Upcoming events

Tom Jones - One of the enduring personalities in the music entertainment business, Tom Jones, performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16. His unique vocal power, ability and charismatic persona make him one of the most respected, admired and loved performers in modern popular music. (800) 440-7469 or 481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com.

COURTESY PHOTO Tom Jones preforms at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on April 16. Film Series - The BIG ARTS Film Society's Film Series will present films directed by Billy Wilder: "Double Indemnity," April 8; "The Apartment," April 15; and "Witness for the Prosecution," April 22. Tickets: $5. 395-0900or e-mail info@ BIGARTS.org.

One-Woman Show - Artist, author and illustrator Diana Hollingsworth Gessler will exhibit A One-Woman Show and do book signing at the Shaw Gallery of Bonita Springs April 18 through May 16. The gallery is located at 8200 Health Center Blvd, Suite 103. The opening reception is from 6-9 p.m. 947- 4938 or visit www. shawgallery.com.

LAEA Exhibit - Young artists are featured in the annual Lee County Arts Education Association exhibit hosted by the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Students from elementary to high school are displaying work, in every medium imaginable through May 2 in the Alliance galleries. The Alliance will host an opening reception for high school reception on April 21, 5-7 p.m. www.artinlee.org.

Critic's Choice - The Philharmonic Center's Lifelong Learning arts education program presents "Fieldwork" by Mischa Berlinski on April 18. 597-1900 or www. thephil.org.

Dance Lessons - Learn country two-step dance and some ballroom on Saturday, April 18, at Aki's Dance Studio, 6300 Metro Plantation Road, Fort Myers. Start at 6:30 p.m. with a beginner two-step lesson followed by open dancing. Cost: $10 per person with or without the lesson. 508- 473-9797or Joe@Able-Realty.com.

Blues Fest - The 17th annual Fort Myers River and Blues Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Centennial Park in downtown fort Myers. Admission: $5; kids under 10 are free. www.riverandbluesfestival.com.

Juried Exhibit - BIG ARTS hosts artwork by the contemporary and traditional fine craft artisans of the Southwest Florida Craft Guild through April 24. This juried exhibit will have works in several mediums, including wood, clay, fiber arts, glass, sculpture, and mixed media. All works are for sale. 395-0900, e-mail info@ BIGARTS.org or www.BIGARTS.org.

Open House - The Art League of Bonita Springs hosts a Campus Open House & Art Focus Reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 17. This event allows visitors to see an exhibition opening as well as the work that students are doing. Students and faculty members will display and sell their art and several instructors will provide artist demonstrations. 495- 8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org.

Auditions - Auditions for the summer musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," will be held at noon Saturday, April 18, at the Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South, Naples. Appointments are necessary. 434-7340, ext. 10.

Bluegrass - Frontline Bluegrass (aka Ghinko Biloba) will open for top bluegrass band Special Consensus at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Tickets: $15. 213-3049.

The Choraliers - The singing chorus The Choraliers is presenting its annual show, "What a Wonderful World," at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Cape Coral's Cultural Park Theater. The repertoire always ranges from Bach to Broadway hits, old and new. Cost: $10. This group, under the direction of Fay Targrove, meets every Wednesday at Kennedy Senior Center. www. capechoraliers.com, 772-5862 or 549-6745.

Earth Day - Gulf Coast Town Center will be hosting its second annual Earth Day Celebration from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in Market Plaza. The celebration will include live music from local bands such as The Beadniks and Cracker Blues. There will be activities and crafts for children that are focused around ideas such as reusing and recycling. Merchants will be on site showcasing their Earth friendly merchandise and products. www. GulfCoastTownCenter.com.

Nelson Riddle Orchestra - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Riddle, Sunday, April 19. The world's most-recorded orchestra was founded by legendary arranger Nelson Riddle. Since Riddle's passing in 1985, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra has been led by his son Christopher Riddle, winning accolades and thrilling audiences with the famous Riddle sound. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.

Ben Vereen - The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts presents "Ben Vereen Sings Sammy" Monday, April 20. Tony Award-winning actor, singer and dancer Ben Vereen pays tribute to the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. 597-1900 or www.thephil.org.