JULY
Top events of the week: 3 To Do: ‘MangoMania’ on Pine Island; ‘Love to Learn’ on Marco; Rock of Abba in Naples
Watercolors & Wildlife: Painting with Jan
Paint the beauty of coastal living and the wildlife of estuary waters in this watercolor painting class. Local artist Jan Deswik offers simple step-by-step instructions and creative support perfect for beginners or anyone inspired by the coastal environment and wants to bring it to life in a one-of-a-kind painting. Each class spotlights a natural theme from shells to birdlife to local waterways. Held in classrooms at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, all materials are included. Participants will complete a painted piece with matte at each session. July 8: “Manatees” from 12:30 until 3 p.m. at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $85. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Teachers on the Estuary workshop
The content of the workshop is based on two sources of curriculum – NOAA’s “Estuaries 101” which focuses on topics such as sharks, birds, plankton, invasive species and water quality and the Everglades Foundation’s “Everglades Literacy” which empowers the next generation of conservation stewards by investing in teachers to drive cultural change within schools for the benefit of local and ecological communities. Day 1 is from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. , July 9. Day 2 is from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., July 10. Open to both formal teachers and informal educators, grades K-12. A $100 stipend is available upon completion of the workshop. Educators must attend both days to receive certificate and stipend. Lunch is provided. Registration is required: rookerybay.org/calendar. The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.
‘Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life’
Detroit native Keith Alessi’s quirky one-man show about how a cancer battle ― and playing the banjo ― saved his life. The show has seen sold-out runs in Canada, the United States (including off-Broadway) and Scotland (the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Half of all ticket sales will be donated to various Southwest Florida venues and organizations. July 10-13. $43. Off Broadway Palm at the Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. theatreconspiracyfl.com
‘Sleuthing the Lagoon’
Ever wonder what it’s like to be an animal living in an estuary? Experience their unique habitat by surveying fish with an ancient method of collection, scooping crabs and worms out of sand and observing birds wading through water. At Tigertail Beach, 430 Hernando Dr., Marco Island, July 11. More at rookerybay.org.
Zoltan Kaszas at Off The Hook
San Diego native and comedian Zoltan Kaszas performs July 11-13 at Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, No. 1100. Cost: $25 general admission, plus a fee. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 6 p.m., Sunday, July 13. Information: offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901.
Ice Cream Social Family Day
Create your perfect ice cream dish with a sundae bar at the Collier Museum at Government Center. Play games, listen to music and enjoy some ice cream. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12. All ages welcome but best for ages 5-12. At 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Information: colliermuseums.com or 239-252-8476.
Naples Jazzmasters
The Naples Jazz Society will have free summer concerts at Norris Community Center from 1-3 p.m., July 12 and 26. At 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. Information: thenaplesjazzsociety.com.
‘Rising: Surviving the Surge’
Screening of WGCU’s Hurricane Ian documentary “Rising: Surviving the Surge” at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, at IMAG History & Science Center, downtown Fort Myers. Free. Information: wgcu.org/events.
Funky Fashion Show at Chico’s Corporate Campus
The Pace Center for Girls fundraiser returns with more upcycled and reimagined fashion pieces designed from recycled materials, plus runway features from Chico’s, Soma and White House Black Market. Other activities include the popular Chico’s Sample Sale, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. 5:30-9 p.m., Tuesday, July 15. Cost: $75-$150 for single tickets, $750 for a table for six. Gralnick Auditorium in Chico’s Corporate Campus, 1215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers. Information: pacecenter.org/funkyfashionshow.
‘Drawing from Music’
Taught by Anthe Capitan-Valais, an award-winning visual artist, this workshop offers an engaging multimedia art experience for all ages as well as for families to do together. “Drawing from Music” brings the joy of art to the Rookery Bay community and teaches participants how to create expressive pieces of art inspired by music. The experience is designed to be dynamic and interactive, merging music, mind, body and art. July 15 and Aug. 19 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. For ages 10-plus (children must be accompanied by an adult). Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Invertebrate Investigation
“Invertebrate Investigation” is an exploration of invertebrates in the lab, learning about their amazing adaptations. Students will use microscopes to take an in-depth look at some of the smallest estuary inhabitants: plankton. At the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. More at rookerybay.org.
An evening of comedy on Marco Island
The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced an evening of comedy as part of the Venturino’s Comedy Series at the Arts Center Theatre. At 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 18, the spotlight will shine on “two titans of sketch and improv” in a one-night-only show – Kevin McDonald and Gregory Hollimon. For tickets, visit marcoislandart.org or call the box office at 239-784-1186.
