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Excitement

in the New Year!

by Claudia Polzin
Independent Consultant

020 has arrived and I am reminded of Staying downtown for January – opening on January 15 at the
the New Year beginning in 2000 and the Sugden with The Naples Players – Making God Laugh. This play
2sense of panic in the nation because no one follows an American family over the course of 30 years of holidays.
was certain of what would happen to all of the Ruthie and Bill’s grown children – a priest, an aspiring actress and a
computers and electronic equipment – would former football star all return home to share their hopes and dreams.
they be able to convert from the 1900 to 2000 You will probably find something in this play that you can totally
without a major failure. Turns out they could and relate to and have an enjoyable evening with friends.
we marched into the 21st century.
Now we are dealing with phones that can do more than some of our We all remember with horror as we saw Notre Dame burning.
computers could do in 2000 – and time changes and date changes What we maybe don’t think about is that this has caused many people,
happen without our even noticing. including the musicians of Notre Dame to be out of work. We have a
unique opportunity in Naples at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church on
So now we are facing January, 2020 in Southwest Florida – and January 19th. Johann Vexo, currently the Organiste de Choeur
our season is in full swing. One of the biggest challenges is selecting (Choir Organist) at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris will give a
what to do – many days and nights the selections are so numerous recital at 4pm.
that it is almost impossible to choose. This writer always encourages
you to find some new events and venues in Naples – many of us know Gulfshore Opera will perform Passionate Puccini at 7pm on
that we have the Norris Center – but how many of us have really January 23rd in the Daniels Pavilion at Artis-Naples. Puccini
looked at their schedule. composed some of the most beloved operas and this is an opportunity
to hear many of your favorites.
Some of the events that are interesting to note: January 3rd
at 7pm Neapolitan Opry presents “Cluster Pluckin” – six artists
Even though many of us say we live in paradise and have the
present a fast paced show featuring jazz, folk, bluegrass and more.
benefits of an incredible variety of art events - around us and hiding
On January 4 at 7pm you can enjoy a festival atmosphere at the
in places we don’t often see are the poor, homeless and hungry in our
Center with Neapolapalooza III – musicians, artistry and cuisine
community. So take some time to go to Cambier Park on January 25th
including food trucks. Probably the most reasonable theatre ticket
and learn about the Empty Bowls project. The Naples event has been
in town is found in the Norris Center Cinema Series on January 6
supporting local food charities for years. Select a bowl made by a local
at 6pm – “Cool Hand Luke” – a classic starring Paul Newman and
artist and find your soup to enjoy all while supporting our local food
George Kennedy. Then you can finish out the month on January 31
charities.
with 100 Years of Comedy – humorist Lenny Dave traces the last
100 years of comedy and spotlights favorite comedians.
Have a wonderful January,
I am certain that you have found all of the concerts in
Cambier Park – and they are in full swing in January – but one thing enjoy the art and the city of Naples!
you may not have found is the Outdoor Family Movie Night which
happens on January 10th.
16 Life in Naples | January 2020