Arts & Entertainment


March Calendar

What's happening this month

BY March 12, 2014
What's happening this month

 

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

 

Art League of Fort Myers

7-28 Wins of March juried show. Free. 275-3970. artleagueoffortmyers.org

 

The Baker Museum

Through 4/6 Duchamp Family of Artists features the work of Jacques Villon, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, Marcel Duchamp and Suzanne Duchamp, including works on paper, paintings, figurative bronzes and other objects.

Through 4/27 Florida Contemporary showcases area painters, sculptors, photographers and graphic artists whose works range from realist to abstract.

Through 5/18 Rediscovering Egypt: The Collection of the Dahesh Museum of Art combines original engravings from the Description de l’Egypte—considered the foundational work of modern Egyptology—with works from the collection of the Dahesh Museum of Art in New York City.

15-7/6 Featuring nearly 100 dioramas devoted to current Belgian artists and art movements, Museum to Scale 1/7 recalls the Wunderkammern, or “cabinets of curiosities and wonder.”

26 Art After Hours invites you to explore the museum’s galleries to the tune of local musicians from 6-9 p.m. Free. Admission $10 per adult, $5 per fulltime student and free for children 17 and younger (unless otherwise noted). 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

BIG Arts

3-31 Latin Beat exhibit and Trick of the Light black-and-white photography juried show. Free. 395-0900. bigarts.org

 

Center for the Arts Bonita Springs

Through 3/27 Bits and Pieces explores art from the perspective of its parts and as a whole narrative. Free. 485-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Collier County Museum

Through 6/30 Seminole Artists Brian and Pedro Zepeda: Rooted in Tradition contains beading, patchwork, wood carvings, sculpture and illustrations by the two brothers. Guy LaBree: The Barefoot Artist displays 27 original paintings and giclées on loan from LaBree and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Free. 252-8476. colliermuseums.com

 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

1-5/15 Renowned photographer Clyde Butcher’s work is on display in Big Cypress Swamp: The Western Everglades. Meet Butcher in person on April 4. Free. 348-9151. corkscrew.audubon.org

 

Fort Myers Art Walk

7 The monthly, self-guided event lets you browse the art galleries and businesses of the historic Fort Myers River District. Free. 278-5236.

 

Galerie du Soleil

1-31 Spring in the Garden highlights a selection of plein air paintings by gallery artists, plus new works by more than 30 gallery artists of regional, national and international acclaim. Every Saturday in March features courtyard garden painting demonstrations and tea receptions from 2 to 5 p.m. Free. 417-3450. galerie-du-soleil.com

 

Gardner Colby Gallery

5-22 Frank P. Corso: 20 Years celebrates the artist’s two decades with Gardner Colby through new works, retrospective paintings and the release of Corso’s first book. Free. 403-7787. gardnercolbygallery.com

 

Harmon-Meek Gallery

Through 3/7 Flower Power pairs master watercolorist Gary Bukovnik with painter Bob Kane in an exhibition dedicated to flowers.

10-21 Don Nice Solo Exhibition features new and past works by the painter, who is known for his “pop realism” and works based on nature.

24-4/4 Richard Segalman: 80th Birthday Celebration commemorates the noted New York artist’s 80th birthday in a debut of his new works in oil, watercolor, monotype and pastel. Free. 261-2637. harmonmeekgallery.com

 

The Holocaust Museum & Education Center of Southwest Florida

2-23 View the latest collection by Sanibel artist Myra Roberts, a mixed-media exhibit using period interior design paintings and historic photos to depict the willingness of the average citizen to be blind to the facts of the Holocaust. $10 per adult, $5 per student age 12-15, free for students under 12. 263-9200. holocaustmuseumswfl.org

 

Immokalee Pioneer Museum

Through 4/30 Through images taken by an unknown local photographer, the Pahokee Prepares for War exhibit organized by HistoryMiami examines the agricultural town of Pahokee as it faced the realities of World War II. Free. 658-2466. colliermuseums.com

 

