SEASON…and so it begins again!!!

Claudia Polzin Consultant to Nonprofits

It seems to be starting earlier every year – many of our arts groups begin with increased schedules in November that continue through April – so that is our expanded season. How many of us remember when it was January through April? The one advantage this has had for
our area is that many groups are having events and concerts throughout the entire year so those of us that have chosen to live here year round are finding more things to enjoy all year. This writer would encourage you to learn more about some of our arts groups that have been in our area for a considerable number of years.

Entering its 47th season – the Naples Concert Band Beginning its 27th season – Gulf Coast Big Band Providing roaming art adventures for 61 years – Art in the Park Producing live theatrical enjoyment – the Naples Players – celebrating its 65th season. These groups are highlighted as they represent the strong arts community that started with a group of dedicated volunteers and has continued to work in our community to promote the arts. Thank you to all of the volunteers that continue year in and year out to make many of our arts nonprofits work in our community.

The Naples Players opened their 2018-19 season this past summer with their production of Chicago – the Musical. It is now time to enjoy a laugh or two – the Tobye  Studio will be the home for June and Jason’s Guide to Divorce. This will remind you of the golden era of the sitcoms on TV – remember the ones that you laughed out loud when you watched – well be prepared to do it again when you see this comedy in the intimate setting of the Tobye Studio. It will be featured through November 18 – so don’t miss a good laugh.

The Naples Players will finish the month of November with Irving Berlin’s iconic White Christmas. Even if you have never seen the stage production you have probably seen the movie with Bing Crosby – the beautiful resort in Vermont and the unforgetable music. So imagine the snow-capped landscape of Vermont in the comfort of the Sugden Theatre.

The weekend of November 3 you can enjoy the work of two of our Naples art organizations – NAA and the Gulf Coast Big Band. NAA will host the first Art in the Park of the Season – wander through Cambier Park – enjoy the art, find your favorite artist and support their work. Then be sure you are in Cambier on November 4 at 2 p.m. to enjoy the sounds of the Gulf Coast Big Band.

If the outdoors is not what you want then head down to Trinityby-the-Cove and hear “Great Necks” – the name may make you ponder – but once you realize it’s a trio of classical guitarists it makes complete sense. So enjoy Adam Levin, Scott Borg, and Matthew Rohde at 4 p.m. on November 11 in the sanctuary on Galleon Drive.

A second option on November 11 is at the other end of Collier County – Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church – also at 4 p.m. – an organ concert on the newest addition to the great collection of pipe organs in Collier County – the Lively-Fulcher. The winner from Eastman School of Music for the Cochran Music Chair will be
performing on this magnificent pipe organ.

The concert series at the various churches in Collier County are the best concert deal in town – the majority of them are free and only ask a donation of your choosing. As you get ready to enter the very busy holiday season with Thanksgiving – give yourself a musical treat and head to First Presbyterian Church downtown Naples on November 30 to hear the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus performing the iconic Handel’s Messiah.
Enjoy the month and celebrate Naples and our wonderful arts organizations.