September. The leaves aren’t falling. The temps aren’t any cooler. Must be Florida!
While my little corner of the world in Naples has a lot going for it, weather in September isn’t one of them! What we do have in early fall is time to reflect and catch our breath before the craziness of season rolls in — and time to look forward to what’s coming. In the arts community, we are truly blessed. A calendar that’s always full of choices — year round. Quality. Variety. Lots of free stuff — good to know, especially now!
Under the “reflection” category, it has been a bountiful summer for the arts in Collier County. There was a time when the sidewalks in Naples and Marco Island were rolled up after May. Galleries and theaters put up the shutters and “See You In Season” signs. Not any more. Have you strolled down Fifth Avenue South or Third Street South on a weekend night lately? The place is buzzing. What about a Friday night music fest at the Mercato — you can’t even find a parking place! It’s crazy — but a “good crazy” for us all.
My summer started off with a trip over to north Naples to see the rock musical Tommy presented by TheatreZone. Mark Danni’s production was great, with the cast hitting all the right notes.
I loved, loved, loved Thoroughly Modern Millie this summer at the Sugden Community Theatre. The Naples Players packed the house every night with a fresh look at this favorite. I continue to be amazed at how they find such incredible talent – all volunteers!
I caught several of the early summer free band concerts at Cambier Park– a great place to wheel Mother around in her chair and catch the tunes. She loved them and I did too. What a treasure we have in Gulf Coast Big Band, Naples Concert Band and the Naples Daily News Jazz Band!
The gallery scene remained active over the summer too. DeDe Sweet gets my award for “top marketer” of the year. I went to her opening at Sweet Art Gallery for the People and Pets exhibit last month, and the place was packed. And, I mean shoulder-to-shoulder with people who have a real interest in art. DeDe actively markets her gallery to designers who buy art for their clients. Yes, there are still many of them who are working over the summer and they were there that night….along with collectors, artists and lots of other interesting people. Oh, and did I mention the cutest array of dogs that I’ve ever seen? It was a lot of FUN. Great job, DeDe!
And of course, what would reflections of summer be without mentioning the jazz concerts on the lawn at the Naples Beach Hotel. One of these concerts was my first “cultural experience” after moving to Naples 12 years ago, and it’s still my favorite. I only made it to one this year, and it was great, as expected – outstanding music, spectacular sunset and fabulous people-watching…and no rain!
In the “looking forward” category, there are so many things. The United Arts Council helps “kick-off” season this year with Celebrate the Arts Month in November…but more about that in my next post. I’ve spotted lots of things that are already in my 09-10 “hope to catch” calendar. Here are a few of them:
* Naples International Film Festival (these guys have done everything right in setting up this one — it should pay off handsomely)
* Grand re-opening of the Naples Botanical Garden (just shows that it pays to think big)
* The Philharmonic Orchestra playing the Best of Led Zeplin. (Really? Really!)
* An exhibit of new works by Dale Chihuly at the Naples Museum of Art (his works continue to amaze me!)
* Classic Chamber Concerts new series on Fifth at the Sugden
* Tommy Tune at The Phil
* The Marco Juried Fine Arts & Craft show in February. (If you haven’t been to the island lately, this is the time to go!)
* The traveling exhibit of Princess Diana’s dresses at The von Liebig Art Center
* Hal Linden in Beast of Broadway at TheatreZone
* More concerts at Cambier Park, more outdoor art festivals, more evenings of sidewalk entertainment downtown.
Naples. It’s home and it’s paradise. I think I’ll stay awhile.
Elaine