Jo-Gi Gallery

Through 3/31 In its new location on Fifth Avenue South, Jo-Gi Gallery presents Poetic Palettes from Paris & Provence. Free. 659-5644. jogigallery.com

 

Lee County Alliance for the Arts

1 Gale Bennett 75 features the contemporary artwork of the late Southwest Florida native.

7-27 Burnett, Fithian and Ocasio displays a collection of diverse works by the three artists. Free. 939-2787. artinlee.org

 

Marco Island Historical Museum

Through 3/29 Enchantments: The Photographic Adventures of Julian Dimock, 1904-1913 presents photos taken by the Wall Street mogul-turned-photographer as he traveled with his father by canoe and oxcart through early 20th century Florida. Free. 642-1440. themihs.com

 

Naples Botanical Garden

Through 5/11 LEGO® Sculptures in the Garden features 27 nature-themed creations—ranging in height from 6 inches to 8 feet—in 14 displays. $12.95 per adult, $7.95 per child. 643-7275. naplesgarden.org

 

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

Through 3/27 Presented in conjunction with the United Arts Council of Collier County and judged by renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, Seventh Annual Florida Juried Photography Exhibit highlights the flora and fauna of Florida. Free. 417-6310. rookerybay.org

 

Thomas Riley Studio

Through 3/22 Bud Latven’s Deconstructed Turnings exhibits masterful modern woodworks both new and previously exhibited across the country.

27-4/26 Mixed Media Group Show: Glass & Ceramic presents selected artists from around the country featuring both traditional and non-traditional explorations in material and “objectness.” Free. 594-1098. thomasrileystudio.com

 

Trudy Labell Fine Art

1-31 From waterscapes to skyscapes, Land, Sand & Time reveals the beauty of our natural world. Free. 434-7778. trudylabellfineart.com

 

The von Liebig Art Center

Through 3/1 Diamonds showcases the work gifted to the Naples Art Association before the grand opening of The von Liebig Art Center in 1998. Spring Show 2014: Arts Council of Southwest Florida is a juried biennial exhibition of 2-D and 3-D works by Arts Council members. Members Gallery Small Works Show exhibits all-media artwork of small dimensions.

13-4/26 The Clyde and Niki Butcher Photography Exhibition pairs Clyde’s classic detail with Niki’s hand-painting in a collection of black-and-white photographs. Lecture with the couple on March 13 at 5:30 p.m.

15-4/18 See current works by von Liebig students in the NAA Adult Student Exhibition 2014.

15-4/20 Every work in the members’ exhibit A Touch of Red has a hint of the color in keeping with the theme. Free. 262-6517. naplesart.org

 

LIVE MUSIC

 

105 Years of Broadway

9 Composer Neil Berg revisits musical theater’s finest moments with Broadway veterans and an all-star band at Artis—Naples. $62-82. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

All That Jazz

19 Guitarist Pete Bernstein joins the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra at Artis—Naples. $41-45. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Bonita Springs Concert Band

16 Performance at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. Free. 405-3320. bonitaspringsconcertband.com Broadway Bound!

3 Jodie DeSalvo celebrates the giants of musical theater from the piano at Artis—Naples. $43. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre

2-3 One of the best Elvis impersonators is back for three performances in Dwight Icenhower’s Tribute to the King. $35-58.

16-17 The Drifters bring you back in time with American doo-wop, R&B and soul classics. $35-58.

24 Back Home Again is a tribute to the songwriting of John Denver. $35-58.

30-31 Dance along in a tribute concert to ABBA with ABBA Fab. $35-58. 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

 

The Bronx Wanderers

21 A father and his two sons perform the best of ’50s, ’60s and ’70s rock and roll at Artis—Naples. $55. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Christopher Seaman Returns

20, 22 The former Naples Philharmonic music director conducts a program of audience favorites at Artis—Naples. $29-105. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Classic Chamber Concerts

10 The Young Virtuoso Returns: Philipp Kopachevsky.

31 19th Season Finale: The Dawn of the Twentieth Year. Performances at Sugden Community Theatre. $60 per adult, $25 per student or child. 434-8505. classicchamberconcerts.org

 

