September-October 2018

ontheGulf

SWFL Hosts Songwriter Festival

NEWS & PREVIEWS

The 5th annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns to Southwest Florida for 10 days, September 21-30, with performances at various venues in downtown Fort Myers, in Fort Myers Beach and on Captiva.

Captiva hosts the music festival, September 21-23; while shows will take place in downtown Fort Myers’ historic River District September, 24-27; and the festival wraps up with shows in Fort Myers Beach September 28-30.

Most performances are free.

The band Midland will perform September 30 at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Tickets needed for Midland’s Island Hopper Songwriter Fest Pool Party at 4:30pm on Fort Myers Beach. The Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is located at 275 Estero Blvd.

Other featured artists are Locash and Travis Denning. Local songwriters performing at the festival are Ayla Lynn, Sheena Brook and Jack Michael.

More than 40 singersongwriters are scheduled to perform, including The Sweetheart Deal (a duo featuring Emily Kinney, who played Beth on The Walking Dead, and Paul McDonald of American Idol fame), Aaron Barker (wrote George Strait's 'Baby Blue'), Big Al Anderson (named one of the Top 100 Guitarists by Musician magazine), Chas Sandford (wrote John Waite's hit,'Missing You'), Chris Barron (lead singer of the Spin Doctors), Bob Dipiero, Dave

Pahanish (wrote Toby Keith's hit, 'American Ride'), Earl Bud Lee (wrote Garth Brooks' hit, 'Friends in Low Places'), Dylan Altman (wrote Tim McGraw's hit, 'Watch the Wind Blow By'), Even Stevens (wrote Eddie Rabbitt's hit, "I Love a Rainy Night'), Wendell Mobley (wrote Rascal Flatt's hit, 'Fast Cars and Freedom'), Heidi Newfield (of the band Trick Pony), The Bass Brothers, Will Bowen, and Wynn Varble.

Performances on Captiva will be at Key Lime Bistro, South Seas Island Resort, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Crow’s Nest at ‘Tween the Waters, Cantina Captiva, RC Otter’s, and Mucky Duck.

Shows in downtown Fort Myers will be at at The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, City Tavern, Hotel Indigo, and Pincher’s at The Marina at Edison Ford. Tickets are needed for the show featuring female songwriters at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on September 27, 7pm. Amie

Miriello, Bridgette Tatum, Heidi Newfield, Megan Linville, and Sheena Brook will be performing.

Performances in Fort Myers Beach are scheduled at Diamondhead Resort’s Cabana, Sunset Beach Tropical Grill, Matanzas on the Bay, Nervous Nellie’s, Pincher’s Crab Shack, Yucatan Beach Stand, and Pink Shell Beach Resort.

For information, call 338-3500 or visit one of the Festival headquarters: Cone Rooms, 5400 Plantation Rd. on Captiva; Hotel Indigo, 1520 Broadway in Fort Myers; Harbour House at the Inn, 450 Old San Carlos Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach.

‘Ding’ Darling Days Weekend Fest on Sanibel

This year's ‘Ding’ Darling Days birding and eco-festival is October 12-14 at the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. The 30th annual ‘Ding’ Darling Days birding and eco-festival celebrates the birthday of the refuge's namesake, father of the Federal Duck Stamp program and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Jay N. ‘Ding’ Darling.

The celebration kicks off on October 12 with Let's Get Outside Day, with free admission to the Wildlife Drive for cyclists and hikers, and various free and discounted tours and eco-activities. Conservation Art Day follows on October 13 with nature art workshops and visits from the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp winners. Weekend festivities conclude on October 14 with Family Fun

Guided kayaking tours will be offered at the 30th annual ‘Ding’ Darling Days festival, October 12-14 at the ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Big Al Anderson, named one of the top 100 Guitarists by Musician magazine, will be performing at the Island Hopper Songwriters Fest, September 21-30.

Day, featuring free refuge tours, live wildlife presentations, archery clinics, and live music, as well as activities in the Visitor & Education Center, including puppet shows, storytelling, nature crafts, and face-painting.

‘Ding’ Darling Days will be open 7:30am-6:30pm each day, with guided tram tours, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and birding activities.

The ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Dr., off Sanibel-Captiva Rd. on Sanibel. For information, call 472-1100.

Hubcap Art in Bonita Springs

The Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs presents ‘Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art,’ September 1-October 20.

‘Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art’ features 35 transformed hubcaps that inspire viewers to reflect on the role of consumption in American culture and to stimulate thinking about inventive ways to re-use and recycle.

The 35 works from Landfillart’s collection, some on pedestals and some on walls, ranging in size from one hubcap to a series of objects; some are kinetic and incorporate sound; while others directly reference specific environmental issues. In some cases, the artist responded to the hubcap formally, by focusing on design elements like color, line, shape, and texture in humorous or fanciful ways.

Opening day activities are September 1, 12-2pm.

Center for Visual Arts is located at 26100 Old 41 Rd. in Bonita Springs. The gallery is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm & Saturday 9am-5pm. Call 495-8989 for information.

Botanical Garden Hosts Glass Sculpture Exhibition

Naples Botanical Garden unveils its newest exhibition, ‘Reflections on Glass: Fräbel in the Garden,’ on October 1. A first of its kind in Naples, this whimsical show brings a collection of glass sculptures and installations by

garden will be open 9am-5pm daily, with an early opening on Tuesdays at 8am. Summer hours through September: 16 TuesdaySunday 8am-2pm. Naples Botanical Garden will be closed for annual maintenance September 18-30.

For information, call 643-7275.

Naples Botanical Garden hosts an exhibition of 13 glass sculptures, ‘Reflections on Glass: Fräbel in the Garden,’ October 1-March 31.

A special feature for this year's event will include a retrospective of 40 years of coastal stewardship, shown through a selection of short documentary films.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of coastal lands and waters and is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coastal Office in partnership with NOAA.

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd. in Naples. Call 5305940 for information.

Exhibition at Collier Museum Explores the History of Fishing in Florida

The Collier Museum at Government Center presents ‘The Lure of Florida Fishing,’ provided by the Museum of Florida History Traveling Exhibits program. The exhibition will be on view thru September 29.

flamework glass artist Hans Godo Fräbel. The 13 displays feature botanically-inspired pieces, playful figures and ornate geometric shapes.

Fräbel, one of the most influential flameworkers in America, has been an important part of the evolution of flameworking as a recognized and respected art medium. His work can be found in public and private collections in over 80 countries worldwide.

‘Reflections on Glass: Fräbel in the Garden’ will be on view October 1-March 31. It is included with regular admission. One-of-akind pieces of Fräbel glass will be available for purchase.

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages.

Beginning October 1, the

Rookery Bay Celebrates Estuaries Day

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a special 40th Anniversary National Estuaries Day celebration on September 29 with free admission to the Environmental Learning Center from 9am-2pm.

The annual event includes guided boat tours, introductory kayaking trips, stand-up paddleboarding demos on Henderson Creek, live animal presentations, crafts, Junior Scientist lab activities, and more.

Florida has been a valued fishing destination since the late 19th century, when tales of the tarpon, a mighty game fish, enticed northern anglers to the state’s coasts. In the early 20th century, sport fishing developed into a major tourist draw and spurred the establishment of fishing clubs and tournaments. Florida’s lure as a sport fishing destination for saltwater and freshwater anglers continues today.

‘The Lure of Florida Fishing’

An exhibition of historical photographs and information, ‘The Lure of Florida Fishing’ is on view at the Collier Museum at Government Center thru September 29.

The Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs hosts the exhibition, ‘Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art,’ September 1-October 20.

exhibition includes historic photographs and information, as well as life-size bas relief sculptures of some of the most popular catch species.

Collier Museum at Government Center is located at 3331 Tamaimi Trail E. in Naples. The museum is open MondaySaturday 9am-4pm. Call 2528476 for information.

Exhibition Showcases The Everglades’ Abandoned Vehicles

The Museum of the Everglades is hosting ‘Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades,’ an exhibition of photographs by Matt Stock, thru November 2.

Stock’s work explores the interaction between man and nature as seen through night-time environmental portraits of vehicles long abandoned in the Everglades ecosystem. Over the years these manmade objects have become a part of the cycle of life as flora and fauna grow around and literally through them. These images show a hidden side of the Everglades and speak concurrently to mankind attempts to conquer the Everglades.

Stock captures the unique aspects of that vast and important ecosystem at night utilizing his hyper-realistic nighttime technique referred to as painting with light. It is vitally important to his work that every component seen in the photograph was captured on location and in real time. On set

his team meticulously illuminate a scene using specialized lighting tools feature by feature through the course of many hours and dozens of individual exposures. He then digitally combines elements of each of these exposures into a single luminous composition. Museum of the Everglades, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located 35 miles from downtown Naples at 105 West Broadway in Everglades City. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm. For information, call 695-0008.

Jonathan Kane

Retropsective at Davis Art Center

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center will host ‘Jonathan Kane Retrospective: 1957-2017,’ a retrospective of the renowned Southwest Florida photographer, September 7-28. Kane passed in 2017.

The exhibition covers the entire range of Kane’s work. Works begins with Kane’s teenage years as a precocious amateur and young staff photographer at a local Naples newspaper. It moves on to his experimentation with different styles during his years at art schools in Florida and California, and as a young urban professional. It concludes with the considerable

volume of experimental nudes produced upon Kane’s return to Naples in the early 2000s.

The show features Kane’s almost archival black & white photos that capture Southwest Florida of the 1970s (and echoes of it in the 2000s), humorous manipulated SX-70 Polaroid images, collages, and highly inventive digital color, primarily nudes.

Kane moved at an early age with his family to Naples, where he attended primary and middle school, and graduated from Naples High School in 1976. He began his photography career as a yearbook photographer at Naples High. He later became a staff photographer at The Naples Star, a local newspaper, where he covered society events and shot advertisements. He then went to art school. After art school, he initially worked as a passport and freelance photographer, before returning home to Naples in 2002, where he produced a significant volume of digital color photos, as well as occasional collages and black & white photos, as a fulltime photographer.

The opening reception for ‘Jonathan Kane Retrospective: 1957-2017’ is during downtown Fort Myers’ Art walk on September 7, 6-10pm. The reception is free and open to the public.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. For information, call 333-1933.

Germain Arena

11000 Everblades Pkwy Estero

948-7825

Oct 19: vs Norfolk Admirals

Oct 20: vs Norfolk Admirals

Oct 24: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Oct 26: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Oct 27: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Nov 9: vs Jacksonville IceMen.

Nov 10: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Nov 28: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Nov 30: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Dec 1: vs S Carolina Stingrays

Dec 5: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Dec 7: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Dec 8: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Dec 22: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Jan 2: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Jan 4: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Jan 5: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Jan 9: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Jan 11: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Jan 12: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits

Jan 25: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Jan 29: vs Jacksonville IceMen

Feb 6: vs Adirondack Thunder:

Feb 8: vs Adirondack Thunder

Feb 9: vs Adirondack Thunder

Feb 15: vs Manchester Monarchs

Feb 16: vs Manchester Monarchs

Mar 1: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Mar 6: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Mar 8: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Mar 9: vs Atlanta Gladiators

Mar 23: vs Orlando Solar Bears

Mar 27: vs Norfolk Admirals

Mar 29: vs Norfolk Admirals

Mar 30: vs Norfolk Admirals

Apr 6: vs Jacksonville IceMen

DAAS Gallery Presents ‘Beyond the Tattoo’

DAAS Co-op Art Gallery & Gifts will present ‘Beyond the Tattoo,’ an exhibition of artwork by tattoo and fine artists Ananda Warrick, David Dotts, Erin Kraepel, and Spencer Elles.

An opening reception meet & greet with the artists is scheduled for September 8, 6-9:30pm.

Ananda Warrick started her

The Museum of The Everglades hosts the exhibition of photographs, ‘Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades’ thru November 1.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts ‘Jonathan Kane Retropsective: 1957-2017,’ September 7-28.

tattoo apprenticeship with Andy Howl from Howl Gallery. Then going by the name of Mandalin, her fine artwork ranged in mediums from installations to paintings portraying dreamy, surrealist subject matters.

Warrick says, “Tattooing professionally these past five years has impacted my artwork dramatically by sharpening my attention to detail and cultivating appreciation for clean line work and easy to read imagery.”

David Dotts began drawing at an early age. “I believe my works exhibit qualities of expressionism, surrealism, abstract, and minimalism,” he explains.

Erin Kraepel is a self-taught artist whose artistic focus revolves around creating narratives and statements, using fantastic elements and abstractions of the human form. For this exhibition, his pieces will focus on transition and destruction, using alla prima oil painting techniques, textures and muted colors.

Spencer Elles is a graphic artist and illustrator, as well as a commissioned artist of homoerotic art. He is currently an apprentice of tattooist Andy Howl.

‘Beyond the Tattoo’ will be on view September 8-October 6. For more information,call 590-8645.

DAAS Co-op Art Gallery is located in Royal Palm Square at 1400 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 590-8645 for information.

W ANTED artists

The Alliance for the Arts is inviting artists to submit work for three upcoming exhibitions.

The upcoming ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) is more about remembering and celebrating the lives of family and friends than dwelling on death, and encourages us toconnect with loved ones while reflecting onthe ties that bind the past to present.Artists should create works that showcase traditional Mexican sugar skulls merged with the artists’ aesthetic. Categories include sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, photography, prints, and mixed media. The exhibition will be on view October 5-November 3. Deadline for submissions for the juried ‘Dia de los Muertos’ exhibition is September 20.

Coinciding with the holiday shopping season, the ‘Small Works: Off the Wall’ exhibit features artworks of all mediums (except crafts) priced at $200 or less. Alliance members are invited to submit two original artworks 16”x20” or smaller. The ‘Small Works: Off the Wall’ exhibition will be on view November 9December 29. The deadline for submissions is November 5.

Artists are invited to submit original artworks for the 33rd Annual ‘All Florida’ juried exhibition. Categories are sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, prints, and mixed media. Two-dimensional works must not exceed six feet, three-dimensional works must not exceed 150 lbs. Open to all artists residing in Florida. The ‘All Florida’ exhibition will be on view March 8-29. Entries must be submitted by January 28. The Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 for information.

artists

the highest scores will be invitedto participate in ArtFest.

ArtFest Fort Myers is February 2 & 3, with an opening night reception on February 1. The deadline for applications is September 11. For information, call 768-3602.

actors

The Naples Players are holding auditions for four of their upcoming productions in their 2018-2019 season.

Auditions for their production of ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.’ will be held September 15, with invited call-backs on September 16. Auditions are at the Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Avenue S in downtown Naples. Everyone is welcome, all ages, no experience necessary, and no cost. For information, call 434-7340.

Auditions for ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’, ‘Marjorie Prime,’ and Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will take place November 17, also at the Sugden Community Theater in Naples. Call 434-7340 for information.

actors

TheatreZone will hold auditions for its 2018-19 productions, September 22 &23 at the G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus, located at 13275 Livingston Rd. in Naples. Equity and non-Equity performers are invited to audition. The shows being cast are: ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood,’ ‘Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida,’ ‘On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,’ and ‘The World Goes ‘Round.’ Performers must prepare 32 bars of a song, bring sheet music, and be prepared to dance. Appointments are required. For information, call 888-966-3352.

p hotographers

manipulations are permitted. Cash prizes will be awarded. The ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society–Friendsof theRefuge willannounce winners and award prizes at Conservation Art Day onOctober 13,during ‘Ding’ Darling Days. ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Dr. on Sanibel. For information, call 472-1100.

artists

Syzygy (artists Danielle Branchaud & Nick Masiello) will be jurying ‘Dark Art 2018,’ a collection of the ghoulish and macabre artworks celebrating the darker themes in art in various media including painting, sculpture, mixed media, and photography. ‘Dark Art’ will be on display at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers. Deadline for submissions is September 21. ‘Dark Art’ will be on view October 6-25. The Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in downtown Fort Myers. Call 333-1933 for information.

actors

DAAS Co-op Gallery in Fort Myers hosts the exhibition, ‘Beyond the Tattoo,’ September 8-October 6, featuring works by Erin Kraepel, David Dotts, Ananda Warrick, and Spencer Elles.

ArtFest FortMyers, Southwest Florida’s premier fine art festival, is currentlyacceptingapplications from professional artists for participation in their 2019 juriedshow. ArtFest Fort Myers features the work of 200artists in thelargest outdoor art show in Southwest Florida. It is also the largest high school art competition inSouthwestFlorida.

A panel ofprofessional artists will view submitted images and score each applyingartiston a range of 1-7 points. Artists with

The deadline to submit photographs for the annual ‘Ding’ Darling DaysAmateur NaturePhotography Contest is September 15. Entries must be submitted electronically. In an effort to maintain its commitment to the environment, the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society will no longer be accepting photocontestentries by mail. Onlyamateur photographers (all ages) are eligible to enter. Photosmust be taken at J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge and have been takenafter September 15, 2016. Only very minor imagemodifications or

Venice Theatre invites volunteer performersto audition for ‘AChristmas Carol’and The Silver Foxes performance troupe. Director Murray Chase is seeking a new actor to take on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Auditions will be held for the role of Scrooge on September 9. Actors will be asked to sing and read from the script. Auditionsfor all other roles in ‘A Christmas Carol’ will be held on September 30 & October1. Performers must come prepared to dance a combination and sing 16-32 measuresof a song with sheet music. ‘A Christmas Carol’ will run December 14-20. Director Brad Wages will hold his annual singing, tap dancing, and actingauditions for The Silver Foxes on September 17& 18.Singing auditions are scheduled for September 17. Acting and tap dance auditions are scheduled for September18. Singers should come prepared to sing 16-32 bars with instrumental soundtracks or sheet music for the accompanist. Singers must sing live at the audition. The Silver Foxes annual show is slated for March 25-30. The troupe also performs at venues around the community throughout the season. All auditions will be held at Venice Theatre, located at 140 W. Tampa Ave. on the island in Venice. For more information, call 941-484-4033.

HowFortMyersBecameFortMyers

an interview with Cynthia Williams by Andrew Elias

“George Shultz comes to this cow wallow out at Punta Rassa in nowhere, Florida and he turns it into a posh resort for American robber barons and European royalty.”

CYNTHIA WILLIAMS IS A FREELANCE WRITER and copy editor whose professional writing career includes creative non-fiction, fiction, narrative history, corporate communications, and personal histories.

Since retiring from corporate employment and returning as a freelance writer to Fort Myers, where she grew up, Cynthia has recently published Hidden History of Fort Myers (THE HISTORY PRESS). She has also completed a young adult historical novel. Random House will soon publish her children’s book, Me and the Sky, a picture book biography of American Airlines Captain Beverley Bass, featured in Cynthia’s 2016 story in the Fort Myers News-Press.

Cynthia is also a monthly contributor of narrative histories of Fort Myers to the ‘Sunday Tropicalia’ magazine section of the Fort Myers News-Press, and has a bi-weekly column in the ‘Cape Life’ section of the News-Press. She will also be contributing to American History Magazine

Cynthia now lives and writes in rather isolated, tropical splendor on Pine Island. I recently asked her a few questions about her book, Hidden History of Fort Myers •

ANDREW: You've been writing about Fort Myers for many years. Why is your new book titled, 'Hidden History of Fort Myers'? Why 'hidden'?

CYNTHIAWILLIAMS:When The History Press approached me to write a book about Fort Myers, I had a choice of types of histories, so I chose the one that would allow me the most latitude, or scope of history. My thinking was that, as few people know any history at all, one might suppose that all Fort Myers history is hidden from 99% of the people here anyway, and I acted on that premise. Instead of trying to unearth nuggets of obscure, undiscovered and random events, I narrated a chronological history of our first 100 years. I included ‘hidden’ or lesser known details of events, however, that I hoped would surprise even our local historians.

You paint a picture of Fort Myers as a very romantic place in the 19th & early 20th Centuries. What made the area special back then?

Ah, but “romantic” is in the eyes of the reader. I think people see the past as romantic because they are distant from its problems. Each generation yearns for the ‘simpler life of the past.’ But no time is simple or easy and the ‘romantic past’ is an illusion. In a book of this kind and this mandated length, I could not detail the hardships of the eras of which I wrote, but only tell what happened. Actually, I don’t think those times or the people who lived them are in any way special. They were just people

exactly like us (at heart), struggling with the circumstances and issues of their times as we are with ours.

It’s the way I tell their story, perhaps, that lends to it a romantic aura.

The book isn't just a compilation of interesting and littleknown facts, but also conveys the flavor of the times, with a genuine affection for the colorful historical characters. How important is it for you to go behind the facts (so to speak) and set a scene to bring these events and people to life?

I write narrative history—that is, I relate the facts of history in a storytelling style—for three reasons:

One: I am innately a fiction writer who loves to tell the stories of our past. Writing narrative history satisfies both needs.

Two: The past is immediate to me; in fact, I don’t see the past as something over and done with, at all. Our history is our story, and we are still enacting the story. We change the sets and costumes and props, but it’s the same play acted out over and over again, because human beings do not change fundamentally. From this point of view, I see the history of human endeavor as essentially both heroic and endearingly comical. This attitude toward our history and the players in it pervades my stories, imbuing them with an emotional appeal that, I hope, brings the past into the same immediate reality, the same immediacy of experience for the reader as it has for me.

Three: If you see it, feel it, experience it, you will remember it. Narrating history is my way of teaching it. Bottom line — I’m a history teacher. Now you know the terrible truth.

How much time did you spend researching this book and how much time writing it?

I had been researching the history for a couple of years for my ‘Tropicalia’ stories when the publisher first approached me to write a history. At that time, I was also working with True Tours of Fort Myers as an ad and script writer and a tour guide, and it was the owner, Gina Taylor, who pointed to me when The History Press first contacted her for a book about the ghosts of Fort Myers. After accepting the offer to write, instead, Hidden History of Fort Myers, my research went much deeper and continued throughout the writing process. I had to know much more than the book could contain, and then, too, there are the odd details of daily life that I had to know in order to be as realistic and true to the time as possible.

I guess I wrote the book in about 8 or 9 months, in between writing my ‘Tropicalia’ and other stories.

Who are your favorite three people in all of Fort Myers' storied history — and why?

Tootie McGregor. Judging from the expression in her eyes (in her photos) and from everything I’ve read, she was a piece of work. Business-like, tough as nails, but warm, affectionate, fun-loving and with a devilish sense of humor.

“Instead of trying to unearth nuggets of obscure, undiscovered and random events, I narrated a chronological history of our first 100 years.”

Generous. Smart. Courageous, strong. A force to be reckoned with, but so likeable. That woman had wealth equivalent to Oprah Winfrey’s today; she traveled the world, wined and dined with anyone in the world she wanted to, must have worn clothes worth the entire treasury of small nations, and yet she kept coming back to this nothing place trying to build it up. She was just a regular, middle-class woman who had married a poor young man, and worked and struggled with him all the way to his becoming one of the 10 wealthiest men in the United States. She had fun being rich, but it never defined her.

George Shultz. Another piece of work. This guy was nobody’s fool. He comes to this literally stinking cow wallow out at Punta Rassa in nowhere, Florida, about as hazardous a duty station as a telegraph operator could have outside the Congo, and he turns it, by the turn of the century, into a posh resort, an international tarpon-fishing destination for American robber barons and European royalty. And he does it so quietly, so effortlessly and with such good humor that it seems accidental.

Manuel González. Another gutsy, smart and enterprising person with a loveable personality. I admire this guy because at the age of 14, this kid sails from his rugged mountain home in Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to Cuba, wades ashore from a shipwreck, and ends up founding the future city of Fort Myers because he had the foresight, intelligence, energy and courage to know a good thing when he saw it and to by God take it. This is the guy who got the contract with the U.S. Army to supply army headquarters in Tampa and Fort Myers during the Seminole and Civil W ars, and who, after starting the settlement at Fort Myers, did not hesitate, at the first hint of losing his land claim, to pull up stakes and move his family to better land along a navigable, fresh-water stream. His new land claim being so large that 40 years later the city would have to ask his widow for some of it back to build a train depot. Cool dude. Family man, beloved by his dainty, but equally strong, smart and courageous wife who, with his help, started the first school in the settlement only two years after they got here.

What are the seminal events that marked major changes in the progression of Fort Myers from early pioneer outpost to resort for the rich

to the modern small city of today?

You might say, first and foremost, that it was the day in 1881 that a storm at sea forced a newspaper illustrator from New York City to take shelter at the telegraph station at Punta Rassa. He was the first to tell the world about the excellent fishing and the charming accommodations at this remote barracks in southwest Florida.

Or you could argue that it was the week of lousy weather on the east coast that brought the famous ‘electrical wizard,’ Thomas Alva Edison, to the cable office at Punta Rassa, where George Shultz suggested he check out the historic little town upriver.

Or you could legitimately say that it was the day a tarpon took the bait of a fisherman and became the first tarpon in recorded history to be landed with a rod and reel, thus turning the cowboy barracks at Punta Rassa into a mecca for tarpon fishermen around the world.

Secondly, it was the coming of the railroad to Punta Gorda. Now, although people still had to catch a steamboat to Shultz’s hotel at Punta Rassa, at least they could get to Charlotte Harbor by train. This was the train that brought New York department store king, Hugh O’Neill, on a fishing trip to Punta Rassa where good ol’ George Shultz suggested he might enjoy the billiard and card games and booze in the saloons in Fort Myers, where O’Neill ultimately built Fort Myers’ first resort for the rich and famous of late 19th century America, many of whom returned to invest in real estate and to build up the town beyond what its cattlemen town leaders could envision or afford. The steady turn away from an economy based upon the cattle industry to one reliant upon tourism begins here, with the building of O’Neill’s hotel in 1898.

Third. In 1904, largely through the efforts of native cattleman and banker, Walter Langford, the Atlantic Coastline Railroad was persuaded to run track into Fort Myers. For the first time in its history, Fort Myers was accessible to the outside world by some means other than water. The railroad not only brought fresh blood and money in, it also took citrus and fish out in refrigerated cars, thus spawning the agricultural

and commercial fishing industries that benefitted the region economically and further advertised Fort Myers, the land of sunshine and oranges and fabulous fishing, to an increasingly moneyed and mobile nation.

What building(s) from Fort Myers' past do you wish was not lost to time — and why?

O’Neill’s Royal Palm Hotel, the Pleasure Pier, the American Legion Home on the river, and the house that stood directly opposite it across First Street—the house we lived in when my family moved to Fort Myers in 1952. I also regret the loss of the house we lived in after that, the one on Fowler Street; it had belonged to Florence & James E. Hendry, Jr., the man who turned Fort Myers into the ‘City of Palms.’

I mourn the loss of the first three because of their glorious history and magnificent architecture. I resent the loss of the Hendry house because of its historical significance and because it was beautiful, in contrast to the derelict apartment complex there now.

Above all, I am irritated by the demolition, in the 1930s, of the little house that was the fort’s commanding officer’s quarters during the Seminole and Civil Wars and that played such grand parts in our history as a town.

What was the most surprising thing you learned when researching the book?

That Fort Myers and the Big Cypress were ground zero for the third Seminole War, especially for the final surrender and deportation of the Seminoles. That so many of the officers who commanded the fort during that time played historically significant parts in the Civil War that followed. That the first settlers of Fort Myers were of Spanish, English and African heritage, only the last being native to the U.S.

You've written several books about the Fort Myers area. Is there something you haven't written about yet that interests you for another book?

I have published only this one book on Fort Myers history, but am working now on a novel, titled Banyan, whose setting is a fictionalized version of the historic Burroughs Home on First Street. I self-published the first part as a novella, but am growing the book with parts II and III.

I am going to write one more history of Fort Myers. It will deal exclusively with the experience of the African American community here; its pioneers, early settlers and builders, its triumphs and defeats. It will be a companion book to my Hidden History, and published, I hope, by the University of Florida Press. Omitting their history from the first book was intentional. I did not want to write it in as an afterthought or footnote to the ‘white’ history. To quote from my story, ‘The Ghost of McCollum Hall,’ “…a people, who, out of the terrors of the night, reached for the stars,” deserve a book of their own. And I will write it. •

“I admire [Manuel González]because at the age of 14, this kid sails from his rugged mountain home in Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to Cuba, wades ashore from a shipwreck, and ends up founding the future city of Fort Myers.”

Tr ue Stor ies

By Carol J.DeFrank

Aperson’s character can be described in many ways: introverted, extroverted, charismatic, procrastinator, to name a few. Labeling a personality with a color is a bit different. Nonetheless, that’s exactly how Gina Taylor, owner of True Tours in Fort Myers describes herself. “I’ve never been accused of having a beige personality. Probably because I am a definite purple,” she says.

But she does have her pet peeves, things that can turn that cheery disposition into a gloomy one real fast, for instance when she’s traveling and has the misfortune of participating in a boring tour. “The first thing I do when I visit a place is sign up for an excursion expecting to have a pleasant experience and at the same time learn some history about my destination,” she says. “When I encounter a lackluster tour, it takes a lot of self control not to show my distress.”

Taylor has always been a tour junky. “I’ve participated in so many that I am familiar with what it takes to execute an impressive experience,” she says. “I also know that laziness coupled with a lack of enthusiasm can turn something good into something terrible.”

With years of experience to draw from, the spirited entrepreneur took great pains to design fast moving tours that focus on facts, entertainment and great presentation. The effort paid off when her company won accolades from notable sources. True Tours is the recipient of the 2015-2016 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award and has been

named by USA Today as one of the Top Ten Attractions in Lee County. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, the northern home of Thomas Edison, Taylor feels fortunate to live in a town where Edison spent his winters. She moved to Florida 32 years ago and in 1990 became the first director of the historic Murphy-Burroughs Home. Taylor had the honor of researching and writing the original

of History, a founding member and vice president of the Lee County Trust for Historic Preservation, a Board member of the River District Alliance and the Matlacha Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Southwest Florida Attractions Association.

She developed a deep appreciation for the men and women who played an integral part in creating what eventually morphed into a city that is now a vacation destination. The more information she chronicled the more interested she became.

Eventually, she began looking for a vehicle that would enable her to share her new-found knowledge. Tr ue Tours became the conduit. “Sometimes I wonder what took me so long to discover what I feel is my true calling,” she admits. “This company was a predetermined course of action that took me years to discover. Preserving history has always been my passion and it’s amazing how much history is right here.”

script of the home’s history. During her 20-year tenure, she had the opportunity to document facts found in forgotten archives not only of the Burroughs home but also of Fort Myers. Taylor was also the former director of the Southwest Florida Museum

Sites of the early establishments were located in a tight geographical area, making walking tours possible. Taylor explains, “When planning the logistics, I developed a path that would be comfortable for people of all ages. Because of the Florida heat I made a concerted effort to have my guides disseminate information in shady areas and around seating when possible.”

“I didn’t want the tour to last more than 90 minutes. It’s a manageable time frame to tell a story and keep it interesting and I’ve never deviated from it. When information is added to a tour, I am bound by my

First Street in downtown Fort Myers then (ABOVE) and now (BELOW)

“Preserving history has always been my passion and it’s amazing how much history is right here.”

own rules to eliminate existing material,” she continues. “The goal is to educate without sacrificing entertainment. The narrative focuses on the colorful personalities of the founders of the city. The stories of these unruly, stubborn, but visionary men and women who grew a frontier fort into an international destination for sunseekers were easy to write because of the many shenanigans involved.”

Due to health issues, Taylor no longer participates as a guide, but is still actively involved in the business. She is responsible for all of the administrative duties including marketing, advertising, website design, accounts receivable, hiring and training.

A lot of effort goes into creating a leader that meets True Tour standards. Candidates go through an intense training process. “When hiring I look for people with great personalities, maybe not a purple, but definitely not a beige,” Taylor explains. “I can teach history, I cannot create a disposition. Candidates are required to go on several tours with experienced guides before I even consider teaching them presentation,” she continues. “Once I find a good prospect I willingly invest a lot of time to make them the best they can be. I want happy employees that stay with me for a long time. So far, I am blessed as many of my guides have been with me for years”.

