Life and Entertainment Modified by COVID – 19

Claudia Polzin
Independent Consultant

The year 2020 since March has been anything but what we had planned – and many adjustments have had to be made.

One of the major changes has been to our entertainment – concerts, movies, dinners, events, etc were cancelled and schedules are indicating that they will  return slowly and in many instances in different forms.

Almost everything has been put into a tentative mode because we don’t have crystal balls to determine how the Fall will be with COVID-19 and the flu season.

One of our local groups that made changes to adjust to this new “normal” is the Naples Players – they took productions outside and introduced new events for the community. One of the new events was their drive-in movie series – being held at 300 8th Street South – in November you can enjoy movies for the entire family.

November 10 and 11 enjoy The Wizard of Oz and on November 24 and 25 – The Goonies – all showings begin at 8pm. Interesting how activities of the past that many thought would never return – like Drive-In Theatres have returned and in some instances are thriving. In some communities around the country Drive-In Theatres that had been abandoned were revived and families that had never watched a movie from their car found a
new entertainment venue. Watching a movie in the comfort of your own car, with your family, bring your snacks and enjoy the movie.

The outdoors, which is what many have moved to Florida for, has now become one of our best ways to enjoy new entertainment venues. Cambier Park has always been a favorite for many of our local groups and it will continue with some planning to do concerts in the Bandshell. The Naples Big Band is scheduled for November 2 at 7pm and November 22 at 2pm. The music of the Big Bands definitely can bring a smile to our face and enjoyment for the soul.

If Dixieland is your favorite the Naples Dixieland Band is scheduled for Cambier Park on November 15 at 2 pm. One of our newest parks – Baker Park will be the home for Art in the Park on November 7. If you have not explored this new park – this is the time to do that.

A very new adventure in Cambier Park will be November 27 and 28 with the Naples Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker. This may be the only production of the Nutcracker this holiday season in Naples. Another Naples based organization that is venturing outside is Gulfshore Opera – with their GO Divas – a group of six very talented young women. They will be performing on Mercato’s outdoor stage November 1 at 4pm.

Unfortunately with all of the uncertainty surrounding us, entertainment groups are hoping that they can bring these performances to you – but live entertainment is still a day by day question. Continue to check websites, make phone calls and when possible support your local arts groups and above all else – stay well