October-November 2026

F RE E

OCT OBE RNOVE MBE R2026

SOUTHWESTFLORI DA

Musi c& Theat er SEASON GUI DE

DannySi nof f JessKl ei n TheRol l i ngSt ones Tal ki ngHeads Labor at oryTheat er f t myer s magazi ne. com

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER V olume 25 2026 N umber 4

Tift Merritt will be hosting a songwriting workshop and performing at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Sanibel Island Writers Conference, November 6 at BIG ARTS.

News & Previews – on the gulf ...................................... 8 books – Talking Heads ....................................................... 16 books – The Rolling Stones ............................................ 19 books – Baseball ................................................................... 23 theater – The Laboratory Theater of Florida .... 27 music – Danny Sinoff .......................................................... 30 music – Jess Klein ................................................................ 36 Guide – Music & Theater Season ............................... 41 Calendar – what goes on . .................................................. 53 ON THE COVER: Danny Sinoff performs regularly at several venues throughout Southwest Forida. © Copyright October 2026 by Ft.Myers magazine. All rights reserved. Ft.Myers magazine is published five times annually by And Pat llc.

ftmyersmagazine@icloud.com

516-652-6072

Andrew Elias : Director-Designer Pat Simms-Elias : Editor Contributors: Jason MacNeil, Gary Mooney, Kara Moyer, Cindy Reid, Nancy Stetson

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

6

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Fort Myers Beach Hosts Sand Sculpting Championship T he 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship returns

On The Gulf

4pm. On Sunday, November 22, the People’s Choice winner will be announced along with the awards ceremony. Monday, November 23, will offer visitors a final opportunity to view the completed sculptures, along with plein air and other art activities. The event will be held on the beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort, located at 2000 Estero Blvd. and neighboring Estero Island Beach Club at 1840 Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach. Event hours are 10am-5pm daily. For information about the schedule of events and activities, sculptor lineup, parking information, Amateur Competition and volunteering, call 454-7500.

to Fort Myers Beach, November 19–23, for five days of artistry, competition and family-friendly entertainment. This years’ event celebrates America’s 250th birthday with the theme, ’Stars, Stripes & Sand: Sculpting the American Story’. Thirty-four sculptors will be participating, including 12 Master sculptors and 12 Advanced Amateur sculptors, representing 10 states and five nations, with artists from Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, England, and the United States competing, including Shannon Sumney of Bonita Springs. In addition to the professional competition, the championship will feature an Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition, more than 80 vendors, food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, hands-on sand sculpting lessons, professional sand sculpting demonstrations, Quick Sand speed-sculpting shows and a dedicated sand play area for children. The weekend will feature Master and Advanced Amateur competition, the Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition, demonstrations, entertainment and family activities. The Amateur Sand Sculpting Competition will take place Saturday, November 21, 10am-3pm, with awards at

NEWS & PREVIEWS

Writers Conference Returns to Sanibel Florida Gulf Coast University’s Sanibel Writers Conference

returns to BIG ARTS and the Sanibel Public Library for three days of workshops, panels, performances, and networking. Participants at all stages of development, from amateurs to published authors, are welcome to attend a variety of workshops in fiction, poetry, TV writing, songwriting, storytelling, memoir, travel writing, children’s literature, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions about publishing and editing. The conference will also feature readings, a concert, and a keynote address. Registration for the Writers

Shannon Sumney, of Bonita Springs, will be competing in the American Sand Sculpting Championship in Fort Myers Beach, November 19-23.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

Tara Westover will be appearing November 5 at the Sanibel Writers Conference at BIG ARTS. 8

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Conference is November 5, 7:308:30am. Registration is required for morning and afternoon sessions. Morning sessions are 9am-12pm, afternoon sessions are 1:30-4:30pm, cocktail hours are 4:30-6pm, and evening events are 6-8pm. All evening events are free. John Dufresne hosts morning writing warm-ups November 6 & 7, 7:30-8:30am. Among the authors scheduled to appear are: Steve Almond, Kyle Arrington, Lynne Barrett, John Dufresne, Denise Duhamel, Beth Ann Fennelly, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, and Julie Marie Wade. SPECIAL EVENING EVENTS

November 5: Conversation between two authors: Tara Westover and Darin Strauss. November 6: Concert by singersongwriter, Tift Merritt. Merritt also hosts a songwriting workshop November 6 at 9am. November 7: Keynote address from Dr. Michael Greger, author of the books How Not to Die, How Not to Diet, How Not to Age, and the forthcoming How Not to Hurt. BIG ARTS is located at 900 Dunlop Rd. and the Sanibel Library is located nearby at 770 Dunlop Rd. on Sanibel. For information, call 590-7421.

Stage Fright Nights at Alliance for the Arts Alliance for the Arts presents their Stage Fright Nights,

October 17–31, an immersive haunted house experience that combines theatrical storytelling, live performers, elaborate sets and interactive scares. This year’s theme is ‘Summoning of the Damned’. Stage Fright Nights officially opens October 17, with a special opening-night exclusive preview walkthrough of Summoning the Damned from 5-7pm., followed by an outdoor screening of the cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume and can participate in costume contests and bingo. On October 21, the Alliance will host Less Scare, More Care Community Night, a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration designed for a safe and playful evening of seasonal fun. With the haunted house lights on and the scares turned

On The Gu l f

NEWS & PREVIEWS

off, families can experience the sets and atmosphere of Summoning the Damned in a more approachable setting. Throughout the run, Stage Fright Nights will feature themed nights and post-haunt sideshow experiences:

i(building J-118) at Florida Southwestern State College, 8099 College Pkwy. in Fort Myers. The gallery is open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Admission is free. For information, call 489-9313.

Selby Gardens Halloween Show Returns to Opsrey Lights at Spooky Point, the Halloween-themed light show

STAGE FRIGHT NIGHTS SCHEDULE

October 21: Less Scare, More Care Community Night October 22: Game Over! October 23: Scary Stories October 24: Rise of the Undead (Zombie Night) October 28: Bare Bones (Discount Night) October 29: FreakArt After Dark (Community Fundraiser) October 30: Full Scream A Head (Intensity Night) October 31: Boos & Booze (Halloween Fright Night) Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

Rauschenberg Celebrates Kenny Scharf & Klaus Nomi T he Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida Southwestern State

College (FSW) presents Klaus Nomi & Kenny Scharf: Time SPLAT!, an exhibition celebrating the era-defining work of two seminal artists who helped shape the late 1970s & early 1980s underground scene in New York City’s East Village. An immersive installation, Time SPLAT! bridges the gap between Kenny Scharf’s signature, ethereal ‘Pop Surrealist’ landscapes and characters and the highly-theatrical, extraterrestrial persona of the late and legendary performer, Klaus Nomi. The exhibition serves as more than a retrospective; it is an exploration of a shared aesthetic universe. Visitors will experience a collision or “splat” of time, where Kenny Scharf’s recurring motifs of cartoonish joy and nuclearage anxiety meet Klaus Nomi’s operatic, avant-garde futurism. A selection of Scharf’s paintings, transformed found-objects, customized clothing, and cosmic prints are presented in direct dialogue with Nomi’s vintage artifacts, costumes, props and rare performance documentation.

The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at FSW hosts an exhibition celebrating underground artists, Kenny Scharf & Klaus Nomi.

introduced to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, returns in October for a fifth season, October 1-31. Lights at Spooky Point features a hauntingly lit trail that winds through the wooded grounds and historic landmarks of the campus. Along the path, guests will encounter Halloween displays and light installations. ‘Ghost orchids’ hover above the Pioneer Graveyard, ‘Dracula orchids’ are draped in Spanish moss, and ‘spider orchids’ are spun into glowing webs high in the trees, all decorations inspired by real-life plants bearing the same names. Designed for all ages, visitors will also find plenty of pumpkins, scores of skeletons, and other Halloween classics. Lights at Spooky Point is open 6:30-9pm. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each night, with two entry times available: 6:30 & 7:45pm. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus, located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, is open daily 10am-5pm. Call 941-366-5731 for information.

Together, these elements mark a pivotal moment in art history when New Wave music, Street Art and high-concept performance met, merged and forever reshaped contemporary culture. Kenny Scharf is renowned for his street-art-infused canvases, mind-altering installations and playful ‘Pop Surrealist’ iconography. Klaus Nomi possessed an extraordinary countertenor vocal range that captivated audiences by blending rock, disco and cabaret with operatic arias with a highly stylized Dadaist aesthetic. Klaus Nomi & Kenny Scharf: Time SPLAT! Is on view thru December 5 at the Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex

Lights at Spooky Point are on view October 1-31 at Marie Selby Botancal Garden’s Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

The exhibition, The Birds of Southwest Florida is on view thru December 6 at the Edison & Ford Estates in Fort Myers.

10

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Birds of SWFL Exhibit at Edison & Ford Estates T he Edison & Ford Winter Estates hosts the exhibition,

The Birds of Southwest Florida in the Edison Caretaker’s House at Edison. The exhibit features multiple panels containing detailed illustrations from John James Audubon, along with quotes from the Edison and Ford families. Antique spy glasses, books on birds, and other birdrelated items that had belonged to Mina Edison will also be featured. The exhibit will be on display through December 6. The exhibit is a tribute to Mina Edison (Thomas Edison’s wife) and her love of birds. Among the earliest American conservationists, she was an ardent supporter, advocate, and unofficial spokeswoman for several organizations, including the National Audubon Society. Mina was good friends with Jay ‘Ding’ Darling, the Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and conservationist. His signature bird drawings can be seen in Mrs. Edison’s official Seminole Lodge Guest Book located inside the museum. Mina was also close friends with Henry and Clara Ford who enjoyed birding and discussing birds. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

On The Gu l f

NEWS & PREVIEWS

Museum is open daily 9am5:30pm, until 9pm during Holiday Nights. For information, call 334-7419.

Patti Smith Honors Emily Dickinson at Marie Selby’s Spanish Point Selby Gardens Artist-inResidence, Patti Smith returns to

Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus on October 13 for a special performance at 7pm, honoring the renowned poet, Emily Dickinson. The one-hour performance, An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to Emily Dickinson, is in celebration of the upcoming exhibition New Feet Within my Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson at the Historic Spanish Point campus, on view November 21-August 29. Advance tickets are now on sale. This is Smith’s eighth visit to Selby Gardens. Her visits have combined public activities such as readings and performances with private time drawing creative inspiration from the organization’s two bayfront campuses and world-renowned collections. In addition, Smith’s iconic voice can be heard at the Jean Goldstein Welcome Center, where she narrates a visitor orientation video in the Ernie Kretzmer & Family Theater. New Feet Within My Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson features a selection of Dickinson’s best-known, nature-inspired poems sited throughout the Historic Spanish Point campus. Accompanying the poems will

ELEVATE is on display November 7-April at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda.

be illustrations by artist Abby Wright and photographs of pages from Dickinson’s own herbarium, featuring her personal collection of pressed plants. The poems will also be narrated by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith, who provided the inspiration for this multi-sensory experience. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus is located at 401 N. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. It is open 10am-5pm daily (6:30-9pm October 1-31 for Lights at Spooky Point). Call 941366-5731 for information.

extends beyond its complex engineering. His works depict workers, children, musicians, athletes, performers, and dreamers; capturing moments of movement, determination, joy and imagination. The transformation will begin in late October, when the first sculptures arrive and installation gets underway across The Gardens. Over the following days, the familiar landscape will gradually take on a new dimension as figures rise above the gardens in preparation for the November 7 opening. The result will be a large-scale outdoor gallery designed not simply to be viewed but explored. Throughout the exhibition, The Gardens will offer educational programs, tours, classes and special events exploring the intersections of art, physics, engineering and the natural environment. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is open 9am-4pm daily. The Gardens are located at 5827 Riverside Dr. in Punta Gorda. Call 941-621-8299 for information.

Floating Sculptures in Punta Gorda Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens presents

ELEVATE, transforming the 27acre sanctuary into an expansive outdoor exhibition of sculptures by internationally acclaimed Polish artist Jerzy Kedziora, on display November 7- April. Suspended above gardens, wetlands, ponds, pathways and open spaces, Kedziora’s sculptures create an unexpected encounter at every turn. They represent a harmony of artistic vision, mathematics, engineering, and craftsmanship, while hovering above the landscape and responding to the wind, light, water, and changing conditions of the Gardens. For more than three decades, Kedziora has captivated audiences around the world with sculptures that appear to defy the laws of physics. Through meticulous calculations of weight distribution and center of gravity, often balancing from a single support point, he creates the illusion that solid forms have been released from the pull of gravity. Yet the experience of ELEVATE OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

Kodak Exhibition at FGCU Library T he exhibition, Snapshots of Innovation: The Legacy of

Kodak, examines the remarkable history of the Eastman Kodak Company and its founder, George Eastman, whose vision transformed photography from a specialized profession into an activity accessible to everyone.

12

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Through cameras, photographs, advertisements, publications, and archival materials, the exhibition traces Kodak’s technological innovations and illustrates the company’s instrumental role in creating the modern amateur photographer. By simplifying the photographic process and making cameras affordable for the average consumer, Kodak empowered ordinary people to become photographers for the first time. In doing so, the company revolutionized the way people documented their families, travels, celebrations, and everyday experiences, forever changing how memories were created and preserved. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Snapshots of Innovation offers an engaging exploration of photography, innovation, history, advertising, design, and American culture, revealing how one company’s innovations continue to influence the way we capture and share our memories today. Snapshots of Innovation: The Legacy of Kodak is on view thru April 30 at University Archives & Special Collections on the third floor of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Wilson G. Bradshaw University Library. The library, located at 11100FGCU Blvd. S is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, For information, call 745-4476.

The book, ‘Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen’ is available for preorder until October 31.

Marcus Jansen Book Available for Pre-Order M arcus Jansen, the internationally acclaimed modern expressionist painter —and Fort

On The Gu l f Myers resident — is publishing his first book, Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen, a collection of his works confronting injustice, racism, authoritarianism, imperialism, and the political machinery shaping contemporary life. Bringing together works personally selected for their personal and artistic significance, Counterpoint is the first Marcus Jansen collections book produced under the artist’s complete editorial and creative control. Jansen has personally curated the publication, which also marks the first collection of its kind to include his own reflections on the work, from its inspirations and interpretations to the ideas and messages behind it. Rather than functioning simply as a retrospective marker, Counterpoint reflects the sustained social, political and psychological concerns that have shaped Jansen’s oeuvre across that period. The year also marks the 20th anniversary of Jansen’s ‘discovery’ by Jerome Donson, director of traveling exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Jansen’s work has since appeared in museum installations, exhibitions and institutional presentations internationally. Ahead of publication, 100 signed collector’s copies of Counterpoint: The Defiant Works of Marcus Jansen are available for pre-order until October 31. For information, visit marcusjansen.com.

Rembrandt Etchings Come to Naples N aples Art Institute presents Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black & White — Prints from the Rembrandt House Museum, an exhibition that explores the remarkable innovation and expressive power of one of history’s greatest printmakers through a rare selection of etchings spanning his career. Traveling to only three museums in the United States, the exhibition reveals how Rembrandt transformed printmaking through masterful use of line, texture, and light while influencing generations of

NEWS & PREVIEWS Coastland Center Mall is located at 1900 Tamiami Trail N., in Naples. Call 941-755-3088 for information.

Call to Artists

HERTZ ARENA 11000 Everblades Pkwy. Estero 948-7825 OCT 8: vs Orlando Solar Bears (pre-season) OCT 9: vs Orlando Solar Bears (pre-season) OCT 17: vs Orlando Solar Bears OCT 23: vs Atlanta Gladiators OCT 24: vs Atlanta Gladiators NOV 13: vs South Carolina Stingrays NOV 14: vs South Carolina Stingrays NOV 18: vs Orlando Solar Bears NOV 20: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates NOV 21: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates DEC 2: vs Cincinnati Cyclones DEC 4: vs Cincinnati Cyclones DEC 5: vs Cincinnati Cyclones DEC 8: vs Jacksonville IceMen DEC 19: vs Jacksonville IceMen DEC 26: vs Orlando Solar Bears DEC 27: vs Orlando Solar Bears JAN 6: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits JAN 8: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits JAN 9: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits JAN 20: vs Atlanta Gladiators JAN 23: vs Atlanta Gladiators JAN 24: vs Atlanta Gladiators FEB 5: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates FEB 6: vs Savannah Ghost Pirates FEB 17: vs Wheeling Nailers FEB 19: vs Wheeling Nailers FEB 20: vs Wheeling Nailers MAR 3: vs Orlando Solar Bears MAR 5: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits MAR 6: vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits MAR 17: vs Orlando Solar Bears MAR 19: vs Orlando Solar Bears MAR 20: vs Orlando Solar Bears APR 2: vs Orlando Solar Bears APR 7: vs South Carolina Stingrays APR 9: vs South Carolina Stingrays APR 10: vs South Carolina Stingrays

Alliance for the Arts

Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black & White is on view October 10-January 24 at the Naples Art Institute. Black & White is on view October 10-January 24. Naples Art Institute is located at 585 Park St. in Naples. It is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 11am-4pm. Call 262-6517 for information.

Fine Art Show Returns to Naples T he Naples Fine Art Show by Hot Works returns to Coastland

Center Mall on the weekend of December 5 & 6, 10am-5pm each day. Admission is free. Professional artists from across the country will showcase original works personally handmade by the artists who are present at the show. Visitors can explore a varied selection of paintings, sculpture, glass, clay, photography, jewelry, fiber, woodwork, and other fine art and fine crafts. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their inspiration and techniques, and purchase directly from the creators. The show also features a Youth Art Competition for students in grades K–8, ages 5–13, presented through the Institute for the Arts & Education, Inc. Young artists will display their original artwork within the professional art show and compete for cash awards, encouraging creativity and supporting the next generation of artists.

artists that followed. The exhibition traces Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn’s lifelong experimentation and innovation, highlighting how his techniques evolved and shaped the future of printmaking. Works by his teacher, pupils, and later artists place his achievement in context and demonstrate his lasting influence across centuries. Together, these prints show not only Rembrandt’s technical mastery, but also his deep insight into human experience, making this exhibition an exceptional opportunity to engage closely with the creative process of one of the greatest artists in Western art. Rembrandt: Masterpieces in OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

14

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Inviting artists to submit works for the following themed exhibitions: That’s Absurd: Submit up to three strange, illogical, and offbeat works. Artists are encouraged to blur the line between meaning and meaninglessness through surreal imagery, exaggerated forms, playful chaos, and contradictions that challenge viewers’ expectations and understanding of reality. On display November 6- 28. Deadline: October 4 Sports: Submit their works in all medias celebrating the world of sports. Artists should consider themes such as competition, teamwork, culture, and history, and explore the ways sports manifest themselves in your surroundings. On display March 5-27. Deadline: February 7. Freak Art After Dark: Young adults and students are invited to showcase their artwork in a public community event for a Pop-Up Haunted House exhibit. Artwork can be inspired by Halloween, fortune tellers, tarot, the mystical, or anything odd, unusual, spooky, eerie, strange, or wonderfully unconventional. All pieces must be suitable for outdoor display and able to withstand the conditions of an outdoor event. On display October 29. Deadline: October 18. Alliance for the Arts is located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. For information, call 939-2787.

‘Ding’ Darling Refuge Annual photo contest for high schoolers: Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge invites students in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties to submit photographs and to compete for cash, gift bags, and other prizes, in support of conservation education at the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Only digital images are accepted. Photographs must be taken of nature wildlife in the open outdoors in the state of Florida. Deadline: January 15.

B OOKS

ARTS

Burning Down the House an interview with JONATHAN GOULD by Andrew Elias

N

EW YORK CITY WAS EXPLODING in the late 1970s with a rebellious creative energy that attracted a new generation of punks, poets, hipsters, and artists. Clubs like CBGB’s and the Mudd Club, were hot spots hosting bands like The Ramones, Blondie, Television, New York Dolls, Patti Smith, The Dead Boys, The Voidoids, and The Heartbreakers, among dozens. It was quite a scene. Jonathan Gould has written a new book, Burning Down the House: Talking Heads and the New York Scene That Transformed Rock (Harper Collins). I asked him about the book, Talking Heads, and that uniquely exciting music scene in New York City.

whites to emulate, some of them very well. I saw Talking Heads as the albino in the herd of the bands that got their start at CBGBs. While David Byrne might have been the ‘whitest’ rock singer of his generation, the quality that set Talking Heads apart from their contemporaries in the downtown New York music of the 1970s was their fascination and engagement with black music. That didn’t become obvious until their second album, when they released their cover version of Al Green’s ‘Take Me to the River.’ But the seeds of it were there from the beginning, and its flowering over the course of the band’s career, especially in regard to Afropop, remains their greatest musical legacy. Some may believe that the bands in New York City at that time formed a more-or-less cohesive community, much like the psychedelic bands in San Francisco a decade earlier, but you describe a sometimes competitive scene with bands playing dissimilar music with conflicting styles from disparate upbringings. Why and how did Talking Heads (and David Byrne) fit in? Most of the musicians in the original scene at CBGBs came from working- or lower-middle-class families in the New York City area, and few of them had been to college. The three original members of Talking Heads grew up in well-to-do families in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and in the case of Tina Weymouth, whose father was a Navy admiral, all over the world. They had all attended art school at the Rhode Island School of Design, which had an ‘Ivy League ‘ cachet. And they played up their clean-cut, ‘preppy’ image as a way of setting themselves apart. The addition in 1977 of Jerry Harrison, a Harvard graduate from Milwaukee, completed the socio-economic picture. Their relation to their ostensible peers at CBGBs was summed up by Patti Smith, who told Chris Frantz when she first met him, “Oh, you’re that art school band. I wish my parents were rich enough to send me to art school.” CBGBs was the infamous club/bar in New York City’s downtown Bowery neighborhood that helped birth America’s punk rock scene. For those not familiar… How did it become the mecca it became? As with many storied scenes, by accident. Hilly Kristal had run a series of marginal clubs and bars in Greenwich Village featuring jazz, folk, and cabaret. In 1969 he moved his operation to the ground

•

“Apart from Eno’s dramatic influence as a producer on the sound and approach to recording of Talking Heads as a band, he was the first person whose suggestions and ideas Byrne respected enough to collaborate with. “

You have remarkably recreated what New York City was like in the late-1970s; not only the excitement of the burgeoning ‘punk-rock’ scene, but the overall anxieties and attitudes of New Yorkers in general. What kinds of research did you do for the book? Research is an intoxicating pleasure for me, so much so that, like many writers, I sometimes have to pull myself away from it to get some writing done. At its best, writing is a three-way conversation with one’s subject, one’s sources, and one’s readers. Like most people who consider themselves historians, I am mainly interested in what people did and said and thought at the time, not what people said or thought about it afterwards. So I spend a lot of time trolling through contemporary books, newspapers, and magazines (which is much easier to do online), paying close attention to what people knew at the time, and close attention to what they didn’t know as well. I’m always on the alert for signs of context I can use, which are often found in the margins of what I think I’m looking for. If I’m reading an article in a newspaper, say, from 1978, it’s often the ad that appears on the page next to the article that gives me a sense of context. The one thing I’ve learned the hard way is to be scrupulous about sourcing. Several bands could have exemplified the underground NYC music scene of the late-1970s. Why did you choose Talking Heads? First, as a kid growing up, then in my earlier life as a professional musician, and then in my work as a music historian and biographer, popular music, in my view, has always been about the interaction of white people and black people. For the last two hundred years, the African diaspora has produced a dazzling array of musical masters and geniuses for appreciative

