Calendar
Where to Go & What to Do
Save the Date
Blanc debuts early 2016 The latest concept by Jean Claude Roge, Parisian restaurateur (Village Café/Captiva, La Brasseries/Fort Myers), along with Chris and Kaitlin Whitaker, founder of Blu Sushi Restaurant Group, Starfish Grille & Star Bar, Sanibel, opens soon in Fort Myers. Located in the former space of the Oyster Shell, Blanc will bring a fresh and innovative take on delicious food and fantastic service. The transition is under way ... Blanc the ultimate “Workshop for the Epicurean,” looks forward to becoming an integral part of our local cuisine ... stay tuned.
SWFL LIVE
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert (Jan. 2, 8pm) Viennese music at Fort Myers’ 19th annual New Year’s Concert. Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies such as Die Fledermaus and Merry Widow, performed by European singers and a full orchestra. Fall in love again with the The Blue Danube waltz. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
The Bronx Wanderers & The Motortown All-Stars (Jan. 3, 7pm) The Bronx Wanderers: A powerful romp through America’s rock ‘n’ roll songbook from the first generation right through the music of today. One part oldies and two parts rock ‘n’ roll—from Dion and Frankie Valli to a spine-tingling rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The Motortown All-Stars assembled from the ranks of the Capitols, the Miracles and the Temptations. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
All That Jazz: Joe Cohn (Jan. 6, 6pm and 8:30pm) Son of tenor saxophonist Al Cohn and vocalist Marilyn Moore, Joe Cohn is an inventive jazz guitarist. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Zoso-The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience (Jan. 7, 7:30pm). Zoso’s live shows are not about simply playing the right notes, they are about aura and feeling, harkening back to the unique atmosphere Led Zeppelin created. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Southwest Florida Symphony-POPS I: It’s A Grand Night for Rodgers & Hammerstein (Jan. 8-9, 8pm) The season’s Pops Series brings Southwest Florida’s favorite composers. Theatrical storytelling of Rodgers & Hammerstein, along with some of the best loved Broadway tunes of their contemporaries. Featuring soloist Lisa Vroman, conducted by Daniel Meyer. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239481-4849, swflso.org
Amernet String Quartet (Jan. 8, 8pm) Praised by New York Times critics for their intelligence and immensely satisfying playing, the Amernet String Quartet has garnered recognition as one of today’s exceptional string quartets and are Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University in Miami. The group includes Misha Vitenson, violin; Tomas Cotik, violin; Michael Klotz, viola; Jason Calloway, cello. Cocktails served at 7pm. The Chamber Music Series is sponsored by Rob and Ruth Diefenbach. Grand Atrium, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-333-1933, sbdac.com
Bluegrass in the Theatre (Jan. 10, 2pm) Join fellow acoustic music lovers in the Foulds Theatre (Alliance for the Arts/ Fort Myers) for three hours of great live music by bands from Southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL. Doors open at 1:30. Seating is first-come, first-served. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Kristin Chenoweth with the Naples Philharmonic (Jan. 10, 7pm) Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, TV, voiceover and stage. The acclaimed star brings iconic songs from her best-known shows, as well as popular standards and classics from Broadway, Hollywood and beyond. Hayes Hall, ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Styx (Jan. 10, 7pm) Styx gained fame in the early 1970s with a guitar-driven power pop. Led by songwriting talents of Dennis De Young, Tommy Shaw and James Young, the band racked up hits such as Babe, Mr. Roboto and Boat on the River. The band has broken up and reunited over the years, and while this most current incarnation may not feature De Young (currently touring as a solo artist), it’s still unmistakably Styx. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Time for Three (Jan. 12-16, 8pm, Jan. 16, 2pm) Conductor Jack Everly has devised a program to take advantage of string trio Time for Three’s diverse musical repertoire. This high-energy show pulls from classical, pop, country, rock and more. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239597-1900, artisnaples.org
Fort Myers Music Walk (Jan. 15 and Feb. 19, 6pm) Downtown River District on the third Friday of the month. More than a dozen participating venues feature live music by local and regional talent. 855-732-3836, fortmyersmusicwalk.com
The Ladybugs (Jan. 15, 8pm) The Ladybugs are a traditional jazz vocal group known for intricate harmonies and experimental arrangements. Led by Martina Da Silva, band members sing while playing ukulele, guitar, trombone, bass and drums. The repertoire includes favorites from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, infused with old-school swing, country and blues. Cocktails at 7pm. Grand Atrium, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239333-1933, sbdac.com