Country Royalty

21 Accompanied by a five-piece band, Obie award-winner Jason Petty and Grammy nominee Carolyn Martin pay a musical tribute to Hank Williams and Patsy Cline at BIG Arts. $42 per general seating, $47 per loge seating, $5 per student or child. 472-6862. bigarts.org

 

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

4 Artis—Naples hosts a program on the heels of the orchestra’s 125th anniversary. $75-125. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Dick Hyman—Sunday Jazz

30 Hoagy Carmichael’s iconic songs come to life at Artis—Naples. $45. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Duo Romantico

18 Atilio and Christy Marinelli blend popera and Broadway in a performance of your favorite Broadway and Hollywood hits. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Erich Kunzel Community Concert Series

14 Bayshore Cultural and Performing Arts Center presents Rebecca Richardson, Opera Naples and guests at the Edison State College Collier campus. $20 per adult, $15 per student. 775-2800. bayshorecapa.org

 

FGCU Faculty & Guest Artist Series

13 Dr. James Giles of Northwestern University performs a recital of works by Schubert, Wagner, Bolcom and Russian composers. $7.

18 Guest lecturer Michael Buchler explores Guys and Dolls, often called the perfect musical. Free. Performances and discussions in the U. Tobe Recital Hall at Florida Gulf Coast University. 590-7292. fgcu.edu/CAS/BSM/concerts.html

 

Fort Myers Community Concerts

6 Comic opera L’Elisir D’Amore performed by Teatro Lirico D’Europa.

24, 27 Celebrated chamber orchestra The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Joshua Bell. Performances at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 693-4849. fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org

 

Fort Myers Music Walk

21 Local musicians perform in Fort Myers River District shops, patios, restaurants and bars. Begins at 7 p.m. Free. (855) 732-3836. fortmyersmusicwalk.com

 

The Grascals

9 The Grammy-nominated bluegrass group performs original songs and reworked classics at Artis—Naples. $50. 597-1900.

artisnaples.org

 

Gulf Coast Symphony

2 Carmina Burana performance with the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $22-50. mastersingersfm.com

30 The 1920s through the 1960s is revisited with The Great American Songbook. $42-75. 277-1700. gulfcoastsymphony.org

 

Indigo Girls

1 In a performance at Artis—Naples with the Naples Philharmonic, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers show they’ve still got it after nearly 30 years. $79-119. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

25 The world-class orchestra takes you on an expert musical journey at Artis—Naples. $150-250. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Jazz on the Green

16 Bayshore Cultural and Performing Arts Center presents the Steve Uscher Group at the Edison State College Collier campus. Free. 775-2800. bayshorecapa.org

 

Lee County Alliance for the Arts

8 Walk in the Grass fundraiser concert presents bluegrass by North Carolina’s Snyder Family Band and three local groups, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. $15 per adult, $5 per student, free for children 6 and younger.

9 The Bruce T. Gora Sunday Sunset Concert Vagabonds takes the stage. $20.

22 The interactive Musical Discovery Series gives kids the chance to learn about instruments from Gulf Coast Symphony musicians. Free.

30 The Acoustic Music Society of SWFL presents three hours of live music with Bluegrass in the Theatre. $7. 939-2787. artinlee.org

 

Michael Bolton

18 Expect a great show from the pop crooner at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $42-79. 481-4849. bbmannpah.com

 

Moody Blues

30 The innovative rockers behind hits such as Nights in White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon make a special appearance at Artis—Naples. $89-109. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Music Makers Big Show Band

7 Evening performance at Cambier Park, Naples. Free. 594-5141. musicmakersshowband.org

 

Naples Botanical Garden

2 Jazz in the Garden continues with The Naples Sunshine Jazz Band. $12.95 per adult, $7.95 per child.

17 Tributes in the Garden presents UV: A Tribute to U2. $15 per adult, $5 per child. 643-7275. naplesgarden.org

 

Naples Concert Band

2 Performance at Cambier Park. Free. 263-9521. naplesconcertband.org

 

Naples Dixieland Jazz Band

9, 30 Tap your toes to traditional jazz at Cambier Park. Free. 263-1113. naplesdixielandjazzband.com

