Friends and neighbors,

This is a good week to get out and see some live music. You have your pick between an all-star Country fest, a string quartet performing Queen, and a classic big band jazz concert in the park. The big to-do this weekend is Country Jam, where Sara Evans and Gabby Barrett share the stage for an all-female-led country lineup. The good news? There’s still plenty of tickets available! 

Next week gives us tastings: Spanish wine and cheese, plus Whiskey Wednesday at The Warren. And if you’re up for a bit of a drive to Estero, Earth, Wind & Fire plays the Hertz Arena on Wednesday night.

Thank you for sharing events, sending tips, and most importantly, letting me know how you feel about pickleball (strong opinions included). You’ll find last week’s poll results below, along with a new question for this week.

Thanks for being here! 

Cheers,

Experience a surreal evening of live music as candlelight concerts return to Naples. A string quartet performs beloved songs from British rock legends like The Beatles and Queen at 4:00 PM, with a second concert at 6:15 PM dedicated to Fleetwood Mac. Surrounded by glowing (fake) candles, the setting adds an intimate and atmospheric feel to familiar tunes. Each concert runs about an hour. Tickets for British Rock and Fleetwood Mac. 

Grab your cowboy boots! Country Jam returns this Saturday with Gabby Barrett and Sara Evans co-headlining an all-female, one-day country music festival. RaeLynn, from The Voice, Casey Bishop, from American Idol, and Jamie O’Neal are also performing. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. Gates open at 3 PM, with performances continuing into the evening. Check out the full schedule on their Facebook page. Purchase tickets.

Start your Sunday with a stroll through Mercato as Cars & Coffee returns, featuring Ferraris in the showcase circle. Enjoy live music from Reckless Saints, coffee, and a relaxed morning among fellow car enthusiasts. VIP parking supports Turtle Time, with all makes welcome. Free. Event info. 

A longtime Naples tradition continues at Cambier Park, where the Gulfcoast Big Band performs a mix of swing, blues, and classic jazz. This open-air concert is a relaxed afternoon under the bandshell, with music from well-known jazz greats. Gulfcoast raises money to support local youth jazz scholarships. Event info. 

Take a tour through Spain with this guided wine and cheese tasting experience. Six wines are thoughtfully paired with six cheeses, highlighting regional flavors from across the Iberian Peninsula. From crisp cava to bold Rioja, each pairing offers a chance to explore different styles and combinations in a relaxed, informative setting. Reservations required. Tickets are $60. 

Whiskey Wednesday at The Warren features a special tasting with Starlight Distillery and a preview of a new limited release. Guests can enjoy a guided tasting, meet the distiller, and learn more about the craftsmanship behind each pour. The evening also includes bottle signing and limited retail access for those looking to take a favorite home. Facebook event. 

Don’t Miss! 

Earth, Wind & Fire 
📅 Wednesday, April 22 | 7:30 PM
📍Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero

Earth, Wind & Fire brings their sound to Hertz Arena for a night of legendary music. With decades of hits like September, Shining Star, and Let’s Groove, their songs continue to resonate across generations. The current lineup includes original members alongside a full band, delivering the group’s signature horns, choreography, and signature stage presence. Parking is $30. Tickets. 

Last week’s poll asked: Naples celebrates 10 years of the US Pickleball Open this weekend. So I’d like to know: Are you a pickleball fan? 

Here’s where you landed:

Prefer Tennis led our poll with 28% of the vote but Love to play came in second place! I have to admit, I get much longer rallies with pickleball than tennis, and it’s still a tiring workout. 

Here’s what readers had to say: 

“Great way to exercise in the fresh air and meet great people at the same time.” — J.

“I tried to play when I first moved to Naples, but man, those people are competitive! I'll sit this one out. LOL” — J.

“Fun, easy to learn” — R.

What matters here is not just that Naples has something to do. It is that this time of year gives you so many different ways to enjoy the place, whether that means live music in the park, a tasting midweek, or a concert that turns a normal night into something memorable.

That mix is part of what keeps Naples feeling lively without losing its ease. You do not have to overplan it. You just have to pick something, get out, and enjoy where you live.

See you next edition,

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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