Tom Hall

Beverly and John Wernette have supported Gulfshore Opera's youth initiatives since the organization's inception.

Gulfshore Opera's youth initiatives reflect support of patron John Wernette

Tom Hall

Gulfshore Opera is mourning the death of a longtime patron. John Wernette was an avid supporter of Gulfshore Opera’s youth programs. He died September 8. But GO's ongoing youth-oriented community engagement initiatives reflect his support

Sarasota artist Skip Dyrda restores porthole painting damaged by surge and debris during Hurricane Milton.

Arts & Culture

Sarasota artist Skip Dyrda restores 'Tails from the Harbor' mural in Punta Gorda

Tom Hall

Sarasota artist Skip Dyrda visited Punta Gorda last week to restore his 2019 mural, "Tails from the Harbor.” Located under the U.S. 41 southbound bridge, it was heavily damaged by surge and debris, then vandalized by graffiti following Milton.

R&B Hall of Fame Singer and Actress Melba Moore

Arts & Culture

Grammy-nominated singer Melba Moore coming to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in October

Tom Hall

On Oct. 13, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold “An Evening with Melba Moore.” The legendary entertainer will sing and share stories about her life and career. Following her performance, there will be a meet-and-greet and photo opportunities.

Scene from 'Lord of the Flies' at Cypress Lake Center for the Arts

Cypress Lake senior uses Juilliard training to direct, choreograph combat scenes in 'Lord of the Flies'

Tom Hall

Senior Gigi Lieze-Adams directs and choreographed “Lord of the Flies” for Cypress Lake High. It’s not a musical, and there are no dance numbers. But Lieze-Adams had to choreograph half a dozen fight scenes.

Arts & Culture

'Innovative Expressions' at Arts Bonita Hinman Auditorium features art by Bonnie Sprung

Tom Hall

“Innovative Expressions” by Bonnie Sprung is on view Sept. 25 through Nov. 6 in the Hinman Auditorium Gallery-in-the-Round at Arts Bonita Performing Arts Center.For his show, Sprung is mixing and matching artwork from two series.

Cast of 'While the Lights Were Out' at The Belle Theatre in Cape Coral

Arts & Culture

Two stage moms return to the boards in Belle Theatre's 'While the Lights Were Out'

Tom Hall

Parents will do just about anything for their kids. But Tara Wharton-Price’s son caught her off guard with his request. He asked her to join the cast of Belle Theatre's 'While the Lights Were Out.' The same thing happened to Cara Bolin.

Arts & Culture

Kat Epple performs on flute at the Baker Museum of Art Sept. 24

Tom Hall

Kat Epple performs on flute on the Baker Art Museum patio on Wednesday, Sept. 24. This free event features outdoor tableside seating and free admission to the museum’s exhibitions. Food, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase.

Works hoist section of fence into place to determine placement of anchor bolts that will secure it to concrete retaining wall and columns.

Arts & Culture

City preparing to install new fence at Rachel at the Well

Tom Hall

Last Friday, city staff began preparations for the new fence that will be installed behind Rachel at the Well in Fort Myers.

Arts & Culture

Here's what's onstage at area theaters the week of Sept. 22

Tom Hall

This week, two shows open, six shows close and three shows continue their runs at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters. In addition, Cypress Lake High School presents “Lord of the Flies” in a three-show limited engagement.

Kylie Hill turns in virtuoso performance in title role of Cultural Park Theatre's production of 'Matilda the Musical'

Kylie Hill turns in a virtuoso performance in Cultural Park Theatre's production of 'Matilda the Musical'

Tom Hall

“That’s not right!” Matilda Wormwood’s father is an unscrupulous used car salesman. Mom’s obsessed with wealth, looks and her dance instructor, Rudolpho. But Matilda has a highly refined moral compass. She developed her sense of right and wrong from reading the classics. Sixth grader Kylie Hill, who plays Matilda, says this has also given her character an even greater gift.