Change is a way of life in recent months at Cape Coral Cultural Park Theatre. There’s a new Board of Directors, a new Executive Director, and a slew of new and energized volunteers. The non-profit community theatre has been producing in Southwest Florida for 40 years. Now its leaders are reaching out to re-ignite the area’s interest. Kathleen Moye checked out the latest at the theatre..."Butterflies Are Free".

Florida Repertory Theatre’s current show “Moon Over Buffalo” pays homage to the great masters of farce. Using door slamming and mistaken identity, mixed with tongue-in-cheek melodrama, playwright Ken Ludwig gives audiences a peek at the backstage antics involved in putting on a show. Ludwig paused for a moment to talk about his work and inspirations with Kathleen Moye.

A Naples couple made a very generous gift yesterday to Florida Gulf Coast University.

The two and a half million dollar gift from Alan and Marilyn Korest will be matched by the state and endow the Bower School of Music. FGCU’s Music program got underway this fall. Marilyn Korest is the daughter of the late Edwin Bower who was a well known Collier County philanthropist . F-G-C-U President Bill Merwin acknowledged the gift at a well attended reception.

“Today we are here to witness uncommon munificence that will make a difference in our society”

Merwin has worked to launch a music program at FGCU since he joined the University in 1999. The 25 students enrolled in the program were front and center at the reception – showcasing their talent. FGCU is offering degrees in performance and teaching with plans to expand the program to include Music Therapy.

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Florida Gulf Coast University’s fledgling music program got a huge boost today - a two and a half million dollar gift from Alan and Marilyn Korest of Naples. The gift will be matched by the State’s Major Gifts Trust Fund – endowing the Bower School of Music. Marilyn Korest is the daughter of the late Edwin Bower. Florida Gulf Coast University President Bill Merwin says the music program fills an important educational niche.

“According to the Florida Department of Education projection, by 2010 there will be nearly 400 music vacancies in the state of Florida. This program therefore responds directly to that emerging state need”.

FGCU’s baccalaureate program in music got underway this fall. Twenty five students are enrolled. Degrees are offered in performance and teaching. And there are plans to expand the program to include a degree in Music Therapy.

Fans and friends of Punta Gorda singer-songwriter Steve Blackwell are choking back tears this week. On Monday the 57 year old found of the popular “Punta Gorda Guitar Army” passed away following a year long battle with Melanoma. W-G-C-U’s Valerie Alker has this remembrance.

Goals were not likely reached Saturday night at the 17th annual Arts for ACT auction at Harborside Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The event raises money for the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center to helps victims of domestic abuse and survivors of sexual assault in Lee, Glades and Hendry Counties.
Despite guest auctioneer, supermodel and actress Lauren Hutton’s 2nd appearance, bidding was low, even for a signed lithograph by contemporary art icon James Rosenquist which went for only 3,200. The most pretigious piece - Bob Rauschenberg's original work, "Party" only went for 100,000.
Here’s a glimpse into what’s traditionally the highlight of the evening, beginning with a toast to Rauschenberg. You’ll hear TV anchor Kellie Burns, ACT director Jennifer Benton, MC John Finstrom, Lauren Hutton and the auctioneer.
Former Fort Myers first lady Marilyn Smith bought the Rauschenberg for a bargain 100,000 dollars.

The Cypress Lake Center for the Arts' two-year-old a capella choir is recognized as the best in the state since a competition last month in Lakeland. Now it’s raising money to travel to a regional competition in Georgia. As Kathleen Moye reports, it’s not the typical high school choir. (AUDIO)