Sun, November 1, 2009

Basically Bluegrass Concert & Pick-In

More great pickin’ and grinnin' is in store for folks who attend the next Basically Bluegrass Concert & Pick-In on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lee Civic Center. 2:00 Kurt Dunn and Company- Ft. Myers--After a long awaited return, Kurt will entertain you with the music that you love. 2:45 Frontline!!!! AKA Ginko Biloba-Naples--Come hear the great harmonies and instrumentals from this group of seasoned musicians 3:30 Barrowed Time-North Port. Bill, Bobbie and Doug are back and eager to play that great traditional Bluegrass music. They return because YOU have asked for them. 4:10 50/50 prize 4:15 THE SKEETERLAND BAND-Pine Island. They have energy, they have great harmony. Bluegrass with a twist of that old time sound. A delight. The snow birds are returning, so you never know who will show up for the jam session. Bring your instruments and pick under the trees. $6 at the gate, $25 annual membership. The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida sponsors these monthly concerts. Basically Bluegrass Concerts & Pick-Ins are scheduled the first Sunday of each month (except holidays) year ‘round. Directions to the Lee Civic Center are as follows: Take I-75 to exit 143 (Bayshore Road). Go east approximately 2.5 miles to Old Bayshore Road. Turn LEFT to Bluegrass Concert entrance. Look for small sign on left hand side. Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida P.O. Box 367401 Bonita Springs FL. 34136 239-248-8906

Blueway Festival

n Blueway or Bust: Premier paddling festival set for Oct. 23 - Nov. 1 in Lee County The fourth annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is set to showcase kayaking and eco-events along Southwest Florida’s waterways Oct. 23 through Nov. 1. The 10-day festival offers an array of speakers and instruction, cultural and eco festivals, races and fishing events, paddlers’ get-togethers and green activities. Events are at public parks and archeological sites as well as resorts and campgrounds along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile marked-and-meandering saltwater trail that spans the Lee County coast from Bonita Springs to Pine Island and inland to Alva. The festival is part of Islands Fall Fest. Take a staycation and book yourself into a campground right along the trail at a site that includes a guided tour with the Florida Paddling Trail Association to historic Mound Key, an island once inhabited by the Calusa king. Attend the Calusa Costume Ball dressed as a conquistador or sea wench, and then hear ghost stories on a moonlight hike. Local kayakers and canoeists can join in a half dozen evening hospitality events at which prizes will be raffled. Festival attendees also can get competitive. Two canoe/kayak races and a catch-and-release fishing tournament are planned; some have cash prizes. There’s even a competitive geocaching event on the Caloosahatchee. Visitors can give back to the community by joining in a countywide waterway marine debris cleanup called Monofilament Madness. Make a $10 donation to the trail and get a Blueway VIP Wristband to enjoy extra value at more than 80 Southwest Florida attractions, restaurants, galleries, shops and marine/outfitter locations. The festival features daily activities, with emphasis on the Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 29-Nov. 1 weekends. Many activities are free. Call the festival hotline at (239) 823-6335 or see the schedule online at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. For Islands Fall Fest, go to www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.