Research is an intoxicating pleasure for me, so that I sometimes have to pull myself away from it to get some writing done.”

illustration by Andrew Elias OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

16

Ft . Mye rs magazine

BOOKS

ARTS

F t . M yers magazine

17

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

BOOKS floor of a fleabag hotel on the Bowery called the Palace. For the next four years, the place subsisted as a wino and biker bar, with occasional music nights. But then a guitarist who called himself Tom Verlaine convinced Kristal to allow his band Television to play at the club, which Kristal had just renamed C.B.G.B., on Sunday nights, when the place was even more deserted than it was during the rest of the week. Verlaine and his bassist, who called himself Richard Hell, invited all their friends, and Hilly Kristal had his best Sunday night ever. Television was soon joined by two more unsigned bands, The Ramones and the Patti Smith Group, followed a few months later by Talking Heads. Prior to CBGBs, there were few places where an unsigned rock group could hope to get a gig. How did Talking Heads bring the downtown art and punk rock music communities together in NYC? The truth be told, once they graduated from RISD, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth had very little involvement with the visual arts. Apart, that is, from hanging out at some of the same bars and clubs as members of the downtown arts scene. Almost all of the liaison between Talking Heads and the burgeoning visual, conceptual, and performance art scene in Lower Manhattan centered on David Byrne. Once CBGBs became established as an epicenter of punk rock, the visual artists who had regarded the place as a neighborhood hangout drifted away. But David Byrne, then as now, was very active, showing up at openings, screenings, and performances at galleries and lofts and venues like the Kitchen, often with Eno in tow. What was the significance of 1977 in the story of Talking Heads and the New York City music scene? 1977 was a pivotal year for the group. It was the year that Jerry Harrison joined the band; the year they toured in France and Britain, opening for The Ramones, in the course of which they met Brian Eno; the year they recorded and released their first album and embarked on their first extended tour of clubs and small theaters in the US. Some sense of the tenuous nature of the Heads commitment to the scene at CBGBs is shown by the fact that, like The Beatles at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, as soon as they had a record out, they never played there again. At the same time, the release of debut albums by Talking Heads, Television, Blondie, and Richard Hell made 1977 the year that the downtown New York ‘punk’ scene first came to the attention of people outside of New York. You chronicle the band’s evolution from an arty folk-rock trio to a funky large ensemble,

ARTS

following David Byrne’s creative explorations. You say that it wasn’t totally surprising. Under Eno’s influence, the Heads began to layer their recordings with multiple overdubs of guitars, keyboards, basses, and percussion, often starting with simple, repetitive rhythm tracks and building things up from there to obtain dense instrumental textures. This process reached its height on their fourth album, Remain In Light, to the point where Eno, David Byrne, and Jerry Harrison came to realize that there was no way to reproduce the instrumental density of the music on the album in live performance with a four-piece band. This led Harrison to recruit the guitarist Adrian Belew, the keyboardist Bernie Worrel, and an additional bassist, percussionist, and backup singer for some live shows the group had scheduled. The results were so exhilarating that they wound up doing a complete tour with the Expanded Heads. How did meeting and collaborating with Brian Eno change David Byrne; his music, his lyrics, his approach to recording? What did Eno add to their recordings? Early on, Byrne insisted that while he always wanted to collaborate, when he tried it with various people, he never liked or agreed with their suggestions and ideas. Apart from Eno’s dramatic influence as a producer on the sound and approach to recording of Talking Heads as a band, he was the first person whose suggestions and ideas Byrne respected enough to collaborate with. The two of them were birds of a feather in their intellectualized, conceptual approach to making art. But Eno –– who had no choice but to collaborate because he didn’t play an instrument well enough to accompany himself–– was much more articulate and well-versed in the history and sensibilities of avant-garde art than Byrne. So he became a kind of mentor to an artist who had never accepted that kind of direction before. Eno is a good example of the type of intellectual who is drawn to art as an escape from his intellectuality. As a result, he was instrumental in encouraging Byrne, as a songwriter, to ‘stop making sense’. Talking Heads’ third album, 1979’s Fear of Music contained more experimental songs, which foretold the band’s adoption of the more rhythmic and percussive music to come. Why is that album a turning point for Byrne and the band? Fear of Music was the album where influence of Eno’s sensibility on the sound of the group began to rival that of David Byrne. By the time the Heads began working on that album, they had recorded all the songs that Byrne had written since the group was formed. For the first

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

18

Ft . Mye rs magazine

time, David had to come up with new material on demand, and he had a very hard time with it. But the struggle proved fruitful for Byrne, introducing him to a looser, more associative form of lyric writing that would influence some of his best work. The other breakthroughs heard on that album began with the way that Eno was given a free hand to manipulate the sounds on tape; as a result, almost every instrumental part is tweaked or processed or distorted in some way. And the last track they recorded, ‘I Zimbra,’ marked their first engagement with the Afropop rhythms that would define the middle years of the Heads’ work. What were your first thoughts upon hearing Talking Heads for the first time? What are your three or four favorite Talking Heads songs and why? I was not wildly impressed by them when I first heard them. Byrne’s affectations, and the rudimentary nature of their playing, took some getting used to. But the Heads improved dramatically, and by their second album, they started to resonate with me. As for favorite songs, when you spend more than four years writing on a daily basis about a group’s music, your sense of it tends to shift. But if I were to cherry-pick some favorites: ‘Found a Job’ from their second album, ‘Life During Wartime’ from Fear of Music, ‘Crosseyed and Painless’, ‘The Listening Wind’, and ‘Once in a Lifetime’ from Remain in Light, ‘Burning Down the House’ from Speaking in Tongues, and ‘And She Was’ from Little Creatures are all special tracks to me. On the other hand, if I never hear ‘Psycho Killer’ again, it will be too soon. •

BOOKS

ARTS

The Greatest Rock & Roll Band Ever an interview with BOB SPITZ by Nancy Stetson

I

“What the Rolling Stones gave us is the absolute foundation of what we now call rock & roll. “

T JUST SEEMED INEVITABLE. Bob Spitz had just written a biography of Led Zeppelin. Before that, his biography of The Beatles was a New York Times bestseller. “I did [biographies of] The Beatles, Dylan, and Led Zeppelin,” says Spitz. “When it came time to talk about a new book, my editor and I looked at each other. It was the only face on Mt. Rushmore left to tackle, and it fell into my hands. “The Rolling Stones are one of the most important bands, if not the most important band, to come across in the last 60 years. I had to go there, so my hand was forced.” His literary agent, Sloan Harris, to whom his new biography is dedicated, is a “dyed-in-the- wool Rolling Stones fanatic,” Spitz says. “All throughout my work on The Beatles, which took eight and a half years and weighed in originally at 2,800 pages, we had a running argument over Stones or Beatles. He was always a Stones man, and I was up to my eyeballs at that time in Beatles. And as a musician I had gravitated more towards The Beatles than the Stones. It was a 20-year argument. He was delighted more than anybody that I did this book.” The practically named The Rolling Stones: The Biography (Penguin Press ), was released earlier this year. It runs a little over 600 pages, with almost 100 additional pages of footnotes plus index. The bibliography alone references four pages of books, magazines, podcasts and videos in very, very small type. There’s really no comparison between the two bands, Spitz feels. They’re very different. “In my estimation, Lennon & McCartney gave us the greatest song book of my generation, no doubt about it–the Rodgers & Hammerstein of the Baby Boomer generation,” he says. “Their contribution to music is incalculable: 234 songs and maybe only one or two clunkers (forgive me, ‘Yellow Submarine’).” “The Stones, on the other hand, did something completely different. What the Rolling Stones gave us is the absolute foundation of what we now call rock & roll.

F t . M yers magazine

In the late 50s, Elvis gave us a rockabilly version. And in the early 60s,The Beatles gave us a pop version of rock & roll. The Stones gave us a garage band honky-tonk sound that every band that came after built on. “So when you say who was the greatest rock & roll band ever, I say the Rolling Stones. The Beatles were something different. They were tunesmiths, they were innovative. Every album evolved. “But the Stones to me were the epitome of what we now know as rock & roll. They stole from Elvis, from Chuck Berry. But they hotwired it and gave us something completely different. So that to me gives them the crown to wear.” Spitz has the perfect background; in addition to being a musician himself, he helped manage Bruce Springsteen and Elton John early in their careers. (Though that doesn’t preclude writing biographies of non-musicians such as Ronald Reagan and Julia Child.) Writing a biography of a single person can be challenging; writing about a band multiplies that challenge. “It’s an enormous undertaking,” Spitz says. “You have to do several things. You have to write a biography of each of the individuals in the band, but at the same time, make sure you’re completely competent in giving the reader an understanding of how they make their music, and… what that music sounds like. “I can do that because before I was a biographer, I was a musician and I managed rock and roll stars. I feel like I can really explain to the reader what it feels like to be in the studio, to tell you what the band is doing, how they create, and to describe why their music is important.” Spitz’s writing is smooth and compulsively readable. “I know that my reader wants to wrap themselves in the story,” he says. “You need to hear the music on every page.” The UK version of Mojo magazine said, “The story unfurls with crime fiction thrill and speed…” And the biography received positive reviews from the New

19

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

The book contains it all: the influences, the tours, the drugs, the Hell’s Angels, the intra-band spats, the affairs, the divorces, the songs.

BOOKS

ARTS

York Times and the Wall Street Journal, as well as to someone else without missing a beat. He can mediocre music for the next 30 years and just a starred review in Kirkus. be anything you want him to be. For me, he playing the same sets. Wrap it up.” The book contains it all: the influences, was a study of character fascination.” For about a month, Spitz couldn’t write. the tours, the drugs, the Hell’s Angels, the When teenagers, Jagger and Keith Richards Then he sat down and wrote the ending. “It’s intra-band spats, the affairs, the divorces, became friends over a shared love of American just one chapter,” he says. “Charlie dies and Bill the songs. blues and went on to create their own verWyman leaves the band. Then I give you them Spitz typically does two years of research, sion of blues mixed with straight-ahead rock at a concert in 2024, an epilogue, what they then two years of writing. His biography of & roll. The biography begins — and ends — sound like [now].” The Beatles wound up taking eight and a half. with them. For Spitz, the most important part of his “During which time I went completely broke, “I knew at the very beginning, after I wrote research is the live interviews. He talks to whomy marriage went asunder, and I struggled the preface, that I had an ending to the book, ever is available and willing and goes back to with finishing something that was a colosand it was going to be two boys,” Spitz says. them again and again. “I always tell a subject, sus,” he says. The end result was an unpub“They were the last two standing from the orig‘This is not the last time we talk.’ Biographers lishable 2,800 pages. His editor initially cut inal band. That gave me a through line and it are notorious pests.” 1,100 of them. helped me focus throughout the entire writing He recalls that for his Led Zeppelin biograWhen he sent it back, Spitz read it and asked, of that book. Those two guys really love each phy, all the band members agreed to be inter“What did you cut? Then he said, ‘Now I’m other, and it’s obvious.” viewed. Then ‘MeToo’ happened. going to make you cry. I’m going to cut another But Spitz, who writes his biographies chrono“And I heard from the lawyers: these guys will 600 pages.’ It came in at a slick 964 pages. It logically, got stuck 500 pages in. He was only absolutely not talk to you. For understandable will always be the greatest experience of my up to the Stones’ 1989 Steel Wheels tour, and reasons. I was sitting around sulking after that. life, other than my daughter’s birth.” still had over three decades to go. And my wife said to me, ‘How many people do Now that the Stones book is published, “I knew the rest of the story was just the next you think David McCullough interviewed for he’s currently working on a biography of John 30 years with them on the road again, playing his John Adams book?’ And then she looked at Lennon’s life, post-Beatles. concerts, making music, but not music of the me and said, ‘Get to work!’” With every book he writes, there’s a great surmoment,” he says. “Their hits had stopped, so I As for his Rolling Stones biography, Spitz prise, Spitz says. didn’t know what to do.” feels he captures the band. “With the Stones, what surprised “I want to take the reader behind the me was figuring out who this characscenes, and make them feel that they’re “He’s a chameleon. I don’t even know ter Mick Jagger was. He’s a remarkable there when the Stones are creating their who he is, seriously. Born Michael Jagger magnificent repertoire. People who have man. As of 1967 the Stones no longer had a manager; Mick Jagger managed read it say it reads like a novel, almost. It in 1941, he’s been playing the part of the band, made every record deal, put roars along. Mick Jagger since he was 15 years old. every concert together, did every tour, “It’s not the last word on the Rolling He can talk what the Brits call ‘all posh’ made every album cover decision, made Stones; they’re still an active band,” he every decision about lighting. I never acknowledges, noting they released and turn around and talk cockney saw any other artist do that. He controls Hackney Diamonds in late 2023 and to someone else without missing a beat.” Foreign Tongues this summer. the Rolling Stones and has kept them relevant for the last 50 years. The band that didn’t think they’d last “He’s a chameleon. I don’t even know who His wife, the writer Becky Aikman, and his even a decade is still going strong, more than he is, seriously. Born Michael Jagger in 1941, friend, fellow biographer Jonathan Eig, sat six decades later. he’s been playing the part of Mick Jagger since him down and told him, “You’re one chapter As for Spitz’s book about them? he was 15 years old. He can talk what the Brits away from ending this book. Nobody wants to “The biography speaks for itself,” Spitz says. call ‘all posh’ and turn around and talk cockney read about them being in the studio making “I’m proud of it.” •

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

20

Ft . Mye rs magazine

F t . M yers magazine

21

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

BOOKS

ARTS

Past Times of Our Pastime by Andrew Elias

A

S ANOTHER BASEBALL SEASON winds down and post-season competition begins, many fans, especially if your team has not advanced to the playoffs and World Series, feel a bit melancholy about the end of daily highlights and pennant races as we wait through the short days of winter for it all to begin again next spring. Here are a few new books about the National Pastime that may hold you over until we welcome the return of the Twins and Red Sox to Fort Myers in February for Spring Training.

and Brooklyn Dodgers in the National League — played almost daily through the summers. All three played72 games at home each season— 72 each in Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, Brooklyn’s Ebbett’s field, and in Manhattan’s Polo Grounds. The Giants played the Dodgers 22 times every year. In addition, the Yankees were in the World Series eight times in nine years during the decade, playing the Dodgers four times and the Giants once. The Giants won the championship the one year the Yankees didn’t make it to post-season play. Cottrell recounts that historic decade, from the controversial integration of stars from the Negro Leagues to the contentious relocation of the Dodgers and Giants to California, and recalls the exciting pennant races and batting exploits of the era with the zeal of a journalist. And he profiles each team’s star centerfielder — Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider — with the verve of a real fan.

•

Basebalisms A Murderers’ Row of Metaphors and Idioms Leonard Skonecki

‘Baseballisms’ explores the language of the national pastime and how many of the sayings have been co-opted by society at large.

(McFarland) A fascinating book that explores the unique language of the game, one that has given us so many sayings that have become staples of every day discourse, from ‘can of corn’ (1920s: easy fly ball, not too deep or too shallow) and ‘rain check’ (1880s: part of ticket kept after being torn upon entry) to ’threw me a curve’ (1940s: someone doing something unexpected or surprising) and ‘bush league’ (1900s: showboating, sloppy, unprofessional). My personal favorites may be ’swing for the fences’ (1950s: all or nothing, no half measures) or ‘out of left field (1930s: out of place, farfetched, unusual). Exhaustively researched and thoroughly annotated, readers will be surprised and entertained by how many of these 48 sayings from the field, dugout, and sports pages began, and have been co-opted by society at large.

Baseball at the Abyss The Scandals of 1926, Babe Ruth, and the Unlikely Savior Who Rescued a Tarnished Game by Dan Taylor (Rowman & Littlefield) Every baseball fan knows about the Black Sox scandal, when members of the American League champion Chicago White Sox colluded to lose the 1919 World Series. Far fewer know about another scandal, after the 1926 season, that involved two of the greatest stars of the era. Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker were accused of fixing and betting on games, and the National Pastime was again compromised and tarnished. Taylor describes how the situation was handled very differently than the Black Sox scandal, with the league quietly banning the all-stars and avoiding another public circus. He explains how Babe Ruth, as he did in 1921, again saved the game, this time leading the 1927 New York Yankees to the championship with his greatest season, and creating the excitement that baseball needed to regaining its popularity. As much as a book about Ruth or Cobb, this is also the story of Christy Walsh, the Babe’s business

The Heyday of Willie, Duke and Mickey New York City Baseball’s Golden Age Amid Integration Robert C. Cottrell (Bloomsbury) The 1950s was a special time for baseball fans in New York City. Three home teams — New York Yankees in the National League, New York Giants

F t . M yers magazine

23

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

‘Baseball at the Abyss’ tells the tale of the man who saved the game after the scandal of 1926, Christy Walsh, Babe Ruth’s business manager.

BOOKS manager and the game’s first player agent. Walsh, a failed sportswriter and ad man, was the mastermind behind Ruth’s success and celebrity. He promoted Ruth’s career in Hollywood, created a syndicated ghostwritten newspaper column under Ruth’s byline, and pushed the Bambino to improve his training regimen. The result is not only the Babe’s historic year and meteoric rise to international stardom, but the resurrection of a troubled sport. Thoroughly researched and well-written, it recounts how one of baseball’s darkest moments was concealed, overcome, and all but forgotten.

Finest in the Field A History of Baseball Through 50 Iconic Gloves by Ed Wheatley (Rizzoli) A gorgeous, large format book (9 inches x 12 inches) that details the history of the baseball glove (from the simple leather mitts of 1887 to the high-tech synthetic materials used at present). It showcases 50 gloves of legendary players, featuring stunning photographs of each, along with photos of the player who used it, and accompanied by details about each. Baseball f ans w i ll be fascinated by many

ARTS

of the gloves, some incredibly well-worn (Joe DiMaggio, Christy Mathewson, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Stan Musial), and may be surprised by some of the players included (Curt Flood, Aaron Judge, Jim Abbott, Freddie Freeman, and President George H. W. Bush, ). A wonderful coffee-table book, it’s a great gift for both the older baseball fan who remembers many of these players and younger fans fascinated by baseball histor y and lore.

Spitballer Stan Coveleski and the 1920 Cleveland Indians William C. Kashataus (Nebraska University Press) The incredible true story of the Pennsylvania coal miner with no baseball training who became a Hall of Famer. Best known for winning three games—all complete games with one shutout—in 1920 for the Cleveland Indians as they won the championship, he is also well-known as one of the greatest spitball pitchers ever, playing at a time that the tricky pitch was legal. The biography, based on five interviews with Coveleski, as well as newspaper accounts of the time and Coveleski’s own scrapbooks, describes a modest man — one of five brothers to play professional baseball — and a very different time for baseball and the country. More than a recount of his career, from nine years in the Minor Leagues and nine more with the Indians, to his last years in Washington and the Yankees, ’Spitballer’ is a story of triumphs and tragedies, of professional victories and

OCTOB ER-NOVEMBER 2026

24

Ft . Mye rs magazine

personal losses, of childhood poverty and the hallowed hall in Cooperstown. It is the inspirational story of a complex man and his uniquely American journey.

Land of Sand and Cotton Texas, Workingmen, and Professional Baseball in 1888 William H. Brewster (Nebraska University Press) Written by one of the most respected experts on 19th-century baseball, this book examines one year in the history of baseball in Texas. Combining exhaustive research with compelling storytelling, the author deftly describes the turbulent political and transitioning economic times in the state — from the rise of booming cities to the wild rural frontier, from smoldering racial tensions to exciting Major League barnstorming tours— baseball’s place in the financial and cultural landscape at a time of incredible changes. The game of baseball, as well as Texas and the nation, were very different 138 years ago, and Brewster sets the stage with a cast of colorful characters and overlooked historical events. At a time when the country was exploding with waves of new immigrants and a flood of revolutionary inventions, Texas was steeped in cowboy culture and saddled with an unforgiving environment, so baseball was slow in winning the hearts and minds of the population. Basically the origin story of baseball in Texas, this comprehensive book will also be of interest to many fans of the national pastime, especially those eager for information about its sometimes fantastical earliest days. •

F t . M yers magazine

25

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

T H EATER

ARTS

Taking Risks to the Stage by Cindy Reid

W

“The name is really just the definition of our mission. We want to create and experiment with trial, error, and discovery.”

HEN FUTURE THEATER founder Nykkie Rizley first accustomed to light comedies and classic musicals. arrived in Florida in 2008, she was looking for a Being true to their vision paid off by clearly definway to plug into the local creative community. She ing who they were as a company, which attracted a answered a Craigslist ad seeking a weapons masdedicated audience and a brave group of local actors ter for a production of Macbeth and that fateful who had been looking for a creative home where inquiry led to a meeting with Annette Trossbach at they could push their limits. a downtown Starbucks, which in turn led to a sucThe choice to name the venture The Laboratory cessful collaboration on “the Scottish Play”. About Theater of Florida was a direct reflection of Rizley’s a year after that initial meeting, Rizley, Trossbach, foundational ethos. She says “The name is really just and fellow collaborator Louise Wigglesworth the definition of our mission. We want to create and decided it was time to establish their own theatexperiment with trial, error, and discovery. Naming it rical company. ‘The Laboratory Theater of Florida’ means our creative While the Southwest Florida arts scene offered process is the discovery. It’s choosing character develplenty of traditional community and regional theater opment, story analysis, deep rehearsal exploration, options, the trio noticed an absence of provocative and whole-body character work over safe, assemand uncompromising work. They felt a compelling bly-line production. It gives our directors, actors, and urge to fill a void with contemporary, challenging designers permission to test their own boundaries.” storytelling. Founder/Artistic Director Rizley describes A unique theater company deserves a unique this missing element,“as the kind of art that makes an home and, appropriately, the Lab Theater is housed audience lean in, feel uncomfortable, and talk in the in the oldest church building in the Fort Myers area. parking lot for an hour after the curtain falls.” Driven It’s currently painted a distinctive Old Florida pink by this shared vision, they set out to build a creative coral color and stands proudly on a corner in the home for artists and audiences downtown historic section. who were genuinely hungry “It’s our pulpit!” says Rizley, for work that wasn’t afraid “Theater isn’t just about what adding “It was built in the to take risks or tackle difficult 1920’s, in fact we held its hunhappens on stage during a human truths. dredth birthday party a few performance. It is so much years ago. It was originally a In the early days of buildmore. It’s the process before Baptist Church and is the olding The Laboratory Theater of Florida, financial limitations the production where the real est historic church structure shaped their scrappy, experiremaining in the city.” Over learning takes place.” mental approach. Rizley notes the last 100 years it’s gone that there was not really a back and forth from being financial risk at the very begina church to a theater several ning because they simply did times and is recognized by the not have any finances to speak Fort Myers Historic Preservation of, famously constructing the Commission. Rizley says, “We backdrop for their early staging do our best to preserve the hisof Macbeth entirely out of recytoric integrity and spirit while cled newspaper. While every installing modern lighting grids, subsequent show became a flexible staging, ADA accessifinancial tightrope, the grandble restrooms, and seating that est artistic gamble they took places the audience right in the was committing to the exact middle of the action.” plays they wanted to produce Eighteenth Season long before they had established a loyal audience base. N e a r ly t wo d e c a d e s i n , They continued stagthat original commitment to ing edgy, boundary-pushintellectually demanding theing art in a market heavily ater remains fully alive in the

Nykkie Rizley F t . M yers magazine

27

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

Laboratory Theatre is housed in the oldest church buidling in the Fort Myers area.

