FRIDAY, APRIL 27
10,000 Views reunion: After a fight with cancer, former W.A.S.P. drummer Stet Howland returns to Southwest Florida for two reunion shows with his former band 10,000 Views. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (show starts at 9:30 p.m.). Party includes drink specials, raffles and 50/50s to raise funds for cancer research. Free. Lani Kai Island Resort, 1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach. 463-3111 or lanikaiislandresort.com/fort-myers-beach-music
Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition and Music Festival: Fifth-annual fest that features a barbecue competition, food, a kids zone and live music from Pink Floyd tribute Echoes, Sheena Brook, Beatles tribute The Nowhere Band, The Electric Mud, Sarah Peacock, Eli Mosley and the Ben Allen Band. 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Free. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
Fort Myers Beach Film Festival: The 12th-annual fest offers five days of independent documentaries, shorts and feature-length dramatic films from April 25-29. Times vary. Tickets are $7 per screening. Filmmaker-led workshops take place Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, and cost $30-$40. This year’s free “Movie on the Mound” outdoor screening will be the Pixar cartoon “Coco,” shown at sunset Saturday at The Mound House, 451 Connecticut St. on Fort Myers Beach. Most other events take place at Beach Theater, 6425 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. FMBFilmFest.com
“The Odd Couple”: The popular Neil Simon comedy about mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix. April 27-May 6. $21. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com
Colt Ford: The country rapper returns to Southwest Florida. 9 p.m. $24 and $56. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
Iron Mike Norton: Georgia blues and “swamp stomp” singer and slide guitarist. 8-11 p.m.. $10. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Road, Buckingham. 693-7111 or buckinghambar.com
The Music of Art Blakey: The Dan Miller-Lew Del Gatto Sextet celebrates jazz great Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. For this hard-swinging acoustic jazz show, they’ll be joined by renowned drummer Marty Morell, a member of the Bill Evans Trio from 1968 – 1974). 8 p.m. $27-$32. Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artcenterbonita.org
Pet Walk: Bring your leashed, well-trained pets for vendors, exhibitors and pet-themed activities at this monthly event. 6 p.m. Free. Takes place on the fourth Friday of each month. The Butterfly Estates, 1815 Fowler St., downtown Fort Myers. fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com/events/pet-walk-2
“George Washington’s Teeth:” World premiere of Mark St. Germain’s comedy following the exploits of the women of the New Bunion Historical Society as they battle the male city council to keep their doors open. The story involves a set of George Washington’s dentures that turns up in the hands of an unexpected rival. April 24-May 13. $45-$55. Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org
“Kinky Boots”: The joyous 2013 Tony Award winner features music from pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Inspired by a true story, the campy musical involves the owner of a struggling Northampton shoe factory who starts making oversized women's shoes for drag queens. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. $42-$82. Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Viva Cape Coral Festival: This annual celebration of all things Hispanic features food, vendors, rides, a kids area, arts and crafts, and live music by Frankie Negrón, Charlie Cruz, Heat Latin Jazz, Orquesta Clássica, Orquesta Tropical Sound and more. 5-10 p.m. Free. Downtown Cape Coral on the corner of Lafayette and Vincennes streets. vivacapecoral.com
Elephants, Music and Beer: This event features local bands, beer and information about the ivory trade (including petitions that can be signed). 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Rack’em Spirits & Times, 1011 S.E. 47th Terrace, downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/RackemspiritsandTimes
The Goldtones: This quartet sings four-part harmony on doo-wop and oldies tunes. 7 p.m. $5 cover with $10 minimum food or drink purchase. Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral. 549-3000 or capecabaret.com
Tinderbox Circus Sideshow: The touring rock ‘n’ roll sideshow act returns to HOWL. 8-11 p.m. $7. HOWL, 4160 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers. 332-0161 or facebook.com/howlvenue
Craft Beer Trolley: Taste craft beer and appetizer samples at 10 downtown Cape Coral businesses during this monthly pub crawl. 7-11 p.m. $23-$25 tickets include samples and trolley rides to the bars and venues. The night also features giveaways, live music, dancing and more. Check-in is 6-7:30 p.m. at Dixie Roadhouse and the Big John’s Plaza parking lots on Southeast 47th Terrace in downtown Cape Coral. Late check-in will be at Dixie Roadhouse from 7:30-10 p.m. Downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/SouthCapeHospitalityAndEntertainmentAssociations
"The Mystery of Irma Vep": Two actors tackle eight characters in this gothic spoof that satirizes the melodramatic likes of "Dracula," "Rebecca," "Wuthering Heights," "The Wolfman," "The Mummy's Curse" and more. April 28-May 20. $39-$70. Gulfshore Playhouse at The Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples. 261-7529 or gulfshoreplayhouse.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
“Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra”: This rock-classical hybrid concerto pairs R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills, its composer, with violinist Robert McDuffie and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. 7 p.m. $15. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1111 or artisnaples.org
Bluegrass in the Theater: Monthly bluegrass show with bands from Southwest Florida and beyond. Presented in partnership with the Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida. This month’s bands are Kindred Spirit, Frank Corso and Captain Joe & the Bottom Feeders. 2-5 p.m. $10. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
THURSDAY, MAY 3
George Clinton: Parliament-Funkadelic mastermind whose many 70s and 80s hits include “Atomic Dog,” “Flash Light,” “Bop Gun,” “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk)” and “One Nation Under a Groove.” 8 p.m. $50-$90. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. 245-9910 or swfleventcenter.com
“A Raisin in the Sun”: Theatre Conspiracy performs the groundbreaking Lorraine Hansberry drama about racism, betrayal and the dreams and aspirations of three generations of the Younger family in Chicago’s South Side. May 3-13. $25. Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or at ArtInLee.org/Theatre
Harry’s Senior Moment: 84-year-old Harry Lichtcsien leads this improv-comedy troupe that laughs away his real-life battle with stage-four colon cancer and its ongoing treatment. He and his younger improv comedians make up skits and other funny business based on audience suggestions and the limits of their imaginations. May 3-6. $25-$45. After the May 3 show, there will be a post-show discussion about palliative care featuring Colleen Tallen, medical director of palliative care at Lee Health. Broadway Palm dinner theater, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com. Learn more about Harry’s Senior Moment at seniorimprov.com.
