WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

>>Wynonna - A Classic Christmas plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts

This week's theatre

¦ Grandmother - "Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother!" runs at the Off Broadway Palm Theater through Dec. 22. A humorous, yet heartwarming musical comedy that celebrates modern-day grandmothers in a whole new light. Throw away the granny glasses, shapeless black dresses and Red Cross shoes, and replace them with tennis dresses, skis and a condo in Florida. Tickets are on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

¦ Holly Jolly Christmas - Holly Jolly Christmas opens Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 25 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. This song and dance extravaganza is fantastic entertainment for all ages. It embraces the season with Broadway style dancing, stunning costumes and the traditional holiday favorites you know and love. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 278-4422, by visiting www.BroadwayPalm.com, or by stopping by the box office at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

¦ Forever Plaid - The Shoolhouse Theater on Sanibel Island presents "Forever Plaid" through Dec. 1. The funny and charming musical about the classic 1950s male singing group that gets killed on the way to their first gig - only to be revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. The Schoolhouse Theater is located at 2200 Periwinkle Way across from the Community Center on Sanibel Island. Call 472-6862 for information and tickets.

¦ Arsenic and Old Lace - This classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace takes a cheery look at an eccentric family who mix murder and mayhem to give a new meaning to the idea of "charity work." The Naples Players rendition of Arsenic and Old Lace runs through Dec. 15 at the Sugden Community Theatre. For information call the Sugden at (239) 263-7990.

>>Willie Nelson returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Friday, Nov. 23

¦ The Nutcracker - The wondrous holiday classic "The Nutcracker" is back at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Miami City Ballet again join forces for this acclaimed production featuring dazzling sets and costumes, brilliant choreography and the famous Tchaikovsky score. Shows are Nov. 23 and 24 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 at noon and 8 p.m. Family Day at the Boutique is Friday, featuring a continental breakfast beginning at 10 a.m., Santa's arrival at noon, face painting, a balloon artist, jugglers, magicians, holiday arts and crafts and more. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

Saturday, Nov. 24 ¦ BIG ARTS Fair - More than 75 artists from all over the country will gather to sell their fine and diverse work in BIG ARTS 28th Annual Art Fair from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The new location is at the

City Hall Grounds at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Enjoy the entertainment and live music and partake in the vendor-provided desserts and drinks. Jewelry, ceramics, original wearable art, sculpture, fiber and leather, watercolor, glass, oils and acrylics, photography, and garden spot - mediums that span the gamut. Tickets for all daytime activities are $5, children under 10 are free. Save your Saturday pass for free admission Sunday. For information call (239) 395- 0900 or online at www.bigarts.org

¦ Art - The Naples Art Association will host the Naples Renaissance Fall Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10th Street South near the Naples Depot. This is an invitational festival for 125 national, regional and local artists who will sell their original watercolors, paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. As a kick-off to the holiday shopping season, this Thanksgiving weekend festival is a perfect opportunity to find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Food vendors and entertainment will be provided. A suggested donation of $2 benefits the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center. For information go to www.naplesart.org or call the von Liebig at (239) 262-6517.

¦ Art - The Arts for Act Gallery in downtown Fort Myers will hold a closing reception for Artist Doug Heslep's exhibition

"Through the Cellular Eye" from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. The gallery is located at 2265 First Street in the River District.

Sunday, Nov. 25

¦ BIG ARTS Fair - More than 75 artists from all over the country will gather to sell their fine and diverse work in BIG ARTS 28th Annual Art Fair from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The new location is at the

City Hall Grounds at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Enjoy the entertainment and live music and partake in the vendor-provided desserts and drinks. Jewelry, ceramics, original wearable art, sculpture, fiber and leather, watercolor, glass, oils and acrylics, photography, and garden spot - mediums that span the gamut. Tickets for all daytime activities are $5, children under 10 are free. Save your Saturday pass for free admission Sunday. For information call (239) 395- 0900 or online at www.bigarts.org

¦ Art - The Naples Art Association will host the Naples Renaissance Fall Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 10th Street South near the Naples Depot. This is an invitational festival for 125 national, regional and local artists who will sell their original watercolors, paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and more. As a kick-off to the holiday shopping season, this Thanksgiving weekend festival is a perfect opportunity to find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone spe- cial. Food vendors and entertainment will be provided. A suggested donation of $2 benefits the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center. For information go to www.naplesart.org or call the von Liebig at (239) 262-6517.

Monday, Nov. 26

¦ Michael McDonald - Fivetime Grammy-Award-winner Michael McDonald plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Best-known for his husky, soulful, baritone voice, McDonald is one of the most distinctive and popular vocalists to emerge from the laid-back California pop/rock scene of the late '70s. Formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, McDonald has forged a successful solo career with hits solo career with hits spanning the pop, R&B and AC charts. Tickets are $69. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www.thephil.org.

