Member News

January 14 | 7:30 Music & Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers Tickets start from $35! BUY TICKETS PROGRAM Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3 Audiences will very likely notice a similarity to Beethoven in Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3. It is written in four movements, the first of which is in sonata form. Although the piano was Louise’s instrument of choice, she was remarkably prolific in the area of chamber music. Besides her three symphonies and two overtures for full orchestra, she wrote two quintets, a sextet, a nonet, and, of course, many piano works. Le Bœuf sur le toit Le Bœuf sur le toit (literally “the ox on the roof”), Op. 58 is a short piece for small orchestra by the composer Darius Milhaud, written in 1919–20. Milhaud conceived the piece as incidental music for any one of the comic silent films of Charlie Chaplin, but it received its premiere as the music for a ballet staged by Jean Cocteau in February 1920. The composer spent two years in Brazil in the French diplomatic service during the First World War, and was influenced by its music in his own compositions. There have been various explanations of the title: the musicologist James Harding mentions one, that the title was taken from the sign-board of a tavern, and another, that it is from an old Parisian legend of a man in a top-floor flat who insisted on keeping a calf, which grew into a large ox, too big to be removed. Milhaud himself said that it was the title of a Brazilian folk dance. Charles Gounod Symphony No. 1 Composed in 1853-54 as a kind of ‘musical vacation’ from the operas he was busy with, Gouod’s first symphony was given its official premiere in Paris at a concert of the Société des jeunes artistes on March 4, 1855 under the direction of Georges Paseldoup. The publisher Colombier issued score, parts and an arrangement for piano duet by the young Georges Bizet. This work might have served to inspire Bizet to try his own hand at the symphonic form as made the arrangement for piano duet shortly before starting his own Symphony in C major, which was forgotten for many years after Bizet’s death. About the Composers Louise Farrenc Louise Farrenc (May 31, 1804 – September 15, 1875) was a French composer, virtuoso pianist and teacher. MORE INFORMATION   Charles Gounod Charles Gounod, in full Charles-françois Gounod, (born June 17, 1818, Paris, France—died Oct. 18, 1893, Saint-Cloud, near Paris), French composer noted particularly for his operas, of which the most famous is Faust. Gounod’s melodic vein is unmistakably original. MORE INFORMATION Darius Milhaud Darius Milhaud, (born Sept. 4, 1892, Aix-en-Provence, France—died June 22, 1974, Geneva, Switz.), a principal French composer of the 20th century known especially for his development of polytonality (simultaneous use of different keys). Born of a Provençal Jewish family, Milhaud studied under Paul Dukas and Vincent d’Indy at the Paris Conservatory. MORE INFORMATION 239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org   Follow us on our social media for more updates:

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Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

Bring your blankets and chairs on January 7, 2023 for this outdoor performance.

Contact: Bill Taylor (239) 939-2787

[email protected]

FORT MYERS, FL (December 15, 2022)– Join the girls of Citrus Circus for an exciting journey into the fruit bowl. Where the circus comes alive and your imagination sparks! Inspired by the beauty and fun of the tropics and the sassy sweetness of delicious fruit, this family-friendly production is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

From hula hoops to contortion to aerial acrobatics, this show has it all! Bring your blankets and chairs for this is an outdoor event! Gates open at 6:00 p.m., the show starts at 7:00 p.m.Tickets are $20 for members of the Alliance, $25 for non-members and  available here: https://www.artinlee.org/event/intothefruitbowl/

Citrus Circus is a local Southwest Florida circus troupe offering shows, acts for events, and classes around SWFL where YOU can learn the fun and beauty of circus, too!

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart

of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to

facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture

in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

Juried Exhibition will run March 3-April 1, with submissions due January 23, 2023.

Contact: Emily Radomski (239) 939-2787

[email protected]

FORT MYERS, FL (Dec 8, 2022)-The Alliance for the Arts is excited to be hosting the 37th Annual All Florida Exhibition. This annual show is the most anticipated of the year. As the name suggests, this exhibition features pieces created by artists working in a wide variety of media from all over the 65,000 square miles that make up Florida. 

