Meet the Musicians

by Claudia Polzin

November – the end of Hurricane Season and the beginning of “SEASON” – the end of one storm and the beginning of a storm of another kind – a whirlwind through April. Somehow all of us survive both of the seasons; lately the “season” is more taxing on our energies – but that is just fine with me and I am sure with all of you.

For the past three years I have been telling you about wonderful events around our community – the groups, the venues, the times – but now it is time for you to get the opportunity to meet some of the musicians that make up these wonderful groups. Let’s start at the beginning of the month with the Gulf Coast Big Band – they will be opening their season on November 6 at 2 p.m. in Cambier Park.

This group’s conductor is Dan Miller – a larger than life jazz trumpeter. Originally from Chicago, Dan has lived and worked in New York since 1991; and from 1990 through 2000 he traveled the world performing as a member of the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra. Miller has toured and recorded with names everyone knows – Wynton Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, Tom Jones and Woody Herman.

Not only is Dan a great musician he is a consummate teacher – spending time with high school and college clinics nationwide. Definitely a musician you want to get to know and hear perform – so start the month off right – November 6 at 2 p.m. – Cambier Park.

This season the Gulfshore Opera Company brings you some new and interesting performances, beginning on November 10 with the Gulfshore Tenors at 5:30 p.m. – Marco Island Center for the Arts. These three young men have thrilled audiences for the past year – and if you have missed them – don’t let another year go by without hearing their dulcet tones – thrilling you with beautiful love songs from the last 50 years.

The tenor voice has always held a special place in our hearts – you will remember those original three tenors – Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti. The Gulfshore Tenors are born of that tradition and are three tenors you can enjoy right here in your own back yard.

Another local treasure is the Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band – made up of over 20 musicians with varied backgrounds – ranging from dentist to electrical contractor, to professional musician. But all coming together to create wonderful jazz for your enjoyment. Their first concert will be November 12 at the River Park Community Center at 2 p.m. – so if you prefer to be inside this is the jazz concert for you.

But if you love Cambier Park – they will be performing again on November 27 at 2 p.m. in that beautiful setting. Be sure you notice the leader of the band – Jim Glover – he is a retired dentist, who served with the US Air Force and loves to play the tuba, trombone, piano and harmonica. It might seem early in the season to have to make choices about what concert or event you want to attend – but that is exactly what you will have to do on November 13. Beginning at 2 p.m. – the Naples Concert Band will open their season in Cambier Park with a Tribute to our American Heritage. At 3 p.m. Gulfshore Opera will present Celebrating American Song at United Church of Christ on Seagate in Naples. The final choice is at Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopalian Church at 4 p.m. a performance by Duo Sonidos – Adam Levin and William Knuth. Sonidos means sound in Spanish and when pulled apart becomes son dos – there are two.

The season begins and this year let’s take some time to not only enjoy the music but get to know the wonderful musicians that bring that music to us.