 6p. 514-0084

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Grant Stewart: All That Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

What Goes On

Blair Crimmins & The Hookers will be performing at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center on October 14.

What Goes On

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Sarasota Orchestra: New York, New York concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Sunset Stroll: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

THURSDAY 12

•Art Reception & Talk: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Art Reception: Grand Reopening. Live music, wine, food, exhibition. Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 4-6p. Free. 395-0027.

•Choral Artistry Concert: Considering Matthew Shepard. United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 4p. 560-5695.

•Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids: Star Academy youth theater. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:30p. 261-7529.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Pre-season minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Foghat: Rock concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. Free, 314-3723.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Heathers - the Musical: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7 p. 590-7268.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Kevin Farley: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Oktoberfest: Beer, food trucks, live music: Petra & Teresa 3p, Briz & Lady 6:30p. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 2-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Sarasota Orchestra: New York, New York concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Shawn Banks: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

FRIDAY 13

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Becky Robinson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Bored Teachers Comedy Tour: Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.

•Comedy Nite: Jimmy Keys. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Cradle of Filth: Hardcore music concert, Devil Driver opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids: Star Academy youth theater. Children’s Museum of Naples,

15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 10a & 1p. 261-7529.

•Elsten Torres: Latin rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Pre-season minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero.

7:30p. 948-7825.

•Gov’t Mule: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers.

8p. 481-4849.

•Heathers - the Musical: Theater, discussion after 2p show. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers.

7:30p. 590-7268.

•Oktoberfest: Beer, food trucks, live music: Bobby Blakey 3p, Ben Allen Band 7p. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 2-11p. Free. 313-6576.

•Pumpkins of Devil’s Garden: Family-friendly exhibition opening reception, movie night. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 9a-5p, movie 5p. 863-902-1113.

•Sarasota Orchestra: New York, New York concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota.5:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Shawn Banks Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

7p. 479-5233.

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Tropical Jazz Group: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 14

•Backyard Bluesfest: Damon Fowler, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-6p. 693-7111.

•Becky Robinson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Blair Crimmins & The Hookers: Ragtime concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre,

16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Crazy Cryptids Family Day: Halloween crafts & activities. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a-1p. Free. 252-8476.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Heathers - the Musical: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Oktoberfest: Beer, food trucks, live music: Slim Gillian 1p, DJ Nate 4p, Rock Republic 7p. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 12-11p. Free. 313-6576.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Orchid Sale & Symposium: Free plant sale, workshops Pre-register. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 334-7419.

•Rodney Carrington: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Sarah McQuaid: Americana concert, Bill Veach opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Sarasota Orchestra: New York, New York concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Shawn Banks: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•The Frontmen: Rock concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Outdoor film screening. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. 939-2787.

•Vivaldi’s Four Season & More: Listeso String Quartet concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-1700.

SUNDAY 15

•Becky Robinson: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt

Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Beethoven Piano Trio: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Heathers - the Musical: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - Fiesta del Paraiso. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Oktoberfest: Beer, food trucks, live music: Gator Nate 12p, Ralph Curtis 4p. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 2-8p. Free. 313-6576.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Orchid Sale & Symposium: Free plant sale, workshops Pre-register. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops Pre-register. 9a-4p. 334-7419.

MONDAY 16

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 7p. Register. 348-9151.

•The Elephant Man: Film. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

TUESDAY 17

•2pm Band: Americana concert. Tribby Arts Center, Shell Point, 13921 Shell Pt Plaza, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Beethoven Piano Trio: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

•Rob Little: Off the Hook Comedy

Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Storytelling: Robin Schulte. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

WEDNESDAY 18

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•David Sedaris: Author & racounteur Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Fashion Night at the MuseumThe Oscars: For families & kids dress up, walk runway. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Kids 5-8. 5:30-7:30p. Register. 514-0084.

•Lecture: Bigfoots & Skunk Apes & Nessie, Oh My!. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a. Free. 252-8476.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Rob Little: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Storytelling: Robin Schulte. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

THURSDAY 19

•Ancient Forest Tour: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Joe Gatto: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Johnny Mac: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Lecture: Logging in the Swamp. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008.

•Rob Little: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

•Schubert’s Winterreise: Michael Baron & Krzysztof Biernacki concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

•Wicked Walk: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 333-1933.

FRIDAY 20

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659.

•Art Sale: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 395-0027.

•Comedy Nite: Sonya White, Kathy McSteen. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

Clyde Butcher’s Swamp Celebration is at his Big Cypress Gallery in Ochopee. Oct 21 & 22.

What Goes On

•Cooper Alan: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Ghoulish Gala: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 333-1933.

•Hardy: Concert; Lainey Wilson, Dylan Marlowe open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Joanne Shaw Taylor: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Johnny Mac: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Kountry Wayne: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7 & 9p. 389-6901.

•La Dame Blanche: Hip-hop jazz concert. Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Naples Philharmonic: Beethoven Eroica Symphony concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Nich Carter: Pop concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Pine Flatwoods Walk: 2 hour guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Zach Williams: Christian rock concert, Riley Clemmons opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

SATURDAY 21

•Alejandro Fernandez: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659.

•Art in the Wild Day: Art demos & workshops, meet duck stamp artists, nature journal hike, crafts, nature journal hike, live music, yoga, puppet show, Duck Stamp art exhibition. Free, Pre-register.

‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

•Art Sale: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 10a-4p. Free. 395-0027.

•Backyard Bash: Adult games, live music, food, drinks. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 6-10p. 514-0084.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Chris O’Leary Band, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, Eric Demmer Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-6p. 693-7111.