THEATER company’s programming. The founders continue to advocate for this bold vision, emphasizing that the team still aims to be a place where they can do risky theater other companies aren’t doing. The theater is launching this mindset directly into its upcoming performance block, anchoring the schedule with notoriously challenging works. T h e new season op ens w i t h S a m u el Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, a monumental masterpiece of absurdist theater that is rarely staged in Southwest Florida. By presenting this dreamlike exploration of hope and existential longing, the company honors their original blueprint of provoking parking-lot conversations. Immediately following this classic, the company dives into the visceral psychological thriller The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh. This Olivier Award-winning play takes a brutal, dark, and witty dive into the raw, destructive power of storytelling and brotherhood. “We are stepping into our eighteenth season with energy and intention. We’re launching right out of the gate with Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, setting a tone of deep, resonant inquiry. The rest of the season is a wonderful balance of classics and modern pieces: scandals, polite warfare, aching hearts, mischief, dread… desire... plus a ‘pop opera!’ says Rizley. Lab Theater productions embrace untraditional and inclusive casting. Actors of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition. Rizley says, “Because real life doesn’t always fit in a nice, little box, and storytelling shouldn’t be forced to either. When you restrict casting to outdated or narrow archetypes, you miss out on extraordinary talent and fresh, visceral perspectives that can revitalize a story. “

ARTS

engage your brain, question your assumptions, and sit with the discomfort or complexity of the human condition. Rizley says, “We aren’t interested in neatly tying everything up with a bow or telling the audience what to think. We want to spark the conversation, the kind that starts in your seat and keeps going all the way home.” The theater awards the Louise Wigglesworth Excellence in Playwriting Award annually in honor of founding member Louise Wiggleswor th. A career ar ts educator and award-winning painter, Wiggleswor th designed numerous stage productions as well as serving as their playwright/educator in residence. Rizley notes, “She has been a powerhouse playwright, mentor, and foundational pillar of this theater, and honoring her legacy means keeping new work alive.” The Louise Wigglesworth Excellence in Playwriting Award directly supports and elevates playwrights who are taking real risks on the page.

Audiences might come in because they recognize a title, but they leave having experienced something unexpected.

Education & Community In addition to their season of performances the Lab Theater’s award-winning education department offers a variety of classes, workshops, seminars, and camps. “Theater isn’t just about what happens on stage during a performance,” says Rizley,” It is so much more. It’s the process before the production where the real learning takes place.” Their educational arm is unique in that it’s not solely focused on youth. They have had audition classes, writing classes, ballet, special effects, set building and design where our students have ranged from 5 years old to 85. This is just one of the reasons The Laboratory Theater of Florida is known as a ‘Thinking Theater’, which means they don’t treat theater as passive background noise or mindless escapism. ‘Thinking Theaters’ invite you to

‘Waiting for Godot’ A true community partner, The Laboratory Theater has collaborated with WGCU, Lee County School District, River District Alliance, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau, The McGregor Clinic, the local PBS station, the City of Fort Myers, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, SalusCare, Southwest Florida Community Foundation, LGBT Fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation,

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

28

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, and many more community organizations.

Uncompromising Creativity The Laboratory Theater has cemented the philosophy that the creative process itself is the ultimate discovery, and remains an evolving venue for uncompromising storytelling. By filling the stage with works that lean heavily into human truths, the company proves that the experimental, uncompromising spirit born in a downtown coffee shop continues to guide every performance. As Rizley says to theater goers, “Don’t be afraid to take a chance on a story you don’t know yet. Come in with an open mind, sit close to the action, and let yourself be moved, challenged, or even a little unsettled. Art is meant to be felt, not just watched.” Even when they tackle a classic, they don’t do the standard tried and true revival production. They look for the contemporary edge or a unique directorial style that makes a classic, even Shakespeare, feel fresh and urgent. Audiences might come in because they recognize a title, but they leave having experienced something unexpected. Rizley shares an example of a production that illustrates their mission perfectly. She says, “It’s almost impossible to pick just one, but staging Hand to God, and really any of our darker, high-impact productions, holds a special place for me. Taking on a show that blends biting humor with unsettling physical work demands total commitment from the actors and production crew. Watching our team throw themselves into that kind of intense, uncompromising storytelling, and seeing the audience lean into the wild ride, perfectly captures what makes this company special.” Their next major frontier isn’t a shiny new building or a massive expansion. In today’s brutal economy, the real milestone is simply staying alive without compromising their original values. When funding dries up and resources get tight, often arts organizations play it safe with audience favorites. But The Laboratory Theater is taking a different route. Their next chapter is all about fiscally tightening the belt while doubling down what they do best: bold and creative storytelling. They have proven that a community thrives when it embraces challenging art. “I want Lab Theater to be remembered as the place that raised the bar, provided a safe harbor for uncompromising creative exploration,” says Rizley,“ and showed Fort Myers that theater can be visceral, transformative, and vital.” • The Laboratory Theater of Florida is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in Fort Myers’ Historic River District. For information, call 291-2905.

F t . M yers magazine

29

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

anny Sinoff sits behind the black Yamaha baby grand snapping his fingers, laying down the tempo he wants. He, drummer Bill Peterson and bassist Cameron Kayne slip into ‘How About You’, a song Sinatra recorded on his 1956 Songs for Swingin’ Lovers album. Sinoff sings, listing all the things the lyricist loves: ‘New York in June’, a Gershwin tune, good books, holding hands in a movie show. The trio takes a leisurely stroll with ‘Young at Heart,’ then a rollicking lope through ‘Just in Time.’ The three sit on a slightly raised stage at The London Club, nestled in the second floor of Naples’s Bellarosa Resort. It feels like a cozy, sophisticated jazz club. “It’s an upscale lounge,” says Sinoff. “It’s high-end music and dining. It’s a great venue. “It’s the only venue I know of now that has an actual acoustic piano in it.” All the others, he says, provide an electric keyboard. Sinoff and company can be found at the London Club every Thursday night, playing standards, interpreting them through a jazz prism. (During season, they can be found playing there Friday nights as well.) He also performs with his trio at Eddie V’s in Naples on Wednesday nights and as a duo at Bellini’s restaurant in Fort Myers on Tuesdays. Sinoff puts his own jazz spin on the tunes, his own interpretation. It’s not background music, or easy-listening jazz, but music that rewards a closer listening. His repertoire is wide. When questioned, Sinoff says he knows “hundreds of songs. Maybe a thousand?” “It’s the Great American Songbook with a piano trio sound,” he says. Each performance is different; Sinoff doesn’t come in with a pre-determined set list.“I’ve developed my own spin for many tunes,” he says. “It’s my version that’s unique to me. Like any jazz tune, there’s a road map, and we improvise around that road map.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

30

Ft . Mye rs magazine

“Jazz is a language and we’re all speaking it, just like we talk today. We don’t speak a bunch of words out of turn, we speak in sentences, and sentences become ideas and those ideas are unique to us. It’s literally a musical conversation. That’s where the improvising comes in, that’s where we have the freedom to express ourselves.” The intimate 90-seat room is based on the iconic Carlyle in New York City and the private musical drinking clubs in London, says co-owner Peter Tierney. “It was designed for Danny Sinoff,” he says. “It’s really his room. He’s exactly the performer we would’ve dreamed of for this room; it’s perfect. We’re extremely fortunate to have Danny, to have met him in the first place.” Sinoff’s been playing in that venue for five years. “He’s an anomaly,” says Tierney, “a local guy who grew up in Southwest Florida, in Naples… with a catalog of the Great American Songbook that’s his true love. He exudes that old-world lifestyle and is so locked into its music. He embodies the Great American Songbook today. “He’s embraced this style of music and has taken it on heart and soul. He’s a real talent.” The trio plays a jazzed-up Happy Birthday to a patron, then a cover of ‘Bangles, Baubles and Beads’, with a swinging samba beat. “One of my favorite tunes,” Sinoff says, then follows it up with Irving Berlin’s ‘Cheek to Cheek.” During a break, a couple near the stage, down from St. Petersburg, buy a copy of Sinoff’s debut album on a major label, Make Someone Happy. Gordon Meltzer, dining with his wife Ivone, buys a CD and a vinyl copy. “I love his range, his vocals, his piano, his repertoire,” he says. “I love old standards, I always have. You don’t see much of this anymore; it’s a lost art.” Sinoff chats with the patrons, then returns to the stage with his bassist and drummer to play another set. He plays a lively ‘I’ve Got Rhythm,’ then “Someone to Watch Over Me,” which he describes as “one of the greatest ballads of all time.” He follows it up with ‘I Could Write a Book’ and ‘The Way You Look Tonight’, by Jerome Kern & Dorothy Fields. They’re all songs from another era, but they run through his blood.

F t . M yers magazine

31

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

Beginnings Sinoff was born in Boston, MA, and adopted and raised by his grandparents, who supported his interest in music. He began learning how to play the piano “at age four or five,” he says, though it was classical music, not jazz. His family moved to Naples when he was 11. His grandparents, whom he considers his parents, encouraged his musical pursuits. Sinoff also played clarinet and drums and was in the marching band and symphonic band in school. He had private lessons with Paul Votapek, who was principal clarinetist in the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. “Private lessons with him on clarinet took me to a whole ‘nother place,” Sinoff says. “My parents were older to have a son my age. I was very fortunate. I was around a lot of good music and had more of an old school upbringing. My mom wanted me to be this great classical pianist. My dad was more of a jazz guy – not bebop, but the great singers, Sinatra and Bennett and Darin. When his mother would drive him to piano lessons, she’d play Vladimir Horowitz or ‘Madame Butterfly,’ but when he was in the car with his father, they’d listen to old standards with singers

such as Bobby Darin and Harry Connick, Jr. “My first experience [with this music] was with my father, we used to listen to Bobby Darin a lot together,” Sinoff says. “That was my first memory of hearing a great singer with a swinging big band. When I was a young kid, he dropped those Bobby Darin compilation CDs on me, and Harry Connick Jr. too.” Sinoff remembers listening to Connick’s album, 20, recorded when the performer was that age. “That’s the album that got me hooked,” Sinoff says. “We listened to the CD all the time. One of the tunes is ‘Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.’ He sang it with Dr. John, but the interesting thing was, I didn’t realize it was two people singing. I thought it was Harry Connick Jr. singing part of it one way, then I thought he’d get this bluesy thing going in his voice. I forever since then had a bluesy thing in my

F OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

32

Ft . Mye rs magazine

voice. I would try to sing like Harry Connick, but I was emulating Dr. John also.” It wasn’t until some years later he realized it was two different performers singing. Sinoff’s father played him a tape of Connick performing on Saturday Night Live with a big band. “He just blew me away,” he says. “I said, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ It was one of the most captivating things I’ve seen. I thought it was the coolest thing.” He now knows and has recorded with some of the musicians who played with Connick, “so it’s come full circle now,” he says. Naples is not exactly a hot spot for jazz clubs, but Sinoff was able to cobble together a musical career over the years, performing in various places in the region, many now defunct. “I sort of made my own way,” he says. “You work your way into the scene as any other musician in any other city. What we have here are restaurants that have live music.” In the late 90’s, he played at Michael’s Café in Naples. “It had a real jazz club in the back,” he recalls. “I started playing at the Coffee Beanery. It was always little gigs. A couple hotels in Naples.”

He began performing at Ellington’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant on Sanibel. “That was an important gig for me,” he says. “That’s where I learned to be a band leader. I met the late great Dan Miller when I got hired. Sometimes we played seven nights a week. He showed me how to run a band and be a bandleader. He was with Harry Connick, Jr. as a trumpeter for 11 years. He was on all the records I grew up listening to! He’s on all the albums. I met other guys through Miller.” The “other guys,” who played with Connick, also play on Sinoff’s album: bassist Ben Wolfe, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and tenor sax player Jerry Weldon. “Some of the people I’ve gotten to work with, their musicianship makes me rise to another level, just by working with them,” Sinoff says. “Great things happen, musical moments, when you’re playing with the best in the world.” Miller was also there when Sinoff bought his first suit. It was around 2004 or 2005. “He went to the Brooks Brothers outlet with me,” he recalls. “We got a suit for me. ‘These suits look the best on TV,’ he told me. ‘They’re bulletproof.’ “He taught me things about being on the bandstand, how to present myself to an audience, how to introduce the band. I was 22 or 23 when I met him. He was a great, great friend and mentor.”

Miller passed away unexpectedly in 2022. Sinoff keeps a photo of him on his dresser. “He was a huge part of my jazz education and our playing,” Sinoff says. “He was a huge educational force, very important.” Sinoff continues to grow musically and expand his horizons. He’s playing out of town more, flying to Las Vegas, Tucson, Philadelphia and New York City to perform. He’s been playing in Southwest Florida for 25 years or more, and says, “I’m grateful to my audience through the years for making me a big fish in a small pond. “I’d like to get to whatever the next rung in this ladder is. I love to play down here, [but] I want to play at performing arts centers, do more concert settings.” He has an upcoming concert at the Tribby Arts Center in Fort Myers, singing with the Stardust Memories Big Band. And he’ll release another album on November 13: A Very Sinoff Christmas. The album includes his take on holiday songs such as ‘Silver Bells’, ‘The Christmas Song’, and ‘Merry Christmas Baby.’ Like his previous album, it’s produced by Ulysses Owens Jr. “I’ve been developing this craft for a quarter century,” Sinoff says. “I’m trying to branch out into the world. I’m trying to get to whatever the next level is.”

F OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

34

Ft . Mye rs magazine

“He has a beautiful instrument,” says Owens, his record producer, a three-time Grammy Award-winner. “He’s no longer a Floridian. He’s now a guy that is starting to stake his claim around the world.” “We know that he may soon outgrow the venue,” acknowledges Tierney, co-owner of The London Club. “We’ll be happy to say that Danny was part of what we were doing. We’re just honored to have him there at The London Club.” People have such few opportunities to “go out and hear this music performed authentically,” Sinoff says. He’s happy to provide that experience for them. “There’s something about this music that really resonates deeply,” he says. “You can feel that in the room. When we connect with the audience, you can really feel that. “I’m always happy when I’m playing. I’m always happy to be playing in front of an audience. It’s what I love to do.” Wherever Sinoff is, as long as it’s behind the keyboards, playing jazz and singing, he’s at home. • Danny Sinoff performs regularly throughout Southwest Florida. He will be performing in concert with the Stardust Memories Big Band , October 8 at Tribby Art Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. For information, call 415-5667.

ess Klein forged a very credible, consistently strong career for herself the last three decades. After early albums like her 1998 debut, Wishes Well Disguised and 2000’s, Draw Them Near put the singer-songwriter on the map in respected circles, she’s carried on, moving wherever the muse takes her creatively while adhering to her own stellar songwriting chops. In 2023, Klein released both When We Rise and Jess Klein & The Berlin Brothers, Vol. 1. When We Rise was a pandemic-crafted album but widely acclaimed, while her collaboration with The Berlin Brothers saw Klein put her stamp on the Great American Songbook. But now Klein has returned with her latest, Dreaming Aloud. The effort, released in late June, is resonating with her fan base for being a back-tobasics affair. “A lot of people seem to be having a real personal experience with it, and that means a lot to me because it felt like it was awesome to make,” Klein says from her North Carolina home before hitting the road for a string of dates. “So, it really touches me that it’s connecting with people so much.” Klein, who was born in Rochester, New York, but now calls

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

36

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Hillborough, North Carolina home, said she wanted the new 10-track effort to be more of a bare bones recording. “I really wanted it to be sort of acoustic-driven,” she says. “I mean I’ve sort of done a lot with the standard rock band format, like lots of electric guitars and stuff. I just wanted more space on this one to use my voice a little differently. I don’t know, I was really just craving the space. I also wanted it to feel really collaborative. I went into it with complete trust and not trying to micromanage everything. And that felt really nice. I just really trusted the musicians and my producer. I think it made for a much sweeter experience.” Klein says the hardest part of creating Dreaming Aloud was realizing sometimes patience is bliss. As much as she wanted the writing and other phases of the album process done sooner than later, waiting for the finished product was worth its weight in gold. “I’m not the world’s most patient person,” she says with a laugh. “There were parts of the writing that took me longer than I wanted, and then when we got to F t . M yers magazine

37

the mixing and mastering, it took a bit longer. But allowing for that time and the space for everything to breathe, it just kept getting better.” Working with longtime producer Mark Addison, Klein recorded 15 songs for the album, but pared things down to 10 tracks. The remaining songs could possibly be released as an EP, as singles, or they might find their way onto Klein’s next studio album. Time will tell. She says the 10 songs made the album the most cohesive whole possible. Of the 10 that made the cut, the closing ‘All It’ll Take’ was the toughest one to complete. “It was one of the first songs I started writing for the album, and it was one of the last ones that we finished,” she says. “I really wanted to honor a sense of hope during this time and being able to envision making the world a better place. That’s hard for a lot of people to imagine right now. I just wanted to honor activists and the folks who are committed to getting through this time and creating something more just

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

The song, ‘Dreaming Aloud’ was “a reflection that you have to make choices in life, and you don’t know at the time how you’re going to feel about them 30 years later. Just reckoning with the passing of time and having to let go of certain dreams and hold on to other ones. Or letting go of certain people and holding on to other ones.” on the other side. That sounds like a tall order now. So that’s why it took a while to get it done and get the lyrics put together.” Putting any album together often takes more than the artist alone. And in Klein’s case, Addison, who she describes as a “fountain of creativity,” is her fine creative partner. The two have worked together on many of Klein’s previous albums, and have a synergy or telepathy that comes with any quality collaborative process. “He’s great for giving feedback on songs and how to craft a song,” she says. “My nickname for him is Professor Fether, which I think is from an Edgar Allan Poe story (‘The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether’), where the patients take over the mental hospital, because he has a mad genius vibe. He’s just down to try anything. He’s courageous, and he doesn’t want things to sound like everything else.” Besides ‘All It’ll Take, Dreaming Aloud has some finely-crafted material, including the title track. Klein says the song was inspired by attending and performing at her college reunion last year, 30 years after her class graduated. “It was just realizing that none of us are kids anymore,” she says. “We’re all middle-aged. It was just a reflection that you have to make choices in life, and you don’t know at the time how you’re going to feel about them 30 years later. I think just reckoning with the passing of time and having to let go of certain dreams and hold on to other ones. Or letting go of certain people and holding on to other ones.” Meanwhile, Klein enjoyed how ‘Old Rock ‘n’ Roller’ turned out; a lovely, infectious ditty inspired by playing the 2024 Moccasin Creek Festival in Illinois and opening for one of her heroes. “I was invited to go out and play, and they had a backing band there for me,” Klein says. “They asked me to open for Chuck Prophet for one night of the festival. And I didn’t have any shows booked anywhere near there. So it was like a two-day drive for me to get there. But I’m a huge Chuck Prophet fan. He was very complimentary of my work. It just felt like all the crazy driving, lack of sleep, everything that goes into the life of

a musician was worth it for those moments. You get the respect of somebody you admire, or you just have a really great show. “I don’t care that I got no sleep and I drove four days round trip and all this stuff. It was so fun, it was worth it. That’s not the choice that everyone makes in their life, but it was the choice for me.” As for the new material she’s playing in concert, Klein loves ‘Old Rock ‘n’ Roller’, but says fans are also high on ‘Dreaming Aloud’ and ‘Charm of Finches,’ a tune Klein says lends itself to some jam-like moments, enabling her band to have the space to flesh the song out fully. Klein describes it as her “tribute to The Dead”, with its experimental vibe throughout. “I’ll probably play a combination of songs from the new album and older songs. I’ve put out a lot of albums, and some people are more familiar with my older work, so I always have a combination of stuff. I’ll probably be playing solo. It will be an intimate evening of songs and the stories behind them.” One thing Klein is hoping at some point to return to is podcasting. She hosted Jess Klein’s Big Table in the fall and winter of 2024, speaking to musicians and activists about various issues. But for now, the goal is

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

38

Ft . Mye rs magazine

touring behind Dreaming Aloud, and possibly looking at her next studio album, but that’s another year or so off in the distance. Klein’s musical career was influenced by a variety of factors, but one experience which definitely shaped her songwriting approach was spending time in Kingston, Jamaica during her college days. “That’s where I started writing songs,” she says. “I think it was because I was out of my normal surroundings. They say if you are stuck creatively just go to an art gallery, go see something you haven’t seen. I think it shook something loose in me, especially being somewhere where the language sounded very musical to me.” “For whatever reason, it seemed like I had grown up in the suburbs of Rochester, New York, and it always seemed to me like you had to be famous to make music. But being in Jamaica, it’s just more normal for people to have a guitar and people to sit around and play music. It felt a little more accessible somehow. It just felt like it was all around you all the time, so why wouldn’t you try making some music? I feel grateful that it was a strange, serendipitous thing to do that really led to this creative awakening.” With the way the music industry is in a constant state of flux, and the business no longer what it once was in terms of structure or organization, it can be quite difficult for younger musicians to start and make a career. Klein says she felt lucky to get the support when she started off, but feels the aim for musicians starting out is not biting off more than you can chew. “I still feel the best strategy is to start local,” she says. “Start building your thing locally and then build a radius out from there because then you’ve got something going on where you live and where you can sleep at home and not be paying for a hotel room. I think starting local is the way to go because your local people will always root for you. It’s important to have a community to support you.” • Jess Klein performs October 24 at the Americana Community Music Association Listening Room at All Faiths Unitarian, located at 2756 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Call 691-4069 for information.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

40

Ft . Mye rs magazine

advertorial

F t . M yers magazine

41

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Alliance for the Arts

Americana Community Music Association

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS

Planetarium, Alliance for the Arts, and the Collaboratory. Check website for updates. schedule

10091 McGregor Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-939-2787

artinlee.org

The Alliance for the Arts is where art and community come together. Explore exhibitions, live music, theatre, performances, films, festivals, markets, classes, family activities and special events designed to entertain, inspire and bring people together. With something for every age and interest, the Alliance is a place to experience, create, connect and explore. schedule

CONCERTS Nov 8: For the Love of Music Vol. IV Nov 15: ACMA presents Sam Robbins Jan 24: ACMA presents Tim Grimm Jan 30: Best of World Ukulele Day Concert The Birdwatchers, Tom Hood & the Tropical Sons Feb 6: The American Vinyl All Star Feb 28: ACMA presents Abbie Gardner Mar 21: ACMA presents The Florida Cracker Collective THEATRE Dec 3-6: Hadestown Teen Edition - Youth Theatre Jan 15-23: ‘night, Mother Feb 18-21: The Wolves - Youth Theatre Mar 26 & 27: Matty Apr 9-18: Cabaret Jun 24-27: West Side Story - Youth Theatre

AMERICANA COMMUNITY MUSIC ASSOCIATION concerts at

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation 2756 McGregor Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-691-4069

americanacma.org

Arts Bonita

The Americana Community Music Association (ACMA) is a nonprofit organization celebrating its 15th year in 2027. Concerts feature outstanding national and regional touring artists, with every show opening with a local singer-songwriter. Americana music is rooted in folk, blues, country, and the great tradition of storytelling through song. ACMA also presents concerts throughout Southwest Florida at venues including the Calusa Nature Center &