 

Naples Jazz Orchestra

10 Tribute to Woody Herman featuring music director Mike Brignola.

24 Carmen Bradford sings Ella Fitzgerald.

31 The NJO plays the music of Tommy Dorsey featuring Voices. Shows at Cambier Park. $10. thenjo.com

 

Naples Orchestra and Chorus

22-23 The group presents Summon the Heroes, a finale concert honoring heroes of arts, sports, education and entertainment, at Lely High School. $13 online, $15 at the door. 676-0077. naplesorchestraandchorus.org

 

Naples Philharmonic Around Town

13-14 An all-Mozart performance. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs, and Friday at Wesley United Methodist Church, Marco Island. $35. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

The Norris Center

21 Uptown Express unites five vocalists and a five-piece band in a powerhouse revival of ’50s and ’60s tunes. $22.

22 Larry Cordle, Alan Rhody and Jerry Salley combine talents in Singer Songwriter X3, a unique blend of bluegrass, country and gospel. $22 in advance, $28 at the door. 213- 3058. naplesgov.com

 

Onslow and Schubert

2, 4 The Sypert Salon Series at Artis—Naples pays tribute to the composers. $40. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli

2 The jazz piano and guitar greats unite in Straighten Up and Fly Right: A Nat King Cole Tribute at Artis—Naples. $75. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Richard Nader’s Doo Wop and Rock N’ Roll

28 An all-star lineup takes us down memory lane at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $29-66. 481-4849. bbmannpah.com

 

Scotty McCreery

27 The American Idol winner performs a country concert at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $30-60. 481-4849. bbmannpah.com

 

Shell Point Concert Series

3 The well-known Washington Saxophone Quartet taps into early music and new works to appeal to all ages and backgrounds. $26.

17 Acclaimed performer Jim Curry and his band present Take Me Home: A Tribute to the Music of John Denver. $36.

25 Leig Bjaland conducts in the romantic Mendelssohn Marathon. $21. 454-2067. shellpoint.org/concerts

 

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

23 The orchestra teams up with stunning vocalist Delores King Williams in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at Artis—Naples. $53-98. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Southwest Florida Symphony

1 Masterworks IV performance at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $20-82.

26 BIG Arts hosts a Mendelssohn Marathon. $36 per adult, $5 per student or child.

29 Masterworks V performance at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $20-82. 418-1500. swflso.org

 

Sublime Schubert

6, 8 The Naples Philharmonic joins Houston Symphony Conductor Laureate Hans Graf and rising star Kirill Gerstein in performances of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9. At Artis—Naples. $34-80. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

SWF Music Festivals

1 Sounds from the River features an AC/ DC tribute concert in Centennial Park, Fort Myers. Free. 227-4405. swfmusicfestivals.com/sounds-from-the-river.html

8 Sounds from the Park features a Jimmy Buffet tribute concert in Sugden Regional Park, Naples. Free. Donations benefit St. Matthew’s House. 227-4405. swfmusicfestivals.com/sounds-from-thepark.html

 

Third Thursday on Third

20 The courtyards and plazas resound with music as you shop, dine and dance to folk, rock, jazz and more. 6-9 p.m. Free. thirdstreetsouth.com

 

Tom Paxton

7 The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning folk guitarist and singer performs at BIG Arts. $37 per general seating, $42 per loge seating, $5 per student or child. 472-6862. bigarts.org

 

Voices of Naples

23 Bach to Broadway at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Bonita Springs. Free; donations welcome. 455-2582. voicesofnaples.org

 

THEATER & SHOWS

 

All My Sons

28-4/19 George Deever returns from war to 1940s Ohio to find his father in prison for producing fatally defective airplane parts while his business partner remains unscathed. Gulfshore Playhouse presents the emotional drama that won Arthur Miller the first Tony Award ever given to a playwright. 261-7529. gulfshoreplayhouse.org

 

The Altruists

Through 3/8 The frantic comedy about self-centered do-gooders financed by an aging soap opera star is performed at The Laboratory Theater of Florida. $20 per general admission, $12 per student. 218-0481. laboratorytheaterflorida.com

