April-May-June 2026

APRIL-MAY-JUNE

NEWS & PREVIEWS

On The Gulf

Fort Myers Fringe Returns

Theatre Conspiracy will launch its 34th consecutive season with Fort Myers Fringe, May 28-31. Produced in partnership with Off-Broadway Palm and Florida Repertory Theatre, the curated festival of cutting-edge theater, music, comedy, and storytelling features artists from across the country and Australia.

Fort Myers Fringe will include a kids’ fringe featuring ‘Why Zee Won’t Quack,’ a playful children’s theatre story that celebrates individuality and finding your own voice. Performed by members of the Panther Theatre Co. of Cypress Lake High School’s Center for the Arts.

In addition to Kids’ Fringe, Theatre Conspiracy has added Teen Fringe, also featuring students in the Panther Theatre Co. of Cypress Lake High School performing an adaptation of Elektra, which revisits the ancient Greek tragedy.

Fort Myers Fringe features:

Teaser: High-energy introduction to this year’s festival; each performance group has three minutes to sell you on their show

Beers About Songs: Heartfelt and hilarious musical storytelling show about life, love, and the strange ways music finds its way into our most memorable moments.

Anatomica: A Comedy About Meat, Bones, & The Skin You’re In: An educational and absurd look inside the human body that blends science, storytelling, and comedy.

Fire in the Meth Lab: A funny, but shocking true story from

‘Josephine,’ a burlesque cabaret, is the final performance of Fort Myers Fringe on May 30.

acclaimed Australian storyteller Jon Bennett.

A Young Man Dressed as a Gorilla Dressed as an Old Man Sits Rocking in a Rocking Chair for 56 Minutes and Then Leaves: A surreal piece of performance art that has become a cult favorite at Fringe festivals around the world. Show is free.

Josephine: A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play: The festival concludes with a theatrical cabaret celebrating the life and legend of Josephine Baker through music, dance, and storytelling. Performed in Florida Rep’s Historic Arcade Theatre. All performances are at Off-Broadway Palm Theatre, except the final show, Josephine, performed in Florida Repertory Theatre’s Historic Arcade Theatre. schedule

Thursday, MAY 28

6:30pm: Teaser!

7:15pm: Fire In the Meth Lab

Friday, MAY 29: 7pm: Anatomica: A comedy about Meat, Bones, & The Skin You’re In 8:30pm: Beers About Songs

Saturday, MAY 30:

10 & 11:30am: Kids’ Fringe: Why Zee Won’t Quack

1 & 2:30pm: Teen Fringe: Elektra 6pm: Fire in the Meth Lab

7:30pm: Beers About Songs

9pm: Anatomica: A Comedy About Meat, Bones & The Skin You’re In 10:15pm: A Young Man Dressed as a Gorilla Dressed as An Old Man Sits Rocking In a Rocking Chair For 56 Minutes And Then Leaves (Free)

Sunday, MAY 31

2pm: Beers About Songs

3:30pm: Fire in the Meth Lab

5pm: Anatomica: A Comedy About Meat, Bones & The Skin You’re In 6:30pm: Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play. (Historic Arcade Theatre)

Off-Broadway Palm Theatre is located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. and the Historic Arcade Theatre is located at 2268 Bay St. in downtown Fort Myers’ Historic River District. For information, call 208-1003

New Book Explores Rauschenberg’s Fascination with Flight R

obert Rauschenberg, who had a home and working studio on Captiva, may be most famous for his groundbreaking ‘Combines,’ painting and sculpture hybrids created in a variety of mediums, including collage, performance, photography, and printmaking. What connected many of these works was his fascination with flight. The new book, The Ascent of Rauschenberg: Reinventing the Art of Flight (SmithSonian), by Carolyn Russo, explores the flight motif across his work, spanning birds, insects, aviation, spaceflight, sensory experiences, and metaphors for his own life. The book includes more than 150 images revealing the vibrant scope of his work, from lithographs inspired by the Apollo 11 launch that NASA invited him to witness and document, to a Combine featuring a taxidermied

‘The Ascent of Rauschenberg’ explores the artist’s fascination with flight.

eagle that evokes Roman mythology. Nine accompanying essays reflect on his many flight themes and subtleties that might otherwise be overlooked. The book also includes archival photographs and personal papers from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.

Considered a forerunner of several artistic movements, most notably pop art, Rauschenberg was one of the most influential artists of his time. This handsome book examines his work through a distinctive lens, revealing an artist deeply mesmerized by the innovation of flight within nature, technology, and art to reveal the depth of his genius and unparalleled career.

Library, and has grown into one of Florida’s largest and most celebrated annual outdoor art festivals. Presented on Mother’s Day weekend each year, it is consistently ranked among the best art shows in the nation.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake will be open 9am-4pm both Sat & Sun. Parking is available at Lime St. & Massachusetts Ave., and at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum at Florida Southern College, located at 800 E. Palmetto St. Call 863688-7743 for information.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake, the free art festival returns to Lakeland, Mother’s Day Weekend.

Lakeland’s Lakeside Art Festival

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s Fine Art Festival, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 9 & 10, on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. The free, 2-day event features more than 150 artists showcasing their work across a variety of different media, from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and photography. In addition to art displays, families can visit the Mayfaire Kids Zone on the corner of E. Walnut St. & Indiana Ave. for free art activities for children of all ages and abilities.

The weekend also features music on the lawn in front of the Lakeland Library and food trucks along Lake Morton Drive. The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Fine Art will be open throughout the weekend.

One of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, Mayfaire by-the-Lake was launched in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public

Short Films Festival in Bonita Springs

The 11th Annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival returns April 18.The festival celebrates fun, family, creativity, and community while showcasing high-quality entertainment and a comedic side of Bonita Springs.’

“The essence of Bonita Springs is our precious community, and we want filmmakers to harness that spirit and share it with the world,” said Festival Director Antonio Correia. “This year’s theme, ‘Community,’ challenges creators to think outside the box and deliver their interpretation of community that truly resonate with our audience.”

Whether capturing the spirit of Bonita Springs or sharing stories from around the world, the festival features unique independent short films by filmmakers of all experience levels, from students and amateurs to working professionals. Films will be screened April 18

at 6pm, at the Prado 12 Stadium Theater, located at 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr. in Bonita Springs. For information, call 404-3377.

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary recently opened its new Discovery Center.

Swamp Sanctuary Opens New Discovery Center

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s new Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center immerses students and visitors of all ages in the swamp’s natural and cultural history. With exhibits like ‘The Secret Lives of Plants,’ ‘Life Beneath the Surface,’ and ‘Amphibians and Reptiles,’ the new center spotlights the Sanctuary’s work, and its plants and animals.

Audubon has renovated the original 1,600 sq-ft discovery center, closed since 2020, with new exhibits that illustrate the history and ecology of the Sanctuary while inspiring a conservation ethos.

With artifacts to touch and bird calls to hear, and a chance for kids to dress up like a prescribed fire professional, the multisensory learning experience is the perfect complement to a walk along the Sanctuary’s renowned 2.25-mile boardwalk.

Sanctuary Director Keith Laakkonen explains, the new Discovery Center “has modernized and enhanced the visitor experience, enabling each person to see how important the Sanctuary is for water and wildlife in the landscape of Southwest Florida, before or after they

Apr 2: vs Clearwater Threshers

Apr 3: vs Clearwater Threshers

Apr 4: vs Clearwater Threshers

Apr 14: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 15: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 16: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 17: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 18: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 19: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Apr 21: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Apr 22: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Apr 23: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Apr 24: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Apr 25: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Apr 26: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

MAy 5: vs Tampa Tarpons.

MAy 6: vs Tampa Tarpons

MAy 7: vs Tampa Tarpons

MAy 8: vs Tampa Tarpons

MAy 9: vs Tampa Tarpons

MAy 10: vs Tampa Tarpons

MAy 26: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

MAy 27: vs Jupiter Hammerheads.

MAy 28: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

MAy 29: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

MAy 30: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

MAy 31: vs Jupiter Hammerheads

Jun 9: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 10: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 11: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 12: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 13: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 14: vs Dunedin Blue Jays

Jun 23: vs St Lucie Mets

Jun 24: vs St Lucie Mets

Jun 25: vs St Lucie Mets

Jun 26: vs St Lucie Mets

Jun 27: vs St Lucie Mets

Jun 28: vs St Lucie Mets

Jul 7: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 8: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 9: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 10: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 11: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 12: vs Bradenton Marauders

Jul 17: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 18: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 19: vs Lakeland Flying Tigers

Jul 28: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 29: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 30: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Jul 31: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Aug 1: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Aug 2: vs Palm Beach Cardinals

Aug 11: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 12: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 13: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 14: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 15: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 16: vs Clearwater Threshers

Aug 25: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 26: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 27: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 28: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 29: vs Bradenton Marauders

Aug 30: vs Bradenton Marauders

On The Gulf

experience it for themselves on the boardwalk.”

The Blair Visitor Center at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary welcomes visitors to the remarkable 13,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, including the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest.

The Sanctuary, located at 375 Sanctuary Rd. W. in Naples, is open daily at 8am-3pm, December 16-April 30 & 8am1pm, May 1-December 15. Call 348-9151 for information.

New Book Celebrates Marcus

Jansen’s Art

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Marcus Jansen’s artistic journey, from a rising star in New York City’s graffiti culture to worldwide acclaim in fine art museums and galleries. 2026 also marks the 20th anniversary of Jansen’s ‘discovery’ as a revolutionary in modern expressionism by Jerome Donson, director of traveling exhibitions at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.

Jansen, who has a home and working studio in Fort Myers, is a world-renown artist whose work challenges the societal

norms and machinations of governments to call out injustice, racism, authoritarianism, and imperialism.

Hailed as a breakthrough talent of modern expressionism art, his work is featured in major museum collections around the world, as well as group and solo exhibitions. He has also been the subject of documentary films. 2026 also marks the publication of Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen , a collectible book curated,

The new book,’Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen’ will be published in October.

‘An

narrated, and creatively directed by the artist. Collaborating with his friend and editor, John Sprecher, the two have designed and produced a museumquality book that showcases 50 of Jansen’s powerful works— never before seen—of the last decade, representing what he considers many of his most profound artistic statements. In addition to his art, the book features Jansen’s commentary; his inspirations, interpretations, and messages.

Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen will be available in October. Call 738-6299 for information.

New Book Celebrates the Artful History of Naples

Anew book, An Artful History of Naples and Collier County, by Paul Arsenault, Eileen Arsenault, and Donna Murphy, is a 240page fine art book featuring the paintings of acclaimed artist (and Naples resident) Paul Arsenault, paired with vintage postcards, historic photographs (some from the Smithsonian Institution, many from private collections, some seen by the public for the first time), and lively narratives.

The book celebrates the dreamers, visionaries, personalities, and pioneers who

shaped the region; the iconic landmarks and glimpses of Old Florida that anchor its identity; and the history, anecdotes, and folklore that capture its spirit.

An Artful History of Naples and Collier County (Banyan artS), is a richly illustrated coffee-table book that journeys through the lives of Hunters and Harvesters, Traders and Trailblazers, Neapolitans and Cosmopolitans, and Spirits and Stewards.

From the ingenuity of the Calusa and the resilience of the Seminole to the bold visions that built the Tamiami Trail, the book captures major milestones and colorful surprises: Naples’ beloved swamp buggy races, the eccentric ‘15-Minute Mayor,’ daring drug runs in the Ten Thousand Islands, the Cape Romano dome houses, and the nation’s smallest post office (in Ochopee). It also honors the region’s fragile natural wonders—from the elusive ghost orchid to Marco Island’s burrowing owls, and the beautiful but endangered Florida panther.

For more than 50 years, Arsenault ‘s paintings have chronicled the community he has called home. As a plein air painter, Paul explains, “It was one thing to come home with a painting, but to come home with a painting and a story meant it was really a successful day.”

In addition to Arsenault’s art, An Artful History of Naples and Collier County also features works by other local artists, including paintings by Richard Segalman, George Catlin, and Rob Storter, as well as photographs by Clyde Butcher and Michelle Tricca.

For information, call Banyan Arts at 263-1214.

Sarasota Opera Celebrates

100 Years

D

uring Sarasota Opera’s 2026 Winter Festival, the company celebrates 100 years of the Sarasota Opera House, described by Musical America as ‘one of the finest venues for opera in America.’ The historic occasion will be marked with two days of celebratory events.

On Saturday, April 11 at 1:30pm, Sarasota Opera will

Sarasota Opera celebrates 100 years with a special centennial concert and gala, April 11.

host a Centennial Concert at the Opera House that will pay tribute to the theater’s 100 year history and feature the Sarasota Orchestra, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, the Circus Arts Conservatory, and the Sarasota Ballet as well as performances by soloists of Sarasota Opera including soprano Virginia Mims, mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez, tenor Rafael Dávila, and baritone Jake Stamatis.

This special concert will be followed by cocktails and a gala dinner at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens at 4:30pm.

Sarasota Opera will host a Community Open House on Sunday, April 12 that is free and open to the public—registration is required. Visitors will learn about the history of the building through talks and exhibits. The event is 10am-12:30pm and will end with a screening of a new documentary about the Sarasota Opera at 12:30pm.

The film chronicles the landmark’s remarkable evolution, from its origins as a 1920’s vaudeville and movie palace to its status today as one of Florida’s cultural treasures.

“The Sarasota Opera House is far more than the home of Sarasota Opera; it is a cultural anchor for our entire community,” says Sarasota Opera General Director Richard Russell. “As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, we are not only honoring its storied past but also reaffirming our commitment to preserving and advancing this remarkable space for the next century of creativity and community.”

Sarasota Opera House is located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave. in downtown Sarasota. For information, call 941-366-8450. Michael’s on the Bay is located at Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. in Sarasota.

Flowers & Friendship Exhibition at Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts a special exhibition, Lynn Goldsmith and Patti Smith: Flowers and Friendship, June 20-September 13.

Marie Selby Gardens hosts an exhibition of Lynn Goldsmith’s portraits of her friend, Patti Smith and fine art photographs of flowers at its downtown Sarasota campus, June 20-September 13.

PARADISE COAST

SPORTS COMPLEX

3940 City Gater Blvd. N. Naples 933-5335

Apr 4: vs Grenville Triumph

Apr 11: vs Sarasota Paradise

MAy 2: vs One Knoxville

MAy 17: vs Sporting Jax

MAy 23: vs Westchester

Jun 3: vs Charlotte Independence

Jun 6: vs Sarasota Paradise

Jul 3: vs Portand Hearts of Pine

Jul 18: vs S. Carolina Tormenta

Aug 5: vs AV Alta

Aug 26: vs Union Omaha

sep 5: vs Athletic Club Boise

sep 26: vs Chattanooga Red Wolves

Oct 3: vs New York Cosmos

Oct 7: vs Richmond Kickers

Oct 24: vs Spokane Velocity

The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus features a creative collaboration between two legendary artists and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter, musician, and poet Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. Goldsmith’s intimate photographs of the iconic Smith, past and present, will be on view in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Supplementing the photographs in the museum will be a selection of Goldsmith’s fine art photographs of flowers set dramatically in the gardens of the Downtown Sarasota campus.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ downtown campus is located at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. The Gardens are open daily 10am5pm. For information, call 941366-5731.

