Calendar
Where to Go & What to Do
Masterworks 1: Fanfare for the New World (Nov. 4, 7:30pm) Conductor Nir Kabaretti with violinist Francesca Dego, featuring “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copland, Violin Concerto No. 1 by Shostakovich and Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Dvorák. Pre-concert lecture hosted by Kabaretti. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
FGCU Bower School of Music Presents:
Barrage 8 (Nov. 5, 3pm) Musical spectacle that engages your senses, each performance incorporating Barrage’s trademark style, energy and musicality into a string octet. U. Tobe Recital Hall, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-590-1000, fgcu.edu
Southwest Performing Arts Center
Presents: Ambrosia (Nov. 10, 8pm) Ambrosia with three of the four original members, joined by Ken Stacey on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Mary Harris on keys and vocals and Doug Jackson on electric guitar and vocals. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-245-9910, swflpac.com The Everly Brothers Experience, Featuring Zmed Brothers (Nov. 16, 5pm) Brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed and Burleigh Drummond celebrate the pivotal sounds of Phil and Don Everly. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-245-9910, swflpac.com
Southwest Performing Arts Center
Presents: The Young Dubliners (Nov. 17, 5pm) Original rock compositions and Irish folk songs with a rock twist. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-245-9910, swflpac.com
Fort Myers Music Walk (Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, 6pm) Third Fridays, more than a dozen venues feature music by local and regional talent. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Straight No Chaser: The Speakeasy Tour
(Nov. 17, 8pm) Nine unadulterated a cappella voices that reach into our souls. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
Chain Reaction Journey Tribute Dinner
Show (Nov. 18, 6pm) Formed in South Florida, five experienced musicians recreating the sound of the rock band Journey during its most successful period when Steve Perry was front man from 1977-1998. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239245-9910, swflpac.com
Decades Rewind: The Theatrical Music
Performance of Your Life (Nov. 18, 7:30pm) Dance party and theatrical performance celebrates the hits of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, featuring more than 60 songs, 100 costume changes and nostalgic video. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
FGCU Bower School of Music Presents:
Logan Skelton, Pianist (Nov. 30, 7:30pm) Logan Skelton, University of Michigan’s Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Piano and director of doctoral studies in piano performance, is a sought-after pianist, teacher and composer. Features Liszt Sonata in B minor and the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra. U. Tobe Recital Hall, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-590-1000, fgcu.edu/cas/bsma
Jimmy Buffet Tribute Dinner Show,
by Caribbean Chillers (Dec. 9, 6pm) Authentic re-creation of the Jimmy Buffett concert experience. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-2459910, swflpac.com
Pippin: The Musical (Nov. 1-18, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Pippin is a magical, unforgettable tale about a young prince’s journey to be extraordinary. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Sylvia, by A.R. Gurney (Nov. 1-15, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Florida Rep’s biggest hit is the perfect play to celebrate 20 years! The Wall Street
Journal called Florida Rep’s 2011 production “clever and cute in all the right ways!” Adult material and language. Historic Arcade Theater, 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488, floridarep.org
Curious George and the Golden
Meatball (Nov. 2-17, matinees available) Curious George could not be more excited to help his friend chef Pisghetti. Things are always a bit more interesting with George involved, and on this day, all roads lead to Rome for the Golden Meatball Contest. Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
The Servant of Two Masters, by Carlo
Goldoni (Nov. 3-4, 7:30pm; Nov. 4-5, 2pm) What if the only way for one man to survive against a trio of angry lovers, a notorious killer, two greedy old men, a lusty barmaid and a host of bungling street performers is to be in two places
at once? Translated by Edward J. Dent and directed by Gerritt VanderMeer. Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-590-1000, fgcu.edu/CAS/TheatreLabSite
Seven Guitars, by August Wilson (Nov. 3-18, Thursdays-Saturdays, 8pm; Sunday, Nov. 12, 2pm) After serving jail time on a trumped-up vagrancy charge, blues musician Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton sets out to win back his girl and reclaim his pawned guitar, hoping to make a new hit record. Part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, which charts the African-American experience through the 20th century. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Improv Tonight! (Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, 8pm) First Saturdays local groups perform short- and long-form improve. Audience suggestions, wine, beer, sodas and light snacks. Moe Auditorium Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-495-8989, artcenterbonita.org
Disgraced, by Ayad Akhtar (Nov. 7-Dec. 10, Tuesday-Sunday, evening and matinee shows available) Pulitzer Prizewinning drama is a story of religion, race and betrayal. Contemporary attitudes are put under the microscope in this play about a successful MuslimAmerican lawyer who has worked hard to achieve the American Dream. Adult material and language. ArtStage Studio Theater, 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239332-4488, floridarep.org
Off the Hook Comedy Club Presents:
Josh Blue (Nov. 10, 7 and 9pm; Nov. 11, 7pm) Stand-up comedian, stand-out TV guest star, talented artist and stellar U.S. Paralympic soccer player. He refuses to bow to any of the challenges that come from living with cerebral palsy. Off the Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 1100, Naples. 239389-6901, offthehookcomedy.com
The Mousetrap (Nov. 10-19, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 3pm) Strangers stranded in a boardinghouse during a snowstorm—one is a murderer.
