The Alliance for the Arts building. PROVIDED

The Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) has announced that the acclaimed blues artist Damon Fowler will perform at the Art is Essential Bash, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Previously opening for JJ Grey at Arts on Tap last December, Tampa native Damon Fowler brings his award-winning, soulful blend of American roots music to this outdoor concert. The Alliance For The Arts is at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

In July, AFTA launched their Art is Essential campaign. This concert featuring Damon Fowler celebrates the sustaining donors who have committed to monthly contributions in response to statewide funding cuts by Gov. DeSantis. This initiative aims to secure sustainable support for the arts community and ensure the continuation of vital programs and services. The concert is free for sustaining donors of the Art is Essential campaign, tickets are also available for purchase.

Molly Rowan Deckart, executive director of the Alliance for the Arts, expressed her gratitude and optimism, stating, “In the face of adversity, we celebrate the resilience and generosity of our community. This concert is our heartfelt thank you to the donors who stood by us and contributed to the ‘Art is Essential’ Campaign. Together, we affirm that the arts will always find a way to thrive, inspire, and unite us all.”

Join us on the GreenMarket lawn for a fun-filled evening supporting the arts in Southwest Florida. There will be a full bar offering a wide selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks available for purchase as well as a local food truck on site. Bring your chairs and enjoy an unforgettable performance by Damon Fowler. Learn more about the artist at damon-fowler.com.

Tickets are $20 for members, and $25 for non-members and available HERE.

PROVIDED

Entry is FREE for sustaining donors of the Art is Essential campaign. Find out more and become a sustaining donor.

About Damon Fowler

Tampa’s Damon Fowler, a masterful singer, guitar player and songwriter, has absorbed the best of and furthered the work of the region’s definitive artists. A hard-driving troubadour, his music is steeped with soul and representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. He gained the respect of his peers given his featured slot in Butch Truck’s Freight Train band and his side gig as guitarist in the Dickey Betts Band. Critics have compared Fowler’s guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman. Fowler’s 2021 Landslide Records release, Alafia Moon, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, spent four months in the Top 20, and was nominated for a BMA in the Blues/Rock category. His follow up record, Damon Fowler & Friends, Live At The Palladium, garnered strong airplay throughout the United States and Europe. The new release, BARNYARD SMILE, featuring 8 new original Fowler compositions plus distinctive covers of Bo Diddley and Jerry Reed tunes, combines all of the influences that have shaped his distinctive blues career.

Tickets are available now at ArtInLee.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds will go to the Art is Essential campaign, which aims to sustain the arts after Gov Desantis’ veto of arts funding in June.

About Alliance for the Arts

Acclaimed blues artist Damon Fowler will perform at the Art is Essential Bash, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit at ArtInLee.org, or find on Facebook, Meetup and Instagram.

Acclaimed blues artist Damon Fowler will perform at the Art is Essential Bash, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.