Oct 17: Ryan Biter (St John Chruch, Ft Myers) Oct 24: Jess Klein (St John Church, Ft Myers) Nov 14: Tale of Two (St John Church, Ft Myers) Nov 15: Sam Robbins (Alliance for the Arts) Nov 21: A Lee Edwards (St John Chruch, Ft Myers) Dec 5: Cliff Eberhart & Louise Morsie Jan 5 Collaboratory Songwriters Showcase (Collaboratory, Ft Myers) Jan 9: The Reckless Saints Jan 16: Mare Wakefield and Nomad Jan 23: Alice Howe and Freebo Jan 24: Tim Grimm (Alliance for the Arts, Ft Myers) Jan 30: C Daniel Boling Feb 2: Collaboratory Songwriters Showcase - Steve Waterberry, Ralph Leeseberg, Kim Mayfield (Collaboratory, Ft Myers) Feb 4: Friction Farm (Calusa Nature Center, Ft Myers) Feb 6: Carolin Aitken Feb 13: Verlon Thompson and Brain Smalley Feb 18: Chicago Farmer (Calusa Nature Center, Ft Myers) Feb 21: Grace Morrison & Marc Douglas Berado Feb 27: Hank Woji Feb 28: Abbie Gardner (Alliance for the Arts, Ft Myers) Mar 2: Collaboratory Songwriters Showcase (Collaboratory, Ft Myers) Mar 4: David Jacob Strain (Calusa Nature Center, Ft Myers) Mar 6: Jesse Terry Mar 13: Richard Smith Mar 27: Walter Parks Mar 21: Florida Cracker Collective (Alliance for the Arts, Ft Myers) Apr 3: 8 Ball Aitken Apr 17: The Black Feathers Apr 24: Jennings & Keller

ARTS BONITA

Performing Arts Center

10150 Bonita Beach Rd. • BONITA SPRINGS 239-495-8989

artsbonita.org

The Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, features the 400-seat Hinman Auditorium and the 200-seat Moe Auditorium & Film Center. This vibrant venue offers a diverse array of live music, theater, comedy, lectures, and classes in art, music, theater, and dance for all ages. advertorial

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

42

Ft . Mye rs magazine

BIG ARTS schedule

Oct 2-11: Dear Evan Hansen Oct 10: The Swamp Blues Band Oct 15: Zach Bartholomew - Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley Oct 16: Thunderbeard - A Tribute to ZZ Top Oct 17: Quinn Sullivan Oct 18: Free Fallin’ - The Tom Petty Concert Experience Oct 23: Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind Oct 24: Southern Steel’s Classic Skynyrd Live Oct 30: Improv Comedy Arts Show Nov 3: Funny Old Broads Nov 6: Frontiers Nov 8: Firefall Nov 10: Mark Sanders - Let Freedom Ring, A Salute to Veterans Nov 12: Velvet Curtain - stage reading Nov 12: Sabbath - Long Live Ozzy Nov 13: Here Come the Mummies Nov 14: Ian Maksin - Songs of the Vegabond Cello Nov 14: Given to Fly - The Pearl Jam Experience Nov 15: Sam Morrow Nov 19: Zach Bartholomew - John Coltrane Centennial Celebration Nov 20 & 21: The Ultimate Vegas Variety Show Nov 20: Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy Nov 22: Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman Dec 3: Frank Torchio Dec 4: Southern Hospitality Dec 5: Zeppelin vs. Queen Dec 8: Mark Sanders - The Wonder of Christmas Dec 10: Zach Bartholomew - A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec 11: Improv Comedy Arts Show Dec 11: Mike Zito Dec 12: Magic of Motown Dec 18: Naples Big Band - Sleigh Bells & Swing Dec 19: Christmas with Chris Ruggiero Jan 2: Donna the Buffalo Jan 8: Paul Thorn Band Jan 9: Let’s Hang On - Frankie Valli Tribute Jan 10: Jim Messina & The Road Runners Jan 14: Mark Sanders - Two Voices, One Stage Jan 15: Improv Comedy Arts Show Jan 15: Voices of Rock Jan 16: Naples Big Band - The Joint is Jumpin’ Jan 16 & 17: The Ultimate Vegas Variety Show Jan 17: Carolyn Wonderland Jan 21: Zach Bartholomew - The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim & Bossa Nova Classics Jan 23: The Brit Pack Jan 23 & 24: Brad Zimmerman’s My Son the Waiter - A Jewish Tragedy

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

Charlotte Players

Jan 29: Ronnie Baker Brooks Feb 6: Betty Fox Feb 7: Chicago Transit Feb 10: Portrait of Arethra starring Cece Teneal Feb 11: Zach Bartholomew - Jazz & Romance Feb 11: Get Down On It - The Ultimate 70s Experience Feb 12: Mark Sanders - Songs from the Heart, A Broadway Valentine Feb 12: Naples Big Band - In The Mood for Love Feb 14: Hotel California Feb 19: Improv Comedy Arts Show Feb 19: Vanessa Collier Feb 21: U4ia - Celebrating the Music of U2 Feb 24: Larry McCray Feb 25: Dreamboats Feb 26: Sounds of Soul - Magic of Motown Feb 27: California Guitar Trio Feb 27: Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Still in Therapy! Feb 28: Terry Lee Goffee Mar 3: Naturally 7 Mar 4: Classic Stones Live Mar 6: Téada Mar 7: Phat Cat Swinger Mar 9: Traveling Milburys Mar 10: Naples Big Band - The Chairman & The Divas Mar 11: Zach Bartholomew - Nat King Cole & The Nat King Cole Trio Mar 11: Wish We Were Floyd Mar 13: The Bronx Wanderers Mar 18: Mark Sanders - Beyond The Mask, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Mar 19: Improv Comedy Arts Show Mar 26: Martin Barre - The Music of Jethro Tull Apr 15: Zach Bartholomew - April in Paris! Apr 17: The Boneshakers Apr 30: Improv Comedy Arts Show May 7: Bee Gees Now! May 13: Zach Bartholomew - A New Orleans Jazz Celebration Jun 17: Zach Bartholomew - The Best of Blue Note Jul 15: Zach Bartholomew - Plays Duke Ellington Jul 31: Backtrack Blues Band Aug 12: Zach Bartholomew - Soul Jazz

BIG ARTS

900 Dunlop Rd. • SANIBEL 239-395-0900

bigarts.org

BIG ARTS, formally known as the Barrier Island Group for the Arts, was created by and for the community more than four decades ago.

Cultural Park Theatre

Each year we offer a vibrant cultural palette of performing and fine arts, films, workshops, classes and community events that enrich our lives. schedule

Jan 9: BB & Me - When Love Comes to Town Jan 14: Sincerely, Sondheim Jan 16: The Boulevards Jan 21: Ensemble Melange Jan 28: Young Concert Artists Jan 30: The Lena Prima Band Feb 4: Gravity Feb 6: The Players Feb 11: Imani Winds Feb 13: Uptown - A Celebration of Motown & Soul Feb 18: Tony Siqi Yun Feb 24: Late Nite Catechism - Sisters’s Irish Catechism Mar 4: Jive Aces Mar 11: Duo Mundi Mar 13: Kenny & Amanda Smith Band Mar 18: Michael Cavanaugh - The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John Mar 20: Forjoury Mar 25: Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Swinging Songs of Broadway Apr 1: American Ballet Theatre Studio Company Apr 17: The Long Run - America’s Favorite Tribute to the Eagles

BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE

1380 Colonial Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-278-4422

broadwaypalm.com

Broadway Palm has entertained over 170,000 guests annually since 1993. The professional theatre features a 382-seat dinner theatre, 86-seat black box theatre, meeting rooms, gift shop, lobby bar and art gallery. Each year, Broadway Palm produces seven Main Stage musicals, five Off Broadway productions, children’s shows and concerts. schedule

BROADWAY PALM MAINSTAGE Oct 9-Nov 14: 9 to 5 Nov 20-Dec 30: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Jan 8-Feb 13: Oklahoma! Feb 19-Apr 3: Grease Apr 9-May 15: Come From Away May 21-Jun 19: We Will Rock You Jun 25-Aug 14: Disney’s Frozen OFF BROADWAY PALM Oct 16-Nov 14: The Shark Is Broken

ensembleNEWSRQ Nov 26-Dec 30: The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical Jan 15-Feb 20: The Cottage Feb 26-Apr 10: The Marvelous Wonderettes Apr 16-May 23: The Wild Women of Winedale Children’s Theatre Oct 20-Nov 13: School House Rock Live! Dec 1-24: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Mar 4-Apr 2: Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School Jun 4-18: Charlotte’s Web CONCERT SERIES Dec 31 & Jan 2: Dwight Icenower’s Tribute to the King Jan 25 & 26: Garth Live! Feb 22 & 23: ABBAFAB Mar 7 & 8: Margaritas in Paradise Mar 21 & 22: Yachtzilla - Monsters of Soft Rock

CHARLOTTE PLAYERS

LANGDON PLAYHOUSE 1182 Market Circle • PORT CHARLOTTE 941-255-1022

charlotteplayers.org

Charlotte Players has brought quality live theatre, entertainment, and arts education to our community since 1961. The intimate 104-seat Langdon Playhouse in Port Charlotte is home to comedies, dramas, musicals, special events, and educational programs, creating opportunities for performers, volunteers, and audiences of all ages. schedule

Oct 8-25: Remember Me?” Oct 23: Comedy for a Cause (Twisted Fork, Port Charlotte) Nov 7: Holiday Drag Queen Bingo Nov 19-Dec 13: Four Old Broads Christmas Extravaganza Jan 7-31: Sin, Sex & the CIA Jan 16: Bear & Friends Comedy Nite Feb 5: Sully & Maria’s Irish-Italian Wedding dinner & show (PGI Civic Association, Punta Gorda) Feb 6: Comedy Diner Feb 7: Kitt Moran presents An Evening with Rosemary Clooney Feb 11-Mar 7: The Dinner Party Feb 13: Sully & Maria’s Irish-Italian Wedding inner & Show (Elks Lodge, Englewood) Mar 18-Apr 4: Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses Mar 12: Mardi Gras Drag Queen Bingo Mar 13: Relax, It’s Not That Serious Mar 14: Sully & Maria’s Irish-Italian Wedding dinner & show (North Port VFW)

advertorial

F t . M yers magazine

43

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

FGCU Bower School of Music & the Arts

Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center

Florida Repertory Theatre

Mar 20: Spotlight on Charlotte Mar 22: Sully & Maria’s Irish-Italian Wedding dinner & show (Deep Creek Elks Lodge, Punta Gorda) Apr 10: Drag Queen Bingo Apr 15-May 2: A Bad Year for Tomatoes May 13-23: Southern Comforts

schedule

Oct 5: Roomful of Teeth Nov 2: When Words Fail Jan 18: Luna Rising Feb 22: Message/Memory Mar 29: 2x2 - Piano/Percussion Apr 10: enSRQ + Sarasota Contemporary Dance

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY BOWER SCHOOL OF MUSIC & THE ARTS

CULTURAL PARK THEATRE

528 Cultural Park Blvd. • CAPE CORAL 239-772-5862

culturalparktheater.com

Cultural Park Theatre is a community performing arts organization dedicated to bringing live theatre and arts education to the community. With a diverse season and opportunities for all ages, Cultural Park Theatre celebrates the heart of its mission: Your Community. Your Passion. Your Theatre. schedule

Oct 16-25: Radium Girls Oct 21: Anger Management in SWFL (stage reading) Nov 7: Comedy Night Nov 14: Show Troupe Fundraiser Cabaret Nov 15: Dare to Dream Jr. Nov 20-29: Dear Jack, Dear Louise Nov 24: Sherlock Holmes Stage Read Dec 2: Adult Acting Showcase Dec 17: Michael D’Amore Christmas Show Dec 18-20: A Taffeta Christmas Dec 21: Real Deal Dueling Pianos Jan 22-31: Next To Normal Feb 13: Paul Todd Feb 19-28: It’s Only a Play Mar 19-27: Finding Neverland May 21-30: Old School Living (In Our Old School)

Theatre Program

TheatreLab, Arts Complex 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. • FORT MYERS 239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/theatrelab

The Theatre Program at the Bower School of Music & the Arts offers a dynamic balance of theory and application as well as realworld training in the whole craft of theatre: performance, technology, theory, and criticism. All productions take place in the TheatreLab in the Arts Complex at FGCU unless otherwise noted. schedule

Oct 8-11: Cabaret (with TheatreZone) Feb 12-21: The Ash Girl Mar 13 & 14: 24 Hour Festival (with Ghostbird Theatre) Apr 9-27: The America Play

Music Program

U. Tobe Recital Hall, Music Building 10501 FGCU Blvd. S. • FORT MYERS 239-745-4268

fgcu.edu/concerts

First Congregational Church 1031 S. Euclid Ave. • SARASOTA

The Bower School of Music seeks to prepare professionals for service in music education, music therapy, and in music performance and pedagogy, while furnishing cultural enrichment for the southwest Florida community and beyond. All FGCU student concerts are free.

Founded by Samantha Bennett and George Nickson, ensembleNEWSRQ is a versatile chamber music ensemble in Sarasota, dedicated to playing and advocating for the music of contemporary composers. enSRQ strives to manifest the creativity of the current generation and inspire audiences to participate in musical culture in a profound way.

(all free except *) Oct 4: FGCU Chamber & University Choirs, Bel Canto & Cantabile (Naples United Church) Oct 15: FGCU Wind Orchestra (Sarasota High School) Oct 18: FGCU Symphony Orchestra Oct 22: FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs Oct 24: The Sound of Success - Bower School

ensembleNEWSRQ concerts at

ensrq.org

schedule

advertorial

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

44

Ft . Mye rs magazine

GibsonHouse Mystery Performers

of Music’s 20th anniversary celebration Oct 25: FGCU Ismail Akmuradov & Michael Baron (Nisita Concert Series) * Oct 31: Bower Boo Bash Halloween Party Oct 31: FGCU Vocal Area Halloween Concert Nov 1: Nash Ryder & Michael Baron (Nisita Concert Series) * Nov 8: FGCU Jazz Ensemble Nov 9: Peruvian Alumni Concert (Nisita Concert Series) * Nov 10: FGCU Chamber Strings Nov 12: FGCU Wind Orchestra Nov 13: FGCU Percussion Ensembles Nov 14: FGCU Piano Ensembles Nov 16: FGCU Symphonic Band Nov 19: FGCU Wind Orchestra Nov 22: Joyful & Triumphant with FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra (Moorings Church, Naples) Jan 19: Anton Nel (Nisita Concert Series) * Jan 20: NOIS Saxophone Quartet (Nisita Concert Series) * Jan 22: Jazz at Naples Botanical Gardens - FGCU Jazz Ensembles (Naples Botanical Gardens) * Jan 24: Kinga Augustyn & Michael Baron (Nisita Concert Series) * Jan 31: Michelle Cann (Nisita Concert Series) * Feb 10: FGCU Wind Orchestra (N Ft Myers High School) Feb 11: FGCU Symphonic Band Feb 18: Luke Norvell & Michael Baron (Nisita Concert Series) * Feb 21: FGCU Symphony Orchestra Feb 24: FGCU Student Compositions Feb 25: FGCU Jazz Ensemble Feb 26: Jazz at Naples Botanical Gardens - FGCU Jazz Ensembles (Naples Botanical Gardens) * Mar 11: FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs Mar 12: FGCU Jazz at Naples Botanical Gardens - FGCU Jazz Ensembles (Naples Botanical Gardens) * Mar 12: Dang Thai Son (Nisita Concert Series) * Mar 13 & 14: 24 Hour Festival (with Ghostbird Theatre) Mar 18: Piano Trio with Grace Bahng Gavin (Nisita Concert Series) * Mar 19: FGCU Wind Orchestra Mar 21: FGCU Chamber Choir (Moorings Church, Naples) Mar 24: FGCU Chamber Strings Apr 1: FGCU Wind Chamber Ensembles Apr 3 & 4: Gian Carlo Menotti Operas Apr 7: FGCU Percussion Ensemble concert Apr 9: FGCU Bel Canto & Cantabile Apr 15: FGCU Symphonic Band

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Gulf Coast Symphony Apr 16: Jazz at Naples Botanical Gardens FGCU Jazz Ensembles (Naples Botanical Gardens) * Apr 18: FGCU Chamber & University Choirs & Symphony Orchestra (First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs) * Apr 20: FGCU Jazz Ensemble Apr 22: FGCU Chamber Choir (Bower Chapel, Naples) Apr 23: FGCU Wind Orchestra Apr 25: FGCU Piano Chamber Ensembles

FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE 2268 Bay St. • FORT MYERS 239-332-4488

floridarep.org

Experience the magic of Broadway-quality, professional live theatre at Florida Rep in downtown Fort Myers. Discover a wide variety of stories brought to life on stage that lift your heart, provoke thought, immerse you in music, and make you laugh out loud. Enjoy affordable pricing and free parking. schedule

thru Oct 25: Forever Everly Oct 20-Nov 8: The Star-Spangled Girl Nov 24-Jan 3: Wait Until Dark Dec 1-Jan 3: Plaid Tidings Jan 5-24: Dames at Sea Jan 26-Mar 7: Sexy Laundry Feb 9-28: Over the River and Through the Woods Mar 16-Apr 4: Never Can Say Goodbye Apr 6-May 9: Private Lives

FOGARTYVILLE COMMUNITY MEDIA & ARTS CENTER 525 Kumquat Court • SARASOTA 941-894-6469

fogartyville.org

Fogartyville presents the best in jazz, blues, Americana, folk, and indie rock music. The intimate listening room is located in the heart of Sarasota’s Rosemary District. schedule

Oct 1: The Mammals Oct 3: Open House & Record Fair Oct 9: The Lee Boys with Roosevelt Collier Oct 10: Don Soledad Trio Oct 15: Ella & The Bossa Beat Oct 16: Leslie Mendelson Oct 17: Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly

Gulf Coast Symphony Music & Arts Community Center

Gulfshore Opera

Oct 25: Danae Franco Nov 1: Very Merry Jerry Day Nov 5: Joe Crookston Nov 6: Hiroya Tsukamoto Nov 7: Sam Morrow Band Nov 8: The Strangeways Nov 12: Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar Girl From Ipanema Nov 13: Zachary Bartholomew - Art of the Trio Nov 14: The Wandering Hours & Morgan Brake Nov 15: A Tale of Two Nov 20: Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman Nov 22: The Barker Project Nov 28: Ariella & Nicolaas Dec 3: Mama’s Broke Dec 4: Forrest McCurren Dec 5: John Salaway Band Dec 6: LowDown Brass Band Dec 11: John Cowan Trio with Luke Bulla Dec 12: HR of Bad Brains & The Human Rights Movement Dec 13: Redd & the Paper Flowers Dec 19: Barbara King and the Spirit of Jazz Dec 20: Betty Fox Band

GIBSONHOUSE MYSTERY PERFORMERS various venues

239-867-6098 gibsonhouseswfl.com Witness a murder by GibsonHouse Mystery Performers and help solve the crime! Enjoy comedy, music, audience interaction, and immersive theatre featuring talented local actors, comedians, singers, and entertainers. Choose from exciting mystery scripts for public, private, or special events. GibsonHouse delivers unforgettable interactive mysteries throughout Southwest Florida, all year long! schedule

Oct 6: The Case of the Crow Murder (Two Meatballs in the Kitchen, Naples) Oct 13: Murder at the KO Corral (Millennial Brewery, Ft Myers) Oct 15: Murder in Vegas (Fresh Catch Inland, Estero) Oct 16: Avery Victorian Murder (The Gilded Grape, Port Charlotte) Oct 23: Murder in Casablanca (Lake Kennedy Center, Cape Coral) Oct 24: Funeral for a Gangster (Cafe You, Cape Coral) Oct 30: Murder in Vegas (Wisteria Tea Room, Ft Myers)

GULF COAST SYMPHONY concerts at

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall 13350 FSW Pkwy. • FORT MYERS Barbara B. Mann box office: 239-481-4849 Music & Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Lane • FORT MYERS MACC box office: 239-277-1700

macctickets.org

Gulf Coast Symphony (GCS) is the second-largest non-profit performing arts organization in Lee County, performing at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the Music & Arts Community Center. From classical concerts and jazz jams to musical theatre and touring bands, the MACC presents more than 200 shows annually, and is home to all Gulf Coast Symphony youth education programs and three resident ensembles: the Symphony, Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and SWFL Theatre Company. schedule

GULF COAST SYMPHONY

Oct 18: Press Play - A Gamer’s Halloween Family Concert Nov 18: Uptown - A Symphonic Celebration of Motown & Soul Dec 5: Deck the Halls Holiday Concert Dec 12-13: The Nutcracker with Gulfshore Ballet Jan 17: Bond & More with Chloe Lowery & Hugh Panaro Jan 24: An Evening with Joshua Henry Feb 13: Super Diamond - The Neil Diamond Tribute Feb 28: The Music of Tina Turner LaKisha Jones Mar 13: British Invasion - Nathan James & Zoe Tyler Apr 17-18: My Fair Lady Apr 25: Michael Cavanaugh’s Rock & Roll Symphony

45

MUSIC & ARTS COMMUNITY CENTER

Oct 3: Love Flamenco World Tour Oct 8: Inside Broadway with Julie Carver & Doug LaBrecque Oct 15: Rhinestone Cowgirls - Legendary Ladies of Country Music Oct 17: Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra Fall Concert (free) Oct 22: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - The Music of Chick Corea

advertorial

F t . M yers magazine

Gulfshore Playhouse

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

Lemon Bay Playhouse

Oct 24: Gulf Coast Symphony Pops - The Music of The Lord of the Rings Oct 30: Gulf Coast Symphony Pops - The Music of Harry Potter Nov 5: Inside Broadway with Julie Carver The Broadway Bradshaws Nov 6: The Laurel Canyon Band Nov 7: Call Me Irresponsible - Collin O’Connor Sings Bobby Darin Nov 12: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - New Orleans Jazz Nov 14: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks Haydn & Mozart Nov 20: A Bublé Christmas with Paul Todd Jr. & Friends Dec 3: Inside Broadway with Julie Carver with Sal Viviano & Liz Larson Dec 6: Christmastime This Year with the Mark Moultrup Trio & James Suggs Dec 9: Youth Orchestra & Jazz Ensemble Holiday Concert (free ) Dec 10: Divas3 - Holiday Edition Dec 11: Holiday Swing with Svetlana Dec 17: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - A Charlie Brown Christmas & Holiday Classics Dec 19: The Wonder of Christmas with Mark Sanders Dec 20: Rockin’ Holiday Revue - Jared Freiburg & The Vagabonds Jan 9: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks Beethoven Jan 14: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - The Music of Herbie Hancock Jan 15: Life, Love & Lyrics with Mark Sanders & Lisa Vroman Jan 16: HCTS Band - The Music of the Eagles Jan 20: Tito Puente Jr. & Nestor Torres Jan 21: Inside Broadway with Julie Carver & Lisa Vroman Jan 22: Chaz Esposito Sings Legends of the ‘60s Jan 23: Acoustic Eidolon Jan 26-Feb 7: Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash (SWFL Theatre Company) Feb 11: Nic & Desi - Broadway to Hollywood Feb 12: Pavlo - Mediterranean Music Feb 17: Sinatra - My Way with Mark Sanders Feb 18: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - Charlie Parker & Wes Montgomery Feb 20: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks A Night at the Opera Feb 23-Mar 7: Ghost the Musical (SWFL Theatre Company) Mar 10: A Night at the Tonys with Mark Sanders & Carolann Sanita Mar 12: Colours of Celine

