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Arts Updates, Interviews, Calendar, Calls for Artists and Volunteers, Auditions --- It's All Here in Arts Blast, Arts Blast on the Air, and on Facebook. | Supporting The Arts & Arts Councils Everywhere | |
Volume 5 No. 7| February 17, 2023 | |
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Notes from the Editor:
Well, if I thought losing my computer/email for a week was bad, I hadn't seen anything yet. Last weekend my internet connection went down and and AT&T didn't get it going until late Thursday, so another week without a computer. It isn't over yet, but enough of the negative mental energy spent. It's Saturday morning and I won't let technology continue to beat me. We're off and running with a continuation of of our typically jammed February.
I apologize for a late and incomplete Arts Blast but tech things have been seriously out of my control. Please check the calendar at willimiller.com as I try to get things back on track.
Without a computer, I still have a copy of The Killing of Innocents by Deborah Crombie to give away to an Arts Blast subscriber. If you've linked to this on Facebook or online, subscribe (it's free!), and follow these instructions.
SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: You have until send a four-digit number to willi@willimiller.com. Only domestic (US) entries, please.
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Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are on the website, too. Catch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. | |
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This Weekend:
Jake n' Sky in Vero
Phenomenal Women Poetry Competition
Ballet Vero Beach Update
Tim Dorsey is Back with Serge!
Highwaymen Celebration This Weekend
Happening in Brevard (and Other Counties)
Win a Paddleboard, Donate Socks
Another giveaway for Subscribers!
...and more!
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It's Another Busy February Weekend/Week | |
Jake n' Sky for Music Angels | |
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Several years ago, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra's Maestro Aaron Collins introduced audiences to Jacob Velazquez, a very young pianist from South Florida. More recently, he brought Jacob and his sister, Sky, to the Treasure Coast with the Jake n' Sky Show, here for a second time this weekend in a benefit concert for the Music Angels Scholarship Fund, founded by Linda Sposato.
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The Music Angels Education Fund has provided scholarships for children with a financial
need for their music studies and now has added students with other needs.
"This program will highlight the benefits of music for children with autism, Aspergers, and other related diagnoses," Sposato said. The concert is at Indian River Charter High School February 18, at 7 p.m.
Sposato and Jacob have been working toward this concert since they met at the Emerson Center when he first appeared in Vero Beach. For this event, Sposato called on Michael Nafziger, artistic director at Indian River Charter High School, to produce the show.
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Jacob gave us a peek at what we can expect in this concert: "It’s going to be a lot of fun! We’ve added new elements to our act since we were last in Vero! You can expect singing, dancing, (lots of musical instruments), and even a cameo appearance from our dad!"
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Jacob took time to email with Arts Blast, catching us up with what he's been doing since our last conversation for Arts Blast on the Air:
Since we last spoke, Sky and I have been keeping pretty busy. Sky auditioned for, and made, ‘All State Orff Ensemble’ and we all went to Tampa to cheer her on.
Sky made Student Council President and was also invited to Broward County Elementary Honors Choir again and is getting ready for that.
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Sky and I played a lot of shows over the holidays, so that was fun!
Actually it was a little bit of a whirlwind! I played 24 times in the month of December. We had 7 services at church over 3 days (Dec 23, 24, 25th) so that was intense!
I got to play cello, which is one of the instruments I don’t get to play as often, so that was cool.
We’ve slowed down a bit and aren’t traveling as much now which is giving me time to catch up on school. 👍
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Sky celebrated her 11th birthday recently and Jacob is now 15. He's homeschooled, considered a 9th grader, and feels he has plenty of time to decide about college. He has been thinking about it, however. "I’m currently the Music Director at my church and love what I do. I feel drawn toward ministry and music and recently got the chance to meet with a few colleges including Lipscomb University in Nashville ... ." Jacob sees himself in the future "writing music, producing, music directing and leading worship as I continue to perform with my sister!"
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Sposato said, "Scholarships are given on a school-year basis. If the child meets their academic and musical requirements, they will qualify for another scholarship and could continue, as long as their goals are met. "Our first student, Michael, age 10, being raised by his grandmother, joined Music Angels in 2019 and studied Classical Guitar under
Miguel Bonachea. He did a solo, after 5 months of training, at Christ by the Sea. In total, we have supported 10 students."
