Best summer concerts in Fort Myers, Cape Coral: Southern rock, blues and more
Our parents in the mid-1970s told us we had two options for summer: Go on a family vacation or see concerts.
We chose the latter and never regretted it. Growing up in suburban Detroit, this meant heading to an outdoor amphitheater called Pine Knob in Clarkston or a smaller venue at Meadowbrook in Rochester Hills.
Opened in 1972, Pine Knob at that time was the largest amphitheater in the U.S. with 12,500 seats. We saw everyone from Mac Davis (my first concert ever!) to Gladys Knight & the Pips to Liberace to Earth, Wind & Fire.
Summer and music hold a special place in my heart. In Southwest Florida, there's many choices on what shows to select in the next few months. Here's a list to help, starting with June concerts.
LEE COUNTY
Blues singer-guitarist JP Soars plays CD-release party
Boca Raton bluesman JP Soars plays a CD release show for his new album, "Brick By Brick." 8 p.m. Friday, June 28. $20. Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Road, Buckingham. (239) 693-7111 or buckinghambar.com
Parmalee headlining 'Red,' White & Boom' in Cape Coral
Country band Parmalee will perform at "Red, White & Boom," Cape Coral's annual July Fourth festival featuring live bands, rides, vendors and fireworks from 5-10 p.m. Parmalee is expected to perform starting around 8 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30. "Red, White & Boom" will be at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge in downtown Cape Coral, just east of Del Prado Boulevard. Concert is free. capeboom.com
Rock out with King Solomon Hicks in Bonita
Guitarist and singer King Solomon Hicks, honed his musical skills in of Harlem, which helped to shape his sound offering an array of styles. He's performed alongside musicians from Buddy Guy to Tony Bennett. 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12. $35-$45. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. (239) 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
Molly Hatchet brings Southern rock sound to The Ranch
Jacksonville-based Southern rockers Molly Hatchet ― with hits including "Flirtin' With Disaster" and "Dreams I'll Never See" ― is set to perform Friday, July 19, at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open at 7 p.m. From $40. More at (239) 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com
Memphis Lightning performs at blues bar
The hard-rocking band Memphis Lightning will perform at 8 p.m. July 6 at Buckingham Blues Bar, 5641 Buckingham Road, Buckingham. General admission tickets $20. More at (239) 693-7111 or buckinghambar.com.
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram and Threads @lacrossewriter and on X (formerly Twitter) @NDN_dosborn.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What are best concerts to see in Fort Myers, Cape Coral this summer?
