WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents "Barrage,'' a high-octane fiddle fest, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. This week's theater

White Christmas - The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," through Dec. 27. "White Christmas" is based on the movie classic made popular by Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. It's 1954 and two Army buddies turned show biz partners follow a duo of singing sisters to Vermont where the girls are scheduled to perform over Christmas. The Irving Berlin score includes "Happy Holidays," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the title song, "White Christmas." For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Singin' in the Rain - Broadway Palm Dinner Theater presents "Singin' in the Rain'' Dec. 31-Feb. 14. "Singin' in the Rain'' is set in the era of Movieland in the late '20s, when the arrival of talking pictures is striking terror in every silent film star. It tells the story of the wild and often wacky world of Hollywood where silent pictures are coming to an end. Don Lockwood, Kathy Seldon and Cosmo Brown take center stage in this all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. You'll hear "Good Mornin','' "Make 'Em Laugh,'' "Fit as a Fiddle'' and the title song, "Singin' in the Rain.'' For reservations and show information, visit www.BroadwayPalm.com, call 278-4422 or stop by the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd.

Movin Out - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Movin' Out'' Dec. 26-28. Five-time Grammy Awardwinner Billy Joel and legendary director/ choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular musical. The show brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying life as it tells the story of five lifelong friends over two turbulent decades. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Holiday Follies - "The Holly Jolly Follies" runs through Dec. 31 at The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel. Songs like "Santa Baby," "Blue Christmas" and others are sure to put you in that holiday spirit. "The Holly Jolly Follies" stars island favorites Chloe Sabin, Samantha Rotella, Madison Mitchell and Victor Legarreta. Also, on Dec. 31 there will be a special New Year's Eve performance of "The Holly Jolly Follies" with guest pianist Jon Weber. This world-renowned jazz artist will entertain, hors d'oeuvres will be had and, champagne will be toasted. Tickets are $30 with student tickets $20. The special New Year's Eve show and event with Jon Weber are only $75. For tickets or information, call the box office at 472-6862. The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

This week's symphony

New Year's Eve - The Gulfcoast Symphony New Year's Eve Gala & Concert takes place Dec. 31 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Enjoy a black-tie gala event starting at 7 p.m. with a multi-course dinner, party treats and special entertainment. Watch the ball fall in Times Square. Full package - dinner and concert - is $125; other prices, $35 to $60. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Big Band Bash - Celebrate the New Year with a spectacular Big Band Bash at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Maestro Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra have prepared an unforgettable, fastpaced evening of music and fun. Joining the orchestra will be Broadway singing star Judy McLane, acclaimed clarinetist Jon Manasse and the one-and-only Capitol Quartet saxophone ensemble. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Friday, Dec. 26

Nutcracker - Moscow Ballet's Great Russian "Nutcracker'' will be performed at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Movin Out - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Movin' Out'' at 8 p.m. Five-time Grammy Award-winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular musical. The show brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying life as it tells the story of five lifelong friends over two turbulent decades. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Movin Out - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Movin' Out'' at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fivetime Grammy Award-winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular musical. The shows brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying life as it tells the story of five lifelong friends over two turbulent decades. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www. thephil.org.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Movin Out - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts presents "Movin' Out'' at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fivetime Grammy Award-winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular musical. The shows brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying life as it tells the story of five lifelong friends over two turbulent decades. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www. thephil.org.

Movie Night - The Norris Center features "Elf'' at its Outdoor Family Movie Night at 7 p.m. Bring your blanket. The center is at 755 8th Ave. South, Naples. Call 213-3049.

Monday, Dec. 29

David Sanborn - The Naples Philharmonic Center of the Arts welcomes the The David Sanborn Group at 8 p.m. Alto sax master David Sanborn has played a key role in establishing the sound of contemporary jazz and instrumental pop over the past three and a half decades. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597- 1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Check out Florida Weekly's party guide on pages C12 through C19.

Ongoing events

Al Oerter Exhibit - "Al Oerter: Artist and Athlete,'' an exhibit featuring paintings by the late Olympian Al Oerter, is on display through Jan. 3 at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 939-2787 or go to artinlee.org.

The Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center is having its 47th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition through Jan. 18 at the art center, 585 Park St. in Naples. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $2 for children 10 and older. The public may call 239-262-6517 or visit naplesart.org for more information.

Winners Exhibitions - Florida West Arts in the International Design Center presents the 2008 Artscape Florida West Award Winners Exhibitions through Dec. 27. Featured are acrylic and oil paintings by Carol McArdle; watercolor paintings by Christine Scott; fine art photography by Cynthia Walpole and Lynn Berreitter; digital imagery by Arthur Gerstein; pigmented ink on canvas by Pam Brodersen; and acrylic on silk mosaics by Christina Thompson. Contact info@floridawestarts. com or call (239) 948-4427.

Scott Causey - BIG ARTS hosts black & White with the Color of Scott Causey through Jan. 3 in the Founders Gallery. Mr. Causey's ceramics are surrounded by an array of back and white artwork. BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Visit www. BIGARTS.com.

Biennial Exhibit - BIG ARTS features work from artists who have won major awards in juried and juried shows held within the past two years by 10 member leagues from the tri-county area. The exhibit is in the Phillips Gallery through Jan. 3. BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Visit www.BIGARTS.com.

Holiday Exhibition - Florida West Arts in Estero's International Design Center presents the Holiday Members Exhibition including two- and three-dimensional artworks by Florida West Arts artist members through Dec. 27. A variety of styles, media and subject matter is featured. Contact info@floridawestarts.com or call (239) 948-4427.