Artists in Florida are encouraged to submit their pieces for this juried exhibition. Categories for entry are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography, prints and drawing. An entry may consist of 1 to 3 artworks. All entries are due by January 23, 2023. If you would like to be considered for this show, please download the prospectus found on our website, ArtInLee.org/AllFlorida2023. For more information, please email our gallery manager at [email protected].

The accepted entries will come together for an award-winning and exciting exhibition in March 2023 representing Florida’s contemporary artists. Awards include $1,000 cash for Best In Show, a 2nd place gift certificate, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror’s Choice Award(s) of Alliance for the Arts membership(s).

Receptions and gallery tours are open to the public and do not require tickets or reservations. While the gallery admission is free, a $5 suggested donation keeps the Alliance programming affordable and accessible. 

While visiting the exhibit, please be sure to also partake in the Arts & Economic Prosperity survey. All answers are anonymous and help to measure the economic and social impact of arts and culture in our community! More information can be found at americansforthearts.org.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

to support MENTORSHIP, CAREER PROGRAM

FORT MYERS, Fla., Dec. 16, 2022 – PNC Foundation has pledged $25,000 to Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida in support of its Opportunity Accelerator (OA) Program.

OA is a new mentorship program offered through Goodwill that individualizes the delivery of digital skills, job placement, and career training services to each job seeker and career advancer in low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities. In southwest Florida, 35% of the population is LMI, while another 12% live in poverty.

This collaborative approach between Goodwill OA and the LMI community will help financially challenged individuals fulfill their true potential and create equity across Goodwill programs.

“As a national main street bank, PNC is committed to driving real change in areas in which we can make a meaningful impact and we’re pleased to support Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida with this $25,000 grant,” said Chad Loar, PNC regional president for West & Central Florida. “With the OA mentorship program, we’re confident Goodwill can further help their disadvantaged clients flourish with better resources, training and new skills to attain better jobs and career opportunities.”

Earlier this year, Goodwill conducted a study to take a closer look at the labor market and discovered while demand for labor remains strong, the labor pool is lacking in skills, with 66% of those surveyed needing additional skills or training to get the job they wanted, and 57% reported missing out on jobs in the past two years because they lacked the needed skills.

To fill the skills gap, Goodwill has developed the Opportunity Accelerator to bring much-needed training to those who do not have access to higher-education and paid training opportunities. Through Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida’s eight Community Resource Centers, job seekers and career advancers can get a hand-up into better paying opportunities and can increase their independence enabling them to better provide for themselves and their families.

Goodwill Community Resource Center coordinators move career advancers through three phases: Assess and Plan, Equip and Connect, and Launch and Evaluate. The resources provided in the OA framework have been tested in a number of environments (urban, suburban and rural) and with a diverse population of job seekers, from adults young and old, to persons with disabilities and veterans.

“Goodwill is thankful for PNC Foundation’s support of the Opportunity Accelerator,” saidAngela Hemstreet, Goodwill SWFL director of Employment Services. “We so appreciate that PNC sees the value of the services as well as the need for robust case management software. Mission Services is delighted to move forward with the OA with generous support from community partners such as this.”

Goodwill helps people facing challenges find employment, including people with disabilities, veterans and military families, youth and young adults, older workers, people reintegrating into society and others working to advance their careers. Goodwill transforms generations by empowering people through education, career training and work.

PNC Foundation

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture.

About Goodwill Industries for Southwest Florida

Goodwill SWFL is a nonprofit organization that is committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  They have been providing services to people with disabilities and disadvantages since 1966 in five counties of Southwest Florida: Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades & Hendry counties.

FORT MYERS, FL (December 20, 2022) – Join fellow music lovers for another of our popular Outdoor Bluegrass concerts on Sunday, January 8th at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. The concert will be held on our Green Market Stage. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. with Lonesome Rangers playing at 3:00 p.m. and Frank Corso taking the stage at 4:00 p.m. Chairs and coolers are permitted.

The series continues into 2023, with performances on February 5 and March 5. Tickets are $15 for members, $16 for non-members and are available online at ArtInLee.org or by calling 239-939-2787.
Pre-sale seating is limited to 132 and is first come, first serve. In the case of bad weather, the show will be moved indoors to the Foulds Theatre. Additional tickets may be available at the door, weather permitting. More information, including a list of performers, can be found at artinlee.org/bluegrass.

