Fort Myers Florida Weekly

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO



BIG ARTS presents the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in Schein Performance Hall. Dedicated to preserving the work of generations of great artists, choreographers and teachers, the LVDT also showcases the work of emerging talent in an array of dance styles. $42-$47 adults; $5 students. 395-0900, www.bigarts.org or info@bigarts.org.

BIG ARTS presents the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in Schein Performance Hall. Dedicated to preserving the work of generations of great artists, choreographers and teachers, the LVDT also showcases the work of emerging talent in an array of dance styles. $42-$47 adults; $5 students. 395-0900, www.bigarts.org or info@bigarts.org.

Theater

ONCE – At the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Feb. 18-23. $39-$74. Wwwbbmannpah.com or 481-4849.

Beach United Methodist Church presents the U.S. premiere of “Barcarolle Concertante,” a composition for “Harp, Strings and Voices,” as part of its Hibiscus Series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Performers include members of the SWFL Symphony, the BUMC Chancel Choir and harpist Melody Anglin (pictured). Free will offering. A reception follows. 463-9656.

Beach United Methodist Church presents the U.S. premiere of “Barcarolle Concertante,” a composition for “Harp, Strings and Voices,” as part of its Hibiscus Series at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Performers include members of the SWFL Symphony, the BUMC Chancel Choir and harpist Melody Anglin (pictured). Free will offering. A reception follows. 463-9656.

Because Beauty Must Be Broken Daily – By local playwright James Brock and presented by Ghostbird Theatre Company Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 23 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St. $10. 333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.

Cello Bennett (pictured) presents “A Musical Evening with Cello & Friends,” featuring solos and ensembles from opera, musical and folk music, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Foulds Theater at the Alliance for the Arts. This event is being held in conjunction with “GALE BENNETT 75,” a retrospective art exhibit that runs until March 1. $18. 10091 McGregor Blvd. For tickets: www.theatreconspiracy.org or 936-3239.

Cello Bennett (pictured) presents “A Musical Evening with Cello & Friends,” featuring solos and ensembles from opera, musical and folk music, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Foulds Theater at the Alliance for the Arts. This event is being held in conjunction with “GALE BENNETT 75,” a retrospective art exhibit that runs until March 1. $18. 10091 McGregor Blvd. For tickets: www.theatreconspiracy.org or 936-3239.

The Laramie Project – By FGCU Theatre Lab and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project at the FGCU Arts Complex Feb. 14-23. $7. 590-7268 or theatrelab.fgcu.edu.

Rodgers & Hammerstein: A Grand Night for Singing – By Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St., through March 16. www.floridarep.org or 332-4488.

Guys and Dolls – By Cultural Park Theatre, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, through Feb. 16. 772-5862 or www.culturalparktheater.com.

The Altruists – By Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., Feb 14-March 8. www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or 218-0481.

The Hound of the Baskervilles – By Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 First St., Feb. 14-March 5. www.floridarep.org or 332-4488.

The Beauty Queen Of Leenane – By Theatre Conspiracy, 10091 McGregor Blvd., through Feb. 23. 936- 3239 or www.theatreconspiracy.org.

Nana’s Naughty Knickers – At Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., through March 15. 278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com.

Into The Woods – At the BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater, 2200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, through Feb. 15. www.bigarts.org, 395-0900 or 472-6862.

South Pacific – At Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., through Feb. 15. 278-4422 or www.broadwaypalm.com.

Symphony

Diva Favorites – The Gulf Coast Symphony presents “Wicked Divas” at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Tickets start at $42. www.bbmannpah.com or 481-4849.

Thursday, Feb. 13

Music Premiere – Beach United Methodist Church presents the U.S. premiere of “Barcarolle Concertante,” a composition for “Harp, Strings and Voices,” as part of its Hibiscus Series at 7:30 p.m. Performers include members of the SWFL Symphony, the BUMC Chancel Choir and harpist Melody Anglin. Free will offering. A reception follows. 155 Bay Road. 463-9656.

Networking Event – The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center holds a Connect Networking Event, “Insights For Living: Discovering The Greatness In You” with guest speaker Quality Life Center founder and executive director Abdul’ Haq Muhammed, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6 admission; $25 table. 2301 First St. Melissa.sbdac@gmail.com.

American Singer – Kenny Loggins takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy. 481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com.

Zumba Party – Around the Clock Fitness has partnered with Bell Tower Shops to offer a free Zumba party from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees have the chance to win a three-month membership to all three Around the Clock Fitness locations. 489-1221, ext. 102.

Friday, Feb. 14

Evening Cruise – Adventures In Paradise offers its annual Valentine’s Day Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise from 5:15-6:45 p.m. Enjoy a cruise through the waters surrounding Sanibel aboard Dolphin Waters, a 45-foot Corinthian power catamaran. The cruise departs from “G” dock at Port Sanibel Marina. $29. For reservations: 472-8443 or www.AdventuresInParadise.com.

