The national entertainment industry continues to take a huge financial hit from the COVID 19 pandemic, affecting thousands of lives on stage and back stage. In Southwest Florida, local musicians, singers and bands are trying to make ends meet and be artistically creative at the same time. With restaurants operating at limited capacities and bars and other music venues idle, it’s been tough for some local acts to get gigs. Additionally, there are many people who just don’t want to go out to public places for health and safety concerns … but still crave live music.
Continuing our long-time mission to promote local and live music, Happenings Magazine is spotlighting some local talent. These gifted folks can be seen live at various locations around SW Florida, but you can also support them virtually online through social media (via virtual concerts). And, for those who own a restaurant or need live music for a function or event, these performers are available for hire.
Acoustic Fire, Relentless Fire
Reneé Hose performs all over Southwest Florida with her band Relentless Fire and acoustic duo Acoustic Fire. As well, Renee will do an occasional solo show.
Her album was released April 20 online everywhere. Reneé is a soulful powerhouse vocalist performing blues, rock and soul and is a guitarist and keyboardist.
Relentless Fire is a rock band covering everything from AC/DC to Van Halen, Cheap Trick, LED Zeppelin, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, GNR and much more. Relentless Fire also includes Steve McWilliams on lead guitar, Johnny Kiesling on drums and prentice Harris Sr. on bass guitar.
The acoustic duo also covers many rock favorites featuring two guitars and soaring vocals. Acoustic Fire is seen weekly at Snook Inn on Marco.
Social links include: Facebook.com/relentlessfire
Facebook.com/acousticfire
Facebook.com/ReneeHosemusic
Instagram: @reneehosemusic
Twitter: Renee Hose
The full band website is www.relentlessfire.net
Girl Meets Boy – Derek Trenholm & Heather Brooks
Derek Trenholm and Heather Brooks (also husband and wife) combine their talents to make Girl Meets Boy and can be found on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Doc Ford’s on Fort Myers Beach.
With Derek on guitar and Heather playing keys, their combined vocals make for a great sound.
As solo artists, they each have busy schedules too. In August, Heather will be doing solo gigs at Doc Ford’s on Captiva, Dixie Fish Co. on Fort Myers Beach and the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant in Fort Myers.
Derek’s solo gigs in August include The Boat House in Cape Coral and Bimini Bait Shack in Fort Myers as well as some private events.
Additionally, the two musicians share their talents as instructors at School of Rock in Fort Myers.
To see their schedules or to book them for your next event, visit online at www.girlmeetsboymusic.com
High Tide
High Tide is a band that has been a part of the SW Florida music scene since 2006 and has a unique brand of music best described as an original twist on popular but not typical, soft rock to reggae … A refreshing approach with a contagious energy/vibe that makes people smile, relax, dance and wipe away the stress of everyday life. High Tide considers itself as SWFL’s most original cover band that appeals to music lovers of all ages and in a family environment.
High Tide is Scottee Novello on vocals and bass, Danny Shepard on vocals and guitar and Gary Van Gorp on drums. They are three full-time musicians who truly enjoy what they do.
During this time of limited live entertainment, you can find them live every Sunday at Miceli’s Waterfront Restaurant in Matlacha from noon to 3 p.m.
Also find them on Facebook Live every Friday night from 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 at www.facebook.com/scott.novello and www.facebook.com/hightideftmyers
Before the pandemic, High Tide was a regular band at Times Square on Fort Myers Beach.
To book High Tide, contact Scottee Novello at 914-960-3304 or email ptnomad_2001@yahoo.com.
(photo by Brian Teitz)
Keefe Klug
Formerly of the pop band Charlie Moon, Keefe Klug and his style of music have found a home in SW Florida for nearly eight years. In that time, he made a name for himself with his clever and concise songwriting style.
Currently he is blending his pop background with what can best be described as the “beach country” stylings of the gulf coast. He recently released his first solo single “Fifty Eagles” on all major streaming platforms to overwhelmingly positive responses.
Keefe Klug currently resides in Cape Coral and can be found at various venues throughout Southwest Florida. His schedule of live and virtual performances is regularly updated on his social media:
Instagram: @keefeklugmusic
Facebook: facebook.com/keefeklugmusic
To book him, email keefeklug@gmail.com
Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz
Mike Imbasciani is a 23 year old with an old soul who performs blues and blues-based rock, folk and rockabilly.
He is a guitar prodigy who began playing guitar at age 5 and at age 11, was playing professionally in venues throughout SW Florida.
The recent honor of receiving the 2019 SWFL Blues Society Regional International Blues Challenge “People’s Choice Award” speaks to the huge, loyal fan base that Mike has amassed over his years of performing and connecting on a personal level with his fans.
Mike has a gritty style like Joe Bonamassa and belts out powerful blues improvisations like Eric Clapton. Combined with his astonishing guitar riffs, his robust vocals provide a night of captivating music that will transport you to the days past when your life revolved around the radio and the joy it would bring as you gathered with friends and family.
Mike Imbasciani & his Bluez Rockerz includes the innovative style of Cayce Dillard on drums that ensures this power trio consistently brings a full, tight and dynamic sound to the stage.
Currently, you can see Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz at Leroy’s Southern Kitchen in Punta Gorda, The Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass, Ricaltini’s Bar & Grille and Englewoods on Dearborn, all in Englewood, Bert’s Bar in Matlacha, Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key and Big Blue Brewing in Cape Coral and on Fort Myers Beach at the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
Virtually, you can find Mike on Facebook at Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz,” Instagram at mikeimbasciani1, YouTube at Mike Imbasciani, and look for The Imbasciani Chronicles Podcast at Anchor.fm.
To book a show, call Mike at 941-204-8563.
