— February 25, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member events through March 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.
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.

Art by Lionel Lewis. Art may not be representative of work on display.

Artists whose work will be on display from January through April 2022:
  • Tina Weida (January), Lionel Lewis (February) and Wanda Carter (April) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Reception: Friday, Feb. 25, 4 to 5:30 p.m. 
  • 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)
  • 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!
(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.

Michael White: Friday, Feb. 25

Bill Fredericks: most Fridays

Tony Boffa: every Saturday

Bob Page Trio: First and third Mondays of each month

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
Kitt Moran Quartet: Thursday, Feb. 24
Comedy (TBD): Thursday, March. 3
Bob Page (piano and vocals), Richie Iannuzzi (percussion) and Randy Sandke (trumpet): Thursday, March 10
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.

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

Grand opening and awards reception: Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. Cost: $10.

Guided docent tours: Feb. 25 and 26, March 4, 5, 11 and 12, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

NAE poetry readings inspired by NAE paintings: Wednesday, March 23, 7 to 9 p.m. Submit poems inspired by NAE art by March 15. Learn more.

Final Reception: Thursday, April 14, 5 to 6 p.m.

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

Jam Sessions
The Grill at 1951 (1951 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte), Sunday, Feb. 27, March 28 and April 24, 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
Tommy Dorsey Big Band Concert
First Methodist Church, Punta Gorda
Monday, March 14, 7 p.m.

Herbicide led by Herb Bruce
Gulf Heritage Theater at Military Heritage Museum
(900 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
Monday, April 11, 7 p.m.
(1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.

Austin James performs Feb. 25 and Feb. 27.

Austin James: Friday, Feb. 25, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.

Paul Roush: Friday, Feb. 25, 3 to 7 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.

Kat Orlando Duo: Friday, Feb. 25, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy variety music and jazz classics.

Steve Flagg: Saturday, Feb. 26, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.

Beth Travers: Saturday, Feb. 26, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy Englewood/Nashville-based singer songwriter whose unique vocal quality is enhanced by her skillful wordplay and creative melodies.

Mark Syster: Saturday, Feb. 26, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy feel-good classic rock and Country music.

Paul Roush: Sunday, Feb. 27, Noon to 4 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.

Austin James: Sunday, Feb. 27, 3 to 7 p.m.

Dave Lapio: Monday, Feb. 28, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy steel drum music.

Johnny Bauer: Tuesday, March 1, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-guitarist perform a variety of music genres, including rock, country, and classics.

Steve Flagg: Tuesday, March 1, 5 to 9 p.m.

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

Paul Roush: Thursday, March 3, Noon to 3 p.m.

John Patti: Thursday, March 3, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy island-infused jazz and blues sound of steel drums and voice.

Mark Gorka: Thursday, March 3, 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: Friday, March 4, Noon to 3 p.m.

Dan Meadows: Friday, March 4, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy variety music.

Paul Roush: Friday, March 4, 5 to 9 p.m.

Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey: Saturday, March 5, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this pre-Saint Patrick's Day tribute!

Kraig Kenning: Saturday, March 5, 3 to 7 p.m.
National Slide Guitar Champion mesmerizes with his Contemporary folk, acoustic blues, roots rock, and American fingerstyle performance.

Dan Meadows: Saturday, March 5, 5 to 9 p.m.

Jason Brownie: Sunday, March 6, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy country acoustic music by this singer/songwriter.

Dave Lapio: Monday, March 7, Noon to 4 p.m.

Johnny Bauer: Tuesday, March 8, 4 to 8 p.m.

Paul Roush: Wednesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

John Patti: Thursday, March 10, 3 to 7 p.m.

Mark Gorka: Thursday, March 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

Terry Dotson & Dave Heveron: Friday, March 11, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy bluegrass and folk.

Paul Roush: Friday, March 11, 3 to 7 p.m.

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

Kraig Kenning: Saturday, March 12, Noon to 4 p.m.

Dan Meadows: Saturday, March 12, 3 to 7 p.m.

Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey: Saturday, March 12, 5 to 9 p.m.

Paul Roush: Sunday, March 13, Noon to 4 p.m.

