Today, is powered by you and the songs you've submitted over the last month and the stories and sentiments behind them. Click the song title to listen!

Them Changes by Buddy Miles submitted by Jan Ackley Malecha • "This was our Friday afternoon song when we were in college in the 70s. That era was a huge time of changes in music/arts, history, inclusion, politics, literature, fashion styles and philosophies."

After The Storm by Mumford & Sons submitted by Brianna Day • "This has always been my favorite song, especially during hard moments when I feel like I won't get through it. It's such an accurate portrayal of what that experience is like."

Flying on Your Own by Rita MacNeil submitted by Sherrill Wright • "She is a Canadian, which I am and an inspiration to all women and anyone who faces challenges and setbacks in their lives. She died too young, but I would like to see her memory and beautiful voice continue to inspire."

ArtParty Playlist submitted by Maria Collier • "This playlist was inspired by the art class I just taught. These songs bring me joy and I knew they would make passing on the joy of creating art seamless. The beats help me explain the strokes I take in my work, but more importantly, they get everyone moving. These songs will definitely get your feet tapping. They help to bring forth happiness, create vibrancy and elevate the spirit. That is the feeling I hope everyone leaves with."

The Best of Brahms submitted by Sybil Tartaro • "I love classical music, it's soothing and therapeutic. Especially Brahms!"

Outnumbered by Dermot Kennedy submitted by Shannon Kurzyniec • "This just reminds me that we are not alone. Reminds me to reach out to others. Inspires me to do and be more."

Tie Me Up by Ezza Rose submitted by Vicki Baker • "I like the vocals and the instrumentals on this piece."

The District Sleeps Alone Tonight by The Postal Service submitted by Jessica Wisdom • "This song brings back such a vivid memory for me of living in Washington, D.C. as a young professional and staying in the city for Thanksgiving. My roommates were gone and so, it seemed, was everyone else in DC. I bundled up and sat on the balcony listening to this album as I watched the silence of the streets, so very different from every other day in the city. I felt truly alone but that kind of alone that you find inspiring, not sad - that feeling of freedom that only comes with a feeling of true contentment. In that moment, with that song playing, on that balcony, I felt free. 

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen submitted by Marilyn Mecca • "The greatest rock song of all times. Pure genius. Innovative & intense. Profane & poetic. It continues to “blow my mid” after forty years with its clash of chords and lyrics."

Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On by Jimmy Buffet submitted anonymously • "This song centers me when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed and makes see the beauty of breathing in the really great moments."

The Universe Smiles Upon You by Khruangbin submitted by Desiree DeMolina • "This album was discovered by accident back in March. Also by accident, it became the soundtrack for my April. The music is mellow and undemanding and drifted in the background as if narrating what I was doing – from working at home at my dining room table to cooking dinner, sitting on my patio or putzing around the house. During such an uncertain time, it was constant and comforting, and, if I wished to pay attention, I was consumed by the incredible and warm soundscapes the album created."

Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka submitted anonymously • "No matter where you go in this world, you’d realize most of us are fighting the same fight... there's pain in this song, but also there is strength."

I'll Be Around by The Spinners submitted by Mary Beth • "Timeless music that will make you dance!"

O Sacred Head Surrounded submitted anonymously • "I feel like 2020 is an ever-lasting Lent. This is sacred music sung with great beauty and grace, as is the entire album. It gives great peace and comfort in what are historically stressful times for all. This is timeless music that tells me that the ending of the story will be joyful - even if presently things are not so joyful."

Moonlight Serenade by Glen Miller Orchestra submitted by Marilyn Mecca • The big band sound at its best. A love song to be shared on the dance floor."

Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog submitted Denise Weiner • "This song is about hope and connection which we need desperately in today's crazy world. I pray that we find the rainbow connection Kermit sings about soon and come out the other side of the pandemic and social injustice in health and peace."

Saturday, October 24 • Head to the Big Apple and (virtually) experience the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art with your friends from the Alliance. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets you spend intimate time with highlights from The Met’s permanent collection through a live, interactive and virtual tour. Let’s learn something new, get a look at how artists and art enthusiasts see the world and explore the museum together.

Performances Now through October 18 • Live theatre returns – outdoors and with social distancing – at the Alliance! We’ve been hard at work to create an intimate, open-air venue where our neighbors can safely enjoy live entertainment. And what better backdrop for a performance than the gorgeous Florida sky? We begin this programming with a profoundly hilarious presentation of The Duck Variations, starring Jim Yarnes and Scott Thomson and directed by Bill Taylor. In the play, two old men discuss the ways of ducks and life, making observations that are profoundly hilarious.

October 22 • Usually you can only access our 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall raffle at our annual fundraising event Arts On Tap in partnership with the best breweries in southwest Florida. But this year the ultimate raffle has gone virtual – enter to win an impressive, cherry-picked collection of 99 Bottles of Beer (and Wine) – just the thing to lift your holiday spirits, and you never even have to get out of your comfy pants! This raffle is sure to make the last two months of your 2020 a flavorful one! Get lucky with 1 ticket for $20 or 6 tickets for $100. On October 22, we’ll pull a random winner during our Facebook live event.

Deadline: November 6 • This new exhibition opportunity, in partnership with The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, asks artists to dive into water - an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally and historically. Prizes will be awarded including $1,000 cash for Best In Show, $250 for 2nd place, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror's Choice Award of $50.

Drop off: October 26 • We invite our current members to submit one work following the theme of gratitude. This exhibition is aimed at highlighting the little and big things that bring us joy and strength while reflecting on what we are thankful for.

The Alliance needs your help. Expense reductions and conservative budgeting only get us so far in making sure the Alliance remains a beacon of hope and connection for all in our community. If you're able to do so, please consider making a gift, of any amount, to support the future of the arts in southwest Florida.

the @Alliance for the Arts and use the hashtag #CreativityCrate or encourage your friends to join by opting in to our emails at ArtInLee.org/CreativityCrate.