Music Angel Education Fund received its 501 (c) 3 status in March 2019.
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The Laura Riding Jackson Foundation and the Board of AAUW are collaborating in hosting a poetry competition in March are seeking submissions about phenomenal women. The flyer has all the details. LRJF judges, in a blind review process, will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as those that will be included in a Chapbook. In addition to the Chapbook, the top three poems will be read at the March 19 event of AAUW.
The Vero Beach and Stuart Chapters of American Association of University Women on March 19 is hosting an event with actor Ami Brabson for an event titled Phenomenal Women, a cabaret. Linda Barker is the President and contact person for information about the event. aauwverobeach@gmail.com
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He's Back! With an Iguana This Time!
It doesn't seem possible that a former Tampa newsman, author Tim Dorsey, has twenty-five novels under his belt since he first introduced Serge A. Storms in Florida Roadkill, but here he is in 2023, with The Maltese Iguana set to go on sale at the end of the month.
From the publisher:
Follow the lovable but deranged serial killer Serge A. Storms as he hits the road again!
Tim Dorsey has an extensive backlist, yet every new Serge A. Storms adventure is packed with fresh satire and a ridiculously entertaining plot. Tim is constantly keeping his storytelling original and topical to enthrall his fans and draw in new ones. Crime fiction doesn’t get much better than this with Tim’s signature twisted and humorous style. Readers looking for the perfect escape are sure to get the break they need with Tim Dorsey and Serge A. Storms.
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After a long and arduous COVID-19 quarantine, Serge A. Storms is fully vaccinated and ready to hit the road. Along with his condo neighbors, he cooks up a wild plan to celebrate in true Serge fashion: each week, they rent a shuttle van and head out for funky Florida road trips and some serious revelry. Meanwhile, a CIA revenge operation down in Honduras goes very, very wrong. The local liaison hired to help with the mission is the only witness to the disaster, and the CIA quickly sets a black ops contractor on his trail to eliminate him. Forced to flee his home country, the witness lands in Miami with a new identity and passport. But the CIA is still on his tail, pushing him further and further south to the Florida Keys, where he runs into Serge’s convoy. With Florida’s most lovable serial killer involved, the real party is about to get started…
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Tim Dorsey was a reporter and editor for the Tampa Tribune from 1987 to 1999, and is the author of twenty-five other novels: Florida Roadkill, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, Orange Crush, Triggerfish Twist, The Stingray Shuffle, Cadillac Beach, Torpedo Juice, The Big Bamboo, Hurricane Punch, Atomic Lobster, Nuclear Jellyfish, Gator A-Go-Go, Electric Barracuda, When Elves Attack, Pineapple Grenade, The Riptide Ultra-Glide, Tiger Shrimp Tango, Shark Skin Suite, Coconut Cowboy, Clownfish Blues, The Pope of Palm Beach, No Sunscreen for the Dead, Naked Came the Florida Man, Tropic of Stupid and Mermaid Confidential. He lives in Florida.
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They're Back! Ballet Vero Beach Returns to the Vero Beach Museum of Art! | |
From Ballet Vero Beach:
We are thrilled to announce our return to the Vero Beach Museum of Art on March 18th to present our spin on Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles.
The program will celebrate artistic giants working during the Art Deco period, as well as highlight how dance and visual art have been intertwined throughout history, plus a rollicking Charleston finale showcases THE dance of the period.
Tickets include admission to the Galleries; come early to see the exhibition. Ballet Vero Beach Subscribers can reserve tickets at the VBMA member price by calling 772-231-0707 ext. 116.
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Announcing three opportunities to dance with Ballet Vero Beach - Accepting auditions and applications NOW!
Audition for Ballet Vero Beach's 2023-2024 Season
Ballet Vero Beach is seeking professional dancers for the 2023-2024 Season. The company is specifically interested in male presenting dancers with professional experience, excellent classical and contemporary technique, and superior partnering skills. However, the company will consider all applicants regardless of gender identity. Interested dancers should submit resume and video footage to info@balletverobeach.org. For more information about our organization click Audition.
