What’s Good about April in Paradise? by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

The months seem to pass quickly and we are coming to the end of yet another “season” in Southwest Florida. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the beauty of nature all around us and the beauty of our city that we call home –Naples.

The arts are alive and well here in Southwest Florida but admittedly the options are less during the off-season. The Naples Players continue to provide us with many options to enjoy and appreciate.

It opened in March but continues until April 12 – the musical 9 to 5 with the music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and based on the memorable 20th Century Fox Movie. This uproarious and uplifting musical is designed to have you laughing, singing, and rooting for the underdogs. This is a celebration of friendship and resilience and proves the power of standing up for what’s right.

The Naples Players also continue to work with their school programs and present the school edition of Rent in the Glass Theatre. This is the modern rock musical that tells the story of a group of friends navigating love, loss and survival in the face of adversity. Set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS epidemic, this production explores themes of friendship, identity and the desire to live life to the fullest. This production encourages us to cherish each moment and live without regret.

If you have not explored all that the City of Naples offers in the Norris Center and Cambier Park this is the time to do that. The Norris Center has concerts and events for all tastes – beginning on April 3 with A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at 7 p.m. Many of us remember the time of Woodstock and you can remember it with your friends on April 4 with a Tribute to Woodstock. Or, if your taste in music goes to “old Blue Eyes” come on April 8 at 7 p.m. and listen to Sinatra – the Musical starring Tony Sands. April 11 – is Larry Venturino’s one man show at 7 p.m.

The final month of the many bands in Naples – April 11 – the Naples Jazz Masters in the Norris Center at 1 p.m., April 12 the Naples Concert Band in Cambier Park at 7 p.m.; the Naples Big Band on April 13 at 7 p.m, and finally on April 19 the Gulf Coast Big Band at 2 p.m.

On April 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Baker Park there is a unique experience – Silent Piano Concert and Meditation. This is this author’s first experience hearing about this concept – so here is what it is – Mind Travel is a low impact, wellness-focused live music experience designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness and community connection. Guests listen to a live pianist playing ambient music through wireless headphones. The event is family friendly, accessible and quiet in nature. There are no speakers, no stage, no alcohol or amplified announcements. Guests can sit in beach chairs or lay on beach blankets – which each guest brings themself.

As you can see, even as “season” comes to a close; there is a little something for everyone to enjoy – from quiet meditation to a tribute to Woodstock. But let’s not forget the opportunity to visit Palm Cottage and take a walking tour of old Naples; or visit the many and varied art galleries that appeal to many different tastes in art.

It is always easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis – so take the time to just look around – take a leisurely walk or drive on streets that you don’t go on every day.