
Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including Patriot Day and the first concert at Fort Myers’ new Caloosa Sound Amphitheater.
Lee County’s COVID-19 community level is currently ranked as high, according to the CDC. Masks are recommended indoors and on public transportation, plus staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? Email me the details at [email protected].
1. The FIXX
The ‘80s rockers play the first major concert at downtown Fort Myers’ new Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. The FIXX’s hits include “Saved By Zero” and “One Thing Leads to Another.” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. Tickets are free, but they must be reserved in advance online. VIP tickets are also available. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. CaloosaSoundAmp.com
Fort Myers’ new amphitheater:Everything you need to know about the downtown concert venue
Free concert series:Fort Myers amphitheater announces series with Lorrie Morgan, The FIXX, more
2. Patriot Day
Punta Gorda blues-rock kid Champ Jaxon was 11 when he appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2021. Now he’s performing at this patriotic fundraiser that includes food trucks, vendors, raffles and giveaways. The event benefits Florida nonprofit The Grateful Veteran, which helps veterans with pain and PTSD find alternatives to pharmaceutical-based treatment, including medical marijuana. 3:45-11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. $15-$20 ($40-$55 for VIP). Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 246-1246 or facebook.com/jennibe420
3. “Unconfined Creativity: Works from the Crossroads Prison Art Project”
An art exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces collected over nearly two decades by Crossroads Prison Ministries, a correspondence Bible study program that serves U.S. men and women serving time in jail. The artists use whatever material they can find, including discarded paper, thread, string and Styrofoam. Sept. 9-Oct. 22. Free. Shell Point Gallery at Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Retirement Community, 17281 On Par Blvd., south Fort Myers. 415-5667 or TribbyArtsCenter.com
4. Funny Shorts Live!
This ongoing series features fully performed, humorous short plays. Many of the plays have appeared in the center’s annual Stage It! 10-Minute Plays competition and festival. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. $25. The show’s title has two meanings, as well: The audience member wearing the funniest shorts gets free tickets. Moe Auditorium & Film Center at the Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
5. “through: hurt to hope” exhibit
Former The News-Press photojournalist Kinfay Moroti brings his touring exhibit to Davis Art Center after a nearly sold-out run at the Alliance for the Arts. The less you know about the show going in, the better. Moroti personally lead groups of up to five people through a hands-on exhibit involving an 85-year-old door, various photos and an “art-versation” about America’s shared emotional pain from domestic abuse, terrorism, discrimination, mass shootings and more. Moroti describes it as “a dynamic visual and emotional journey to hope.” Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 13-14 and Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17. Free. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. For tickets and a time slot, visit eventbrite.com.
MORE THINGS TO DO
High Lonesome Sound Songwriter Round: Four songwriters perform their songs and tell the stories behind them in this new series. The debut lineup features Taylor Rea, Vincent Yarnell, Caleb Neff and Claire Liparulo. 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. $5 at the door. Nice Guys Pizza, 1334 Cape Coral Parkway E., downtown Cape Coral. 549-7542 or facebook.com/NiceGuysPizza
“The Odd Couple (Female Version)”: Last chance to see the first show of the mainstage season at Cape Coral’s newest community theater: An all-female version of the classic Neil Simon comedy. Now through Sunday, Sept. 11. $27.50 ($10 for students). The Belle Theatre, 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite 135, in The Towers at Santa Barbara shopping center, Cape Coral. 471-6056 or thebelletheatre.com
Never Forget Fest: An outdoor festival honoring first responders who died on 9/11 with live music, vendors, raffles and more — all raising money for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. $5. Ralph’s Place, 1305 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. 549-2040 or facebook.com/RalphsPlacecc
Muscadine Bloodline: Nashville country-music duo featuring Mobile, Ala. natives Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster. Their hits include “Porch Swing Angel,” “Me On You” and “Put Me In My Place.” Show starts at about 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15. $22 for general admission, $55 for reserved seating (plus applicable taxes and fees).The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers
LOOKING AHEAD
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: Country singer Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts headlines the sprawling, annual music festival. Dozens of singer-songwriters perform Sept. 16-18 on Captiva Island, Sept. 19-22 in downtown Fort Myers and Sept. 23-25 on Fort Myers Beach. Most shows are free. LeVox plays a pool party at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Tickets are $49. island-hopper.fortmyers-sanibel.com
“The Play That Goes Wrong”: Things quickly go from bad to much, much worse as a cash-strapped drama society tries to stage a murder mystery. A Southwest Florida premiere. Sept. 16-Oct. 8. $30. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
Vintage Market Days: This touring vintage and vintage-inspired market features clothing, jewelry, original art, antiques, home décor, outdoor furnishings and more. Plus live music and food trucks. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18. $7-$12 (free for ages 12 and younger). Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. vintagemarketdays.com
Daughtry: The rock band led by “American Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry brings its Dearly Beloved Tour to Fort Myers. Pop Evil opens. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. $49.50 in advance, $60 at the door. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers
Camilo: Handlebar-mustached Colombian pop star known for the songs “Pesadilla,” “La Boca” (with Mau & Ricky), “Pegao,” “Vida de Rico” and more. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. $68-$128. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. Email him at [email protected] or connect on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1).