Songwriters on the Plaza/Mac Martin/Peter Slota/Gene Martin

The Lee County Library has partnered with the ACMA (Americana Community Music Association) to offer FREE concerts featuring all original music by local artists. These concerts will be held in the Amphitheater on South Cornog Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, and in case of bad weather, shows will be moved to the nearby meeting rooms.
The ACMA, a Fort Myers-based nonprofit, promotes local artists who perform original songs. At these events, expect to hear singer-songwriters sharing a lifetime of experiences and the stories behind their songs. Prepare for an evening of professional-quality acoustic Americana music, which blends blues, roots, folk, bluegrass, and country. There's plenty of space, so bring a friend and enjoy the music!

Mac Martin is a notable musician hailing from Arcadia, Florida, celebrated for his contributions to the Coastal Americana genre, also known as Trop Rock. A fourth-generation Floridian, Mac Martin has a deep connection to his roots, which is reflected in his music.His 2022 release, "Margarita Skies," is a tropical-themed project dedicated to the Trop Rock genre. The title track from this album reached #1 on the Weekly Trop 40 chart for two weeks in 2023, showcasing its popularity within the Trop Rock community. Mac hac been inducted to the prestigeous Trop Rock Music Academy.
In addition to his recent work, Mac Martin has a history of accolades. He won the Top Ten Will McLean Best New Florida Song Contest in 2013 for "Ed Watson," featured on his "Wrinkles In Rhyme" CD. This album, released in March 2013, includes 13 original songs, with Martin performing most of the instruments.
One of his well-known tracks, "Florida Cowboys," with lyrics by Victor Milt, gained significant exposure through its inclusion in two award-winning documentary films: “Cowboys of Florida” and “Cracker – The Last Cowboys of Florida.” Overall, Mac Martin is a prominent figure in the Trop Rock genre, known for his authentic sound and deep ties to Florida's musical heritage
Peter Slota is a Florida born retired, disabled Vietnam Vet. As a musician and songwriter, Peter came late to the party. He had been playing guitar since high school, never rising above a intermediate level, (having once sold a treasured Ovation guitar to eat). Later years proved a bit more fruitful. An agreeable wife, a used Taylor Dreadnaught, joy re-discovered and the journey began anew.
Peter's musical leanings are varied. In writing, you will see a lot of his military experience coming through. Based on his own time in the Army as a medic, as well as those of fellow veterans who share in intimate group settings, he finds a connection with those who shared time in any conflict. Or, even just the military itself.
You can find Peter spending most of his performing time playing, singing, banging a maraca, and more at VA clinics, nursing homes and other veteran activities and venues.
"Joining the ACMA and flexing my poetic soul with other incredible talent is really the best thing to happen to my musical self," Peter said. "I'm looking forward to hearing more inspriring and wonderful music, and getting a chance to play with some of the great musicians in the area."
Peter winters in Bonita Springs with wife Linda and cat Mary.
Gene Martin, who has sung in choirs, choruses, and glee clubs most of his early life, first started playing ukulele at age 13, then banjo and guitar. He graduated from medical school in 1967, was drafted into the U S Army in 1968, and served as a battalion surgeon in Vietnam for a year. He brought his guitar with him to Southeast Asia where the aid men sang Mammas and Pappas, Simon & Garfunkel, Pete Seeger, and Peter Paul and Mary music at the aid station. On returning home he practiced radiology for 41 years. He joined the ACMA in 2016 and has been writing music ever since. He is leader of the 4 member band, The Floridians. They entertain in day care, rehab centers, retirement homes and hospitals in the Fort Myers area. Gene is a co-host of the ACMA songwriters’ circle.