•Chicago Transit: Chicago tribute concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Common Kings: Rock concert, Jakobs Castle opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Ellis Paul: Americana concert w Darryl Purpose, Gene Martin opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Points Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770906-7885.

•Johnny Mac: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Kountry Wayne: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Lecture: Estero Historical Society - Ponce de Leon. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911.

•Music in the Garden: tba. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Naples Philharmonic: Beethoven Eroica Symphony concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza: Pumpkin picking. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•R.E.M. Explored: SWFL Symphony Pops concert w Mike Mills & Robert McDuffie. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 418-1500.

•Sarasota Orchestra: London Calling concert. Sarasota Opera House. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Swamp Celebration: Exhibit, guided swamp walk, meet Clyde Butcher. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 10a-5p. Free. Fee for Swamp Walks. 695-2428.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

SUNDAY

22

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659.

•Art in the Wild Day Art demos & workshops, plein-air artists Paint Out, nature journal hike, crafts, nature journal hike, live music, yoga, puppet show, Duck Stamp art exhibition. Free, Pre-register. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100.

•Art Sale: Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 11a-4p. Free. 395-0027.

•FGCU Symphony Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Kountry Wayne: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. :30p. 389-6901.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Punta Gorda Symphony: John Williams Star Wars concert, family activities. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-205-5996.

•Sebastian Maniscalco: Comedy. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5 & 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Swamp Celebration: Exhibit, guided swamp walk, meet Clyde Butcher. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 10a-5p. Free. Fee for Swamp Walks. 695-2428.

MONDAY 23

•Ensemble New SRQ: Beyond the Veil. Classical music concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p.

TUESDAY 24

•A Cracker at the Ritz: Rick Compton & Betsy Bennett musical comedy. Arts Bonita Performing

Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 25

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Lindsay Glazer: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 26

•Carlos Mencia: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Claude Bourbon: Blues concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•Corey Kent: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival Opening Night Film & Party: Arts-Naples, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Red carpet arrival 6p, film 7p, afterparty 9p. 775-3456.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Film screenings. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 10:30a-8:30p. 775-3456.

•Spooktacular Halloween Concert: Zach Bartholomew & Brandon Robertson jazz concert, costumes, candy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 27

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5:30-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Carlos Mencia: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Comedy Nite: Sheena Reagan. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Halloween Party: Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. Free. 333-1933.

•Halloween Spooktacular: Games, activities, crafts, trick-or-treating. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:307p. 514-0084.

•Howl-O-Ween: Live music, costume contest. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 7-11p. 332-0161.

•Justin Moore: Concert, Priscilla Block opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Film screenings. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 10:30a-8:30p. 775-3456.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Star Wars - A New Hope concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Women of Open Bar Comedy Show: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

SATURDAY 28

•Ancestor’s Table Exhibit Tour & Food Demo: Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a. Free. 252-2611.

•Carlos Mencia: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.

•Fall Festival: Live music, educational activities, games, crafts, face painting, Banyan Tree climb. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 334-7419.

•Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Broadway Divas concert w Heather Ivy & Whitney Grace. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Halloween in the Gardens: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5-7p. 992-2591.

•Halloween Spooktacular: Games, activities, crafts, trick-or-treating. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 5:307p. 514-0084.

•Johnny B: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Josh Blue: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Film screenings. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 11a-6:30p. 775-3456.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Star Wars - A New Hope concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Expendables: Rock concert, Bumpin Uglies opens. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. 985-9839.

SUNDAY 29

•Baron & Navarro Piano Duo: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Bob Lauver: Comedy hipnotist. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Carlos Mencia: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•E.T. in Concert: Naples

Philharmonic. Naples Int’l Film Festival. Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 775-3456.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Hogwarts Halloween concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Gulfshore Opera: Latin Infusion concert. Center for the Performing Arts,10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 529-3925.

•Latin Infusion: Gulfshore Opera concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free indoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival Closing Awards Ceremony, Film, Concert & Wrap Party: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Awards in Daniels Pavilion 5:30, film in Hayes Hall 7:30p, party in Daniels Pavilion 9:30p. 597-1900.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Panel discussion. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 10a. Free. Reserve. 775-3456.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted

FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts presents Baron & Navarro Piano Duo on October 29 in the U Tobe Recital Hall on the FGCU campus in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

MONDAY 30

•The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Film. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

TUESDAY 31

•Celtic Thunder: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: John Williams Favorites concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Storytelling: Open mic - Spooked. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5p. Free. 590-7199.

Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Art Reception: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30-7p. Free. 530-5977.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Freddy Rubino: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Israel Fernandez & Diego del Morao: Flamenco concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: John Williams Favorites concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples.

1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•Rat Pack Live!: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

FRIDAY 3

•A Tribute to Taylor Swift: Listeso String Quartet concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 2771700.

WEDNESDAY 1

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Celtic Thunder: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Freddy Rubino: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Leonard Bernstein - Citizen Artist: Author & filmmaker Jamie Bernstein, soprano Heather Ivy recital. Hosted by SWFL Symphony. Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. 7p. 418-1500.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: John Williams Favorites concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Rat Pack Live!: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p. 278-4422.

THURSDAY 2

•Andres Madsen & Susan Ogata: Harpsichord & violin concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Angelo Tsarouchas: Snappers

•American Indigenous Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids’ activities, food. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-9021113.

•Angelo Tsarouchas: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233.

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, in Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. 6-9:30p. Free. 590-8645.

•Art Reception: Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Live music on Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136.

