Charlotte Arts and Members Events
— Dec. 20, 2019 to Jan. 3, 2020 —
The Charlotte Arts website lists all arts and humanities events in its cultural calendar . Learn about Charlotte Arts news , member news and opportunities for artists .
Each event title below is linked to the website where you can learn more about that event.
All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Celebrate the season with a variety of performances listed below.
— Some events and hours may have changed. —
The next email will be released Friday, Jan 3. By Noon on Wednesday, Jan. 1, please follow "Submit Events, News and Opportunities" link above to provide information for both this e-newsletter (member events only) and the online cultural calendar (all arts and humanities events), member news, and opportunities for artists.
Ongoing Events and Performances
Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
| Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.
Port Charlotte Town Center Mall
| 1441 Tamiami Trail between J.C. Penney and Dillards

Red Lady by Tina Weida.

Artists whose work will be on d isplay at the from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29, 2019 , are Linda Ancil, Betty Beasley, Shelley Bell, Robert Broyles, Bob Gaunt, Kitt Moran, Larry Palmer, Darlene Stone, Samantha Stone, Joanna Stramara, Betty Teramo, Carolyn Dlouhy Walega, and Tina Weida. See a sample of the artists' work .
The next show will be held from Jan. 2 to Feb. 9 with a reception on Sunday, Jan. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit the website after Jan. 2 to learn who will be sharing their art.

Free art exhibits by local visual artists at locations throughout the county. Art changes as often as six times a year. See a sample of their work and learn about the locations.
November and December 2019
Receptions will be added to the website as details are confirmed.
  • Gail Fazzina at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Dedo at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer and Linda Soderquist at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Bev Yankwitt at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Maryann Artesani at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Natalie Terry at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Larry Palmer, Sandra Manzke and Mary Lundeberg at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)

Visit the website to learn who will display their art in January and February.
David Sussman Gallery: River Meets Harbor Exhibit
Tuesday to Saturday, Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also open Sunday and Monday, Dec. 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5240 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda
David Sussman Fine Art Photography Gallery
New exhibit at David Sussman Gallery (located with Sandman Book Company) featuring his fine art photography. Gallery-wrapped canvas, framed Giclees, matted prints, notecards and more. Custom sizes available upon request.
Info: 941-505-1624.
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Dec. 5 to Jan. 9: Thelma Daida, water media artist, and Judith Ebert, jewelry sculptor
December Guest Artist: Rosemary Eiden, mixed media artist
Cuff by Judith Ebert.


Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port


210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Third Thursday open to 8 p.m. for Wine Walk
NOTE: The Center will be closed Dec. 25 to Jan. 2.

Visual Arts Center Off-Site Exhibits
  • The Wyvern Hotel (101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
  • Nix & Associates Real Estate (2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda)


Charlotte Players next play is Driving Miss Daisy, Jan. 8 to 19.
Lemon Bay Playhouse next play is Bus Stop, Jan. 15 to Feb. 9.
Check out PGICA 's concerts and cabarets!
Details about the Jan. 3 cabaret wi th Bion Cantorum are provided below.
Lemon Bay Playhouse is holding several one-time performances. Details are provided below.
One-Time Events
in chronological order. Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.


Friday, Dec. 20, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Young people from 8 to 18 discover the gifts within themselves and share them in a performance setting during this holiday performance.

Saturday, Dec. 21, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy the sounds of acoustic singer and songwriter.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy tropical variety music with the relaxing sounds of this duo.

Saturday, Dec 21, 7:30 p.m.
96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway – It’s Christmas at Lemon Bay Playhouse. Come out and ring in the season right! There will be joy, cheer and a few chestnuts. After all, what’s Christmas without a few jingle bells? Join Mark Steven Schmidt for his Christmas Show Special, featuring all of your favorite holiday standards, with a “sing-along” or two. Cost: $23.

Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda
While Christmas is a season of joy, for many it can also be a time when we are in need of reassurance and comfort. For those who have suffered a loss—weather it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, security, a lifestyle or health issue--this can be a very difficult season. If you are in a place of sadness, or if you have experienced this kind of struggle in the past and understand how this time of year doesn’t come with joy and excitement, you ae invited to join us in our sanctuary for our Service of Hope and Remembrance. This service will be a time of comfort and assurance that will serve to remind us that the birth of the Christ child is a sign of hope amid despair.

Sunday, Dec. 22, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Monday, Dec. 23, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy variety music with a Caribbean flare.

Tuesday, Dec. 24, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Thursday, Dec. 26, 4 to 7 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, Dec. 27, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Saturday, Dec. 28, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy the music of the 50s, 60s and country.

Saturday, Dec. 28, 5 to 9 p.m.   
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Saturday, Dec. 28, 7 to 7:30 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Chabad of Charlotte County celebrates the holiday of Chanukah with the lighting of the Menorah. Children will receive Chanukah treats. There will be a children's performance by the Junior Jacappelia.

Saturday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.
96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
John Tuff and Friends make their seventh appearance on the LBP stage with Christmas in Dixie. This very talented group of musicians will provide the audience with a fantastic evening of music consisting of classic country hits of the past with a generous portion of Christmas. Their performance will include music from Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, Johnny Horton, and more. We are also very excited that Shari Frink will join this evening singing music of country greats like Carrie Underwood, Patsy Cline and LeAnn Rhimes. Who knows, maybe even “cousin Minnie” will show up! Cost: $23.

