— November 4, 2022 —

The Board of Directors of the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County (Charlotte Arts) has closed Charlotte Arts effective Sept. 30, 2022. This is the last emailed newsletter that will be released sent on behalf of Charlotte Arts featuring Charlotte Arts and member events. Thank you for participating and supporting Charlotte Arts.
 
Some businesses and organizations that provide arts and humanities programs in Charlotte County sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. As of Nov. 3, some organizations are not yet open and some made change to their 2022-2023 season. Some event information for the season is provided in this issue.

Click on the organization (underlined words) to learn more about any event.
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Please confirm COVID-19 precautions in place with each location.

Free art exhibits by visual artists at locations throughout the county. Please visit the website to see the locations now open and artists whose work will be on display.
This program will end in mid-November.

Visit the online directory of artists, cultural non-profits and cultural businesses. With up to four images from each one, you can attend a virtual museum of Charlotte County-area art!

Paraphrasing by Gina Battles.
Charlotte Arts' members art on display

Bird of Paradise by Howard Spielman.

Award-winning artist, creator and executive producer of television shows and author Howard Spielman invites interested art collectors to his Port Charlotte home studio by appointment. Please Note: There is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything at a home studio visit. He is making this offer so as to make his neighbors in the surrounding community aware of his art. At your visit you can view more than 80 original works of art of varied subjects from florals to landscapes to abstracts and more. Receive a demonstration of Howard’s unique working method he uses to produce his art. Enjoy wine and cheese in a beautiful waterfront setting. Receive a studio discount on all art purchases. Custom sizes are available and art can be shipped. To preview Howard’s art or to make an appointment visit howardspielman.com, 941-875-3942 or highrdwest@aol.com.

Alex Haak is opening his home exhibit of more than 25 oil paintings every Saturday afternoon. Email him at mayorhaak@hotmail.com by Friday to confirm hours and directions to his Port Charlotte residence.

210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda
Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the website for additional details and events.


 
Small Business Shopping: Saturday, Nov. 26
Shop at the VAC gift gallery, art supply store and galleries.
 
Sip & Create Art Socials
These evening programs (6 to 9 p.m.) are opportunities to get together and have some fun. Costs.
  • Margaritas with Anna Hickner: Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. Begin the session with a margarita and end it with a finished piece of mosaic art of mosaic art.
  • Etched wine glasses with Belinda Duclos: Dec. 4. Begin the session with a glass of wine and end it with four etched glasses.

Peace River Winter Art Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4
More than 60 nationally-recognized juried artists participate, representing art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, stone sculptures and watercolor. Live music, art demonstrations and food help create an immersive cultural experience.

Exhibits
Color! Sept. 15 to Nov. 28 in Main Gallery
Artists express themselves through 2D and 3D color and the results are spectacular! This is a juried show.
Reception: rescheduled to Thursday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.

Florida Water Color Society's 51st Annual Exhibition: Sept. 14 to Nov. 12 in Goff Gallery and Rebecca Hall.

Holidays in the Hall: Nov. 15 to Dec. 29
Rebecca Hall is decorated with unique artist made ornaments and small Christmas gifts. Come and shop local for cute Christmas presents.

Off the Wall: Nov. 30 to Dec. 30
Take the art “off the wall!” All pieces are priced under $200.

 Off-Site Exhibits
The Wyvern Hotel | 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Nix & Associates Real Estate | 2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda
 
Classes, Open Studios and Workshops
These programs are available to VAC members.
Classes in painting, drawing, pottery, jewelry, glass, photography and fiber arts for four, six, eight and twelve-weeks. Visit the website for a full list of classes and details.
 
Fiber Arts Studios: Mondays and Fridays 1 to 4 p.m.
Pottery Studio: Tuesdays 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to Noon
2D Art Studio: Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
Portrait Open Studio with Live Model: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to Noon
 
Art Workshops are usually a day-long exploration of tips and tricks from a professional. The next workshop is on pottery glazing with Rick Hicks and Steve Strunk on Nov. 15.
96 West Dearborn Street, Englewood

The Lemon Bay Acting Studio
This new enterprise will provide training in acting techniques and movement for beginning and advanced actors. Classes begin in January, April and October 2023 and will be based in methods developed by Constantin Stanislavsky and interpreted by Sanford Meisner, Lee Strassberg, Uta Hagen, Michael Chekov, Sonia Moore and other gurus of modern Method Acting. Each eight-week class will is designed to help the actor build performance and presentation skills.
 
Showcases
  • Mark Rom & The Magic Elixir Band: Saturday, Nov 12, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets sales and proceeds to go hurricane relief.
  • Clowning Around Comedy Showcase, a Florida Comedy Network Production: Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
  • Moon River Tonight: Saturday, Jan. 14
  • John and Patty Tuff: Saturday, Feb. 18
  • Paisley Craze: Saturday, Feb. 25
  • Gif Pool Comedy Show

Plays
You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running
Rescheduled to Nov. 30 to Dec. 18.
Each act of this four separate one-act plays is an individual story. The Shock of Recognition breaks in on a difference of opinion while a quarrel develops. The Footsteps of Doves a couple picks out a new bed. I’ll Be Home for Christmas shows parents discussing the sex education of their almost adult children. I’m Herbert is a sketch about two old people sitting on a porch in rocking chairs and talking. Cost: $25, $18 students.