Renée Fleming with the Naples Philharmonic ( Jan. 19, 8pm) Perhaps the greatest soprano of her generation, the opera and Broadway star returns to Hayes Hall with the Naples Philharmonic. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-5971900, artisnaples.org
Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin Birthday Bash (Jan. 21, 7:30pm) Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash is a dynamic tribute that shares the king’s incredible story through highlights of his iconic career. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
SWFL Symphony Masterworks II: One Thousand and One Nights (Jan. 23, 8pm) This season’s theme is A Symphonic Storybook; Maestro Kabaretti’s selections contain a literary component―— poetry, classic novels, film and theater scripts, fairy tales and more. Features excerpts from Wagner’s dramatic opera Die Meistersinger, Rimsky-Korsakov’s ethereal Scheherazade and fantastical percussion concerto: Der Gerettete Alberich by modern composer Christopher Rouse. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Bruce T. Gora Sunset Concert: Davina & The Vagabonds (Jan. 31, 5pm) Highenergy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism and Davina Sowers’s commanding stage presence. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
Sanibel/Captiva Heart Walk (Jan. 31, 1pm) Non-competitive walk, proceeds to benefit the American Heart Association. Family and pet-friendly. Corner of Tarpon Bay and Island Inn roads, Sanibel. 239495-4901, sanibelcaptivaheartwalk.org
Who’s Bad-The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute (Feb. 3, 7:30pm) The Who’s Bad live show is a celebration of the King of Pop. The performance of Michael Jackson’s catalog has ignited crowds and can be described as a musical must-see. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
The Lovin’ Spoonful with Gary Puckett & Dennis Tufano (Feb. 4, 7:30pm) Between mid-1965 and the end of 1967, the group was astonishingly successful, issuing classic hits such as Do You Believe in Magic, Nashville Cats and Six O’Clock. They will be joined by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, Dennis Tufano and special guest stars The Classics at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
ArtFest Fort Myers (Feb. 5-7, 10am-5pm) One of the country’s best juried fine art festivals. Features visual artwork from 38 states in the River District in downtown Fort Myers. Free admission, VIP upgrades. artfestfortmyers.com
Southwest Florida Symphony-POPS II: Lights, Camera, Orchestra: Hollywood’s Greatest Hits (Feb. 5-6, 8pm) Enjoy the music of the silver screen with A Night at the Oscars, conducted by Dirk Brosse. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, swflso.org
Bluegrass in the Theatre (Feb. 7, 2pm) Join acoustic music lovers in the Foulds Theatre (Alliance for the Arts/ Fort Myers) for three hours of music by bands from Southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL. Doors open at 1:30. Seating is firstcome, first-served. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Yanni (Feb. 8, 8pm) Yanni performs audience favorites as well as newly reworked arrangements of the classics. As a true global ambassador for peace, compassion and understanding, Yanni is one of the most recognizable composers and performers of his time. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
The Hit Men (Feb. 10-12, 6pm and 8:30pm) You’ll know every word in this night of mega hits, performed by the artists on the original records. Featuring Gerry Polci, lead vocal on the Four Seasons’s Oh What a Night, the Hit Men also share stories about what it was like working with Frankie Valli, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens and Elton John. Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Tango of Piazzolla: Darkness & the Angel (Feb. 12, 8pm) Through a seamless interweaving of multi-media, narrative and live music, explore Astor Piazzolla from his own perspective as he tries to come to terms with his unlikely but extraordinary life. Musicians include pianist Brandt Fredriksen, violinist Tomas Cotik and Bandoneon JP Jofre. Narration by Lesley Dinicola. Chamber Music Series sponsored by Rob and Ruth Diefenbach. Cocktails served at 7pm. Grand Atrium, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-333-1933, sbdac.com
SWFL Symphony Masterworks III: Love Triangle (Feb. 13, 8pm) This season’s theme is A Symphonic Storybook; all of Maestro Kabaretti’s selections contain a literary component―—poetry, classic novels, film and theater scripts, fairy tales and more. Features Robert Schumann’s Manfred Overture, Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto, performed by Jillian Prescott scholarship award winner and local prodigy, 12-year-old Noah Waddell, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