Nature Special – The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium offers a Valentine’s Day two-for-one “Sweetheart Special.” Spend the day in the wild with someone special. 3450 Ortiz Ave. 275-3435 or www.calusanature.org/.

Love Sounds – The Curtis Institute of Music’s Curtis Opera Theatre presents the Curtis on Tour “Love Notes” under the artistic direction of Mikael Eliasen at 8 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St. Cocktails start at 7 p.m. $25 at the door; $20 in advance. www.sbdac.com or 333-1933.

Author Event – The Friends of Lakes Regional Library present local author Ruth Yonan Iyengar at 1 p.m. at 15290 Bass Road. Ms. Iyengar’s book, “O Dolphin in the Deep,” was published last year. 533-4000.

Jazz Tunes – Matanzas on the Bay presents Jazz on the Bay from 6-9 p.m. every Friday in February at the Matanzas Inn Resort, 416 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. 463-3838 or www.matanzas.com.

Reading Fest – The 14th annual Celebration of Reading starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. The program features readings and anecdotes from members of the Bush family and bestselling authors. 5001 Coconut Road. $250. 277-6295 or www.BarbaraBush.org.

Pet Party – Yappy Hour, a social time for pets and their humans, runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Tower Shops. Enjoy music by Patchouli plus dining and shopping. 489-1221

Craft Show – The Edison Festival of Light Crafts on the River event runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. www.edisonfestival.org or 334-2999.

Trunk Show – Jennifer’s women’s boutique hosts a Raffinalla trunk show from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Shoppers can preview and purchase the latest styles from Raffinalla. 13451 McGregor Blvd. 481- 8582 or jennifersfortmyers.com.

“Ding” Lecture – The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society Friends of the Refuge presents Brian “Fox” Ellis in a John J. Audubon Re-enactment at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center. Free; seating is limited. 472-1100, ext. 241 or www.dingdarlingsociety.org/lectures.

Classic Oldies – The Hat Boys perform from 7-9 p.m. in Market Plaza at Gulf Coast Town Center. 267-0783 or www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Walking Trails – A Guided History aand

W& Nature Walk is set for 9-10:30 a.m. at Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, 11901 Rod & Gun v Club Road. The 3,137-acre Conservation 20/20 preserve sits atop portions oof

Fb the former Buckingham Army Air Field, the state’s largest airfield training base during WWII. Free. 707-3325 or .

Experience the bg Bird Watching birds of Bunche Beach with a bird patrol guide from 8-10 a. pob m. Free with paid parking. Meet on the beach at the end of John Morris Road. 707-3015 or www.birdpatrol.org.

Acting Workshop – Laboratory TTheater w1 holds an Unarmed Stage Combat workshop with Greg Longenhagen from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn the various punches, k$ kicks, slaps, masks and falls for the stage. $45. c 1634 Woodford Ave. 218-0481 or education@laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Americana Music – The Americana i ps Community Music Association presents Sarasota-based Dean Johanesen, with opening act Ken and Leigh Skeens,S from 7-10 p.m. at A9 3334 Cleveland Ave. Suggested donation: $15. RSVP to 910-5657 or www.americanacma.org.

Pt Party Night – A Reggae Full Moon Party is set for 6-9 p.m. at Matanzas on the Bay. Enjoy entertainment by DJ Kid Rasta plus smoked Jamaican jerk pork shanks with Jamaican rice. 416 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach. 463-3838 or www.matanzas.com.

Writers’ Group – The Gulf Coast Writers Association meets from 10 a.m.- noon at Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Road. Guest speakers are authors and book coaches Jane Wood and Frances Keiser, discussing marketing opportunities. Free for members and first-time guests; $5 others. www.gulfwriters.org.

Unique Dance – BIG ARTS presents the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater at 7:30 p.m. in Schein Performance Hall. Dedicated to preserving the work of generations of great artists, choreographers and teachers, the LVDT also showcases the work of emerging talent in an array of dance styles. $42- $47 adults; $5 students. 395-0900, www.bigarts.org or info@bigarts.org.

Anniversary Party – LaMotta’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria holds its 35th anniversary celebration today and Sunday at 15660-225 San Carlos Blvd. A special menu brings back 1979 prices on 10 menu items. Outdoor entertainment starts at 5 p.m. 482-5505.

Pet Event – Pet Palooza 5 runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tahitian Gardens, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. This benefit for the Gulf Coast Humane Society includes photos by Pets du Soleil and fun activities by Academy Kennels and K-9 Connections. Events include canine agility and a raffle. www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

Valentine’s Dance – USA Dance Chapter 6049 holds a black tie Sweetheart Ball from 7-10 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral. 565-7947.

