APRIL IN NAPLES (as opposed to April in Paris)

Probably many of us remember some of the pranks that we played on family and friends on April Fool’s Day – but hopefully we have outgrown that by this time (or maybe not). Either way – plan to enjoy the month of April with all that Naples has to offer.

All jazz lovers plan to be at the River Park Community Center on April 6 and at Cambier Park on April 21 to enjoy concerts from 2-4 p.m. by the Naples Jazzmasters and Naples Dixieland Jazz Band respectively. These
groups feature Dixieland Jazz, which has its roots in New Orleans by combining many of America’s musical resources – minstrel shows, ragtime and the blues. During the First World War, this musical treasure left New Orleans and the “Jazz Age” swept the world during the Roaring 20’s. Jazz continued to be very popular during the depression of the 1930’s but faded away as the era of the “Big Bands” came along in the 40’s. There is truly nothing happier than the toe-tapping Dixieland tunes and nothing sadder than the sorrowful blues.

If your musical taste goes to the Big Bands – there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy that iconic music. April 7 – from 2-4 p.m. in Cambier Park the Gulf Coast Big Band performs; April 8 at 7 p.m. the Stardust Memories Big Band will be in Cambier Park; April 15 at 7 p.m. enjoy the Naples Big Band.

Wandering up and down Fifth Avenue and enjoying the beautiful weather will be enhanced on April 11 by the activities of the Evening on 5th. Up and down the avenue you will experience several different live musical performances; plus you can do some window-shopping (or actual shopping). Pick your favorite cuisine and enjoy the evening beginning at 6:30 p.m.

If you enjoy hearing young people perform – there is a new adventure for you – the School of Rock – Battle of the Bands on 5th avenue is April 20 starting at 7 p.m. Students from beginners through advanced will perform classic rock songs.

We all have to admit that we have the most beautiful sunsets ever and one way to enjoy them in April is to go to the Botanical Gardens–every Wednesday in April from 5-8 p.m. enjoy Sunset in the Naples Botanical Gardens.

April will also provide you with the opportunity to see Puccini’s final opera “Turandot” at Artis—Naples on April 27 presented by Gulfshore Opera. This fully-staged grand opera will be presented with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying. If you would like to learn more about this opera from the directors; join Jorge Parodi and Josh Shaw at the Innovation Hotel on April 6 for the Prelude to Turandot. The lead role will feature tenor Leonid Shoshyn, the dramatic tenor at the Odessa National Opera. Join Gulfshore Opera in welcoming Shoshyn for his US debut in this grand opera production. This grand opera concludes the celebratory 10th anniversary season for Gulfshore Opera.

Naples own Theatre Zone is celebrating its 19th season; and opening on April 25th is Carrie: the Musical. This musical is based on Stephen King’s blockbuster 1974 novel, “Carrie” and the classic 1976 film – both form the basis for this musical. Carrie White is bullied by the popular crowd and virtually invisible to everyone else. However, Carrie has special powers and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use them to her advantage. Unfortunately, the story of bullying is still true today.

The variety of entertainment options in Naples can provide everyone with something to enjoy – and all with pricing that can make it affordable for all from $0 for walking on Fifth Avenue on April 11 (unless you also do some shopping) – to theatre and opera ticketing that makes it affordable for all.

Enjoy sunsets, plays, bands and lectures during April in Naples.