Seminole Tribe Celebrates Earth Day

S

eminole Tribe of Florida is celebrating Earth Day ‘The Native Way’, April 14 at the Seminole Okalee Indian Village and April 16 at the Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum. Both family events are free and features cultural dance performances, live animal shows, music, storytelling, gardening and educational workshops, and indigenous crafts and food.

The April 14 celebration is 9am-5pm at Seminole Okalee Indian Village, located at 3551 N.State Rd. 7, across from the Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The April 16 celebration is 10am-4pm at the Ah-Tah-ThiKi Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, located at 34725 W. Boundary Rd. in Clewiston Call 863-902-1113 for information.

The Seminole Tribe celebrates Earth Day with free family events April 14 at the Okalee Indian Village in Hollywood and April 16 at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston.

Understanding an American Icon

THE BAKER MUSEUM at Artis–Naples is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition, ‘Discovering Ansel Adams,’ that provides an unprecedented examination of the early career of Ansel Adams, one of America’s most renowned photographers.

The exhibition features more than 80 photographs spanning his career, including some of his most iconic images as well as early works and personal items that explore often overlooked aspects of his creative development, as well as his evolution as a conservation activist and advocate for America’s National Parks.

‘Discovering Ansel Adams’ is curated by Ansel Adams scholar, Dr. Rebecca Senf, PhD, Chief Curator at the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with Dianne Brás-Feliciano, curator of modern art at the Baker Museum.

I was able to ask Dr. Senf about the exhibition, on view at the Baker Museum through August 2.

•

“He influenced the acceptance of photography as an art form, he impacted the market for photographic prints.”

How did Ansel Adams change photography? Why is he important? Why is this exhibition important?

The scope of Adams’ influence actually goes way beyond what is addressed in this exhibition and is something I think about a lot. He influenced the acceptance of photography as an art form, he impacted the market for photographic prints, he worked as a curator, a photography teacher, the crux of a network of photographers, an institution builder, a book maker, a commercial photographer, and an artist—and that last role is the one we think of the most.

I think why this exhibition is significant is that he developed a photographic style that was immensely effective at conveying his message to a broad, American public audience. So much so that his work still resonates today, over 40 years after his death. How did he develop that style? What was he hoping to convey? That’s exactly what the exhibition charts.

In addition to about 100 photographs, the ‘Discovering Ansel Adams’ exhibition features other materials from Adams’ personal

an interview with Dr. Rebecca Senf by Andrew Elias

collection, some quite rare. What kinds of materials are included?

I included a number of archival objects to help audiences appreciate what I learned through my research—snapshots and a compass give you a sense of how critical mountaineering was to his youthful formation; backlit prints demonstrate Adams’ early experimentation with photographic materials; publications show how his photographs were used; examples of his commercial work provide details that are rarely explored; working materials reveal how he created his photographic prints.

I wanted to bring these rare objects into the exhibition to give nuance and insight into Adams—to invite people to see the personal objects and elements in his process that scholars like myself use to draw conclusions and build new knowledge. It seems nerdy, but the archival objects bring me such joy—they are so cool—that I’m really excited for visitors to the exhibition to explore them for themselves.

The exhibition explores Adams’ life, from his youth as a mountaineer to his legendary status as one of the greatest photographers. What are some of the most exciting personal artifacts in the exhibition?

We have early letters (which show his childhood handwriting), a compass, a light meter, and a portrait—but I get most excited about the snapshots. I

“It was only through Adams’s skilled and intentional darkroom work that he could transform a negative into a dramatic, awe-inspiring, evocative artwork.”

“There are items from the Ansel Adams Archive that offer insight into his development, allowing people to appreciate not just the pictures he made, but how he developed over the course of his career.”

find the pictures of Adams on camping trips in the mountains with his Sierra Club friends both relatable and revealing. To see him in his ‘natural habitat,’ on summer outings and camping in the wilderness helps me understand both how at home he was in the landscape and how meaningful these experiences were to him. I feel so grateful that his early years are recorded in snapshots and that those special objects are available in the Ansel Adams Archive for study.

The exhibition follows his creative development from the early influences of pictorialists to his finely detailed landscapes and images of nature. What photographs and materials in the exhibition illustrate this journey?

There are four basic sections that chart that journey. We see him in the early years as he is learning photography and finding his place in a community of like-minded mountaineers; we see him gaining skills and investing more in his photographic practice; he receives a federal commission to make photographs of the national parks—and produces some of his most famous photographs; and his late period includes a consideration of his legacy.

For each section there are many photographic prints from the Center for Creative Photography’s collection. Our holdings offer the best examples and

unique prints for each stage of his career. There are also items from the Ansel Adams Archive that offer insight into his development, allowing people to appreciate not just the pictures he made but how he developed over the course of his long career.

The exhibition also explores Adams’ creative and technical processes. What items help us better understand his artistic evolution and his mastery of the darkroom and camera?

I think the best example is the ‘Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico, 1941’ negative, proof print, and printing instructions. In a case near the finished ‘Moonrise’ print, we’re showing a facsimile of the original negative along with a proof print—which shows what that negative looks like if it’s printed with no darkroom interpretation.

I’ll give you a spoiler—the proof print doesn’t look like much. It was only through Adams’ skilled and intentional darkroom work that he could transform a negative into a dramatic, awe-inspiring, evocative artwork. Seeing the working materials related to his most famous image helps convey that process.

Aside from being the photographer of some of the most iconic images of America’s landscapes and national parks, Adams also had a career in marketing. What materials from his more commercial work are

“His photographs of the national parks were a visual affirmation of the importance of protecting lands for the use and enjoyment of American citizens.”

included in the exhibition? How do they provide a more holistic understanding of Adams, the artist and the man?

You’re hitting on one of the concepts that I think may represent my biggest contribution to Adams’ scholarship: that his work for one commercial client, the Yosemite Park and Curry Company (YPCCO), was transformative to his personal photographic vision. We have an entire case of archival materials that describe that multi-year job, showing the kinds of pictures of Yosemite Park he produced for the YPCCO for use in press releases, promotional brochures, Ahwahnee hotel dining room menus, and postcards (as well as examples of the actual brochures, menus, and postcards).

By learning to think about making pictures from a marketing point of view, Adams began to see the communicative potential of his medium. Once he really mastered those skills, they proved incredibly useful and effective in his personal photographic work. I believe without the experience of working for the YPCCO his artistic photographs would not have that characteristic Ansel Adams style.

Adams had a lifelong special relationship with Yosemite National Park. What in the exhibition helps explain and illustrate it?

PHOTOGRAPHY

Thundercloud, North Palisade, Kings Canyon National Park, California, 1932-33

Yosemite was indeed a special place to him, and even more than that, the ‘upper reaches’ of the Sierra Nevada mountains that surround Yosemite Valley were significant to his personal development. It was through decades of hiking in the remote landscapes that Adams developed his deep connection to the outdoors and his ardent belief in the transformative potential of experiences in nature.

Much of the initial portion of the exhibition is composed of pictures made in the Sierra Nevada, as well as archival materials related to his mountaineering and connection to the Sierra Club. Additional pictures made in Yosemite are found throughout the exhibition, including a small suite of pictures of the valley view made in different weather and lighting. With those prints, it’s possible to see Adams exploring how the same landscape could be transformed in photography by taking advantage of various conditions.

He is best known for his iconic black & white photography, and although he had misgivings

about color photography, he has some remarkable color photographs as well. What were his concerns with color photography? Does the exhibition include examples of his color photographs?

There are color photographs in the exhibition, and I think it can open a nice discussion about his misgivings. In Ansel Adams’ day, printing color photography didn’t offer the precise kinds of control that he had mastered in black-and-white darkroom work. And for Adams, printing was all about having enough control to create the print he could imagine. So, color photography was a frustration. However, many commercial clients wanted color photography, and Adams was obliging.

The Adams Archive at the Center for Creative Photography doesn’t have many color prints, and those we have were—unlike his black-andwhite work—usually printed by someone else. But I do find them interesting as a contrast to the black-and-white prints we know so well.

In addition to being a master photographer, Adams was also one of our earliest and greatest conservation and environmental activists. How is this aspect of his life represented in the exhibition?

His photographs of the national parks were a visual affirmation of the importance of protecting lands for the use and enjoyment of American citizens. There’s a large section of the exhibition that discusses and illustrates his work from the 1940s when he was focused on views of the national parks, from intimate details of grasses and leaves to sweeping vistas that have become classic and iconic images of America’s protected landscapes.

What were some of the challenges you had in presenting ‘Discovering Ansel Adams’ in the exhibition space on the third floor of the Baker Museum?

The space for the exhibition is made up of a series of small galleries, which made it harder to keep the sections of the exhibition clear and unified, but I have no doubt that visitors will enjoy the exhibition and will never know there’s another way to see it.

What are your two or three personal favorite photographs in the exhibition, and why?

I think my all-time favorite Ansel Adams print is a small photograph of Yosemite Valley made from the ‘Tunnel Esplanade,’ which is a fancy name for the parking lot just inside the valley from the Wawona Tunnel. At the time he made it, he hadn’t yet developed the dramatic style he would eventually employ, nor the strong contrast, with dark blacks and bright whites that would later characterize his prints. But it does include at the very bottom edge of the photograph, the rock wall that defines the edge of the parking lot, and visible right at the center as a tiny rectangle is the national park’s interpretive sign.

I love that Adams included the built environment in that photograph, acknowledging that the famous view—the one he would make even more famous - was, in real life, framed by human infrastructure. •

The Baker Museum is located on the Artis–Naples campus at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. in Naples. The museum is open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm & Sun 12-4pm. For information, call 597-1900.

Rock & Roll Sisters

SHE WAS A BLACK WOMAN who played a white electric Gibson guitar.

She sang of heavenly things with a decidedly worldly beat. Considered the first national and internationally famous gospel singer, her irrepressible music was a mixture of gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, blues and swing.

She was the spark that lit the wick for the eventual explosion of rock & roll decades later.

Yet Sister Rosetta Tharpe—the godmother of rock & roll—is not as well-known as those she inspired.

She influenced so many musicians: Chuck Berry (who modeled his moves on hers), Little Richard, Elvis Presley (who told his guitarist, “Play it like Rosetta!”), Jerry Lee Lewis, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, Isaac Hayes, Tina Turner.

Her hit song, ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day’ was the first gospel record to cross over, appearing on both the Billboard ‘race records’ chart and the R&B chart in 1945. Some consider it the first rock & roll record.

by Nancy Stetson

myself a music connoisseur, but here was this person I knew nothing about. Nor did it seem she was in the popular lexicon at the time. So, I just grew very curious about her and fell down the rabbit hole from there.

She’s seen other plays about Sister Rosetta, but Brant’s intrigued her, Butler says, because it’s told from the perspective of Marie Knight, a younger woman who teamed up with Sister Rosetta for a while.

Playwright George Brant first learned about this rock pioneer when he heard Robert Plant and Alison Krauss sing ‘Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us’ on their Rising Sands album.

“I got obsessed with that song,” he says. “It’s eerie and mysterious. I thought, who are they talking about, a saint of some kind?” He looked into who’d written the song, and was surprised to discover it had been created by Sam Phillips.

“I’ve always liked her music, but somehow, I’d never heard this,” Brant says. “So, I listened to her version, and through that, I found out it was a real person; the song is a mash-up of lyrics from her different songs. And that led me to YouTube and all the videos that luckily exist [of Sister Rosetta performing.]”

He was struck watching her sing and play guitar, moving about the stage, making little moves and jumps. “It was one of those moments where you feel out of time. You’re watching a black & white film, and here’s this white electric guitar, and she’s playing a style that feels very modern, yet she’s dressed headto-toe very conservatively. “

“I used to work in a record store, at Rose Records in Chicago, and considered

Sister Rosetta would not let him go; he wound up writing a play about her. Marie and Rosetta will be playing at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota in May.

Brant estimates there have been approximately 30 different productions of the play. One opened in England last year at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, outside of London. In the summer, it toured to Wolverhampton, then the Chichester Theatre Festival, where Robert Plant went to see it. It is playing in London’s West End through April 11.

Singing with Marie

Brant decided to set the play during one night when Sister Rosetta first teams up with Marie Knight and rehearses. It provides a structure in which the two sing so many of the songs Sister Rosetta was known for, including ‘Up Above My Head,’ ‘This Train,’ ‘Rock Me,’ and ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day.’

“That’s my favorite, musically,” he says, “the way they wove their voices together until you can’t tell which one is singing. There is an exuberance and celebration to their music which is infectious.”

“And I thought her story would be better if I dramatized [a moment], a snapshot, rather than tackle the whole thing, all the ups and downs. It might be better to get an idea of the person more just by spending an evening with them, rather than encompass 73 years.”

“Reading about their story and the relationship they had, that really got me in and made me want

to write the play. The two of them would travel alone on these tours, and two women alone on a bus had a bravery to itself. They would do each other’s make-up in the lights of the bus. Details like that hooked me in and made me want to tell that part of that story.”

Brant, an award-winning playwright, has had other plays performed locally. He wrote Into the Breeches!, which had productions in Fort Myers and Naples. He’s perhaps best known for his off-Broadway one-woman play, Grounded, which starred Anne Hathaway and was directed by Julie Taymor. In 2023, it was adapted into an opera and debuted at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. (Brant wrote the libretto.)

It was the first opera he’d written.

“Opera,” he says, “is finding the most concise way to say things and trying to write dramatic situations that are worthy of epic, dramatic singing.”

He’s now working on a second opera, The Mothers of Kherson , commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. It will debut in Warsaw, Poland in October.

The women in the title are Ukrainian mothers who’ve had their children kidnapped and taken to Russia, he explains. “It focuses on three women who go on their quest to go into Crimea to get their kids back,” he says. “It’s an epic hero’s journey story and is unfortunately about a dilemma that still exists.”

Unsung Hero

E.Faye Butler, who’s directing the Asolo production of Marie and Rosetta, also directed productions in Chicago and Milwaukee. She’s the ideal director, as her mother was a road manager for gospel groups in the ’40s & ’50s, including the original Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, Roberta Martin, and Mahalia Jackson, who lived nearby and was Butler’s godmother.

She’s seen other plays about Sister Rosetta, but Brant’s intrigued her, Butler says, because it’s told from the perspective of Marie Knight, a younger woman who teamed up with Sister Rosetta for a while.

George Brant

“That’s why the piece is called ‘Marie and Rosetta,’ not ‘Rosetta and Marie,’” Butler says. “That made it very interesting, to see someone else’s idea of spending an evening with the two, from Marie’s perspective. She was definitely the mentee, learning from Rosetta. It’s nice to hear from that perspective. It shows the humanity that I didn’t get from the other pieces I’ve read or been part of.”

Sister Rosetta, Butler says, is an unsung hero.

“We don’t hear about women like that,” she says. “She did so much for an industry that left her behind and forgot about her. Many times, throughout history, women are the way makers, but when it gets to the top, it’s the men that get the credit for it.”

