SWFLA To Do List: Musical Interludes on Marco; Rascal Flatts at Hertz and much more

APRIL

Police Foundation hosts ‘Lunch with the Chief’

The Marco Island Police Foundation invites you to the next “Lunch with the Chief” at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 1. The guest speaker will be Kristin Zinman, the former police chief of Aurora, Illinois. She will speak about the mass shooting at Henry Pratt Company where five people 10 people were shot, five of which were police officers. Tickets are $40 per person. For reservations contact Allyson Richars at 770-366-0653 or allysonrichards@me.com or Ron McClay at 207-450-5555 or ronmarco203@gmail.com. The event will be held at Hideaway Beach Club, 250 S. Beach Drive, Marco Island.

Household Chemical Waste collection in Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs residents will be able to safely and responsibly dispose of household chemical waste – paints, cleaners, herbicides, pesticides, automotive fluids and pool chemicals – from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, at Bonita Springs Recreation Center, 26740 Pine Ave. The collection, hosted by Lee County Solid Waste and City of Bonita Springs, features an easy, drive-through process and is available to all residents at no charge. The event is for residents only. Businesses that need chemical waste disposal can call MXI Environmental Services at 276-477-0947 to schedule an appointment for the monthly business collection held at the county’s permanent Household Chemical Waste drop-off location, 6441 Topaz Court, off Metro Parkway in south Fort Myers. Visit leegov.com/solidwaste/recycling/chemicals for more information.

Musical Interludes at Center for the Arts

The Marco Island Center for the Arts Musical Interludes series, featuring Jodi Keogan on April 3. Keogan is a classically trained soprano “with a broad vocal range.” Roth is known for his unique fingerstyle guitar playing. He creates “mesmerizing soundscapes that transport listeners into a world of compelling melodies.” Jodi Keogan will perform at 5:30 p.m., March 20. Glenn Roth performs at 5:30 p.m., April 3. Tickets are available by calling 239-394-4221 or online at marcoislandart.org/musical-interludes.

A tribute to John Denver at MIHS

April 3 — One of the best John Denver tribute artists in the country, Tom Becker and his band Country Roads have performing around the globe to standing ovations. Tickets are on sale now for the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) 2025 World Class Entertainment Series. Performances are at the Rose History Auditorium located on the Marco Island Historical Museum campus at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $50 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447 for more information.

Rascal Flatts at Hertz

Country stars Rascal Flatts: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Hertz Arena, Estero. Tickets start at $40. No information on available seats. Information: hertzarena.com.

‘Knights of Columbus Tribute Concert Series’

Knights of Columbus will have a “Columbus Tribute Concert Series” featuring Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) April 4. Premium reserved seats (first four rows) are $60; general admission $52 each show; San Marco Parish Hall, 851 San Marco Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is 7 until 9. Tickets online at Koc.booktix.com.

Taste of Gulf Coast Town Center

Taste of Gulf Coast Town Center will be noon until 3 p.m., April 5, in the courtyard (between Burntwood Tavern and GameTime) Gulf Coast Town Center, 10037 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers. It is touted as a flavorful celebration where attendees will have the opportunity to explore signature dishes from participating GCTC restaurants. There will be live music by The Collaboration Band will set the stage from 12-3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as seating is limited. Gulf Coast Town Center asks that to contribute by bringing monetary donations or canned food items to helping to fight hunger in the community. Each donation will serve as an entry into a raffle featuring prizes from participating businesses in the center.

Coastal Art Walk

Last show of the season, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Esplanade, Marco Island. Artists include custom-made guitars, woodworking, ceramics, shell art, fabric art, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, stained glass, leather, jewelry, photography and more. New artists this month. Free admission and free parking. Information, 239-290-7927.

‘MJ: The Musical’

Now through Sunday, April 6 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, South Fort Myers. Cost: $59-$229. Limited seating remains. Information: bbmannpah.com.

