Calendar
Where to Go & What to Do
Improv Cafe (Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 4pm) First Saturdays youth groups perform short- and long-form improv that includes suggestions by the audience. Be involved, whether setting a scene with suggestions or as a player. Moe Auditorium, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
All That Jazz, featuring Martin Taylor, guitar (Jan. 4, 6 and 8:30pm) Martin Taylor has won a record 14 British Jazz Awards and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for Services to Jazz Music by Queen Elizabeth II. Performs with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-5971900, artisnaples.org
Artis-Naples Masterworks Series: Grimaud Plays Brahms (Jan. 5-6, 8pm) Hélène Grimaud is celebrated for her thoughtful and expressive touch on the piano, also for her passion for human rights and wildlife conservation. Naples Philharmonic, conducted by Andrey Boreyko, will accompany her performance of Mendelssohn’s “Overture to Son and Stranger,” R. Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Michael Bolton at Artis-Naples (Jan. 7, 8pm) Michael Bolton started as a rocker, but eventually became one of pop music’s favorite balladeers with a string of hits. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Artis-Naples Visiting Orchestra Series: Minnesota Orchestra (Jan. 8, 7pm) Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra was praised by The New York Times following a performance in Cuba, the first in decades by an American orchestra. Conductor Osmo Vänskä and cellist Alisa Weilerstein lead the orchestra in a program featuring Gejia’s “Aho,” Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 and one of classical music’s greatest pieces for cello, Dvorák’s “Cello Concerto.” Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Artis-Naples Pops Series: Broadway Divas (Jan. 10-14, 8pm; Jan. 14, 2pm) Four of Broadway’s leading ladies join Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic Pops to perform selections from Les Misérables, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Chicago and more. Christina Bianco, Mandy Gonzalez, N’Kenge and Kristen Plumley appear at Hayes Hall, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto Quintet play the music of Harold Arlen (Jan. 14, 8pm) Join Dan Miller and Lew Del Gatto as they celebrate the genius and music of Harold Arlen, one of the 20th century’s great songwriters. His music for Broadway and Hollywood (including scores for The Wizard of Oz) has become an integral part of American history. This memorable band―Dan Miller (trumpet), Lew Del Gatto (tenor saxophone), Joe Delaney (piano), Don Mopsick (bassist) and drummer-vocalist Patricia Dean―performs such favorites as “Over the Rainbow,” “My Shining Hour” and “This Time The Dream’s On Me.” Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Music at the Moe ‘Chill Out’ (Jan. 19, 7:30pm) Concerts that intertwine Chamber Music with New Age, Jazz, Chill Out and Latin Jazz. An array of top international musicians in South Florida join local flautist Luis Sandoval in a display of original music and favored classics. Mandala Chill creates original versions of Universal Pop music in several genres, including Chill Out, Ambient, Jazz and Bossa Nova, combining electronic with acoustic, moving smoothly from one musical genre to another. The group’s unique sound comes from the hands of Latin Grammy nominee producer and award-winning composer Orlando Sandoval, and the unique voice of Italian mezzo soprano Daniela de Mari, who exquisitely blends the delicate air of her voice with the dazzling strength of pop opera. Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Gulfshore Opera presents Robert Cray Band (Feb. 3, 7:30pm) Open ears and an open mind are the essence of singer, guitarist and songwriter Robert Cray’s approach to writing, recording and playing music. There are five Grammys with Cray’s name on them, and he has a suitcase full of W.C. Handy blues awards. Four years ago, Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239389-6901, swflpac.com
Jodie DeSalvo’s Piano Music Series: All Beethoven (Feb. 13, 7pm) Jodie DeSalvo’s beautiful interpretations of the “Appassionata Sonata,” the monumental “Hammerklavier Sonata,” the “Moonlight Sonata” and the always charming “Für Elise.” A graduate of the Hartt and Manhattan schools of music, DeSalvo has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Daniels Pavilion, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Artis-Naples presents: The O’Connor Family Band (Feb. 14, 6 and 8:30pm) Led by one of music’s foremost fiddlers, Mark O’Connor, the O’Connor Family Band plays bluegrass, indie folk and American roots music with original vocal songs, classic covers and sophisticated instrumentals. Daniels Pavilion, Artis--
Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
All That Jazz, featuring George Young, Saxophone (Feb. 15, 6 and 8:30pm) His playing has been featured in The Simpsons, Ghostbusters, When Harry Met Sally and other famed TV series and films. He’s also performed with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and James Brown. Don’t miss this saxophone legend perform with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra. Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
TobyMac’s Hits Deep Tour 2017 (Feb. 17, 6:30pm) TobyMac joins Matt Maher, Mac Powell (of Third Day), Capital Kings, Ryan Stevenson and Hollyn for the 2017 Hits Deep Tour, which promises to be the biggest contemporary Christian event of the year. Brought to you by K-LOVE and Air1 Radio as well as Awakening Events and Food for the
Hungry, this concert is not only a feast for the senses and a spiritual lift, but it helps needy children around the world. Through a partnership with Food for the Hungry, attendees of the 2016 Hits Deep Tour sponsored more than 15,000 children, providing food, a better education, clean water and medical treatment. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-9487825, germainarena.com
The ROCKPACK: Hit After Hit After Hit (Feb. 18, 7pm) Classic rock artists include Brian Howe, former lead singer for Bad Company; Bobby Kimball, original lead singer for Toto; Bill Champlin, original lead singer for Chicago, and Henry Gross, founding member of Sha Na Na. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239948-7825, germainarena.com
Artis-Naples Pops Series: Totally ’80s (Feb. 21-25, 8pm; Feb. 25, 2pm) Hear mega-hits from such icons as Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Lionel Ritchie, Sting, Toto and many more, performed by Nicole Parker and Aaron C. Finley. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Jane Monheit Sings Ella Fitzgerald (Feb. 24, 6 and 8:30pm) Jazz chanteuse Jane Monheit performs beloved classics from her idol, Ella Fitzgerald. Daniels Pavilion, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
ON STAGE
Films for Film Lovers: Title TBA (Mondays, 7pm) Monday nights enjoy the best of foreign and independent films. Film discussion led by the Film Society chairman and a Film Society member. Wine, beer and nonalcoholic
beverage, snacks and popcorn. Moe Auditorium, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road Southeast, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Improv Tonight! (Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 8pm) First Saturdays local groups perform short- and long-form improv that include suggestions by the audience. Wine, beer, sodas and light snacks. Moe Auditorium Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Meet the Composer: Maurice Ravel “The Exotic One” (Jan. 8, 3pm) Join international artist and lecturer, Dr. Anne McLean, first Sundays performing great composer music, fascinating historical insights and visual images of that unique era. Second in the serie: Back to Bach―the Father of Western Music. Did you know that the great composers of the 18th and 19th centuries owe a debt of gratitude to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music? Did you know that Bach’s father died under suspicious circumstances? Did you know that Bach enjoyed a rock star status in his prime? Anne McLean will shed light on the man behind the music, with excerpts of his great music. Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Jimmy Key’s Dinner Show, at the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center (Jan. 9, 6pm) Comedian and musician Jimmy Keys fits the mold for “Special Events Entertainment,” with a high-energy variety show packed with comedy, visual musical impressions and favorite Broadway tunes, wrapped around some of the most exciting piano playing you’ll ever witness. Doors open for dinner at 6pm, and the show begins at 7:30pm. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-3896901, swflpac.com Gulfshore Opera presents A Grand Opera Dinner Opera (Jan. 10, 6pm) This dinner theater-style performance
features five recognized opera artists performing extended scenes from Top 10 operas, in costume and with a chamber orchestra. Local favorite actor John McKerrow introduces and comments from the sidelines. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-389-6901, swflpac.com
Argentine Tango Show (Jan. 13, 8pm) Join internationally renowned performer and instructor Pablo Repun. Born in Buenos Aires, Pablo received extensive tango training with the top masters of Argentine tango, and is known for his utmost concentration on the importance of posture, balance and technique. In addition to his dance partner, Pablo will be joined by two additional couples and a live band for an exceptional performance. Center for Performing Arts, Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Gulfshore Opera presents Comedy Legend Jerry Lewis Live (Jan. 15, 7pm) Jerry Lewis is an American actor, comedian, singer, film producer, film director, screenwriter and humanitarian known for his slapstick humor in film, TV, stage, music and radio. He partnered with Dean Martin in the hit comedy duo of Martin and Lewis, and followed that success with a solo career in movies, nightclubs/concert stage, TV shows and recordings. And he is in Bonita Springs for a one-night performance. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-389-6901, swflpac.com
Gulfshore Opera presents A Taste of Opera (Feb. 2, 6pm) Enjoy dinner while listening to a selection of popular melodies and famous opera scenes performed by professional regional artists. Hideaway Beach Club, 250 South Beach, Marco Island. 239-529-3925, gulfshoreopera.org
Gulfshore Opera presents Speed Dating Tonight! (Feb. 12, 3pm; Feb. 13, 7pm) An immersive, interactive comic opera in one act about ordinary people looking for love in a post-millennial world. This intimate, character-driven show, set in a nightclub, pulls the curtain back on dating in the 21st century. Performed by GO Professional Artists in Residence and the winners of SW Florida’s Got Talent competition, the style is borderline musical theater, with a real speed-dating event after the show. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-389-6901, swflpac.com
Gulfshore Opera presents Jackie Mason (Feb. 21, 7:30pm) From humble comic beginnings in New York, the Borscht Belt and comedy clubs around the country, Jackie Mason rose to be one the hottest comics in America in the early 1960s. He reached the apex of American entertainment culture when he became a regular on The Ed Sullivan
Show, only to fall into Sullivan’s disfavor over the interpretation of a hand gesture in a performance. SanJan Theater at Southwest Performing Arts Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-389-6901, swflpac.com
ON VIEW
Bonita Springs National Art Festival (Jan. 14-15, 10am) Over 200 national and international artists. Paintings, glass, jewelry, clay works, photography, sculpture, wood and more. $5 per person donation benefits Center for the Arts Bonita Springs’ scholarship programs. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Off the Walls! (Jan. 20, 6pm) Fundraising event includes hors d’oeuvres served with wine and beer, wonderful
artwork, jewelry and collectibles. Proceeds benefit scholarship program. Center for Performing Arts, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-4958989, artcenterbonita.org
OUTDOORS
Mound Key Kayak Tour (daily, 9:30am) A 4-mile roundtrip kayaking excursion across Estero Bay to the 125-acre island of Mound Key. Once home to Calusa Indians, the island is now preserved and managed by Koreshan State Historic Site staff. Your guided hike will include a climb up 32 feet to the summit, the highest point in Lee County. Tour guides are certified instructors with the American Canoe Association. Reservations required, equipment included. College of Life Foundation, 10600 Chevrolet Way, No. 302, Estero. 239-992-2184, collegeoflifefoundation.org
Estero River Kayak Tour (daily, 2pm) Once home to Koreshan settlers, Estero River runs east to west into Estero Bay. Because of its scenic and historic qualities, Estero River is a designated Florida Paddling Trail. Two prominent historic sites can be accessed, including Koreshan State Historic Site and Mound Key. Great paddle for a beginner. Full facilities and historic settlement are available at the state park. Reservations required, equipment included. Guides are ACAcertified kayaking instructors. College of Life Foundation, 10600 Chevrolet Way, No. 302, Estero. 239-992-2184, collegeoflifefoundation.org
TOTI Media, Inc. does its best to ensure that information in this calendar is up to date. However, we still encourage our readers to call ahead for detailed information before attending these local events.