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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250501T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250114T184159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250424T182218Z
UID:3555-1746126000-1746133200@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Sorry will be rescheduled......Andy Wahlberg  @ The Planetarium.
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA and Calusa Nature Center are excited to announce another concert inside the Planetarium under the stars!\nDoors at 6:30\, Music at 7Tickets at https://www.calusanature.org/event-details/music-under-the-stars-2https://www.calusanature.org\nAndy grew up in Miami\, Florida where he was first exposed to classical\, pop and international music. He had his first “gig” at age five with a Calypso Latin band that performed at his mother’s restaurant in Miami every weekend. Andy played the bongos while wearing a little Ricky Ricardo suit\, puffy sleeves and all.\nAndy began performing at live venues in his early teens. During that time\, he honed his craft playing venues all over the United States. He started playing his trademark Harp Guitar which he found in a pawn shop in Los Angeles in the early ’70’s. After studying at a performing arts college for two years\, he began a full-time career as a performing artist\, focusing on the unique sound of the Harp Guitar.\nSince then\, Andy’s musical career has spanned over 45 years\, more than 3000 concerts and performances nationwide\, 8 albums and hundreds of television and radio appearances. Andy has performed on stage with groups such as Chicago\, Spyra Gyra\, Firefall\, Hall and Oates\, Don McLean\, and the Spinners. In his own recording studio\, he has created soundtracks and scores for numerous television\, radio\, and movie projects. His most recent works include the soundtrack for the PBS Special Florida’s Historic Lighthouses and the motion pictures “Captiva” and “Jericho”.\nAndy is married and has 2 children. He performs in concerts and clubs in the US and abroad. Andy currently resides in Southwest Florida.\nwww.harpguitarguy.com\nOpening the show! Doug Shemenski – Harp GuitaristDoug musical journey began in 1978 when he purchased his first guitar. Life soon took a different path after he met his soulmate\, Holly. As Doug focused on building two businesses and raising a family\, the guitar took a back seat.Following Holly’s passing in 2019\, music found its way back into Doug’s life during a Christmas gathering in 2020 when his grandchildren encouraged him to pick up his guitar again.Rekindling his passion\, Doug dedicated himself to mastering the guitar. In 2021\, he joined the ACMA as a volunteer\, setting up and tearing down concert equipment. A turning point came in February 2024 when he attended a performance by Muriel Anderson\, whose artistry inspired Doug to envision incorporating the harp guitar into his own music. After also attending two shows by Andy Wahlberg\, Doug was convinced.He purchased his harp guitar in April 2024.Since then\, Doug has embraced performing\, starting with open mic nights and appearances at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Village. Now\, he shares the soulful melodies of his harp guitar by playing twice weekly at Health Park’s four-story atrium and during dinner at a rehabilitation facility. His music brings joy and healing to others\, making this chapter of his life deeply fulfilling.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/andy-wahlberg-in-concert-the-planetarium-doug-sheminski-opens/
LOCATION:Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium\, 3478 Ortiz Ave\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33905\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-2.18.45 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250510T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20241211T184355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T173935Z
UID:3516-1746903600-1746912600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Karyn Oliver in Concert! Bill Veach Opens
DESCRIPTION:2020 South Florida Folk Festival Songwriters’ Competition winner Karyn Oliver is part Joan Osborne\, a touch of Janis Joplin and a bit of Emmylou Harris – effortlessly oscillating from bluesy to country and back. Her musical inspirations come primarily from the eclectic mix of music to which she was exposed while growing up in the musically diverse culture of Washington\, D.C.\nIn 2009\, Karyn moved to a town called Boring\, MD with a broken heart and a cheap guitar. It was from this place that she created her first solo album\, Red Dress\, that earned her Kerrville New Folk Finalist and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist in 2011\, as well as 2010 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest winner. In 2011\, Oliver moved to New York City\, with a renewed heart and a better guitar. It is from this place that she created her latest solo album\, Magdalene\, and became a Kerrville New Folk Finalist for a second time in 2016.2017 brought Oliver to North Carolina\, where she steeped herself in the great writers of the South\, and recorded a new album\, “A List Of Names”\, which charted on both Folk and Americana radio in 2019.In 2020\, Oliver moved to Texas in the middle of a pandemic\, and waded into the great Texas songwriting tradition. The fruits of that move are “Cherchez La Femme” a new collection of songs released in October of 2023\, featuring an all-female cast in an effort to bring more attention to the fantastic women creating music today. The first three singles have already gotten critical acclaim and song awards.\n“This is a very special album that deserves a wide and appreciative audience; and in Karyn Oliver I think I’ve unearthed a very special talent too.”- The Rocking Magpie“Karyn’s lyrics will have you thinking while you’re enjoying the top-notch musicianship found in this collection”- Jack Dugan\, Folk Odessey\, WIOX Community Radio.\nFind out more about Karyn at:karynoliver.com\nACMA member and singer/songwriter\, Bill Veach opens the show. Bill Veach was a drummer in a rock band in college\, but guitars are easier to move and make for better neighbors so he spent $100 of his precious college beer money on a flame red acoustic guitar. Moving was a part of his life for years\, with a love of travel that is expressed in many of his songs. His songs are often autobiographical\, about his experiences\, travel\, love\, loss\, hurricanes\, and some characters he has met on his journey. Bill is a Western boy\, raised in Colorado and lived in Utah and Wyoming before becoming a full time resident of Fort Myers Beach. He became active writing songs as part of the Cheyenne Guitar Society in Wyoming and finds inspiration in the camaraderie of the ACMA Singer Songwriter Circle on Sundays. Bill has never met a genre he didn’t like\, and his style varies from slow finger picking to channeling that college drummer through a guitar pick.\nBill’s music can be found on billveach.com.\nTickets for this show are available at the door.\nDoor Donations:ACMA Members – $15General Admission – $20\nDoors open at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/karyn-oliver-in-concert-bill-veach-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.39.47 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250531T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20241211T183406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241211T183406Z
UID:3512-1748718000-1748727000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:RB Stone in Concert! Bruce Gallant Opens
DESCRIPTION:“A bluesman who has been there and done that. This guy has been down all sorts of gravel roads\, often face-first.” – Blues Revue\nRB Stone is not who you think he is. Far from the average American bluesman\, RB Stone is a man who has lived to tell the tale\, whose blood runs thick with the stuff blues and country songs are made of. He’s been called a Blues Cowboy\, Country Bluesman\, Americana Artist and Roots Rocker\, and he answers yes to all.\nAs a teen\, RB left home and joined a 90-man rail gang traveling the Midwest before settling down into blue collar trade work that found him itching for adventure. At 23\, he left Ohio with only a truck\, some harps\, and a guitar and headed to Colorado to work as a cowboy. RB found lodging in a barn on an Indian Reservation in Ignacio where he learned horses by day and taught himself guitar at night. His music-loving parents had instilled in their son a passion for blues and rock and roll\, and it finally took hold of him out here in the West\, where he began entertaining guests of local outfitters by the campfire.\nRB’s life and career have taken many twists and turns\, and he’s got both bruises and significant accomplishments to show for it. As an independent musician\, he has 18 albums under his belt\, has toured 32 countries and five continents\, and sold over 40\,000 albums at his shows and festivals across the world. He has a song catalog with Gwen Gordy of the Motown Dynasty at EMI. He’s had principal roles in national commercials\, appeared in national music videos\, and his songs have been recorded by artists such as The Marshall Tucker Band. RB has worked with acts such as Hiroshima and The Charlie Daniels Band. Billboard Magazine honored RB with a songwriting award\, and the man’s not stopping any time soon.\nMore about R.B. Stone:RBstone.com\nOur ACMA member Bruce Gallant opens the show. For over 40 years\, Bruce has been writing songs\, using them as a journal to reflect the different times in his life. “I started writing songs in my late 20s and have never stopped. Anything of importance in my life is in one of my songs. Writing is essential for my survival.” Bruce is also on the board of the Americana Community Music Association\, and hosts the weekly Singer-Songwriting Circle\, and can often be found performing around town. He tells the best Dad jokes ever!\nTickets for this show are available at the door.\nDoor donations:ACAM Members – $15General Admission – $20\nDoors open at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/rb-stone-in-concert-bruce-gallant-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-11-at-1.30.31 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250113T003511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T003511Z
UID:3543-1749322800-1749331800@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Wyatt Easterling in Concert! Robert Bidney Opens
DESCRIPTION:Welcome Wyatt Easterling!\nWyatt Easterling’s decades of success in the music industry includes a myriad of roles from performer to songwriter\, and as an executive of both a major record label and publishing company. This wealth of experience and accompanying success in all these varying facets of the industry\, give him a unique and valuable understanding of the music business.\nWhen Atlantic Records opened their Nashville office\, Easterling signed on as Chief of A&R\, and started his track record of success by signing artists such as Tracy Lawrence\, Michael Johnson\, Neal McCoy\, and John Michael Montgomery.\nEasterling along with Doug Johnson\, produced Montgomery’s multi-platinum debut album\, Life’s A Dance. Wyatt then partnered with Miles Copeland (Sting\, The Police\, IRS Records) and formed the Nashville Division of Bugle Publishing Group and Firstars Management as Director of Operations. Easterling brought Keith Urban to Firstars Management and worked at length with Urban in the studio recording the project that landed Keith his first major deal at Warner Bros. Records.\nIn addition to ushering notable artists into the mainstream\, Easterling and Copeland created Bugle Publishing Group’s The Castle\, the first of its kind songwriter’s retreat held yearly at Miles Copeland’s Chateau Marouatte in France. This event saw great success with a long list of esteemed artists and writers such as Keith Urban\, Cher\, Carole King\, Jon Bon Jovi\, Peter Frampton\, Olivia Newton-John\, and Stuart Copeland\, to name a few.\nWyatt then signed alternative roots artist Paul Thorn into the company for management and publishing. Easterling produced Paul’s album\, Hammer & Nail along with Greg Wells and Billy Maddox for A&M Records\, Los Angeles.\nAfter Bugle Publishing\, Easterling decided it was time to get back to songwriting and promptly signed with DreamWorks Publishing. Eventually Wyatt opened Terra Nova Music\, his own publishing company in Nashville\, which had eight writers on staff.Wyatt’s songwriting success includes “Modern Day Drifter” (Dierks Bentley)\,“Life’s So Funny” (Joe Diffie)\, “This Time I’m Taking My Time” (Neal McCoy).Wyatt released his 5th album\, mid-2022\, titled\,” From Where I Stand’.\nFind out more at:Wyatteasterling.com\nRobert Bidney opens this show. Robert has been writing songs for most of his life. He has recorded three studio albums\, while an eclectic array of artists around the world have also covered his songs with meaning – songs that define him and reveal his soul. His creativity and commercial awareness merged while Bidney was employed by advertising agencies for which he wrote and produced a number of national radio and TV jingles for clients and worked closely with many top musicians\, producers and songwriters throughout the U.S. and Canada.\nThank Goodness\, Bidney’s third album features eight songs inspired by the recent changes and challenges we’ve experienced. This album was among the 50 most-played albums on Folk radio upon its release and was on the Top 50 Americana / Country radio album and singles charts for 8 consecutive weeks. (One-Sheet and Track Card can be found under the EPK tab.)\nBidney was a winner in the First Annual “Music for Humanity” Songwriting Contest with his song\, “It’s All About The Love” and was a finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards Songwriting Contest under the “Folk/Americana/Roots” category for his song\, “Rush Of Hope.”\nHear some of Robert’s music here:robertbidney.com\nDoor donations for the show:Members/$15General Admission/$20\nTickets are available at the door. The ACMA doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:00 pm.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/wyatt-easterling-in-concert-robert-bidney-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-12-at-7.32.14 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250113T004006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T145549Z
