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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Squirrel Nut Zippers will be the headliner for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s 12th annual Beer in the Bushes on April 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at its headquarters on Sanibel.
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BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM
From left, Bubbly Latitude co-owner Sarah Jacobson, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium Executive Director Sam Ankerson, and co-owner Kate Zembrodt.
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SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Beer in the Bushes attendees can dress in their best “swing” attire to fit this year’s theme.
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Tickets are available for two events that will support the missions of two island organizations.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium will hold its second annual Prosecco & Pearls on March 26 at its facilities on Sanibel, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) will host its 12th annual Beer in the Bushes on April 4 at its Sanibel headquarters’ grounds.
PROSECCO & PEARLS
Presented by Bubbly Latitude, the museum’s spring soirée will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
Attendees will have an opportunity to stroll the aquariums and Great Hall of Shell exhibits while sipping prosecco supplied by Bubbly Latitude. There will also be fine wines available provided by A Bit of Bailey’s, along with appetizers and a raw bar from The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market.
Congress Jewelers will be on site to display a variety of pearls, while museum Science Director and Curator Dr. José H. Leal will educate attendees about the mollusks that make the exquisite pearls.
Another highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of natural pearls.
Other activities will include a pearl craft-making activity and “Pearls of Wisdom” scavenger hunt.
The museum’s mission is to educate and inspire an understanding of mollusks, their shells and their habitats using exceptional experiences, collections and science. The proceeds from the event will benefit educational programs at the museum.
“We are thrilled to sponsor Prosecco & Pearls for two consecutive years,” Bubbly Latitude co-owner Sarah Jacobson said. “While raising awareness for the museum, it is a very fun event with the guests in their ‘shelly’ best outfits.”
“At Bubbly Latitude, we love celebrating life’s little luxuries,” co-owner Kate Zembrodt added. “Partnering with the museum for Prosecco & Pearls is a perfect way to toast the island we love, while supporting the museum’s wonderful educational programs.”
The museum extended a special thanks to additional sponsors Charlotte and Randy Hockensmith.
Tickets are $125.
For tickets or more information, visit ShellMuseum.org/prosecco-pearls.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
BEER IN THE BUSHES
The SCCF’s unofficial end-of-season party for the islands will take place from 6 to 10 p.m.
“We look at this as a community event. This one is more of our celebration of the end of season,” Facilities and Events Director Jeff Siwicke said. “No asks, no auctions, no fundraising. When we get here, we just want to celebrate as a community.”
Headlining this year’s outdoor festivities will be Squirrel Nut Zippers.
An American band formed in 1993, it rocketed from the underground scene in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to the national stage. Squirrel Nut Zippers’ music is an infectious blend of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s-era swing, klezmer and Southern storytelling. It found commercial success during the swing revival of the late 1990s with its 1996 single “Hell.”
“We always strive for the highest quality music,” he said. “We thought that there might be more of a sense of familiarly with them than past bands with guests, so a little bit more name recognition.”
“They’re talented musicians, and they’re playing a role — these guys got a bunch of horns, and they dress the part,” Siwicke added. “It’s just a lot of fun to watch — it’s the whole package.”
Tying in with Squirrel Nut Zippers, the theme for this year is swing.
“We encourage our guests to dress to swing, whatever that means to you,” he said. “Put on your dancing shoes and wear the swingiest clothes you can find because you won’t want to sit this one out.”
Nine regional breweries will offer craft beer tastings, including the Fort Myers Brewing Company, Hopsized Brewing Company, Millennial Brewing Company, Palm City Brewing Company, Point Ybel Brewing Company, Riptide Brewing Company, Swamp Cat Brewing Company, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and The Great White Grill.
“The craft beer is kind of what started the whole thing. Craft beer was new to the area,” Siwicke said. “It’s kind of the heart of this event, so we really want to put a spotlight on our brewery partners.”
Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
In addition, Food Truck Alley at the event will be lined with an assortment of dishes from Mambo, Smokin’ Crow’s BBQ, The Dawg Pound, Wicked Streatery, Viet Yum, and Yo Samaras.
“We do try to have a well-rounded field of food offerings for everybody, from barbecue to Asian to hot dogs,” he said. “And, surprisingly, there will be some vegetarian options, as well.”
Attendees will have plenty to see and do and have fun with.
“Dancing will definitely be in the cards. As much or as little as our guests would like to join in,” Siwicke said. “Guests should come ready to move and be ready to shake it.”
Major supporters are Wimmer Communities as the presenting sponsor, The Marcum Giving Fund as the band sponsor and HM Restaurant Group as the food alley sponsor, with additional sponsors.
“We couldn’t do Beer in the Bushes without our supporters,” he said. “So none of this would happen without our sponsors, without the community. People are really behind this event and gathering.”
The proceeds will support its mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Tickets are $125 per person and include $15 in TruxBux, which are redeemable at the food trucks for a full meal or smaller bites. Wine, soft drinks, water and light snacks are also included with the ticket.
“It’s an all-inclusive event,” Siwicke said. “The food is included and the beer is included.”
The community is invited to secure a ticket.
“You’re not going to find music of this caliber on this island any other time of year,” he said. “It’s an all-inclusive evening with fun and surprises that has to be experienced in person.”
For tickets or more information, visit https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-bushes-2026.
The SCCF’s headquarters is at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Second annual Prosecco & Pearls
When
March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $125
…..
IF YOU GO
What
12th annual Beer in the Bushes
When
April 4 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Where
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation headquarters, 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $125