WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO
The Painted Conch (Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30pm; Fridays,7pm; Sundays, 12pm) In just one evening complete an original work of art while enjoying friends, music and favorite beverages. Materials provided, on-site artist available. 1242 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 239-673-6660, thepaintedconch.com
Paint Escape (Open painting: TuesdaysSaturdays, 10am-6pm; ladies night: Friday, 6-9pm) Ceramic painting for children and adults, the chance to create a decorative item for the home or as a gift. Friday night offers ladies a relaxing atmosphere with music, wine and cheese to enhance the artistic experience. 808 SE 47th St., Cape Coral. 239-945-2006, paintescapeonline.net
Open Mic Night at The French Press (Wednesdays, 6:30pm) Grab your instrument, warm up your voice, gather your friends on Wednesdays from 6:30- 9:30pm for Open Mic Night. The French Press, 5789 Cape Harbour Drive, No. 101, Cape Coral. 239-542-0212, thefrenchpressfl.com
St. Andrew’s 26th annual festival (Jan. 12, 6-10pm; Jan. 13, 6-11pm; Jan. 14, 1211pm; Jan. 15, 12-10pm) Midway-style carnival rides, including a giant Ferris wheel. Food, the annual Ms. Cape Coral Pageant and a talent show. Proceeds help keep tuition costs down. Festival raffle is $10,000. St. Andrew Catholic Parish/ School, 2628 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-3922, saintandrewsfestival.com
Cape Coral Festival of the Arts (Jan. 14 and 15, 10am-5pm) Hosted by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, more than 300 artists present paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and more. Food vendors, a rock-climbing wall and other kid activities. Cape Coral Parkway between Vincennes and Del Prado, Cape Coral. 239-699-7942, capecoralfestival.com
Family Movie Night: Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Road Chip (Jan. 20, 6:30pm) Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami … and dump them. Starts at dusk, suggested $5 family donation. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
Third Friday Drive-In (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 at sunset, weather permitting) Third Fridays, Crossroads, a nonprofit home and charter school for foster boys, hosts a drive-in movie in downtown Punta Gorda, across from River City Grill. Admission is free, and the concession stand asks for donations. Begins at sunset. Each movie costs about $1,000, and this event is funded by sponsors. Those interested in sponsorships, email crossroads-ed@ amikids.org. 121 Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. amikidscrossroads.org
The 26th annual Tour De Cape (Jan. 21-22, 8am.) Four cycling courses, a 5K run and a “mini-tour” that the whole family can enjoy. Still time to register, participants can pick up packets, maps and T-shirts on Jan. 20, between 5-8pm, 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, tourdecape.net
Muscle Car City’s Monthly Car and Bike Show (Jan. 21 and Feb. 18, 9am) Third Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Tom’s Traveling Tunes, trivia and door prizes. Trophies, free to registrants and spectators. Serving breakfast and lunch from 8am-4pm. Muscle Car City, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 941-5755959, musclecarcity.net
Cape Bike Night (Feb. 11, 5pm) Motorcycle enthusiasts gather for great food and the best in live music. Slow Bike Race to win a $100 Harley-Davidson gift card. Registration is at 5:30pm, the race at 7:30pm. 239-573-3128, ccbikenight.com
Family Movie Night: Ice Age, Collision Course (Feb. 17, 7pm) Manny the mammoth starts to worry when his daughter, Peaches, announces her engagement. Still unlucky in love, Sid the sloth volunteers to plan the couple’s wedding. Starts at dusk, suggested $5 family donation. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787, artinlee.org
Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Movie in the Park (Feb. 18, 7:30pm) On a giant inflatable screen, starts at dusk. Jim Jeffers Park, 2817 SW 3rd Lane, Cape Coral. 239-573-3128, capeparks.com Bluegrass in the Theatre (Jan. 8, 2pm) Three hours of great live music by bands from Southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with palmgrass.org, the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL. Doors open at 1pm. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
Screaming Orphans, presented by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers (Jan. 14, 6pm) A Celtic band combining original melodic old-school pop songs with a modern twist on traditional Irish music. Joan, Angela, Gràinne and Marie Thérèse Diver are sisters, Irish-born and incredible musicians. Includes Pop the Cork Wine Game and a 50/50 drawing. Lee County Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-9392787, artinlee.org
Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash (Jan. 19, 7:30pm) Full production tribute that shares, through highlights of Presley’s iconic career, the incredible story of the shy and humble country boy who became the “king of rock ’n’ roll.” Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Fort Myers Music Walk (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, 7pm) Third Fridays, more than a dozen participating venues feature music by local and regional talent. 855732-3836, fortmyersmusicwalk.com
Pink Martini at Barbara B. Mann (Jan. 20, 8pm) Drawing inspiration from music from classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop, and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, Thomas Lauderdale founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994. It provides “more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks” for political fundraisers aiding causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education and parks. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-4814849, bbmannpah.com
Masterworks 2: Cellobration, with Zuill Bailey (Jan. 21, 8pm) Zuill Bailey, considered one of the premier cellists, is a distinguished soloist, recitalist, artistic director and teacher. Bailey will perform Edward Elgar’s “Cello Concerto,” accompanied by the Southwest Florida Symphony. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Sinatra: The Ultimate Tribute (Jan. 22, 7pm) While other shows feature just another singer in a tuxedo, Brian Duprey’s flawless acting channels Sinatra’s energy and spirit. Uncanny mannerisms and note-for-note renditions create a suspension of disbelief. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
\Vocalosity at Barbara B. Mann (Feb. 1, 7:30pm) Vocalosity is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (Pitch PERFECT, THE SING-Off) that takes a cappella to a new level. This fast-paced production features an all-star ensemble of diverse young vocalists singing chart-topping hits in innovative arrangements that set a new standard for 12-part harmony. Barbara
B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Stars of the Sixties at Barbara B. Mann (Feb. 2, 7:30pm) Stars of the 1960s include The Association, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, and Lou Christie. The Classics open the show. Original members. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.com
Southwest Florida Symphony presents Pops I: A Big Band Spectacular (Feb. 3-4, 8pm) Take a trip back through time with some of the best of Big Band music. The Southwest Florida Symphony is joined by Steve Moretti on drums, with guest conductor Matt Catingub. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-481-4849, bbmannpah.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, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 239-597-1900, artisnaples.org
Masterworks 3: Let’s Dance (Feb. 18, 8pm) The Southwest Florida Symphony, conducted by Nir Kabaretti with Gilad Karni playing viola, will perform Handel’s “Water Music,” Suite No. 2 in D major; Rozsa’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, op. 37; Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” and Ravel’s “Bolero.” Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. 239481-4849, bbmannpah.com The Porch (Jan. 13-22, ThursdaysSundays, evening and matinee shows available) Playwright Jack Neary mines what is near and dear to us in a trio of elderly ladies who hilariously parse topics of sex, impotency and death with
wide-eyed surprise. Audiences are sure to laugh at recognizable references to long marriages and family dynamics. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-5862, culturalparktheater.com
Gulfshore Opera presents Splendid Opera Scenes (Jan. 19, 7pm) Great moments of La Boheme, La Traviata, Rigoletto and other famous operas, with each extended scene presented staged and in costume. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. 239-529-3925, gulfshoreopera.org
Gulfshore Opera presents Splendid Opera Scenes (Jan. 28, 8pm) Gulfshore Opera presents great moments of La Boheme, La Traviata, Rigoletto and other famous operas, with each extended scene presented staged and in costume. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-529-3925, gulfshoreopera.org
All Shook Up (Feb. 3-12, ThursdaysSundays, evening and matinee shows available) Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It was just a square little town in a square little state until a guitar-playing roustabout showed up, changing everything and everyone in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-7725862, culturalparktheater.com
