Gulf Coast Life: Arts Edition
John Davis has been a full-time Reporter/Producer for WGCU since 2009. He is the local host for NPR’s Morning Edition and producer and host for WGCU’s radio talk program Gulf Coast Life! John came to WGCU as an intern in 2007, and is now reporting on a broad spectrum of topics of interest to Southwest Florida. Prior to joining WGCU, he worked at WDUQ-FM in Pittsburgh, PA covering local government and general assignments.John studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. His work has garnered awards from the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, the Radio Television Digital News Association, and a first place award and “Best in Show” from the Florida Associated Press for his investigative work in 2011. Send news pitches to wgcunews at wgcu.org
Latest Episodes
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This month marks 25 years since the death of Matthew Shepard, whose brutal murder served as a turning point for gay rights in the U.S. In recognition, Choral Artistry performs Craig Hella Johnson’s powerful three-part oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard,” Oct. 22 at Naples United Church of Christ. We explore the composition in a conversation with Choral Artistry Artistic Director Trent Brown. -
Players Circle Theater kicks off the performance season with playwright Tom Dulack’s mafioso-style comedy “Breaking Legs.” The show will mark the company’s first production in its newly renovated theater space in the heart Fort Myers’ McGregor corridor. We preview the show and learn about the new theater space in a conversation with Players Circle Theater co-founders Bob Cacioppo and Carrie Lund. -
The Southwest Florida-based rock band Rosaline celebrates the release of its newest single, “Heartbreakin” with a performance, Oct. 6 at Nice Guys in Cape Coral. The show will also feature performances from other notable musicians in the region. We’ll speak with Rosaline front man Caleb Neff and hear him perform acoustic versions of the band’s new music live in studio. -
The use of intimacy choreographers and intimacy coordinators in the performing arts has been growing across the industry in recent years. These experts provide direction in the process of actors performing sensitive scenes that may involve content of a sexual nature, nudity, violence and more. We talk with Laboratory Theater of Florida Artistic Director Annette Trossbach about a new report titled, “A Case for Intimacy Choreographers in SW Florida.” -
The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is marking one-year since Hurricane Ian with an juried exhibition titled “Storm Stories.” In cooperation with the Gulf Coast Writers Association, a book chronicling local experiences with the storm is now also available, and the Alliance is featuring a related exhibition of photography by Kinfay Moroti. We’ll explore the Alliance’s “September to Remember” offerings in a conversation with Executive Director Molly Deckart. -
The Southwest Florida Symphony’s upcoming performance season features performances by violinists Robert McDuffie and Charles Yang, cellist Sterling Elliot, the Marcus Roberts Jazz Trio, and R.E.M. founding member Mike Mills. We get a preview of the full season in a conversation with Maestro Radu Paponiu and the symphony’s Community Outreach Ambassador Robert Van Winkle. -
An exhibition titled “Prison Nation,” is now at the Baker Museum at Artis-Naples. Through photography, the exhibition creates a visual record of the national crisis of mass incarceration. We talk with the exhibition’s co-curator Nicole Fleetwood, Ph.D., who will deliver a lecture about the exhibition Aug. 31 at the Baker Museum. -
Southwest Florida-based artist Brian Weaver now has a solo exhibition titled “A New Beginning” in the Grand Atrium at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. We’ll talk with Weaver about the inspirations behind his vibrant and intricate works, his work with Artsemble Underground, and his ongoing mission of making art accessible to all. -
Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is mounting a production of Pulitzer-winning playwright Martyna Majok’s drama “Sanctuary City” exploring friendship and the plight of DACA DREAMers. -
Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers recently announced plans for an exciting 26th season including drama, heartfelt comedy and three iconic musicals. We’ll get a preview in a conversation with the company’s Producing Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen.