•Art Reception: Things I Like by Catherine, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Bored Teachers - We Can’t Make this Stuff Up: Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Comedy Nite: Nathan Wallace & Company. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•David Nihill.: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Guided Forest Bathing Meditation: Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Jeff Pifner: Jazz concert. Arts

Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: John Williams Favorites concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Nostaljah: Reggae band. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7-11p. Free. 333-1933.

•Rat Pack Live!: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Dinner 5:30p, show 7:30p. 278-4422.

•Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference: Workshops, speakers, panels, readings, networking. Kyle Arrington keynote 6p. Free. 590-7421.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven’s Eroica concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•Wine & Cheese Pairing: Sunset tasting, presentation, music. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-7:30p. Pre-register. 334-7419.

SATURDAY 4

•Albert Cummings: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•American Indigenous Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, kids activities, food. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-9021113.

•Angelo Tsarouchas: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 479-5233.

•Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, Naples. 10a-5p. Free. 262-6517.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•David Nihill: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Live music, dance performances, special displays, arts & crafts, food. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-7p. 6437275.

•En Plein Air Painting: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos.

Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 247-1977.

•Ernest: Country music concert, Jake Worthington & Cody Lohden open. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Free Family Day: Arts activities. Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 10-11:30a. Free. 495-8989.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9:30a. Register. 530-5972.

•Here Come the Mummies: Concert, Perpetual Groove opens. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Memphis Lightning: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Jazz Band: Free indoor concert. River Park Community Center, 301 11th St N, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: John Williams Favorites concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 8p. 597-1900.

•Rafael Ramirez: Flamenco concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Rat Pack Live!: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p.

•Rupert Wates: Americana concert, Gareth Rockliffe opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Sanibel On-Campus Writers Conference: Workshops, speakers, panels, readings, networking. Richard Blanco keynote 6p. Free. 590-7421.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven’s Eroica concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

•SWFL Symphony w Marcus

Roberts Jazz Trio: American Classical. Masterworks. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. Lecture 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 418-1500.

•The Frank Bang Four: Concert. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862.

•The Little Sweep: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 5p. 941328-1300.

SUNDAY 5

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: Veterans Day tribute. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Bring lawn chair or blanket. 2-4p. Free. 405-3320.

•Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Live music, dance performances, special displays, arts & crafts, food. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a-4p. 6437275.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•GO Divas Benefit Concert: Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr, Fort Myers, 4p. 529-3925.

•Lukas Nelson & POTR: Americana music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Patchouli & Carlene Thissen: Americana concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787.

•Rafael Ramirez: Flamenco concert. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5p. 941-359-5700.

•Rat Pack Live!: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr tribute concert. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Lunch 11:30a, show 1p & dinner 5:30p, show 7p.

•Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven’s Eroica concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434.

•The Doo Wop Project: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•The Littlle Sweep: Sarasota. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 12:30p. 941-328-1300.

•The Rowdy Bards: Irish pub music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-7p. Free. 603-6535.

•We Ain’t Done Wild’n Out Yet: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

Here Comes the Mummies perform November 4 at the Seminole Casino in Immokalee.

What Goes On

MONDAY 6

•I Walked with Heroes: Documentary film. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

TUESDAY 7

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free.

540-5789.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 8

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free.

436-3530.

•Ben Brainard: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 8:30p.

389-6901.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free.

693-7111.

•FGCU Percussion Chamber

Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a. Free. 254-9999.

•John Waite: Rock concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Stone Cold & The Jackal: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Vivaldi’s Four Season & More: Listeso String Quartet concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-1700.

THURSDAY 9

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, food, exhibition. Hirdie Girdie Gallery, 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 5-8p. Free. 395-0027.

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657.

•Best of Hans Zimmer: Listeso String Quartet concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-

1700.

•Bruce Hornsby: Rock concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-

3368.

•Christopher Cross: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-

0007.

•Danile Lochrie & Michael Baron: Clarinet & piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits, dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 6928436.

•FSW State College Music Dept

Concert: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 7p. 529-3925.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ehnes Plays and Leads concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•Terra Guitarra: Flamenco guitar concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•The Incorrigibles: Rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Troy Bond: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY 10

•50 Years of Rock & Roll - part 4: Rock concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802.

•Blinded Me with Science Gala: 1980s themed cocktail party fundraiser. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. 7p. rsvp. 321-7420.

•Celebrating Billy Joel: Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

•Dave Keller: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Music of Puccini: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-328-1300.

•Troy Bond: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY 11

•Arts on Tap: Fundraiser, food, craft beers, lawn games. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 939-2787.

•Chris O’Leary Band: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Comedy Nite: Scott Novotny, Cliff Hornsby. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Music of Barry Manilow concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Holiday Book Signing: Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave S, Venice. 10a-3p. 941-486-0811.

•Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Jukebox Saturday Night: Big band concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ehnes Plays and Leads concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Nu Breed & Jesse Howard: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Open Artist Studios & Galleries: More than 30 galleries & studios in Sarasota Studio Artists Association. Various locations throughout Sarasota. 11a-3p. Free.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 247-1977.

•Russell Dickerson: Concert; Parmalee, Niko Moon, Restless Road open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Soul Train II: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe benefit gala dinner & show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075

Covenant Church, 6926 Trail Blvd, Naples. 7p. 234-2745.

•Punta Gorda Symphony: Dvorak Symphony No. 9 concert. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 3:30p. 941-205-5996.

•Readers Theater: A Day Without Laughter is a Day Wasted. Oneact plays. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990.

MONDAY 13

•FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Naples Big Band: Concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 777-0416.

•Night Tour: 2 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 5:30p. Register. 348-9151.