UID:3546-1750532400-1750541400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Bear and Robert in Concert! Bill Frey & Len Makowski Open
DESCRIPTION:A Folk-Blues-Americana Duo With A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi! That can only mean Bear and Robert. Bear and Robert are Cindy Bear and Franc Robert (row-bear)\, an award winning singer-songwriter duo from Jacksonville\, FL.\nTogether their acoustic sound has been described as a deep well of of Folk\, Blues and Americana with high energy. This duo placed #6 in the top 10 in the 2024 Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest! Cindy and Franc’s catchy melodies\, toe tapping rhythms\, and soulful lyrics will touch your heart in many different ways\, and will always leave you wanting more.\nBill Wilson said this….”Their interaction\, both musically and personally\, is warm and inviting\, making for an intimate encounter in any setting. Their set compares not only to those blues & folk artists\, but to Johnny & June Carter Cash. In this age where so much of what we hear is high-tech and high-speed\, this duo is a breath of fresh air”.\nClick below for more:bearandrobert.com\n\nACMA member and singer/songwriter Bill Frey & Len Makowski Open \nIn the tradition of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee\, Bill Frey\, “The Blues Dr.” and Len Makowski\, “Lenny the Lip” play here and now\, on the street blues and a little bit of jazz. These katts have paid their dues\, both as U.S. Army veterans\, and playing juke joints and shows across the country.    \nBill started playing guitar/harmonica and song writing in 1960’s. Influenced by Miles Davis\, Billie Holiday\, Harry Leahey\, Kenny Burrell\, Bob Dylan\, John Pilla\, Paul Butterfield\, and BB King\, his musical style remains eclectic but blues based. He has recorded and played venues in NYC\, Philadelphia\, up and down the Jersey Shore\, the Hamptons\, Boston and Burlington\, Vermont. His career has included stints with The Floyd Morgan Blues Band\, The Bristol Flames and for the past 30 years leading the Deep Freyed Blues collective.  \nLen Makowski\, a native of Buffalo\, N.Y.\, has been playing music for many years. He studied violin\, clarinet\, saxophones\, classical flute and bass. His venues include big bands\, jazz quartets\, traveling show groups\, theater\, wedding bands\, blues bands and studio work. Currently\, he is the featured artist for the Deep Freyed Blues Band. His mantra has always been\, “Music is all about having fun for your audience”. \n  \n  \n\nTickets are available at the door. Door donations:Members/$15General Admission/$20\nThe doors to our listening room open at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/bear-and-robert-in-concert-kim-mayfield-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-12-at-7.36.59 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250113T004705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T172256Z
UID:3549-1752346800-1752355800@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Kristy Lee in Concert! Kevin John Allen Opens
DESCRIPTION:Welcome Kristy Lee as she performs for the first time on our ACMA stage!\nKristy’s career started in the early 2000’s with an exclusive deal through Target Stores across the U.S. releasing her 1st album\, Lifescapes. She’s been touring the U.S. and overseas for the last 20+ years.\nAlthough she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012\, her creative spirit is proving to be the therapy that is stronger than the disease.\nHer latest release (Aug 2023)\, The Olive Tree\, debuted at #1 on the iTunes blues charts.\nKristy’s raw authenticity has captured the hearts of a loyal international fan base as well as some of music’s top names. She has toured and shared the stage with Leon Russell\, Zac Brown Band\, Indigo Girls\, G. Love & Special Sauce\, Jack Johnson\, Jason Isbell\, Sister Hazel and Imagine Dragons – to name a few. She has played some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world including BluesFest Australia\, the Hangout Fest\, 30A Songwriters Festival\, Cayamo & The Rock Boat Festivals at Sea\, and her own conception\, the Unleashed Women’s Music Festival in Pensacola\, Florida.\nKristy also landed an original song\, “One Night Romance” with G.Love & Special Sauce on the album\, Sugar\, featuring 60’s soul legend\, Mary Clayton (The Rolling Stones\, Gimme Shelter) – it is the ultimate incarnation of the “Dirt Road Soul” Kristy Lee has become known for.\nHer music transcends genres\, lifts heavy spirits and promotes the healing that we all sometimes need. Her songs tend to be true stories of her own journey\, her loved one’s struggles and accomplishments\, and overall positive messages that the world can relate to – and needs to hear. Kristy’s unique style of music is the background music to all our lives.\nEUrban.com has this to say—“Kristy Lee is a triple threat. She has the unique ability to speak to souls\, break hearts and mend them all at the same time. Her music is a breath of fresh air in a smoke-filled bar packed tight with anticipation.”\nFind out more cool stuff here:https://www.kristyleemusic.com/\n\nOpening this show is Kevin John Allen. https://www.kevinjohnallen.com\nA well-traveled songwriter writing in the veins of AMERICANA & COUNTRY music. Allen has over 40 years of writing\, playing & traveling around the world\, touching folks with songs about all our heartfelt intimate topics\, a carny ride through life. His music will make you laugh\, love\, think and dance.\nKevin is the Winner of Best Country Artist: JERSEY ACOUSTIC MUSIC AWARDS 2012.\nWith 4 Releases: ‘DARK SONGS WRITTEN ON BLACK GUITARS’ ‘LIFE’S LONELY RODEO’ “THE LONG ROAD OF LIFE” & “COLOURS’and a new 5th release : ” STORIES I LEFT BEHIND ME’ out in 2025!\nDoor donations:Members/$15General Public/$20\nTickets are available at the door. The ACMA listening room doors open at 6:30 pm and show begins at 7:00 pm.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/kristy-lee-in-concert-kevin-john-allen-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-12-at-7.43.28 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250523T144119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T144119Z
UID:3604-1753556400-1753565400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Keith Rea in concert.  Ray Boone opens
DESCRIPTION:happens!\nSinger\, songwriter\, storyteller and now author of book…Keith has been at it since he was 9 years old and has never looked back. He’s a true road warrior\, playing festivals\, listening rooms\, and living rooms all over the country. Check out his music and story at www.keithrea.com\nOpening for Keith is ACMA member Ray Boone.Ray’s Florida roots are a mixture of Country\, Americana and a new genre\, Tropical Rock.His songs\, “Mile Zero” and “Islamorada Rendezvous” have entered the top ten on RadioA1A’s Trop 40 with several other songs from his EP rising on the charts.\nCheck. him out at https://www.rayboone.com\nAnd then make plans to head to the ACMA for cool music during hot July!\nDoors at 6:30Show at 7:00$15 members/$20 general public
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/keith-rea-in-concert-ray-boone-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-23-at-10.40.36 AM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250113T005556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250718T214217Z
UID:3552-1755975600-1755984600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:George Worthmore and the Divebombers in Concert and Bon Mokadam
DESCRIPTION:I’d sell my soul to the devil to play like George Worthmore” \, Roy Book Binder\nNY Blues Hall of Famer\, George Worthmore\, a star in the New York City music scene for over twenty years\, began with a one-year stint as a guitarist with Kinky Friedman. He’s played backup guitar for Bo Diddley\, Ben E. King\, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins\, Lou Christie\, The Platters \,and Hot Tuna.\nHe emigrated to South Africa in 1997 where he owned and operated the world famous Blues Room\, that country’s number one\, award winning\, live music venue.\nCurrently residing in Sarasota\, Florida\, he won the Suncoast Blues Society’s IBC championship for SW Florida for solo guitar in 2017\nHis music is interlaced with humorous comments and amusing stories about the songs and his experiences. We\, at the ACMA\, think George Worthmore is as cool as the other side of the pillow.\nWith the talented Nat Langston on acoustic guitar and Erik Guevara on acoustic bass\, The Divebombers put out toe tapping\, foot stomping\, good old American music. Enjoy some of their music here:https://www.thedivebombers.band/\n\n\nDiwakar (Bon) Mokadam opens the show. He is a singer songwriter who has been writing songs since he was a teenager. He has released two CD’s “Modern Prog” and “Post Modern Prog” with a band of friends called\, “The Elders.” His music is on digital platforms such as Spotify\, Apple Music\, TikTok\, Instagram\, Amazon Music\, YouTube Music\, Deezer\, Pandora\, and Sound Cloud.\n\nTickets are available at the door. Fee donations:Members/$15General Admission/$20\nACMA doors open at 6:30 pm and show begins at 7:00 pm
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/george-worthmore-and-the-divebombers-in-concert-and-bon-mokadam/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-12-at-7.52.35 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250906T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250321T003724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T120559Z
UID:3588-1757185200-1757194200@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Nate Currin  in Concert! Carlene Thissen Opens
DESCRIPTION:With over 900 shows performed and more than 800\,000 miles behind him\, Nate Currin is a troubadour in the truest sense. Rooted in the red clay of North Georgia\, his voice carries the grit and soul of the South\, yet his songwriting is marked by an emotional authenticity that defies pretense. Over the years\, Nate has shared stages with some of the industry’s biggest names\, had his music featured on major television shows\, and earned accolades along the way — yet he remains a storyteller at heart\, chasing genuine human connection one song\, one show\, one listener at a time.\nFrom sold-out clubs to listening rooms and even a four-year stretch living on the road in a motorhome\, Nate has built his career on the back of hard miles and real moments. His dedication has earned him 5 International Music & Entertainment Awards — including multiple Songwriter of the Year honors—as well as nominations for Indie Music Awards and a Georgia Music Award.\nSeveral of his albums have landed in the Top 20 on the iTunes / Apple charts\, including The Madman and the Poet (2016). His 2019 release\, Ashes & Earth\, featured the fan-favorite track Oklahoma\, which gained recognition after being featured in Showtime’s TV show Shameless.\nNow\, Nate is gearing up to release his next studio album in the summer of 2025\, a record that weaves together themes of longing\, ghosts of the past\, and the beauty found in broken places. Produced by Matthew Odmark and Jon Poole\, the album was recorded in both Nashville and Georgia\, blending rich\, organic instrumentation with the kind of raw storytelling that has defined Nate’s career. This new chapter promises to be one of his most compelling yet—another testament to a songwriter who isn’t afraid to dig deep\, make mistakes\, and bring back something true and inspiring.\nwww.natecurrin.com\n\n\nCarlene Thissen performed in the 1960s and 70s as a young guitar-playing folk singer in northwest New Jersey.  She says the best three days of her life were spent at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969. \nAs she explains in her autobiographical song\, Back There Again\, this Woodstock hippie girl\, “…cut her hair and got a career\, and lost herself for 30 odd years.”  Forgetting her dreams of being a doctor working in ghettos\, she became a successful business woman\, well known for speeches\, articles and books about marketing technology. \nCarlene says a series of God-driven events led her back to her true self through the agricultural community of Immokalee\, Florida\, (rhymes with broccoli) where she volunteered as a music teacher for pre-school children and still sometimes sings with the choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe church. \nHer love of farm workers inspired two books: Immokalee’s Fields of Hope and Called From Silence: The Father Sanders Story.  She also has written several songs that were inspired by her work and friendships in Immokalee:  ”Take These Hands\,” “Mama in Your Heart\,” “When Papa Goes North\,” “Our Lady of Guadalupe\,” and “On the Road Home.” \nToday\, Carlene spends a lot of her time in Saugerties\, NY (home of The Band’s house\, “Big Pink”)\, as well as at her home in Naples.  Not a “snowbird\,” but rather a “whim-bird\,” she goes back and forth when she chooses.  In addition to performing in Florida\, she plays frequently at open mics in the Hudson River Valley\, including the town of Woodstock. \nHer autobiographical song\, Back There Again\, features “the guitar she named Alice.”  Carlene carved the back of that guitar “Woodstock 1969\, Three Days of Peace and Music.”  In one of her most exciting moments\, in late 2024\, she donated Alice to the museum at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts\, the location of the original Woodstock. The staff there was thrilled to add it to their collection.\nCarlene is a member of The Female Musicians Academy\, Global Songwriters Connection\, and the Americana Community Music Association. \n\n\nTickets for the show are available at the door.\nDoor donations:ACMA Members/$15General Admission/$20\nThe listening room doors open at 6:30 pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/nate-currin-in-concert-carlene-thissen-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-8.33.34 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250620T184908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T200623Z
UID:3656-1758740400-1758747600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Island Hopper Showcase