 

Apartment 3A

Through 3/2 A PBS employee struggling in all areas of life finds reason for hope in her new next-door neighbor. Performed by The Marco Players. $23-25. 642-7270. themarcoplayers.com

 

Art

19-4/6 The Tony-winning play performed by the Marco Players delves into the meaning of not just art, but friendship. $23-25. 642-7270. themarcoplayers.com

 

The Barber of Seville

29 The comic opera remains a favorite nearly two centuries after its debut. Performed by Opera Naples and the Naples Philharmonic at Artis—Naples. $135-165. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Because Beauty Must be Broken Daily

Through 3/2 Presented by Ghostbird Theatre, the resident theater company of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, the play combines dance and ritual in a comment on goodness, strength and fragility presented through the story of fallen lovers Dene and Alice. $10. 333-1933. sbdac.com

 

Beauty and the Beast

21-23 Adults and kids alike will love the stage adaptation of the enchanting Disney classic. $38-75. 481-4849. bbmannpah.com

 

Chess

6-9, 13-16 With music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Uvaeus of ABBA and lyrics by Evita and The Lion King’s Tim Rice, Chess involves the romantic triangle between two men competing in a chess tournament symbolic for the cold war struggle between the U.S. and the USSR. Performed by TheatreZone at Community School of Naples. $43-48. (888) 966-3352. theatrezone-florida.com

 

Clybourne Park

21-4/9 Florida Repertory Theatre tackles the funny yet powerful play about race in Chicago in the 1950s and 2000s. Performance at Arcade Theatre. $40-45. 332-4488. floridarep.org

 

Dance Alliance

1 The resident company of Lee County Alliance for the Arts celebrates its fifth anniversary with the innovative performance Momentum and Memories at BIG Arts. $20 per adult, free for student or child. 472-6862. bigarts.org

 

Defamation

Through 3/2 The riveting courtroom drama centered on race, class, law and religion hits the BIG Arts stage. $42 per adult, $5 per student or child. 472-6862. bigarts.org

 

Distracted

26-4/19 With a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, Distracted examines how we expect today’s children to not be hyperactive despite a hectic, computerized and distracting world. Performed by The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre. $25. 263-7990. naplesplayers.org

 

Dixie Swim Club

20-5/11 Five Southern women from the same college swim team reunite at a beach house in North Carolina. The comedy performed at Off Broadway Palm Theatre tells a story of friendship as it evolves over a period of 33 years. $29-49. 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

 

Don Quixote

3 The influential Spanish tale comes to life through dance as the Russian National Ballet Theatre takes the stage at Artis—Naples. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

The Drowsy Chaperone

5-4/5 The Naples Players perform this musical, comedic “show within a show” about a Broadway starlet in the 1920s. 263-7990. naplesplayers.org

 

Famous Author Lecture and Lunch

17 The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts Gregg Hurwitz, acclaimed author of novels, screenplays, comic books and academic articles. $35. 333-1933. sbdac.com

 

Flamenco Puro with Acoustical Guitar

4 A fun and impressive display by Miami’s master flamenco dancer Clarita Filgueiras and her troupe. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

The Game’s Afoot

Through 3/16 Ken Ludwig’s comedic murder mystery comes to life through Gulfshore Playhouse at The Norris Center. $15-50. 261-7529. gulfshoreplayhouse.org

 

Good People

Through 3/1 The Naples Players examine fate versus choice in this theatric journey of a South Boston woman. Performance at Sugden Community Theatre. $25. 263-7990. naplesplayers.org

 

The Graduate

21-4/5 The story of college graduate Benjamin Braddock and his affair with the wife of his father’s business partner comes to the Laboratory Theater of Florida stage. $20 per general admission, $12 per student. 218-0481. laboratorytheaterflorida.com

 

A Grand Night for Singing

Through 3/16 A revue showcasing the music of Richard Rodgers and lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, performed by Florida Repertory Theatre at Arcade Theatre. $40. 332-4488. floridarep.org