TUESDAY 14

Bahia Vista St, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-1505.

•Troy Bond: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Veterans Day Tribute Concert: Chuck Bergeron & the South Florida Jazz Orchestra. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•William Shatner: Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.

SUNDAY 12

•50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll, part 5: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Capitol Fools: Music & comedy. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 2 & 7:30p. 941488-1115.

•Chris D’Elia: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9-52.

•Manuel Angel Redondo: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Mendelssohn Octet: Naples Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•Music of Bobby Darin & Michael

Buble: Paul Todd concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 2771700.

•Music of Puccini: Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 3p. 941328-1300.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - With Liberty for All.

Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. Free. 270-1221.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concert: Guy Penrod concert w community choir, orchestra.

•Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221.

•Ballet X: With Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera concert. Shangri-La Springs, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 529-3925.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. 549-3000.

•Lecture: The Calusa & the Randell Research Center. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 2p. Free. 252-8476.

•Rocky LaPorte: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Storytelling: Open mic - Food. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5p. Free. 590-7199.

•Vega String Quartet: Chamber music concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

WEDNESDAY 15

•Blues Jam: Hosted ted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Martin Garcia Garcia: Grand Piano Series concert. St Leo Auditorium, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 469-333-3231.

•Open House: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0900.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

•Pasuale Grasso: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

American Community Music Association presents Patchouli, November 5 at Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

What Goes On

•Rocky LaPorte: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Storytelling: Joel Ying. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 590-7199.

THURSDAY 16

•Charley Crockett: Americana music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Ehnes Quartet: Chamber music concert w Andy Armstrong. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert.

U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268.

•Fort Myers Symphonic

Mastersingers: Intermezzo Choir concert. St Hillary Church, 5001 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 288-2535.

•Jazz Jam: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective concert - Music of John Coltrane. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Lecture: Seminole Tourist Camps Along the Tamiami Trail. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 6950008.

•Les Francophonies: Congolese jazz band. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 11a. 941-359-5700.

•My Cousin Tiera: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Naples Philharmonic: An Overture to Alexander concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•Pine Flatwoods Walk: 2 hour guided tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 9a. Register. 348-9151.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Ehren Gerhard. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 322-8593.

FRIDAY 17

•Comedy Nite: Jimmy Keys. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Demun Jones: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta

Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Les Francophonies: Congolese jazz band. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Matt Vita: Comedy. Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 404-5198.

•Michael Longfellow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 76:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Music of Bud Powell: Zach Bartholomew jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129.

•Straight No Chaser: Christmas concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941953-3368.

SATURDAY 18

•A Magic Cirque Christmas: Acrobatics variety show. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 3 & 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Big Al & The Heavyweights, Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band, Rockin’Jake, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-6p. 693-7111.

•Classic Car Show: Car show, entertainment, activities, food trucks. FSW State College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Naples. 9a-1p. 530-5977.

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•CROW Crawls: Scheduled trolleys visit various restaurants throughout Sanibel. Animals, games, prizes tastings. CROW, 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 12-6p. Free.472-3644.

•Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Free Community Day: Music, art, activities, family event. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 12-4p. 597-1900.

•Garden Festival: Live music, plant sale, food trucks. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

•Gilberto Santa Rosa: Salsa concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Grant Peeples: Americana concert, David Hintz opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Word of Life Church, 6111 South Points Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770906-7885.

•Lecture: Estero Historical Society - Historic Rehabilitation. Country Creek Country Club, 21180 Country Club Dr, Estero. 9:30a. Free. 272-1911.

•Les Francophonies: Congolese jazz band. Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700.

•Michael Longfellow: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Music in the Garden: tba. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Sawyer Brown: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•SWFL Fine Craft Guild: Member meeting. Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 11a-1p. Free. 574-0802.

•Tito Puentes Jr: Latin jazz concert w orchestra. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Wilderness Family Day: Crafts, games, activities. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 9a-12p. Free. 252-2611.

SUNDAY 19

•Comedy Nite: RC Smith. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 549-3000.

•Garden Festival: Live music, plant sale, food trucks. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 3p. 2771700.

•Jim Breuer: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901.

•Jo Koy: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Majesty of Rock: Journey & Styx tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 2p. 941-488-1115.

•Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.

•Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 612-327-3835.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Rock the Stage Semi Finals Showcase: Music competition concert fundraiser. Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-9p. 887-1428

•Sarasota Orchestra: A Soldier’s Tale chamber concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941953-3434.

•Sing-Along Messiah: Voices of Naples sing-along concert. Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 3p. 455-2582.

•SWFL Concert Band: The Inspiration of Music. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

MONDAY 20

•Ensemble New SRQ: Ligetti. Classical music concert w Han Chen. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p.

•Rhinestone Cowgirls: Country music concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Southern Raised: Bluegrass concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 415-5667.

TUESDAY 21

•Carmen Morales: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Early Birding Walk: 3 hour guided boardwalk tour. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 8a. Register. 348-9151.

•FSW State College Music Dept Concert: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 22

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Carmen Morales: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

•Fall Fun: Preschooler crafts & activities, apple picking. Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 10a. Register. Free. 252-8476.

•FSW State College Rock Ensemble Concert: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 23

•A Merry Little Murder: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

•Family Fun Night: Live music, dance demos, crafts, games, mini zoo w exotic animals. Bell Tower Shops, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 318-8560.

•Irish Jam: Live music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 603-6535.

FRIDAY 24

•Gary Owen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

•Holiday Nights Opening Celebration & Tree Lighting: Holiday lights throughout grounds & gardens, holiday decorations in homes, special tours, presentations, Santa & Mrs Claus. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p, tree lighting 6p. 334-7419.