Arts Fair – The Rotary Club of Sanibel Captiva Arts & Craft Fair runs from 10 am.-5 p.m. today and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. www.sanibelrotary.org or 472-7257.

Parade & Fireworks – The Edison Festival of Light Party, Grand Parade and Fireworks take place in downtown Fort Myers. Starting at noon, the Parade Party includes entertainment, music, food and crafts. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Fort Myers High Edison Stadium. 334-2999. Art Show – Great Art in a Great Park runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Koreshan State Historic Site. Local artists display and sell various forms of unique artwork and crafts in the historic settlement. 992-0311 or www.floridastateparks.org/koreshan.

Book Blast – The Simon Kidgits Club at the Edison Mall holds a Book Blast from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Activities include book readings, crafts and more. Bring new or gently used books to be donated to a local children’s charity. shopedisonmall.com.

Island Art – The Pine Island Art Association’s 42nd annual Art Show and Sale run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today and Sunday at the Matlacha Community Building, 4577 NW Pine Island Road. Meet the artists and shop for Florida-theme paintings as well as original mini paintings. 283- 4432 or www.pineislandart.com.

Classic Rock – The Kapo Kings perform from 7-9 p.m. in Market Plaza at Gulf Coast Town Center. 267-0783 or www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.

Live Music – Miromar Outlets presents free live music every from 4-7 p.m. Saturdays in the Restaurant Piazza and between Ford’s Garage and Naples Flatbread and Wine Bar. www.miromaroutlets.com.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Blues & Rock – Buddy Guy & Jonny Lang take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 1350 Edison Pkwy. 481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com.

Ongoing Class – David Jennings presents “Finding Spirituality in Text and Lyrics” from 1:300-2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Laboratory Theater. Explore the spirituality of the performing arts. Love offering requested. 1634 Woodford Ave. Reserve space in advance: education@laboratorytheaterflorida.com. 218-0481. Live Music – Beans and Seeds performs from 5-8 p.m. at Pincher’s Crab Shack Holiday Inn – Fort Myers Beach, 6890 Estero Blvd. 463-2909 or www.pincherscrabshack.com/fort-myersbeach tiki-bar/. Free Concert – The FGCU Bower School of Music presents a Symphonic Band/Wind Orchestra Concert at 3 p.m. at Lamb of God Church, 19691 Cypress View Dr. Free. www.fgcu.edu/CAS/ BSM/Concerts.html.

Chili & More – The Tiki Bar at the Day Inn holds a Chili Cook-Off at 2 p.m. at 18051 S. Tamiami Trl. Enjoy live music, tasty fare and more. 267-7900.

Yoga Class – Laboratory Theatre of Florida offers yoga classes with Val White from 11 am.-noon on Sundays. Poses are themed around a different focus, such as release, alignment, detox and more. $15 for drop-ins; $10 per class for four weeks. 1634 Woodford Ave. 218-0481.

Drumming & Dancing – The Fort Myers Drum & Dance Circle meets every Sunday and Wednesday several hours before sunset in downtown Fort Myers next to the RiverBoat. Join in or just listen. Bring a seat, a drum/dance/ song/poems. 567-0187.

Free Jazz – Island Jazz performs a free concert at 3 p.m. every Sunday through April in BIG ARTS Boler Garden, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Island Jazz showcases several styles of music from jazz standards and Dixieland to bop, pop and more. www.bigarts.org, 395-0900 or info@bigarts.org.

Live Music – Miromar Outlets presents live music from 1-4 p.m. Sundays in the Restaurant Piazza and between Ford’s Garage and Naples Flatbread and Wine Bar. www.miromaroutlets.com.

Music & Dancing – The Tru Kountry band provides live traditional country music, Southern rock and oldtime rock ’n’ roll with free line dancing lessons from 2-5 p.m. every Sunday at the Shell Factory. $6 individual; $10 couple. 2787 N. Tamiami Trl. www.Shellfactory.com or 995-2141.

Blues Tunes – The Buckingham Blues Bar hosts an Open Blues Jam from 3-8 p.m. on Sundays and from 8-11 p.m. Wednesdays. 5641 Buckingham Rd. 693-7111.

Music Event – The Americana Community Music Association hosts a Singer Songwriter Circle from 2-5 p.m. on Sundays at the ACMA Listening Room, 3334 Cleveland Ave. Join local singer/ songwriters in an open, creative atmosphere. Free; donations welcome. 910- 5656.

Doggy Church – The Shell Factory and Nature Park offers Doggy Church at 12:30 p.m. every Sunday. Bring your pooch for a half-hour of non-denominational inspiration. 2787 N. Tamiami Trl. www.Shellfactory.com or 995-2141.

