Charlotte County Florida Weekly

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO


Venice Theatre presents “Debbie Does Dallas” April 26-May 20. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. $32 adults; $15-$17 students (parental discretion advised). www.venicestage.com or 488-1115.

Venice Theatre presents “Debbie Does Dallas” April 26-May 20. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. $32 adults; $15-$17 students (parental discretion advised). www.venicestage.com or 488-1115.

SYMPHONY

Cinema Sounds – The Venice Symphony presents “A Tribute to Music in Cinema” at 7:30 p.m. May 4 and 3:30 p.m. May 5 at The Venice Performing Arts Center. Guest Conductor Troy Quinn and the orchestra present classic music from the movies. Guest violin soloist and 34-year concertmaster of The New York Philharmonic Glenn Dicterow performs John Williams’ themes from “Schindler’s List” and the premiere live performance of the “Theme from Far and Away.” $25. One Indian Ave., Venice. thevenicesymphony.org or 207-8822.

 

 

THEATER

The Tin Woman – By the Lemon Bay Playhouse through May 13. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. $20 adults; $14 students. 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. www.lemonbayplayhouse.com or 475-6756.

Palmgrass and the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL present bluegrass music from 2-5 p.m. April 29 at the Alliance for the Arts. This month’s lineup features Kindred Spirit, Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders (pictured), and Frank Corso. 10091 McGregor Blvd. 939-2787 or artinlee.org.

Palmgrass and the Acoustic Music Society of SWFL present bluegrass music from 2-5 p.m. April 29 at the Alliance for the Arts. This month’s lineup features Kindred Spirit, Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders (pictured), and Frank Corso. 10091 McGregor Blvd. 939-2787 or artinlee.org.

RAGTIME – By Asolo Rep May 4-27, with previews May 1-3 in the Mertz Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 351-8000 or www.asolorep.org.

Lemon Bay Playhouse presents “The Tin Woman,” the sixth show of its 31st season, through May 13. From left: Sara Sita (Sammy), Rebecca Cross (Nurse/Darla), John T. Wyczlinski (Jack), Wendi Scianna (Joy), Gloria Bandy (Alice) and Rick Goodwin (Hank). Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. $20 adults; $14 students. 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. www.lemonbayplayhouse.com or 475-6756.

Lemon Bay Playhouse presents “The Tin Woman,” the sixth show of its 31st season, through May 13. From left: Sara Sita (Sammy), Rebecca Cross (Nurse/Darla), John T. Wyczlinski (Jack), Wendi Scianna (Joy), Gloria Bandy (Alice) and Rick Goodwin (Hank). Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. $20 adults; $14 students. 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. www.lemonbayplayhouse.com or 475-6756.

Soul Man – By Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe through May 26. The show features some of the most recognizable tunes of the ‘60s, made popular by artists including Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Sam & Dave, James Brown, Ray Charles and more. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. $42 adults; $20 students and active military. 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. 366-1505 or westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Debbie Does Dallas – By Venice Theatre April 26-May 20. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. $32 adults; $15-$17 students (parental discretion advised). www.venicestage.com or 488-1115.

Much Ado About Nothing – By the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training through May 15 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. http:// tickets.asolorep.org or 351-8000.

The Grapes of Wrath – By Venice Theatre through April 29 on the Main- Stage. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sunday. $22 adults; $17 college students; $15 youth. www.venicestage.com or 488-1115.

Gloria – By Asolo Rep through April 29 in the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $27. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 351-8000 or www.asolorep.org.

Women Laughing Alone With Salad – By Urbanite Theatre through May 6. Performances are Wednesday- Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. $29 regular admission; $20 under age 40 (with I.D.); $5 students. 1487 Second St., Sarasota. 321-1397 or www.urbanitetheatre.com.

THURSDAY4.26

Nature Walk – The Greater Charlotte Harbor Sierra Club hosts a Morgan Park walk with Master Naturalists John Phillips and Jamie Reynolds from 9-11 a.m. The 240-acre park in Arcadia parallels the Peace River. Donations welcome. Reservations required: 639-7468.