•Michael Flatley’s Lorde of the Dance: xxxxxx concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Tropical Jazz Group: Live music. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 333-1933.

SATURDAY 25

•Comedy Night: Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 9:30. 323-6570.

•Gary Owen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

•Handel’s Messiah: Naples Philharmonic concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Rumours of Fleetwood Mac: Tribute concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

SUNDAY 26

•Dave Koz & Friends Christmas: Concert w Jonathan Butler. Artis-

Grand Piano Series presents Martin Garcia Garcia, November 15 at St. Leo’s Auditorium in Bonita Springs.

What Goes On

Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Gary. Owen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30p. 389-6901.

•Johnny Cash - The Official Concert Experience: Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.

•Open Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Rumours of Fleetwood Mac: tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

•SW-FloridaCon: Comic book & pop culture convention. Celebrities, live entertainment, demos, vendors, cosplay contests, panels, kids’ activities, live wrestling, food. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 236-8189.

MONDAY 27

•Sounds of Soul: Concert. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

TUESDAY 28

•Family Sunset Stroll: 1.5 hour guided boardwalk tour for families w kids age 5 & up. Corkscrew Swamp Blair Audubon Center, 375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples. 6:30p. Register. 348-9151.

•FSW State College Music Dept Concert: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Jazz & Blues Jam: Heavilin Jazz Ensemble. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 7-9:30p. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 29

•Art After Hours: Live music, food & drinks. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas jazz cconcert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3368.

•Open Mic: Music, comedy, poetry. Howl, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 332-0161.

THURSDAY 30

•Chase Matthew: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 745-4268.

•Holidays with Heather Ivy: Holiday concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Joe Bonamassa: Blues concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 8p. 941-953-3368.

•Naples Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•One Vision of Queen: Queen tribute concert w Marc Martel. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples.

1-5p. Free. 247-1977.

•Sunset Concert: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 6p. 941-366-5731.

ongoing Theater

•26 Miles: Oct 12-Nov 5. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529.

•A Merry Little Murder: Nov 22-Dec 24. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•A Tuna Christmas: Nov 30-Dec 17. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•Beguiled Again: thru Oct 29. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Beware the House on Haunted Hill: Oct 18-22. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Breaking Legs: Oct 17-Nov 12. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Clown Bar: Nov 9-26. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•Crazy For You: Nov 15-Jan 4. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids: Oct 12-14. Children’s theater. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 261-7529.

•Dreamwork’s Madagascar - a Musical Adventure Jr: Nov 28-Dec 24, selected matinees. Broadway

Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Elf - the Musical: Nov 10-Dec 25.Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Fame - the Musical: Nov 9-19. Cultural Park Theatre Compnay, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Footloose: thru Oct 8. Cultural Park Theatre Company, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•Grace for President: Oct 3-26, selected matinees. Broadway

Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Hairspray: thru Oct 28. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Heathers - the Musical: Oct 12-15. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.

•Heathers - the Musical: Oct 12-15. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888966-3352.

•Ho! Ho! Ho! - The Christmas Show: Nov 28-Dec 17. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Joyful! Joyful!: Nov 29-Dec 30. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941366-1505.

•Let’s Murder Marsha: Oct 18-Nov 5. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Nov 15-Jan

7. 1241 Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•Little Shop of Horrors: Oct 1,

5-7. Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St & 2267 First St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Misery: Oct 20-Nov 12 (previews Oct 18 & 19). Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Miss Bennet - Christmas at Pemberly: Nov 1-19. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•Murder at the Howard Johnson’s: Oct 5-15. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-2551022.

•Murder Theory: thru Nov 19. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Noises Off: thru Oct 1. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Once on This Island: Oct 11-Nov 19. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941366-1505.

•Out of Bounds: Oct 7-Nov 25. Florida Studio Theatre Improv. Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•Pickleball: Oct 27-Nov 19. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Pretty Woman - the Musical: Nov 27 & 28. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-9533368.

•Radio Golf: Oct 19-29. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9363239.

•Rat Pack Live! Nov 1-5. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Reefer Madness - The Musical: thru Oct 8. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Ruthless! - the Musical: thru Oct 15. The Players Centre. The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, #1130, Sarasota. 941365-2494.

•SCD + WBTT: Nov 30-Dec 3. Sarasota Contemporary Dance & Westcoast Black Theater Troupe. Jane Cook Theater, 555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-260-8485.

•Snowbird Follies: Nov 29-Dec 23. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.

•Superior Donuts: Oct 27-Nov

2. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Take It to the Limit: Nov 29-Apr 7. Florida Studio Theatre. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•The 39 Steps: Oct 25-Nov 12. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Addams Family: Oct 13-Nov

12. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•The Christmas Express: Nov 29-Dec 17. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again): Nov 29-Dec

10. Marco Players. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Dining Room: Oct 4-22. The Naples Players. McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Foreigner: Nov 2-12. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•The Last Five Years: Nov 24-26. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 3236570.

•The Legend of Georgia McBride: Oct 27-Nov 12. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•The Marvelous Wonderettes: Nov

9-19. The Naples Players. Beverley Hall, Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 263-7990.

•The Music Man: Oct 18-21. Fort Myers Theatre. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•The Music Man: Oct 5-15. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Oct 20-28. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•The Sound Inside: Oct 20-Dec 3. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•Up on the Roof: thru Feb 12. Florida Studio Theatre. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•Winter Wonderettes: Nov 16-Dec

17. Gulfshore Playhouse. Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 261-7529.

Art Galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 312375-8887.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887.