Future Plays
  • The Outsider: Jan. 18 to Feb. 12
  • Dinner At The Flemmings: Mar. 8 to Apr. 2
  • The Amateur Killer: Apr. 26 to May 14
  • Now and Then: June 7 to 25
The Langdon Playhouse | 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte


Plays
The play Rumors is cancelled.

Blithe Spirit
Rescheduled: Wednesday to Sunday, Oct. 28 to Nov. 13.
Socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and tempermental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost. Cost: $25, $13 students.
·      
Future Plays
  • Belles Take The Big Easy: Thursday to Sunday, Jan. 12 to 22, 7:30 p.m. except Sundays 2 p.m. Matinee also on Saturday, Jan. 21
  • How The Other Half Loves: Wednesday to Sunday, Feb. 9 to 26
  • Murder On The Orient Express: Thursday to Sunday, March 16 to April 2, 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.
  • Love, Lies and the Doctor's Dilemma: Wednesday to Sunday, April 20 to April 30, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Mornings At Seven: Wednesday to Sunday, May 12 to 21
 
Special Events and More
  • Dean Martin & Friends Tribute Show by Tom Stevens: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 17 and 18, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $29, $14 students
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Wednesday to Sunday, Dec. 7 to 11, 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Cost: $25, $13 students.
  • New Year's Eve Celebration! 2022: Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $29, $15 students.
  • The Val & Jim Show - Valerie Sneade-Roy & Jim Rice: Tuesday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $29, $14 students.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s | 1105 Taylor Rd, Punta Gorda
  • Ultimate Christmas Trivia Challenge 2022: Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. at . Cost: $50.

Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center | 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda
  • Peter Fogel's "Til Death Do Us Part . . . You First!" : Monday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $38 to $42, $19 to $21 students.
  • The Edwards Twins 2023: Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 13 and 14, 7:30, Cost: $40 to $46, $20 to $23 students.
  • Natural Woman: A Tribute to Carole King Starring Katie Pinder Brown: Monday, Feb. 27, 7:30 Cost: $40 to $46, $20 to $23 students.
  • The Folk Legacy Trio - Starring former members of the Kingston Trio, Limeliters & The Diamonds: Monday, March 6, 7:30 p.m. Cost: $40 to $46, $20 to $23 students.
Southwest Florida’s regional opera company serves Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. GO enriches the community by offering affordable professional opera theater and vocal music concerts to diverse audiences and a socially responsible musical education initiative.

Performances in Charlotte County:

Carmelo's Italian Ristorante (321 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
Sunday, Nov 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
GO Divas will perform a variety of vocal ensembles featuring rich harmonies from opera scenes to popular, contemporary songs of the 60s and 70s while you enjoy a delightful Italian plated dinner at Carmelo’s in a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting. Their diverse, new program will feature pop favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody and Happy Together, ensembles from The Magic Flute and Carmen, and an exhilarating passage from Handel's Dixit Dominus. Appetizers and cash bar available starting at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $125 concert, appetizers and dinner.

  • Opera to Broadway: Jan. 19, 7 p.m. at Gulf Theater, Punta Gorda | 900 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Cost: $35 to $45
  • The Barber of Seville: Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at Charlotte Performing Arts Centerm| 701 Carmalita St, Punta Gorda. Cost: $35-$65
  • Songs of Ireland: Mar. 14, 7 p.m. at Gulf Theater, Punta Gorda. Cost: $35-$45
  • Taste of Opera: Apr. 5, 6 p.m. at Isles Yacht Club | 1780 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Cost: $125 for concert and dinner.
  • Latin Infusion! Concert & Dinner: May 7, 6 p.m. at Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante, Punta Gorda. Cost: $125 for concert and dinner.
1200 West Retta Esplanade,
Punta Gorda


Live music is performed many days throughout the Village, often between Noon and 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Events are weather permitting. To learn more, visit their website.

Special events are held throughout the year, including:
  • Lighting of the Village: Saturday, Nov. 12 with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. Festival of Lights can be viewed daily Nov. 13 to Dec. 31.
  • St. Patrick's Day
  • A Day of Celtic Music in May
  • Independence Weekend Celebration in July
  • TikiFest in August
  • Key Lime Fest in September
  • October 15th - International Culture Fest in October
1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Enjoy music while eating in the restaurant. Reservations are required for some shows and performance fee is charged for a few. Most shows are 6 to 9 p.m. Visit website for details. Closed on Sunday.

