Excitement in the New Year!

Claudia Polzin
Independent Consultant

2020 has arrived and I am reminded of the New Year beginning in 2000 and the sense of panic in the nation because no one was certain of what would happen to all of the computers and electronic equipment – would they be able to convert from the 1900 to 2000 without a major failure. Turns out they could and we marched into the 21st century. Now we are dealing with phones that can do more than some of our computers could do in 2000 – and time changes and date changes happen without our even noticing.

So now we are facing January, 2020 in Southwest Florida – and our season is in full swing. One of the biggest challenges is selecting what to do – many days and nights the selections are so numerous that it is almost impossible to choose. This writer always encourages you to find some new events and venues in Naples – many of us know that we have the Norris Center – but how many of us have really looked at their schedule.

Some of the events that are interesting to note: January 3rd at 7pm Neapolitan Opry presents “Cluster Pluckin” – six artists present a fast paced show featuring jazz, folk, bluegrass and more.

On January 4 at 7pm you can enjoy a festival atmosphere at the Center with Neapolapalooza III – musicians, artistry and cuisine including food trucks. Probably the most reasonable theatre ticket in town is found in the Norris Center Cinema Series on January 6 at 6pm – “Cool Hand Luke” – a classic starring Paul Newman and George Kennedy.

Then you can finish out the month on January 31 with 100 Years of Comedy – humorist Lenny Dave traces the last 100 years of comedy and spotlights favorite comedians. I am certain that you have found all of the concerts in Cambier Park – and they are in full swing in January – but one thing you may not have found is the Outdoor Family Movie Night which happens on January 10th.

Staying downtown for January – opening on January 15 at the Sugden with The Naples Players – Making God Laugh. This play follows an American family over the course of 30 years of holidays. Ruthie and Bill’s grown children – a priest, an aspiring actress and a former football star all return home to share their hopes and dreams.
You will probably find something in this play that you can totally relate to and have an enjoyable evening with friends.

We all remember with horror as we saw Notre Dame burning. What we maybe don’t think about is that this has caused many people, including the musicians of Notre Dame to be out of work. We have a unique opportunity in Naples at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church on January 19th. Johann Vexo, currently the Organiste de Choeur
(Choir Organist) at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris will give a recital at 4pm.

Gulfshore Opera will perform Passionate Puccini at 7pm onJanuary 23rd in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples. Puccini composed some of the most beloved operas and this is an opportunity to hear many of your favorites.
Even though many of us say we live in paradise and have the benefits of an incredible variety of art events – around us and hiding in places we don’t often see are the poor, homeless and hungry in our community.

So take some time to go to Cambier Park on January 25th and learn about the Empty Bowls project. The Naples event has been supporting local food charities for years. Select a bowl made by a local artist and find your soup to enjoy all while supporting our local food charities.

Have a wonderful January, enjoy the art and the city of Naples!