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA & Island Hopper are thrilled to once again showcase some of the finest local songwriters at The Sidney Berne Davis Art Center. All the artists performing are members of the Americana Community Music Association\, a Fort Myers-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting original music year-round.\nPerforming in the round\, Roy Schneider\, Kim Mayfield\, Ray Cerbone \, Robert Bidney\, & Bill Metts will share their original songs and the stories behind them. Join us for an unforgettable evening of exceptional music in a stunning setting\nAdvanced tickets $10.00. week of concert $15.00\n  Box Office Link                  https://sbdac.com\n\nRoy Schneider\, Founding member of the Americana duo Reckless Saints\, Roy Schneider has been performing his original music throughout the United States and abroad for the past two decades. His songs have thrice made him a NewFolk Finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival (TX)\, a contestant on NBC’s The Voice – Season 5 and placed him in the Telluride Acoustic Blues competition (CO). No Depression called him “A songwriter in the grandest tradition of Steve Earle\, Lucinda Williams\, Guy Clark and Lyle Lovett\, but with a voice\, songwriting skill\, stagecraft and instrumental talent all his own.” In April Roy and Reckless Saints partner\, Kim Mayfield\, released a new album titled ‘Blue Twangled Folk’n’ Roll. https://www.recklesssaints.com\nKim Mayfield is also known as half of the Americana duo ‘Reckless Saints\,’ (with husband Roy Schneider\,) and shared in the songwriting for their first two albums. Mayfield’s song ‘Ring Around the Moon’\, described by a reviewer as “haunted by Patsy Cline\,” earned a semi-finalist spot in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. Reckless Saints were finalists in the 2025 Kerrville New Folk competition. https://www.recklesssaints.com\nRay Cerbone\, One of the founding members of the Fort Myers ACMA (Americana Community Music Association)\, Ray began playing guitar during the late 60’s folk scene. With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians\, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time\, his music encompasses many genres\, including Americana\, Folk\, Blues\, Ballads\, and a little bit of Country. His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time\, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is\, he does interpretive covers of other great originals by little-known but very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears.https://steelonwood.com\nRobert Bidney is a singer-songwriter whose messages are as strong as his melodies. Bidney connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotion. Three studio albums have now been recorded and a fourth is on the way. “Thank Goodness\,” Bidney’s third album\, was among the Top 50 most-played albums on Folk Radio upon its release. This album also charted for 8 straight weeks on the Americana Roots Top 50\, debuted at #6. Bidney is a winner in the “Music for Humanity” songwriting contest and in the International Acoustic Music Awards. Bidney’s work has been praised by such media notables as Ben Fong-Torres of Rolling Stone\, Lee Zimmerman of Goldmine Magazine\, Jon Stein of WTBQ 93.5FM in New\nBill Metts. started singing playing guitar during the Country Blues revival of the 1960s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. Shortly after moving to Southwest Florida\, he was asked to serve on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association. He began writing songs as a result of being asked to host their weekly Songwriter Circle and for four years did so. He also volunteered for “Hope by Song Inc”\, a not-for-profit organization\, creating songs from the writings of people dealing with great emotional trauma in order to help them heal through the power inherent in music. He has performed at the prestigious Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival\, the world famous “Ground Zero” in Clarksdale Mississippi\, at the Will McLean Festival in Brooksville Florida and in the BMI sponsored Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. www.mettsmusic.com
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-island-hopper-showcase-3/
LOCATION:The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center\, 2301 First ST\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/island-hopper-2025-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251004T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251004T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250320T235131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T235131Z
UID:3585-1759604400-1759613400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Alice Wallace in Concert!  Dennis Michael Opens
DESCRIPTION:Here I Am\, Nashvillian songstress Alice Wallace declares on her new album\, released June 28\, 2024\, via Mule Kick Records. It’s a title that hints at her deeply personal\, confessional songwriting style\, one that invites the listener to gaze at her beating heart as each intimate secret pours out\, propelled by a powerful\, expressive delivery that marks her as one of the true vocal talents of her generation.\nAlice does not hide behind the microphone\, but uses it to amplify everything inside her champing to get out. She’s survived the highs and lows of life\, love\, and the music industry and finally produced the album she feels she was destined to make. Here I Am\, she says\, the real Alice Wallace.\nThis album marks a return to themes of self-examination after several collections that featured predominantly story songs. “I needed to make a record that was really true to myself\, both for me and for my fans who have encouraged me in ways I am so grateful for\,” Alice explains. “Songs are how I process. And writing this album helped me process so much of what has happened in the last few years.”\nAlice moved to Nashville four years ago after more than a decade in southern California\, and Here I Am is the first of her albums to be recorded in true Music City style\, backed by a lineup of world-class musicians and recorded in two whirlwind days with no rehearsal\, just the way the best session players like to do it. Produced by Nick Buda (Taylor Swift\, Martina McBride\, Dolly Parton) the album features some of the most talented musicians Nashville has to offer. In addition to Buda on drums\, the record features Grammy-winning guitarist Kenny Greenberg (Willie Nelson\, Wynnona Judd\, Hayes Carll)\, bassist Ted Pecchio (Doyle Bramhall II\, Susan Tedeschi) and keyboardist Jimmy Wallace (The Wallflowers). And although Alice had never played with any of the musicians before\, the combined talents in the room made for an electric experience that brought her songs to life in vibrant and unexpected ways.\n\nCuttingly self-exploring\, delivered with emotionality\, and with just the right pop Americana sensibilities\, Here I Am is Alice Wallace’s most expansive album yet. For fans of songwriters who turn personal heartbreak into musical gold and for anyone who loves a powerful\, full-ranged\, expressive voice\, Here I Am is not to be missed.\nYou can find out more here:alicewallacemusic.com\n\nDennis Michael is a soulful music performer whose style blends folk\, blues\, and indie elements into a captivating sonic tapestry. Hailing from Long Island\, New York\, Dennis weaves stories of the heart and introspection\, delivering raw and relatable narratives through his evocative lyrics and rich melodies.\nWith a strong foundation as a session artist\, writer\, and collaborator\, Dennis honed his craft working with Caprice Records and RockMill Studios. These experiences shaped his distinctive sound and storytelling prowess\, earning him recognition for his heartfelt performances and poignant songwriting.\nWhether performing solo or with a band\, Dennis Michael’s music resonates deeply\, drawing listeners into an emotional journey that feels both personal and universal. His ability to connect through tales of love\, loss\, and self-discovery sets him apart as a truly authentic artist. Dennis is a member of the ACMA.\nTickets for the show are available at the door.\nDoor donations:ACMA Members/$15General Admission/$20\nDoors to the listening room open at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/alice-wallace-in-concert-dennis-michael-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-7.46.20 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251018T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251018T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250127T162624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T143250Z
UID:3569-1760814000-1760823000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Grant Maloy Smith in Concert! Steve Waterbury Opens
DESCRIPTION:Grant Maloy Smith returns to ACMA in his beloved home state of Florida\, bringing songs and stories from his most recent album MISSISSIPPI: AMERICAN STORIES\, as well as from previous critically-acclaimed and Billboard top 5 charting albums like APPALACHIA: AMERICAN STORIES and DUST BOWL: AMERICAN STORIES.\nOver the years his albums have spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts\, including eleven weeks in the Top 10 on the Americana/Folk album sales chart and #12 on the Country album sales chart. Grant has performed twice at Carnegie Hall and has won numerous awards\, including two Grammy® certificates. In 2020\, he was inducted into the Indie Music Hall of Fame in Hollywood. Critics have raved about his music\, including:… “lyrics and music as potent as Woody Guthrie … A reminder of the darker period of Bob Dylan\, and it’s that good\, that memorable…”~ NO DEPRESSION magazine\nGrant’s song “Man Of Steel” was adopted by the National Veterans Foundation (www.nvf.org) as their official theme song. His single “I See You” was released with the support of Masterpiece Living\, an organization dedicated to creating better lives for our elders. And a song he wrote\, “I Reckon\,” spent weeks on the MusicRow CountryBreakout charts. Grant’s charming Christmas song “Fly Possum Fly” (featuring county singing sensation EmiSunshine) was both a radio single and a children’s book. Grant Maloy Smith is a member of the CMA (Country Music Association)\, AMA (Americana Music Association)\, TCMA (Texas Country Music Association)\, NARAS (The GRAMMYS®)\, and is the co-founder of the Indie Collaborative\, a group of more than 2\,000 independent musicians and music industry professionals.\nVideos\, music and more:grant-maloy-smith.com\nOpening for Grant Maloy Smith is ACMA member and singer/songwriter\, Steve Waterbury. Steve has been playing\, singing and writing music off and on since the later 70’s. His music is eclectic\, from some Country to Blues and Folk\, reflecting his life observations and experience. Steve is a regular at our ACMA Sunday afternoon Singer/Songwriter Circle.\nTickets for the show are available at the door. Door donations are as follows:$15/ACMA Members$20/General Admission\nThe doors open at 6:30 PM and the concert begins at 7:00PM
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/grant-malloy-smith-in-concert-steve-waterbury-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-11.23.34 AM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250615T180535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T151627Z
UID:3637-1761246000-1761253200@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Songwriters Under the Stars:  Buddy Mondlock\, Robert Bidney\, & Bruce Gallant
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA is excited to co-host another concert in the Music Under the Stars Series with the Calusa Nature Center. The concert takes place INSIDE the Planetarium under the stars.\nDoors at 6:30\, Show at 7 PM. Advance tickets highly recommended!\nTickets. https://www.calusanature.org/event \nHere’s a bit about the three musicians who are performing in the round.\n\nBuddy Mondlock writes songs. He does it so well that some great songwriters haverecorded his songs on their own albums. Guy Clark\, Nanci Griffith and Janis Ian\, to namejust a few. But there’s nothing like hearing the guy who wrote ‘em sing ‘em. He’s not goingto pin your ears back with those songs. He’s going to draw you into his world.It was Guy Clark who first discovered Buddy playing under a tree at the Kerrville FolkFestival in 1986. Guy went back to Nashville\, opened the door and yelled\, “Pay attentiony’all\, this kid’s good.” Soon after\, Buddy was driving a U-Haul south from his nativeChicago. A publishing deal with EMI was waiting. In the years that followed\, cuts with thelikes of Garth Brooks\, Joan Baez and David Wilcox cemented his reputation asa songwriter. Peter\, Paul and Mary recorded his song\, “The Kid” and he sang it with themon their 1996 “Great Performances” PBS television special.But Buddy never considered just laying back and writing songs for others. He’s alwaysbeen a performer first. The joy he takes in singing and playing and telling stories for folksshines through and his audiences take that with them.And although never one to rush things\, he’s accumulated a string of critically acclaimedCDs including 2002’s “Everything Waits To Be Noticed\,” a writing and recordingcollaboration with Maia Sharp and Art Garfunkel. And his latest album\, “Filament\,”produced by Brad Jones\, explores some new territory for him\, both sonically andrhythmically.In recent years Buddy has been writing songs with military veterans through a programsponsored by an organization called Music Therapy of the Rockies and he includes severalof those songs in his shows (and one on his new album). “This has been such a powerfulexperience and I’m honored to have been trusted with these stories of trauma\, and oftriumph too\,” he says.Turns out he’s also a fine teacher\, hosting songwriting workshops across the US andoverseas\, sharing the wonder of making something out of nothing and helping others to findtheir own creative sparks. He’s been on staff at the famed Swannanoa Gathering as well asat the songwriting schools at festivals like Kerrville and Sisters.“Buddy Mondlock writes beautiful songs and plays the kind of guitar they deserve. He’s afine person and a fine artist.” Townes Van Zandt\n\nBruce Gallant:For over 40 years\, Bruce has been writing songs\, using them as a journal to reflect the different times in his life. “I started writing songs in my late 20s and have never stopped. Anything of importance in my life is in one of my songs. Writing is essential for my survival it is what I live for.” He grew up with many musical influences from his Mother and Hank Williams to the Beatles and beyound. “It was just part of my life”\,As he has said many times\, “without my music I would have no purpose.” Bruce is from the State of Maine and has been “Living in Paradise” scince 2011. He has won awards such as “Hope by Song” song writer of the year and has participated in events like “The Island Hopper” and both “Ft. Myers Art and Music Walk”.Bruce is a proud member of the “Ft. Myers Americanna Comunity Music Ass”. (A. C. M. A.) of which he is both a Board member and co-host of the weekly “Singer Songwriting Circle” sponsord by the Ft. Myers A.C.M.A. Bruce can be found at local markets and establishments in both Ft. Myers and Punta Gorda. He also preforms at Senior Living facilities in the area.Bruce has one album on “Spotify” titled “Kiss me Goodnight” and you can also listen to\, and purchase his music at “brucegallant.bandcamp.com“.\n\nRobert Bidney is a Southwest Florida-based singer-songwriter whose songs are both relatable and have a strong commercial sensibility. A seasoned performer\, who connects with his audiences through his infectious energy and emotional performances\, he has been writing songs for most of his life. Bidney has recorded three studio albums\, while an eclectic array of artists around the world have also covered his songs with meaning – songs that define him and reveal his soul. His creativity and commercial awareness merged while Bidney was employed by advertising agencies for which he wrote and produced a number of national radio and TV jingles for clients and worked closely with many top musicians\, producers and songwriters throughout the U.S. and Canada.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/songwriters-under-the-stars-buddy-mondlock-robert-bidney-bruce-gallant/