¦ Concert - Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music is holding a campus recital by soprano Jeanie Darnell, assistant professor of Music and head of vocal studies at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union ballroom. Darnell will be accompanied by pianist Michael Baron, associate professor of music and head of piano studies at FGCU. Assisting Darnell are FGCU adjunct faculty William Larsen, flute; Rafael Padron, guitar; Kirsten Bendixen Mahoney; horn and guest tenor, Robert Beane, as well as the FGCU Chamber Singers conducted by founding director of the Bower School of Music Nancy Cobb-Lippens. Composers included on the program are Bach, Dowland, Dvorak, Fauré, Lehar, Pasatieri, Randall, Reger and Schubert.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

¦ Wynonna - Wynonna - A Classic Christmas plays at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Wynonna is taking her critically acclaimed holiday album, A Classic Christmas, on the road in her first-ever Christmas tour. Spreading holiday cheer across the country, Wynonna will combine her smooth vocals and tremendous live presence in an unforgettable performance that will warm the heart and inspire the spirit. Her soulful renditions of such traditional holiday classics as White Christmas and Winter Wonderland and her awe-inspiring version of Ave Maria, make this a special performance for the entire family. Tickets are $76. For information or tickets call (239) 597-1900 or online at www. thephil.org.

Ongoing events

¦ Art - Florida Gulf Coast University's Arts Complex Gallery has an exhibition of paintings and constructions entitled "Every X Marks Somewhere" by FGCU Associate Professor of Art, Morgan T. Paine. The show features works created during Paine's 2006-2007 sabbatical, as well as a large walk-able ramp in the shape of an X that will commemorate the first ten years of the University's life as an educational institution. He will also show his "Life Painting and Drawing," a 24-foot-wide painting that contains a series of panels that represent each of the days of a year, and on which he has worked virtually every day since 1979. The exhibition continues through Dec. 15. The Arts Complex Gallery is located at 10501 FGCU Blvd S. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional information contact the Art Gallery at 590-7199.

¦ Art- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Harborside Event Center with a visit to "A Latin Art Affair", the Community Art Showcase fine art exhibition. This cutting edge show features five local Latino artists whose works are as diverse and electrifying as their countries of origin: Doris Ramos, Ernesto Masis, Juan Diaz, Amarillis Veliz and Lidia Dick. This unparalleled exhibition will showcase the rich and varied talents of our own Latino art community. The exhibit runs through Nov. 28 and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information email info@ArtFestFortMyers.com or call 768-3602.

¦ Artists call - The 5th Annual Edison Celebration of Art is announcing a final "call for artists". The outdoor art show showcases the work of local and national artists as well as emerging artists and Lee County students. The festival will be held at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates on Jan. 26. The application deadline is Nov. 30. Late entries will be accepted until Dec. 8. All artwork must be original and created by the displaying artist. Entries will be accepted in a variety of media. Cash prizes will b awarded for Best in Show, second and third place as well as People's Choice. Edison Celebration of Art is partnering with the School District of Lee County, Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center. For applications contact Edison Celebration of Art at 239- 940-1899 or download the form at www. edisoncelebration.info ¦ Art - The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Edison College has an exhibition of paintings by Florida State University Painting and Drawing instructor Mark Messersmith. The exhibition, titled "A Southern Landscape," runs through Dec. 8. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. For additional information please call the gallery at 489-9313.

¦ Naples Art exhibit - the Naples Art Association's "46th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition" is on display at The von Liebig Art Center. The exhibition, that runs through Jan. 13, honors the artists who in 1954 joined together to form the NAA, including Grace Lake, Elsie Dorey Upham and George Rogers. The NAA received 455 entries from 244 member artists. Internationally-acclaimed American abstract painter Sam Gilliam, a preeminent artist based in Washington, DC, served as juror. He selected 179 works by 149 artists for the exhibition as well as the 23 award winners. The top three award winners will participate in a three-person exhibition at The von Liebig Art Center next year. The von Liebig Art Center is located at 585 Park Street in downtown Naples and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. with free admission daily.

¦ Call to artists - Communication: The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing, or signs. "Transmissions: A Juried Competition" is the next exhibit at the Alliance for the Arts. It's open to all artists residing in Florida. Categories are sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, mixed media), photography, prints and drawings (no crafts). An entry consists of 1 to 3 artworks. Non-refundable Entry Fee is $10 for Alliance for the Arts members and $25 for nonmembers. Membership in the Alliance for the Arts is $50. Please make checks payable to "Alliance for the Arts". The exhibit will run from Nov. 30 to Jan. 9. For information call the Alliance at 939-2787 or online at www.artinlee.org. The Alliance is located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard. Visit www.artinlee.org for more details. Upcoming events ¦ Almost Maine - All is not what it seems in this magical new off broadway comedy - Almost Maine, opening at the Florida Repertory Theatre on Nov. 30. When the Northern Lights hang over the mythical town of Almost, Maine, its residents find themselves falling in and out of love - in the most unexpected, unusual and hilarious ways. This play inventively explores the mysteries of the human heart and touches audiences with laughter, heartbreak and hope. Almost Maine runs through Dec. 23. Tickets are $34 -$38, $17 for selected seats. For information call 332-4488.

¦ Russian Romantics - Russian Romantics is the season opener for the Gulf Coast Symphony on Dec. 15 at the Anderson Theatre - Santini Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Bishop Verot High School. Selections feature "Variations on a Rococo Theme" by Tchaikovsky, a concert-piece for solo cellist and orchestra Cellist Ian Maksin; the "Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Pathétique, Op. 74," Tchaikovsky's final symphony; and "Isle of the Dead," a symphonic poem by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $10, $15 and $20 and can be purchased online at www.gulfcoastsymphony. org. For information call the symphony at 489-1800.

¦ Art - The Florida Gulf Coast University Eighth Annual Pottery Sale and Open Studios Expo is Friday, Nov. 30 from noon until 7 p.m. There is also a Senior Projects Exhibition Opening with a reception from 5 p.m. until 7.

¦ Art - An exhibit of Florida landscape paintings by Frank Sadera will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, at the Florida Fine Art Gallery in Gannon's Antiques & Art Center, 16521 South Tamiami Trail. There will be a "Meet the Artist" reception on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. The artist is known for his large-scale dramatic landscapes, many with soaring sunlit clouds so typical of South West Florida. The exhibit will include new oil paintings shown for the first time. Gallery hours are Mon. to Sat. 10 to 5:30, and Sundays 11 to 4. For information and directions phone (239) 489-2211. ¦ Blake Shelton - Country music star Blake Shelton will headline the first "Sam Galloway Ford Lakeside Country Bash" at Lakes Park on Dec. 8, presented by BBL Florida and Lodge Construction. The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, Lee County Parks and Recreation and Gator Country 101.9 FM are planning the outdoor concert, which will also include guest performances by American Idol star Josh Gracin, James Otto, Jennifer Hanson and Brad Conner. Tickets are $20 general admission and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster retail locations and www.ticketmaster.com. Avoid ticket surcharges by purchasing tickets at Gator Country, Lakes Park, Veterans Rec Center or the Estero Community Center. For additional information visit www.LakesideCountryBash. com or call (239) 432-2006.

¦ Willie Nelson - Country legend Willie Nelson returns to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Wednesday, Jan. 16. The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like "Crazy," "Hello Walls," "Red Headed Stranger" and "Stardust." His career has spanned six decades, his catalog boasts more than 200 albums and he's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. Tickets are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com. Groups of twenty or more, call (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

¦ Nine -The winner of the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical, "Nine" will be on stage at the Theatre Zone in Naples Nov. 29 through Dec. 2. Based on Fellini's classic film 8 1/2, "Nine" is the story of a famous film director and his attempts to come up with a plot for his next film as he is pursued by hordes of beautiful women, all clamoring to be loved by him and him alone. Staring Broadway's Larry Alexander, who was in the Broadway production of "Les Miserables" and on the National tour of "Chess." Performances are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. For information or tickets call (239) 449-2323.

¦ Sinatra Songbook - Legendary Pops Conductor Erich Kunzel returns with

The Southwest Florida Symphony and Sinatra/Big Band favorites and a young vocalist he calls "one of the most exciting young crooners I have ever heard" at the

Barbra B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday, Nov 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. The concert includes favorites such as Sum- mer Wind, New York, New York, My Way and more. For tickets go online at www. swflso.org or call the box office at 418-1500.

¦ Jethro Tull - The British band Jethro Tull performs at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Friday, Dec. 14. Jethro Tull was formed in February 1968 from the ashes of two unsuccessful blues/rock bands of the era. Ian Anderson brought his unique and innovative style of flute playing to a public raised on the guitar-based British bands who courted acceptance at London's famous Marquee Club. Ticket prices are $60.50 and $46 and are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. Groups of twenty or more, call (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

¦ Stage 88 -The Everything You Don't Know About Christmas Show an original Stage 88 musical revue will be on stage Dec. 6-22 at the Bonita Springs theater. The revue by Mark McClellan and Sabrina Sharpe runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved by calling (239)513- 8600 or send your reservation request to Stage88@stage88.com.

¦ Comedy -Enjoy an evening of great stand-up comedy with the finalists from NBC's popular laughfest "Last Comic Standing," at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Thursday, Dec. 13. Appearing will be Amy Schumer, Gerry Dee, John Reep, Lavell Crawford and Ralph Harris. Tickets are $21, $31, $38, and $48 and are on sale at the box office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com. Groups of twenty or more, call (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

¦ Art -The Art League of Ft. Myers ART-AT-NOON program will feature a painting demonstration by the renowned watercolorist, Janet Dutton on Monday Dec. 3, at the 1451 Monroe Street gallery at noon. Dutton has published articles in both Artist's and American Artist magazines. She is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society where she has won numerous awards. You are sure to leave with new ideas for your projects, or simply a with a better knowledge of watercolor painting. While at the gallery you will see the ALFM's "Portholes" exhibition. It consists of original paintings by Art Leaguer members on the portholes theme. For information call 275-3970 or on the Web at www.artleagueoffortmyers. org