An example, is threeyear veteran, Seth Ford. Ford leads the downtown historical tour and has had a new employee, Marguerite Hart, tag along to learn the various techniques the company implements to create the kind of excursion that Taylor requires. After following Ford on several outings, Hart will receive a script that she must memorize because guides are not allowed to bring their script or even notes when they are leading a tour. “I really thought I’d be able to learn everything in a couple of weeks,” she admits. “But with all the dates and events

involved, I was mistaken. It’s a pretty involved process.” After committing the narrative to memory, she has to practice relating it in an interesting story-telling way. Only then is she ready to lead her own group.

Ford is a great example of a good guide. He begins with a little of his own background. He explains, “I want the people to know that I am a true native of Fort Myers. I grew up on Jackson Street so I am as familiar with this city as you can get, but even I didn’t know some of the information that Gina has dug up. I love shar-

town economy, Taylor implemented a unique marketing tool—a fan. When customers sign up for a tour, instead of a ticket they get a fan. The fan comes with an automatic membership to True Tours Fan Club which offers discounts at participating restaurants and stores in the downtown area.

Currently, there are two tours offered in Fort Myers: the River District Historical Tour and the Haunted History Tour. There is also one tour offered in Matlacha, The Flavors of Matlacha Island Tour. A new tour is now offered: The Armchair Tour is a PowerPoint presentation that’s marketed to senior citizen facilities, available in locations from Port Charlotte to Marco Island. Plans are in the works for other tours in the near future.

Taylor’s objective is and always will be to share an appreciation of the amazing transformation of a town once considered the cow capital of Florida into one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States.

“Ft. Myers has the largest concentration of historic structures still standing in all of southwest Florida. It should be praised and showcased. My ultimate goal is for the River District to become a destination for the heritage tourism traveler and I am working toward that goal.” She believes that it will happen eventually because of the uniqueness of the city.

“And,” she says, “Judging by the popularity of the tours, people seem to have a thirst for history, perhaps today more than ever before. •

ing it all with my groups.” He adds, “What I like best is that I know all of the info I’m telling is accurate.”

Taylor says that a clear and steadfast rule for all guides is to avoid responding to any question if they don’t know the answer. “I refuse to have the integrity of the tour diminished in any way,” she says.

In an effort to help the down-

True Tours’ River District History tour is Saturdays at 10:30am, their Haunted History Tour is Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8pm – nightly October 24-31 for Halloween. Beginning again in January, they also offer Flavors of Matlacha Island Tour. All tours depart from and return to The Franklin Shops, 2200 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Reservations are required. For information, call 239-945-0405.

The Historic Arcade Theatre on First Street then (ABOVE) and now (BELOW)

“The goal is to educate without sacrificing entertainment.”

Collier County’s Quintet of Museums

From Spanish pioneers and good ol’ boy Florida ‘crackers’ to visionary industrialists and developers, Collier County’s rich history encapsulates all kinds of people, many of whose names adorn street signs, schools and parks throughout its vast acreage. Second in size only to Palm Beach County, Collier was the southernmost part of Lee County until 1923, when advertising mogul and real estate developer Barron Collier struck a deal with the state legislature: Having already purchased thousands of acres, he’d pay for the construction of the area’s portion of the Tamiami Trail, Southwest Florida’s first major road connecting Tampa to Miami, in exchange for ‘favorable consideration with the state legislature to have a county named after him.’

And thanks to a well-curated museum collection, Collier’s rich history is preserved and on display at five different locations. Each one is unique, with exhibits, events and programs focusing on the heritage specific to its locale within Collier.

The Museum Division’s 2018 Strategic Plan indicates, “There are 19 historic buildings, 13 historic structures, more than 12 non-historic buildings and structures, and over 21 acres of land. Three locations (Immokalee

By Julie Clay

Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, Museum of the Everglades, and Naples Depot Museum) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two (Roberts Ranch and Rosemary Cemetery) have local historic designations.” Further, it states that tens of thousands of photographs and negatives, plus original documents, archeological objects, original works of art and more. are also part of the collection. Each location offers several educational opportunities, as Curator of Education Joy Murphy elaborates, “Collier County Museums are dedicated to educating the youth in the communities that we serve. From preschool and homeschool programs to expanded outreach activities, our education programs are constantly evolving to offer unique learning opportunities for the children of Southwest Florida.”

Should you consider visiting one of these fine institutions, much awaits you in the upcoming months.

“There’s always something exciting happening at every one of our locations,” says Amanda Townsend, Divisional Director of Collier County Museums. Admission to all Collier County Museums is free.

COLLIER COUNTY MUSEUM AT GOVERNMENT CENTER

333 Tamiami Trail E. • Naples 239-252-8476

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

Collier County Museum honors the 70th anniversary season of a true Naples tradition, the Swamp Buggy Races, with ‘Swamp Buggy Fever’ happening September 26, from 6-8pm. This final event in the threepart series is a catered evening affair with food, drink, local history-themed entertainment, and authentic swamp buggies on display. Admission is $15 adults, $5 ages 5-17, and free for those under five, as well as members of Friends of Collier County Museums.

The museum also continues its fall Cultural Conversations lecture series, featuring experts from professors to local leaders speaking on the multicultural aspects of Southwest Florida history. Admission is $10. On October 3, the featured talk will be ‘The Haitian Influence in Southwest Florida’ with Dr. Arthur Boyer, a radio social commentator and columnist. On November 7, Cultural Conversations presents ‘The Jewish Influence in Southwest Florida,’ with Alexander and Marina Goldstein, producers of ‘Naples Oral Histories: If These Walls

IMMOKALEE PIONEER MUSEUM AT ROBERTS RANCH

Could Talk.’ Call or visit colliermuseums.com for information on upcoming presentations.

The University of Florida Extension office will hold its Yard & Garden Show at the Museum, October 19-21. Typically held at the Ag Center near the Collier County Fairgrounds, the museum is hosting the event while the Center continues to rebuild from significant damage from Hurricane Irma.

The showpiece of the fall calendar, Townsend shares, is a reimagining of the annual Old Florida Festival, now called ‘Stories of the Paradise Coast,’ happening November 17-18. While the original Festival presented reenactments, ‘Stories…’ will feature the actual people with authentic stories to tell.

“We will have all sorts of representatives of different aspects of local culture and history,” she says, “There will be talks and stories on the main stage from authors, artists, local storytellers and long-time community members, and then we’ll have booths throughout the event for interaction personally. Vendors will be there with locally made products, food vendors with tastes of the area, and more.”

Among the items and structures regularly on display at the Museum are an authentic steam engine built around 1910, a WWII Sherman tank, a 1926 Naples cottage, native Florida garden, and several Seminole structures.

NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM

AND NAPLES TRAIN MUSEUM

1051 5th Avenue S. • Naples

239-262-6525

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

These museums are a train lover’s dream! Set in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the Naples Depot brings visitors back to the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and displays through interactive exhibits how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer and settle in this corner of the Everglades, telling the story of how travel and trade turned a sleepy town into the cosmopolitan resort destination it is now.

Enter the Train Museum and discover an

indoor interactive multilevel ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ Lionel track layout with ten trains running simultaneously. A live, kid-sized steam railroad, complete with conductor, offers rides around the perimeter of the building.

Behind the building, guests can explore a recently restored 1947 Budd Tavern car. The Depot Museum will celebrate National Museum Day on September 22, from 11am-2pm.

A new holiday event called Deck the Depot will happen December 17-22. Townsend shares that the museum is partnering with local organizations to come in and decorate a portion of the facility for the holidays. Part of the festivities will have the library do a storytime one day, and Domestic Animal Services will be on hand another for offsite animal adoptions.

MARCO ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

180 S. Heathwood Drive • Marco Island

2239-252-1440

TUESDAY-SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

Just over the Jolley Bridge on Marco Island, this Museum explores the culture of the Calusa Indians, who settled the island around 500 years ago. Complete with informative displays and an in-depth village scene recreation, featured exhibits showcase the growth of Marco from its pioneer days as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam cannery through its 1960’s development boom to the settled, yet still somewhat quiet destination it is today.

Exciting things are brewing for the Museum as well as the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) who runs it. The Key Marco Cat, a six-inch tall buttonwood sculpture discovered by the 1896 Cushing expedition on nearby Key Marco, has been up until now ensconced in its home at the Smithsonian. After a 25-year quest to bring the Cat ‘home.’ MIHS has announced that the Cat, along with several other artifacts discovered with it, will be on display at the Museum for two years starting this December, with a grand opening in January.

“This exhibition is the culmination of a long-term vision to bring these incredibly important artifacts to Marco Island on loan in order to educate and inspire people of all ages about the fascinating history of our region,” says MIHS Curator of Collections Austin Bell. Townsend adds, “It is a partnership between Collier County and MIHS. By the time the artifacts arrive the county will have invested $300,000 in security upgrades. The MIHS will have invested $250,000 in exhibit upgrades like lighting, as well as some new interactive and interpretive components in the Calusa galleries.” Permanent enhancements to the Museum’s award-winning ‘Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of People on Marco Island’ exhibit will include exciting new original artwork, interactive activity stations and much more.

IMMOKALEE PIONEER MUSEUM AT ROBERTS RANCH

1215 Roberts Avenue W. • Immokalee 239-252-2611

TUESDAY-SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

Sprawling across 13 historic acres that were originally home to Robert Roberts and his family, and the longest running ranch in South Florida, the Immokalee Pioneer Museum is on the Register of Historic Places. Featuring 15 carefully preserved original buildings, exhibits and programs, the museum shares the story of how ranchers and cow hunters lived their daily life conquering the land on a Southwest Florida pioneer homestead circa the early 1900’s.

Join the Museum for their annual Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza on October 20. With a pumpkin patch, hay maze, and plenty of kids’ activities, it’s a great way to get in the fall spirit.

Looking ahead to another annual event, it’s the annual Cattle Drive down Immokalee’s Main Street to the ranch. Ms. Townsend says, “It [the cattle drive] hadn’t happened for over 10 years, but we brought it back in 2017 as part of the Chamber’s Harvest Festival. “Plenty of kids’

COLLIER COUNTY MUSEUM AT GOVERNMENT CENTER

NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM

activities including a scavenger hunt take place all day as well, with food, entertainment, reenactments, etc.”

MUSEUM OF THE EVERGLADES

105 West Broadway Ave. • Everglades City 239-695-0008

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

Established in 1927 in a former commercial laundry now restored to its original 1920’s charm, Museum of the Everglades is located in Everglades City, 35 miles east of downtown Naples. Once only accessible by boat, Everglades City became the hub of Barron Collier’s Southwest Florida real estate empire

in 1923, paving the way for the future growth of a town populated by fewer than 12 families. Currently on display at the museum through November 2 is ‘Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades,’ an exhibit by photographer Matt Stock featuring photos of vehicles long abandoned in the Everglades wilderness. Over the years, these rusted automobile shells have become part of the life cycle as plants grow around and literally through them. They tell the story of the hidden side of the Everglades, portraying man’s attempts to conquer the area.

Mr. Stock says, “During the past year I have been out 40 + times into the Everglades in

pursuit of these elusive machines and have captured close to that number in vehicles. By investigating rumors, analyzing satellite imagery, and utilizing a network of Gladesmen, we have re-discovered dozens of these forgotten relics. Each one was captured at night utilizing the highly specialized technique of light painting combined with long exposures and seasonally specific images without adding anything to or taking away from the scene.”

You can meet Matt Stock will be the Museum’s special guest for a meet & greet on October 27, from 1-3pm. •

For information, call the individual museums or visit www.colliermuseums.com.

MUSEUM OF THE EVERGLADES

MARCO ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

BirdingonSanibel

THEshells and sand crunched underfoot; the no-see-ums nibbled; and I held binoculars at the ready. Somewhere around the next bend was the promise of a flock of pink birds. Their first name unpronounceable and second name a compounding of kitchen utensil and neb. I couldn’t image the living version of the picture in my green Audubon’s field guide. Yet, any moment now, I would behold the Roseate Spoonbill of J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDNWR).

“Most people are drawn to this Refuge by the sheer number of birds—at least 245 species,” says Phyllis Gresham, V ice President of the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society. “Highlighting the bird list are the Roseate Spoonbills, White Pelicans, and Reddish Egrets. There are migratory species to resident shorebirds, raptors, and other year-round residents such as woodpeckers, cardinals, ospreys, and a variety of doves. There is also the endless search for the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo, which nests on the Refuge.”

As an avid birder and also a ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society board member and volunteer, Gresham continues, “The Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the world. Over 60% of this barrier island is preserved for wildlife, birds, and plants. Mangroves are an essential habitat for more than 80% of the fish and shellfish found in Florida. The mangrove islands within the Refuge are protected nesting sites; and the DDNWR is the feeding, nesting, and resting area for migratory birds of many species.”

Island

Toni Westland, Supervisory Refuge

Ranger at DDNWR says, “Throughout the system of 560 + national wildlife refuges across the USA, ‘Ding’ Darling is known as a top birding spot for coastal species. We put wildlife first. And, our mission is also to educate and create conservation stewards of the future. Its 7,600 + acres hold fragile wetlands that we protect for habitat and also for recreational uses, such as biking, hiking, driving, boating, fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching.”

While visiting ‘Ding’ Darling, you have

the option of a self-guided tour in your own personal vehicle on Wildlife Drive. “This is the big attraction, and we urge visitors to prelude their journey with a stop in our free Visitor & Education Center,” states Birgie Miller, Executive Director for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge. “Birders can see what’s been sighted recently, learn identification information, and interact with hands-on exhibits about Refuge creatures. We even provide a dedicated computer station to report sightings to Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Our art-

by Angela Minor

ful new Learning Lavatories—yes, bathrooms,” she continues, “are worth a visit on their own!”

My insider tip is to stop along the Drive and put your feet on the ground. While birding-by-car is sometimes our only travel option, this destination is easy to explore outside the vehicle. After enjoying the Center (and picking up some field guides and birding trail maps in the Nature Store), leave your car in the parking lot and walk the Indigo Trail. As you disappear into the mangroves, the wilderness envelopes your

PHOTOGRAPHBY Terry Baldwin

senses. Approximately one-quarter of a mile in, hop on the Wildlife Education Boardwalk. “It leads to a gazebo from which it is very easy to see numbers of nesting birds in season, such as Anhingas, Yellow-crowned Night-herons, Greens Herons, Ospreys, and a variety of ducks,” says birder Gresham. At the end of the Indigo Trail. hang a right over the Cross Dike Trail back to Wildlife Drive; and turn right to walk back to the Center (four miles total).

You might also want to book a ride on the Refuge tram. Gresham continues, “The fourmile Wildlife Drive through the Refuge gives visitors a close-up opportunity to view feeding birds on the sandbars, raptors and Swallow-tailed Kites overhead, alligators, otters, raccoons, and a number of

amphibians. The sky is endless, and the shallow waters permit seeing crabs, fish, and the occasional dolphin and manatee.”

Ranger Westland says, “It’s easy to just take a little car ride, but you’re selling your visit short if you don’t get out and interact. Walk the short spur trails off the Drive.”

The Calusa Shell Mound Trail near the conclusion of Wildlife Drive is a mustsee stop in the Refuge. According to Gresham, there are “illustrated interpretive panels that detail the history of the first settlers on Sanibel, the Calusa Indians.” She adds, “Also, a variety of migratory passerines may be seen on this quarter-mile trail.”

‘Ding’ Darling also offers opportunities for nature cruise tours and kayak paddling. If you want to see wildlife from a different perspective, glide through the Commodore Creek Kayak Trail of Tarpon Bay. Paddle at sunset to see flocks of birds returning to roost in the bay’s rookery islands.