LOCATION:Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium\, 3478 Ortiz Ave\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33905\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251101T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250127T162151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T162151Z
UID:3566-1762023600-1762032600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Ben Gage in Concert!  "Houseboat" Jim Visone Opens
DESCRIPTION:Ben Gage is a songwriter from Akron\, OH. Ben Gage grew up in the rust belt of Northeast Ohio\, spread out in the countryside along the great Lake Erie. His roots run deep beside the hard working blue collars that Ohio has to boast. That tenacity\, love of family\, and respect for a long day can be seen in his music. He doesn’t shy away from life’s ups and downs and sews human experience within all his songs\, artfully\, without the need to bash you over the head with ideas. In Fall of 2021 Ben quit his job in the tech-sector to pursue music full time. Now he travels the US sharing stories and songs and always collecting more.\nFolk and Blues music gives us a way to hand along a story\, and it’s what fuels Ben’s songwriting and the reason he includes the listener. The best story sets aside the complexities and focuses on honesty. You will find yourself feeling as though you’ve heard his songs before even if it’s your first time.\nFind our more here:bengagemusic.com\n\n“Houseboat” Jim Visone will open the show…banjo? guitar? One just never knows with Houseboat\, but we know it will be awesome! Jim started picking and singing back in the late 50’s in Greenwich Village. Got married\, worked\, and got back to music about fifteen years ago in Las Vegas. I’ve been playing around the Ft. Myers area for the last six years. Go catch him singing his original music around town. You will be glad you did!\nTickets for the show are available at the door. Door donations are as follows:$15/ACMA Members$20/General Admission\nOur listening room doors open at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/ben-gage-in-concert-houseboat-jim-visone-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-11.19.04 AM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251112T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20251009T144139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T145324Z
UID:3723-1762974000-1762981200@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park
DESCRIPTION:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park \nThe Friends of Koreshan State Park have partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to present monthly concerts featuring all-original music by talented local artists. \nBring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening under the stars. If the weather doesn’t cooperate\, the show will be canceled and your tickets will be honored at next month’s performance. \nThe ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to promoting original music by local singer-songwriters. Each showcase features artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and a lifetime of experiences— Prepare for an evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music\, which blends blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country. Details: \n\nTickets: $10 (includes parking) Children under 12 free \nAdvance Tickets      https://friendsofkoreshan.org/event-6366598/Registration\nSchedule: Gates open at 6:30.  Show runs from 7-9pm with 20 minute intermission\n\n Nov. 12  Koreshan  State Park Songwriter Showcase   \nBill Metts\, Kim Mayfield & Chakulla  \nBill Metts started singing and playing guitar during the country blues revival of the 1960s and fell in love with the art of finger-style guitar. Shortly after moving to Southwest Florida\, he was asked to serve on the board of the nationally known Americana Community Music Association. He began writing songs as a result of being asked to host their weekly Songwriter Circle and for four years did so. He also volunteered for “Hope by Song Inc\,” a not-for-profit organization\, creating songs from the writings of people dealing with great emotional trauma in order to help them heal through the power inherent in music. He has performed at the prestigious Mississippi John Hurt Blues Festival\, the world-famous “Ground Zero” in Clarksdale Mississippi\, at the Will McLean Festival in Brooksville\, Florida\, and in the BMI sponsored Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. \nKim Mayfield is also known as half of the Americana duo ‘Reckless Saints\,’ (with husband Roy Schneider) and shared in the songwriting for their first two albums. Mayfield’s song “Ring Around the Moon\,” described by a reviewer as “haunted by Patsy Cline\,” earned a semi-finalist spot in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. Reckless Saints were finalists in the 2025 Kerrville New Folk competition. \nChakulla (affectionately known as Grandfather Chakulla) is an individual\, expressing his music with an organic grove of worldly rhythm’s\, unique guitar cords\, catchy and memorable melodies. He sings out with an acoustic guitar using a loop pedal enabling leads\, harmonica\, marimba\, conga’s\, percussion\, and vocal percussion lines to manifest on the spot and live . \nHe is best described as the Folk/World/Jazz/Americana artist\, and in his 4 decades of writing and playing music Chakulla has shared his music at concert venues seating 60\,000 people\, and in Clubs\, at House concerts\, Festivals\, TV and radio appearances\, and singing out in the streets. \nHe has shared the stage with Richie Havens\, Pete Seeger\, Arlo Guthrie\, Buddy Miles\, Aztec Two step\, etc. Chakulla has a profound effect on audiences connecting\, including\, inspiring\, and inviting them to participate and to sing along leaving them with a smile.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-at-koreshan-state-park/
LOCATION:Koreshan State Park\, 3800 Corkscrew Rd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Koreshan-FP-Photo.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251122T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251122T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250529T194410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T194410Z
UID:3608-1763838000-1763847000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Jann Klose in Concert! Joe Terlizzi Opens
DESCRIPTION:Soaring Americana vocals along with some artistic experimentation into reggae and punk gets you\, Jann Klose. Welcome back!\nJann Klose is an award-winning* pop singer-songwriter\, who has released seven albums and two EPs. Klose was raised in Kenya\, South Africa\, Germany and the United States. Singles from his most recent albums Surrender and In Tandem have accumulated over 10 million streams across all platforms and charted on Top 40 radio in both the US and South Africa.\nJann served as the singing voice of Tim Buckley in the 2012 film Greetings from Tim Buckley. His songs have been heard on the Grammy® nominated Healthy Food For Thought compilation\, charted in the Billboard Top 10 compilation Action Moves People United\, and have appeared in MTV Cribs and the movies Married Young\, Dead Broke and One Little Finger\, where he worked alongside Quincy Jones.\nJann has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals\, including Jesus Christ Superstar\, Jekyll and Hyde\, and The Who’s Tommy as well as in made-for-TV movies\, voice overs and commercials. In 2020\, Jann launched his podcast\, Making Sound with Jann Klose. With over 120 episodes the show has featured guests such as John Mahon (Elton John Band)\, Simon Kirke (Free\, Bad Company) and Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad).\nJann has opened for and collaborated with a wide range of artists including Pat Benatar\, John Oates of Hall and Oates\, Suzanne Vega\, Renaissance & Annie Haslam\, The Yardbirds\, Liz Callaway and sister Ann Hampton Callaway\, Rosanne Cash\, Paula Cole\, Brett Dennen\, Karen Zoid\, Tamara Dey\, Carrie Newcomer\, Alicia Madison\, Roger McGuinn\, Gary Lucas\, Jeffrey Gaines\, Elliott Murphy\, Rusted Root\, Pete Seeger and Les Paul.\n*Recipient of 4 Independent Music Awards\, Grammy® nomination “Healthy Food For Thought” compilation.\nTake a listen here:jannklose.com\nOpening the show is new ACMA member and singer/songwriter\, Joe Terizzi. Joe comes from Jersey City\, NJ and has been playing guitar since the age of 10. He started in rock bands in his teens and went through an acoustic period in his early twenties after graduating from Stevens Tech. As a member of Hobo King\, he and friend Ed Bank opened for some well known folk acts of the day. But he decided to pursue a career as a chemical patent specialist and put his songwriting chops on the back burner. This job allowed him to travel the world on business and live in New York City for many years. Musical interests eventually won out and in 2012\, he decided to release a CD of original songs by playing all the instruments and recording it at home. Since then\, he has self-released two more CDs and recently finished his fourth. He spends his winters in Fort Myers and for summers\, he recently relocated to West New York\, NJ. He enjoys being a member of ACMA and is thrilled to be invited to open up for Jann. Look for his new CD\, “Thankful”\, soon available on most musical platforms.\nTickets for this show are available at the door.Door donations: $15/ACMA Members$20/General AdmissionThe listening room doors open at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/jann-klose-in-concert-joe-terlizzi-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-3.41.20 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250529T195845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T135602Z
UID:3615-1765047600-1765056600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Joe Crookston in Concert! J Michael Opens
DESCRIPTION:Joe Crookston is a force of nature on stage. Pure magic.\nHe’s in his power AND communes with his audience. From touring with Gordon Lightfoot\, headlining major US festivals\, receiving Folk Alliance International “Album of the Year\,” releasing NINE BECOMES ONE (2024) to being named Folk Alliance International Artist-in- Resident\, Joe is on fire. He’s played with Suzanne Vega\, Dar Williams\, David Francey\, John McCutcheon\, John Gorka\, Judy Collins and 100’s more. His songs are are being made into award winning films.\nHe’ll surprise you. He awakens the cynics. His rhythm is infectious. In concert\, he is funny one moment and transcendent the next. Whether he’s weaving through lap slide songs or fiddling an American Southern tune\, he’ll draw you in. It happens every time. Watch a YouTube video…it’s fine\, but it’s not the same. You gotta come to a show. With unwavering courage to be himself\, he is literate\, poignant and funny as hell.\nHear of Oklahoma towns\, rattlesnake tails\, turbary thieves\, meter maids and drunk roosters. At the end of the night\, you’ll leave inspired. “The Long Note” is a phrase in Irish culture. “The Long Note” is that place of resonance and transcendence where the music\, the voices\, the instruments\, and the community ALL come together and unite.\nTHE LONG NOTE. JOE CROOKSTON IS REACHING FOR IT!\nThere is even more to know at:joecrookston.com\nWelcome J Michael to our ACMA stage to open the show. Raised on the mean streets of suburban Miami\, he is a classically trained musician from a young age. To pursue rock and roll as a bass player\, J Michael gave all that up. Early influences include James Taylor\, Carole King and Jim Croce. He was drawn to country and folk rock artists such as Gram Parsons\, The Grateful Dead\, The Byrds\, Buffalo Springfield\, Eagles. Later influences include Townes Van Zandt\, Steve Earle and Kim Richey. Recently he started performing his own compositions here at ACMA. His songs emanate from times of emotional and personal upheaval.\nTickets are available at the door for this show.\nDoor donations are as follows:$15/Members$20 /General Admission\nThe ACMA listening room doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/joe-crookston-in-concert-j-michael-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-3.53.27 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20251113T143957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T143957Z
UID:3746-1765306800-1765314000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park.
