Claudia Polzin on finding new Adventures

Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits

Finding new adventures or old adventures in unexpected places is part of the fun of living in Naples. Begin the month with an opera in a church – Don Pasquale – presented by Gulfshore Opera in First United Methodist Church in Naples. Consider the plot of this opera – it’s mid -19th century and old bachelor Don Pasquale plans to marry in order to punish his rebellious nephew and cut him off without a penny. Pasquale gets advice from his doctor who recommends his younger sister to Pasquale for marriage. Enjoy comedy opera at a unique setting on February 1.

February 2 and 4 you can enjoy concerts in Cambier Park either Dixieland Jazz on February 2 at 2 pm or Stardust Memories Big Band at 7 pm on February 4. You may have noted that I try to always point out concerts in Cambier Park – one reason is that this is a fun afternoon or evening and they are free concerts. Several of these groups also support programs for music education for students – it is a great way to have a good time and give back to students in our community.

We all know that February is one of the busiest months for company from the cold weather parts of the country – and many times we are scrambling for activities (and all pray that it doesn’t rain while the young children are here). But should you want a different activity, or something to do on a dreaded rain day – head to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples – the Dinosaur Train exhibit opens on February 5. Be sure to come with a child in tow – it’s the
only way to experience the Children’s Museum.

Looking for a hands-on experience and learning something new – try the Ikebana International monthly meeting at the Naples Botanical Gardens. The meetings include an educational component – and are open to the public – just go to their website and you can register. The meeting is February 6 and this chapter is the largest in the United States. Enjoy learning more about the Japanese art of flower-arranging – “making flowers come alive”.

Do you love opera and Broadway – well the blend comes alive at TheatreZone – opening on February 7 – Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida – Music by Elton and lyrics by Rice. This production premiered on March 23,2000 on Broadway and closed after completing 1,852 performances and won the Tony for Best Original Score. With February being the month of Valentine’s Day – there are two wonderful opportunities to hear song written for love – on February 13 – Gulfshore Opera will present the Songs of Love in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples. Then on February 14 – Seraphic Fire will present the women’s ensemble recreating Antonio Vivaldi’s Ospedale della Pieta. The music he wrote for the young women in the Pieta – an orphanage where he was the music director. This performance will be at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church at 7pm.

February 19 – Vyacheslav Gryaznov – performs a Russian fantast evening featuring the works of Rachmaninoff. This concert is held at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church at 7:30 pm. The other star of the evening is the 10’2” Faziolo Concert Grand Piano. This extraordinary instrument is one of only seven in the United States and compliments the skill of the artists that perform on it. Some very different experiences and adventures for February – but we aren’t done yet – on February 22 – head to the Naples Historical Society for their Garden Side Chickee Chats – a Barbershop Quartet
will be featured in the Chickee Hut in the Norris Gardens. Enjoy the music, learn more about the singing style that is uniquely American in the beautiful setting of the Norris Gardens.

February is the month for you to find new adventures – so hope we have provided you with some ideas to peak your curiosity