The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective has been celebrating famous jazz musicians this season. In June, it’s Thomas “Fats” Waller.

Only 17 Southwest Florida arts organizations to share in $65.9 million in arts funding approved by Legislature for 2026-2027. Again this year, some major arts organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have been left on the outside looking in.

This week, one show opens, two close, eight continue their runs and there are three limited engagements, "Love Letters," 'Monsters Inc. JR' and "The Laramie Project," at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.

Collier County Public Librarystarted a summer reading program this month.

Actor Anthony Head, known for his roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso," has died at 72. His family announced Friday that he passed away peacefully due to complications from pneumonia, surrounded by loved ones. Head first gained recognition in the 1980s on British TV as part of a romantic couple in Nescafe ads. He later achieved U.S. fame as Rupert Giles in the supernatural series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which aired from 1997 to 2003.

No living photographer does a better job of capturing the emotion of the American landscape than Clyde Butcher - that feeling you experience when you turn a corner on a hike and spy a pristine lake or cascading waterfall, or a valley suddenly opens up beneath your feet. So, Marco Island Historical Museum decided to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by exhibiting Clyde Butcher's "America the Beautiful" photo exhibition.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Juneteenth Arts Festival is now a two-day event. It opens Friday, June 19 with an exhibition of African face jugs inspired by vessels created by Southern enslaved potters along with African artifacts, followed by a performance of “Words, Beats & Movement” featuring local performers.

Boy Kong is a self-taught painter, illustrator, muralist and collage artist. He draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, such as the Japanese tradition of Ukiyo-e, surrealism and animal folklore. He went in a different direction for this year’s Florida Contemporary exhibition at the Baker Museum.

Two factors distinguish the TheatreZone production. First, Director Mark Danni has brought together New York–based performers and Florida talent in an ensemble of seasoned and emerging artists that features 11-year-old Fort Lauderdale actor Carter Sass in the role of Oliver. Second, the show marks the return to the stage of Naples Music Director and Conductor Charles Fornara for the first time in ten years.

Award-winning writer Reyna Grande has a new essay collection called Migrant Heart. She discusses why it’simportant for immigrant stories to be out in the world, especially now.