Bring your friends, discover something one-of-a-kind, and help neighbors in need. It’s about art, community, and giving back. 

There are 80 booths, each filled with makers, artists, designers, and dreamers showing off what they do best. You won’t find typical event fare; this show is all about the creators. Walk through the park, browse unique gifts and accessories, and chat with the people behind the work. Maybe you’ll find the perfect gift for a friend, coworker, or your favorite hostess.

The Englewood Review sat down with Danielle Lynch from Blue Ribbon Events LLC. She’s been an artist in Englewood for years, famous for jewelry made from plants, and started her own business when she tired of promoters not caring about the artists themselves. Her approach? Artists matter. She knows because she’s walked in their shoes. 

During COVID, Danielle launched Lemon Bay Art Attack, which kept artists working when other venues were closed. That event was busy and successful, even with all the challenges.

Now, after some time away, Danielle’s coming back to Englewood. She says the community here has always supported local artists, whether it’s musicians, handmade food, or crafts. With 15 years of living in the area, she’s seen Englewood rally behind the art scene like nowhere else.

This year, the show’s smaller since it’s the first time back. Danielle handpicked the artists and crafters. Alongside art, you’ll get a taste of local talent. There will be live music. Look out for Harrison (Badger) and his saxophone. Rumor has it there’s going to be a jam session too.

Support for food banks is close to Danielle’s heart. She is aware of the hardships many have endured recently, focusing especially on struggling seniors in Englewood. Poverty rates have climbed in recent years, and she believes art events should give back. So, if you’re coming, bring a canned good, something simple that goes straight to families who need it. That’s how local communities thrive; art isn’t just about selling; it’s about making a real difference.

Danielle’s business model centers on community. She hosts shows on Anna Maria Island (five each year), always partnering with nonprofits so that every event lifts the entire area. For Englewood, All Faiths Food Bank tops the list; it supports Helping Hands, Englewood Bible Church, and smaller grassroots groups with a big impact.

Another highlight: Randy Klein Gloss creates jewelry from lionfish fins; a diver and artist who’s helping remove an invasive species and turning the experience into something beautiful. Danielle, also a diver, connects personally with this mission.

Participating artists include Julie Starbuck: Glass, Vlastimal Trejban: Jewerly, Tim Gillespie: Wood, Michael Turner: Painting, Randy Klein Gloss: Lionfish Jewelry, Crystal Payne: Wood 3D, and more.

Danielle says they are collecting nonperishable food for All Faiths Food Bank, working with Helping Hands and Englewood Bible Church. 

Art on Dearborn happens Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19, 2026, at Pioneer Park, Dearborn St, Englewood, FL, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Come for the art, stay for the music, and help support the community.

For more information, check out this link.

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Dana and Jerry Kuhn founded the business in 2019 and opened in 2020 as a retail wine store just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Later that year, it transitioned into a full wine bar, a move that helped establish its identity as a gathering place and contributed to its continued growth and recognition.

Ownership transitioned in December 2024 to Lee Ann and Patrick Gunning, who have continued building on that foundation while expanding the bar’s offerings. Patrick Gunning brings decades of experience in the construction industry along with a lifelong passion for cooking and wine. After attending culinary school, he now shares his expertise through curated selections and house-made dishes, including his signature Italian meatballs.

Lee Ann Gunning, who has over 20 years of experience in workforce development administration, focuses on organization, marketing, and event planning. She has helped broaden the bar’s programming, from wine tastings led by distributors to private events, catering services, and themed gatherings.

“It truly is a place where you’re going to meet your new friends,” she said, describing the bar’s relaxed, lounge-style environment.

Rumours hosts live music on weekends and a monthly book club, typically held on the third Wednesday, creating opportunities for both social and intimate experiences. Wine education remains a key component, with tastings that allow guests to sample curated selections paired with light bites while learning about each offering. They price the tastings at around $25 per person.

The business also offers a wine club that introduces members to new selections while providing exclusive benefits and savings. In addition, Rumours continues to expand its reach through private bookings, including in-home wine pairing dinners, weddings and celebrations. To encourage summer events, the venue is waiving room rental fees from May through September.

Community involvement is another priority. Rumours regularly partners with local organizations and hosts fundraisers, including an upcoming event with Ears on April 18, where a portion of sales will benefit this area nonprofit.

With its combination of wine, food, and community-focused programming, Rumours Wine Bar has established itself as more than a place to enjoy a drink, offering a space where guests can connect, learn, and return time and again.