Darian Taylor: Sunday, March 13, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy the little jazzy and sassy acoustic singer.
(96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood)

Jimmy Mazz: Legends and Laughter
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Music can warm the heart and we are so excited to have Jimmy Mazz back. His all new Legends & Laughter impressions and comedy show will entertain and delight. Jimmy’s ultra-smooth vocals are spectacular with impressions of favorites like Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, The Bee Gees, Frankie Valli, Billy Joel, and so many others. He also will highlight ‘The King’ Elvis Presley and honor our veterans with a touching tribute. Great music, funny stories, and amusing antics including voices of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, Ed Sullivan and Robert DiNero. Cost: $23.
The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue
Wednesday to Sunday, March 9 to April 3, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Mel Edison is a well-paid executive of a high-end Manhattan firm, which has suddenly hit the skids, and he gets the ax. His wife Edna takes a job to tide them over, then she too is sacked. Compounded by the air-pollution killing his plants, and with the walls of the apartment being paper-thin, allowing him a constant earful of his neighbors’ private lives, things can’t seem to get any worse. Then he’s robbed, and his psychiatrist dies with $23,000 of his money. Mel does the only thing left for him to do ‒ he has a nervous breakdown and it’s the best thing that ever happened to him. Cost: $23, $18 students.
Langdon Playhouse (1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte)

Cahal Dunne 2022
Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 to 4 p.m.
Cahal Dunne, Ireland's Piano Man - The Man of Many Jackets, possesses that certain magical quality that transcends talent, that comes from deep within a great entertainer and washes over an audience, captivating them. This native of County Cork has a following of loyal admirers and friends that is unique in the rich history of Pittsburgh entertainment. Cost: $24, $12 students.

Curtain Up
Wednesday to Saturday, March 11 to 27, 7:30, Sundays at 2 p.m.
Based on the author’s earlier Respecting You Piers, Curtain Up! is the hilarious story of five women who inherit equal shares in a dilapidated theatre and plan bring it back to life again. They try various fundraising schemes but their most ambitious is to hold a concert featuring local talent and a world-famous star who agrees to appear for no fee! However, their plans go awry and it’s a race to keep their audience from guessing the truth of the matter. A fast paced and very funny comedy with five great roles for women. Cost: $22, $11 students.
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
(75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda)

John Denver Musical Tribute by Ted Vigil Trio
Monday, Feb. 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Ted Vigil is a singer, songwriter, and John Denver tribute artist with uncanny resemblance and sound of the late John Denver. He performs many of Denver’s hits, including Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song, Sunshine on My Shoulder and Thank God I’m a Country Boy. Cost: $17 to $39.

The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show 2022
Tuesday, March 8, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
This show is in a class all its own. Never have two artists captured the very essence and chemistry of the celebrities they perform as have Tom Stevens and Tony Lewis. Having spent the last 27 years performing throughout Australia, Tony Lewis has created a name for himself as the quintessential Jerry Lewis. His one show has sold out countless venues and has earned him the respect as one of Australia's best entertainers. Since his first appearance at the Dean Martin Festival in 1998, Tom Stevens has earned his title as "The Best Dean Martin Tribute Artist". Dean Martin's daughter Deana has said: "I have never seen anybody look and sound more like my Dad". This one of a kind show includes a seven-piece orchestra. You will feel as if Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis are still performing together. Cost $21 to $48.
Every Monday, 8:30 to Noon
Feb. 28: Hathaway Park (35301 Washington Loop Rd, 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.

2022 Winter Show
North Port Art Center (5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port)
Jan. 24 to Feb. 20: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to Noon
Sharon Yarbrough has led the Peace River Painters since 2012. Now with more than 350 members, they paint the local terrain and document the land and buildings that are morphing in the face of our frenetic development. Painting outdoors gets you up close to nature. 
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.
Card Making with Patti.

A few upcoming classes are:

Foreign Language Film Series
Series 1: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Series 2: April 5, 12, 19, 26, 1 p.m.
Award winning journalist and local author, Naomi Pringle, hosts her popular classic and contemporary foreign language film series. Come see these outstanding films on the big screen in our building’s spacious, air-conditioned auditorium. Pre-commentary and a post group discussion are included. English captions are provided. Cost: $35 for five classes or $8 at the door for one class.

Landscape Painting in Oils
Session 1: March 1, 8 , 15, 22, 29, Session 2: March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
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: $175 for four sessions.

