Naples, Fort Myers concerts: Country stars, classic rock and more March shows

Classic rockers 38 Special. Country star Justin Moore. Smooth-jazz trumpeter Rick Braun. And a hard-rocking St. Patrick's Day bash with members of the metal bands Dokken, Great White, XYZ and Metal Church.

Those are just some of the great concerts you'll find onstage this March in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and the rest of Southwest Florida. Here are our picks for the best shows to see all month long.

We'll add more concerts as they're announced.

This fifth-annual fest boasts three classic operas, a ballet and more events spread across three weeks at Naples' Cambier Park. This year’s operas are Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (Feb. 28 and March 2), Puccini’s “La Bohéme” (March 6 and 8) and Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado” (March 7 and 9) Also scheduled: Gulfshore Ballet performing Tchaikovsky's beloved romantic ballet “Sleeping Beauty” at Naples' Wang Opera Center (March 15). Most shows take place at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., downtown Naples. Tickets range from $28-$152. VIP Tables start at $390, including access to a VIP check in from 6-7 p.m. 963-9050 or OperaNaples.org

Read more: Want to see opera outdoors? There's only one place to go, and it's not NYC. It's Naples.

Country star Justin Moore headlines a show that organizers call “the ultimate country music party.” He’ll be joined by rising stars Walker Montgomery and Jay Webb and the night’s host, country-rapper Cowboy Troy. This concert was originally scheduled for November but postponed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 4-11 p.m. Saturday, March 1. $75-$100. VIP seats are $140-$160. Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. countryjamnaples.com

The 38th-annual classical series opens Saturday, March 1, with cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han. The series continues throughout March with five more concerts, including pianist Jon Nakamatsu (March 4), the Opera Theater of Connecticut singing the songs of Kander & Ebb (March 18) and the Isidore String Quartet (March 22). All shows start at 7:30 p.m. $50 per show. Ticket packages available. Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island. sanibelmusicfestival.org

BBC Radio has called the band Dervish “an icon of Irish music.” Singer Cathy Jordan leads them in powerful versions of traditional Irish songs. 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7. $54-$64. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org

The legendary vocal groups are known for hits such as “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “I Can’t Help Myself.” 8 p.m. Friday, March 7. $125. Limited seats available. Seminole Center at Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 S. First St., Immokalee. 658-1313 or moreinparadise.com

The North Carolina country band’s many hits include "Carolina," "Close Your Eyes,” “Just the Way,” “Take My Name” and “Girl In Mine.” Show starts at about 9 p.m. Saturday, March 8. $43-$80. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com

The twin sons of rock singer Ricky Nelson scored two big pop-rock hits in the early ‘90s as the band Nelson, including “After The Rain” and “(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection.” They’re playing a show called “A Night of Nelsons.” 7 p.m. Sunday, March 9. $54-$64. Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org

Gainesville rockers known for “All For You,” “Your Winter,” “Change Your Mind” and other hits.  Southwest Florida band Shy Blossom opens. Show starts at about 8 p.m. Thursday, March 13. $35-$69. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 985-9839 or theranchfortmyers.com

The classic rockers return for another show at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. 38 Special’s ‘80s hits include "Hold On Loosely," “Caught Up In You" and "Rockin' Into The Night.” Guitarist/singer Don Barnes is the only original member in the band. 7 p.m. Friday, March 14. $58-$188. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater in Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., downtown Fort Myers. CaloosaSoundAmp.com

Guitar wizard George Lynch played in '80s metal band Dokken and later in his own band Lynch Mob. The Fort Myers show is the last stop on Lynch Mob’s farewell tour, “The Final Ride.” They’ll be playing both Dokken and Lynch Mob songs. Plus opening act Midnight Vice and some special guests. 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Doors open at 6 p.m. $13-$100. Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. facebook.com/TheBuddhaLive

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the popular Irish trio and Gulf Coast Symphony. Trinity and the orchestra previously performed together in a televised PBS concert recorded in 2021 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The young singers of Trinity will perform “Red is the Rose,” “Danny Boy,” “The Parting Glass” “The Rocky Road to Dublin” and more. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 16. $39-$100. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

Read more: Gulf Coast Symphony's big PBS debut with Trinity: Classically Irish

Two days after playing Buddha LIVE, Dokken guitarist George Lynch returns there for a rocking St. Patrick’s Day show featuring musicians from other popular metal bands from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The lineup includes drummer Stet Howland (WASP, Metal Church), bassist Jaron Gulino (Lynch Mob) and singers Terry Ilous (XYZ) and Brett Carlisle (Great White). The show ends with all the musicians and some more special guests taking the stage to play Dokken hits. 7 p.m. Monday, March 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. $20-$100. Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. facebook.com/TheBuddhaLive

The long-running, legendary western group known for immortal country standards such as “Riders in the Sky,” “Home on the Range” and “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Two shows at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20. $62. Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. 597-1900 or artisnaples.org