Dog Walk – The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium offers Dog Day Sundays at 3 p.m. every Sunday. $5 per dog. 3450 Ortiz Ave. 275-3435 or www.calusanature.org/.

Monday, Feb. 17

Acting Class – Sanford Meisner offers “Intro to Acting with Meisner” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Mondays through March 17 at Laboratory Theatre. $90. 1634 Woodford Ave. 218-0481 or education@laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Interfaith Group – A Shared Scholar Event featuring artist Myra Roberts starts at 1:30 p.m. at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ: 2050 Periwinkle Way. Using art plus power point and script, she provides a view of WWII prehistory. 472-0497.

Author Event – A Famous Author Lecture and Luncheon with Diana-Abu Jaber runs from noon-2 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St. $35 lecture and lunch; $350 VIP table. 33301933 or www.sbdac.com.

Film Series – The BIG ARTS Film Society’s Monday Night Film Series continues with “The Great Beauty” at 7 p.m. The screening is followed by a complementary reception and discussion led by knowledgeable film aficionados in BIG ARTS Phillips Gallery. $8. 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel. www.bigarts.org, 395-0900 or info@bigarts.org.

Indie Films – The Fort Myers Film Festival hosts T.G.I.M. every Monday with happy hour at 6:30 p.m. and an indie film starting at 7 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. See short indie films and decide whether or not they should be screened at the 2014 festival. $6. 2301 First St. www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Open House – The Fort Myers- Lee County Garden Council holds an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the council building, 2166 Virginia Ave. Check out flower design demonstrations, plants, and gardening materials for sale by local garden clubs and plant societies. 707-6078 or fmlcgcpres@embarqmail.com.

Book Discussion – The Alliance for the Arts’ monthly Member Gallery Book Club discusses “Just Kids” by Patti Smith from 7-9 p.m. Club members must purchase their own copy of each book. 10091 McGregor Blvd. For pre-registration: 939-2787. Artinlee.org.

Acting for Seniors – Nykkie Rizley teaches Acting for Seniors from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through March 11 at Laboratory Theater of Florida. $80. 1634 Woodford Ave. 218-0481.

Film Screening – The Alliance for the Arts hosts a screening of the art therapy film “I Remember Better When I Paint” at 7 p.m. The featurelength documentary explores the positive impact of art and other creative therapies in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The film’s co-creator, Berna Huebner, leads a discussion at 8 p.m. $5 donation. 10091 McGregor Blvd. ArtIn- Lee.org or 939-2787.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Midweek Event – The American Community Music Association presents Acoustic Eidelon from 7-10 p.m. at 334 Cleveland Ave. The band features Joe Scott on double neck guitjo and Hannah Alkire on cello. Suggested donation: $20 non-members; $15 members. www.americanacma.org or 910-5657.

Music & Art – Cello Bennett presents “A Musical Evening with Cello & Friends,” featuring solos and ensembles from opera, musical and folk music, at 7:30 p.m. in the Foulds Theater at the Alliance for the Arts. 10091 McGregor Blvd. For tickets: www.theatreconspiracy.org or 936-3239.

Sports Event – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce presents the inaugural SWFL Sports Summit from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at JetBlue Park, 11581 Daniels Pkwy. Guest speakers are Sam Kennedy, CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Bill Smith of the Minnesota Twins. A Q&A follows. $40. To pre-register: www.fortmyers.org or 332-2930.

Film Series – The “Ding” Darling Refuge’s second annual Bi-Weekly Film Series presents “March of the Penguins” at 2:30 p.m. today and Thursday in I Auditorium A of the Ding Darling Education Center. Free. www.dingdarlingsociety.org/films.

Lecture Series – The 13th annual Wednesday Morning Live! Community Lecture Series continues at 10 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Today’s program is “A Portrait of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor” presented by local actress Joanna Olson. Enjoy coffee and snacks at 9:30 a.m. 2439 McGregor Blvd. 334-8937 or www.covpcfm.com.

Upcoming Events

Les Misérables – By Broadway Palm Theatre Feb. 20-April 12. 1380 Colonial Blvd.www.BroadwayPalm.com or 278-4422.

Music & More – Music Walk starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 in downtown Fort Myers. Enjoy live music at a variety of venues, plus shopping and dining. (800) 732-3836.

Fundraising Event – The 2014 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is set for Feb. 21-22. Enjoy two days of fine food and aged wines benefiting SWFL Children’s Charities Inc. Chef Vintner Dinners are held throughout SWFL on Feb. 21, followed by The Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club on Feb. 22. www.swflwinefest.org/.

— Submit calendar listings and highresolution photos to events@floridaweekly.com. Email text, jpegs or Word documents are accepted. No pdfs or photos of flyers. The deadline for calendar submissions is noon Sunday.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *