Naples Musician, Chad Craig, to be honored on March 5

Dr. William S. Barnett
8 hours ago
3 min read

The International Network of Creatives is pleased to announce that Mr. Chad Craig has been chosen as one of the distinguished artists to be honored at its 3^rd annual Spring into the Arts Gala Dinner, on March 5, 2026, at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Chad Craig is a uniquely gifted musician who actively uses his skills to impact lives. Arriving in Naples at age 24, Chad began teaching music at schools in Immokalee, then Estero, and in Naples. As an elementary music teacher and percussionist, Chad has performed and taught elementary students in Collier County Public Schools for three decades. Chad has inspired, mentored, and poured into countless young hearts, impacting thousands of students and their parents in the years since. Known affectionately as “Mr. Craig,” kids love him, and their parents do, too! His unique teaching methods and mentoring are achieving insurmountable outcomes in the lives of students in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Chad is drumming up Hope in Southwest Florida.

As a volunteer with the International Network of Creatives since 2010, Chad’s vision and heart for the community broadened through his calling to use his gifts to bring hope to children and adults facing many life challenges. He uses drumming to foster community and collaboration—a healing tool that mends broken hearts. When he is not teaching, you can find Chad playing at a local venue or drumming with the homeless or visually impaired, giving them hope and inspiring joy. Over time, Chad has touched thousands in SWFL and beyond.

Let's Celebrate Chad!

Mr. Craig has music education degrees from Indiana University and the State University of New York at Fredonia. He studied drumset with Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp) and Timpani with Gerald Carlyss (Philadelphia Orchestra). Chad studied African drumming with Sowah Mensah and Francis Kofi, and Ghanaian xylophone with Bernard Woma and Dr. Kay Stonefelt. He has also attended Magbana Drum and Dance retreat led by Michael Markus and M’Bemba Bangoura of Guinea.

Chad’s vision and heart for Southwest Florida broadened through his calling to use his gifts to bring hope to children and adults facing many life challenges.

Chad has been on the World Music Drumming staff for almost two decades, where he teaches and trains other music teachers on the benefits of drumming. Additionally, Chad has served in the worship ministry and has been a Deacon at the Covenant Church of Naples since 2006, and is an instructor at the School of Rock, mentoring local children and youth.

About the Gala

The Spring into the Arts Gala will honor Chad and five other distinguished SWFL artists, feature colorful art-filled entertainment, exclusive live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner with award-winning actor and producer Kirk Cameron, and stories and testimonials highlighting INC’s community impact. VIP Reception at 4:30 pm, general audience Cocktail Reception at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner and the program at 6:00 pm. Cocktail Attire.

INC President Dr. Bill Barnett shares

Since 2010, Chad has been an integral part of INC's mission and outreach programs in Southwest Florida, freely sharing his musical talent and bringing hope to thousands of underprivileged children and teens, as well as families and adults battling addictions and mental illnesses. We are blessed and excited to honor Mr. Craig on March 5.

Invite your friends and make your reservations today!

Enjoy a memorable event and support INC’s community arts discipleship and outreach programs serving underprivileged children, families, as well as adults battling addiction and mental illness in Southwest Florida. General tickets are $450.00 per person, VIP tickets are $850.00.

GET TICKETS

Consider a sponsorship.

INC impacts hundreds of artists, who touch the lives of thousands of adults in recovery, and hundreds of area children and youth. Since 2015, INC has impacted more than 7,000 local lives. Find out how to become a Gala sponsor and the various levels available. For more information, call 239-234-2745 or visit https://incswfl.ticketspice.com/spring-into-the-arts-gala-2026.

About INC

The International Network of Creatives is not just a local non-profit; it’s a global movement. Based in Southwest Florida, INC has been discipling creatives to reflect and proclaim Christ in their lives and work for over a decade. INC’s impact has changed over 7,000 lives in Southwest Florida and thousands more worldwide. By supporting INC, you become part of a global movement of culture changers!