Card Making with Patti
Thursday, March 3 and April 7, 10 a.m. to Noon
Want to connect in a special way with friends or relatives? Patti Boese will lead you in a creative card making session that will make your correspondence feel special. You will create four cards using pre-cut designs while learning new techniques. Instructor provides all supplies. Contact Patti at 941-875-5850 or patti_boese@comcast.net if you have questions.

Acrylic Abstract Painting
Fridays, March 4 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.

Oil Painting in a Day the Bob Ross Way
Monday, March 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.
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.

Robin Leonard (left).

Guest Artists: February
Robin Leonard, portrait artist
Cheryl Fausel, watercolor artist

Guest Artists: March
JoAnn LaPadula, watercolorist
Susan Fraley, oil painting artist
Beth Lane Williams, pine needle artist

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

Featured Artists: March 3 to April 7
Vicki Glynn, watercolor painter
Robert Rioux, stained glass kaleidoscope artist

Composers Luncheon
Punta Gorda Women's Club (118 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda)
Thursday, March 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Symphony Friends host a luncheon on the Thursday one week before a concert.
For details, call 941-205-5996. Cost: $20 with lunch.

Behind the Notes Lecture Series
Florida Southwestern State College Charlotte Campus - Rush Auditorium
(26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda)
Friday, March 4, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
This lively and informative lecture includes an appearance by a guest musician who will be on stage during the Sunday concert. Topics often include a composer’s artistic themes, distinguishing characteristics of their work, or comparisons of different conductors’ recordings of the same piece of music. Cost: $25.

Stravinsky's Firebird
Charlotte Performing Arts Center (701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)
Sunday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the farthest reaches in music-making during the lively overture from Rossini's opera L'Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers), followed by the first orchestral work by a name everyone knows, Paul McCartney! Next comes three opulent works by American composers Samuel Jones, Howard Hanson and George Walker. To round out the second half of this dramatic program, we present Stravinsky’s exciting orchestral masterpiece, The Firebird. Cost. $65 adult, $15 youth.

Concert ticket-holders can continue their music appreciation through this regularly scheduled pre-concert talk an hour before show time. Musical conversations will illuminate the music on the concert’s program.

Outdoor Chamber Series: Harborside Brass Quintet
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Sunday, March 27, 4 p.m.
Cost: $30, $15 students.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center
(701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)

Battles
Friday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
The concert bank will explore music from past wars as well as inner battles. Some pieces are Into The Raging River, a piece that depicts the struggle that man experiences against the forces of nature; To A Place Called Hope, a touching anthem for children battling cancer; Spirit of ‘76 includes some of the tunes surrounding the Revolutionary War; West Side Story, a play and movie of the unforgettable battle of two New York City gangs; excerpts from the 1812 Overture, a concert overture written to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Army in 1812. The concert features soprano Katelyn Reinschmidt and tenor Seth Stone, both from the State College of Florida, who will perform selections from West Side Story and percussionist Becky Finly to perform Hampton Rides Again! on the vibraphone. Cost.

The Magic of Music
Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.
Music truly is a magical part of each of our lives. Music can inspire, bring joy and excitement. This concert will bring to life a wide variety of musical selections that will both entertain and inspire you.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church (11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda)
Saturday, March 12, 4 p.m.

America the Beautiful
From the words of Thomas Jefferson's Testament of Freedom, to an outstanding arrangement of My Country 'Tis of Thee hailing the liberties that we hold dear, The Charlotte Chorale will perform music of American composers highlighting the beauty of our country, and the heritage and freedoms we share. The Chorale will wind its way in song up misty mountains, marvel in beautiful harmonies at sweeping vistas and make your heart jump to the rhythm of towns big and small as we celebrate the land of the free!

The Charlotte Chorale is vocal ensemble of more than fifty all volunteer singers who have been performing in Charlotte County for more than thirty years. This event is the second of three concerts for the 2021-22 Season and will include local musicians to enhance the choral performance. Cost: $25, $10 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 July 4 concert. (The March 13 concert has been cancelled.) 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.
Art of Carolyn Walega

Carolyn Walega's art is 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.
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, March 11. By Noon on Wednesday, March 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

  • For the month of April 2022, Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County (Charlotte Arts) will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.99 reusable Community Bag at the store located at Winn-Dixie 3280 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.
  • 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.