Marco Island Center for the Arts

Mar 11: All Simon - Garfunkel to Graceland Mar 17: Duo Beaux Arts Mar 18: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - The Jazz Funk Experience Mar 20: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks Tchaikovsky Mar 23-Apr 4: Why Do Fools Fall in Love? (SWFL Theatre Company) Apr 8: Tap into Soul with Solomon Jaye Apr 10: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks Brahms Apr 22: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - The Dizzy Gillespie Story Apr 24: Broadway Then & Now with Mark Sanders May 4: Gulf Coast Symphony Pops - The Music of Star Wars May 8: Inside Broadway with Julie Carver & Shuler Hensley May 15: Gulf Coast Symphony Masterworks Rossini, Respighi & Shostakovich May 20: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - Miles Davis, Kind of Blue at 65 June 10: Gulf Coast Jazz Collective - Night Train, The Oscar Peterson Trio

GULFSHORE OPERA 9911 Corkscrew Rd., #105 • ESTERO 239-529-3925

gulfshoreopera.org

Gulfshore Opera brings world-class opera and vocal performances to communities across Southwest Florida. Season 13 features grand opera, chamber opera, concerts, and signature social events, connecting renowned artists with residents and visitors while enriching the region’s cultural life, supporting tourism, strengthening community, and creating experiences through the power of music. schedule

Nov 14: Madama Butterfly with Naples Philharmonic (Artis-Naples) Dec 3: Madama Butterfly (Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Punta Gorda) Dec 8: Madama Butterfly with the Florida Philharmonic (BB Mann perfroming Arts hall, Ft Myers) Jan 21: Hideaway Taste of Opera (Hideaway Beach Club, Marco Island) Jan 26: Viva Italia (New Life Church, Punta Gorda) Jan 28: Viva Italia (Marco Island Historical Museum) Jan 30: Viva Italia (Norris Center, Naples) advertorial

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

46

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Murder Mystery Train

Feb 4: Style and Song Luncheon (Club at the Strand, Naples) Feb 19: Passion Unleashed (Artis-Naples) Feb 23: Night of Illusion fundraiser (Artis-Naples) Feb 28: PunG Taste of Opera (Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante, Punta Gorda) Mar 7: Colony Taste of Opera (Colony Bay Club, Bonita Springs) Mar 16: Gianni Schicchi (St. Leo’s Parish Life Center, Bonita Springs) Mar 18 & 19: Gianni Schicchi (Norris Center, Naples) Mar 21: Gianni Schicchi (Punta Gorda Woman’s Club) Apr 6: Prima Donnas & Prosecco (Porsche Naples, Naples)

GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE BAKER THEATRE & EDUCATION CENTER 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd. S. • NAPLES 239-261-7529

gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Gulfshore Playhouse at the Baker Theatre and Education Center is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people. Your new home for professional theatre. schedule

Oct 20-Nov 22: The World Goes ‘Round The Songs of Kander & Ebb Nov 17-Dec 24: A Christmas Carol Dec 11 & 12: Teen Winter Cabaret (Conservatory Production) Jan 12-Feb 7: Heist Feb 2-Mar 14: Fundraiser - A Play Mar 2-Apr 11: Guys and Dolls Apr 6-May 16: JOB Apr 27-May 23: Tartuffe

THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA 1634 Woodford Ave. • FORT MYERS 239-291-2905

laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Known as the home of Thinking Theater®, The Laboratory Theater of Florida delivers intentionally innovative live theater to Fort Myers. The Lab pairs timeless classics with cutting-edge new works, taking bold artistic risks

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

The Naples Players that elevate local talent, push boundaries, and spark vital community conversation. schedule

Oct 8-29: The Pillowman Nov 12-29: The Rivals (with Theatre Conspiracy) Jan 14-31: God of Carnage Feb 18-Mar 7: Bare Mar 25-Apr 11: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Apr 22-May 9: Fences (with Theatre Conspiracy)

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE

96 W. Dearborn St. • ENGLEWOOD 941-475-6756

lemonbayplayhouse.com

Striving to improve diversity and enrich the greater Englewood community through live theatre, volunteerism, education in the performing arts, and to provide a venue for other cultural activities. schedule

PLAYS Oct 14-Nov 1: Bell, Book and Candle Dec 2-20: Saving Grace Jan 13-Feb 7: Brooklyn Laundry Mar 3-28: Barefoot in the Park Apr 21-May 9: Stella and Lou Jun 2-20: Any Wednesday SHOWCASES Oct 10: Star Newman Nov 7: Mark Twain Tells All Nov 14: Paisley Craze Nov 21: Mark Evans Jan 9: Kathy McSteen & Florida Comedy Network Feb 13: Jimmy Mazz - Motown & More Feb 20: Mary Ellen DePertillo Apr 10: Jimmy Mazz - Swingin’ thru the Sixties

MARCO ISLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1010 Winterberry Dr. • MARCO ISLAND 239-394-4221

marcoislandart.org/musical-interludes

Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts. schedule

Oct 22: Everton Azevedo Nov 12: Leslie Cartaya

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota

Players Circle Theatre

Dec 2: Martin & Kelly Jan 21: Comedy & Tragedy Jan 28: Julie Patchouli - Landscape of Guitar Feb 3: Ben Rosenblum Jazz Trio Feb 17: Arenas, Lask & Nash Mar 4: Glenn Roth - Fingerstyle Guitarist Mar 16: Italian American Dream - Analisa & John Apr 7: Brazilian Voices

SPECIAL TRAINS Oct 29-31: Halloween Ghost Train Nov 26: Thanksgiving Feast Dec 21, 22, 24: Christmas Week Mar 28: Easter Sunday Special May 9: Mother’s Day Express Jun 20: Father’s Day Express

THE NAPLES PLAYERS

ARTS CENTER THEATRE

1089 N. Collier Blvd. • MARCO ISLAND 239-784-1186

marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre

Marco Island Center for the Arts inspires artistic expression and advances education and appreciation of the arts. The Art Center honors Marco Island and Southwest Florida’s rich, diverse, and creative heritage through active community engagement in the visual and performing arts. schedule

Oct 2-4: Chameleüns Nov 5-22: Packing Up Polly Dec 9-20: Float Jan 7-24: Death Trap Feb 4-21: The Red Velvet Cake Wars Mar 4-21: Sandbag, Stage Left (Or, One Dead Dolly) Apr 1-18: Ben Hur (an epic comedy)

MURDER MYSTERY TRAIN train boards

Wed-Sat 5:45pm & Sun 4:45pm 2805 Colonial Blvd. • FORT MYERS 239-275-8487

semgulf.com

Enjoy a five course dinner, murder mystery play, and a real train ride for a 3.5 hour unique dining experience. Multiple entrée options, full bar in a fine dining atmosphere in vintage (but fully air conditioned) dining cars. All food prepared fresh daily. Secure online booking. Trains depart WedSat 6:30pm & Sun 5:30pm.

701 5th Ave. S. • NAPLES 239-263-7990

naplesplayers.org

The Naples Players is a nationally recognized community theatre building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. Each year, The Naples Players engages more than 70,000 audience members and students through high-quality productions, inclusive education, and innovative partnerships, serving as a cultural hub and national leader in community impact. schedule

Oct 7-25: Over the River & Through the Woods Oct 21-Nov 22: Rocket Man Nov 18-Dec 20: Come From Away Jan 13-Feb 14: Murder on the Orient Express Feb 3-Mar 7: The Glass Menagerie Mar 10-Apr 11: Hello Dolly! Mar 31-May 7: Constellations May 5-23: The Book of Will READERS THEATER Oct 18: Healing Voices Nov 15: Odds, Ends, and Other Stories Dec 12-20: Jacob Marley’s A Christmas Carol Feb 27 & 28: Vanya, Sonia, Mash, and Spike Mar 21: Mixed Nuts Apr 24 & 25: Going Blind ACADEMY YOUTH SHOWS Oct 31-Nov 8: The Addams Family Musical, Jr. Dec 12-19: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Feb 27-Mar 7: The Outsiders Apr 10-19: Shrek the Musical, Jr. May 15-23: Urinetown - The Musical

PLAYERS CIRCLE THEATRE

schedule

thru Nov 15: Murder on My Mind Nov 18-Dec 24: North Pole Noir Dec 26-Mar 7: Bullets & Bobby Socks Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Gala Feb 12-14: Sweetheart Express Mar 10-May 9: Flapper Fatale May 12-Jul 11: Lights, Camera, Corpse Jul 14-Sep 12: Knit One, Stab Two Sep 15-Nov 14: Death in High Heels

13211 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers 239-800-3292

47

playerscircletheater.com

Players Circle Theater is an artist-driven, notfor-profit organization, committed to producing a wide variety of live theater that enriches, educates, and entertains the community. They utilize an ensemble of artists, who will form

advertorial

F t . M yers magazine

Sanibel Music Festival

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Sarasota Concert Association

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

longtime professional relationships while functioning in a fiscally responsible manner, keeping ticket prices accessible to all.

Sarasota Jazz Festival

Mar 14: ‘80s Ladies (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Mar 15: ‘80s Ladies (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton) Apr 11: How Low Can You Go (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota ) Apr 12: How Low Can You Go (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton)

schedule

Oct 20-Nov 15: The Nerd Dec 1-23: It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play Jan 5-31: Social Security Feb 9-28: Majorie Prime Mar 16-Apr 11: Bright Star Apr 20-May 9: Eisenhower - This Piece of Ground May 18-Jun 6: Sylvia

SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL concerts at

THE POPS ORCHESTRA OF BRADENTON & SARASOTA concerts at various venues in Bradenton & Sarasota

941-926-7677 thepopsorchestra.org The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota is one of Florida’s premier pops orchestras, performing a wide variety of music from classical favorites to Broadway hits, movie themes, and popular music. The musicians are among the finest in the region, bringing decades of professional experience to every performance. schedule

Oct 18: Hocus Pocus Pops II (Palma Sola Botanical Park, Bradenton) Oct 30: Groovin’ in the Gardens (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Nov 4: Born in the USA (Parrish Community High School, Parrish) Nov 15: Born in the USA (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) November 16: Bornb in the USA (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton) Dec 5: Holiday Brass Sarasota (Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, Sarasota) Dec 13: Ring in the Holidays (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Dec 14: Ring in the Holidays (Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota) Feb 13: Cheek to Cheek (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton) Feb 14: Cheek to Cheek (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Feb 15: Cheek to Cheek (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton) Mar 13: ‘80s Ladies (Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton)

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way • SANIBEL 239-344-7025

sanibelmusicfestival.org

Celebrating their 40th season of high-quality classical music, the Sanibel Music Festival presents six concerts by internationally renowned artists. In addition, their partner, FGCU Bowers School of Music & Arts, is presenting a free concert as a kick-off for Sanibel’s Luminary celebration on December 4. Music Festival concerts at 7:30pm (* 2 & 7:30pm). schedule

Dec 4: FGCU Bower School of Music & Arts String Ensembles (free) Feb 19: Violins on the Veranda fundraiser (Florida Trust Wealth Mgmt, Sanibel) Mar 2: Jon Nakamatsu Mar 6: Salix Piano Trio Mar 9: SWFL ShowStoppers - Masters of the Marquee * Mar 13: Bretano String Quartet Mar 16: Cincinnati Chamber Players Mar 20: New York Brass Arts Trio

SARASOTA CONCERT ASSOCIATION concerts at various venues

941-966-6161

scasarasota.org

The Sarasota Concert Association presents internationally-renowned orchestras and chamber ensembles on its Great Performers Series, as well as free Music Matinees featuring regional musicians. schedule

Dec 1: Pianist Daniil Trifonov (Sarasota Opera House) Dec 2: Chanticleer Holiday Concert (Sarasota Opera House) advertorial

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

48

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Sarasota Opera Jan 16: Takacs Quartet with pianist Jeremy Denk (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Feb 3: Pianist Aristo Sham (Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota) Feb 15: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota) Feb 28: Violinist Midori with Lucerne Festival Strings (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota) Mar 14: The Cleveland Orchestra (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota) FREE MUSIC MATINEES (St Andrew Church, Sarasota) Jan 13: Sarasota Piano Trio Feb 17: Jeff Sebeika - with Gail Berenson & Jospeh Holt Mar 10: Sarasota Opera Studio Artists Apr 14: Passerine

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, ste 300 • SARASOTA performances also at

Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W. • BRADENTON Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr. • SARASOTA Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave. • SARASOTA 941-260-8485

sarasotacontemporarydance.org

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is a professional dance company bringing cutting-edge contemporary dance to the community through performance, education, and collaboration. Celebrating its 21st season, Raíces y Vuelos (Roots & Flights) honors the company’s roots while embracing bold collaborations, live music, innovative choreography, and the future of contemporary dance. schedule

Oct 2 & 3: The Barker Project + SCD (Manatee Performing Arts Center) Oct 17 & 18: Lucille ’Sweets’ Preston - Flash Acts in Black Vaudeville (SCD) Oct 24: Tania Vergara Dance-Theater - Echoes of My Barrio (SCD) Oct 31: Paula Farlin - All Dese Voices in My Head (SCD) Dec 4 & 5: Evelyn Scrooge (SCD)

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Dec 11-13: Murals in Motion (Rosemary District, Sarasota) free Jan 14-17: Dance Makers (Cook Theatre, FSU Center for Performing Arts, Sarasota) Feb 6 & 7: Anjali Austin (SCD) Feb 19 & 20: Collaborations (SCD) Apr 10: SCD + enSRQ (Sarasota Opera House) Apr 17 & 24, May 1: SaraSolo - Ann Morrison & Blake Walton (SCD) May 8: Ivonne Batanero - Mama’Mala (SCD)

SARASOTA JAZZ FESTIVAL March 14-20

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trail • SARASOTA Phillippi Estate Park 5500 S. Tamiami Tr. • SARASOTA John C. Court Cabaret 1265 1st St. • SARASOTA The Venue@LEC 3650 17th St. • SARASOTA 941-260-9951

sarasotajazzfestival.com

The 2027 Sarasota Jazz Festival features Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Emmet Cohen across seven days of world-class performances, a 12-stop Trolley Pub Crawl, a high-energy swing-dance night, and much, much more—celebrating Sarasota’s vibrant jazz spirit. schedule

Mar 14: Jazz in the Park (Phillippi Estate Park) Mar 15: Ella and the Bossa Beat (John C. Court Cabaret) Mar 16: Jazz Trolley/Pub Crawl (live jazz at 12 venues downtown Sarasota) Mar 17: Swing Dancing with Sarasota Jazz Project (The Venue@LEC) Mar 18: Emmet Cohen Trio with Georgia Heers (Sarasota Municipal Auditorium) Mar 19: Cecile McLorin Salvant (Sarasota Municipal Auditorium) Mar 20: Christian McBride with Ursa Major (Sarasota Municipal Auditorium)

SARASOTA OPERA SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N Pineapple Ave. • SARASOTA 941-328-1300

sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota has become an international arts

TheatreZone

Tribby Arts Center

destination, and at the center of this community is Sarasota Opera. When you step into their theater, with the perfect size and acoustics for live opera, you’ll leave the outside world behind for an unforgettable experience of music, lights, costumes, sets, and vocals. schedule

Oct 30-Nov 14: Hansel and Gretel Nov 7-8: Rootabaga Country (Sarasota Youth Opera) Feb 6-Mar 20: La traviata Feb 13-Mar 19: H.M.S. Pinafore Feb 27-Mar 13: Ariadne auf Naxos Mar 6-21: Jenufa

SEMINOLE CASINO HOTEL IMMOKALEE 506 South 1st St. • IMMOKALEE 239-658-1313

Venice Art Center actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and stage management professionals from throughout the country. schedule

MAINSTAGE MUSICALS Oct 8-11: Cabaret (FGCU TheatreLab) Dec 18-20: Home for the Holidays Jan 7-17: Barry Manilow’s Harmony Feb 4-14: Barcelona - The Musical Mar 4-14: Sunset Blvd. Apr 22-May 2: Leader of the Pack CONCERTS Jan 18: Sam C. Jones’ Rockabilly Rumble! Feb 16 & 17: Mersey Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Feb 18: Hello Again - Eric Gutman Sings Neil Diamond May 8: Johnny Rogers & The History of Rock n Roll Show

moreinparadise.com

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination with events and concerts at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. schedule Nov 6: Christone Kingfish Ingram Nov 7: Richard Marx Nov 11: Rockabillaque, Florida Dec 4: Blue Oyster Cult Jan 16: Swamp Jam Jan 22: Night Ranger Jan 23: Tom Papas Jan 30: Air Supply Feb 13: Kansas

THEATREZONE performances at

G & L Theatre Community School of Naples 13275 Livingston Rd. • NAPLES 888-966-3352

theatre.zone

TheatreZone is Naples’ premier professional musical theatre company, presenting Broadwaycaliber musicals and live concerts in an intimate venue in residence at Community School of Naples. Founded in 2005 by Mark Danni & Karen Molnar Danni, both Broadway & Off-Broadway performers, the nonprofit company’s coveted contract with the Actors’ Equity Association gives it access to world-class

TRIBBY ARTS CENTER at Shell Point

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

tribbyartscenter.com

Tribby Arts Center takes center stage as a worldclass hub of creative and cultural activity in Southwest Florida. The 2026-2027 season pairs exceptional art exhibitions with live music across genres and exclusive presentations from National Geographic Live. schedule

Oct 8: Stardust Memories Big Band with Danny Sinoff Oct 15: Luke McMaster Oct 20: Jodie DeSalvo Oct 22: The Four Freshmen Nov 12 & 13: So Good - The Neil Diamond Experience Nov 17: St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble Nov 19: Solomon Eichner & Amit Peled Dec 1: Pacifica Quartet Dec 4: The Mark Wood Trans-Siberian Experience Dec 10: National Geographic Live - Wild Wolves of Yellowstone with Doug Smith Dec 11: Zach Bartholomew Dec 15: The Undercovers - I’ll Be Home for the Holidays Dec 19: Gulfshore Ballet: The Nutcracker Jan 7: Timothy & Nikki Chooi Jan 11: Fort Myers Philharmonic - Mozart Jan 15: John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell

advertorial

F t . M yers magazine

49

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

2026Music&TheaterSeason2027

Venice Symphony

Venice Theatre

Jan 21: Both Sides Now - The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell & Leonard Cohen Jan 23: National Geographic Live - Incredible Animal Athletes with Lucy Hawkes Jan 26: Branden & James Jan 28: Hermitage Piano Trio Feb 2: Chanticleer Feb 4: Michael Cleveland Feb 16: Fort Myers Philharmonic - Stravinsky, Haydn, Strauss Feb 18: Folk Legacy Trio - This Land Is Your Land Feb 23: The Barricade Boys Feb 25: Butch Wax & The Hollywoods Mar 9: The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Mar 11: Oak Trio with Evren Ozel Mar 18 & 19: The Jersey Tenors Mar 22 & 23: Commotion - A Tribute to the Music of Creedance Clearwater Revival Mar 25: Henhouse Prowlers Apr 1: National Geographic Live - Cosmic Adventures with Tracy Drain

VENICE ART CENTER 390 Nokomis Ave. S. •VENICE 941-485-7136

veniceartcenter.com

schedule

VENICE SYMPHONY concerts at

Venice Performing Arts Center 1 IndianAve, bldg 5 • VENICE 941-207-8822

thevenicesymphony.org

The Venice Symphony brings world-class orchestral music to Southwest Florida! With passionate musicians, inspiring performances, and a diverse repertoire spanning classical

masterpieces to beloved contemporary works, the symphony creates unforgettable experiences that connect audiences through the power and emotion of live music. schedule

Oct 9 & 10: A Ghoulish Gathering Nov 14: The New Voice of the Great American Songbook Nov 20 & 21: Strauss ands Surprises! Dec 18-20: A Holiday Celebration Jan 8 & 9: Mancini and the Movie Masters Jan 17: Soundscapes - From Dawn to Dusk (Venice Community Center) Jan 23: Wayne Bergeron - Plays Well with Others Feb 5 & 6: Romantic Rendezvous Feb 14: Soundscapes - Sax Appeal (Venice Community Center) Feb 26 & 27: New World Journey - Songs from the Homeland Mar 6: An Afternoon with Veronica Swift & Javier Nero Mar 19 & 20: Heroes & Titans Apr 11: Soundscapes - Once Upon a Wind (Venice Community Center) Apr 23 & 24: Unfamed!

VENICE THEATRE

Venice Art Center’s Concert Series features a variety of talented local bands in a small, intimate venue. Surround yourself with art and music! VIP tickets available. Nov 18: The Will Johns Band: Blues Dec 2: Dave Sayer & Valerie di Lorenzo Dec 17: Art of Blues Band Jan 13: Mike Imbasciani’s Bob Dylan Show Feb 3: The Brown Campbell Blues Band Feb 25: Yaya Diamond & the Dream Chasers Mar 24: Tery Wanvig Apr 7: Bus Stop Band Apr 21: Mike Imbasciani’s Eric Clapton Show

Voices of Naples

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

venicetheatre.org

Since its first production in the 1950s in a borrowed building and no paid staff, Venice Theatre has grown to be the largest community theatre per capita in the U.S., operating with a more than four-million-dollar-budget and a professional staff. Today, it continues to be at the heart of Venice’s community and a place where sensational performances and genuine connections thrive. From highquality productions to meaningful, accessible educational opportunities, Venice Theatre ensures that every visit is not just entertainment, but an exceptional experience. schedule

thru Oct 11: Four Old Broads Oct 9-Nov 1: Blood Relations Oct 30-Nov 22: Freaky Friday Nov 20-Dec 13: August - Osage County Dec 9-22: A Christmas Carol Jan 15-Feb 7: Catfish Moon Jan 22-Feb 7: Blood of the Lamb Feb 19-Mar 14: Kinky Boots Mar 18-21: The Silver Foxes Apr 2-18: Tuck Everlasting advertorial

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

50

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Apr 16-May 9: Come From Away Apr 23-May 16: The Taming of the Shrew May 20-23: Pinky’s Players

VOICES OF NAPLES concerts at various venues

239-293-0645

voicesofnaples.org

Created in 2002, this nonprofit provides an opportunity for singers to learn choral techniques and study choral literature and to present a gift of quality music to the community. All concert revenues are applied to the college scholarship fund available for Lee & Collier high school students who plan to pursue vocal music. schedule

Nov 15: Generations of Song featuring Voices of Naples & North Fort Myers High School chorus (First Presbyterian Church of Naples) Dec 7: Christmas Traditions (Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Naples) Dec 10: Christmas Traditions (Grace Lutheran Church, Naples) Feb 14: Seasons of Love (Grace Lutheran Church, Naples) Mar 7: Singing for Scholarships (First Presbyterian Church of Naples)

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

1012 N. Orange Ave. • SARASOTA 941-366-1505 westcoastblacktheatre.org The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists, and builds confidence in youth of color. schedule

Oct 14-Nov 22: Sophisticated Ladies Nov 13: Fall Gala: November 13 (The Ora, Sarasota) Dec 2-Jan 3: A Motown Christmas Jan 13-Feb 21: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Jan 17: Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sarasota Opera House) Mar 3-Apr 11: BeeHive - The 60s Musical Apr 9: April Fête (The Ora, Sarasota) Apr 21-May 30: Stevie - A Stevie Wonder Revue Jun TBD: Juneteenth Arts Festival

F t . M yers magazine

51

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

52

Ft . Mye rs magazine

OCT

1

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1756 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530. •Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657. •The Mammals: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Vinny G: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901.