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Oct 6-28: Moving Roots; Nov 3-25: Whimsy & Wonder - Doug MacGregor. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. 939-2787.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Oct 12-Nov

11: Randy Globus; Oct 12-Nov 11: Clifford McDonald; Oct 12-Nov

11: Zach Gilliland; Oct 12-Nov 11: Storytelling. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941365-2032.

•Arts Bonita Performing Arts

Center: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Oct 2-Jan 2: Clyde Butcher - America’s Everglades. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-2p. 495-8989.

•Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Oct 2-Jan 2: Clyde ButcherAmerica’s Everglades. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 495-8989.

•Arts for ACT Gallery: Oct

6-31: Mark Mintz Underwater Photography; Nov 3-28: Dia Muertos group show. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. 337-5050.

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples.

thru Oct 15: Naples Collects; thru Oct 29: Student Photography Institute; Oct 14-Jan 7: Frank

Stewart’s Nexus; Oct 14-Jun 30: Florida Contemporary; Nov 18-Mar

10: The Art of Food; Nov 18-Apr 28: The Face of Immokalee; thru Apr 7: Tamara Kostianovsky - Botanical Revolution. Ongoing: Chihuly Collection; Magritte - Reflections of Another World; Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest. Guided tours TueSat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.

•Behind the Buddha Artists’ Studios: 9290 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10a-4p, Wed 10a-9p, Sat 1-4p. 691-3225.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Oct 27-Dec 10: Involution; Dec 15-Jan 28: Imaginary Lines –Sanibel-Captiva Art League; thru Jan 21: In the Blink of an Eye; thru Jan 21: Bea Pappas Retrospective. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. thru Dec 9: DEVO 5-0 - The Beginning was the End. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. 489-9313.

•Bokeelia Art Gallery: 8315 Main St, Bokeelia. Wed-Sun 10a-5p. 738-5280.

•Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. thru Nov 2: Art Center

Employees; Oct 6-Nov 2: The Witching Hour - Art After Dark; Nov 3-21: Intangible. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Oct 2-31: Hispanic Heritage; Oct 2-Nov 3: People & Places; Nov 6-28: Members show; Nov 6-30: Express Yourself. Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. 772-5657.

•Clip Joint Barber Shop & Art Gallery: 7431 College Pkwy, unit 120, rm 136, Ft Myers. Mon & WedSat 10a-8p. 281-8180.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. Daily 10a-5p. 695-2428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Estero Art League open painting Fri 11:30a-4p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Ongoing: Art Council of SWFL members. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Wed-Sun 12-6p. 436-3530.

•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. Mon-Fri 9a-6p & Sat 10a-5p. 941-799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-7996634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 Lime Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt, 3rd Thu 5-7p. 941-799-6634.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Inside Butterfly Estates, 1815-3 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-3p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 590-8645.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery– Oct 13Nov 16: Citrus Flux; Oct 13-Sep 1, 2024: Psychology of Sustainability. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Temporary Closed. 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Exhibits– Oct 25-Nov 20 & Jan 5-25: Rush of Color at First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 463-3909.

The paintings of Ehren Fritz Garhard are on display at Naples Botanical Garden thru October 29.

What Goes On

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: Crayton Cove, 810 12th Ave S, Naples. Mon-Thu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 403-8393.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Daily 11a-8p. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-2637.

•High Tide Studio & Gallery: 995 Central Ave, Naples. Thru Nov 15: Pop of Pink. Tue-Sat 10a-4p & by appt. 228-6934.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: Grand reopening Oct 12. 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 263-6640.

•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.

•Joel Shapses Gallery: 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. Thu 1-5p & 2nd Sat 10a-2p. Free. 954-8303156.

•LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center: 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. FriSun 1-5p. 863-843-2929

•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 103p. 276-0448

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: Temporary Closed. 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha. 203-8332.

•Marc Harris Wildlife Photography Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton Tiburon, 2600 Tiburon Dr, Naples, By appt. 789-7027 283-3354.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. thru Oct 3: One Endless Voice to Enhance Our Traditions; Oct 9-Nov 21: Natural Elements; Oct 9-31: Inez Hudson - Where the Wild Things Are; Nov 2-21: Terra

Guitarra; Nov 28-30: Festival of Trees. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. Thru Nov 1: Resident artists. By appt. 821-1061.

•Naples Art District: Dozens of

artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. Open studios Thu 1-5p & 2nd Sat 10-2p. 249-1977.

•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. thru Oct 15: Naples Invitational; Nov-Jan: Victor Vasarely. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517.

•Quidley & Company Fine Art

Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 127p. 333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art & Design:

2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota

(Basch & Smith Galleries: Thompson Academic Center, 2363

Bradenton Rd; Cooley Photography Center: Bradenton Rd; Crossley

Gallery: Hughes Studio Bldg, 2698

Bradenton Rd; Selby Gallery:

2700 N Tamiami Tr; Skylight & Thompson Galleries: Keating Center, Bradenton Rd; Stulberg

Gallery: 1188 MLK Way). Basch

Gallery— thru Oct 20: Creatures, Characters + Curious Places.

Skylight Gallery— thru Oct 20:

Teaching & Learning. Smith

Gallery— thru Oct 20: Summer exhibition. Stulberg Gallery— thru Oct 20: Faculty exhibition.

Thompson Gallery— thru Oct 20:

Teaching & Learning. Tue 9a-9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. 941-474-5548.