DESCRIPTION:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park. The Friends of Koreshan State Park have partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to present monthly concerts featuring all-original music by talented local artists.Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening under the stars. If the weather doesn’t cooperate\, the show will be canceled and your tickets will be honored at next month’s performance.\nThe ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to promoting original music by local singer-songwriters. Each showcase features artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and a lifetime of experiences— Prepare for an evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music\, which blends blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country.\nDetails:Tickets: $10 (includes parking) Children under 12 free Advance Tickets. https://friendsofkoreshan.org/event-6410002Schedule: Gates open at 6:30. Show runs from 7-9pm with 20 minute intermission\n\nTim McGeary\, Anthony Wayne \, Nancy Faulkner\n\nTim McGeary international singer/songwriter makes his home in Naples Florida. He was signed to A&M \,and toured as a opening act for Billy Idol\, Duran Duran\, Simples MInds and many more \,his songs have been placed in TV shows and movies \, and is now co-writing and producing with other artists from around the world\, he loves how music connects people\,and continues to share his craft with the world\n\nAnthony Wayneis a seasoned acoustic musician whose soulful sound and heartfelt songwriting have made him a staple in the Southwest Florida music scene. Originally from Indiana\, Anthony began his musical journey at just seven years old\, receiving formal instruction at the Conservatory of Music in Terre Haute. For the past 20 years\, he has called Florida home\, performing full-time for the last 18 across Fort Myers\, Fort Myers Beach\, Cape Coral\, and beyond. Known for his smooth guitar work and emotionally resonant voice\, Anthony has built a loyal following through countless nights of live performance\, where his passion for authentic\, meaningful music shines through.Now\, Anthony is excited to share a new chapter of his artistry—his original music. His songs are lyric-driven\, heartfelt\, and honest\, yet infused with catchy hooks that linger long after the last note fades. Each performance reflects his years of dedication and his enduring love for storytelling through song. Having recently spent time in the studio recording fresh material\, Anthony continues to pour his heart into both his writing and performing\, bringing genuine emotion and craft to every chord he plays.\n\nNancy Faulkner – Americana / Folk / Contemporary ArtistNancy Faulkner\, also known as “Fancy Nancy\,” is a singer-songwriter with a nostalgic style. Raised in a musical family\, she began performing in church and school choirs\, as well as at weddings and community events. Now based in Punta Gorda\, Florida\, she shares her songs at markets\, benefits\, festivals\, and clubs.Her love for humanity and music led her to volunteer her time and talents in the summer of 2025 with Chakulla and The Hunger Bus\, debuting her original music across multiple states. Her work reflects her life experiences\, faith\, and deep connection to people and their stories. Energetic yet heartfelt\, Nancy’s music blends authenticity\, warmth\, and inspiration.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-at-koreshan-state-park-2/
LOCATION:Koreshan State Park\, 3800 Corkscrew Rd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T210000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250615T181202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T181202Z
UID:3641-1765479600-1765486800@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Andy Wahlberg in concert @ The Planetarium.  Doug Shemenski opens
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA and Calusa Nature Center are excited to announce another concert inside the Planetarium under the stars!Doors at 6:30\, Music at 7\nTickets at https://www.calusanature.org\n$18 members/$20 General public\nAndy grew up in Miami\, Florida where he was first exposed to classical\, pop and international music. He had his first “gig” at age five with a Calypso Latin band that performed at his mother’s restaurant in Miami every weekend. Andy played the bongos while wearing a little Ricky Ricardo suit\, puffy sleeves and all.Andy began performing at live venues in his early teens. During that time\, he honed his craft playing venues all over the United States. He started playing his trademark Harp Guitar which he found in a pawn shop in Los Angeles in the early ’70’s. After studying at a performing arts college for two years\, he began a full-time career as a performing artist\, focusing on the unique sound of the Harp Guitar.Since then\, Andy’s musical career has spanned over 45 years\, more than 3000 concerts and performances nationwide\, 8 albums and hundreds of television and radio appearances. Andy has performed on stage with groups such as Chicago\, Spyra Gyra\, Firefall\, Hall and Oates\, Don McLean\, and the Spinners. In his own recording studio\, he has created soundtracks and scores for numerous television\, radio\, and movie projects. His most recent works include the soundtrack for the PBS Special Florida’s Historic Lighthouses and the motion pictures “Captiva” and “Jericho”.Andy is married and has 2 children. He performs in concerts and clubs in the US and abroad. Andy currently resides in Southwest Florida.www.harpguitarguy.com\nOpening the show! Doug Shemenski – Harp GuitaristDoug musical journey began in 1978 when he purchased his first guitar. Life soon took a different path after he met his soulmate\, Holly. As Doug focused on building two businesses and raising a family\, the guitar took a back seat.Following Holly’s passing in 2019\, music found its way back into Doug’s life during a Christmas gathering in 2020 when his grandchildren encouraged him to pick up his guitar again.Rekindling his passion\, Doug dedicated himself to mastering the guitar. In 2021\, he joined the ACMA as a volunteer\, setting up and tearing down concert equipment. A turning point came in February 2024 when he attended a performance by Muriel Anderson\, whose artistry inspired Doug to envision incorporating the harp guitar into his own music. After also attending two shows by Andy Wahlberg\, Doug was convinced.He purchased his harp guitar in April 2024.Since then\, Doug has embraced performing\, starting with open mic nights and appearances at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point Village. Now\, he shares the soulful melodies of his harp guitar by playing twice weekly at Health Park’s four-story atrium and during dinner at a rehabilitation facility. His music brings joy and healing to others\, making this chapter of his life deeply fulfilling
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/andy-wahlberg-in-concert-the-planetarium-doug-shemenski-opens/
LOCATION:Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium\, 3478 Ortiz Ave\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33905\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-15-at-2.08.07 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260103T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260103T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250529T201212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T201212Z
UID:3620-1767466800-1767475800@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Reckless Saints in Concert! Bob Williams Opens
DESCRIPTION:“This husband and wife team runs the gamut from engaging acoustic folk to driving bluesy tunes\, with hints of twang sprinkled in.”—–Making a Scene Magazine\nRoy Schneider and Kim Mayfield are the core duo and songwriters of Reckless Saints. Partners in music and love since 2003\, they began recording and touring five years later. “Blue Twangled Folk ‘n’ Roll’ is the answer Roy provided to the question “What kind of music do you play?” The Fort Myers based duo decided to use his answer as the album title for their new release\, while also adopting the title of their 2018 release ‘Reckless Saints’ as their new band moniker.\nReckless Saints founder Roy Schneider was 16 and in hiding when he began making music in earnest. He had just escaped a yearlong incarceration at a controversial facility for troubled teens called Straight\, Inc. where\, among many other things\, he had been denied the right to play his guitar\, listen to or even talk about music. The saintly woman who sheltered Roy after his escape (one of the original ‘Reckless Saints’) loaned him her son’s* guitar\, which he played obsessively\, teaching himself countless songs by Bob Dylan\, the Grateful Dead and The Beatles.\nRoy’s songs have thrice made him a Kerrville New Folk finalist and provided opportunities to make musical connections with dozens of artists. In the ‘Most Unexpected Gig Ever’ category is his 10-month prep and ‘blind audition’ for Season 5 of The Voice\, where he got no chairs but did get to perform on national television slinging his beloved and well-worn Martin OM-28.\nKim Mayfield grew up in a house filled with music. By age 9 she began piano lessons\, learning the basics of technique and reading music; mistakenly believing that reading sheet music was the only way to play piano. ” I became disillusioned because the sheet music felt so stiff\, and didn’t sound like what I heard on the recordings.” Years later and eager to find her voice\, she bought a guitar on ebay and taught herself to play enough chords to sing some favorite songs. Never even considering performing as a career she remained a closet musician and worked as a hairdresser\, dental assistant\, yoga instructor and massage therapist. After a 10 year relationship\, she found herself a divorced single mom to son Max\, inspiring her to tell the story of his adoption from a Siberian children’s hospital in one of her first original songs\, “Buddha Baby.”\nThe duo spent over a decade touring and recording 5 CDs of original music under their solo names before officially adopting Reckless Saints as their band name. Their new record\, Blue Twangled Folk n’ Roll\, and the first official Reckless Saints release\, has been years in the making and was greatly influenced by the stress of COVID lockdown. Studio guests on this album include\, David Gans\, Freebo\, Lee Thornburg\, David C Johnson and Charlie McCoy.\nTake a listen to their engaging songs at:recklesssaints.com\nBob Williams kicks off this January show\, the first ACMA concert of 2026.In the late sixties\, Bob\, a young guitarist from Long Island\, NY\, began writing his own music as soon as he mastered three chords. Drawing inspiration from Folk-Rock and Country-Rock\, Bob crafted a unique sound influenced by the folk singers of the 60s and the singer-songwriters of the 70s. His writing evolved into what is now known as Americana Music\, a blend of Roots\, Folk\, Country\, Bluegrass\, Blues\, and everything in between. Over the past decade\, Bob has performed numerous concerts\, opened for national touring artists\, and regularly played with The Pearl Street Band. His songs have also been recorded and released by other artists. Known for sharing the amusing stories behind his lyrics\, Bob’s songs are personal\, irreverent\, funny\, sad\, and always heartfelt. His performances have been described as a mix of Neil Young and Crazy Horse with solo acoustic Bruce Springsteen. While that may be a stretch\, Bob’s passion is evident in his music.\nClick here: www.reverbnation.com/bobwilliams2\nTickets for this show are available at the door.\nSuggested Door Donations:$15/Members$20/General Admission\nThe ACMA listening room doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/reckless-saints-in-concert-bob-williams-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-4.01.32 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260106T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20251027T181421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T015828Z
UID:3734-1767724200-1767729600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters at The Collaboratory..... KICK OFF Show !!!!!!!!!!!!!
DESCRIPTION: 🎶 ACMA Songwriters Showcase at The Collaboratory 🎶 \nThe Collaboratory has partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to bring you 3 FREE outdoor concerts featuring all-original music by talented local singer-songwriters. 🌟 \n✨ Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening under the stars! (Shows will be outdoors\, weather permitting.) \nThe ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to supporting original music. Each showcase features three artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and the experiences that inspired them—much like the Island Hopper Festival or Nashville’s Bluebird Café. \nExpect an evening of professional-quality Americana music blending blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country. \n📍 Free Parking.        ⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM \n📅 January 6 • February 3 • March 3. Come support local music and enjoy a night you won’t forget! \nJan 6th Kick Off Show.  Kevin John Allen\,  Bruce Gallent\, and  Bob Patetta \nKevin John Allen\, \,A well-traveled songwriter writing in the veins of Americana and country music.\nWith over 40 years of writing\, playing\, and traveling around the world\, Kevin John Allen touches hearts with songs about life’s most intimate and heartfelt moments — a carny ride through love\, loss\, laughter\, and hope. \nMusic to make you laugh\, love\, think\, and dance. Winner of Best Country Artist — Jersey Acoustic Music Awards (2012) \nReleases: Dark Songs Written on Black Guitars\, Life’s Lonely Rodeo\, The Long Road of Life\, Colours\, Stories I Left Behind Me\n Bruce Gallant. For over 40 years\, Bruce has been writing songs\, using them as a journal to reflect the different times in his life. “I started writing songs in my late 20s and have never stopped. Anything of importance in my life is in one of my songs. Writing is essential for my survival.”   \nBob Patetta is a singer-songwriter specializing in blues\, rock and folk\, and has been performing and recording on guitar\, harmonica and vocals for over 50 years. Born and raised in New Jersey where he started out singing and playing in rock bands\, he has also worked extensively along the Gulf Coast of Florida\, playing harmonica and washboard with Rosie O’Grady’s Dixieland Band in Pensacola\, guitar and blues harp in the greater Tampa area and Lee County\, and in Ohio since 1990. He is currently performing with the Hot Potatoes band in Ohio\, and with Wildlife Drive in Florida\, as well as making many solo appearances. He is also known for making a joyful noise on Sunday mornings at many Unity and UCC churches.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-at-the-collaboratory-kick-off-show/
LOCATION:The Collaboratory\, 2031 Jackson St\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250623T175805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251226T132258Z
UID:3659-1768071600-1768080600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Songwriters in the Round... Grant Peeples\, Larry Mangum\, Doug Spears.
DESCRIPTION:Doors at 6:30.  Show at 7:00Suggested donation at the door $18/22\nThe ACMA is tickled pink to be able to bring these three musicians back together for a songwriting round you won’t forget! It’s been 12 years since the first PMS “tour” but these songwriters have not been sitting around on their (ahem) laurels while life passed them by. Read on for a bit about each of their accomplishments.\nGrant Peeples: A self-described “tree-hugger that watches NASCAR\,” Grant Peeples is known for his axe-sharp socio-political tunes\, raucous humor and heart-gigging ballads.He is the recipient of the Focus Foundation Award for Creative Excellence\, which cited the “humor\, compassion and wisdom of his songs\,” and their “unflinching social insight and cultural acuity.” Grant tours coast to coast and is a repeat performer at The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival\, the 30A Songwriters Festival\, and The Florida Folk Festival. In June 2023 he made his debut at the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival.He has been a keen observer of the American condition for five decades\, ever since a friend introduced him to the music of Bob Dylan. Through many years on the road\, running a night club/music venue in Tallahassee\, and after a ten-year stint on an isolated island off the coast of Nicaragua\, Peeples turned to writing with a vengeance. He wrote poetry and songs that turned a critical eye on American culture and identity\, the very definition of contemporary folk music.January 2019 marked a second tour in The Netherlands\, where FolkForum.nl described him “…a pure storyteller\, in the best American folk tradition…” and his show “…one of those gems that you will remember for a long time…”We know you’ll want to join us for this almost once in a lifetime experience with the PMS songwriters round\nLarry Mangum:Jacksonville\, FL singer/songwriter LARRY MANGUM has nearly 3000 performances over 5 decades as a folk\, rock\, country and Americana artist. For over 100 years somebody from Larry’s North Carolina family has been playing. Larry’s Mom\, Kate was Randy Travis’ guitar teacher and Uncle Homer was a member of the legendary WBT Briarhoppers!\nA Floridian since 1970\, known for his butter smooth voice\, Larry has released 10 albums of original music and 2 live albums since 1980. An award winning songwriter\, Larry writes from a keen sense of observation and experience capturing the moments that reveal the human truths that bind us all together. An evening of Larry’s songs is an emotional roller coaster touching the heart\, the mind and the soul that stays with the listener long after the performance.\nLarry makes regular appearances at the Florida Folk Festival (featured performer in 2010 2015 2022) the Will McLean Festival (featured performer 2010)\, the South Florida Folk Festival\, the Sarasota Folk Festival\, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival\, Barberville\, the Lake County Folk Festival\, Riverhawk and many more! He is also host and co-founder of THE SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE in Jacksonville-a monthly program featuring many of the best regional and national touring acts. Since 2006\, Larry has hosted a monthly Songwriters’ Circle in Jacksonville and around the state.\nLarry’s concert appearances with music legends include the late Waylon Jennings\, Roger McGuinn\, David Mallett\, The Texas Playboys\, Billy Joe Shaver\, Vassar Clements\, Ray Price\, Martina McBride\, Juice Newton\, Steve Young\, Gene Watson\, T.G. Sheppard\, T. Graham Brown\, Alabama and many more.\nAfter years of high quality performances at festivals\, country clubs\, fairs and honky tonks\, Larry Mangum has become one of the premiere performers in Florida!\nAnd Doug Spears:Engaging and entertaining\, Doug Spears is a veteran performing songwriter with a storyteller’s soul. A rare fifth generation Florida native from Lake County\, Florida\, Doug is a regular throughout the state of Florida in concert series\, listening rooms\, festivals and house concerts and at similar venues throughout the U.S. He received particular attention for his 2010 album “Welcome Home” which was a top forty album of the year on the independent folk music radio charts and appeared on the preliminary Grammy ballots in three categories. He has earned recognition for his songwriting from the International Acoustic Music Awards and his song “Break Some Stones” has been published by American Songwriter Magazine.Accompanied by a pure acoustic\, Americana / folk sound and seasoned vocal delivery\, Doug’s songs are drawn from his childhood roots and the world as he’s seen and experienced it. His writing runs from rich tales and vivid portraits of fascinating people\, places and events to honest and vulnerable examinations of life’s joys and sorrows. Doug’s performances are a very personal experience that draw you in by deftly blending the story\, the song\, a measure of humor and a dash of emotion. Hank Weisman of the Savannah Folk Music Society says\, “Great songs combined with fine play and entertaining\, informative patter makes Doug a sure-fire success with any audience.” “Doug’s words and music go straight to the heart and he doesn’t let up\, from start to finish.” Ron Johnson\, Florida Times Union\nPlease plan to join us for what promises to be a very memorable evening of song
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/the-florida-cracker-collective-tour-grant-peeples-larry-mangum-doug-spears/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T203000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20251210T232624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251224T020134Z
UID:3757-1768330800-1768336200@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park.
DESCRIPTION:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park. The Friends of Koreshan State Park have partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to present monthly concerts featuring all-original music by talented local artists.Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening under the stars. The ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to promoting original music by local singer-songwriters. Each showcase features artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and a lifetime of experiences— Prepare for an evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music\, which blends blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country. Details:\n\nTickets: $10 (includes parking) Children under 12 free Advance Tickets\, Guarantee entrance additional tickets at the gate if space allows.TICKET LINK HERE                 https://friendsofkoreshan.org/event-6410013Schedule: Gates open at 6:30. Show runs from 7-8:30PM\n\nMichael Boswell. Dennis Michael. Ralph Leeseberg.\n\nMichael Boswell’s musical journey began in the small town of Brighton Tennessee\, nurtured by the sounds of his father’s guitar and his granddaddy’s fiddle. After years of performing in bands across the country spectrum\, Michael found his true calling in songwriting—a passion that brought him and his wife to Nashville in 1988.During his time in Music City\, Michael secured a publishing deal with Levy Production and honed his craft at renowned songwriters’ nights\, including The Bluebird and Douglas Corner. His path eventually led him into the world of video production with the Christian Television Network (CTN)\, prompting a move to Florida.When you look into Michael’s eyes\, you see the sincere warmth of a man who knows his purpose. God has guided him to a point in his life where his gentle\, authentic songs and media work are powerfully used to touch and bless everyone he reaches.\nDennis Michael is a soulful music performer whose style blends folk\, blues\, and indie elements into a captivating sonic tapestry. Hailing from Long Island\, New York\, Dennis weaves stories of the heart and introspection\, delivering raw and relatable narratives through his evocative lyrics and rich melodies.With a strong foundation as a session artist\, writer\, and collaborator\, Dennis honed his craft working with Caprice Records and RockMill Studios. These experiences shaped his distinctive sound and storytelling prowess\, earning him recognition for his heartfelt performances and poignant songwriting.Whether performing solo or with a band\, Dennis Michael’s music resonates deeply\, drawing listeners into an emotional journey that feels both personal and universal. His ability to connect through tales of love\, loss\, and self-discovery sets him apart as a truly authentic artist.\nRalph Leeseberg has been making music for more than 50 years but it has only been the last 20 that he has set intentions on positive music. A little folksy\, a little rootsy\, a little bluesy\, a little bit of rock’n’roll. And something he likes to call Metaphysical Country. He really likes sharing the vibe and hopes to leave you smiling.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-at-koreshan-state-park-3/
LOCATION:Koreshan State Park\, 3800 Corkscrew Rd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Koreshan-FP-Photo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20251106T024814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T024814Z
UID:3741-1768503600-1768512600@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Tim and Myles Thompson with Gareth Rockliffe opening. ACMA@The Planetarium
DESCRIPTION:It’s been a long time we’ve seen Tim and Myles Thompson at the ACMA! We’re so happy to have them back…this time at the Music Under The Stars series at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. If you missed them a few years back\, don’t let that happen again. They are a super talented father/son duo that have just gotten better with time.\nThere’s something truly special about the relationship between a father and son\, and when that bond is built on a shared love for music\, something magical happens. Tim and Myles Thompson have been bringing that magic to audiences all over the country. With performances at the Montreal Jazz Festival\, Walnut Valley Festival\, and Chet Atkins Festival\, they’ve fine-tuned their craft into something truly special. They’ve also had the chance to open for big names like Spyro Gyra\, Don Williams\, Mountain Heart\, Richard Elliot\, Aaron Tippin\, and Wynonna Judd.\nTim is a session player\, singer/songwriter\, and two-time winner of the International Fingerstyle Competition. Music has always been a part of the Thompson family\, and it’s what inspired Myles to pick up the violin when he was just five years old. By twelve\, Myles was already diving into music theory and improvising with a skill well beyond his years. Now\, he’s also an accomplished singer/songwriter and mandolin player\, and he’s toured with legends like Robben Ford and Crystal Gayle.\nTim has worked with artists like Tommy Emmanuel\, Crystal Gayle\, and Hwy 101. He’s released eleven CDs and two DVDs and been featured in Wood & Steel (Taylor Guitars)\, Just Jazz Guitar\, and Fingerstyle Guitar\, which once called him “a Nashville-based fingerstylist that burns!” Tim has also taught at workshops like the Fur Peace Ranch and Steve Kaufman’s Guitar Camp\, and his original music has been featured on NPR\, Casper’s Haunted Christmas CD\, and even Flip Video Camera software.\nThe Thompsons’ music is all about original songs that mix storytelling with incredible musicianship. When it comes to cover songs\, they make them their own by taking them apart and putting them back together in a way only they can. Their sound is tough to pin down—it blends acoustic rock\, pop\, country\, Celtic\, jazz\, funk\, and so much more.\nIf you’ve ever seen a Thompson performance\, you know it’s an experience you won’t forget.\n\nThe opener for Tim and Myles Thompson is ACMA member and singer/songwriter\, Gareth Rockliffe. Gareth Rockliffe\, a native of the UK\, is a professional photographer who has enjoyed writing songs for the past thirty years. His songs are often deeply personal\, but with a universal heartfelt appeal. Gareth’s songs have in the past only been shared with small groups of friends or fellow songwriters…that’s about to change.\n\nTICKETS.   www.calusanature.org/calendar
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/tim-and-myles-thompson-with-gareth-rockliffe-opening-acmathe-planetarium/
LOCATION:Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium\, 3478 Ortiz Ave\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33905\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-05-at-9.47.12-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260117T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250529T213640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251027T154433Z
UID:3623-1768676400-1768685400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Nora Jane Struthers\, Bill Frey Opens
DESCRIPTION:Nora Jane Struthers has been on the ACMA radar for a few years\, and we’re thrilled to finally welcome her to Fort Myers! Get ready for an unforgettable performance — Nora Jane has it all: outstanding songwriting\, exceptional guitar playing\, and a voice that truly shines. She brings it all together for a show you won’t want to miss. \nIntensely energetic live performances; lyrical vulnerability in a blend of ’90s alt country\, roadhouse blues\, rootsy power pop\, and straightforward honky-tonk… \nNora Jane Struthers has written “some of the most quietly powerful narratives within the new wave of Americana artists\,” says Ann Powers of NPR Music. The songs that last decades and weave themselves into the fabric of listeners’ lives are usually the ones in which an artist lays her soul bare for the world to hear. Struthers has built her career on these kinds of songs. There’s an honesty and energy to Nora Jane’s stage presence; a vulnerability that is part and parcel of great artistry. In one moment\, she joyfully leads the audience in a dance party… in the next\, she lays her soul bare for the world to hear. A performance by Nora Jane is full to the brim with stellar musicianship\, unexpected arrangements that blur the lines between folk\, roots\, and rock\, and an audible sense that everyone in the room is having a damn good time. \n“…a collection of songs that adds more momentum to her profile as a rising star on the Americana scene.”\n-Chicago Sun-Times \n“…a real jolt of adrenaline\, fueled by the contrast between searing\, resonant\, rock-flavored leads and fills and classic honkytonk and bluegrass lines on an arsenal of instruments including banjo\, fiddle and steel guitar.”\n-New York Music Daily \nWeb Site.    www.norajanestruthers.com \nOpening is ACMA member Bill Frey! \nBill started playing guitar/harmonica and song writing in 1960’s. Influenced by Miles Davis\, Billie Holiday\, Chuck Berry\, Harry Leahey\, Jimmy Smith\, Kenny Burrell\, Bob Dylan\, John Pilla\, Paul Butterfield\, and BB King\, his musical style remains eclectic but blues based. He has recorded and played venues in NYC\, Philadelphia\, up and down the Jersey Shore\, the Hamptons\, Boston and Burlington\, Vermont. His career has included stints with The Floyd Morgan Blues Band\, The Bristol Flames and for the past 30 years leading the Deep Freyed Blues collective. \nTickets for this show are available at the door. \nDoor donations: \n$15/Members \n$20/General Admission \nThe ACMA listening room doors will open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm \n\n\n\n\nSee less
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/ray-bonneville-in-concert-bill-frey-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-11.02.03-AM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260125T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250629T151613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250824T220023Z
UID:3667-1769353200-1769360400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Brian Smalley in concert at ACMA @ Alliance of the Arts! Dhruva’ Stephenson open
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA and The Alliance Of The Arts are once again partnering to bring exceptional live music to our Area.\n\nBrian Smalley is well known throughout Florida and beyond for his exceptional guitar picking\, his gift for lyrics and his unique take on well known classics. He’s always a crowd favorite and particularly an ACMA favorite. He’s been called a “triple threat” and brings not only a fantastic music experience but also leaves the audience smiling and happy through his onstage presence. Having played guitar all his life\, Brian has developed some skill on the git-box\, and possessing a creative imagination. He is a master storyteller. Before ‘CHOSEN\,’ he’d recorded six home-grown projects. His acoustic novel “ChickensPigs” received the Best Florida Folk CD award from The Florida Times Union in 2013. And thousands have enjoyed the tale of Painter Kellet\, a homeless man in Key West\, from the acoustic novel ‘KEY.”. His most recent CD “Chosen” bring us classic Brian Smalley musicianship. . We;re always happy to welcome Brian back to the ACMA concert series. Doors at 2:30\, show at 3:00Tickets at www.artinlee.orgMembers $18/General public $20Advance tickets highly recommended but available at the door if not sold out.\n\n\n\nOpening is ACMA member musician Dhruva’ Stephenson.\nSinger-songwriter\, jammer\, traveler. Loves singing harmonies and flirting around with flute\, mandolin\, bass\, percussion\, piano and other lesser-known instruments. Interested in song placements for film & TV. Performs online in the virtual world Second Life under the name “Gypsy dhruva.”\nTake a look listen to Dhruva’ at https://dhruva.bandcamp.com/track/coquina
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/sam-robbins-in-concert-acma-alliance-for-the-arts-dhruva-stephenson-opens/
LOCATION:Alliance for the Arts\, 10091 McGregor Blvd\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33919\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/brian.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T213000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250529T214336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T214336Z
UID:3626-1769886000-1769895000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:Heather Pierson Duo in Concert! Clark Johnson Opens
DESCRIPTION:Heather Pierson is a New Hampshire based singer/songwriter\, pianist\, song leader\, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy\, both onstage and off. With a toe in each of the realms of New Orleans jazz\, blues\, vocal chants\, instrumental piano\, and folk\, her multi-genre songwriting places her firmly in a category all her own\, one honed by decades of diligent practice and curious exploration. Whether solo\, as a duo\, with her trio\, or in a community sing\, Heather’s live performances feature ease at the piano and her bell-tone voice that Americana Highways says ‘sounds like timeless wind moving slowly through the trees’. Each offering Heather makes from the stage is infused with happiness\, honest self-reflection\, and a genuine desire to connect and share from the heart.\nHeather finally burst upon the national scene in 2015 after teaming up with two musicians that she met in the early days of 2010 when her life was starting over. The Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio\, with Shawn Nadeau on upright bass and Davy Sturtevant on\, assorted strings and cornet\, catapulted Heather’s live performances of her deep well of original music with intricate instrumental arrangements and stirring three-part vocal harmonies. The trio’s debut EP\, Still She Will Fly\, was released in May 2015\, and its title track was the #2 single on the Folk radio charts for the year in 2015\, and three other songs were also in the Top 100 singles on Folk radio in 2015. The trio’s full-length debut\, Singin’\, was released in June 2017\, and debuted at #1 on the Folk radio charts.\n2022 saw the re-emergence of a nearly decade-long idea of Heather’s – a group called The Potboilers\, an immersive\, collaborative\, spontaneous\, multi-genre musical experience whose motto is: ‘Groove plus melody equals joy.’ Joining Heather’s keyboards and vocals in this project are Rafe Matregrano on guitar and vocals; and Trio-mates Shawn Nadeau on electric bass and Craig Bryan on drums. They have already garnered a diehard following in northern England and a reputation for their imaginative originals and inventive covers of artists as varied as Dolly Parton and The Allman Brothers.\nHer most vibrant release yet\, Back To The Light was recorded ‘live on the floor’ at Acadia Recording Company in Portland\, ME with her trio mates Shawn Nadeau on bass and Craig Bryan on drums and percussion. Released in September 2024\, Back To The Light pulsates throughout with the grooves of New Orleans\, the beauty of Appalachia\, and Sunday-go-to-meeting celebration.\nThroughout her colorful career\, her eclectic skill set continues to propel her onto concert hall stages and into barrooms\, coffeehouses\, resort hotels\, living rooms\, and churches. Her nearly non-stop performance schedule speaks of her tireless work ethic and endless devotion to her crafts. Defying genre and classification and yet fully embracing all musical styles\, Heather is an artist who speaks the language of music in as many dialects as her abilities will allow. Her life’s work\, she says\, is to share her love of music and her gratitude for life with others – one song\, one heart\, and one mind at a time. Sharing the stage with Heather for this show will be Shawn Nadeau on electric bass.\nCheck out Heather’s Piano Peace:heatherpierson.com\n\nClark Johnson\, born in New York City\, opens the show. He spent his early years in suburban New Jersey. Picking up the guitar at twelve\, he never let go.\nMany of his early influences were the members of the Folk Revival\, including Woody Gutherie\, Bob Dylan\, Phil Ochs and Tom Paxton. The British invasion pulled Clark into Rock and Roll\, however\, after seeing Muddy Waters in a club in Berkely CA\, he turned his energy toward Blues and R&B. He wrapped up his college studies with a specialty in Ethnomusicology and a focus on American Blues and Jazz.\nMoving to Florida\, Clark was introduced to the worlds of Bluegrass and Country\, and to the ACMA. He was invited to play with thePearl Street Band for a charity show\, and he was never asked to leave. Clark’s songs range from deeply personal to tongue-in-cheek rockers to haunting social commentary. He is looking forward to playing some of these for you tonight.\nTickets to the show are available at the door.\nSuggested door donations:$15/Members$20/General admission\nACMA listening room doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/heather-pierson-duo-in-concert-clark-johnson-opens/
LOCATION:ACMA. at All Faiths Unitarian\, 2756 McGregor Blvd.\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-5.39.26 PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20260107T142601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T161807Z
UID:3782-1770143400-1770148800@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters Showcase at The Collaboratory