‘Kids in the Hall’ star Kevin McDonald
Actor-comedian Kevin McDonald co-starred in the influential TV sketch-comedy series “Kids in the Hall” will appear at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Venturino’s Comedy Club in Estero (a stand-up comedy show) and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at Fort Myers Theatre (a screening of the Kids in the Hall movie “Brain Candy” followed by a Q&A). Ticket prices range from $25-$35. McDonald will also teach an improv-comedy workshop from noon until 4 p.m., July 19 at Venturino’s. Tickets for the workshop are $160. For tickets and more information, visit venturinoscomedyclub.com.
Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
If you want to get the best pictures possible and a true understanding of your camera’s features, this camera workshop is for you. The class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., July 19 at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Cost: $55. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Charlie’s Summer Fest
Celebrate movies, comics, games and more pop-culture awesomeness in this summer convention from organizer Charlie Nunez. The day features celebrity appearances by actor John Fiore (best known as Gigi Cestone on the TV show “The Sopranos”), actor/director Jake Eastwood (“A Night of the Undead,” “The Dark Room”) and voice actor Greg Berg (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at DoubleTree by Hilton, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, south Fort Myers. Information: charliessummerfest.com.
Encore series
And last but not least, the “Encore Series” has returning favorites from last season. It includes “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” – A comedic and touching portrayal of the iconic humorist Erma Bombeck, at 7:30 p.m., July 24 and 25 and 3 p.m., July 26 and 27. Peter Fogel returns with “Til Death Do Us Part … You First” at 2 and 6 p.m., Aug. 6. “The Swingset” by Krystyn Estes will return for a limited engagement Aug. 28 and 29. Tickets are available now through the Marco Island Center for the Arts website marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186.
‘Biology on Bike’
Explore the Uplands on Bicycle; learn to identify plants and animals and how scientific data is collected at the Reserve. At Shell Island Road Field Station, 10 Shell Island Road, Naples, July 25. More at rookerybay.org.
In the news: 3 To Know: State of Our Water, waterway cleanup and new fast-food items
ONGOING
Artists on the spectrum
Southwest Florida artist Brian Weaver of Artsemble Underground spent the last year working with about 30 students — all on the autism spectrum — at local nonprofit Family Initiative’s Thrive Academy. The resulting art from the collaboration is now being shown at Davis Art Center. The exhibit includes four 8-foot-tall robots made from cardboard and recycled materials; “flying” papier-mâché birds, giant sculptures and more. “These kids have worked incredibly hard,” Weaver said, “and the results are truly something special.” On display now and continues through July 24. The gallery will be closed July 4. An artists’ reception will happen 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 11. Free admission, but donations are suggested. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
‘Sweeney Todd’ at The Naples Players
The Naples Players announce the opening of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical, running through July 27, 2025, at the Kizzie Theater. Tickets are available online at NaplesPlayers.org or by calling the TNP Box Office at 239-263-7990. Prices range from $50-$55. Shows run Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Information: NaplesPlayers.org or 239-263-7990.
South American Trail at Naples Zoo
Head to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to discover the South American Trail, featuring many new species, including two new residents: Izel, a young capybara, and Manu, a toco toucan at the Naples Zoo. The trail runs through July 31. Information: napleszoo.org.
‘Wildlife and Wild Places’ at Rookery Bay
Friends of Rookery Bay and the art program at Florida Gulf Coast University is hosting “Wildlife and Wild Places in SWFL,” a collaborative art exhibition. Students created the original photographs and sculptures. These artists were enrolled in the history of photography course by Professor Hannah Harley or sculpture course by Professor Steve Hughart. It will be on display until Aug. 1 at The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Admission to the reception is complimentary but registration requested at rookerybay.org/events. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, with admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 4-12). Learn more at rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.
Exhibits at Naples Art
Naples Art Institute Exhibitions: “Imogen Cunningham: a Timeless Lens on Nature,” “Form & Identity” and “Robert McCabe: Images of an Enchanted Land” on display through Aug. 3. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. At 585 Park St., Naples. Information: 239-262-6517 or naplesart.org.
‘STEMsational’ summer camps
‘Backstage Hollywood’ Marco Historical Society
The Marco Island Historical Society is hosting a new traveling exhibit organized by Mid-America Arts Alliance, “Backstage Hollywood: The Photographs of Bob Willoughby.” The exhibit is open now through Aug. 9 at the Marco Island Historical Museum. Willoughby, a widely recognized 20th century photography pioneer, was the first outside photographer invited by studios to take photos on film sets. The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.
