The Americana Community Music Association is Fort Myers home for original Americana music, has eight shows this month (four at the listening room and four on the road). The ACMA provides a venue for local and touring artists, many are award winning performers in the Americana/folk community. All shows are in a quiet, intimate setting and every show is a meet and greet with the artists. Most shows are a $15 donation at the door. The ACMA rents the All Faiths Congregation on McGregor for most shows.
The ACMA welcomes Mean Mary on March 7. Mary plays 11 instruments and has recorded 16 albums. Today, she produces music, produces videos (her YouTube videos have received over 15 million visits), tours extensively across the US and overseas, is co-writing a novel trilogy about the music world, and is an endorsing artist for Deering Banjos. The Deerings have named her their Goodtime Ambassador. Mary plays 11 instruments and has recorded 16 albums, her newest being Cold. There is not room here to tell the whole life story of Mean Mary, but if you would like to hear more of it, listen to her music—it is all there. Silvia & Pete Popravak will open the March 7 show.
Richard Smith will perform March 14. Back after way too long a hiatus, Richard Smith brings us his finger style virtuoso. With fret board fireworks and lyrical endeavours he will melt your heart- strings, make your toes tapping and your jaws hanging open. Richard’s ever growing repertoire comprises a wide variety of music from classical Bach to Beatles pop. It includes Scott Joplin Rags just like Sousa marches, Chopin, Mozart and fiddle tunes. It ranges from jazz standards to Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed and to Django Reinhardt gypsy swing, not to mention his intriguing originals. He delivers both, lightning fast barn-burners and beautiful ballads, occasionally spiced with vocals. The March 14 show will open with Mike McMillan.
The ACMA welcomes Daniel Boling to the stage on March 21. Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Winner Daniel Boling shares experiences from a life well-lived in places as far-ranging as Okinawa, Japan, and Padre Island, Texas. This balladeer/songwriter brings his friendly tenor, fingerstyle guitar, frailed banjo, and beautifully-crafted story songs to delighted audiences throughout the U.S., Western Europe, New Zealand and Australia in over one hundred shows a year, from house concerts and listening rooms to major festivals (Kerrville, Winfield, Woody Guthrie, and others). Elizabeth Lockhart will open the March 21 show.
Bill and Kate Isles will perform March 27 at the listening room. They are an acoustic singer/songwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Using a wide variety of musical styles, their performances carry audiences through a broad landscape of experiences from metaphorical worlds to small town family stories and to zany comedy. Consummate performers, they are known for their catchy melodies and memorable songs. They have a deep-seated love for the audience, and each other, and it shines before, during, and after the performance. They tour nationally, presenting their profound songs for audiences large and small, from house concerts to festival stages and everything in between. The March 27 show opens with Joyce Knake.
Additionally, the ACMA holds a singer songwriters circle every Sunday 2 – 4 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation at 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. The circle is for acoustic songwriters of all levels.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and all shows start at 7 pm. For more info, visit www.americanacma.org.
ACMA on the road
The ACMA promotes local artists who perform their own original songs. Come hear great original music and the stories behind the songs. In March, the ACMA goes on the road four times:
Robert Bidney and Ray Cerbone will perform March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Captiva Lane.
The Friends of Lovers Key and the ACMA presents Songwriters at Sunset on March 5 at 4:30 p.m. featuring the Pearl Street Band. The concert will take place in the large gazebo located right on the beach. Come early for parking and to enjoy a variety of the local food trucks. Park entry fees are $8 for vehicles (2-8 people), $4 for single person in vehicle The Pearl Street Band is comprised of Bob Williams, Mike McMllan, Bill Veach and Clark Johnson.
Songwriters on the Plaza is March 10 at 6 p.m. at the South Cornog Plaza at the Fort Myers Regional Library downtown. Performers will include Carlene Thissen, Karen Cohen and Carolyn Stanley. This event moves inside if weather dictates.
Songwriters at the South County Library in Estero will be March 14 at 2 p.m. and will feature locals Bill Burkert, Bruce Gallant and Millie VanHorn.
