Page 20 - May-June-July_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

in naples

when season ends

by Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits
D uring the Season – there are many one named one of the top fiddlers in the country.

days there are so many things to
The featured art exhibit at the Naples Art Association will
choose from that you can’t decide be from Shanghai to Naples – from renowned Chinese artist
what to attend. But it seems that Deena Gu. Much of her work was on display at the Philadelphia
when season ends – we find there is very Art Museum. One of the works is a copy of a scroll from the
little to do in the way of cultural activities. Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.).
But five years ago the new StayInMay Some very new exciting culinary experiences are a part of
Festival came to town and has successfully the Festival – on May 2 – the five culinary programs from the
produced festivals that have attracted over 60,000 people to area high schools will be featured. Brian Roland, a renowned
attend a variety of world-class events. local chef will be the host for this event at his new venue –
This year the StayInMay Festival began on April 25 and Venue Naples. The five different schools will all present a menu
continues through May 12. There are many first time events to that is inspired by a different genre of jazz. Enjoy the world
enjoy this year – from culinary to visual arts to an exciting event of food from the perspective of these wonderfully talented
at the Naples Zoo. students.
A constant as a part of the festival are the performances Do you love seeing a painter create a work in front you-
at 2 p.m. at the Naples Art Association. This year these then you want to be at the Marco Island Historical Society
performances are varied and offer something for a variety on May 11. Malenda Trick – one of our treasured, talented
of musical preferences. May 2 – Lara St John and Matt local artists will be creating a work in the style of Toulouse-
Herskowitz partner to present an exciting violin and Lautrec while you hear the strains of cabaret music performed
piano concert; May 3 – classical pianist Ilya Itin. A unique by Steffanie Pearce accompanied by Dr. James Cochran.
opportunity awaits you on May 9 when Arturo Sandoval will The Festival will conclude on May 12 with a performance
perform a rare jazz piano concert. The series will conclude on at the Naples Zoo – featuring The Tokens – who made famous
May 11 with classical pianist Kevin Kenner. The Lion Sleeps Tonight. See the lion exhibit at the Zoo and learn
If you love jazz, bluegrass with a tinge of classical – you won’t about this species that is now on the endangered list – and have
want to miss the first time in Southwest Florida for the DePue the opportunity to get a painting done by lion’s paws.
Brothers. In partnership with the Hilton Naples, this group As you can see from this small example – the StayInMay
will perform in the main ballroom. You can enjoy a reception Festival aims to provide entertainment to appeal to a wide
provided by the Hilton prior to the concert and relax and enjoy audience, in interesting venues across our region. So I invite
the best that bluegrass has to offer. This award-winning group you to explore the website – StayInMay.com and find out what
is comprised of eight musicians, several classically trained, and appeals to you and enjoy the extension of our season.

20 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017