The Artist Colony checks everything over, does repairs when they can, then donates working instruments to L.A. Ainger and Lemon Bay High School. 

Instruments beyond repair get new life as art, which will be up for auction next season. You won’t make anyone famous doing this, but your donation puts instruments right where they belong: in the hands of young talent.

Take “Rock on the Track, Jack!” for example. Dennis Bialek built, and Joy Carol painted this piece. It spent April at the Punta Gorda Art Center and is now headed to Chophouse285 on Dearborn. Jack’s not for sale, but keep an eye out next season for more: another sax player, some tropical birds, and guitar sculptures will be available.

If you have a spare instrument or old equipment lying around, donations are tax-deductible. The Artist Colony is especially on the lookout for professional brass sousaphones so high schoolers can finally replace their aging equipment, three of them to be exact.

Everything they do supports art and the performing arts in the community. If you want to help, or maybe sponsor a program or event, reach out to Sydney at i2garden@yahoo.com.

The post From Dust to Debut: The Artist Colony Resurrects Your Old Instruments appeared first on Englewood Review.

Much of this powerful work took shape during her residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key. Back then, she even shared some of the earliest pieces of “Liberation” with audiences on Hermitage Beach; those raw, early glimpses that would become an award-winning production.

“Liberation” digs deep into second-wave feminism and memory, tackling the messy layers of social change and women’s rights. The play premiered off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre with Whitney White directing, and it’s been turning heads ever since. Along with the Pulitzer, Wohl earned the Hull-Warriner Award from the Dramatists Guild in 2026, an impressive double-win.

Adding to her growing list of honors, Wohl is also the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Judith Champion Playwriting Fellow for 2025-2026. Seeing her success, from the creative sparks on Manasota Key to national recognition, feels like a triumph for everyone involved.

To register for an upcoming program or to learn more about the Hermitage, visit: HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

The post From Hermitage Beach to the Pulitzer: Alum Bess Wohl Wins 2026 Drama Prize appeared first on Englewood Review.

What’s special about The Arctic Alligator Creamery? Since 2019, they’ve been churning out small-batch ice cream with fresh Florida dairy. This isn’t the same old stuff you find at the grocery store. Most of their ice cream gets its colors and flavors straight from nature, not from a lab. Sarah and her team call themselves “flavorologists,” and they make everything fresh right in what they playfully call “the lab.” Whenever they can, they pull ingredients from other local small businesses.

Sarah told us, “All of our ice cream is truly made in-house. It’s small-batch, made with natural colors and flavors. There’s nothing artificial. For example, our mint chocolate chip is white because we ditched the green dye. We’ve never used red dye, either, just good old red beet juice.”

Sarah and Kevin opened Arctic Alligator six years ago, and picked up A Better Scoop about twelve years back. And a heads-up just in case you like a good excuse to celebrate with the creamy goodness of a scoop or three, National Ice Cream Month lands in July, on the third Sunday.

Summer is when they really have fun with flavors. Right now, there’s Lemon Blueberry Custard and Key Lime Cheesecake; it’s all about those bright, citrusy tastes. When it comes to bestsellers, Sarah says, “Salted caramel is a favorite. We also have Mint Condition — that’s mint ice cream with a fudge swirl and Oreos. That one’s a big hit.”

If you’re planning a visit, The Arctic Alligator is open Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. A Better Scoop is open every day from noon till 9:45 p.m.

If their Salted Caramel ice cream tempts you, it comes packed with fresh praline pecans from Georgia. Birthday Cake is loaded with buttercream, made fresh for every batch. If you’re in Englewood, grab a scoop at A Better Scoop. Or swing by “the lab” in the evening, because you never know what new creations they’ll be serving up. And if you’d rather stay home, no worries. They’ll ship ice cream straight to your door.

At Arctic Alligator Creamery & Bakery and A Better Scoop, they’ll build or shake up the best frozen dessert you’ve ever tasted. They start with the freshest local ingredients and let their creativity go wild. You’ll taste the difference right away.

Arctic Alligator Creamery & Bakery
3385 S Access Rd Ste 1
Englewood, Florida 34224
(941) 460-3647
Click here to check out their website.