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Apply to our Fellowship Initiative
The company is also seeking applicants for the Fellowship Initiative for Dancers. Specifically aimed at altering the way young people enter the field, this two year program allows accepted fellows to dance full time with Ballet Vero Beach, receive their AA or BA through Indian River State College (paid for by the company), and experience hands on training in arts literacy and arts integration through delivering the company's education and engagement initiatives. To apply for the initiative click Apply.
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Apply to the Riverside Dance Festival
The Riverside Dance Festival is a unique experience in Intensive Summer Study presented by Riverside Theatre and Ballet Vero Beach. Accepted students will experience day-to-day life with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. Students will have the opportunity to take daily technique classes in hip hop and contemporary dance from Terminus and Riverside’s own distinguished faculty. They will also perform alongside Terminus in a mixed repertory concert to culminate the festival. To apply, click Apply.
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Brevard Happenings
Through Feb 19 - Lettice and Lovage at Melbourne Civic Theatre
Through Feb. 25 - The Guardians, solo exhibition by Barbara Desrosiers, at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, Front Room Gallery
Through Feb. 25 - The Essence of a Woman, solo exhibition byTheresa Prokop, at Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
Feb 18 & 19: Splash of Watercolor 2022, Brevard Watercolor Society, Azan Shrine Center, Melbourne
Feb. 18,19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Strawberry Fest at Wickham Park, MLB
Feb 18 & 19: The Edwards Twins, Surfside Playhouse
Feb 22: Mania – The ABBA Tribute, King Center, Melbourne
Feb. 22 & 23, 7 p.m. - Melbourne MunicipalBand celebrates the Music of Literature at Melbourne Auditorium - Free
Feb. 23, 7 p.m. - America with special guest Al Stewart at the King Center
Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. - Hermitage Piano Trio - Melbourne Chamber Music Society - at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 2030 N. A1A, Indialantic
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Happening in Palm Beach County
Through Feb. 18 - Veni, Vidi, Vici: Exploring the life and influence of Henry Morrison Flagler - Artist Serge Strosberg at Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
Through Feb. 21 - Wellington Art Society's new municipal art exhibitions. Inspired, at the Wellington Village Hall; and Images
Through Feb. 26 - Good People at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Feb. 18-19 - ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival at Gardens North County District Park, PBG
Feb. 20, 7 p.m. - A Standing Ovation, 21st annual Gala - Palm Beach Symphony - at The Breakers Palm Beach
Feb. 21 - Flagler Museum Music Series -Summit Piano Quartet
Feb. 26, 7 p.m. - Jean Caze at Arts Garage, Delray Beach
Feb. 28 - Flagler Museum Music Series - Cuarteto Latinoamericano
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Happening in IRC
Through Feb. 19 - Bakersfield Mist - Waxlax Stage at Riverside Theatre
Through February 24 - Derek Gores' Piece of Mind at Gallery 14
Through Feb. 26 weekends, noon-4 p.m. - Celebrating the Fine Print: Fine Art Photography at Stouthouse
Through Feb. 28 - Art Show at Environmental Learning Center
Through Feb. 28 - Susan Hale: New Abstractions at Center for Spiritual Care - Call for an appointment 772-567-1233
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Feb. 18, 11 - 11:30 a.m. - Playtime in the Park at Riverside Theatre: Dance Kids: Tap Dance Showcase. FREE
Feb. 17-19 - The Lifespan of a Fact at Vero Beach Theatre Guild
Feb. 17-19 - Matilda, The Musical at VBHS PAC
Feb. 18-19 - Treasures 2023 - Art and Collectibles at the Heritage Center, Vero Beach, to benefit the Cultural Council of Indian River County
Feb. 18, 7 p.m. - Music Angels Education Fund presents Jake n' Sky show, a benefit concert. At Indian River Charter HS Charter Hall. Tickets online at musicangelsusa.org
Feb. 18, 7 p.m. - The Queen's Six - Community Church of Vero Beach concert series Tickets are $40.00
Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. - Paint with your Kids at Environmental Learning Center
Feb. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Sebastian River Art Club's Art by the River at Riverview Park, Sebastian
Feb. 19, 1 p.m. - Grant Farmer's Market - Grant Seafood Festival Grounds
Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Vero Beach Art Club's Art in the Park - Humiston Park, Ocean Drive
Feb. 21-March 12 - A Comedy of Tenors at Riverside Theatre
Feb. 22 - Fashion Meets Art at Vero Beach Museum of Art
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On Thursday Feb. 23, The Gifford Youth Orchestra will hold its annual GALA at the Quail Valley River Club, 2345 Hwy A1A. The Diamonds and Crystals event will feature guest speaker Captain Winston Scott, a former NASA Astronaut. For 20 years the GYO has offered violin lessons to the children of Gifford where founder Dr. Crystal Bujol believes that changing hearts one violin at a time is worthwhile. She is right as all students who go thru the program, graduate high school and go on to higher education. There will be plenty to eat & drink plus entertainment by the GYO students, as well as a silent auction and 50/50. Only $150 per ticket with sponsorships available. www.gyotigers.org or call 772-213-3007 and ask for Casey Lunceford, the new Executive Director.
