— October 11, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member updates after Hurricane Ian

On Sept. 28 Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm, devastating communities and lives in its path. Charlotte Arts hopes you are safe and are able to recover quickly.

This issue of Charlotte Arts emailed newsletter provides updates, as of Oct. 11, on some businesses and organizations that provide arts and humanities programs in Charlotte County. Many businesses and organizations were damaged and some are without power and Internet. Some updates are provided below. A few have recovered. Their events are listed below. Updates received (info@charlottearts.org) will be added to the website and will be included in the emailed newsletter that will be released Oct. 21.

Click on underlined text to learn about:

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

Due to the recent events that have affected our beloved community, we have decided to hold the opening concerts of our 2022-23 season – MiniMasterworks, as charity concerts to benefit those affected by Hurricane Ian. All performances are free to the public with limited seating that will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis.

• Oct. 14, 7 p.m.: The IceHouse Pub at 408 Tamiami Trail North, Punta Gorda (relocated from The Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum) – Monetary donations will be collected on behalf of the Charlotte Community Foundation. The Charlotte Community Foundation has also pledged to match all hurricane relief funds up to $500,000. Nonperishable food items will also be collected at the concert for the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ nondenominational food pantry.

Visit their website for other concerts.
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. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visual Arts Center has re-opened and invites everyone to “come in and enjoy the air condition and wifi or just chill and view the art.”

I Love the Nightlife by George Stuart, Florida Water Color Society's Exhibition.

Exhibits
Color! Sept. 15 to Oct. 12 extended 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.

Falling for Art has been cancelled.

Off-Site Exhibits (call to confirm they are open)
The Wyvern Hotel | 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Nix & Associates Real Estate | 2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda

Classes and Open Studios
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 a.m. to Noon.
Portrait Open Studio with Live Model: Thursdays 9 a.m. to Noon (begin Oct. 4)

Annual meeting: Thursday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m.

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.

Prism Weelata by Carolyn Walega. Art may not be representative of work on display.

Artists whose work will be on display at locations that have reopened:
  • Henry August (Sep) and Wanda Carter (Oct) at Punta Gorda Library (401 Shreve St, Punta Gorda)
  • Larry Palmer, Mary Lundeberg, Tina Weida, Robert Broyles and B&D Nature Photography at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Rosana Halprine (Sep-Dec) at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda)
  • Carolyn Walega (Sep-Dec) at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Kelly Reark at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)

Artists whose work will be on display at locations not yet reopened or are not confirmed:
  • Lance Henderson (Oct), B&D Nature Photography (Nov) and Kathy Przepadlo (Dec) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Howard Spielman (Sep-Oct) at Port Charlotte Public Library (2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte)
  • Rosana Halprine, Larry Palmer and B&D Nature Photography at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
  • Tina Weida (Sep-Dec) at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)

Charlotte Arts is pleased to provide an 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!
1200 West Retta Esplanade,
Punta Gorda

Fishermen's Village reopened Thursday, Oct. 6 with limited hours for merchants (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Sunday when they will open at Noon), limited menus and limited access to the Internet.

Music in Center Court (*) and at Sunset Beach Club Dry Beach (^) continue as scheduled.

Tony Sammis: Tuesday, Oct. 11, Noon to 3 p.m.*

Beth Travers: Wednesday, Oct. 12, Noon to 4 p.m.*
Enjoy Englewood/Nashville-based singer songwriter whose unique vocal quality is enhanced by her skillful wordplay and creative melodies.

Kit Jones: Thursday, Oct. 13, 4 to 8 p.m.^
Enjoy variety music performed by this musician singer.

Flatwater: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy acoustic Country and variety music.

Luke Perring: Friday, Oct. 14, 4 to 8 p.m.^
Enjoy Country, variety, cover and original songs by this singer and guitar player.

Paul Roush: Friday, Oct. 14, 5 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy country, rock and standards from the last 30 years with Paul's own songs that tell stories in his own way and time.

International Culture Fest 2022: Saturday, Oct. 15, Noon to 6 p.m.
Enjoy a family fun journey of international food and live performances, culturally oriented vendors, activities and more! Presented by The Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the Asian Professional Association of Southwest Florida.

Bittersweet Saloon: Saturday, Oct. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy guitar and vocals with a soulful vibe.

Dave Lapio: Saturday, Oct. 15, 5 to 9 p.m.^
Enjoy steel drum music.

Cheesebrothers in Paradise: Sunday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.^
Enjoy variety and trop rock music.

Lee James: Sunday, Oct. 16, 4 to 8 p.m.^
Enjoy variety music performed by this musician singer.

Yard Dog Charlie: Monday, Oct. 17, 4 to 8 p.m.*
Enjoy uplifting Florida swamp music – a blend of Cajun, zydeco, folk, country rock and roll and comedy – from the heart with passion and a sense of humor.

Sunny Jim White: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy classic and original trop rock music.

Mark Gorka: Thursday, Oct. 20, 4 to 8 p.m.^
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

John Patti: Thursday, Oct. 20, 5 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy island-infused jazz and blues sound of steel drums and voice.

Luke Perring: Friday, Oct. 21, 4 to 8 p.m.^

Mark Gorka: Friday, Oct. 21, 5 to 9 p.m.*

Paul Mezzanotte: Saturday, Oct. 22, Noon to 4 p.m.*
Enjoy upbeat music.

Lee James: Saturday, Oct. 22, 4 to 8 p.m.^

Austin James: Saturday, Oct. 22, 5 to 9 p.m.*
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Paul Mezzanotte: Sunday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.^

Lee James: Sunday, Oct. 23, 4 to 8 p.m.^
96 West Dearborn Street, Englewood

Lemon Bay Playhouse had some damage due to Hurricane Ian. Set building has been delayed due to the storm and the shed that holds our construction equipment was damaged. At this time, we have to wait and make decisions on the next show of our season.

Tentative:
You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running: Oct. 19 to Nov. 6
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.
The Langdon Playhouse | 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte

Charlotte Players theater made it thru the hurricane but is without power. The play Blithe Spirit will be rescheduled to November. The play Rumors is cancelled.

The play Blithe Spirit concerns the 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.
Sea Grape Gallery, a cooperative fine art gallery
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.
1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Enjoy music while eating in the restaurant. Reservations are required for some shows. Most shows are 6 to 9 p.m. Visit website for details.

The Grill at 1951 is working to reopen in early November once the roof, insulation, ceiling panels and carpeting are replaced. They are adding musicians on Monday for Martini Mondays with “incredible food specials and new exceptional musicians.”
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.
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.

Tentative: 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.
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. Email peaceriverpainters@gmail.com. These events were planned to resume Oct. 10, 2022.
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.
Due to Hurricane Ian, the Museum will be closed until further notice.
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.
Due to Hurricane Ian, the Museum will be closed until further notice.
If you wish to have arts and humanities information
included in the next issue, please provide it in this online form.
The next email will be released Friday, Oct. 21. By Noon on Wednesday, Oct. 19 please provide information on Events, News and Opportunities for this e-newsletter (member events only), the online cultural calendar (all arts and humanities events), and member news and opportunities for artists (posted on website).
Support Charlotte Arts

  • Give a gift of membership to Charlotte Arts. The 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. Charlotte Arts is pleased to offer grants in support of teachers within Charlotte County Public Schools who incorporate arts and humanities into their curriculum. Charlotte Arts has awarded a total of $143,195 in grants, providing arts and cultural programs to more than 52,600 students. Charlotte Arts is anticipating offering grants for the 2022-2023 school year with support received from the Florida license plate.