Smooth-jazz trumpeter Rick Braun returns for another headlining show at the annual Sounds of Jazz & Blues music festival in Cape Coral. The lineup also includes Paul Rozmus and Michael Imbasciani. 5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. $25-$55. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Coral Oaks Golf Course, 1800 N.W. 28th Ave., Cape Coral. capeconcerts.com/home

The third-annual music fest returns for another day packed with tribute bands, including Diary of an Ozzman (Ozzy Osbourne), Nirvanna (Nirvana), Noise Pollution (AC/DC) and Erasmith (Aerosmith). Food trucks will also be available. 4-11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22. $30-$60. The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. infernoradio.com

Internationally known pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head in a piano duel packed with classical and contemporary music. The audience decides the winner. Part of the Community Concerts Series. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25. $25-$55. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

Southwest Florida’s touring opera company brings the regional premiere of Dvorak's “Rusalka” to three local venues. Inspired by the fairytale “The Little Mermaid,” the opera tells the story of a water nymph who dreams of becoming human. “Rusalka” will be performed in a new English translation. Gulfshore Opera will be joined onstage by The Florida Philharmonic. 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, Bonita Springs ($40-$70); 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at The Norris Center, downtown Naples ($45-$75); and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda ($40-$70). For tickets and more information, call 529-3925 or visit gulfshoreopera.org/rusalka

This outdoor jazz show features gypsy-inspired jazz act Stephane Wrembel Trio, Latin Grammy-winning musician Alex Cuba and popular Southwest Florida singer-pianist Danny Sinoff and the Danny Sinoff Trio. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 29. $35-$45. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org

The second-annual music fest includes food trucks, boutique vendors, a mechanical bull, ax throwing and four Southwest Florida country acts. The lineup: Austin James, Elliot West Band, The Coastal Cowboys and The Jack Shealy Band. The event raises money for Marco Island Charter Middle School. 3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 29. $35. Veterans Community Park, 901 Park Ave., Marco Island. tinyurl.com/3874txpk

The Fort Myers-based orchestra celebrates its big birthday with this special concert featuring guest stars and long-time supporters. No details have been announced yet about the musical program or performers. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 30. $39-$100. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

• Backyard Bluesfest with J.P. Soars and The Jack Shealy Band: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Buckingham Blues Bar, Buckingham. $20. buckinghambar.com
• Singer-songwriter Hank Woji and friends: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Americana Community Music Association, Fort Myers. $20. americanacma.org
• Beatles tribute Rain: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $45-$85. bbmannpah.com

• Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett tribute bands play Legends Concerts Series: 7-10 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, North Naples. $43-$80. VIP tickets are $132. legendsconcertseries.com
• Indiana blues-rockers Left Lane Cruiser: 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Nice Guys Pizza, Cape Coral. $15-$20. facebook.com/NiceGuysPizza
• Dove- and Grammy-winning Christian singer-songwriter David Phelps and comedian Mickey Bell: 7 p.m. Friday, March 7 at First Assembly of God, Fort Myers. $28-$75. davidphelps.com
• Naples Dixieland Jazz Band: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Cambier Park, Naples. Free (although donations are requested). thenaplesjazzsociety.com
• George Michael Reborn! tribute show: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at BIG ARTS, Sanibel Island. $69. bigarts.org
• Harbor Arts & Music Festival with food, an arts-and-craft show and Florida musical acts: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9 at Margood Harbor Park, Goodland. Free. For more, email Tara O’Neill at taraogallery@gmail.com.

• Venice bluegrass band Swinging Bridge: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers. $20. 939-2787 or ArtInLee.org
• ZZ Top: 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 10 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $55-$150. Limited seats remain. bbmannpah.com
• Journey tribute Frontiers: 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 10-11 at Tribby Arts Center, Lee County. $62. tribbyartscenter.com
• Backyard Bluesfest with Nick David of The Wicked Lo-Down and R.B. Stone: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Buckingham Blues Bar, Buckingham. $20. buckinghambar.com
• Southwest Florida Symphony plays space-themed music in ‘2025: A Space Odyssey’: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $27-$117. bbmannpah.com
• Mexican norteño band Duelo: Show starts at about 9 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Fort Myers. $82. theranchfortmyers.com
• Cape Coral Music & Arts Fusion Walk with local musicians and artists: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, March 15 on Southeast 47th Terrace between Vincennes Boulevard and Southeast 15th Avenue, downtown Cape Coral/South Cape. Free. facebook.com/capecoralspecialevents
• Led Zeppelin tribute Get the Led Out: 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $29-$111. bbmannpah.com
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $25-$55. Part of the annual Community Concerts Series. bbmannpah.com

• Grammy-nominated bluegrass act Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts, Bonita Springs. $43-$54. 495-8989 or artsbonita.org
• Folk-Americana duo The Honey Badgers: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at the Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers. $20. americanacma.org
• Bluegrass act The Jacob Jolliff Band: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, downtown Fort Myers. $45-$50. sbdac.com
• Southwest Florida Symphony plays Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ and Frankie Valli: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, south Fort Myers. $27-$117. bbmannpah.com

Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@gannett.com. Follow or message him on Facebook(@charles.runnells.7), Instagram and Threads (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells)