— January 28, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member events through February 11, 2022.

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

Visit the website for more details, including how to purchase tickets. Contact intunejazz@gmail.com.


Jam Sessions
New venue and dates: The Grill at 1951 (1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte), Sunday, Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Musicians are welcome to sit in with Mickey Basil, Jay Heavilin, Dave Morgan, Fred Capitelli and Buz Bisbano. Cost: $5 donation. Food and beverage service is available.

Concerts
Monday, Feb. 7 and April 11, 7 p.m.
Gulf Heritage Theater at Military Heritage Museum (900 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)

Tommy Dorsey Big Band Concert
First Methodist Church, Punta Gorda
Monday, March 14, 7 p.m.

Concertmaster Ming Gao

Behind the Notes Lecture Series
Florida Southwestern State College Charlotte Campus - Rush Auditorium
(26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
Friday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m.
Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti shares his insights and experiences with the music on Feb. 6 program. Maestro Ponti’s lecture features concertmaster and violinist Ming Gao. Attendees will gain a fresh appreciation for familiar works to be performed and discover new parts to listen for in the concert. This lively and entertaining discussion is an opportunity for non-musicians to explore music in a format audience can see nowhere else. Cost: $25.

Orchestra Music of Great Ballets
Charlotte Performing Arts Center (701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)
Sunday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m.
This program features a pair of the most celebrated works in the classical music sphere, Appalachian Spring and Scheherazade, along with the lesser-explored Dances in the Canebrakes by Florence Price, a ground-breaking composer who was the first African American woman to have a composition played by a major orchestra. Concertmaster Gao will perform instantly recognizable violin solos for Scheherazade’s unforgettable voice. Cost. $65 adult, $15 youth.

Concert ticket-holders can continue their music appreciation through this regularly scheduled pre-concert talk. Musical conversations will include an interview with Maestro Raffaele Livio Ponti to illuminate the music on the concert’s program. All concert ticket-holders may join one hour before show time.

The Symphony Friends host a Composers Luncheon's on the Thursday one week before a concert. For details, call 941-205-5996. Cost: $20 with lunch.
(1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.

Steve Flagg performs Jan. 29.

Terry Dotson and Dave Heveron: Friday, Jan. 28, Noon to 3 p.m.
Enjoy bluegrass and folk.

Kat Orlando Duo: Friday, Jan. 28, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy variety music and jazz classics

Austin James: Saturday, Jan. 29, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Steve Flagg: Saturday, Jan. 29, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Dan Meadows: Sunday, Jan. 30, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy variety music.
 
Dave Lapio: Monday, Jan. 31, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy steel drum music.

Tiki Thom Starkey: Tuesday, Feb. 1, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy tropical variety music with relaxing sounds.

Music Box: Wednesday, Feb. 2: 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy variety and dance favorites featuring Jaime Garza and Jayar Mack.

Terry Dotson and Dave Heveron: Thursday, Feb. 3, Noon to 4 p.m.

Natalia Bonfini: Friday, Feb. 4, Noon to 3 p.m.
Enjoy this acoustic, eclectic singer who is visiting our area.

Southbound: Friday, Feb. 4, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy live music.

Dan Meadows: Saturday, Feb. 5, Noon to 4 p.m.

Jason Brownie: Saturday, Feb. 5, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy country acoustic music by this singer/songwriter.

Chris G: Sunday, Feb. 6, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy uplifting, lively tunes.

Terry Dotson & Dave Heveron: Monday, Feb. 7, Noon to 3 p.m.

Tiki Thom Starkey: Monday, Feb. 7, 4 to 8 p.m.

Mike Archer: Tuesday, Feb. 8, Noon to 3 p.m.
Enjoy country and rock music of John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce and Bruce Springsteen.

Mark Gorka: Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5 to 9 p.m.
Acoustic singer and musician well-known songs of many genres from the 60s to Pop, Rock and Country of today.

Johnny Bauer: Thursday, Feb. 10, 4 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-guitarist perform a variety of music genres, including rock, country, and classics.

Austin James: Friday, Feb. 11, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Kat Orlando Duo: Friday, Feb. 11, 5 to 9 p.m.

Kraig Kenning: Saturday, Feb. 12, Noon to 4 p.m.
National Slide Guitar Champion mesmerizes with his Contemporary folk, acoustic blues, roots rock, and American fingerstyle performance.

Mark Syster: Saturday, Feb. 12, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy feel-good classic rock and Country music.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center
(701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)
Friday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Doreen Curp
Dance with Me
Everyone’s feet will be tapping as the band presents a wide variety of dance music from the classics to some ever-popular dance forms. You will be treated to the vocal stylings of Doreen Curp as she performs Musetta's Waltz that is sung in act two of Puccini's 1896 opera La Bohème and Old Devil Moon, a popular song composed by Burton Lane for the 1947 musical Finian's Rainbow. Of special local interest, this arrangement was done by Pat Spino, a resident of Port Charlotte. Cost.
(96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood)

Old Ringers
Wednesday to Sunday, Jan. 19 to Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
In this semi sequel to Men Are Dogs, four senior women try to fight the shrinking economy and their shrinking pocketbooks by opening a home phone sex service after receiving an unsolicited obscene phone call! This is an adult bawdy comedy and although two characters are reprised from Men Are Dogs the play stands on its own and a production of the earlier play is not a prerequisite! Cost: $23, $18 students.
Langdon Playhouse
(1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte)

Bell, Book and Candle
Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 4 to 20, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Gillian Holroyd casts a spell over an unattached publisher, Shepherd Henderson, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. He falls head over heels in love with her at once and wants to marry her. But witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, and this minute imperfection leads to a number of difficulties. Ultimately, the lady breaks with her companions in witchery, preferring the normal and human love offered by the attractive publisher. But before the happy conclusion of the romance, Gillian comes very near to losing him. Cost: $22, $11 students.

The Edwards Twins
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)
Monday, Feb. 7 and Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Remember all the wonderful variety shows we all grew up on in the '70s & '80s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas' number one impersonators of all time. Cost: $19 to $44.

Your Funny Valentine
Monday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Fall in love with these fun, refreshing comedians. HARLEY WORTHIT, a talented musician and comic, has entertained thousands in Branson and Pigeon Forge over 25 years with his down-home charm and wit. TARA ZIMMERMAN has been making folks grin for more than a decade with tales of marriage to her beloved husband (B-O-B), family life, and her own misadventures. Cost: $24.
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.

Elements by Birgit Tode


13th Biennial National Art Exhibition: Feb. 18 to April 16
This is one of the nation's most prestigious juried displays of 2D media.

Exhibits: Jan. 12 to Feb. 8

Main Gallery: New Beginnings
Juried exhibit of 2D and 3D art. Deadline to be considered in showcase is Jan. 3. Learn more on website or email exhibits@visualartcenter.org.

Goff Gallery: The Art of Jim Beech

Rebecca Hall: Artist Pamela Jones Imagine That

Off-Site Exhibits
The Wyvern Hotel | 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Nix & Associates Real Estate | 2421 Shreve St, Unit 111, Punta Gorda

Classes
Visit the website for a full list of classes and details.
(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.


Bill Fredericks: most Fridays

Tony Boffa: every Saturday

Anne Tomrela & Atilio Marinelli: Monday, Jan. 17

Lori and Tony D'Iorio: Second and fourth Mondays of each month

Tony Boffa Quartet: every Tuesday

Tim Goodman's Jazz Jam: every Wednesday

Musicians change every Thursday
Frankie Valli Tribute: Thursday, Feb. 6
Rod Stewart Tribute: Thursday, Feb. 13
2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda

PGICA offers a variety of classes and programs: art classes, crafting, and exercise classes, lectures on health topics, members’ world travels, financial seminars, and town hall meetings. All are open to the general public. Visit their website to learn more. Registration is required. Register at PGICA.org.
Art by Lionel Lewis
A few upcoming classes are:

Landscape Painting in Oils
Need a few hours of delightful creativity? Join local artist Mary Taglieri for a series of lessons geared toward beginner and intermediate artists. Mary’s paintings radiate the beautiful places where she has lived. Her art degree and 40 years of professional experience have won her many awards and her works hang in private collections around the world. Choose Tuesday or Thursday, whichever fits your schedule. Contact Mary at 941-979-0901 for supply list. Cost.