Be sure to also visit the Bailey Tract freshwater marsh of the DDNWR complex. It’s a separate area located on the Gulf side of the island (off Tarpon Bay Road), and has 1.75 miles of trails. Also, add nesting snowy plovers to your life list at the Perry Tract (off Middle Gulf Drive) on the same side of the island. While there, head over to Gulfside City Park (Algiers Beach to the locals), and experience a shelling adventure like no other. There are so many, you’ll have to get used to walking on them. Unless you have really big pockets, bring a bag!

Lastly, birder Gresham shares the following insider tip for further avian adventures. “The Refuge is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail (South). Also, approximately two miles off the island at the end of John Morris Road, there is Bunche Beach. This is a prime viewing area for shorebirds, including Skimmers, Godwits, Plovers, and the occasional Eagle.”

As you add new birds to your life list and share them on

The Refuge is part of the largestu mangrove ecosystemin

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eBird, take a moment to appreciate the collaborative commitments to conservation that keep our wild places intact. According to Miller, “Our role as the Refuge’s friends group is to, through private donations, keep ‘Ding’ Darling open and functioning at top level, while federal budget cuts diminish staff and educational programs.

For example, as scientists recorded diminishing populations [of the Mangrove Cuckoo and Reddish Egret], the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society stepped up to support two independent, land-

mark tracking studies of their lifestyles and migration patterns to assist their survival. Also, 100% of proceeds from the Nature Store go toward Refuge and wildlife support.”

My first of many travels to the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge was over 30 years ago. While visiting family friends on Sanibel, there was a casual mention of a place to ‘go look at birds.’ Since I was a fledgling birder then and never traveled without binoculars and my old school field guide, I jumped at the chance. I spent the evening looking through the maps in the back of the guide; finding species near our island location. That’s when I ‘discovered’ the fuchsia pink bird with the funny bill—a bird too pretty to look at!

While I couldn’t comprehend a real Roseate Spoonbill singularly or in a flock on that first visit, the lasting impression changed my outlook permanently. “Most people leave here with a sense of awe about nature and wildlife,”

says Ranger Westland. “We want them to understand that our environment is fragile and needs their help. We want them to buy into conservation and have an emotional investment in the future of our planet.”

That visit was certainly a turning point in my dedication to conservation stewardship. It became the first chapter in my life of birding and habitat protection, written in the mangrove forests of the J. N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. •

The J. N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, off Sanibel-Captiva Rd. on Sanibel. It is open daily, except Fridays, from sunrise-dusk. The Visitor & Education Center is open 9am4pm. For information, call 239-472-1100 or visit fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling.

For information about the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society – Friends of the Refuge, call 239-472-1100 or visit dingdarlingsociety.org

V isit san-capaudubon.org for information about the SanibelCaptiva Audubon So ciety.

‘Ding’ Darling Days

OCTOBER12-14

FRIDAY, October 12

Let’s Get Outside Day

SATURDAY, October 13

Conservation Art Day

SUNDAY, October 14

Free Family Fun Day

min theworld.

PHOTOGRAPHSBY Mike Blevins

G REAT B LUE H ERON

R OSEATE S POONBILL

tha sense of awe about nature and wildlife. ndthat our environment is fragile and needs their help.”

The Glorious Mess of Writing

an interview with Ann Hood by Paula Bolado

NN HOOD IS ONE OF those writers who draws from personal experience and speaks to people in a way that resonates so well with them because she is a truth teller; she doesn’t have to make up stories because she draws from her life, her hobbies, and her losses. She has an ability to connect with readers because we all have been dealt some rather painful blows in life or have loved someone so hard that we can understand what her characters go through when they lose that person so close to them, and how they cope afterwards.

She is a thoughtful writer who thinks intensely about her stories, her characters, her plots, and her observations; she’s present when recording the various pulses of life that could be missed if attention was only paid to the obvious. She thinks before she types, yet she is also a perfectionist revisionist, who drafts a few times on her own and the next few with a village of support behind her.

Her novel writing includes soulful themes surrounding tragedy and loss, and her memoirs express her ability to move through grief or search for answers when a loved one is sick and cannot.

Hood has wriiten 14 novels, including bestsellers The Knitting Circle, The Obituary Writer and The Book That Matters Most; as well as three memoirs, including Comfort: A Journey Through Grief and her most recent book, Morningstar: Growinbg Up With Books

I interviewed Ann Hood prior to her visit as the keynote speaker at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Sanibel Writer’s Conference in November. During the interview she addressed how she is able to express these themes so well in her writing, as well as what has shaped her craft, and why the revision process can be a “glorious mess.”

• PAULA: When thinking about becoming a good novelist and the writing process, what helps you get into that mode of writing, that continual flow of the revision process?

ANN HOOD: One of the things I think that new writers hope for or are sometimes even advised, is kind of a ‘wait for the muse to hit and write anything’ process rather than being more thoughtful. I don’t mean make an outline, but I mean just be thoughtful. I don’t like the whole ‘spaghetti against the wall and see if it’s cooked‘ theory. I spend an awful a lot of time thinking about character and plot and how to move the story—and I mean really thinking, not putting

words to paper. I probably spend a year on the first 5075 pages. Once I get to that magical point, which varies from book to book, (but it’s always under page 100) then I can go. I’m not a believer in the characters taking over and telling me what they should do.

I guess I’m a very practical writer. When I get that feeling that I know what they should be doing, or she would never do or say that, I think I’ve done my job and understood my story.

I always urge writers to not rush to the page, but to be a little more contemplative and thoughtful. I actually teach a writing workshop where they are told not to write [laughs]. We talk about what they are trying to write about, what their story is and where would be the best place to start. They don’t write until the last two weeks and, honestly, you get such a better beginning and a more focused first draft. There’s always going to be multiple drafts so I don’t understand why we would make it harder for ourselves and write drafts that are all over the place. They are always going to be messy, but I call it a “glorious mess” because you know what you are doing and you know how to make order out of the chaos when you revise.

Isn’t your character Maggie, from The Book That Matters Most, always writing and thinking about what she sees?

No, the character Maggie writes like a young writer does; writes in notebooks, snippets of conversations, and it can be useful, but it doesn’t work for me. If I am linked through the world, trying to take note of what I might write about, I pick the obvious things, and will miss those really nuanced things that my brain catches.

How do you work the revision process?

I always read what I wrote aloud the day before and revise that. I never really have a pure first draft because through the whole process I have been reading the day before work and writing or deleting it if it’s terrible. When I do finally get a first draft, I print it out and I re-read it, but I always say “not with a pen but with a sword,” which I think I’m copying from Capote, bastardizing something he said.

I read it as if someone else wrote it, as if a friend handed it to me and said, “How can you help me with this manuscript?” I make sure I’m reading it with a very cold eye. I use a pen, and do that revision on paper. That can take weeks. When I’m reading it I might find continuity problems and plot holes or things that don’t make

“I teach a writing workshop where they are told not to write until the last two weeks. We talk about what they are trying to write about, what their story is and where would be the best place to start.”

“I always urge writers to not rush to the page, but to be a little more contemplative and thoughtful.”

Her novel writing includes soulful themes surrounding tragedy and loss, and her memoirs express her ability to move through grief or search for answers when a loved one is sick and cannot.

sense; it depends on the condition of that draft. When I’m finished with that I put all those changes in the computer and of course when I do that, I’m making them even better.

So, if you’re counting, this is technically a fourth draft, and then I turn my attention to writing an essay, or knitting a sweater, or maybe going on vacation and leaving the manuscript behind as long as I can—at least a week or two, but sometimes as much as three or four months— because the more distance you get from it the better you can read it objectively. I repeat the process again until I at least can’t find anything I would do with the manuscript. In that process, typically my husband reads it. He’s a writer and will be on Sanibel, too, doing a workshop. During that course, he will redraft and I will have comments from him and at a certain point when I think it’s in really good shape, I will send it to my agent. Not all agents will give comments, but mine does, and she’s very tough.

I will tell you that with my new novel, which I finished a draft of probably back in February, she just sent back the third round of notes for me, and that’s after I have gone through that revision process I’ve described three or four times. So, I’m about to begin the seventh draft answering her notes. Hopefully, after this round it goes to my editorand she reads it and we probably go back and forth about three to five times. It’s hard to believe she can still find things to revise, but inevitably that’s true. This process is so invaluable to me and it’s one of the points I feel is hardest to get through to new writers because they don’t embrace revision and you must. You must. I could tell my editor, “No, I want it published this way,” and reluctantly she would do it,

but the books won’t be as good or sell as well and I don’t think she would work with me again. She is not telling me how to fix it or how to write; she’s pointing out what isn’t working for her. It’s up to the writer to make it better. What will you talk about at the Sanibel Writer’s Conference?

What I like to talk about is why we write:

Why we explore what we do, why it’s important to write, and why it’s important to read. I want the writers in the audience to be braver, because without being brave, and writing the hard stuff, you’re not going to write something that resonates and lasts. My hope is always to urge people to take risks to be brave in their writing, in their hearts, and in their lives, and to write something that matters because it’s hard when you sit alone in your room day after day making stuff up…to believe that there is some person out there who is going to read what you wrote and it’s going to matter to them.

If you don’t write something that does matter, no one is going to care. There is a whole world out there waiting for your wisdom, storytelling, and your hope. You have to write the truth. Tell your truth. You don’t realize how many people think about what you think about, experience what you’re experiencing. When you tell your story, it echoes. •

FGCU’s Sanibel Writers Conference, November 8-11, will offer a variety of presentations, concerts and readings, as well as panels and workshops in writing fiction, poetry, children’s literature, journalism, screenwriting, songwriting, editing, and publishing. Authors, editors, publishers, agents, and teachers will provide writers at all stages, from aspiring beginners to accomplished professionals, with information and advice to advance their craft and careers. Ann Hood will give the keynote address on Saturday, November 13, at 6pm.

The Writers Conference will be held at BIGARTS and the Sanibel Island Public Library. BIGARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Rd. on Sanibel. The library is located nearby at 770 Dunlop Rd. For information, call 239-590-7421.

“My hope is to urge people to take risks to be brave in their writing, in their hearts, and in their lives, and to write something that matters because it’s hard when you sit alone in your room day after day making stuff up…to believe that there is some person out there who is going to read what you wrote and it’s going to matter to them.”

“The only real safe guard to stop the corrosion of social media is for people to understand and embrace the true news media that is now under attack and being called ‘the enemy of the people.’”

Putin’s Plans for America

an interview with Malcolm Nance by Andrew Elias

MALCOLM NANCE SERVEDin the United States Navy for 20 years as a specialist in Naval Cryptology, involved in numerous counter-terrorism, intelligence and combat operations. He was also an instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training for the Navy and Marine Corps, and Advanced Terrorism, Abduction and Hostage Survival. After retiring from the Navy, Nance now directs the think tank he founded, the Terror Asymetrics Project on Strategy, Tactics and Radical Ideologies. He is a national security and counter-terrorism analyst for NBC and MSNBC.

Nance has written two books about Russia’s interference in our elections, social media and political culture. The Plot to Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election (SKYHORSE) was published six weeks before the 2016 election. His new book is The Plot to Destroy Democracy: How Putin and His Spies Are Undermining America and Dismantling the West (HACHETTE). I asked Nance about his important new book.

•

ANDREW: Why did you think it important to write 'The Plot to Hack America' and follow it now with your new book, 'The Plot to Destroy Democracy'? What did you want Americans to know?

MALCOLMNANCE: The reason I wrote this book was to give the American public an overview of the multi year effort that Russian intelligence, at the direction of Vladimir Putin, put into not just changing the outcome of the US election but how and why they decided that American democracy needed to be dismantled. The most important component of this operation was the co-option of conservatism across Europe and the United States through social media manipulation.

The subtitle of the book is 'How Putin and His Spies Are Undermining America and Dismantling the West' and yet it seems the President, many Republican officeholders and much of conservative media continue to portray the attacks as recent history and not a current and urgent challenge. What would you say to those people?

The challenge is not only current and urgent, but it is likely to consist of an existential threat to American constitutional republicanism. What is happening here is not just a hacking of the Democratic National Committee, but a hacking of the entire mindset and opinions of the American public. As much as 35% of that public are convinced that Moscow’s positions and their leader, as seen through the eyes of

Donald Trump, are preferable to the 243 years of stability, tradition and norms.

Just recently, we saw as many as 44% of Republicans opined that the President should have the power to close news media which he views as fake news. This is not only dangerous; it’s a form of creeping authoritarianism that could completely undo the American experiment as our founding fathers drafted it.

In the introduction you write: "In the Russian attack on the American election, a strategic adversary influenced enough voters through manipulation of the internet to get their preferred candidate chosen—and convinced more than 40% of the American population that they had nothing whatsoever to do with it." What's the good news?

The good news is that this can be reversed within less than 60 days. The next election may in fact be the single most important election since the Civil War, if not in American history. If the opposition to President Trump and the increasing chaos that’s emanating from this White House can restore checks and balances through a new congress, then the guard rails that were written into the Constitution will hold.

If the Republican Party and President Trump win this election there is virtually nothing that can stand in his way to change the way America is governed. We will not like his form of government whether you’re Republican, Independent or Democrat.

In the book you write, "Any final assessment by a trained intelligence professional would conclude that Trump was a spy's dream." You write that Trump went from a Useful Idiot to an Unwitting Agent to a Witting Agent, and explain how that progressed. American intelligence professionals are equally aware of Trump's vulnerabilities. How do you think they are dealing with their concerns ?

We are seeing the concerns of highly trained intelligence professionals surface every day. The president’s attempts to remove security clearances from the ex-Directors of the CIA was met with scorn and derision by intelligence professionals of all political persuasions. The most damaging was Admiral William McRaven, the commander of the US Navy SEALs and special operations command, requesting that Trump remove his security clearance as a challenge to free speech.

In the book, you explain, nation by nation, how Putin has been waging a sustained cyber-war on Europe in

“The Mueller investigation is now so wide-ranging that I expect to see numerous rounds of indictments over the next few years.”

“What occurred in 2016 and what is continuing today is a direct psychological attack on the mindset of the American public.”

addition to the United States, and how several allies, the Dutch and Spanish in particular, helped uncover and defend against the Russian influence campaigns. In lieu of Trump's attempts at weakening, NATO, explain the importance of NATO as a united counter-terrorism force to combat the Russian (and other terrorist) threats.

NATO plays a large role in counter-terrorism, but more importantly, NATO has been the bulwark of security in the western hemisphere since 1947 when it was established. It is because of NATO that the Soviet Union eventually collapsed. The Atlantic Alliance, as it is a known, is a terrible threat to Russia’s ability to dominate other countries. President Trump appears to have been briefed by Russian oligarchs in 2013, when he adopted their position that NATO was a threat to their money. This is the only thing that could explain his bullying attitude towards our closest allies who came to our defense after 9/11.

NATO and its 29 other nations share the cost of our defense around the world. Without NATO our defense would cost trillions of dollars as opposed to billions. It is in Russia’s interest that this alliance be dismantled and broken up. Donald Trump seems set on meeting Russia’s goals in this regard.

You write about how Putin emulates Peter the Great, who modernized Russia into a major European power in the early 18th Century, more than the Communist Soviet leaders of the 20th Century. How is that different and how is it influencing his strategies and actions?

I would say that Putin reflects less of Peter the Great, who in fact admired the west and traveled secretly through the west as a worker in order to make Russia great, than Czar Nicholas I.

Czar Nicholas ruled Russia as a rich autocrat, with a wealthy oligarchy that back his every move. His national motto was “autocracy, orthodoxy, nationalism.” Putin is very similar, but you can add “Kleptocracy” to that list.

Like something out of a spy novel, you write about Russian 'bears.' Explain what/who Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear are ?

Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear are just technical terms for malware suites used by Russian intelligence and Russian military intelligence to conduct their hacking. They are not really groups of people. They are groups of people in Russian intelligence using these cyber systems to steal data.

After reading your book, I would imagine that it's frustrating for you to see and hear the media and politicians describe Putin's attack as mere 'meddling,' and bandy about vague words like 'collusion' instead of acknowledging specific evidence of conspiracy?

This was not meddling. What occurred in 2016 and what is continuing today is a direct attack on the fundamental way America is governed and how we choose those who will do the governing. What has happened here is a direct psychological attack on the mindset of the American public, and a direct influence campaign to ensure that the American public make decisions

about their leaders using Moscow’s framework and not that of a functioning democracy. It is so insidious they have clearly managed to change the minds of over one third of the American public to actually ignore what they hear and see in the news media and only accept what comes from the mouth of one man. The entire system of government was never designed to operate like this.

An important part of the Russian strategy to disrupt and corrupt the 2016 election was to pollute social media, but a lot of blame also falls on 'mainstream' media (TV and the internet) for regurgitating social media 'trends' as 'news.' Do you have suggestions for how to safeguard against the insidious power of social media in our culture and the eroding credibility of 'real' news sources ?

The only real safe guard to stop the corrosion of social media is for people to understand and embrace the true news media that is now under attack and being called ‘the enemy of the people.’ Sunlight and constant use of honest journalism, while being magnified by legitimate social media, is essentially our only hope. At some point there will likely be an event which will challenge the myths that have been woven around the eyes of a large part of the American public. It will be unnecessary and likely destabilizing on a national scale. But it’s a challenge we must face or the nation will dissolve into two factions; one that believes the truth and the news media and the other which takes the opinion of one man on faith. That’s pretty much dictatorship.

What are the first three actions or policies needed to effectively combat the ongoing threat from Putin to our electoral systems and political culture ?

First, we need unity of purpose and that requires leadership from the absolute top. As you see now with the President referring to anything that comes from any of his critics as a hoax, we will keep standing into danger.

Secondly, we need the public to believe that the threat is real and persistent. We can do this with the 2/3 of the public that already understand that Russia is not our ally or challenger, but is in fact an adversary attempting to undermine democracy.

And finally, we need to reimburse the values that made this country worth defending. Free and fair elections, a revulsion against corruption and removing anyone that tries to push this country away from democracy and towards authoritarianism or autocracy.

How do you see the Mueller investigation, and other investigations involving people associated with Trump, eventually concluding, and when?

The Mueller investigation is now so wide-

ranging that I expect to see numerous rounds of indictments over the next few years. We are talking about an investigation which is looking at every aspect of every person who has had communications or dealings with the Russians. We already indicted dozens of people including Russian spies and as we move forward it will become clear that this nation is entering a Benedict Arnold moment. At that point I think that the president will likely be indicted.

In the book, you include a quote from Alexander Hamilton in 1792 that predicted Putin's strategy for dividing America: "The truth is that the only path to subversion of the republican system of the country is by flattering the prejudices of the people and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions to throw affairs into confusion and bring on civil commotion..." We can safely assume that Trump is unaware of that quote, but do you think Putin is familiar with it?

Trump is absolutely not familiar with that quote or any quote from the founding fathers. He reveals his stunning ignorance of the fundamental knowledge of American citizenship on a daily basis. Did you see the play, Hamilton?

Not yet, but I have the soundtrack memorized!

I think it is a national treasure and that they need to move away from $500 matinee tickets on Broadway to the movie theaters as soon as possible. It reignites the love affair that Americans have with our founding history and brings it out in such an accessible way to young people that I think it would be an immediate Oscar winner.

What are your three favorite spy movies ?

My absolute favorite is one from the 1980s called The Little Drummer Girl. It’s from a John Le Carre novel. It’s about Israeli intelligence tracking down a mad bomber in Europe by using Diane Keaton as a young woman who is shuttling explosives but under their control. That’s not a movie, that’s practically an intelligence documentary.

My second favorite is a recent one called Allied, with Brad Pitt. He plays a Canadian Special Operations Executive officer. I’m a student of the SOE [a British World War IIorganization that conducted espionage, sabatage and reconnaissance] and I could find almost no holes in that movie. I loved it.

And finally, the movie Argo. I am friends with Tony Mendez and like everyone else in the intelligence community, we had no idea he was the one that carried out that mission. I’m very proud to have his admiration and respect for what I write. •

BROADWAY PALM

1380 Colonial Boulevard FORT MYERS

239-278-4422

broadwaypalm.com

Br oadway Palm is Southwest Florida's Premier Dinner Theatre currently in their 26th Season. The theatre features the best of Br oadway, combining your favorite shows of the past along with the most recent musical hit sensations. Broadway Palm features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes and a live orchestra. Also check out the Off Br oadway Palm, Broadway Palm Children's Theatre, Special Engagements and the Annual Concert Series. S HOWSARE T UESDAY-S UNDAYEVENINGSWITHSELECTEDMATINEES . B OX O FFICE OPENDAILY.

CENTERS FOR THE ARTS BONITA SPRINGS

CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS

26100 Old 41 Road • BONITA SPRINGS

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

10150 Bonita Beach Road • BONITA SPRINGS

239-495-8989

artcenterbonita.org

Two Centers – One Mission – Arts for All. The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs provides art, music, theater, dance and film for all ages throughout the year. The Center for Visual Arts campus features beautiful exhibition galleries and studios for classes in glass, painting, pottery, drawing, sculpture, metal, and printmaking. The Center for Performing Arts ca mpus features classes, lectures, films, and performances in music, dance, comedy, film and theater.

Broadway Palm Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs

Collier County Museum at Government Center

Everglades Day Safari

COLLIER COUNTY MUSEUM at Government Center

3331 Tamiami Trail East • NAPLES

239-252-8476

colliermuseums.com

Co llier Museum at Government Center offers exhibits and g alleries that capture the full panorama of local history. The main gallery offers over 10,000 square feet of displays, plus a traveling exhibit room, lecture hall, native gardens, restored Nap les cottages, archaeology lab, Seminole village, Calusa Indian camp, and more. Admission Free. M ONDAY-SATURDAY

9 AM -4- PM .

EVERGLADES DAY SAFARI

convenient pickups throughout SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

239-472-1559

ecosafari.com

Everglades Day Safari provides naturalist-guided eco-safaris into the Everglades. Each tour includes an alligator airboat ride, wildlife drive, nature walk, mangrove wilderness boat ride and southern lunch. The best way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of America's greatest wetland is to go with those who know it best. DAILY 7:30 AM -5 PM

EVERGLADES WONDER GARDENS

27180 Old 41 Road • BONITA SPRINGS

239-922-2591

evergladeswondergardens.com

Old Florida cultural icon for over 80 years nestled on the Imperial River in the newly revitalized historic downtown district in Bonita Springs. Natural History Museum, Tropical Bo tanical Gardens with birds and reptiles, giant banyan trees. Fe ed flamingos and alligators daily. DAILY 9 AM -5 PM .

FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE

2268 Bay Street • FORT MYERS

239-332-4488

floridarep.org

Celebrating 21 years of Award-Winning Regional Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional theatre company that The Wall Street Journal called “One of America’s Top Repertory Companies!” Performing in the Historic Arcade Theatre in Downtown Fort Myers, Florida Rep produces a wide variety of comedies, dramas, and musicals, and plays. BOX OFFICE: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-5PM

GOLISANO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF NAPLES

15080 Livingston Road • NAPLES

239-514-0084

cmon.org

C’mon is a brain-building powerhouse fueled by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). The Museum is 38,000

Florida Repertory Theatre

Everglades Wonder Gardens

Golisano Children’s Museum of NaplesHolocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL

sq. ft. of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences including daily pop-up programs, science Labs, homeschool workshops, camps and more. Admissions: $10 for Adults, $12 for Children; Family Memberships begin at $135/year MONDAY & TUESDAY, THURSDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-5PM & SUNDAY 11AM-4PM.

THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

4760 Tamiami Trail North • NAPLES 239-263-9200

holocaustmuseumswfl.org

The museum is conveniently located on US 41 in Naples. Its mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence. Over 175,000 SWFL st udents have participated in Education programming since 2001. Museum offers permanent collection of over 1,000 WWII and Holocaust artifacts and original photographs, special exhibits and events, daily Docent-led and self-guided tours.

JANUARY-A PRIL : T UESDAY-SUNDAY 12:30 PM -5 PM . M AY-D ECEMBER : T UESDAY-SUNDAY 1-4 PM

THE IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER

2000 Cranford Avenue • FORT MYERS 239-243-0043

theimag.org

Over 60 interactive exhibits for the entire family to discover the wonders of science and history. Feed a stingray, touch a

live alligator, star in a weather forecast, gaze into a 3,200 ga llon aquarium of tropical fish, travel back to the original Fort Myers in a one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality experience and much more. T UESDAY-SATURDAY 10 AM -5 PM & S UNDAY 12-5 PM

IMMOKALEE PIONEER MUSEUM at

Roberts Ranch

1215 Roberts Ave West • IMMOKALEE 239-252-2611

colliermuseums.com

Originally home to cattleman Robert Roberts and his family, this 13-acre historic site and museum features exhibits, programs, and fifteen original buildings that tell the story of cow hunters, ranchers and pioneer-spirited families who st ruggled to tame this vast wilderness prairie on the edge of the Big Cypress Swamp. Admission free. T UESDAY-SATURDAY 9 AM -4 PM .

J.N. 'DING' DARLING

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel-Captiva Road • SANIBEL 238-472-1100

fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling

See birds and wildlife where they live through various r ecreational opportunities at the refuge. Drive, bike, hike or take the tram tour of Wildlife Drive. Hike trails and climb ob servation platforms. Paddle on your own or by tour. Take

IMAG History & Science Center

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Marco Island Historical Museum

narrated nature cruises. Visit the free visitors center. V ISITOR & E DUCATION C ENTER : OPENDAILY 9 AM -4 PM .W ILDLIFE D RIVEOPEN

SATURDAY-T HURSDAYSUNRISE - DUSK .

MARCO ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

180 South Heathwood Drive • MARCO ISLAND 239-252-1440

colliermuseums.com

Marco Island Historical Museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians and brings this vanished civilization to life with displays and a recreated village scene. Temporary exhibits trace this island paradise from its early pioneer roots as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam cannery, through its explosive growth in the 1960s. Admission free. T UESDAY-

SATURDAY 9 AM -4 PM .

MUSEUM OF THE EVERGLADES

105 West Broadway • EVERGLADES CITY

239-695-0008

colliermuseums.com

Opened in 1927 as a commercial laundry, the museum dates to a time when construction of the Tamiami Trail was underway and the settlement of Everglades served as the first County seat. Permanent and temporary exhibits feature an in-depth look at over 2,000 years of area history. Admission free. M ONDAYSATURDAY 9 AM -4- PM

NAPLES DEPOT MUSEUM

1051 5th Avenue South • NAPLES

239-262-6525

colliermuseums.com

Set in Naples’ first passenger train station, the restored Naples Depot Museum takes visitors back to Florida’s railroading heyday and tells how technology and transportation helped Nap les grow from a village of 300 souls to today’s glittering Gulf Coast resort. Admission free. M ONDAY-SATURDAY 9 AM -4- PM .

ROOKERY BAY

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

300 Tower Road • NAPLES

239-530-5940

rookerybay.org

The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is an interpretive gateway into the 110,000-acre Rookery Bay Research Reserve. The two-story exhibit hall includes aquariums, marine life touch tanks, an art gallery and interactive exhibits. In addition, Rookery Bay offers boat and kayak tours, nature trails and themed naturalist programs and lectures. MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-4PM & SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

SANIBEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM & VILLAGE

950 Dunlop Road • SANIBEL

239-472-4648

sanibelmuseum.org

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is a tribute to Sanibel's

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

Naples Depot Museum

Museum of the Everglades

past, where one can glimpse the Sanibel of the 1880s through the 1940s. Nine authentic, historically restored buildings accurately representing various aspects of life in the old days, as well as a garage housing the Bailey Model-T truck. OCTOBER-APRIL: TUESDAYSATURDAY 10AM-4PM.MAY-JULY: TUE-SAT 10AM-1PM.

THE NAPLES PLAYERS

701 5th Avenue South • NAPLES 239-263-7990

naplesplayers.org

Vo te d 'Best Live Theatre' 16 years in a row, The Naples Players shines as a cultural gem in the heart of 5th Avenue's world class shopping and dining. From dazzling musical and family comedies to thought provoking dramas, The Naples Players has been entertaining the audiences of Southwest Florida for 65 ye ars. Performing arts and technical theatre classes are offered for adults and youth. B OX O FFICE : M ONDAY-F RIDAY 10 AM -4 PM & SAT 10 AM -1 PM .

TRUE TOURS

2200 First Street • The Franklin Shops downtownFORT MYERS 239-945-0405

truetours.net

Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Fort Myers and Matlacha Island. River District History Tour (Sat 10:30am), Haunted History Tour (Wed & Sat 8pm – nightly October 24-31), Legends & Legacies

Tour and Fort Myers – A Modern Renaissance Tour (suspended due

to construction in downtown fort Myers), Flavors of Matlacha Island Tour (January-March Saturdays at 10am). Reservations required.

VENICE THEATRE

140 West Tampa Avenue • VENICE

941-488-1115

venicestage.com

Located just an hour north of Fort Myers, Venice Theatre is the second largest community theatre in the country. Their 69th Season features all types of musicals, comedies, dramas and concerts, including South Pacific, The Santaland Diaries, A Christmas Carol, Always, Patsy Cline, 42nd Street, The Capitol Steps, Assisted Living: The Musical, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and more. BOX OFFICE: MONDAYFRIDAY 10AM-5PM & SATURDAY 10AM-1PM & HOURBEFORESHOWS

WILLIAMS ACADEMY

BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

1936 Henderson Avenue • FORT MYERS

239-332-8778

leecountyblackhistorysociety.org

The Williams Academy Black History Museum is the 1942 addition to the original building. It is one of the few early twentieth century wood frame schoolhouses still standing in Lee County. The original Williams Academy built in 1913 was Lee County’s first government funded school for Black (colored) students. The museum preserves and commemorates its’ collection of local Black history as well as the accompanying cultural experience. WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY 11AM-4PM.

Venice TheatreWilliams Academy Black History Museum

True Tours

The Naples Players

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

whatGoeson

SATURDAY

Sept 1

•Art Reception: Center for the Visual Arts Bonita Springs, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.12-2p. Free. 495-8989.

•Electric Lipstick Live music. Society’s Treehouse, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 8:30p12:30a. Free. 334-0900.

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Clearwater Threshers: Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Girl Meets Boy: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•James Yon, Miguel Colon: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 4795233.

•Midnite Johnny Band: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p12a. 333-2225.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

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

•The 502’s: Concert, Paul Elliot opens. Americana Community Music Association Listening Room, All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 691-4069.

•The Del Rays: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

2 SUNDAY

•Fort Myers Miracle vs Clearwater Threshers: Last game celebration. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six MileCypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 4p. 768-4210.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Musical Moments – The Russians Are Coming: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers.

3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

3 MONDAY

•Independent Film Screening & Discussion: Live music. Hosted Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.

•RC Smith: Rockober comedy show. Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

4 TUESDAY

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p.Free. 5405789.

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Matty Jollie Live music. Society’s Treehouse, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 8:30p-12:30a. Free. 3340900.

5 WEDNESDAY

•Irish Music Jam: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-9:30. Free. 2286533.

•Ladies Night Out: Chip-ndale showLaugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Matt Walden: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

6

THURSDAY

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Jory Lyle: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Concert. N Naples United Methodist Church, 6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Naples. 4p. Free. 5971900.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Lee County Library Headquarters, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. 2p. Free. 5971900.

•Open Mic: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-10:30. Free. 2286533.

•RC Smith: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

7 FRIDAY

•Art Reception & Open House: Cape Coral Arts Studio, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free.5740802.

•Art Reception: Art League of Fort Myers, 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 275-3970.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 3375050.

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

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at severalgalleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p.Free. 3375050.

•Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 3332225.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Marty Stokes Band: Blues. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a. Free. 597-1900.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Naples United Church,

5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. 2p. Free. 5971900.

•RC Smith: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Sprout!: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free. 228-6533.

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

•The Freecoasters: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

SATURDAY

•Art Reception: DAAS Coop Gallery, Royal Palm Square, 1400 Colonial Blvd, # 84, Ft Myers. 610p. Free. 590-8645.

Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings will be playing September 7 at The Barrell Room at Twisted Vine in downtown Fort Myers. Call 333-2225 for information.

•Chicago Mob: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Garden Talk: Edible Gardens. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 334-7419.

•Magic Carpet Family Concert: Percussion w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Mike Imbasciani & His Bluezrockerz: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave, Naples. 2p. Free. 597-1900.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

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

•RC Smith: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Sean Chambers: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 333-2225.

•The Goldtones: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

•The Wodowork: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free. 228-6533.

9

Chapel, 120 Morrings Park Dr, Naples. 8p. Free. 5971900.

TUESDAY

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd, Naples. 2p. Free. 5971900.

•Saltwater Cowboy: Local author Tim McBride. Cape Coral Library, 921 SW 39th Ter, Cape Coral. 2p. Free. 479-4636.

WEDNESDAY

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Irish Music Jam: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-9:30. Free. 2286533.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 4p. 745-4268.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

1651 Lee St, meeting rm CD, Ft Myers. 6-8p. 5334636.

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy. Tobye Studio,Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 8p. 263-7990.

•The Freecoasters: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Tommy Lama: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Travel Wine Fest: Presentation on wine cruise & river adventures. Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 4600 Summerlin Rd, # A8, Ft Myers. 5-7pm. Free. Rsvp. 984-3535.

14

Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Sheena Brookk: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Staged Readings: Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Swamp Rats Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free. 228-6533.

•Tommy Lama: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

15

FRIDAY

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Mark Rogers: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 3332225.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues.

SATURDAY

•Best Damn Comedy Show for Kids, Period: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 4p. 4795233.

•Brother Love: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Castles for Kids: Kids team sand sculpting competition, food, activities, pirates.

Sheena Brook is one of more than 40 singer-songwriters performing at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, September 21-30 at various venues in downtown Fort Myers, in Fort Myers Beach and on Captiva. For information, call 338-3500.

Sponsored by Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. La Playa Beach Resort, 9891 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples. 8:30a-12p. 597-3123.

•Cliff Eberhardt: Concert with Louise Mosrie. Americana Community Music Association Listening Room, All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 691-4069.

•Electric Mud: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Fort Myers Derby Girls vs Tampa Sea Sirens: Allfemale roller derby. Ft Myers Skatium, 2250 Bwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 482-7789.

•Galaxy: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 4668326.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Legends of Wrestling: Suncoast Arena, 13351 FSW Pkwy. Ft Myers. 4814849.

•Mad Soul: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 3136576.

•Mark Rogers: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 3332225.

17

MONDAY

•Auditions: For ‘The Silver Foxes’ - singing. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 9a. Free. 941484-4033.

18

TUESDAY

•Auditions: For ‘The Silver Foxes’ – acting & tap dancing. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 9a. Free. 941-484-4033.

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Talent Search: Vocalists & vocal groups. Ft Myers based Creative Minds Records. Broadway Plam Dinner Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 908-4581.

19

WEDNESDAY

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Irish Music Jam: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-9:30. Free. 2286533.

SUNDAY

•Auditions: For Ebenezer Scrooge ‘A Chrismas Carol’. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 7p. Free. 941-484-4033.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a-2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. 10

MONDAY

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Free Concert: Moorings Park Bower

•Open Mic Night: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. 13

•Matt Chadwick: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free. 228-6533.

THURSDAY

•Acoustic Fire: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

•Comedy Open Mic: Old Soul Brewing, 10970 S Cleveland Ave, #402, Ft Myers. Free. 8-11p. 3344334.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

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

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Open Mic: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-10:30. Free. 2286533.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Ft Myers Library,

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

•South Cape Halfway to St Patrick’s Day: Trolly tour bar crawl. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Tommy Lama: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

16

SUNDAY

•Bluegrass Concert: Bands TBA. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 939-2787.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

20

THURSDAY

•Animals & the Arts: Furry Friends Displayed in Art exhibit, music by Gulf Coast Symphony, Rescue 4 Paws film documentary. Fundraiser for Gulf Coast Huamne Society. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6p. 939-2787.

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941639-8810.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: 10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Brian Markley & Co : Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Open Mic: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7-10:30. Free. 2286533.

what Goes on

•Rob Little: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

21 FRIDAY

•Betty Fox Band: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Disney On Ice – Mickey’s Search Party: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 10:30a & 7p.

800-745-3000.

•Island Hopper Songwriter

Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. 7-10:30p. Free.

338-3500.

•Kate Keys Band: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7:30p. 282-3232.

•Kelly Neff: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free.

228-6533.

•Little Eddie & the Fat Fingers: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 333-2225.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Rob Little: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

22 SATURDAY

•Albert Castiglia Blues Roots: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Big Hefty: Riptide Brewing, 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. 7:30-10:30. Free. 228-6533.

•Chicago Mob: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Disney On Ice – Mickey’s Search Party: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 2 & 6p. 800-745-3000.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. 2p-12a. Free. 338-3500.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

•Riverside: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Rob Little: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College

Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Sista Marybeth: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 333-2225.

23 SUNDAY

•Disney On Ice – Mickey’s Search Party: Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 1 & 5p. 800745-3000.

•FGCU Symphonic Band & Jazz Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

•Here Come The Mummies: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Captiva. 11a-6p. Free. 338-3500.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•National Public Lands Day: Tram tours, guided walks, crafts. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 8:30a-7p. Free. 472-1100.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers.

3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Starcrossed: Gulfshore Playhouse w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 5971900.

24 MONDAY

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. Free. 4-9p. 338-3500.

25

8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Swamp Buggy Fever: Swamp buggy races, food, music, activities. Collier Museum at Government Center,3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. 68p. Free. 252-8476.

27 THURSDAY

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 3332225.

•

29 SATURDAY

•Ben Allen Band: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:309:30p. Free. 313-6576.

• B r o t h e r L o v e : Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Ft Myers Beach. 1p-12a. Free. 338-3500.

TUESDAY

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. 69:30p. Free. 338-3500.

26 WEDNESDAY

•Aaron Seyfferth: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 313-6576.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. 5:309:30p. Free. 338-3500.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers.

: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 6036535.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Female songwriter concert Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8p. 333-1933.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues in historic downtown Ft Myers River District. 11a2p. Free. 338-3500.

•Julie Scoggins: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Peter Kolter: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

28 FRIDAY

•Ari & The Alibi’s: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p-12a. 333-2225.

•Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Singer/Songwriters perform at various venues on Ft Myers Beach. 710:30p. Free. 338-3500.

•Jory Lyle: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Julie Scoggins: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Neon Summer: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Rickie Lee Jones, Anders Osborne: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

Oct 1 MONDAY

•Auditions: For ‘A Christmas Carol’. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 7p. Free. 941484-4033.

•Independent Film

•Julie Scoggins: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Marty Stokes: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Mike Zion & Maria Berenardo: Trombone & saxophone concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 7454268.

•National Estuaries Day Celebration: 40th anniversary celebration, guided boat tours, films, presentations, demos, kayaking, art show, food trucks, etc. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-4p. Free. 5305977.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

•RJ Howson & Friends: Blues band. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 9p12a. 333-2225.

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 8p. 389-9192.

•Auditions: For ‘A Christmas Carol’. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 7p. Free. 941484-4033.

•FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. Hayes Hall, ArtsNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 7454268.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

Screening & Discussion: Live music. Hosted Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p. talk after film. 810-6323.

2

TUESDAY

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p.Free. 5405789.

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

3

WEDNESDAY

•Art Alive: Naples Art District Studio & Gallery Tours. Receptions, exhibits, demos, livemusic at dozens of Art Alliance Naples galleries & studios. J & C Blvd, Shirley St & Trade Center Way,Naples. 5-8p. Free. 289-5070.

•Kyle Anne: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

4

THURSDAY

•Art Reception: ArtLab, FGCU Library, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 57p. Free. 590-7199.

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. ACSWF Co-op Gallery, Coconut Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, FtMyers, 4-6p. Free. 9493073.

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral.5-7p. Free. 772-5657.

•Chris Workman: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

Rickie Lee Jones performs at the Southwest Florida Event center in Bonita Springs on September 28. For information, call 245-9910.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Mr Showtime David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

5 FRIDAY

•4192 - An Evening with Pete Rose: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

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

•Art Reception: Art League of Fort Myers, 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 275-3970.

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-10p. Free. 3375050.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at severalgalleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p.Free. 3375050.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Love & Theft: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon,

2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839.

•Marty Stokes Band: Blues.

Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.

7:30p. Free. 282-3232.

•Mr Showtime David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 4795233.

•Rusty Wright Band: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

•The Freecoasters: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

6

SATURDAY

•Charlie Moon Band: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-

9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Damon Fowler: Blues concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 495-8989.

•Mike Imbasciani & His Bluezrockerz: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Mr Showtime David Scott: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft

Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p.643-7275.

•Musical Moments –Skeletons, Ghosts & the Dance Macabre: Concert. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 4958989.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

8

MONDAY

•Steve Martin & Martin Short: Comedy & concert w Steep Canyon Rangers. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 5971900.

9

Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 4795233.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 597-1900.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a2p. Free. 826-3861.

•Stage 2 Improv: Comedy. Tobye Studio,Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 8p. 263-7990.

•The Del Rays: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Twin Kennedy: Concert. Gene Martin opens. Americana Community Music Association Listening Room, All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 691-4069.

7

SUNDAY

•FGCU Chamber & University Choirs: Concert. New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Naples. 3p. Free. 7454268.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Music in the Garden: Live music. Naples Botanical

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

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Megan Rose: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

•Penn Johnson: Folksinger concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 394-4221.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Ft Myers Library, 1651 Lee St, meeting rm CD, Ft Myers. 6-8p. 5334636.

•Todd Snider: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

TUESDAY

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

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Travel Wine Fest: Presentation on wine cruise & river adventures. Hosted by Expedia CruiseShipCenters. Waterside Wine Club, 5785 Cape Harbour Dr, #203, Cape Coral. 5-7pm. Free. Rsvp. 984-3535.

10

WEDNESDAY

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Mia Jackson: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

11 THURSDAY

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Emo Philips: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Urinetown, the Musical: Collaboration with TheatreZone. Discussion w cast & crew after show. TheatreLab, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. 745-4268.

13

SATURDAY

•‘Ding’ Darling Days: Conservation Art Day. Ecoactivities for all ages, tram tours, wildlife presentations, crafts, puppet shows, birding, kayaking, etc. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 8a-6p. Free. 472-1100.

•Art Reception: DAAS Coop Gallery, Royal Palm Square, 1400 Colonial Blvd, # 84, Ft Myers. 610p. Free. 590-8645.

•Urinetown, the Musical: Collaboration with TheatreZone. TheatreLab, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 8p. 745-4268.

12 FRIDAY

•‘Ding’ Darling Days: Let’s Get Outside Day. Ecoactivities for all ages, tram tours, wildlife presentations, crafts, puppet shows, birding, kayaking, etc.. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 8a6p. Free. 472-1100.

•Emo Philips: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Girl Meets Boy: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Improv Tonight!: Comedy. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 4958989.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

•Shelly Fairchild: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

•Brother Love: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Bruce Katz Band: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Electric Mud: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

•Emo Philips: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Fort Myers Derby Girls vs Pirate Bay Krakens: Allfemale roller derby. Ft Myers Skatium, 2250 Bwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 482-7789.

•Galaxy: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Garden Talk: Orchids. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. 3347419.

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

•Rocky Horror Picture Show: Film, costume contest, food trucks, drinks. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-10p. 939-2787

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

•SWFL SteamCon: Stemapunk & fantasy convention. Authors, crafts, costume contests, readings, lectures, live music, vendors, etc. Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson St, Ft Myers. 10a8p. 704-236-2748.

The Americana Community Music Association presents Twin Kennedy on October 6 at the All Faiths Church in Fort Myers. Call 691-4069 for information.

what Goes on

•The Freecoasters: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Urinetown, the Musical: Collaboration with TheatreZone. TheatreLab, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 8p. 7454268.

•Wynonna & The Big Noise: Concert. Seminole Casino Resort, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

14

SUNDAY

•‘Ding’ Darling Days: Free Family Fun Day. Ecoactivities for all ages, tram tours, wildlife presentations, crafts, puppet shows, birding, kayaking, etc. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 8a-6p. Free. 472-1100.

•FGCU Symphony

Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 7454268.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples.2p. Free. 263-9521.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Urinetown, the Musical: Collaboration with TheatreZone. TheatreLab, FGCU, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2p. 745-4268.

16

5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 5971900.

•Bobby James: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

Island Foundation for the Arts. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

24

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

•Lord of the Dance: ‘Dangerous Games’. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

17

WEDNESDAY

•Alex Lopez Xpress: Concert. Artis-Naples,

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. 18

•Arts On Tap: Local craft beer festival fundraiser. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 939-2787.

•Boo at the Zoo: Trick-ortreating, costume contest. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 10a-4p. Kids in costume free. 262-5409.

THURSDAY

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

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

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: 10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971.

•Chris Workman: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks – Boreyko Conducts Brahms: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Ron Feingold: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•The Nighthawks: Concert. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

Blues music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 9859839.

•Florida Everblades vs Norfolk Admirals: Ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Lewis Black: ‘The Jokes’ On Us’. Comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks – Boreyko Conducts Brahms: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Relentless Fire: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 471-2777.

•Ron Feingold: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

Naples. 10a-4p. Kids in costume free. 262-5409.

•Chicago Mob: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Daniel Ceron: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU BlvdS, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 745-4268.

•Florida Everblades vs Norfolk Admirals: Ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Gator Nate: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Rd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. 770-906-7885.

•Jory Lyle Trio: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 471-2777.

•ETC Readers Theater: ‘Making God Laugh’. Naples Players Etc... Readers’ Theatre. Tobye Studio,Sugden Community Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 263-7990.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Chamber Music Concert: The Carnival of Animals. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 5971900.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•The Doobie Brothers: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

22

MONDAY

•Aaron Seyffreth: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:309:30p. Free. 313-6576.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

25

THURSDAY

•Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet: Jazz. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7-11:30p. 333-2225.

•Hunter Dahlen: Open jazz jam. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 603-6535.

•Kevin Lee: Magician. Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

•Kolter/Grimm: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 7-10p. 4712777.

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

26 FRIDAY

•Dweezil Zappa: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

•The World of Dance Live: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849. 19

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

FRIDAY

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

•Boo at the Zoo: Trick-ortreating, costume contest. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 10a-4p. Kids in costume free. 262-5409.

•Brandon Santini: Live music.Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 2823232.

•Fabulous Thunderbirds:

•UB40: Concert. SWFL Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 245-9910.

20

SATURDAY

• Aaron Burdett: Concert. Carolyn & David Stanley open. Americana Community Music Association Listening Room, All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 691-4069.

•Boo at the Zoo: Trick-ortreating, costume contest. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd,

•Open Studios at The Art Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. 10a2p. Free. 826-3861.

•Ron Feingold: Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Song & Dance: Gulfshore Opera w Gulfshore Ballet. Gulfshore Ballet, 5636 Youngquist Rd, Ft Myers. 7p. 529-3925.

•The Simon & Garfunkel Story: Concert show. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

21 SUNDAY

•Art Show: Marco Island Center for the Arts & Marco

•FGCU Wind Orchetsra w Port Charlotte HS Wind Ensemble: Concert. Charlotte Perfroming Arts Hall, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. Free. 745-4268.

23

TUESDAY

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Bob Dylan: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

•Miami City Ballet: With Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Poetry Open Mic: Open to all & all ages. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. Free. 939-2787.

•Fall Walk: Lights, music, activities. Naples Botanical Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 6-9p. 643-7275.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Kevin Lee: Magician. Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Live Music: Food truck. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 603-6535.

•Mike Imbasciani & The Bluez Rockerz: Blues. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Film screenings & panel discussions. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 775-3456.

Steve Martin & Martin Short will be appearing at Artis—Naples on October 8. For information, call 597-1900.

•Rocky Horror Show: Film. Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 8p. 4958989.

•Scotty Bryan: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 6:30p. 282-3232.

•Sheena Brook: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

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

•The Freecoasters: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:309:30p. Free. 313-6576.

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

•Upchurch the Redneck: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 9859839.

27

SATURDAY

•Alter Ego: Concert. Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 7p. 466-8326.

•Brother Love: Live music. Bert’s Bar & Grill,4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 7p. Free. 282-3232.

•Fall Walk: Lights, music, activities. Naples Botanical Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 6-9p. 643-7275.

•Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Halloween Ghost Train & Murder Mystery: Murder on the Scottish Line. Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.

•Kevin Lee: Magician. Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30 & 9:30p. 4795233.

•Magic Carpet Family Concert: Brass w Naples Philharmonic. ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 8p. 5971900.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival: Film screenings & panel discussions. Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, 9118 Strada Pl, Naples. 775-3456.

•Open Studios at The Art

Loft: Union Artist Studios, Alliance for the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Edwards bldg, 2nd fl, Ft

Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 8263861.

•Rebecca Folsom: Concert. Americana Community Music Association

Listening Room, All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 691-4069.

•Riverside: Big Blue Brewing, 4721 SE 10 Pl, Cape Coral. 9-12a. 4712777.

28

SUNDAY

•Fall Walk: Lights, music, activities. Naples Botanical Garden,4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 6-9p. 643-7275.

•Halloween Ghost Train & Murder Mystery: Murder on the Scottish Line. Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487.

•Jazz Brunch: Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 11a2p. Free. 333-2225.

•Naples Int’l Film Festival

Closing Awards

Ceremony: Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 5:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Symphony Spooktacular: Gulf Coast Symphony family concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1p.277-1700.

•The Alter Eagles: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 8p. 941-488-1115.

29

31 WEDNESDAY

•All That Jazz: Joe Locke concert. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 5971900.

•Halloween Ghost Train & Murder Mystery: The Not So Great Train Robbery. Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

•Open Blues Jam: Live music hosted by Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111.

•Thomas Beckman: Live music. Ft Myers Brewing Co, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr, # 27, Ft Myers. 6:309:30p. Free. 313-6576.

ongoing theater

•42nd Street: Oct 4-Nov 17. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•An Iliad: Oct 20-Nov 4. Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

•Anna in the Tropics: Sep 14-20. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Annual New Works Festival: Sep 7-15. Staged readings with Q & A. Gulfshore Playhouse, Norris Center, 755 5th Ave S, Naples. 866-811-4111.

MONDAY

•The Alter Eagles: Concert. Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 3 & 8p. 941-488-1115.

30

TUESDAY

•Blues Tuesdays: Pro blues jam w Jason Haram. The Barrel Room, Twisted Vine Bistro, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Free. 3332225.

•Mozart & Schubert: Naples Philharmonic chamber music concert. ArtisNaples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 5971900.

•Star Wars Live in Concert: Film w Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

Players. Tobye Studio, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Kilroy Never Showed!: Sep 5-Nov 22: Sun, Wed, Thu.Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Last of the Red Hot Lovers: Sep 5-23. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•Lend Me a Tenor: Sep 21Oct 7. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Let’s Go to the Movies: Thru Sep 29. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Madagascar – a Musical Adventure: Oct 12-Nov 16. Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Murder Most Elite: Thru Sep 29: Fri & Sat.Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Murderers – a Killer Comedy: Sep 27-Oct 7. Theatre Conspiracy. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•No Mrs Jones I Expect You Die: Thru Sep 2: Sun, Wed, Thu.Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805

Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Peter & The Starcatcher: Oct 24-Nov 8. The Naples Players. Blackburn Hall, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Peter and the Starcatcher: Sep 7-16. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Rehearsal for Murder: Oct 24-Nov 11. Marco Players. Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270.

•South Pacific: Oct 26-Dec

2. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Steel Magnolias: Oct 16Nov 7. Florida Repertory Theatre,Arcade Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 3324488.

•Suds - The Rocking 60s

Musical: Sep 28-Oct 21. Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Urinetown, the Musical: Oct 11-14. FGCU & TheatreZone. TheatreLab, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 888-966-3352.

THEATERS

•BIG ARTS Strauss Theater: 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 395-0900.

•Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: Thru Sep 29:

Let’s Go to the Movies; Oct 4-Nov 17: 42nd Street. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers.278-4422.

•Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre: Oct 12-Nov 16: Madagascar – a Musical Adventure. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•FGCU TheatreLab: Oct 1114: Urinetown – the Musical FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 5907268.

•Florida Repertory Theatre: Arcade Theatre — Oct 16Nov 7: Steel Magnolias; . 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 3324488.

•Off Broadway Palm Theatre: Sep 20-Nov 10: Don’t Dress for Dinner. 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Naples Players: Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. Oct 24-Nov 18: Peter & The Starcatcher; Oct 21-Nov 8: June & Jason’s Survival Guide to Divorce. 2637990.

•Theatre Conspiracy: Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 936-3239.

•TheatreZone: Oct 11-14: Urinetown.G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Venice Theatre: Sep 7-16: Peter and the Starcatcher; Sep 21-Oct 7: Lend Me a Tenor; Sep 28-Oct 21: Suds - The Rocking 60s Musical; Oct 26-Dec 2: South Pacific. 140 W. Tampa Ave, Venice. 941488-1115.

artgalleries

•Becoming Doctor Ruth: Sep 18-Oct 21. Florida Repertory Theatre,ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2267 1st St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Dice, Deeds, and Death: Oct 5-Nov 17: Fri & Sat.Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train,2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Don’t Dress for Dinner: Sep 20-Nov 10. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Hand to God: Oct 19-Nov 4. Laboratory Theater of Florida,1634Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•I’ll Eat You Last: Oct 521.The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 5701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•June & Jason’s Survival Guide to Divorce: Oct 24Nov 18. The Naples

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Oct 5-Nov 3: Dia del los Muertos. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: Miromar Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Mon-Fri 9:30a5:30p & Sat 10a-5p. Free. 312-375-8887.

•Andrea Beloff Fine Art: 5760 Shirley St, # 20, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-3p. Free. 305-773-0358.

•Another Time: 1414 Dean St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. Free. 672-4607.

•Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214.

•Art 41: 2084 J & C Blvd, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 249-2205.

•Art Council of Southwest

Comedian Emo Philips will be appearing at Laugh In Comedy cafe in Fort Myers, October 11-13. For information, call 479-5233.

what Goes on

Florida Co-Op Gallery: Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. Mon-Sat 11a-5p & Sun 125p. Free. 267-3049.

•Art League of Fort Myers: 1451 Monroe St, Ft Myers. Oct: Wandering Spirits. Free open painting Wed 9:30-12p. Tue-Sat 11a3p & 6-9p 1st Fri of month. Free. 275-3970.

•Artis Naples: Hayes Hall Galleries, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Sep 5Jan: Intermission; Sep 5Jun: Philip Haas - The Four Seasons; Sep 5-Oct: Student Photography Institute; Oct-Jun: Daniel Buren – A Colorful Pause; Nov-Jan: Featured Works from Bryna Prensky Collection; May-Jun: Annual Student Exhibition.

Thu-Sat 10a-4p, last Wed 6-9p. Free. 597-1900.

•Arts For ACT Gallery: 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Sep 7-Oct 1: Katherine Boren, Adorable Monique; Oct 5-29: Arts for Act Auction. Mon-Sun 11a4:30p, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fri 11a-10p. Free. 337-5050.

•Arts on Fire Studio & Gallery: 6210 Shirley St, #103, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-4p. Free. 914-4840608.

•Baker Museum: ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Closed until further notice for repairs. 597-1900.

•Barbara Groenteman Fine Art Gallery & Studio: 5760 Shirley St, #7, Naples. By appt. Free. 572-3386.

•Beth Sistrunk Fine Art: 5760 Shirley St, # 15, Naples. Tue & Thu 1-4p. Free. 293-4904.

•Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery: 4332 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Sun & Mon 10a5p, Tue-Sat 10a-7p. Free. 283-1335.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Phillips Gallery — Oct 17-Nov 25: The Sense of Things. Founders Gallery —Oct 17Nov 25: Passion for Pastels. Mon-Sat 9a-4p & Sat 9a-1p (Jan-May). Free. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, 8099 College

Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Sep

14-Dec 8: The Art of Peter Greenway & Jack Kerouac.

Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a3p. Free. 489-9313.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Oct 1-31: Cape Coral Life. Meetings 1st Mon 9am. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Sun 1-4p, MonThu 10a-4p, Fri 1-9p, Sat 9a-1p. Free. 772-5657.

•Cape Coral Arts Studio:

4533 Coronado Pkwy in Rubicond Park, Cape Coral. Thru Sep 27:

Aquarium; Oct 5-25: Pet

Portraits. Mon-Fri 9a-

4:30p. Free. 574-0802.

•Casa Art Studio: 5860 Shirley St, #104, Naples.

Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 2895070.

•Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Sep

1-Oct 20: Second Time

Around - The Hubcap As

Art.; Oct 18-Dec 20: Sandra Fay Mark - John Merchant - Joan Roberts.

Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 1-5p.

Free. 495-8989.

•Clark Art Studio: Mercato, 9155 Strada Place, #5155, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-9p & Sun 1-9p. Free. 616-2601533.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388

Tamiami Tr, Ochopee.

Daily 10a-5p. Free. 6952428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. TueFri 10a-4:30p. Free. 4860811.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331

Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Thru Sep 29: The Lure of Florida Fishing. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Royal Palm Square, 1400 Colonial Blvd, # 84, Ft Myers. Sep 8-Oct 7:

Beyond the Tatoo; Oct: Gina Battle. Tue-Sat 10a-

6p. Free. 590-8645.

•East West Fine Art: Bigham Galleria, 2425 Tamiami Tr N, #102, Naples. Mon-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 11a-2p.Free. 8219459.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-9p & Sun 12-6p. Free. 220-7503.

•Elaine Murphy Art: 6240 Shirley St, #204 upstairs, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. Naples. 941-3201617.

•Emily James Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-8p & Sun 125p. Free. 777-3283

•Englewood Art Center: Ringling College of Art & Design, 350 S. McCall Rd, Oct 9-Nov 9: Works by Julie Kanapaux. Tue 9a9p & Wed-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 941-474-5548.

•Estero Art League: Estero Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Rd, Estero.. 489-5216.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery — thru Oct 4: Eleven Voices -

FGCU Art Faculty; Oct 19Nov 15: Blind date – Neil Bender & Jen Ray. ArtLab — thru Sep 30: Visual Language, The Nature of Typography & Literature; Oct 5-Nov 8: Topical reunion – Megan Kissinger & David Shepard. Wasmer Gallery in Arts Complex, ArtLab in Library. MonFri, 10a-4p & Thu 10a-7p. Free. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association: 3030 Shell Mound, Ft Myers Beach. Thru Oct 17: Members show; Oct 18-Nov 1: Painters Group Show, Members Show. Oct -Apr Mon-Sat 10a-3p, May-Sep Wed & Thu 9a-12p. Free. 463-3909.

•Gallery Vibe: 851 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 4173450.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. Free. 403-7787.

•Geoff Gleason Sculpture Studio: 5490 Yahl St, Naples. Mon-Fri 1-5p. Free. 703-597-2897.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10a-6p & Sat 11a-2p, 1st & 3rd Fri 610p, 1st Fri of month 10a10p. Free.461-7245.

•Guardians of The Everglades: 1719 Trade Center Way, # 3, Naples. Wed 2-7 & by appt. 4052010.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: 1187 8th St S, Naples. Mon-Thu 12-5p, Fr & Sat 12-9p, Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-3417.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Daily 11a-8p. Free. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Gallery: 599 9th St N, #309, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. Nov-Apr. Free. 261-2637.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 382 12th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 12-5p NovJul. Free. 261-2637.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. Nov-Apr: Mon-Sat 10a-5p. Free. 395-0027.

•Howl Gallery/Tattoo: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers. Mon-Thu 11a-8p, Fri & Sat 12-10p,1st Sat of month 711p. Free. 332-0161.

•HW Gallery: 1305 Third St S, Naples. Daily 10a-5p. Free. 263-6640.

•Iona Art Gallery: 16681 McGregor Blvd, #201, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 246-5876.

•Island Conclave: 5101 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia. TueSat 11a-5p. Free. 2828488.

•Island Visions: 4643 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Daily 10a-5p. Free. 2820452.

•JAMA Studio: 3845 Beck Blvd, Naples. Mon-Fri 9:30a-2:30p. Free. 786763-1933.

•Jo-Ann SanbornSunshine Studios of Marco Island: The Esplanade, 760 N Collier Blvd, #102, Marco Island. By appt. Free. 404-9179.

•John Ebling Veteran Art Gallery: American Legion Post #38, 1837 Jackson St, Ft Myers. Free. 332-1853.

•Kathleen Bradford Studio/Gallery: 4259 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Oct-MayTue-Sat 11a-5p, Jun-Sep by appt. Free. 776-6844.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha.OctJun: Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a-4p; Jul-Sep: Mon & Thu-Sat 11-5p, Sun 124p.Free. 283-6453.

•Marc Harris Wildlife & Fine Art Photography Gallery: 1401 Lee St, #B, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 12-4p. Free. 7897027.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Oct 1-30: Opposites Attract, Marco

Island Academy. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Oct 4: I Remember Marco. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6421440.

•Marianne Friedland Gallery: 359 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10-5p. Free. 262-3484.

•Michaela & Leigh Art: 6240 Shirley St, #103, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 272-6383.

•Michelle Kaytaz Gallery & Studio: 6230 Shirley St, #204 upstairs, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 817944-2407.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. Thru Nov 2: Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6950008.

•Naples Art Association: 585 Park St, Naples. Thru Oct 18: ARTSchool; Sep 26-Nov 3: Morris Herstein – A Fusion of Fotos; Oct 127: Feel the Art; Oct 31Dec 1: Celebrating the Light. Mon-Sat 10a-4p; Jun 1-Oct 16: Mon-Fri 10a4p. Free. 262-6517.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Oct 1-Mar 31:

Reflections on Glass –Frabel in the Garden. Dogs in the Garden walks Sun 9-11:30a, Tue 8-11a, Thu 35p. Daily 9a-5p & Tue8a5p Oct-Jun; daily 8a-3p Jul-Sep. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Sep 28: Mysteries of Nature –Artwork by Lois Selfon. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 2626525.

•Ollie Gentry Mack Photography Studio & Gallery: 2180 W 1st St, #210, Ft. Myers. Tue-Sat 10a-6p & 1st Fri 10a-10p. Free. 332-1295.

•Os Urbanos Studios/Gallery: 1342 Colonial Blvd, #C24, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & 2nd Sat 5-10p. Free. 8779878.

•Phil Fisher Gallery: 810 12th Ave S, Naples. MonThu 11a-5p, Fri & Sat 11a9p. Free. 403-8393.

•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. MonSat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. Free. 333-3130.

•Richard H Rush

Library: Special Collections Gallery, FSW State College, 8099 College Pkwy, Ft Myers.

Ongoing: High Renaissance to Impressionism, The Sanders Porcelain Exhibit. Mon-Fri 10a-2p. Free. 4899220.

•Ringling College of Art + Design Galleries: Basch Gallery (Academic Center, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd)— thru Oct 3: Staff & Instructors Show; Oct 12Dec 14: Kindred- Recent Photographs by Noelle McCleaf. Crossley Gallery (2698 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota) — thru Sep 13: Annual Fine Arts Alumni Show. Stulberg Gallery (Basch Visual Arts Center, 1188 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Way, Sarasota) — thru Oct 31: Annual Faculty Show; Oct 12-Dec

7: Agitype – Sheryl Oring. Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota.) — thru Sep 21: Octavio Perez. Selby Foundations Gallery (Atrium, 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota) — Sep 7-28: Regan Dunnick – Here It Is Serious Yet Fun. MonSat 10a-4p; May-Aug MonFri 10a-4p. Free. 941-3597563.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd,

Comedian Lewis Black will be performing October 19 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Call 481-4849 for information.

Naples. Thru Oct 26: Parallel Harmonies. Free. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. 5305940.

•Rosen Gallery & Studios: North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, N Naples. Thru

Nov 5: Group ShowResident Artists. MonSat, 12-6p. Free. 8211061.

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a10p. Free. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Sep 7-28: Jonathan Kane Retropsective; Sep 7-28: Syzygy – Urban Dreamscape. Mon-Fri 9a5p & 6-9p & 1st Fri of month (summer Mon-Fri 10a-4p). Free. 337-1933.

•SmallWalls: 6240 Shirley St, #202 upstairs, Naples. Wed 3-5p, Oct-May 1st Wed 5-8p & 3rd Sat 11a-4p. Free. 402-201-6160.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 5:30-close. Free. 2049949.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 2100-A Trade Center Way, Naples. Nov-AprMon-Fri 10a-5p, 1st Wed 5-8p, 3rd Fri 6-8p, Sat by appt; May-Oct MonFri 10a-5p & Sat by appt. Free. 597-2110.

•The Artist’s Gallery: 6240 Shirley St, #104, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 596-5099.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Nov 1: The First 5 Years of Art of Our Time; thru Oct 9: Volumes; Sep 9-Dec 2: StorytellingFrench Art from the Horvitz Collection; thru Feb 3: Watercolors from the Permanent Collection; Oct 14-Feb 17: Coco FuscoTwilight. Circus Museum thru Sep 10: 250 Years of the Circus in Print.

Ongoing: thru Nov 1: First 5 Years of Art of Our Time. Gardens of Ringling

Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Thomas Riley Studio: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p; May 1-Aug 31: Mon-Fri 12-5p. 529-2633.

•Timeless: 2218 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p; Fri & Sat 11a-8p. 332-8463.

•Tower Gallery: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-9p. Free. 340-6467.

•True Joy Studio: 6240 Shirley St, #201 upstairs, Naples. Mon-Fri 11a-4p. Free. 821-8806.

•Two Newts Gallery: 2502 2nd St, #104, Ft Myers. Tue-Fri 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. Free. 332-2300.

•Union Artists Studios:

Alliance of the Arts, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Free. 826-3861.

•Unit A - Marcus Jansen Studio & Residency: 2633 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 11a-3p & by appt & special events. 240-1053.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Sep 10-27: Artists of the Atelier; Sep 11-Oct 5: Taking Shape; Sep 28-Oct

25: Open Studio Artists; Oct 6-26: Ways to Go!; Oct 26-Nov 16: Fine Arts Festival; Oct 27-Nov 30: Harvest of Art. Mon-Fri 9a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. Free. 951-639-8810.

•Watson MacRae Gallery: 2340 Periwinkle Way, #G1, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 10:30a5p. Free. 472-3386.

attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Daily 9a-5p. 877-902-1113.

•Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: 3075 SanibelCaptiva Rd, Sanibel. Ongoing: Journey to the Center of a Shell, Raymond Burr Memorial Exhibit,Deep-Sea Mollusks, Henry DomkeNature Photographer. World record-sized Shells. Daily 10a-5p. 395-2233.

•Baker Museum: ArtisNaples, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Museum is closed for 2017-2018 season. 5971900.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Living history tours

daily 11a & 1p, 5-9p. 3370706.

•Butterfly Estates: 1815 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Butterfly release daily 10:30a; tours daily 11a & 1p. Tue-Sun 10a-3p. 6902359.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, trails, live reptile shows daily. Planetarium shows daily. Solar observing thru telescope Fri 11a. 10a-5p & Sun, 11a-5p. 275-3435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Wed, Thu & Sun 1-4p. 7727037.

• C o l l i e r C o u n t y M u s e u m a t G o v e r n m e n t C e n t e r :

3331 Tamiami Tr E, Na ples. Thru Sep 29: The Lure of Florida Fishing. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way off Goodlette Frank Rd. Mon-Sat 9:30a-4:30p. Free. 430-2466.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples. Blair Audubon Center, Boardwalk Exploration & Exhibits. Daily 7a-5:30p. Free. 348-9151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. 23998 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Guided walks: Tue 9a Nov-Mar, Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Trails open sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Healing Winds Visitor Education Center.

Wonders of Wildlife:

Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Oct 4: I Remember Marco.

Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6421440.

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; free guided beach walks Tue 9a, Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Jan-Apr

Tue-Sat 9a-4p; May-Dec Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-4p. 765-0865.

•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-3884441.

boat & kayak tours NovApr Tue-Fri. Mon-Sat 9a4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Oct-Apr Tue-Sat

10a-4p; May-Jul Tue-Sat

10a-1p; closed Aug-Sep . 472-4648.

•Shangri-La Springs: 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Free. 949-0749.

Nature presentations MonFri 11a. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Education Center. Oct 12-14: ‘Ding Darling Days. May-Dec 9a4p, Jan-Apr Sun-Fri 9a-5p. 472-1100.

•Edison & Ford Winter Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Daily 9a5:30p. 334-7419.

•Everglades Day Safari: Pickups throughout SWFL. Daily 7:30a-5p. 472-1559.

•Everglades Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, BonitaSprings.Botanical gardens, animals, art gallery. Daily 9a-4p. 9922591.

•Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Special hours for children on autistic spectrum: Breaking the Barriers, 2nd Sat of month 8-9a & Sensory Night, 4th Tue of month 5-8p. Register. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 11a4p. 514-0084.

•Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SWFL: Sandalwood Square, 4760 Tamiami Tr N, # 107, Naples. Jan-Apr: Tue-Sun 12:30-5p; MayDec: Tue-Sun 1-4p. Guided Tours: 1:30p. Free. 2639200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. 3rd Sat: History Saturday. Thru Oct 28: Seminole Patchwork. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical

•Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Dinner & play during 3 hour train ride. Seminole Gulf Railway, Colonial Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. Thru Nov 2: Abandoned Vehicles of the Everglades. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 6950008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame, Pine Island Center. Free. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Oct 1-Mar 31: Reflections on Glass –Frabel in the Garden. Dogs in the Garden walks Sun 9-11:30a, Tue 8-11a, Thu 35p. Daily 9a-5p & Tue8a5p Oct-Jun; daily 8a-3p Jul-Sep. 643-7275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Sep 28: Mysteries of NatureArtwork by Lois Selfon. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 2626525.

•Naples Museum of Military History: Naples Airport, Commercial Terminal, 500 Terminal Dr, Naples. MonSat 10a-4p & Sun 12-4p. Free. 941-575-0401.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd, Naples. Daily 9a-5p. 262-5409.

•Palm Cottage Museum & Norris Gardens: Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Walking tours of Naples historic district: Wed 9:30a; Guided garden tours: 1st & 3rd Thu of month 10a. Tours: Tue-Fri 12-4p & Sat 1-4p. Free. 261-8164.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Thru Oct 22: Parallel Harmonies. Daily programs: 11a & 2p. Guided

•Shell Factory & Nature Park: 2787 N Tamiami Trail, N, Ft Myers. Shell exhibits, Animal exhibits, petting farm, Christmas House, Natural History Exhibit, Money Museum, water games, video arcade, miniature golf, playgrounds, Soaring Eagle Zip Line. Jan 28: Gumbo Fest. Daily 10a-5p. 9952141.

•SWFL Historical Society: 10091 McGregor Blvd, FtMyers. Wed 9a12p & 4-7p, Sat 9a-12p. Free. 939-4044.

•SWFL Military Museum & Library: 4820 Leonard St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-4p. Free. 541-8704.

•The Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Nov 1: The First 5 Years of Art of Our Time; Thru Oct 9: Volumes; Sep 9-Dec 2: Storytelling - French Art from the Horvitz Collection; Sep 15-Feb 3: Watercolors from the Permanent Collection; Oct 14-Feb 17: Coco Fusco –Twilight. Circus Museum thru Sep 10: 250 Years of the Circus in Print. Ongoing: thru Nov 1: First 5 Years of Art of Our Time. Gardens of Ringling Guided Tour: Thu 10:30a. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•True Tours: River District History Tours Sat 10:30a; Haunted History Tours Wed & Sat 8p, Oct 24-31 8p. Tours begin & end at 2200 1st St, Ft Myers. Reserve. 945-0405.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 124p. Free. 332-8778.

parks

•Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. 533-7444.

•Bowditch Point Regional Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3764.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided walks: 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Regional Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Guided walk: 1st

The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers hosts the exhibition, ‘Dia Del los Muertos,’ October 5-November 3. Call 939-2787 for information.

what Goes on

Sat & 3rd Tue of month 9a. 693-2690.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41 (Tamiami Trail), S Naples. Guided walks: Sat 10a. Hiking trail, self-guided boardwalk nature trail, exhibits, camping, fishing, boating canoeing. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach, fishing, picnic areas. 597-6196.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center,815 Oyster Bar Ln.Everglades City. 9a4:30p. 695-3311.

•Hickeys Creek Mitigation Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Guided walks: 1st Tue 9a. 693-2690.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 992-0311.

•Lakes Regional Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. Halloween Festival: Oct 1731, weekends 10a-9p, weekdays 6-9p. Guided walks: 1st Sat 8:30a, Garden tour: 2nd Sat. 5337575.

•Lovers Key State Park: South of Ft Myers Beach. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Park: 950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. -7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm

Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. 8adusk. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass Preserve: 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Guided walks: 707-3015.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 3616511.

•Naples Preserve: Ecocenter. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples.. Free. Dawndusk. 261-4290.

•North Collier Regional Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. 252-4060.

•North Ft Myers Park: 2021 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Yoga: Wed 6p. 652-4512.

•Rutenberg Park EcoLiving Center: ‘FloridaFriendly’ Garden/Landscape Workshops: Wed 10:30a. Free. 533-7515.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Free. 5337550.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Flow Yoga & Mat Pilates: Mon-Thu 9a; Yoga & Meditation: Tue 4:30p; Tai chi: Wed 1p; Laughter Yoga: Wed 6:30p. Classes free. 432-2154.

live music & comedy

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri, Sat, Sun 7p. Free. 691-4069.

•Beach Records: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free. 878-7806.

•Bert’s Bar & Grill: 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha.Live daily & nightly; Tue-Thu 12:303:30p & Fri-Sun 12:306:30p: Calypso Magic on the Dock. 282-3232.

•Big Blue Brewing: 4721 SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral. Live music Wed-Sun nites. 4712777.

•Bone Hook Brewing: 1514 Immokalee Rd, #106, Naples. Live music select nites 6-9p. 631-8522.

•Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon: 2121 SW Pine

Island Rd, Cape Coral. Wed 7-10p: The Hipnauticals. 282-5520.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641 Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p. 693-7111.

•Buddha Bar & Grill: 12701 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music Wed-Sun. 4828565.

•City Tavern: 2206 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music ThuSat. 226-1133.

•Cottage Bar: 1270 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nightly. 765-5440.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat nites. 313-6576.

•George & Wendy’s Sanibel Seafood Grille: 2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Live music Wed-Sat nites. Free. 395-1263.

•Hotel Indigo: 1520 Broadway, Ft Myers. Wed: Open Mic. 337-3446.

•Howl Gallery/Tattoo Dive Bar: 4160 Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers. Live music & burlesque select nites; Thu 8-11p: open jam. 332-0161.

•Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Thu-Sat: comics

7:30 & 9:30p. 479-5233.

•Matanzas on the Bay: 414 Crescent St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely

6-9p. Fri: Father Al & The Jazz Congregation. 4633838.

•Old Soul Brewing: 10970 S Cleveland Ave, #402, Ft Myers. Wed: Open Mic 810p. Live music or comedy select Fri & Sat nites. 3344334.

•Naples Beach Brewery: 4120 Enterprise Ave, #116, Naples. Live music select nites. 304-8795.

•Paradise Tiki Hut: 1502 Miramar St, Cape Coral. Live music nightly. 5421988.

•Parrot Key Caribbean Grill: 2500 Main St, Ft Myers Beach. 463-3257.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music Thu & Fri nites. 603-6535.

•Red Rock Saloon: 2278 First St, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat nites. 689-8667.

•Reserve Cigar & Wine Bar: 10950 S. Cleveland Ave, Ft Myers. Live music Fri & Sat nites. 2100300.

•Riptide Brewing: 987 3rd Ave N, Naples. Wed 7-9p: Irish music jam; live music select Fri & Sat nites. 2286533.

•RJ’s Bar & Grill: 1475 N.

Food & Drink

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA DINING GUIDE

BERT'S BAR & SEAFOOD GRILL : 4271 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 282-3232. Dockside dining with a million dollar view and quality food at reasonable prices. Waterfront restaurant offering delicious and fresh local seafood, certified angus burgers, refreshing brews, and live entertainment Tue-Sun. 'All-U-Can-Eat' Fish Fry Wed & Fri 4-9pm. Open 7 days a week from 11am. www.bertsbar.com

BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE: 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. Southwest Florida’s premier dinner theatre features the best of Broadway, favorite shows of the past and the most recent musical hits. with nationally selected performers and a live orchestra. Featuring a delicious buffet. Tue-Sun: dinner 5:30pm, Matinees: lunch 11:45am. broadwaypalm.com

LATITUDE 26 BAR & RESTAURANT: Hyatt House Naples, 1345 5th Ave S, Naples. 775-1000. New menu of home-cooked comforts, including delicious entrees, gourmet sandwiches, a variety of snacks & sharables, premium beers and wines, and their signature ‘Smoke on the Water’ cocktail, served in nautical British West Indies-inspired décor. Wed: Prime Rib Night. Happy Hour Daily Specials 4-7pm: Lunch: daily 11am-4pm, Happy Hour: daily 4-7pm, Dinner: daily: 5-10pm. hyatthousenaples.com

LAUGH IN COMEDY CAFE: 8595 College Pkwy, # 270, Ft Myers. 479-5233. Laugh In's menu has everything from clams, mussels, crab cakes, and cod to house favorite chicken parmesan & Shrimp Orleans to strip steak. Late night menu features 4-cheese fried rigatoni, pulled pork nachos, hot wings, hot apple pie. Shows:Thu7:30pm,Fri&Sat 7:30&9:30pm. laughincomedycafe.com

THE VERANDA restaurant: 2122 Second St. (at Bwy), Ft Myers. 332-2065. Romantic setting in two turn-of-the-century homes, combined with their Southern Regional Cuisine, an extensive wine list, and first class service staff, provide a unique dining experience. Celebrating excellence since 1978 and consistently honored as one of the most award-winning restaurants in Fort Myers. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30-9pm. verandarestaurant.com

Tamiami Tr, N. Ft Myers. Live music nightly. 9979600.

•Roadhouse Café: 15660 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 415-4375.

•Shark Bar: 17979 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely. 313-6012.

•Smokin’ Oyster Brewery: 340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Live music nitely 6-10p. Free. 463-3474.

•Sneaky Pete’s: 3465 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music nightly. 498-8887.

•Society’s Treehouse: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 3340900.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music Wed-Sat nites. 2049949.

•The Barrel Room: Twisted Vine, 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music Thu-

Sun 7-10. Tue 7-10p: Blues

Tuesdays; Thu 7-10p: Dan Miller & Lew Del Gatto Quartet; Fri & Sat 9p-12a: blues bands; Sun 11-2p: Jazz Brunch w Joe Delaney & Don Mopsick. 333-225.

•The Cigar Bar: 1508 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Wed 9p-12a: Electric Mud. Free. 337-4662.

•The Dek Bar: 4704 SE 15 Ave, Cape Coral. Live music nightly. 542-3745.

•The Joint at Cape Harbour: 5785 Cape Harbour Dr, Cape Coral. Live music

Tue, Fri, Sun nites. 5420123.

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 9859839.

•The Rhythm House: 16440

S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. Live music select Tue-Sat 6:30-9:30p. 466-8326.

•The Veranda: 2122 Second St, Ft Myers. Piano Bar Wed-Sat 6:30-9p. 3322065.

The exhibition, ‘Morris Herstein: A Fusion of Fotos’ is on view at the Naples Art Association in downtoiwn Naples, September 26-November 3. Call 262-6517 for information.

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers host the exhibition, ‘The Art of Peter Greenway & Jack Kerouac, September 14-December 8. For information, call 489-9313.