 

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Through 3/5 Three actors take on myriad characters in this race to solve the murder mystery surrounding the Baskerville family. Performance by Florida Repertory Theatre at Arcade Theatre. $40-45. 332-4488. floridarep.org

 

Jersey Boys

11-16 The dramatic rise and eventual break-up of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is chronicled in the wildly popular Broadway show, playing at Artis—Naples. $125. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Late Nite Catechism

5-8 Artis—Naples hosts the Easter edition of Chicago’s comedy show, titled Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go to Heaven? $55. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Les Miserables

Through 4/12 Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents the classic tale of broken dreams in 19th century France. $40-63 per adult, $23-27 per child. 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

 

Macbeth: A Love Story

20 Shakespeare in Paradise delivers a one-hour adaptation of the classic tale. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Moving Currents—Dance

7 The Southeast’s top modern dance company puts on a show of living art at Center for the Arts Bonita Springs. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Murder Mystery Dinner Train

Through 4/26 It’s an Old Florida cowboy’s world in Caloosa Get Your Gun. $69-75.

Through 6/1 Inspector Henry Dijon tackles a Cold War mystery I Spy a Murder. $69-75. 275-8487. semgulf.com

 

Nana’s Naughty Knickers

Through 3/15 Bridget discovers her sweet grandmother’s secret business of illegally selling handmade lingerie in this contemporary comedy playing at Off Broadway Palm Theatre. $29-49 per adult, $16-22 per child. 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com

 

Off The Hook Comedy Club

13-16 Brad Williams, dubbed “Prozac with a head” by Robin Williams, performs a highenergy show. $20 for general admission, $45 for VIP. 389-6901. offthehookcomedy.com

 

Peking Acrobats

17 The dazzling human performance returns to Artis—Naples. $45-65. 597-1900. artisnaples.org

 

Rhythm of the Dance

3 The new stage production by the 30-person National Dance Company of Ireland, featuring a full live band and The Young Irish Tenors, comes to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $19-40. 481- 4849. bbmannpah.com

 

Rockin’ Ever After

14-16 Disney on Ice presents characters from Brave, The Little Mermaid, Tangled and Beauty and the Beast at Germain Arena. $16-55. 948-7825. germainarena.com

 

Romance/Romance

7-4/5 Two separate one-act musicals combine in the romantic Tony Award nominee at BIG Arts. $42 per adult, $5 per student or child. 472-6862. bigarts.org

 

War Horse

11-16 Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall brings us the celebrated story of the bond between a boy and his horse. $41-78. 481-4849. bbmannpah.com

 

The Whale

14-29 Since the death of his boyfriend, morbidly obese Charlie has confined himself to his small Idaho apartment. With his health quickly failing, he becomes desperate to reconnect with his estranged and angry teenage daughter, whom he has not seen in 17 years. Performed by Theatre Conspiracy at Lee County Alliance for the Arts. $20. 936-3239 theatreconspiracy.org

 

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

 

Corkscrew After Hours

21 Explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary through guided or independent excursions and activities until its extended closing time of 9 p.m. This month’s theme is “Tree Bats of Florida.” $12 per adult, $6 college student, $4 per child. 348-9151. corkscrew.audubon.org

 

Florida Everblades

4 Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears.

7-8 Everblades vs. Gwinnett Gladiators.

26 Everblades vs. Evansville Icemen.

28-29 Everblades vs. Cincinnati Cyclones.

Games at Germain Arena. $11-45. 948-7825. floridaeverblades.com

 

Gulf Coast Runners

1 The Gold Medal 5K, benefiting the Gulf Coast Runners Youth Development Fund, begins at 8 a.m. at Artis—Naples and winds through Pelican Bay. 434-9786.

22 The Beach Bum 5K, which benefits the Gulf Coast Runners Youth Development Fund, begins at Lowdermilk Park at 7:30 a.m. and makes its way onto the Naples beach. 331-6750. gcrunner.org

 

Harlem Globetrotters

9 The family-friendly basketball show hits Germain Arena for one night only. $23-124. 948-7825. germainarena.com

 

March Mudness

15 A 5K obstacle course awaits in the “Mile-o-Mud” of Florida Sports Park. $49 per participant or team, $12 per spectator. themudblast.com

 

Marco Island Half Marathon Bridge Run

16 The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Shops of Marco. Depending on registration date, 5K $29-35 and half-marathon $59-80. marcoislandhalfmarathon.com

 

Swamp Buggy Race Spring Classic

1-2 The final racing of the season commences at Florida Sports Park. 774-2701. thefloridasportspark.com

 

FESTIVALS, FAIRS & MORE

 

2014 Naples Flower Show and Market

28-29 Naples Botanical Garden and Naples Garden Club combine resources and talents to present the 60th annual event, now one of the largest flower shows in Florida. The two-day affair includes a garden market and educational demonstrations as well as juried designs and horticultural exhibits. Admission included in regular garden admission. 643-7275. naplesgarden.org

 

2014 Spring Art Affair

29 The open-air courtyard of Bell Tower Shops hosts more than a dozen artists displaying a great variety of works. Free. 939-2787. artinlee.org

 

77th Annual Shell Show

6-8 The town famous for its shell-plucking stance, the “Sanibel Stoop,” has shells on display in both artistic and scientific divisions at the Sanibel Community House. $5 suggested donation includes admission to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum during the festival. sanibelcaptivashellclub.com

 

Antique Auto Show

22 More than 100 rare and beautifully restored automobiles, dating as far back as the early 1900s, are on display at the Naples Depot Museum. Donation requested. 262-6525. colliermuseums.com

 

Art in the Park

1 The Naples Art Association hosts the juried outdoor show on Park Street. Free. 262-6517. naplesart.org

 

Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet Festival

16 In a tradition continued since 1952, the bishop from St. Raphael By-the-Sea Anglican Church in Fort Myers Beach blesses a gathering of shrimp boats when shrimpers return to their home port. Festivities include fresh local seafood, arts and crafts, a shrimp-eating contest, shrimp boat tours, live music, raffles, hay rides, a bounce house and more. Free. 463-6487. saintraphaelschurch.com

 

Bonita Blues Festival

14-15 Riverside Park hosts a dozen blues acts, rain or shine, in the eighth annual two-day fundraiser. Friday tickets $25, Saturday tickets $30, weekend tickets $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. bonitablues.com

 

Bonita Springs National Art Festival

8-9 Fine arts and crafts from more than 200 artists at Riverside Park. $5 suggested donation. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Collier County Fair

13-23 Rides, games, shows and food abound at the county fairgrounds on Immokalee Road. Admission $10 per person age 12 and older, $5 per child age 6-11. 455-1444. colliercountyfair.com

 

Dancing Under the Stars

15 Mercato hosts a 30-minute lesson from Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Naples followed by open salsa and merengue dancing to a live band, Caribbean Rhythms. Dinner and dancing $100 per couple, dancing only $20 per couple and $10 per individual. 227-4405. dancingunderthestarsnaples.com

 

Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts

22-23 The 26th annual festival showcases about 260 artists on Fifth Avenue South. Free admission, donation requested. 262-6517. naplesart.org

 

Downtown Saturday Art Fair

15 Browse artwork from about 35 artists on the sidewalks of First Street in Fort Myers. Free. (855) 732-3836. fortmyersartwalk.com

 

Fine Art & Craft Show

8 Naples Artcrafters Fine Art and Craft Show in Cambier Park. Free. 352-3097. naplesartcrafters.com

 

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

8-9 Celebrate Fort Myers Beach’s shrimp harvest with a parade and crowning of the Shrimp Queen, craft vendors, seafood booths and more than 1,000 pounds of shrimp at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com

 

Fort Myers Film Festival

19-23 The fourth annual event showcases films at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Lee County Alliance for the Arts and Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. $6 per film after opening night gala. 810-6323. fortmyersfilmfestival.com

 

Harbor Arts and Music Festival

9 Now in its second year, the festival in the heart of Goodland includes a juried arts show, musical acts, food vendors and informational booths of several local nonprofits. Hosted by the Goodland Arts Alliance at MarGood Harbor Park. Free admission. 642-0528. facebook.com/goodlandartsalliance