All That Jazz: Carmen Lundy and the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra (Feb. 17, 6pm and 8:30pm) Carmen Lundy began her professional career in Miami as a jazz vocalist and composer. Over four decades later, Lundy is celebrated for vocal artistry and jazz innovation. As a composer, Lundy’s catalog numbers over 100 published songs, one of the few jazz vocalists in history to accomplish such a distinction, and has led to the first publication of the Carmen Lundy Songbook. Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Shotgun Wedding (Feb. 18-19, 6pm and 8:30pm) Raw, honest and from the heart, Shotgun Wedding brings classic country music to life, reimagining songs by Merle Haggard, Earl Scruggs, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Loretta Lynn. Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-5971900, artisnaples.org Edison Festival of Light parade (Feb. 20, beginning 12pm) Parade party includes all-day entertainment and music and is a prime spot for watching the fireworks that kick off the signature event of the season. Fun, food, music and crafts make this a family event in the Downtown River District. edisonfestival.org
SCA Tribute Band: The Rat Pack (Feb. 20 and 21, 5:30pm) Enjoy this tribute to Frank and Dean―—We’re Back, Baby!! It’s 5:30 cocktails and passed appetizers, 6:30 seated dinner, 7:30 show and dancing. A Sanibel Community House celebration of Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-4722155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
Bruce T. Gora Sunset Concert (Feb. 21, 5pm) Concert series honors contributions of musician, photographer, architect and longtime Alliance board member Bruce Gora. Band TBA. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton (Feb. 2526, 6pm and 8:30pm) Grammy-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer is a solo R&B artist and highly regarded session and backup singer. Daniels Pavilion at ArtisNaples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
ON STAGE
Showboat (Jan. 2-Feb. 14, Wednesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Original Broadway masterpiece that combines unforgettable songs, dazzling choreography and a story that moves us with its humanity. Set in 1890 to 1927, the production follows a troupe of Mississippi riverboat performers, while illuminating the racial and social changes that were shaping the country. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-2784422, broadwaypalm.com
Improv Tonight! (Jan. 2 and Feb. 6, 8pm) The first Saturday of every month for Southwest Florida’s best improv comedy. Local groups perform short- and long-form improv that includes suggestions by you. Wine, beer, sodas and light snacks available. Moe Auditorium, Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
The Cocktail Hour by A.R. Gurney (Jan. 5-27, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) John, a playwright, returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. In the end it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has been willing to admit. Historic Arcade Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 1st St., Fort Myers. 239-3324488, floridarep.org
Kayak by Jordan Hall (Jan. 7-23, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Jan. 17, 2pm) Alone on a vast stretch of water, Anne Iversen recounts the strange chain of events that left her stranded in her son’s old kayak. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music (Jan. 12-17, evening and matinee shows available) A new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, directed by Tony Awardwinning director Jack O’Brien. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family again thrills audiences. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Chicago City Limits (Jan. 14 and 15, 6pm and 8:30pm) For more than 30 years, Chicago City Limits has been the incubator for some of the biggest names in comedy. See this legendary New York improv troupe and the next generation of comedy stars in Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Bob Newhart (Jan. 17, 7pm) An American comedy legend, Newhart has been one of the most popular comedians of the last half century. Laugh at his hilariously straight takes on the ridiculousness of modern life. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239597-1900, artisnaples.org
Motown The Musical (Jan. 26-31, evening and matinee shows available) Motown The Musical is the true story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul who launched Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Hayes Hall, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
42nd Street (Jan. 26-31, evening and matinee shows available) Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells of Peggy Sawyer’s leaving her Allentown home to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
The Magic of Nate Staniforth (Feb. 5, 6pm and 8:30pm) Host of Discovery’s Breaking Magic, Nate Staniforth uses a direct, no-frills approach to magic that draws on street magic, mystics and performance theory in equal parts. Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-5971900, artisnaples.org
The Bluest Eye by Lydia Diamond (Feb. 5-20, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Feb. 14, 2pm) Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove despises her dark skin and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. With rich language and bold vision, this story examines standards of beauty, a young girl’s coming of age and the devastating events she endures. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091
McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose (Feb. 9-March 2, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Classic Twelve Angry Men examines a jury’s deciding whether a 19-year-old defendant is guilty as charged and deserving of the death penalty―—or not. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 1st St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488, floridarep.org
Matilda-The Musical (Feb. 16-21, evening and matinee shows available) Matilda-The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on Roald Dahl’s novel. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Sister Act (Feb. 18-April 2, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) A disco diva witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look … a convent. Masquerading as a nun, she breathes new life into the church, but in the process, blows her cover. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Love Letters (Feb. 23-28, evening and matinee shows available) Andrew Makepeace Ladd III wrote his first letter to Melissa Gardner to tell her she looked like a lost princess—when they were both 7 years old. For the next 50 years, through personal triumphs and despair, through wars and marriages and children and careers, they poured out the secrets of their hearts to each other. Starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, directed by Gregory Mosher and written by celebrated playwright A.R. Gurney. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Jeff Dunham’s Perfectly Unbalanced Tour (Feb. 26, 8pm) It is argued that there is no purer form of performance than ventriloquism, and Dunham is clearly the cream of the crop. The Dallas native has entertained since high school. In the 40 years since, he has built a small library of personas, voices and creative outlets shared with world audiences. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-9487825, germainarena.com
ON VIEW
Dan Linehan-A Line by Line by Hand (Jan. 1-26) Dan Linehan’s works are intricate line drawings that create textures and depth that mesmerize the viewer. His unique cityscapes and other line drawings have won awards at juried exhibitions and have graced the streets of downtown Fort Myers. Capital Gallery, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-333-1933, sbdac.com
5th annual Coconut Point New Year’s Weekend Art Festival (Jan. 2-3, 10am) Fine art, music and more will fill the streets for two fun-filled days during this admission-free event. Stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more. Coconut Point, Estero. 561-746-6615, artfestival.com
Barbara Hoffman and Tammra Sigler Exhibit (Jan. 9-Jan. 30) Opening reception Jan. 8 at 5pm, walk and talk on Jan. 9 at 1 0am. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Cityscapes: A Slice of Fort Myers (Feb. 5-23) Quilters have fashioned their fiber art from their own observations and feelings of the city and their favorite places. Art Quilters Unlimited is an art guild of fiber artists working with cloth, thread and diverse techniques. Capital Gallery, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239333-1933, sbdac.com
Edison Ford Antique Car Show (Feb. 6, 10am) The Edison & Ford Winter Estates celebrates Thomas Edison’s birthday (Feb. 11, 1847) by hosting the Edison-Ford Antique Car Show. Over 170 antique vehicles on display at the Henry Ford home. Owners answer questions. Special programs include Model T tour and lecture with Edison Ford staff and car owners, music, Henry and Clara Ford leading informal tours and food vendors. A portion of the proceeds benefit car restorations of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org
Antonio Guerrero Exhibit (Feb. 6-27) Opening reception Feb. 5 at 5pm, walk and talk Feb. 6 at 10am. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
5th annual Art Walks the Runway (Feb. 25-27, 7pm) Art and fashion collide. Thursday evening opening party, Friday night area boutiques present their hottest looks. Saturday night watch haute couture take the stage with incredible artful creations by designers. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-333-1933, sbdac.com
OUTDOORS
Fort Myers Art Walk (Jan. 1 and Feb. 5, 6pm) First Friday of the month from 6-10 p.m., over 10 art galleries invite self-guided walking tours in the downtown River District and the Gardner’s Park area. Meet the artists at most of the art galleries, live-art demonstrations. 239-337-5050, fortmyersartwalk.com
Green Market (Saturdays, 9am) Lee County Alliance for the Arts vendors present locally grown, caught and cultivated foods along with other products for sampling and purchase. Live entertainment, fun activities, gardening classes and cooking demos by local chefs. 1 0091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org