Start Spreading the News with Liza and Frank at MIHS

April 9 — Join Tony Sands as Frank Sinatra and Whitney Grace as Liza Minnelli as they share some of the legendary singers’ greatest hits. Tickets are on sale now for the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) 2025 World Class Entertainment Series. Performances are at the Rose History Auditorium located on the Marco Island Historical Museum campus at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. Tickets are $50 per person. Curtain is at 6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets visit themihs.org or call 239-389-6447 for more information.

‘What ‘Art’ Your Chances?’

Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced its upcoming fundraiser, “What ‘Art’ Your Chances?” an evening “designed to celebrate both the vibrant art community on Marco Island and the Center’s 55th anniversary of supporting the arts.” It will take place from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at marcoislandart.org or call 239-394-4221.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

April 11-19 at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, Bonita Springs. $20-$35. Information: artsbonita.org.

Broadway Palm’s ‘Waitress’

Based on a 2007 movie starring Keri Russell, the musical “Waitress” tells the story of a pregnant waitress who sees a pie-making contest as a way to escape her unhappy life. It features songs by pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. April 11-May 24. $65-$85. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Information: 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Celebrate Bonita with headliner Kylie Morgan

Country singer-songwriter Kylie Morgan headlines the free annual festival celebrating the city of Bonita Springs’ incorporation. There will be student performances, local art projects, food and more. From 5 until 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Free. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Information: 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org.   

Record Store Day

The annual Record Store Day is the biggest, busiest day of the year for many independent U.S. record stores and music fans. Long lines of vinyl lovers show up for sales and limited-edition records. Saturday, April 12. Free. Participating Southwest Florida stores include Record Trader 1, Stellar Records and Joe’s Record Exchange in Fort Myers. Information: recordstoreday.com.

Glenda Fell

Regional International Blues Challenge winner Glenda Fell at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at Planetary Court in Koreshan State Park, Estero. Cost: $10. Information: FriendsOfkoreshan.org/SpecialEvents.

South Cape Business Easter Egg Hunt

Kids can bring their Easter baskets to participating South Cape businesses to collect eggs filled with candy, trinkets or even gift cards. Photos with the Easter Bunny available at MM Brands on Lafayette Street. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday, April 12. Free. A limo bus will be available to shuttle families safely across Cape Coral Parkway between Big John’s Plaza, 1215 Cape Coral Parkway E., and Zack’s Jewelry, 1314 Cape Coral Parkway E. Suite 101. For a more details and a map of participating businesses, visit bit.ly/sceasteregg.

10th Annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival

For the last decade, this annual fest has asked filmmakers to submit short films highlighting “the magic of Bonita Springs.” And they’re doing it again next week. The winning films will be shown and cash prizes awarded at a red-carpet event. All entries must include significant footage shot in Bonita. At 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Cost: $20. Prado Stadium 12, 25251 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs. Information: bonitaspringsfilmfestival.com.

Marco Island Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park

The annual Easter event includes games, crafts, music and a scavenger egg hunt. Organized by city of Marco Island Parks and Recreation, the event is from 10 a.m. until noon, Saturday, April 19. Bring an Easter basket. Frank E. Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral Easter Eggstravaganza

This free annual event is open to kids from ages 1 to 10. The fun includes an Easter egg hunt, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, Easter basket giveaways, an egg relay race, a corn hole challenge, sweet treats and more. Bring your own Easter basket. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Free admission. Cultural Park, 544 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. Information: facebook.com/kiwanisclubcapecoral.

Sanibel Island’s 50th Anniversary Egg Hunt

The city’s 50th-annual egg hunt also includes treats, contests, prizes, games, crafts, an egg drop from the air and photos with the Easter Bunny. Presented by the Sanibel Recreation Center. The various egg hunts are divided by age group. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Free. The Sanibel Ballfields, 3840 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel Island. Information: conta.cc/4ifDGOW.

Ultimate Egg Hunt in Lehigh Acres

Kids activities include music, games, sweet treats, a bounce house and an egg hunt with “Special Golden Eggs” filled with “extra-awesome prizes.” For ages 12 and younger. 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Egg hunt divided into time slots based on age group. $5. Advance registration is required. Veterans Park, 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres. 533-7530 or facebook.com/VeteransRecCenter.