Rumours Wine Bar is located at 1807 Englewood Road. You can reach them at 941.473.9463 or at rumourswine.com.

The post Rumours Wine Bar Blends Wine, Community and Events in Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.

Robert wears a lot of hats: artist, muralist, creative, and business owner, but his journey is anything but ordinary. He says, “I named my business ‘Renovaré’ because it means ‘renew’ or ‘restore’ in Latin. Evett and I had just moved to Englewood and were starting over, giving our lives a fresh start. That’s the power I think art has. It can refresh your spirit, and that’s what I do for my clients.”

Robert and Evett are really living the dream. In Englewood, Robert never runs out of projects or inspiration; it’s everywhere he looks.

“It’s hard to describe the urge to create,” Robert says. “This urge is just a part of you, like the need to connect with people. It’s the way you share your views and your life experiences. Honestly, it makes you vulnerable to put your art out there. But if you can bring someone joy, it’s worth it.”

How did it all start? That’s a story in itself.

Evett Vidot Casler grew up in upstate New York, then moved to Orlando in the ’80s to work at Disney resorts. “My very first day in Florida was also my first day working at Disney,” she laughs.

Robert came from Michigan, always dreaming of sun-soaked Florida. He is well-traveled: St. Pete, sailing up to Delaware for a year, then settling in Fort Lauderdale. That’s where he got deep into antique and furniture restoration. Turns out Robert has a knack for color and an eye for detail. Insurance companies hired him to restore flood-damaged furniture. He could carve a missing table leg, gold-leaf a frame, or match finishes so flawlessly that even the pickiest clients went home happy.

Robert eventually settled down and set up his own shop in Orlando, first as a partner, then solo. High-end cabinetry, custom millwork for luxury homes, libraries two stories tall; he finished it all.

The mural work came later, kind of by accident. One client found out he was an artist and asked him to paint a mural. He did, and then the commissions just kept coming, from murals, faux finishes, gorgeous textures, everything. “It really took off in the late ’90s,” Robert remembers.

Each mural tells a story, personalized for whoever’s hiring him. “I always try to find out what people care about,” Robert says. “One guy wanted his very own Catholic chapel at home: stone walls, benches, the whole vibe. Actual stone would’ve weighed too much, so I painted it. I created bevel-cut stone walls, clouds, and cherubs. The room looked like a little Italian church.”

Robert’s work graces the Orange County Courthouse, Rollins College, and the homes of Central Florida’s affluent: think the two-story libraries and in-home movie studio crowd. But the best thing Orlando gave him was meeting Evett. Both busy with their own lives, they finally tied the knot on a boat, of course, and threw their wedding reception out on Cabbage Key.

The Road to Englewood 

They moved to Englewood during COVID, but the transition took time. For a while, Evett commuted between Englewood and Orlando (then Sarasota), while Robert lived on their boat. “Being self-employed makes getting a mortgage tricky,” Robert says, shaking his head. So, he just lived on the boat for three months while everything fell into place.

Now, they call their place “The Osprey House.” It’s exactly what you’d imagine from two creatives: murals everywhere, the house lovingly restored after Hurricane Ian. Out back sits Robert’s two-story with a loft art studio. There’s also a hot tub, a sailboat-inspired bar, and a beach-style lounge area that makes you want to stay forever, sipping mojitos or margaritas.

Robert’s in his element in Englewood. He’s always busy, from working on his plein air paintings around town or on his “Florida Byways” series, capturing scenes from all across the state.

Chances are you’ve seen his work at Pioneer Plaza. That mural on the fence after Hurricane Ian? That’s his. He painted it on the remnants of their shed and fence to raise money for locals. People still come by to sign it. “Together We Shall Overcome.” The colorful mural is part art, part community gathering place.

Robert hates wasting anything. He builds murals from reclaimed wood, using scraps and leftover materials. “I upcycle stuff all the time—job materials, roof scraps, you name it.”

And Robert is not just about the visual arts. He plays guitar and writes his own songs, too. His studio has equipment for music recording. “He’s so good at so many things, it’s hard to keep up,” Evett laughs. “People call him for repeat work and say, ‘We only trust Robert!’”

Earlier this year, Robert finished a mural honoring Virginia B. Andes in Punta Gorda. “One of my clients is a board member at their foundation,” Robert explains. “Virginia was a trailblazer. She worked at IBM during WWII, traveled the country as an engineer, and always thought of herself as an educator. After she retired, she volunteered for decades, helping others, leaving an incredible legacy.”

Always digging deep to tell the story, Robert researched Virginia’s life and work, talking with people who knew her, trying to figure out how to capture her spirit. He decided to paint Virginia teaching, inviting viewers to become part of the scene, and added touches from different stages of her life. The mural feels big and personal at the same time, a real celebration of her impact.

Robert sums it up like this: “Visual art is an ancient form of storytelling.” His mural honors Virginia’s life of service, showing her both as a young professional and as a dedicated volunteer welcoming the next generation.

Even though Robert’s always busy with new projects, he welcomes visitors to his studio. Be prepared, because you’ll probably leave in awe at the sheer range of his work.

Every piece of art has a story, and every artist has a life behind it. Robert Casler’s story is one worth hearing.

For more information or to contact Robert Casler:
Email  Renovareart@gmail.com 

Website Renovareart.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Renovareartist   

YouTube renovareart2333 or call 407-924 6088
Studio visits by appointment, and services include:
* Commissioned art and murals
* Antique and art restorations
* Custom wall finishes such as Venetian plaster and faux finishing

The post Every Painting Tells a Story: Robert Casler’s Story Is a Masterpiece appeared first on Englewood Review.

Doors open at 10 a.m., with local artists showing and selling their original work. As the afternoon rolls in, the stage kicks off at 2 p.m. At 5 p.m., get ready for the Woodstock Tribute. If you saw the first Woodstock Benefit or the March Beatles Tribute, you know you’re in for something special. 

Don’t forget your lawn chairs and appetite; there’ll be plenty to eat and drink from local vendors. Admission is simple: bring a donation, either non-perishable food or a little cash. All donations support local causes.

Want to dress the part? Come in your best Woodstock-inspired outfit, grab a spot in front of the stage, and soak up the music. The vibe is pure peace and love.

This year, they will auction off a 1996-98 Gibson “The Paul” Les Paul guitar at the festival. It’s on display now at Culture Coffee on Dearborn Street, and maybe you caught Roy Choma playing it at last month’s Beatles tribute.

Food and beer will be for sale at the plaza. Just a heads-up: no coolers allowed, and county rules say alcohol needs to be bought and consumed on site.

Come celebrate the music, community, and the legacy of peace and love at Pioneer Plaza.

Pioneer Plaza is located at 325 W. Dearborn St, Englewood, FL 34223

The post Artist Colony Brings Back ‘Salute to Woodstock’ for Second Year in Downtown Englewood appeared first on Englewood Review.

Grab your lawn chair, text your favorite dance partner, and get ready for a lively Saturday evening with The River Kings. On April 11, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., the park turns into a stage for wonderful music, tasty food, and plenty of fun.

The River Kings aren’t your average band; they’ll fill the park with energetic rock and roll, classic funk, and more. Whether you’re up front dancing or chilling on a blanket in the grass, the music promises to lift your spirits.

That’s just the start. Food trucks will park around the event, serving up local bites you’ll actually want to eat. Kids can dive into games and face painting while adults check out the raffles for a shot at some cool prizes. From the excitement in the crowd to the tunes on stage, there’s something for everyone.

No need to buy a ticket because this event is totally free. Invite your friends and family, and meet your neighbors for a community party that feels like spring itself. Just pack your chairs and show up ready for some toe-tapping fun.

Here’s what you need to know:
Music in the Park with The River Kings 
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 4–7 p.m. 
Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park, 6961 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 
Free admission
Let’s make some memories together. See you in the park.

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Before landing here, Susana lived in New York City, chasing her passion for acting as a SAG and Equity member. Her career took her from stages across Europe to cruise ships and theaters throughout the U.S., including plenty of time on Florida stages.

Family has always anchored her to this area. Her mother, now at The Preserve in Pompano Beach, kept a house in Englewood for 35 years. Susana has felt drawn to this part of Florida since childhood.

Outside of work, she tries to squeeze in yoga, bike rides, and Zumba classes.

Writing’s another big piece of her life. She’s published 20 works of fiction and spent six years teaching writing courses at the State College of Florida, on both the Bradenton and Venice campuses.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

For me, perfect happiness is being fully present and focused in the moment. Total concentration on “the now” doesn’t allow for extraneous thoughts or worries to seep in, and I’m less bothered by tasks I might otherwise despise. It also brings more joy to socializing; there’s nothing worse than watching folks “check out” by scrolling through texts or social media. 

Which living person do you most admire?

I can’t say I admire one person the most because I admire a number of acclaimed artists who still work hard at their craft. Laura Linney and Kevin Kline come to mind since both are fine stage actors who are currently producing their own (terrific) episodic on TV. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is a stock of health and beauty products. I take all kinds of supplements and use high-end skin care lines in an effort to stave off the inevitable.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

To me, the most overrated virtue is morality disguised as niceness. Nice behavior can mask hypocrisy, while morality as true kindness may not appear to be “nice” –such as making students earn their grades—and may even be anonymous—as with charitable donations. 

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I dislike the extra ten pounds I’m battling with age.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Words and phrases I overuse: Awesome. Cool. Fabulous! End of story.

Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.

The post A Life in the Spotlight: Susana Falcon Brings Global Stage Experience to Lemon Bay Playhouse appeared first on Englewood Review.

Artists Jennifer and Kevin Box started everything with a single, uncut square of paper. They carefully folded each model, then transformed it into bronze, steel, or aluminum, creating thirteen monumental outdoor sculptures and an “Inside Out” indoor gallery. As visitors wander across 27 acres of waterfront sanctuary, they stumble upon cranes rising as symbols of peace, ponies galloping in frozen motion, butterflies suspended mid-flight, and koi or blossoms floating among mangroves and marshes.

There’s more to see than just sculptures. The gardens, recently dubbed America’s top “Hidden Gem” by Bukon, offer a lineup of interactive activities for all ages. Take an audio tour or catch a live demonstration and get a behind-the-scenes look at the metal-casting process. Take part actively in a hands-on workshop, and mark your calendar for special events like the Blues, Brews & Blooms Fest on April 11, 2026, where you can explore the gardens with live music as your soundtrack.

The gardens are open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $21, with discounts for seniors and free admission for members and kids under four. Since the exhibit has only a few weeks left, now’s the time to experience this blend of botanical wonder and enormous artistry before the collection moves on.

You’ll find details and ticket info at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens’ official website peacerivergardens.org.

The post Origami Gets a New Life: Monumental Sculptures at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens appeared first on Englewood Review.

This is director Tom McCarthy’s latest project, the person behind “Spotlight” and “The Station Agent.” The film adapts Nathaniel Rich’s “Losing Earth: A Recent History,” and it’s described as dramatic, a little dark, and surprisingly funny. Think 1980s Florida, right when talk about climate change was just starting. You’ll see Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, and John Turturro on set. Amy Ryan, Evan Peters, and Tatiana Maslaney join the cast, with Sony Pictures Classics handling distribution.

NPR had strong words for Rich’s book, calling it a modern Greek tragedy and pointing out just how close society came to taking action, if people hadn’t given in to their worst instincts.

If you’re interested, Frontrunner Casting wants to hear from you. To apply, send your name, age, phone number, city, height, weight, clothing sizes, and two recent photos: one headshot and a full-body shot.

Have a vintage car from 1965 to 1979? If your well-preserved, unmodified ride gets picked, you’ll collect an extra $150.

Ready to jump in? Email all your info to THESTATEMENT@frcasting.com. Make sure “BGEXTRAS” is in the subject line.

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Similar in style to “Forever Plaid,” the show follows a group of hopeful singers not just battling for a win, but also tangling with romance, personal setbacks, and the stress that comes with wanting success. 

You’ll hear “Life Could Be a Dream (Sh-Boom),” but the setlist digs deeper with legendary tracks like “Unchained Melody,” “Duke of Earl,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” “Tears on My Pillow,” and “Runaround Sue.” The show runs from March 18 through April 4 at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers.

The History of Doo-Wop

To really get why doo-wop matters, you’ve got to look back. It first popped up in the 1940s and quickly became one of the great cultural gifts from the Black community, especially in big cities like New York, Detroit, Baltimore, Philly, and L.A. Doo-wop comes out of rhythm and blues, swing, and barbershop harmonies, a genre usually seen as traditionally “white,” but actually rooted in Black music history.

What made doo-wop special was how it made a cappella harmony a chart-topping phenomenon. These songs are high drama, stuffed with catchy nonsense words and lyrics swooning over every kind of love, whether it’s a crush that hurts or one that lasts forever. The style shaped early rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, and soul, and eventually influenced punk icons like Lou Reed and the Ramones.