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community arts and cultural center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. For over 40 years, the Alliance has been charged with the mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in southwest Florida. For more information, please call 239-939-2787 or visit us at www.ArtInLee.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2022) – Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida (JA) recently received a $5,000 grant from The Community Foundation (formerly the Cape Coral Community Foundation) to provide workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programming in Cape Coral schools.

“Generous donors make it possible for us to help provide students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers and in life,” said Angela Fisher, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. “JA offers students the opportunity to network with local business leaders who guide lessons, mentor, inspire young people, and share insight and experiences while serving as role models. Programs like JA Inspire wouldn’t be possible without the support of grants like this one from The Community Foundation and its generous donors.”

Middle and high school students in Cape Coral will be better prepared for their transition into adulthood and the working world with a higher rate of success as the result of JA programs supported by the Community Foundation grant. JA work readiness programs include JA Inspire, JA Career Connect, JA Career Exploration Fairs, JA It’s My Future, JA Career Success, JA Job Shadows, JA Career Speaker Series, and JA Economics for Success. Alumni of these programs have a track record of earning a college degree, having confidence in managing money, and achieving career success. Many have started their own business.

According to President and CEO Michael Chatman, education and connection are the keys to fulfilling The Community Foundation’s directive to become the Global Center for Generosity.

“Giving isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about relationships and advocating for people and organizations that are doing good in the world, as well as those who want to help them. That’s why Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is a perfect fit for a Community Foundation grant,” Chatman said.

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit community organization created through financial gifts by various generous civic-minded companies and individuals. The organization was formed to help donors positively impact their community and beyond. It works to grow philanthropy and strengthen society by encouraging endowments, addressing the public’s needs, and providing community leadership. For more information, call 239-542-5594 or visit CapeCoralCF.org.

Founded in 1994, JA SWFL has been impacting the region’s future workforce for over 28 years. Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with classroom business volunteers during the 2021-2022 school year to provide nearly 135,000 hours of instruction to nearly 14,800 students in 589 classes throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. For more information or to help support Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, please visit www.JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590, or email [email protected].

About Junior Achievement USA®
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 2.5 million students per year in 104 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with classroom business volunteers during the 2021-2022 school year to provide nearly 135,000 hours of instruction to nearly 14,800 students in 589 classes throughout Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit www.JASWFL.org, call (239) 225-2590 or email [email protected].

About The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation, also known as the Global Center for Generosity, is a nonprofit organization created to help generous civic-minded donors who make a positive impact on their community and beyond. Now in its 45th year, the organization continuously works to grow philanthropy and strengthen society by encouraging endowments, addressing public needs and providing community leadership. For more information, call 239-542-5594 or visit CapeCoralCF.org.

JANUARY 8 | 4:00
Music & Arts Community Center

13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers

Choral Artistry performs 4 the Love of Piano, music for 4 hand piano and chorus featuring Brahms “Liebeslieder,” Copland “Promise of Living,” and Averitt “Afro American Fragments.” Choral Artistry is committed to excellence in performance and support of the choral arts by uniting people and communities through choral music.

Tickets from $20!
Special pricing available for Students.

ABOUT CHORAL ARTISTRY

Choral Artistry is an auditioned chorus under the Artistic Direction of Dr. Trent R. Brown. Our members come from Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas.

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

The Lee County Port Authority is excited to welcome Sun Country Airlines’ new nonstop service to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, today at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Sun Country will inaugurate its first nonstop flight between Eau Claire (EAU) and Fort Myers (RSW) today and operate the service twice weekly.

Sun Country Airlines announced the RSW-EAU service in July 2022. See the news release here. To book a flight or find out more information, please visit suncountry.com.

