WOW To Do List: ‘Four One-Act Comedies’

APRIL

Lebanese Vegan Fest

From noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at 21 Spices, 4270 U.S. 41 E., Naples. Indo-Lebanese buffet. This event will benefit aPlantBasedDiet.org whose mission is to increase awareness of vegan diets and its positive health aspects. $19.99 per person. Space is limited. RSVP: michel@21spicesdining.com or 239-919-8830.

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Violin concert

United Church of Marco Island presents a violin concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, April 22, featuring Glenn Basham, concert master of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra; accompanied by Jodie DeSalvo, pianist lecturer and performer. The church is located at 320 N Barfield Drive, Marco Island. Information: 239-394-6572.

Meals of Hope: ‘Happy hour for Hope’

Marco Island Meals of Hope’s next “Happy Hour for Hope” will be from 5 until 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at Stan’s Idle Hour Restaurant, 221 Goodland Drive, Goodland. Happy Hours for Hope are fundraisers for Marco Island’s Meals of Hope. The $20 admission fee helps the organization buy food for its packaging event in November. Happy Hours for Hope raise about $15,000 each year. The packaging event in November has a budget of $50,000. Marco Meals of Hope is a joint effort of Kiwanis, Noontime Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs. Information: 239-642-6020 or www.mohmi.org.

Anibal Cruz returns

The Marco Island Center for the Arts is bringing back Cuban-born tenor Anibal Cruz to perform salsa flavored songs, Latin favorites and even Frank Sinatra selections. Concert pianist Jorge Emilio Pis-Rodriguez will be joining Cruz for this interlude. The concert will take place from 5:30 until 7 p.m.,  Wednesday, April 25, in the Art Center. The ticket price is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call the Art Center at 239.394.4221 or visit the website at www.marcoislandart.org/musicalinterludes.

‘Four One-Act Comedies’

The Marco Players wrap up this season with “Four One-Act Comedies” by Bruce Kane. A producer and writer and known for light entertainment, Bruce Kane was an executive producer at ABC TV for more than 10 years and was the driving force behind some of Australia’s most iconic and successful programs. “Four One-Act Comedies” is on stage April 25 through May 13 at The Marco Players Theater, Marco Town Center Mall, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. Shows are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $28 or $30 each and are on sale at www.TheMarcoPlayers.com or by calling the box office at 239-642-7270. 

Science Saturday

Science Saturdays provide an opportunity for families to spend the day at the Environmental Learning Center enjoying programs, labs and activities centered around a different science theme, on the last Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults. $3 for children 6-12, under 6 is free. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

MAY

Gift Gallery Sale

There will be a Gift Gallery Sale from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, and features an innovative mix of handcrafted and artful, cutting-edge one of a kind items by local and regional artists. Part of the proceeds from the purchase of a handcrafted item supports the artist that created the piece, as well as the Art Center. In all cases, your purchases are supporting and endorsing the arts. The Gift Gallery maintains a popular selection of unique house wares, jewelry, accessories, greeting cards, toys, ceramics, original art, books and more. Shop Local. Inventory is changed frequently. Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive just off of Collier Boulevard.  Contact the Art Center at 239-394-4221 or online at www.marcoislandart.org.

6th Annual Rib Cook-Off

The Marco Police Foundation will be having their 6th Annual Rib Cook-Off from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday, May 12 at the Marco Island Brewery, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island. There will be food, fun, music, raffles and each ticket includes a fully served meal. The MPF supports the Marco Island Police Department. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the foundation.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

From 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., May 14, if you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, the Essentials of Digital Photography: How to get the most from your digital camera workshop is for you. This class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera's shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. Cost is $55. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

Breakfast with the Birds: Connecting the Globe through Bird Migration

Learn about birds at this summer lecture series. Adam DiNuovo has been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the U.S. and beyond for more than 15 years. He is currently the Shorebird Stewardship Program Manager for Audubon Florida. Cost is $15.  May 15: Doors open at 9 a.m. Lecture begins at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy pastries, coffee and juice. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

Alex Weitz Jazz Ensemble

The Marco Island Center for the Arts presents saxophonist and composer Alex Weitz and his jazz ensemble for the first time on Marco Island. The concert will take place on Thursday, May 17, from 5:30 until 7 p.m., in the Art Center. Alex Weitz began his career in Arizona as a member of the award-winning Tucson Jazz Institute Ellington Band. Here he received his foundation in swing and the classic repertoire of Count Basie. While in school he was a member of the Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Septet under famed trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Mr. Weitz has been recognized by DownBeat and ASCAP as an outstanding young soloist and jazz composer. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Miami Frost School of Music. The ticket price is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call the Art Center at 239-394-4221 or visit www.marcoislandart.org/musicalinterludes.