Oil Painting in a Day the Bob Ross Way
Monday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All students will paint and complete the same painting in one day. Easy step-by-step instruction by Janice Britland All supplies will be provided for the day. Cost: $60.

Acrylic Abstract Painting
Fridays, Feb. 25 to April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For beginner and intermediate painters. Lionel Lewis will have class focus on representational and non-representational abstract painting while encouraging “outside the box” artistic thinking. There will be an emphasis on the principles of design, color value, texture, and balance. Cost: $180 for six sessions.
Loggerhead on Beach by Linda Soderquist
Necklace by Brenda Berdnik
Artists whose work is shown above will be at the Gallery through Jan. 31 or Feb. 3.

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.

Guest Artists: January
Linda Soderquist, watercolorist, Belinda Duclos, jeweler, and
Gary Skelly, ceramics artist

Featured Artists: Jan. 6 to Feb. 3
Cheryl McClure, photographer, and Brenda Berdnik, mixed media artist

Featured Artists: Feb. 3 to March 3
Kitt Moran, oil painter, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket, and Shaker style basketry artist
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.

Autumn View by Henry Garcia.

Artists whose work will be on display from January through April 2022:
  • Rosana Halprine at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Lance Henderson at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda) 
  • Karen Bell at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Tina Weida (January), Lionel Lewis (February) and Wanda Carter (April) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Laura Pucci (March-April) at Port Charlotte Public Library (2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte)
  • Henry Garcia at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • B&D Nature Photography at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda) 
  • Larry Palmer, Mary Lundeberg, Tina Weida, Lance Henderson, and Robert Broyles (as of February) at Punta Gorda Airport (28000 Airport Road, 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!
Charlotte Chorale
Charlotte Performing Arts Center (701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)
Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.

Enchanting Music at Twilight
The Charlotte Chorale is honored to host this special concert event performed by internationally acclaimed pianist, Dr. Tianshu Wang. Recognized as a “superbly talented pianist”, Steinway Artist Tianshu Wang has graced the concert stages of Europe, Asia and North America, including a solo performance in Carnegie Hall. This event is not part of Charlotte Chorale's regular concert series. Cost: $40, $20 students. For more information, call 941-204-0033.
Bion Cantorum
Bion Cantorum, a non-profit vocal ensemble, is seeking singers at all levels for its March 13 and July 4 concerts. Must be able to read music and blend with other voices. Some solo work may be needed. Rehearsals are on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda (25250 Airport Road, Punta Gorda). All concerts are at 3 p.m. on Sundays. For further information, contact Jean Finks at 941-626-1070, Joan Byron at 941-661-1553 or Denny Ausman at 941-204-2900.
Every Monday, 8:30 to Noon

Monday, Jan. 31: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
(10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda)
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. Details are posted on the website. Email peaceriverpainters@gmail.com.
History Park (501 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda)
Every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Charlotte Arts member Carolyn Walega will have her art available for purchase during January. On Feb. 23 she will be at teh History Park Art Show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Carolyn Walega's art is also on display at Arts for ACT Gallery (2265 First St., Fort Myers). She will be their featured artist during the month of April.
by appointment

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 by Friday to confirm hours and directions to his Port Charlotte residence.
Updates
Cultural Center of Charlotte County
The center will have its final curtain call on Nov. 8, 2021, after 61 years of shows, classes and services for the community.


". . . the arts are a powerful and important part of what unites us as Americans. The arts celebrate our differences through a collective, shared experience."
-- National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter
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Charlotte Arts and member events were cancelled because of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) on March 23, 2020. Some member organizations cancelled their events and hours of operation for the season and others are open and following CDC guidance. Please confirm the status of any event or organization by contacting the organization.
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, Feb. 11. By Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 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 additional grants in January for the 2020-2021 school year with support received from the Florida license plate.