A Better Scoop 
70 S Indiana Ave.
Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 473-2650
Click here to check out their website.

The post A Natural Churn of Events: Arctic Alligator Creamery & Bakery and A Better Scoop Creating a Local Legacy appeared first on Englewood Review.

You walk down Dearborn Street, and you’ll hear live music pouring out from art-filled galleries and cafés. Creativity just fills the air in Englewood.

One group that really grabs your attention is the Robert Kinsley Band. Robert’s no stranger to this scene; he’s been a fixture in Englewood’s music community for years. 

Most Thursdays during the season, you’ll find him playing at the Old Florida Gallery, and sometimes over at Lemon Bay Park in the big meeting room. He used to team up with a banjo player, Bill Keeney. The two of them played just about everywhere, from the farmers market to events for the Englewood Historical Society, before Bill moved away. Now, most of Robert’s gigs center on the local Englewood Farmers Market.

Music’s been a part of Robert’s life since he was a kid. He started out with guitar lessons and just never stopped playing. Before Englewood, Robert lived in Athens, Ohio for thirty years, jamming in different bands, sometimes with his brother, sometimes with an entire group. 

Robert’s other life? He taught English and creative writing, first at Syracuse University, then mostly at Ohio University. Even now, you can tell he’s got a knack for words. And his band isn’t just about covers. Robert and his crew play original tunes too. Back when he was still with Bill in a duo called Godfrey Creek, they put out a few CDs. But with this new lineup, they haven’t released anything yet. He says they’ve been together about two years now, and he’s been working on new material.

So how did Robert end up here? Simple. His sister-in-law lived in Venice. Robert and his wife would come down to visit, fell in love with the area, and the rest just sort of fell into place. Thirteen years later, they’ve made Englewood their home.

Besides music, Robert’s a big fan of Lemon Bay. He and his wife volunteer over at Lemon Bay Park, and that’s been a big part of their life here. He loves the powerful sense of community, saying it reminds him a bit of Athens, just smaller but packed with the same energy, especially around the arts. On top of that, he still finds time to shoot a little basketball with the guys.

Robert’s family is spread out, with his son and two granddaughters living up in Nashville. But he says he’s living the dream here in Englewood. “It’s been a lot of fun. The weather’s great, except for the heat and hurricanes, but honestly, not shoveling snow anymore? You can’t beat that.” Growing up on a dairy farm in northern Ohio, he saw a lifetime of tough winters, so he appreciates every warm day.

The Robert Kinsley Band itself is a mix of backgrounds and sounds. Chuck Vaughn, their ukulele bass player, is a retired EMT who handles percussion too. Dave Harris plays guitar, sings, and switches to drums when needed, and his wife Deb joins in on the djembe drum. Bob Rusbion rounds out the group on harmonica. Every Tuesday, they rehearse at Robert’s house, and come Thursday, they’re usually out performing, at least until the farmers market season wraps up. After that, with a couple of members headed out of town, they’ll take a break for the summer.

Robert says travel and some downtime are on the agenda. “We’ll keep practicing when we’re around, maybe work on some new songs, possibly record a few things. Then we’ll be back in the fall, ready to play.”

That’s life in Englewood. Music, sunshine, and a community that really sticks together.

For more information, check out The Robert Kinsley Band Facebook page.

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We caught up with Erik Groff, the Center’s director, who’s been knee-deep in renovations, prepping the space for public events. For Erik, World Collage Day was an ideal way to throw open the doors and get people involved. “It fits perfectly with what we’re about,” he said. “Walk in, keep it casual, or dive deeper and get your hands messy. Everyone’s welcome—bring your family, grab some snacks, check out the gallery, cut up some magazines, and just have fun.”

His vision for the gallery is pretty straightforward: show up and get creative, no holding back. “We want to be rooted in the community. If your project fits in the door, we’ll find a spot for it. I try to say yes whenever possible. No random limits on size or content. Artists thrive when they have freedom.”

Next up at the Center is “Anything Goes,” a group exhibition. True to their philosophy, they accept all styles and mediums: “if you can make it, it belongs.”

If you get the chance to visit, you’ll notice the quality of work right away. Some pieces come from artists Englewood REVIEW has featured, like muralist Robert Casler. The Center might be new, but it’s moving fast and making waves.

Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming event: 

Event: Hosted by the Englewood Center for the Arts

Location: 471 S Indiana Ave, Englewood, FL

Open to the public, and everyone is welcome.

Drop off up to 3 original artworks between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 23, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Cash prizes awarded for first, second, and third place.

Entry fees for non-members: one artwork $35, two for $40, three for $45. Annual membership gets you a 10% discount on classes and exhibition fees.

Englewood Center for the Arts

471 S. Indiana Ave. Englewood, FL Call 941-830-6690.

The post Anything But Ordinary: Englewood Center for the Arts Launches New Era with “Anything Goes” appeared first on Englewood Review.

These toolkits grew out of actual work in senior living communities and healthcare settings. They give organizations an easy way to set up music-based wellness programs for older adults, including those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

You don’t have to look far to see the impact. At the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s in Sarasota, participants have jumped into four different Come Together Choir programs, not just for therapy, but for the sense of belonging. Singing tackles the tough stuff, like weak voices and loneliness, and offers a shot of confidence and connection at the same time.

Town Square Adult Day Center in Sarasota has made the program a highlight for seniors with physical or cognitive challenges. For many, it’s the brightest part of the day, a chance to recognize each other, share a laugh or a memory, and just feel good, long after the music stops.

Some families feel the change most deeply. “It gave Jim his voice back—and with it, a sense of himself,” says Charlie Ann Syprett, describing what the program meant for her late husband, who had Alzheimer’s. “For that hour, he wasn’t defined by the disease. He was part of something joyful, something human. It meant everything to us.”

Key Chorale’s new Come Together Choir Senior Enrichment Toolkits make it easy to bring this kind of experience to more people. Every kit comes with session plans, carefully chosen music, accompaniment tracks, and straightforward guides so anyone can lead group singing, musical background or not.

Senior living communities, day programs, healthcare teams, nonprofits, and community organizations can all use these kits to add meaningful connection and fun to their programs, backed by actual evidence that music helps.

“Music unlocks connection in ways nothing else does, especially for people facing neurological challenges,” says Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director of Key Chorale. “With these toolkits, we can reach far beyond Sarasota and share those benefits with more individuals and families.”

To learn more or purchase a toolkit, visit ComeTogetherChoir.org or email Shannon.CTC@keychorale.org.

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Eight different food trucks will set up shop outside the brewery, each serving its own spin on Mexican classics. Tasting portions go for $5 or less, making it easy to try a bit of everything. Attendees get to cast their votes for best taco and best Mexican dish, with the winners crowned at the end of the day.

This year’s lineup includes La Trailita Mexican Food, Tacos Los Campeones, Lakota by Chef Court, Danny’s Tacos, Yo Samaras, Umami Twist, Mr. Bulgogi, Tiny Bites Good Eats, and Lil Stack Shack. Millennial Brewing CEO Kyle Cebull sees the Throwdown as more than just a food fest. “This event is all about bringing people together — food, culture, experience. Whether you’re after authentic tacos or something with a twist, you’ll find it here,” Cebull said. “Every bite counts.”

Along with the food, the day features live music: a mariachi band takes the stage from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by The Riverside Band from 4 to 7 p.m. The brewery will pour its own beers, along with plenty of nonalcoholic options.

The best part? Admission’s free, and the event welcomes all ages.

The post Brewing Up a Fiesta: Mexican Food Throwdown Comes to Southwest Florida This Weekend appeared first on Englewood Review.

This isn’t a big corporate chain. Los Mariachis is a family-run spot, born from a deep love for authentic Mexican cooking and a joy in sharing it with the community. Every dish reflects care and pride. This team doesn’t cut corners. They use only fresh, top-quality ingredients and hold tight to family recipes passed down through generations. That’s how they bring a genuine taste of Mexico right to Florida’s coast. Their goal isn’t just to feed you; it’s creating an authentic experience, one packed with rich flavors and family traditions.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Miguel Carranza, one of the owners, remembers the tough times. “Our first year felt impossible,” he says. “COVID hit, and we thought our dreams were over. But we pushed through, with a lot of sacrifice and a lot of heart.” That grit paid off with three, soon to be four locations, all rooted in the same family values.

