Top 5 things to do this weekend in SW FL: 'Storm Stories,' Stellar Records opens, Art Walk
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including the grand opening of Fort Myers vinyl store Stellar Records and the "Storm Stories" exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts.
Plus, we look ahead at other things to do in the coming weeks: SWFL Steamcon, Vintage Market Days, the new Fort Myers Latin Music Festival and more.
EVENT SUBMISSIONS: Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? I’m always looking for concerts, festivals and other great events for my weekly Top 5 things to do. To be considered, email me the details at crunnells@gannett.com or message me at facebook.com/charles.runnells.7.
1. 'Storm Stories' at the Alliance for the Arts
A collaborative, Hurricane Ian-themed exhibit featuring art from Southwest Florida artists and personal stories and poems from Southwest Florida writers. The poems and stories, compiled in an oral history by the Gulf Coast Writers Association, have been printed in a new book also called “Storm Stories,” available from Amazon and at the Alliance. Former News-Press photojournalist Kinfay Moroti will also show a collection of photos called “Hope: The Others Side of Hurricane Ian.” Opens Friday, Sept. 1, and continues through Sept. 30. No opening reception, but there will be a closing reception Sept. 28, the one-year anniversary of Ian. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
2. Wilderpalooza fundraiser concert for Soapy Tuna, Cinder guitarist
Southwest Florida bands perform Labor Day weekend to raise money for James Wilder, guitarist for local rock acts Cinder and Soapy Tuna. Wilder has been diagnosed with stage 4, metastasized colon cancer and needs help with his medical bills and other expenses. The lineup includes Soapy Tuna, 420 Brothers, Smack Daddy, Radio Ghost, Geek Skwad, A200 and Crowley’s Alibi. There will also be raffles and shirts for sale. 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. $15 in advance, $25 at the door. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
Read more: Southwest Florida rallies for Soapy Tuna, Cinder guitarist after cancer diagnosis
3. CANCELLED: Denny Laine of The Moody Blues and Wings
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO "ONGOING HEALTH CONCERNS." Singer-songwriter Denny Laine was a founding member of rock bands Wings (with Paul McCartney) and The Moody Blues. The Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will play an acoustic concert and tell stories from his career. This nearly sold-out concert was originally scheduled for July 7 but postponed due to illness. 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. $49. Limited tickets left. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
Read more: Paul McCartney bandmate discusses life in Naples, Wings, Moody Blues, Fort Myers show
4. Grand opening for Stellar Records in Fort Myers
Southwest Florida’s newest record store celebrates its official debut. The event includes a deejay spinning records, vinyl experts and collectors, a raffle for a turntable and “mystery pack,” and limited-edition Stellar Records logo patches and pins for the first 25 customers. The store features everything from classic rock to jazz. It also stocks cassette tapes, vintage décor and retro toys. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. Free admission. Stellar Records in Miracle Plaza, 4204 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers (across from Edison Mall). 689-5883 or stellarrecordsfl.com
5. Fort Myers Art Walk
The monthly event in downtown Fort Myers features new art exhibits at downtown galleries, receptions, live music and art vendors outside on First Street. September’s exhibits include Miguel Vazquez’s paintings and sculptures made from recycled materials at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Free. Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of each month. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/fortmyersartwalk
MORE THINGS TO DO
DONEFOR album release at Ollie’s
Southwest Florida metalcore-infused pop-punk act DONEFOR performs and releases its new album, “Sleep On It.” The show also features Orlando’s Felicity and local bands For The Moment, What We Seek, Gravity’s Good and Roxx Revolt & The Velvets. 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Ollie’s Pub, 1019 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. 540-7867 or facebook.com/olliespubCC
Cool & Crispy Fest at Point Ybel
Point Ybel’s annual festival creates an outdoor oasis with artificial grass, water guns, fans, misters, four food trucks, live music from The Rowdy Bards and lots of “crispy” beer (lagers, light ales, seltzers and sours). Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. Free. Point Ybel Brewing Co., 16120 San Carlos Blvd., south Fort Myers. 603-6535 or facebook.com/PointYbelBrew
Where to eat: New owner of Cape Coral restaurant finds success with unexpected menu item
LOOKING AHEAD
Lab Theater’s ‘Noises Off’
The classic farce shows all the chaos, intrigue and zaniness happening onstage and behind the scenes while actors try to perform a stage comedy. Sept. 8-Oct. 1. $35. Preview shows Sept. 6-7 are half price. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
Bigger Than Music rap show at HOWL
Some of Southwest Florida’s top hip-hop acts perform at this group show, including Killa Vanilla, Fame Faiella, Ed Words, Chase Rhyme, Mayan Kulture and Big Riik. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. $15. Ages 21 and up. HOWL, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers. 332-0161 or facebook.com/HOWLFTMYERS
James “Blood” Ulmer at Arts Bonita
The acclaimed singer and guitar virtuoso plays his own soulful style of music blending his jagged guitar sound with jazz, funk and blues. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. $42-$49. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Thomas Rhett at Hertz Arena
The country star performs in this nearly sold-out show. Cole Swindell and Nate Smith open. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14. A handful of seats in the nosebleed sections are still available for $110-$115. Verified resale tickets are also available for $130-$750. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com
Vintage Market Days at Lee Civic Center
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. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15-17. $7-$12 (free for ages 12 and younger). Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. vintagemarketdays.com
SWFL SteamCon in Cape Coral
The steampunk and fantasy convention returns to Fort Myers with more crafters, artists, authors, cosplay contests, live music and various activities such as the Splendid Teapot Race (featuring teapots mounted on remote-control chassis and then run through an obstacle course). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. $10 for ages 12 and older. One kid under 11 gets in free with each paid adult ($5 per additional child). The event takes place indoors. German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. swflsteamcon.com
Fort Myers Latin Music Festival
Salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton acts from Cuba, Puerto Rico and South America perform at the all-new Fort Myers Latin Music Festival. The lineup includes Osmani Garcia, Lucy Grau, Bianca Leony and The Celia Cruz All Stars. There will also be food trucks and a kids zone with four bounce houses. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. VIP tickets are also available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Music ALIVE SWFL, a nonprofit helping local musicians impacted by Hurricane Ian. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. niceguysproduction.com
— Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. For news tips or other entertainment-related matters, call him at 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at crunnells@gannett.com.
You can also connect with him on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), X (formerly Twitter) (@charlesrunnells), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram (@crunnells1).
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Stellar Records opens, Art Walk: Things to do this week in Fort Myers