Mon-Sat 10a-4p. 941-359-7563.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Sep 4:

Reclaiming Home - Contemporary Seminole Art; Oct 14-Jan 7:

Guercino’s Friar with Gold Earring; Oct 14- Jan 21: 500 Years of Italian

Drawings; Nov 18-Jun 2: Michele

Oka Doner; thru Oct 15: Lorna

Bieber; thru Oct 22: Art Deco

Lacquer & Textiles from Japan; thru Mar 3: Working Conditions; thru Jun 23: Mountains of the Minds. Community Gallery— thru Dec 8: Art of Recovery. Circus

Museum. Bayfront Gardens. Daily

10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Temporary Closed. Meetings 3rd Thu 1-3p. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593.

•Sanibel Public Library: 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Mon-Fri 9a-35p. 472-2155.

•Sarasota Art Center: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Oct 2-8: An Abstract View; Oct12-Nov 11: Storytelling; Nov 27-Jan 13: Still Life. Mon-Fri 101-5p 7 Sat 12-5p. 941-365-2032

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Oct 29: Reaasembling Spilt Light installation; thru Oct 29: Chakaia Booker - Surface Pressure; Oct 22Feb 11: Juana Valdes; Oct 22-Feb 11: Selection from the Basch Glass Collection; Nov 19-Mar 24: Judy Pfaff. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Oct 6-17: Oddities Rising; Oct 6-23: Dark Art; Nov 3-21: Glitch; Nov 3-21: Kiss This Too. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933.

•smallwalls: 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. By appt & 1st Wed 3-7p, 1st Thu 11a-5p, 3rd Sat 11a-5p. 402201-6160.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 852 1st Ave S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 11a-2p. 597-2110.

•Tammra Sigler Studio: 5760 Shirley St, # 11, Naples. By appt. 821-1017.

•Things I Like by Catherine: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 11a5p. 778-4665.

•Timeless: 2218 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. 332-8463.

•Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-5p. 579-0659.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Oct 3-Dec 23: Flora & Fauna; Oct 3-Dec 23: Pat Meredith - Art of the Quilt. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667.

•Union Artists Studios: Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394.

•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. Oct 6-Nov 2: Members show; Nov 10-30: Go with the Flow. Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Oct 1-31: 5x5 Mural Fundraiser exhibit; Oct 3-Oct 31: Faces & Figures; Oct 6-31: Goblins, Witches & Ghosts; Nov 4-Dec 29: Holiday Showcase. Mon & Fri 10a-4p, Tu-Thu 10a-7p, Sat 10a-2p. 941-639-8810.

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— ongoing: Explore Seminole Traditions, Art of Seminole Crafts, Seminole Pride - Artwork of Jimmy Osceoa. Daily 9a-5p (entry to boardwalk closes at 4pm). 877-902-1113.

•America’s Museum of the Military & First Responders: Naples Airport, North Road Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p & Sun 12-3p. Free. 614205-0357.

•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-4:30p & Sun 11a-4:30p. 941-364-2199.

•Artis-Naples: Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: Temporary Closed. 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 395-2233.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat,

planetarium Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun

12-5p. 941-746-4131.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505

First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu

11a. Register. 337-9505

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Oct :Tue-Sun 9a-2p; Nov:

Tue-Sun 10a-3p,. 690-2359.

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront

Dr, Pineland. Guided tours TueSat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes & haunted Walks select nites 8p. Planetarium shows Mon-Sat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Holiday Lights Dec 9-23 & 26-30. Tue-Sun

10a-4p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat

10a-2p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Sun-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-5p. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331

Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru Dec

2: Preserving Collier - 20 Years of Conservation Collier; Nov 21-Jan

6: A Cottage Christmas. Mon-Sat

9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Guided walks MonSat. Register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Daily 8a-1p. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily, Trails open daily sunrisesunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Exhibit– Dec 21-Feb 25: Niki Butcher. Wildlife drive: Sat-Thu 7a-5p; Visitor center: Sat-Thu 9a-5p. 472-1100.

•Edison & Ford Winter

Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum. Exhibits. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (pre-register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; piano concert every other Wed 9:30a. Holiday Nights

Celebration: Nov 24-Dec 30, 5:309p. Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Estero Historic Cottage Museum: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Estero Historical Society: Estero Park, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Sat 1-4p. Free. 272-1911.

•Historic Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens:  Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: Tue-Sat 12-4p (register). Tue-Sat 12-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: Re-opens Oct 31. 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Exhibits— Oct-Dec: Forgeries & the Holocaust. Guided tours. Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 1-4p. Closed may 8-Jul 10. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Oct 7-Nov 7: Ancestor’s table. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. thru Nov 4: From the Gulf to the Glades - Photography of Jim Freeman; Nov 14-Mar 2: The Origins of Golf on Marco Island; thru Jun: Key Marco Deer. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Oct 13-31: Lights at Spooky Point. Daily 10a5p. 941-366-5731

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 11a & 1p; Garden tours Tue & Fri 1p; Untold Stories tours Thu 2p; Free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. TueSat 9a-4p. 765-0865.

•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. thru Jan 20: Ebbets in the Everglades. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue-Sat 11a3p. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions–thru Oct 29: Ehren Fritz Gerhard - Understory Wonders; thru Nov: Stickwork. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jan 21, 2024: Patricia Zalisko - For Life to Return, Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: Temporary Closed. 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Daily 9a-4:30p. 2625409.

•Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center: Temporary Closed. 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. 765-8101.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Sat 10a1p. Dogs welcome Tue. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-621-8299.

•Randell Research Center: 7450 Pineland Rd, Pineland. Calusa Heritage Trail, South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits. Guide Calusa Heritage Trail tours Tue-Sat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibit— Oct 3- 27: Summer Exhibition. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak ecotours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. JAN-APR Dawn-dusk. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: Re-Opening Oct 18. 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 472-4648.