For more information about Southwest Florida International Airport, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

DEC. 19, 2022

Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

JAZZ AT THE MACC:
Jazz Funk with Dan Navarro

January 12 | 7:00
Music & Arts Community Center

Dan Navarro is one of the most in-demand bass players in Tampa. He can do anything you ask him to, but if you put an electric bass in his hands, and ask him to get funky, you’ll have a hard time sitting still! The Collective will be playing some of his Dan’s compositions, as well as music from the Jazz masters from the funk genre including Herbie Hancock, Jacoi Pastorius, among others. Featured with Dan Navarro are James Suggs on trumpet and Zach Bornheimer on saxophone. It’s going to be a groovy night!

MEET YOUR MUSICIANS

DANIEL NAVARRO
Bass

Dan Navarro is a virtuosic bassist in Tampa Bay. When he discovered Geddy Lee he knew he’d caught the bass guitar bug. Once he started playing in the Tampa scene, word of mouth helped to propel him to the top tier gigs and he’s cemented his reputation as a consummate professional.

PAUL GAVIN
Drums, Director of Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Paul Gavin is a Drummer, Teacher, Composer & Arranger in Tampa, FL. Since graduating from the University of South Florida in 2015 Paul has made his living exclusively as a freelance musician.

ZACH BARTHOLOMEW
Piano

Dr. Zach Bartholomew is an award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and music educator. He is currently based in Miami, FL where he maintains an active performance career as one of the most heavily sought-after pianists, accompanists, and sidemen in the area.

JAMES SUGGS
Trumpet

James Suggs began playing the trumpet at nine years of age. At fifteen, he started playing professionally with jazz groups in the Northeast Ohio area. At sixteen, James was selected to tour with THE CONTINENTAL SINGERS where he toured Switzerland, Holland, Germany and the US.

ZACHARY BORNHEIMER
Saxophone

Jazz composer and saxophonist Zachary Bornheimer’s lyrical improvisations and melody-driven compositions have sparked international and national intrigue with performances in Florida, Chicago, Italy, France, England, and terrestrial radio.

Save 15% with purchase of any 3 or more concerts!

Series Sponsored in part by
Victor & Jackie Solomon,
Robert Opatrny & Susan Sutherland

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States

Limited Availability!

The Doo Wop Project begins at the beginning, tracing the inception of group singing developed by inner city African Americans performing tight harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today. In their epic shows DWP takes audiences on a journey from foundational tunes of groups like the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons all the way to DooWopified versions of modern musicians like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, the Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate—and in some cases entirely reimagine—some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history!

Sunday, January 22 – 7:00PM
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
13350 FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers

MEET THE STARS

DOMINIC NOLFI

Dominic Nolfi was last seen on Broadway in Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale – The Musical, directed by Robert DeNiro and Jerry Zaks. As an Original Cast member of A Bronx Tale – The Musical, Motown: The Musical (Grammy nominated) and Jersey Boys (Grammy Award for Best Cast Album, Tony Award for Best Musical), he can be heard on all three soundtracks.

CHARL BROW

Charl was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as “Smokey Robinson” in “Motown The Musical” on Broadway and he reprised this role opening London’s West End production in 2016. He is also featured on the Grammy Nominated Original Broadway Cast recording.

JOHN MICHAEL DIAS

John Michael Dias recently appeared on Broadway as Neil Sedaka in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. He originated the same role for the Beautiful First National Tour. Originally from Tiverton, RI, Dias earned a BFA in musical theatre from Boston Conservatory.

RUSSELL FISCHER

Russell Fischer was cast in the Broadway company of Jersey Boys on his 22nd birthday, marking his Broadway debut. Fischer starred in the second national tour of Big: The Musical. His latest NYC credit was in Baby Fat, Act 1: A Rock Opera at LaMama Experimental Theater Club.

DWAYNE COOPER

Dwayne (The Bass) is from Florence, SC and currently lives in New York City. He first began singing with a Christian A capella group called, “The Cunningham Singers” where he learned how to sing in tight harmonies.

SANTINO PALADINO

Currently Sonny is the Music Supervisor for the Broadway Musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, as well as Music Director for the upcoming Broadway revival of Smokey Joe’s Café. Sonny’s recent credits include: Associate Conductor, The Last Ship (written by 16 time Grammy Award winner, Sting), and the Tony-winning revival of Pippin.

SPONSORED IN PART BY
John & Susan Wadsworth

239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org

Gulf Coast Symphony, PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906, United States