Marco Island’s 35th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach

Easter is less than a month away and details for Marco Island’s annual Sunrise Service on the beach have been provided by Jill Yris, publicity chairman for the committee overseeing the event. The service will be held at 7 a.m., Sunday, April 20, at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island. Beach access is north of the Marriott Spa and the public access path north of the Madeira. The Marco Island Police Department, along with volunteers, will direct traffic and assist with parking, including double parking along Collier Boulevard. The Residents Beach parking lot will open at 6 a.m. for member parking. Dress is casual; bring your own blanket or chair. The musical prelude begins at 6:45 a.m. If you need assistance, handicap parking will be available near the Marriott Spa with golf carts to assist to the beach. For more information, call Marco Presbyterian Church at 239-394-8186.

Spirit Awards

The Knights of Colombus, Columbiettes, Deb Henry, Scot and Pat Kaufman, Stephen and Barbara Slaggie, will be presented with their 2025 Spirit of Marco Island Award at an “Elegant Garden Gala” awards dinner and silent auction on Saturday, April 26 at the Island Country Club. There are many sponsorship opportunities available, including the opportunity to sponsor one of the honorees, including a VIP table at the event. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on tickets, contact Al Diaz at 239-438-5285 or by email at manager@royalmarcoway.com. The proceeds from the event and silent auction are used to support local charities and scholarships.

Estero Historical Society fundraiser slated

The Estero Historical Society presents an evening of “soulful music and community spirit” with “Mud and Blues – Local Tales From the Swamp.”  This fundraising concert will take place on Saturday, April 26, at Country Creek, 21180 Country Creek, Estero. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7. Bar bites and drinks will be available for purchase. Featuring the Swamp Blues Band, attendees will help preserve a vital piece of Estero’s past—the Alvarez/Smith House. For more information, visit EsteroHistoricalSociety.com/events or EsteroHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.

Travis Tritt at Hertz Arena

The country star’s many hits include “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde,” “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and “It’s a Great Day To Be Alive.” Brian Kelley opens. 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26. Cost: $35-$345. Parking on site is $30, plus taxes and fees (no cash). Free parking next door at Miromar Outlets. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. Information: 948-7825 or hertzarena.com.

ONGOING

‘Lend Me a Tenor’

Set in the 1930s, “Lend Me a Tenor” is a madcap screwball comedy that takes place when Tito Merelli, the fiery-tempered and world-famous Italian superstar, arrives in Cleveland to make his debut with the local opera and promptly goes missing. See it at Golden Gate Community Centers' Joan Jenks Auditorium, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway. Tickets $35. March 28-April 12.

‘Man of La Mancha’

Downtown, “Man of La Mancha” is presented by The Naples Players, with showings through April 13. Tickets start at $50. Kizzie Theater, 701 Fifth Ave. South, Naples. Information: naplesplayers.org.

Florida Rep’s ‘Shout! The Mod Musical’

This music revue follows five “groovy gals” during Britain’s swinging ‘60s, set to songs by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, The Seekers and more. The show uses letters to an advice columnist, quizzes and advertisements as a framework for songs such as “To Sir With Love,” “Downtown,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Goldfinger.” Through April 13. Tickets start at $71. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. Information: 332-4488 or floridarep.org.

Friends of Fakahatchee tram tours

Friends of Fakahatchee tram tours of Florida’s largest state park are 10 a.m. and continue each Friday through mid-April. The naturalist-led tours include an optional 10-minute walk to see numerous air plants, a variety of ferns and seasonally blooming orchids.  For more information and reservations, visit orchidswamp.org.

Marco Island Farmers Market 

The Marco Island Marco Island Farmers Market is at Veteran’s Community Park on Wednesdays. The market is from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., every Wednesday through April 16 at the park, located at 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com.

Exhibit explores Marco Island’s home history

A new Marco Island Historical Society exhibit, “The Florida House,” takes a trip back in time, marking and celebrating the 60th anniversary of modern Marco and the construction of the island’s first model homes. Exhibit runs through June 7. Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.