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 16554 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas house, natural history exhibits, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, zip line. Live music Tue-Sun afternoons. Daily 10a-5p. 995-2141.

•True Tours: River District History Walking Tour: Select Thu & Sat 10:30a; Haunted History Tours Wed & Sat 8p (pre-register). Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, Ft Myers. 945-0405.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents ‘Lights at Spooky Point’, Oct 13-31 at their Historic Spanish Point Campus in Osprey.

What Goes On

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. WedFri 11a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 332-8778.

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Halloween Nights in the Gardens: Oct 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 26-28 5-8p. 10a-2p. 992-2591.

Parks & Beaches

•Alison Hagerup Beach: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva. Dawn-dusk. Parking fee. 472-2472.

•Alva Park: 21471 N River Rd, Alva.

Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-0398.

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden exhibit. Free. 472-1932.

•Bonita Beach Park:  27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444.

•Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach.

Dawn-dusk. Free. 463-3764.

•Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700

Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel.

Dawn-dusk. 533-7575.

•Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.

•Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 237-9306.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Dawndusk. Free. 693-2690.

•Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island.

Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-5755816.

•Collier-Seminole State Park:  US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196.

•Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632.

•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 695-3311.

•Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: 8137 Coastline Dr, Copeland. Hiking & bicycling trails, boardwalk, paddling, historic site. 8a-sunset daily. 695-4593.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 574-0804.

•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8amsunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.

•Hickey Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690.

•John Yarbrough Linear Park: 14608 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 218-1032.

•Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 992-0311.

•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 7a-dusk. 533-7575.

•Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawndusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lighthouse Beach Park: 110/153 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345.

•Lovers Key State Park:  8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures Wed

10:30a; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset; seashell walk

1st Fri 10:30a; wildlife hikes 1st Sat 10:30a; beach & estuary walk

3rd Fri 10:30a. 8a-sunset daily. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Beach Park:  950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve:  Temporary Closed. 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Free. 707-3015.

•Matlacha Park: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Community Center. 7a-9p. Free. 771-1078.

•Myakka River State Park:  13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, paddling, hiking & bicycling horseback riding trails, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 8a-sunset daily. 941-361-6511.

•Nalle Grade Park: 8350 Nalle Grade Rd, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.

•North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200

•North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawndusk. Free. 694-2291.

•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941-483-5956.

•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawndusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397.

•San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach

Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794.

•Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks daily 9:30a. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7550.

•Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn-9:15p. Free. 478-6998.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7468.

Libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311.

•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4150.

•East County Regional: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. MonWed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200.

•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.

•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.

•Fort Myers Regional: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.

•Fort Myers Beach: Temporary Closed. 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Sat 9a-5p. 765-8162.

•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.

•Immokalee: 417 N First St, Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.

•Johann Fust Community: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu 10a6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941-964-2488

•Lakes Regional: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4000.

•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.

•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.

•Northwest Regional: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4700.

•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350.

•Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 533-4370.

•Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri

9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483.

•South County Regional: 21100

Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed

9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-

5p. 533-4400.

•South Regional: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu

9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 533-4780.

•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.

Live Music & Comedy

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p w Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band; Free Backyard Bluesfest: select Sun 2-6p. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select WedSun nites. 482-8565.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Tue nites: jazz & blues jams 7-9:30p; Comedy nites: Fri & select Sat nites 7p; live music select nites 7-10p. Tue. 549-3000.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat 2-5p. Free. 204-9665.

•Eight-Foot Brewing: 4417 SE 16th

Pl, #11, Cape Coral. Live music Sat

6-9p. Free. 337-7646.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed 6-9p, Thu 6:30-9:30p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun

2-5p. Free. 313-6576.

•Howl: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Open mic Wed 8-11p; live music select nites. 332-0161

•Lobby Bar: Luminary Hotel, 2200

Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. Wed nites Nov 2-Jan 1: Frank Sinatra Tribute. Free. 314-3723.

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 5-9p & Sun 12-4p; last Wed 7-9p Comedy Nite. Free. 463-3838.

•Millennial Brewing: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri nites 6-9p. Free. 271-2255.

•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sat & select Sun, Tue, Wed nites. 540-7867.

•Ollie’s Pub: 1019 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Tue: Open jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 540-7867.

•Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. Live music & burlesque select nites. 217-0919.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 2nd & 4th Thu 6-9p: Irish Music Jam; 1st Sun 4-7p: The Rowdy Bards; Sat 1-5p: Jeff Lyons. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. Live music Fri & Sat nites 7-10p. Free. 228-6533.

•Riptide Brewing: 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd, Bonita Springs. Live music Fri & Sat 7-10p. Free. 949-9945.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live jazz 6:309:30p. Wed: Danny Sinoff Trio; Thu: Jazz-Matics; Fri: Tony Boffa & Friends; Sat: Danny Sinoff Quartet; Sun: Ricky Howard. 415-4375.

•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 8845 Founders Square Dr, Naples. Live music select Fri-Sun 8-11p. Free. 435-9333.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat nites. 204-9949.

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 985-9839.

•The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands select nites. 405-8566.

•Whiskey Park: 3300 Mercantile Ave, Naples. Open mic Sun 8:30p-12:30a; live music Fri & Sat 9:30p-1a. 263-6777.

•Z’s Music Kitchen: 12655 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Live music select Fri & Sat 6-9p. 304-9552.

The exhibition, ‘The Art of Food’ is on display at The Baker Museum, November 18-March 10 on the Artis–Naples campus in Naples.