FRIDAY

2

•Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050. •Art Reception: DAAS Co-op Gallery, Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30-9p. Free. 590-8645. •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. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •Ashley McBryde: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: The Case of the Crow Murder. GibsonHouse Mystery Performers, Interactive dinner theatre, dinner & show. Two Meatballs in the Kitchen, 9010 Bellaire Bay Dr, Naples. 6:30p. 867-6098. •The Barker Project + Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave W, Bradenton. 7:30p. 941260-8485. •Vinny G: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901.

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

3

•Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787. •Beach & Estuary Walk: Guided 1-hour walk. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. register. 463-4588. •FC Naples vs New York Cosmos: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335. •Film: The Fat Spy. The worst movie ever made in Cape Coral. Cape Coral Historical Museum, 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7:30p. 772-7037. •Los Tigres Del Mundo: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825. •Love Flamenco: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 4 & 7p. 2771700. •Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. Free. 612-327-3835. •One Night in Memphis: Tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Sarasota Orchestra: Family concert. Sarasota Opera House. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434.

Parker Barrow performs November 6 at Buckingham Blues Bar in Fort Myers. •Stormy Daniels: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •The Barker Project + Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave W, Bradenton. 2 & 7:30p. 941260-8485. •Vinny G: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

SUNDAY

4

•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •FGCU Chamber & University Choirs with Bel Canto & Cantabile: Concert. Naples United Church, 5200 Crayton Rd, Naples. 3p. Free. 745-4268.

MONDAY

5

•Carl Fischer & the Sunshine Brass Band: Jazz concert. Jazz Club of Sarasota, John Court Cabaret, 1265 1 t St, Sarasota. 8p. 941-260-9951. •ensembleNewSRQ: Roomful of Teeth. Classical concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org. •Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p, talk after film. 810-6323. •Meet & Greet: Artist Micah Goguen. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1756 Tamiami Tr S, Naples. Wed-Sun 5-7p. Free. 436-3530.

TUESDAY

6

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

•Beach Walk: 1 hour guided walk. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 10a. 395-2233. •Gov’t Mule & Ziggy Marley: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 4814849.

WEDNESDAY

7

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, 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. •FC Naples vs Richmond Kickers: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335.

THURSDAY

8

•Art Reception: A Celebration of Artists Beyond FGCU. Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199. •Art Reception: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-7p. Free. 941-3652032. •Cabaret: Musical. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Cabaret: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-4268. •Danny Sinoff & the Stardust Memories Big Band: Big band jazz concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Eddie 9V: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 6-10p. 693-7111. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Pre-season game. Minor league ice hockey. Germain

F t . M yers magazine

53

What Goes On

THURSDAY

Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Insider Broadway: Julie Carver & Doug LeBreque concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Pumpkins of Devil’s Garden: Family-friendly exhibition opening reception, movie night. Seminole Tribe of Florida. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 9a-5p, movie 5p. 863-902-1113.

9

•A Ghoulish Gathering: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658. •Art Reception: Cape Coral Art Center, Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 5-7p. Free. 574-0802. •Cabaret: Musical. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Cabaret: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 590-4268. •Chris Beard: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Pre-season game. Minor league ice hockey. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Orchid Show: Free plant sale, workshops. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 334-7419. •Sarasota Orchestra: Family concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434 •Shell Walk: Guided 1.5-hour walk. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a. register. 463-4588. •The Lee Boys w Roosevelt Collier: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

SATURDAY

10

•A Ghoulish Gathering: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30p. 941-218-0658. •Arts & Crafts Market: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 19a-2p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Bark in the Park: Dogs allowed in gardens. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden, 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda. 4-6p. 941-6218299. •Big Cypress Celebration: Familyfriendly hikes, exhibitions, speakers, activities, live music, food trick. Burns Lake Campground, Big Cypress Nat’l Preserve, 18495 Burns Rd, Ochopee. 9a-3p. 305-665-4769. •Boo at the Zoo: Trick-or-treating, costume contest. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples. 9a-4:30p. Kids in costume free. 262-5409. •Cabaret: Musical. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 888-966-3352. •Cabaret: Theater. FGCU

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

What Goes On TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 590-4268. •Don Soleda Trio: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Hallowbout: Fort Myers Roller Derby vs Orlando. Entertainment, costume contest, vendors. Ft Myers Skatium, 2250 Bwy, Ft Myers. 6p. 482-7789. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •KeyChorale: A Mass for Peace concert. Holley Hall, 709 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 4p. 941552-8768. •MemphisLightning: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Music in the Garden: Havy Rodriguez & The Miami Splash. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 6437275. •Orchid Show: Free plant sale, workshops. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops. register. 9a-4p. 334-7419. •Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza: Pumpkin picking. Immokalee Pioneer Museum, 1215 Roberts Ave, Immokalee. 10a-1p. Free. 252-2611. •Reggae Night: Nostalgia. The Cove, Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 6-9. Free. 252-4386. •Rock the Stage Semi-Finals Showcase - Singers & Songwriters: Music competition concert fundraiser. Nauti Parrot Oasis, 17200 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 5-9p. 887-1428. •Rocktober Fest: Music, kids activities & games, German food, beer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 6-9p. Free. 252-4386. •Star Newman: Comedy, magic, mentalist. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 3p. 941-475-6756. •The Swamp Blues Band: Concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Tribute to Adele: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Tribute to The Beatles: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 4:30p. 277-1700. •Ty Myers: Country music concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825.

SUNDAY

11

•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Boz Scaggs: Rock concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368. •Cabaret: Musical. Presented by TheatreZone. G&L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 2p. 888-966-3352. •Cabaret: Theater. FGCU TheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 2p. 590-4268. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER •Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. Free. 612-327-3835. •Orchid Show: Free plant sale, workshops. register. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Free plant sale, workshops register. 9a-4p. 3347419.

TUESDY

13

•An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to Emily Dickinson: Performance. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 6p. 941-366-5731. •Art Reception: Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30-7p. Free. 394-4221. •Art Reception: North Fort Myers Art Assoc. Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 2-3:30p. Free. 772-1333. •Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Murder at the KO Corral. GibsonHouse Mystery Performers, Interactive dinner theatre, dinner & show. Millennial Brewery, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Ft Myers. 6p. 867-6098.

WEDNESDAY

14

•All That Jazz - Lucy Wijnands: Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 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. •Sarasota Orchestra: Planes, Trains & Automobiles concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY

15

•Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Murder in Vegas. GibsonHouse Mystery Performers, Interactive dinner theatre, dinner & show. Fresh Catch Inland, 7991 Plaza del Lago Dr, Estero. 6:30p. 867-6098. •Rhinstone Cowgirls: Ladies of country music concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2 & 7p. 2771700. •Sarasota Orchestra: Planes, Trains & Automobiles concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Zach Bartholomew: Music of Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY

16

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659. •Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Arynne Wexler: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Coldplay & Imagine Dragons: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 2771700. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Jose Pepito Gomez & La Royal Orquestra: Latin music concert. Ringling Museum of Art courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Leslie Mendelson: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469.

•Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: A Victorian Murder. GibsonHouse Mystery Performers, Interactive dinner theatre, dinner & show. The Gilded Grape, 3796 Tamiami Tr, Port Charlotte. 6p. 867-6098. •Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •Queen vs ABBA: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6p. 277-1700. •Sarasota Orchestra: Planes, Trains & Automobiles concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Thunderbeard: ZZ Top tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989.

SATURDAY

17

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659. •Arynne Wexler: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Backyard Bluesfest: Big Al & The Heavyweights, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-8p. 693-7111. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Speaker. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org. •Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra Fall Concert: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 1p. Free. 277-1700.

Sam Morrow performs November 7 at Fogartyville Media & Arts Center in Sarasota and Novembetr 15 at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.

•Art Reception: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 5:30-7p. Free. 530-5977 •Art Reception: Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. 5-7p. Free. 941-639-8810. •Audubon of SWFL Meeting: The Collaboratory,10868 Metro Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6p. Free. 410-6971. •Ella & The Bossa Beat: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7p. Free. 745-4268. •Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance: Orchid club meeting, speaker. Naples Conference Center, 1455 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 6:30-8:30p. Free. 269-6389. •Irish Jam Night: Irish music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers.6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •Lecture: Bo Gator & the Story of the Storters. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Luke McMaster: Concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 4155667.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

54

Ft . Mye rs magazine

•Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •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. •Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. Fr612-327-3835. •Quinn Sullivan: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Rock the Stage Semi-Finals Showcase - Bands: Music competition concert fundraiser. Mango Rita’s Rhythm House, 16440 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 5-9p. 887-1428. •Ryan Biter: Americana concert, Andy Getch opens. St. John Church, 3049 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Sarasota Contemporary Dance: History in Motion - The Life of Lucille ‘Sweets’ Preston. Dance. SCDE studio, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. 3 & 7p. 941-2608485. •Sarasota Orchestra: Planes, Trains & Automobiles concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Take 6 Jazz Group: Jazz concert. The Venue@LEC, 3650 17th St, Sarasota. 8p. 941-260-9951. •The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Film screening & 13 Nights of Stage Fright - Curtain Call Carnage Preview Party. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Screening 5p, party 6-10p. 939-2787. •Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

SUNDAY

18

•Art from the Attic: Art sale. Tower Gallery, 751 Tarpon Bay Rd. 10a4p. Free. 579-0659. •Beethoven & Fanny Mendelssohn: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •FGCU Symphony Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 7454268. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Luminaria concert. St Hilary’s Episcopal Church, 5011 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers, 4p. 288-2535. •Free Fallin’: The Tom Petty Concert Experience concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Groovin’ in the Gardens: Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota Jazz Combo concert. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton. 3p. 941-926-7677. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Press - Play: Gulf Coast Symphony Halloween family concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 1p. 277-1700. •Readers Theater: Healing

What Goes On Voices. Naples Players. Glass Theatre, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 8p. 263-7990. •Sarasota Contemporary Dance: History in Motion - The Life of Lucille ‘Sweets’ Preston. Dance. SCDE studio. 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. 3p. 941-260-8485. •Sunset Concert: Hermitage Artist Retreat concert w Madeline Benson, Chris Peters, Matiss Cudars. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 5:30p. register. 941-366-5731.

MONDAY

19

•Rebecca Richardson: Jazz concert. Jazz Club of Sarasota, John Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota. 8p. 941-260-9951.

TUESDAY

20

•Art in the Wild Day: Celebrate ‘Ding’ Darling’s 50th birthday. Art demos & workshops, meet duck stamp artists, nature journal hike, crafts, nature journal hike, live music, yoga, puppet show, Duck Stamp art exhibition. Free, Preregister. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100. •Betthoven & Fanny Mendelssohn: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Jodie DeSalvo: Concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Miami City Ballet: Dance w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6:30p. 597-1900. •Rick Berthod Band: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

WEDNESDAY

21

• Stage Fright Night: Less Scare, More Care. Family event, haunted house, campfire storytelling arts & crafts, scavenger hunt, costume parade. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. 939-2787. •Anger Management in SWFL: Stage reading. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •Art in the Wild Day: Celebrate ‘Ding’ Darling’s 50th birthday. Art demos & workshops, plein-air artists Paint Out, nature journal hike, crafts, nature journal hike, live music, yoga, puppet show, Duck Stamp art exhibition. Free, Pre-register. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100. •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. •Film & Discussion: Possible Selves. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 2p. free, rsvp 263-9200. •The Doobie Brothers: Rock concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825.

THURSDAY

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Art demos & workshops, plein-air artists Paint Out, nature journal hike, crafts, nature journal hike, live music, yoga, puppet show, Duck Stamp art exhibition. Free, Pre-register. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. 9a-4p. Free. 472-1100. •Beach Walk: 1 hour guided walk. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. 10a. 395-2233. •Everton Azevedo: Concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 784-1186. •FGCU Wind Chamber Choirs: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Jazz at the MACC - Music of Chick Corea: Gulf Coast Collective concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Jeff Dye: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •RC Smith: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •Stage Fright Night: Game Over. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787. •The Four Freshmen: Concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Wicked Walk: Haunted interactive theatrical experience, art installations music, dance, etc. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Tours 6-9p. 333-1933.

FRIDAY

23

•Boo-tanical Evening: Halloween activities, games, animals. Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 5:30-8:30p. 992-2591. •Comedy for a Cause: Comedy fundraiser. Twisted Fork, 2208 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte. 5:30p. 941-255-1022. •Fall Blooms at Sunset: 2-hour guided wildflower walk. CREW Cypress Dome Trails, 3980

Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 5p. register. 657-2253. •Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Halloween Train Crafts: Familyfriendly spooky crafts. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 262-6525. •Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics: Candlelight concert w Gulf Coast Symphony members. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8:30p. 277-1700. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Jeff Dye: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Sarasota Orchestra: Star Wars - Return of the Jedi. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Shorebird Stroll: With park ranger. Lovers Key State Park Discovery Center, 8700 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 9a. Free, register. 463-4588. •Stage Fright Night: Scary Stories. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787. •Wicked Walk: Haunted interactive theatrical experience, art installations music, dance, etc. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Tours 6-9p. 333-1933.

SATURDAY

24

•Art Royale: Art competition. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 5-8p. 941-365-2032. •Backyard Bluesfest: John ‘Boogie’ Long, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111. •Bayside Bash: United Arts Collier’ 46th anniversary fundraiser

honoring Joan Sonnenberg. Reception, live music, interactive art, auctions. Club at Kalea Bay, 13910 Old Coast Rd, Naples, 5p. rsvp. 254-8242. •Cake: Concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 314-3723. •FC Naples vs Spokane Velocity FC: USL soccer. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 7p. 933-5335. •Florida Everblades vs Atlanta Gladiators: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Halloween Train Crafts: Familyfriendly spooky crafts. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 262-6525. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Jeff Dye: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Jess Klein: Americana concert, Bill Burkett opens. St. John Church, 3049 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Lord of the Rings: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8p. 277-1700. •Quilt Show: SWFL Quilters Guild outdoor show. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 10a-2p. 334-7419. •Sarasota Orchestra: Star Wars - Return of the Jedi. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Southern Steel: Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Stage Fright Night: Zombie Night. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787. •Swamp Wander: Guided swamp walk thru Big Cypress Preserve. Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Tr, MM 54, Ochopee. 10a-5p. Free, fee for Swamp Walks. register. 695-2428. •Tania Vergara Dance-Theater: Echoes of My Barrio. Dance.

Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers perform at Rockabiilaque, November 14 at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Studio, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. 3 & 7p. 941-260-8485. •The Sound of Success: Bower School anniversary celebration. Performances & stories. Music Bldg, rm 203, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 7454268.

SUNDAY

25

•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Coyote Island: Americana band. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St, Ft Myers. 8p. Free. 270-5941. •Danae Franco: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Florida Philharmonic: Masquerade - Symphony of Shadows concert. Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor. Xp. 941-5296094. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Ismail Akmuradov & Michael Baron: Nisita Concert Series. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268. •Martin Moreno: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Selby Spooktacular: Arts & crafts, trick-or-treating, storytelling. Marie Selby Botanical Garden, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 6p. 941366-5731. •The Curtain Riser: Sarasota Opera performances & fine dining. Michael’s On East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota. 6p. rsvp. 941-328-1300.

WEDNESDAY

28

•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. •Film & Discussion: Black & Jewish America. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, #108, Naples. 2p. free, rsvp 263-9200. •Leila Ka - Maldone: Dance performance. Ringling Museum of Art courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Stage Fright Night: Bare Bones. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787.

THURSDAY

29

•Dale Elliot Jr: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Halloween Ghost Train: Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487. •Kylie Morgan: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Leila Ka - Maldone: Dance performance. Ringling Museum of Art courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Lunch in the Gardens: Guest

22

•Art in the Wild Day Celebrate ‘Ding’ Darling’s 50th birthday.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

56

Ft . Mye rs magazine

What Goes On Christian Sampson. Luncheon & conversation, book signing. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. 11a. rsvp. 941-366-5731. •Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Beethoven & Brahmns. Classical music. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Sarasota Orchestra: Adagio for Strings concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Sarasota. 5:30p. 941-953-3434. •Sarasota Orchestra: Mozart & Dvorak concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434. •Stage Fright Night: Freak Art After Dark. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787.

FRIDAY

30

•Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0900. •Don McMillan: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Halloween Ghost Train: Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487. •Halloween Train Crafts: Familyfriendly spooky crafts. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 262-6525. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Hocus Pocus Pops: Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota concert. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 6p. 941926-7677. •Horror Movies: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6 & 8p. 277-1700. •Improv Comedy Arts Show: Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Leila Ka - Maldone: Dance performance. Ringling Museum of Art courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Beethoven & Brahmns. Classical music. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Stage Fright Night: Full Screen Ahead. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787.

SATURDAY

31

•Backyard Bluesfest: jack Shealy Band, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111. •Bower Boo Bash: FGCU student & public Halloween party. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 1-4p. Free. 590-4268. •Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Live music, dance performances, special displays, arts & crafts, food. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a7p. 643-7275. •Don McMillan: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER •Fall Fest: Music, kids activities & games, costume parades, trunk-ortreat, food. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 1-4p. Free. 252-4386. •Fall Festival: Live music, educational activities, games, crafts, face painting, Banyan Tree climb. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 9a-4p. 334-7419. •FGCU Vocal Area Halloween Concert: U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 7454268. •Gavin Adcock: Country rock concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825. •Hairball: Rock concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 6p. 314-3723. •Halloween Ghost Train: Dinner, show & costume contest. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 275-8487. •Halloween Train Crafts: Familyfriendly spooky crafts. Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. 10a-2p. Free. 262-6525. •Haunted Walk: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. 7:30-10:30p. 275-3435. •Retro Rooftop Halloween Party: Live music, open bar, hors d’oeuvres. Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 8p-12a. 333-1933. •Sarasota Fine Art & Craft Show: Outdoor art fair. JD Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota. Free. 10a-5p. 941-755-3088. •Stage Fright Night: Boos & Booze. Haunted house. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7-9p. 939-2787. •We’re Doomed: Florida Studio Theatre comedy improv. Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-366-9000.

NOV SUNDAY

1

•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 6937111. •Dia de los Muertos Celebration: Live music, dance performances, special displays, arts & crafts, food. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 10a4p. 643-7275. •Don McMillan: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Naples Concert Band: Free outdoor concert - Italian masterpieces & American pride. Cambier Park bandshell, Park St, downtown Naples. 2-4p. 270-1221. •Nash Ryder & Michael Baron: Nisita Concert Series. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268. •Rock the Stage Fest Finals: Music competition concert fundraiser. Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St, Ft Myers. 3-8p. 887-1428. •Sarasota Fine Art & Craft Show: Outdoor art fair. JD Hamel Park,

St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble perform November 17, at Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota. Free. 10a-5p. 941-755-3088. •Son Plays Dumky: Yeol Eum Son w Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Very Merry Jerry Day: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469.

MONDAY

2

•ensembleNewSRQ: When Words Fail. Classical concert. First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave, Sarasota. 7:30p. ensrq.org. •Indie Film Screening & Discussion: Hosted by Fort Myers Film Festival. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. Cocktails 6:30p, film 7p, talk after film. 810-6323. •Key Chorale: Perfect Pitch luncheon fundraiser. Ora Ballroom, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota. 11:30a. rsvp. 941-552-8768.

TUESDAY

3

•Art Reception: Harbour View Gallery, 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. 6-8p. Free. 540-5789. •Funny Old Broads: Comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY

4

•Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero. 5-7p. Free. 949-3073. •Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar,

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

58

5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Guided Walk: CREW Cypress Dome Trails, 3980 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 9-11:30a. register. 657-2253. •Ikebana Meeting: Demo & workshop. Naples Botanical Garden, Buehler Auditorium, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 9:30a-12p. Free. •Kate Liu: Grand Piano Series concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7p. 469-333-3231. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Revive – Trash to Fashion: ‘Ding’ Darling Refuge fundraiser luncheon & runway show. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 11:30a2p. rsvp. 472-1100.

THURSDAY

5

•Art Reception: Wine & cheese. Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Blvd, Cape Coral. 5-6:30p. Free. 772-5657. •Inside Broadway: Julie Carver & Broadway Bradshaws concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 2771700. •Joe Crookston: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Omgitswicks & Friends: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Sanibel Island Writers Conference: Workshops, panels, readings, networking, speaker Tara Westovert 6p free. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop, Sanibel. 8a-8p, events -8p free. 590-7421.

Ft . Mye rs magazine

FRIDAY

6

•American Indigenous Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, alligator wrestling, kids’ activities, fashion show, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-902-1113. •Art Reception: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 939-2787. •Art Reception: Arts for ACT Gallery, 2265 1st St, Ft Myers. 6-9p. Free. 337-5050. •Art Reception: 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. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •Audtions: For ‘night Mother. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-9pp. 939-2787. •Christone Kingfish Ingram: Blues concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Frontiers: Journey tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Hiroya Tsukamoto: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Laurel Canyon Band: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Omgitswicks & Friends: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Parker Barrow: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •Sanibel Island Writers Conference: Workshops, panels,

What Goes On readings, networking, Tift Meritt concert. 6p free. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop, Sanibel. 9a-8p, Free concert 6p. 590-7421. •Via Nova Chorale: Concert. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. 7p. 941-263-2086.

SATURDAY

7

•American Indigenous Arts Celebration: Arts, crafts, music & dance performances, wildlife presentations, alligator wrestling, kids’ activities, fashion show, food. Seminole Tribe of Florida. AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston. 10a-5p. 863-902-1113. •Backyard Bluesfest: Selwyn Birchwood, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111. •Battle of the Arts: Teams of artists create mini-murals live. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Competition 10a-6p, results celebration 6:30p. Free. 590-7199. •Collin O’Connor Sings Bobby Darin: Concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2 & 7p. 277-1700. •Comedy Night: Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •Guided Forest Bathing Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 2 hr walk. 9:30a. register. 530-5972. •Holiday Drag Queen Bingo: Show & games. Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 2 & 7:30p. 941-255-1022. •Jimmy Keys: Musical comedy. Wang Opera Center, 2408 Linwood Ave, Naples. 7p. 963-9050. •Mark Twain Tells All: One-man show. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 3p. 941475-6756. •Naples Philharmonic Pops: Mandy Gonzalez Sings Broadway. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 2 & 7:30p. 597-1900. •Nude Nocturne: Art exhibitions & demos, live music, burlesque, aerialists, body painting, cocktails. Alliance for the Arts, 10091

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6-10p. rsvp. 939-2787. •Omgitswicks & Friends: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Richard Marxx: Rock concert. Seminole Casino Hotel Seminole Center, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 8p. 800-218-0007. •Sam Morrow Band: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Sanibel Island Writers Conference: Workshops, panels, readings, networking, keynote speaker - Dr. Michael Greger 6p free. BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop, Sanibel. 8a-8p. 590-7421. •Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven & Prokofiev concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-953-3434. •Super Duos: Tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

SUNDAY

8

•Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 6937111. •Bonita Springs Concert Band: Concert. Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero. 4-6:30. Free. 405-3320. •Comedy Fundraiser: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233. •FGCU Jazz Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268. •Firefall: Country rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: In the Midst of Life concert. New Hope Presbyterian Church, 10051 Plantation Rd, Ft Myers. 4p. 288-2535. •Lee County Community Band:

The Barker Project perform November 23, at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center in Sarasota.

The American Journey concert. Mariner High School, 701 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. 3p. Free. 600-9052. •Michelle Malone & Kelly Neff: Americana concert. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 939-2787. •Omgitswicks & Friends: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Queen vs ABBA: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 277-1700. •Sarasota Orchestra: Beethoven & Prokofiev concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 2:30p. 941-953-3434. •The Strangeways: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469.

MONDAY

9

•Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Military Heritage Museum, 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. 7:30p. 3501520. •James Suggs Quartet: Jazz concert. Jazz Club of Sarasota, John Court Cabaret, 1265 1 t St, Sarasota. 8p. 941-260-9951. •Peruvian Alumni Concert: Music Bldg, rm 203, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4442.

TUESDAY

10

•David De Pierro: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •FGCU Chamber Strings: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 350-1520. •Mark Sanders: Salute to Veterans concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989. •Naples Philharmonic: Evening of Overtures concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900.

WEDNESDAY

11

•All That Jazz - John Fedchock: Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 6 & 8:30p. 597-1900. •Art Reception: Live music, wine, hors d’oevres. Coco Art Gallery, Coastland Center, 1756 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. •David De Pierro: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 7p. 389-6901. •Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 350-1520. •Guided Walk: CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, 15970 Bonita Beach

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

60

Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 9-11:30a. register. 657-2253. •Il Volo: Concert. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 8p. 948-7825. •Neil Berg’s The ‘60s: Tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Sierra Club Calusa Group Meeting: Tice Fire Station, 9351 Workmen Way, Ft Myers. 6-8p. Free. 218-1354.

THURSDAY

12

•Art Reception: Gallery 101, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199. •Daniela Soeldae & Nate Najar Girl from Ipanema: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Duke Tumatoe: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111. •FGCU Wind Chamber Ensemble: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Sanibel Congregational United Church, 2050 Perwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7:30p. 350-1520. •Gulf Coast Collective: Orleans Jazz concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700. •Leslie Cartaya: Concert. Marco Island Center for the Arts, 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island. 5:30p. 784-1186. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Sabbath: Black Sabbath tribute band. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •The Neil Diamond Experience: Tribute concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Velvet Curtain: Stage reading. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY

13

•’Twas the Night Before: Cirque du Soleil. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849. •Art Reception: Sugden Resort & Hospitality Bldg, rm 115, FGCU campus, Ft Myers. 12p. Free. 590-7199. •Art Reception: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 5-7p. Free. 941-485-7136. •Back Yard Bash: Parents & children compete in backyard games, live music, food trucks. Fundraiser. Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. 6p. 514-0084 •Bryan Callen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •Fall Gala: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe fundraiser. The Ora, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota. 6p. rsvp. 941-366-1505. •FGCU Percussion Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. 745-4268. •Florida Everblades vs South

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. 7:30p. 350-1520. •George Heers: Jazz concert. Ringling Museum of Art courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. 7:30p. 941-359-5700. •Here Come The Mummies: Funk rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Moonlight & Melodies - Into the Enchanted Forest with Hansel and Gretel: Sarasota Opera concert. Sarasota Opera House courtyard, 61 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 6:30p. Reserve. 941328-1300. •The Neil Diamond Experience: Tribute concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Zach Bartholomew: The Art of the Trio jazz concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

SATURDAY

14

•’Twas the Night Before: Cirque du Soleil. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 1 & 4p. 481-4849. •A Tale of Two: Americana concert, North of November opens. St. John Church, 3049 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •Art Reception: BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. 5-7p. Free. 395-0900. •Backyard Bluesfest: Duke Tumatoe, RB Stone, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111. •Born in the USA: Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota concert w Alex Shillo. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 2p. 941-926-7677. •Bryan Callen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Classic Car Show: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 9a-2p. 5305977. •David Foster & Katherine McPhee: Pop concert. Van Wezel Hall, 777 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 7p. 941-953-3368. •FGCU Piano Ensembles: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 745-4268. •Florida Everblades vs South Carolina Stingrays: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Fort Myers Philharmonic: A Soldier’s Tale concert. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 350-1520. •Given to Fly: Pearl Jam tribute concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 4958989. •Haydn & Mozart: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 2 & 7:30p. 2771700. •Ian Maksin - Songs of the Vegabond Cello: Concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Key Chorale: Radiance - A

F t . M yers magazine

61

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

What Goes On

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Solar Bears: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Guided Walk: CREW Marsh Trails, 4680 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. 9-11:30a. register. 657-2253. •The Will Johns Band: Blues concert. Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 7p. 941485-7136. •Uptown – A Celebration of Motown & Soul: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 277-1700.

THURSDAY

Tower Gallery on Sanibel is hosting Art From the Attic art sale, October 16-18. Candlelit choral concert. Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton. 7p. 941-5528768. •Madama Butterfly: Gulfshore Opera concert w Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 58333 Pelican Bay Blvd. Naples. 7p. 529-3925. •Music in the Garden: Band tba. Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples. 2-4p. 6437275. •Naples Jazzmasters: Free concert. Norris Center, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. 1-3p. 612-327-3835. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Paisley Craze: 60s tribute concert. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756. •Rockabillaque Florida: Free concert – Shannon & The Clams, Les Green & The Swayzees, Royal Crown Revue, Deke Dickseron & The Whippersnappers, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, CM Wolf & The Backbones, The Centuries, Skinny McGee & The Handshakes, more; car & motorcycle show, food trucks. Seminole Casino Hotel Zig Zag Lounge, 506 S 1st St, Immokalee. 6-11p. Free. 800218-0007. •Show Troupe Cabaret: Fundraiser. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •The New Voice of the Great American Songbook: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30p. 941-218-0658. •The Wandering Hours & Morgan Blake: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469.

SUNDAY

15

•A Tale of Two: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media &

Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Beethoven’s Septet: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 6937111. •Born in the USA: Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota concert w Alex Shillo. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. 2p. 941-926-7677. •Bryan Callen: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Dare to Dream Jr: Theatre. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 7p. 772-5862. •Naples Big Band: Outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 755 Park St S, Naples. 2-4p. Free. 777-0416. •Readers Theatre: Odds, Ends & Other Stories. One-act play reading. The Naples Players. Glass Theatre, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 7:30p. 263-7990. •Sam Morrow: Country rock concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 4958989. •Sam Robbins: Americana concert, Bill Saltzman opens. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. 939-2787. •Sam Robbins: Americana concert. Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 3p. Free. 939-2787. •Sarasota Orchestra: In the Mix concert. Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Sarasota. 5:30p. 941953-3434. •SixtiesMania: Tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3p. 941-218-0658. •Voices of Naples: Generations of Song concert w N Ft Myers High School chorus. First Presbyterian Church, 250 6th St S, Naples. 4p. 455-2582.

16

MONDAY

•Born in the USA: Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota concert w Alex Shillo. Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St W, Bradenton. 6:30p. 941-926-7677. •David Foster & Katherine McPhee: Pop Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •FGCU Symphonic Band: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Guided Birding Walk: Fall migration. CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails, 15970 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs. 8-11a. register. 657-2253.

TUESDAY

17

•A Magical Cirque Christmas: Circus. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Art Reception: TheatreLab, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 5-7p. Free. 590-7199. •Beethoven’s Septet: Naples Philharmonic members concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 3p. 597-1900. •Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111. •St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble: Classical concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667.

WEDNESDAY

18

•Blues Jam: Hosted by Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Dueling Pianos: Concert. Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 333-1933. •Florida Everblades vs Orlando

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

62

19

•Always Olivia: Oliva Newton-John tribute concert. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd & Estero Island Beach Club, 1840 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. Free. 454-7500. •Art Reception: 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. 410-6971. •Cocktails at the Cottage: Exhibition preview fundriser. Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 6p. 941-366-5731. •FGCU Wind Orchestra: Concert. U Tobe Recital Hall, Music Bldg, FGCU, 1051 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Floyd Nation: Pink Floyd Tribute concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 481-4849. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Over the Moon concert. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 6:30p. 288-2535. •Grand Piano Series - Narrative Musicales: The Nutcracker Origins w Konstantin Soukhovetski. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 4p. 597-1900. •Irish Jam Night: Irish music. Point Ybel Brewing, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers.6-9p. Free. 603-6535. •Lecture: Buffalo Toger – From Dugouts to Airboats. Museum of the Everglades, 105 W Bwy, Everglades City. 2p. Free. 695-0008. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Solomon Eichner & Amit Peled: Classical concert. Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point, 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 415-5667. •Zach Bartholomew: John Coltrane Centennial Celebration jazz concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

FRIDAY

20

•A Bublé Christmas: Paul Todd Jr & Friends concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 277-1700. •American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd & Estero Island Beach

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Club, 1840 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500. •Corey Kent: Country music concert. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 985-9839. •Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7:30p. 948-7825. •Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-894-6469. •Lindsey Sterling: The Snow waltz concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849. •Music Walk: Live music & dancing at several cafes, clubs & galleries. Downtown Ft Myers’ historic River District. 6-10p. Free. 313-5129. •My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, I’m in Therapy: Steve Soloman comedy. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7:30p. 495-8989. •Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Josefowicz & Rachmaninoff. Classical music. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Pottery Sale: Wasmer Gallery, FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. 10a-5p. Free. 590-7199. •Shelly Belly: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 479-5233. •Strauss and Surprises!: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7:30p. 941-218-0658. •Sunset Concert: Hermitage Artist Retreat concert. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr Osprey. 5:30p. register. 941366-5731. •The Ultimate Vegas Variety Show: Edwards Twins concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989.

SATURDAY

21

•90s Hip-Hop on Strings: Gulf Coast Symphony concert. Music & Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. 8:30p. 2771700. •A Lee Edwards: Americana concert, Bob Williams opens. St. John Church, 3049 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. 7p. 691-4069. •American Sand Sculpting Championship: Contest 10a-3p, award ceremony 4p. Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd & Estero Island Beach Club, 1840 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500. •Backyard Bluesfest: Gabe Sillman, Tommy Lee Cook. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 2-7p. 693-7111. •Bling Thing Show & Sale: Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. 10a-4p. Free. 941-4857136. •Florida Everblades vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: Minor league ice hockey. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero. 7p. 948-7825. •Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers: Intermezzo Memorial Concert. Ft Myers United Church, 8210 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 3p. 288-2535. •Gulf Coast Writers Association Meeting: Speaker. St Hilary’s

F t . M yers magazine

63

OCTOBER -N OVEMBER 2026

What Goes On Episcopal Church, Browning Hall, 5011 McGregor Bvld, Ft Myers. 10a-12p. Free. gulfcoastwriters.org. •Mark Evans: Comedy. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 7:30p. 941-475-6756. •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. •Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Josefowicz & Rachmaninoff. Classical music. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 7:30p. 597-1900. •Nilson Matta & Brazilian Voyage: Jazz concert. The Venue@LEC, 3650 17th St, Sarasota. p. 941260-9951. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Reggae Rhythm & Flow: Nostalgia concert. Paradise Coast Sports Complex. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. 12-4p. Free. 252-4386. •Shelly Belly: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 6 & 9p. 479-5233. •Strauss and Surprises!: Venice Symphony concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 3:30 & 7:30p. 941-2180658. •The Ultimate Vegas Variety Show: Edwards Twins concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 3p. 495-8989.

SUNDAY

22

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Exhibits, demos, contests, live music, kids activities, vendors. Award ceremony 4:30p. Beach behind DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd & Estero Island Beach Club, 1840 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500. •Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon: John Denver tribute concert. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave, bldg. 5, Venice. 7p. 941-218-0658. •Jerron Paxton & Dennis Lichtman: Blues concert. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 7p. 495-8989. •Joyful & Triumphant: FGCU Choirs & Symphony Orchestra concert. Moorings Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. 7:30p. Free. 745-4268. •Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: Free outdoor concert. Cambier Park, 6th Ave S & 8th St S, Naples. 2-4p. 612-327-3835. •The Barker Project: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7p. 481-4849.

MONDAY

23

•American Sand Sculpting Championship: Sand sculpture viewing. Beach behind

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER DiamondHead Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd & Estero Island Beach Club, 1840 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. 10a-5p. 454-7500.

TUESDAY

24

•Moon Walk: Rookery Bay National Research Reserve boardwalk, 300 Tower Rd, Naples. 3 hr walk. 5p. register. 530-5972.

WEDNESDAY

25

•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. •Harry Cassano: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 7-10p. Free. 693-7111. •RC Smith: Snappers Comedy Club, 8595 College Pkwy, Ft Myers. 7:30p. 479-5233.

THURSDAY

26

•Open Studios & Galleries: Naples Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •Thanksgiving Day Feast Murder Mystery Train Dinner & show. Murder Mystery Dinner Train Theater, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 5:30p. 275-8487.

FRIDAY

27

•A Magical Motown Christmas: Holiday concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849. •Eric D’Alessandro: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6:30 & 8:30p. 389-6901. •MemphisLightning: Blues band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 8-11p. 693-7111.

SATURDAY

28

•Ariella & Nicolaas: Americana concert. Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8p. 941-8946469. •Art in the Park: Outdoor art & craft fair. Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, Naples. 10a-4p. Free. 262-6517. •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. •Eric D’Allessando Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6 & 8p. 389-6901. •Florida Philharmonic: Broadway to a Galaxy Far Far Away concert. Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor. 7p. 941529-6094. •Home for the Holidays: All-4-One, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard, Lindsey Webster concert. Calusa Sound Amphitheater, Luminary Hotel, 2101 Edwards Dr, Ft Myers. 7p. 314-3723. •Open Studios & Galleries: Naples

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in Fort Myers, is hosting Haunted Walk, evenings Oct 9-31 Art District Studios & Galleries. Receptions, exhibits, demos. Shirley St & J&C Blvd, Naples. 11a-4p. Free. 249-1977. •The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 481-4849.

SUNDAY

29

•AJ Croce - Croce Plays Croce: Concert. BB Mann Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 8p. 4814849. •Blues Jam: Tommy Lee Cook & the Buckingham Blues Band. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. 3-6p. Musicians welcome. Free. 693-7111. •Eric D’Allesandro: Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, #1100, Naples. 6p. 389-6901. •Key Chorale: Nowell Nowell holiday concert w Sarasota Ballet. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 4p. 941552-8768. •SW-FloridaCon: Comic book & pop culture convention. Celebrities, live entertainment, demos, vendors, cosplay contests, panels, kids’ activities, live wrestling, food. Hilton DoubleTree, Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. 10a-5p. 236-8189.

MONDAY

30

•Len Pierro: Jazz concert - Music of Stan Getzs & Sonny Rollins Jazz Club of Sarasota, John Court Cabaret, 1265 1 t St, Sarasota. 8p. 941-260-9951.

ongoing Theater •9 to 5 - The Musical: Oct 9-Nov 14. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •Ahoy-Hoy: Oct 30-Nov 29. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. 941-321-1397. •Arsenic & Old Lace: Nov 13-15. Royal Palm Players. Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St W,

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

64

Boca Grande. 941-2694. •August - Osage County: Nov 20Dec 13. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941-488-1115. •Bell, Book and Candle: Oct 14-Nov 1. Lemon Bay Playhouse. 96 W Dearborn St, Englewood. 941475-6756. •Blood Relations: Oct 9-Nov 1. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115. •Cabaret: Oct 8-11. FGCU Theatre w TheatrZoneTheatreLab. FGCU Arts Complex, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Ft Myers. 590-4268. •Cabaret: Oct 8-11. TheatreZone, G & L Theatre, Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Rd, Naples. 888-966-3352. •Chameleüns: Oct 2-4. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270. •Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Nov 20-Dec 22. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 GoodletteFrank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529. •Cirque du: Soleil - ‘Twas the Night Before: Nov 13 & 14. BB Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Pkwy, Ft Myers. 481-4849. •Come From Away: Nov 18-Dec 20. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990. •Dear Evan Hansen: Oct 2-11. Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. 495-8989. •Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Nov 20-29. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862. •Deck the Halls: Nov 28-Dec 24. Florida Studio Theatre Children’s Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-3669000. •Dracula: Oct 3-25. Sarasota Players. Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota. 941-365-2494. •Election Day: Oct 2-18. The Studio Players, Joan Jenks Auditorium, Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples. 389-9192. •Forever Everly: Thru Oct 25. Florida Repertory Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488. •Four Old Broads: Thru Oct 11. Venice Theatre, Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115. •Freaky Friday: Oct 30-Nov 22.

Ft . Mye rs magazine

Venice Theatre, Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice. 941488-1115. •Hadestown - Teen Edition: Oct 9-18. Fort Myers Theatre, 16120 San Carlos Blvd, #5, Ft Myers. 323-6570. •Hamilton: Nov 24-29. ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 597-1900. •Hansel and Gretel: Oct 30-Nov 1. Sarasota Opera. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 941-328-1300. •Healing Voices: Oct 18. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990. •Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: Nov 20-Dec 30. Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 278-4422. •Kaddish for the Barrio: Oct 7-11. Sarasota Jewish Theatre. Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-365-2494. •Kimberly Akimbo: Nov 18-Jan 3. Florida Studio Theatre. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •Legacy: Thru Oct 18. Florida Studio Theatre. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941366-9000. •Mean Girls: Oct 2-17. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd, #135, Cape Coral. 323-5533. •Murder on My Mind: Thru Nov 15, 2026. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487. •North Pole Noir: Nov 18-Dec 24, 2026. Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Seminole Gulf Railway, 2805 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 275-8487. •Over the River & Through the Woods: Oct 7-25. The Naples Players. Kizzie Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990. •Packing Up Polly: Nov 5-22. Arts Center Theatre, Marco Island Center for the Arts, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island. 642-7270. •Pinocchio: Thru Oct 18. Florida Studio Theatre Children’s Theatre. Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-9000. •Radium Girls: Oct 16-25. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. 772-5862. •Readers Theater - Odds, Ends & Other Stories: Nov 15. Play reading. The Naples Players’ Readers Theatre. Price Studio Theater, Sugden Theater, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 2p. 263-7990. •Rocket Man: Oct 21-Nov 22. The Naples Players. Price Theater, Sugden Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990. •Rootabaga Country: Nov 7 & 8. Sarasota Youth Opera. 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 941328-1300. •School House Rock Live!: Oct 20-Nov 13, selected matinees. Broadway Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674. •Singin’ in the Rain: Nov 18-Jan 2. Asolo Repertory Theatre, Mertz Theatre, Florida State Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. 941-351-8000. •Sophisticated Ladies: Oct 14Nov 22. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. 941-366-1505. •The Addams Family Musical Jr: Oct 31-Nov 8. Academy of Dramatic Arts. The Naples Players. Glass Educational Theater, Glass Theatre, 701 5th Ave S, Naples. 263-7990. •The Four Old Broads Christmas Extravaganza: Nov 19-Dec 13.

What Goes On Charlotte Players, Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. 941-255-1022. •The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical: Nov 26-Dec 30. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674. •The Nerd: Oct 20-Nov 15. Players Circle Theater, 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. 800-3292. •The Pillowman: Oct 8-25. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481. •The Rivals: Nov 12-29. Theatre Conspiracy. Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave, Ft Myers. 218-0481. •The Shark is Broken: Oct 16-Nov 14. Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd, Ft Myers. 980-5674. •The Star-Spangled Girl: Oct 20-Nov 8. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488. •The World Goes ‘Round: Oct 23-Nov 22. Gulfshore Playhouse. Baker Theatre & Education Center, 100 Goodlette-Frank Rd S, Naples. 261-7529. •Wait Until Dark: Nov 24-Dec 13. Florida Repertory Theatre, Historic Arcade Theatre, 2268 Bay St, Ft Myers. 332-4488.

Art Galleries •Aldo Castillo Gallery: 1634 5th Ave S, Naples. Tue-Sun 11a-7p. 312-375-8887. •Alliance for the Arts: 10091 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Main Gallery— Oct 2-31: Passage; Nov 6-28: That’s Absurd; Members Gallery— Oct 2-31: Marian Fuller; Nov 6-28: Nude Works. Foulds Theater Gallery— Oct 2-31: Time No Time; Nov 6-28: Zan Lombardo. Receptions 1st Fri 5-7p. Tue-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-1p. 939-2787.; Nov 6-28: •Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery: Judith Liegeois Designs, 1199 3rd St, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a5p & Sun 1-5p. Free. 263-1214. •Art Center Sarasota: 707 N Tamiami Tr, Sarasota. Oct 8-Nov 14: Strange Weather, Karina Yanes, St Pete Ceramics, Jorge Blanco. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 12-5p. 941365-2032. •Art Lab: Naples Art District, 1819 J&C Blvd, Naples. Open studios Nov Thu & 2nd Sat 1-5p. 646358-2531. •Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center: 10150 Bonita Beach Rd, Bonita Springs. Hinman Galleryin-the-Round— thru Oct 29: Seasons of Color. Mon-Fri 9a-5p & Sat 9a-2p. 495-8989. •Arts Bonita Visual Arts Center: 26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Main Gallery: Thru Oct 31: Alchemy & Magic. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050. •Arts for ACT Gallery: Oct 2-Nov 2: All Hallows Eve; Nov 6-30: SWFL Craft Guild; Dec 4-28: Stacey Roush. 2265 First St, Ft Myers. Daily 12-8p. 337-5050. •Arts of the Inland Gallery: LaBelle Gallery & Cultural Center, 471 N Lee St, LaBelle. SEP-MAY ThuSun 1-5p. JUN-AUG Closed. 863843-2929 •Baker Museum: Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. Thru Oct 4: Student Photography Institute; thru Nov 1: Stories in Glass & Ceramics; thru Jan 3: Linling Lu; Oct 17-Feb 14: The Surrealist International; Oct 17-Jun 27: Florida Contemporary; thru Jul: Louise Nevelson - Dawn’s Forest; thru Aug: From Conservation to

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Sustainability. Ongoing: There & Here, Chiluly Collection, Outdoor Sculpture Trail. Guided tours TueSat 11a & Sun 1p. Art After Hours: Free last Wed 6-9p - live music, food, drinks. Tue-Sat 10a-4p, Sun 12-4p. 597-1900. •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 Nov 8: Currents; thru Feb 7: Colors & Shapes; Oct 23-Jan 17: Architecture of Human Ties; Oct 23-Jan 17: Marie-Chloe Duval; Nov 13-Dec 13: Naturally Connected. Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat & Sun 9a-1p. 395-0900. •Bob Rauschenberg Gallery: FSW State College, Humanities Hall, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p & Sat 11a-3p. Free. 489-9313. CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS •Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Annex: FSW State College, bldg. J-118, 8099 College Pkwy SW, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 5: Klaus Nomi & Kenny Scharf - Time Splat!. MonSat 10a-4p. 489-9313. •Cape Coral Art Center: Rubicond Park, 4533 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral. Main Gallery— Oct 2-29: The Witching Hour; Nov 6-Dec 17: Places I Remember. Side Gallery– Oct 2-Nov 19: Artists Among Us; Nov 24-Dec 17: Merry & Bright Art Market. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Receptions second Fri of month. 574-0802. •Cape Coral Art League: 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Oct 8-29: Wish You Were Here; Nov 5-26: Art & Emotion. 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 Nov: Celebrating 250 Years. Daily 10a-4:30p. 6952428. •Clyde Butcher’s Venice Gallery & Studio: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice. Tue-Fri 10a-4:30p. 486-0811. •Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Miromar outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd, #88, Estero. Oct 6-31: SWFL Fine Craft Guild; Nov 3-Dec 5: Arts of the Inland. Receptions 1st Wed 5-7p. Tue-Sun 11a-5p. 949-3073. •Coco Art Gallery: Art Council of SWFL gallery. Coastland Center, 1758 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Oct 1-31: ArteViva!; Nov 3-29: Naples Art District. Receptions 2nd Wed 5-7p. Wed-Sun 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. 941-799-6634. •Creative Liberties Artist Studios & Gallery: 901-B Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Open studio: 2nd Sat 11a-3p. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt. 941-799-6634. •Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Academy: 927 N Lime Ave, Sarasota. Thu-Sat 10a-3p, Sun-Wed by appt. 941-799-6634. •DAAS Co-op Art Gallery: Oct 2-Nov1 10051 McGregor Blvd, #104, Ft Myers. Wed-Sun 10a-2p. Receptions 1st Fri 6-10p. 9550422.