Broadway Palm musical ‘Annie’
Leapin’ lizards! Everyone’s favorite orphan and her dog Sandy are back in Southwest Florida. The classic musical “Annie” is packed with memorable songs, too, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and “Tomorrow.” On stage now through Aug. 9. Cost: $65-$85 ($45 for ages 12 and younger). Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
The Downtown Showdown at Sugarshack
The new Bonita Springs concert venue/restaurant hosts its first-ever singing competition. Southwest Florida singers will compete in front of live audiences for a $2,500 grand prize and more. Local celebrities serve as the judges. The competition runs every Tuesday now through Aug. 12. Two winners will advance each week, culminating in the Aug. 5 semi-finals and the Aug. 12 finals. Free admission. Sugarshack Downtown, 27421 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 301-4321 or sugarshackdowntown.com.
Marine Science Summer Camp
Be a Marine Scientist this summer with Rookery Bay Research Reserve! Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a perfect marine science camp for 7th to 10th grade students who want to get hands-on with marine life and learn from real scientists. This flexible camp is filled with nature and science activities including time in Rookery Bay’s labs. Discover the birds, sharks, sea turtles and other amazing wildlife that call Rookery Bay’s amazing coastal habitat home. Camp scholarships are available. From 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Fridays, from June through August. For students in grades 7 through 10. Cost: $75 (camp scholarships available). Locations vary. Registration is required at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Face of Immokalee exhibit
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.
AUGUST
‘Behind the Scenes of the Reserve’
Explore the Reserve and the wildlife that calls it home. See where Rookery Bay’s research takes place, learn about the work being done to monitor the coastal habitat and complete a scientific study. At Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples, Aug. 1. More at rookerybay.org.
Stage 2 Improv
Stage 2 Improv, the Naples-based group, returns for three performances. Shows will be June 28, Aug. 2 and Sept. 20. At the Marco Island Center for the Arts’ Arts Center Theatre. More at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.
‘Through the Lens of Nature’
“Through the Lens of Nature: A Celebration of Flora, Fauna and Culture” -presented by the local artist group Collective 5, is a mixed media exhibit features the work of Giampaolo Curreri, Lin Nesdale, Jody Futteman, Peggy Keigley and Lisett Lloren, offering “a rich tapestry of art inspired by nature and local culture.” There will be a free opening reception that will include wine, beer, light bites and an artist award presentation from 5:30 until 7 p.m., Aug. 7 at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Information: RookeryBay.org.
SEPTEMBER
Adam Sandler at Hertz Arena
The actor-comedian will perform his funny songs and stand-up comedy Monday, Sept. 8, at Hertz Arena. Tickets start at $70, plus applicable taxes and fees, according to the arena’s website. Parking on site is $30. Sandler’s “Your My Best Friend” Comedy Tour follows his sold-out tours in 2022 and 2023, according to Hertz Arena’s announcement. The comedian is known for his stint on Saturday Night Live — including popular characters Opera Man, Cajun Man and Canteen Boy — as well as hit movies “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Grown Ups” and the “Hotel Transylvania” movies. For tickets and more information, visit hertzarena.com or ticketmaster.com.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary golf scramble
The 5th Annual Shy Wolf Scramble, a charity golf event to benefit the sanctuary’s mission of rescuing captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals, is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples. The scramble will feature a four-person, best shot format. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in various challenges and contests, including a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Porsche Naples, tee advancement hole, a putting contest, longest drive, and closest to the pin. Registration for this event starts at $200 for individuals and $800 for a foursome. The registration fee includes a round of golf, lunch, and drink tickets. All proceeds will directly support Shy Wolf Sanctuary’s efforts in providing rescue, sanctuary and education for captive-bred exotic and un-releasable wild animals. To register for the Shy Wolf Scramble or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit givebutter.com/c/swsgolf25 or email [email protected].
DECEMBER
Darius Rucker returns for Naples’ Live Fest
Country star Darius Rucker will headline Naples’ sixth-annual Live Fest on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the driving range of Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. The outdoor show is part of the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team golf event featuring PGA and LPGA pros. Rucker returns to Live Fest for the first time since playing the inaugural event in 2019 with co-headliners Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum). He’ll share the stage with Southwest Florida band Rock Republic and “American Idol” semifinalist Casey Bishop. Two more acts will be announced later this summer. Tickets are on sale now. General-admission tickets for the concert are $150. Admission is free for ages 9 and younger. Other ticket packages are available, including VIP tickets starting at $355.For tickets or more information, visit livefest.com…