Reviews rave about hot, delicious food that comes out fast: think steak fajitas, carnitas, chimichangas, and their famous nachos. The staff treats you like you’re family, even if it’s your first visit. And don’t get Miguel started on their mango margaritas. “Best in town,” he says, grinning, “and you’ll see the bartenders squeezing the limes every morning. Nothing pre-made here. Everything’s from scratch, just like my grandma used to do.”

Miguel loves to surprise regulars with new dishes. Lately, they’ve added seafood specialties and inspired burritos. “We created one we call the burrito La Bandera because it has the tri-color from the Mexican flag,” explains Miguel. “And we have another one that is Molcajete, but this Molcajete is just with tons of seafood.”

The food is bold, colorful, and alive with flavor. They keep things fresh, often rolling out new inventions straight from the family kitchen. “People want something new now and then, not the same old meal every time. We hear them,” Miguel says.

Big celebrations get special treatment here. On Cinco de Mayo, there’s a DJ, drink specials, prizes, and enough energy to keep the place packed from open to close. No reservations, just show up, soak in the fun, and let the fiesta happen.

Miguel is proud of what sets Los Mariachis apart. “We are authentically Mexican; the real thing. Our recipes are grandma’s. We do everything by hand. Our guests see us making their food and drinks fresh every single time. That’s what makes us different. That’s why we’re successful.”

At the end of the day, this is what matters most: “We treat everyone like family. If you walk out full and smiling, that’s everything to us. That means we did our job.”

Miguel sums it up best in a heartfelt message: 

A Dream Written in Tradition 

On a timeless parchment, where every word carries the spirit of family, passion, and heritage…

It all began as a dream…

A dream rooted in love for our culture, our flavors, and the joy of bringing people together around a table.

Los Mariachi’s Bar and Grill was born from that vision—built not just with recipes, but with heart, dedication, and family traditions passed down through generations. What started as a simple idea soon became a place where the vibrant spirit of Mexico could be felt in every corner—through the music, the colors, and most importantly, the food.

Our family poured everything into creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every guest is treated like part of our own. From our handcrafted dishes made with fresh ingredients to our famous tableside guacamole and signature drinks, every detail reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity.

Over the years, we have grown, but one thing has never changed—our mission to share our passion and bring smiles to every face that walks through our doors. Here, memories are made, laughter is shared, and traditions come alive.

This is more than a restaurant…

This is our dream, our story, and our family.

And now, it is yours too.

GRACIAS AMIGOS

from our family to yours…!!!

Los Mariachis Bar & Grill

Three locations, with a fourth on the way:

Port Charlotte

• 3575 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Punta Gorda

• 3941 Tamiami Trail Unit 3131, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Rotonda West

• 41 Chailett Rd. #15, Cape Haze, FL 33947

For their website click here.

• Hours
• Monday – Saturday
• (Rotonda West & Punta Gorda)
  11:00am – 9:00pm
• Sunday 11:00am – 8:00pm
• Monday – Sunday
• (Port Charlotte & Tampa)
  11:00am – 10:00pm
• Sunday 11:00am – 9:00pm
• Phone
• (941) 627 8030 Port Charlotte
• (941) 205 8905  Punta Gorda
• (941) 688 4034 Rotonda West

The post Sizzling, Fresh, and Phenomenal: Experience the Magic of Los Mariachi’s appeared first on Englewood Review.

Englewood REVIEW sat down with Erik Groff from the Center to talk about what makes this event special and to hear more about what the Center is all about.

World Collage Day is an international event, but Erik admits he only heard about it recently. “Beverly Gordon, who teaches collage at the Venice Art Center, brought it up to me,” he says. “We were talking about her possibly running a workshop here, and she asked if I knew about it. I didn’t. She introduced me to the Kolaj Institute, which is a global hub for collage artists. She told me, ‘You can actually register to host a World Collage Day event.’ May 9. I thought, perfect. We haven’t hosted a big public event yet. This is our chance.”