Sunday, Dec. 29, 4 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Music that crosses the entire spectrum.

Monday, Dec. 30, 5 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy variety music with a Caribbean flare.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to Wednesday, Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Family-friendly festivities feature fun activities for all ages including live music by DJ Michael White, Moon Dancer Jessica Howard, and more! Fireworks will light up the sky at midnight.

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.
Langdon Playhouse: 1182 Market Circle, Murdock
Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County’s talented singers as they present a 90 minute concert style program. Accompanied by Music Director/ Pianist Ken Crisp and a drummer, this concert has something for everyone… something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more!
Cost: $25, $13 students.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, Noon to 4 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Thursday, Jan. 2, Noon to 3 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

Thursday, Jan. 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Bring your pet to the Salty Paws' Muttini Mingle (1-800-443-PAWS).
Enjoy Reggae, Calypso, Buffett, and Marley performed on the Steel Pan.

Friday, Jan. 3, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Friday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m.
2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
Charlotte County’s premier vocal ensemble performs classic and popular works, led by the magnificent Director Roy Engler and accompanied by keyboard genius John Renfroe. For cabaret-style events, bring your own snacks, beverages and set-ups. Tables seat up to 8 people. No assigned seating. First come, first served. Cost: $15.

Friday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m
210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Meet instructors and register for classes, workshops and evening socials.
NOTE: The Center will be closed Dec. 25 to Jan. 2.

Select Future Events

Saturday, Jan 4, 7:30 p.m.
96 West Dearborn St., Englewood
Paisley Craze is a five-piece band playing an overview of 60s music such as Surf Music, Psychedelia, Rock, Pop, Peace and Love Music, Motown, Soul, R & B and more. They specialize in bringing the vibe and personality of each song and each genre to the show. Cost: $23.

Florida SouthWestern State College, Charlotte Campus
26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.
Check out the classes, trips, and special events at this free open house in the auditorium lobby. The Charlotte County Historical Center will give a free presentation on Historic Cemeteries at 10 a.m. Learn about volunteer opportunities. There will be a 50/50 raffle and gift baskets.
Events Held Each Week

Seven informal, philosophical discussion groups are held each week.
  • Café Philo: Every Friday, 10 to Noon, Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Punta Gorda Public Library (401 Shreve St.)
  • Café Socrates, Every Friday, 2 to 4 p.m., Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo, Every Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, South Port Square, Gables East Building (23023 Westchester Blvd, 4th Floor, Charlotte Harbor)
  • Café Theo. Every Saturday, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Mid-County Regional Library (2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte)
  • Café Philo. Every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Florida Community Bank (125 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Café Philo, Every Wednesday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Englewood/Tringali Library (3450 N. Access Road, Englewood)

Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join an eclectic group of painters, jewelry makers, and other crafty artisans who come together to create and share constructive advice. Cost: $2 donation.

Every Sunday, 3 to 4 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com .
WKDW Radio invites all writers to read three minutes of their family-friendly poetry, short stories or novel. Sign up at 2:30 any Sunday at Common Grounds Meeting Hall (12735 Tamiami Trail, North Port) to read during a live broadcast from 3 to 4 p.m. 
The public is welcome to the station's BYOB listening room during the taping.
Info: Linda Schell at 941-223-1262. Check for cancellations on  Writers on the Air Facebook page .

Every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join us any Monday October to May. There are no fees and no instruction. For those who wish, at 11 a.m. paintings are shared and discussed. This group meets at a different location each week.

Every Monday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.
Mid-County Regional Library | 2050 Forrest Nelson Boulevard, Port Charlotte
Charlotte County Genealogical Society offers these free workshops to assist others in their quest for genealogical and historical information.

Every Tuesday, 2 to 3 p.m.
Listen to Dave Bise and Catherine Lucas talk about art from around the world.

Every Wednesday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join hosts Marie LaBrosse and Loretta Martin as they explore the eye-opening journey into the creative world of art. Explore the world behind the scenes where the artists and business people create for our enjoyment. Info:  marie@kdwradio.com , 941-815-6230 or 941-624-2912.

Every Thursday, 9 a.m. to Noon, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Join other artists in Goff Gallery and work on your portrait skills in any medium with live portrait models. Cost.

Every Friday, Noon to 1 p.m.
WKDW 97.5 FM and online at www.kdwradio.com
Join host Marie LaBrosse .

Classes and Workshops
Visit Charlotte Arts online calendar for more classes.


The next classes will begin as early as Jan. 7. Details will be included in the next issue but are listed now on Charlotte Arts online calendar.

Florida Southwestern State College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda


2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, 941-625-4175 x223.


210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda


Three-hour art classes for four or more students. Students provide their own materials, although I do help out beginners until they learn what materials they need.
Cost: $15.


5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port
Classes offered range from Photoshop to pottery to painting and more.

Support Charlotte Arts

  • Become a member of Charlotte Arts. Your membership helps ensure the success and vibrancy of the entire cultural community. Memberships for artists, individuals and families are $50, nonprofit, government and university-based organizations are $75 and businesses are $100. If you already are a member, thank you. Please encourage others to support Charlotte Arts by becoming a member.
  • Are you shopping on Amazon? Amazon will donate 0.5% to Charlotte Arts of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
  • Purchase the "State of the Arts" license plate tags. A portion comes back to Charlotte County to support quality arts and humanities programs, including Arts in Education classroom grants.