Butler suspects that part of the reason was that Sister Rosetta came from the Pentecostal church and “didn’t come from a straightout blues background, like Bessie Smith or Ma Rainey. She grew up in the church, and her mother was very influential.”

especially on the kids from the ‘60s. They all learned from Rosetta.”

Butler feels that she’s a part of American history that sometimes get lost. “It’s an American story,” she says, “about an amazing American we don’t know enough about and we don’t honor enough. It’s awesome—a woman of her magnitude that did so much for the music industry and the legacy she left.”

Brant too, is dismayed at how Sister Rosetta has been overlooked. “Part of what fascinated me about the story is, she was just this major star, and then decades later, her star ends, and she just kind of becomes forgotten,” he says. “Whereas Mahalia Jackson [who performed] around at the same time, she’s still someone we have a touchstone to. But Rosetta less so.

“Maybe this is only an American thing. Sadly, we do seem to cast aside our heroes quickly, and move on to the next thing. She became kind of an oldies act, without any real reason.”

“Whenever you find clips of her [on YouTube], she’s giving it her all. Her guitar playing can be so nasty in a way that’s kind of shocking to hear. We hear Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and here’s someone 30-40 years earlier who’s playing pretty much in the same style as guitarists in the ‘60s, using the whammy bar like they did. And a black woman, on top of that.”

“There is an exuberance and celebration to their music which is infectious.”

Even when Sister Rosetta performed in the Cotton Club, “she never forgot where she was from,” Butler says. “She wanted to be accepted by the church.”

It’s difficult to find actresses who are triple threats: terrific singers, talented actors, and incredible musicians, Butler says, explaining that she focused on the singing and acting. The play is written in such a way that the music can be played by professional musicians off-stage yet appear to be performed by the actors.

“She was the mother of rock & roll,” Butler declares. “You can’t find anybody who didn’t learn from her: Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen. Chuck Berry even stole her moves. She’s no godmother of rock & roll, she’s the mother of rock & roll. “

“She created that form. You can’t find a serious rock & roller or electric guitarist [where if] you say ‘Rosetta Tharpe,’ they don’t stop in their tracks. She was a major influence,

The play, and Sister Rosetta’s music, “Takes you back to a time when music really was music and it comes from the soul,” Butler says. “You know these songs, whether you thought you did or not.”

“Sister Rosetta was amazing,” says Brant. “Luckily, since I wrote the play [ten years ago], she has gotten more attention. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame [in 2018]. I’ve heard there’s possibly a couple of movies to be made about her.

“She lives in this place in-between blues and gospel and swing. What unites all of her performances is joy. To me, I think that’s what drew me in and keeps me listening to her music, just the joy that fills it. Her voice has this smile to it, this quality that’s rather amazing and pulls you in. And then her guitar playing is quite extraordinary, whether acoustic, or later, electric guitar.”

“It’s just a celebration, any time, listening to her.” •

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of Marie and Rosetta is being performed May 6-31 in the intimate Jane B. Cook Theatre at the Florida State University Center for the Performinhg Arts in Sarasota.

“He was happiest either being onstage performing or being with friends, his family, and other loved ones sharing an experience in real time.”

Getting Real with John Prine

FEW SONGWRITERS TOUCHED their fans in the way John Prine did. His songs are intimate observations and wise insights about the seemingly mundane aspects of life that in truth define what makes us human.

Tom Piazza has written an intimate and moving book, Living in the Present with John Prine ( W.W. N orto N ) that shares fascinating stories and new revelations about the man, the musician, and the friend.

Their friendship began in early 2018, when Piazza visited Prine in Nashville for the first time to write a magazine article, and grew into a special relationship a few months later during an impromptu drive from Gulfport to Sarasota along Florida’s Gulf Coast in Prine’s cherry-red 1977 Coupe de Ville. On that drive Piazza absorbed Prine’s epic humor, extensive knowledge of music, and uniquely working-class world view.

Prine released his 21st, final, and most successful album, Tree of Forgiveness, in April 2018. He died suddenly of Covid two years later.

I asked Piazza about his new book and his good friend.

•

After longstanding reluctancy and wellintentioned prodding, Prine relented and agreed to write an autobiography or memoir—and asked you to help him. What were his misgivings? Why did he change his mind and ask you to collaborate with him? How did the book come about?

an interview with Tom Piazza by Andrew Elias

trip to Sarasota and back and he enjoyed the article I wrote about the experience. We became fast friends, and over the next year and a half we visited back and forth in Nashville and New Orleans, where I live. We never talked about working on a memoir until he brought it up in January 2020. I wouldn’t hazard a guess about why he finally thought it would be a good idea. “We can just do what we always do,” he said, “and get paid for it!”

I knew it would be a challenge, and I knew it would be fun, and it was both.

The book is a celebration of the man more than a chronicle of his life and career. It’s more a memoir than an autobiography. Why did you write the book like that? How did you negotiate that balance?

TOM PIAZZA: In the spring of 2018, I visited John and his wife Fiona at their vacation house in Gulfport, Florida to write an article about him for the Oxford American . We took an afternoon road

John said many times that he didn’t want to get constrained by a forced march through every detail of his life. The main goal I had was to bring John’s voice to the page as truly as possible, so that when someone read the book they would feel as if they had spent time with him.

What is the significance of the book’s title: ‘Living in the Present’ with John Prine?

John titled one of his songs ‘Living in the Future,’ and I liked the title. As I came to know him I understood that we shared a sense of the importance of the fleeting moment, so ‘Living in the Present’ seemed to work well.

What made Prine

so special—as a songwriter, as a friend, and as a human being?

Generosity of spirit, sharp observation from a unique perspective, wit, the sound of his voice, and a sense of the finitude of life, the importance of being present while you can.

“I wanted to write a book that gave the reader as close as possible a sense of John’s presence, a feeling for what it was like to share time with him.”

You say that Prine was a great storyteller. What is one of your favorites of his stories?

There are too many stories to fit into this small space. But so many of his songs are compact stories in their own right. ‘Sam Stone,’ ‘Donald and Lydia,’ ‘Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone,’ ‘Spanish Pipedream,’ ‘Mexican Home,’ ‘Far from Me,’ ‘Unwed Fathers’... You could write an entire novel out of each one of them. What surprised you about him?

I don’t think anything about him as a person surprised me, in the sense of an unanticipated behavior or character trait. But he emitted surprising perspectives constantly, ways of stating things, angles of observation, turns of wit... Every song and every conversation offered small detonations of happy surprise. What things made him happiest?

family, and other loved ones sharing an experience in real time. Often this entailed eating together, and sitting around playing music in a living room or dining room or anyplace else.

What is one thing you’d like people not familiar with Prine to know about him? What five songs would you recommend they listen to—and why?

The idea that most people had of John, their image of how and who he was, pretty much squared with who he actually was, at least as I knew him.

“Every song and every conversation offered small detonations of happy surprise.”

In the time that we knew one another, I’d say that he was happiest either being onstage performing or being with friends, his

Five songs? Off the top of my head I’d think of ‘Angel from Montgomery,’ ‘Mexican Home,’ ‘Fish and Whistle,’ ‘Unwed Fathers,’ ’Come Back to Us, Barbara Lewis Hare Krishna Beauregard,’ ‘Far From Me,” “Way Back Then,” ‘Summer’s End,’ ‘Illegal Smile,’ ‘Souvenirs,’ ‘Linda Goes to Mars,’ ‘Grandpa Was a Carpenter.’ Ooops—I got carried away.

reader as close as possible a sense of John’s presence, a feeling for what it was like to share time with him.

What is one thing you learned from him?

What do you want Prine’s fans to feel when reading the book?

I wanted to write a book that gave the

Keep in mind that everyone is pushing back, consciously or unconsciously, against some aspect of misfortune or mortality, and cut them some slack. Maybe, as he once said to his guitarist Jason Wilber, they were just having a bad day. •

David Bowie’s Lifelong Search

FEW ARTISTS IMPACTED 20th century pop culture more than David Bowie. An icon of the musical, theatrical, and fashion worlds, Bowie continually experimented with his music, his art, and his persona—often blurring the lines between. Although popular with millions of fans and influential to untold numbers of artists and musicans, the man behind Ziggy Stardust and The Thin White Duke was constantly searching for meaning for his life.

an interview with Peter Ormerod by Andrew Elias

when asked if there was a common thread running through his music, Bowie replied: “A search for a spiritual foundation.” You posit that his album, Hunky Dory was pivotal in launching his musical stardom as well as his spiritual journey. How so?

“Bowie used Ziggy to explore ideas around messiahs and religion, drawing parallels with the way rock stars are made into idols and gods.”

David Bowie and the Search for Life, Death and God (BloomsBury Continuum ), the new book by Peter Ormerod, explores the artist’s journeys for spiritual awareness and awakening. Omerod delves into Bowie’s spiritual quest, chronicling his dabbling in the occult, Kabbalah, Buddhism. Christianity, cocaine, etc., with the detailed research of a detective, the creative analysis of an academic, and the emotional affection of a fan.

I asked Ormerod about his new book and about David Bowie.

•

It seems that after growing up in a home aligned with ‘Henry’s religion’, Bowie really ‘found religion’ as a teenager when he first heard Little Richard. What happened when he heard rock’n’roll?

PETER ORMEROD: In Bowie’s words, he heard God! The experience of hearing Little Richard for the first time had a profound effect on him—it’s like a whole new dimension of color and energy had opened up in his drab suburban home. And then he saw one of his cousins dance to Elvis—he’d never seen her moved in that way by anything. I think those early rock’n’roll records showed him an entirely different life, in an entirely different world. The allure must have been so powerful.

In an early interview,

With regard to launching his musical stardom, I’d say Hunky Dory was pivotal in terms of his songwriting. He’d already released three albums and written a few great songs—such as ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘The Man Who Sold the World’—but ‘Hunky Dory’ is packed with them. It’s like he had finally cracked the code. There are those songs that pretty much everyone knows, like ‘Changes’ and ‘Life on Mars?,’ but pretty much every song on that album is a kind of masterpiece. After a couple of false starts, Hunky Dory is the album where he really got going.

With regard to his spiritual journey, I think Hunky Dory is the first album that’s really marked by it. Again, there had been earlier indications of it—for example, ‘Silly Boy Blue,’ from 1967, is influenced by his interest in Buddhism—but it’s part of the fabric of Hunky Dory. At the heart of the album is a song called ‘Quicksand’—it’s a parade of references to all sorts of spiritual ideas, touching on occultism, the treacherous nature of faith and belief and much else besides. He sings of being ‘torn between the light and dark,’ and this tension helped define him and his work.

Who was Ziggy Stardust? How did Bowie use Ziggy?

Ziggy Stardust was a kind of fantastical vision of a rock star. The record sleeve of the Ziggy album stipulated the record was ‘to be played at maximum volume,’ and Ziggy himself was cranked up to the max. Every element of the stereotypical rock star was amplified in Ziggy: the otherworldliness,

“He had been living in Los Angeles, in a state of apparent psychological and spiritual torture, and he had become convinced that rock music based on American musical traditions was somehow evil.”

the clothes, the sex, the fans’ adoration, and of course the music. So he was a sexually provocative alien messiah—and boy, could he play guitar.

Bowie used him to do things that made Bowie uncomfortable—including performing on stage. But Bowie also used Ziggy to explore ideas around messiahs and religion, drawing parallels with the way rock stars are made into idols and gods.

Why was his transformation into the Thin White Duke important?

It symbolised a turn from America to Europe. That’s more significant than it may sound. He had been living in Los Angeles, in a state of apparent psychological and spiritual torture, and he had become convinced that rock music based on American musical traditions was somehow evil. Thin White Duke looks like a reaction to all that. He was distinctively European, and his stage shows looked towards European culture, from Kraftwerk to Gitanes. But he also drew on a darker part of European history—he had the air of a fascist Aryan figure. In Bowie’s life, the Thin White Duke came between Bowie’s time in Los Angeles and his time in Berlin, and so was pivotal in that sense.

fashionable among artists and musicians in the 1960s. It also promises power, and an ability to control the world, which many people may find seductive. And it’s secretive and hidden and esoteric, marking out occultists as somehow special. It initially seemed quite harmless in Bowie’s case, but it came to affect his life in terrible and disturbing ways— to the point where he claimed to see Satan emerging from his swimming pool. Bowie looked desperately for a way out of the darkness in which he’d become so lost.

“Blackstar confronts death with an explosion of life. There’s sadness and lament there, but it’s marked by urgency and spontaneity.”

What about Buddhism did Bowie find attractive? How did it affect his art?

Buddhism held various attractions. It was countercultural—the Beat writers were enthralled with it, as were parts of the psychedelic hippie movement in England. It was also political—Bowie was deeply sympathetic towards the plight of Tibet, under oppression from China, and Buddhism was fundamental to Tibetan identity. There was also the hope of enlightenment, and there were deep ideas and teachings about the truth of reality. One of those was about impermanence, and I think that was very influential in terms of Bowie’s art. It seemed to give him permission to do what he did.

What about the occult was so seductive to Bowie? How did it affect his life?

Again, the countercultural nature of occultism was surely part of its appeal—it was becoming more

“Bowie was consuming vast quantities of cocaine, and cocaine was consuming vast quantities of Bowie.”

After destructive years living in Los Angeles, making music filled with tension and despair, Bowie escaped to Paris and then Berlin, reinvigorating his art and possibly saving his life. What went wrong in Los Angeles? How did making Low and Heroes spark his creativity anew?

Los Angeles had become unbearable. Bowie was consuming vast quantities of cocaine, and cocaine was consuming vast quantities of Bowie. He was lonely and vulnerable, and his spiritual beliefs were part of his deeply troubled state. All of these things also led to one of his greatest albums, Station to Station. But

Low was an entirely new way of making music—he embraced more experimental techniques and moved away from words. It’s the sound of someone clawing their way out of the darkness. Heroes followed soon after—he’s already sounding more alive and vibrant by that point, and while there’s still lots of experimentation and instrumental music, there’s a new kind of passion and belief, as exemplified in the song ‘Heroes.’ It became a key artistic touchstone.

How did his marriage to Iman change him? It gave his life a new focus. She became his priority. Obviously, his music was still important to him, but family life took precedence. There was evidently a new kind of security and stability, and the days of drink and drugs were over. Yet although he would often say how happy and content he was, his music could still be challenging and disturbing.

Bowie’s last albums are marked by his embrace of transcendent love and comfort with mortality, emotions he had been searching for throughout his life. How would you describe his final albums Blackstar and Lazarus ?

Blackstar confronts death with an explosion of life. Few Bowie albums sound quite so alive—it gives off sparks in the dark. It’s obviously weighty, and there’s sadness and lament there, but it’s marked by urgency and spontaneity. The musicianship is so invigorating, and there are times when you can hear how thrilled Bowie is to be there, in that moment.

Lazarus, the musical play, is quite alienating in some respects, but ultimately celebrates love and hope in a search for comfort and rest. His penultimate album, The Next Day, is a pretty brutal ode to love—it’s not a complete success artistically, but in its own way it’s as fascinating as any album he made, with countless layers for the listener to explore.

