The LAST of the quiet MONTHS in Naples

Claudia Polzin Consultant to Nonprofits

Living in Southwest Florida year round we learn the ebb and flow of ”season” and learn to gauge our schedules by how long it will take us to get somewhere. Well – unfortunately for those who like to get from Pine Ridge to Fifth Avenue in 15 minutes you need to enjoy the last couple of months of that luxury. But truly do enjoy it – and find out what is in our community that you are used to passing by and not stopping in.

Don’t just drive down Goodlette – look to the left as you head south and turn into the Naples Zoo and the Conservancy. I am always amazed by the number of people that live here year round and have not taken advantage of what is here – these two incredible destinations are here for you to enjoy and also learn – don’t wait until the grandchildren are here to Explore  these wonderful sites. Continue on your journey south and find 12th Avenue South – and Palm Cottage – the oldest home in Naples restored to its original condition – and sustained minimal damage last year in Irma.

At the other end of US 41 – just off of Pine Ridge on Shirley and Taylor – find the Naples Art District – this jewel
of art studios intertwined in an area with businesses that cater to the trades – has developed over the past eleven years into the largest concentration of professional working artist studios and galleries in our area. This district has become a great source for fine art, art education, remodeling and home décor. It is an alliance of independent painters, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, photographers and more – explore during the day or First Wednesday – October 8, 2018 from 5-8 p.m.

Unfortunately, this is also a part of Hurricane Season – and as we look around our community we can still see signs of Irma – who made landfall last September 10, 2017. As many still are recovering from this storm, we all are hoping for a quieter hurricane season for 2018. Admittedly, August and September are very quiet months
for concerts and cultural activities – but one long time tradition continues – Summer Jazz on the Gulf Concert Series. August 18 – 6:30 p.m. – a new group will be performing – TBone Hamilton’s Big Easy Revue. This is an 8-piece New Orleans style horn band that combines jazz, Texas blues and funk music. September 15 – Pocket Change will return to perform for the sixth time bringing their Motown, funk, soul and party music to the Beach.

The season of plays and concerts begins in earnest in October – with the Sugden Theatre and the Naples Players opening Peter and the StarCatcher on October 3. This play is based on a novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The play explores how a young orphan ultimately became Peter Pan. The theatrical adaptation was written by Rick Elice; and explores the depths of greed, despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

TheatreZone – who normally has their productions in the theatre located on the campus of Community School will move further north and present Urinetown the Musical at the FGCU Bower School of Music theatre. This hilarious satire about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility and more will be presented October 11-14, 2018. This production also provides an opportunity for the theatre students at FGCU to work with a
professional company.

One of the first concerts of the season will be the Naples Concert Band opening their 2018-19 season on October 14, 2018 at 2 p.m in Cambier Park. Don’t forget your lawn chair and come to enjoy the music. Enjoy the last three months of relative quiet here in our corner of Paradise and get ready to greet all of our seasonal visitors, who not only bring more intense traffic – but wonderful friendships and opportunities to continue to explore our
beautiful community.