Point Counterpoint

“Get ready to dive into lively discussions” at Point Counterpoint. Voice your views in a safe and respectful environment, the organizer promises. Issues are as local as Marco Island to global events. Point Counterpoint meets between 2 and 4 p.m., the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, from January through March at Rose Hall, Marco Island Library, 210 S Heathwood Dr., Marco Island.

Civil Air Patrol

Meeting times and website have changed. Marco Civil Air Patrol meets the first and third Mondays of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m., at 2003 Mainsail Drive, Marco Executive Airport, in our hangar, on the left of the terminal. Volunteers welcome! Visit FL376.CAP.GOV. 

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Rd., Naples. It features aquariums, touch tanks with marine critters, natural history, environmental and wildlife exhibits, an art gallery, picnic area, guided walking trails, butterfly garden and a scenic overlook bridge. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 and 3 and under are free. Information: RookeryBay.org.

Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours

Join us for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay Research Reserve. With our kayak tours, paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Boat tours are small 6-passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island or a sunset tour. Find out more at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972. 

MAY

Rookery Bay hosts community day

Rookery Bay Research Reserve is excited recently announced its upcoming “Community Day,” a free day of “fun for all ages designed to bring people out … to celebrate the beauty, science and wonder of the coastal environment.” Rookery Bay Community Day is from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, May 3, with free admission to the center. The event will feature kayak and stand-up paddle demos, face painting, photo booths, science and nature activities, an art exhibit by Florida Gulf Coast University students, onsite food trucks and “hands-on” experiences at Rookery Bay’s touch tanks full of marine life. Friends of Rookery Bay will offer “sneak peek” 30-minute boat tours with its eco-tour provider Rising Tide Explorers. The boat tours are $20 per person with pre-registration required online at rookerybay.org. The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is located at 300 Tower Road in Naples. The center is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Learn more at rookerybay.org.

Golf Tournament supports the arts on Marco

The Marco Island Center for the Arts recently announced their 11th Annual Golf Tournament, a yearly fundraiser on Sunday, May 4, at the Island Country Club in Marco Island. The tournament will begin at 7:30 a.m., with check-in a Shotgun Start at 8:30 a.m. The 2025 Golf Tournament is open to individual players, with registration fees set at $225 per golfer or $900 for a foursome. Funds raised will directly support the center’s ongoing work, including its efforts to re-imagine and enhance the arts programming offered to the Marco Island community. The center says sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting this event. For more information or to register, contact Hyla Crane at 239-394-4221.

SWFL Inc. opens nominations for the INCredible Awards 2025 

SWFL Inc. recently announced that nominations are open for the INCredible Awards 2025, honoring outstanding individuals, businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Florida. The awards ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. The INCredible Awards recognize the influential leaders and organizations that contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region. The group invites the community to nominate deserving candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their industry and made a lasting impact on Southwest Florida. Award categories: SWFL Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, INCredible Award, Innovation Award and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Nominations are open now and close on March 21. To nominate an individual, business, or nonprofit, visit swflinc.com/2025-incredible-awards.  

‘Purrs and Paddles’

For the Love of Cats Hosts “Purrs and Paddles” a pickleball tournament to benefit cats in need in Collier County. The tournament is slated for May 17 and 18 at East Naples Community Park. It will be professionally managed by the USOP National Pickleball Center. The weekend-long community event will feature food trucks, a health/wellness and shopping vendor village, 50/50 raffles, chance raffle baskets, and great DJ music. For the Love of Cats invites all player levels to enter the tournament. All proceeds benefit the organization’s efforts. For more information, visit fortheloveofcatsfl.com/purrs-paddles-pickleball-tournament.

JUNE

Summer camps at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math and incorporate activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn. Summer camp are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily and start on June 9. For registration and additional information, visit edisonford.org.  

For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the SWFLA To Do List at marconews.com or visit the-banner.com. Calendar items must be emailed to mail@marconews.com or news@naplesnews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.