Page 20 - august2017lifeinnaples

PHOTO BY PAT SHAPIRO

FINDING

THE HIDDEN GEMS
IN NAPLES

by Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits
T here is something very unnatural about the Brass. This versatile 10-piece band specializes in performances at

month of August in Naples – school starts! music festival. Each member of this high-energy group is an exciting
This is not the way it is supposed to be – soloist with the ability to ignite a crowd.
October sees the opening of three different theatrical productions
school is to start the Tuesday after Labor
Day and in many parts of the country it does – – but there is a little bit of a common thread running through the
but here where temperatures are at their peak in themes explored in these three – a lot of introspection. The first one
August – school starts. Just doesn’t seem right and is opening at the Naples Players on October 11 – She Kills Monsters
I feel especially sorry for the students that have by Qui Nguyen. It is a comedic romp into a fantasy of role-playing
to be practicing sports and learning the marching band drills in the games. This is the story of Agnes Evans who leaves her childhood
warmest temperatures in the country. Okay enough of my ranting home in Ohio following the death of her younger sister, Tilly.
about the “good old days” – what is there for all of us to enjoy during October 14 – Gulfshore Playhouse opens the regional premier of
these last months before “season” hits again? Paradise by Laura Maria Censabella. This play explores the question
August is probably one of the quietest months in terms of of is love a science? To find the answers the play looks at matters
performance events – but it is a great month to explore some of the of love, faith and culture and questions and challenges our values
wonderful attractions that are here all year but many of us don’t take that lie at the heart of our own identity, cultural expectations and
advantage of them. Just to name a few – the entire Collier County personal desires.
Museum group –featuring the history, archaeology and development The final opening night in October is on October 25 at the Naples
of Collier County. If you haven’t explored the fascinating history of the Players – Maple and Vine by Jordan Harrison. Maybe a lot of us can
three Native American tribes that were located in Collier County –now no longer relate to the hectic lifestyle that is synonymous with New
is the time for you to find out more about them. Another beautiful York – but everyone knows their own form of stress. So this is the
location is the Historic Palm Cottage located on 12th Ave S – the story of a couple that decides they cannot stand the hectic lifestyle
oldest home in Naples restored to its original condition. of New York and move to a gated community. (Now a lot of us can
If the out of doors is your favorite, even in the heat, this would be relate to that lifestyle.) Moving to the suburbs for this couple is an
the time for you to explore the new Gordon River Greenway; across enjoyment of the fantasy of living the Ozzie and Harriet lifestyle.
from the Fred W. Cole Freedom Park. This relatively new attraction In between all of the theatrical openings – the Naples Concert
is a paved nature trail and boardwalk with water access along the Band will begin its 2017-18 season on October 15. So we hope you
Gordon River. kept those lawn chairs handy so you can enjoy the concert in Cambier
September 16 – the Naples Beach Hotel will host the final concert Park at 2 p.m.
of their 32nd Summerjazz on the Gulf series. So grab your lawn chair So find some gems you may have missed and enjoy these last three
or blanket and head to this beautiful location and listen to Late Night months before season begins.

20 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017