FRIDAY, MAY 4
Vicki Lawrence: The “Carol Burnett Show” comedian and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” singer performs as both herself and her character Mama. 7:30 p.m. $30-$78. Southwest Florida Event Center, 11515 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. 245-9910 or swfleventcenter.com
Jason Ricci: Nashville blues rocker and harmonic player otherwise known as Mooncat. 8-11 p.m. $15. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Road, Buckingham. 693-7111 or buckinghambar.com
May the 4th Be With You Pirate Cruise: This adults-only cruise features Star Wars-themed cocktails, music, dancing and a costume contest. Bring an illuminated lightsaber and get $10 off your ticket. 7 p.m. $25. Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise, 2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach. facebook.com/events/152772192058073
Star Wars Day at Millennial: This second-annual event takes place on May 4th for the national May the 4th Be With You celebration. The event includes cosplay characters, Stars Wars movies on TV, a Star Wars-themed photo booth, Star Wars face paint, a balloon artist, costume contests and more. A family- and pet-friendly event. Come in costume and get half-price on your first beer. 5 p.m. to midnight. Free. Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 271-2255 or millennialbrewing.com
Art Walk: The monthly art event features new art exhibits, receptions and events at galleries throughout downtown Fort Myers. 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following Saturday. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. fortmyersartwalk.com
“Along the Coast” art exhibit: Award-winning Tampa painters Laura Waller and Sarah Hull display their work exploring Florida’s coast. May 4-26. Free (although a $5 donation is suggested). Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday. There will also be a walk-and-talk with the artists at 10 a.m. Saturday during the Alliance’s GreenMarket. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
“In Search for the Metal Muse: Juxtapositions in Disarray”: An exhibit featuring metal artwork from artists Patricia Esposito and Jay Lana. May 4-22. Opening reception from 6-10 p.m. Friday during Art Walk. Free. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
“The Last Jedi”: Watch “The Last Jedi” on a big screen and drink adult beverages at this outdoors Star Wars Day event. 7-11 p.m., weather permitting. Free. Ages 21 and older only. Club Square behind Big Blue Brewing, 4721 S.E. 10th Place, downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/SouthCapeHospitalityAndEntertainmentAssociations
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Bill Bynum and Company: The singer-songwriter writes Southern roots music with elements of country, rock and bluegrass. He and his band return to ACMA. Joyce Knake opens. 7-9 p.m. $10-$15. The Americana Community Music Association Listening Room inside All Faiths Unitarian Church, 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. americanacma.org
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: Downtown Fort Myers celebrates Cinco de Mayo with live music from Heat Latin Jazz Band, salsa dancers in the street, a deejay, crafts, giveaways, a kids area, cold beer, taco-eating contests and a “Chihuahua Walk” that starts at 4:30 p.m. at Starbucks. 4-10 p.m. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/events/216843565737787
Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Miromar Outlets and La Bamba Real Mexican Food Restaurant & Tequila Bar celebrate the holiday with live entertainment, a Margarita Crawl, prizes and more. 6-9 p.m. Free. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 948-3766 or miromaroutlets.com
Darci Lynne: The ventriloquist was the youngest-ever winner on “America’s Got Talent.” Now she’s bringing her dummies to Fort Myers. 7 p.m. $31-$106. Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com
Derby Day: The Southwest Florida Military Museum hosts a Kentucky Derby-watching party with a large-screen TV, a silent auction, a raffle, games, dinner and prizes for best hat. 3-8 p.m. $40. Southwest Florida Military Museum, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral. 541-8704
Rock The Arches Music Festival: Local rock band Bad Latitude headlines this fundraising festival for Restore Fort Myers Beach Arches. That nonprofit group wants to restore the often-photographed, Spanish-style arches that once marked the entrance to Fort Myers Beach from 1924-1979. The Cinco de Mayo festival includes more live music, vendors, a raffle and information on the Fort Myers Beach Arches. 4-9 p.m. Free (although donations are encouraged). Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe, 702 Fisherman’s Warf, Fort Myers Beach. facebook.com/events/141313746596519
Viva La Derby: A Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Foundation of Southwest Florida. Watch the Kentucky Derby on a big screen and take part in hat and bowtie contests, casino games, auctions, dinner, dancing and more. 5-9 p.m. $100. Colonial Country Club, 9181 Independence Way, Fort Myers. 533-1435 or voicesforkids.org/events/viva-la-derby
Alter Ego Band: Local 8-piece band that plays covers of rock, disco, Motown and pop hits from the 60s to the 90s. Includes a horn section with three or four players. 7 p.m. Dinner served from 4-8 p.m. $5 cover with a $10 minimum food or drink purchase. Cape Cabaret, 4725 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral. 549-3000 or capecabaret.com
SUNDAY, MAY 6
“Baby”: Last chance to see this musical about three couples dealing with the sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious consequences of pregnancy. April 26-May 6. $50-$75. TheatreZone in the G&L Theatre at The Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. 888-966-3352 or theatrezone-florida.com
Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter), @crunnells1 (Instagram)