What did Bowie eventually come to believe about the nature of god and the meaning of life? We can’t know. All we have to go on is how his art leaves us feeling, and what we can glean from his use of words and sounds and images. The Christian writer Brian McLaren studied the beliefs of various artists and writers throughout history, and came to the conclusion that many ended their days with the belief that life is a gift and love is the point. This is what I get from Bowie’s work. •

Florida Funk

by Jason MacNeil

It’s been a long road since their 2001 debut album, Blackwater, but JJ Grey & Mofro, the Jacksonville, Florida-based swamp rock outfit, are still fighting the good fight. And with their latest album, 2024’s Olustee, that brand of delectable, infectious, groovy rock blends itself with mellow, breezy ballads that make for an excellent combination.

One only has to look at the dichotomy between the latest album’s gem ‘On A Breeze,’ with its uplifting, Van Morrison-esque vibe, and the rollicking title track, that should be another signature tune, to see the level of musicianship and passion the group pours into each recording or dynamic live show. But it hasn’t always been easy. Like

most bands, there’s been some ups and downs.

When he was growing up, Grey (born John Higginbotham) spent his early impressionable years listening to his father’s record collection. It’s those soulful, inspiring influences that can be heard in his delivery to this day. “His record collection consisted of a lot of soul, country, and blues,” the musician told LiveStream Magazine back in 2013. “In particular, the voice of Otis Redding grabbed me by the throat right away. I’m a great admirer of Otis Redding. Man, I really love his voice— and his music. By the way, this applies to Toots Hibbert as well. They are my favorite singers.”

Although he got his first guitar around the age of 12, the musician didn’t consider himself to be a strong picker. However, it didn’t stop him from continuing his musical journey, performing in cover bands when he was 17 and then returning to the instrument and others in his twenties in bands called Alma Zuma and Faith Nation.

“They had chicken wire up, but nobody ever threw nothing at it like you see in the movies,” Grey told Flamingo Magazine in 2024 about those early days. “We knew what to play—you can just look at the room and see what to play. But everybody, all of them, love Steppenwolf. You could play ‘Magic Carpet Ride,’ you could play ‘Born to Be Wild,’ and you immediately got everybody there to be your buddy. You could play any Southern rock. Depending on who’s there, you could have got away with playing a Hank Jr. song. You don’t come in there and play the new Adam Ant song.”

Over time, the group evolved initially into Mofro, a term Grey used to describe the Southern-inspired style or sonic collage of influences and genres the outfit excelled with. In time, Grey, the lead vocalist, added his own name to make it JJ Grey and Mofro.

In 2001, the band released their debut album under the Mofro moniker entitled Blackwater. The release didn’t make huge inroads in terms of cracking the charts, but was a critically acclaimed effort that AllMusic.com lauded. The website praised Grey’s style for romanticizing “the early days of his home state before ‘skyscrapers and superhighways (were) carved through the heart of Florida’ while his band celebrates the American musical heritage of Muddy Waters, early Bootsy Collins, and other funk, blues, soul, and rock practitioners.”

Unfortunately, success of the release was marred somewhat by a car accident which

saw Grey and others briefly hospitalized. The incident and subsequent recovery for Grey’s wife put a lot of touring in support of Blackwater on hold.

In 2004, the group (still Mofro) returned with Lochloosa, another album which seemed to delve into Grey’s vivid lyricism about life in Florida while once again honoring a myriad of genres and molding it into a cohesive record. Although the record would mark the end of the band’s relationship with its label, Fog City Records, Mofro would soon be onto bigger and better things.

In 2007, after signing with the well-established and highly-regarded label, Alligator Records, JJ Grey and Mofro released their third album, entitled Country Ghetto. The record was highlighted by fantastic tracks such as ‘The Sun is Shining Down,’ the rocking title track, and ‘War.’ ‘The Sun is Shining Down’ would also see its way onto the widely popular Netflix series, House Of Cards, where it was heard in the final episode of the third season.

Getting great reviews and now backed with a new label—as well as more material now to entertain crowds throughout not just Florida but North America and beyond—the group struck while the iron was hot, releasing Orange Blossoms in 2008. The album’s success was in part not just from its finely-crafted tunes, but also Alligator’s approach to releasing the record. It was an idea Grey praised in a late 2008 interview with the website JamBands.

“They really got the record out there,” Grey said at the time. “People got their copies early. You go and sing, and people sing the words to every song on Orange Blossoms, not just the single or the songs that we played in the past. They’re singing all the songs; stuff that we’ve never played in that

town ever, and they’re singing all the words. That was a great thing. That was all to setting things up early on by the record label and a testament to the fans that dig it.”

Although the group didn’t release any new material in 2009, Grey was still busy, creating the score to the documentary, The Good Soldier, which took a vivid, unflinching look at five combat veterans from different eras to see how war changed them after the fact.

Meanwhile, in 2010, the band released its first vinyl compilation, whose title was quite self-explanatory: The Choice Cuts.

With a growing fan base, more appeal throughout various regions, and becoming well known for delivering great live performances, the group carried on with 2011’s Georgia Warhorse, named after a diminutive but devilish bug in Grey’s neck of the woods. Perhaps the icing on this cake was that Grey finally got to collaborate with one of his musical heroes, Toots Hibbert. The duet on ‘The Sweetest Thing’ was a feather in his proverbial cap while the iconic Hibbert explained to Colorado magazine, Steamboat Pilot how strong Grey was as a performer and artist. “JJ Grey is a great singer, and his band is a great band,” the legend said. “He has energy, and I like it. He’s a great singer and performer.” Grey and his incredibly tight band kept playing to audiences, and collected the best of those performances in a live album entitled Brighter Days, released in 2011.

Despite the success the band had, JJ Grey & Mofro pushed the envelope a little bit creatively, adding a few more instruments, to get a more fleshed out feeling in the studio. It’s a concept he explained in detail to GonzoOkanagan.com just after the release of 2013’s This River.

“On every record, I’ve made it a point to do as much as possible as live as possible, but I never had the horns in the same room,” Grey explained. “The horns would always be overdubbed, and consequently, I could tell. I can tell, listening to this new record, what’s different about it to me than some of the other records, and some of the songs from previous records might’ve just been me and the drummer playing together then overdubbing the bass, and then this and that. And the further you get out on the periphery of adding tracks, the less room there is for somebody to play.

“If you’re a guitarist, or drummer, or playing keyboards, and you’re only playing as a

three-piece at that time, you’re going to play to the room. What’ll happen is there won’t be any room to add things later. Now, if everybody plays to the room, everybody will play less when they need to, and more when they need to because it’s happening in real time. I don’t think I’d do another record any other way anymore.”

In terms of crafting the songs, Grey says it’s never been something that’s formulaic. Sometimes they could be described as ‘sky fallers’—ones that seemingly write themselves in a short amount of time, with Grey acting more as the vessel for them to come through. He expounded on that idea in a 2024 interview with Italian outlet Il Blues.

“The songs that resonate the most to people are songs that almost never rhyme!” he said. “I think those are the real things that go down on a deeper level. In my experience, it’s got to be the deeper me, the things that make my heart beat. It’s like whispers in the deep that sort of guide you, like a mantra to yourself to remember what’s important.”

After releasing 2015’s Ol’ Glory, the group had planned on releasing more original material. But sometimes plans are just that.

Originally, JJ Grey and Mofro were looking at issuing a new album sooner than 2024, but the global pandemic—like everything else—put those plans on the back burner. Grey told Flamingo Magazine the recording process for Olustee was different than previous records given the parameters of social distancing among other aspects.

“The songs that resonate the most to people are songs that almost never rhyme!”

“I had the music done a long time ago,” he said. “But I didn’t have the lyrics—exactly what I wanted to say and how I was going to say it. I felt like this album happened while I was making other plans. But if you added up all the time that it actually took, working on the record probably took less time than some of the other albums. It was just all spread out. It’s also Covid. That was part of the reason why the album became ‘self-produced.’ I throw up quotation marks only because the album kind of produced itself. I was just along for the ride.”

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Blackwater, JJ Grey and Mofro are still touring.

The band have a bevy of headlining shows as well as support slots for the likes of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alabama Shakes, Joe Bonamassa, and Trombone Shorty, among others. But it’s no surprise for a group that have shared the stage with the late B.B. King, the Black Crowes, Los Lobos, the late Jeff Beck, and Mavis Staple, among others.

It’s a simple but timeless message the band try to deliver at each show. Namely, to enjoy the moment and let the music flow through both the band and the audience.

“The best way for me to not make a fool out of myself is don’t try to handle it too much,” Grey told Smokey Mountain Living Magazine last June. “The whole thing is like butterfly wings, the more you handle it, the more the butterfly can’t fly anymore. Let it be what it is. And look around and realize why we’re all really here.” •

JJ Grey & Mofro is performing April 4 at Alliance for the Arts’ Art on Tap concert.

Fby Samuel Peters

rom barrier island shorelines to downtown harborwalks, Southwest Floirda rewards the walker who knows where to look.

Southwest Florida doesn’t advertise itself as hiking country. It’s flat, subtropical, and perpetually warm. But that’s exactly the point. Here, the drama isn’t in the elevation, it’s in the light. It’s the way the afternoon sun turns a tidal flat into hammered copper, or the way a roseate spoonbill stands stock-still at the edge of a mangrove, pink as a flamingo and twice as improbable. The trails of Southwest Florida reward a slower pace, an open eye, and a willingness to sweat a little.

Sanibel Island

The Undeveloped Gulf Shore

Sanibel is famous for its shells, its sunsets, and the refuge that protects much of its western half, but the long stretch of undeveloped shoreline between the lighthouse at Point Ybel and Bowman’s Beach may be the island’s most intimate walking experience. Along this Gulf-facing coast, wide beaches and coastal scrub create a rare feeling in South Florida: the sense that the island is still largely doing what it did before the causeway arrived.

Walk it at low tide and the sand stretches wide and firm, etched with the signatures of sanderlings, ghost crabs, and the occasional osprey print. Walk it at dawn and you’ll share it with almost no one. The shelling here is outstanding —this is Sanibel, after all—but the real draw is the wildness of it, the sense of open space that persists despite the island’s popularity.

‘Ding’ Darling National Wlidlife Refuge

Wildlife Drive Walking Loop

If the Sanibel shoreline is solitude, the refuge itself is spectacle. The 4-mile Wildlife Drive is technically a road, open to cars on most days—but walk it and

Here, the drama isn’t in the elevation, it’s in the light.

the experience transforms entirely. You move slowly enough to watch a tricolored heron stalk a mullet, to notice the mangrove prop roots trembling with fiddler crabs, to hear the guttural bark of a yellow-crowned night heron protesting your presence.

The refuge protects more than 6,000 acres of subtropical habitat, and the drive winds through tidal flats, mangrove estuaries, and freshwater impoundments. December through April brings the largest concentrations of wading birds; summer, when most visitors stay away, rewards the walker with roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and a near-total absence of crowds.

Arrive before 8am and the light is low and golden, raking across the water at an angle that makes everything glow. The mangroves are dark and complicated and endlessly alive.

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Collier County’s Last Wild Shore

The northern tip of Bonita Beach protects one of the last undeveloped stretches of beach on the southwest Gulf coast—and the walking here is as good as anywhere in the region. The park encompasses more than 340 acres of beach, coastal scrub, and gopher tortoise habitat, and the shoreline trail that runs the length of the preserve has the feel of a place that got away.

The beach itself is wide and clean, facing due west, which means sunsets here are theatrical. But the real treasure is the gopher tortoise population—the preserve hosts one of the densest concentrations in Collier County, and the tortoises are largely indifferent to walkers who keep a respectful distance. Watch for burrow entrances along the scrub trail behind the dunes.

produces an almost physical humility. The boardwalk keeps your feet dry above the black tannin water, and the canopy filters the light into something cathedral-like. In the wet season, alligators drift below the boards. In winter, endangered wood storks nest in the upper reaches of the cypress, and the sanctuary becomes one of the most reliable places in the world to observe them.

The trail passes through several distinct ecosystems—pine flatwoods, wet prairie, pond cypress — before reaching the ancient bald cypress strand at its heart. Allow at least two hours—more if you can.

Naples

The Gordon River Greenway

Offshore, bottlenose dolphins work the nearshore waters in the mornings. In summer, loggerhead sea turtles nest along this stretch of beach. Rangers lead guided turtle walks during nesting season, worth booking well in advance.

Not every walk has to end at a waterline. In Naples, there is a 140-acre preserve threaded with roughly 2.5 miles of paved trail, connecting Baker Park to Freedom Park through pine flatwoods, mangrove habitat, and freshwater marsh. It is, for a trail that runs through the heart of a resort city, remarkably wild.

The greenway follows the Gordon River corridor south toward Naples Bay, and the walking is easy and flat—good for families, good for birding, good for anyone who wants to be outdoors without being in the sun all day. The canopy along the river sections provides shade; the open marsh sections offer expansive views and reliable osprey sightings. Alligators are present in the freshwater portions and are not shy about it.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The Boardwalk at the Edge of Deep Time

Managed by the National Audubon Society, it contains the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The 2.25-mile boardwalk loop that winds through it is one of the most extraordinary walks in the state of Florida, possibly in the country.

The cypress here are ancient. Some rise more than 130 feet and measure eight feet across at the base; many were already old when the Calusa people inhabited this coast. Walking among them

The connection to Baker Park means you can walk from the greenway’s northern trailhead directly along the river to the Naples Pier—a full urban-to-wild-to-urban circuit that covers several miles without crossing a major road.

Lovers Key State Park

The Island Trail

The Island Trail occupies a chain of four barrier islands between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, and the walking here is as varied as the landscape: you can walk the beach, the bay side, the mangrove-edged interior, or some combination of all three. The main trail system covers about 5 miles total, and the flat tram road that bisects the park offers an easy spine connecting the different environments.

The park earns its romantic reputation at sunset, when the west-facing beach goes gold and the pelicans work the shallows in formation. But the more interesting walking is on the bay side, where the mangrove shoreline shelters manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and an

improbable density of birds. The flatwoods interior is quiet and cool and full of gopher tortoises and listed wading birds.

This is also one of the better paddling parks in the region—the kayak and canoe rentals at the park’s bayside landing let you extend the adventure onto the water if the legs give out.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve

The Mineral Springs Loop

Charlotte Harbor Preserve is one of the largest state parks in Florida, protecting more than 45,000 acres of estuarine and upland habitat along Charlotte Harbor. The Mineral Springs Loop trail, accessible from the Harbor Heights boat ramp, winds through pine flatwoods and scrub along the Peace River and offers a quality of solitude that’s increasingly rare in Southwest Florida.

The trail is unpaved and in places flooded in wet season—wear shoes you don’t love. But the payoff is access to terrain that most visitors never see: longleaf pine savanna, scrub oak, and flatwoods prairie that support Florida scrubjays, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. The park’s vast size and the relative obscurity of its trail network mean you may walk for hours without seeing another person. In a region that can feel overrun, that’s worth something.

Punta Gorda

The Harborwalk

The Harborwalk is proof that urban and scenic are not mutually exclusive terms. The 2.4-mile paved promenade follows the shoreline from Gilchrist Park east toward Fishermen’s Village, and it offers one of the best sustained water views of any walkable path in the region.