That’s how it started. The Englewood Center for the Arts has been busy renovating, getting the space ready. Erik saw World Collage Day as the perfect way to open the doors and invite the community in. “It just fits what we want to do,” he says. “Beverly will run a few guided sessions throughout the day. People can drop in casually or stay for a more in-depth, hands-on experience. It’s family-friendly, open to all ages. Grab a snack, look around the gallery, cut up some magazines, and have fun.”

Erik’s philosophy for the gallery is simple: bring your creativity and don’t hold back. “The whole idea here is to be a community-centered gallery. If you can fit your project in the door, we’ll make it work. I always try to say yes. No arbitrary limits on size or content. Artists need that freedom to create.”

For 15 years, Erik ran the galleries at the Englewood Art Center, which gave him a genuine sense of the local art scene and its people. But things changed when Ringling College abruptly ended its involvement with the Art Center. It hit the community hard. “It was a shock for a lot of us,” Erik recalls. “But I grew up in this field. My parents were artists. I’ve seen these cycles before; boards or bureaucracies can push out what art is really about. When that happened, folks worried and grieved. But I knew what to do. I just got to work.”

Building something new has meant learning new skills, especially now that he’s on his own. “I’m hoping the right people come in, that I can put together a new management team, get the admin side up and running. My real strengths are in presenting work and building relationships with artists. I haven’t run my own gallery in 15 years, so in some ways, it feels like starting over. But I’m doing it to honor the people who built the original art center, mentors and friends, and to keep Englewood’s creative spirit alive. That’s our mission, just like before: classes, cultural events, monthly community shows. It’s what we always did.”

Erik cares deeply about collaboration, too. “The Hermitage, for instance. I really respect what they do and was close with the old management there, spending a lot of time on-site. I’m excited to see how they’ll evolve, especially since they’re genuinely local now, which changes the dynamic for the better.”

For Erik, the Center’s role isn’t about pushing one way of teaching or making art. “I’m not really tied to any single medium. My job is to help other artists, especially those who want to teach, get the chance to share their work. That’s how this thing grows. I set this up as an LLC since I didn’t have the administrative staff to run a nonprofit. Before, we had solid funding at the old place. Now, it’s more of a classic art center challenge: keep the lights on, pay the rent. Compared to everything else that’s happened, that feels manageable.”

He sees his own role as someone who fades into the background, supporting others. “Honestly, I want the gallery to be messy, lived-in. People should use the space: painting, making things, creating energy. Not some sterile white cube where you’re scared to touch the walls. I’d rather be fixing stuff, cleaning up after workshops, knowing the place is alive. Kind of like a grown-up romper room. I want to stay behind the scenes and let the community shine.”

He’s also looking for fresh faces to help, especially at the front desk. “I’d love to find someone to manage things so I can focus on building and fixing, like I used to. At the old art center, we had this great team at the desk. They handled the administration and were the friendly faces everyone saw, while I got to focus on the art installations and spaces. It was a dream team. That’s why I stuck around for so long.”

The vision for Englewood goes beyond this one center. Erik points out all the local groups and projects. The Mangrove Clay Collective just opened; there’re the Arts Alliance, and the old art center is coming back. “My hope is to collaborate with everyone, not compete. When we unify, Englewood’s arts community gets stronger. We can coordinate events, support each other, and actually build something that lasts.”

His invitation is clear: “Come join us for a drop-in collage event. Cut, layer, assemble, and use these simple tools to express yourself. That’s what art is about, and that’s what we want to celebrate together.”

Englewood Center for the Arts

471 S. Indiana Ave. Englewood, FL Call 941-830-6690

The post The Englewood REVIEW Sit-Down with Erik Groff: World Collage Day and The Englewood Center for the Arts New Chapter appeared first on Englewood Review.

The concert is called Voices of a Nation: LBHS Spring Concert 2026.

We are all invited to an evening of music that captures the heart and soul of America as we all mark this special milestone. The Lemon Bay High School Band has put together a vibrant program that tells the story of our country through sound.

Enjoy performances by the LBHS Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble (featuring “Escape Artist”), the Concert Band, and the Symphonic Winds.

Save the date: Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lemon Bay Performing Arts Center.

Get your tickets at teachtix.com/lemonbayhighband/spring-band-concert. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated.

Come, cheer on and support our local talented student musicians and soak in a concert that truly brings America’s story to life.

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