— March 25, 2022 —
Charlotte Arts and member events through April 8, 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.
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 grants for the 2022-2023 school year with support received from the Florida license plate.
Charlotte Performing Arts Center
701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda

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. Cost: $15.

Outdoor Chamber Series: Brass on the Lawn
Venue change: FSW State College Charlotte
Sunday, March 27, 4 p.m.
Cost: $30, $15 students.

Composers Luncheon
Punta Gorda Women's Club (118 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda)
Thursday, April 21, 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, April 22, 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.

Get Happy! Joan Ellison Sings Judy Garland
Charlotte Performing Arts Center (701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda)
Sunday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season finale and Judy Garland’s 100th birthday to the lush original orchestrations of Get Happy, Over the Rainbow, The Trolley Song, and other popular songs! After-party celebration included. 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.
Every Monday through May 9, 8:30 to Noon
March 28: Blind Pass Beach (7770 Manasota Key Road, Englewood)

 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. These events continue through May 9 and will resume Oct. 10, 2022.
96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood

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.

Upcoming plays:
The Psychic
Wednesday to Sunday, April 27 to May 15, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
 
The Savannah Sipping Society
Wednesday to Sunday, June 8 to 26, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Gid Pool Comedy Show
Saturday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.

Gid Pool claims to be an expert on marriage and isn’t afraid to talk about the things that make no sense to him! His comedy is clean, funny, topical, and sometimes a bit irreverent. His approach to looking at the world has made him the winner at three comedy festivals. He has been featured on the TODAY Show, written about in the Wall Street Journal, and much more. Cost: $23, $18 students.
James Hawkins
Saturday, April 16, 2022; 7:30 p.m.
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James Hawkins is a folksinger/songwriter living in the Venice area. He writes songs and collets stories, mostly historical stories mostly about the early days of Venice, Sarasota and this beautiful land of flowers called Florida in which we live. My tools are simple, guitar, Bodhran and a Banjo. I hope you’ll drop by, pull up a chair and let’s Turn Back Time. Cost: $23, $18 students.


Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda

Oak Ridge Boys
Monday, March 28, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Oak Ridge Boys are a vocal quartet hailing from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States who formed in 1947. Since their debut, the band have released thirty three albums to date, and have become one of the truly legendary acts of southern gospel music. Cost: $45 to $59.

Langdon Playhouse
1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte

Upcoming Plays:
There's a Burglar in my Bed
Wednesday to Sunday, April 13 to 24, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
 
Wedding Belles
Wednesday to Sunday, May 13 to 22, 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
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.

60th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday, April 9, 6 to 9 p.m.
The Visual Arts Center is celebrating 60 years of art in the community. The celebration includes the 13th Biennial National Art Exhibition that will be on display and some of the community’s finest in performing arts and culinary arts. Live entertainment, exquisite bites, fantastic auction items, and a sparkling champagne bar await you. A full bar of libations will be available. Cost: $150. Follow link above to purchase tickets.

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, 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.

Herbicide led by Herb Bruce Concert
Gulf Heritage Theater at Military Heritage Museum
900 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda
Monday, April 11, 7 p.m.

32nd Anniversary
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club
4400 Lister St, Port Charlotte
Saturday, April 16, Starts at 5:15 p.m.
Dance music by the Anniversary Jazz Band, dinner ($29 to $24) and cash bar. Reservations (941-629-5338) required by April 12.
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.

Colorful Fronds by JoAnn LaPadula.

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

Guest Artists: April
Elaine Lague, watercolorist

Featured Artists: March 3 to April 7
Vicki Glynn, watercolor painter
Robert Rioux, stained glass kaleidoscope artist
(1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda)
Events at Fishermen's Village are weather permitting.

Austin James will perform March 26, March 31 and April 6.

John Patti: Friday, March 25, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy island-infused jazz and blues sound of steel drums and voice.
 
Kat Orlando Duo: Friday, March 25, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy variety music and jazz classics.
 
Steve Flagg: Saturday, March 26, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy songs of James Taylor, trop rock, country by this entertaining and engaging performer.
 
Austin James: Saturday, March 26, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy this singer-songwriter country music artist who recently moved to our area from Nashville.
 
Mark Syster: Saturday, March 26, 5 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy feel-good classic rock and Country music.
 
Dan Meadows: Sunday, March 27, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy variety music.
 
Paul Roush: Sunday, March 27, 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.
 
Terry Dotson & Dave Heveron: Monday, March 28, Noon to 3 p.m.
Enjoy bluegrass and folk.
 
Paul Roush: Tuesday, March 29, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Sunny Jim White: Wednesday, March 30, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy classic and original troprock music.
 
Johnny Don't!: Wednesday, March 30, 5 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy eclectic originals and cover songs with a bit of quirky humor!
 
Paul Roush: Thursday, March 31, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Austin James: Thursday, March 31, 3 to 7 p.m.
 
Dan Meadows: Friday, April 1, 3 to 7 p.m.
 
Paul Roush: Friday, April 1, 5 to 9 p.m.
 
Dan Meadows: Saturday, April 2, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Beth Travers: Saturday, April 2, 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, April 2, 5 to 9 p.m.
 
Jason Brownie: Sunday, April 3, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy country acoustic music by this singer/songwriter.
 
Paul Roush: Sunday, April 3, 3 to 7 p.m.
 
Jimi Pappas: Monday, April 4, Noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this trop rock singer/guitar player who performs originals and cover songs.
 
Mark Gorka: Tuesday, April 5, 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.
 
Austin James: Wednesday, April 6, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Johnny Bauer: Wednesday, April 6, 4 to 8 p.m.
 Enjoy this singer-guitarist perform a variety of music genres, including rock, country, and classics.

Mark Gorka: Thursday, April 7, 3 to 7 p.m.
 
Steve Flagg: Thursday, April 7, 4 to 8 p.m.
 
Dave Lapio: Friday, April 8, 3 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy steel drum music.
 
Kat Orlando Duo: Friday, April 8, 5 to 9 p.m.

 Steve Flagg: Saturday, April 9, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Craft Beer & Wine Fest at the Village: Saturday, April 9, Noon to 4 p.m.
The Charlotte Chapter of FRLA presents sampling of beers from more than 30 breweries and wines from more than 10 vineyards. Proceeds support our local ProStart/Culinary High Schools.
 
Dan Meadows: Sunday, April 10, Noon to 4 p.m.
 
Kat Orlando Duo: Sunday, April 10, 3 to 7 p.m.
(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.

Lori and Tony D'Iorio.

Bill Fredericks: most Fridays

Mickey Basil: 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: March 31
Elvis Presley Tribute by Jeff Krick: April 7
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church
11330 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda

Viva Italia!
Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m.
Find yourself picturing grand cathedrals and opera houses as the Chorale regales you with timeless sacred music of Italian origins such as Cantate Domino and the O Magnum Mysterium as well as excerpts from operas by Italian masters. The Chorale will also have you swaying in your seat and raising a toast to free-spirited songs like Mambo Italiano, That’s Amore and Arrivederci Roma. You won’t want to miss this concert filled with great music, fun and inspiration that will surely have you saying “Viva Italia!”

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.
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: 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.

Card Making with Patti
Thursday, 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.
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 Wanda Carter. 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)
  • 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)


Artists whose work will be on display from May through August 2022: 
  • Rosana Halprine (May), Howard Spielman (July), Henry August (September) at Mid-County Library (2050 Forrest Nelson, Port Charlotte)
  • Kelly Reark at Cayo Costa Dental (316 Helen Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Robert Broyles at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home (9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda) 
  • Kelly Reark at Kays-Ponger Uselton Funeral Home (635 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
  • Tina Weida (May through June) at Port Charlotte Public Library (2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte)
  • B&D Nature Photography at Charlotte County Administration (18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte)
  • Sharon Stchur at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda) 
  • Larry Palmer, Mary Lundeberg, Tina Weida, and Robert Broyles 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 Arts' members art on display

Art by Kelly Reark. Art may not not be representative of work on display.

Art Showcase
Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty
41 Chailett Road, Suite 13, Rotonda
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kelly Reark's art will be on display throughout April.

Arts for ACT Gallery
2265 First St., Fort Myers
Carolyn Walega's art is on display. She will be their featured artist in April.
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.
Bion Cantorum
Bion Cantorum, a non-profit vocal ensemble, is seeking singers at all levels for its July 4 concert. Rehearsals start May 10. 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. (The March 13 concert has been cancelled.)
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, April 8. By Noon on Wednesday, April 6, 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).