Charlotte Harbor is vast; roughly 270 square miles and from the Harborwalk it reads as something approaching the sea. The horizon is wide and flat, punctuated by the dark silhouettes of mangrove islands, the white shapes of egrets in the shallows, and, on clear days, the faint line of barrier islands to the west. Dolphins are regular; manatees are not uncommon in the winter months when they seek warmer water in the harbor’s tributary creeks.

Punta Gorda itself rewards the walking visitor. The historic downtown, just two blocks from the harbor, has the compact, walkable quality that most SWFL cities lack — good restaurants, local shops, and a genuine sense of place. The Saturday morning farmers’ market in Gilchrist Park makes for a natural starting or ending point.

The Harborwalk is best at golden hour, when the light on Charlotte Harbor turns the water into something you want to stare at. Bring a camera. Bring someone worth watching a sunset with. •

April

WEDNESDAY 1

•Art After Dark: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

APRIL - MAY JUNE

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

What Goes On

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

•Ikebana Meeting: Demo & Workshop - Language of Flowers. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a-12p. Free.

•Moon Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve boardwalk, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 3 hr walk. 7p. register. 530-5972.

•Porgy and Bess: Jazz opera concert. Gulfshore Opera concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 7p. 529-3925.

THURSDAY 2

•American String Quartet: Chamber music concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

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

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

•Deb & The Dynamics Blues band. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9:30p. 549-3000.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Lecture: Beekeepers Assoc of SWFL. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 472-1100.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Joshua Bell. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Piano Talks: Jodie & Friends at the Movies. Cabaret w Jodie DeSalvo. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•Pietro Iannotti: Classical concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

THURSDAY 3

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

•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 5908645.

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

•Art Reception: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-6p. Free. 463-3909.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Claire Liparulo: Live band. Swamp Cat Brewing, 1943 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 887-3223.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

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

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

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Joshua Bell. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Open Mic Night: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 4795233.

•The Moots: After hours concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5-8 p. 643-7275.

SATURDAY 4

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

•Arts on Tap: JJ Grey & Mofro concert fundraiser, food, craft beers, lawn games. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 939-2787.

•Beer in the Bushes: Concert fundraiser, craft beer tastings, food trucks. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300

Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.6-10p. 472-8585.

•Bird Patrol Walk: Guided birding walk. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 8a. Free. 533-7575.

•Cars as Art: Classic car Show. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-2p. 642-7270.

•FC Naples vs Grenville Triumph SC: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Clearwater Threshers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Gallery Talk: Childrens book author & illustrator Angela Quezada Padron. Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 11a. Free. 463-3909.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2 hr walk. 9:30a. register. 530-5972.

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

•John Primer: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Joshua Bell. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•RC Smith & Absar Siddiqui: Comedy. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 784-1186.

SUNDAY 5

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

•Choral Artists of Sarasota:

Concert - Considering Matthew Shepard. Harvest House, 3650 17 St, Sarasota. 4p. 941-3874900.

•Easter Eggstravaganza: Egg hunt, kids activities & games, food. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 12-3p. Free. 2524386.

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

TUESDAY 7

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

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Dolly Parton’s Threads - My Songs in Symphony. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Peter & Will Anderson: Jazz concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 642-7270.

•Samantha Hankey: Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 7p. 963-9050.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ozel Plays Mozart. Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY 8

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

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

•Bus Stop Band: Funk & soul concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941-485-7136.

•Cynthia Scott: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

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

•Music in North America until 1787: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2p. 277-1700.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Dolly Parton’s Threads - My Songs in Symphony. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Santana: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY 9

•Art in Bloom: Calusa Garden Club show. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 10a-4p. Free. 394-4221.

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

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

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-6398810.

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

•Desoto Tiger’s Testimony: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Evening on Fifth: Live music, dancing, art demos & exhibits,

dining, shopping along 5th Ave S, Naples. 6:30-9:30p. Free. 692-8436.

•Evren Ozel: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 469-333-3231.

•Gabriel Iglesias: Comedy. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Jazz Thursday: Suncoast Jazz Ambassadors Big Band, cocktails. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. 5:30-8p. 941-309-4300.

•Lecture & Book Signing: Conservationist Tina Morrid.

‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 10a & 1p. Free. 4721100.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Dolly Parton’s Threads - My Songs in Symphony. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood: Concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368.

•Zach Bartholomew: Jazz in the Roaring 20s. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 10

•Ally Venable: Blues concert.

Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Can’t Get Next to You: Temptations tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 7 8:30p. 597-1900.

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

•Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Gerald Augustin Trio: After hours concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5-8 p. 643-7275.

•Jason Marsalis Quartet w Vanisha Gould: Jazz concert. Music & Arts Community

The Boneshakers perform a free concert April 12 at Jack’s

Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-1700.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture: Burmese Pythons. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 530-5940.

•Michael Cleveland: Bluegrass concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Dolly Parton’s Threads - My Songs in Symphony. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Rick Springfield: Rock concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•The Black Party: Fundraiser for Urbanite Theatre, cocktails, dancing, drag performance. Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. 6:3010:30p. rsvp. 941-321-1397.

•Venturino’s Comedy Club: Comedians. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 7:30p. 941-255-1022.

•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.

SATURDAY 11

•Blues, Brews & Blooms Fest: Steve Avery, Mike Imbasciani, Kettle of Fish concert. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. 10a-4p. 941-6218299.

•Centennial Concert & Dinner Celebration: Celebrating Sarasota Opera House 100 year anniversary. Sarasota Orchestra, West Coast Black Theatre Troup, Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota ballet, Sarasota Opera concert 1:30pm, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota; dinner 4:30p, Michaels on the Bay, Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. rsvp. 941-366-8450.

•Family & Friends Day: Eco-educator Steve Trash. Entertainment, exhibitions, art demos, food, etc. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 4-6:30p. Free. 395-0900.

•Family Day: Bats & Bees. Activities for ages 5-12. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 11a-2p. Free. 2626525.

•FC Naples vs Sarasota Paradise: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

•Fine Arts & Crafts Show: Naples Artcrafters. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 304-5258.

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

•Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: French Suites w Naples Community Orchestra. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 2882535.

•Guided Forest Bathing: Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. 2 hr walk. 10a. register. 530-5972.

•Los Lobos: Concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center,

506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Mark Evans: Comedy. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-4756756.

•Naples Community Orchestra: French Suites concert. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 3p. 6760077.

•Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. 612-3273835.

•Naples Philharmonic Pops: Dolly Parton’s Threads - My Songs in Symphony. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900.

•NYC3: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 2771700.

•Open Studios: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 1-5p. Free. 249-1977.

•Orchid Symposium: Workshops, demos, vendors. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

•Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley: Trolley tour stops at galleries & studios in Sarasota art districts. Departs 3-6p, returns 6-7p. reserve. 941-260-9818

•Sarasota Opera House Centennial Celebration: Concert, cocktails, dinner. Sarasota Opera. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. Concert 1:30p, dinner 4:30p. 941-328-1300.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

•Spirit of the Gulf Chorus: Harmony in Bloom Spring concert. First Christian Church, 1061 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 2p. 844-704-7464.

SUNDAY 12

•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-3631724.

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

•Film Screening: The Sarasota Opera House - A Centennial Celebration documentary. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 12:30p. Free - register. 941366-8450.

•GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera concert & dinner. Carmelo’s Ristorante, 321 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 5:30p. 529-3925.

•Lee County Community Band: Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052.

•Mansutti-Repini Duo: Clarinet & piano concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268.

•Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - Cabaret Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 7-9p. 270-1221.

•Naples Philharmonic: Ozel Plays Mozart. Philharmonic members chamber music concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

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

•Open House Centennial Celebration: Guided behindthe-scenes tours. Sarasota Opera House. 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 10a-2p. 941-328-1300.

•Orchid Symposium: Workshops, demos, vendors. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. Free. 334-7419.

•Queen vs ABBA: Gulf Coast Symphony members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 277-1700.

•Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Dan Tyminski Band: Country music concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800218-0007.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2p. 590-7268.

•The American Music Story: Venice Symphony Brass Quintet concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•The Boneshakers: Blues band. Jack’s Seafood Bar & Grill, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, Naples. 1p. Free. 594-3460.

•The Lord of the Rings: Gulf Coast Symphony members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6p. 277-1700.

MONDAY 13

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

•Naples Big Band: Concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 777-0416.

TUESDAY 14

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

•Earth Day Celebration: Family event. Live performances, workshops, demos, wildlife presentations, crafts, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Seminole Okalee Indian Village & Venue, 3551 N State Rd 7, Hollywood. 9a-5p. Free. 863902-1113.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•GO Divas: Gulfshore Opera concert & dinner. Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Blvd, Naples. 5:30p. 529-3925.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•Holocaust Remembrance Day: Commemorate victims, special guest speakers, music. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 7p. 218-0481.

•Orchid Tour: Guided tour. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 1:30p. register. 334-7419.

•Songwriters Showcase: Acoustic concert w Joe Terlizzi,

What Goes On

Matt Hannam, Bill Frey. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 7p. 4634588.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

•Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Service: Film screening. Hosted by Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 4p. Free, register. 263-9200.

WEDNESDAY 15

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

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

•FGCU Storytelling: Student showcase - Storytelling as Healing. Music Bldg, rm 203, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 745-4442.

•Hot Club SRQ: Free swing jazz concert. St Andrew Church, 6908 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota. 2p. reserve. 941-966-6161.

•Story Time:  Transportation books. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a. Free. rsvp. 2626525.

04/15x•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

THURSDAY 16

•April Fête: Boogie Wonderland. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stuidents party, music. The Ora, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota. 6p. 941-366-1505.

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

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory, 10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 4106971.

•Earth Day Celebration: Family event. Live performances, plant workshops, NASA presentations, crafts, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-4p. Free. 863902-1113.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

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

•Lecture & Book Signing: Sanibel author Charles Sobczak. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 1-3p. Free. 472-1100.

•Lecture: Barron Collier’s American Dream. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 6950008.

•Lunch & Learn Lecture:  Through the Eyes of Filmmakers. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 12p. 530-5940.

•New Jazz Underground: Jazz concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Outdoor Movies: On great lawn. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. Free. 252-4386.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League Meeting: Guest speaker Helen Kinkin. Sanibel Library, 770 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 10a-1p. Free. 322-8593.

•Songwriters Under the Stars: Acoustic concert w Jon Shain, Fred Ball opens. Calusa Nature Center Planetarium, 3487 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers., 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Stars on Ice: Ice show. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

FRIDAY 17

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-4857136.

•Christina the Astonishing: Ghostbird Theatre production. Buckingham Community Center, 4940 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 691-4128.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Kelly & Mason Band: After hours concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5-8 p. 643-7275.

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

•Sailor Circus - Night at the Movies: Youth circus spring show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 1 & 5p. 941355-9805.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-7268.

SATURDAY 18

•1776: Musical. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700.

•ABBAFAB: ABBA tribute concert. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 7:30p. 395-0900.

•Backyard Bluesfest: Band TBA, Tommy Lee Cook & Terry Hanck. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111.

•Bonita Springs Short Film Festival Gala: Screenings,

awards ceremony. Prado Stadium Theater, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Dr, Bonita Springs. 6p. 404-3377.

•Brew Fest: Live music, craft beer, food trucks, kids activities, museum tours. Cape Coral Museum of History fundraiser. Cultural Park, behind Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 1-5p. 772-7037.

•Christina the Astonishing: Ghostbird Theatre production. Buckingham Community Center, 4940 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 691-4128.

•Classic Car Fest: Live music, food trucks, kids activities, museum tours. Cape Coral Museum of History fundraiser. Cultural Park, behind Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 10a-1p. Free. 772-7037.

•Country Jam Jamboree: Live music – Gabby Barrett & Sara Evans w Raelynn, Janie O’Neal, Csey Bishop Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 3-10p. 252-4386.

•Country Jam Naples: Gabby Barrett, Sara Evans, & more concert. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 3-10p. Free. 252-4386.

•Damon Fowler: Blues concert, JD Lashley opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•FSW Concert Band & Orchestra: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 481-4849.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church,

Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org.

•Morning Artisan Market: Farmers market, art, food trucks, craft beer 9a-1p; Family ArtLab 10a-12p; family Movie Screenings 12p. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

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

•Opera at the Bay: Outdoor screening - Sarasota Opera’s La boheme. The Bay Conservancy, 655 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. Free. 941-328-1300.

•Orchid Tour: Guided tour. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. register. 334-7419.

•Paisley Craze: 60s rock tribute concert. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756.

•Radiance – Concert in Candlelight: Key Chorale concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 8p. 941-552-8768.

•Sailor Circus - Night at the Movies: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 7 7:30p. 5907268.

•Spring Blooms at Sunset: 2-hour guided walk. CREW Marsh Trails, 4680 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 6p. register. 657-2253.

SUNDAY 19

•1776: Musical. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: FGCU Symphony Orchestra, Chamber & University Choirs with Choral Artistry concert. First Presbyterian Church, 9751

Kate Kortum performs April 24 at Naples Botanical Garden.

Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 4p. 745-4268.

•Blooms & Brews: Live music, craft beers. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 6-10p. 643-7275.

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

•Choral Artistry Concert: Beethoven’s Symphony No 9. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 4p. 560-5695.

•Foreigner: Concert w Lou Gramm, Night Ranger opens. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Lakeland Flying Tigers: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Sailor Circus - Night at the Movies: Youth circus holiday show. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 7p. 941355-9805.

•She Kills Monsters: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2p. 590-7268.

MONDAY 20

•Earth Day Celebration: Activities. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-2p. register. 463-4588.

•Easter Sunday & Murder Mystery: Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

•FSW Jazz Ensemble: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 4814849.

•Guided Birding Walk - Spring Migration: 3-hour walk. CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, 15970 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 8a. register. 6572253.

TUESDAY 21

•Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers: Concert., Big Sky opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

•FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. Tribby Center for the Arts, Shell Pt, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 745-4268.

•FGCU Storytelling: Open mic. Music Bldg, rm 203, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 745-4442.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free.693-7111.

•Lecture: In the Flesh - The Nude in Modern Japanese Art. Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 11a. 41-359-5700.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 76:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY

22

•A Celebration of Life: Exhibition & reception tribute to Barbara J Yeomans. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787.

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

•Earth Wind & Fire: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•FJ: Foreigner & Journey tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

THURSDAY

23

•Eaglemania: Eagles tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Jazz at the MACC: The Jazz Collective -Wynton Marsalis’ Democracy Suite concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700.

•Josh Garrett Band: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Ax & Alexander. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Phil Wickham: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

FRIDAY 24

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

•Bower School of Music: After hours concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5-8 p. 643-7275.

•Edge of Couture - The Art of Fashion: Local fashion show opening night. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 7p, show 8p. 333-1933.

•ensembleNewSRQ: Music for 18 Musicians. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Lecture: Discovering Ansel Adams. Baker Museum, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6p. 597-1900.

•Movie Night: Secret of the Tomb.

Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 5:30p. Free. rsvp. 262-6525.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Schubert The Great. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Ode to America: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•REO Survivor & Co.: Rock concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Rhythm & Blooms: Kate Kortum jazz concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5:307:30p. 643-7275.

•Venice Art Walk: Nine art galleries & shops in downtown Venice. Trolley available at Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-8p. Free. 941-485-7136.