Pocket Poems – Bookstore1Sarasota hosts Poem in Your Pocket Day at 10 a.m. Customers receive a free poem for their pocket with each purchase. 12

South Palm Ave., Sarasota. www.sarasotabooks.com or 365-7900.

Theater Troupe – Mummenschanz, the Swiss-based theater troupe, brings its “you & me” tour to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance that features inventive uses of shadow, light and creative manipulation of objects. As musicians of silence, the group’s soundtrack is the joy and laughter expressed by audiences in response to its pioneered form of visual theater. $31-$66. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. www.VanWezel.org or 953-3368.

Live Music – Chris G from noon-3 p.m. Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. George Voss performs from noon-3 p.m. near Good Ole Days Coffee. Jimmy G performs from 5-8 p.m. Center Court. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Comedy Show – New Jersey’s Mike Marino performs tonight through Saturday at Visani. Tickets start at $15. Show times vary. 2400 Kings Highway. 629- 9191 or www.visani.net.

Live Music – Shawn Brown performs from 6-9 p.m. at the Nav-A-Gator. No cover charge, but donations of canned goods and nonperishable food items are welcome for the food bank. 9700 SW Riverview Circle, Lake Suzy. 627-3474.

FRIDAY4.27

Friday Film – The Fourth Friday Free Movie, “Men of Honor,” presented by Women Against Racism & Discrimination, starts at 1 p.m. at the FGCU Renaissance Academy. The biopic, released in 2000, stars Robert De Niro and Cuba Gooding Jr. A discussion follows the film. Free; snacks provided. 117 Herald Court. 380-2408.

Quilt Group – The Peace River Quilt Guild meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday at Faith Lutheran Church. The group accepts guests April through December only. 4005 Palm Drive, Punta Gorda. www.peaceriverquilters.org.

Live Music – Michael Hirst performs from noon-3 p.m. Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. Tiki Tom & L.A. perform from 5-9 p.m. Center Court. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Guitar Tunes – Mark Dupuy performs “Music You Remember” from 7-10 p.m. at The Gilded Grape Winery. 4069 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. www.gildedgrape.com or 235-WINE (9463).

Southern Classics – Paul Cottrell performs from 5-9 p.m. at Bella’s Bistro. Inside and outside seating available; pets welcome. 117 W. Marion Ave. 916- 9786.

SATURDAY4.28

Summer Music – Chris G performs from 5-9 p.m. at Bella’s Bistro. Inside and outside seating available; pets welcome. 117 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. 916-9786.

Block Party – The Punta Gorda Block Party runs from 1-10 p.m. at 326 W. Marion Ave. The event features three stages of music, with The Association on the Main Stage. For full schedule: www.facebook.com/events/ 737539906446984/. www.puntagordablockparty. info.

Bluegrass Jam – Heartland Bluegrass presents a Just Jammin’ weekend from 1-5 p.m. at Craig’s RV Park. Featured performers include Southwind, Heartland Jam Band and Steve Hurse and Friends. 7895 NE Cubitis Ave., Arcadia. The Bluegrass Kitchen is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free for members; $7 for non-members. 467-2051 or heartlandbluegrass.org.

Bookstore Celebration – Copperfish Books celebrates Independent Bookstore Day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with exclusive day-of merchandise created especially for Independent Bookstore Day by publishers and authors. Award-winning children’s book author Dianne Ochiltree hosts Story Time at 10:30 a.m., reading her book, “It’s a Seashell Day” and doing a shell craft activity with the kids. 103 W. Marion Ave. www.copperfishbooks.com, copperfishbooks@comcast.net or 205-2560.

Story Time – Copperfish Books hosts Story Time for kids from 10:30-11:15 a.m. every Saturday. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 103 W. Marion Ave. www.copperfishbooks.com or 205- 2560. www.copperfishbooks.com.

Saturday Samplings – Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine offers a tasting of its Haley Handcrafted Chocolates, along with premier wines and craft beers from around the world, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday. 117 Herald Ct., Suite 1112, Punta Gorda. 505-0479.