Another famous Agatha Christie switch finish! Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-7725862, culturalparktheater.com
The Ultimate King of Pop, Tribute to
Michael Jackson Dinner Show (Nov. 12, 6pm) Electrifying performance of Michael Jackson’s music catalog has thrilled crowds for decades. Described as a magical, high-energy and must-see performance. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239245-9910, swflpac.com
Jeanne Robertson at Barbara
B. Mann (Nov. 12, 7:30pm) At 73 years young, Jeanne Robertson continues to charm audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 F SW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Southwest Florida Storytellers Project
(Nov. 15, 7pm) With Thanksgiving coming up, break bread with us for another Southwest Florida Storytellers Project event to put you in the mood for the big feast. Passionate foodies will share their stories. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239939-2787, artinlee.org
A Tuna Christmas (Nov. 16-Dec. 25, Tuesdays-Sundays and Christmas, evening and matinee shows available) It’s the holidays in Tuna, Texas, thirdsmallest town in the Lone Star State. Two actors bring 20 zany characters to life in this hilarious, heartwarming play. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
The Last Night of Ballyhoo, by Alfred
Uhry (Nov. 28-Dec. 17, TuesdaysSundays, evening and matinee shows available) It’s winter 1939 and Gone with the Wind is premiering—and Hitler
is invading Poland. But Atlanta’s elite German-Jewish community is more concerned with who’s attending the social event of the season. In this Tony Award-Winning Best Play from the author of Driving Miss Daisy, a tender love story plays out against the backdrop of impending war. The Historic Arcade Theater, 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488, floridarep.org
Junie B. Jones, The Musical (Dec. 1-3, evening and matinee shows available) It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed: Her friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns
(Dec. 5-10, evening and matinee shows available) The ultimate love story, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Heathers the Musical (High School
Edition) (Dec. 8-10, evening and matinee shows available) Based on the 1989 film, Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulderpadded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the most powerful and ruthless clique in Ohio. Misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend—dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place, 6 feet under. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239939-2787, artinlee.org
Carol of the King: The Irish Dance
Christmas Spectacular (Dec. 12, 8pm) Featuring 20 of the world’s most-skilled Irish dancers and musicians. An original Christmas story of love and salvation that transports the audience to a mystical time and place of heroes and redemption. Led by Justin Boros, former lead dancer from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. 239-245-9910, swflpac.com
Spectacular Christmas Revue (Dec. 13-17, evening and matinee shows available) Favorite holiday songs, add some pop music and sprinkle in a cast of children, adults and Santa Claus, and you have a recipe for a most spectacular Christmas show! Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239772-5862, culturalparktheater.com
Michael Carbonaro Live at Barbara B.