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Happening in St. Lucie County
Through Feb. 26 - Dashboard Dreams: The Florida Highwaymen and the American Road at Backus Museum & Gallery
Feb. 16-18 - Let's Dance!: A Celebration of Choreography at McAlpin Fine Arts Center
Feb. 17-19 - Highwaymen Celebration Weekend (free admission) at Backus Museum & Gallery
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Happening in Martin County
Every Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. - Rock'n Riverwalk, 300 St. Lucie Ave, Stuart
Through Feb. 19 - Waiting for Godot at A.C.T. Studio Theatre, Stuart
Through March 2 - Florida's Natural Beauty in the Art Down the Hall gallery at the Elliott, featuring photos from the Audubon of Martin County's recent contest.
Through March 3 - Norman Rockwell and his mentor: J.C.Leyendecker - at the Elliott Museum
Through March 4 - Kaleidoscope Art at The Palm Room Art Gallery, Stuart
Through April 27 - Free Electrons, the art of Danuta Rothschild and Torenzo Gann at the Elliott.
Feb. 18 - Vanessa Collier at the Lyric
FEb. 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Annual Black Heritage Festival - Guy Davis Park, Stuart
Feb. 18 9 a.m.-12 - Fort Pierce Jazz Market
Feb. 19 - Marty Stuart at the Lyric
Feb. 22 - The Neil Zirconia show, featuring Neil Diamond songs, at Philly down South at the Elliott Museum
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And Beyond
Through May 13 - Collier's Cavalry: The Story of the Southwest Mounted Patrol at Museum of the Everglades
Through Feb. 26 - The Last Show- Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
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Okeechobee Community Theatre is now selling tickets for their Spring play – Play On – a comedy by Rick Abbot.
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays – March 17 – April 1
http://www.okeechobeecommunitytheatre.com/
Tickets can also be purchase at the Okeechobee Main Street Art Center – 111 NE 2nd Street
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The City of Fort Pierce’s 6th Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail Art Show and Festival returns by popular demand this weekend on February 18, beginning at 10:00 am and located this year at 435 N. 7th Street in Fort Pierce. Featuring several of the living Original Highwaymen and succeeding generations, as well as other artists, live music, local cuisine, and more. As part of the Festival, the City is organizing a bus tour of the Highwaymen Heritage Trail, with the first stop here at the A.E. Backus Museum, where the story begins; advanced registration is required with tours beginning at 10:00 am, 12 noon, and 2:00 pm (space is limited). For more information and to sign up for the Heritage Trail tours, please visit https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/483/Highwaymen-Heritage-Trail-Festival. | |
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery will present its annual Highwaymen Celebration Weekend from Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19, 2023 during regular hours each day, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Friday-Saturday and 12:00-4:00 pm Sunday. Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a range of exclusive offerings, including viewing the special exhibition Dashboard Dreams: The Florida Highwaymen and the American Road. Admission will be free all three days, with activities outside and inside at 500 North Indian River Drive in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce.
The Highwaymen are a loose collective of Florida artists who learned landscape painting techniques and began a creative enterprise of selling their bold and rapidly-produced works of art to customers up and down the state’s Atlantic Coast and beyond from the trunks of cars. This movement started in Fort Pierce in the 1950s at a time in the racially segregated South when opportunities were limited for African Americans, yet they persevered and succeeded. In 2004, 26 of the original artists were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, and in 2016 the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American Culture and History opened with 18 Highwaymen paintings in its collection.
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SEE THE FINAL WEEK OF THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION “DASHBOARD DREAMS: THE FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN AND THE AMERICAN ROAD”
Visitors to the Museum galleries will enjoy the latest in the annual series of special exhibitions recognizing this extraordinary movement. Dashboard Dreams presents more than 50 original paintings, including works from private collections never before seen by the public, that were painted at the same time the American auto industry was fashioning the postwar aspirations for car ownership. Using alluring advertisements targeted for the upwardly mobile, they depicted coveted designs and the promise of an enhanced lifestyle. This exhibition presents how their dreams of being self-sufficient artists on the road were bound together and realized through success. The special exhibition expands upon the permanent display of Highwaymen paintings on view, a display which includes video excerpts from the award-winning documentary film “The Highwaymen: Legends of the Road.”
The Museum will offer special gallery presentations on the Florida Highwaymen exhibition at 11:15 am & 2:15 pm Friday and Saturday; 1:15 pm & 3:00 pm on Sunday.
The Backus Museum’s annual fundraising raffle celebrating the importance of Florida Art has a special Highwaymen connection this year: the masterpiece offered is “Beautiful Morning,” 2005 by Sam Newton (b.1948), Original Highwaymen artist and inductee to the Florida Artist Hall of Fame in 2004. “Beautiful Morning,” 2005, eloquently captures the iconic beauty of Florida's wild and wide terrains, through the eyes of one of the original masters of the beloved and unique landscape painting tradition that began here. This exceptional work of art is valued at $6500, and will be awarded to the winning ticket holder on Sunday, March 5 at 12:30 pm (you do not have to be present to win). Only 2,500 tickets are available this year for $25 each, or three for $60, or six for $100 for the best deal and best chances! The Museum’s Highwaymen Celebration Weekend is an excellent time to exercise your luck for a good cause.
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Haitian-American Music at the Arts Garage in February
A collaboration between the Arts Garage in Delray Beach and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce will present Jean Caze, a featured soloist in Michael Bublé’s band, on Sunday, February 26, at 7 pm.
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The Vero Beach Choral Society is in need of vocalists in both Tenor and Alto ranges. Anyone who can read music and has experience singing in a vocal ensemble is welcomed to join the group by audition. Visit the group’s website, www.VeroBeachChoralSociety.org, and click on “Audition” to apply.
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Every Thursday from 6 – 9:30 PM in downtown Jensen Beach (on Jensen Beach Boulevard), Jammin Jensen offers a mini-festival of local artists’ displays, music, vendors, and family entertainment!
There is no admission fee — it’s FREE!
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Streaming First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach presents many concerts and special performances. If you can't get to them in person, visit the church's website and watch the archived videos!
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Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois: Painting the Real
On view now through March 26 at Polk Museum of Art
An original Polk Museum of Art exhibition, Edward Hopper and Guy Pène du Bois: Painting the Real comprises approximately sixty works and focuses on Hopper and Pène du Bois, two very thematically different but stylistically-overlapping artists who became lifelong friends from the time of their earliest studies at the New York School of Art.
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MAKE SOME NOISE! CALL TO MUSICIANS
The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance is looking for great talent to be a part of our festivals!
Art Mind & Soul Fest | April 1 & April 2
A 2-day festival with art, music, dance, yoga, meditation, and so much more.
Levitt AMP Fort Pierce - Music at the Pointe
Saturdays, April 8 - June 10
St. Lucie Cultural Alliance, St. Lucie County Parks & Recs, and the City of Fort Pierce bring ten FREE outdoor music concerts to Museum Pointe Park! Apply now to be considered!
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From the Lake Wales History Museum:
New Exhibit from the Museum of Florida History through April 11.
Stop in and learn about the rich history of Blues and Jazz in central Florida. This exhibit has interactive displays, videos, and much more to learn about how Florida Got the Blues!
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Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are now online.
Catch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. And now there's a Facebook Arts Blast on the Air!
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