APRIL
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: Bonita Short Film Fest; Stars on Ice and Movies in Paradise
Mark Sanders & Phil Hinton: ‘Broadway in Bloom’
“Broadway in Bloom” is a dazzling concert celebration of timeless Broadway hits, starring the charismatic vocalist Mark Sanders and acclaimed pianist Phil Hinton. This performance brings new life to beloved musical theatre classics with rich vocals and masterful piano arrangements. Sanders’ soaring tenor and heartfelt storytelling breathe fresh emotion into iconic show tunes from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Sondheim. Phil Hinton, known for his extraordinary musical direction, provides exquisite accompaniment that elevates each number with elegance and flair. Together, they create a vibrant and unforgettable evening where Broadway blossoms anew. At 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, at the Performing Arts Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Tickets: $48, tier 1; $43, tier 2; $38, tier 3. More at ArtsBonita.org.
Nature Journaling at Rookery Bay
Fort Myers Music Walk
Downtown Fort Myers comes alive with music at this monthly celebration with bands in the streets and inside the bars and venues. From 6 until 10 p.m., Friday, April 17. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. Information: facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance.
‘Titanic The Musical’ at Arts Bonita
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable theatrical journey with “Titanic: The Musical” — an epic, heart-stirring production brought to life under the visionary direction of Kody C. Jones at Arts Bonita Actors Theatre. Set against the grandeur and tragedy of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage, this musical blends sweeping orchestration with deeply human stories of hope, aspiration, love and loss. From the hopeful dreams of third-class immigrants to the refined ambitions of first-class passengers, the narrative weaves together the rich tapestry of lives forever changed on that fateful night in April 1912. On stage April 17-26 at Hinman Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. More at artsbonita.org.
Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
Wonder Gardens to host ‘Early Earth Day’ event
Conservancy to host Earth Day festival
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is hosting its annual Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18. The first 300 people through the gate receive a free gift. The event will include a groundbreaking ceremony for the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience at 11 a.m. The festival features free, family-friendly activities including face painting, arts and crafts, games, Glen Beitman’s Super Science Show, boat rides, animal encounters, vendors, food trucks, a live performance by Moonstone Riders and special presentations. The nature center is located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples.
Earth Day at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale
The James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society recently announced the dates for their 73rd Annual Hibiscus Show/Plant Sale. It will be from 1 until 3 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. This free show is the oldest of all Florida’s hibiscus shows, attracting several hundred people annually. In addition, more than 400 Hybrid Hibiscus plants will be for sale for $20. All credit cards are accepted. Parking and admission is free. Monthly meetings for the chapter are held at The Berne Davis Botanical Garden, 2166 Virginia Avenue, Fort Myers, at 1:30 p.m., the second Sunday of each month. More at hendrychapterhibiscus.com.
Country Jam Naples
See singers Gabby Barrett and Sara Evans headline this night of country music, with additional performances from RaeLynn, Jamie O’Neal and Casey Bishop. From 3 until 10 p.m., April 18 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex’s stadium, 3865 City Gate Blvd. South, Naples. Tickets start at $89. Information: countryjamnaples.com.
Foreigner at Hertz Arena
This band’s tour of its classic album, 4, is performing with special guests Lou Graham and Night Ranger at Hertz Arena. At 7 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Tickets start at $60 and arena parking is $30. Information: 239-948-7825 or hertzarena.com.
Caregivers event
Perfect Paint Pairs: A Colorful Escape for Every Duo
Crafty Critter Saturdays
Rockin’ Bash 2 returns to Naples
Rockin’ Bash 2 is bringing an evening of music, community and purpose to benefit Legal Aid Service of Collier County’s mission of providing free civil legal services to vulnerable residents. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 30, the event will take place at The Maddox, a members-only club located at 2955 Bayshore Drive in Naples. The night features a live performance by the Mark Telesca Band, an interactive dinner and opportunities to support justice through community engagement. Tickets are $200 per person and include dinner, two complimentary drink tickets and live music, with a cash bar available. All net proceeds benefit the programs and projects operated by Legal Aid Service of Collier County.
In the news: 3 To Know: Burger King testing sliders; best places to work; more
ONGOING
Last one this season: Marco Island Farmers’ Market
The Marco Island’s farmers market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 15 at Veteran’s Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.
William Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’
Lab Theater returns to its Shakespearian roots with this modern reimagining of the historical tragedy “Julius Caesar.” This version swaps the marble pillars of Rome for the dingy parking lot of a derelict apartment complex, where Caesar is the undisputed law until his own crew plots to overthrow him. Now through April 26. Cost: $37 each, or $10 for students with valid student IDs. Tickets are discounted to $32 on “Thrifty Thursday” nights. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com.
Florida: ‘It’s Not the Heat … It’s the Hilarity!’
Compton & Bennett, the authors of “Assisted Living: The Musical” recently announced the debut of their latest comedy hit, “Straight Outta Florida: Throwin’ Shade on The Sunshine State.” Straight Outta Florida is at The Norris Center Theatre in Naples and runs every other Tuesday through April. “Straight Outta Florida” is a 90-minute, song-and-sketch comedy romp. Betsy Bennett and Rick Compton play six characters. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or call The Norris Center at 239-213-3049.
SWFL Inc. opens nominations for the INCredible Awards
Youth Sailing Club has registration open
‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit on Marco
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has a new exhibit, “America the Beautiful” — a large format photography exhibit by Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. The exhibit will be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum now through July 11. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive and is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Civil Air Patrol
Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome. Visit FL376.CAP.GOV.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Special events and activities for all ages are held year-round including watercolor and photography classes, gallery nights, presentations about wildlife and conservation, birding field trips, marine science camps and more. The hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults,$5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free.
Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours
Rookery Bay Research Reserve also offers guided boat tours or kayak adventures into the tranquil waters of Rookery Bay Reserve. Guests can choose from a variety of tours including shelling trips to deserted white sand islands, sunset tours or bird rookery excursions. Visit RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.
MAY
Purrs & Paddles
‘Community Day’ in May
Rookery Bay Community Day is a free day of fun for all ages. It will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, with free admission to the center and a day filled with activities. The event will feature kayak and stand-up paddle demos, face painting, photo booths, music, science and nature activities, an art exhibit by Paul Arsenault, nature book author signings by Bob Gonzales and Susan Levine, and onsite food trucks. There will also be hands-on experiences at Rookery Bay’s touch tanks full of marine life such as sea stars, shrimp, tiny crabs and other critters that live in the estuary waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. In addition, Friends of Rookery Bay is offering “sneak peek” 30-minute boat tours with its exclusive eco-tour provider Rising Tide Explorers. The boat tours are $20 per person with pre-registration required online at rookerybay.org.
Art Exhibit – “Through the Light of the Estuary”
Suncoast Signature Cup
To benefit YMCA swim programs, Suncoast Custom Pools will host its second annual Suncoast Signature Cup charity golf tournament on Friday, May 15, at the Quarry Golf Club, 8950 Weathered Stone Dr. in North Naples. The event brings together Southwest Florida’s top professionals, partners and community champions. More than 100 golfers and volunteers participated in last year’s event, raising $100,000, which funded swim lessons for more than 250 children. The Suncoast Custom Pools Signature Cup charity event will feature an 18-hole scramble. For information, visit https://www.sccpools.com/suncoast-signature-cup…