Doo-wop really hit its stride in the late ‘50s into the early ‘60s, taking older tunes like “Blue Moon” and “Heart and Soul” and turning them into pop hits that still nod to their Tin Pan Alley origins. The Ink Spots got the ball rolling with tracks like “I Didn’t Care” and “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” slowed down swing music, giving way to the signature doo-wop vibe.

Then, with groups like the Orioles and the Spaniels, doo-wop flooded Chicago and Detroit. The Penguins, the Cadillacs, the Flamingos, they all helped bring doo-wop into the mainstream.

A few classic tracks stand out. The Platters’ “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” turned them into doo-wop legends in 1958, and the song even made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Platters adeptly combined Tin Pan Alley music with rock and roll, as exemplified by their songs “The Great Pretender” and “Only You (And You Alone).”

“Life Could Be a Dream (Sh-Boom)” marks a high point. The Chords and the Crew-Cuts both had top-10 pop hits with it, and Rolling Stone called it one of the best songs ever. “Maybe” by The Chantels broke new ground for girl groups in 1957, making waves that Janis Joplin would ride years later. The Clovers’ “Love Potion No. 9” keeps getting rediscovered by new artists. And who can forget Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers with “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” a track that made them stars, thanks to their synchronized moves and tight harmonies.

More hits fill the era: “16 Candles,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” “Teenager in Love,” “Pretty Little Angel Eyes,” “This Magic Moment,” each one a snapshot of what made doo-wop so irresistible.

If you’re looking for nostalgia, powerhouse vocals, and a good time, “Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream” doesn’t disappoint. Step in, sing along, and see what made this music unforgettable.

Click here for more information.
Or call (239) 277-1700

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The Hermitage’s annual spring gala isn’t just a celebration; it’s a gathering of artists at the top of their game, and this year, Swenson’s taking the stage alongside returning Hermitage Fellow Britton Smith.

Swenson’s career shines with versatility. He’s earned Tony and Obie awards, recently wowed audiences as Neil Diamond in A Beautiful Noise, and made waves in the revival of Hair with the late and beloved Gavin Creel, who was also a Hermitage Fellow. His role as Berger landed him Tony and Drama Desk nominations, while his turn as Charles Guiteau in Sondheim’s Assassins picked up nods from the Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel, and the Drama League. He clinched an Obie for Jerry Springer: The Opera. 

Swenson’s resume reads like a wish list for Broadway fans: Les Misérables, Waitress, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Murder Ballad (by Hermitage Fellow Julia Jordan), Rock of Ages, Pericles, Little Miss Sunshine, Adrift in Macao, and plenty more. He’s familiar to film and TV audiences, too, with appearances in The Greatest Showman, The Kitchen, This Is Where I Leave You, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Law & Order, The Good Wife, Hit and Run, The Bite, First Kill, and Elsbeth.

Britton Smith, a fellow Hermitage artist and 2024 Greenfield Prize finalist, will also perform original music developed at the Hermitage. Smith’s got Broadway bona fides, plus a Tony for his work with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. 

As the lead of Britton and the Sting, a “funk liberation band,” Smith commands attention. Broadway World calls him a “force to be reckoned with” and a “tornado of talent and energy.” Hermitage audiences know him well, especially from his standout appearances in the “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens” series and his recent jazz and soul showcase.

Andy Sandberg, Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO, summed up the excitement: “I’ve known Will Swenson for twenty years, and I’m thrilled he’ll be sharing his incredible talents with our Hermitage audiences. Will and Britton are both extraordinary performers—guests at this year’s Greenfield Prize Dinner are in for something special. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

Past Greenfield Prize Dinner performers have included big names: Rachel Bay Jones, Eden Espinosa, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, and Hermitage Fellow, Gavin Creel. That’s an impressive guest list.

Ellen and Richard Sandor chair this year’s event. The Hermitage Greenfield Prize is a partnership with the Greenfield Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as lead sponsor, and media support from The Herald-Tribune and SRQ Magazine. You can find a list of all sponsors and benefactors at HermitageArtistRetreat.org/HGPDinner2026.

The Hermitage Development Office has tables and sponsorships available. To secure your seat, contact the Hermitage Development Office at (941) 475-2098, Ext. 2. Sponsorships range from $2,000 to $10,000. If you want in, you’ll want to act quickly, as capacity is nearly full.

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