Mann (Dec. 14, 7:30pm) Fantastic show, jam-packed with audience interaction, hilarious video clips and a whirlwind of mind-blowing magic performed on stage. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
A One-Man Christmas Carol, Adapted by
James Rana and Timur Kocak (Dec. 1516, 8pm) Kocak plays all 24 roles in this dynamic one-man version of Charles Dickens’ 1843 holiday classic. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Night and Day, by Robert Cacioppo (Dec. 19-Feb. 25, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Musical tribute to Cole Porter by the same creative team behind Fascinatin’ Gershwin and Too
Marvelous for Words, more than 40 songs from a film, Broadway and recording career that spanned decades. ArtStage Studio Theater, 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488, floridarep.org
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The
Mystery of the Magi’s Gold (Dec. 19, 7:30pm) Holiday mystery extravaganza from the author of Late Nite Catechism. With gifts galore and bundles of laughs,
Sister’s Christmas Catechism will become the newest addition to your holiday traditions. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
The Book of Mormon (Dec. 1924, evening and matinee shows available) Follows two young Mormon
missionaries who are sent to Uganda. An old-style musical with a modern sensibility; includes explicit language. Join us in Hayes Hall for this lively musical experience! Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Jim Gaffigan Noble Ape Tour (Dec. 28, 7:30pm) He’s a Grammy-nominated comedian, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer and multiplatinum-selling father of five. Now Jim Gaffigan brings his all-new comedy act to Germain Arena with a show that’s sure to have the audience rolling in the aisles. Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 239-948-7825, germainarena.com
Chicago: The Musical (Dec. 30-Feb. 10, Tuesdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Set in 1920s Chicago, the show follows Roxie Hart, an aspiring vaudevillian who murders her lover and is arrested. In jail, Roxie meets her hero, the double-murderess and nightclub entertainer Velma Kelly. Includes incredible dancing and one show-stopping song after another. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422, broadwaypalm.com
Off the Wall (Nov. 10 - Jan. 5) Make supporting local arts top of the list this year by giving a gift that gives back! This non-traditional show, sponsored by Clif and Tina Parker, features works for $200 or less. Sales are “cash and carry.” Opening celebration Nov. 10, 5-7pm. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
7th Annual Coconut Point New Year’s
Weekend Art Festival (Dec. 30 and 31, 10am) Take time on New Year’s weekend to peruse the festival. Fine art, music and more will fill the streets for two fun-filled days. Stroll amid sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more. 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. 561-746-6615, artfestival.com
Fort Myers Art Walk (Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, 6pm; Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, 11am) First Fridays 6-10pm, first Saturdays 11am-4pm, more than 10 art galleries invite locals and visitors to a self-guided walking tour through the Downtown Fort Myers River District and Gardner’s Park area. 239-3375050, fortmyersartwalk.com
GreenMarket (Saturdays, 9am) Visit the 10-acre campus for locally grown, caught and cultivated foods and other products. Enjoy live entertainment by local musicians and fun activities for kids, gardening classes and live cooking by local chefs. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Mystery Walk (Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 6pm) Second Fridays, a new theme for each event. Check in at Iberia Bank, 2247 First St., Fort Myers, at 6pm. Participants have until 10pm to complete all clues for cash prizes. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Bike Night (Nov. 11, 6pm) Come to downtown Fort Myers on the second Saturday of every other month to see hundreds of motorcycles while listening to live bands from 6-10pm. The free event is sponsored by Budweiser. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Edison Fall Garden Festival (Nov. 18 and 19, 9am) Throughout the public gardens, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe will sell tropical heritage plants and trees, and will be joined by many vendors from across Florida. The event is free to the public. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org
Pet Walk (Nov. 24 and Dec. 29, 6pm) Fourth Fridays at Hendry Street median. Pets leashed and owners must pick up “souvenirs.” Free, no registration required. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Car Cruise-In (Nov. 25 and Dec. 23, 4pm) From classic to cool, downtown Fort Myers is lined with show cars on fourth
Saturdays from 4-8pm. Music, food, drinks and more. Free; many venues feature additional specials. 855-7323836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade (Nov. 11, 11am) Join the community as it pays tribute to veterans who have lost their lives and to active-duty members who are proudly serving. A cooperative effort of the Parks and Recreation Department and local supporters, the parade runs eastbound from 8th Court to 15th Avenue on SE 47th Terrace. 239-246-1157, capecoral.net
36th Annual CROW Taste of the Islands (Nov. 12, 12pm) Sample a wide variety of local fare from more than 20 participating island restaurants, enjoy live music and other entertainment. The event supports the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2155, sanibelcommunityhouse.net
The 31st Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship (Nov. 17-26) One of Fort Myers Beach’s most popular events, offering live music, amateur competitions, demonstrations and lessons. The kids’ zone is where young artists can practice building sand sculptures and take part in numerous activities. Wyndham Garden Hotel, 6890 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, 239-4547500, fmbsandsculpting.com
11th Annual Festival of Trees (Nov. 28-Dec. 3) Beautiful trees decorated by businesses, individuals and organizations to benefit Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. Enjoy preview party/wine tasting 6-9pm Tuesday, compete in the Ugly Sweater Contest 6:30-8:30pm Wednesday, or Paint With a Purpose on Thursday 6:30-
8:30pm. River District Art Walk/Holiday Stroll is Friday night, capped off by a concert by the Nowhere Band. Saturday features Children’s Holiday Workshop at Santa’s Block Party 10am-2pm. Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting (Dec. 1, 6pm) Holiday lights of downtown Fort Myers and the River District come alive! Tree and street lightings, live musical performances and a horse and carriage kick off the holiday season. 855-7323836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Gulf Coast Symphony Holiday Pops:
The Nutcracker (Dec. 2, 2 and 7pm) The Company of Gulfshore Ballet performs with full symphony orchestra, conducted by Andrew M. Kurtz, and former Miami City Ballet principal dancers Mary Carmen Catoya and Renato Penteado. Two-act ballet was composed by Tchaikovsky and is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
29th Annual Fort Myers Beach
Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 2, 6pm) More than 30 boats will parade past Bootleggers Waterfront Barbeque, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas on the Bay, Nervous Nellies, Doc Ford’s and Bonita Bills. Kick back and enjoy the fun! 239454-7500, chamber.fortmyersbeach.org
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music
From a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 12, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. The Village Church at Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers. 239418-0996, swflso.org Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 14, 7:30pm). Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Road,
Bonita Springs. 239-418-0996, swflso.org
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 15, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. BIG ARTS, Schein Hall, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. 239-418-0996, swflso.org
Holiday Boat-A-Long (Dec. 16, 4pm) A Cape Coral tradition that celebrates the season in Southwest Florida style! See dozens of boats lit up in holiday fashion as they make their way across Bimini Basin at Four Freedoms Park. Also features Santa, performances by local students, food, drinks and crafts for kids. Afterward, there’ll be a free showing of
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, capeparks.com
Holiday Pops: Jim Martinez’s The Music from a Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 16, 7:30pm) Features Steinway artist Jim Martinez and his jazz quartet, along with the Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida under the direction of Dr. Trent Brown. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Deck the Halls (Dec. 17, 7pm) The evening starts with strolling carolers in the lobby, then the performance includes holiday favorites, Irish dancing, lighting of the Menorah—and a visit from Santa! Featuring Kellyn Irish Dancers, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers conducted by Jeffrey Faux, and Gulf Coast Symphony conducted by Andrew M. Kurtz. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Ethan Bortnick Holiday Concert at Barbara B. Mann (Dec. 20, 7pm) Ethan Bortnick, 16, has performed around the world for many years and raised more
than $50 million for charity. Celebrate the holidays and support public media in Southwest Florida. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Barbara B. Mann (Dec. 22, 8pm; Dec. 23, 2 and 8pm) Cirque Dreams lights up the 2017 season with its 10th Anniversary National Tour created by Cirque Dreams founder and Broadway director Neil Goldberg. This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a cirque spectacle, Broadway musical and family show all in one! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (Dec. 28, 3 and 7pm) Direct from Russia! Enchant the whole family with magical props, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular costumes and sets. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
New Year’s Eve at Times Square (Dec. 31, 12pm) Join the fun as Fort Myers Beach celebrates its birthday! Festivities kick off at noon, with live music all day and free cupcakes until 3:30pm. Stick around for the ball drop at midnight, followed by fireworks off the pier. Ring in 2018 in style! Fort Myers Beach, 239454-7500, fortmyersbeach.org
New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown (Dec. 31, 8pm) Take the family to the Junior Ball Drop at 9pm at First and Hendry streets; great giveaways for kids. Live bands throughout the night include Electric Mudd, Ever Rock, Razing Cape and the featured U2 Tribute Band. Vendors, food and family fun continue all evening, ending with fireworks over the river and the Ball Drop at midnight! 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
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.