Summer in Paradise

Claudia Pozin
Director of Development – Southwest Florida
Classical South Florida – 88.7

So it is official – “season is over” – no matter what calendar you use – seasonal residents have headed back north and hoping that there are no more snow storms brewing. So now all of those folks who complain about the drivers – have no one to complain about except all of us year round residents. Hmmm – wonder how that will work out?

But this is the time to explore some things you may have not wanted to venture out to during the busiest months of the year.

During the entire month of May you can explore the exhibit – The Way We Worked – Along the Trail at the Museum of the Everglades. If you are one of the people in Collier County who has not made it down to Everglades City – this is the time to go. The Museum of the Everglades is devoted to displaying local history from early Native American times to the present.

Learn about the adventurers that persevered in Florida’s last frontier. This exhibit will be open for the month of May and the Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A great tradition began a few years ago and is continuing this year – ArtsNaples World Festival – this festival encourages us to stay in May.

This year you can explore the culture of France – from music to visual arts, to food -so explore their website and get up close and personal with all that is French.

You will note when you do that the music options range from Opera to cabaret and everything in between. Take in some of these wonderful opportunities- you won’t be sorry.

The Festival also is held in many places throughout Collier County – making it affordable and accessible for all.

If you are an opera devotee – these are two last opportunities for this wonderful art form – on May 1 and 2 – the La Tragedie de Carmen will be presented at the David and Cecile Wang Opera Center in Naples. This is presented by Opera Naples as a part of the ArtsNaples programming.

May 2 is also the final performance of the season for Gulfshore Opera – they will present a program of Baroque Opera at Artis-Naples with
the Naples Philharmonic. So take this opportunity to explore both of our regional opera companies .

May brings its own special celebration – Cinco de Mayo – and this year it will be celebrated with a concert at by the Naples Philharmonic.

June also holds some wonderful opportunities – like have you seen the giraffes at the Naples Zoo – well if not plan to get to World Giraffe Day weekend on June 20 and 21.

The zoo is a very special place here in Naples – not only the animals but the fantastic botanical atmosphere.

There are also a lot of pipe organ fans in our area and June 7 at Artis-Naples is the festival of great organ music featuring many of our wonderful area organists. If you are one of those that cannot resist the sounds of a magnificent pipe organ this is the concert you need to plan to attend.

July holds one of our best times to celebrate – July 4th and this year for the second year Classical South Florida will be celebrating on the Naples Princess. Last year the cruise was sold out with a waiting list – so if you are interested do not hesitate to call – 239-290-9433 to reserve your spot.

The cruise leaves from the Port-O-Call Marina and sails away into the Gulf – enjoy patriotic music a great dinner buffet and anchor in the Gulf just in time to see the fireworks from the Naples Pier. One of the best ways to enjoy the fireworks – no sand in your food and no hastle with parking.

So enjoy your summer in Naples – and hope to see you around town – and don’t forget to enjoy your concert hall with no walls – 88.7FM