The Importance of Being Earnest (Feb. 24-March 5, Thursdays-Sundays, evening and matinee shows available) Oscar Wilde comedy about bachelors John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who create alter egos named Earnest to escape their tiresome lives. Their attempts to win the hearts of two women fail, as the women claim to only love men called Earnest. Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-5862, culturalparktheater.com
20th annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival (Jan. 21-22, 10AM-5PM) PuNtA GOrDA CrAft FAIr HAs CONtINuED tO GrOw AND HIGHLIGHt tHE tALENts OF MANy uNIquE CrAftErs, PrOvIDING tHE ArEA wItH ONE OF Its MOst ENJOyABLE wINtEr trADItIONs. 331 SuLLIvAN St., PuNtA GOrDA. 561-746-6615, ArtFEstIvAL.COM
Cape Coral Art League (Jan. 2829, 10AM-5PM) 7tH ANNuAL CAPE Art LEAGuE Art FAIr, INDOOr AND OutDOOr vENDOrs. OrIGINAL ArtwOrK, PHOtOGrAPHy, CrAfts, JEwELry, POttEry AND MOrE. DEMONstrAtIONs, sNACKs, rAffLEs AND KID ACtIvItIEs. FrEE ADMIssION. PrOCEEDs BENEfit tHE CAPE Art LEAGuE. 516 CuLturAL PArK BLvD., CAPE COrAL. 239-772-5657, CAPECOrALArtLEAGuE.COM History Park Farmers and Artisans Market (SuNDAys, 9AM) OPErAtED By PuNtA GOrDA HIstOrICAL SOCIEty, PrODuCE, MEAt, fisH AND ADDItIONAL FOOD ItEMs, PLus MANy OtHEr vENDOrs. MOst MArKEt DAys FEAturE LIvE MusIC By DAvE HEvErON. TOur tHE GArDEN AftEr 1PM. HIstOry PArK, 501 SHrEvE St., PuNtA GOrDA. 941-3806814, PuNtAGOrDAHIstOry.COM
Early Bird Eco-Tour (TuEsDAys, THursDAys AND SAturDAys, 7:30AM) WItNEss MAtLACHA PAss AquAtIC PrEsErvE AND sHArE INFOrMAtION ABOut COAstAL AND wEtLAND BIrDs AND sEA CrEAturEs tHAt MAKE tHE EstuAry tHEIr HOME. GuIDEs ArE ACA-CErtIfiED KAyAK/ SUP INstruCtOrs AND FLOrIDA MAstEr NAturALIsts wELL-vErsED ON FLOrIDA’s ECOLOGy AND NAturAL HIstOry, AND sKILLED At sPOttING LOCAL wILDLIFE. 4120 PINE IsLAND ROAD, MAtLACHA. 239-283-1125, GuLFCOAstKAyAK.COM
Flavors of Matlacha Island Tour (Saturdays, October-June, 10am) Matlacha’s salty history, with the signature tastes of a little island that was once an obscure fishing village, now is an eccentric and flamboyant artists’ colony. After the tour, explore shops and galleries right up until “Happy Hour” with live music at any of Matlacha’s waterside bars/restaurants. Tour starts at Leoma Lovegrove’s Gallery & Gardens, 4637 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha. Parking behind the Olde Fish House & Marina, 4530 Pine Island Road NW. 239-945-0405, truetours.net
Fort Myers Art Walk (Jan. 6 and Feb. 3, 6 pm; Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 11am) First Friday from 6-10pm, first Saturdays from 11am-4pm, more than 10 art galleries invite locals and visitors to a self-guided walking tour throughout the Downtown Fort Myers River District core and the Gardner’s Park area. 239-337-5050, fortmyersartwalk.com
Cape Coral Farmers Market-Downtown (Saturdays, 8am) Local produce, Gulf seafood (including Pine Island clams), fresh breads/pastries, pickles/olive mixes, certified organic produce, hydroponically grown greens, sprouts, cheeses, native plants/trees, homemade jellies/ jams, organic pet treats, made-on-site guacamole/salsa. Dave Lapio on steel drum, Trop-Rock from John Friday and Yard Dog Charlie, who blends Cajun, zydeco, blue grass, country, folk and rock ’n’ roll. Also crafts, art pieces, handmade jewelry, antiques and collectibles. Club Square, SE 47th Terrace and SE 10th Place, Cape Coral. capecoralfarmersmarket.com
Punta Gorda Downtown Farmers Market (Saturdays, 8am) Voted best small market in Florida and 15th in the nation, offering fruits and vegetables to fresh homemade pasta and organic produce. Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, across from Historic Charlotte County Courthouse. 941-391-4856, puntagordachamber.com
Bike Night (Jan. 14, 6pm) Second Saturdays to see hundreds of motorcycles displayed along the downtown streets in Fort Myers while listening to live bands from 6-10pm. Free, with many
venues featuring specials. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Pet Walk (Jan. 27 and Feb. 24, 6pm) Fourth Fridays at Hendry Street median. Pets leashed and owners to pick up “souvenirs.” Free, no registration is required. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Car Cruise-In (Jan. 28 and Feb. 25, 4pm) From classic to cool, downtown streets in Fort Myers are lined with show cars on fourth Saturdays from 4-8pm. Music, food, drinks and more are available. Free, with many venues featuring additional specials. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com