May Events

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts. A new juried exhibit, Texture Takes Form, opens with a reception May 4 from 5:30–7 p.m. and remains on display through August. 394-4221.

Patty & Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art. Four new exhibits open this month: French Twist: Masterworks of Photography from Atget to Man Ray, featuring 90 rare vintage prints from the golden age of French photography; Associated American Artists, Art by Subscription, which includes more than 70 etchings, wood engravings, aquatints and mezzotints; the museum’s second Florida Contemporary, featuring works from realism to abstraction; and the second annual Student Exhibition. The Saint John’s Bible and the Art of the Book continues through June 30. In the permanent collection: American Modernism and Modern Mexican Masters. 597-1900.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Visions showcases artists from Germany, France, Argentina and the United States from May 7–27. 332-4488.

Southwest Florida Museum of History. King Tut: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb and Dinosaurs Alive! continue through May 9. Also, visit the museum on May 12 for a presentation and meet-and-greet book signing by maritime author Robert Macomber. 321-7430.
Underground Art Wednesday. Visit as many as 20 artists’ studios and galleries and see them at work, May 5 at Pine Ridge Industrial Park.
821-1061.

The von Liebig Art Center. Diana: Dresses of Inspiration celebrates the life and legacy of Princess Diana and continues through June 27. 262-6517.

LIVE MUSIC
Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Elvis Bash. This acclaimed tribute show features two renowned Elvis impressionists: Mike Albert and the Big “E” Band, playing older Elvis, and Scot Bruce, performing as the younger Elvis. May 6 at 8 p.m. at the Phil. 597-1900.
Cherryholmes. The legendary bluegrass band teams with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra May 13 at the Phil. 597-1900.

Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. A showcase of two great works by Camille Saint-Saëns is May 7–8; Pops No. 4, A Long and Winding Road: The Concert, starring Maureen McGovern, through May 2; Star-Spangled Spectacular!, part of the Patriotic Pops program, May 27–29; bluegrass band Cherryholmes with the NPO, May 13; 20th Century Gems, May 18; a Youth Chorale Recital, May 3; Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, May 23; and three Magic Carpet Concerts for children ages three to nine, May 15, 22 and 29. All concerts at the Phil. 597-1900.

Open Mic Night. Local artists share their music and poetry, May 21 from 6–11 p.m. at the Norris Center in Naples. 213-3049.

Southwest Florida Symphony. Michael Hall conducts the Southwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Fourth, May 23 at 7 p.m. at Fort Myers High School. 418-1500.

THEATER & SHOWS
The Big Bang. Two wannabe producers have written the most expensive musical ever and now must raise $83 million. Previews begin May 4, and the show continues through the 23rd at the Florida Repertory Theatre. 332-4488.

ETC … The Naples Players’ Readers Theatre presents Mirandolina, a full-length classic comedy about the battle of the sexes, May 23 in Sugden Community Theatre’s Tobye Studio. 263-7990.

The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde’s madcap satire of social propriety in 19th century London continues through May 15 at Sugden Community Theatre. 263-7990.

Greater Tuna. The Naples Players perform this heartwarming classic starring Pat Ashton and B.T. Bean May 12–22 in Sugden Community Theatre’s Tobye Studio. 263-7990.

Love, Sex and the IRS. Two out-of-work musicians file tax returns listing them as married—and then an IRS investigator shows up. Through May 2 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. 278-4422.

Naples City Improv. If you’re a fan of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, don’t miss this family-friendly troupe’s unscripted quips, May 7 at 8 p.m. at the Norris Center. 213-3049.

Ring of Fire. The Broadway hit that celebrates the songs of Johnny Cash comes to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, through June 5. 278-4422.

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & MORE
Ikebana International. Be part of a team and create unique floral arrangements during Team Floral, May 5. Reservations requested, 390-2881.
Southwest Florida SoapFest. Daytime television’s best soap opera stars return to Marco Island for mingling, a celebrity bartender bash, live play reading and a cruise on the Marco Island Princess, May 15–16. Proceeds benefit several children’s charities. Visit www.soapfest.com for information and tickets.

Taste of Collier. Thirty local restaurants will offer the best of their menus at the 27th annual event at Bayfront, May 2 from noon to 4 p.m. Also, look for performances by local entertainment, wait staff games, an ice-carving contest, chef’s competition and more. 272-1907.

Taste of Raku. Glaze pots, socialize and then take your artwork home. May 6 from 6–9 p.m. at Rosen Gallery & Studios. 821-1061.

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Naples Zoo. Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day, presented by three area National Wildlife Refuges, May 8; Armed Forces Day (military receive free admission with identification), May 14–17; and Memorial Day weekend (free child admission with paid adult with coupon online), May 28–31. Also, the Summer of Seuss kicks off May 29 with bronze statues of favorite Seuss characters throughout the zoo. www.napleszoo.org.

Rookery Bay. Dive into a 17,000-gallon, above-ground pool on the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center’s back lawn, explore a touch tank and see an interactive fishing demonstration, environmental movies and other presentations during Dive Into Oceans Day, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 417-6310.

LECTURES AND LEARNING
The Saturday Series. Gulfshore Playhouse’s new educational initiative offers insight on building a play, the history of Greek theater and the process of costume design. Call
261-7529 for dates and to sign up.