The exhibition, The SurrealistsInternational: 50 Years of Dreams is on view October17-February 14 at The Baker Museum at Artis–Naples.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

66

•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 & WedSat 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 11a-8p, Sun 12-5p. 777-3283. •Estero Art League: Estero Park Community Center, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Open paint Mon & Thu 9a-3p. 390-2100. •Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., Ft Myers. Wasmer Gallery–Oct 9-Nov 5: Reflections in Clay; Nov 20-Dec 4: Senior Projects. Gallery 101: Oct 9-30: Road Trip; Nov 12-Jan 21: By Feel - Works from Drawing Workshop. Cohen Student Union & Sugden Hall— thru Oct 31: The Trees Know; Nov 13-Oct 30, 2027: Depth Perception. TheatreLab— Nov 18-20: Design Senior Showcase. Arts Complex Lobby— thru Jul 2027: Between Creation & Concrete. Mon-Fri 10a4p. 590-7199. •Florida Gulf Coast University Wilson Bradshaw Library: 10501 FGCU Blvd S., 3rd fl, Ft Myers. Thru Apr 30: Snapshots of Innovation - The Legacy of Kodak. Mon-Fri 9a-5p. 590-7199. •Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center: 525 Kumquat Cr, Sarasota. Mon & Tue 5-7p & by appt. 941-894-6469. •Fort Myers Beach Art Association & Gallery: Cypress Square, 13451 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru Dec 7: Happy Accidents. Mon-Wed 10a-3p & Thu-Sat 12-6. 463-3909. •Gardner Colby Gallery: 386 & 365 Broad Ave S, Naples. Mon-Sat 10a-5p. 403-7787. •Grand Illusion Gallery: 2443 First St, Ft Myers. Tue-Sat 10:30a-5:30p, 1st & 3rd Fri 6-10p. 461-7245. •Guess-Fisher Gallery: 985 Central Ave, Naples. Tue-Sat 1-6p. 6592787. •Gulf Coast Gallery: Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. Mon-Sat 11a-4p. 5108712. •Harbour View Gallery: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr, #104, Cape Coral. Thru Oct 4: Cape Coral Mariner High School Art Club; Oct 5-Nov 1: Rachel Holmes, Sharon Tondreau; Nov 2-Dec 29: Kathy Fitzgerald, Allen Kamrad. 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. OCT-MAY Mon-Sat 11a-4p; JUN-SEP by appt. 261-2637. •Hirdie-Girdie Art Gallery: 2490 Library Way, Sanibel. 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. 263-6640. •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. Nov Thu & Sat 1-5p and 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 103p. 276-0448. •Lehigh Acres Art League: River Forest Assoc Clubhouse, 13506 Island Rd, Lehigh Acres. Meet & paint Mon 10a-3p. 815-252-4927. •Lovegrove Gallery & Studio: 1415 Dean St., #102, Ft Myers. Tu-Sun 11a-4p. 938-5655

Ft . Mye rs magazine

•Lovegrove Gallery & Garden: 4637 Pine Island Rd NW., #102 Ft Myers. Daily 11a-6p. 938-5655 •MARA Art Studio & Gallery: 76 S Palm Ave, Sarasota. Wed-Sat 11a-4p, Mon & Tie by appt. 941914-8110. •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—Oct 5-Nov 24: Life Beneath the Ruins. La Petite Galerie—Oct 5-27: Randy Keenan; Nov 2-Dec 1: Vera Ripley. 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 11a-4p. NOV-APR Thu & Sat 11a4p. 249-1977. •Naples Art Institute: 585 Park St, Naples. Oct 10-Jan 24: Rembrandt - Masterpieces in Black & White. 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— Oct 13Jan 5: Sunrise Sunset. Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral. 257-8985. •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. Nov 7-Apr: Elevate. Sat 10a-1p. Dogs welcome Tue. Tue-Sun 9a-4p. 941-621-8299. •Pine Island Art: 4577 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha. 283-4432 •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 Center, 2362 Bradenton Rd)— thru Oct 9: 7 Sorrows; Oct 26-Dec 11: Illuminations - Rob Tarbell. Selby Gallery (Keating Center, 2700 N Tamiami Tr)— Oct 12-30: Illest of Ill - Out of This World; Nov 16-Dec 7: Portraits of Courage. Smith Gallery (Thompson Center, 2363 Bradenton Rd)— Oct-Jun: Best of Ringling. Stulberg Gallery (1188 Dr MLK Jr Way)— thru Oct 2: Faculty show; Nov 13-Dec 11: Ligature XVII. Thompson Gallery (Keating Center, 2700 Bradenton Rd)— thru Dec 11: Nancy Hartman - Dancing Fancies. Gallery days & hours vary. 941-359-7563. •Ringling Museum of Art: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Thru Nov 1: 17th Century Dutch Paintings; thru Nov 15: Andrea Carlson; thru Jan 3: Canvas City - Materials of the Tented Circus; thru Jan 3: The Art of Care Conservation at The Ringling; thru Apr 4: Yoshid Fujio - Secret Gardens; thru Jul 25: Skyway; thru Jan 9, 2028: As Earth is to Sky; Oct 17-May 9: Aquisistions in Photography 2020-2025; ongoing: Ancient Art from Cyprus & the Mediterranean.

What Goes On Circus Museum— ongoing: The Greatest Show on Earth. Bayfront Gardens. Daily 10a-5p, Thu 10a8p. 941-359-5700. •Sanibel Captiva Art League: Exhibits (Sanibel Library)— Thru Nov 2: Faces, Places, Spaces. Meet 3rd Thu 1-3p, Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Monthly meetings at Sanibel Library. 322-8593. •Sarasota Art Museum: Ringling College, 1001 S Tamiami T, Sarasota. Thru Oct 25: Prints of Sol LeWitt, Oct 18-Apr 4: Chie Fueki - Painting the Floating World; Oct 18-Apr 4: Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder; Oct 18-Apr 4: Eszter Sziksz; Nov 15-Apr 25: Precession Through Glass. Mon-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p. 941-309-4300. •Sea Grape Gallery: 113 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Mon-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p. Tue-Fri 10a-5p & Sat 10a-4p. 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. Grand Atrium Gallery— Oct 2-15: Dark Art; Nov 6-24: Sandman’s Wake. Capital Gallery— Oct 2-22: Cervine - Out of Darkness; Nov 6-24: Creatine is a Form of Rebellion. Mon, Tue & Thu 10a-5p, Wed & Fri 10a-10p. 337-1933. •SPAACES Studio: 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota. Oct 9-Nov 14: Bedroom Communities; Nov 20-Dec 19: Inheritance of Place;. Fri & Sat 11a-2p & by appt. 941374-3492. •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. •SWFL Fine Crafts Guild: Oct: tba (COCO Art Gallery, Estero); Nov 4-29: Artful Imaginings (Arts for ACT Gallery, Ft Myers). •Tower Gallery Artist Cooperative: 751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel. Oct 16-18: Art from the Attic. Daily 10a-6p. 579-0659. •Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point: 17281 On Par Blvd, Ft Myers. Thru Oct 16: New Perspectives II - Shell Point employees; Thru Oct 16: Poster Power - 5 Years of Tribby Exhibition Designs; Nov 6-Dec 31: High Five! - Celebrating Tribby’s First 5 Years; Nov 6-Dec 31: Relections; Nov 6-Dec 31: Poets & Painters. Tue-Sat 10a-3p. 415-5667. •Union Artists Studios: Alliance for the Arts campus, 10051 McGregor Blvd, #202, Edwards

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER Bldg, Ft Myers. Sat 10a-2p & by appt. 980-1394. •Venice Art Center: 390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice. Thru Oct 8: I Am Humanity; Oct 16-Nov 5: Fall Members Show; Nov 13-Dec 3: Funky Fresh. Mon-Fri 9a-4p & Sat 9am-1pm. 941-485-7136. •Visual Arts Center: 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda. Thru Oct 1: Elsewhere Exploring; Oct 7-Nov 5: Are You Afraid of the Dark; Oct 7-Nov 5: Visual Arts Center Student show, Nov 24-Jan 7: Art for Everyone under $200; Nov 24-Jan 7: Holiday Hall. Mon, Thu, Fri 9a-4p; Tue & Wed 9a-7p, Sat 10a-4p. 941-639-8810.

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. American Indigenous Arts Celebration: Nov 6 & 7. Daily 9a5p. 877-902-1113. •Architecture Sarasota: McCullough Pavilion, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota. ongoing: Modern Masterpiece Discovered. Mon-Fri 11a-5p. Free. 941-364-2199. •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. 395-2233. •Berne Davis Botanical Garden: 2166 Virginia Ave, Ft Myers. Tue & Thu 10a-1p. 3324942. •Bishop Museum of Science & Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton. Exhibits, manatee habitat, planetarium. Tue-Sat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 941-746-4131. •Burroughs Home & Gardens: 2505 First St, Ft Myers. Tours Tue-Thu 11a-3p. register. 337-9505 •Calusa Heritage Trail: Randall Research Center, 13810 Waterfront Dr, Pineland. Guided tours TueSat 10a; Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 1p. Sunrise-sunset. 283-2062. •Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium: 3450 Ortiz Ave, Ft Myers. Museum, butterfly aviary, walking trails, animal talks, butterfly talks, planetarium shows daily. Butterfly Journey film: Tue & Thu 3p, Sat 11a. Haunted walks:

Naples Botanical Garden is hosting Johnsonville Night Lights, November 27-January 3.

Oct 9-31 Fri-Sun 7:30-10:30p. Guided walks select Tue, Thu, Sat 10a; Full moon night hikes select nites. 8p. Planetarium shows MonSat 12 & 2p & Sun 12, 2, 3:30p. Tue-Sun 10a-4p. 275-3435. •Cape Coral Historical Museum: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral. Museum buildings & gardens. Exhibits: Salute to America. Wed-Fri 11a-4p & Sat 10a-2p. 772-7037. •Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center: Alligator Creek preserve, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, 10941 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Programs, lectures, hikes, butterfly garden sanctuary, MonFri 8a-4p. 941-575-5435. •Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center: Cedar Point, Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Rd, Englewood. Guided walks, lectures, kayaking. Mon-Sat 8a-4p. 941-475-0769. •Children’s Museum of Naples: North Collier Park, 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples. Ongoing: Viva Mexico!. Thu-Tue 10a-4:30p & Wed 10a-1p. 514-0084. •Collier County Museum at Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples. Nov 21-Jan 9: A Cottage Christmas. Mon-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 252-8476. •Conservancy of SWFL: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, off Goodlette Frank Rd. Nature Center, exhibits, kayaking, nature walks, electric boat eco-tours. Guided walks MonSat. register. Tue-Sat 9:30a-4p. Free. 262-0304. •Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: 375 Sanctuary Rd. Visitor center, boardwalk, exhibits, guided walks, swamp walks, night events. Oct 27-Mar 31: Cypress - Mac Stone Photographs. Guided boardwalk tours DEC-MAR 10-11:30a, register. 8a-1p. 348-9151. •CREW: Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Marsh Hiking Trails, 4600 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee. Guided wildlife walks & hospital tours, presentations 11a daily. Trails open daily sunrisesunset. Free. 657-2253. •CROW: Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel. Visitor Education Center, wildlife presentations daily 11a; speakers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. Free. 472-3644. •’Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge: 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Wildlife viewing, education Center. Oct 20-22: Art in the Wild. 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 Tue-Fri 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. Thru Dec 6: The Birds of SWF. Ongoing exhibits: Rebirth & Renewal; Dec 12-Feb 6: Americans. Ongoing: Fanatics - Edison, Mack & Baseball in Fort Myers. Guided homes tours daily; Automotive Tour: Mon 10:30a; Inside homes tour: Tue & Thu 10a (pre-register); Yoga by the River: Wed 10a; Step into History lectures: Tue & Thu 10:30a & 2p.; Piano recitals Wed 1p. Holiday Nights Celebration: thru Jan 4, 5:30-9p. 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. •Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, # 108, Naples.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

68

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. MonSat 10a-5p & Sun 12-5p. 321-7420. •Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch: 1215 Roberts Ave W, Immokalee. Thru Oct 24: SelfDocumented - Community Memory & Lived Experience.; Oct 27-Feb 27: A History of Screwworms and the Florida Cattle Industry. TueSat 9a-4p. Free. 252-2611. •Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Thru Nov 1: Underwater World; Nov 10-Mar 14: Thrift Style. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Free. 642-1440. •Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota. Oct 10-Dec 6: The Orchid Show – Christian Sampson; 10a-5p daily. 941-366-5731. •Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Nov 21-Aug 29: New Feet Within My Garden Go - The Poetry of Emily Dickinson. Oct 1-31: Lights at Spooky Point entry 6:30 & 7:45. 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. •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 Oct 3: American Spirit, American Dream (America 250); Oct 20-Feb 6: Airboats in the Everglades. MonSat 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 Jul 12: Blooming at Work; Jul 11-Oct 25: Stories of Air & Soil. Nov 27-Dec 23, Dec 26-30, Jan 1-3: Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden 6-10p. Birding tours: Tue 8a. Tours daily 10a-1p on hour. Daily 9a-5p, Wed 9a-8p. 643-7275. •Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Ave S, Naples. Thru Dec 23: The Untold Stories of the Mexican Railroad Braceros of World War II. Tue-Sat 9a-4p. Naples Lionel Train Museum inside. Fri & Sat 10a-2p. 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. TueSat 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. •Ostego Bay Foundation Marine Science Center: 718 Fisherman’s Wharf, Ft Myers Beach. By appt. 765-8101. •Palma Sola Botanical Park: 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton. Daily 8am-dusk. Free. 941-761-2866. •Paradise Coast Sports Complex:

Ft . Mye rs magazine

3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Sports facility. Live music Sat nites 5-8p NOV-MAY at The Cove. Free. 252-4386. •Peace River Wildlife Center: Ponce de Leon Park, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda. 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. Daily sunrise-sunset. 283-2062. •Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: 300 Tower Rd, Naples. Exhibits— Thru 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. 4721932. •Sanibel Historical Museum & Village: 950 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel. Guided tours daily 10:30a. WedSun 10a-2p. 472-4648. •Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota. Live animal shows, tours. Daily 10a-4p. 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. 945-0405. •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. 3328778. •Wonder Gardens: 27180 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Botanical gardens, animals, alligator feedings. Guided tours Thu-Mon 1p. Oct 23: Bootanical Evening. 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. 694-0398. •Bailey Homestead Preserve: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Exhibit— thru Dec 5: Sky. Walking tours Mon 2p & Thu 10a. Thru Apr 1: Natives in the Garden exhibit. Tue-Fri 9a-3p. Free. 472-1932. •Bonita Beach Park: 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7444. •Boca Grande Park: 131 1st St, Boca Grande. Dawn-dusk. Free. 839-6008. •Bowditch Point Park: 50 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach. Dawn-dusk. Free. 463-3764. •Bowman’s Beach Park: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel. Dawn-dusk. 533-7575. •Brooks Park: 50 South Rd, Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 3400397. •Buckingham Park: 9800 Buckingham Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 237-9306. •Bunche Beach: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Guided beach walks Wed 9a thru Apr. Dawn-dusk. Free. 707-6794. •Caloosahatchee Park: 18500

What Goes On North River Rd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690. •Cayo Costa State Park: 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak. Camping, boating, bicycling trails. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375. •Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda. Environmental Center, hiking & bicycling trails, guided hikes. 8a-sunset daily. 941-5755816. •Collier-Seminole State Park: US 41, S Naples. Hiking & bicycling trails, boating, camping, boardwalk. 8a-sunset. 394-3397. •Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples. Beach. Hiking trail, paddling, boating, boardwalk, restaurant. 8a-sunset. 597-6196. •Dog Beach: 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, Bonita Springs. Dogs can run free. Dawn-dusk. Free. 229-0632. •Estero Bay Preserve State Park: 4940 Broadway W, Estero. Hiking trails, off-road bicycling trails, boating. 8a-sunset daily. 992-0311. •Estero Park: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd, Estero. Rec Center. 6a-9p. Free. 248-1609. •Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 815 Oyster Bar Ln. Everglades City. 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. Dawn-dusk. Free. 574-0804. •Gasparilla State Park: 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande. 8a-sunset daily. Bicycling & hiking trails, paddling, museum. 8amsunset daily. 941-964-0375. •Harlem Heights Park: 7340 Concourse Dr, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 839-7062. •Hickey Creek Park: 17980 Palm Beach Blvd, Alva. Dawn-dusk. Free. 693-2690. •John Yarbrough Park: 14608 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, F Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 218-1032. •Judd Park: 1297 Parkview Ct, N Ft Myers. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443. •Koreshan State Historic Site State Park: US Hwy 41 & Corkscrew Rd, Estero. Access to Mound Key Archeological State Park. Historic settlement, hiking trials, boating, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily, historic site 8a-5p daily. 992-0311. •Kurt Donaldson Park: 180 Hunter Blvd, Cape Coral. Dawn-dusk. Free. 357-5443. •Lake Manatee State Park: 20007 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, boating. 8a-sunset. 941-741-3028. •Lakes Park: 7330 Gladiolus Dr, Ft Myers. Oct 10-31: Scarecrows in the Park fall festival. 7a-dusk. 533-7575. •Lehigh Acres Park: 1400 W 5th St, Lehigh Acres. Dawn-dusk. Free. 204-1165. •Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park: 213 David Ave, Lehigh Acres. Dawndusk. Free. 204-1165. •Lighthouse Beach Park: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 7a-dusk. 472-0345. •Lovers Key State Park: 8700 Estero Blvd. Ft Myers Beach. Bicycling & hiking trails, boating, paddling. Guided walks select Fri & Sat 10:30a; wildlife lectures Wed 10:30a; sunset meditations Mon 1.5 hrs before sunset; seashell walk 1st Fri 10:30a; wildlife hikes Nov 1st Sat 10:;

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER beach & estuary walk 3rd Fri 10:. 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. •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. •Naples Preserve: Eco-center. 1690 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Free. 261-4290. •North Collier Park: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples. Free. 6524512. •North Fort Myers Park: 2000 N Recreation Park Way, N Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7200 •North Shore Park: 13001 N Cleveland Ave, N Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 357-5443. •Olga Park: 2325 S Olga Dr, Ft Myers. Community Center. Dawndusk. Free. 694-2291. •Oscar Scherer State Park: 1843 S Tamiami Tr, Osprey. Hiking & bicycling trails, paddling, camping. 8a-sunset daily. 941-483-5956. •Phillips Park: 5675 Sesame Dr, Bokeelia. Dawn-dusk. Free. 7711078. •Pinewood Trails Park: 5901 Pine Island Rd NW, Bokeelia. Dawndusk. 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. Dawn-dusk. Free. 340-0397. •San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve: 18201 John Morris Rd, Ft Myers. Free. 765-6794. •Schandler Hall Park: 419 Royal Palm Park Rd, Ft Myers. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7200. •Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: 7791 Penzance Blvd, Ft Myers. Boardwalk, interpretive center open Tue-Sun 10a-4p. Guided boardwalk walks daily 9:30a. Dawn-dusk. Free. 533-7550. •Stump Pass Beach State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd (south end of Manasota Key, Englewood). Hiking, paddling, guided tours. 8a-sunset daily. 941-964-0375. •Three Oaks Park: 18251 Three Oaks Pkwy, Ft Myers. Dawn-9:15p. Free. 478-6998. •Veterans Park: 55 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 369-1521. •Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park: 16730 Bass Rd, Ft Myers. Rec Center. Dawndusk. Free. 533-7468.

Libraries •Bonita Springs: 10560 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4860. •Cape Coral-Lee County: 921 S.W. 39th Ter, Cape Coral. Exhibit— thru Nov 8: Voices & Votes Democracy in America. Mon-Wed 9a-8p. Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4500. •Captiva: 11560 Chapin Ln, Captiva. Mon, Wed, Fri 10a-4p. 533-4890. •Collier County Library Headquarters: 2385 Orange Blossom Dr, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7311. •Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon: 3095

The exhibition, Canvas City: Materials of the Tented Circus is on view thru January 3 at the Ringing Museum of Art in Sarasota.. Blount St, Fort Myers. Tue 12-8p, Wed & Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a5p. 533-4150. •East County: 881 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres. Mon-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4200. •East Naples: 8787 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. •Estates: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd W, Naples. Mon-Thu 10a-6p Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7109. •Everglades City: 102 Copeland Ave N, Everglades City. Mon-Fri 9a-12p & 1-4:30p. 295-2511. •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 8a4p, Sat 10a-4p.489-9220. •Fort Myers: 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Min-Wed 9a-8p, Thu 9a-6p, 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. 533-4000. •Marco Island: 210 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island. Mon-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7064. •Naples: 650 Central Ave, Naples. Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. •North Fort Myers: 2001 N Tamiami Tr, N Ft Myers. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4320. •Northwest: 519 Chiquita Blvd N, Cape Coral. Mon, Wed, Thu 10a-6p, Tue 12-8p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 5334700.

OCTOB ER-NOV EM BER 2026

70

•Pine Island: 10701 Russell Rd, Bokeelia. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 533-4350. •Riverdale: 21471 N River Rd, Ft Myers. Mon-Fri 10a-4p. 533-4370. •Sanibel: 770 Dunlop Rd Sanibel. Mon & Thu 9a-8p; Tue, Wed, Fri 9a-5p; Sat 9a-1p. 472-2483. •South: 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. 533-4780. •Vanderbilt Beach: 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples. Tue-Thu 10a-6p, Fri & Sat 9a-5p. 252-7160.

Live Music & Comedy •Americana Community Music Association Listening Room: All Faiths Unitarian Congregation, 2756 McGregor Blvd, Ft Myers. Select Fri- Sun 7p. 691-4069. •Bay Street Yard: 2136 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music select nites. 270-5941. •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 Wed-Sat nites. Free. 337-7646. •Englewoods On Dearborn: 362 W Dearborn St, Englewood. Live blues bands Thu-Sat nites. 941475-7501. •Fancy’s Southern Café: 2214 Bay St, Ft Myers. Live music select nights. 208-2564. •Fancy’s Southern Café: 8890

Ft . Mye rs magazine

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. •Jazz Club of Sarasota: Jazz Club of Sarasota, John Court Cabaret, 1265 1 t St, Sarasota. 8p. Jazz concerts selected nites. 941-2609951. •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. •Palace Pub & Wine: 1317 Cape Coral Pkwy, Cape Coral. 217-0919. •Point Ybel Brewing Company: 16120 San Carlos Blvd, Ft Myers. 3rd Thu: Irish Jam Night; live music Sat 2-5p & select nites. Free. 603-6535. •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. 4359333. •Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge: 39 Patio de Leon, Ft Myers. Live music select Wed-Sat 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. •The Cove: Paradise Coast Sports Complex outdoor bar. 3940 City Gate Blvd N, Naples. Live Sat & select Fri nites 5-8p. Free. 2524386 •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.