Upcoming Musical Interludes for June and July: All concerts from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Enjoy a musical cabaret evening with singer Abby Yetter on June 14. Jazz returns on July 18 with the Brennen Yetter Jazz Trio bringing a fresh take to an old art form.

ONGOING

‘Trailblazers:  The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail’

The Collier Museum at Government Center will present “Trailblazers:  The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail,” a travelling exhibition originally presented by the Coral Gables Museum. This exhibit will explore the Tamiami Trail’s history, culture, devastating impact on the Everglades and plans to mitigate that extensive damage. This multi-media interactive exhibit will feature photographs, historic documents, artifacts and film. Curated by Jon Ullman, the exhibition will be on display until Saturday, April 28 at the Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida. Information:  CollierMuseums.com.

Learn to Play Chess

The Marco Library is launching “Learn to Play Chess.” The program is offered free at in Rose Hall on Saturdays from 10 until 11 a.m., Saturdays. The instructors are Wade Keller and some members of the local club Chess K-12. Information: Library, 394-3272 or Wade Keller, 389-2525.

Master Gardeners

The Master Gardener Walk-In Plant Clinic has returned to Lowe's, ready again to offer advice and answer all your gardening questions. If you are having trouble with your plants, they can diagnose the problem for you. It could be bugs, fungus or overwatering. It could just be the cold weather. Come and visit.  Master Gardeners will be there from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays (through April) waiting to help you. You can find us in the garden area. Master Gardeners have been trained by the University of Florida on many correct horticultural practices and problems. Pruning, fertilizers, bug identification, grass problems, just to name a few. please bring bugs or infected material in a sealed plastic bag. Pictures on your phone or tablet will help in diagnosing. Lowes is located on the corner of 951 (Collier Boulevard) and U.S. 41.

Monday Night Bingo

Monday Night Bingo is back at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bonanza is posted at 6:15 and the game is called at 7. The Bingo Committee serves a complimentary supper of a kosher hot dog on a special roll, sauerkraut, relish, pickles, chips, fruit, coffee, tea, ice cream and pastries. Gift certificates are available, perfect for all occasions. The game is open to the public. Information: 239-642-0880.

Guided boat and kayak tours

Two-hour guided kayak tours let you explore backwater bays and mangrove tunnels while learning about your surroundings from an experienced guide and naturalist. Tours provide opportunities to see wildlife such as wading birds, osprey, fish and dolphins. Tours include free admission to the Environmental Learning Center on day of trip and proceeds support the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc. Kayak and boat tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays from November through April. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.

JCMI mah jongg

Mah Jongg every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive. Reserve spot by calling Shirley at 239-389-7872.

Mackle Park mah jongg

Mah Jongg is held from m 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Canasta

Canasta is held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Island Knitters

A group of knitters meets from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Information: 239-642-0575 or cityofmarcoisland.com

Duplicate bridge

Bridge is held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays at Mackle Park Community Center, 1361 Andalusia Terrace. There is a $10 yearly fee. Call Gwen at 394-0675 for available spaces.     

Round Robin Tennis

Round Robin Tennis is available at various times and days for men and women at the Greater Marco Family YMCA, 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island. Eight clay courts are available. Round Robins are free to Marco YMCA members and $15 for community participants. Players must register to play in Round Robins. Registration or information: 239-394-3144, ext. 224.

JUNE

Kids Free Friday: Mammals

From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., June 15, in celebration of the Reserve’s 40th anniversary, this popular summer education program provides free admission with programming geared towards children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult. We recommend a ratio of no more than 3 kids per adult to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US41 and Collier Boulevard. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

For more event listings, navigate to the Entertainment section and click on the WOW To Do List at marconews.com. Calendar items must be emailed to mail@marconews.com and should be submitted at least a week before desired publication.