Upcoming events

Film Series - The BIG ARTS Film Society's Film Series features: "Ordinary People on Monday, March 16; "The Rape of Europa" on Monday, March 23; and "Elsa and Fred" on Monday, March 30. Tickets: $7. 395-0900, www.bigarts.org or e-mail info@ BIGARTS.org.

PHOTO BY CAROL HARTMAN Big Top at Gulf Coast Town Center Two-Part Class -"The Movies That Changed Hollywood," a two-part class, will be held on Monday, March 16, and Monday, April 6, at 2 p.m. in the Toni Stabile Building at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. Tickets: $64. Rick Harris' productions for Harper Audio have won 14 Grammy nominations and one Grammy for Best Spoken Word Audio. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Salute to the Stars - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents Michael Feinstein's "Salute to the Stars of MGM in Hollywood" Thursday, March 19. This tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals features two of the classic stars who made the films great - Vic Damone and Arlene Dahl — performing live along with Mr. Feinstein. The event includes remembrances and stories along with classic film clips. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Shakespeare Abridged - Theatre Conspiracy presents "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" March 19-Aprili 11. Three actors cram all 37 plays, both comedy and tragedy, and 154 sonnets by William Shakespeare into two acts and send the Bard rolling in his grave. The theater is at 2711 Park Windsor Dr. #302, Fort Myers. 936- 3239 or theatreconspiracy.org.

Family Event - As part of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival, the Lee County Alliance of the Arts celebrates, "Fantasy & Fairytales in Books and Art" from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 19. The event is geared toward children and features storytelling, book art, puppeteering and more. 939-ARTS or www.artinlee.org

Purse Auction - Join Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida at Bell Tower Shops for the second annual Young Chicks, Old Bags event at the Bell Tower Shops from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 19. The event will begin with a silent auction of fabulous designer pursues, some new and others previously loved. Festivities include raffles, food and drink specials, live music, fashion events and free goodies. Proceeds will aid benefit Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. Cost: $10. 225-2590 or cstarnold.ja@sfwdb. org.

Art of Murder - The Florida Repertory Theatre performs "The Art of Murder,'' an award-wining best new thriller, Friday, March 20, through Sunday, April 12. 332-4488 or FloridaRep.org.

George Benson - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts "George Benson: An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole,'' Friday, March 20. The 10-time Grammy Award-winner celebrates the swing and charm of legendary entertainer Nat King Cole. The renowned jazz guitarist/vocalist will perform some of Mr. Cole's timeless classics, along with some of his own hits. 597- 1900 or www.thephil.org.

Musical Triumph - The Southwest Florida Symphony performs "Musical Triumph'' Friday, March 20, at Faith Presbyterian Church; Saturday, March 21, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center; and Sunday, March 22, at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. The music explodes from the stage in this concert celebrating the triumph of battle. Featuring Handel's acclaimed "Royal Fireworks Music" and Haydn's dramatic "Lord Nelson Mass." 418-1500 or e-mail tickets@swflso.org.

Art exhibit - On March 26, The Ferrari Gallery will host the opening reception, "Propagated Spaces and Elemental Scapes," for Kyle Jackson and Veron Ennis. An intricate installation around the entire circumference of the gallery showcases Kyle Jackson's "Ready Made" urban photography (Propagated Spaces), and the interior of the gallery is lit by Veron Ennis' non-objective abstract photography (Elemental Scapes).

Art show - The Sanibel-Captiva Art League's annual "Clothesline Art Show" takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Sanibel/Captiva Community Center. Art league members will be selling work at inexpensive prices. They will have the works hanging on clotheslines (and in art bins). These works are not framed, which helps keep the prices down. The public is invited.

Estero Concert - A wide variety of musical styles and instruments will float through Estero Community Park from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in a concert featuring Kat Epple, The McIltrot Brothers and Susie Jennings, to benefit CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed). Special guest musicians will include: DL Turner, harp, Chuck Grinnell, keyboard, and others. Tickets: $20 (children 12 and under free). 657- 2253 or e-mail crewtrust@earthlink.net.

Paul Anka - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts "An Evening with Paul Anka" Saturday, March 21. Singer, songwriter, arranger, bandleader Paul Anka remains one of the most popular performers in the world. Entering his 50th year in the music business, Anka has evolved from teen idol to venerable crooner. 597-1900 or www. thephil.org.