Farmers Market – A farmers market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m.- noon at Taylor Street and West Olympia Avenue in front of the old Charlotte County Courthouse. Shop for fresh and organic produce, seafood, baked goods and more. 391-4856.

Live Music – Dan Meadows performs from 1-4 p.m. in Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. Michael Hirst performs from 5-9 p.m. Center Court. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Wine & Song – The Gilded Grape Winery & Wine Bar hosts karaoke with Jeannie Smyth from 7-10 p.m. 4069 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. 235-9463 or www.gildedgrape.com.

SUNDAY4.29

Jazz Sounds – The Charlotte County Jazz Society hosts a Jazz Jam from 1-4 p.m. at Kingsway Country Club. The show features Mike Parmelee on piano, Dominic Mancini on bass, Herb Bruce on trombone, Patricia Dean on drums, and others. Free for members; $5 non-members. Lunch and bar available. 13625 SW Kingsway Circle, Lake Suzy. 766-9422, ntunejazz@gmail.com or www.ccjazz.org.

Insomnia Program – The Yoga Sanctuary presents Yoga for Insomnia from 1-3 p.m. Learn simple and effective yoga remedies to get relief from insomnia. $35. 112 Sullivan St. theyogasanctuary.biz or 505-YOGA (9642).

Poetry Event – Bookstore1Sarasota hosts a Favorite Poem Reading at 2 p.m. as a National Poetry Month closing event. Registered participants share a beloved published poem. 12 South Palm Ave., Sarasota. georgia@sarasotabooks.com or www.sarasotabooks.com.

Legendary Performer – Worldrenowned performer and music producer Yanni brings his Live at the Acropolis Anniversary Concert Tour to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 7 p.m. Accompanied by a full orchestra, he performs his “Live at the Acropolis” $81-$116. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. www.VanWezel.org or 953-3368.

Farmers Market – The Punta Gorda Historical Society’s Open Air Market runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at History Park, 501 Shreve St. The event includes live music, fresh produce, seafood, meat, art and more. When the market closes, guided tours of History Park are available. 639-1887.

Open Mic – Nonprofit North Port Community Radio WKDW 97.5 holds hosts an open mic for poets, fiction writers, playwrights and storytellers of all levels at 3 p.m. every Sunday in the Common Grounds Meeting Hall. Signup is at 2:30 p.m. Listeners are welcome. 12735 S. Tamiami Trail, North Port. www.KDWRadio.com, 223-1262 or lschell2@verizon.net.

Free Concert – Frank Matyok performs from 2-6 p.m. in the Village Courtyard at Fishermen’s Village. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Smooth Jazz – Herb Geri performs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bella’s Bistro. Inside and outside seating available; pets welcome. 117 W. Marion Ave.

Live Music – Gary & Kerri perform from 2-5 p.m. at the Nav-A-Gator. No cover charge, but donations of canned goods and nonperishable food items are welcome for the food bank. 9700 SW Riverview Circle, Lake Suzy. 627-3474.

MONDAY4.30

Plein Air Painting – The Peace River Painters meet at 8:30 a.m. on Boca Grande. Park across from the Loose Caboose and stay for lunch afterward. No fees; no instruction. An optional painting review starts at 11:30 a.m. www.Peaceriverpainters.com or peaceriverpainters@gmail.com.

Live Music – Rick Rock Rice performs from noon-3 p.m. Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. Cigar Box Music by Pat Cozad can be heard from 4-7 p.m. Center Court. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

TUESDAY5.1

Community Yoga – A Community Yoga Class to benefit the Charlotte Local Educational Foundation and Take Stock in Children runs from 6-7:15 p.m. at The Yoga Sanctuary. Minimum donation: $25. 112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda. www.theyogasanctuary.biz or 505-YOGA (9642).

Book Club – The Poetry Book Club, led by Georgia Court, meets at 7 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota. This month’s selection is “Wade in the Water” by Tracy K. Smith. Purchase of the book at Bookstore1Sarasota required for participation. 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 365-7900 or www.sarasotabooks.com.

Screen-Free Event – Copperfish Books participates in Charlotte County’s Screen-Free Week (April 30-May 6) by hosting a free Make-A-Book activity for grade-school children from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Each child creates a book under the guidance of volunteer Barb Festa, a retired educator and reading specialist. Ice cream follows. 103 W. Marion Ave. 205-2560, copperfishbooks@comcast.net or www.copperfishbooks.com.

Yoga Series – The Yoga Sanctuary presents an Introduction to Yoga Series from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays through May 22. All ages and body types are welcome. Participants learn the basics of yoga. $99; pre-registration required. 112 Sullivan St. www.theyogasanctuary.biz or 505-YOGA (9642).

Art Class – Donna Birchfield teaches an Open Studio from 9 a.m.-noon every Tuesday at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. The program covers all media: oil, acrylic, soft and oil pastels, watercolor, pen and ink and more. $64 for cultural center members; $72 for non-members. 2280 Aaron St. www.TheCulturalCenter.com/the-learningplace. html or 625-4175, ext. 223.

Foreign Film – Florida Gulf Coast University’s foreign film series presents “Zelary” (2003, Czech/Slovak) at 1 p.m. at FGCU’s Herald Court Centre, 117 Herald Ct. A discussion follows. $5. 505-1765.

Live Music – Chris G performs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. Michael Hirst performs from noon-3 p.m. near Good Ole Days Coffee. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639- 8721 or www.fishville.com.

One-Man Show – Greg Morton performs tonight through Saturday at Visani. Show times vary. Tickets start at $10. 2400 Kings Highway. 629-9191 or www.visani.net.

WEDNESDAY5.2

Dance Lessons – The SWL Chapter 6049 of USA Dance offers Rumba Lessons from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesdays in May at the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club. Practice follows from 8-8:30 p.m. $6 members; $10 non-members. 118 Sullivan St. 614-439-8545, usadance6049.org or robindeo324@gmail.com.

Open Mic – An open mic night starts at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Common Grounds. Music, stand-up comedy and poetry are welcome. 12735 Tamiami Trail, North Port. 564-8739.

Meditation Program – Spiritual psychic medium Lorenzo Marion presents “Meditation for the Soul” from 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Souls Journey. Learn to live a balanced life and share a beautiful guided meditation. Love donations accepted. 4456 Tamiami Trail, Suite A-9. To RSVP: 875-8224.

Live Music – Michael Hirst performs from noon-3 p.m. near Good Ole Days Coffee and from 4-7 p.m. Center Court at Fishermen’s Village. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Pub Run – A Pub Run starts at 6 p.m. by Scotty’s Brewhouse at Fishermen’s Village. The route is 2.1 to 3.1 miles in length. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. The first wave (walkers/ strollers) leaves at 6:15 p.m. and the second wave (runners) leaves at 6:30 p.m. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. 639-8721 or www.fishville.com.

Karaoke Night – Karaoke with Jeannie Smyth runs from 7-10 p.m. at the Gilded Grape Winery & Wine Bar. 4069 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. 235-9463 or www.gildedgrape.com.

UPCOMING

Golf Tourney – The Charlotte Players’ sixth annual golf scramble is set for May 5 at Kingsway Country Club. $70 per golfer or $280 per foursome; includes green fees, golf carts, gift bag and lunch. There are awards for the top three foursomes and longest drives among men and women. Golfers and spectators can register to win raffle prizes. 893-9692, danmearns@gmail.com, 626-4125 or dave17879@aol.com.

ONGOING

Ringling Exhibit – The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents the exhibition “Toni Dove: Embodied Machines” through May 20. The show is the first survey exhibition of this pioneering artist, spanning more than two decades of Dove’s projects. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 359-5700 or www.ringling.org.

Art Classes – The Painted Cabana offers art classes in Mermaids, Glass Art, Mixed Media, Alcohol Ink, Shell Windchimes, Lazy Susans and more, 16500 Burnt Store Road, Suite 110, Punta Gorda. www.thepaintedcabana.com or 239-986-2273.

Singers Sought – The Venetian Harmony Chorus seeks female singers. Rehearsals are at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at Christ Lutheran Church. 701 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood. 480-1480.

Design Exhibit – “A Kaleidoscope of Color: The Costume Designs of Miles White” is on exhibit at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art through Aug. 5. The exhibit features a selection of the costume designer’s original designs, swatch books and production documents displayed alongside historic photographs and actual wardrobe pieces. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 359- 5700 or www.ringling.org.

Ringling Art – The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents the exhibition “Hank Willis Thomas: Branded/ Unbranded” through June 10. The exhibition presents work that examines how advertising and branding have shaped concepts of race, gender and self by targeting us as consumers. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 359-5700 or www.ringling.org.

Paddle Trip – A guided kayaking trip on the Peace River runs from 9-11 a.m. every Tuesday through April, leaving from the Nav-A-Gator. Free if you bring your own kayak, or rent equipment for $25 per person. Meet at the Nav-AGator 30 minutes prior to departure. To sign up: 813-857-4634. Trips are provided by www.KayakEcoTours.com.

Wildlife Center – Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends. The facility features more than 150 exotic animals: tigers, lions, leopards, gators, bears, primates and more. $10 adults; $5 seniors and children 8017; free admission 7 and under. 41660 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gorda. 239-543-1130 or www.octagonwildlife.org.

Ballroom Dance – USA Dance hosts Social Ballroom Dances from 3-5 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month year round. A featured dance lesson takes place from 2-3 p.m. at the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club. $8 members; $10 nonmembers. All are welcome. 118 Sullivan St. 614-439-8545, usadance6049.org or robindeo324@gmail.com.

Bluegrass Tunes – The bluegrass band Swinging Bridge performs from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Ricaltini’s Restaurant, 1997 Kentucky Ave., Englewood; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays at Ragin Cajun, 4104 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte; and the fourth Friday of the month from 6:45-9:45 p.m. at Mango Bistro, 301 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. reverbnation.com/swingingbridge.

Ringling Installation – The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents Ai Weiwei’s “Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads” through June 1. The exhibit was inspired by the fabled fountain-clock of the Yuanming Yuan, an 18th-century imperial retreat just outside Beijing. The sculptures are on The Ringling’s grounds and viewing is free and open to the public. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 359-5700 or www.ringling.org.

Boca Grande Exhibit – An interactive exhibit tells the history of the Boca Grande bridge and demonstrates the original bridge mechanics as well as the state of the art electronics of the recently opened new bridge. The exhibit can be viewed at the Boca Grande Historical Society, 170 Park Ave., Boca Grande, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call for Saturday hours: 964-1600.

Public Events – Lion’s Den Restaurant at Kingsgate Golf & Country Club offers 2-for-1 happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. An all-you-can-eat fish fry is held on Fridays for $9.95. 24000 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte. 625-0680.

Private Tours – Ca’ d’Zan Private Places Tours are offered daily at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The 45-minute tour takes participants to the mansion’s private places and docent share stories about the world’s richest people who once visited the landmark. The tour is not included with museum admission. $20 public; $10 members. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 359-5700 or www.ringling.org.

Wine Bar – The Gilded Grape Winery & Wine Bar offers “It’s 5:00 Somewhere!” Wine Tastings from noon-6 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday. Tastings are $15 per person; $25 per couple. Wine Flight is $15 per person, with four wines. 4069 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. 235-9463 or www.gildedgrape.com.

Wine Tasting – Catania’s Winery LLC holds wine tastings from noon-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 524 Paul Morris Drive, Englewood. www.cataniaswinery@yahoo.com or 475-7553. ¦

— Submit calendar listings and photos to events@floridaweekly.com. Email text, jpegs or Word documents are accepted. No pdfs or photos of fliers, please. The deadline for submissions is noon Sunday.

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