  • Bill Fredericks: most Fridays 
  • Mickey Basil Solo: most Saturdays
  • Charlotte County Jazz Jam: most Sundays
  • Enjoy exceptional music on Martini Mondays
  • Tony Boffa Quartet: most Tuesdays 
  • Tim Goodman's Jazz Jam Open Mic: most Wednesdays 
  • Musicians change every Thursday.
Sea Grape Gallery, a cooperative fine art gallery. Members and guests are featured each month.
113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sea Grape Gallery is temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. They plan to reopen in the near future.
2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda

PGICA offers a variety of classes and programs from art classes, crafting, and exercise classes, including yoga and dance, to lectures on health topics, members’ world travels, financial seminars, and town hall meetings. All are open to the general public. PGICA programs begin on Sept. 2! Some of the programs are listed here. Registration is required at PGICA.org.

Please visit their website to learn more, including changes to programs because of Hurricane Ian.

LeBlast: Tuesdays and​ Fridays, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., $12 per class
LeBlast is a dance fitness, partner-free program based on all the ballroom dances you see on Dancing with the Stars. It combines partner-free ballroom dancing and weight training.
 
Topics in Local and State History: Tuesdays, Sept. 13 to Feb. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $10 per class. History lecture series held on second Tuesday of the month from September 2022 to February 2023 will examine topics pertaining to state, Charlotte County and Southwest Florida history. Instructor: Jennifer Zoebelein.

Ladies Dance Class: Thursday, Sept. 29 through May 2023, 11 a.m. to Noon, $10 per class
This class is for those who want to learn ballroom and Latin dancing but don’t have a partner and who are looking to improve coordination, balance, body movement and personal expression. You will dance fun variations of Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Broadway, Charleston, Swing, Paso Doble and the Waltz. It’s not a fitness class, but a dance class. Professional ballroom dancer and instructor: Nathalie Lemoine. Questions? lemoineswfl@gmail.com or 941-830-3151.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center | 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda

The Charlotte Chorale has a rich history in Charlotte County presenting quality choral concerts since 1989. The Chorale has continued to expand its repertoire to include many classical and symphonic choral pieces as well as a broad spectrum of contemporary music, spirituals, multi-cultural music, foreign language, and devotional works with wide appeal to all audiences.

The Charlotte Chorale is also seeking new adult singers with passion and ability for performing choral music! Seasonal residents can be accommodated. Previous ensemble singing experience preferred. If interested, please contact Membership Coordinator Jean Sutton at 864-420-3146.

Under the continued and outstanding leadership of Dr. William B. Dederer, Artistic Director, the Chorale will present a three concert choral series in the 2022-2023 season.
  • Christmas concert, Treasured Sounds of Christmas, along with the Second Annual Silent Auction, on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. The concert will include beloved and beautiful Christmas and holiday music from past and recent years. The Silent Auction will offer opportunities to bid on local and state-wide recreational activities, local dining gift certificates, personal services and various gift baskets. 
  • Voices of Spirit will be performed on Saturday, Feb. 25. This concert will be a celebration of music inspired by the universality of mankind’s relationship with creation: awe of creation’s wonders, reverence for its beauty, joy in the mystery and spirit thereof.
  • Reflections will take place on Saturday, April 15. This concert will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Chorale being under the direction of Dr. William Dederer, and will feature some of his favorite compositions.
  • Additionally, the Charlotte Chorale will host a special concert appearance of The Dallas Brass, on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.

Tickets and reservations for the three Chorale concerts and the special concert, featuring The Dallas Brass can be purchased by calling the ticket office 941-204-0033. Individual concert tickets are $25 adults, $10 students, or season tickets (three Chorale concerts) are $65 adults, $25 students.

For more information about The Charlotte Chorale, its performances and upcoming events visit www.charlottechorale.com or call 941-204-0033.
 Paint every Monday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Anyone with a desire to paint outside may join. There are no fees and no instruction. For those who wish, at 11:15 a.m. paintings are shared and discussed. This group meets at a different location each week, usually from October to May. Email peaceriverpainters@gmail.com.
Punta Gorda Symphony is Charlotte County’s premier professional orchestra. From presenting world-class musicians to enriching the lives of young people and adults through educational initiatives, Punta Gorda Symphony strives to foster vibrant community connections through orchestral music. Originally formed in 1978 as a small chamber group, we have grown in size to more than 70 professional musicians drawing audiences from around the world. Main stage concerts begin Nov. 20 and Jazz on the Lawn begins Dec. 3.
First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda (25250 Airport Road)
Bion Cantorum performs three annual concerts as a chamber vocal ensemble and at other locations by invitation. Bion Cantorum translates to singers of beautiful
sound. The concept of developing a choral group dedicated to providing beautiful, exciting music to area residents and to provide the opportunity of these residents to participate in a mixed community chorus was a seed planted and encouraged by Maestro T. Francis Wada, former Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
The Charlotte County Jazz Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz music. Concerts and jazz jam sessions at The Grill at 1951 are held monthly from October of each year through the following April. Events that had to be cancelled are not yet rescheduled. Revenue supports a scholarship program to assist local high school students pay for their advanced education in music. Contact intunejazz@gmail.com or call 941-766 9422.