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

SATURDAY 25

•A Tribute to Billy & Elton

- The Hits: Concert w Phil Thompson Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352.

•Beads, Bands & Brews: Live music - The Lineup, food trucks. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Free. 6-9p. Free. 252-4386.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Gulf Coast Symphony: Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 277-1700.

•James Kirby: Americana concert, Zachary Pierce opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Ax & Alexander. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Ode to America: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658.

•Opera at the Bay: Outdoor screening - Sarasota Opera’s The Merry Widow. The Bay Conservancy, 655 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. Free. 941328-1300.

•Tamiami Trail Anniversary Party: Live music, games, walking tours, classic cars, free hot dogs & cake. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 9a-2p. Free. 695-0008.

SUNDAY 26

•‘Ding’ Darling Conservation Carnival: Guided birding walk, mindfulness walk, bike tours,

TheatreZone presents Phil Thompson, performing a tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John, April 25 at the G&L Theater at the Community School of Naples.

plein-air art demos, carnival games, crafts, live music. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers. 10a-2p. Free. 472-1100.

•Art Hop: Exhibitions, receptions, demos at galleries on Sanibel open. Periwinkle Way, Tarpon Bay Rd, Dunlop Rd, Palm Ridge Rd. 2-5p. Free.

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

•Bonita Springs Concert Band: w Heather Ivy. First Presbyterian Church, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 4-5:30p. Free. 4053320.

•Fairytales & Fantasies: Venice Chorale Christmas concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, Venice. 7p. 941218-3779.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Schubert The Great. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•SWFL Concert Band: Concert. S Ft Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 2p. Free. 666-5970.

•The Rush Tribute Project: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849.

MONDAY 27

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

members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6p. 277-1700.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Theresa Caputo: Medium. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

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

May

FRIDAY 1

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

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

•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•Young Artist Showcase: Sieglinda Fox concert. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-366-1505.

TUESDAY 28

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

•Young Artist Showcase: Sieglinda Fox concert. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-366-1505.

WEDNESDAY 29

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

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

•Penn & Teller: Magic, illusion, comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

THURSDAY 30

•ATOS Trio: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 469-333-3231.

•Best of the Beatles: Gulf Coast Symphony members concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 277-1700.

•Coldplay & Imagine Dragons: Gulf Coast Symphony

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

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 5908645.

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

•Art Reception: Ft Myers Beach Art Assoc, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 4-6p. Free. 463-3909.

•Art Walk: Receptions, exhibits, demos, live music at several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

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

•Jazz Mass for a New Humanity: Via Nova Chorale. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. 7p. 941263-2086.

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

•Open Mic Night: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 4795233.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

•Spirit of the Gulf Chorus: 25th Anniversary concert Church of the Cross, Fort Myers. 6p. rsvp. 844-704-7464.

SATURDAY 2

•Ben Prestage: Americana concert, Nick & Kathy Bernadi open. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

•Bird Patrol Walk: Guided birding walk. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 8a. Free. 533-7575.

What Goes On

•Claire Liparulo: Live band. Swamp Cat Brewing, 1943 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 887-3223.

•Community Day: Demos, kayaking, science & art activities, wildlife & art exhibits, touch tanks, boat tours. Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-2p. Free. 530-5977.

•FC Naples vs One Knoxville SC: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

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

•Opera at the Bay: Outdoor screening - Sarasota Opera’s Il trovatore. The Bay Conservancy, 655 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. Free. 941-328-1300.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 2p. 332-4488.

•Rocky & the Rollers: 50s rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Shades of Bublé: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-1700.

•Shakespeare Night: Stage 2 Improv comedy. The Naples Players. Price studio Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

SUNDAY 3

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

•Brit Floyd: Pink Floyd tribute concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

•Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone: Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Mahler Chamber Orchestra: Concert w Yuja Wang, piano. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•Naples Philharmonic: Dvorak’s American Quartet. Philharmonic members music concert. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

•One Light Many Voices: Key Chorale concert w church choirs. First United Methodist Church, 4 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941-552-8768.

•PlayLab Festival: Reading of new play. Florida Repertory Theatre. ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7p. 332-4488.

TUESDAY 5

•Alice Cooper: Rock concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•Miami City Ballet: Dance performance w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 76:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 6

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Rhythm & Blooms: Global Jazz Collective w Jose Valentino jazz concert. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 5:30-7:30p. 643-7275.

THURSDAY 7

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

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•New Play Contest: Play reading. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 218-0481.

•Zach Bartholomew: Bird Lives jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 8

•Devon Allman Blues Summit: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons:  Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Larry Venturino: Comedy, with Solovela & Ethan Dayo. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 784-1186.

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: PiazzollaFour Seasons. with Karen Gomyo, violin. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•New Play Contest: Play reading. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 218-0481.

•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.

SATURDAY 9

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

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

•Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: PiazollaFour Seasons. with Karen Gomyo, violin. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

•New Play Contest: Play reading. Winners. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 218-0481.

•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-3631724.

•Peace of Woodstock: Rock of 60s tribute concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Spring Concert: Naples Phil Youth Chorus. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2p. Free. 597-1900.

SUNDAY 10

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Tampa Tarpons: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Karen Hester’s Tribute to Dolly:  Concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-488-1115.

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

MONDAY 11

•Mother’s Day Murder Mystery: Dinner & show. Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Colonial Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

•Spring Concert: Naples Phil Youth Chorus. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 12

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

•Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Ensembles Concert: BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape

Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 13

•America the Bassoonful: Grand Piano Series Narrative Musicales w Konstantin Soukhovetski. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900.

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

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

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

•Jason Mraz: Concert, Gregory Page opens. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849.

•Music of Horace Silver: Jazz concert w Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY 14

•Cirque Vogue: Immersive fashion extravaganza. Sailor

Circus Arena. 2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 2p. 941-355-9805.

•Ella Langley: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

•Jazz Thursday: Barbara King & The Spirit of Jazz, cocktails. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. 5:30-8p. 941-3094300.

FRIDAY 15

•Australian Bee Gees: Tribute concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007.

•Milestone Gala: 20th Sarasota Contemporary Dance 20th Anniversary performance w Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. 5p. 941-260-8485.

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

•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: & Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave W, Bradenton. 7p. 941-260-8485.

•Swan Lake: Naples Ballet w Naples Phil. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

SATURDAY 16

•Don Jovi: Bon Jovi tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association

The Americana Community Music Association presents singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis, June 20 at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in Fort Myers.

Meeting: Guest speaker. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org.

•Morning Artisan Market:  Farmers market, art, food trucks, craft beer 9a-1p; Family ArtLab 10a-12p; family Movie Screenings 12p. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Orchid Tour: Guided tour. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. register. 334-7419.

•Rodney Carringon: Music & comedy. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4814849.

•Sarasota Contemporary Dance: & Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave W, Bradenton. 7p. 941-260-8485.

SUNDAY 17

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

•FC Naples vs Sporting Jax:

USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

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

•Spring Concert: Naples Phil Youth Jazz Orchestra. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. Free. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 19

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

concert. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings at Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Center, etc. 5-8p. 810-6323.

•Improv Comedy Art Show: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989.

•Josh Gates: Storyteller. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

•Naples Philharmonic Patriotic Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

SATURDAY 23

•Community Day: Free admission to Baker Museum & Youth Symphonia free concert 12p, Youth Symphonia Chamber Concert 2pm. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY 20

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

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival Opening Night Gala & Screening: Screening, live music, cocktails. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 5:30p, film 7p. 8106323.

THURSDAY 21

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

•Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-6398810.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory, 10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 4106971.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings at Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Center, etc. 5-8p. 810-6323.

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

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

•Naples Philharmonic Patriotic Pops: Naples Philharmonic concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

FRIDAY 22

•Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-4857136.

•ensembleNewSRQ: Music for New Bodies. Classical music

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Weird Al Yankovic: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 9487825.

THURSDAY 28

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•FC Naples vs Westchester SC: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings at Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Center, etc. 5-8p. 810-6323.

•Spring Concert: Naples Phil Youth Symphonia. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 12p. Free. 597-1900.

SUNDAY 24

•Fort Myers Int’l Film Festival: Screenings at Davis Art Center, IMAG, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS, Alliance for the Arts, Calusa Nature Center, etc. 5-8p. 810-6323.

•Side-by-Side: Naples Philharmonic & Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

TUESDAY 26

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 27

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

•Fringe Fort Myers: Theater & music performances. OffBroadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-8p. 208-1003.

•Shinedown: Concert, Coheed & Cambria open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825.

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

FRIDAY 29

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Theater & music performances. OffBroadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 208-1003.

•Kennedy: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 3896901.

SATURDAY 30

•Claire Liparulo: Live band. Swamp Cat Brewing, 1943 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. 887-3223.

•Duanne Betts & Palmetto Motels: Rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Theater & music performances. OffBroadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-11p, Kids Fringe 10-11:30a, Teen Fringe 1-2:30p. 208-1003.

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

•Rockin Pirate Palooza: Live music - Rock Republic. The

Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 6-9. Free. 252-4386.

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

•Sarasota Fine Art & Craft Show: Outdoor art fair. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Free. 10a-5p. 941755-3088.

SUNDAY 31

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

•Drag Queen Bingo: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 4795233.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Jupiter Hammerheads: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

•Fringe Fort Myers: Josephine burlesque cabaret 6:30p. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 208-1003. •Fringe Fort Myers: Theater & music performances. OffBroadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2-6p. 208-1003.

•Sarasota Fine Art & Craft Show: Outdoor art fair. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Free. 10a-54p. 941-755-3088.

•The Cold Stares: Rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

•Velvet Curtain: Musical theater reading. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 1p. 495-8989.

June

TUESDAY 2

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

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 3

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

•Deb & The Dynamics Blues band. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9:30p. 549-3000.

What Goes On

•FC Naples vs Charlotte Independence: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7:30p. 933-5335.

THURSDAY 4

•Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 5908645.

•Zach Bartholomew: Nothing But the Blues jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY 5

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

•Art Reception: Bayshore Art Gallery, 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Tue-Sat 5-8p. Free. 778-4665.

•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 several galleries & studios in downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 11a-4p. Free. 313-5129.

•Open Mic Night: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 9:30p. 4795233.

SATURDAY 6

•Bird Patrol Walk: Guided birding walk. Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 8a. Free. 533-7575.

•FC Naples vs Sarasota Paradise: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7:30p. 933-5335.

•Songs of Folk:  Dennis Michael concert. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

SUNDAY 7

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

•Festival of Great Organ Music: Concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 597-1900.

•K-PopKon-Fest Show: Anime collectors convention. Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 482-2900.

TUESDAY 9

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six

Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 10

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY 11

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

FRIDAY 12

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Larry Venturino’s Summer Comedy All-Star Lineup: Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 7:30p. 784-1186.

•Yappy Hour: Happy hour w dogs, live entertainment. Bell Tower Shops center court, Daniels Pkwy & US 41, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 939-2787.

SATURDAY 13

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

•Art Vibe: Entertainment, exhibitions, art demos, food, etc. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 3950900.

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

•Music in the Garden: Havy Rodriguez & The Miami Splash Band. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 643-7275.

•Open Artist Studios: Dozen artist studios. SRQ East Art Studios, 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-3631724.

SUNDAY 14

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs Dunedin Blue Jays: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

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

MONDAY 15

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. Opening Ceremonies 6:30p, performances 8-10:30p, afterparty 10:30p-1a. 941-4881115.

•Father’s Day Murder Mystery: Dinner & show. Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Colonial Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

TUESDAY 16

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. Performances 1-10:30p. 941-488-1115.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 17

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. performances 1-5p, afterparty 10:30p-1a. 941-4881115.

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

•Deb & The Dynamics Blues band. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9:30p. 549-3000.

THURSDAY 18

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. Performances 6:3010p. 941-488-1115.

•Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 4106971.

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

FRIDAY 19

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. Performances 12:309:30p, afterparty 10:30p-1a. 941-488-1115.

•Billy Currington: Concert, Kelsey Hart, Kenny Whitmire open. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

•Dueling Pianos: Paul Nicodemi & Matt Newbold. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, concert 7:30p. 333-1933.

•Kids Onstage: Student shows, grades 1&2, 3-6, 7-12. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 7p. 941-255-1022.

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

SATURDAY 20

•aactWorldFest: Int’l Community Theatre Festival. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. Performances 1:30-4p, gala 6:30-8p, closing ceremony 8-9:30p, afterparty 9:30p-1a. 941-488-1115.

•Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Guest speaker. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org.

•Kids Onstage: Student shows, grades 1&2, 3-6, 7-12. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. 2p. 941-255-1022.

•Morning Artisan Market:  Farmers market, art, food trucks, craft beer 9a-1p; Family ArtLab 10a-12p; family Movie Screenings 12p. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-1p. Free. 939-2787.

•Orchid Tour: Guided tour. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a. register. 334-7419.

•Pierce Pettis: Americana concert, Pete Benson opens. All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069.

SUNDAY 21

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

TUESDAY 23

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

WEDNESDAY 24

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

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210.

THURSDAY 25

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

•Vince Gill: Americana concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 4814849.

FRIDAY 26

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 768-4210.

SATURDAY 27

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 768-4210.

SUNDAY 28

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

•Fort Myers Mighty Mussels vs St Lucie Mets: Minor league baseball. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers. 12p. 768-4210. •PokeKon: Pokemon show, exhibits, panels, cosplay, vendors, games, tournaments. Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-5p.

TUESDAY 30

•Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111.

•The Firm Jazz & Blues Quartet: Live jazz. Cape Cabaret. 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. 6:30-9p. Free. 549-3000.

ongoing Theater

•1776 – the Musical: Apr 18 & 19. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•1776: Apr 18 & 19. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.

•4000 Miles: thru Apr 5. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•9 to 5: thru Apr 12. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•A Beautiful Noise: Thru Apr 4. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•A Piece of My Heart: Apr 1-26. The Naples Players. Price Studio Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•aact WorldFest: Jun 15-20. Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•Almost, Maine: June 12-28. Off Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd. 208-1003.

•All Shook Up: Apr 10-May 16. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Annie: Thru Apr 4. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Assassins: Apr 29-May 10. Sarasota Players. Crossings at Siesta Key, 32501 S Tamiami Tr, # 1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•Beautiful - The Carol King Musical: Apr 26-May 31. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Birthday Candles: Apr 1-May 17. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000.

•Born Yesterday: Apr 22-May 10. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756.

•Cats: thru Apr 4. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Chapatti: Jun 3-21. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941-475-6756.

•Christina the Astonishing: April 17 & 18. Buckingham Community Center, 4940 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 691-4128.

•Cinderella - the Musical: May 21-Jun 7. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•Dear Jack, Dear Louise: thru Apr 26. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•Dial ‘M’ for Murder: Thru Apr 4. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•Emma: Apr 24-May 10. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115.

•Fiddler on the Roof: Apr 14-May 24. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Footloose - The Musical Jr: May 16-19. Academy of Dramatic Arts. The Naples

Players. Glass Educational Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Fort Myers Fringe: May 28-31. Off-Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers; Off-Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 208-1003

•Gods of Comedy: Apr 10-18. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533.