DESCRIPTION:The Collaboratory has partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to present FREE concerts featuring all-original music by talented local singer-songwriters. 🌟 \nBecause of the anticipated\, cold weather\, this show has been moved INSIDE \nThe ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to supporting original music. Each showcase features three artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and the experiences that inspired them—much like the Island Hopper Festival or Nashville’s Bluebird Café. \nExpect an evening of professional-quality Americana music blending blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country. \n📍 Free Parking.        ⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM \nCome support local music and enjoy a night you won’t forget! \n   John Craddock\,   Ray Cerbone\,  Fred Ball \nJohn Lawrence Craddock is an Americana singer\, songwriter\, and storyteller with a distinctive bluesy style. His music weaves relatable stories with deep\, soulful vocals\, carried by rich and colorful guitar playing that is undeniably his own. Whether you’re drawn to songs that make you laugh or cry\, melodies that invite you to sing along\, or guitar work that impresses even seasoned musicians\, his work has something for everyone. His music is a reflection of sixty years of life experience\, shaped by the legendary multi-genre artists whose timeless influence continues to inspire today.  www.JohnLawrenceCraddock.com \nRay Cerbone is one of the founding members of the Fort Myers ACMA (Americana Community Music Association)\, Ray began playing guitar during the late 60’s folk scene. With the support and inspiration of fellow local and touring musicians\, he began writing and playing in earnest in 2010. Traveling a long road in a short time\, his music encompasses many genres\, including Americana\, Folk\, Blues\, Ballads\, and a little bit of Country. His storyteller style takes the listener to another place in time\, his music and lyrics bringing evocative insights into the many sides of life. Ray is also a singer-songwriter’s song-singer. That is\, he does interpretive covers of other great originals by little-known but very talented artists using his own creative touch. His inventive fingerstyle guitar is uniquely diverse and easy-on-the-ears. \nRay’s first CD “How Much Time”  has received glowing reviews and is being featured on KEOS Radio in Austin\, Texas\, 98.1 as well as others.  He has shared the stage with Jaime Michaels\, Pierce Pettis\, Muriel Anderson\, Rebecca Folsom\, Jefferson Ross\, Brian Smalley\, as well as Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield (The Reckless Saints)\, and Robin  O’Herin.  He has performed at several Florida Folk Festivals in SW\, Central\, and Northern Florida as well as house concerts\, and the BMI sponsored “Island Hopper Festival” in Ft. Myers. \nRays second CD\, “Nobodys Hero”\,  which was released at the end of 2024\, was very well received and is being played in rotation by several radio stations stateside and in the British Isles.  This second effort is full on Americana and contains moving songs about the deeper side of life. Reviews of this record can be found on the website. \nRay fronted “The Apocalypse Blues Revue”. A hard hitting blues rock band formed by Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola of “Godsmack” fame. The band was signed to Mascot/Provogue records and under that sign released two full length records\, both reaching number two in the blues charts.  Over 6 years the band played blues festivals and blues venues on both coasts. They opened for Steven Tyler\, Robbie Krieger of  “The Doors”\, The Blue Oyster Cult\, and did two tours with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Another record is in the works and slated for a release in 2026. \nFred Ball told us\, I got my musical start in Greenwich Village in the early 60s during “The Great Folk Scare”. Played primarily folk music until the late 60s when I started playing in a wedding band (if I ever have to play “The Shadow of Your Smile” again I might throw up).  \nMarried my wife (and 2 kids) now of 42 years and stopped playing in 1979 until 2005 when a friend who knew me from my job of teaching guitar at a local music store persuaded me to take my guitar out of mothballs and join him on stage for a few numbers. Foolish me thought it would all come back…..it did not! I did make the show and played a couple of songs (badly) but was now bitten by the bug. \nI recommitted myself to returning to form and have played steadily since then. I started to “play out” around 2008 and took vocal lessons since I been principally a guitar player in my bands. I ran a number of open mics in CT as well as played out as a solo “singer songwriter”. \nSongwriting has become my passion and I spend time each day in pursuit of that! As a resident “old guy” my hands are now showing the ravages of age but will play until I cannot! You have to love what you do……..and I do
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-showcase-at-the-collaboratory/
LOCATION:The Collaboratory\, 2031 Jackson St\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33901\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260208T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260208T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20250716T181706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T181427Z
UID:3675-1770562800-1770570000@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA @ The Alliance presents   Rod MacDonald in Concert.  Bob Patetta opens.
DESCRIPTION:The ACMA is delighted to once again host Rod Macdonald at our ACMA Alliance Concert series.\nSunday Feb 8thDoors at 2:30Show at 3:00\nTickets at www.artinlee.org$18 for ACMA members/$20 General Public.\n\nRod MacDonald (born August 17\, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter\, novelist\, and educator.[1] He was a “big part of the 1980s folk revival in Greenwich Village clubs”\,[2] performing at the Speakeasy\, The Bottom Line\, Folk City\, and the “Songwriter’s Exchange” at the Cornelia Street Cafe. He co-founded the Greenwich Village Folk Festival. He is perhaps best known for his songs “American Jerusalem“\, about the “contrast between the rich and the poor in Manhattan” (Sing Out!)\, “A Sailor’s Prayer”\, “Coming of the Snow”\, “Every Living Thing”\, and “My Neighbors in Delray”\, a description of the September 11 hijackers’ last days in Delray Beach\, Florida\, where MacDonald has lived since 1995. His songs have been covered by Dave Van Ronk\, Shawn Colvin\, Four Bitchin’ Babes\, Jonathan Edwards\, Garnet Rogers\, Joe Jencks\, and others. His 1985 recording “White Buffalo” is dedicated to Lakota Sioux ceremonial chief and healer Frank Fools Crow\, whom he visited in 1981 and 1985\, and who appears with MacDonald in the cover photograph. Since 1995 MacDonald has lived in south Florida\, where his cd\, “Later that Night” was named “Best Local Cd of 2014” by The Palm Beach Post [3] and reached the top ten in national roots music charts. His first novel\, The Open Mike\, about a young man in the open mike scene of Greenwich Village\, was published on December 5\, 2014\, by Archway Publishing.[4] On May 1\, 2018\, MacDonald released his 13th solo recording\, “Beginning Again\,” on Blue Flute Music.\nMacDonald has released 12 solo recordings on several record labels in the US\, 8 in Europe on the Swiss label Brambus\, and 21 songs with Smithsonian Folkways (through the Fast Folk Musical Magazine)\, and appears as lead singer of Big Brass Bed\, a Palm Beach County rock and roll band\, on 3 cds of Bob Dylan songs and originals. As with many independent artists\, his recordings are often sold directly at concerts\, and at online sites. His current label is Blue Flute Music.\nMacDonald has appeared on stage with fellow artists\, including Pete Seeger\, Peter Yarrow\, Odetta\, Tom Paxton\, the Violent Femmes\, Suzanne Vega\, Shawn Colvin\, Dave Van Ronk\, Emmylou Harris\, Richie Havens\, Ani DiFranco\, Tom Chapin\, Jack Hardy and David Massengill. He has performed at festivals in Philadelphia\, Winnipeg\, Florida\, South Florida\, Riverhawk\, Boston\, Kerrville\, Greenwich Village\, Falcon Ridge\, New Bedford Summerfest\, Port Fairy (Australia) and Trowbridge (UK)\, and on the radio program Mountain Stage. He was reportedly the first American singer to tour the newly independent Czech Republic in 1991\, and has made 40 tours in Europe since 1985\, nearly all of them with NYC bassist Mark Dann.\nHe remains active\, touring most often in Florida\, Germany\, Switzerland\, Italy\, the Pacific Northwest\, New York and New England.\nhttps://rodmacdonald.com/home\nOpening is\, Bob Patetta is a singer-songwriter specializing in blues\, rock and folk\, and has been performing and recording on guitar\, harmonica and vocals for over 50 years. Born and raised in New Jersey where he started out singing and playing in rock bands\, he has also worked extensively along the Gulf Coast of Florida\, playing harmonica and washboard with Rosie O’Grady’s Dixieland Band in Pensacola\, guitar and blues harp in the greater Tampa area and Lee County\, and in Ohio since 1990. He is currently performing with the Hot Potatoes band in Ohio\, and with Wildlife Drive in Florida\, as well as making many solo appearances. He is also known for making a joyful noise on Sunday mornings at many Unity and UCC churches.
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-the-alliance-presents-roy-book-binder-in-concert-bob-patetta-opens/
LOCATION:Alliance for the Arts\, 10091 McGregor Blvd\, Fort Myers\, FL\, 33919\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.americanacma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2026-01-15-at-1.13.26-PM.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T203000
DTSTAMP:20260525T174329
CREATED:20260106T003932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T003932Z
UID:3777-1770750000-1770755400@www.americanacma.org
SUMMARY:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park.
DESCRIPTION:ACMA Songwriters at Koreshan State Park.   \nThe Friends of Koreshan State Park have partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to present monthly concerts featuring all-original music by talented local artists. \nBring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening under the stars.   \nThe ACMA\, a Fort Myers–based nonprofit\, is dedicated to promoting original music by local singer-songwriters. Each showcase features artists sharing their songs\, the stories behind them\, and a lifetime of experiences— Prepare for an evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music\, which blends blues\, roots\, folk\, bluegrass\, and country. Details: \n\nTickets: $10 (includes parking) Children under 12 free \nAdvance Tickets\, Guarantee entrance additional tickets at the gate if space allows.\n    TICKET LINK TO FOLLOW\nSchedule: Gates open at 6:30.  Show runs from 7-8:30 \n\n  Mike McMillan  Diwakar (Bon) Mokadam   Carlene Thissen.    \nMike McMillan is a songwriter whose music is deeply influenced by the blues. Though he’ll tell you he’s still a student of the genre\, his songwriting and guitar work have inspired many local musicians to start writing their own blues songs. But Mike’s talents don’t stop there — his writing draws from folk\, Americana\, and roots traditions\, creating songs that are honest\, soulful\, and full of heart. \nDiwakar (Bon) Mokadam is a singer songwriter who has been writing songs since he was a teenager. His musical influences continue to evolve from rock to jazz to pop to progressive. He has released three CD’s “Modern Prog\,” “Post Modern Prog” and “The Jon Banders Experiment\,” with a band of friends called\, “The Elders.” His last ACMA opening concert can be seen on YouTube. His music is on digital platforms such as Spotify\, Apple Music\, TikTok\, Instagram\, Amazon Music\, YouTube Music\, Deezer\, Pandora\, and Sound Cloud. \nCarlene Thissen is an American singer-songwriter and author\, born on June 28\, 1950\, in Andover\, northwest New Jersey.  \nShe now shares her time between her permanent home in Naples\, Florida\, and Saugerties\, NY\, where she dedicates herself to performing\, speaking and songwriting\, singing and playing piano and guitar at house concerts\, clubs\, restaurants\, festivals and charity events. \nCarlene started performing in the 1960s and 70s as a young guitar-playing folk singer\, doing songs by Bob Dylan\, Joan Baez\, Judy Collins\, Joni Mitchell and Melanie.  She says the best three days of her life were spent at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969 and she presents a multi-media program today about that experience. \nIn 2024\, she donated the guitar she had with her in 1969 to the Bethel Woods Woodstock Museum\, where it is included in a display just outside the entrance.   Along with the guitar is a photo of Carlene and the chorus lyrics to her song\, “Back There Again” that include the line “the guitar she named Alice.”     \nAs she explains in her autobiographical song\, “Back There Again\,” this Woodstock hippie girl\, “…cut her hair and got a career\, and lost herself for 30 odd years.”  Forgetting her dreams of being a doctor working in ghettos\, she became a successful business woman\, well known for speeches\, articles and books about marketing technology.  She ended her corporate career as Vice President for a large market research company in Chicago\, started her own independent international consulting company and then moved to Naples\, Florida. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.americanacma.org/event/acma-songwriters-at-koreshan-state-park-4/
LOCATION:Koreshan State Park\, 3800 Corkscrew Rd\, Estero\, FL\, 33928\, United States
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