 

Irish Festival of Cape Coral

1-2 Live entertainment, food, dancing and more at the German American Social Club Bavarian Gardens. capecoralirishamericanclub.org

 

Irish Night

13 Gear up for St. Patrick’s Day with a lively evening of Celtic dance, music and

storytelling. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. 495-8989. artcenterbonita.org

 

Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival

28-29 The ever-growing event features live entertainment, boundless seafood, more than 60 arts and craft vendors, and kids’ activities at Veteran’s Park. $8. 394-7549. marcoislandseafoodfestival.com

 

Mardi Gras Evening on Fifth

4 Celebrate Mardi Gras with live music, shopping, dining and dancing on Fifth Avenue South. Free admission. 692-8436. fifthavenuesouth.com

 

Mercato Fine Arts Festival

1-2 One of the nation’s fastest-growing festivals showcases works in all media by 110 artists from around the country. Free admission, donation requested. 262-6517. naplesart.org

 

Naples Craft Beer Festival

1 Taste a wide variety of beers from breweries across the country and world, plus food pairings from local restaurants, and enjoy live music as you drink and dine at Bayfront, Naples. $60 per person in advance, $65 at the gate. 250-5085. naplescraftbeerfest.com

 

Naples Historical Society

15 See Historic Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens in a new light with the docent-guided Full Moon Tour at 8 p.m. Reservation required. $10.

28 In the Garden Side Chickee Chats, ABC7’s Allyson Rae presents The History of Hurricanes in Naples. Reservation required. $15. 261-8164. napleshistoricalsociety.org

 

Naples Zoo

1 For its annual Save the Panther Day, the Naples Zoo is partnering with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide visitors with educational children’s activities and special presentations from panther field biologists. Included in regular zoo admission. 262-5409. napleszoo.com

 

Old Florida Festival

8-9 The Collier County Museum hosts one of the state’s largest living history gatherings with more than 100 historical reenactors, craft workers and presenters to cover over 10 centuries of Southwest Florida life. Authentic food vendors, artists and traders will complete the experience. $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $5 per child. 252-8476. oldfloridafestival.com

 

Rookery Bay

22 In celebration of World Water Day, the Environmental Learning Center offers buy-one-get-one admission. 530-5940. rookerybay.org

 

Sanibel Captiva Lions Club Arts & Crafts Fair

21-22 Artists from around the country showcase their work at this popular 31st annual event at the Sanibel Community House. $5 suggested donation. sanibelcaptivalions.org

 

Sanibel Music Festival

4-25 Tuesday and Saturdays through March 25, Sanibel Congregational Church hosts musicians from across the country. $240 for series tickets, $35-45 for individual tickets. 344-7025. sanibelmusicfestival.org

 

Shakespeare Fest

2 The Laboratory Theatre of Florida presents Shakespearean plays, short pieces, workshops, games and more at Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Free. 939-2787. artinlee.org

 

Southwest Florida Reading Festival

14-15 The Lee County Library System presents author appearances, storytelling, book sales, educational and food vendors, children and teen activities, live music and more at Harborside Event Center and Centennial Park. Free. 377-7323. readfest.org

 

Touch of the Irish Festival

8 Ave Maria celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in its town center with Irish music, plus crafts and games for the kids and green beer for the adults. Free. 352-3903. avemaria.com

 

The Village on Venetian Bay

1 The Venetian Carnival features live entertainment, cirque performers and more. Free.

13 Enjoy Irish entertainment such as a performance by the Tir Na Nog Dance Studio in the St. Patty’s Day Celebration. Free.

13-16 With Village Gives Back, 10 percent of all shopping and dining proceeds will benefit TheatreZone.

22 The Village’s boutiques put on an exclusive Spring into Fashion Show, with live music and the newest spring styles.

27 Learn how to dance with live demonstrations, lessons and entertainment from Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Dancing by the Fountain. Free. 261-6100. venetianvillage.com

 

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