•How I Learned to Drive: thru Apr 4. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti: Apr 14-May 10. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Julius Caesar: Thru Apr 26. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Kimberly Akimbo: Apr 1-5. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Lady Disdain: Jun 6-27. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-3518000.

•Lies, Spells, & Old Wives’ Tales: Apr 8-May 17. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941366-1505.

•Little Shop of Horrors: thru Apr 12. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Love, Lies, and the Lottery: thru Apr 11. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Marie and Rosetta: May 6-31. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Cook Theatre, Florida State

Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000.

•Misery: Apr 17-May 23. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 9805674.

•Moulin Rouge - The Musical: Apr 7-12. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•Mrs Doubtfire: Apr 14 & 15. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•Much Ado About Nothing: May 6-24. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•New Play Contest Winners: May 7-9. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481.

•Off the Rails: thru May 3. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 2758487.

•Oliver! Jun 4-14. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352.

•Pinkalicious - The Musical: thru Apr 2, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•Pinky’s Players: May 21-24. Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•PlayLab: Apr 30-May 3. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Rent - School Edition: Apr 18-28. Academy of Dramatic Arts. The Naples Players. Glass Educational Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990.

•Sailor Circus Spring Show: Apr 17-19. Sailor Circus Arena.

2075 Bahia St, Sarasota. 941355-9805.

•Same Time, Next Year: May 19-Jun 7. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292.

•Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble & Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: May 15 & 16. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton. 941-260-8485.

•Secret to Victory: May 6-Jun 28. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487.

•Sh-Boom!: thru Apr 4. SWFL Theatre Company. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft Myers. 277-1700.

•She Kills Monsters: Apr 10-19. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268.

•Show People: May 8-24. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192.

•Summer Circus Spectacular: Jun-Aug. Circus Arts Conservatory. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401

•Sweeney Todd - School Edition: May 22-24 & 28-30. Florida Repertory Theatre’s Education Conservatory Program. Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•Swingtime Canteen - The Musical: Apr 16-May 3. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022.

•The Apiary: Thru Apr 19. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•The Bride - Or Does This Dress Make Me Look Married?: Apr 7-May 10. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

•The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged): May 22-31. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862.

•The Crucible: thru Apr 5. Sarasota Players. Crossings at Siesta Key, 32501 S Tamiami Tr, # 1130, Sarasota. 941-365-2494.

•The Importance of Being Earnest: thru Apr 4. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 GoodletteFrank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529.

•The Music Man: Apr 10 & 11. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-953-3368.

•The Music Man: Apr 1419. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•The Odd Couple: thru Apr 12. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570.

•The Rainbow Fish Musical: Jun 5-19, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674.

•The Sounds of 1967: May 22-Jun 20. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•The Thorn: Apr 14 & 15. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849.

•The Velocity of Autumn: May 14-24. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-2551022.

•The Wizard of Oz: Jun 26-Aug 8. Broadway Palm Theatre,

1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422.

•Titanic - The Musical: Apr 17-26. Youth Theatre. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989.

•Who is Eartha Mae?: May 29Jun 21. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397.

•Winnie-the-Pooh: Apr 17-May 3. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115.

•You’ve Got Hate Mail: Apr 9-26. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 784-1186.

Art Galleries

•Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. xxxxx. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887.

•Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Main Gallery— Apr 2-11: Lee Elementary & Middle School Students; Apr 17-25: Lee High School Students; May 1-30: Grant Recipients. Member Gallery— Apr 2-25: Student Digital Art; May 1-30: Dreamscaping. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. 939-2787.

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

•Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Thru Apr 18: Newtown Artists; Apr 28-May 9: N Sarasota County Schools; May 21-Aug 1: Architects Who Art. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 12-5p. 941-3652032.

•Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. Open studios. Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5pApr & May. 646-358-2531. •Art Ovation Hotel: 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-316-0808. •Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Hinman Gallery-in-the-Round— thru Apr 2: Kendra Hensley; May 21-Jun 25: The Geometry of Emotion. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-2p. 495-8989.

•Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Main Gallery: thru Apr 2: Julia Bonnells; Mar 5-Apr 2: Romancing the Stone; Apr 9-May 14: Atelier ProgramStudent Work; May 28-Jul 2: Forged & Found - Celebration of Metal in Art. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050. •Arts for ACT Gallery: Apr 3-27-: Terry Lynn Spry; May 1-Jun 1: Dallas Constant; Jun 5-Jul 1: Leema Snyder. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050.

OF•Arts of the Inland Gallery: LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center, 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. Thu-Sun 1-5p thru May. 863-843-2929

•Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. thru Jun 28: Florida Contemporary; thru May 24: Sonia Loise Davis; thru Jun 28: Florida Contemporary; thru Aug 2: Discovering Ansel Adams thru fall 2026: Stories in Glass & Ceramics; Ongoing: There & Here, Reflections of Another World; Loise Nevelson - Dawn’s

What Goes On

Forest, Chiluly Collection, Outdoor Sculpture Trail. Guided tours Tue-Sat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900.

•Bayshore Art Gallery: 3954 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Receptions 1st Fri, 5-8p. Tue-Sat 11a-5p. 778-4665.

•BIG ARTS: 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Thru Apr 21: A Journey to the Oracle - Ebenezer Leyva; thru Apr 26: The Profound Drama of the Ordinary - Rene Miville; Apr 24-May 31: BIG ARTS Artist Instructors; May 1-Jun 8: Art as Therapy - Hope Healthcare’s Art Therapy Program & Lee Health’s Arts in Healthcare Program; Jun 13-Jul 24: Florida SouthWestern Stage College Student Show; thru Jun 30: I Am My Home – Maria Pia Malerba. Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat & Sun 9a-1p. 395-0900.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: Closed for Renovations. FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. 489-9313.

•Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex: FSW State College, bldg. J-118, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru May 2: Rauschenberg at 100 - As Large as the World Is. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 489-9313.

•Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Main Gallery—Apr 3-23: Emerging Voices; May 1-Jun 25: Paint Strokes of Ascension. Side Gallery—Apr 3-23: The Third Dimension, May 1-28: Bloom & Thrive. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802.

•Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Thru Apr 2: Purple Reigns, Class Act; Apr 10-May 1: Celebrating Color, Season Highlights; May 8-21: Florida Life, Members show. Mon-Thu 11a-4p. Receptions 1st Thu. Open painting Wed 1-4p. Meetings 1st Mon 11a. Closed Aug. 772-5657.

•Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: 52388 Tamiami Tr, Ochopee. thru Jun: The Way of Water.Daily 10a-4:30p. 6952428.

•Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. thru Jun: This Land We Share. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coconut Point Mall, 8074 Mediterranean Dr, Estero. thru Apr 4: SWFL Watercolor Society; Apr 7-May 3: Estero Art League. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. TueSun 11a-5p. 949-3073.

•Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coastland Center, 1924 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Apr 1-May 2: Art Council of SWFL. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. WedSun 12-6p. 436-3530.

•Creative Liberties Artist Residencies at Gaze Modern Gallery: ARCOS Gallery, 340 Central Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Mon-Fri 9a-6p & Sat 10a-5p. 941-7996634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt. 941799-6634.

•Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy:

927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. ThuSat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt. 941-799-6634.

•DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Apr 3-26: Valentino Urroz. 10051 McGregor Blvd, #104, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-2p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 955-0422.

•East West Fine Art: Mercato, 9115 Strada Pl, #5130, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 12-6p. 821-9459.

•Eydel Fine Arts Gallery: 800 5th Ave S, #101, Naples. Mon & Wed-Sat 11a-5p, Tue 12-4p, Sun 12-5p. 821-9459.

•Emily James Art Gallery: 720 5th Ave S, # 111, Naples. Mon 3-7p, Tue & Wed 11a-7p, Sat 11a8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283.

•Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p. Exhibits— Apr 7-May 3: Coco Art Gallery, Estero.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–thru Apr 2: Student Art; Apr 17-May 1: Senior Projects. Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall— thru Oct 31: The Trees Know. Arts Complex Lobby— thru Jul 1: Crumbs; thru Sep 30: Diamonds in the Light. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 590-7199.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., 3rd fl, Ft Myers. thru May 1: Nature’s Canvas; thru May 3: Brian Yates. Mon-Thu 7a-11:30p, Fri 7a-8p, Sat 1-6p, Sun 11a-11:30p. 590-7199.

•Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Cypress Square, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. thru Apr 10: Lucky Charms; Apr 12-Jun 1: Anything Goes; Jun 3-Jul 20: Beach Bliss. Mon-Wed 10a-3p & Thu-Sat 12-6. 463-3909.

•Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. MonSat 10a-5p. 403-7787.

•Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245.

•Guess-Fisher Gallery: 985 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 1-6p. 659-2787.

•Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. thru Apr 6: Linda McQuinn, Jan Butler; Apr 7-May 3: Dr. Jane Ruprecht, Carolyn Cora; May 5-31: Terrie Hall, Jim Crawford; Jun 2-Jul 5: Helen Kinkin, Beverly Fox. Receptions 1st Tue 6-8p. Daily Oct-May 11a-8p, closed Sun Jun-Sep. 540-5789.

•Harmon-Meek Modern: 599 9th St N, #309, Naples. Mon-Sat 11a-4p thru May; by appt - Jun. 261-2637.

•Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. xxxxx. OCT-MAY Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 11a-5p, Thu 11a-8p, Sun 12-4p. 395-0027.

•HW Gallery: 462 9th St N, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 2636640.

•Island Visions: 2224 First St, Ft Myers. Sun-Thu 11a-6p, Fri & Sat 11a-9p. 282-0452.

•Joel Shapses Gallery: Naples Art District, 6240 Shirley St, #102, Naples. Thu & Sat 1-5p thru Apr, May & Jun by appt. 954-830-3156.

•Kelson Gallery: 2359 Periwnkle Way, Sanibel. Tue-Sat 10a-4p. 508-740-0260.

•Larimart Gallery: 2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Galleria Shoppes, #410, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-7p & Sat 10-3p. 276-0448.

•Lehigh Acres Art League: River Forest Assoc Clubhouse, 13506 Island Rd, Lehigh Acres. Meet & paint Mon 10a-3p. 815252-4927.

•Lovegrove Gallery & Studio: 1415 Dean St., #102, Ft Myers. Tue-Sun 11a-4p. 938-5655

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW., #102 Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p. 9385655

•MARA Art Studio & Gallery: 76 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Apr 3-28: In Passage; Apr 30-May 30: Between Us. Wed-Sat 11a-4p, Mon & Tie by appt. 941-914-8110.

•Maggie DeMarco Contemporary Art: 5760 Shirley St, #8, Naples. Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p, 1st Wed 5-8p, by appt. 401-527-6554.

•Marco Island Center for the Arts: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. Main Galleries—

thru Apr 28: Adult Students; Apr 9: Art in Bloom; May 4-Jun 23: Snap Crackle & Pop Art; May 4-Jun 23: Draw the World. La Petite Galerie— thru Apr 28: Marco Island Academy; May 4-26: Gaby Swedan, Mon-Fri 9a-4p. 394-4221.

•Method & Concept: 26 10th St. S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p. 529-2633.

•Naples Art District: Dozens of artists’ studios & galleries. Shirley St & J&C. Open studios Thu & Sat 1-5p, Art After Dark 1st Wed 5-8p. Thu & Sat 1-5p in May. 249-1977.

•Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Apr 18-Jul 12: American Modernism. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 262-6517.

•Naples Art Studios: Naples Art District, North Line Plaza, 2172 J & C Blvd, Naples. thru May 1: Transformation. By appt. 821-1061.

•North Fort Myers Art Association: Meets 4th Fri of month 2-4p. Exhibition— thru May 4: Eat Pray Love; May 13-Jun 21: Botanicals. Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 510-8712.

•Odessa Art Gallery: 2330 Palm Ridge Rd, #15, Sanibel. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 781-864-4314.

•Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. Thru Apr 19: Origami in the Garden. Sat 10a-1p. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941621-8299.

•Quidley & Company Fine Art Gallery: 375 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-7p & Sun 11a-5p. 261-4300.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: 1571 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rachel Pierce Art Gallery: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 Cleveland Ave SW, Ft Myers. Daily 10a-3p. 292-3327.

•Rene Miville Gallery: Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, 2nd fl, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-8p & Sun 12-7p. 333-3130.

•Ringling College of Art & Design: 2700 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Basch Gallery (Thompson Academic Center, Bradenton Rd)— thru Apr 4: The Maestro of Murano – Lino Tagliapietra. Cooley Photography Center (Bradenton Rd. Crossley Gallery (Hughes Studio Bldg, Bradenton Rd). Goldstein Gallery (E Tamiami Cir). Madeby Gallery (Dr MLK Jr Way). Selby Gallery (N Tamiami Tr). Smith Gallery (Bradenton Rd)— thru Apr 11: In Type We Trust. Stulberg Gallery (Dr MLK Jr Way)— thru Apr 11: Origins - Sarasota Artist Colony 1945-1965. Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, Bradenton Rd)— thru Apr 1: Tom Stephens. All galleries: Apr 24-29 & May 1-9: Best of Ringling Senior Thesis. Gallery days & hours vary. 941-359-7563.

•Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. thru Apr 12: Ancestral Edge; thru Apr 14: Visions of Belonging; May 16-Sep 20: Pictorialism & the Rise of Art Photography; May 30-Nov 15: Andrea Carlson; thru May 31, 2026: Juana Romani; thru Aug 23: In the Flesh - The Nude in Japanese Art; thru Nov 1, 2026: 17th Century Dutch Paintings; thru Jan 2028: As Earth is to Sky. Circus Museum—ongoing: The Greatest Show on Earth. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a-8p. 941-359-5700.

•Sanibel Captiva Art League: Exhibits (Sanibel Library)— thru Apr 20: Calkins, Klunk, Fonseth-Lais ; Apr 20-Jun 1: Local Color; Jun 1-Nov 2: Faces Places & Spaces. Meet 3rd Thu 1-3p, Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 322-8593.

•Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. thru Apr 26: Radical Softness; thru Apr 26: Molly Hatch; thru Aug 19: Slumpies; Apr 19-Sep 27: Something Borrowed, Something New; thru Sep 27: Maria Guzman CapronPenumbra; thru Oct 25: Prints of Sol LeWitt. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300.

•Sea Grape Gallery: 113 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Tue-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4pApr-May; Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p - Jun 941-575-1718

•Sheldon Fine Art: 460 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Sun-Thu 10a-6p, Fri-Sat 10a-9p. 649-6255.

•Sidney & Berne Davis Arts Center: 2301 First St, Ft Myers. Apr 3-23: Int’l Baccalaureate Visual Arts; Apr 3-23: Possibilitas; May 1-28: Peripheral; Dialogues; May 1-28: Live Lines & Loyal Paws; Jun 5-25: This is not a Pizza Box It Was Never About the Pizza; Jun 5-25: Un-Masked. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933.

•SPAACES Studio: 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota. thru May16: Object/Subject. Fri & Sat 11a-2p & by appt. 941-374-3492.

•SRQ East Art Studios: 8326 Consumer Ct, Sarasota. Dozen artist studios. Open studios 2nd Sat 5-7p. 941-363-1724.

•Sweet Art Gallery: 852 1st Ave S, Naples. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 11a-2p. 597-2110.

•Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-4p. 5790659.

•Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Apr 2-Jul 16: All the Buzz! - Art Quilters Unlimited. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667. •Union Artists Studios: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394.

•Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. thru Apr 9: Spring Members Show; Apr 17-30: You Name It; Apr 17-30: Phyllis Parker; May 5-13: South Sarasota County School Show; May 22-Jun 18: Over the Top; May 22-Jun 18: Jeff Cornell; Jun 26-Jul 16: Celebration; Jun 26-Jul 16 Val Dwek. Mon-Fri 9a4p & Sat 9am-1pm NOV-MAY. 941-485-7136.

•Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Main Gallery— Apr 1-22: Anything is Possible; Apr 24-30: Charlotte High & Middle School students; May 1-9: Charlotte Elementary School students; May 14-Jun 16: Under the Surface. Goff Gallery—May 14-Jun 16: Let’s Get Digital; Apr 1-22: Portraits & Life Drawing; Apr 24-30: Charlotte High & Middle-School students; May 1-9: Charlotte Elementary School students. Rebecca Hall—Apr 1-22: Afternoon Delight; May 1-9: Charlotte Elementary School students; May 14-Jun 16: Zarita F Mattox-Dixon; Jun 25-Aug 31: Members Showcase. Mon, Thu, Fri 9a-4p; Tue & Wed 9a-7p, Sat 10a-4p. 941-639-8810.

The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota hosts the exhibition, ‘In the Flesh: The Nude in Japanese Art,’ thru August 23.

Attractions

•Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Tribe of Florida Museum: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 30290 Josie Billie Hwy, Clewiston. Exhibit— Beautiful & Proud, Miniature Marvels, Elgin Jumper. Daily 9a-5p. 877-902-1113.

•Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. ongoing: Modern Masterpiece Discovered. Mon-Fri 11a-5p. Free. 941-3642199.

•Artis-Naples: Home of Naples Philharmonic, Baker Museum of Art, Daniels Pavilion, Hayes Hall, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900.

•Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium: Great Hall of Shells, Living Gallery of Aquariums. Ongoing photo exhibits— Adorned by the Sea - Brilliant Colors of the Sea. 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Daily 10a-5p. 3952233.

•Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p - Apr; Tue & Thu 9am-12p - May & Jun. 332-4942.

•Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium. thru Jun 26: Greetings from Old Florida. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131.

•Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a-3p. register. 337-9505

•Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall

Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily - Apr, Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Free. 657-2253.

•CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Mon-Sat 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644.

•’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Birds of the Refuge Guided Walk: Wed 11:30a: Guided Shell Walk: Fri 10a; Biking the refuge: Sat 9a. Apr 26: Conservation Carnival. Wildlife Drive: Sat-Thu 7a-dusk; Visitor center: Sat-Thu 9a-4p free. 472-1100.

•ECHO Global Farm & Research Center: 17391 Durrance Rd, N Ft Myers. Farm tours TueFri 9:30a & 1:30p, Sat 9:30a. Technology tours: Tue, Fri, sat 11:30a. 543-3246.

•Edison & Ford Winter Estates: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Historic homes, gardens, laboratory, museum. Exhibits— Ongoing: Rebirth & Renewal; ongoing: Fanatics - Edison, Mack & Baseball in Fort Myers. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a - register; Daily 9a-5:30p. 334-7419.

•Estero Historic Cottage Museum & Nature Center: One-room schoolhouse & historic cottage. 161 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Wed-Sat 10a-12p. 272-1911.

Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guided tours Tue-Sat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes select nites. 8p. Planetarium shows Mon-Sat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 2753435.

•Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Museum buildings & gardens. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037.

•Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. ThuTue 10a-4:30p & Wed 10a-1p. 514-0084.

•Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331

Tamiami Tr E, Naples. thru May 9: Connect & Protect. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476.

•Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat ecotours. Guided walks Mon-Sat. register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304.

•Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Daily 8a-3p - Apr, daily 8a-1p – May & Jun. 3489151.

•CREW: Corkscrew Regional

•MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota. Daily 10a-5p. 941-388-4441.

•Museum of the Everglades: 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. thru Jun 20: The Story of Orchids in the Everglades. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 695-0008.

•Museum of the Islands: 5728 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Tue, Thu, Sat 11a-3p. 283-1525.

•Naples Botanical Garden: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. Exhibitions—thru May 25: Chroma Flora. Fogg Café exhibit— thru Jul 12: Blooming at Work. Music in the Garden: 2nd Sat. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Daily 9a-5p & Wed 9a-8p – Apr & May; daily 9a-2p - Jun. 6437275.

•Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. thru May 2: Railroads at Work. Naples Lionel Train Museum inside. Fri & Sat 10a2p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Historical Society Historic Palm Cottage: Museum & gardens. Naples Historical Society, 137 12th Ave. S, Naples. Tours: select Wed 9:30a - register. Tue-Sat 12-4p. 261-8164.

•Naples Lionel Train Museum: Inside Naples Depot Museum, 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Fri & Sat 10a-2p. Steam engine ride Fri 10a-12:30p. Free. 262-6525.

•Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. Wildlife & botanical exhibits. Tours. Daily 9a-4:30p. 262-5409.

•Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, Punta Gorda. Tours by appt. 543-1130.

•Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples. Guided tours. Tue-Sun 1-4:30p. 263-9200.

•IMAG History & Science Center: Exhibits, activities, live sea life touch-tank & feedings, films. 2000 Cranford St, Ft Myers. Mon-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420.

•Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch:  1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. thru May 26: Immokalee Restaurants. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611.

•Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. thru Jul 11: America the Beautiful by Clyde Butcher. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. thru May 31: Alexander Calder - The Nature of Movement; Jun 20-Sept 13: Lynn Goldsmith & Patti Smith - Flowers & Friendship. 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731.

•Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. thru Aug 30: Robert Louis Stevenson - A Child’s Garden of Verses. Daily 10a-5p. 941-366-5731

•Mound House: 451 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Beach. Guided tours Tue, Wed & Sat 9a-3p; programs Tue, Wed, Sat 10a; Shell Mound tours Tue-Sat 10a, 12 & 2p; Garden tours Tue & Fri 1p; Untold Stories tours Thu 2p; Free guided beach walks Tue & Thu 9a at Newton Park, 4650 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Wed-Sat 7:30a-6:30p. 765-0865.

•Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Live animal shows, tours. Daily 10a4p. 941-355-5305

•True Tours: River District History Walking Tour: select Thu & Sat 10:30a - register; Haunted History Tour: Wed & Sat 8p - register); Cemetery Tour - register. Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, Ft Myers. 9450405.

•Williams Academy Black History Museum: Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave, Ft Myers. Ongoing: 50 Years of Hip Hop, Anderson Avenue Economic Renaissance, MLK Corridor’s Revival. Tue-Fri 10a-4p & Sat by appt. Free. 332-8778.

•Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Daily 9a-4p. 992-2591.

Parks & Beaches

•Alison Hagerup Beach: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva. Dawn-dusk. Parking fee. 472-2472.

•Alva Park: 21471 N River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 6940398.

•Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibit— thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. Tue-Fri 9a-3p. Free. 4721932.

•Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center: 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. By appt. 765-8101.

•Paradise Coast Sports Complex: 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Sports facility. Live music Sat nites 5-8p – Apr & May at The Cove. Free. 2524386.

•Peace River Wildlife Center: Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda. Exhibit— thru Apr 19: Origami in the Garden. Daily 11a-4p. 941-637-3830

•Randell Research Center & Calusa Heritage Trail: 13810 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia. Museum of South Florida archeology & ethnography exhibits & interpretive walkway. Guided tours - Apr. Daily sunrise-sunset. 283-2062.

•Revs Institute: 2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples. Classic cars. Guided tours. Tue, Thu, Sat 10a4p. advance tix. 687-7387.

•Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— thru Apr 30: Paul Arsenault’s Artful Impressions of Collier County; May 9-Oct 29: Through the Light of the Estuary. Exhibits, daily programs, guided boat & kayak eco-tours. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. 530-5940.

•Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Landscapes & Garden Center: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibits, demonstration gardens, workshops. Tue-Thu 9a-3p. 472-1932.

•Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. Tue-Sat 10a-4p – Apr; closed May & Jun. 472-4648.

•Bonita Beach Park:  27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444.

•Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008.

•Bowditch Point Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawndusk. Free. 463-3764.

•Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel. Dawn-dusk. 533-7575.

•Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 3400397.

•Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 237-9306.

•Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794.

•Caloosahatchee Park: 18500 North River Rd, Alva. Dawndusk. Free. 693-2690.

•Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-575-5816.

•Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397.

•Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196.

•Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632.

What Goes On

•Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311.

•Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609.

•Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 6953311.

•Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park: 8137 Coastline Dr, Copeland. Hiking & bicycling trails, boardwalk, paddling, historic site. 8a-sunset daily. 695-4593.

•Four Freedoms Park: 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral. Dawndusk. Free. 574-0804.

•Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8am-sunset daily. 941-9640375.

•Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062.

•Hickey Creek Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawndusk. Free. 693-2690.

•John Yarbrough Park: 14608 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 2181032.

•Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 9920311.

•Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028.

•Lakes Park:  7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. 7a-dusk. 5337575.

•Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165.

•Lighthouse Beach Park: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345.

•Lovers Key State Park:  8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures Wed 10:30a - Apr; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset - Apr; seashell walk 1st Fri 10:30a - Apr; wildlife hikes 1st Sat 10:30a - Apr; beach & estuary walk 3rd Fri 10:30a - Apr. 8a-sunset daily. 463-4588.

•Lynn Hall Beach Park:  950 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-7356.

•Manatee Park: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd, Ft Myers. Free butterfly garden tours Sun 9a thru Mar. Free. 690-5030.

•Matanzas Pass

Preserve: Temporarily Closed. 119 Bay Rd, Ft Myers Beach. Free. 707-3015.

•Matlacha Park: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. Community Center. 7a-9p. Free. 771-1078.

•Myakka River State Park: 13207 SR 72, Sarasota. Canoeing, camping, paddling,

hiking & bicycling horseback riding trails, wildlife tours by air-boat & tram, scenic drive, guided walks. 8a-sunset daily. 941-361-6511.

•Nalle Grade Park: 8350 Nalle Grade Rd, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443.

•Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290.

•North Collier Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 652-4512.

•North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200

•North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443. .

•Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 694-2291.

•Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941483-5956.

•Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 771-1078.

•Rotary Park: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral. Tom Allen Butterfly House, nature trails, environmental center. 8a-4p. Free. 549-4606.

•Rutenberg Park: 6500 South Pointe Blvd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 340-0397.

•San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794.

•Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200.

•Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open TueSun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks daily 9:30a - Apr, Wed 9:30a - May & Jun. Guided ‘wet walks’ select Sat & Wed 9:30a & 1p Sep & Oct. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7550.

•Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375.

•Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn9:15p. Free. 478-6998.

•Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 369-1521.

•Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7468.

Libraries

•Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4860.

•Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Exhibit— thru Nov 8: Voices & Votes - Democracy in America. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4500.

•Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890.

•Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 2527311.

•Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-

8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4150.

•East County: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334200.

•East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109.

•Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511.

•Florida Gulf Coast University Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Mon-Thu 7a-11:30p, Fri 7a-8p, Sat 1-6p, Sun 11a-11:30p. 590-7199.

•Florida SouthWestern State College: Collier campus. 7505 Grand Lely Dr, Building G, Naples. Mon-Thu 7:30a-7p, Fri 8a-4p, Sat 10a-4p.732-3774.

•Florida SouthWestern State College: Lee Campus. 8099 College Pkwy, Building J, Fort Myers. Mon-Thu 7:30a-7p, Fri 8a-4p, Sat 10a-4p.489-9220.

•Fort Myers: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4600.

•Fort Myers Beach: 2755 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & sat 9a-1p. 765-8162.

•Golden Gate: 2432 Lucerne Rd, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri &Sat 9a-5p. 252-4542.

•Immokalee: 417 N First St, Immokalee. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7073.

•Johann Fust: 1040 W 10th St, Boca Grande. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 941-964-2488

•Lakes: 15290 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334000.

•Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood

Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064.

•Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320.

•Northwest: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4700.

•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350.

•Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 5334370.

•Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri 9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483.

•South: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p.

•South County: 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy, Estero. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4400.

•Talking Books: 1651 Lee St, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 5334780.

•Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 252-7160.

Live Music & Comedy

•Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069.

•Bay Street Yard: 2136 Bay St,

The Sarasota Art Museum presents the exhibition, ‘Maria Guzman Capron: Penumbra’ thru September 27.

Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 270-5941.

•Bone Hook Brewery: 1514 Immokalee Rd, Naples. Live music select nites. 631-8522.

•Buckingham Blues Bar: 5641

Buckingham Rd., Ft Myers. Live music select nites. Free open blues jam Wed 8-11p & Sun 3-6p: Tommy Lee Cook & The Buckingham Blues Band w Rex Bongo & Harry Cassano. 693-7111.

•Cape Cabaret: 4725 Vincennes Blvd, Cape Coral. Tue nites: live jazz 6:30-9p; Comedy nites: select Froi & Sat nites 7p; live music select nites 7-10p. Tue. 549-3000.

•Coastal Dayz Brewery: 2161 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, Live music select nites & Sat 2-5p. Free. 204-9665.

•Downtown Social House: 1406 Hendry St, Ft Myers. Live music—Thu 5-8p: Emma Coleman; Fri 5-8p: Nathan Tata; Sat 5-7p: Briz & Lady; Sun 5-8p: Madison Morris. Free. 337-7646.

•Fancy’s Southern Café: 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music select nights. 208-2564.

•Fancy’s Southern Café: 8890 Salrose Ln, #101, Ft Myers. Live music select nights. 561-2988.

•Fort Myers Brewing Company: 12811 Commerce Lake Dr, #27, Ft Myers. Live music Wed 6-9p, Fri & Sat 7-10p, Sun 2-5p. Free. 313-6576.

•Mango Rita’s Rhythm House: 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. Live music Mon-Sat nites. 4668326.

•Off the Hook Comedy Club: 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. Comedians Thu-Sat & select Sun, Tue, Wed nites. 540-7867.

•Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 3rd Thu: Irish Jam Night; live music select nites. Free. 603-6535.

•Rack ‘em Spirits & Times: 1011 SE 47th Ter, Cape Coral. Live music select Fri & Sat nites. Free. 540-7225.

•Snappers Laugh-In Comedy Café: 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. Comedians Thu-Sat nites. 479-5233.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 1410 Pine Ridge Rd, # 4, Naples. Live music select nites. Free. 435-9333.

•South Street City Oven & Grill: 8845 Founders Square Dr, Naples. Live music select nites. Free. 435-9333.

•Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select WedSat nites. 204-9949.

•Sugarshack Downtown: 27421 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Live music nitely. 301-4321.

•Swamp Cat Brewing: 1943 Fowler St, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 887-3223.

•Ter-Tini’s Music & Event Hall:

1901 Crystal Dr, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 344-6147.

•The Beach Bar: 1668 I St, Ft Myers Beach. Live music daily 1-5p. 224-4901.

•The Cove: Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Live Sat & select Fri nites 5-8p. Free. 252-4386

•The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon: 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 985-9839.

•The Stage: 9144 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. Live tribute bands nitely. 405-8566.