NASA Art - "NASA Art: 50 Years of Exploration" is on display at the Art League of Bonita Springs through Jan. 24. The show is a Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition. More than 200 NASA-commissioned artists experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the agency - the scientists, astronauts, and other personnel who shaped the missions and programs. This fascinating look at our nation's space program will appeal to all ages. For information, call 495-8989.

New exhibit - The new daas Gallery is having a juried collective exhibition of small format pieces through Dec. 31. Veron Ennis, the curator of the Ferrari Gallery in Cape Coral, will jury this "tiny" collection. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.daasgallery.com for more information.

Call for artists - The Fort Myers Art Fair at the Bell Tower announces a call to artists for its juried fine art fair Jan. 3 and 4. The two-day festival is open to all styles and mediums of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, ceramics, and mixed media. Interested artists should contact Howard Alan Events at (954) 472-3755. Applications are also available online at www.artfestival.com

Upcoming events

Three Exhibitions - Florida West hosts Three Exhibitions Jan. 10-28. Exhibition I is the first exhibition in a series of three, featuring paintings, collage, photography, pottery sculptures and more. Participating artists are competing for a series of awards. The second exhibition features oil paintings by Regis Bobitski. The third exhibition is a group show featuring the Florida West Arts "Gallery Artists.'' There will be a Meet the Artists" open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. For information, e-mail info@ floridawestarts.com, call (239) 948-4427 or go to www.floridawestarts.com. The Florida West Arts Showcase at the International Design Center in Estero has moved to Suite 182. The much larger gallery and performance space is now open

Man Made - Florida Gulf Coast University Art Gallery invites the public and media to an opening reception for its "Man Made" exhibition featuring the environmental art of Mary Ellen Croteau, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Art Gallery. The exhibition runs through Feb. 7, and is free and open to the public. For more information about this exhibition or upcoming events, contact interim gallery director Anica Sturdivant at 590-7199 or visit http://artgallery. fgcu.edu.

Bluegrass - The Norris Center welcomes Sierra Hull and Ron Block at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. Sierra Hull is regarded as the future of bluegrass and is a 16-year old mandolin phenomenon. For the past 15 years, 13-time Grammy Award winner Ron Block has been the spiritual touchstone of Alison Krauss and Union Station, contributing sterling musicianship on banjo, guitar and vocals. The Norris Center is at 755 8th Ave. South, Naples. Tickets are $18 and all ages are welcome. Call 213-3049.

Salute to Vienna - Celebrate the New Year with "Salute to Vienna" as it returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2. Fall in love with Vienna's "Waltz King," Johann Strauss Jr., in an unforgettable and uplifting performance of music, song and dance. "Salute to Vienna'' continues to feature an astounding cast. The Strauss Symphony of America, an exciting maestro, talented European singers, and costumed dancers performing the popular Viennese waltzes, polkas and operetta excerpts are guaranteed to inspire and delight the audience. Featuring The Strauss Symphony of America, Gerhard Track, conductor (Vienna), Ute Ziemer, soprano (Vienna), Joachim Moser, tenor (Vienna) with dancers from Vienna International Ballet. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Last Comic - You've seen them on TV, you voted for them, and now they are here. An evening of great standup comedy featuring the five finalists from NBC's Emmy-Nominated laughfest, "Last Comic Standing," plays at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Come see Marcus, Jeff Dye, Louis Ramey, Iliza Shlesinger, and Jim Tavare as they ignite the stage with the jokes and laughter that made them the final five in America's funniest reality show. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Barrage - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents "Barrage,'' a high-octane fiddle fest, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. The multi-talented cast performs an eclectic mix of music, song and dance. The group of six violinists/ vocalists, a drummer, bass player and guitarist offers up a diverse fusion of cultures, musical styles and performance vitality. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597- 1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Dick Hyman and Friends - Dick Hyman's all-star band returns to the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. With a spirited new show featuring some ragtime favorites, lively stomp music and a little blues,. Hyman's veteran jazz band will delight audiences. For more information or to order tickets, contact customer service at 597-1900 or toll-free at (800) 597-1900 or visit www.thephil.org.

Golden Dragons - The Golden Dragons perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan 4. The ancient art of Chinese acrobatics is an old and long-running tradition that began in China well over 2,000 years ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Worldrenowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Aaron Lewis - Aaron Lewis of Staind brings his solo/acoustic tour to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5. Aaron Lewis and Staind have produced six albums: Dysfunction, Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey, Chapter V, The Singles Collection and most recently, The Illusion of Progress. For more information, visit www.staind.com or contact the box office at 418-1500.

Menopause - "Menopause The Musical Out Loud: Breaking the Silence of Ovarian Cancer," will be presented by the Jeanie C. Linders Fund at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. The musical is a spirited celebration of real women during an unsettling time in their lives called "The Change.'' A portion of the proceeds will benefit local and regional ovarian cancer chapters. For tickets, contact the box office at 418-1500.

Visiting Artists - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts a Visiting Artist Demonstration with Janet Rogers (Watercolor) from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. The cost is $15 per person. The league hosts Caroline Jasper (Oils) from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. Visiting artists offer a two-hour demonstration as a prelude to their weeklong workshops. This is an opportunity to see great artists from around the country and beyond sharing their artistic techniques. Location is the Center for the Arts, 26100 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. Contact the Art League for further information at 495-8989.