Top 5 things to do this weekend in SW FL: Country rappers at The Ranch, comedy Noises Off
Looking for some entertainment in Southwest Florida?
Here are five fun things to do this weekend and beyond, including the zany comedy "Noises Off" at Lab Theater and country rappers Bubba Sparxxx, Dusty Leigh and others at The Ranch.
Plus, we look ahead at other things to do in the coming weeks: Vintage Market Days, the new Fort Myers Latin Music Festival and more.
EVENT SUBMISSIONS: Got anything cool happening next weekend or later? I’m always looking for concerts, festivals and other great events for my weekly Top 5 things to do. To be considered, email me the details at [email protected] or message me at facebook.com/charles.runnells.7.
1. Lab Theater’s ‘Noises Off’
The classic farce shows all the chaos, intrigue and zaniness happening onstage and behind the scenes while actors try to perform a stage comedy. Sept. 8-Oct. 1. $35. Preview shows Sept. 6-7 are half price. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 218-0481 or laboratorytheaterflorida.com
2. James “Blood” Ulmer at Arts Bonita
The acclaimed singer and guitar virtuoso plays his own soulful style of music blending his jagged guitar sound with jazz, funk and blues. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. $42-$49. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
3. The Country Bumpkin Tour at Ranch
This national tour features country rappers Dusty Leigh, Bezz Believe, Jamie Ray and Bubba Sparxxx. Show starts at about 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Doors open at 7 p.m. $32. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
4. Bigger Than Music rap show at HOWL
Some of Southwest Florida’s top hip-hop acts perform at this group show, including Killa Vanilla, Fame Faiella, Ed Words, Chase Rhyme, Mayan Kulture and Big Riik. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. $15. Ages 21 and up. HOWL, 4160 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. 332-0161 or facebook.com/HOWLFTMYERS
5. 'A Cracker at the Ritz' at Arts Bonita
Satirical duo Compton & Bennett perform a musical poking fun at Southwest Florida, including the songs “Snowbird Come (and He Won’t Go Home),” “Swampland Scam” and “Migrant Worker Man.” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. $30. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Florida funny: Hit comedy to keep the snowbird, HOA jokes coming in Bonita Springs
LOOKING AHEAD
The Blues Beatles at Arts Bonita
The name of this touring Brazilian band says it all: They mash up songs from The Beatles with traditional blues arrangements. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. $42-$49. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Vintage Market Days at Lee Civic Center
This touring vintage and vintage-inspired market features clothing, jewelry, original art, antiques, home décor, outdoor furnishings and more. Plus live music and food trucks. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 15-17. Cost $7-$12 (free for ages 12 and younger). Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. vintagemarketdays.com
SWFL SteamCon in Cape Coral
The steampunk and fantasy convention returns to Fort Myers with more crafters, artists, authors, cosplay contests, live music and various activities such as the Splendid Teapot Race (featuring teapots mounted on remote-control chassis and then run through an obstacle course). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. $10 for ages 12 and older. One kid under 11 gets in free with each paid adult ($5 per additional child). The event takes place indoors. German American Social Club, 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. swflsteamcon.com
Fort Myers Latin Music Festival
Salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton acts from Cuba, Puerto Rico and South America perform at the all-new Fort Myers Latin Music Festival. The lineup includes Osmani Garcia, Lucy Grau, Bianca Leony and The Celia Cruz All Stars. There will also be food trucks and a kids zone with four bounce houses. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. VIP tickets are also available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Music ALIVE SWFL, a nonprofit helping local musicians impacted by Hurricane Ian. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. niceguysproduction.com
— Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. For news tips or other entertainment-related matters, call him at 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at [email protected].
You can also connect with him on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), X (formerly Twitter) (@charlesrunnells), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram (@crunnells1).
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fort Myers things to do: Bubba Sparxxx, Dusty Leigh at The Ranch